As Microsoft Gold Certified Partners, key members of the ICONICS organisation, CEO Russ Agrusa, UK Managing Director Clive Walton and UK Sales Director Andrew Mellor, recently attended the Microsoft World Partner Conference in New Orleans. This massive event focused on the upcoming launch of Windows 7, here is an account of the event from the UK team;
The weather in New Orleans was hot humid and coupled with 9000 other Microsoft partners, the week was extremely busy and chaotic.
Meetings were held with the Windows 7 launch team as ICONICS approaches the final certification to become logo certified Win7. ‘Win 7 is looking extremely quick, reliable and compatible which are qualities we search for in the manufacturing automation space’ says Clive Walton ‘there are good light up features including multi touch and multiple office locations’.
‘The launch of Bing has further enhanced the Microsoft product offering’ says Andrew Mellor ‘it has a better filtered searching, better image search and auto play video results’,
Another interesting feature of Windows 7 is the ability to protect your data with BitLocker and BitLocker To Go. This feature allows you to lock an application or set of configuration files down, allowing access to only the people who should have access, this protection can even be extended to removable drives.
‘The Windows 7 Beta versions are proving to be very strong as an offering and will perhaps supersede Vista adoption.’ Says Clive Walton ‘We are eager to get moving with this product and are excited to be a part of the action alongside Microsoft’
As Gold Certified Partners and early adopters, ICONICS are looking forward to being a part of the Windows 7 and Silverlight 3 Launch. This will involve regional events and marketing activities to demonstrate how ICONICS software utilises the light up features of both products.
On a more personal note, the week held more excitement for Andrew Mellor, when his notebook was stolen, and then returned at the end of the week (probably when the thieves discovered it was of no use!)
The ICONICS team also met with some senior people inside Microsoft, including the very charming Alison Watson Corporate Vice President of the Worldwide Partner Group.
Microsoft donated the Sunday prior to the event as a day of giving, where many of the partners gave time and effort to help rebuild a school devastated by Katrina.
The week began with a shooting outside the UK hotel (which only added to chaotic feel!) and ended with exciting previews of Office 2010 and SharePoint 2010 previews… ‘all in a days work’ says Clive Walton. ‘The week was fantastic and we are looking forward to next year’ said Andrew Mellor.
Other exciting Microsoft/ ICONICS news includes the prospect of ICONICS UK signing to sell Microsoft products at greatly reduced ISV prices when purchased with ICONICS products. Try us for SQL, SharePoint, Office or any other Microsoft application.
