Microsoft Inspire 2018 – My Session Recommendations #2 – Windows Server

In #1 in this series I covered the Microsoft 365 sessions (and have added a few new additions as well), and today's post is focused on Windows Server. With two different events on the horizon - the Windows Server 2019 launch, and the approaching End of Support deadline for Windows Server 2008 and Windows Server 2008 R2 - Windows Server partners are going to have a few different conversations to have with their customers.

Windows Server 2019: Opportunities for partner solutions with Hyper-converged infrastructure

Description

Learn how to take advantage of opportunities with Hyper-converged infrastructure (HCI), one of the hottest trends in the IT industry today, with Windows Server Software Defined (WSSD) program. HCI allows customers to combine compute and storage using standard x86 hardware. WSSD is based on what customers need: lower cost, extreme performance based on Windows Server, simplified infrastructure, and an enterprise-ready solution.

Partner Outcome

Leverage offers and the Windows Server Software Defined (WSSD) program to be successful in the hyper-converged infrastructure market.

Win with new generation hybrid Windows Server in SMB and MM

Description

When SMB and MM IT pros begin their migration, they need to know they are on the right technology. Cloud is a prominent feature of all companies, and IT pros are challenged to manage multiple OS, HW platforms, cloud compute, and leverage hybrid to manage TCO. Learn about the opportunity to move the world from the largest install base of Windows Server. Go through the modern server platforms, 2016 and upcoming 2019, with a focus on hybrid. Hear from a Dell exec on services and ready bundles.

Partner Outcome

Execute hybrid and Windows Server 2016 OEM partner sales motions.

Expand addressable market with hybrid AD in SMB. Understand the technical steps to onboarding your customers to Microsoft 365 Business

Description

SMBs are in various phases in their journey to the cloud. Some are fully embracing SaaS applications while others have a significant on-premises footprint. Come to this session to learn how Microsoft 365 Business can be enabled for SMBs wherever they are in their cloud journey.

Partner Outcome

Expand addressable market with hybrid AD in SMB. Understand the technical steps to onboarding your customers to Microsoft 365 Business.

Remote Desktop Services (RDS): Partner business opportunities hosting Windows desktops and applications on Microsoft Azure

Description

Whether you are a system integrator, hosting partner, independent software vendor, or other cloud services provider, you’ll want to learn about the fast-growing business of hosting Windows desktops and applications on Azure. In this session we provide practical information to help reduce costs and increase margins using the current RDS products and Azure services. We also provide insight into how the next generation of RDS will help to further simplify and reduce costs for partners.

Partner Outcome

Insights into the next generation of RDS, and practical ways to help reduce costs and increase margins with RDS & related Azure services.

Leveraging the End of Support of SQL Server and Windows Server 2008 and 2008 R2 to drive migrations to cloud

Description

In this breakout, learn about how to use the End of Support of SQL Server 2008 R2 and Windows Server 2008 R2 as an opportunity to transform with Azure or update to the latest versions of SQL and Windows Server so take advantage of latest innovations. You will learn about offers and strategies to secure IT environments and leverage latest innovations.

Modernizing mission-critical apps with SQL Server 2017 on Windows, Linux, and containers

Description

In this breakout, learn how to build and update mission critical applications leveraging the latest innovations of SQL Server 2017 including in-memory performance, automatic tuning, advanced security features, high availability and disaster recovery, big data integration with PolyBase, and AI built-in.

Partner Outcome

Deliver applications with performance, scale, security, availabilty, and intelligence - all on your customers' platform of choice.