| During SharePoint Conference in Las Vegas Last week (12th Nov 2012) Microsoft announced the new Yammer SKU plan. Yammer, the leader in enterprise social networking, was acquired by Microsoft earlier this year. And it very familiar for corporate users as it is very similar to Facebook, but for private organizational use generally restricted by organization domain name. Another major change in SharePoint 2013 is that it will also allow commercials apps push/purchase via Microsoft store for both on premise and online version. This is over and above capabilities of apps for their own use and consume.
Beginning March 1, 2013, Yammer will be available to Microsoft Enterprise Agreement customers. Enterprise Agreement customers will be able to purchase Yammer Enterprise via Microsoft volume licensing. Microsoft has also created a set of combo SKUs for SharePoint Online (Plan 1 and Plan 2) + Yammer Enterprise. SharePoint Online + Yammer provides customers with a world-class collaboration platform and enterprise social capabilities.
Yammer Enterprise will also ship with Office 365 for enterprises (Office 365 E Plans 1–4). Office 365 customers will have rights to run Office 365 for access to email, calendars, Office Web Apps, instant messaging, and file sharing and will have Yammer Enterprise for social.
Along with shipping Yammer with some of the most popular services of Microsoft, Microsoft will also lowering the price for Yammer Enterprise standalone. Yammer Enterprise standalone will be available for $3 per user/per month (vs. the original price of $15 per user/per month). Yammer Basic standalone will also continue to be offered for free.
Beginning March 1, 2013:
- Yammer Basic standalone: $0
- Yammer Enterprise standalone: $3 per user/per month
- New! SharePoint Online (Plan 1) + Yammer Enterprise $4 per user/per month
- New! SharePoint Online (Plan 2) + Yammer Enterprise $8 per user/per month
- Office 365 E Plans 1–4 + Yammer Enterprise $8–$22 per user/per month
(all pricing in USD)
Visit the Yammer pricing page to learn more. Yammer is great for social enterprise productivity and if your organization has not tried it before, I recommend you sign up and start using it at least the free version.
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| I have noticed ever since migrated from BPOS to Office365 in my local outlook the Unread mail short cut do not work. Even I had it visible in favorites folder but when I click on it, it return error "The attempted operation failed, an object could not be found". However it was perfectly working in OWA (Online Web based access of emails)
To resolve this following steps needs to be performed.
 Go to your search folders – expand it and right click "Unread mail" now select delete. It should give you prompt, proceed further and click ok/yes and remove the folder.
 Now again go to search folders, right click and select new search folder
Now from dialogue box select unread mail and click ok, your problem is solved! You can see the unread mail folder again which now shows all unread emails.
While doing this for myself I actually learnt about all other options available in search folder, which is really in creasing business productivity, for example instead of creating email from specific user (say your boss or main client) by manually creating folder , you can choose to have new serach folder for that person or email id and you will have that available as part of search folder!
Quick and well organized!
Hope this is useful.
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| As posted by me here there are issues (for usability prospective) in default security settings in Office 2013. You will get annoying error messages of either file is corrupt or need missing dll etc message for healthy word, excel or powerpoint of any office 2013 files which are not in your network or not originally created in office 2013 by you.
This is due to Trust Center settings by default it has. There is workaround posted for individually addressing those issue by unblocking those files as posted in this post , however there is a way in which you can stop this behavior completely in your office 2013.
To do that, you have to go to File > Options > Trust Center > and click Trust Center settings and select Protected View option.
Now make sure you have unchecked all of the options there which should be checked by default if you are facing above file corrupt message issue. This same is true for all office applications including word, excel and powerpoint.
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| At WPC 2012 we heard and I blogged a bit on various changes that is taking place for Microsoft Partners in FY13, as from latest information and guide I have from Microsoft Partner Network I am listing here key changes with competency and the transition is started NOW
Competency Changes
The following section includes updated requirements and clarifications for several competencies. The most notable changes include:
The Application Lifecycle Management competency is being redesigned to be more rigorous and comprehensive. Effective mid-November 2012
The Desktop competency is being renamed to Devices and Deployment and redesigned to help you capture the growing business opportunity delivering services and solutions on new devices and form factors. Effective mid-November 2012.
The Digital Marketing competency is evolving from focusing strictly on SharePoint Internet solutions to include all Microsoft digital marketing and advertising solutions. This will enable your organization to take advantage of our entire digital portfolio and deliver on customers' online marketing needs. This competency will be re-launched in mid-November 2012.
The Hosting competency requirements are being updated to focus on Windows Server and System Center exams and to add the Private Cloud Sales Assessment. Effective mid-November 2012.
The Identity and Security competency is being renamed to Identity and Access. Effective mid-November 2012
The Portals and Collaboration, Content Management, and Search competencies are merging to become the new Collaboration and Content competency. Effective mid-November 2012.
The Server Platform competency is being updated to align with the release of Windows Server 2012. Effective mid-November 2012
The Small Business competency, launched in June 2012, recognizes the expertise of partners that provide the most current Microsoft technology solutions to help small businesses with their unique business needs and help partners take advantage of the small business market opportunity.
The Web Development, Software Development, and ISV competencies are merging to become the new Application Development competency. Effective mid-November 2012
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| It is just second working day for me on Office 2013 preview on my Business machine (windows 8 enterprise OS), however what I see for now, I am impressed. It is good and sharing few points after using it for less than a one working day.
I had my full Office 2010 Pro Plus version installed with most common applications in use were Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Onenote and Lync. Although I was bit reluctant to do upgrade as the office 2013 is still a preview version and not the production version.
It took about 30 min to have it upgraded on my laptop (a Thinkpad R61 machine). Infect I am blogging this from new Word 2013, using File > New > Blog post
Everything was great, I am super exciting and happy to have it used for a day now.
Few things and issues faced and resolved are below
File corrupt or missing dll errors When try to open few office files (including PowerPoint 2013 (ppcore.dll missing), Excel 2013, Word files 2013).
When I treid to open various office files I received file corrupt or Installation dll missing etc message with repair option.
Example below
Don't get annoyed or confuse or waste your time in fixing above. Your files are Indeed Healthy and does not have any issue at all. It is just that Microsoft Office 2013 / Windows 8 blocks files which "it" thinks may be harmful to your PC.
To resolve this issue, just go to that file, right click on file name, click properties, now you can see an option of unblock at the lower part of the dialogue box.
Click unblock and now you can easily open and operate this file in Office 2013 system.
Now coming back to review,
One interesting feature which I like the most is – be it word, excel, or power point file
When you open it and close at some page or section – the next time you open the file – you will see a small highlighted prompt saying
"welcome back" last time you closed this file while reviewing page no or slide no or section so and so, would you like me to take you there directly? If you click yes, it opens that section directly! Cool!
I do also have Windows 8 Enterprise initial review here… if you are interested go and read that too. |
| I have downloaded our full new Windows 8 Enterprise Operating system and selected to upgrade my existing Windows 7 Enterprise laptop to Windows 8. I then choose to upgrade my Office 2010 Pro Plus – upgrade to Office 2013 Pro Plus – Preview.
When I did above, I was prepared for some issues at Office 2013 as it is still a Preview version vs Windows 8 which is full released RTM version of Win 8 Enterprise.
Let's start with Windows 8 first…. Please also consider this is just my second working day on this newly installed OS.
My laptop is bit out dated for many as it is Lenovo ThinkPad R61 custom built version with currently 4 GB RAM and Intel Core2Duo T8100 processor (2.1 Ghz) and 160 gb hdd.
When I started the process I had many many applications installed in my laptop. My existing Windows version was at the time of upgrade was Windows 7 Enterprise 64 bit.
- I initiated setup from burn dvd of Windows 8 Enterprise 64 bit.
- It asked me what to do – upgrade – or custom. I safely selected upgrade.
- It took all most 2 hours to finish the process in which it first ran a report that which application I may have to reinstall, except my printer application it took all software and application as compliance with windows 8 and I continued to move on. After end of 2 hours (and about 2 reboots in process) what I see is Windows 8 home screen.
- For the first time use (after completion of setup) , it asked me with two choice which I liked – do you want to roll back? (assuming asking to roll back to windows 7) or want to configure your PC for first use, I selected the later,
- Approx. 4 min of wait in preparing it, I was presented with lock screen (if I would have had touch enabled laptop led, I might have to just scroll to see my login screen) and clicked it to see my familiar login screen.
- I logged in with preloaded Windows 8 Style UI – live tiles for weather, news, people, photos, internet explorer, and a tile to familiar windows 7 desktop.
- First thing I noted and went to desktop view to ensure all my softwares are working, starting with Outlook 2010, and it worked as it should be. No issues.
- Then I decided to update my home screen picture.. and bang, first roadblock (although very momentary) – I received a message that I should activate my windows 8 to enable personalization feature!
Windows 8 Enterprise Activation Issues ! (and its resolution – how I did it)
During or after installation I was never asked to input my windows 8 key. So when I received above message I thought ok, let me do that by going in to right click computer > and change key option.
However where to find computers in windows 8. Good thing in windows 8 is – you don't have to go to start menu, applications, control panel or other tabs like we were used to in previous windows OSs. In Windows 8 style UI or live tile screen just start typing anything you are looking, in this case I typed "Computer" before I finish typing I had an option to see system settings
Hoping to see familiar change key button I went there but couldn't find option to change key?
So how do I do that.
Then I figureout that I can go to command prompt and use following script to ensure I have my key installed in windows 8.
At command prompt (again to open command prompt, just type cmd at your keyboard in windows 8 UI and it will provide you command prompt application – click and open it) write following and replace xx with your actual product key
slmgr.vbs /ipk xxx-xxx-xxx-xxx
this should have your new key applied,
problem resolved! – No – wait , it is not.
When you run above at command prompt you will get an error that "Administrative Privilege" required to run this. – Access denied.
To open "Elevated Command Prompt" Press Windows + X key.
 You will see a menu similar to the one like above. Now select command prompt (admin) . Click it. Type your key slmgr.vbs /ipk xxx-xxx-xxx-xxx and press enter you will see that new key is now applied.
The windows 8 is now activated and fully functional for me.
I then moved ahead and updated People Tab, Photos tab – added my all social network and other thing under my Microsoft ID, great now it is live tile on my desktop with all details I wanted.
The laptop now seems pretty good for me. I am happy with first day work and it was all positive things or experience to share.
Initial Office 2013 review is here
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| Kevin Turner was the highlight of the day for me. In his remarkable 70 minutes of keynote he talked about the new era of technology happening and a new era at Microsoft. We heard about this today and how in FY13, we need to rethink our approach. Each and every day we must think about new opportunities. Jon Roskill opened up the keynote with enthusiasm and told us how, together, partners and the field will work together to sell and win. Kevin Turner moved us all with the vision of a continuous cloud service for every person, every device, and every business. Then, Deepak Chopra inspired with words of wisdom around leadership and staying focused on the present. I hope you're as ready as I am to put total company focus on innovation and execution. Now, is the point in time when WE can make a difference.
Today's Big Announcements:
IDC Study: Based on a recently commissioned study, IDC issued a report showing that a 50-person Microsoft partner organization with approximately US$5-10M in revenue and 2-5 competencies can realize US$320,000 in value directly attributable to MPN benefit utilization.
Tools to Compete and Win: Kevin Turner shared updates on Microsoft's commitment to helping partners succeed through delivering solutions that are head and shoulders above other competitors in the market including growing virtualization growth at twice the rate of VMWare and outdueling Google Apps with Office 365.
Other Important Announcement Updates:
MPN Competency Updates: Several updates have been made to this model that include a new Application Development competency, a new Collaboration and Content competency, an evolved Desktop competency, and a revamped Digital Marketing competency. More information can be found on DigitalWPC.
New MPN Branding: As you may have seen it already, today it is formally announced new partner strategy and programs. These enhancements are implemented with partners in mind. As Microsoft business grows, the partner ecosystem strengthens – and this is good for everyone!
Microsoft Translator: Commercial availability of the Microsoft Translator Hub is now available. More information can be found on DigitalWPC.
Windows Server 2012 Innovations Showcase at the Solution Innovation Center:
There are over 20 partners showcasing applications and hardware supporting the new capabilities of Windows Server 2012. This ecosystem of partners ranges from OEM, IHV, ISV and ODMs supporting technologies in networking, storage, virtualization and application developers. Stop by to talk to the experts and see the technologies that the partner ecosystem is building for Windows Server 2012.
The India party at The Sultan's Tent & Café Moroc was great. A good small group of partners gathering, with food, entertainment and networking. This is first time I have seen an India specific party and yes this is the beginning.
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| Today, we heard from several Microsoft visionaries about many new programs and technology features. This continues the momentum of our theme for this unprecedented Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference – A New Era. Together. We heard about virtual machine capabilities for Windows Azure, a new program to help customers transition from the VMWare infrastructure to Microsoft, Microsoft Dynamics as a true game changer for ERP, and new Windows Phone 8 capabilities and features! Day 2 continued to impress with several NEW announcements that will help provide partners with cutting-edge solutions for customers so that we can WIN BIG in the marketplace.
Today's Big Announcements:
Windows Server / Azure: A new community technology preview (CTP) of new technologies that enable hosting service providers to use their Windows Server data centers to deliver the same great web site and virtual machine capabilities recently announced for Windows Azure.
Switch to Hyper-V Program: Microsoft announced a new program to help customers transition from VMware infrastructure to Microsoft. The "Switch to Hyper-V" Program provides partners with guidance, training and software tools, including the Virtual Machine Migration Toolkit, to more seamlessly migrate virtual machines to Windows Server Hyper-V and System Center.
Microsoft Dynamics: Several new global independent software vendors are choosing Microsoft Dynamics or extending their solutions across the Microsoft Dynamics platform, including: Campus Management Corp., Cenium, Inc., Cincom Systems, Inc., PROS Pricing and Technosoft.
Windows Phone: Showed off new hardware capabilities coming to Windows Phone 8 and some of the powerful features Windows Phone 8 will deliver through integration with Windows 8. They also showed off some of the most interesting new apps coming to Windows Phone, including: Words with Friends, Draw Something, Audible, Chase and PayPal, and games including Asphalt 7: Heat, N.O.V.A. 3: Near Orbit Vanguard Alliance, and Batman: The Dark Knight Rises.
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| Today, Steve Ballmer opened his keynote by saying, "It's not just talk. It's real. It's happening. It's here." Over 16,000 attendees have emerged from over 156 different countries across the globe to join us for the largest Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference ever and to hear about how we are on the brink of shaking up the entire industry! This is exciting stuff and today we heard that it was an epic year.
Steve Ballmer talked about entering the New Era and how partners are at the very core of this story. It's all about the partnership that we have with each one of you which brings forth incredible innovation and solutions. This is the year for all of us. Kurt DelBene shared his thoughts and insight about being partners in productivity and announced Office 365 Open – a new way for partners to sell the service. Then, Tami Reller lit up the stage with Windows 8 and showcased how it adapts to the user experience and how far we've come since we first talked about Windows 8 – it meets expectations around mobility, battery life, and getting information everywhere.
Today's Big Announcements:
You may view more information about these announcements on Microsoft Press Pass.
Office 365 Open: A new way for partners to sell the service, Office 365 Open is a pre-paid offer that enables partners to realize more revenue, deliver packaged services with a single invoice and manage the customer relationship.
Office 365 Advisor Program: Starting today, changes to the program let the most active partners earn more selling Office 365.
Windows 8 RTM/GA: Windows 8 is on track for release to manufacturers (RTM) during the first week of August, and the product will reach general availability (GA) at the end of October. Enterprise customers can get Windows 8 as early as August, and the product will be available in 109 languages in 231 markets.
Office 2010 / Windows 7 momentum: There are now 1 billion people using Office worldwide, and licenses for Windows 7 have reached 630 million worldwide.
Microsoft acquires Perceptive Pixel: "The acquisition of PPI allows us to draw on our complementary strengths, and we're excited to accelerate this market evolution," said Kurt DelBene, president, Office Division for Microsoft. "PPI's large touch displays, when combined with hardware from our OEMs, will become powerful Windows 8-based PCs and open new possibilities for productivity and collaboration."
Other Important Updates from today:
Microsoft Project Server – Expect a new cloud version this summer (let's say Oct 2012 at the most).
New Competency changes in Microsoft Partner Network : Software Development, Web Development and ISV competency to be merged as Application Development with clear focus of having custom development as core. Portals and Collaboration, Content Management, Search to be merged and will be Content and Collaboration. Digital Marketing to be more aligned towards actual marketing with Bing and Microsoft Advertising as part of it which also will require Design as skillset. Small Business Competency to be more focused on cloud (less than 50 computer companies).
Interesting stuff and takeaway : Cloud OS
It was nice IAMCP reception party, as well as Software One party to end the day. Exhausting day 1….the promising one. |
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