REDMOND, Wash., Sept. 22, 1998 — In response to continued demand for the Microsoft® Windows NT® Server operating system version 4.0, Microsoft Corp. today announced the availability of new training resources enabling the worldwide channel of 250,000 value-added service providers to deploy and support Windows NT Server 4.0 more easily and cost-effectively. International Data Corp. recently predicted that in 2002, 51 percent of the 6.4 million new server operating system software sales projected to be sold would be for
Windows NT Server. IDC data shows that 1.26 million copies of Windows NT Server were sold in calendar year 1997, up from 732, 000 a year earlier.
”
We’re pleased to see that the demand for deployment and support services on
Windows NT Server 4.0 continues to remain strong,”
said Sam Jadallah, vice president, organization customer unit at Microsoft.
“To help meet this demand, we’re providing the channel with a variety of new, more affordable and accessible training options, based on the feedback we receive that training and skills are a key challenge.”
Training Offerings
Microsoft is providing subsidized, discounted and free training for value-added providers to stay up-to-date on Windows NT Server 4.0 technology, including six new training offerings available through the Microsoft Direct Access program. Value-added providers can now take advantage of the following training offers without acquiring a Direct Access Action Pack:
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One-Day Instructor-Led Microsoft Official Curriculum. The Installing and Configuring Windows NT Server 4.0 course is available at participating Microsoft Authorized Technical Education Centers (ATECs) in the United States and Canada in November priced at $99 (a $300 value).
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Self-Paced Plus. This training on Windows NT Server 4.0 combines self-paced training materials with two evening sessions at a U.S.-based ATEC for labs and instructor Q & A priced at $139 (a $400 value).
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Online With Mentoring. This option provides online training with an online mentor for Administering Windows NT Server 4.0, Windows NT Server 4.0 User Fundamentals, Supporting Windows NT Server 4.0 courses. Value-added providers receive a 40 percent to 60 percent discount off standard pricing.
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Scholars.com. Microsoft will provide 500 Microsoft Certified Solution Providers (one member per MCSP organization) with free (connect-time charges may apply) online training by Scholars.com on Supporting Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0 Core Technologies. The offer is available to the first 500 MCSPs who sign up before Oct. 1, 1998. To take advantage of this special offer, visit .
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Microsoft Direct Access Quarterly Briefings. Value-added providers can learn about new revenue opportunities around Windows NT Server 4.0 at over 100 free local briefings. Session topics include Windows NT Server 4.0 deployment and NetWare migration.
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Virtual Event. Slated for mid-October, the online event will focus on maximizing Windows NT Server 4.0 to get the best-of-breed file and print, Web, applications and communications services available today. The online seminars cover Implementing DHCP Services in Your Windows NT Server 4.0 Network, DNS Implementation, Planning and Installation of WINS, and Tools for Remote Administration.
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Microsoft Direct Access Technical Toolkit. Focused on the Microsoft BackOffice family version 4.0, this $79 kit is filled with not-for-resale product, sales and technical tools, and additional training discounts.
Other Special Promotions and Offers
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Design Wins Contest. MCSPs in the United States who design, deploy or deliver a solution using Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 4.0 between Aug. 17, 1998, and Dec. 31, 1998, are eligible for the contest. Microsoft will award 60 MCSPs with $200,000 cash and $100,000 for ATEC training.
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Windows NT Workstation License Advantage. From Sept. 1 to Dec. 31, 1998, eligible Microsoft Open License customers will be able to acquire Windows NT Workstation 4.0, as well as the rights to future Windows NT Workstation releases in the next two years. For a fee of $276, a user gets a license with the option for a free upgrade to Windows NT Workstation 5.0 over the next two years. The $276 fee is only $38 (ERP) over the cost of a single license for Windows NT Workstation 4.0. For additional information, please see .
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Free Downloadable Courseware. Free (connect-time charges may apply) downloadable Microsoft Official Curriculum includes Zero Administration for Windows NT Workstation 4.0.
Value-added providers interested in learning more about the new Windows NT 4.0 Server training offerings can visit http://www.microsoft.com/directaccess/ . Microsoft Direct Access provides resellers, consultants and other value-added service providers with low barrier-to-entry access to a breadth of services, support and products that will enable them to take advantage of business opportunities, increase their revenue, better meet customers’ needs and find out what’s new in technology.
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq
“MSFT”
) is the worldwide leader in software for personal computers. The company offers a wide range of products and services for business and personal use, each designed with the mission of making it easier and more enjoyable for people to take advantage of the full power of personal computing every day.
Microsoft, Windows NT and BackOffice are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.
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