Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Launch on March 8th

On 8th March 2012, Microsoft are hosting a virtual launch event for SQL 2012.

You will have access to over 30 sessions to learn about the new capabilities of SQL Server 2012 at your own pace, on your own schedule. This event brings together a who's who of industry experts and executives to tell the SQL Server 2012 story in this unique online launch event.

To register, click here.

Office Productivity Session with Dr Nitin Paranjape

Microsoft and Express Data would like to invite you to an Office Productivity event with Microsoft MVP for Office, Dr Nitin Paranjape. The sessions are being held in March in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. Spaces are limited so register early to avoid disappointment.

Dr. Paranjape is one of only 30 people in the world recognised by Microsoft as a ‘Most Valuable Professional’ (MVP) for the Microsoft Office System.

Register for all these events here.

Microsoft Announce Changes to System Center in 2012 Edition

Microsoft System Center 2012 is due for release this year. There will be some significant changes to the way the product is licensed. The new version will only be able to purchased two ways - System Center 2012 Standard or Datacenter. Individual products will no longer be able to be purchased. The two versions will only be differentiated by virtualisation rights.

For full licensing FAQs, click here.

Microsoft Financing in 2012?

At the beginning of each new year, many companies take stock of their business and budgets and set fresh goals. Technology concerns have become an integral part of this process as business makes use of IT in ever-evolving ways.

Legacy systems need to be updated on a regular basis, as always, but in addition organizations may need to consider adding mobile technologies, cloud services and unified communications systems to keep pace with modern modes of conducting business.

This article show you how you may be able to help your customers with Microsoft financing.

Microsoft Cashback Program

Enjoy a great way to ramp up your productivity while watching your budget. Get up to NZD$215 cash back per license when you purchase Windows Server 2008 R2 through the Microsoft Open Business Licensing Program or Windows 7 and Office 2010 through the Open Value Licensing Program.

For more information, click here.

Express Data is Distributor of the Year

Express Data are the proud winners of the Distributor of the Year at the Microsoft New Zealand Partner Awards 2011!

The Microsoft Partner Awards have been running for five years. In the inaugural awards, there were 14 categories.

The 2011 Partner Awards contains 23 awards split into four sub-categories – Solution, Individual, Partnering and Supreme.

At the 2011 Worldwide Partner Awards, New Zealand had three companies recognised. NV Interactive was a finalist in the Web Development Solution of the Year category. GreenButton was finalist in the BizSpark Partner of the Year and winner of the Worldwide Windows Azure Platform ISV Partner of the Year. And, Provoke won New Zealand’s Country Partner of the Year.

“The Microsoft Partner Awards gives us an opportunity to recognise the fantastic work our partners develop for their clients over the year. It was very exciting to see a number of first-time entries this year, and as usual, the high calibre of entries certainly made the judging process very difficult," says Chris Ichter, Director Small, Midmarket Solutions & Partners Group for Microsoft New Zealand.

Congratulations to all Partner Awards winners!

Microsoft announce licensing changes for SQL 2012

Microsoft have announced some significant changes to the way SQL Server 2012 will be licensed when it is released. The major difference is the change from a per Processor model to a per Core model. A new SQL edition - BI Server will also be introduced while Datacenter and Workgroup editions are removed. For more info click here.

Microsoft New Zealand Partner Awards 2011

The Microsoft Partner Awards represent the pinnacle of IT industry awards in New Zealand and are the main avenue through which Microsoft recognises its channel partners. The awards celebrate the exemplary work that Microsoft partners do in making customers lives easier through the implementation of Microsoft Solutions.

Awards Night Schedule

7:00pm - Guests arrive at the new Viaduct Events Centre
8:00pm - Awards ceremony will commence. All guests should be seated at this time for a theatre-style awards ceremony
9:15pm - Awards ceremony will conclude followed by an After Party. Food, beverages and mingling!
11:30pm - Evening will conclude

To check out the finalists and to purchase tickets, click here.

Microsoft in 2019

This is how Microsoft envisions 2019! Augmented reality, ubiquitous omni-surface tablets and ease of access.

Tools for Professionals & Small Business

The Office 365 set of web tools combine familiar Microsoft Office productivity applications like Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel with the latest Microsoft communication and collaboration technology. Office 365 helps safeguard your data, provides secure backups and protects your email with the latest Anti-Virus and Anti-Spam filters.

Microsoft are so excited about Office 365 that they’d like to invite you to a hands-on demonstration. Join them at one of their events in November to see how Office 365 can help you reach your goals in your business.