Conference 7.286::digital

    Depends where you are - in Europe contact Derek Sanders.

    In the U.S., contact Bob Blatz at DTN 264-2631.
    

    According to this weeks edition of INFORMATIONWEEK, p. 106, Digital has
    hired Tech Aid, a national supplier of contract engineers and technical
    staff, to recruit 200 temporary Windows 95 telephone-support
    professioanls.

    true ... and Tech-Aid's number is 719-592-1133. I know because my ACD
    line is the same number and if you dial it as a dtn instead of an
    outside line, you'll get me.  I was getting so many calls I thought I'd
    start my own staffing agency :-)

We've just hired two engineers from Tech_aid. They are the
only contract house we are allowed to use. 

I didn't see it but was told we announced a job fair in the
Colorado Sprngs paper this Sunday. liesl

    Yep - this program of agressive hiring of "contemporary skills" was
    just proudly proclaimed by Janet Wallace (MCS VP for Americas) in a
    speech this morning at the Alpharetta facility.
    
    She also mentioned an innovative program between Digital and a
    Colorado university (Boulder?) to recruit the best computer literate
    students for part-time jobs.  Very upbeat, good news type of speech 
    - illustrated with personal knowledge of what Digital needs to do to 
    get quickly into this market.

    Yep - this program of agressive hiring of "contemporary skills" was
    just proudly proclaimed by Janet Wallace (MCS VP for Americas) in a
    speech this morning at the Alpharetta facility.
    
    ----
    
    So, what about those of us who want to get those skills.  We seem to be
    SOL here.  No money for travel, no money for training (if you can
    convince your boss that the training will be relavent to your job NOW,
    not some unspecified future time.)  Seems we're hosing our current
    staff.  I've seen the memo's how our future depends on re-skilling our
    current staff, but when push comes to shove, nothing happens.

    From my experience it's worth the investment to take the initiative to
    continually expand job skills.  There are numerous classes available 
    via colleges, park & rec. departments, etc...
    
    Even if I end up paying for all my own training, it's worth the
    investment.  Just ask anyone who's been unemployeed for a month or two
    (or more).  I am responsible for my own knowledge and skills, not my
    employer.  I do, however, definitely appreciate it when Digital does 
    pay for me to get some of this training!
    
    RP  

    Re .7 Get on the Microsoft mailing list and you can buy your very own
    copy of the Windows95 Pre-release that's due out in a few weeks. It's
    around $35. 
    
    I've found that by doing LOTS of reading of trade magazines (PC
    Computing, PC Week, etc) and in the various PC notesfiles, I've been
    able to leap far ahead of most other field engineers in my PC
    configuration and troubleshooting skills. Digital didn't have to send
    me to a "sit-down classroom". I've learned on my own, with my own PC.
    (And yes, I've severely corrupted the hard drive a few times in the
    process. But that's why I got a tape backup unit! ;-) I'd rather nuke
    my system than a customers...)
    
    Harry
    

RE: .9

	Or just call 1-800-95PREVIEW to get a Windows95 Retail Beta CD.

						mike

    re: 9
    
    Harry,
    
    Next time my PC goes haywire, I know who I'm going to call.
    
    Chuck

    Re: .10
    
    ... to *ORDER* a preview (Beta test) CD.
    
    				Steve

    Re .10 I didn't have the number handy when I wrote .9, it was in an
    e-mail message from Microsoft, but that's the one I called. They've
    already got my order! So what if Windows95 has problems? I'm sure that
    many of my customers will be buying it like mad. It will certainly help
    me keep my customers happy if I can walk onto their site and be a hero
    when they have config issues. :-)
    
    Harry
    

Re: The last few ones

I smell a good old entusiastic sprit here! Digital need more of that.
Keep up the good work and the customers will love you.

Olav

    Good for you, Harry!  And others too, who are taking the initiative!
    
    Digital has committed to pre-loading WIN95 on the PCs it sells after
    its release (looks like it'll be released before the end of June now)
    (at lease that what a MS Product Manager in the WIN95 Program said on a
    TRAIN-CAST video tape I bought at TECH-ED last week)
    
    This means our customer base is gonna get this new opsys and you know
    who is going to field the calls. 
    
    I've been using WIN95 betas for some time now, and I Love it... but, in
    my classes I've done my own (non-scientific) usability tests with PC
    literate types of folk, and they have done miserably with the new GUI. 
    Once initiated, they seem to enjoy it, but getting a kick start seems
    to be the order of the day.  If I'm right, that translates into a ton
    of support calls at worst, and a ton of training opportunities at best. 
    Since I'm a trainer, I hope for the latter.
    
    Digital does offer training: EY-S411E is a 5 day Lecture/Lab course
    being ramped up all over the country... been offered several times
    already.  This course is for the SI or support person.  The course is
    actually the Microsoft course #385, using their materials, and
    Microsoft Certified Instructors for delivery.
    
    Digital has already developed a one day seminar (sort of a
    dog-and-pony, show-and-tell kinda thing) for WIN95 which is currently
    on the road for delivery in 25 city's around the country.  I'm doing it
    in Mesa, AZ and Houston, TX the week of April 17... and it is currently
    showing elswhere... call Digital Learning Services for scheduling info. 
    The Seminar part number is EY-T110-SO
    
    Not only is Digital a Microsoft Solutions Provider, we are also their
    largest single ATEC (Authorized Technical and Education Center) and do
    more Microsoft training world-wide than any other vendor... a fact we
    abysimally promulgate.  
    
    You may obtain information (catalog) about the Microsoft training
    offered by calling 1-800-332-5656 and requesting the Digital Microsoft
    Solution Prodider Authorized Technical Education Center catalog.
    
    You may also obtain information on the internet at:
    
    	http:/www.digital.com/info/learning/dls.html
    
    
    Tony
    Digital Learning Services

    Here is my slant on things.
    Please correct me if I'm wrong.
    
    
    
    

		Comparision of MicroSoft Operating Systems


	Windows 95 (formerly Chicago)

	Windows NT Workstation

	Windows NT Server



						Windows NT	Windows 95
					     +------------------------------+
	Run Win16 Applications		     |      yes      |     yes      |
					     +------------------------------+
	Run Win32 Applications		     |      yes      |     yes      |
					     +------------------------------+
	Run DOS Applications		     |      some     |     yes      |
					     +------------------------------+
	Run DOS Device Drivers		     |       no      |     yes      |
					     +------------------------------+
	Run Win16 Device Drivers	     |       no      |     yes      |
					     +------------------------------+
	Crash Protection for Win16 Apps	     |      yes      |      no      |
					     +------------------------------+
	C2 Certified			     |      yes      |      no      |
					     +------------------------------+
	Supports NTFS			     |      yes      |      no      |
					     +------------------------------+
	Automatic Reboot		     |      yes      |      no      |
					     +------------------------------+
	Supports Multiple Processors	     |      yes      |      no      |
					     +------------------------------+
	Supports RISC Architecture	     |      yes      |      no      |
					     +------------------------------+

    
    
    So if Win95 runs DOS device drivers is it safe to say that it is really
    a DOS operating system with a GUI ???
    
    Haven't played with it yet myself
    
    
    Brian V
	
	

    >on the road for delivery in 25 city's around the country.  I'm doing it
    >in Mesa, AZ and Houston, TX the week of April 17... and it is currently
    >showing elswhere... call Digital Learning Services for scheduling info. 
    
    Tony, I'm a field engineer in Houston and haven't heard a word about
    your seminar... :-(  (The real bummer is that I'll be in Dallas for the
    next 2-3 weeks, installing a truckload of new Digital PC's for CitiBank
    and won't be able to attend anyway!) 
    
    I'll check into the 5-day course. Sounds like something that would be
    extremely helpful to me!
    
    Harry
    

    Well, lets see: here's a partial schedule for EY-S411E-LO the
    Supporting Microsoft Windows 95 Course (5 DAY L/L)
    
    Atlanta	June 5		July 31
    Boston	April 24	July 17
    Chicago	April 24
    Dallas	May 8		
    Denver	May 8		July 17
    Los Angeles	June 12
    New York	April 10	May 15		July 17
    San Diego	June 5
    Santa Clara	June 12
    Washington DC		May 15
    
    These dates were taken from page 91 of the Digital Digest for Feb thru
    July 1995... there is a more recent one out which I do not have a copy
    of.  
    
    Call 800-332-5656 for updated info.
    
    tony

	Sorry for delay but I don't read this notesfile often...



	SUBJECT:  Summary of a currently executing program to place
	          Microsoft BackOffice (server) software in Pilot and
	          Evaluation situations

	Digital is a participant in a Microsoft Program called Solution 
	Server

	The Solution Server program was designed, by Microsoft, to make the
	material needed for an evaluation, easier to obtain.  A lot of the cost
	is on the provider, i.e. Digital.  Digital delivers to 
	qualified customers the software kit, hardware platform, 
	and support during the 60 day trial.  

	This can be a way in which you can penetrate new areas of your
	customer or be a provider to areas already considering Windows NT

	
	Digital ships the software kit to the customer upon receipt of a 
	signed Evaluation/Loan of Software agreement.  The kit contains 
	Server software (their suite called BackOffice) including:
	- NT Server 3.5 (operating system)
	- SQL Server 4.2.1 (database)
	- SNA Server 2.1 (SNA gateway)
	- Systems Management Server 1.0 (PC software and hardware management)
	- Mail Server 3.2 (in the future this will be Exchange)

	The software package also includes development tools and aids 
	including:
		- Office Professional 4.3 for Windows
		- Visual Basic Professional3.0
		- Tech Net
		- Developers Network
		- Presentation Builder.
		- a coupon for $350. off a Microsoft training class.

	To place a Pilot/Evaluation requires 3 major pieces:
	
	- a signed Evaluation/Loan of Software form.  This is a Microsoft
	  form.  We ship software out within 24 hours of receiving a signed 
	  form.  We do NOT ship software kits out until we receive the
	  form.
	  (Please contact your local Windows NT Regional driver ** see below **
	  or me to receive some copies of the form.)

	- Software support during the 60-day evaluation period.  The
	  Windows NT Marketing Group has contracted with MCS to provide
	  telephone support.  Upon setting up a new site I will arrange for
	  an account number good for 60 days worth of trouble calls.

	- the hardware platform for the evaluation.  This is the most
	  difficult part.  The software kit contains binaries for both
	  Intel and Alpha servers.  Putting the hardware platform in
	  place is the responsiblity of Digital sales.  Possible sources:
		- existing customer system
		- rotational consignement or loaner
		- purchase with customer right to return
		- ...
 
	Note that the Digital controls the "qualification" process.  
	Normal ground rules for doing a pilot should apply.  

	The customer must have a piece of hardware in order for 
	us to use one of the Microsoft-provided software kits.  We can 
	also provide a software kit when the customer has hired the
	Digital for architecture design or development work.
	(Microsoft wording)

	Once a customer has "qualified" I (Mike Engbrock) need a signed 
	Software Loan Agreement from the customer to release the software.  
	This is a Microsoft agreement.  I have hardcopies of the 
	agreement.  Prospective providers should review this
	agreement before moving forward to insure that they
	understand the terms.
  	
	The Microsoft offer says that a provider can charge a customer
	for support and consulting services required for the 
	evaluation on Day 1.  The period 8 hours is used but is not 
	priced.  We are not allowed to charge for installation.  Installation
	is done at customer site due to possible naming conventions 
	of NT Domains.  Installation is not difficult but would take
	3-4 hours for all applications.  Do this during your "consulting"
	time.

	One idea is to charge a nominal fee for 2 months telephone support
	and a 8-hour consultant fee.  Whether the customer is willing/able to 
	pay an amount for the evaluation could be part of the
	qualification process.  This is also dependent on the availability
	of qualified Windows NT resource in the local area.

	Solution Server gives the customer a license for the server software
	and a license for 10 clients.  (this would limit the size of the 
	evaluation).  Customer also receives an evaluation guide. 
	PLEASE NOTE that currently there is no copy protection on the
	client software.  

	Customer should have NT server knowledge (or invest in 
	a training class)    Also to have a clear 
	project plan i.e. what are they trying to evaluate.
	( all of the above should be part of qualification criteria)

	Windows NT Training can be sold before and during the evaluation
	process.

	Upon conclusion of the evaluation the customer procures (or 
	doesn't ) the hardware unit (or a larger one) and a new 
	set of software.  

  	Customer should procure new software to insure they 
	get the latest version of all packages.  The kit contains the
	latest versions of all software (no beta versions) but there
	could be a new release issued during the evaluation.  We will NOT
	upgrade versions during an evaluation.

	Upon the expiration of the evaluation period Digital (Mike Engbrock) 
	will send a form closing the evaluation and requiring the return
	the CD-ROMs for any software applications not procured by the
	customer.  We also get a signed statement from the customer that any
	non-procured software has been cleaned from the storage media.

	We can work with an ISV on this program.  In that case the ISV must
	agree to provide their layered software without charge for the 60
	days and provide any required support to the customer during that
	time period.

	There are regional Windows NT drivers in the SBU Field Marketing
	organizations that can work with you on this program and others.
	They should be your first line of contact on this program.

	U.S. Windows NT Marketing Manager	Scott Rimmer @RCH
	Eastern/Northeast Region		Michael Medaglia @OFO
	Central/MidWest Region			Ken Wilson @SCA
	Western Region				Robin Gibson @SZO
	Southeast Region			Mike Michael @RTP
	Canada					Brantz Myers @TRO

	If you can't contact the above or have any questions please 
	call Mike Engbrock DTN 226-2896
		LJSRV1::Engbrock.  ( NO ALL-IN-1 ACCOUNT !!!)