Microsoft Partnering 101


How To Motivate Microsoft To Close Your Opportunities

A quick primer on how Microsoft's field salespeople are compensated -- and how you can make that knowledge work for you as a partner.

Dell, Microsoft Showcase Windows Server VDI Progress

Microsoft this week took part in the Dell World event to lay out various virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) capabilities enabled by Windows Server 2012 R2.

RCP's 2013 Wrap-Up: The 10 Most Popular Features of the Year

From our Windows 8 and Surface 2 reviews to our MPN roadmap, here are the in-depth articles RCPmag.com readers paid the most attention to this year.

SharePoint's Path to the Cloud Is Not a Straight Shot

Few dispute that SharePoint in the cloud is the future. The challenge for partners and customers is determining the best path to get there.

Details Emerge of Microsoft's Rumored 'Threshold' Product Wave

The Microsoft product release wave reportedly code-named "Threshold" comprises at least three future product "SKUs" (stock-keeping units) for Windows, according to a recent report.

Microsoft's SMB Partners Say Goodbye to Small Business Server

Time runs out on new sales of the venerable Windows Small Business Server this month. Having had plenty of warning, the SMB partner community is already moving on.

Windows 8.1 'Preview' Version To Expire in January

The Windows 8.1 "preview" beta release that became available in June will expire in January 2014, according to a Microsoft blog post.

Microsoft Updates Exchange 2013, Exchange 2010 SP3

Microsoft recently released Cumulative Update 3 (CU3) for Exchange Server 2013, as well as Update Rollup 3 (RU3) for Exchange Server 2010 Service Pack 3.

Surface 2: Microsoft Makes Strides in Hardware, but Not in Partner Opportunity

Microsoft refreshed its lineup of PC-tablet hybrids this fall with the Surface 2 and the Surface Pro 2. The hardware is compelling, but channel incentives are lagging.

Updated: Both DoJ and EU Approve Microsoft-Nokia Deal

Microsoft's proposed $7.2 billion acquisition of Nokia's handset business has received the approval of federal antitrust regulators.

Microsoft Offering Few Details on Recent Licensing Changes

Microsoft has not yet fully described its latest licensing changes, but organizations that specialize in translating the company's complex licensing offerings warned this week that they may include some unpleasant surprises for organizations.

Smarter Salespeople Use Maps

All successful salespeople are socially well connected within their communities.

Microsoft Reportedly Planning 'Threshold' Release Wave for 2015

Microsoft may be readying a spring 2014 update for Windows 8.1, as well as a wave of product releases for spring 2015, according to a report Monday by ZDNet's Mary Jo Foley.

Report: Microsoft Narrows List of CEO Contenders to Two

Alan Mulally and Satya Nadella have emerged as the two leading candidates to succeed outgoing Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer, according to a report by Bloomberg on Thursday.

Microsoft Releases Windows Azure BizTalk Services, Other Offerings

Microsoft recently beefed up its Windows Azure offerings, making some services generally available and others available as "previews."