I need your help in 2009

Folks – I have mapped out the first eight (8) months of topics but I could sure use a hand in mapping out the last four (4) months of 2009. What turns your crank? What do u wanna read in the SMB technology space? Lemme know…harrybbbb

Exam 74-675 Microsoft Response Point configuring announced

Folks – it’s here – the Microsoft Response Point exam! Can u pass it?

http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/exams/74-675.aspx

Exam 74-675:    
Microsoft Response Point, Configuring  
   Published:        October 23, 2008  
   Language(s):        English  
   Audience(s):        IT Professionals  
   Technology:        Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007  
   Type:        Proctored Exam  
Overview  Skills Measured  Preparation Materials  Community
About this ExamThis exam validates the skills needed to successfully deploy Microsoft Response Point products and services.
Audience Profile
Candidates for this exam are Microsoft Value Added Resellers and Partners who sell and deploy Microsoft Response Point products and services. The successful candidate will be familiar with Response Point core system features and functionality that are independent of Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) implementation. In addition, the successful candidate must be familiar with general telecommunications industry terms that are used in pre-sales conversations with customers as well as Response Point integrated solutions with Microsoft Office and supported Microsoft operating systems.  The successful candidate will also have basic network skills such as working with DHCP and TCP/IP.
Credit Toward CertificationWhen you pass Exam 74-675: Microsoft Response Point, Configuring, you complete the requirements for the following certification(s):Microsoft Achievement
Exam 74-675: Microsoft Response Point, Configuring: counts as credit toward the following certification(s):
Note This preparation guide is subject to change at any time without prior notice and at the sole discretion of Microsoft. Microsoft exams might include adaptive testing technology and simulation items. Microsoft does not identify the format in which exams are presented. Please use this preparation guide to prepare for the exam, regardless of its format.
Skills Being MeasuredThis exam measures your ability to accomplish the technical tasks listed below.The percentages indicate the relative weight of each major topic area on the exam.
Understanding Response Point Concepts

    * Identify Response Point hardware components.
          o This objective may include but is not limited to: hardware components such as the Response Point Base Unit, Phone, and Analog Telephone Adapter (ATA) devices
    * Identify Response Point software components and functionality.
          o This objective may include but is not limited to: Response Point Administrator and Response Point Assistant, and Response Point base unit software
    * Identify supported voice services and functionality.
    * Identify Response Point features.
          o This objective may include but is not limited to: product features such as click-to-call, call status, and call history; identify tasks you can perform from Response Point button, or Blue button; identify Response Point Assistant features; identify Response Point Administrator features
    * Identify Response Point target market.
    * Identify telephony industry terms.
          o This objective may include but is not limited to: the basic terms the seller must understand and the differences between them: PSTN, VoIP, SIP, FXo, FXs, DID, ITSP, QoE, QoS, POE, and ATA

Administering Response Point

    * Configure the phone system.
          o This objective may include but is not limited to: add a phone; add a user; add a voice service; upgrade the Response Point system devices and software
    * Configure base unit settings.
          o This objective may include but is not limited to: configure the e-mail server; configure e-mail and voice mail integration; parked call music; paging
    * View reports.
          o This objective may include but is not limited to: call history reports and diagnostic reports
    * Configure call routing.
          o This objective may include but is not limited to: configure AutoAttendant; configure external access
    * Integrate Response Point with Microsoft Small Business Server (SBS).
    * Configure OEM devices.
          o This objective may include but is not limited to: connect base unit to network; connect phone devices; connect PSTN gateway; configure DHCP server
    * Back up and restore the Response Point system.
          o This objective may include but is not limited to: restore with or without voice mail

Performing End-User Tasks

    * Perform end-user tasks by using Response Point Assistant.
          o This objective may include but is not limited to: configure user identity; import contacts; configure call forwarding preferences; voice mail to e-mail; click to call; configure voice mail; voice mail greeting; recorded name
    * Perform end-user tasks by using Response Point button, or Blue button.
          o This objective may include but is not limited to: voice dialing; transfer call; call parking, or hold park and retrieve; Help

Performing Administrative and End-User Troubleshooting Tasks

    * Perform administrative troubleshooting tasks by using Response Point Administrator.
          o This objective may include but is not limited to: Diagnostic Reports
    * Perform end-user troubleshooting tasks by diagnosing network or device errors.
    * Perform administrative troubleshooting tasks by using Response Point USB utilities.
          o This objective may include but is not limited to: Reset Password, Reset System, View Diagnostic Reports

Preparation Tools and ResourcesTo help you prepare for this exam, Microsoft Learning recommends that you have hands-on experience with the product and that you use the following training resources. These training resources do not necessarily cover all of the topics listed in the “Skills Measured” tab.
Classroom Training There is no classroom training currently available.
Microsoft E-Learning There is no Microsoft E-Learning training currently available.
Microsoft Press Books There are no Microsoft Press books currently available.
Practice Tests There are no practice tests currently available.
Have Questions?For advice about training and certification, connect with peers:

    * Visit the training and certification forum

For questions about a specific certification, chat with a Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP):

    * Visit our MCP newsgroups

To find out about recommended blogs, Web sites, and upcoming Live Meetings on popular topics, visit our community site:

    * Visit the Microsoft Learning community
 
Overview
About this ExamThis exam validates the skills needed to successfully deploy Microsoft Response Point products and services.
Audience Profile
Candidates for this exam are Microsoft Value Added Resellers and Partners who sell and deploy Microsoft Response Point products and services. The successful candidate will be familiar with Response Point core system features and functionality that are independent of Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) implementation. In addition, the successful candidate must be familiar with general telecommunications industry terms that are used in pre-sales conversations with customers as well as Response Point integrated solutions with Microsoft Office and supported Microsoft operating systems.  The successful candidate will also have basic network skills such as working with DHCP and TCP/IP.
Credit Toward CertificationWhen you pass Exam 74-675: Microsoft Response Point, Configuring, you complete the requirements for the following certification(s):Microsoft Achievement
Exam 74-675: Microsoft Response Point, Configuring: counts as credit toward the following certification(s):
Note This preparation guide is subject to change at any time without prior notice and at the sole discretion of Microsoft. Microsoft exams might include adaptive testing technology and simulation items. Microsoft does not identify the format in which exams are presented. Please use this preparation guide to prepare for the exam, regardless of its format.

Skills Measured
Skills Being MeasuredThis exam measures your ability to accomplish the technical tasks listed below.The percentages indicate the relative weight of each major topic area on the exam.
Understanding Response Point Concepts

    * Identify Response Point hardware components.
          o This objective may include but is not limited to: hardware components such as the Response Point Base Unit, Phone, and Analog Telephone Adapter (ATA) devices
    * Identify Response Point software components and functionality.
          o This objective may include but is not limited to: Response Point Administrator and Response Point Assistant, and Response Point base unit software
    * Identify supported voice services and functionality.
    * Identify Response Point features.
          o This objective may include but is not limited to: product features such as click-to-call, call status, and call history; identify tasks you can perform from Response Point button, or Blue button; identify Response Point Assistant features; identify Response Point Administrator features
    * Identify Response Point target market.
    * Identify telephony industry terms.
          o This objective may include but is not limited to: the basic terms the seller must understand and the differences between them: PSTN, VoIP, SIP, FXo, FXs, DID, ITSP, QoE, QoS, POE, and ATA

Administering Response Point

    * Configure the phone system.
          o This objective may include but is not limited to: add a phone; add a user; add a voice service; upgrade the Response Point system devices and software
    * Configure base unit settings.
          o This objective may include but is not limited to: configure the e-mail server; configure e-mail and voice mail integration; parked call music; paging
    * View reports.
          o This objective may include but is not limited to: call history reports and diagnostic reports
    * Configure call routing.
          o This objective may include but is not limited to: configure AutoAttendant; configure external access
    * Integrate Response Point with Microsoft Small Business Server (SBS).
    * Configure OEM devices.
          o This objective may include but is not limited to: connect base unit to network; connect phone devices; connect PSTN gateway; configure DHCP server
    * Back up and restore the Response Point system.
          o This objective may include but is not limited to: restore with or without voice mail

Performing End-User Tasks

    * Perform end-user tasks by using Response Point Assistant.
          o This objective may include but is not limited to: configure user identity; import contacts; configure call forwarding preferences; voice mail to e-mail; click to call; configure voice mail; voice mail greeting; recorded name
    * Perform end-user tasks by using Response Point button, or Blue button.
          o This objective may include but is not limited to: voice dialing; transfer call; call parking, or hold park and retrieve; Help

Performing Administrative and End-User Troubleshooting Tasks

    * Perform administrative troubleshooting tasks by using Response Point Administrator.
          o This objective may include but is not limited to: Diagnostic Reports
    * Perform end-user troubleshooting tasks by diagnosing network or device errors.
    * Perform administrative troubleshooting tasks by using Response Point USB utilities.
          o This objective may include but is not limited to: Reset Password, Reset System, View Diagnostic Reports

Happy Holidays Everybody

Hiya – Happy Holidays to our loyal readers!

The best of holidays to you!

harrybbbbb

Bullish on SMB

Hey – I don’t know about you but I am searching the land for good news – here is some amazing news from our sponsor – D&H:

NEWS

                                                                  Contact:  Suzanne Mattaboni

                                                                                 Suzanne Mattaboni Communications

      For D&H Distributing

                                                                                 (610) 261-4560 

         suzgm@aol.com

 

For Immediate Release:

 

D&H DISTRIBUTING FORESEES

MOBILITY, STORAGE, SERVER AND SYSTEM MANAGEMENT, & IMAGING AS THRIVING CATEGORIES FOR 2009

— SMBs Will Turn to their VAR Partners for Powerful, Affordable Solutions That Deliver Greater Efficiencies and Functionality with Less Personnel Interaction —

                                                                                                                                                 

HARRISBURG, PA, December 8, 2008 – D&H Distributing, the major North American computer products and consumer electronics distributor, wants to leverage its 90 years of distribution experience to instruct its resellers on the trends and technologies that will help keep them profitable in 2009. 

Although the economy threatens to make businesses shy away from IT spending, there are still hot growth areas in the market that may prove to be more recession-proof than others.  This is especially true of solutions and programs that create efficiencies for end-users, allowing them to manage their offices and systems with less staff, less consumption, fewer tools, and fewer complications.  In fact, SMB companies will be turning to the reseller community as their off-site IT advisors, to help them identify the most cost-effective, conservative yet powerful technologies to fortify their organizations in the face of the economic downturn. 

According to sales trends that D&H has seen, both among its customer base and in the greater market, growth areas for the IT sector include the still-popular mobility category (including the new, smaller-form netbooks); server and system management solutions (e.g., Intel’s vPro solution and Microsoft’s System Center Essentials); SMB leasing programs; and document imaging products, such as high-end scanners that eliminate paper; and data security and storage solutions.  Furthermore, D&H foresees up to 20% growth in 2009 in areas including SMB servers, VoIP, digital signage, and storage and security.

D&H’s astute ability to forecast trends in the market will become all the more valuable to VARs in 2009’s challenging climate.  “We’ve had a better-than-average six months over the course of this past fiscal year, and that’s because we’ve always been adept at finding the right business opportunities for our customers, even in a difficult channel environment,” said Mary Campbell, vice president of marketing at D&H. “This resilience gives us the fiscal strength and the authority to be a more consistent resource for our resellers, and we plan to continue that into 2009.”

 

D&H Predictions:  High-Potential Categories for 2009

Mobility:  New small-form netbooks like the Asus EEE, multimedia smartphones like HTC’s Touch Diamond, and notebooks like Fujitsu’s LifeBook U810 mini-tablet PC are still creating a buzz in the market and holding steady as a category.  The versatility, range of size and impressive functionality of these devices have helped them hold their own in sales.

Server Management Solutions:  Powerful server management solutions such as Intel’s vPro and Microsoft System Center Essentials allow SMB companies to achieve system monitoring, inherent security, and ongoing maintenance with more efficiencies than ever, from less memory and utilization of power to more streamlined operations. 

Small Business Leasing:  As the economy forces many businesses to review their financing choices, leasing is finally gaining momentum in SMB.  It’s one way to outfit a small office with software for an affordable monthly payment, as opposed to a large-scale cash layout.  E.g., where not every small office can afford $5,000 to implement a Windows environment across various workstations, an $80-a-month lease agreement is more palatable.

Document Imaging and Scanner Products:  High-capacity scanners allow business owners to convert paper receipts and documents into an easily-retrievable and searchable electronic archive, accommodating federal mandates such as HIPAA, while conserving storage space and printing costs.  Models like the Epson GT20000, GT30000, GT2500, GT1500 offer superior performance at economical pricepoints.

Data Storage and Security:  The more that business technology becomes portable and transferable, the more it also presents a vulnerability to the SMB companies that use them, whether an employee loses a small-form-factor computing device, or a VPN is hacked via an unsecured system.  From IronKey’s hardware-encrypted USB drives, to Cisco’s ASA security appliances for the network, secure storage devices allow SMBs to protect themselves from what could be painful and expensive losses should their increasingly growing mobile workforce experience a breach.

  “Our customers are counting on a strong partner to steer them toward the strategies that will keep them solvent through this period,” said Campbell.  “It’s particularly crucial now to make savvy decisions about what to carry, what trends to adhere to, and what verticals to put their faith in.  D&H has decades of experience weathering good times and bad, so we’re equipped to support them now.”

 

D&H Category Growth Stats  - Fiscal Q2 (August – October, 2008); Year-Over-Year

Overall business:                     11 % increase 

Mobility:                                 53 % increase in sales

SMB Servers:                          68 % increase in sales

Storage:                                   27 % increase in sales

 

About D&H Distributing

D&H Distributing is one of North America’s oldest and largest wholesale distributors of computer and consumer electronics products, with an impressive 90-year history serving as a trusted advisor to the reseller channel.  D&H distributed the first-ever home computer, the first color television, and even the first gaming system.  No other distributor has a greater depth of experience as a one-stop resource for IT and consumer electronics solutions than D&H. 

The company’s multi-market expertise, dedicated account reps, sterling service and ongoing educational programs reflect its continuing commitment to its customer base.  This level of all-around support enables D&H resellers and dealers to become pioneers of the newly-converged technological landscape, encompassing opportunities in the IT, SMB and digital home arenas. 

D&H ships out of six separate locations in North America, including its US headquarters in Harrisburg and its new Canadian headquarters in Mississauga, Ontario.  Additional US warehouses are located in Jacksonville, FL; Chicago, IL; Dallas, TX; and Fresno, CA. Call D&H toll-free at (800) 340-1001 or visit www.dandh.com.

 

 

 

 

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SMB VoIP Survey closing soon :)

Folks – hurry! When you compelte our SMB VoIP survey, you can enter to win an IPod!

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=iN4lDHExk1ntwvmShTmEsw_3d_3d

SMB Nation 2008 fall conference coverage in Redmond Channel Partner magazine

12-2-08: SMB Nation 2008 fall conference coverage in Redmond Channel
Hard to believe it was just voer two months ago…what a whacky fall.

So read what Redmond Channel Partner had to say:
http://redmondmag.com/news/article.asp?EditorialsID=10406   

SMB Nation Europe workshop update: EBS speech just added

Folks -

JUST ADDED!

Essential Business Server Deployment and Migration (HP Lunch speech)

Robert will provide an overview of the new Essential Business Server product, discuss planning and hardware selection and then discuss in detail the unique EBS installation process. Migration and deployment will then be covered, along with some insights from his experience in the field with real world deployments.

 

Speaker: Robert Adie, MCSE,  MCTS : LCS, OCS, EBS, Hyper-V, CCNA is IT Director for leading Scottish IT and telecommunications solution provider Digital IP. With 10 years experience working with Small Business Server and involvement in EBS for over two years, Robert brings a breadth and depth of knowledge on both the technical and business challenges surrounding SME IT. Having implemented the first production EBS deployment outside the US and two others since, Robert will share his hints and tips for a successful deployment and discuss some of the pitfalls.

See our main site at www.smbnation.com to sign up.

Thanks!

harrybbbb