Find out what’s new for Microsoft partners. We’ll connect you to resources that help you become market-ready, connect with customers and prospects, and differentiate your business. Read previous issues of our online newsletter.
We provide real-time updates about the topics covered in this newsletter and other partner-related news and information on our US Partner Community Twitter feed.
To stay in touch with me and connect with other partners and Microsoft sales, marketing, and product experts, join our US Partner Community on Yammer and see other options to stay informed.
Top stories
Resources and recommendations for ISVs and application builders
Meet Sharon Lee, the US Partner Group's lead for ISV partner engagement and community. On the US Partner Community blog, she shares her recommendations for Microsoft resources available to ISV and Application Builder partners. See Sharon’s guide to ISV resources
New! Free Office 365 data backup for Action Pack and competency partners
Now through June 2016, eligible Action Pack and competency partners have access to free SkyKick Cloud Backup service, which you can use with your Microsoft Azure internal use rights to store your data and keep it safe. Learn more about the benefits of this offer and how to get started. Read the MPN blog post
Secure your spot at WPC 2016 for $1,695, but only until November 2
On November 2, the lowest price for WPC 2016 registration will increase by $100. The 2016 Worldwide Partner Conference is in Toronto, the capital city of Ontario, Canada, from July 10–14. We hope you’ll make plans to join us for the largest Microsoft partner event—your opportunity to connect and grow.
Partner Practice Enablement workshops in November for Microsoft Azure IaaS and Enterprise Mobility
These technically focused workshops will provide you with foundational knowledge that helps you extend your practice and build new service offerings. Through December 31, these Partner Practice Enablement workshops are offered at no cost to MPN members.
- Empowering Enterprise Mobility. In this three-day workshop, learn about the three products that comprise the Enterprise Mobility Suite (EMS): Azure Active Directory for identity and access management, Microsoft Intune for application and data management, and Azure Rights Management for information protection. Register for November 10–12 (2 hours/day)
- Azure Technical Training. In this five-day workshop, learn about the core features of Microsoft Azure Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), and explore Azure Active Directory, Networking, Cloud Services, Websites, and more. Register for November 9–13 (4 hours/day) or November 30 – December 4 (4 hours/day)
Digital Partner of Record resources for you and your customers
Digital Partner of Record (DPOR) automates how you are attached as the Partner of Record for the subscriptions you are actively managing for customers for Microsoft Office 365, Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online, Microsoft Intune, Enterprise Mobility Suite (EMS), and Microsoft Azure. DPOR affects how you qualify for MPN cloud competencies and whether you are eligible for incentives. Get an overview of DPOR, find step-by-step customer guidance, and read our FAQ. Go to the DPOR portal page
Office 365 Partner Community: The new E5 suite
New enterprise value for Office 365 is coming in the E5 plan announced earlier this year. The E5 suite will give you the opportunity to upsell your existing customers on PBX and PSTN conferencing, as well as new organization analytics. You will also have the opportunity to build new services business around voice, modern meetings and business analytics. The new Office 365 E5 suite is the subject of this month’s Office 365 Partner Community blog series and call on November 5.
Starts November 3: Windows 10 Masters Identity and Security online workshop series
This level 300 series comprises six online sessions that will take you through securing Windows 10 in the Enterprise using Active Directory, PowerShell, and other management tools. Use code MPN to register. Register for this Windows 10 technical training
New US SMB Partner Roadshow: Jumpstart your cloud practice with Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online
This new roadshow starts November 17 in New York City and November 19 in Washington, DC and visits 9 more cities in December and January. You’ll learn the fundamentals of building a profitable practice with Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online; how to position and market your practice to gain new customers; and the next steps to take to capitalize on the opportunity.
Learn more and register for the city nearest you
US SMB Partner office hours for the Cloud Solution Provider program
If you’re selling, or getting ready to sell, Microsoft cloud services, you should know about the Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) program. The CSP program allows you to sell Microsoft cloud services along with your own offerings and services. Attend upcoming office hours to learn more about the CSP program and how to connect to your distributor of choice to start selling.
Learn more and sign up
Plan ahead for training in November and December
As we head into the holiday months of November and December, planning ahead can help you stay on track with your training goals. Use the US Partner Community Hot Sheet as your guide to what in-person training and virtual courses, calls, and office hours are available. The November Hot Sheet includes listings through December, and we’ll add new offerings as we learn about them. Visit the current Hot Sheet
Take advantage of Microsoft Partner Technical Services training at no cost through December 31
Get technical training designed to help you win more deals, accelerate deployment, and increase consumption, at no cost through December 31. Attend technical webcasts delivered by Microsoft Partner Technical Services for Microsoft Azure, Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online, Office 365, Windows 10, and Enterprise Mobility Suite (EMS). Learn more about these offerings at the product-specific links below.