Davesbs Blog

Well, first day in and the Microsoft Licensing Sales Specialist course is excellent!

Holy crap, did I just say that! I didn’t fall asleep once and even listened to the Enterprise stuff. Now feel ready for the exam though not in a ’salesy’ way. This was pure scenario based learning with real world insights and NOT death by powerpoint!

By far the best Microsoft training event I have been to! (and Angus from Amber Computing agreed!)

Actually really looking forward to tomorrow where we can drill down more into SBS cals etc.

Today I signed up for the 44IN006 – Intensive – Microsoft Licensing Sales Specialist Training event, held in the new Microsoft Headquarters in Edinburgh.

It didn’t seem to be on any of the normal Partner Training sites. However, it was announced on the Tartan Tech Blog which many Scottish partners may have missed or don’t subscribe to!

Check here for great news/updates on Microsoft Scottish Region stuff: http://blogs.technet.com/tartantech/default.aspx

Also, it was pointed out on the new Microsoft Partner Network by Alan Hamilton: http://www.microsoftpartnernetwork.com/members/Alan-Hamilton/default.aspx

I am sure other similar courses are being held around the country. Check with local offices or ask on the Partner Network to keep up with training.

Anyway, this is a two day 9-5 course….all about licensing!!!! help!

I did a one day course about a year or so ago and found it sometimes hard going. Much of the stuff was about enterprise agreements etc but this course looks much more SMB-ish and splits the days into Licensing Programs and Product Licensing.

Last course I did gave the MLSS accreditation at the end but again this new course seems more thought out and less salesy. I hope! Also the exam will need to be taken afterwards to gain the MLSS so it’s not so much of a turn up and get another title.

I don’t know about you but I think that Microsoft licensing is like being able to read music. Some people get it straight away but can’t really explain it to lesser mortals and us lesser mortals will never get it and give up

I will be asking for specific solutions to SBS/SMB licensing scenarios so if anyone wants me to raise anything at the training, just ping me.

Cheers

Just a heads up regards SBS 2008 RC0.

I and a few others are having issues with DNS (have a look on Microsoft Connect at your dashboard if you have the public preview and check the bug reports).

Every couple of days internet access flakes out. Testing from the router is fine, Ping and DNS diagnostics run fine. In my case the router is a Netgear Prosafe DGFV338.

Restarting the DNS services on the Server or re-running the Connect to the Internet Wizard (CTIW another new anacronym!) fixes the issue for a few days.

I was about to put in a bug report but searched first and found it was already reported on 30th June. Please always search the bug reports first, it will help streamline the bug hunt! The issue is being looked at and MSFT have not found it to be in their code. We look forward to a fix.

Call me strange but this gives me a warm and fuzzy feeling, being able to download previews and betas, see updates and bug reports and join relevant newsgroups all from a central MSFT Connect site!

It also feels good to be able finally to help shape the upcoming and great looking SBS 2008 product. So far it feels like light years ahead of SBS 2003. Various little things… you get the picture, sign-up for the preview and test if you haven’t already.

Also keep up with David Overton’s blog as he frequently posts about SBS 2008 and has screenshots of installs etc.

Cheers and happy bug reporting!