Let us know what interests you, and we'll customize your TechNet Flash newsletter with additional reports on topics such as desktop operating systems, server technologies, or security. And please let us know what you think of TechNet Flash. | From the Editor |
| Greetings and Welcome to TechNet Flash, | Organizations today thrive on data. Understanding data trends and having a vision of the requirements of your data-driven applications is crucial in meeting the needs of these applications going forward. For a view of the Microsoft data platform vision, and to see how Microsoft SQL Server 2008 will deliver on that vision, the Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Product Overview white paper is a great place to start. And Microsoft recently released a Community Technology Preview (CTP) version of SQL Server 2008 for you to download and provide your feedback to the SQL Server development team. For a quick look at the key improvement pillars in the SQL Server 2008 CTP, click over to the SQL Server 2008 June CTP Highlights. Over the next month, we are also featuring a series of SQL Server 2008 TechNet Webcasts including the SQL Server 2008 Data Management Overview on July 26. Check out the Webcasts section below for the entire series. Update on Cool Stuff Here are some quick pointers to the latest in useful and fun gear that may have professional or personal application. Thanks for reading Mitch Irsfeld Editor, TechNet Flash
Top Stories and Featured Content | | Systems management is about to get a lot easier. Take a guided tour of Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager 2007 and see how it can simplify key tasks, such as deploying software updates, managing mobile devices, and maintaining system configurations. |
| Microsoft Operations Manager 2007, the newest incarnation of MOM, introduces some major improvements, including new management interfaces, better reporting, support for line-of-business applications, new security options, and more. | | | Microsoft is launching a cool contest and we wanted you to know about it. We're looking for companies who are developing innovative software with the power to change the world and our lives for the better in the Healthcare, Education, and Clean Technology industries. We believe that people and software are the key to unlocking some of the biggest global challenges today. If you are passionate about developing software that makes a difference, let us know by entering your solution. |
| The Sprint Mogul is the newest Windows Mobile 6 device in the market. With 3G radio, a 400+ Mhz processor and large memory capacity, it is a powerful platform for developing mobile applications targeting the .NET Compact Framework and SQL Server Compact Edition, which come preloaded in ROM. |
Evaluation Center Updates
| Microsoft SQL Server 2005 is an integrated database management and analysis solution that delivers increased security, scalability, and availability to enterprise data and analytical applications, while making them easier to build, deploy, and manage. Register to download the free 180-day trial software and you will receive relevant resources that are strategically assembled to address the challenges specific to each stage of evaluation as you discover, assess, and deploy the software. |
Scripting for IT Pros Hey, Scripting Guy!
Support and Troubleshooting How-to Articles Hotfixes Knowledge Base Articles See a selection of new Knowledge Base articles on the TechNet Web site. KB articles feature an Article Translations box in the right column. You can select a language from the drop-down list and read the article in the selected language. Also available via RSS 
Featured Downloads
| System Center Configuration Manager 2007 Release Candidate (RC) 1 is the next iteration of Microsoft Systems Management Server 2003. With major investments in simplicity, configuration, deployment, and security, Systems Center Configuration Manager 2007 dramatically simplifies system deployment, task automation, compliance management, and policy-based security management, allowing for increased business agility. |
| Support for Microsoft Software Update Services 1.0 ended July 10. Now is the time to migrate to its successor, Windows Server Update Services 2.0. You can also download WSUS 3.0 now. |
| Download the newly released and free Windows Vista Hardware Assessment 2.0 tool to help you determine your computers' readiness and the upgrades required for your Windows Vista and 2007 Microsoft Office migration project. See the power of auto-generated readiness reports and migration proposals. |
Upcoming Webcasts Featured Webcasts: SQL Server 2008
Come check out a SQL Server 2008 TechNet webcast to learn why the next release of SQL Server provides a comprehensive data platform that is more secure, reliable, manageable, and scalable for your mission-critical applications.
| Wednesday, August 15, 11 AM Pacific Time
Microsoft IT is in the process of migrating an internal human resources content management platform from Microsoft Content Management Server 2002 onto Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007. Expected benefits include application reduction, saved time and money and an improved architectural platform |
Security
| Windows Vista continues to show a trend of fewer total and fewer high severity vulnerabilities at the 6 month mark compared to its predecessor product Windows XP and compared to other modern competitive workstation operating systems. |
On Demand
| See how Windows Vista is easier to deploy and less expensive to maintain than earlier version of Windows. Tune in to live webcasts to ask questions, stream or download on-demand webcasts to watch when you want, listen to podcasts on the go, or test drive Windows Vista in a virtual lab. |
| Get the inside scoop on key features of the 2007 Microsoft Office system fast, with Webcast Express. These webcasts are 10 - 15 minutes long and are designed to provide you with valuable product information quickly and easily. Tune in and learn more about installation, configuration, search, reporting, and more. You can also view our full-length webcasts, take part in virtual labs, and download podcasts. |
| Michael Murphy discusses Network Access Protection in Windows Server 2008 with Amith Krishnan, a Senior Product Manager at Microsoft. He is responsible for the product management of Windows Server platform networking and security technologies. |
| Building on the success of leveraging Virtual Server 2005 R2 for Microsoft IT's Virtual Server Utility, Microsoft looks forward to using the virtualization feature of Windows Server 2008 to drive additional value and move virtual machines as the commodity data center platform offering. |
| The Windows Vista Hardware Assessment version 2.0 deployment tool enables you to determine in a matter of hours whether the computers on your network are ready for the Windows Vista and 2007 Microsoft Office. Listen in and see how Windows Vista Hardware Assessment assesses the hardware and device compatibility of each of an organization's existing systems across the network. |
Virtual Labs
| Welcome to Microsoft Virtual Lab Express, a 30-minute hands-on overview of the features of ISA Server 2006. |
| Experiment with the newest features and familiarize yourself with Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007 in a free, online virtual environment. TechNet Virtual labs are simple--no complex setup or installation is required. Here are our newest virtual labs: |
What's New Online in TechNet Plus Direct Two Professional Support Incidents Included with Your Subscription Did you know that TechNet Plus subscribers receive two complimentary Professional Support incidents? They can be used any time day or night to resolve the toughest technical issues. These support services are available online or via phone and are delivered on a per incident basis. TechNet Plus support doesn't stop there -- subscribers also get a 20 percent discount on any additional Professional Support incidents they purchase. If you're not a TechNet Plus Direct subscriber and want to save on support, plus get online access to all the latest software, tools, and resources, click here and get started today. And to stay up to date on TechNet Plus news, sign up for the TechNet Plus Blog RSS feed. 
Solution Accelerators
| This final guide in a series provides resources to help you move from the Rationalized level of infrastructure optimization to the Dynamic level, where IT is aligned and managed according to business needs. Benefits at the Dynamic level include controlled costs; integration between users and data, desktops, and servers; pervasive collaboration between users and departments; and nearly on-site levels of service and capabilities for mobile users. |
Case Studies and White Papers
| This Forbes magazine Microsoft/HP/Intel article focuses on the growing issues related to maintaining aging mainframe platforms and highlights the benefits of moving to mainframe-class solutions from Microsoft, HP, and Intel. |
| Find terms such as TCO, IRR, and NPV confusing? Not sure where to start in developing an IT business case? This practical IDC paper has the answers. It includes an easy-to-follow 7-step framework for developing your business case. |
| Collegiate Housing Services used Windows Vista Hardware Assessment tool and determined that 70 percent of their existing PCs were ready for Windows Vista with only a few minor upgrades, saving $38,000 in PC replacement costs. |
| Sporton International, Inc. in Taiwan determined that 88 percent of their existing PCs could be ready for Windows Vista with a small investment of minor hardware upgrades. Read this success story and learn more about the Windows Vista Hardware Assessment tool that helped get the job done. |
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| |  | Volume 9, Issue 15  July 25, 2007 | | Events | • | Get IT Skills That Impress with TechNet Events
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