David Overton's Blog : Vista, Event

Microsoft Windows security tools, Server 2008 readiness, step-by-step guides, virtualisation updates, synctoy beta, VHDs and LOTS on the new Terminal Services

David Overton — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 08:11:24 GMT

This is an extract from the TRM blog which can be found here http://blogs.technet.com/trm/.

I have removed the KB article list and some items which I don't think are relevant to small business / ISV partners, however the full info can be found on the blog page too.

News
Microsoft Security Assessment Tool 3.0
The Microsoft Security Assessment Tool (MSAT) is a risk-assessment application designed to provide information and recommendations about best practices for security within an information technology (IT) infrastructure.
http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=7623431
Start your Microsoft Windows 2008 Readiness Right Here
Focus on readiness for Windows Server 2008 now, and you can be the one who stands out when initiatives happen - and when promotion decisions are made. Let Microsoft Learning resources give you the head start you need to transition your skills and credentials to the latest Windows Server technologies - from free elearning clinics and free ebook downloads.
http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=7623432
Get an Extra Shot at Microsoft Certification
For a limited time, you can get an extra chance to pass any Microsoft IT Professional, Developer or Microsoft Dynamics Certification exam - free. Register for this offer before your first exam and you'll get two shots at success. Register now!
http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=7623434
The Windows Server 2008 Upgrade Exam Is Coming
Update your skills and get ready for the Windows Server 2008 certification exam with special offers on e-learning collections and classroom training.
http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=7623435

Documents
Windows Server 2008 Technical Overviews
These technical overviews provide IT Professionals with information about how a Windows Server 2008 technology works. They may also cover design and planning considerations and basic setup and operating instructions.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=46dc26d6-af47-43f0-b3de-521831fe09d6&DisplayLang=en
Windows Server 2008 Step-by-Step Guides
These step-by-step guides help IT Professionals learn about and evaluate Windows Server 2008. These documents are downloadable versions of guides found in the Windows Server 2008 Technical Library. (http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=86808)
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=518d870c-fa3e-4f6a-97f5-acaf31de6dce&DisplayLang=en
Managing Virtual Server Host Clustering using System Center Virtual Machine Manager 2007
Microsoft® System Center Virtual Machine Manager (VMM) 2007 manages a virtualized data center running Microsoft Virtual Server 2005 and provides unified management of physical and virtual machines, consolidation of underutilized physical servers, and rapid provisioning of new virtual machines. This document provides an introduction to the methods and concepts that Information Technology (IT) professionals can use to manage Virtual Server clustered hosts using VMM. Virtual Server host clustering allows you to use a small number of physical servers to provide a wide variety of services, while maintaining the availability of the services that you provide. If a physical host server requires scheduled or unscheduled downtime, another host server is able to quickly begin supporting services.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=75bd4642-b731-42a2-9770-ff8aeff9eed9&DisplayLang=en
Windows Vista User Experience Guidelines
Use this page to download a preliminary draft of the Windows Vista User Experience Guidelines (or UX Guide). These guidelines contain information on what’s new in Windows Vista, design principles, and guidelines for controls, commands, text, interaction, windows, aesthetics, and the Windows environment. They help designers and developers create high-quality Windows Vista applications with a consistent “look and feel.“
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=e49820cb-954d-45ae-9cb3-1b9e8ea7fe8c&DisplayLang=en
White Paper: Virtualization From the Datacenter to the Desktop
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=ec5b0718-114c-474d-be01-8a1186eb3cdb&DisplayLang=en
White Paper: The Road to Desktop Optimization
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=90e5f13d-f48d-4f94-9032-58af7550fde2&DisplayLang=en
White Paper: Optimizing Your Server Infrastructure
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=5cb2a9ba-d830-4510-9729-78b43208f498&DisplayLang=en
White Paper: Remote Infrastructure Optimization
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=e5f186fa-3cfe-477a-89c3-abd5f75d6eb7&DisplayLang=en
Hypervisor Functional Specification
Microsoft Windows Server 2008. This document is the top-level functional specification (TLFS) of the first-generation Microsoft hypervisor. It specifies the externally-visible behavior. The document assumes familiarity with the goals of the project and the high-level hypervisor architecture.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=91e2e518-c62c-4ff2-8e50-3a37ea4100f5&DisplayLang=en
Downloads
Internet Explorer Administration Kit 7
Internet Explorer 7 Administration Kit (IEAK 7) enables the most efficient way to deploy Internet Explorer 7 and manage Web-based solutions.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=36b932c2-a356-4ae5-8c09-1bac9f7a4fe9&DisplayLang=en
SyncToy v2.0 Beta
SyncToy 2.0 Beta for Windows is available as a free download from the Microsoft Download Center. The easy to use, customizable application helps you copy, move, rename, and delete files between folders and computers.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=c26efa36-98e0-4ee9-a7c5-98d0592d8c52&DisplayLang=en
Windows Server 2008 Beta 3 VHD (Full Installation)
This download comes as a pre-configured VHD. This download enables you evaluate Microsoft Windows Server 2008 Beta 3.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=9aa65956-4a13-46a3-9711-82939a041792&DisplayLang=en
WS-Management v1.1
WS-Management v1.1 delivers WS-Management functionality on Windows XP SP2, Windows Server 2003 SP1, Windows Server 2003 SP2, Windows 2003 Server R2
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=845289ca-16cc-4c73-8934-dd46b5ed1d33&DisplayLang=en
Windows Server 2008 RC0 Enterprise
Windows Server 2008 Release Candidate helps IT professionals to increase the flexibility and reliability of their server infrastructure while offering developers a more robust web and applications platform for building connected applications and services.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=0818d425-cd47-4279-be8d-24aba14530a3&DisplayLang=en

Events/Webcasts
Momentum Webcast: Introductory Session to Microsoft Core Infrastructure Optimization Model and Virtualization (Level 100)
Thursday, November 01, 2007 9:00 AM Pacific Time (US & Canada)
http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=7586057
TechNet Webcast: Optimize Your Data Center Using PlateSpin Solutions, Dell Servers, and Microsoft Virtual Server (Level 200)
Thursday, November 01, 2007 11:30 AM Pacific Time (US & Canada)
http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=7586058
Configuring Windows Compute Cluster Server clusters for ANSYS software; Guidelines and Current Hardware Solutions
Tuesday, November 06, 2007 7:30 AM Pacific Time (US & Canada)
http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=7586059
TechNet Webcast: Storage Best Practices for Virtual Server (Level 200)
Tuesday, November 06, 2007 8:00 AM Pacific Time (US & Canada)
http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=7586060
Microsoft Webcast: Overview of Windows Server 2008 Terminal Services (Level 100)
Tuesday, November 06, 2007 11:00 AM Pacific Time (US & Canada)
http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=7586061
TechNet Webcast: The Significance of the Windows Server 2008 Terminal Services Release to Market (Level 200)
Thursday, November 08, 2007 8:00 AM Pacific Time (US & Canada)
http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=7586062
TechNet Webcast: Windows Server 2008 Terminal Services Session Broker (Level 300)
Tuesday, November 13, 2007 1:00 PM Pacific Time (US & Canada)
http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=7586063
Momentum Webcast: Windows Server 2008 - A Solid Foundation for Your Business Workloads and Security (Level 100)
Wednesday, November 14, 2007 11:00 AM Pacific Time (US & Canada)
http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=7586064
TechNet Webcast: Remote Desktop Protocol as a Presentation Remoting Platform (Level 300)
Wednesday, November 14, 2007 1:00 PM Pacific Time (US & Canada)
http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=7586065
TechNet Webcast: Windows Server 2008 Terminal Services Licensing (Level 300)
Thursday, November 15, 2007 8:00 AM Pacific Time (US & Canada)
http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=7586066
TechNet Webcast: The Virtues of Virtualization (Level 200)
Thursday, November 15, 2007 9:30 AM Pacific Time (US & Canada)
http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=7586067
TechNet Webcast: Windows Server 2008 Terminal Services RemoteApp and Web Access (Level 300)
Tuesday, November 20, 2007 1:00 PM Pacific Time (US & Canada)
http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=7586068
TechNet Webcast: Developing for Windows Server 2008 Terminal Services (Level 300)
Monday, November 26, 2007 9:30 AM Pacific Time (US & Canada)
http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=7586069
TechNet Webcast: How Microsoft IT Is Providing an Improved Web and Applications Platform with Internet Information Services 7.0 in Windows Server 2008 (Level 300)
Tuesday, November 27, 2007 9:30 AM Pacific Time (US & Canada)
http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=7586070
TechNet Webcast: Terminal Services Easy Print (Level 300)
Tuesday, November 27, 2007 11:30 AM Pacific Time (US & Canada)
http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=7586071
TechNet Webcast: Windows Server 2008 Terminal Services Security and Authentication (Level 300)
Wednesday, November 28, 2007 9:30 AM Pacific Time (US & Canada)
http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=7586072

On-Demand Microsoft IT Webcasts for IT Managers
http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=7281008
On-Demand Microsoft IT Webcasts for IT Pros
http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=7281009

Live Webcasts:
Full list can be found at: http://www.microsoft.com/events/default.mspx

Interactive Webcast Calendar
The interactive calendar will help you quickly find live webcasts that fit your schedule as well as on-demand webcasts to view at your convenience. You can choose your time zone and filter this list by audience, webcast series, product or topic, and presenter.
http://www.microsoft.com/events/webcasts/calendar/monthview.aspx

Monthly Archived Webcasts:
http://www.microsoft.com/events/webcasts/library/default.mspx
New KBs (approx 40 this month listed on the blog)

This content is for informational purposes only. Microsoft makes no warranties express or implied, as to the information in this document. If you are a customer of Microsoft, please refer to the terms and conditions which cover the provision of support and consulting services to you/your organization. If you are not corresponding in the course of, or in connection with a Microsoft contract or program with its own terms and conditions, please note that no liability is accepted by Microsoft for the contents of this document.
TRM contributors this month were Justin Zarb

ttfn

David

Technorati Tags: Windows Vista, Windows Server 2008

SBSC and small business partners get a chance to find out more about the market they sell into and Microsoft technology that is here and coming

David Overton — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 10:06:00 GMT

Want to talk to Microsoft and hear where we see the market, opportunities and key technologies? Then get to one of these (there are even more dates on the web site) :-)

We are taking to the road to see you, our partners! Jump in the driver's seat and join us to find out how we plan to get your business motoring. A top Microsoft technology and business team will map out the latest developments in the server and desktop markets and take you on the journey from market opportunity to technical 'how to' demonstrations.

We'll get under the hood of Windows Vista and the 2007 Microsoft Office system, along with the Office Ready PC, giving you detailed insights to get your business moving. And of course, we'll be outlining the route ahead for the new Windows Server 2008, with its built-in web and virtualisation technologies for increasing the reliability and flexibility of your customers' server infrastructure.

Additionally we will be running exclusive SBSC pre-sessions at four of the locations so be sure to make one of these events by signing up using the links below:

1.    Wednesday 10^th October – Cardinal Place, London

2.    Thursday 11^th October – TVP, Reading

3.    Wednesday 17^th October – Park Plaza, Nottingham

4.    Tuesday 23^rd October – The Lighthouse, Glasgow

And, importantly, we'll have the chance to meet. We want to know what you think, how you see the industry and the challenges you face. It's only with the direct feedback from you, our partners, that we can be sure we are on the right road.

So, please join the whole team: technical, sales, marketing and business development, over beer and pizza to chat through the journey!

Yours sincerely,

Jennifer Brinton
SBSC Programme Manager
Microsoft

ttfn

David

Technorati Tags: SBSC, System Builder, Vista, Office 2007, Windows Server

If you want to see what Vista, Media Center, Xbox 360, Movie Maker, Home Server and more can do when you use Vista, then go to this event in Manchester, Newcastle, Falkirk and London.

David Overton — Mon, 20 Aug 2007 08:55:11 GMT

This was only 2 or 3 times overbooked last time it ran and had rave reviews. Now there are another 4 events to choose from. I found them at the Microsoft TechNet UK Events website. James and Matt will be hosting, so it is bound to be huge fun

Vista After Hours

You may be familiar with Windows Vista at work – whether you have deployed it or are evaluating it – but have you ever thought about the possibilities of Vista outside work? This session, aimed at IT professionals, explores not only the built in elements of Vista (such as Search, Photo Gallery, Windows Movie Maker, and the Networking and Sharing Centre) but also how you can extend your Windows Vista Experience with Windows Media Centre, Xbox 360 and specific applications to open up a new world of gaming and home entertainment.
20 September 2007, Manchester: Vista After Hours
25 September 2007, Newcastle-upon-Tyne: Vista After Hours
27 September 2007, Falkirk: Vista After Hours
03 October 2007, London: Vista After Hours

Timings:
18:00-18:30pm- Registration and Tea/Coffee
18:30pm-19:45pm- Session 1
19:45pm-20:05- Food and refreshments
20:05-21:20- Session 2
21:20- Close
Speakers:
James Senior, Vista Technology Specialist, http://blogs.technet.com/james
Hello there! I’m James Senior and I work in Microsoft’s Technology Adoption Group whose sole purpose is to help our partners and customers understand and use our latest technology. As you would expect, Windows Vista features prominently in my work at the moment but my background in software development means I also spend some of my time involved in the world of Software as a Service (SaaS). Did I mention I also dabble in a bit of High Performance Computing?
In my spare time I enjoy playing Basketball and filling up my ½ terabyte Media Center with music and recorded TV.
Matt McSpirit, Vista Technology Specialist, http://blogs.technet.com/mattmcspirit
I joined Microsoft back in January 2006 as a Partner Technology Specialist, working primarily with our Virtualisation technologies. Since July of last year, my primary focus has been Windows Vista. Over recent months, I’ve worked with quite a number of our Partners, up and down the UK, enthusing and exciting them around the potential of Windows Vista and I’ve also had the chance to present to our Partners on Cinema screens across the country! Outside of the office, I’m keen on sports, being a big Man Utd fan, movies, and socialising with friends, and I also like to travel as much as possible! I also like the odd game on the Xbox 360!

ttfn

David

Technorati Tags: Windows Vista, After Hours

Security for Windows Vista (understanding more about UAC), Networks, plus advice and guidance

David Overton — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 22:57:30 GMT

Security is always a big subject area. Over the last two months Technet have published the following items that will help understanding and delivery of secure systems base do Microsoft technology.

Windows Vista

TechNet Magazine: Inside Windows Vista User Account Control

Mark Russinovich explains that User Account Control (UAC) is one of the most misunderstood new features in Windows Vista. But its goal -- to enable users to run with standard user rights -- can solve many security issues. Get an inside look at the problems UAC addresses and see exactly how this new feature works.
http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=6803653

Network Security

Internet Protocol Security Enforcement in the Network Access Protection Platform

This white paper describes the Network Access Protection (NAP) platform, how IPsec protects traffic, and how IPsec Enforcement in NAP provides system health policy enforcement for IPsec-secured communication.

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=144cc69f-790f-4f52-8846-3f3b8584d7cd&DisplayLang=en

Introduction to Network Access Protection

Read this white paper for an overview of the NAP business scenarios, an outline of the components of NAP, and a description of how NAP works.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=5d5e243a-23a8-479c-9f2d-37d6d79153e7&DisplayLang=en

Step-by-Step Guide: Demonstrate VPN NAP Enforcement in a Test Lab

Test lab to demonstrate VPN NAP enforcement
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=729bba00-55ad-4199-b441-378cc3d900a7&DisplayLang=en

General

Microsoft Security Intelligence Report http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=6755495

The Microsoft Security Intelligence Report provides a comprehensive understanding of the types of threats Windows customers face today so they can take appropriate action to help ensure they are better protected. The report highlights trends observed over the past several years, leveraging data collected by Microsoft between July 1 and December 31, 2006, from numerous sources including the Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool (MSRT) and Windows Defender.

Privacy Guidelines for Developing Software Products and Services

This document is a set of privacy guidelines for developing software products and services that are based on our internal guidelines and our experience incorporating privacy into the development process.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=c48cf80f-6e87-48f5-83ec-a18d1ad2fc1f&DisplayLang=en

Six Easy Pieces for Computer Security http://www.microsoft.com/technet/community/columns/sectip/st0707.mspx

By Mike Danseglio, Senior Group Program Manager, Security & Compliance Solution Accelerators, Microsoft Corporation
This article presents six easy steps that every company should take to enhance computer security in terms of getting the proverbial biggest bang for the security buck. Each suggestion is described in some detail with links to more in-depth treatments, templates, and tools.

Security Guidelines for Professional Services Firms http://www.microsoft.com/midsizebusiness/security/professionalservices.mspx

When it comes to security, professional services companies are hampered by tight IT budgets, an ever-increasing amount of content, and a lack of dedicated security personnel. Protecting data at services firms may require a melding of technology and services to get the job done. This article offers some guidelines to help midsize professional service firms.

ttfn

David

Technorati Tags: Security, UAC, NAP, Network Access Protection, Guidance

Vista Deployment training

David Overton — Mon, 23 Jul 2007 11:51:23 GMT

Microsoft Windows Vista: Doing Deployment Right!

This one-day session is a combination of presentations that focus on growing services opportunities for partners, and a series of new technical exercises that highlight some of the compelling new design enhancements in deploying Windows Vista desktops.

Click here to enrol.

ttfn

David

Technorati Tags: Vista, Deployment, Training

Do you want to ask Microsoft the hard questions on Vista and Office before you sell them to your customers - well now you can in June - Live!!

David Overton — Wed, 30 May 2007 22:10:42 GMT

Your Office and Vista questions answered

We are offering UK partners the opportunity to talk directly to one of Microsoft Europe's leading technology specialists in a series of online Q&A sessions. These sessions will seek to answer the nitty gritty questions you need to answer to transition your customers over to Windows Vista and Microsoft Office 2007. Book your place now.
Register for 4 June
Register for 5 June
Register for 6 June
Register for 7 June
Register for 8 June

ttfn

David

Technorati Tags: Microsoft, Vista, Office, Partners

Vista and Longhorn Events in May

David Overton — Wed, 02 May 2007 09:57:00 GMT

Events/WebCasts

1 May 2007, Leeds: Windows Vista After Hours
You may be familiar with Windows Vista at work - whether you have deployed it, or are evaluating it - but have you ever thought about the possibilities of Vista outside of work? This session, aimed at IT professionals, explores not only the built-in elements of Vista, such as Search, Photo Gallery, Windows Movie Maker and the Networking & Sharing Center, but also how you can extend your Windows Vista Experience, with Windows Media Center, Xbox 360 and specific applications to open up a new world of gaming and home entertainment.
01 May 2007, Leeds: An Introduction and Overview of Microsoft Licensing

Licensing can be confusing - but it needn't be. Attend this course to understand Microsoft Licensing and how to best apply it in your company to fit in with your business needs. This session is aimed at IT professionals who wish to gain a better understanding of Microsoft's Software Licensing. The briefing assumes no previous in-depth or technical licensing experience.
3 May 2007, Reading: Windows Vista After Hours

You may be familiar with Windows Vista at work - whether you have deployed it, or are evaluating it, but have you ever thought about the possibilities of Vista outside of work? This session, aimed at IT professionals, explores not only the built in elements of Vista, such as Search, Photo Gallery, Windows Movie Maker, and the Networking & Sharing Center, but also how you can extend your Windows Vista Experience, with Windows Media Center, Xbox 360 and specific applications to open up a new world of gaming and home entertainment.

22 May 2007, Edinburgh: Vista Deployment Using BitLocker Encryption to Protect Mobile Data - How to Keep Secrets

Windows Vista's BitLocker feature provides the means for you to secure data and ensure the integrity of your mobile systems like never before. In a lab it's a wonderful thing. This session will show you how to take advantage of BitLocker in a production environment.
22 May 2007, Reading: Windows Powershell for IT Administrators

In this session, we'll introduce you to Windows Powershell: what it is and what you can do with it. We'll take a look at how you can use the shell to perform day-to-day administrative tasks. We'll start with a basic overview of shell concepts, commands, cmdlets and how to construct them, then move on to build more complex scripts, before rounding up with ways to administer windows using some of the reporting facilities available in the shell.

29 May 2007, Manchester: Windows Vista System Integrity Technologies

Windows Vista features new system integrity technologies including code integrity, secure start-up, service hardening, mandatory integrity control and Internet Explorer protected mode. In this session, Steve Lamb explains how these technologies work.

31 May 2007, Reading: Vista Deployment Using Group Policy in Windows Vista to Control User Behaviour and Network Security
Ever feel that your existing operating system just didn't have enough Group Policy Objects? For your delectation we've added a whole host more. During this session we'll take a look at the new XML based Administrative Templates and how to gain control of your environment using the powerful new features of Windows Vista.

20 June 2007, Manchester: Everything you Wanted to Know About Imaging Vista But Were Afraid to Ask
At this TechNet event you'll find out how to deploy Windows Vista. We'll look at the new installation processes and tools, and show you how to capture an image, modify it and deploy it onto client computers. Come along and find out just how powerful Windows Vista can be for you.

12 June 2007, Reading: An Overview of Windows Server codename "Longhorn"

In this session, we will look at the new Windows Server operating system, code named 'Longhorn'. Right now this product is in the beta phase, with many of the final features and components present and functional. We'll look at some of the new core operating system features, and see how they enhance productivity and enhance performance. We'll look at some new security improvements. We will also discuss a new feature called Network Access Protection and explain its uses. Finally we will look at the changes Terminal Services has undergone with some significant changes and improvements over previous versions of Windows.

ttfn

David

Technorati tags: Events, Vista business value, Longhorn

Vista and Longhorn Webcasts

David Overton — Wed, 02 May 2007 07:57:46 GMT

Executive Chat: What's New in Windows Server "Longhorn" with Bill Laing, Iain McDonald, and Colleagues

Tuesday, May 8, 10:00 AM Pacific Time

Join Bill Laing, General Manager for Windows Server; Iain McDonald, Director of Windows Server Program Management; Joseph Landes, Director of Product Management; David Lowe, Senior Product Manager; Ward Ralston, Senior Technical Product Manager; and Eric Rezabek, Product Marketing Manager, to discuss what's new in Windows Server "Longhorn."

TechNet Webcast: Cluster Validation in Windows Server "Longhorn" (Level 300)
Monday, 7 May, 2007

5:30 p.m.-7:00 p.m. GMT

TechNet Webcast: Internet Information Services 7.0 in Windows Server "Longhorn" Level 300)
Thursday, 10 May 2007

9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. GMT

TechNet Webcast: UNIX Interoperability in Windows Server "Longhorn" (Level 200)
Monday, 14 May, 2007

5:30 p.m.-7:00 p.m. GMT

ttfn

David

Channel Expo Show presentations - Windows Vista, Office 2007 and Windows Server (SBS, Naked, Home Server and Longhorn) sales slides

David Overton — Fri, 06 Apr 2007 13:39:00 GMT

If you visited the Channel Expo show this year then you probably saw one or two Microsoft presentations on desktop and server solutions. James Akrigg and Matt McSpirit provided the desktop entertainment while I covered off what servers we have out there and what is coming in the near future.

We promised the slides and here they are:

Desktop (Windows Vista and Office 2007)- Office 2007 PowerPoint

Desktop (Windows Vista and Office 2007)- PDF

Server (SBS, Windows Server 2003 R2, Longhorn and Home Server) - Office 2007 PowerPoint

Server (SBS, Windows Server 2003 R2, Longhorn and Home Server) - PDF

James has an amazing blog (Out of Office) at http://blogs.technet.com/outofoffice

Matt touches many aspects of desktop technology including that for small business at http://blogs.technet.com/mattmcspirit

Have a look at the blogs and enjoy the presentations.

ttfn

David

Technorati tags: Channel Expo, Vista, Office 2007, SBS 2003, Nakes Servers, Home Server, Longhorn

The Windows Vista and Office Consumer and Small Business Launch - 30th Jan, The British Library, London, UK.... and some demos you MUST run to understand what ISVs will do with Windows Vista.. and a couple of case studies

David Overton — Mon, 05 Feb 2007 11:33:00 GMT

Finally the day has come and the rest of us (well, you - but I felt that excited anyway) without a Volume License (or if you work at Microsoft) could get and use Windows Vista and the 2007 Office System (known as Office from here on in).

The British Library was chosen as two Leonardo De Vinci codices were being brought together for the 1st time in over 500 years. One was owned by the British Library and the other by Bill Gates, who appeared in person to launch the event. These books, plus other treasures from the British Library can be accessed and downloaded from http://www.bl.uk - I've put some info on how to demo it at British Library Demo of Vista and the Windows Presentation Foundation and the Windows Vista Magazine have put their copy in the same format http://wpf.windowsvistamagazine.co.uk/ttpdownload/browserapp.xbap.

As always I would like to thanks everyone involved - the partners and their customers who helped to shape and deliver Windows Vista and Office and the Windows and Office teams who put up with my rantings and demands and finally (still) invited me to the launch event to see it all so close up.

Anyway, the day in pictures (clicking on the thumbnails will bring up a larger version - some will go "massive" as they quailty is better on those)

The day started with a discussion between the customers, Doug Richard , the customers, the partners and Microsoft - think of this as a "what I'm going to ask you, so don't be scared... unless a great insight grabs me, and then I'll ask you something different" session

The characters includr Richard Abel, with a great reference at http://www.bcentral.co.uk/products/accountancy-firm-aggarwal-profits-from-windows-vista-and-office-2007.mspx?xid=sbissues_020207 then the man in the blue shirt with the beardy is Mike Haigh - Windows Client Supremo for Small and Mid-Market customers. Next to Mike is the man who runs Bradley Photography and who said on stage "Using these tools has saved me time and will result in me saving 2 months in every 12) - his story can be found on bCentral - "A portrait of a small business"

On the other side we have Adrian Barkey from EJC (posing as a thinking man) and then Susanne Dansey (Readycrest) and Scott Dodds (Head of SMS&P within Microsoft, so a very important man). The guys from Portfolio managed to keep out the lime light in these snaps, but their story how they were able to go Green with Office and Vista can be found at http://www.bcentral.co.uk/products/windows-vista-and-microsoft-office-2007-help-portfolio-communications.mspx?xid=sbissues_020207

The on with the main event - which was a media packed frenzy which meant I was not going to get in. However, a spot opened up in the second row, so here are the pictures as it went along:

After the massive TVs carried the videos it started with Gordon Frazer introducing the day, followed by the CEO of British Library and Bill Gates having a chat:

Then we went into the demos for consumers by the Windows Client team, Cynthia, David and Simon (who reminds me of a what not was looking over the wall) and of course a solo piece from Dan of the Feeling, before the groups concert

Then on to the business launch with Doug Richard, quizzing each customer as to the reality of their solutions being "worth it". The session was introduced by Scott Dodds and David Frost of the BCC who shared some amazing stats (such as 40% of businesses don't have a firewall and 50% don't backup daily), but then each customer talked through their solutions, with each using a partner (EJC.IT and Readycrest) with the exception of Bradley Photography who were very IT literate.

Finally the after show party, first with the Windows Vista Magazine and then at an exclusive party in Covent Gardens

ttfn

David

Technorati tags: Vista, Office 2007, Bill Gates, Readycrest, EJC.IT, Small Business, Launch

Use and learn about Vista, Office 2007 and Exchange 2007 in Virtual Labs

David Overton — Thu, 25 Jan 2007 00:28:00 GMT

Windows Vista: Virtual Lab Express

In this 30-minute Virtual Lab Express, you will configure new security features in Microsoft Internet Explorer 7 and Windows Vista. You can also watch our live and on-demand Windows Vista TechNet webcasts.

2007 Microsoft Office System: Virtual Lab Express

Get a quick, hands-on overview of the 2007 Office system. In just 30 minutes, familiarise yourself with the new Ribbon bar, use the mini-toolbar and see how you can take advantage of Live Preview and the Gallery in the Office 2007 user interface. Also, watch our live and on-demand Office 2007 system webcasts for IT professionals and download Office system podcasts.

Exchange Server 2007: Virtual Lab Express

Get a quick, hands-on overview of Exchange Server 2007. In just 30 minutes, familiarise yourself with the Exchange Management Console and Outlook Web Access, and work with compliance and records management rules. Also, watch our live and on-demand Exchange Server webcasts and download Exchange Server podcasts.

Technorati tags: vista, office 2007, Action Pack, microsoft, small business, virtual pc, virtual server, virtualisation

Vista Events in UK from Technet team and others

David Overton — Tue, 23 Jan 2007 00:17:00 GMT

Windows

14 - 15 March 2007, Reading: TechNet Brings You a Two-Day Seminar in Association with John Craddock

Hear real world experience from leading technical experts with a flair for presenting deep technical content in an engaging and informative style. John Craddock and Sally Storey are IT systems specialists who have designed and implemented computing systems, from embedded high-speed industrial controllers to distributed IT solutions. (This is a chargeable event, for which there is a registration fee of £360 +VAT)

Windows Vista

31 January 2007, London: Windows Vista System Integrity Technologies

Historically, operating systems have lived in their own little bubbles of trust. Every part of an operating system assumed that every other part was exactly what it claimed to be and performed only what it claimed it could do. Recent attacks, though, have shown that such implicit trust is no longer suitable for computers that connect to hostile environments. In this session, Steve Lamb introduces the security features in Windows Vista and shows how they help to prevent these environments taking over your computer.

29 May 2007, Manchester: Windows Vista System Integrity Technologies

Vista Webcasts US and on-demand

David Overton — Sun, 21 Jan 2007 00:32:32 GMT

Live Webcasts

Microsoft Webcast: Maintaining Windows Vista
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
11:00 A.M.–12:00 P.M. Pacific Time
On-Demand Webcasts

New Microsoft Webcast: Best Practices for Deploying Windows Vista
Original Air Date: January 18, 2007
Microsoft Webcast: Get a Head Start on Windows Vista
Original Air Date: June 23, 2006
Microsoft Webcast: Introduction to Windows Vista
Original Air Date: October 4, 2006
Microsoft Webcast: Optimizing Your infrastructure with Windows Vista, Exchange Server 2007 and the 2007 Office system
Original Air Date: November 8, 2006
Microsoft Webcast: Planning a Successful Windows Vista Implementation
Original Air Date: December 6, 2006

Source: IT Manager Connections: Build Business and Careers on the Microsoft Platform

Birmingham SB Partner Group - January 22nd event - Vista and Office from the Inside

David Overton — Tue, 16 Jan 2007 00:43:21 GMT

I got a mail from Vijay and never quite made the "putting it on the blog", so before time runs out too much, two great colleagues of mine are presenting Office and Vista and obviously, having the group meeting. From the web site http://www.nxtgenug.net/ViewEvent.aspx?EventID=39 this is the information. Matt and James are truly well versed in both products and will be able to answer any and all questions.

The Association of Midlands IT Professionals (MITPRO) and NxtGenUG team up to bring you an evening of Vista! Matt McSpirit and James Senior, otherwise known as "The Vista Boyz" from the Vista Partner Technical Specialists will talk about the various new features of Vista and Office 2007 and how they affect the SMB. Vista as a development platform will be looked at in the second part of the session and how Vista is the platform on which to create better applications.
Members are invited to bring a guest to this event, although we ask that the guest uses the registration page to sign up to NxtGenUG and then registers for the event themselves

ttfn

David