PDLN Connect, Communicate and Collaborate

The Microsoft Collaborate (MS Collaborate) portal provides tools and services to streamline engineering collaboration within the Microsoft ecosystem. Here are the key features and functionalities of MS Collaborate:

1. Purpose and Functionality:
   • Streamlined Collaboration: MS Collaborate enables sharing of engineering system work items (such as bugs and feature requests), distribution of content (including builds, documents, tools, and specifications), and management of users within the system.
   • Single Location: It serves as a single location, accessible via the Microsoft Partner Center Dashboard, where users can view their work items and content.
   • Replaces Previous Portals: MS Collaborate replaces both the Microsoft Connect portal and the SysDev Feedback Management portal.
2. Programs and Engagements:
   • Programs: These provide structure and facilitate managing engagements.
   • Engagements: They inherit feedback forms, queries, and publishing templates defined at the program level.
   • Customization: Engagements can be customized, defining sets of users who can interact with content and feedback associated with the engagement.
   • Program Owners: Microsoft users with permissions to define program metadata, default feedback forms, publishing templates, and identify Engagement Managers.
   • Role-Based Functionality: Users’ functionality within MS Collaborate depends on their role within each engagement (participant, power user, etc.).
3. Engagement Management:
   • Engagements: Define which users can see and interact with specific content or work items associated with that engagement.
   • Virtual Security Groups: Engagements act like virtual security groups, allowing owners to control user access to artifacts associated with the engagement.
   • Types of Engagements: Different types based on the organizations/users involved.
4. Access and Sign-In:
   • Access MS Collaborate using the friendly link: MS Collaborate.
   • Sign in using your Partner Center credentials (individual or company/organization).
   • Register for Partner Center before using MS Collaborate.

Remember, MS Collaborate streamlines collaboration, enhances communication, and facilitates efficient engineering within the Microsoft ecosystem! 🌟🔗📚 ¹.