Microsoft Canada rocks New OrleansApproximately 400 Canadian solution providers (some even drove) made there way to bayou country in the deep south of the United States to attend Microsoft’s annual Worldwide Partner Conference.
by Paolo Del Nibletto, Editor of CDN
Microsoft Channel ChiefWorldwide channel chief Allison Watson (pictured) made a major announcement by re-vamping Microsoft’s channel program. It is now called Microsoft Partner Network.Click here to read the story.
Coffee table computingOne of the more popular attractions at the Worldwide Partner Conference was the Surface device. There were many line ups of people on the show floor waiting for their chance to use the product.Click here to see a video of Surface
Juggling security
The show floor boasted many top vendors including security software developer Kaspersky Lab who entertained attendees with a Court Jester who can juggle.
The Canada LoungeAlso at the show floor the Canada Lounge proved to be a popular destination for attendees such as Brian Bourne of CMS Consulting in Toronto.Click here for more on Brian Bourne.
Microsoft’s Canadian channel teamNewly announced Canadian president Eric Gales (centre) along with channel chief Corinne Sharp (right) and Carol Terentiak, senior program development manager enjoy some New Orleans cuisine at the Red Fish Grill on Bourbon St.Click here to read the story about Microsoft’s plans for the Canadian channel
Canada only partyCorinne Sharp hosted a get-together in New Orleans for Canadian channel partners. The night was highlighted by the band Classic Albums Live. Pictured with Sharp are Harry Zarek of Compugen and John Breakey of Unis LuminClick here to view a video of Corinne Sharp at the conference
Microsoft AdvocateStuart Crawford formerly of IT Matters and now with Bulletproof Solutions was also at the Canada party.
Great mix of channel partnersThe Canada only party lasted well into the night and included a great mix from Microsoft’s channel ecosystem.Pictured here are: Manal Guirguis of Tech Data, Carol White of Microsoft, Mary Ann Yule of CDW Canada, and John Breakey of Unis Lumin.
Microsoft’s mystery ladyCarmen Xiao, EPG and ISV partner marketing manager for Microsoft Canada enjoyed a little New Orleans dress up at the Canada party. It was back to work the next day as Microsoft released details of Office 2010.Click here to read the story.
Viva New Orleans
Microsoft’s Worldwide Partner Conference was one of the first major shows to return to the Cresent City since the Katrina disaster. Kudos to Microsoft for supporting a great city. Next year’s event will be held in Washington, D.C.