July 22, 2005

Microsoft's Evangelists: Why Partnerships Will Finish First

Yesterday I had a wonderful dinner with Harry Brelsford of SMBNation, Jordan Shultz (and his associate Timothy) of Ipromptu and Robert Patterson, of the New York Small Business Server Group.

Harry is the premier specialist and evangelist for Microsoft Small Business Server

Jordan creates an amazing, software based telephony product for SBS, Ipromptu

Robert heads the NY Small Business Server Group

Harry brought us together, as he was in New York for some meetings. Our commonality - we all love tech and the SMB space.

Here's what I learned:

Jordan's business is growing because he is addictive passionate about connecting with consultants who sell/install Microsoft Small Business Server. His software based telephony product Impromptu , which is designed for Small Business Server, is a VOIP solution that seamlessly integrates Small Business Server and a business' telephones together in one interconnected ecosystem. Conference calls, follow me, the works.

Jordan knows all the SBS user groups and works hard to ensure they know about this product.

Harry, is a Small Business Server tech consultant but does more and more speaking, writing (all about MSFT SBS) and produces SMB Nation in addition to mini conferences around the world. If there ever was an evangelist for Small Business Server, Harry's it.

Robert, started the NY Small Business Server group with about 2 persons only a short time ago as he noticed there were groups in other places (even Australia) but non it New York. His group now has 80 members.

For Microsoft, Small Business Server is THE FOUNDATION for reaching into the small business market of 75 or less users. Other technology vendors would be VERY wise to follow in MSFT's path of fostering evangelists who are WILDLY EXCITED about their products.

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