This is a really useful resource from where you can download over 100 samples and three sample databases for SQL Server 2005.

The downloads demonstrate the following components:

• Database Engine, including administration, data access, Full-Text Search, Common Language Runtime (CLR) integration, Server Management Objects (SMO), Service Broker, and XML
• Analysis Services
• Integration Services
• Notification Services
• Reporting Services
• Replication

Mmm... I'm not a secondhard car sales man but I know you would probably like to test drive the new Vista, Exchange 2007, Office 2007...

With TechNet Virtual Labs you can quickly evaluate and test Microsoft's newest server products through a series of guided, hands-on labs which can be completed in 90 minutes or less. The best part is, TechNet Virtual Labs can be accessed online immediately for FREE. Start by selecting the lab you're interested in from the list below.

Otherwise you can opt for the whirlwind tour that is Virtual Lab Express.  These are 30-minute hands-on overviews of lot of different Microsoft products and server tools. Try them out online now - no need to download full trial versions or dedicate test machines.

	Windows Vista Virtual Labs New Windows Vista Virtual Labs are here! In these labs you'll learn to deploy operating system images using Windows Deployment Services, configure User Account Control for standard and administrative users via group policy, and more.
	You could win a Windows Vista Prize Pack! Take any TechNet Windows Vista Virtual Lab by Dec. 31, 2006, submit a completed evaluation, and you could win a Windows Vista Prize Pack! See official rules for more details!
	Microsoft Exchange Server 2007 Virtual Labs New Labs Added! New Exchange Server 2007 Virtual Labs are here! These labs will walk you through the basics of administration in Exchange Server 2007, new features in Outlook Web Access 2007, enforcing compliance and retention policies in Exchange Server 2007, and more.
	2007 Microsoft Office System Virtual Labs New Labs Added! In these labs, you'll experiment with the new user interface improvements in Windows SharePoint Services 3.0 including enhanced views and menus that simplify navigation within and among SharePoint sites. Integration with familiar productivity tools, including programs in the 2007 Microsoft Office system, makes it easy for you to get up to speed quickly. Additional Labs: TechNet Virtual Labs: BizTalk Server Branch Office Identity and Access (IDA) Internet Information Services (IIS) Security Windows Mobile Windows Server “Longhorn” Windows Server 2003 Microsoft Antigen Microsoft Identity Integration Server (MIIS) 2003 SQL Server 2005 SQL Server 2005 Upgrade SQL Server 2000 2007 Microsoft Office system Microsoft Exchange Server Windows Vista Windows Scripting System Center More TechNet Virtual Labs: Microsoft Windows Rights Management Services (RMS) Microsoft Internet Security and Acceleration Server (ISA) Microsoft Systems Management Server (SMS) 2003 Microsoft Office SharePoint Portal Server (SPS) Microsoft Live Communications Server 2005 Microsoft Operations Manager (MOM) 2005 Secure Messaging and Collaboration MSDN Virtual Labs

The best of TechEd IT Forum is now available in IT’s Showtime! By TechNet.  You now have 26 cutting edge topic sessions available on demand in high quality video.  Scroll down and pick your favorite sessions.  There is something for every taste: strategy, highly technical, demos, hilarious, everything!

It’s hard to believe that 2006 is drawing to a close and I am promoting the first of our 2007 event already.  It’s poignant that the first of the 2007 events is titled ‘Using Microsoft Virtualisation Technologies Today and Tomorrow’. 

Virtualisation really is a HOT topic and it is changing the face of IT.  Learn about the multitude of developments that have been made by Microsoft in this space on the Virtualisation website – BUT get the full technical deep dive on current technologies and where the roadmap is headed in the next 12 to 18 months at the Guinness Store House on Thursday, 18 January.

Ronald Beekelaar (Bio below) is an independent consultant with extensive experience in virtual machine technology, Windows Server security, and network infrastructure design.  In this one day seminar, Ronald will explain the impact that Virtual Technology will have on the IT industry.  Learn where the technology is headed in the next 12 to 18 months and how you can use Virtual Server to effectively manage mixed virtual and physical environments on a daily basis. Discover the tools and techniques required to use hardware more efficiently and leverage virtualisation technologies today and tomorrow.

Attend this seminar to see how to make virtualisation technology work for you. Register now.

* This is a complementary event.

* You are welcome to forward this invite on to colleagues or friends who may be interested in this event.

Presenter Bio:

Ronald Beekelaar is an independent consultant and trainer. He specializes in virtual machine technology, Windows Server security, and network infrastructure design. Ronald often presents at industry events world-wide on topics such as Virtual Server, VM Optimization, IPSec and ISA Server.

Ronald is also an MCT, and MVP of Virtual Machine Technology.

I look forward to seeing you there and remember you are welcome to forward this invite on to colleagues or friends who may be interested in this event.  I’m sure we will catch up over some refreshments afterwards!

 Cheers,

Colm

Tune in to this webcast tp learn about Volume Activation 2.0, the flexible solution that enables Microsoft Volume Licensing customers to activate products more securely and easily on computers that are running the Windows Vista operating system and Microsoft Windows Server code-named “Longhorn.”

This year was the year of Vista but next year will be the year of Longhorn Server!

Check out this resource site to learn how Windows Server code name "Longhorn" operating system helps IT professionals maximise control over their infrastructure while providing unprecedented availability and management capabilities, to deliver a significantly more secure, reliable and robust server environment than ever before.

Here are some highlights from the global launch of Windows Vista, the 2007 Microsoft Office system, and Microsoft Exchange Server 2007 -