Q. What is REDMOND’s Editorial Mission?
A. REDMOND Magazine is the authoritative, independent voice of the Microsoft IT community, and provides real-world technical, product, news, and industry information for experienced Information Technology professionals working within a Windows platform computing environment. Our readers are the decision drivers of the industry and include IT managers, network managers, network administrators and system administrators. These technology leaders establish and drive the technical goals of their organizations, buy and recommend specific solutions to achieve these goals, and manage the implementation, integration and maintenance of the technology.

Our editorial mission is to provide readers with the information, strategy, and behind-the-scenes view of Microsoft and the Windows computing platform in order to make better informed decisions regarding their organizations’ IT infrastructure.

Q. What is an IT publication?
A. A true IT publication represents it readers and answers only to its readers. Through constant, unceasing interaction with readers, REDMOND will identify key issues, problems, and new technologies that offer critical advantage. When readers have a problem, REDMOND will investigate and push for solutions. When important technologies emerge, REDMOND will examine the business case, define the technology, and counsel readers on adoption.

Q. What does it mean to be “The Independent Voice of the Microsoft IT Community”?
A. A true IT book, REDMOND has a laser focus on the Microsoft IT community. While we are bullish on Windows technology and Microsoft applications, we are adamant about telling the true story—what works, what doesn’t; what costs too much, what gives great value. We walk in Microsoft IT shoes, and that perspective drives every page and every word of our magazine.

Q. What does REDMOND think of Microsoft?
A. We are passionate about the technology that Microsoft and third parties create, and remain amazed at the influence this has had on IT, the world economy, popular culture and every strata of society. We will have this global perspective and maintain this level of excitement. We also recognize the preeminent place Microsoft holds in the industry and, like any company, that it does some things very well and other things less well.

Our tone and attitude, however, is derived directly from customers. Customers buy from Microsoft for a reason, and do not buy technology they dislike. However, customers’ interests are often in conflict with the supplier. Here we clearly and unequivocally represent the customer. If customers are happy, we are happy. If they are unhappy, we are equally unhappy.

Q. What is REDMOND’s relationship with Microsoft?
A. REDMOND is a completely independent publication. We cover Microsoft as our beat, but we have no ties, financial or otherwise, to the company. Readers can count on our total objectivity when writing about products or issues related to Microsoft.

Q. What new things should readers expect?
A. REDMOND will maintain the very best of Microsoft Certified Professional Magazine. Our industry-leading roster of technical columnists remains intact, as does our deep insight into critical Windows technical issues. Without giving away too much, expect more strategic coverage of Microsoft IT issues, and expect a few surprises. REDMOND will never be afraid to push the envelope. Every issue will surprise and excite.

Q. Why are you changing Microsoft Certified Professional Magazine?
A. Microsoft Certified Professional Magazine had a strong focus, loyal readership, and vital role in helping IT pros do their jobs better. REDMOND Magazine has the same mission, only expanded. We recognized the need to provide more information for the managers and others with decision-making responsibilities in their IT departments. In short, we will be a more complete resource for the IT community, and become more relevant to all sectors of IT. We are not abandoning the MCP Magazine audience in any way; we are simply broadening our coverage to better inform our readers about other crucial aspects of their jobs.

Q. What is your circulation strategy?
A. Microsoft Certified Professional Magazine has a terrific reader base. As an extension or evolution of MCP Magazine, REDMOND is fortunate to inherit the existing circulation file. REDMOND will reach a core audience of 114,000 (BPA-audited) IT professionals with expert level proficiency on the Windows Platform. Titles include IT Manager, Network Manager, and Senior Systems Administrator with penetration across every vertical industry segment. The online community MCPmag.com delivers 270,000 unique monthly site visitors (Source: WebTrends) and over 221,000 opt-in e-mail newsletter subscribers.

Q. When will REDMOND launch?
A. Watch your mailbox and newsstands for the October issue.