What is Springboard?  It’s a program by Microsoft to help IT Pro’s do a successful deployment of the desktop operating system, e.g. Windows 7.  The site acts as a portal, gathering together articles, blog posts and videos generated by experts inside and outside of Microsoft.  That means you can go to a single location to learn about :

• Windows 7 and its features
• Plan your deployment
• Run your pilot
• Deploy Windows 7 and
• Manage your desktop network

Springboard also runs the Springboard Technical Excellence Program (STEP).  This is a global group of around 140 MCT’s and MVP’s who work with Springboard to add content and present the content to local markets.  I’m a member of STEP.  I applied to staff the Springboard stand for a few hours a day at TechEd EMEA 2009 and was accepted.  That’s why I’m here in Berlin now.

Yesterday afternoon I did my first stint at the stand.  It was hectic.  Springboard sponsored a party for MVP’s, MCT’s and IT Pro’s and tickets were limited to 300 people.  The demand was nuts and not everyone managed to do their registration correctly.  Throw in the usual conference booth competitions and the genuine interest in Springboard and you can imagine how busy we were.  I ended up answering all sorts of questions:

• What is STEP?
• Can you tell me about Windows 7?
• Hyper-V
• Boot from VHD
• SAN Storage
• MDT 2010/WDS
• “I didn’t register for the party but can I get a ticket?”

It was wide and varied audience.  I’m back on again this afternoon.

We had the party last night at a club called Watergate.  I hung out with some of the Irish folks and didn’t go wild.  The drink was flowing and plenty of folks made the most of it.  I’m still feeling a little ropey this morning despite being cautious but I suspect it’s mostly lack of sleep over the last 3-4 nights that’s got me.  We have an Irish night out tonight and I’ll be taking it easy there too.