Private Clouds are increasingly important to the efficient operations of your business. The System Center 2012 products provide everything you need to build, secure, maintain and manage your Private Cloud. You can get all of the latest Betas, Release Candidates and Evaluations by clicking one button!
How to build a FREE Private Cloud using Microsoft Technologies
***This is a LIVING document*** I will be updating this post from time to time as things like Release Updates, Hotfixes, Service Packs and other updates come into being. Please check back often to get the latest information. I will keep the revision list updated at the bottom so you know what changes have been made. This is also *NOT* a complete Private Cloud solution. there are many, many pieces to creating and managing a private cloud including things like - rapid deployment via templates, elasticity and scalability, high availability and redundancy, virtual machine mobility, automation, service management, usage based charge back and more. i recommend you check out http://www.microsoft.com/privatecloud to see the full story.
This document will guide you through the process of setting up the bare minimum components to demo a Private Cloud environment using current release versions of Microsoft products and technologies. It is NOT meant for nor is it an ideal configuration for use in a production environment. If you have a Technet or MSDN subscription then you have all the software you need already. Otherwise you can download FREE TRIAL versions of all the necessary components from the Microsoft Technet Evaluation Center.
Once the installation and configuration are complete, you will be able to demo the use of System Center Virtual Machine Manager and the SCVMM Self Service Portal 2.0 to build and manage a Private Cloud. With additional software and hardware resources, this configuration can be expanded to include additional System Center Technologies to demonstrate a much broader Private Cloud implementation including monitoring, reporting, change management, deployment and more. There are free trial versions of all the System Center products at the Microsoft Technet Evaluation Center.
There is an assumption that you have at least a basic knowledge of the roles and services in Windows 2008 R2, a cursory knowledge of how to install SQL Server 2008 R2, and a basic understanding of how the System Center Virtual Machine Manager works. Additional documents and walkthroughs may be produced for more detail. If there is something you would like to have more information on, please comment to this blog post and let me know.
If you plan on doing this in a single sitting, bring plenty of your favorite caffeinated beverage, some good music to listen to, maybe even a good book, and lot of patience. There is a lot of “hurry up and wait” that takes place during this setup. Expect to spend 6-10 hours depending on how fast your hardware is and how efficient you are. This guide could be condensed even further to combine certain steps and reduce setup time slightly but I have opted to make it as fool proof as possible. If you follow this guide exactly, you should not see any errors or failures during the installation.
The resultant demo configuration does not provide for any failover or redundancy and is intended solely as a lightweight demo/test/learning environment. The concepts here can be used as a template to install a production Private Cloud, but please, do not implement this configuration in production without speaking to the appropriate persons that administer your network. If you implement this in production, you do so at your own risk and you should have an updated resume available.
Architecture:
Host Machine - Windows Server 2008 R2 + SP1 + all post SP1 Updates
Roles: Active Directory Domain Services, DNS Server, Hyper-V, Web Server (IIS) Software: SQL Server 2008 R2 x64, System Center Virtual Machine Manager 2008 R2 Server Components and Administrator Console, SCVMM Self Service Portal 2.0
Roles: Active Directory Domain Services, DNS Server, Hyper-V, Web Server (IIS)
Software: SQL Server 2008 R2 x64, System Center Virtual Machine Manager 2008 R2 Server Components and Administrator Console, SCVMM Self Service Portal 2.0
Guest VM’s - Once this install is complete, you can create whatever guest VM’s you like to use for testing and demoing. In a future document I will detail a list of resources you may wish to create so you have a relevant test and demo environment.
Hardware Requirements:
I personally recommend using a desktop computer because of the drive options available. However, a high-end laptop can be used. I have performed this install to both hardware platforms in the following configurations:
Laptop: Lenovo W510 (quad processor + hyper-threading), 16gigs RAM, (1) 7200rpm SATA drive for host operating system, (1) 140gig Solid State Drive for guest VM storage
***This is the platform I used when creating this document***
Pros: Compact, very portable Cons: Disk I/O and potential CPU bottlenecks decreases performance. This can be mitigated by investing is higher end disk drive and/or a laptop with greater processing capabilities but increases the cost dramatically. Overall a more expensive solution even with lower end components.
Pros: Compact, very portable
Cons: Disk I/O and potential CPU bottlenecks decreases performance. This can be mitigated by investing is higher end disk drive and/or a laptop with greater processing capabilities but increases the cost dramatically. Overall a more expensive solution even with lower end components.
Desktop: Quad-processor CPU, 16gigs RAM, (1) 7200rpm for host operating system, (2 or more ) 7200rpm+ SATA drives for guest VM storage (these drives can be striped as RAID-0 for additional performance *or* they can be formatted independently and place guest VM’s on separate spindles. For my desktop implementation at home I am using the RAID-0 option)
Pros: Better performance due to disk drive configuration options. Lower cost of desktop PC components make this a less expensive solution even with higher end hardware. Cons: More of a fixed solution, less portable. Could potentially use an ultra-mini case or small “media center” type case to increase portability, however, desk top components are not designed to be moved around a lot so you are at a higher risk of component failure.
Pros: Better performance due to disk drive configuration options. Lower cost of desktop PC components make this a less expensive solution even with higher end hardware.
Cons: More of a fixed solution, less portable. Could potentially use an ultra-mini case or small “media center” type case to increase portability, however, desk top components are not designed to be moved around a lot so you are at a higher risk of component failure.
I also *highly recommend* a high capacity dedicated external storage device for backup up configurations along the way. The entirety of this private cloud configuration is relatively simple but the overall process is time consuming. The more frequently you backup/snapshot at key stages the less likely you will be to spend rebuilding from scratch.
Software Requirements:
If you have a Technet or MSDN subscription you have everything you need. If you do not have a Technet or MSDN subscription you can use free trial software for everything. Just be mindful of the individual timebombs and make note of when things expire. Using the pieces below you should be able to run for 180 days from the day the Host machine OS is installed.
Windows Server 2008 R2 with SP1 Trial System Center Virtual Machine Manager 2008 R2 with SP1 Trial Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 Trial (get the 64bit version) Microsoft System Center Virtual Machine Manager Self-Service Portal 2.0 with SP1
Windows Server 2008 R2 with SP1 Trial
System Center Virtual Machine Manager 2008 R2 with SP1 Trial
Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 Trial (get the 64bit version)
Microsoft System Center Virtual Machine Manager Self-Service Portal 2.0 with SP1
Suggested Pre-Reading/Learning:
An assumption is being made that you are familiar with installing and configuring Windows Server 2008 R2 and its related Roles and Features. If not, then you should bookmark and leverage the following -
Microsoft Technet Windows Server TechCenter
Additional Resources:
Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 TechCenter System Center Virtual Machine Manager 2008 R2 TechCenter System Center Virtual Machine Manager Self-Service Portal 2.0 TechCenter
Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 TechCenter
System Center Virtual Machine Manager 2008 R2 TechCenter
System Center Virtual Machine Manager Self-Service Portal 2.0 TechCenter
The Heavy Lifting - Installing the components
This section of the guide will walk you through the installation of each and every piece of the Microsoft Private Cloud solution. I have chosen an abbreviated rapid fire approach to this install. There are no screen shots. I do not go into detail around the choices made on the selection screens. If the options on a screen are not discussed in the document, you can assume the default selections will suffice.
There is a lot of opportunity to customize things along the way. There is a lot of opportunity to poke around and make changes during setup or while waiting on files to copy. I recommend that you NOT do this if you can avoid it. This document should provide a 100% success rate with ZERO errors during install if you follow it exactly. If you choose to stray and make changes during the install, you do so at the risk of your own time invested in this process.
Grab that caffeinated beverage. Take a big sip. Start your music. Take a deep breath. Here we go….
Install the Hyper-V Host
Windows Server 2008 R2 is the foundation up which we build the entire private cloud. The leverage the built-in Hyper-V hypervisor for virtualizing the servers, clients and their applications that can then be served up through the self-service portal. It is absolutely essential that the base server is installed properly and is 100% stable.
Pre-install hardware configuration - Ensure that you have enabled virtualization support in the BIOS of your computer. How this is managed/enabled depends on the PC Manufacturer and the BIOS used. You should also make sure the Data Execution Prevention (DEP) is active. There is a great blog post that talks about how to do this here -- http://blogs.technet.com/b/iftekhar/archive/2010/08/09/enable-hardware-settings-in-bios-to-run-hyper-v.aspx
*I recommend rebooting after each line item below*
Install Windows 2008 R2
Install any BIOS updates/hardware drivers/manufacturer updates for your system
Install SP1 (can be skipped if you installed Windows 2008 R2 + SP1 integrated)
Install all post-SP1 updates from Windows Update
*after each update install completes, reboot and run Windows Update until no further updates are offered*
*after each update install completes, reboot and run
Windows Update until no further updates are offered*
Optional - Rename host to desired friendly name
Install Necessary Windows Server Roles and Features
Add the Role: Active Directory Domain Services
Run the Active Directory Domain Services installation wizard (dcpromo.exe)
Create a new domain in a new forest Supply FQDN of the new forest root domain (ie; privatecloud.local) Supply Domain NetBIOS name (ie; PRIVATECLOUD) Select Forest Functional Level (Windows 2003 is fine) Select Domain Functional Level (Windows 2003 is fine) Allow DNS to be installed (Assign Static IP if necessary)
Create a new domain in a new forest
Supply FQDN of the new forest root domain (ie; privatecloud.local)
Supply Domain NetBIOS name (ie; PRIVATECLOUD)
Select Forest Functional Level (Windows 2003 is fine)
Select Domain Functional Level (Windows 2003 is fine)
Allow DNS to be installed (Assign Static IP if necessary)
(***I assigned a static IP address/mask for my local subnet and pointed to my default gateway. I then configured DNS with forwarders of 4.2.2.1 and 4.2.2.2 – These are AT&T’s public DNS servers. This allows for Internet access to download Windows Updates or other software needed***)
Location for Database, Log Files, SYSVOL = Default Assign Password for Directory Services Restore Mode Complete Wizard and Reboot
Location for Database, Log Files, SYSVOL = Default
Assign Password for Directory Services Restore Mode
Complete Wizard and Reboot
Add the Role: Hyper-V
Create Virtual Network: Attach to local Ethernet Complete Wizard and Reboot Allow Wizard to Complete and Reboot
Create Virtual Network: Attach to local Ethernet
Allow Wizard to Complete and Reboot
Install Web Server (IIS) Role
IIS is required by the Self Service Portal 2.0. The portal also requires specific Web Server (IIS) role services and the Message Queueing Feature to be enabled.
Add the Role: (Web Server IIS) - Next
Role Services - Select:
Static Content Default Document ASP.NET .NET Extensibility ISAPI Extensions ISAPI Filters Request Filtering Windows Authentication IIS6 Metabase Compatibility
Static Content
Default Document
ASP.NET
.NET Extensibility
ISAPI Extensions
ISAPI Filters
Request Filtering
Windows Authentication
IIS6 Metabase Compatibility
Confirmation – Install
Add the Feature: Message Queueing - Next
Windows Server 2008 R2 Foundation is now complete!
The Windows Server 2008 R2 + Hyper-V host is now complete. There are a few (not really) optional steps below you may wish to take just for your own sanity.
Optional (recommended) - Install Windows Server Backup Features Optional (recommended) - Perform Bare Metal Recovery Backup to external storage using Windows Backup (or the backup system of your choice)
Optional (recommended) - Install Windows Server Backup Features
Optional (recommended) - Perform Bare Metal Recovery Backup to external storage using Windows Backup (or the backup system of your choice)
Install SQL Server 2008 R2
SQL Server 2008 R2 is used for storing configuration information for System Center Virtual Machine Manager and the SCVMM Self-Service Portal. You do not need to be a SQL guru to get things up and running or even for day to day operations. You can pretty much forget about SQL except for routine patching. The exception to this (there are always exceptions) is if you use this document to implement a Private Cloud in a production environment using an existing production SQL Server. In that case, I beg you to speak to your SQL Admin *BEFORE* doing anything with SQL. You have been warned.
Launch SQL setup
New Installation or add features to an existing installation
Enter Product key or Specify a free edition
Accept License
Setup Support Files - Install
Setup Support Rules - Address any issues - Next
SQL Server Feature Installation - Next
Feature Selection - Select
Database Engine Services Management Tools Basic
Database Engine Services
Management Tools Basic
Default paths - Next
Installation Rules - Next
Default Instance (MSSQLSERVER) - Next
Disk Space Requirements - Next
Use the same account for all SQL server services
(if this host will be connecting to a network or the Internet then I suggest following SQL security guidelines and create unique accounts for each service. If you will only be using this for non-Network connected demonstrations, you can use the domainname\Administrator account for simplicity)
Supply credentials - Next
Windows authentication mode - Add current user - domainname\Administrator - Next
Error Reporting - Your choice - Next
Installation Configuration Rules - Next
Ready to Install - Summary - Install
Complete - Close
Windows Update - Check for Updates - Install - Reboot
(This one takes quite a while. Go get something to eat.)
Install System Center Virtual Machine Manager R2 + SP1
VMM Server Component
Start SCVMM Setup – Setup - VMM Server
Accept License - Next
CEIP - Your choice - Next
Product Registration - Fill in - Next
Prerequisite Check - Next
Installation Location - Default is fine - Next
SQL Server Settings - Use a supported version of SQL Server:
Server name: <name of localhost> Check - Use the following credentials: User name: <domain>\Administrator Password: <password> Select or enter a SQL instance: Drop down to MSSQLSERVER Select or enter a database: <enter a database name; ie; SCVMMDB> Check - Create a new database
Server name: <name of localhost>
Check - Use the following credentials:
User name: <domain>\Administrator
Password: <password>
Select or enter a SQL instance: Drop down to MSSQLSERVER
Select or enter a database: <enter a database name; ie; SCVMMDB>
Check - Create a new database
Library Share Settings
Create a new library share - Defaults are fine - Next
Installation Settings
Ports - Defaults are fine VMM Server Account - Local System is fine - Next
Ports - Defaults are fine
VMM Server Account - Local System is fine - Next
Summary of Settings – Install
Install the VMM Administrator Console
Once the Virtual Machine Manager Administrator Console is installed, this will become the primary interface used when dealing with your virtualization infrastructure. There will be times you will want or need to go back to the standard Hyper-V MMC, but you should get comfortable with the SCVMM Administrator console for day-to-day operations.
Start SCVMM Setup – Setup - VMM Administrator Console
Port – 8100 - Default is fine
Summary of Settings - Install
Windows Update - Check for Updates – Install - Reboot
Take a deep breath. Switch from caffeine to ....something more calming. You are almost done.
Almost….
Install the SCVMM Self-Service Portal 2.0 with SP1
***Note - You probably noticed an option to install a Self Service Portal from with the SCVMM Setup interface. DO NOT INSTALL THIS VERSION. It is an older version and does not provide the most current functionality. Download the SSP 2.0 + SP1 version from the link in the “Software Requirements” section of this document.***
The Self-Service Portal is one of the defining features of the Microsoft Private Cloud. Through this portal, administrators can create resource pools consisting of networks, storage, load balancers, virtual machine templates and domains. Administrators can then create and manage business units who can use the self-service portal to requests these pools of resources and create them on demand.
Start SSP2.0 Setup
Getting Starter - (License page) – Accept - Next
Select
VMMSSP Server Component VMMSSP Website Component
VMMSSP Server Component
VMMSSP Website Component
Next
Prerequisite Page - Should be all green - Next
VMMSSP Files - Default is fine - Next
Database Server: <localhost name>
Click - Get Instances
SQL Server Instance: Default Credentials: Connect using Windows Authentication Create a new Database or…..: Create a new database
SQL Server Instance: Default
Credentials: Connect using Windows Authentication
Create a new Database or…..: Create a new database
Provide an account for the server component
User Name: Administrator Password: <password> Domain: <domainname>
User Name: Administrator
Domain: <domainname>
Test Account - Next
Configure WCF Endpoints - Defaults are fine - Next
Provide a list of Database Administrators
<domainname>\Administrator
Configure the IIS web site for the VMMSSP website component
IIS website name: VMMSSP <default> Port Number: 81 <you cannot use 80 since it is assigned to the default web site> Application pool name: VMMSSPAppPool <default> User Name: Administrator Password : <password> Domain: <domainname>
IIS website name: VMMSSP <default>
Port Number: 81 <you cannot use 80 since it is assigned to the default web site>
Application pool name: VMMSSPAppPool <default>
Password : <password>
Installation Summary – Install - Yes to Dialog
Close the final window.
Once logged in:
Delete any setup files or unnecessary files/data you will not use for demonstration purposes Empty the Recycle Bin
Delete any setup files or unnecessary files/data you will not use for demonstration purposes
Empty the Recycle Bin
NOT OPTIONAL - Perform Bare Metal Recovery Backup to external storage using Windows Backup (or the backup system of your choice). Trust me. At this point you have 6-10 hours invested in this setup and you do NOT want to have to start over.
You now have the hardware and software in place to demo a private cloud!
However, a Private Cloud is more about the HOW you use the infrastructure to create value, provide self-service, reduce overheard, automate resource creation and ultimately - reduce costs.
In the next document I produce, I will define a list of resources to create using the Hyper-V MMC, System Center Virtual Machine Manager, and the SCVMM Self-Service portal. I will then do a few recorded demos with these resources that you can customize for your own demonstration purposes.
Call To Action
Download a hard copy of this document for your own reference -
Bookmark my blog and watch for more posts and screen casts on Private Cloud. Here are some of the Planned Posts/Content/Screencasts I am working on:
Configuring Basic Resources for use in a Private Cloud
Creating virtual hard disks Creating virtual machines Creating templates in SCVMM Creating Hardware and OS profiles in SCVMM
Creating virtual hard disks
Creating virtual machines
Creating templates in SCVMM
Creating Hardware and OS profiles in SCVMM
Configuring and using the Self-Service Portal 2.0
Initial Configuration Creating and managing Infrastructures Working with Virtual Machines Managing User Roles and Business Units Walking through the Request process
Initial Configuration
Creating and managing Infrastructures
Working with Virtual Machines
Managing User Roles and Business Units
Walking through the Request process
If there is a particular feature or process you would like to know more about, please contact me through a comment to this post or in email and we will discuss getting it produced.
For now, have fun playing with your new Private Cloud! (AFTER that bare metal recovery backup!)
Cheers!
Revision Log
v1.0 - Completed on September 5th, 2011
v1.1 - Minor spelling and grammar corrections; added "Living Document" Note at beginning of post; added some mandatory reboot notations in section dealing with role installation; added info on BIOS and DEP actions
TechNet Video: Learning to do the Basics in System Center Virtual Machine Manager 2012
Download WMV Download | WMA | MP3
System Center Virtual Machine 2012 (SCVMM 2012) is a fantastic addition to the System Center suite of products for managing your virtualized infrastructure. There is a new interface and large number of new features for managing virtual machines, applications, and your cloud environments.
In this video we are going to start with the basics – How to find and add a hypervisor host to the SCVMM interface, how to create hardware and software profiles, and finally, how to create virtual machines. While all of these tasks are on the surface very simple day-to-day operations, with the changes to the format of the UI it is worth going over these basic functions. Additionally, there are some exciting new options for all of these basic tasks that you need to be aware of. In future video we will dive deeper into the common tasks as well as the unique new features of SCVMM 2012.
You know you want to get your hands dirty. Well as dirty as us geeks can get them in this increasingly virtual world. As you know, I am spending a lot of time right now talking about Private Cloud. I want to make you have as much information and all the right tools at your disposal to ensure you can stay current with your skills. Below you will find a collection of link to free training, free software, and preview releases of upcoming Microsoft IT software. All of which are designed to make managing your on-premise infrastructure and private cloud implementations easier to install, manage and maintain as well as get you connected to “the cloud” with Windows Azure.
Free Training and Learning
Microsoft Virtual Academy
Not sure how Office 365 fits into you IT Management plans? Maybe you are a VMWare administrator and you need to know how Microsoft’s Hyper-V solutions can help you? Or, maybe you need to know more about Windows Azure and how it may benefit your organization? Check out the Microsoft Virtual Academy for self-paced training on all of these and more.
Deploying and Managing Windows Azure Applications Evaluation
System Center enables IT Professionals to use existing skills and tools to monitor and manage applications on Windows Azure without purchasing additional hardware or software. The Windows Azure Application Monitoring Management Pack bridges the gap between System Center Operations Manager 2007 R2 and applications running on Windows Azure, enabling IT Pros to use System Center Operations Manager to manage applications on Windows Azure. In this evaluation, you will follow a step-by-step guide to deploy a sample application to Windows Azure and then use System Center Operations Manager to monitor and manage that application.
Free Software
Microsoft Hyper-V Server 2008 R2 with SP1
You say you already have enough full Windows Servers? You just want a Hyper-Visor to deploy? Then this is the product for you! This is a Hyper-Visor only product that installs to bare metal and is managed remotely. Best of all, it is FREE!
Microsoft Hyper-V Server 2008 R2 is the hypervisor-based server virtualization product that allows you to consolidate workloads onto a single physical server. It is a stand-alone product that provides a reliable and optimized virtualization solution enabling organizations to improve server utilization and reduce costs. Since Hyper-V Server is a dedicated stand-alone product which contains only the Windows Hypervisor, Windows Server driver model, and virtualization components, it provides a small footprint and minimal overhead.
Current Release Evaluations
Windows 2008 R2 with SP1 Evaluation
This is the foundation upon which your Microsoft Private Cloud gets built. You know the operating system. You know the use interface. But did you know the Hyper-V Virtualization is built in? It is! Download it and check it out!
You are regularly challenged by the growing needs of the business. Operations demand around the clock availability and the need for heightened security and compliance has never been greater. These pressures all converge with the day to day challenges of maintaining control of ever-increasing server sprawl, resources, and budgets. Windows Server 2008 R2 with SP1 is designed to help you increase control, availability, and flexibility of your datacenter and desktop infrastructure while helping reduce costs
System Center Virtual Machine Manager 2008 R2 with SP1 Evaluation
This is our current version of System Center Virtual Machine Manager. System Center Virtual Machine Manager 2008 R2 helps enable centralized management of physical and virtual IT infrastructure, increased server utilization, and dynamic resource optimization across multiple virtualization platforms. It includes end-to-end capabilities such as planning, deploying, managing, and optimizing the virtual infrastructure. This product give you a single interface from which to manage your entire virtual infrastructure – including your VMWare ESX Servers!
System Center Operations Manager 2007 R2 Evaluation
If you manage a large physical and virtual infrastructure, you need to know what each and every server and client is doing and what resources are consumed making it all happen. You also want to be as proactive as possible when resolving problematic issues. System Center Operations Manager 2007 R2, Microsoft’s end-to-end service-management product, is your best choice for Windows environments. It works seamlessly with Microsoft infrastructure servers, such as Windows Server, and application servers, such as Microsoft Exchange, helping you to increase efficiency while enabling greater control of the IT environment. As a significant step towards fulfilling Microsoft’s common management vision, Operations Manager 2007 R2 also helps you monitor Windows Azure applications, thus allowing you to extend your familiar on-premises monitoring solution to public cloud scenarios
System Center Configuration Manager R3 Evaluation
Did you know? - System Center Configuration Manager 2007 is used by more enterprises than any other client management solution. It comprehensively assesses, deploys, and updates your servers, client computers, and devices across physical, virtual, and mobile environments. Optimized for Windows, it is the best choice for gaining enhanced insight into and control over your IT systems.
Betas and Release Candidates
System Center Virtual Machine Manager 2012 Release Candidate
Almost there folks! System Center 2012 cloud and datacenter management solutions empower you with a common management toolset for your private and public cloud applications and services. System Center helps you confidently deliver IT as a Service for your business. If you have not yet downloaded this latest version or even if you downloaded the previous beta release, I encourage you to take a look at and provide feedback on the Release Candidate. We are close to wrapping this on up and putting a bow on it so this is your last chance to let us know what you think and find any of this last minute bugs to report.
System Center Configuration Manager 2012 Beta 2
Consumerization of IT is a growing challenge for tech heavy organizations. The boundaries between work and life have blurred, and people expect consistent access to corporate services from wherever they are, on any device they’re using—desktops, laptops, smart phones and slates.
Configuration Manager helps you to empower people to use the devices and applications they need to be productive, while maintaining corporate compliance and control. As consumerization becomes a reality, you face the challenge of delivering a rich experience to users across multiple devices without giving up the control needed to protect corporate assets. Configuration Manager provides a unified infrastructure for mobile, physical and virtual environments that allows you to deliver and manage user experiences based on identity, connectivity, and device. Configuration Manager also helps you to be more efficient with simplified administrative tools and improved compliance enforcement.
MCP Exams and Certification
Windows Server 2008 R2, Server Virtualization – Exam 70-659
Think you know Hyper-V Virtualization? Prove it!
Microsoft System Center Operations Manager 2007, Configuring – Exam 70-400
Think you know how to manage your system with SCOM? Prove it!
Note – I will be taking (and passing!) both of these exams in the coming months. So consider this a public challenge! Maybe I will come up with some sort of incentive on this. Keep tabs on this blog!
Good Day Folks!
Just want to let you know about some training that is coming up if you are interested in taking the MS 70-659 – Windows Server 2008 R2 – Server Virtualization exam. I am actually studying now for this exam (I know….I should have taken this test a while back). Symon Perriman and Philip Helsel are delivering the session so you are getting quality presenters with quality information.
***Updated*** – I made a mistake. I thought it was FREE when it is actually $99 for the session. I apologize for the confusion.
Microsoft Learning is hosting a brand new class in the popular "Jump Start" series. We received rave reviews from the last Microsoft Virtualization Jump Start delivered earlier this year and know this new course will be another smash. Here are the details:
In just three short years, Hyper-V market share has grown over 16% (IDC WW Quarterly Server Virtualization Tracker, March 2011). This shift to Microsoft Virtualization has been clear the past six months as IT Professionals are flocking to the Hyper-V certification and Microsoft Private Cloud solutions. It's easy to see that organizations who invest in IT Professionals with proven skills in current virtualization and Private Cloud skills will be a step ahead in this ever-changing cloud world.
This accelerated Jump Start is tailored for experienced IT professionals 2ho are familiar with Microsoft server technologies, Hyper-V, Virtual Machine Manager and Remote Desktop Role Services. Here are few other unique features of this course:
I am getting a LOT of question about Windows 8. With the //build conference taking place this week, I thought it would be a good idea to proactively get in front of the deluge of questions I see coming in by the end of the week.
First – I encourage ALL of you to watch the live streams from the //build conference this week. More info here-
http://www.buildwindows.com/
Second – Watch Steven Sinofsky’s blog.
http://blogs.msdn.com/b/b8/
Third – If you want to send me Windows 8 questions, look at items 1 and 2 above first. If you can’t find the answers in one of those two locations, I can guarantee you that I will NOT have any additional information for you.
I don’t want to discourage a conversation by any means. But I do not have the answers you are looking for. Believe me, I would love to know everything there is to know about Windows 8 and talk to the whole world about it. But the time is not right yet. When it is, I will start talking. Until then….stay tuned!
I woke up this morning, popped open my browser (IE9 of course!) of which one of my tabs is homed to Facebook. I am looking at the new changes that took place trying to figure out if I like them or not when I decide to check in on my daughter. As a parent I keep tabs on what she posts just to make sure things are on the up and up and also just to keep up on every day happenings. She had made a recent comment in reply to a question posted on one of her friends walls. Here is the exchange -
(The final comment is from my daughter. Looks like I am going to have to open up accounts on Google+ and Tumblr to stay informed.)
I wouldn’t have given this much more thought if it were for all of the buzz on social media networks about this very subject. If you are watching Facebook and Twitter, there is a lot of talk right now about this exact topic. I think the conversation is running all over Google+ as well based upon what I see in FB posts and Tweets. The point is there is a lot of churn going on right now. Twitter seems to be losing it’s appeal and with influential people like Robert Scoble calling this out, Twitter just might have been dealt a seriously blow to it’s long term success.
See more of Scoble’s recent thoughts on the churn in Social Media.
Now keep in mind there are a bunch of different segments that impact social networks. What appeals to my tweenage daughter can be completely different from what a social media mogul like Robert Scoble finds value in. In all of this I am trying to find the answer to a couple of questions as they pertain to IT Professionals -
What social platforms are IT Pro’s using?
Where do I need to be to stay engaged with IT Professionals?
PLEASE comment and let me know!
In an effort to ensure that my community is clear on what I refer to and what Microsoft defines as a Private Cloud, I would like to invite you to take a look at our Technet Wiki site – “What is a Private Cloud”. This builds on the message I have been delivering at events like Angelbeat and the User Groups I speak with. The post I made entitled “How to build a FREE private Cloud using Microsoft Technologies” starts you down this road as well. I am working on follow-up content that adds in the System Center components that enable you to do fulfill the automation piece of this as well as extend the demo environment out into a more rich solution.
Let’s face it - Cloud Computing is here. The word “cloud” is everywhere. It is being used in marketing, it appears in product and technology names and there are new companies springing into life with "cloud” in their names. The entire computing industry is investing in cloud computing. Microsoft is a part of this trend as well. Windows Azure, Hyper-V and the entire System Center Suite of products are all key technologies in Microsoft’s cloud strategy. I want to ensure you have as much information as possible to elevate your skill sets and be ready for the future.
Below you will a series of links to a variety of Microsoft products and technologies that are key to working in the cloud as a Developer and as an IT Pro.
Windows Azure Platform Trial -
You can run a Small Windows Azure instance with a 1GB SQL Azure database for free for the first 90 days of your trial.
Windows Azure SDK -
Provides developers with the APIs, basic tools, documentation, and samples needed to develop Internet-scale applications that run on Windows Azure Also on that page is the Windows AppFabric SDK - Windows Azure AppFabric is a key component of the Windows Azure Platform. It include three services: AppFabric Access Control, AppFabric Service Bus and AppFabric Caching Service. This SDK includes API libraries for building connected applications using Windows Azure AppFabric. It spans the entire spectrum of today’s Internet applications—from rich connected applications with advanced connectivity requirements to Web-style applications that use simple protocols such as HTTP.
Provides developers with the APIs, basic tools, documentation, and samples needed to develop Internet-scale applications that run on Windows Azure
Also on that page is the Windows AppFabric SDK - Windows Azure AppFabric is a key component of the Windows Azure Platform. It include three services: AppFabric Access Control, AppFabric Service Bus and AppFabric Caching Service. This SDK includes API libraries for building connected applications using Windows Azure AppFabric. It spans the entire spectrum of today’s Internet applications—from rich connected applications with advanced connectivity requirements to Web-style applications that use simple protocols such as HTTP.
Windows Phone 7 SDK 7.1 -
Download the Windows Phone SDK 7.1 RC and experiment with the latest tools release for Windows Phone. The Windows Phone SDK 7.1 RC provides the tools necessary to target the upcoming Windows Phone OS release codenamed Mango, and includes the "Go Live" license to publish your applications to Marketplace for use on phones with Mango, the Microsoft Advertising SDK for Windows Phone 7 and productivity enhancements such as an app profiler and an improved emulator
WebMatrix -
WebMatrix is a free web development tool from Microsoft that includes everything you need for website development. Start from open source web applications, built-in web templates or just start writing code yourself. It’s all-inclusive, simple and best of all free. Developing websites has never been easier.
I was out in the community a lot last year and I am doing even more this year (year being July to Jun for me). Here is a brief run down of the activities I am involved with and places I will be over the next three weeks.
Thursday, September 15th - Puget Sound Small Business Server User Group Friday, September 16th – West Sound Technology Association Luncheon Saturday, September 17th – SMB MVP Community Roadshow Monday, September 19th – Seattle Google Technology User Group Tuesday, September 20th – Creating - Installation Walkthrough documentation for System Center Virtual Machine Manager 2012 Release Candidate Thursday, September 22nd – Creating – Architecting SCVMM Libraries for use with SCVMM Self-Service Portal 2.0 documentation (similar to post here) Friday, September 23rd – Public Office Hours (11a – 1p) – Tully’s Coffee @ Lincoln Square in Downtown Bellevue – Bring your questions and I will spring for coffee! Monday, September 26th – Creating – Installing and Configuring SCVMM Self-Service Portal documentation (similar to post here) Wednesday, September 28th – Using the SCVMM Self-Service Portal documentation (similar to post here) Friday, September 30th – Public Office Hours (11a – 1p) – Tully’s Coffee @ Lincoln Square in Downtown Bellevue – Bring your questions and I will spring for coffee!
Thursday, September 15th - Puget Sound Small Business Server User Group
Friday, September 16th – West Sound Technology Association Luncheon
Saturday, September 17th – SMB MVP Community Roadshow
Monday, September 19th – Seattle Google Technology User Group
Tuesday, September 20th – Creating - Installation Walkthrough documentation for System Center Virtual Machine Manager 2012 Release Candidate
Thursday, September 22nd – Creating – Architecting SCVMM Libraries for use with SCVMM Self-Service Portal 2.0 documentation (similar to post here)
Friday, September 23rd – Public Office Hours (11a – 1p) – Tully’s Coffee @ Lincoln Square in Downtown Bellevue – Bring your questions and I will spring for coffee!
Monday, September 26th – Creating – Installing and Configuring SCVMM Self-Service Portal documentation (similar to post here)
Wednesday, September 28th – Using the SCVMM Self-Service Portal documentation (similar to post here)
Friday, September 30th – Public Office Hours (11a – 1p) – Tully’s Coffee @ Lincoln Square in Downtown Bellevue – Bring your questions and I will spring for coffee!
I will enjoy meeting you at these events!
If you missed the Technet Presents: Building a Private Cloud session I delivered last week in Bellevue, you can see me deliver an abbreviated version of the session at the Angelbeat conferences that are coming up in Portland and Seattle in two weeks.
Building and Securing The Cloud To Support Any Mobile Device
Each half-day Angelbeat seminar focuses on the top two issues of 2011- leveraging cloud computing and integrating tablets & smartphones into your IT infrastructure – and helps you understand the impact from their deployment on security/compliance, network architecture and user performance. The proven Angelbeat methodology of concise and technical presentations across multiple/complementary areas is followed. CPE continuing education credits are provided. Get more details by clicking on the appropriate city/date listed on the left hand side. You can register to attend by clicking the link below, emailing your contact information to registration@angelbeat.com
Portland – September 13th
Seattle – September 14th
Good Day Folks! Thanks to everyone that I spoke to at the Portland and Bellevue Angelbeat events. I saw a few familiar faces and lots of new ones. Here are the slides I used at the events. Please let me know if you have any questions about the content I delivered.
Also, stay tuned for more Private Cloud related content to be published through this blog. My next project is to write up a walk-through of the installation of System Center Virtual Machine Manager 2012 Release Candidate!
My peer and good friend, Blain Barton, is doing a series of Technet Radio spots with some guests who are leaders in the IT Industry. His current spot is with Rhonda Layfield who knows all there. is to know about deployment. If you get a chance, check out Blain and Rhonda in this edition of Technet Radio!
TechNet Radio: IT Time– (Part 3 of 3) Tips and Tricks for setting up Windows Deployment Services
In Part 3 of our Tips and Tricks for WDS, Rhonda Layfield addresses the importance of integrating the Microsoft Deployment Toolkit with Windows Deployment Services. Watch this video and learn how MDT offers you much more flexibility and allows you to easily manage your images.
Click here to download the Microsoft Deployment Toolkit 2012 Beta 1
If you're interested in learning more about the products or solutions discussed in this episode, click on any of the below links for free, in-depth information:
Resources:
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Downloads
Video: WMV | MP4 | WMV (ZIP) | PSP Audio: WMA | MP3
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Our monthly User Group meeting will be held at the Lincoln Square Center in Bellevue, across from the Bellevue Square Mall at 6:00pm. The meeting will be held in Room 15104, (15th floor, room 104) at the Microsoft's offices in Lincoln Square Center.
Due to the security requirements, non-Microsoft employees must be escorted to the building by a Microsoft employee. We will have a sign on the 2nd floor elevator with a contact phone number.
Our guest speaker will be Michael Niehaus, who is a senior software development engineer in Microsoft's Solution Accelerator Team. The topic of his presentation is "An Introduction to Configuration Manager 2012." In his presentation, Michael will discuss what's new in Configuration Manager 2012. He will also explore all the functionality provided in Configuration Manager 2012, including software distribution, patching, inventory, OS deployment, etc.
Michael's bio is available here.
Agenda:
6:00pm-6:30pm: Welcome!
6:30pm-7:45pm: An Introduction to Configuration Manager 2012
7:45pm-8:00pm: Wrap-up
Some of you know that I like to play video games. To be fair, I have spent most of my time the last couple years playing Guitar Hero, Rock Band and World of Warcraft. But I am really looking forward to Space Marine and a few others. A good friend of mine and former Microsoft employee - Graham Clarke (he is also an aspiring actor…..check him out on IMDB), sent me an email the other day letting me know about a contest for the Assassin’s Creed Revelations game that is going on right now. They have posted the theme song from the soundtrack and are letting people sing over the track and submit that to the contest. One of Graham’s friends, Holly Sedillos, did a hauntingly beautiful version that she submitted. Check it out and click the LIKE button to vote for her if you like it!
Note – It took me a while to figure out how to play her track. Look for Holly’s picture and click the Arrow to the left of it.
If you have not been to the System Center products landing page in a while, then you have not seen the new look. One of the first things you will see is the “Microsoft Server and Cloud Platform” branding at the top of the page. While System Center Virtual Machine Manager provides the core base of virtualization management for what happens in the Microsoft Private cloud stack, all of the System Center products have something to offer to make installing, managing, and monitoring your private cloud as seamless and painless as possible.
You will also notice in the center as you scroll down that there are links to the current beta release versions of the System Center products. here you can find links to the 2012 beta for Operation manager, Orchestrator, Virtual Machine Manager and Configuration Manager. I highly recommend that you start with SCVMM2012 to get familiar with the new interface and capabilities. Then move on to Configuration Manager and Operations Manager for change management and monitoring. Finally, grab Orchestrator for process automation.
System Center Products Landing Page
Our monthly Windows Networking User Group meeting will be held at the Lincoln Square Center in Bellevue, across from the Bellevue Square Mall at 6:00pm. The meeting will be held in Room 15104, (15th floor, room 104) at the Microsoft's offices in Lincoln Square Center.
Our guest speaker will be Michael Niehaus, a senior software development engineer in Microsoft's Solution Accelerator Team. The topic of his presentation is "An Introduction to Configuration Manager 2012." In his presentation, Michael will discuss what's new in System Center Configuration Manager 2012. He will also discuss functionality provided in Configuration Manager 2012, including software distribution, patching, inventory, OS deployment, and more.
Hope to see you there!
Are you a Reseller or Consultant in the SMB space? Are you interested in learning more about Small Business Server Essentials, MultiPoint Server, and Storage Server 2008 R2? Would you like to see these products demo’d by REAL MVP’s on REAL hardware in REAL scenarios? Then you are in for a treat! There is a fantastic roadshow coming to the PacWest in a couple of weeks that you won’t want to miss. Check out the SMB MVP Community Roadshow coming to the PacWest area in a couple of weeks.
Portland, OR Event – September 16th – 8a – 4:30p
Redmond, WA Event – September 17th – 8am – 4:30pm
Reminder – This event is geared towards resellers and consultants!!!