 |  | | April 28, 2009 | | | | You are receiving this newsletter as a benefit of your organization's partnership agreement with Microsoft. With the emphasis on low-cost, high-value solutions as the key to both short- and long-term economic survival, partners have taken a keen interest in cloud computing. You've shown a lot of curiosity about the Microsoft software-plus-services strategy, and about Microsoft Online Services in particular. In late March, Microsoft made the communications and collaboration-focused Business Productivity Online Suite (BPOS) available for trial in 19 countries. Four thousand of you enrolled to sell it. Now the waiting is over—partners worldwide can begin selling BPOS and collecting substantial fees.  | | Priced as low as US$15 per user, per month, BPOS features Microsoft Exchange Online, Microsoft Office SharePoint Online, Microsoft Office Live Meeting, and Microsoft Office Communications Online. Almost immediately after BPOS became available internationally for trial, GlaxoSmithKline announced that it was migrating 100,000 users from its on-premises IBM Lotus Notes technology to a Microsoft-hosted solution, expecting to reduce IT operational costs by 30 percent. Small and midsize businesses (SMBs) also took a look, having heard that they could get enterprise-class communications technologies without having to pay for on-premises infrastructure.   Partners describe how Microsoft Online Services helped speed deal closures (left) and enlarge their customer base (right). The opportunity isn't small—you earn significant fees from Microsoft when you provide support, planning, migration, administration, customization, or ongoing management services to BPOS customers—as well as fees of up to 12 percent for BPOS sales. Use the specially prepared business practice guide to size your opportunity. Not enrolled to sell BPOS? Sign up for Quickstart for Microsoft Online Services. You'll get marketing resources, training, and access to Microsoft lead-generation engines. | | | Italian partner Solvi expects BPOS offerings to increase its customer base by 50 percent. | | | Dutch partner IT Solutions Partners cost-effectively supplies SMB clients with enterprise-class messaging and collaboration solutions. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |  | | Are you aware of the no-charge tech support you're entitled to? Partner Online Technical Communities offer technical support for more than 50 Microsoft products and technologies. Thanks to your feedback, new features include a more centralized, private partner community; dynamic content with real-time updates; personalized experience, including alerts and customizable views and threads; and improved collaboration tools that highlight your expertise and call out the experts you need. | | | Drive Sales and Renewals with Predictable Payments Whether you're closing a new Microsoft Enterprise Agreement or renewing one, Microsoft Financing has made the deal more strategic and affordable for your customers. Download customer-ready and partner-ready presentations and flyers to learn more. | | | | | | New Executive Communication and Videos  Microsoft Corporate Vice President Allison Watson outlines practical ways you can help your customers weather the economy in the short term—and position them to succeed in the long term. | |  | | Stay Ahead with Automatic, Internal-Use Software Delivery Sign up, so you don't miss out. With a Microsoft Action Pack Subscription (MAPS), you stay competitive, because you're among the first to get new software editions. That puts you in an ideal position—the biggest launch wave in company history is planned for the coming nine months. Small Business Specialists and Web Solution Partners receive resource-rich toolkits for no additional charge. | | | | Prepare for the Windows 7 Business Opportunity Be sure you're ready for customer conversations. Join us on May 7 for Windows 7 Partner Readiness Day, a free, virtual event in preparation for the launch of the Windows 7 operating system. Microsoft executives and product experts will be on hand to answer your questions, to provide an overview of industry trends and the impact of Windows 7 on the marketplace, and to discuss next steps. Register today to reserve your spot. | |
| | | Visit the Microsoft Partner Program Portal. ©2009 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Microsoft, Forefront, Internet Explorer, SharePoint, Windows, Windows Live, and Windows Mobile are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners. Trouble accessing a Microsoft Partner Portal link? You may be signed in with another Windows Live ID not associated with the Partner Program. Sign out of any other Windows Live ID-enabled sites, and then sign in with the credentials used to enroll in the Microsoft Partner Program. If you still cannot open the link, please contact our support team. You will receive a response within 72 hours. Newsletter Legal InformationThis newsletter was sent by: Microsoft Corporation One Microsoft Way Redmond, Washington, USA 98052 | | | | | |
