I had an excellent first day here in Central China starting at 9 AM with a big cerenomy. A ceremony? Well, Microsoft China and a Chinese company called ThinkBank have joined hands here in Wuhan and have a partnership for the delivery of Microsoft trainings and without knowing we were involved in all of this. In addition, the classroom for the workshop (officially named 'Microsoft New Technology Open Laboratory') is brand new and the intention is to have various Microsoft trainings and workshops on new technologies (Vista, Longhorn, O12, ...) held here - a bit like the EMEA Technology Centers (for example in Vedbaek, Munich and Chertsey). I am actually the first one who uses this high-tech classroom - so I feel honoured!
About the cerenomy... Nearly a hundred people sitting in a conference room, me, Mauricio, a few people from the local Microsoft sub, local politicians and managers on the first row. I felt like a pop star at a certain moment, photos, cameras, business cards exchanging :) Btw... We look cute with the flowers, don't we?
Mauricio gave a small general speech on Microsoft and the importance of Office 12 for companies. He did a good job since everything he said was translated in Chinese and the audience seemed to like it because there was applause (of course, it could have been plain politeness too).
After the speeches, it was time the 'cut the ribbon' and officially open the training room. Again, Mauricio again took the honours of doing this.
So, I have 16 students who are well skilled in .NET technologies but a bit unfamiliar with the Office development technologies. I don't mind, it is better this way instead of the reverse. I think I have excited them already the first day with sessions on the new user experience and the file format.
More to follow...