“Fireside Chat” with Heartland Technology Solutions at the Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference 2007

Baldwin Ng — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 15:42:00 GMT

Hi all,

For those of you who missed some of the actions and announcements at the Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference regarding key technologies and tools including SoftGrid, Windows Partner Solutions, Windows Vista Hardware Assessment and Windows Business Value Assessment Tool, read on...

Baldwin

Interview with Heartland Technology Solutions at WPC 2007

On Day 3 of the Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference 2007 (WPC) in Denver, I caught up with IT veterans from the Heartland Technology Solutions (HTS) in Harlan, Iowa - CEO, Arlin Sorensen and Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Larry Hedin. Here's what they have to say about what's they've seen at WPC.

Baldwin: "Arlin, it's good seeing you and Larry again. A few months ago, I met you and a few peer group members of the Heartland Technology Group (HTG) during a series of product and technology review meetings on Microsoft's Redmond Campus. Can you tell us a bit more about the Heartland Technology Group (HTG), how it started and what the charter is?"

Arlin: "Sure. Back in 2001, I recognized that there was a general lack of peer groups for Microsoft partners that serve the SMB space in the United States and Canada. As technology continued to morph and change, we knew that we couldn't figure out everything on our own, so I decided to launch the first HTG peer group that same year. The HTG peer group is an open community where technology leaders would share their own daily real world experience with those having the same challenges. Better yet, they are all coming from non-competing markets so there are no worries and concerns about competition. Through sharing of best practices in business and technologies implementation, we are able to stay ahead of the rapidly changing industry. That's how we are able to grow and grow - we are now at close to 100 company members."

Baldwin: "Very interesting. You certainly have a great group of technology leaders. I always enjoy meeting them and tapping their insights."

Baldwin: "Larry, as part of the Worldwide Partner Conference partner panel, what was your impression about the solutions and technologies that Microsoft has rolled out at this conference? What impressed you the most?"

Larry: "Baldwin, there are two things that are very impressive - SoftGrid and Windows Partner Solutions. SoftGrid application virtualization has really become affordable for my customers. As part of the Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack (MDOP), SoftGrid really helps reducing deployment time down to a minimum. It takes care of tough apps - apps that conflict with other line-of-business apps previously without SoftGrid. It is really awesome to see how energized my sales force are when they discuss SoftGrid and MDOP with our customer base. These technologies give partners like us greater leverage and help remove deployment roadblocks for Windows Vista."

Larry: "I am also very impressed with the assessment tools rolled out this week as part of the Windows Partner Solutions program. The Windows Vista Hardware Assessment tool is a great tool that helps my sales force quickly assess the existing PCs of my customer base and determine if they are ready for Windows Vista and Office 2007 migration. It is easy to learn and use and, most importantly, it helps accelerate my business! Another great tool is the Windows Vista Business Value Assessment Tool (may require partners log-in). It enables partners like us to sell the business value of Windows Vista. Without the data-centric intelligence provided by this tool, it's much harder to sell. This tool is straightforward and the customization to specific market and company size is a great addition. We can now build our sales process around the use of these assessment tools and the results they generate. Partners should definitely download these free tools and see how they can help accelerate their sales.

Baldwin: "Arlin, what would you say would be another technology that our customers and partners should keep an eye one?"

Arlin: "Partners here are seeing and hearing the buzz about Software plus Service and how this will offer great business to us. We too are getting ourselves prepared to get more involved in the Managed Services side of the IT business."

Baldwin: "Arlin, Larry, on behalf of our Windows Vista Team blog audience, I'd like to thank you for your time today. Thanks for your insights and hope you enjoy the rest of the event."

Arlin and Larry: "Thanks for having us."

US Business Launch Events: Coming to a City Near You

Alex Heaton — Fri, 05 Jan 2007 01:02:00 GMT

Between January 16th and March 1st there will be 74 different business launch events for the 2007 Microsoft Office system, Windows Vista, and Exchange Server 2007 in cities across the US. Specific dates and locations can be found at http://www.microsoft.com/business/launch2007/signup/default.mspx.

These free events are really intended for the business and technical professional audience, so if you are looking for the latest info on media center, games, or other consumer features, you won't find that. But if you are an IT pro, developer, or technology decision maker for your business you will lots of valuable information on how to adopt these new products and why you should. In addition to the breakout sessions on the new products you'll have a chance to network with your peers, Microsoft employees, and other technology companies.

Space at each event is limited and registration is required to attend-we hope to see you there. For information on events outside the US check your local Microsoft Web sites.

- Alex Heaton

Windows Vista Team Blog : IT Professionals, Events

“Fireside Chat” with Heartland Technology Solutions at the Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference 2007

US Business Launch Events: Coming to a City Near You