We're at Microsoft today, running a workshop for Microsoft partners on building a Windows Intune proposition. Windows Intune is Microsoft's subscription-based (Cloud) PC Management tool.

In this workshop we'll be sharing our experience on the best approach to market, looking at why customers buy Intune and how partners can best sell its value.

Included in the session is a tour of the Microsoft training, sales and marketing materials available to partners. If you are interested in selling Intune, read on for links to content on the Microsoft Partner Network (MPN) and Microsoft site, including videos on the benefits of Intune and a raft of sales and marketing content in the Partner Marketing Center.

The video 'Windows Intune Explained in 4 Minutes' is well worth a watch!

Back at the ranch, we've been running a campaign to test the Windows Intune messaging and deliver leads for Intune partners.

We've uncovered some cracking leads and there are certain messages that really stick!  Because it is web-based, it is a great fit for companies who need to manage mobile or distributed workers' PCs - removing the problem of PCs not being attached to the network.

One of the most recent leads was from an IT Manager who liked the idea of the bundled tools and simplified subscription model.

With a product that is so new to the market, partners have a few things to think about before starting to promote their Intune offering. We are finding people who have heard of Windows Intune but awareness is still building. Because of this and the subscription model, partners may need to revisit their marketing and sales approach. A low-touch, broad-reach model is a good fit for the likely size of opportunity.

If you are going to market with Windows Intune, think about your target customer, their needs and what you can offer them that sets you apart from competitors.

Here are some links to help you build your offer:

Partner Marketing Center
http://www.partnermarketingcenter.com

Demo Showcase Suite
http://demoshowcasesuite.com/Theme/ThemePage/windowsintune

Learning Plan Tool
http:// www.microsoftlearningplans.com/ViewPlan.aspx?package=570

Customer Lifecycle Management
https://partner.microsoft.com/uk/40180766

Windows Intune Website
http://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/windows/windowsintune/pc-management.aspx

Windows Intune FAQ
http:// www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/windowsintune/faq/default.aspx

Video - Windows Intune explained in 4 minutes
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bzzjrlGxYKM 

Video - Benefits of being a Windows Intune customer
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZUfnMbD9hUU