November 2008 - Posts

• Microsoft no longer marketing Windows Live OneCare

  Just received an e-mail that as of Nov 23, 2008 (below), Microsoft will no longer be marketing Windows Live OneCare.  It’s unknown what that means, other than them closing the affiliate program (where marketers get paid if you install it).  It is unreasonable that they will discontinue the product, since they have just launched Small Business Server 2008 and Windows Live OneCare Server.  I’m wondering if the marketing department that was contracted, was fired. Windows Live OneCare to Close November 23, 2008 Thank you for your participation in the Windows Live OneCare affiliate program. Unfortunately, Microsoft will no longer be marketing the Windows Live OneCare product, and therefore must close this offer as of November 23, 2008. Any banner or text ads that you currently have in place and receiving traffic will still be eligible for payout through 12:00am EST November 23, 2008. However, any traffic after this date will no longer be eligible for the coupon or commission payout. Final commission payout for all approved activity through the end of day tomorrow, November 22, 2008, will be processed and paid in the month of December. This payment will also include any delayed October payment you are expecting. Be sure to turn in your W8 or W9 tax forms before November 23 to receive payment, as you will no be eligible for payment if it is not in hand at that time. Please be sure to remove all marketing materials associated with this offer from placement as of November 23, as you will no longer receive credit for this activity. We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause. Thank you for your participation in the Microsoft Affiliate Network. Melissa Witt Affiliate Manager Microsoft Affiliate Network Posted Nov 21 2008, 09:48 PM by Randy Walker with no comments

• Microsoft BizSpark for technology startups

  I love it when someone else writes up my blog postings for me! Microsoft BizSpark is a global program designed to help accelerate the success of early stage startups. By joining BizSpark, Startups get: o Software:  fast and easy access to Microsoft’s current full-featured development tools, platform technologies, and production licenses of server products for immediate use in developing and bringing to market innovative and interoperable solutions with no upfront costs and minimal requirements. Startups will also get access to the community technology preview (CTP) of the Microsoft Azure Services Platform. o Support:  professional technical support from Microsoft (MSDN) and community support from BizSpark Network Partners around the world who provide a wide range of support resources for software startups.  Network Partners are incubators, investors, advisors, government agencies and hosters who are vested in software-fueled innovation and entrepreneurship. o Visibility:  global visibility to an audience of potential investors, clients and partners.  Startups will have the opportunity to complete a profile in the online Startup directory, BizSparkDB, on the Microsoft Startup Zone which highlights promising companies from around the world, including “BizSpark Startup of the Day”. Startups get access to BizSpark either through a Network Partner (e.g. TiE, NVCA, select Venture Capitalists, and over 300+ entrepreneurial-focused organizations) or through Microsoft BizSpark Program Leads (called “BizSpark Champs”). Startups can find both at Microsoft.com/bizspark. Call to Action · Please visit www.microsoftstartupzone.com/bizspark for detailed program information · Visit www.microsoftstartupzone/bizsparkdb daily to see who is the “BizSpark Startup of the Day” · Join the BizSpark Facebook Fan Page · Follow BizSpark on Twitter at http://twitter.com/bizspark Posted Nov 21 2008, 07:37 PM by Randy Walker with no comments Filed under: Microsoft

• Selected for Trip to Korea

  Having only told a handful of people, I applied to the OKF (Overseas Korean Foundation) for the “First Trip Home” program the week of the deadline in late October.  I found out about the program late and rushed to get my application in, which included gathering documents and writing an essay.  It’s been over 36 hours since I found out I was selected to participate, and I’m still a bit shell shocked.  Please note that this event in my life is extremely personal and something I have not fully explored. OKF and the First Trip Home program was designed for “… inviting Korean adoptees to their motherland to experience and learn Korean culture by creating an outlet for their desire for searching for their identity, assistance with searching for their biological family …”  http://www.okf.or.kr/ I’m very fortunate to have been one of the 44 selected.  Both the flight and hotel accommodations are being paid through the Foundation which was setup by the Korean government.  I’m still waiting on the itinerary, as they are scheduling several events for us.  Tentatively the dates I’ll be in Korea is from Dec 8th – Dec 14th, which will require a day of travel to arrive and a day to return.  It’ll be a long and difficult journey, one of some self exploration and discovery.  Please pray for me. I’ll be posting more about this journey on my personal site and Facebook, however will be exclude the geekswithblogs.net community.  Feel free to keep track of the postings on http://mysoftwarestartup.com Posted Nov 11 2008, 11:22 PM by Randy Walker with no comments