On the B2B front, Merit Mile is helping Microsoft realize its cloud computing channel strategy with two, complementary global initiatives. First, in an effort to help over 10,000 partners worldwide activate new cloud computing customers, Merit Mile created Microsoft Hosting University. This portal, dedicated to helping partners grasp technology and sales lesson on Microsoft SPLA, is available in six languages and features heavy doses of video and dynamically published content that is both current and relevant. Second, Merit Mile continues the Microsoft cloud story in the offline world with the Hostapaloooza event series.
In partnership with Citrix, Parallels, Dell, Ingram Micro and others, these live, in-person events, sponsored by Microsoft Hosting University are focused on helping cloud service providers activate new, small to mid-sized business customers around the world. In a rock concert setting, Merit Mile has integrated a tradeshow strategy with a web strategy for the purposes of brand awareness and event registrations.
These one-day cloud computing educational events feature presentations on the Microsoft Web Platform, Windows hosting infrastructure, as well as an impressive lineup of cloud-computing solutions from leading vendors on IT subjects related to hosting, storage, networking and more. By participating, attendees learn how to boost profits and activate new cloud computing customers quickly and efficiently—they also receive free admission in addition to walking away with a rock guitar USB drive containing all presentations. Since inception, Merit Mile has managed over a dozen events in the US, Canada and South America for Microsoft. The next stop on the tour is Australia in March. To learn more about this event and sponsorship opportunities, please turn your speakers up!