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  • Meet the person who runs the Microsoft Partner Programme ...Miss Young

    Something my daddy told me (well, actually most of the sales people I have ever worked with) is that you should always know the people you work with or rely on in some way. Nicola is one of those people that if you get the action pack, carry the SBSC badge or use the MS Partner site has a hand in your interaction with Microsoft. There are obviously other people, like Alex and Aileen who work on the site and own the SBSC programme, but Nicola used to work in a small business, so reading about her is never a bad thing! Below is just an extract - read the whole thing on the Partner Perspectives blog. ttfn David Introducing the Microsoft Partner Programme (MSPP) Manager...Miss Young Nicola Young has been almost 3 months in role. She sits opposite me so I know her rather well - that's a good thing! She's a great person. So let me introduce you to her. Some words from the lady herself... You've been 3 months in your role as MSPP Manager. How's it going? I'm really enjoying the new role, my head is spinning to lots of...
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  • Poor Chris Parkes - he compares his people ready business life to the marketing message - and brings down the house!!

    I am not one to laugh at other's misfortunes... or at least not very often, but Chris had arranged to go to the Kent Partner Group meeting, when I asked him how it went he gave me some story about hit house falling down. Being the sport he is, this is part of his blog entry on the whole sad affair. I still say it is an extreme way to avoid meeting partners, but that is Chris for you! I am sure he will be at the group soon! Source: Chris Parkes: A PC is not just for Christmas... : A Day in The Life (of the People Ready Business) A Day in the Life of...Ken 8:00 - 9:00 AM Check email/voicemail messages 9:00 - 10:00 Review cash on hand and bank balances 10:00 - 12:00 PM Attend scheduled meetings 12:00 - 1:00 Have lunch 1:00 - 2:00 Meet with accounting staff 2:00 - 3:30 Review finances/prepare reports 3:30 - 5:00 Continue work on current projects/work on the To Do list generated from meetings 5:00 - 7:00 PM Review and respond to email messages/work on a facilities issue/go home A Day in the Life of...Chris 2:15 - 2...
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  • Windows SharePoint Services Podcast with Bob Sutton - Senior Product Manager

    I saw this over tat the IW Center and thought you might be interested. I am in the middle of finding out if SBS can run WSS v3 nicely. I know that all the wizards will not work, but what else will? Anyway, for those who want to know what is coming in v3 - listen to the podcast on the site! Windows SharePoint Services Prodcast - Bob Sutton, Senior Product Manager One of the questions I get asked frequently is "What's the difference betweeen Windows SharePoint Services and SharePoint Portal Server?" Usually I answer by saying that WSS is the basic "free" version of our web collaboration platform which supports small teams of users working on documents and projects together. However, the new version of WSS is significantly enhanced and there's something in it for everyone. I recently interviewed Bob Sutton, who is a Senior Product Manager responsible for Windows SharePoint Services "v3". In this prodcast, Bob talks about some of the new features in the upcoming version of WSS, such as blogs, wikis and RSS support...

  • Registry hacks for the Windows Vista screensavers at istartedsomething

    Fro information on how to change the screen savers, go look at the link below. I found this info on the Windows Vista Magazine blog - http://www.windowsvistamagazine.co.uk/page/windows... The sad sad fact is Windows Vista will be shipping with screensavers without the options to be configured, however they were originally designed to be customizable. Stephen Coy tells me this feature might be available after Vista ships, perhaps in a powertoy or service pack? But if you can’t wait, then you can follow the steps below to customize the screensavers through the registry. Source: Registry hacks for the Windows Vista screensavers at istartedsomething

  • GPLv3 Could Kill Open Source, Top Linux Developers Warn

    Every product appears to have a license, even those that are "free" - interesting read that even the free licenses seem to be coming under fire. Many of the top Linux developers have announced their objections to the proposed GPLv3. In a position paper released Sept. 22, leading Linux developers like Andrew Morton, James E.J. Bottomley, Greg Kroah-Hartman, Christoph Hellwig, and six others explained in detail why they "reject the current license proposal." Source: GPLv3 Could Kill Open Source, Top Linux Developers Warn
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  • Keystroke heaven for Vista - and how to shutdown via the keyboard

    I noticed these two magic keystroke links at the Windows Vista™ Magazine blog site, but I thought I would add another. How to shutdown with the keyboard: Ctrl+Esc, Right, Right, Right, u Ctrl+Esc will open the start menu, which can also be done by pressing the Windows-key ttfn David

  • Office Rocker! : Coping with change

    This is definitely a great blog entry - about how organisations and people manage change. Some things change I have a lot of debates at the moment about how hard it will be for people and companies to adjust to the new release of Office. The first discussion usually surrounds the new user interface and how different it is. I'm not going to go over all the reasons behind the contextual approach again. The research in our labs, and this matches what I observe with the people I know who start using 2007, is that it takes between 2 days and a couple of weeks to feel at home in the new user interface. Now this is NOT how much downtime each user suffers making the transition, it is the time it takes for them to feel as confident with the new release and to take advantage of the new usability. <snip> If it all goes wrong and you really can't find your favourite feature the Office online animations are fab. These give you a mock up of 2003 UI, you click on your beloved feature and it switches to show you where it...
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  • Windows Vista build 5728 - post RC1 build - get it now

    This page includes information to help you download a special test build of Windows Vista. This build (5728) has a number of improvements and updates from RC1, but has not been put through the same internal testing process as RC1 and therefore may be unstable in certain installations. We are making this release available for a limited time only (and only by download) in order to get broad distribution and testing in a variety of PC configurations. Please note: This build may not have the same level of support or servicing via Windows Update, and you may not be able to upgrade to the final version of Windows Vista . To continue, please use the links below to start the download. Otherwise, please click here to access the download for Windows Vista RC1 (build 5600) . Link to Windows Vista build 5728 ttfn David

  • Is Vista just a new and improved whitener ala soap powders, or have things really changed?

    I obviously work closely with small business partners and a thread at the SBSBPI.co.uk website got me thinking. The question that was asked is why is Windows XP, which has always been a great product, suddenly a "bad" product, so much so that people need to buy a new operating system, Windows Vista . To answer this, lets look at a few things - is Windows XP bad - nope, it is an excellent operating system, but it has a design that was delivered 5 years ago, with a major security overhaul with XP SP2. SP2 was a good security fix, but it still left the onus on the user to understand the risks they were taking. From a user interface point of view, people have got used the XP interface - well, except for you die hard folks who only use the classic interface, get with the program - use a mouse and the non-classic control panel - you know you can do it!! Windows XP is then supplemented by Defender, 3rd party anti-virus products, anti-spam, filters, toolbars, search and other powertoys to lift it to a "desirable"...

  • UK SMB Girl - RIP SBSC Premium Programme - what happened and what do you think

    Susanne is a little gem sometimes and today is no different - she has posted an interesting review of the SBSC programme and it's changes . The programme largely revolves around partners who sell SBS, although it is aimed at any who services small businesses (just in case you somehow have not heard of it). We are making changes this year, which included the removal of the Premium part of the badge. SBSC compares very favourably to the Certified Partner Programme in so much as you don't have to give Microsoft £1,000 or have to have 2 people certified in the same subject area. Membership to SBSC does not cost money, but does require an MCP in one of two areas and the passing of a simple sales and marketing exam. If you are already a SBSC member your opinion as to what else should be on the list of requirements will be key to shaping the implementation for next year. Benefits of SBSC membership: Microsoft notices you over the other 25,000+ registered partners in the UK Access to the private managed...
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  • Online postage service launched

    I saw this at the BBC web site and thought it was too good to miss - this is something businesses can easily make use of - another reason to have an internet connection!! Online postage service launched Online postage will cost the same as traditional stamps People are now able to buy their postage online, without any stamps, for the first time under a new free initiative from the Royal Mail. Source: BBC NEWS | Business | Online postage service launched
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  • Microsoft Partner Virtual conference coming

    We are publishing a long list of mini-presentations, aka the virtual conference on 26th September. You will be able to hear loads about Microsoft, our plans and products from the managers and people in the know. Below are just some of the items I think might be of interest to you. For a full list, go to http://www.microsoft.com/uk/partner/partnerconfere... on or after 26th September. Some of the topics include: Karl Noakes introduces the Virtual Partner Conference. David James from Henley Management College talks about what successful businesses are doing today outside of our industry and within it. Hear a discussion between Nigel Montgomery of AMR Research and David James of Henley Management about the UK market trends, opportunity areas and how you can align your business to take full advantage. Steve Marsh talks you through the 2007 Microsoft Office System, addressing key areas including personal productivity, communication and collaboration, enterprise content management and business intelligence. Exploring...

  • Do you want to benefit from Microsoft marketing - using the tools, getting the system to work for you and riding on the campaigns?

    Ok, so I went to an internal presentation the other day on all the marketing tools available to you as a partner and I was amazed at them all. I have already blogged on some, such as solution profiler and campaign builder, but there are loads, and potentially even some cash to co-fund them (this is a sometimes, so don't beat me up if not all the time). The call to action was to spend just 15 minutes watching this video for gold and certified for more information as well as to bookmark www.Microsoft.com/UK/partner/marketing and attend the great marketing training that can be online or in a classroom. Go spend the time and get more from Microsoft, such as marketing materials to your door, routes to get to customers and other partners and skilling to make you more effective in this difficult area. ttfn David

  • James Akrigg on the The Blog Frog - aka why you should blog and why this year is so important - $20B of R&D finally being released on the world - and that means, Office, Vista and Exchange

    If you have read my previous posts on James you will know that I respect him as a friend and colleague, but his arrival at blogging was still a good 12 months late. He describes why you should blog and what made him decide to finally take up the simplest way to communicate with people. Perhaps more interestingly was his number 1 reason: Compelling Event Number 1. I realised that this year is perhaps the year of greatest potential I have ever seen in my 20+ years in the IT industry. Microsoft is about to release over 20 billion dollars of research and development through product and technology releases. There is so much new opportunity that this will enable for customers and partners of Microsoft that I needed a way of communicating more of the details for both technical and business audiences. I wanted to compliment some of the great blogs my team and other colleagues had created by bringing my own insights and useful information to as many people as possible. The answer 'Blog'. Source: James Akrigg ....

  • Microsoft Office Tips and Tricks, including Office 2003 and Office 2007

    The Office Tips and Tricks website is up and running and now has content on both Office 2003 and Office 2007. What's New: 2007 Microsoft Office release Live Webcasts! Tips & Tricks for the 2007 Microsoft Office release: Great Document Formatting Made Simple with Microsoft Office Word, Excel and PowerPoint Thursday, September 21, 2006 A First Look at Microsoft Office Outlook 2007 Tuesday, September 26, 2006 Advanced Tips & Tricks for the 2007 Microsoft Office release: Customize Your Microsoft Office Word, Excel, and PowerPoint Documents in No Time Thursday, September 28, 2006 Source: Microsoft Office Tips & Tricks ttfn David
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  • Windows Vista Tips and Tricks

    The Tips and Tricks website is now up - includes demo scripts and will include webcasts etc. Today the content was: Check out these great downloadable guides that give you easy access to helpful tips & tricks for Windows Vista. Windows Vista Tip Sheet Windows Vista Top 10 Tips & Tricks Webcast schedule will be updated regularly. Microsoft Webcast: Be One of the First to See Tips & Tricks for Windows Vista This webcast will give you a first look at the great new features found in Windows Vista. A new user interface, great, new search and organize features, enhanced security, great tips on using Internet Explorer® 7, and easy, practical information and desktop tips that will make you more productive right away. Join us for this informative and fun webcast on the new Windows Vista operating system. Coming in October 2006—check back for registration. ttfn David

  • Training tools for Windows Vista

    I have found the tips and tricks website and found these items that I think might be very useful - the learning whitepaper is a great example. If you are responsible for training employees in your company this is the place for you! Take a look at the tools below that can help you develop a customized tips & tricks presentation or plan for your company. Windows Vista Tips & Tricks Demo Script Windows Vista Tips & Tricks Intro Slide Deck New Learning Resources for Windows Vista White Paper: Learning Windows Vista in the Workplace Enterprise Learning Framework on TechNet Source: Windows Vista™ Tips & Tricks

  • Microsoft Windows Vista Help and Support Beta - online

    I found this on the web today and thought people should know that they can get help and answers. HARDWARE AND DRIVERS PROGRAMS PERSONALIZE YOUR COMPUTER PRINTING FILES AND FOLDERS PICTURES AND VIDEO SECURITY INTERNET NETWORKING MAINTENANCE MUSIC GAMES Source: Microsoft Windows Vista Help and Support Beta ttfn David

  • Shortcut keys to opens programs on the Quick Launch Bar in Vista

    I was over the Windows Vista Magazine and saw this - great little bit of help!! New shortcut opens any program Here's a neat tip I learned while I was talking to Microsoft last week: keyboard shortcuts for the Quick Launch icons in Vista. You can open any icon in the Quick Launch bar (just to the right of the Start button) by holding down the Windows key and pressing what I'll call the "rank number" of the icon - the number that corresponds to its position in the list. So, in my desktop here, Windows + 1 opens Outlook, Windows + 2 opens Internet Explorer, Windows + 5 opens the Snipping Tool and so on. Source: Windows Vista™ Magazine ttfn David

  • 50% off Microsoft Office And Windows Professional upgrades

    I saw this and thought it was worth suggesting to any customer who is not up to date yet - get the latest MS software and pay for it each year on subscription rather than large lump payments, plus the 1st payment has a 50% reduction if you have Windows 2000 or above and Office 97 or above. Plus, your customers are entitled to Vista Business Edition, Office 2007 and all the extra benefits, such as training vouchers, home usage rights etc. The Offer If your business already runs a current or previous version of Microsoft Office Professional Edition or Windows, you can save 50% on your first year’s subscription when you upgrade to the latest edition before 31 December 2006. Source: 50% off Microsoft Office And Windows Professional upgrades ttfn David

  • SBS R2 Webcasts from the US

    Small Business Webcast: The Benefits of Windows Small Business Server 2003 R2 (Part 1 of 3): Get the Green Check of Software Health and Keep Your Business Up and Running (Level 100) Wednesday, October 11, 2006 - 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM Pacific Time Jeffrey Lin, Business Development Manager, Microsoft Corporation http://msevents.microsoft.com/CUI/EventDetail.aspx?EventID=1032308419&Culture=en-US Small Business Webcast: The Benefits of Windows Small Business Server 2003 R2 (Part 2 of 3): Save Time and Money by Doing More with Less (Level 100) Wednesday, October 18, 2006 - 11:00 AM - 11:45 AM Pacific Time Greg Randall, Business Development Manager, Microsoft Corporation http://msevents.microsoft.com/CUI/EventDetail.aspx?EventID=1032308416&Culture=en-US ttfn David
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  • James Akrigg is in the house and Out of Office... one of my best mentors FINALLY starts blogging

    This day has been a long time coming. James is someone who I always contact when I want to think out the box and apply creative solutions to problems. He is very technology savvy, but hides it much, much, much more than most people I speak to, when speaking to the business suit type of people. His skills cover almost anything from the Office System - old and new, Developer and OS (including Vista) and even has a good deal of search and online technology inside his head. Finally, he is a no BS type of guy. I would strongly recommend looking at his blog over at James Akrigg .:. Out of Office ttfn David

  • Want to know much more about SBS and the Remote Web Workplace - go look here

    I was browsing the Official SBS Blog when I came across this. If you do not understand what the settings for RWW are, how to use it or modify the features, go to the blog entry Inside the Remote Web Workplace - Part I and everything will be answered ;-) ttfn David

  • Remote Desktop issues and a hotfix - information from Susan B again

    You can tell I am in catch up mode on the blog today. Just saw the article If you do remote support of servers - I think you need to call for this hotfix on Susan's Blog and decided this is something we all need to include into our patching cycle this month, so go and request the hotfix. ttfn David

  • 2nd server need a CAL in SBS environment - not with R2

    This discussion came up yesterday internally and I thought I would share this as it has been discussed before In the Licensing FAQ: http://www.microsoft.com/WindowsServer2003/sbs/evaluation/faq/licensing.mspx it states: Q. Do additional servers in my SBS 2003 R2 network require a CAL to connect to the domain? A. You do not need a CAL for additional servers to connect to the domain. ttfn David
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(c)David Overton 2006-23