Blue Solutions

Microsoft Info - Where do you go??

NicolaBoswell — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 11:52:00 GMT

2008 has been a year of launches for Microsoft and they are continuing to roll with the recent release of SQL Server 2008 (volume licensing) and the forthcoming release of the new Windows Small Business Server 2008 later this year. With so many large announcements it is easy for some significant details to get lost in the wash! Our challenge is to make sure we get the kind of information to you that you need and to balance the marketing messages that are pushed out to you. We can’t do it alone and...(read more)

Symantec License Keys on Certificates and Software Version Upgrade Notifications

NicolaBoswell — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 10:12:00 GMT

Symantec is pleased to announce that in their ongoing efforts to improve their customers’ licensing experience, we are reducing the number of steps required to activate a product. For products where they supply keys with the certificate or Software Version Upgrade notification, the customer is no longer required to visit the Symantec Licensing Portal to claim a key. For new license purchases and Software Version Upgrades of these products, keys will be delivered with the certificate or notification...(read more)

Windows Server 2008 Hyper-V Update

NicolaBoswell — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 14:49:00 GMT

Info on Windows Server 2008 Hyper-V Windows Server 2008 Hyper-V is only available for x64 editions of Windows Server 2008 RTM. If you are using a version of Windows Server 2008 that is pre-RTM, you will need to perform a clean install of Windows Server 2008 RTM x64 edition on your host system. Hyper-V cannot be enabled on systems running inside virtual machines or on x86 versions of Windows Server 2008. The RTM update of Hyper-V is available for Windows Server 2008 x64 editions. Hyper-V requires...(read more)

CA Goes Green

NicolaBoswell — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 09:51:00 GMT

CA Goes Green In an effort to go "green," effective July 1, 2008 CA has decided to eliminate the physical mailing of certain documentation, if an alternative is available. As part of this effort, CA will no longer be shipping tangible Open License Program Certificates to end users for orders that do not require media, but instead emailing them. To ensure your order is processed correctly, when submitting information, please provide us with confirmed, accurate email addresses for two contacts...(read more)

White Paper from Panda

Victor Aberdeen — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 11:28:00 GMT

Is Traditional Antivirus Software Now Defunct? The increasing occurrence of malware, and the rising popularity of working from home offices combine to present new challenges for IT security management. This white paper evaluates the future of traditional antivirus software versus 'security as a service', and asks if hosting security solutions is the answer to the demand for lower operating and ownership costs. White paper download: http://www.pandasoftware.co.uk/marketing/PMOP-%20White%20Paper...(read more)

Adobe -> How to get your FREE upgrade

Victor Aberdeen — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 08:20:00 GMT

When your customers purchase Acrobat Standard 8.0 and Acrobat Professional 8.0 or the suites including these products between the 2nd June 2008 and the 31st August 2008 they can claim a free of charge upgrade to version 9.0 (or CS 3.3). Your customers should contact Adobe customer services on 020 7365 0733 providing a proof of purchase (P&P may apply). All claims MUST be made by the 15th September 2008....(read more)

News from the Microsoft World Partner Conference

NicolaBoswell — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 14:41:00 GMT

**HOT OFF THE PRESS** I'm currently sitting watching the key notes live streaming from the Microsoft WPC and have heard the release dates for the long awaited Microsoft Small Business Server 2008, Microsoft Essential Business Server 2008 and Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Microsoft Small Business Server 2008 - November 12th 2008 Microsoft Essential Business Server 2008 - November 12th 2008 Microsoft SQL Server 2008 - August 2008 We will keep you posted with any further updates or if you have any questions...(read more)

Open Licensing Physical Media EOL

NicolaBoswell — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 14:27:00 GMT

**Announcement** As from July 1st 2008, physical media for Microsoft Open orders will become obsolete. Going forward, media will be available to download via the eOpen website on https://eopen.microsoft.com Please see below for instructions on how to do so: How to download media from eOpen Sign-in to your Windows Live ID account. When first accessing the VLSC (Volume License Service Centre) you will need to fill out all the fields and then click "Continue" All products available for download...(read more)

Microsoft SQL Server Processor licence

Claudia Hebden — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 09:29:00 GMT

I have a customer that is after SQL server for a database server to host multiple databases for websites. Does he need to licence each database (5 at the moment 100+ in the future)?

If the server's are to be used on the web then they will need to purchase the per processor licences which covers unlimited users.

The processor licence will allow internal or external users to connect so no additional cals are needed to be purchased.

As user or device cals should be purchased when:

no access for external users are required
Relatively low Cal-to-Server ratios

a) Standard Edition: Approximately 25 or fewer devices per processor

b) Enterprise Edition: Approximately 75 or fewer devices per processor

Symantec Backup Exec Backing up live changes.

Claudia Hebden — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 07:49:00 GMT

I have a customer who has 6 servers that backups to a main storage server. They do not want to perform large backups on a certain time period but backup when any live changes occur. What is the product that can perform this?

The product that they need is continuous data protection which is now included in Backup Exec. The Continuous Data Protection provides reliable, fast, disk-based data protection that continuously backs up transition logs and assigns user designated recovery points to eliminate the daily backup window. This product also allows each recovery point to be easily opened and browsed for restoration of a specific document or email in minutes.

Continuous Data Protection provides protection for windows based file servers, Microsoft Exchange Servers, SQL Servers and desktops and laptops. Also with Backup Exec Retrieve for file servers, the end users can quickly retrieve their own files without IT intervention.

Last Chance - Trend Micro Worry-Free Webex

NicolaBoswell — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 14:45:00 GMT

Webex Reminder For those of you who were unable to attend last week’s webex, Trend Micro will be re-hosting this again tomorrow morning, Tuesday 24 th June at 11am. The purpose of the webex is to introduce the new Trend Micro Worry-Free Business Security products. I’d strongly recommend you attend as it will be extremely informative. P lease see the details below on how to register: ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Worry-Free Business...(read more)

HP Notebook Special Offers

NicolaBoswell — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 15:29:00 GMT

Hi Guys We've got a bunch of special offers this week on HP Notebooks. Please visit our new HP Hardware portal to view these and other offers we currently have http://www.bluesolutions.co.uk/hardware/hp.asp If there is any other HP Hardware that we could source for you, please do comment or reply to me directly on the following email address. Many thanks Kind Regards Nicola Boswell (MCP, MLSE) Product Manager DDI: 0118 9898 219 Fax: 0118 9898 001 MSN: nicolaboswell@bluesolutions.co.uk...(read more)

Trend Micro Worry Free products on Servers

Claudia Hebden — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 12:31:00 GMT

I have a customer that has 50 servers and needs to know whether the Trend Worry Free Business products are limited to the amount of servers that it can be licences on and does it support Exchange Server 2007 and Server 2008?

The new Trend Micro Worry Free Business Security solutions are available as either standard or advanced editions. The standard edition provides protection for PC's and file servers. The Advanced edition will cover the PC's and file Servers and Microsoft Small Business Server and Microsoft Exchange Servers. There is no limit to the amount of servers that can be licensed, so in this scenario it would be 50 licences for the servers and extra licences for any users that the end user also has.

The Worry Free Business Security products support both the Exchange Server 2007 and Windows Server 2008. However the products will not work if Exchange 2007 is on Windows Server 2008 .

So an example if you have Exchange 2007 on Windows Server 2003 then the product will work its only Exchange 2007 on Windows Server 2008.

This will be changed in September 2008 where the two version will be compatible with the product.

Microsoft SQL Runtime Licence

Claudia Hebden — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 09:45:00 GMT

I would like to purchase an SQL runtime licence but do not know how this works?

The SQL Server Runtime licence is a licence that lets an Independent Software Vendor (ISV) embed the complete SQL server code into a solution for use only be the ISV application. The customers of the ISV cannot use this SQL Server product to run other applications or to develop new applications, databases or tables. This licence is supported on a 32-bit and 64-bit operating systems.

In order to obtain this licence you need to be a Microsoft partner and enroll on the Microsoft ISV licensing program. The ISV will place the order and receives one master copy of the product which is a regular CD of the product. They can use this master copy to make additional copies and the ISV can distribute these copies as part of a unified solution.

Unfortunately the distribution channel does not get involved in ISV licensing and you will need to contact Microsoft directly.

Symantec licences Keys for Backup Exec products.

Claudia Hebden — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 12:15:00 GMT

I have just received my licence certificate for Backup Exec 12 windows server with Agent for Windows, Agent for Exchange Server, Agent SQl Server and Agent for Active Directory. However some products have 2 licence keys and others only have one. Is this correct?

This is correct that certain products have 2 licence keys with the availibilty products. The main reason that these products have the two licence keys is that one is for the licence and the other is for the continuous protection within the product. So in this scenario for technical reasons they will need 2 licence keys for the Exchange, SQL and Active Directory.

The continuous data protection within the Exchange Agent eliminates the daily backup window for Exchange backup jobs while still allowing recovery of individual messages, folders and mailboxes in seconds.

The continuous data protection with the SQL agent works the same way as the exchange be eliminating the daily backup window and this eables the recovery of database transactions that have been made right up to the time of failure.

The Active Directory Agent reduces the time to recover from small disasters. This can restore objects without rebooting Active Directory domain controllers.

And another chance - Trend Micro Worry-Free Webex!

NicolaBoswell — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 11:52:00 GMT

Webex Reminder For those of you who were unable to attend last week’s webex, Trend Micro will be re-hosting this again tomorrow morning, Tuesday 10 th June at 11am. The purpose of the webex is to introduce the new Trend Micro Worry-Free Business Security products. I’d strongly recommend you attend as it will be extremely informative. Please see the details below on how to register: ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Worry-Free Business...(read more)

Microsoft Services Provider Licence Agreement (SPLA)

Claudia Hebden — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 12:56:00 GMT

I have spoken to Microsoft and they have advise that I can purchase Exchange, Sharepoint and CRM on a monthly subscription basis. How can I purchase this agreement?

This type of scenario is a Microsoft Services Provider Licence Agreement (SPLA) which enables services providers and independent software vendors (ISVs) to licence Microsoft licensed products on a monthly basis over a three year agreement term. These licensed products are used to provide software services and hosted applications. The SPLA agreement is best suited for businesses that are web hosted providers, application services providers, web or internet services providers etc..

This agreement is different to the others as this allows commercial hosting of Microsoft licensed products as this is designed specifically for service providers to deliver software services to their customer and even third parties. In addition, the SPLA can accommodate the various types of services offered, including:

•	Direct access. You facilitate your customer's business (including business transactions with third parties) through software services.
•	Indirect access. You provide your customer with access to and use of any licensed product, Microsoft or otherwise. The application is running on a server and interacts with a Microsoft licensed product on that server.

There are two types of SPLA licences available. These are:

Per Subscriber: A Subscriber Access License (SAL) is required for each unique individual user or device that is authorized to access or otherwise use the licensed products. With the SAL option, you don't need a separate Server License.
Per Processor: Each Processor License allows an unlimited number of users to access the software that is installed on that processor for products licensed through a per processor model.

In order to purchase this type of agreement there are specific programme requirements. Below are some of the main requirements but for more detail then please read the SPLA Pogram guide. http://download.microsoft.com/download/7/A/A/7AA89A8B-BF4D-446B-A50C-C9B00024DF33/spla_programguide.pdf

•	Enroll in the Microsoft Partner Program. You must be either a Microsoft Certified Partner or a Registered Member of the Microsoft Partner Program. If you are a Registered Member, you must also enroll in the Microsoft Hosting Program. Each of these programs offers unique benefits to members.
•	Designate a licensed products reseller. Unless you have a direct agreement with Microsoft, you need to designate a SPLA reseller.
•	Provide monthly reporting on software licenses.Y ou will need to submit a monthly use report or zero use report on all licenses that you, your affiliates, or software services resellers have authorized your customers to use.
•	Provide technical support. You are responsible for providing technical product support for the Microsoft licensed products you deliver to your customers. You are required to obtain a minimum of 10 pre-paid incidents either under a separate agreement from Microsoft or through a third-party support services provider.

Currently we are unable to supply these agreements as you need to be an authorised reseller.

Microsoft Frontpage

Claudia Hebden — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 14:59:00 GMT

I would like to purchase Microsoft Frontpage 2003 under open licensing?

The Microsoft Frontpage 2003 product is now end of life and there are two product replacements available depending on your requirements.

If the customer uses sharepoint then they should purchase Sharepoint Designer.

If the customer doesn't use Sharepoint then they will need to purchase Expression Web.

Sharepoint Designer: You should purchase if you are a solution creator and content author working with Sharepoint technologies. This enables information workers to develop applications and solutions on top of the sharepoint platform to allow organisation agility, business process automation and get the full value of Microsoft Office applications on the Sharepoint platform.

Expression Web: Should be used for professional web designers. It is a professional tool to create a sophisticated standards-based web sites using the design, develop and maintain features. This product is targeted at designers who are building broad reach HTML web sites.

Sharepoint Designer and Expression Web are both available to purchase as retail box, open licensing and open value licensing.

2nd Chance - Trend Micro Worry-Free Webex

NicolaBoswell — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 08:25:00 GMT

Office Ultimate OEM

NicolaBoswell — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 14:03:00 GMT

Hi guys The long awaited release of Office Ultimate OEM is finally here! The MLK's are available to order from our website at the following link: http://www.bluesolutions.co.uk/software/Microsoft_Office_2007_Ultimate_MLK_(Media-LESS_Licence_Kit)_V2_-_OEM_1_Pack/ Office Ultimate 2007 OEM is currently only available as a 1 Pack. Please Note: This product can ONLY be installed with the latest version of the Office 2007 OPK kit, available via the Microsoft System Builder portal: http://oem.microsoft...(read more)

Worry-Free Remote Manager Upgrade Info

NicolaBoswell — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 11:56:00 GMT

Upgrade Information about Worry-Free Remote Manager As part of Trend Micro's Worry-Free 5.0 launch, they will be upgrading Worry-Free Remote Manager from version 1.5 to 1.6 on their datacentres. After the upgrade, Worry-Free Remote Manager will automatically update the WFRM agents code at your customers to support Worry-Free Business Security 5.0 making the migration to WF5.0 even more worry-free for you, their partners and customers . This requires no effort by you and the new agent will support...(read more)

Free upgrade to Adobe Acrobat 9 and Creative Suite 3.3!

Matthew Stokes — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 15:23:00 GMT

You can now pre-order the new Adobe Acrobat 9 and Creative Suite 3.3 range from Blue Solutions. This is due to ship around the end of June.

The new version's being touted as a significant upgrade, partially on strength of new-found native support for Adobe Flash - including video and application files - within PDF documents, which can be read using Adobe Reader 9. Acrobat 9 also offers an Overprint Preview feature which allows designers to view interactions between overlapping objects. Print professionals can reliably convert colours between colour spaces, switch RGB and CMYK blacks to solid black, and map one colour to another colour, including mapping colours to Pantone spot colours. A Compare Documents feature identifies differences including changes to text, text formatting, images, line weights and backgrounds between versions of documents. Acrobat 9 also includes the ability to combine a range of content - documents, video, audio, 3D objects - into a single document within the new concept of PDF Portfolios. Users can select of create layouts for their Portfolios.

Customers buying Acrobat 8 and certain Creative Suite 3 products will be entitled to claim an upgrade to the new version via Adobe Customer Services on 0207 365 0733.

Preview Windows Small Business Server 2008 and the all new Windows Essential Business Server 2008

NicolaBoswell — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 08:13:00 GMT

Be the first to get a preview of Windows Essential Business Server 2008 and Windows Small Business Server 2008 software.

Public Preview software is now becoming available to test and explore. To get the beta software, sign up for the Public Preview of these products Windows Essential Business Server 2008An all-in-one integrated multi-server solution designed for midsize businesses for a highly secure and reliable infrastructure. It combines software for management, messaging, and security features to reduce IT complexity and improve efficiency across the business, putting IT in control. To preview click hereWindows Small Business Server 2008
Designed for small businesses, Windows Small Business Server 2008 is an affordable, integrated server solution that helps you protect your business data, increase productivity and present a more professional image to customers – giving you the tools you need to help grow your business capacity. To preview click here For more information on both products visit: www.multiplyyourpower.com

Trend Micro Worry-Free Webex

NicolaBoswell — Fri, 30 May 2008 11:07:00 GMT

Trend Micro Partner Webex - Monday, 2nd June 2008 - Registration Details:

Worry-Free Business Security Launch

Worry-Free™ Security solutions protect your customer's business assets, their customer information, and their reputation from identity theft, cyber criminals and other Web threats. Safer, Smarter and Simpler, they provide a whole new line of safety defences so you can focus on your business.

• Safer: Unique web threat protection prevents exposure to risky web sites, secures ecommerce transactions, and guards business data from theft.

• Smarter: Security updates constantly without slowing your PCs. Real-time threat detection and spam blocking occurs in Trend Micro's data centre, before threats reach your customers' business.

• Simpler: Hands-off security protects business operations with traffic-light status, easy set up and automatic configuration in or out of the office.

Join us on Monday, 2nd June 2008 at 11.00am to hear and learn about the latest updates to Trend Micro's family of Worry-Free Business Security solutions.

Webex Details:

Topic: Worry-Free Business Security Launch

Agenda: The Change in the Threat Landscape
              Introduction to Worry-Free Business Security solutions
              Migration and Upgrade
              Summary and Q & A

Date: Monday, 2nd June 2008
Time: 11.00am

Meeting Number: 488 521 668
Meeting Password: trend
___________________________________________________________________________

To join the Webex, please go to:

https://trendmicro.webex.com/trendmicro/j.php?ED=109660342&UID=0

To join the Teleconference, please call:

Tel: 44-20-7950-6551 or 0800-279-3590

Participant Passcode: 6025220
___________________________________________________________________________

Stop Press #1:

Not able to make the 2nd June - No Worries!....We will be repeating this webex on the following dates - Details to follow:

Tuesday, 10th June 2008 at 11.00am
Tuesday, 17th June 2008 at 11.00am
Tuesday, 24th June 2008 at 11.00am
___________________________________________________________________________

Stop Press #2:

Interested in learning more about Trend Micro Worry-Free Business Security solutions - then watch out for communications about our upcoming "Worry-Free Technical Training Sessions"

Trend Micro’s Worry Free Business Security 5.0

NicolaBoswell — Tue, 20 May 2008 14:52:00 GMT

Hi guys As I’m sure most of you are aware, the release of Trend Micro’s Worry Free Business Security 5.0 is imminent. I’d like to bring to your attention however that with the release of the new and very much improved products, there will be a slight pricing increase. If you have any outstanding quotes for your clients we’d highly recommend encouraging them to place the business before May 31^st as they can then benefit from a FOC upgrade to version 5.0 but still pay the current pricing.

If you have any questions or queries, please call your Account Handler.

Thanks

Nicola