You are invited to join the Microsoft Windows 2000 Readiness Program for Applications and Developers.

 

In preparation for the release of Microsoft Windows 2000, we invite you to participate in the Microsoft Windows 2000 Program for Applications and Developers.  This program provides technical support such as 1:1 PSS support and co-marketing opportunities such as the Windows 2000 Application Catalog, the definitive customer web site for Windows 2000 application information on Microsoft.com (to be launched at Beta 3 - See below on how to join today). 

 

This document summarizes:

·          Technical resource offerings

·          Co-marketing benefits available to you

·          How you can join the program http://msdnisv.microsoft.com/msdnisv/win2000/howtojoin.asp

 

Technical Resource Offerings:

All ISVs that join the program will receive the following technical benefits:

 

·            Developer support. One-to-one Web-based support from Microsoft's Developer Support organization. This support is offered for incidents relating to the migration and optimization of your applications on Windows 2000.

 

Note: Microsoft will attempt to respond to every support incident received. However, in the event of unexpectedly large demand, Microsoft reserves the right to limit incidents on a per-product basis.

 

·         Windows 2000 Community. Access to online communities, Windows 2000-based technical documents, white papers, Web chats with Microsoft developers and newsgroups focusing on Windows 2000 via the MSDN™ developer program.

·         Windows 2000 training and certification for application developers. Priority access and select discounts on Windows 2000 developer training opportunities, as well as a free self-paced Mastering Windows 2000-based Applications developer training course.

·         Windows 2000 application testing labs. Priority access to Microsoft-sponsored testing labs to help you prepare your applications for Windows 2000.

 

Co-Marketing Benefits:

All ISVs that join the program are eligible for the following co-marketing benefits:

 

·          Windows 2000 Application Catalog: Listing of your product in the definitive customer web site for Windows 2000 application information on Microsoft.com.  Microsoft will refer customers inquiring about Windows 2000 compatible products to this catalog. Microsoft will also distribute this catalog via CD-ROM to the Microsoft sales force, Microsoft Certified Solution Providers and end customers. Each product entry in the catalog will include the product description, a link to your company web site, company logo, and available support information for your product.

 

ISVs that develop new applications that take advantage of key Windows 2000 technologies are eligible for premium co-marketing benefits. To qualify, these applications must meet the Windows 2000 Application Specification. For more information on the application  specification, please refer to <http://msdn.microsoft.com/winlogo/win2000.asp>.

 

 

You are eligible for the following co-marketing benefits if your product meets this specification:

·          Priority listing for these products in the Windows 2000 Application Catalog

·          Use of the Windows 2000 logo in your product’s marketing collateral

·          Opportunity for joint case studies with Microsoft

 

In addition, ISVs that ship a product that complies with this specification within 90 days of the Windows 2000 launch are eligible for the following launch-related benefits:

·          Participation in the Windows 2000 Launch Event

·          Discounted space in Microsoft Partner Pavilions at key tradeshows and events

·          Opportunity for exposure in Windows 2000 ad campaigns

·          Microsoft PR support including quotes and exposure for your products in MS press tours

 

How to Join:

The Windows 2000 Readiness Program for Applications and Developers builds upon the comprehensive support available to the development community via the MSDN ISV Program. ISVs join the Readiness Program by enrolling an existing or planned product(s) in the Windows 2000 Application Catalog. Applications that are not yet shipping will be listed in the catalog as “planned” for your intended level of participation.

 

At sign up, you will be asked to indicate your level of participation for each product you enroll. Your product will be enrolled in the Windows 2000 Application Catalog, which becomes available to your customers on April 19th.  Your application will be listed as either “Planned (to be Ready or Gold)”, “Ready”, or “Gold” according to your sign-up criteria.

 

·      Windows 2000 “Ready”: Indicates that you have tested your product to assure compatibility on the Windows 2000 platform. Additionally, Ready status indicates if you provide product support to customers running your product on other Windows platforms, then you will offer the same support on the Windows 2000 platform.

 

·      Windows 2000 “Gold”*: Indicates your product has been tested by an independent testing organization to take advantage of key Windows 2000 features, as defined by the Microsoft Windows 2000 Application Specification. Compliance testing will begin May 31st, using the Beta 3 release of Windows 2000. Further details for Windows 2000 Gold program will be posted at http://msdn.microsoft.com/developer/winlogo/win2000.htm. 

 

 

To join the Microsoft Windows 2000 Readiness Program, visit http://msdnisv.microsoft.com/msdnisv/win2000/howtojoin.asp

For more details on the program, see http://msdn.microsoft.com/msdnisv/win2000/

* Note:  Final name for the “gold” Windows logo is yet to be determined. For the latest updates, be sure to watch http://msdn.microsoft.com/developer/winlogo/win2000.htm.