News

WPC 2011 – Cloud Hosting Providers Track

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 20:13:41 GMT

The upcoming WPC is fast approaching and our Service Providers should consider attending. Register for WPC 2011 and plan on attending the Cloud Hosting Providers track. This track is designed for partners who build, sell, host or deliver infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) cloud solutions. Also, the hosting track will give you the information you need to make informed business decisions about online opportunities with information on product roadmaps, go-to-market strategies, and available resources.

Attend the Telco and Managed Services track and gain market data on how to reach Small and Medium Businesses as well as Enterprise customers with hosted services. Managed service providers will learn how to bring their offerings to market while expanding their online opportunities.

Stay current – the latest information on License Mobility

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 20:12:38 GMT

As you all know, at the Microsoft Hosting Summit on March 30, 2011, Microsoft announced License Mobility though Software Assurance will be available starting July 1 . This new Software Assurance benefit provides customers the ability to license their Server Applications on-premises or in the cloud on a Service Provider’s shared hardware environment for specific applications. As a partner providing the shared environment, you can use a single delivery platform to host multiple users who take advantage of License Mobility for Software Assurance for their dedicated server application instances.

Visit the Microsoft Volume Licensing website for full details of the announcement.

To learn more, review the following resources on the Licensing Announcements page on the Microsoft Partner Network: 6 minute podcast, presentation, and FAQ.

Download the Microsoft License Mobility through Software Assurance: SPLA Addendum document.

Microsoft Hosting University: Ushering in a New Era of Windows Hosting Platform Education

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 20:11:36 GMT

By now you’ve heard about Microsoft Hosting University (Hosting U.) – our new portal dedicated to SPLA partners and resellers. The Windows Platform thrives on the success of our SPLA partners, and Hosting U. is Microsoft’s response to your request for platform support and partner tools designed to accelerate hosters time to market. Also, Hosting U. helps hosters learn how to optimize their growth, build solutions, as well as advocate adoption of our hosting platform, solutions and tools.

Hosting U. provides clear and comprehensive information about Windows tools to hosting providers, Web developers and Independent Software Vendors who deliver windows based applications and web services under SPLA, to help them build, manage and scale their SPLA business. Hosting U. is designed to:

Accelerate their time to market: Access up-to-date documentation and support on Windows platform tools to educate your customers.
Provide an onboarding tool for new customers and SPLA partners: Learn how to adopt the latest Microsoft products and help them learn how to optimize their growth.
Offer solutions for Windows hosting products: Help them learn how to build solutions from scratch on the Windows hosting platform.

Focus: It's all about Windows Hosting Platform

Hosting U. is dedicated to providing platform support and onboarding tools for SPLA partners, and will quickly become their online destination of choice for learning about Windows hosting products. They can learn how to adapt and deploy Windows Web development tools, manage their servers with ease and enhance their system’s performance and growth.

Content: Latest Windows tools and documentation

Hosting U. maintains dynamic connectivity to central Microsoft databases, otherwise known as content warehouses. Access in-depth guides, presentations and related literature about Windows tools to improve their processes and increase their efficiency. This content (documents, presentations, literature and collateral) is regularly “fed” to Hosting U. so you can be confident that you are providing the latest documentation and deploying the best solutions.

Simplicity: Get what you need, quickly and easily

By design, Hosting U. is intended to communicate in a straightforward and unpretentious manner without hyperbole, multiple layers of password protection, and unnecessary messaging. Hosting U. segments contents into three spheres of knowledge: Build, Manage and Scale. In two clicks, your customers can quickly discover the right Windows platform documentation by navigating to the sphere of their choice. In contrast, they can also view the entire library of contents by navigating to the Site Map in the footer link.

The Proof is in the Pudding

Hosting U. is also designed to educate by example, showcasing the flexibility and efficiency of the Windows platform. Beyond the old-school, green classroom chalkboard, you may have noticed that Hosting U. is made available to both Silverlight and Flash users. Similarly, we programmed Hosting U. using PHP rather than ASP.NET, hosted on a Windows server.

With the support of SPLA partners, Hosting U. is poised to become the de facto resource for Windows platform support. Stay tuned for more announcements on Hosting U., including a new module dedicated to SPLA reseller curriculum.

We’re just beginning and the road ahead is full of features and functionality, all designed to power your organization’s growth! If you have questions, feedback or general comments, please email at the following channels:

General Inquiries: Info@Hosting-University.com
Technical Inquiries: Support@Hosting-University.com
Click here for Hosting University Launch BOM

Hosting University 1 Year Anniversary

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 20:10:07 GMT

Dear Hosting University Community,

Wow, what a fantastic year it has been!

First, as we collectively embrace the first anniversary of Microsoft Hosting University, I want to extend big thanks to all of you for actively embracing, adopting and supporting this effort. Without your consistent usage, feedback, support and participation, we could never have delivered the solid results shared below.

Let’s take a moment to consider our accomplishments:

A year ago we launched Hosting University to support the SPLA on-boarding process, and to fill a learning and communications gap between SPLA Resellers and their SPLA accounts.

Most importantly, we have established a communications platform and a monthly rhythm for providing you with the latest developments to be repurposed for distribution under your own branding to your SPLA customers.

Over the past 12 months we’ve extended our global reach and now offer Hosting University in English, Spanish, Czech and Chinese.
True to our SPLA Reseller focus, we have launched 3 co-branded versions of Hosting University alongside Kryptos, SoftCat, and SHI. Raise your hand if you are ready to co-brand the site by contacting me directly.
Supporting the business growth objectives of our hoster constituencies, we published a comprehensive, multi-media module on the Microsoft Dynamic Data Center Toolkit.
At Hosting Summit in April, we announced a new, more robust version of Hosting University with beginner and advanced segmentation, as well as 1-click access to Licensing, Sales and Marketing, and SPUR assets.
Over the last 4 months, we have been actively conducting Live Meeting orientations for individual SPLA Resellers, where you and your customers can listen, learn and ask questions.

In the coming weeks and months, you will see even more tools and resources aimed at helping you and your partners grow! This content and rhythm will be critical to capturing maximum rebate as we integrate a new lever focused on activation in FY11.

Make sure you and your sales teams know how to leverage this channel tool to increase time to market and optimize your rebate opportunity.

I look forward to your continued support and ask you to please reach out to me or the Hosting University team regarding any suggestions or requests you might have related to the site.

Sincerely,

Matt Haynes

Microsoft SQL Server Hosting Solutions: New Resources for Hosters

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 20:08:18 GMT

New SQL Server for Hosters training is available on TechNet. The training will provide the newest Microsoft SQL Server sales and marketing kit which can empower SPs to drive successful conversations about SQL Server. Also provided is campaign content, directed at technical decision makers or business decision makers that want to deploy and run new or existing applications on SQL Server 2008 R2 in a hosted environment. This information is intended for software as a service (SaaS) providers, architects, software developers, web agencies, and other organizations that are looking for a hosted database environment in which to deploy their applications.

Licensing Resources on Microsoft Hosting University Grow!

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 20:07:50 GMT

In response to SPLA Reseller and partner requests for more licensing information, Microsoft Hosting University now offers several licensing related resources. Here is a synopsis of what is available on Hosting University:

SPLA Program Guide

The SPLA Program Guide provides more in-depth programmatic information about the SPLA program, as well as an overview of licensing and a listing of the more popular Microsoft products available through SPLA. Additionally, the SPLA Program Guide provides valuable information on VLKs (volume license keys) and downloading Microsoft products. Please find the Hosting University link to the SPLA Program Guide here.

SPUR

The ever important Services Provider Use Rights (SPUR) provides detailed licensing information for the SPLA program and is available directly from the home page of Hosting University, here. Included in the SPUR are in-depth licensing instructions as well as the list of products available and information about any product editions and discontinuations for the SPLA program. Remember the SPUR is updated quarterly in January, April, July, and October regularly.

Customized SPUR

This easy to use tool allows you to select the SPLA product(s) that you are interested in and then receive specific information on how the product is licensed in SPLA. This resource pinpoints the information in the SPUR and provides the user with the exact information needed. You can find customized SPUR here.

Also worth noting on Hosting University is documentation on licensing in a virtualized environment – perhaps the most attractive, cost saving solution for enterprise as well as small-to-mid-sized business IT environments.

As we continue to expand our knowledge base by including the vital information that our partners need, we also request your regular feedback. Please rely on Hosting University for up-to-date SPLA licensing information, and look out for our Content Alerts to see what resources are being added and updated regularly.

Thank You From Hosting University

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 20:05:05 GMT

The momentum continues at Microsoft Hosting University, as we grow as the online resource for product and platform information on the Windows Hosting platform for the breadth market in SPLA. At this point, we would like to extend a well-deserved “thank you” to our Reseller partners, who have provided us with support and feedback that has proven invaluable to our growth and to our success. This unique reciprocal relationship is one of the keys to success in an industry where changes can be difficult to keep up with.

By empowering our partners with an up-to-date knowledge-base of the latest in product, licensing, and marketing information, we’ve been able to help you find new ways to reach more customers, get your new SPLA partners to market faster, helped some of you grow your web presence with our cobranding project, and provided you with a resource that helps you and your SPLA partners find the information they need, faster and more easily.

We have several new tools to direct your attention to that are available on Hosting University. First, we’ve added a link to the recently launched Web Hosting Gallery, a new online marketplace for developers which provides hosters with a great opportunity to list hosting offers at no charge to target new customers. We also have added a link to the Hosting Deployment Accelerator, a tool that enables you to quickly find documentation for various hosting workloads. Finally, we want to ensure that our partners are ready to embrace the recent changes to the structure of the Microsoft Partner Network.

Read on to find the details on these promising new projects, as well as relevant case studies regarding virtualization, and thanks for helping us to continue the momentum!

Sincerely,
Matt Haynes
WW Industry Director | Communications Sector
Microsoft Hosting University Team

Microsoft Hosting University Winter 2011 Newsletter

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 19:02:32 GMT

Welcome to the Winter 2011 edition of Microsoft Hosting University News! The new calendar year is recently upon us and SPLA momentum is already in high gear. Please read this newsletter, click through our portal modules, and share it with your SPLA partners. Together, you will learn how to adopt and deploy all of the latest SPLA resources designed to help you and your collection of partners build your businesses with relevant solutions related to SPLA and to the Windows Hosting platform.

When there’s a SPLA product update or an important migration, Hosting University provides the timely information, resources and knowledge needed to help you prepare for the change and to seamlessly adopt the changes within your organization. For example, when Office Communications Server was replaced in SPLA, Hosting University provided product features on the new Lync Server. Also, have you heard all the buzz about WebMatrix? This revolutionary development tool makes developing Web sites easy and can actually help drive new hosting business for SPLA partners! Hosting University has published all the details on our WebMatrix module. And when you need to locate the latest version of the SPUR, you can easily find a link right on our Hosting University’s Home page.

We now boast over 140 assets – and best of all, the information is located at one centralized portal which you can access without having to log in or having to remember a password. And with our optimized search feature and a comprehensive sitemap that lists all of our resources, finding information has gotten even easier.

There’s an easy way to share the power of Hosting University with your SPLA partners. Send your partners a link to our tutorial which provides an overview of how to navigate and locate resources on the Hosting University site at Hosting University Quickstart .

Also, remember to include Hosting University in your orientation and on-boarding processes with your new SPLA partners. And integrate Hosting University into your communications with your SPLA partners. We can even supply you with a press kit which includes our Hosting University banner and messaging that can be customized to your particular audience for your newsletter. Is there a specific product-related topic that your SPLA partners are asking about? Use the Hosting University Contact Us page to suggest new resource topics and to request a press kit!

Take steps to make Microsoft Hosting University part of your daily work flow and watch your SPLA business grow!

Thank you and please do not hesitate to contact us for more information, 1:1 training, and general support.

New SPLA Program Module now available on Hosting University!

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 18:57:38 GMT

Microsoft Hosting University continues to expand its knowledge base as it grows to meet the needs of the SPLA partner community with the recent launch of the new SPLA Program module. The SPLA Program module is designed to further support SPLA Resellers business by adding to the existing product, licensing, and sales & marketing resources available on Hosting University with yet another vital part of the SPLA business model- program and partner-facing programmatic information.

The SPLA Program module is the place to send your SPLA partners and potential partners for information on how the SPLA program works, no matter which stage of the business cycle they are in. Send your new SPLA partners to the program page for answers to questions, such as:

How do I complete the SPLA agreement?

What is the difference between a SAL and a Proc license in SPLA?

What’s an ETL and how do they work?

How do I find a localized version of the SPUR? And,

How do I download media from the Volume Licensing Service Center (VLSC)?

And for your existing SPLA partners the SPLA Program page provides answers to common questions, such as:

How do I change the contact information on my SPLA agreement?

What is the notification process and why am I receiving a notice?

And the SPLA Program page is also a great pre-sales tool as it provides valuable information to questions from potential SPLA partners, such as:

How do I know if SPLA is right for me?

How do I qualify for the SPLA program?

Where can I get an overview of the program?

All the answers to these questions are delivered in a simple presentation using easy to understand language with step-by-step instructions, where necessary.

Take advantage of the new SPLA Program module and make sure you share this valuable new Hosting University resource with your internal SPLA team and with your SPLA partners!

New WP7 Sales and Marketing Campaign for Hosters!

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 18:57:25 GMT

Have you seen the Windows Phone 7 module on Hosting University? With the launch of the Windows Phone 7 new business opportunities are now available for hosters. Microsoft has designed a sales and marketing campaign for hosting partners that is to help them start a conversation with existing customers and with prospective customers about how hosted Exchange solutions can help mobile business users improve productivity when combined with the new Windows Phone 7.

The campaign includes a sample landing page, customer email, web banners, a customer PowerPoint presentation, a FAQ, and other customizable campaign assets to engage and motivate potential customers. The campaign is designed to help:

• Attract new hosted Exchange customers

• Upgrade POP and Webmail customers to hosted Exchange

• Enhance the value to existing hosted Exchange (MAPI) customers

Free training to your SPLA partners!

As part of this campaign, a free online sales training tool is being made available to help your hosters and their sales teams better understand the power of pairing hosted Exchange solutions with the new Windows Phone 7. To request this free training your hosters will need to:

• Send an email to wp7hpt@microsoft.com

• Include a company name, contact name, and email address of their sales training administrator (or equivalent)

• Include the number of sales professionals to be trained

• Allow 48 hours for activation

Hosting partners that launch this campaign will be entitled to be listed on the dedicated small business landing page on the Microsoft website. To be listed, hosters should:

• Send an email to wp7hpt@microsoft.com

• Include their campaign landing page URL

• Include their company logo that is at least 150-200 pixels wide

• Include 2-3 bullet points (35 words max) that differentiates their offer to potential customers

Have your Hosters joined the Microsoft Web Hosting Gallery yet?

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 18:57:06 GMT

We recently introduced our readers to the power of WebMatrix and the potential to drive new business with the Web Hosting Gallery. Well, we have just learned that more than 350 Hosters worldwide have become WebMatrix spotlight partners already! This means that the partners that are being featured in the Microsoft Web Hosting Gallery are receiving complimentary promotion of their services.

WebMatrix, a free set of tools designed to help web developers of all skill levels easily create, customize and publish websites – and the Web Hosting Gallery are a natural fit. The Web Hosting Gallery is the marketplace where hosting providers can engage WebMatrix developers and share their hosted offerings. Don’t let your SPLA partners miss out on this incredible opportunity – encourage them to join the Web Hosting Gallery today and their organizations can become spotlight partners, too!

New Hosted Microsoft Web Platform Sales and Marketing Kit

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 18:56:56 GMT

To help your hosters showcase the benefits of a hosted Microsoft Web platform, Microsoft has created a customizable set of materials that hosters can tailor to their specific product and service offerings. These materials include email templates and a telesales script focusing on three key customer audiences: Web designers and developers, IT generalists, and small and medium-sized businesses. Make sure to share this valuable marketing kit with your SPLA partners!

Download the Kit Here

New Training Tool – On-demand Webcast for your new SPLA Partners

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 18:56:38 GMT

We have now made available on Microsoft Hosting University a Webcast session that serves as an introduction to the SPLA program. The session reviews program basics and compares the SPLA licensing program to other volume licensing programs from Microsoft. The Webcast, which is also available as a PPT provides a valuable comprehensive overview of the program – and it’s available on demand.

Hosting University WebMatrix Module

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 18:55:52 GMT

Microsoft has released a new development tool that bridges the gap between Enterprise-level and entry-level computing. Now novice developers, small development teams, and even experienced developers new to .NET are all on a level playing field with their more seasoned Windows development counter parts.

WebMatrix is a new Web development tool from Microsoft that includes everything needed for Web site development. Included within WebMatrix is a Web server, a database, and programming frameworks – all rolled into a single, integrated experience. Using WebMatrix a Web developer is able to code, test, and deploy both ASP.NET and PHP applications side by side. WebMatrix simplifies the development process by allowing developers to start projects from open source Web applications such as WordPress or from built-in Web templates.

WebMatrix can even integrate with Visual Studio to take advantage of powerful features such as debugging and profiling. And when you’re ready for a high-volume relational database server, move your database and data from SQL Server Compact to SQL Server with just a click of the mouse.

Microsoft Hosting University includes a WebMatrix module to support this important product release. This module is dedicated to communicating the business value of WebMatrix to Microsoft’s worldwide network of SPLA Resellers.

This free development tool from Microsoft is sure to have a positive impact within the Web development community and attract a new generation of developers to the Windows Hosting platform.

Learn more about WebMatrix at Microsoft Hosting University.

SPLAR Corners on Hosting University – Coming Soon

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 18:53:39 GMT

Microsoft Hosting University is proud to announce that “Worldwide SPLAR Corners” — secure, regional portals for qualified SPLA Resellers — will soon reside on Hosting University!

Starting with the EMEA SPLAR Corner, resellers will experience a robust, yet simple site showcasing the latest announcements, events, and assets to assist in supporting their regional SPLA business.

SPLAR Corners on Hosting University will be home to hundreds of pieces of valuable and localized information. Assets will include items related to products, licensing, Go-to-Market materials, as well as the latest news and updates to Hosting University – all designed to help resellers effectively communicate with and onboard more SPLA partners. In order to access SPLAR Corners, visitors will need to register and sign-in as a qualified SPLA Reseller.

Look for more on the Hosting University’s Worldwide SPLAR Corners in the near future, and direct any questions to Support@Hosting-University.com.

Excite Customers and Prospects with a Windows Phone 7 for Hosted Exchange Campaign

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 15:58:34 GMT

The Windows Phone 7 Phone launched to significant market buzz and favorable reviews.

To help you take advantage of this broad air cover, we created a sales and marketing campaign for our hosting partners that is designed to help you start a conversation with your customers and prospects about how hosted Exchange solutions can help mobile business users improve productivity when combined with the new Windows Phone 7.

The campaign includes a sample landing page, customer email, web banners, a customer PowerPoint presentation, a FAQ, and other customizable campaign assets to engage and excite potential customers. The campaign is designed to help you:

• Attract new hosted Exchange customers
• Upgrade POP and Webmail customers to hosted Exchange
• Enhance the value to your existing hosted Exchange (MAPI) customers

For More Detailed Information on why Windows Phone 7 is Best for Hosted Exchange

Visit Microsoft Hosting University’s Windows Phone 7 module for additional sales collateral, a more detailed overview of this offering, as well as links to relevant online resources

By extending Hosted Exchange to Windows Phone 7, partners create additional revenue opportunities by appealing to a whole new class of Exchange user. Simply put, Windows Phone 7 offers the most seamless and cost-effective way to mobilize an investment in Hosted Exchange.

Announcing Newly Released Guidance for Hosted Microsoft CRM 2011

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 15:51:38 GMT

Deployment and Operational Guidance has been released to assist service providers who are interested in hosting Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011. Make sure to share this valuable link with information on Dynamics CRM 2011 with your SPLA partners.

For additional resources on Dynamics CRM, click here.

Benefit by Becoming an Authorized License Mobility Partner

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 16:48:45 GMT

License Mobility through Software Assurance

License Mobility through Software Assurance provides a new cost effective value for customers who are able to take advantage of existing licensing investments and deploy in whichever IT environment suites their needs, freeing up funds which can be invested in growing their solutions.

How does License Mobility through Software Assurance work? License Mobility through Software Assurance gives Microsoft Volume Licensing customers flexibility to deploy certain server applications with active Software Assurance, on-premises or in the cloud, without having to buy additional licenses. As a result, customers can take advantage of the lowest cost infrastructure, and hosting partners can benefit as these customers expand their solutions to fit their increasing business needs.

With the ability for customers to move Application Server workloads from on-premises to Service Providers at any time, without additional licensing, customers can focus on finding the right IT solutions to support their organization. And SPLA partners can help customers select the appropriate SPLA products to fit those needs.

Are you an authorized License Mobility through Software Assurance partner yet? If you’re a SPLA partner already, please see your SPLA Reseller as you will need to sign an addendum to your existing SPLA which will remain in effect until your SPLA expires. If you aren’t a SPLA partner yet and are interested in becoming one, please contact an Authorized SPLA Resellers.

FY12 Hostapaloooza Update

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 19:35:28 GMT

Hostapaloooza is a live, in-person event, sponsored by Microsoft Hosting University and focused on helping mid-market web hosters and service providers activate new customers. Our most recent events on our South America tour in Chile and Argentina were a huge success over 100 providers from a variety of different IT Hosting disciplines participating in standing room only venues. The balance of our 2011 event series includes Houston, TX on 11/10 and Bogota, Colombia on 11/17. These events are promising to produce similar results.

As a SMB market hoster or service provider, you will learn how to boost profits and activate new customers quickly and efficiently. Attend to hear presentations from Microsoft and our hosting technology partners for this one-day cloud computing educational festival. Learn about the Microsoft Web Platform, Windows hosting infrastructure, and hear presentations from our leading technology platform partners.

For a full event details and registration, please visit Hostapaloooza.com. Additionally, please visit the Hosting University Events page for a complete schedule of Microsoft events.

For more information on Hostapaloooza, please contact Victoria Allen.

Welcome to the New Microsoft Hosting University!

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 19:34:50 GMT

Welcome back to Microsoft Hosting University!

You may have noticed some changes to our site, and we hope you and your team enjoy them. Let’s take a moment to outline some of the new portal features.

First and foremost, our redesign of Microsoft Hosting University is not simply cosmetic. In this new version of Hosting University we have made a big commitment to putting the hosting partner first, and designed all functionality on the premise of helping a hoster grow their business.

From a technical specifications standpoint, the new Microsoft Hosting University is built on ASP .NET, utilizes Orchard Project content management system, and delivers a bulk of content and presentation layers in HTML 5. What’s more, Hosting University is physically hosted in a Microsoft Dynamic Data Center environment and relies on Windows Server 2008 R2 Hyper-V alongside SQL Server and System Center to manage the physical and virtual IT infrastructure.

Right from the home page you will notice dramatic differences from our previous iteration. Based on audience feedback and global internet trends, we have made a strong commitment to video. Regularly, we will publish hosting and cloud computing videos for your educational (and sometimes entertainment) consumption. The trend in online video is here for the duration and Hosting University is prepared to deliver.

Navigationally, users will also appreciate the simplicity of getting single-click access to our most frequently visited pages including Products, Licensing, and Marketing. For those audiences seeking to expand their knowledge-bases, we have published a Training page where users can consume materials on a number of Windows hosting infrastructure topics and beyond. What’s more, the team at Hosting University has also published a What’s New page where power-users can consume the latest contents, view a calendar of worldwide hosting events, and read the latest announcements and news items published by Microsoft Hosting University.

On the whole, these changes represent a dramatic shift in design as well as content delivery, and hopefully provide you and your team with the necessary tools designed to help grow your hosting business. Please email the team at Support@Hosting-University.com to communicate any needs we may be able to help you with.