Hosting University 1 Year Anniversary

Dear Hosting University Community,

Wow, what a fantastic year it has been!

First, as we collectively embrace the first anniversary of Microsoft Hosting University, I want to extend big thanks to all of you for actively embracing, adopting and supporting this effort. Without your consistent usage, feedback, support and participation, we could never have delivered the solid results shared below.

Let’s take a moment to consider our accomplishments:

• A year ago we launched Hosting University to support the SPLA on-boarding process, and to fill a learning and communications gap between SPLA Resellers and their SPLA accounts.

• Most importantly, we have established a communications platform and a monthly rhythm  for providing you with the latest developments to be repurposed for distribution under your own branding to your SPLA customers.

• Over the past 12 months we’ve extended our global reach and now offer Hosting University in English, Spanish, Czech and Chinese.
• True to our SPLA Reseller focus, we have launched 3 co-branded versions of Hosting University alongside Kryptos, SoftCat, and SHI.  Raise your hand if you are ready to co-brand the site by contacting me directly.
• Supporting the business growth objectives of our hoster constituencies, we published a comprehensive, multi-media module on the Microsoft Dynamic Data Center Toolkit.
• At Hosting Summit in April, we announced a new, more robust version of Hosting University with beginner and advanced segmentation, as well as 1-click access to Licensing, Sales and Marketing, and SPUR assets.
• Over the last 4 months, we have been actively conducting Live Meeting orientations for individual SPLA Resellers, where you and your customers can listen, learn and ask questions.

In the coming weeks and months, you will see even more tools and resources aimed at helping you and your partners grow!  This content and rhythm will be critical to capturing maximum rebate as we integrate a new lever focused on activation in FY11. 

Make sure you and your sales teams know how to leverage this channel tool to increase time to market and optimize your rebate opportunity.

I look forward to your continued support and ask you to please reach out to me or the Hosting University team regarding any suggestions or requests you might have related to the site.

Sincerely,

Matt Haynes