Microsoft Partner Cloud Event for SaaS and Cloud Service Vendors

While Cloud is considered by some as a technology evolution, the reality is that it is much more than that. The fundamental shift that it represents means that organizations have more opportunity that ever before to quickly address new markets with solutions, create new business models and easily scale their business.

You may have already read the Cloud Economic Report which was released last week. It explored the economic opportunity that the Cloud and the accelerated adoption of Software as a Service (SaaS) applications represent for Irish companies. One of the findings was that Cloud Computing sales by Irish firms could reach €9.5bn per annum by 2014.

Are you interested in becoming a SaaS or Cloud Service vendor?

If so, Microsoft Ireland is running a specific event to explore the business opportunity for our ISV (Independent Software Vendors) and Custom Developers planning to become SaaS providers and outline the supports Microsoft Ireland can provide, including:

- Market data and adoption trends

- An update on Microsoft’s new Partner and Certification Programs

- Architecture support and free training available for Irish partners

- Additional business supports (e.g. co-marketing opportunities) available to Microsoft Cloud Partners.

Event Details:

Date:	Tuesday, February 22nd 2011
Location:	D4 Berkeley Hotel
Time:	9.30am – 1.00pm (additional Azure Workshop from 2pm-5pm)
How to Register:	Email Laura Gracey with your Name, Business Title and Mobile Number & whether you wish to attend the afternoon Azure workshop

Audience:

· Senior Decision Makers within Partner Business

· Architects & Developers interested in understanding the business context of cloud

Agenda:

Speakers will include Paul Rellis, Microsoft Ireland Managing Director, representatives from your local Developer and Platform and Partner Groups as well as Regional Leads for Microsoft’s Breadth Partner Programs, Azure Business Group.

TIME	TOPIC
9.00am	Registration & Coffee
9:30am	Welcome and Introduction
9:45am	Ireland’s Competitiveness and Jobs Opportunity – Cloud Computing
10:15am	Market opportunity for SaaS
11.00am	Partner Case Study & Interview
11.15am	Where does Azure fit in this SaaS Market
12.00pm	Partner Case Study & Interview
12.15pm	Microsoft Partner Program Overview for Developer Partners
12.45pm	Partner Case Study & Interview with BizSpark Partner
1.00pm	Close & Lunch

Optional Attendance at Afternoon Azure Workshop

In the afternoon, you will have the option to attend an Azure Workshop to give you an introduction of Microsoft’s Cloud Services Platform.

The Windows Azure platform is a flexible cloud–computing platform that lets you focus on solving business problems and addressing customer needs. No need to invest upfront on expensive infrastructure. Pay only for what you use, scale up when you need capacity and pull it back when you don’t. We handle all the patches and maintenance — all in a secure environment with over 99.9% uptime. The Windows Azure platform is a simple, reliable and powerful Microsoft platform for creating cloud applications, online services and websites. Get the flexibility and interoperability you need to deliver robust, yet cost-effective, solutions to expand your practice and your revenue.

2.00pm	Azure Jumpstart	Black Marble
5.00pm	Close

Please feel free to pass this onto others within your organization that might benefit from attendance. We look forward to seeing you on the 22^nd for an informative and interesting briefing, should you have any questions please feel free to drop me a note.