Search results matching tags 'Exchange' and 'Windows Server 2008'

SBS 2003 to SBS 2008 migration thoughts and issues

doverton — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 21:03:00 GMT

I've been part of a lively debate on the Yahoo UK SBS Group about how to migrate from SBS 2003 to SBS 2008 and what the issues are. The information I have so far is good, but I need much more to take it to the product teams.

For sure, the issues so far are:

Concerns around the "state" of AD before a migration is started - how do you check it - look at this blog post
Concerns around the Exchange migration in terms of time taken and failure scenarios - how to remove the chances of this?
Concerns around "on-site" versus "off-site" strategies
Concerns around recovery options in the event of failures (restore from backup not being ideal if you want it diagnosed)

My problem is that I have no data to take to the Microsoft product teams, which means I can't ask them to fix things so this is a two fold open invitation.

If you have had an issue, share it via comments below, but also PLEASE e-mail (doverton@microsoft.com) as well so I can get in touch with you and potentially the product teams too. If you put your mail in the blog then others can see it. You are also welcome to just e-mail me, but then there will not be discussion in public, which might be a shame.
Share other concerns so I can get them documented and addressed, but also use the Microsoft support - you can always send me the SR numbers if you want me to tie them together.

That is it - may the knowledge sharing continue!

David

Technorati Tags: SBS 2003,SBS 2008,migration,Microsoft,Small Business Server,SBSC,Community,Partners

Small Business Server 2008 (formally known as Cougar) announcement

doverton — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 13:59:00 GMT

Today is the start of the Server 2008 PR ramp up. I can today tell you a bit more about Cougar, as was, or SBS 2008 as it will be, the new "family" that SBS is part of and a bit more on Windows Essential Business Server 2008 (aka Centro). Hopefully there will be a couple of surprises and also confirmation of some of the rumours around there. I've sliced the press release made today into 3 sections. This blog entry is based on the SBS 2008 section of which there is an extract below of some key points. The whole press release can be found at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2008/feb08/02-20EBFamilyPR.mspx.

Windows Small Business Server 2008 Multiplies Business Growth
Windows Small Business Server 2008,previously known by the code name “Cougar,” is ideal for organizations with up to 50 PCs, helping them protect business data, expand business productivity and present a professional image to customers. The new version adds a range of features and capabilities to the current, award-winning Small Business Server 2003 R2 product, and is also an example of Microsoft’s “software plus services” vision.
For small-business owners and employees, Small Business Server 2008 provides increased security and protection with one-year trial subscriptions to Microsoft Forefront Security for Exchange Server Small Business Edition and the new Windows Live OneCare for Server, and with dramatically simplified server and PC backup technologies. Small Business Server 2008 also integrates with Microsoft Office Live Small Business to simplify setup and management of professional Web sites and private online work spaces. Enhancements to Remote Web Workplace, integration of Windows SharePoint Services 3.0, and support for the latest Windows Mobile devices will help employees work remotely and collaborate effectively.
For IT managers and technology consultants, Small Business Server 2008 deployment, setup and administration is greatly simplified and improved. A powerful administration console, new monitoring across servers and client PCs, Windows Server Update Services, and customizable reports — accessible from virtually anywhere — make management easier and more effective. Exchange Server 2007 delivers additional built-in protection, virtually anywhere access and management efficiencies. And Windows Small Business Server 2008 Premium Edition provides an ideal platform for critical business applications, because SQL Server 2008 and Windows Server 2008 technologies now run on a second hardware server.
Windows Small Business Server 2008 will be demonstrated on Dell systems at the Microsoft “Heroes Happen Here” launch event on Feb. 27 in Los Angeles, and is slated for availability in the second half of 2008.
<snipped>
More information about Windows Essential Server Solutions is available at http://www.microsoft.com/essential and http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/presskits/serversolutions.

So lets recap. Information on the family that SBS is now part of can be found in the post entitled "Windows Essential Server Solutions family of products" announcement. So lets recap what this all means:

SBS 2008 ships on a x64 Server.
There are still two editions - Standard and Premium, with Premium offering an additional Windows Server 2008 standard system and SQL Server 2008.
It is designed (as SBS 2003 was) for 5-50 users although it can go to 75 users. If the customer solution needs 3-4 servers then use Windows Essential Business Server 2008.
It has the following components as standard
- Windows Server 2008 x64
- Exchange 2007
- Windows SharePoint Services 3.0
- Windows Live OneCare for Server
- Subscription to Forefront Security for Exchange Server Small Business Edition
- Integration with Office Live Small Business
- Enhancements to mobile and remote working tools and management
Premium has the following additional components
- 2nd Windows Server 2008
- SQL Server 2008
Areas of focus have been:
- Small Business Server 2008 deployment, setup and administration has been changed to the console shown in WHS and Essentials
- The ability to monitor across servers and client PCs
- Manage system updates using Windows Server Update Services
- New customisable reports
- The benefits of Exchange Server 2007 including
  - additional built-in protection
  - virtually anywhere access
  - management efficiencies

That is it for now, but as always, post questions and I will attempt to get them answered. For more information on the Essentials server announcements, look here.

My advice is to read the web sites linked in the press release and let me know your questions. You will also find information on the official SBS blog

ttfn

David

Technorati Tags: Microsoft, Windows Essential Server Family, Cougar, SBS 2008, Windows Small Business Server 2008, Essentials Business Server, Essential Server Family, Windows Essentials Business Server 2008

Windows Essential Business Server announcement

doverton — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 13:59:00 GMT

Today is the start of the Server 2008 PR ramp up. I can today tell you a bit more about Cougar, as was, or SBS 2008 as it will be, the new "family" that SBS is part of and a bit more on Windows Essential Business Server 2008 (aka Centro). Hopefully there will be a couple of surprises and also confirmation of some of the rumours around there. I've sliced the press release made today into 3 sections. This blog entry is based on the Essential Business Server 2008 section of which there is an extract below of some key points. The whole press release can be found at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2008/feb08/02-20EBFamilyPR.mspx.

<snipped>

Windows Essential Business Server 2008 for Midsize Companies

Windows Essential Business Server 2008 is designed for the needs of midsize organizations with up to 250 desktops, helping IT professionals take control of their systems, reduce time spent “fighting fires” and focus more on strategic efforts to drive business growth. The solution includes built-in IT best practices and provides a unified console for management of key workloads and product licensing, which makes IT budgeting and purchase simpler and more predictable.
Windows Essential Business Server combines the technologies of Windows Server 2008, Exchange Server 2007, Forefront Security for Exchange Server, System Center Essentials 2007, the next version of Internet Security and Acceleration Server and, in the Premium Edition, SQL Server 2008 technology. The product will be demonstrated on IBM BladeCenter S and HP BladeSystem c-Class c3000 hardware at the “Heroes Happen Here” launch on Feb. 27 in Los Angeles, and is slated for availability in the second half of 2008.
<snipped>
More information about Windows Essential Server Solutions is available at http://www.microsoft.com/essential and http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/presskits/serversolutions.

Now much of this is a repeat of what we already know, but I felt I should share it:

Based on x64 technology
Capable from 25-250 users, so does overlap with SBS 2008. Depending on the customer needs either SBS or Essentials should be used (SBS information here)
There are still two editions - Standard and Premium, with Premium offering an additional Windows Server 2008 standard system and SQL Server 2008.
It has the following components as standard

Windows Server 2008 x64
Exchange 2007
Windows SharePoint Services 3.0
System Center Essentials
Forefront Security for Exchange Server

Enhancements to mobile and remote working tools and management
Premium has the following additional components
- 2nd Windows Server 2008
- SQL Server 2008

My advice is to read the web sites linked in the press release and let me know your questions. There is already information published on this product, so you should get more than you need quite easily.

ttfn

David

"Windows Essential Server Solutions family of products" announcement

doverton — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 12:48:00 GMT

Today is the start of the Server 2008 PR ramp up. I can today tell you a bit more about Cougar, as was, or SBS 2008 as it will be, the new "family" that SBS is part of and a bit more on Windows Essential Business Server 2008 (aka Centro). Hopefully there will be a couple of surprises and also confirmation of some of the rumours around there. I've sliced the press release made today into 3 sections. This blog entry is based on the "family" section of which there is an extract below of some key points. The whole press release can be found at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2008/feb08/02-20EBFamilyPR.mspx.

To help small and midsize organizations improve business efficiency, increase productivity and drive growth, Microsoft Corp. introduced the Windows Essential Server Solutions family of products, built on Windows Server 2008 and the newest Microsoft server technologies and services. The company also unveiled details about the newly named Windows Small Business Server 2008.
The Windows Essential Server Solutions family includes Windows Small Business Server 2008 and Windows Essential Business Server 2008 for midsize companies. Microsoft conducted extensive research and gathered in-depth feedback worldwide to design the solutions, in order to meet the unique needs of small and midsize customers and partners. The products integrate the technologies of Windows Server 2008, Microsoft Exchange Server 2007, and other Microsoft products and services into all-in-one solutions that are reliable, easy to manage and able to grow with customers.
“There are 31.9 million small businesses and 1.2 million midsize companies worldwide in need of powerful IT solutions,^* and they typically have very small IT staffs, or none at all,” said Bob Kelly, corporate vice president at Microsoft. “Windows Essential Server Solutions make the benefits of enterprise-class IT accessible, affordable and simpler for smaller organizations and their technology advisors.”
Windows Small Business Server 2008 Multiplies Business Growth
see blog entry here
Windows Essential Business Server 2008 for Midsize Companies
see blog entry here
Microsoft Partners Rally Around the Windows Essential Server Solutions Family
The Windows Essential Server Solutions products present technology consultants, hardware makers and software vendors with tremendous opportunity to better serve small and midsize companies, and to grow their own businesses.
For solution providers and systems integrators, Windows Essential Server Solutions provide a consistent, reliable platform tailored to fast-growing small and midsize clients, helping them deliver more strategic systems and applications, and build deeper customer relationships.
Hardware makers including Dell Inc., Fujitsu Siemens Computers, HP and IBM Corp. plan to deliver solutions built on Windows Small Business Server 2008. Fujitsu Siemens, HP, IBM and Intel Corporation plan to deliver products running Windows Essential Business Server 2008.
Windows Essential Business Server 2008 is a platform for third-party business applications that can be managed within its administration console. Software partners such as Citrix Systems Inc., Computer Associates International Inc., FullArmor, Mimosa Systems Inc., Quest Software Inc., ScriptLogic Corp., Symantec Corp. and Trend Micro Inc. plan to provide Add-In software solutions for Windows Essential Business Server to enhance the product’s benefits. HP, IBM and Intel plan to make hardware management Add-Ins for Windows Essential Business Server 2008. Microsoft will provide Windows Essential Business Server Add-Ins for its applications as well, such as Microsoft Dynamics AX, Microsoft Dynamics CRM and Microsoft Office SharePoint Server.
More information about Windows Essential Server Solutions is available at http://www.microsoft.com/essential and http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/presskits/serversolutions.
* Source: AMI Partners Inc.

So what are we really saying here. Well, SBS was a great success, so great that we need to step things up a level. The family now looks like this:

There are probably three things to notice:

SBS now comes in a one and two server size (more on this here)
SBS still has the built in limits of 75 users, but is designed for 5-50
Essential Business Server is our three to four server product and is designed for 25-250 users

The family overlaps, depending on the needs of the business. This means that there are design and implementation similarities in the family, but each member has it's unique points too.

Expect to see 3rd party solutions form others around these products, which now address an even larger marketplace. I foresee Symantic on backup and Citrix on their Access Essentials products to make a real impact here.

In the short term I have a direct route to the people who are in the know about this, so ask the questions and I will post the answers as I get them.

My advice is to read the web sites linked in the press release and let me know your questions. You will also find information on the official SBS blog

ttfn

David

Microsoft Small Business Community Blog : What is going to be in "Cougar?"

doverton — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 08:51:20 GMT

I thought I would repost this as it is a very often asked question. Eric who posted this has said as much as can be said today. I hope to be able to break silence soon on more :) The statement for me that has the most interest as many partners don't think about it is "Embracing Live Services". I can honestly say I don't know the details here, but for all those nay sayers about online / live / Software plus Service etc, this is another loud gong that the world is changing! Also, just one of those side notes, Exchange 2007 does not include Outlook anymore (Exchange 2003 did), so your customers must buy Outlook / Office to use Exchange outside the web based views.

What is going to be in "Cougar?"

There have been a few questions floating around about "Cougar," the next version of Windows Small Business Server, and what it will include and be based on. I thought I would post some of the information that is publicly available to help address some of these questions:

Based on the Windows Server 2008 platform and technology wave
Cougar will include these technologies:

Windows Server 2008
Exchange Server 2007
Windows SharePoint Services 3.0
SQL Server 2005
System Center Essentials

Dramatically improved management, protection, and business productivity
Emphasis on simplicity and integration
Providing value for new and existing partners
Embracing Live Services
64-bit only

Microsoft Small Business Community Blog : What is going to be in "Cougar?"

ttfn

David

Technorati Tags: SBS Cougar, Cougar, Software plus Service, Windows Server 2008, Exchange 2007, System Center Essentials

If you want to get prepared for administrating future systems (Exchange 2007, Windows Server 2008) you will need to learn PowerShell - Techworlds PowerShell review

doverton — Mon, 04 Jun 2007 08:23:33 GMT

I saw this and thought I would post here.

Microsoft Windows PowerShell 1.0 review

Is Microsoft’s new tool a power shell or an egg shell?

By David Cartwright, techworld

List price:Free
Pros: Brings Windows scripting into the .NET era, allowing you to do far more than you could with VBScript.
Cons: The syntax will take you some getting used to – an IntelliSense equivalent would be a nice touch.
Buying advice: Getting PowerShell is a no-brainer. It’s a no-cost scripting tool that you’ll find a use for before long, so it makes sense to get a copy now and get to grips with it a bit before you have to start using it in anger.

"If you’re used to DOS batch files, VBScript scripts or Unix shell scripts, you’ll find this experience next to useless when trying to get to grips with PowerShell. The syntax is like nothing I’ve ever come across (and I’ve used all three of the above extensively)"
"This said, it’s not the hardest thing in the world to get used to. It’s just a case of learning the keywords and, most importantly, figuring out how to find your way around the help system. The reason for the latter is simple: if, like me, you’re a Visual Studio developer, you’re used to having IntelliSense – a clever little gizmo that enumerates all the possible expansions whenever you type an object name and hit the “.” key, so you don’t have to remember all the members of an object. No IntelliSense means having to type “get-help” a lot – but at least the help function is pretty comprehensive"
"and in fact, most of the common ones have been done for you so they look like DOS commands. So “Get-ChildItem” has been aliased to the more familiar “DIR”."

Read the whole article at Techworld.com - Software Applications Reviews - Microsoft Windows PowerShell Review

Microsoft's PowerShell site can be found at http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2003/technologies/management/powershell/default.mspx with over 500 sample scripts at http://www.microsoft.com/technet/scriptcenter/hubs/msh.mspx that do almost administrative task on a computer - the sample scripts cover:

•	Active Directory Sample scripts for managing Active Directory and Active Directory objects.

•	Applications Sample scripts for managing software and applications on servers and client computers.

•	Desktop Management Sample scripts for managing such things as desktop settings, computer startup and shutdown, and System Restore.

•	Hardware Sample scripts for managing and monitoring computer hardware.

•	Logs Sample scripts for managing event logs and plain-text log files.

•	Networking Sample scripts for managing and monitoring network configurations and network applications.

•	Operating System Sample scripts for managing and monitoring the Windows operating system.

•	Other Directory Services Sample scripts for managing directory services other than Active Directory.

•	Printing Sample scripts for managing printers, print jobs, print servers, and other parts of the Windows printing infrastructure.

•	Scripting Techniques Sample scripts demonstrating a wide variety of scripting tips, tricks, and techniques useful to script writers.

•	Service Packs and Hot Fixes Sample scripts for retrieving information about service packs and hot fixes installed on a computer.

•	Storage Sample scripts for managing files, folders, file systems, and storage devices.

•	Terminal Server Sample scripts for managing Windows Terminal Server.

The Official blog can be found at http://blogs.msdn.com/powershell/default.aspx and the quick start can be found at http://channel9.msdn.com/wiki/default.aspx/Channel9.WindowsPowerShellQuickStart.

ttfn

David

Technorati Tags: powershell