Sorry, Amazon, But Forbes Feels That Microsoft Is The World’s #1 Cloud Vendor–Here’s Why

A very solid perspective on how Forbes views the Cloud vendors. I can’t agree more…

Azure Resources for Microsoft Partners

Below you will find several excellent resources that Microsoft Partners can use to boost their skillset on Azure:

• Azure Partner Readiness Catalog
• US Partner Learning Blog
• US Partner Current Training Hotsheet
• Strategies to prepare for Microsoft Azure certification exams
• Azure on Channel 9
• Microsoft Virtual Academy
• US Azure Community Blog
• Training Resources Overview

Microsoft’s View of the Future Workplace is Brilliant, Here’s Why

Forbes viewpoint on the Microsoft vision for the workplace of the future; read it here.

February 2015 Microsoft Partner Readiness Update

For information about on-demand and self-paced training options, download our Partner Readiness guide

Microsoft Solutions in the Magic Quadrant

Here’s a very interesting look at where MSFT sits in the famed Gartner Magic Quadrant.

Multiple models for building apps in Azure

A terrific graphic for you to look at that explains multiple ways to build apps in Azure. You can find it here.

Azure growth surges vs. Amazon

The latest in cloud growth shows Azure growing faster then AWS. Read the article in Forbes, here.

//BUILD Developers Conference

//BUILD Developers Conference

I just completed watching the Day 1 Keynote. It covers a broad spectrum of AMAZING changes that Microsoft is bringing to developers. From the changes in Windows 8.1 to the ability to build and run an application that can run on Windows Phones, tablets, laptops, desktops, devices, and Xbox One. There was even a demo of an electric piano that runs Windows. The Nokia lineup of existing and new phones is awesome. Don’t miss it.

Most significant mobile tech of 2013: Windows 8.1

In a year awash in smartphones, tablets, and other mobile tech, the release of Windows 8.1 is the most significant arrival of it all. I knew this, did you?

Read the full ZDNet article, here.

Training and Readiness Options for MSFT Partners

Certification and accreditation offers 

• See three ways you can save on Microsoft certification exams.

• Attend Microsoft Insights 2013 online on October 29 and learn about emerging career opportunities in the technology field.

• When you earn your Microsoft Sales or Pre-Sales Technical Specialist accreditation in select cloud workloads, you’ll be entered into our Cloud Specialist Sweepstakes for the chance to win a Microsoft Store gift card. Offer ends December 31. Rules.

• Prepare for Microsoft Certification exam 70-462: Administering Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Databases with a multi-week, virtual exam prep course, beginning November 11.

Additional membership benefits

• Microsoft Practice Accelerator provides your organization with a framework of resources spanning from pre-engagement to post-delivery for solutions built on Office 365, SharePoint 2013, Business Intelligence, Windows 8, and Windows Server, System Center and Virtualization solutions. The Practice Accelerator schedule, through December, is available at the link above.

Cloud-related resources

• The Partner Guide to Cloud OS Resources connects you to information, training, and resources you need to understand the Microsoft Cloud OS vision and opportunity; prepare for the new releases of Windows Server, System Center, and Windows Intune; and engage with Microsoft.

• Register for upcoming Windows Azure training opportunities for every role.

• The Ignite Technical Summit in Washington, DC, from November 5–7, will feature 70+ technical sessions for IT pros and developers through tracks for Office 365, Exchange, Project, SharePoint, and Yammer.

• For sales and presales technical roles, Office 365 Drumbeat sales training will be held October 17 in Dallas, Texas and November 4 in Washington, DC.

• Partners serving SMB customers will from the SMB Live: Get in the Cloud events taking place in cities across the United States.