Partner Program event - Linux/Open Source a comparative overview with IDC and Microsoft

Likewise on the Open Source discussion theme of the day – here are the details of an upcoming Partner Tour that you might be interested in attending.

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Platform choices are critical to the success of your organization, and making the right strategic decisions now will set the foundation to help achieve your growth objectives. To get all the facts, please join Microsoft and IDC Canada, a premier global provider of market intelligence, for an informative and interactive session where we will discuss the trends and opportunities in platform choices as well as a comprehensive comparative analysis of Microsoft, Unix and Linux-based operating systems.

For more details, visit: www.microsoft.ca/partner/platformcomparativetour or for French www.microsoft.ca/partner/french/platformcomparativetour.

IDC software analyst, David Senf, will present Canadian and US research highlighting key trends and opportunities for growth. The Canadian software market is growing at a rate of 3.9% through 2009 – IDC's Senf points out opportunities to beat the average. This presentation will help you:

• Benchmark against your peers & competitors
• Gain insights into customer pain points to better target sales opportunities
• Cut through the fear & uncertainty regarding platform choices to make better informed investment decisions

Microsoft IT Professional Advisor, Microsoft Canada Co., Barnaby Jeans, will provide a technical evaluation and evolution of Microsoft, Unix and Linux-based operating systems. Gain insights into how Linux and open source software have been developed, tested, distributed and who is accountable for what. Barnaby will help you understand:

• Who is really driving technology innovation
• Which platform will help you maximize revenue
• Which platform offers the most secure computing environment
• How do you achieve reliability in your solution
• What do you need to know about Intellectual Property and indemnification
• Which database makes sense for your organization

Presenters' Biographies

David Senf is Manager of Canadian Application Development and Infrastructure Software. This program is dedicated to helping clients with both marketing strategy and sales execution. Mr. Senf focuses on developers, platform strategy, business process management, Web services and open-source software. As well, he focuses on storage, security and system management software.

In the decade prior to joining IDC, he researched, managed and implemented initiatives ranging from wireless to Web services. His accumulated understanding of technology trends from a business strategy and IT "nuts and bolts" perspective enriches his program with both strategic and tactical advice. He teaches courses he has developed on Web Services, and XML Information Design and Programming at the University of Toronto. Mr. Senf also writes a monthly column for ComputerWorld Canada.

In demand as a speaker on a range of emerging technologies, he is also a frequent commentator both in trade and business media. Mr. Senf is based in IDC's Toronto, Canada office.

Before joining Microsoft Canada Co., Barnaby Jeans, most recently worked as a Sales Engineer for Red Hat Canada helping to establish their Canadian sales force. Prior to that, he worked as a technical Sales Consultant at Oracle Canada focusing on enterprise architecture. He has been working with Linux for the past 10 years and brings over 8 years experience in dealing with customers of all sizes and on all platforms.

Barnaby is an integral part of the Microsoft team which drives awareness, education and training through special events. In addition to planning and delivering these events, his group directly engages with Canada's professional communities, including IT managers, infrastructure specialists and architects, systems integrators, independent software vendors (ISVs) and community leaders.