Search results matching tags 'System Center Essentials', 'Windows Server 2008', and 'Microsoft'

System Center Essentials 2007 on Windows Server 2008

doverton — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 07:05:26 GMT

I got a question the other day asking in SCE was available on Windows Server 2008. From the System Center Essentials 2007 hope page I noticed that is states that with SP1 Windows Server 2008 is supported.

Service Pack 1 Is Now Available!
System Center Essentials just got better and faster: The new improvements include up to 70% less memory consumption, faster console, support for workgroup joined computers, SNMP v1 devices, improved setup, new update approvals rules, enhanced third-party update experience, and support for Windows Server 2008. Download the trial or update your existing Essentials server. For more information on what’s included, visit the SP1 Resource Page.

Now, I’ve not installed this on Server 2008, but apparently there are a few tricks that you need to learn – I’d suggest that you have a look at Permanent Link to Installation Guide for System Center Essentials SP1 on Windows Server 2008 (x8 and Permanent Link to Reinstalling System Center Essentials 2007.

Thanks

David

Technorati Tags: Microsoft, Management, Windows Server 2008, System Center Essentials, SCE, System Center Essentials 2007, SP1, Service Pack 1

Answers to some of the questions about SBS 2008 (32-bit 2nd server, SCE, beta upgrades, migrating users

doverton — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 10:42:00 GMT

[updated 23rd Feb 2008] After posting on SBS 2008 the other day I've had a few questions, so here are some answers

Can the 2nd server be x64 or x86 (32-bit) and can it be used for Terminal Services / Hyper-V / a.n.other purpose
- The 2nd server can be 32 or 64-bit. It is essentially Windows Server 2008 Standard edition, however it does check it is part of a SBS domain. Therefore it can be used for almost anything a Windows Server can be used for (and SQL can be loaded on it too)
Why was System Center Essentials removed from SBS 2008
- The short answer is that this was not the right product for SBS owners, however SBS can be used / works with SCE. For this reason SCE can, for example, be loaded on the the 2nd server
Can I install SBS 2008 beta (cougar) in my production environment and upgrade to RTM when it releases

The answer here is one about the fact that betas are betas and have bugs, so there are risks. Officially the answer is “don’t consider using Cougar beta in your production environment unless you are on the TAP as any problems / migration / upgrades will be unsupported. Should you do so, your only access to any support and guidance will be via the newsgroups”

If someone has recently purchased hardware for SBS 2003, can they move to SBS 2008

SBS 2008 has migration wizards that will enable the move from one machine to another. For those where they wish to use existing hardware there is NO in-place upgrade, however you should be able to do the following (assuming the hardware is x64 capable):

1) Copy their existing setup to a virtual machine

2) Install SBS 2008 onto the original hardware and use the migration tools to move SBS to the same box

1) Backup their SBS 2003 system

2) Install SBS 2008 on the existing hardware

3) Add data back from backup (this is a manual process)

Can SBS 2008 be used with Hyper-V

Yes, we’re in the process of testing which virtualization scenarios SBS 2008 and EBS 2008 will support, and will provide more information in the future.

Can SBS 2003 CALs be used with SBS 2008

No, SBS 2008 has a different CAL model - there is now a standard and premium CAL

Can I upgrade / transition from SBS 2008 to EBS 2008 (Essential Business Server) from Andy's blog at http://parkesy.wordpress.com/2008/02/20/sbs-2008-officially-essential/

We are working on this as a desired outcome, but are not releasing any details yet

Keep the questions coming!

ttfn

David

Technorati Tags: Small Business, Small Business Server 2008, SBS 2008, Windows Small Business Server 2008, SBSC, Microsoft, Partner, Community

More information on SBS 2008

doverton — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 09:36:00 GMT

I was reading over at Sean Daniel's blog about more info on SBS 2008 and realised there are a couple of pages you need to look at (Learn more with a product overview). I've also posted some answers to questions here.

Affordable, Integrated Solution

Windows Small Business Server 2008 is designed for small businesses. It is designed to work with existing technology, build on Microsoft best practices, and delivers a comprehensive network at an affordable price.

Have virtually anytime, anywhere access to your business desktop; including e-mail, files, business applications, and more.

Share resources and equipment, such as Internet access, printers, and fax machines, to get the most value from your technology investments.

Enjoy compatibility and scalability. As your business needs to change, Windows Small Business Server 2008 can change with you--easily add users, servers and applications, or expand into other Microsoft technologies.

Work more efficiently and add more value to your business with an integrated administrative console.

Work confidently with a top performing network based on Windows Server 2008 technologies.

Protect Your Business Data

Windows Small Business Server 2008 helps protect your vital business information from loss, by automatically backing up the computers and servers in your network and helping enable you to recover accidentally deleted files.

Use anti-virus and anti-spam protection to help protect your information from malicious attacks, viruses, and spam.

Keep your computers and servers current and your network healthy and up to date with the latest updates.

Get better control over your business and business information with daily and weekly reports alerting you on the health and security of your technology. A single administrative console gives you or your IT consultant a daily view of PCs and servers and makes it easier to manage common IT tasks.

Get an at-a-glance snapshot of the security and health of your PCs and servers from a 'green check' report.

Grow Your Business Capacity

Windows Small Business Server 2008 gives you highly secure access to business contacts, calendars, e-mail, files, and other important desktop resources from any Internet-connected computer, virtually anywhere at any time, so you can be productive while you’re away from the office or on the road.

Improve your day-to-day efficiency by using a central repository for storing and sharing information.

Connect with customers, vendors, and suppliers easily and professionally, with access to contacts, appointments, and files from any Internet-connected computer or a Windows Mobile-powered Smartphone, so you can be responsive even when you are away from the office.

Create a bigger business presence with online marketing tools from Microsoft Office Live Small Business*, so you can differentiate your business and present a more professional image to your customers.

* Available in the following markets: US, UK, Japan, Germany and France

ttfn

David

Technorati Tags: Small Business, Small Business Server 2008, SBS 2008, Windows Small Business Server 2008, SBSC, Microsoft

Microsoft Windows Essential Server Solutions - Which one is right for you?

doverton — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 09:35:00 GMT

There is lots of information on how to choose the right Essential solution for you (SBS Std, Premium, EBS Std or Premium. A quick sample can be seen below (there is much more on the web site):

Which Solution Is Right for You?

Learn how the Windows Essential Server Solutions are designed to fit specific needs for small and midsize business. Find which solution will be the right choice for you and your company’s needs. Remember, each business is unique – consult your Microsoft Certified Partner to help determine the best solution for you.

Your Need	Windows Small Business Server 2008		Windows Essential Business Server 2008
	Standard Edition	Premium Edition	Standard Edition	Premium Edition
Company Size and Growth
Our company needs a secure network for 250 or fewer users today	Microsoft Windows Small Business Server 2008 supports up to 50 users or devices.		Microsoft Windows Essential Business Server 2008 supports up to 250 users or devices.
Our business is growing at a fast pace and our IT needs are expanding.	As your business needs change, these products provide a “technology building block” for additional servers and a seamless transition to the full line of Microsoft Server products, using Transition Packs. We recommend you decide based on your 1-yr and 2-yr growth plans, as well as on your current and future application and performance needs.
We are acquiring other companies and need to connect with their data and email immediately until we can incorporate everything into our server network.	The Windows Essential Server Solutions products are meant to be the primary network and email system and not a down-level branch office or subsidiary solution.

ttfn

David

Technorati Tags: Small Business, Small Business Server 2008, SBS 2008, Windows Small Business Server 2008, SBSC, Microsoft, Partner, Community

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

2008 Pre-Launch event with Bill Gates - Scott Dodds and why Partners are important

doverton — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 16:43:05 GMT

Technorati Tags: Events, Windows Server 2008, SQL Server 2008, Visual Studio 2008, Launch, Scott Dodds

I will try to publish information from each presenter as I noted it from the audience and then my scribbled notes. I can't guarantee 100% accuracy, but the virtual even should show more of this information and the Partner Portal will have the presentations on them in a weeks time.

So... here goes:

Microsoft rarely does a launch even for it's partners 2 months before the "big event". It is normally the night before. Scott re-iterated that partners are "extremely important" to Microsoft as they are the feet on the ground talking to customers. If partners have not seen / heard all the messages, technology, plans then how can they participate and recommend to customers? It is also worth noting that we do not have a "Bill Gates" for the customer events - his insight was reserved for our partners!

Scott kicked off the day by suggesting that there were 4 areas we were concentrating on (more on these in coming posts):

Secure Trusted Platform
Virtualisation
Next Generation Web
Business Intelligence

As far as participation goes - there are many ways a partner can participate as highlighted in another blog post, however it will include the new social network community work the UK Partner Team have put together where you can form your own communities as a partner. Scott showed the new roadmap information and forums / blogs / status information available.

Scott also pointed out (scarily) that the BBC had access to the event as they were following Bill's last year. Sure enough three small business partners were caught and asked to comment!!

ttfn

David

Technorati Tags: Events, Windows Server 2008, SQL Server 2008, Visual Studio 2008, Launch, Scott Dodds