Southern Alberta Microsoft User Community

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2008-09-14T11:22:00.003-06:00

Event Reminder - Arlin Sorensen

2008-05-27T06:07:00.002-06:00

Just a quick reminder that Arlin Sorensen from Heartland Technologies from Harlan, Iowa will be our guest at this week’s SAMUC (Southern Alberta Microsoft User Community) event held at Popcorn Technologies (6016 3rd Street SW) in Calgary.

Arlin is a well respected Small Business industry expert with a great vision of what Small Business IT Pro’s need to be doing today to prepare for what is going to happen in our industry tomorrow.

Your investment is $20.00 for the event, and food is served (Marni’s awesome Beef on a Bun)...

Register at http://www.samuc.com/, you will see the registration link on the left side of the page...

Event starts at 6:30 PM on Thursday.

May 22 - EBS Event

2008-05-08T11:47:00.001-06:00

Hi Members of SAMUC

Nexient has come on as a sponsor of SAMUC and they are providing a member of our User Community a chance to win a one week course from Nexient as a door prize for our May 22nd event. You need to register and be present to win this 5 day course worth around $2300.00

See you at the event!

Special May Event - Essential Business Server with Mitch Garvis and Constanza Zalba

2008-05-07T04:36:00.006-06:00

Have you heard about Windows Essential Business Server? EBS is a new offering from Microsoft that is like Small Business Server but for clients with up to 300 users. This is a great transition from those clients that are out growing SBS and need some different.

EBS is a whole different ballgame and this is first opportunity to see EBS in Calgary. Come on out to a very special meeting with SAMUC and Microsoft.

About our Presenters

Speaker - Constanza Zalba
Product Manager SBS and EBS, Microsoft Canada Co.

Constanza Zalba is the Product Manager for Servers in the SMB space for Microsoft Canada holding responsibility for Small Business Server and the up-and- coming Essential Business Server. She has been with Microsoft for four years – spending 2.5 years within the Partner Marketing group where she found her passion for the SMB partner community. She joined the Server Product Group at Microsoft Canada in the summer of 2007 and is looking forward to launching SBS 2008 and EBS 2008 alongside the partner community. For more info, visit www.microsoft.ca/serversolutions

Speaker- Mitch Garvis
Senior Technical Consultant & Trainer, InFront Consulting Group

Mitch is an IT Trainer with a passion for community. Having founded and led two major Canadian user groups for IT Professionals he understands both the value and rewards of helping his peers.

After several years as a consultant and in-house IT Pro for companies in Montreal, he now works with InFront Consulting Group creating and delivering training for Microsoft to its partners and clients around the world. He has contributed to the creation of several exams for Microsoft Learning. Mitch holds numerous Microsoft certifications and has lectured on the value of the program.

He is a Microsoft Certified Trainer, and has been recognized for his community work with the prestigious Microsoft Most Valuable Professional award.
This meeting will be held at Popcorn Technologies, 6016 3rd Street SW in Calgary. We are looking at having Microsoft sponsor this event as well. Register online today at https://www.clicktoattend.com/invitation.aspx?code=128654

June Event - SBS 2008 Technical Review with Jason Miller

2008-05-05T15:53:00.004-06:00

The Southern Alberta Microsoft User Community is hosting a technical demo of Small Business Server 2008 with Jason Miller. This session will include technical demonstrations to expose the features found in this latest Windows Server 2008 based Small Business solution that is coming to market in the second half of 2008.

What are we going to cover in this SBS 2008 session?

· The usual SBS suspects: overview, setup, administration and management.
· Migration scenarios: how do we get into SBS 2008?
· Branch Offices and Read Only Domain Controllers.
· Where’s my firewall? SBS 2008 goes single-nic only, and firewall solutions!

If we have time and audience interest, we can touch on EBS 2008, the mid-market server solution recently added to the Windows Essential Server Solution family.

We are meeting at the Microsoft office in downtown Calgary. The location is the 19th floor of the Altius tower at 500 4th Ave SW. Be early to avoid confusion on the elevators.

Register today at https://www.clicktoattend.com/invitation.aspx?code=128611

Cost $20.00

Giveaways are available and there will be a special door prize!

About our speaker - Jason Miller

Who is Jason?

Jason is an IT Pro living in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada where he volunteers as the leader of the Winnipeg IT Professionals community user group and works as a Systems Consultant at Broadview Networks. Broadview Networks specializes in advanced IT infrastructure solutions, and is recognized as a leading Microsoft Gold Certified Partner in Canada and is one of the fastest growing businesses in Manitoba.

Jason is a Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP) in the Windows Server System - Small Business Server community. His MVP profile can be found at: https://mvp.support.microsoft.com/profile/miller.

Windows SBS 2008 and EBS Technical Training in Calgary

2008-05-01T21:42:00.002-06:00

About the Training:

Introducing a family of server solutions built specifically for small and midsize businesses: the highly-anticipated Small Business Server 2008 and the new Essential Business Server 2008.
Small Business Server (SBS) 2008 will prove to be a most significant release for technology partners. This new product is built on the highly anticipated Windows Server® 2008, add to that Exchange Server 2007 and Windows® SharePoint® Server 3.0 along with all the tools and wizards you have come to expect. Learn about the enhancements in Remote Web Workplace and more.

Windows Essential Business Server (EBS) 2008 is a new, integrated server infrastructure solution that includes Windows Server 2008, Exchange Server 2007, Forefront™ Security for Exchange, System Center Essentials, the next version of ISA Server and SQL Server® 2008. EBS will integrate multiple technologies into a single solution that will be easier to deploy and manage.

When and Where:
Calgary – June 10, 2008

Training Target Audience:

System Integrators, Resellers, System Builders.

Prerequisites:

Organization focused on delivering advanced infrastructure Solutions, networking infrastructure solutions and/or small business solutions highly recommended. Attendees must have deployed Small Business Server and Windows Server.

Session Agenda:

We will be taking a consultative approach to our content delivery by using a 30% presentations in PowerPoint® to 70% Demo ratio.

Note: The product content focus will be split into: 2/3 SBS 2008 and 1/3 EBS 2008.

The 200-level workshops will cover the following topic areas:

Small Business Server 2008 (3 workshops)
· Overview, Set Up, Migration
· Messaging & Collaboration
· Administration & Management

Essential Business Server 2008 (3 workshops)
· Overview, Set Up, Migration
· Administration & Management
· Implementation Differences from Standalone Products

*all sessions are presented in English

Questions?

Please forward your questions to cdnplc@microsoft.com

Small Business Specialist Only Event - Calgary

2008-04-30T10:11:00.002-06:00

Join us for a half- day session exclusively for Microsoft Small Business Specialists Community members. You`ll get an early look at Windows Small Business Server 2008 and Essential Business Server 2008. Plus, a re-fresher on the licensing programs that will help you sell the launching products.

Register today at http://www.microsoft.com/canada/events/event_details.aspx?event_id=1032377079

Microsoft Partner Conference - Are you going?

2008-04-26T12:18:00.003-06:00

Reasons why you need to be there!

“If you are serious about partnering, there is only one place to go this year—the Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference 2008. Let’s do business together in Houston.”

Per Werngren
President , IAMCP

“As a Microsoft Small Business Specialist and Gold Certified Partner, attendance in the Worldwide Partner Conference enables us to link up with other partners across all sockets and geographical boundaries, to share experiences, learn best practices, and most importantly understand the direction that Microsoft is going for the next year so we can align our efforts with theirs. We do receive a competitive advantage by attending WPC, do you want to lead or follow next year?”

Stuart Crawford
Director, Business Development
IT Matters Inc.
Calgary, AB

Register online today at https://partner.microsoft.com/global/40018508

Registration in now open for May's SAMUC Event

2008-04-24T20:01:00.002-06:00

Hello all members and friends of the Southern Alberta Microsoft User Community, we have opened registration for our May 29th event with Arlin Sorensen. Arlin will be joined by Scott Scrogin from Heartland Technologies and Brad Schow from Compudyne in Duluth, MN.

This is a SAMUC event you don't want to miss.

Dinner will be $20.00 per person and registration is now open at http://www.samuc.com

See you at the end of May

Stuart Crawford
SAMUC

Energize IT Certification Bootcamp

2008-04-23T15:06:00.000-06:00

National User Group Tour
Presented by Your Canadian User Groups

With new products being launched, new technologies being introduced and increased pressure to ensure security across the board, it’s hard to know what the best way is to get up to speed and make sure you’re ready for this wave of opportunity. And even if you do know your “stuff”, how to prove that to your boss or clients?

Join us at the Energize IT Certification Bootcamp where we will take you through hot topics such as Windows Server 2008 and Virtualization Security as presented at this year's Energize IT event in Toronto and discuss certification paths available along with tips and suggestions on how to approach exams. Be ready ahead of the curve and show what you know through certification.

By joining us at this event, you will have the opportunity to choose a certification study kit from one of the following four books:

1. MCSA/MCSE Self-Paced Training (Exam 70-299):
Implementing and Administering Security in a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network
2. MCTS Self-Paced Training Kit (Exam 70-640):
Configuring Windows Server 2008 Active Directory
3. MCTS Self-Paced Training Kit (Exam 70-642):
Configuring Windows Server 2008 Network Infrastructure
4. MCTS Self-Paced Training Kit (Exam 70-643):
Configuring Windows Server 2008 Applications Infrastructure

*The quantities per city are limited and based on a first come, first serve basis. Arrive early to avoid disappointment.

Register today at http://msevents.microsoft.com/CUI/EventDetail.aspx?EventID=1032376683&Culture=en-CA

SharePoint Training in Calgary

2008-04-17T08:01:00.003-06:00

Nexient Learning is one of Canada's leading CPLS partners and they are hosting a SharePoint training event in Calgary for all Microsoft SBSC Partners.

The course is the 5060 SharePoint accelerated course on May 6 & 8 Details are in the link below.

http://www.nexientlearning.com/SBS70%2D631/

Small Business Specialist Exam Certification Training

2008-04-10T19:22:00.002-06:00

Take the prep class and help prepare for the exam!

Want to achieve the Microsoft Small Business Specialist (SBSC) Designation, Take the first step,

Register Today! http://www.nexientlearning.com/SBS70-631

Overview:

Nexient is offering a unique format for the delivery of 5060 – Implementing Microsoft Windows SharePoint Services 3.0. We heard your feedback and Nexient has condensed the course from 2 days in the classroom to being offered as 2 evening sessions. These sessions will help participants gain the level of competency to write exam 70-631 “Configuring Windows® SharePoint® Services 3.0.”

This program includes:

Microsoft Official Curriculum for course 5060 – Implementing Microsoft Windows SharePoint Services 3.0
MeasureUp test preparation for Microsoft exam 70-631
Follow up Exam Preparation Live Meeting session with live instructor
**Exam voucher included for the 70-631 exam (valid until June 30, 2008

Microsoft has arranged for you to receive the training for only $349.00 CAD. + Applicable taxes (That’s savings for you of over $850.00 CDN.) Act Today! ONLY 12 spots per city

About the Training:

In this condensed course, the instructor will review the following subject areas:

How the Windows SharePoint Services 3.0-based platform helps address collaboration challenges
Planning the Windows SharePoint Services 3.0-based Environment
Installing Windows SharePoint Services 3.0
Identifying the most appropriate method to upgrade Windows SharePoint Services from 2.0 to 3.0 in a given scenario
Managing Windows SharePoint Services 3.0

This course is meant to help prepare students for exam 70-631 by performing a review of topics that will be covered on the exam. This course is not intended as complete training to pass the exam, rather it is a review or culmination of experiences that refine the student’s knowledge as final preparation for the exam.

When & Where:

Vancouver – May 6 & 8, 2008
Calgary – May 6 & 8, 2008
Montreal – May 6 & 8, 2008
Mississauga – May 6 & 8, 2008
Toronto – May 6 & 8, 2008

NOTE: Evening sessions will be conducted from 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays in the same week.

Who should attend:

The audience is expected to have at least two years of experience in implementing, managing, and supporting Microsoft Windows Server 2003, including Internet Information Services (IIS).

Registration:

Register today with Nexient for only $349.00 CAD + applicable taxeshttp://www.nexientlearning.com/SBS70-631

DemoCamp Calgary Next Tuesday - April 8th

2008-03-31T17:37:00.002-06:00

DemoCamp Calgary is being held next Tuesday at Melrose Cafe on 17th Ave SW. Melrose Cafe is located in the heart of the Red Mile. The event starts at 6:30 PM.

What is DemoCamp?

It's an ad-hoc gathering born from the desire for people to share and learn in an open environment. It's typically a monthly event, and features 4 live demos, followed by discussion and interaction from participants. DemoCamps typically last between 1.5 and 2 hours.

There aren't a lot of rules, but the rules we have are set in stone.

Rule #1: You must talk about DemoCamp. Tell your friends, and bring someone interesting to the next event.

Rule #2: No powerpoint or slideshow allowed. Why no .ppt? Well, do you have working software or don't you?

Rule #3: Demos are not a second over 10 minutes each. Short and sweet! And follow with Q&A for about 3-4 minutes max.

Rule #4: There are no rules. We'll continue to do what's right for the community.

Register at http://barcampcalgary.com/events/?event_id=2

July Event - Get into the Groove with Elisabeth Vanderveldt

2008-03-26T21:29:00.003-06:00

Office Groove 2007 is a collaboration software program that helps teams work together dynamically and effectively, even if team members work for different organizations, work remotely, or work offline. Working in Groove workspaces saves time, increases productivity, and strengthens the quality of team deliverables. Office Groove 2007 is just one example of how the 2007 Microsoft Office system helps teams and organizations collaborate more effectively.

Our Speaker

Ms. Elisabeth VanderVeldt - Groove MVP

An industry vet of over 20 years I am currently focusing on the latest Office technologies. As VP Business Development and a founder of Conamex Intl., I purposely dig into products like Groove, Sharepoint (MOSS) and Vista because the best product evangelist is one who can install and configure a product blindfolded but more importantly can think like the customer and present it as a solution rather than a technology. For that and our high touch customer service, I am proud to say our company has won some major awards in the last 2 years.

I am delighted to be a Groove MVP. Ever since I started playing with this software I saw a huge potential in both the enterprise and SMB market. I currently have a budding blog on Groove and am working with Jean-Michel Davault (a true Groove guru)in France to create the largest Groove community and to also incorporate this into my chairmanship at IAMCP for Global Corporate Citizenship.

I am also a very active member, VP and international chair of IAMCP (http://www.iamcp.org/). Our global network represents over 3000 Microsoft partners in over 24 countries and is growing daily. IAMCP uses Groove now to run our entire Canadian board and is also being supported for several other teams.

All the top Microsoft Gold partners in Canada are now Groove users and adopters and we also have the global SBSC PALs group using this format as well.

Date: July 16, 2008

Time: 6 PM to 8:30 PM

Where: Popcorn Technologies, 6016 3rd Street SW

June Event - The Benefits of the International Association of Microsoft Certified Partners

2008-03-20T12:36:00.003-06:00

Who is the IAMCP?

The International Assosiation of Microsoft Certified Partners (IAMCP) represents Microsoft´s best of breed partners from around the globe. Our organization was formed in 1994 and provides Microsoft Partners a voice into Microsoft programs, to the IT community at large, as well as a vehicle to facilitate mutual growth and business development among partners. The non-profit organization is operated by an annually elected board of directors, an is funded through membership fees and sponsor grants.

P PARTNER-TO-PARTNER NETWORKING

P2P for business success
IAMCP is the establisched leader in P"P business networking for the Microsoft ecosystem. We are the hub of partner activity with thousands of members in countries all around the world. Nearly 100 chapters strong, we provide networking activities and events on a regular basis for members. Every day an IAMCP activity is taking place somewhere in the world.

A ADVOCACY

A united voice reaching to Microsoft, partners, legislators, and the media
When Microsoft wants input on program changes, they know where to turn. When legislative decisions impact our businesses, we speak out. IAMCP lends its support tol Voices for Innovation (http://www.voicesforinnovation.org/) to help shape how our industry operates and succeeds. Our Standards and Innovation Committe provides guidelines to our members.

C COMMUNITY

Serving our community through technology and humanitarian efforts
Support to a vast array of non-profits, funds for unexpected disasters like Hurricane Katrina and environmental causes bring partners together to ensure the future of our planet. Business owners and their staff demonstrate good Corporate Citizenship, working together provides technology, funding or sweat equity.

E EDUCATION AND GROWTH

Programs to grow the capability and capacity aligned with partner and Microsoft needs.
Partnes readiness in a business context means more than early training on the latest Microsoft product launch. It also includes business planning, sales acumen, product and marketing capabilities, personnel management, financial resources, mentoring, and sharing best practices.

Come on out and join us for the Calgary Partnering Event on "Partnering for Profitability", this is a very important item in the uncertain economic times we live in today. IAMCP is the vehicle for Microsoft Partners to come together and build a community that shares, collaborates, and builds a solid foundation.

Why Join?

Our mission is to maximize business opportunities for our memebers through networking and relationship building with local Microsoft offices. It´s also a way to join with other professionals to impact the future of our industry. Chapter membership fosters personal relationships that lead to mutual business opportunities. Whether you are a Classic, Dynamics or Registred partner, the large numbers of member companies provide a rich array of non competing service provides a great opportunity for those member companies without direct Microsoft Partner Account Management to work more closely with the local Microsoft office.

Date: June 18, 2008

Time: 6 - 8:30 PM

Where: Popcorn Technologies, 6016 3rd Street SW

Registration: http://www.clicktoattend.com/invitation.aspx?code=127004

Secure Your Microsoft Environment

2008-03-11T11:20:00.003-06:00

Security is critically important to any size business. This we know is true. How many businesses and IT Professionals approach security is a great topic for discussion and this is exactly what we will discuss on April 24, 2008. Join the Southern Alberta Microsoft User Community and SonicWALL as we discuss options available to securing your Microsoft environments.

SonicWALL offers great security solutions that can protect the smallest of networks right through to the largest of Enterprise corporations.

Solutions from SonicWALL include Unified Threat Management (UTM) Firewalls, SPAM Protection with EMail Security and Continious Data Protection with their CDP product line.

Mark Schulstad, SonicWALL's NW Region Territory Manager will be joining us to talk about how SonicWALL fits into securing our Microsoft based networks.

Date: April 24, 2008
Time: 6 - 8:30 PM
Location: Popcorn Technologies, 6016 3rd Street SW, Calgary, AB
Cost: This event is no charge

Register at http://www.clicktoattend.com/invitation.aspx?code=126576

May 29th - An Evening with Arlin Sorensen

2008-03-01T18:44:00.004-07:00

Arlin is coming to Calgary to talk to our group on the status of the small business technology world. Arlin is the CEO of Heartland Technology Solutions from Harlan, IA. Arlin offers his experiences to small business IT partners through his peer groups and involvement in the community.

Arlin is just a plain old Iowa farmboy who loves technology. Fortunately he has been blessed with a job of putting the two together, living on the farm and leading his company - Heartland Technology Solutions. The real fun is the learning shared with peers. It is the relationships that make life worth living, and this industry is full of really awesome people. he is blessed every day!

Arlin Sorensen began his adventure into the computer world in 1982 with an Apple II+ computer. He founded The Computer Connection in 1985 to sell farm accounting packages and served as a single proprietor for the first 5 years. In 1990, along with his brother, they decided to form Sorensen's Computer Connection Inc. (SCCI). At that point he hired his first employee. During the 90's SCCI grew from one person to 36 as the company transitioned to commercial business and the PC platform. In late 2002, SCCI merged with Connecting Point Joplin and began operating under the name of Heartland Technology Solutions (HTS). Mid 2003 brought the acquisition of another major reseller in Ames, Iowa, along with several other small companies. In 2006, HTS merged with Business Computer Center with offices in Wichita, Newton and Hutchinson Ks and Muskogee Oklahoma.

About HTS

Today HTS is a regional technology solution provider headquartered in Harlan, Iowa on the family farm. There are currently 7 offices in 5 states. 75 people are employed today providing solutions in networking, document imaging, web hosting and design, electronic marketing, GPS, wireless, telephony and many other technologies. 2006 revenues for HTS exceeded $15M. Arlin still resides on the techno-farm near Harlan, Iowa, where the HTS headquarters is located.

HTS also hosts peer groups for partner companies under the name Heartland Tech Groups. There currently are 9 groups with 12 partner companies in each that meet quarterly to share best practices and set goals for achievement. Arlin is just wrapping up the Online version that ran from October to April.

Learn more about the HTG Peer Groups

Read Arlin's Blog

Registration

All important location information can be found by visiting the registration URL.

Visit https://www.clicktoattend.com/register.aspx?eventid=126069
Date: May 29th, 2008
Time: 6 - 8 PM
Location: Popcorn Technologies
Cost: $20.00 including dinner