Action Pack tools for web partners
via Christian
Action Pack: Tools for Web Partners
If you're in the business of designing or developing Web sites or Web applications, you need the right tools to deliver the Web-based solutions your customers want. The toolkit to help you make the most of this growth opportunity has now been launched — the special edition Web Solutions Toolkit.
You'll receive tools and products specific to creating Web-based solutions every six months, as well as technology resources, business resource papers, and special offers — all created to support your business objectives. It takes only a few simple steps to qualify to receive the kit. And if you have a current Microsoft Action Pack Subscription, you can get the special edition kit at no additional charge.
What is an Action Pack? It's a full suite of Microsoft Not-for-Distribution (NFD) software to help you run your business, train your staff and demonstrate to your business customers. You'll receive four quarterly software updates which include Microsoft Partner Guides, Project Guides and Campaign Toolkits to easily implement position and sell Microsoft software and solutions. Marketing, sales, training tools and information are conveniently packaged and sent to you during the course of your year-long subscription. The Microsoft Action Pack is a benefit only for Registered members of the Microsoft Partner Program who promote Microsoft software or provide solutions based on Microsoft software and technologies to their customers. If you are a Certified or Gold Certified Partner you already receive the above.
What do you receive:
Microsoft Visual Studio Standard 2008—a comprehensive, high-productivity, professional development environment that you can use to build high-performance, multi-tier applications for Windows, Web, and common consumer mobile devices.
Expression Studio—a suite of tools for creative designers, including:
Expression Web—a professional design tool that you can use to create modern, standards-based sites that deliver superior quality on the Web.
Expression Blend—the professional design tool to create engaging, Web-connected, user experiences for Windows.
Expression Design—the professional illustration and graphic design tool that enables you to build compelling elements for both Web and desktop application user interfaces.
Expression Media—the professional asset-management tool that enables you to visually catalog and organize your digital assets for easy retrieval and presentation.
Technology Resource Kits
The Windows Live Resource Kit:
Find out how you can build new applications to create business opportunities using the Windows Live platform. Here’s what you get:Links to technical and commercial information, demos, and software development kits (SDKs) geared to your business needs
Access to shared code
Presentations and case studies that demonstrate how building solutions with the Windows Live platform can benefit your business
The Custom Web Development Jumpstart Kit:
Learn how to create business solutions and offer services on the Microsoft Windows Live and Office Live platforms that you can adapt, customize, and expand to fit your customers’ unique needs. The kit includes:Windows CardSpace labs
Windows Sidebar Gadget labs
Office Live training
Silverlight videos, demos, and quickstarts
Business Resource Papers
How do you receive it?
- Step 1: Become a Registered Member of the Microsoft Partner Program. It takes as little as 15 minutes and there is no cost.
Note: Only Registered Members are eligible for the Microsoft Action Pack Subscription . Certified and Gold Certified Partners in the Custom Development Solutions competency will receive copies of the Web Solutions Toolkit in their December highlights kits. - Step 2: Successfully complete one of three free online courses
and the associated assessment with a score of 70 percent or higher at least 30 days prior to January 2008, the estimated ship date for the kit. Meanwhile, please My postal address is:">My postal address is:">email me if you are a web partner and I'll send you a Web Experience DVD, see my earlier post for more detail.
Note: If you successfully complete one of the Web Solutions assessments, you’ll also meet the assessment requirement to receive the full Action Pack Subscription.ASP.Net
Expression
Office Live
- Step 3: Sign up for the Microsoft Action Pack Subscription. Your subscription offers a full suite of Microsoft not-for-distribution (NFD) software to help you run your business, train your staff, and demonstrate your Web-based solutions to your business customers.
- Step 4: Order the Web Solutions Toolkit when you receive an email alert that it is available. For scheduled ship dates, visit the Standard Contents page.
When do you receive it?
Welcome Kits: Normally ship within 48 hours of approval of payment. Allow 15-30 business days to receive your kit.
Update Kits: Shipping starts October 3, 2007, depending on region, and continues with the first month of each subsequent quarter (January, April, July, and October). Allow 15-30 business days to receive your kit. If you don’t receive your kit by the end of the shipping month, please contact your nearest Regional Service Center.
Update: At Tim's request, I have included the direct links to the English courses rather than displaying all 11 languages (as per the comments)
Update 2: Shane, Jon & Simon wanted more information on what an action pack is and click here for a FAQ.
-jorke