An independent evaluation recently published by ESG Labs reveals that Windows Server 2012 Hyper-V running SQL Server 2012 tier-1 workloads in a virtualized environment significantly improved performance, scalability, and the ability to reduce IT’s total cost of ownership. The report is fully redistributable by partners and a great tool for helping customers understand Hyper-V’s ability to meet their most demanding IT needs without sacrificing performance.

• For more information, check out the Server & Cloud blog
• Go directly to the full and summary reports

You can experience Windows Server 2012 firsthand with these 16 virtual labs. Test drive the hottest features and functionality, including server management and Windows PowerShell, networking, Hyper-V, and new storage solutions. You will experience a full-featured virtual lab experience, a downloadable manual, and a 90-minute block of time for each module.

• Check it out today!

The Sales Specialist assessment has been revised for Windows Server 2012 and is now available for partners to take as part of their Server Platform Competency achievement. It’s in English only right now, but will be available in multiple languages later this year. 

• Let your partners know it’s available and encourage them to take the assessment.

Don't miss out on essential training available in the Windows Server 2012 learning track. There are more than 80 technical courses covering popular topics like Hyper-V, networking, and storage. Less techie-types can check out the sales and licensing training, get a product overview, or take an MSL course and exam that leads to MCSA/MCSE certifications. Try a course today.

• Try a course today.

Two free study guides are available to give you the best prep possible to pass Microsoft Learning (MSL) exams. The guides were created by Microsoft Evangelist Keith Mayer, who recorded all the study resources that he used to pass the exams himself. Each guide helps you self-assess their preparedness for each exam as well as providing free study resources for each objective area to quickly close knowledge gaps.

• Study guide for Exam 70-246: Monitoring and Operating a Private Cloud with System Center 2012
• Study guide for Exam 70-659: Windows Server 2008 R2, Server Virtualization (Note: through January 2013, exam 70-659 may be taken in place of Exam 70-247: Configuring and Deploying a Private Cloud with System Center 2012)

You have access to three key courses that will prep them to pass the exams and achieve your MCSA: Windows Server 2012 certification. Each course follows a 5-day, instructor-led format. Set aside some time today to take one or all:

• Course 20410A: Installing and Configuring Windows Server 2012: Prepares you for Exam 70-410: Installing and Configuring Windows Server 2012
• Course 20411A: Administering Windows Server 2012: Prepares you for Exam 70-411: Administering Windows Server 2012
• Course 20412A: Configuring Advanced Windows Server 2012 Services: Prepares you for Exam 70-412: Configuring Advanced Windows Server 2012 Services