by Andy Goodman
SBS Partner Training Update
The latest article in Andy Goodman’s Microsoft Small Business Server 2000 series discusses a new partner training course offered by Microsoft and Asentus, and also covers the SBS Channel Program rebate in greater detail.
Microsoft has partnered with Asentus to offer partner training in some cities
across the country. I understand this is an invitation-only event and is close
to a sell out, so if you got an invitation and want to attend, I recommend signing up ASAP. This is very elementary training, so if you already have
experience installing SBS 2000 (or have been reading this series regularly), you won’t gain much knowledge from the course. On the other hand, Microsoft is currently giving each attendee a coupon for an NFR copy of SBS 2000, which could make it worth your time if you don’t already have one. If you are
new to SBS, then by all means go if you can. Just in case you’re wondering, no you can’t sell the NFR and then claim the rebate.
I went and took the five hour training course in Jacksonville Florida the day after
Labor Day. It is a really nice setup — about 50 laptops running vmware and
SBS2000. They walk you through some of the basics like creating users and adding
computer accounts.
There are six “hands-on” labs which include:
1. To Do List and the SBS Administrator Console
2. Users & Computers
3. Internetworking
4. Internet Security and Acceleration Server
5. Outlook Web Access
6. Delegating Administration
There also is a section for the OEM Version of SBS2000 and using the OPK. And if
that’s not enough motivation, they had a drawing for a few copies of Harry
Brelsford’s Book SBS Best Practices
All in all, the instructor does a great job. I did have a little chat with him
after the course and recommended they add some known gotchas to the course
handout. He sounded optimistic about getting them included for future
trainings.
Here is a shot of the room before it filled up.
And one during the training
Taking this training is one of the ways to prepare for the test that will make you
eligible for the rebate described below and will allow you to be listed in the partner locator also discussed below.
SBS Channel Program
If you sell and support SBS for a living, check out the details for this new
program
here. Basically, Microsoft is temporarily offering a $500.00 rebate to get
you to support SBS. You have to pass an online test to show you have some
specific knowledge of SBS, and there are some rules and restrictions but
nothing too severe. And if that’s not enough motivation, they are also putting up
a
list of the folks who pass the test and register for the program, so that people
looking for SBS support can find you.
Since posting the paragraph above in my last column, I’ve received a number of questions repeatedly, so here’s clarification on several issues.
Question 1, Do I have to sell the software and the service to qualify?
You do not have to sell the
software directly. You do need to provide information proving the software was
purchased after August 1, 2002 including the unique product key code.
Question 2, Do I have to take the test if I go to the face to face training
(or the online training)?
All partners must pass the
test to be listed in the locator and to receive the rebate.
(I know some of the info says
if you do the training you don’t have to take the test, but this is a direct
quote from one of the team members as of 9/4/2002)
Question 3, How much do I have to bill to be entitled to the full rebate?
This is the formula: If you
provide $300 worth of services, you will receive $300. If you provide $500
dollars worth of services, you will receive $500. If you provide $1000 worth of
services, you will receive the maximum $500 as your rebate.
Question 4, If a client already has SBS 2000 and I
reinstall it or do some major work, can I collect the rebate
No, the work has to preformed
during the period of eligibility, which is 8/1/2002 – 1/31/2003 and tied
to a sale of SBS 2000 that occurred during the eligible period.
If you have
any other questions or concerns please contact
sbsreb@microsoft.com directly.
Additional SBS Resources
DownHome Computers (my
company) – Specializes in Small Business Server.
The folks at MCP have given us a forum for SBS, which you can
find HERE.
A great book on SBS 2000 by Harry Brelsford – Read the REVIEW.
Microsoft’s SBS News Groups – HERE.
Black Viper’s Description
of Windows Services — 2000
Version and XP Version.
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