11 Interesting Sessions at WPC

• Keep updated with the latest WPC news at RCP's WPC 2011 page here.

We blogged on Monday that although registration for the Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference was underway, session information was a little behind schedule. Since then, Microsoft has posted details on 48 sessions coming to WPC in July.

That's probably less than a quarter of the total number of sessions that will be held, but a few sessions are already catching our attention. In no particular order, here are 11 interesting sessions on the schedule for WPC '11 in Los Angeles.

1. "Deep Dive: Crescent"
Crescent is a new BI interactive visualization tool for business users. Live data linked through PowerPoint in a feature called Storyboarding? Pretty cool.

2. "Deep Dive: The Value of SQL Server Denali in Large Accounts"
Interesting topic. Better still, the session description promises: "Several demos and no marketing."

3. "Scaling Your Database in the Cloud: SQL Azure"
According to the description, the session will look at real-world situations and cover tuning for experience and performance. Time permitting, the session may also touch on SQL Azure's new reporting capabilities.

4.-7. "Seizing the Business Mobility Opportunity with Windows Phone"
An introductory class in the Windows Phone track, Microsoft is expecting the session to be so popular that they've scheduled it twice. This is one of many sessions on Windows Phone already on the agenda. Other interesting titles include "Grow Your SharePoint and Exchange Business with Windows Phone" and "The 5 Things You Need to Know about Developing Successful Windows Phone Solutions." One called "Best Practices to Take to Market and Monetize Your Windows Phone Solution" might be heavily attended by Microsoft employees, given the company's relaxed moonlighting rules.

8. "Industry: Disrupt, Compete and Succeed by Enabling LoB Solutions and Applications in the Cloud with Windows Azure!"
For some partners, "disrupt" is a scary word. For others, it's an exciting word. Both groups might want to hit this session.

9. "IW: Delivering the Future of Productivity to Your Customers with Microsoft Office 365"
Looks like a good entry-level session for partners who haven't started selling Microsoft's cloud offerings yet (which would be most partners).

10. "Server & Tools: Making it Rain with Clouds"
The topic is partner profitability with full cloud solutions on Microsoft's infrastructure products, System Center and private cloud. The session description adds: "We'll explore the benefits of obtaining a Gold competency in Cloud or Virtualization." There is no Cloud competency, yet. Typo or leak?

11. "IW: Introducing Microsoft Lync"
A U.S. Partner track course on the follow-on product to Microsoft Office Communications Server.

Check out Microsoft's initial session list at Digital WPC.

Posted by Scott Bekker on March 29, 2011