The Worldwide Partner Conference (WPC) ended last week. The WPC carried a lot of momentum towards the conversation surrounding the cloud and Microsoft Online Services. For This Week in BPOS News we take a look at three stories that cover Cloud Computing and Microsoft Online Services.

1. Microsoft Unfurls Its Multi-Faceted Cloud Message

As I mentioned, the Worldwide Partner Conference was held last week in Washington D.C. and Microsoft made its commitment to the cloud undoubted. Along with a huge pledge to the cloud comes immense opportunity for partners and users to become prosperous. This article from ChannelWeb outlines how partners are reacting to the new increase in momentum towards the cloud, how they are becoming successful in the cloud and how Microsoft is offering resource and solutions for partners entering the cloud. “To help partners get up to speed, Microsoft is adding new cloud incentives to the Microsoft Partner Network (MPN).”

Along with MPN, the piece from ChannelWeb describes the launch of Microsoft’s “Cloud Essentials Pack.” The article also mentions several other ways that Microsoft is “helping demystify the cloud and defuse partners’ fears.” This article is a great read for cloud enthusiasts and partners that have a fog of fear around the cloud.

2. Cloud Computing for Education

For our second story this week we take a look at a video. This YouTube clip really simplifies how cloud computing could be used for educational institutions.

This video helps supplement recent news that Microsoft Cuts Cloud Email Deal with New York City Schools. The cloud is making a strong push to education and Microsoft is leading the charge. Do you want the cloud at your school? What enhancements do you think the cloud brings to an education system? Leave a comment below.

3. Microsoft Channel Chief: Cloud Opportunities Abound

Jon Roskill, VP of Microsoft Worldwide Partner Group, has had a busy couple of weeks. He had to MC the Worldwide Partner conference and it was only his thirteenth day on the job. The VAR Guy takes a look at the message Jon Roskill was trying to bring across at WPC. His message summed up by the VAR Guy is that “Microsoft is committed to providing tools designed [to] help their partners take advantage of cloud opportunities.” The article points to Jon’s keynote, a blog entry, and also addresses the following tools:

• Microsoft Cloud Essentials
• Microsoft Cloud Accelerate
• Business Builder for Cloud Services and the Cloud Profitability Modeler

The VAR Guy analysis Jon Roskill’s appearance at WPC, and also finishes the article with some noteworthy questions of his own. Take a look at this piece and leave a comment below.

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