Sometimes it is difficult to determine which fix is included in which SQL Server Service Pack, Cumulative Update or even build.
There are a number of Knowledge Base Articles (KB) that list this very nicely.
SQL 2005 builds released after SP2: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/937137 SQL 2005 builds released after SP3: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/960598
SQL 2008 builds released after RTM: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/956909 SQL 2008 builds released after SP1: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/970365
And the above pages are all listed here: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/957826
And because waiting is the hardest part… This gadget counts down the days, hours, and minutes until Windows 7 is released worldwide the 22 October 2009.
16th March 2010 Registration 08:30, Seminar start 09:00, End 16:30 Location: Microsoft, Richtistrasse 3, 8304 Wallisellen Language: English
If you want to get the most out of your Analysis Services cube it’s essential to know and understand MDX: you need to be able to write queries and calculations.
This one-day seminar, aimed at those with little or no previous MDX experience, will teach you the basic concepts of the language as well as show you how to write common queries and calculations.
The seminar will be taught by Chris Webb of Crossjoin Consulting Limited. Chris is an independent consultant specialising in Analysis Services performance tuning, troubleshooting, design and complex MDX; he’s also a SQL Server MVP, co-author of the books “MDX Solutions” and "Expert Cube Development with SQL 2008 Analysis Services" and a well-known Analysis Services blogger (http://cwebbbi.spaces.live.com/) He has been running MDX training courses for companies worldwide (including Microsoft) for several years. Register here.
Just saw this over on the AD blog.
10 years ago, Microsoft’s largest internal domain was upgraded to Windows 2000 becoming the first production Active Directory, and it’s still going strong…
Dn: DC=redmond,DC=corp,DC=microsoft,DC=com whenCreated: 4/9/1999 7:49:12 PM Pacific Daylight Time;
redmond.corp.microsoft.com
Version 4 of the much loved Toolkit for MOSS 2007 has been released.
Some of the new or improved functionality included in v4:
Further information about the Toolkit can be found on the Microsoft SharePoint Team Blog or directly on TechNet.
Interesting blog post on what scale Hotmail is running at.
Some highlights:
Read more about it on the Inside Windows Live Blog
SQL Server 2008 R2 will be a BI-refresh (“Madison Overview”/”Gemini Overview”) and comes out as a Minor-Release (SQL Server Version 10.50). But there are several interesting features and topics which are interesting for DBAs. In this post I’ll list some options you can already test out in the actual August CTP. Additional enhancements will ship with the next CTP which will be available somewhere around middle of November 2009.
The „SysPrep“-feature will also be available for standalone installations, where you can pre deploy your binaries and finish the configuration after the rollout. The „Advanced” Tab on the Setup Landing Page gives you the opportunity to prepare an Image of a SQL Server instance. Instance-ID, Root-Directory, and Features can be selected and pre deployed, but it is also possible to add or remove features by completing the setup. The services and their configuration settings (Security Settings, Paths) will be also configured within the completing procedure. You’ll find additional information on
How To Install SQL Server 2008 R2 Using SysPrep
SQL Server SysPrep is supported for Database Engine and Reporting Services in a Stand-Alone installation for all editions. Management Tools and Shared Services like Browser Service or SQL Server Writer will be automatically deployed during the initial setup. Failover Cluster can be prepared and configured with “Advanced Cluster Preparation/Completion” as it was with SQL Server 2008.
SQL Server 2008 R2 has the ability to compress Unicode datatypes like NCHAR and NVARCHAR and brings you huge space savings for a large number of application databases which work with Unicode datatypes. The Simple Compression Scheme for Unicode Data (SCSU, Standard Compression Scheme http://unicode.org/reports/tr6/ ) has a compression ratio of 50% for English and the most European Languages! Unicode Compression will be enabled as part of ROW or PAGE compression. If you already use the data-compression-feature, it is necessary to rebuild the indexes of the compressed table. But if you add new datasets or change an existing the Unicode compression will be enabled automatically.
There are some interesting information regarding Unicode compression and SAP in the blog post of Juergen Thomas: http://blogs.msdn.com/saponsqlserver/archive/2009/09/16/sql-server-2008-r2-ucs2-compression-what-is-it-impact-on-sap-systems.aspx
In Books online you’ll also find additional information on Unicode Compression Implementation.
SQL Server 2008 R2 introduces new management tools to help improve IT efficiency and productivity. Investments in application and multi-server management will help organizations proactively manage database environments efficiently at scale through centralized visibility into resource utilization. Such investments can help streamline consolidation and upgrade initiatives across the application lifecycle—all with tools that make it fast and easy. The Application- and Multiservermanagement Whitepaper explains the new terms and the configuration. The basic idea is to give DBAs the opportunity to deploy databases (data-tier applications) in a standardized way. The next CTP will bring more advantages in this topic. This blog keeps you updated.
There are no advantages or changes planned in the area of High-Availability and Datatypes.
Before you test SQL Server 2008 R2, please be prepared that the physical database version number will be updated (SQL Server 2008 RTM/SP1 655). This means, that it’s not possible to restore a SQL Server 2008 R2 database back to a SQL Server 2008 RTM/SP1 instance (backup/restore or detach/attach). Compatibility level remains “100”, whereas “90” for SQL 2005 and “80” for SQL 2000 are still supported.
You can get your database version number with following query:
SELECT DATABASEPROPERTY ('YourDBName','Version') GO
Get the SQL Server 2008 R2 CTP from http://www.microsoft.com/sqlserver/2008/en/us/R2.aspx.
The Windows 7 Application Compatibility List was updated a few days ago. 5’500 application are now listed, both 32 and 64 bit.
Read more about the list and get the Excel File download:
http://windowsteamblog.com/blogs/springboard/archive/2009/11/17/new-windows-7-application-compatibility-list-for-it-professionals.aspx
A webcast series, level 300, “Migration from IE6 to IE8” is being offered until the end of March 2010. The webcasts will show what tools are available to you, plus the effort needed to migrate your environment to Internet Explorer 8.
Find a suitable date and time for you to view the webcast from the Webcast Calendar
The security of our products is an important matter for us at Microsoft. In order to support you to optimum effect in the secure operation of your IT infrastructure, Microsoft has released an unscheduled security update. We only ever issue unscheduled security updates for important reasons.
If you are using Microsoft Internet Explorer version 6, 7 or 8 we recommend that you install this security update as quickly as possible. You can use the link below or Microsoft Update
Further information and the link to download the security updates can be found at http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/ms10-018.mspx.
It was announced at Tech Ed USA last week that building a failover cluster, comprising of Hyper-V guests, with SQL Server 2005 and 2008 installed, and clustered on the guest is now supported.
Up till now, clustering the hosts was only supported.
The KB article got updated yesterday.http://support.microsoft.com/?id=956893
Today Microsoft announced that Windows Server 2008 R2, SQL Server 2008 R2 and Visual Studio 2010 will be last releases of our products with support for Intel Itanium Processors.
http://blogs.technet.com/windowsserver/archive/2010/04/02/windows-server-2008-r2-to-phase-out-itanium.aspx Support for shipped products continue as per the Microsoft Support Lifecycle Policy
Unified. Now.
Increase productivity and unleash the true potential of your mobile workforce.
You and your colleagues are cordially invited to join us at the
Voice of Unified Communications Roadshow
Microsoft® Office Communications Server 2007 R2 delivers the unified communications (UC) experience companies have been seeking. It empowers your distributed workforce with the flexibility necessary to access the people they need — when, where, and how they need them. Microsoft unified communications solutions help:
· Streamline communications.
· Enhance team collaboration and productivity.
· Reduce costs of audio conferencing.
· Decrease environmental impact by reducing unnecessary travel.
· Integrate with Exchange Voice Mail.
· Ensure compliance with data mandates.
With enterprise telephony (VoIP) and the integration of your telephony, voice mail, and e-mail infrastructures, your people can quickly and easily find the right person—and click to communicate from within everyday software applications and businesses processes. Please join us for this briefing on the business value, and costs savings realization for UC using the recent R2 release of Microsoft Office Communication Server 2007.
Zürich, March 9th, 2009, 9:00 – 16:30
Microsoft Schweiz GmbH Richtistrasse 38304 Wallisellen How to find
Geneva, March 10th, 2009, 9:00 – 16:30
Ramada Park Hôtel Genève Suisse Avenue Louis-Casaï 75-77 CH - 1216 Geneve - Cointrin – SuisseHow to find
Register Now
Based on many requests, a Microsoft Partner training event will be presented by the Microsoft CPLS Partner AddOn. The training will focus on Business Process Management and Process Optimization in BizTalk, plus how SharePoint Components can be used to simplify the solution.
For information on the Partner training in German, see the follwoing links:
BizTalk Training 27 April 2009 BizTalk Training 15 June 2009
http://blogs.technet.com/chitpro-de/archive/2009/02/27/biz-talk-und-sharepoint-server-gesch-ftsprozessmanagement-und-optimierung-mit-der-microsoft-plattform.aspx
Microsoft, in partnership with community organizations Culminis, INETA and PASS offer user groups a platform to promote their groups, publicize events, and get funding for their communities: User Group Support Services.
One platform, covering Developers and IT Professionals makes finding an event worldwide very easy: http://www.ugss.codezone.com/ (Events Calendar tab)
For User Group Leads, you benefit from a Global Speakers and Sponsors Bureau, Event Management, Member Management and Meeting Content. User Group leads can register on http://www.ugss.codezone.com and quickly get benefits for their community.
Microsoft announced yesterday the availability of 2 new betas for System Center products
System Center Essentials 2010
SCE 2010 is designed specifically for mid-sized organizations and delivers a unified physical and virtual IT management experience.
It enables you to better secure, update, monitor, and troubleshoot from a single console, so you can efficiently and proactively manage your IT environment:
System Center Data Protection Manager 2010 There are lots of reasons to be excited about DPM 2010. Here are a few:
All good Betas and Release Candidates need to expire some time. Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 are no exception.
Please upgrade before the expiry dates!
Introducing Bing Search by Microsoft. A Decision Engine.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=et0rUzRAXGE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CK5IYlZECmE
http://www.microsoft.com/emea/presscentre/pressreleases/ProductLaunchPR_280509.mspx
So from 3 June 2009, don’t Google It, or Live It, Bing It!
Microsoft Security Essentials provides real-time protection for your home PC that guards against viruses, spyware, and other malicious software.
Microsoft Security Essentials is a free* download from Microsoft that is simple to install, easy to use, and always kept up to date so you can be assured your PC is protected by the latest technology. It’s easy to tell if your PC is secure — when you’re green, you’re good. It’s that simple.
Microsoft Security Essentials runs quietly and efficiently in the background so that you are free to use your Windows-based PC the way you want—without interruptions or long computer wait times.
(*Your PC must run genuine Windows to install Microsoft Security Essentials. Learn more about genuine )
Service Pack 2 for Windows Server 2008 and Windows Vista has been released.
Windows Server 2008 and Windows Vista both leverage the single servicing model and therefore Microsoft will only deliver one service pack for both platforms. This makes it easier for to plan, test, deploy, and manage this Service Pack.
Some of the features in this Service Pack:
The complete list of all Features, Fixes, Deployment Guides and the Release Notes are located here
TechNet and MSDN subscribers can download it now from here (Windows Vista Service Pack 2 and Windows Server 2008 Service Pack 2 for all editions (x86, x64, i64) - DVD (English, French, German, Japanese, Spanish) )
Public downloads will be located here: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/dd262148.aspx
In the next few weeks, SP2 will also be available on Windows/Microsoft Update. The Service Pack blocker tool is available for download. The blocker tool will prevent Service Pack 2 from being installed for 12 months from general availability of Service Pack 2
The Microsoft Application Compatibility Toolkit (ACT) version 5.5 contains the necessary tools and documentation to evaluate and mitigate application compatibility issues before deploying Windows 7, Windows Vista, a Windows Update, or a new version of Windows Internet Explorer in your environment.
ACT helps customers lower their costs for application compatibility testing, prioritize their applications, and deploy Windows more quickly.
You can use the ACT features to:
You can get the tool from here.
Further information on the Windows Application Compatibility page on TechNet.
The popular free Windows PowerShell v 1.0 Manual, written by Frank Koch is available on the following links:
English:http://download.microsoft.com/download/4/7/1/47104ec6-410d-4492-890b-2a34900c9df2/Workshops-EN.zip
German:http://download.microsoft.com/download/4/7/1/47104ec6-410d-4492-890b-2a34900c9df2/Workshops-DE.zip
There are a number of links on the Internet that are pointing to locations that are no longer valid.
Everything you want to know about the latest Web Technologies.
27th October 2009, Swissôtel Zürich
This conference will show you in one day, the newest technology advances for Software and Web Developers, Web Architects, Web- and Interactive Designers, and now also Hosting Providers
One of the highlights of the event is the presentation of the Best of Swiss Silverlight Awards in the morning, plus the unique Podium discussion during lunch. With 2 parallel tracks, a Designer and Developer track in the morning, and a Developer and Hosting Provider Track in the afternoon, followed by a Networking-Apéro.
Shape ‘09 offers you the platform the see the most important technologies for the Internet, plus ideas and practical implementations and then you can network and discuss your ideas with your colleagues.
Register Today!
Exchange Server 2010 Beta is now available for download on TechNet Subscriber Downloads and as a Public Beta here
You can also try it as an Online Trial here. In the Online Trial version, you do not have to install anything on your machines. The Trial in run on Virtualized Servers at Microsoft.
To see what is new in Exchange Server 2010, visit the Exchange Web Site
Introducing Microsoft SQL Server 2008 from Microsoft Press is available as a FREE download. By Peter DeBetta, Greg Low, and Mark Whitehorn. ISBN: 9780735625587
How to get it: Register at http://csna01.libredigital.com/?urss1q2we6
NOTE: Once you’ve authenticated using your Passport/Live ID the only required fields for registration are: name, country, role, and an email address. You’re taken directly to the download from there (you will need to temporarily allow Pop-Ups for the download window).