We did it once. We’re doing it again. In the middle part of the first decade--between 2004-2007--it was an honor and a privilege
First – you the partners have asked for it. Not a single conversation occurs today where an SMB IT Pro asks me what to do next. With the SBS life cycle complete and the alternatives seemingly spooky, I can report that you should strongly consider embracing the here and now: Windows XP and any Server 2003 migration opportunity.Second – customer connections. With the initial focus of the Million Mile Tour being the April 8, 2014 end-of-support deadline(s) for both Windows XP and any Server 2003 SKUs, we are using this “hybrid tour” to connect you with customers. Just as you should, we are leveraging the Microsoft Community Connections (MCC) event model to hold lunch-and-learns by day, and partner pizza parties by night in countless U.S. cities over the next three years. These events are essentially co-sponsored by Microsoft to leverage influencer groups such as business clubs and Chamber of Commerce’s. You can learn more here.
Third – it’s now time. As you read these words, tomorrow on October 23, 2013, we launch our Million Mile Tour with a lunch and learn at a small Chamber of Commerce in Los Angeles, CA, discussing the need to migrate away from outdated software. That evening, at the Microsoft Store in LA on Santa Monica Blvd., we endeavor to educate partners and SMB IT Pros on our new Master Certified Migration Expert (MCME) title – a good old fashioned pizza party and exam cram! You can learn more about these and other events we’re hosting at www.xpmigrations.com. The next stop is New York City next week. And the next step is up to you!
Finally – a shout out to our sponsors Lenovo, Microsoft and OOMA for their generous support.