In The Know - Charles Van Heusen's Weblog

The BEST PC ad EVER..... Thank you Lenovo!!!

I'm SOOOOOO sick of the Mac vs. PC crap out there showing how Mac is supposed to be better than PC.   This add on Utube shows the reality of a Mac. vs. a PC.  

Check out the Utube Video here. 

I've been a Lenovo supporter for almost 2 years now and this really sets them apart.

Rave Reviews of Response Point

The testers at Infoworld put Response Point to the test and it comes up smelling rosey!   Just wait until they get their hands on Service Pack 1.  To read more about the testing review click the link below.

http://www.infoworld.com/article/08/04/29/18TC-office-voip-microsoft_1.html

American Airlines Goes Mobile!

Now you can book flight, change flights, make reservations, and check flight schedules / cancellations from your Windows Mobile Device or if you have to...   a Nokia.

Go to www.aa.com on your mobile phone and book mark the site today!

iPhone Style Browsing on your Windows Mobile Devices Today

I have to admit, the iPhone's touch browsing capabilities really sets it apart from the other devices on the market today.  However the price point and lack of business capabilities has kept it from taking the business market by storm.

I started looking for alternative browsing experiences for the Windows Mobile Platform and I may have come across a viable solution for the Windows Mobile Platform.

Makayama is an international company developing solutions for the mobile platform and has a variety of offerings at affordable prices.   I came across their video on Utube that was advertising their new browser and a couple other applications for the HTC Touch that I decided to order.

I'm going to install them later this week and see how it stacks up to the IE browser and Opera Mobile Solutions.If you have already tested it, I'd love to hear your feedback.

Vista SP1 - Available for Download via Windows Update Now!

Great News!  Service Pack 1 is now available for the masses via Windows Updates and the Microsoft Download Center.

For those of you not familiar with SP1, I've consolidated some of the highlights of it from the TechNet website below:

Windows Vista Service Pack 1 is an update to Windows Vista that addresses feedback from our customers. In addition to previously released updates, SP1 contains changes focused on addressing specific reliability and performance issues, supporting new types of hardware, and adding support for several emerging standards. Windows Vista SP1 also addresses some management, deployment, and support challenges.

Windows Vista SP1 is available in English, French, German, Spanish, and Japanese. Other languages will be made available soon.

Microsoft strongly recommends using Windows Update to download and install Windows Vista SP1 on single PCs:

• The download size from Windows Update of Windows Vista SP1 for x86 is 65 MB (compared to 450 MB from the Microsoft Download Center).
• The download size from Windows Update of Windows Vista SP1 for x64 is 125 MB (compared to 745 MB from the Microsoft Download Center).
• Windows Update will recognize PCs with known problematic drivers and postpone downloading Windows Vista SP1 until the PC has updated drivers or other applicable updates. Using Windows Update will help ensure you have the most trouble-free update experience possible.
• Some Windows Vista users may encounter an issue with a small set of hardware devices that may not function properly after updating a Windows Vista PC to Windows Vista SP1.   This is an issue with the way the device drivers were re-installed during the Windows Vista SP1 update process, not with the drivers themselves—these drivers worked on Windows Vista RTM and they work on Windows Vista SP1.  This problem is typically corrected by simply uninstalling and reinstalling the driver. We are working with the manufacturers of these devices to get the known problematic drivers and their install programs updated, and also on other solutions we can use to ensure a smooth customer experience when updating to Windows Vista SP1 using Windows Update. For new PCs provisioned with Windows Vista SP1, this is not an issue.

• If you choose to install Windows Vista SP1 via the standalone installer available on the Microsoft Download Center, Microsoft advises that you first visit Windows Update and install all optional drivers. Read Knowledge Base Articles 948187 and 948343 for more information.
• If you have a prior version of the Windows Vista SP1 beta installed, you must uninstall it prior to installing the final version. Use the Control Panel applet "Programs and Features" and select "View installed updates" from the top left of the task pane. Under Windows, look for "Service Pack for Windows (KB936330).

Selling Windows Server 2008 in the SMB Space

Have you been wondering how to Microsoft's newest server solutions will work with your customers?  Are you looking for ideas on how to position the product when working with your customers?  

Look no further, Erick Simpson and MSPU are hosting a webinar to help take the guess work out of it.

How to sell Windows Server 2008 and Client Solutions to Small Business Customers with Michael Murphy from Microsoft's Local Engagement Team and Matt Makowicz from Ambition Consulting.

Join us for our next live Managed Services Webinar on Wednesday, April 23rd at 8:00am PST, where our special guests will be Michael Murphy from Microsoft's Local Engagement Team and our good friend Matt Makowicz from Ambition Consulting.

Michael Murphy and Microsoft's Local Engagement Team are committed to providing small businesses the technology solutions they need to build their business, through local Microsoft partners.  The mass marketing and other broad reach mechanisms they execute on are effective at raising awareness and building the Microsoft brand, but it's Microsoft partners who add the critical local component to the equation.  To earn the small business owner's business partners have to earn their trust and the most effective way to do so is to meet them face-to-face.  This is why live events are so important to the small business.  Whether this is a lunch-and-learn at the local office or a Chamber of Commerce event, the human interaction is critical.  Microsoft's LET Team's goal is to connect you with your local small business community through live events.

Matt Makowicz's successful Managed Services Practice created millions of dollars in recurring revenue. Matt sold managed services since before the industry had a name for it! As an MCSE and sales professional Matt will share his tips and strategies for Microsoft Windows server and client solution sales success.

As a special bonus - all attendees will receive a FREE AUDIOBOOK DOWNLOAD OF OUR BEST-SELLING BOOK: The Guide to a Successful Managed Services Practice - What Every SMB IT Service Provider Should Know...a $59.99 value!

CLICK HERE to register for this Webinar on Wednesday, April 23rd at 8:00am PST

During this webinar we will deep dive on selling Microsoft server and client solutions to small business clients, and answer the following questions:

• Product Differentiation - What are the differences between Small Business Server and Windows Server 2008? What are Centro and Cougar?
• Solution Selling - How can understanding Product Differentiation help your client find the RIGHT solution?
• Offers in Market - What are the New Open Value Subscription and Big Easy offers and how can they impact your business' bottom line?
• Licensing - What do you need to know to make Microsoft Licensing work for you?
• Overcoming Objections - Why Server 2008? Which Server version? What does Vista SP1 mean to driving deployments?

There will be a Q&A session immediately following the presentation. CLICK HERE to register.

ASI Tech Expo - Coming to Dallas and Atlanta in April !

To see image, please click http://www.asipartner.com/marketing/invite/DA_AT08.html

It’s the “Can’t Miss Event” of the Season

Come join us for a night to remember.  Don’t miss our “Best in Class” manufacturers as they share insights on how to stay ahead of the competition, position for better product differentiation, and improve your profit margin.  This is a unique chance to network with industry leaders one on one. Learn about the features and benefits of the hottest innovations, the impact of integrating systems with new technologies and the newest partner programs for system integrators.  Refreshments will be provided and valuable products will be raffled throughout the event.

AMD Build Workshop and Pavilion
Come build a robust solution from AMD and learn more about the evolution of digital media, commercial and gaming platforms.

From graphic cards, to processor, to chipset, AMD’s enthusiast platform, code-named “Spider,” is the first comprehensive PC platform. All components work together for exponential performance gains, so you can deliver an incredible computing experience to your customers. Amazing scalability and striking efficiency make it the ideal foundation for offering more computing value to your customers while maintaining flexibility and increasing and diversifying your own revenue streams.
To participate in the AMD Build Workshops you will need to pre-register for this event and purchase your components for the build through ASI.  You may elect to participate in one Build session or all three.

Take advantage of the special offer from AMD and Microsoft.

AMD will include the new AMD Phenom ™ processor and Microsoft will provide a free copy of Microsoft Vista Ultimate O/S to customers who purchase the AMD Build kits.
To register for this event Click Here
To purchase your AMD Build Kit contact your ASI Account Manager now.

DALLAS, TX
April 24, 2008
Seminars: 11am - 6pm
AMD Build: 8am - 3:30pm
Expo: 6pm - 9 pm
Embassy Suites Dallas-Frisco
7600 John Q Hammons Drive Frisco, TX 75034
(972) 712-7200
www.embassysuitesfrisco.com

ATLANTA, GA
Seminars: 11am - 6pm
AMD Build: 8am - 3:30pm
Expo: 6pm - 9 pm
Crown Plaza Atlanta-Ravina
4355 Ashford Dunwoody Road Atlanta, GA 30346
(770) 395-7700
www.cpravinia.com

Click here for complete
seminar schedule

LIST OF EXHIBITORS:
ANTEC  AOPEN  CRUCIAL   D-LINK   ECS   ENGENIUS   EVGA   FOXCONN   GARMIN  GIGABYTE   HANNSPREE   HITACHI INWIN   KDS  KINGSTON   LG   MONUEAL   NETGEAR  PALIT MULTIMEDIA   PALIT   PNY  PROMISE  SAMSUNG  SAPPHIRE SHUTTLE   SIIG   SONY NEC OPTIARC  SUPERMICRO  THERMALTAKE   TRENDNET   TYAN   WESTERN DIGITAL WESTINGHOUSE  ZALMAN

How to become a Microsoft Response Point Reseller

Becoming  a Microsoft Response Point Specialist

There is no formal certification requirement currently to be a Response Point specialist, and a wide range of distributors will be carrying Response Point-based phone systems. Whether you have been selling phone systems for years or are just getting started with VoIP and phone system technologies, you'll find Response Point is a great solution for your small business customers.

To get started building a Response Point practice, just follow these easy steps:

1. Attend a free Response Point training class (online or in person). Session information is posted on the Microsoft Partner Learning Center.
    
   
2. Choose the hardware that you want to sell and contact one of our hardware partners.
   1. Quanta Syspine specialist information
      1. Web site: www.syspine.com/wheretobuy
      2. E-mail: syspine@quantatw.com
      3. Phone: 877-4A-Syspine
   2. D-Link VoiceCenter specialist information
      1. Web site: www.dlink.com/var
      2. E-mail: SI@DLink.com
      3. Phone: 888-D-Link-SI (888-354-6574)
   3. Aastra specialist information – coming soon!
   
   
3. E-mail rpoint@microsoft.com to request that we add you to our list of Response Point specialists
4. If you are a Microsoft Certified Partner, you can access these materials on the Microsoft Partner Portal at https://partner.microsoft.com/US/productssolutions/servers/responsepoint.

Response Point SP1 Training - Registration Fees being Waived! Check it out Now.

This was too EXCITING not to share with everyone.  If you have worked with a Microsoft Response Point system, you are missing out on a great addition to your Small Business Solutions offerings.

Microsoft Response Point Partner Flash
April, 7, 2008

Registration Fee Waived for Response Point SP1 Training. It's important to take this...!!!

The 12 city training tour on Microsoft Response Point SP1 training kicks off in two weeks.

We strongly encourage our current Response Point Specialists to take advantage of this training.

Please use the registration promotion code - RSPFW01 - to register at no cost, a savings of $95.

Taking this SP1 training will prepare Response Point Specialists for the upcoming Response Point Assessment curriculum that is currently under development and planned for summer '08 deployment.

Information on the Response Point SP1 training can be found at this LINK.

Best regards,

Microsoft Response Point Team

$100 Spiff for every new Open Value Subscription - Hurry It's only offered to the first 1500 entrants..

Announcing a special offer to all Microsoft® Volume Licensing resellers that will make your spring very green. For every new Open Value Subscription Agreement you sell, you can receive a $100 cash reward*. Plus, there is no limit to how many $100 cash rewards you can earn during the promotion!
Just be one of the first 1500 entrants to submit a qualifying Microsoft Open Value Subscription Agreement to www.OVSSpiff.com between March 1, 2008 and June 27, 2008 and you'll earn $100 cash for each agreement.
Qualifying Microsoft Open Value Subscription Agreements are defined as company-wide agreements with a small or mid-sized business customer (between 5 and 250 PCs) in the United States for one or more Enterprise Products:

· Microsoft Office Professional Plus

· Microsoft Office Small Business

· Windows® Vista Business Upgrade

· Microsoft Core CAL

· Microsoft Windows Small Business Server Client Access License (CAL)

· Microsoft Small Business Desktop Suite, or Microsoft Desktop Professional Suite

To learn more or to submit your qualifying Microsoft Open Value Subscription Agreement, go to www.OVSSpiff.com and complete the submission form as instructed. The more agreements you close, the more your reward will be, but this offer is limited to the first 1500 entrants...so don't wait.

*Limit one $100 USD award per qualifying Microsoft Open Value Subscription Agreement. This promotion is open only to sales representatives employed by qualified Microsoft Volume Licensing reseller companies located in the United States that are authorized to sell Microsoft Open Value Subscription Agreements in the United States. All licenses associated with the Microsoft Open Value Subscription Agreements submitted must have been acquired through a Microsoft Authorized U.S. distributor.

©2008 Microsoft Corporation. The information in this document represents the current view of Microsoft on the content. MICROSOFT MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS, IMPLIED, OR STATUTORY, AS TO THE INFORMATION IN THIS DOCUMENT.