MICROSOFT WORLD PARTNER CONFERENCE IN TORONTO: IT’S A NEW ERA. NOW, WE MUST COMPETE TO WIN BIG!

FOTOS: Manuel Canales, The Media Group, Inc. / UNO International News Service

            There’s a new era of technology happening and a new era at Microsoft. We heard about this today and how in FY13, we need to rethink our approach. Each and every day we must think about new opportunities. Jon Roskill opened up the keynote with enthusiasm and told us how, together, partners and the field will work together to sell and win. Kevin Turner moved us all with the vision of a continuous cloud service for every person, every device, and every business. Then, Deepak Chopra inspired with words of wisdom around leadership and staying focused on the present. I hope you’re as ready as I am to put total company focus on innovation and execution. Now, is the point in time when WE can make a difference.

Today's Big Announcements:
You may view more information about these announcements on Microsoft Press Pass.

IDC Study: Based on a recently commissioned study, IDC issued a report showing that a 50-person Microsoft partner organization with approximately US$5-10M in revenue and 2-5 competencies can realize US$320,000 in value directly attributable to MPN benefit utilization.
Tools to Compete and Win: Kevin Turner shared updates on Microsoft’s commitment to helping partners succeed through delivering solutions that are head and shoulders above other competitors in the market including growing virtualization growth at twice the rate of VMWare and outdueling Google Apps with Office 365.

Other Important Announcement Updates:
MPN Competency Updates: Several updates have been made to this model that include a new Application Development competency, a new Collaboration and Content competency, an evolved Desktop competency, and a revamped Digital Marketing competency. More information can be found on DigitalWPC.
New MPN Branding: As you may have seen on my blog, I’ve announced new partner strategy and programs. These enhancements are implemented with partners in mind. As our business grows, our ecosystem strengthens – and this is good for everyone!
Microsoft Translator: Commercial availability of the Microsoft Translator Hub is now available. More information can be found on DigitalWPC.

Windows Server 2012 Innovations Showcase at the Solution Innovation Center:
There are over 20 partners showcasing applications and hardware supporting the new capabilities of Windows Server 2012. This ecosystem of partners ranges from OEM, IHV, ISV and ODMs supporting technologies in networking, storage, virtualization and application developers. Stop by to talk to the experts and see the technologies that the partner ecosystem is building for Windows Server 2012.

Partner Celebration at Polson Pier featuring Grammy award-winning band, Train
Plan to stay ‘till the end and continue the momentum at WPC. Get ready to rock to the rhythm of Train! This Grammy award winning band will play live in concert tomorrow night at Polson Pier! Reminder: bring your WPC badge credential to the partner celebration. You will not be admitted without your credentials.

Transportation will be provided from all hotels to Polson Pier for the partner celebration beginning at 6:45 p.m. Look for the bus outside your hotel with WPC signage.
Return transportation will also be provided until 10:15 p.m. immediately following the entertainment.

Video Syndication WATCH LIVE TOMORROW Via Facebook and DigitalWPC:
Tuesday, July 12, 2012

1:00 P.M. – MPN Live

You’ve heard from some remarkable speakers this week and have attended some truly informational sessions that I hope have benefited you and your plan for FY13. I am looking forward to celebrating with all of you tomorrow and hearing the regional presentations. As we look toward the future, I am most excited about our long term approach to innovation. This has been the biggest year in our history yet, and our collective execution will determine our future.

Thanks for sharing with me another incredible day of insights that will lead us, together, into a new era. I’m looking forward to celebrating with all of you tomorrow night!

Karl Noakes
Partner/Channel Marketing
Worldwide Partner Group