Heroes {Community} Launch

On December 7, technical communities around the world will have the opportunity to participate in a virtual train-the-trainer and launch execution program consistent with the 08 Launch Wave of Windows Server 2008™, Visual Studio 2008™, and SQL Server 2008™.

The Heroes {Community} Launch is an exclusive opportunity to work directly with Microsoft to host your own launch event around Windows Server 2008, Visual Studio 2008, and SQL Server 2008 Microsoft products. The program provides participants with the technical training and launch support resources to showcase some of the technical features of these products within their local community.

As a member of INETA, Culminis and the president of the Canberra SQL Server User Group, I have been invited to enroll as a Heroes {Community} Launch Leader.

So what's the value of being a Heroes {Community} Launch Leader?

Well, I:

• Get to work directly with Microsoft product groups and subject matter experts to lead a launch event in your local community.
• Get to be the first to receive new highly relevant and deeply technical training content for Microsoft Windows Server 2008, Visual Studio 2008, and SQL Server 2008.
• Get to participate in live Q & A sessions with Microsoft and community subject matter experts.
• Receive complimentary Microsoft e-learning courses that focus on the new and enhanced features of Windows Server 2008.
• Gain access to speaker and presentation training from Microsoft resources and accredited community experts.
• Gain access to the Heroes {Community} Launch portal where you can share ideas and success with other Community Launch Leaders worldwide.
• Receive a product oriented launch kit to support your event.
• Receive a recognition and thank you package which will include premium versions of product NFR.

Can anyone be a Heroes {Community} Launch Leader? Yes and No.

Firstly; you must be invited to participate. Call for action has so far been sent by MS Global Field, INETA, Culminis, SQL PASS, MSDN/TechNet, CPLS, Microsoft Student Partners (MSP) and User Group Support Services (MS UGSS ). As a User Group Leader I can also nominate two other people to participate. Secondly; once you have registered, Microsoft will coordinate with their regional subsidiaries and INETA to confirm your eligibility to receive a launch kit consistent with the program guidelines.

So, did I choose anyone to help me out? Sure did.

I chose Shaun Baggett who is a regular attendee of the Canberra SQL Server User Group, SQL Down Under Code Camp, CodeCampOz and Canberra .NET User Group, and Catherine Eibner who also attends these events, has presented sessions for both the Brisbane and Canberra SQL Server User Groups and was one of the sponsors of the inaugural Influencers Party at TechEd Australian 2007. They are also people that I know quite well and who I believe will help make this the best ever SQL Server launch for our community.