Microsoft Small Business Server 2000, Part 8
by Andy Goodman
SBS Partner Training Update
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 signup ASAP. This is very elementary training so if you already have experience installing SBS2000 you won't gain much knowledge from the course, but they are currently giving each attendee a coupon for an NFR copy of SBS2000 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. No you can't sell the NFR and then claim the rebate.
I went and took the 5 hour training 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 6 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
Also there is a section 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 Reviewed right here.
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 gotcha's to the course handout. He sounded optimistic about getting them included for the 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 to be eligible for the rebate and listing in the partner locator discussed below.
SBS Channel Program
If you sell and support SBS for a living check out the details to 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 knowledge specifically about 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 people looking for SBS support can find you.
Since I posted the paragraph above last time I have gotten a number of questions repeatedly, so here is some clarification.
Question 1, Do I have to sell the software and the service to qualify?
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.
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 with of services, you will receive $500. If you provide $1000 worth of
services, you will receive $500 worth of rebate.
Question 4, If they already have SBS2000 and I
reinstall it or do some major work can I collect the rebate
No, the work has to preformed
during the eligible period 8/1/2002 - 1/31/2003 and tied
to a sale of SBS2000 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 you can find it HERE
A great book on SBS 2000 by Harry Brelsford, read the REVIEW
Other areas of SBS interest at
SWYNK.com
WINDOWS SERVER AREA,
EXCHANGE AREA,
SQL AREA
Microsoft's SBS News Groups HERE
Black Vipers Description of Windows Services 2000 Version and XP Version
