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July 2008
The New Rules of Partnering with Microsoft As the Microsoft Partner Program marks its fifth anniversary, its leadership lays out a new long-term game plan. by Anne Stuart
Capturing Dollars Lost to Piracy Think software piracy is just Redmond's problem? A study being released at the Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference puts a dollar figure on the revenues the channel could collect by helping the software giant defeat the pirates-and that bounty is bigger than you might think. by Scott Bekker
Think Globally, Act Locally With its new Citizen Service Platform, Microsoft is making a big play for small-government customers. But will those entities play along? by Rich Freeman

June 2008
2008 RCP Salary Survey: Partners See Bigger Bucks A weakening economy might have been in the news for months now, but the results of RCP's second annual salary survey show that a possible recession isn't yet hitting partners' pockets. In fact, on the whole, executives at partner companies are doing better than they did in 2007 -- and high demand for their skills may keep that trend going. by Lee Pender
7 Ways to Win Your Customers' Trust Channel leaders who have established themselves as trusted advisors tell how they made their clients' businesses their business. by Fred Bayles
Go Vertical: A Guide for Partners For many partners these days, the question isn't whether* to develop vertical expertise. It's how to do it. Here's what you need to know to tap into these markets.* by Rich Freeman
Take a Seat at WPC Sure, schmoozing is a big part of the Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference. But to get the maximum benefit from the event, you need to do more than mingle. Here are our picks for a dozen-plus sessions that you won't want to miss. by Scott Bekker

May 2008
Staying Afloat: 6 Tactics for Surviving the Downturn As recession trickles through the economy, those in IT need to make sure operations remain ship-shape through it all. Here's a guide. by Anne Stuart
Hardware Trends: Faster. Smaller. Cooler. Every type of hardware -- from chips to PCs to wireless LANs -- is evolving to support new enterprise demands for mobilization, virtualization and conservation. by Joanne Cummings
MiSinformation Internal Microsoft e-mails made public by the "Vista Capable" class-action lawsuit against the company reveal infighting, partner favoritism and a general sense of confusion -- none of which, it turns out, is all that unusual in the software industry. by Lee Pender

April 2008
SPLA: A New Way To License Software In the era of Software+Services, Microsoft takes a different approach to software licensing than Web hosting companies and managed service providers. Microsoft's Michael van Dijken explains in the Q&A. by Michael Domingo
Green Is Good for Profits as Well as for the Planet Microsoft and its partners are discovering that environmentally responsible computing isn't just a nice thing to do -- it's potentially lucrative, too. by Fred Bayles
P2P Power Without official vendor backing, 100-plus partner companies have formed lively homegrown peer groups to support each other and kick-start their businesses. by Anne Stuart
Poring Over Microsoft's Interoperability Initiative Microsoft is putting tens of thousands of pages of interoperability documents online. Its partners may need to find new ways to make peace with open source software. by Scott Bekker
Microsoft's Upcoming Database Release An Expanding Database SQL Server 2008 is adding functionality in all directions, opening new opportunity areas for partners. One area that isn't growing: the price tag. by Joanne Cummings

March 2008
TechMentor 2008 Preview: The New Group Policy Preferences Derek Melber shows how you can eliminate logon scripts, become more secure and even save money with the new Group Policy Preferences in Vista and Windows Server 2008. by Derek Melber
Trustworthy Computing: Examining Trust Microsoft's Trustworthy Academic Advisory Board has been keeping tabs on security issues -- external as well as internal -- that continue to challenge Microsoft's developers. Here's a peek into the board, which marks five years on watch. by Jabulani Leffall
SaaS: The Highest Hurdle Software as a Service is gaining momentum in CRM and messaging segments. Now, partners try to leap into the ERP realm. by Lee Pender
Low Money Down: Open Value Licensing for SMBs Microsoft's Open Value Subscription licensing plan essentially lets customers rent software rather than buy it, for substantially less money. Will small and midsize businesses take the bait? by Rich Freeman
Windows Server 2008 Brings Big Challenges Microsoft's super-sized server launch offers both increased work and new opportunities for integrators and ISVs. by Peter Varhol
Best Practices: Keeping the Law on Your Side Sooner or later, every growing company wrestles with the question of whether it's better to keep consulting outside legal counsel or finally bring an attorney in-house. Here's advice to help you make the right call. by Fred Bayles

February 2008
Do MSPs Face an Identity Crisis? The phrase "managed services provider" means different things to different people, and the connotation isn't always positive. But MSPs are working to build credibility and show that their market holds big opportunities for customers, vendors and the channel. by Lee Pender
Managed Services Tool Talk No managed services provider can afford to be without solid business and IT management applications. Here's a guide to some of the top offerings. by Rich Freeman
Optimize Sales Microsoft's Infrastructure Optimization push gives partners a way to help customers get a handle on their IT investments -- and get a foot in the door on bigger engagements. by Doug Barney

January 2008
2008 Marching Orders The new product launch wave hits early in 2008, so what's a partner to do? Microsoft insiders and partners point out channel opportunities and challenges in a year without Bill. by Anne Stuart
Vista Reaches for the Crown It failed to catch on in the enterprise in 2007, and it still faces hurdles to acceptance. But partners say that it's too early to call Windows Vista a failure in the enterprise. This could be the year that the beleaguered prince of Microsoft operating systems begins its ascent to the throne. by Lee Pender
Operation Re-Supply Microsoft will arm partners with tons of new products to sell in 2008 -- including profitable tools like SQL Server and Windows Server 2008. by Keith Ward

December 2007
Above the Rest: Windows 2008's Terminal Services Client One shining gem you can't ignore in the new Windows Server 2008 OS -- one which might compel you to upgrade -- is the implementation of Terminal Services. by Greg Shields
Knowledge Is Power: Who's Who at Redmond Ballmer, Raikes, Watson are names we know already. Here's a list of other Microsoft execs -- like Flinders, Bennani and Park and 17 others -- that partners should keep in their sites. by Anne Stuart
2007 RCP Partner Survey: It's (Almost) All Good RCP's most recent reader survey reveals that Microsoft partners are a happy bunch -- satisfied with the partner program and excited to be working with the software giant. However, that doesn't mean that everything's perfect in the Microsoft channel. A few concerns remain, even in good times. by Lee Pender
Where the Dollars Are While past performance is no guarantee of future results, Microsoft partners that serve the financial-services industry report that business is brisk-despite the recent chaos on Wall Street. by Rich Freeman

November 2007
Microsoft and Cisco: The Odd Couple Microsoft and Cisco are talking about collaboration in the nascent unified communications space, but they're approaching it from two very different angles. With customers heavily invested in both vendors' technologies, partners don't need to take sides -- yet. by Lee Pender
The Chinese Connection Earlier this year, a huge bust in China shut down a major pipeline that had been funneling pirated Microsoft and Symantec software to the U.S. market. Some partners helped the pirates. Some partners sided with authorities. by Scott Bekker
Protecting Your Precious (Intellectual) Property It's almost impossible to be too cautious about safeguarding your company's creative assets -- and it's never too early to start taking defensive steps. by Fred Bayles

October 2007
Uneasy Courtship Some of the biggest names in IT are ardently wooing partners who serve small and midsize businesses. Are their seductions working? by Rich Freeman
Sowing the Seeds Microsoft's new server products are supposed to sprout early in 2008. Partners prepared for those launches can expect a bumper crop of business later in the year. by Keith Ward
Vertical Markets: Prescription for Profit The health-care industry is finally ready for a major IT upgrade, and for partners with the right solutions the prognosis is excellent indeed. by Rich Freeman

September 2007
Seeking Satisfaction Since arriving in Redmond, Kevin Turner has focused on filling Microsoft's gap in data on how satisfied customers are with partners. Expect the company to step up its 'C-Sat' measurement efforts this year. by Scott Bekker
Zooming in on Software Plus Services Microsoft has given partners a basic field guide to its evolving S+S strategy -- but plenty of details still need clarification. by Anne Stuart
Security Showdown Microsoft's entry into enterprise security has market leader Symantec gearing up for a fight -- but not necessarily doing more to attract Microsoft partners. by Lee Pender

August 2007
The Right Stuff Microsoft executives view their 'benefits wheel' as the hub of their new campaign to get the right benefit to the right partner at the right time. by Anne Stuart
Microsoft Myths Deconstructing the most common statistics and figures about the Microsoft Partner Program. by Scott Bekker
Awaiting a Vista Bounce Microsoft calls Windows Vista its fastest-selling OS yet. Partners are waiting -- patiently -- for that momentum to reach the channel. by Rich Freeman
Solving the Puzzle -- Together In solution selling, partners and customers join forces to solve problems -- and both parties win. by Fred Bayles

July 2007
Getting the Lay of the Land Here's an up-to-date sketch of Microsoft's competitive landscape -- including the peaks and valleys that most affect partners. by Scott Bekker
Setting Up Shop Near Seattle Opening an office near Microsoft's corporate HQ can help you get inside information and access to the right people -- or simply drain your bank account. Here's what to consider before deciding whether a Redmond branch is right for you. by Rich Freeman
Minding Your Microsoft Manners RCP's experts answer five tricky etiquette questions and provide pointers on what to do -- and what not to do -- when meeting with Microsoft. by Lee Pender

June 2007
Close the Deal on Lotus Migrations With every Exchange release, Microsoft touts the opportunity for Lotus conversions. Now that SharePoint is in the mix, partners see more potential than ever before. by Ted Dinsmore
Vertical Markets: Pursuing the Public Sector From the White House to town hall, government is big business. Here's a guide to the top IT opportunities and how to get in on them. by Rich Freeman
It's the Networking, Stupid A sneak peek at the upcoming Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference in Denver, the channel's biggest networking opportunity of the year. by Scott Bekker
Sinking a Putt -- and Landing a Deal For many partners, playing golf is an essential element for building relationships and closing deals. For others, the game is a nuisance. And for a few, it's, well, a handicap. Here's how to decide whether and when to hit the links. by Anne Stuart
Partner Paychecks In Redmond Channel Partner's first-ever salary survey, we look at how much you're getting paid -- and are paying yourselves -- and answer some questions you might have been afraid to ask. by Lee Pender

May 2007
Unveiling the Influencer A new Microsoft program aims to pull those partners that influence sales of Microsoft software out of the shadow of the Large Account Resellers who close all the deals. by Scott Bekker
Breaking Waves Last year, all the talk at Convergence was about waves of integration for Dynamics. Now, it's all about how the suite fits into the Microsoft stack. But not everything that Microsoft is saying is clear, and some partners are confused about where Dynamics is going. by Lee Pender
Before the Storm As some Microsoft partners know all too well, a solid emergency-response plan can mean the difference between surviving or sinking when disaster strikes. by Fred Bayles

April 2007
Paving the Way Growing demand and attractive margins have partners of every description jumping into managed services. Should you join them? by Rich Freeman
Power to the Partners Microsoft's Partner Advisory Councils (PACs) provide a chance for partners to be seen and heard-and even to change Microsoft. by Keith Ward
Head Start on Search QuickStart for Search gave partners a way to market search skills ahead of a full-blown competency specialization. Here's how it's working nearly one year later. by Scott Bekker
Best Practices: The Narrative of Numbers Opening the books can help your employees better understand your company's story-and empower them to help write its future. by Fred Bayles

March 2007
Microsoft and SAP: Bittersweet Symphony Microsoft and SAP have a successful Duet together, but they'll be less harmonious as they battle for ERP supremacy. Partners might be forced to take sides. by Lee Pender
Clash of Titans: Microsoft's SaaS Play Microsoft's next version of CRM software, code-named "Titan," will reveal the company's competitive response to Salesforce.com and its approach to Software as a Service. by Scott Bekker
Dynamic Destiny Microsoft's move to standardize its enterprise-applications suite offers both opportunity and challenges for partners that sell those solutions. by Lauren Gibbons Paul
Ready, Set, Launch! SharePoint and Vista implementations head the list of opportunities that Microsoft's new product wave offers partners -- but taking advantage of them requires careful preparation. by Paul Desmond

February 2007
Preaching Convergence Microsoft is finally getting real about a one-stop strategy for e-mail, voice mail, IM and Web conferencing -- and that's creating plenty of opportunities for partners. by Lauren Gibbons Paul
Turning the Corner The Microsoft Small Business Specialist Community's enrollments and brand awareness are weak. But some members are profiting already, and signs of improvement abound. by Rich Freeman
From the Ground Up By forming their own grassroots groups, partners find power in numbers. by Cindy Atoji
Secrets from the Winners' Circle Want to take home a Microsoft Partner Award? Try this insider advice from past recipients. by Polly Traylor

January 2007
Partnering for Profitability What Microsoft's Partner Team is doing to boost your bottom line. by Scott Bekker
Vendor Consolidation With a few key strategies, partners can maximize profitability by leveraging the constant and sometimes disruptive force of vendor consolidation. by Lee Pender
Caught in the Crossfire of Internal Politics Fed up with your client's in-house turf wars? This advice from the trenches will help you survive even the toughest of battles. by Fred Bayles
Go Pro! Technology spending in the professional services industry is on the rise. Here's how Microsoft partners can get in on the action. by Rich Freeman

December 2006
Marching Orders for 2007 New software from Microsoft, new avenues for partner growth. Advice from Microsoft executives and channel luminaries on how to maximize partner opportunies in 2007.
Start Your Search Engines Search-engine optimization is serious business. If you're doing it wrong, you're probably leaving money on the table. by Keith Ward
Looking for Leads Online Microsoft's goal for its online Solution Finder directory is to drive a million partner leads per month. Is it the right tool for your company? by Scott Bekker
Best Practices: Innovation Innovation: What's in a word? The definition varies from person to person, but there are a few sure-fire ways to make sure a project ends with celebration rather than frustration. by Fred Bayles

November 2006
Partners in Security Microsoft hasn't always had a great reputation for keeping things safe. The company hopes to change that impression and its partner relationships with a serious move into the enterprise security market. by Lee Pender
Software as a Service: You're Not in This Alone As SaaS picks up steam, more resources are coming online to help with the transition to on-demand delivery. by Keith Ward
Finance It! Partners land bigger deals and report better cash flow from steering customers toward Microsoft's seldom-used financing program. by Scott Bekker
Mergers & Acquisitions: A Survival Guide Experienced hands suggest keeping surprises to a minimum and staying sensitive to cultural challenges. by Fred Bayles

October 2006
Keeping a Safe Distance from Microsoft ISVs need to stay close to Microsoft -- but not too close. Here's how to be an effective partner without giving away too much. by Lee Pender
On the Campaign Trail Microsoft has replaced its 'go-to-markets' with customer campaigns. What does the switch mean for partners? by Rich Freeman
Branding 101 Think you can afford to ride on the coattails of the Microsoft name? Think again. You need to promote your own brand, too. by Lauren Gibbons Paul
Best Practices: Learning to Love the Deal Top-notch negotiators aren't born with that talent; they develop it by practice. Here's how to sharpen your own skills before you ever sit down at the table. by Fred Bayles

September 2006
Microsoft's New U.S. Channel Chief A Q&A with Robert Deshaies by Scott Bekker
Microsoft Consulting in Your Corner While boosting Microsoft's consulting investments, SVP Rick Devenuti is engaged in an unprecedented campaign to reassure skittish partners that they will keep their dominant role in enterprise services. by Scott Bekker
Fishing for Venture Capital Researching VC firms, getting ready for their questions and practicing on B-list players clear the way for landing the right investment partner. by Edward O'Connor
Taking the Plunge Most service providers have no shortage of great product ideas. Here's how to make a big splash as a software vendor. by Paul Desmond
The Quest for Supply Chain Riches Microsoft's share of the supply chain market may be tiny now, but the company sees massive promise on the horizon ? with great benefits for partners. by Doug Barney
Knocked a-SKU Microsoft believes its SKU program for packaging services will see a payoff in three years. One down, two to go ... by Scott Bekker

August 2006
Strike It Rich: How Partners Can Tap Microsoft's Upcoming Releases Now Brand new technologies in Microsoft's upcoming product wave could spell opportunity for creative partners by Scott Bekker and Lee Pender
The Sky's The Limit as a Microsoft Supplier Joining the elite ranks of Microsoft's suppliers can be highly lucrative, but you've got to play by Redmond's rules. Here's how. by Doug Barney
Virtual Projects, Real Results Long-distance collaboration can generate big savings -- or big problems. Here's how to get the best from virtual project management. by Fred Bayles
What Makes Venture Capitalists Tick Venture capitalists are far less visible these days, but with the right approach, you can still woo them -- and win their support. by Edward O'Connor

July 2006
The Importance of Being Microsoft Microsoft isn't just the world's most powerful software company. It's also the world's biggest brand. Here's why -- and what that means to partners. by Lee Pender
The Two Faces of the Microsoft Brand With a great brand name comes great partner responsibility. by Doug Barney
Dealing with Microsoft Haters Microsoft may be the world's best-known brand, but it's not necessarily the best-loved. Here are ways to overcome deal-busting objections. by Anne Stuart
Making the Grade In 2003, Microsoft announced a sweeping, risky overhaul of its partner program. Three years later, many partners give the changes passing marks. by Rich Freeman

June 2006
Best Buy's Small Business Offensive In a move that's making some Microsoft partners jittery, the retail giant plans to double the number of stores targeting SMBs this year. by Scott Bekker
Getting Serious about ERP Microsoft has finally put together a strategy for its Dynamics business applications and is pumping major resources into the product line. Partners need to be ready for what's coming. by Lee Pender and Vicki Powers
Going for the Gold Partners say that making the jump from Certified to Gold Certified is worth the effort -- but not necessarily for the reasons that Microsoft emphasizes. by Rich Freeman
One Hat or Many? Can your IT services company be a generalist and a specialist? by Ted Dinsmore

May 2006
Cultivating Your Business From organic growth to M&As to staying small -- our special report covers all the options.
You Can Grow Your Own Way Companies have to find their own paths to expansion, but lots of flexibility and a few best practices can make the road a lot less rocky. by Lee Pender
Buying Your Way to Growth How mergers and acquisitions can put your company on the fast track. by Paul Desmond
They Might Not Be Giants Staying small is an unconventional business strategy -- but for some Microsoft partners, it's exactly the right choice. by Anne Stuart
Small Businesses, Big Spenders Upselling tightfisted SMBs is easier than you might think -- if you know the right ways to go about it. by Rich Freeman
Taking the Mystery out of Software Development Some partners are restructuring their businesses around Visual Studio 2005 Team System. Should you do the same? by Scott Bekker
Never Let Them Go Finding superstar employees is just the first step. Smart partner companies do everything in their power to keep them as well. by Fred Bayles

April 2006
Navigating Microsoft Microsoft is a massive, complex organization. Finding your way through it isn't easy, but savvy partners know it's essential to their success.? by Rich Freeman
Defining the Digital Decade Bill Gates has been chatting up the concepts of 'digital lifestyle' and 'digital work style.' But what do these terms really mean -- especially for partners? by Lauren Gibbons Paul
Building a Lasting Partnership Partnerships can be powerful, and powerfully tricky. Follow these simple steps to put yours on a solid foundation.? by Lee Pender
Hire Power: Top Recruiting Tips Here are super ways to win the high-stakes competition to recruit top talent. by Fred Bayles
Reaching the Decision Maker Getting past voice mail is a challenge. Persistence, a message focused on your customer -- not you -- and recognizing the diffusion of decision-making power are key.? by Scott Bekker
Microsoft and Small Businesses: Still Too Little? Redmond has been reaching out to small businesses, but some partners say they're still getting mixed messages. by Anne Stuart

March 2006
Get Ready for Software as a Service Microsoft is bracing for a "services wave." But what will it mean for you? Here's what to expect -- and how to prepare by Rich Freeman
Meet SAM For partners serious about protecting their IT investments, software asset management can be a smart move indeed. by Anne Stuart
Fishing for Compliments: How to Land Great Customer References Partners and marketing experts answer five frequently asked questions about using a powerful piece of sales gear: the customer testimonial. by Rich Freeman
On Deck: The Microsoft Roadmap Microsoft is ready to unveil some heavy-hitting products in '06. by Scott Bekker
A Steady Flow When it comes to small-business cash flow management, it's wise to think -- and plan -- before you spend. by Polly Schneider Traylor

January 2006
Microsoft's Small Business Specialist Designation: What's in It for You? Plenty -- as long as you combine it with a solid strategy to overcome SMBs' inherent fear of investing in IT. by Joanna L. Krotz
Winning the Linux Wars Competing with Linux once filled Microsoft partners with dread, but now many are taking on the open source operating system with growing self-confidence -- and success. Here are the tactics for winning the fight. by Rich Freeman
High-Tech Test Beds Microsoft's sophisticated demonstration labs can be ideal settings for testing solutions -- and closing deals. Getting in isn't easy, though. Here's what you need to know. by Rich Freeman
Finding the Opportunity in Licensing Deepen your relationship with customers and Microsoft at the same time. by Scott Bekker
5 Keys to Selling with Microsoft in the Enterprise Microsoft's complex corporate reorganizations -- especially its recent enterprise sales force shakeup -- can be downright bewildering. These five tips can help you find your way through the maze of changes to keep your company on a steady, profitable course. by Joanne Cummings
The Security Paradox Though many experts credit Microsoft with making great strides on security, many customers still aren't satisfied. But how much of the problem is really Microsoft's fault? by Rich Freeman
Customer Contact: How Much Is Too Much? Everybody knows you need to reach out and touch your customers. The tricky part is figuring out just how often you can do so before you cross the line between attentive and annoying. by Fred Bayles

December 2005
SQL 2005: The Integrated Stack Is Back Is all this integration among Microsoft components good for customers? by Scott Bekker
Getting the Most out of SMS Tips and tricks from an SMS veteran to help you recoup your investment in Microsoft's System Management Server. by Greg Shields
Spyware Meets Its Match -- Almost Microsoft's anti-spyware tool works well enough, but some readers question its categorization and detection capabilities. by Joanne Cummings
Spies in Every Corner These tools help eliminate spyware, keep your systems clean and running efficiently and?most importantly?protect vital information. by Danielle Ruest and Nelson Ruest

November 2005
Get Set for SQL Server 2005 With improvements in business intelligence and development tools, on top of greatly enhanced performance, Microsoft's long-awaited database should present ample partner opportunity. by Joel Shore
7 Keys to Selling More Upgrades Microsoft may be its own greatest competitor, but you can convince customers to move on to new versions. Learn how to close that next upgrade opportunity. by Rich Freeman
Blueprint for Success From pre-sales to delivery to support, partners like Tim Hebert of Atrion Networking find that blueprinting their processes makes them more efficient?and profitable. by Joanne Cummings
Seal the Deal with ROI Proving that your solution will quickly pay for itself is crucial to landing more business. Here's how to come up with return-on-investment calculations that will help you gain customer trust and build lasting relationships. by Doug Barney
Delivering on the Promise Zoran Nikolic and GM Solutions, with a 200 percent increase in business, is but one Information Worker partner success story. Microsoft is looking for lots more. by Alison Diana
Grading Your Marketing and Sales If your marketing and sales efforts aren't hitting the mark, you may be missing out on opportunities. Here's how to assess their effectiveness and repair any damage. by Jeff Wuorio

October 2005
Smoke, but No Fire for TCO Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) is a concept touted by Microsoft and various Linux vendors as proof that their products are cheapest to run. But TCO claims aren't what they're cracked up to be, and most IT shops never use TCO, or just plain do it wrong. by Stuart J. Johnston
Test Drive a Better Browser These alternatives to Microsoft's Internet Explorer can add Web-browsing muscle, but they're not without potential problems. by Don Jones
Get Serious About Securing IE Internet Explorer is one of the most used products in nearly every environment, but most administrators know little about how to tune it for best performance and safety. by Greg Shields

September 2005
6 Essential Microsoft Partner Tools Reap the benefits of Microsoft's $1.7 billion investment in its Partner Program using these resources designed to help you do what you do best. by Joel Shore
Taking the Partner Pulse Our 2005 Partner Survey reveals members of the Microsoft Partner Program are mostly a happy, loyal lot. But there's room for improvement in areas ranging from pricing and licensing to accessibility and security. by Paul Desmond
And the Winner Is ... Competition for Microsoft's Partner Program Awards is fierce, but winners like Jason Martin of Navantis say the benefits far outweigh the costs?and that the secret to winning is no secret at all. by Rich Freeman
Microsoft Realigns PAMs to Help Partners Go Vertical Partners are generally receptive to the idea of streamlined account team regions and vertically focused partner account managers. by Kevin Ferguson
Solution Selling Matt Scherocman saw his profits soar after adopting the Microsoft Solution Selling sales methodology. Here's how you, too, can use it to cement customer relationships and boost profitability. by Joanne Cummings
Getting in the Groove Now that it's under the Microsoft umbrella, partners see a bright opportunity in Groove Networks' collaboration technology. by Hailey Lynne McKeefry

July 2005
Partnering for Success Teaming with other partners can help you solve more customer problems? and generate more revenue. Here's how to do it effectively. by Joel Shore
Getting Close to Microsoft Once he learned how to work the relationship, Terry Beck saw his Microsoft sales climb 200-fold. Learn how you, too, can get cozy with Microsoft. by Paul Desmond
A Change for the Better With few exceptions, members give thumbs up to the retooled Microsoft Partner Program, welcoming a new era of specialization and cooperation. by Kevin Ferguson
The Partners' Partner Allison Watson, head of the Microsoft Partner Program, tackles issues from licensing and marketing to program changes, while offering her take on how to get the most out of Microsoft -- and grow your business. by Paul Desmond
Selling -- and Profiting -- from SA While controversial and sometimes confusing, Microsoft's Software Assurance (SA) licensing program can be a lucrative revenue stream for your business. The trick is learning the ins and outs and explaining them to potential clients. by Doug Barney
Building a Core Competency Kevin Teder of Inrange Consulting knows that developing expertise in a chosen field can help grow his business. Learn how he and others chose sensible core competencies and developed the know-how to make them pay. by Kevin Ferguson
Truckin' for Customers The Microsoft Across America program helps partners score big with product demos aboard technology-laden RVs -- it's just a matter of knowing the ropes. by Joanne Cummings

June 2005
The Microsoft Survey Love Microsoft? Hate it? Somewhere in between? It's all of the above in the Redmond magazine survey of your attitudes toward the world's most important computer company. by Keith Ward
Enter the Longhorn PC System requirements proving hard to nail down; breakthroughs for some scenarios. by Scott Bekker
Desktop Linux: Ready for Prime Time? Several popular Linux distributions are poised to take on Windows on the corporate desktop. by Emmett Dulaney
NetMeeting: Still Going Strong Besides Web conferencing, readers have found many other uses for Microsoft's NetMeeting. by Steve Ulfelder
Longhorn: Big Hat, No Cattle? Microsoft is battling the perception that there's little to get excited about in the long-awaited and much-ballyhooed Longhorn. by Scott Bekker and Ed Scannell
Patching Made Simple Patching your servers is an art that takes time to master. Here's a paint-by-numbers kit to help you get started. by Greg Shields

May 2005
Managing in Isolation Remote management has never been a Microsoft strong suit, but Windows Server 2003 is helping users manage servers that no IT staff can touch. by Kevin Fogarty
The Good and the Bad of MBSA Microsoft's free vulnerability scanner works well?as long as you don't have to stretch it too far. by Joanne Cummings
Keep an Eye on Those Servers The right server management tool closely monitors your network and offers proactive responses to most common problems. by Danielle Ruest and Nelson Ruest
Content Cops Many businesses expect IT to use the equivalent of a radar gun and monitor employees for infractions. But laying down the law can have serious repercussions, both for employees and the IT departments doing the watching. by Becky Nagel
6 Steps to a Simpler Network There's a saying in IT that "complexity is the enemy of security." It's also the enemy of efficiency, troubleshooting and other critical network functions. Here are six ways to untangle that crowded web you've weaved. by Bill Heldman
7 Tips for MOM Advice from an in-the-trenches expert for getting the most out of Microsoft Operations Manager. by Tim Cornett

April 2005
SA Exposed Customers have few kind words for Microsoft's Software Assurance, and even fewer good choices for upgrades. by Doug Barney
6 Reasons to Consider Apache Even though IIS gets more secure with each generation, having at least a few Apache Web servers in your shop makes sense. by Scott Bekker
Exchange Storage Rules: 15 Ways to Simplify, Solidify and Save Exchange Server 2003 offers advances in scalability, allowing for dramatic server and storage consolidation efforts?if it's properly configured. These best practices will send you in the right direction. by Doug Barney
7 Terminal Services Tips Terminal Services is a lot like poker?anyone can play, but it takes smarts and strategy to play well. These seven tips will make you a shark. by Greg Shields
Open 24 Hours: Load Balancing The proper level of load balancing services can ensure consistent availability of Web services. by Danielle Ruest and Nelson Ruest
MOM 2005 Feels the Love Readers generally like what they see in the 2005 makeover of Microsoft Operations Manager, citing improved usability, better reporting and expanded monitoring. by Steve Ulfelder

March 2005
Microsoft Math As Longhorn looms, we examine Microsoft's track record in hitting product ship dates and offer advice for coping with the inevitable. by Paul Desmond
Stop Spam Now These 10 anti-spam software solutions can help you stop spam in its tracks, restore lost productivity and save money and time. by David W. Tschanz
Dumb and Dumber This veteran penetration tester has seen some stupid security lapses in his time. Here are six of the worst. by Ira Winkler
Think Sun With Microsoft animosity behind him, CEO Scott McNealy explains why Windows shops should consider his alternative desktop approach. by Doug Barney and Paul Desmond
Windows NT: Hard to Kill Official Microsoft support is no more, but WCVB-TV's Rick Zach and lots of other users are sticking with their NT servers and piecing together support options. by Stuart J. Johnston

February 2005
SP2: More Ammo for the Security Battle Rollout pain aside, users laud the long overdue enhancements that SP2 brings to IE, along with new GPOs, RPC lockdown and more. by Stephen Swoyer
Talk Among Yourselves A private IM environment may be just the answer to give your company all the benefits of IM while mitigating the inherent security risks. by Don Jones
The 10 Essential Rules of Patch Management The more work you put in up front, the easier it will be to get and stay current when the patches hit. by Doug Barney
Real-World GPMC Troubleshooting The Group Policy Management Console can be a powerful troubleshooting too?if you know how to use it. by Gary Olsen
Microsoft's $11 Billion Man Jeff Raikes, head of Microsoft's Information Worker unit, expounds on Office, Software Assurance and the changing nature of life at work. by Doug Barney

January 2005
Best of the Best 2005 Redmond Magazine Readers' Choice Survey: Find out how your favorite tool fared as nearly 2,200 readers pick their favorites in more than 40 product categories. by Lafe Low
Valid ID Required Fighting spam requires authenticating e-mail addresses on the fly. Despite igniting a battle of its own, the Microsoft-backed Sender ID spec is shaping up as the best option. by Karen Epper Hoffman
Intrusion Interrupted We test three software-based intrusion detection systems that can help alert you when you've got barbarians at the gate. by Wes Noonan
Users Latch on to SQL Reporting Tool SQL Server Reporting Services earns solid if not stellar marks from early adopters?and you can't beat the price. by Stephen Swoyer

December 2004
You're Fired Ditch your server dead weight: Consolidate to streamline management. by Danielle Ruest and Nelson Ruest
Storage Gets Slim Forget about low-carb diets. Storage consolidation is the new craze hitting the fat-conscious world. by Chris Wolf
E-Mail Central Exchange 2003 allows for a more consolidated e-mail architecture. Here's how to pull it off. by Bill Boswell
New Password Mantra: Go Long New hacking methods make short passwords unsafe, but Microsoft makes it tough to go long. Her's how to forge an effective policy. by Derek Melber

November 2004
RAP Traps Remote access policies are at the heart of remote access--and at the root of most problems. Learn how they work and avoid the mistakes that can lock out your remote users. by Todd Logan
Sweet Enticement Honey drops can help you detect attacks in progress--without sticking you with false positives. by Mark Burnett and James C. Foster
5 Essential Scripts Time is money and money is tight, but these five scripts can help any admin get more done every day. by Greg Shields
ISA 2004 Passes the Test Early adopters laud GUI, VPN and administration features. by Stephen Swoyer
Grunt Work Keeping systems patched is time-consuming and laborious, but it's crucial. Here are seven tools that can help you automate the process. by David W. Tschanz

October 2004
An Ounce of Prevention Disaster recovery planning can be worth a lot more than a pound of cure when your network goes down. by Laura E. Hunter
Virtual Servers in the Real World Server consolidation may be a necessary evil, but either Virtual Server 2005 or GSX Server can ease the pain. by Don Jones
SharePoint Gets (Mostly) Top Marks Once clear of the administrative learning curve, users give SPS 2003 high marks for ease of use and integration features. by Stephen Swoyer
Bill 2.0: 5-Year Performance Review Microsoft watchers give Bill Gates mixed reviews for his performance since relinquishing the CEO title to become Chief Software Architect. by Keith Ward and Scott Bekker
Time to Dump IE? Internet Explorer is a hacker's dream. Can you (and should you) drop it right now? by Don Jones
Following Microsoft's Money Changes to campaign finance laws mean a larger percentage of Microsoft political contributions now go to Democrats, but the company remains a force in both parties. by Scott Bekker

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