April 2017 Windows and Devices Partner calls recap
Thanks to those of you who joined us for the April 18 and April 26 Windows and Devices Partners community calls. Here's a summary of what we discussed. If you missed the calls, or want to see and hear the discussions again, you can watch them on demand.
Watch the April 18 Windows and Devices Partner call on demand- Read the introductory blog post about these calls
- Watch the April 26 Secure Productive Enterprise for Windows and Devices Partners call on demand
- Read the introductory blog post
Microsoft in Education Windows 10 deployment workshops
Andrea Schneider, US Partner Marketing Manager for Education, discussed the Education Deployment Workshops. During this day-long workshop, Education customers (and partners) learn how to build their first Windows 10 image, deploy it to PCs, and manage those PCs in production. Attendees also learn about the new features in Windows 10 that help manage and secure environments. You can request a workshop using the link below - specify Windows Deployment Workshop in the Engagement Type field.
- Request a Windows 10 Education deployment workshop
- Learn what's next for Microsoft in Education on May 2
Windows 10 Creators Update
Steve Adams (@msdeviceguy) did a live review and demo of the Windows 10 Creators Update, which began rolling out on April 11, covering on new consumer/productivity features and the changes in this release that benefit IT Pros. Below are links to blog posts from the Windows team about the Creators Update.
Blog post: What’s new in the Windows 10 Creators Update
Highlights:
- 3D in Windows 10
- New gaming features, like Game Mode and Beam
- Microsoft Edge enhancements, like longer battery life, tab preview, and ability to set tabs aside
- Windows Defender Security Center
Blog post: What’s new for IT pros in the Windows 10 Creators Update
Highlights:
- Windows Configuration Designer, formerly known as Windows Imaging and Configuration Designer, is now available as an app in the Windows Store
- Bios to UEFI conversion utilizing MBR2GPT
- Windows Hello for Business
- Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection capabilities
- Windows Defender Antivirus (AV)
- Enhanced Mobile Device Management support
- Improvement to Windows as a Service (more control, update compliance)
Secure Productive Enterprise opportunity
On this special edition call for the Windows and Devices Partner Community, we discussed the partner opportunity with Secure Productive Enterprise (SPE). Walter Perry, community lead for Windows and Devices Partners, was joined by Nick Johnson, community lead for EMS Partners, and Michael Panciroli, community lead for Office 365 and Voice Partners, to talk about the value proposition for partners to sell SPE E5 in particular.
- The partner opportunity with Secure Productive Enterprise
- Read the introductory blog post for Windows partners
Windows and Devices Partner Community
- Community call schedule
- Windows and Devices Partners Yammer group
- Community blog series
- Training and enablement
We look forward to continuing the conversation with you about the Windows 10 opportunity. We use our Windows and Devices Partner Community calls, blog posts, and Yammer group to share information and connect with you. If you’re serious about building and sustaining a profitable Windows practice, and want in-depth assistance, email WinRecruit@microsoft.com or post your question in the Yammer group.