Microsoft Career Services

Smartest People in Tech 2011

2011-08-05T14:13:13Z

President: Microsoft Interactive Entertainment

Historically, video game consoles survive for between five and seven years, with sales petering out when manufacturers announce the next product. Thanks to Don Mattrick, that's not the case for Microsoft's Xbox 360

Things didn't always look this good for the iconic console. When Mattrick moved from Electronic Arts to Microsoft in 2007, the Xbox business had yet to turn a profit. That same year, hardware defects caused up to 24% of all Xbox 360 consoles to fail, causing a $1.15 billion write-off to extend warranties and reimburse disgruntled owners. Mattrick wrote and executed a three-year plan to turn the business around. "There was just a lot of change, and Don was a real stabilizing force," says Dennis Durkin, COO and CFO for Microsoft's Interactive Entertainment Business.

Without Mattrick there wouldn't be Kinect, the company's motion-sensor controller for the Xbox 360. Mattrick assembled the Kinect team, recruited outside talent like creative director Kudo Tsunoda, and set crucial goals like reducing costs to reach an affordable consumer price point.

Now Kinect is one of Microsoft's most successful hardware devices, both critically and financially. Microsoft has sold more than 10 million units since last November's launch and is largely credited with driving console sales up 29% during the first four months of 2011 compared with the same period last year. Hackers have already programmed numerous Kinect applications, from augmented reality games to motion-capture animation programs; and roboticists are using the Kinect's camera to capture 3-D real-time images.

"A lot of people can see trends, but Don also formed a team that could execute against a vision," says Durkin. "That's where he's really changed the trajectory of our business."

To read the full article visit the below link taken from CNN Money

Datacenter Architect opportunities across EMEA!

2011-06-24T10:02:23Z

Are you excited about an opportunity to drive Microsoft’s Private Cloud story? Are you a strong Senior Consultant or Architect with infrastructure, management, operations, or infrastructure development experience and with a passion for delighting customers and partners? If so, the Microsoft Enterprise Services Global Datacenter Center of Excellence team is the right place for you!

The Center of Excellence teams are part of Microsoft Enterprise Services HQ and are responsible for developing highly skilled global teams that assist the Microsoft field, business groups and product groups, and partners in the early wins and adoption/implementation of Microsoft growth technologies in the enterprise space. The Datacenter COE will play a critical role in helping to drive the company’s Private Cloud agenda by accelerating adoption of datacenter services solution frameworks. These services are based on Microsoft System Center and Virtualization products and delivered globally by leveraging a centrally managed, highly skilled agile pool of resources with deep subject matter expertise.

The Datacenter COE is a key enabler for other consultants and partner staff. They oversee delivery of the largest, most complex, and most strategic projects for enterprise customers. The COE will align very closely with the Datacenter Consulting Service Line team in order to drive the overall Datacenter Services plan.

Qualifications
Microsoft Services is looking for Architects and Senior Consultants who have a mix of advanced Microsoft technology and strategic business acumen. Demonstrated ability to engage in senior level technology decision maker discussions related to business value, datacenter architecture, design and operations is a must. The role requires both broad and deep technology knowledge and the ability to architect solutions by mapping common customer business problems to end-to-end technology solutions. Qualifications include hands-on experience in several of the following: 3rd party virtualization, storage, networking, systems management, datacenter operations and processes, support engineering, disaster recovery and business continuance, application architecture and design, Windows platform design and implementation, and System Center management.

The successful candidate will apply advanced analysis skills and experience in principals of solution design and deployment to define appropriate customer solutions. To be credible he or she must have current and deep experience with implementation of large enterprise datacenters including facilities, infrastructure, management, support, and workloads. He or she should also have a deep understanding of datacenter operations and general deployment for large enterprise customers.

Experience
The successful candidate will have expertise in enterprise architecture, infrastructure deployment and/or distributed solution implementation. The ideal candidate will have experience with technical project management. Successful candidates must have experience delivering consulting engagements, managing customer expectations and exceptional command of the Datacenter technologies. The candidate must have deep technical knowledge and also possess the communication skills and organizational agility to guide customers through multi-year initiatives. Where necessary, the candidate must also be able to perform the hands-on technical content development work on their own and deliver readiness training and speaking at conferences.

The role requires an individual who is resourceful, confident under pressure, and has demonstrated skill in both crisis management and expectation management. Strong leadership skills, excellent communication, time management; planning, project management, negotiation skills and presentation skills are highly desirable. Furthermore, the ability to effectively communicate with all levels of Fortune 500 customer managers and executives on technical and business issues is vital.

Candidates are required to have an advanced degree or equivalent work experience combined with a minimum of 10 years working experience in systems management and consulting - including enterprise architecture - in the Datacenter space.

This position will require up to approximately 50% travel.

If you are interested in, please apply online on the link below.

https://careers.microsoft.com/JobDetails.aspx?ss=&pg=0&so=&rw=5&jid=44756&jlang=EN

Microsoft to acquire Skype for $8.5 billion

2011-05-10T14:12:31Z

Microsoft has agreed to acquire Skype for $8.5 billion.

"Skype is a phenomenal service that is loved by millions of people around the world," Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer said today in a statement. "Together we will create the future of real-time communications so people can easily stay connected to family, friends, clients and colleagues anywhere in the world."

Microsoft plans to integrate Skype's technology with the Xbox game console and Kinect motion-sensing device, as well as with its Windows Phone platform. The company also will "connect Skype users with Lync, Outlook, Xbox Live, and other communities."

Perhaps most importantly to Skype users, Microsoft said it will continue to support "non-Microsoft platforms" with the communication service.

Microsoft to Acquire Skype

2011-05-10T14:08:15Z

Microsoft to Acquire Skype

Combined companies will benefit consumers, businesses and increase market opportunity.

REDMOND, Wash., and LUXEMBOURG – May 10, 2011 – Microsoft Corp. (Nasdaq: “MSFT”) and Skype Global S.à r.l today announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement under which Microsoft will acquire Skype, the leading Internet communications company, for $8.5 billion in cash from the investor group led by Silver Lake. The agreement has been approved by the boards of directors of both Microsoft and Skype.

The acquisition will increase the accessibility of real-time video and voice communications, bringing benefits to both consumers and enterprise users and generating significant new business and revenue opportunities. The combination will extend Skype’s world-class brand and the reach of its networked platform, while enhancing Microsoft’s existing portfolio of real-time communications products and services.

With 170 million connected users and over 207 billion minutes of voice and video conversations in 2010, Skype has been a pioneer in creating rich, meaningful connections among friends, families and business colleagues globally. Microsoft has a long-standing focus and investment in real-time communications across its various platforms, including Lync (which saw 30 percent revenue growth in Q3), Outlook, Messenger, Hotmail and Xbox LIVE.

Dynamics Center of Excellence is launching a HUGE recruitment campaign across EMEA and APAC!

2011-05-09T14:44:53Z

Microsoft Enterprise Services is seeking various technical profiles to join the Center of Excellence for Dynamics (CoE-D) team such as Technical Architect, Solution Architect, Functional Consultant and Project Manager.

In conjunction with MBS Dynamics the Enterprise Services organization recently launched the Center of Excellence for Dynamics in EMEA and APAC with the following Mission: Strengthen capabilities to win and deliver successful Microsoft Dynamics engagements to accelerate adoption and productive use in the Enterprise.

The Center of Excellence for Dynamics provides delivery support in the form of architectural assistance or project management for the top critical business solution implementations based on Dynamics CRM or AX in the enterprise.

This is a unique opportunity for the right individual who possesses a technical ERP background, enterprise customers exposure, strong project and business solutions experience.

Join the Center of Excellence for Dynamics TO LEAD AND SERVE OUR CUSTOMERS AND PARTNERS AS THEY REALIZE THEIR FULL POTENTIAL THROUGH SOFTWARE AND SERVICES.

For more information, please feel free to contact Sneha Srinivasan snehas@microsoft.com (APAC) or Sophie Cavailles v-socava@microsoft.com (EMEA). We will be delighted to provide you further information and answer the questions you may have!

Think Like A Criminal....

2011-05-09T14:32:23Z

Sara M, Architect with Microsoft South Africa continues to speak at schools locally, most recently on 4 May 2011 when she addressed more than 50 teachers, principals and Rabbis at Yeshiva College in Johannesburg. She continues to seek out schools and help them learn about the importance of keeping your family safe on the internet. Follow Sara through her blog: http://blogs.technet.com/b/sarah/

Microsoft Dubai has the X Factor

2011-04-18T13:04:02Z

Microsoft Dubai has the X factor

Does your company have it? Microsoft certainly does. Its Dubai office wins coveted first place in the Great Place to Work survey

People are definitely a company's greatest asset. It doesn't make any difference whether the product is cars or cosmetics. A company is only as good as the people it keeps." - Mary Kay Ash, proprietor, Mary Kay cosmetics, New York, US.

A company's true merit is usually the sum total of the talent of its workforce. Keeping them positive, motivated and progressive is the true test of its success.

Microsoft Middle East proved this by winning the coveted Great Place to Work award for 2011. The Great Place to Work (GPTW) Institute, at Knowledge Village, Dubai, is an international organisation with its origins in the US and has offices across 45 countries that monitor corporate culture, work ethics and employer-employee synergies.

Paula Leech, manager, Microsoft Dubai, says her formula to get employees to fall in love with the company they work for is to pick a great team, build team spirit, boost employee morale, provide flexible work hours, encourage synergy and top all this off with a generous dash of trust and faith.

While mutual trust, motivational incentives and a good work ethic did play a part in Microsoft clinching the title ahead of several other organisations that were in the running, it was its policy of diversity (cultural, gender and talent) and policies of individual inclusion that became the crucial ‘X' factor.

Friday spoke to Leech to find out how Microsoft Dubai harnesses the enthusiasm of its employees.

Win a month’s paid work experience with the Microsoft marketing team!

2011-03-25T15:14:14Z

Are you currently studying an undergraduate degree at a UK University? Show Microsoft the quality of your marketing knowledge and creative ideas, create a marketing brief and you could become ‘Microsoft Protégé 2011’ and win 4 weeks paid work experience and mentoring with Microsoft, plus a brand new Windows Phone 7!

You can register as an individual, or as a team. We will not accept teams of more than 5 members per team.

The Registration link is now live. You must fill in the registration form to complete your entry.

http://www.microsoft.com/uk/protege/

Microsoft Debuts on List of World's Most Ethical Companies

2011-03-17T15:40:14Z

Nearly 3,000 companies were nominated--or nominated themselves--to be considered this year. The 110 companies that made the final cut this year include first-time recipients Adidas ( ADDDY.PK - news - people ), eBay ( EBAY - news - people ), Microsoft ( MSFT - news - people ), Colgate-Palmolive ( CL - news - people ) and 30 other newcomers.

The winnowing process includes reviewing codes of ethics and litigation and regulatory infraction histories; evaluating investment in innovation and sustainable business practices; looking at activities designed to improve corporate citizenship; and studying nominations from senior executives, industry peers, suppliers and customers.

"We have heard from a number of CEOs who tell us of multiple benefits their organizations receive from the World's Most Ethical recognition," including retaining customers because of the increased trust that such third-party recognition brings, and improved employee morale.

World's Most Ethical Companies

James Bond video for international women's day shows 007's feminine side

2011-03-08T13:08:06Z

Daniel Craig and Dame Judi Dench team up for two-minute film highlighting the need for gender equality

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/mar/07/james-bond-video-womens-day

International Women's Day - Careers Innovated!

2011-03-02T10:31:35Z

International Women’s Day is a global day celebrating the economic, political and social achievements of women past, present and future.

For the past 100 years on 8th March, thousands of events have been held throughout the world to inspire women and celebrate achievements. A global web of rich and diverse local activity connects women from all around the world ranging from political rallies, business conferences, government activities and networking events.

Microsoft Services will be celebrating International Women’s day by holding an International event to talk about why Diversity and Inclusion is a priority for our business and why here at Microsoft your career can be truly Innovated!

	88 countries, 44 languages, the latest technology, and 54 million customer touch points per year.

On the 15^th March join us to explore a career Innovated. Hear from our leaders and recruiters on what differentiates us and why Diversity and Inclusion is one of Microsoft top priorities through online presentation and webcasts. Participate at online chats with company representatives. Times to be announced shortly.

Microsoft Services is the consulting, technical support, and customer service arm of the world’s leading software company. The Microsoft Services professional helps customers and partners discover and implement high-value Microsoft solutions that generate rapid, meaningful, and measurable results.

Microsoft & Nokia form Partnership

2011-02-11T12:12:33Z

Microsoft has joined forces with Nokia in an attempt for Nokia to regain ground lost to the iPhone and Android-based devices. Planning the Companies to combine assets and develop innovative mobile products on an unprecedented scale!

The deal will see Nokia use the Windows phone operating system for its smartphones, the company said. It means that Nokia's existing operating systems will be sidelined.

Steve Bulmer was also present at the launch saying that "Nokia and Microsoft working together can drive innovation that is at the boundary of hardware, software and services,"

Steve Bulmer's appearance thus underlining the the importance of the deal to the computing giant.

To read more, please visit http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-12427680

Happy Chinese New Year

2011-02-03T11:38:41Z

Chinese New Year is the longest and most important celebration in the Chinese calendar. The Chinese year 4709 begins on Feb. 3, 2011.

Women of Outstanding Achievement Awards 2011

2011-02-03T11:35:06Z

Women of Outstanding Achievement 2011

The UKRC’s Women of Outstanding Achievement Photographic Exhibition is a collection of creative and dramatic portraits that profile outstanding women within science, engineering and technology.

This is the sixth year of celebrating an annual collection of photographic portraits which celebrates seven outstanding contemporary women from the science, engineering and technology sectors. These women are regarded as an inspiration to others to represent the successes and achievements of women in these sectors.

The Women of Outstanding Achievement Award and photographic exhibition now consists of 30 portraits displayed in prominent locations in leading SET professional bodies and academic institutions. These showcase women of achievement and leadership, and increase the visibility of inspirational role models.

With over 100 women entering each year, seven women will be celebrating their achievements this year at the photographic exhibition.

Nominations are now open, we look forward to receiving your nominations.

To nominate visit http://www.theukrc.org/women/women-of-outstanding-achievement

Happy Australia Dy

2011-01-25T21:26:26Z

Celebrate what's great

Australia Day has become the country's biggest annual day of celebration with over 5,000 events planned across New South Wales on 26 January 2011

Australia Day (previously known as Anniversary Day, Foundation Day and ANA Day)^[ is the official national day of Australia. Celebrated annually on 26 January, the day commemorates the arrival of the First Fleet at Sydney Cove in 1788, the hoisting of the British flag there, and the proclamation of British sovereignty over the eastern seaboard of New Holland.

Australia Day is an official public holiday in every state and territory of Australia, and is marked by the Order of Australia and Australian of the Year awards, along with an address from the Prime Minister.

Microsoft Services Open House - Saturday, Jan 29th

2011-01-20T11:10:04Z

COME JOIN US!

Microsoft Services

Open House – Saturday, Jan 29

Microsoft Enterprise Services is hosting an Open House on Jan 29th locally for individuals interested in learning more about our business and exciting career opportunities. This event is geared to introduce participants to hiring managers, possible career paths, and general information on what makes Enterprise Services the place to grow your skills, make an impact, and shape the future of Microsoft solutions. An RSVP is required to attend the event; Please RSVP Today for the full details and to confirm your attendance.

We have immediate hiring priorities for experienced professionals in the following skill areas:

· Windows Server Technologies/ WSUS/ SMS/MOM/System Center/ Active
Directory/ Performance

· Hyper-V, Cluster, Cloud experience

· Exchange/OCS/Unified Messaging

· C, C++, C# Coding, Debugging/ Win Intenals/ Assembly/ Intel

· C#, .NET Development

· SQL Server DBA

· IIS, ASP.NET

· SharePoint

· VS, TFS

· BizTalk, Commerce Server

· FCS/FSS, ISA, IAG, Malware

A focus on the following roles:

Senior Support Engineer – focused on remote support of MS Enterprise customers
Support Escalation Engineer – providing engineering reinforcement for escalations
Escalation Engineer – investigate code-level issues, and partners w/ develop teams for solutions
Software Development Engineer –object-oriented design and development
Program Manager – Technical designer leading software development teams
Premier Field Engineer - Provides on-site support to MS Enterprise customers

This will be a casual event, casual dress, etc. It’s designed to encourage great talent to get to know more about Microsoft Services and consider joining our winning team.

Event Details

DATE: Saturday, January 29, 2011

TIME: 11:00am – 4:00 pm, includes a short program, Q & A, and snacks and beverages

LOCATION: MS Charlotte Office – 8055 Microsoft Way Bldg AP1, Charlotte, NC 28273

http://microsoftopenhousenc.eventbrite.com/

We look forward to seeing you there!!

Oprah's Ultimate Australian Adventure!

2011-01-19T09:28:57Z

Click here to view the tune-in teaser

is proud to be part of

Oprah’s Ultimate Australian Adventure!

Tune-in 19, 20, 21 & 23 January at 7:30pm on TEN.

*** AUSTRALIAN EPISODES ***** The Oprah Winfrey show filmed multiple episodes in Australia which will be aired in 145 countries as part of a four-part series entitled Oprah’s Ultimate Australian Adventure. This is the first time her show has ever taped abroad. Microsoft Australia in conjunction with their partner HP, were lucky enough to get involved in this once-in-a-lifetime event – helping Ms. Winfrey sprinkle her magic fairy dust to create two very compelling local stories. Don’t miss it!

Having Fun & Being A Technical Person

2011-01-17T15:02:50Z

Andy Gitsham

Group Manger of Premier Field Engineering, Microsoft UK

Over a decade a Microsoft
Passion for "Startup" Groups, Offerings and Services
Started Premier Field Engineering in 2006

Microsoft Premier Field Engineering...

It's about Customer Health that's our simple Mission
We help customer be more Proactive than Reactive

What is Engineering?

At Microsoft Engineering is about Commonality of purpose and a diversity of strength. Having fun and being a technical professional!

Being a technical Professional

Working to improve clients IT health and transfer knowledge to their teams
Access to the latest technology and product groups
Creating intellectual Property for Microsoft
Delivery content at internal and external events
Ask The Experts stands at external events Work everyday with talented people who openly share their knowledge and experience

Community & Volunteering

Life at Microsoft is not only about what you do for your customers and your colleagues - what can you do for other local, regional or global communities?

Microsot and Computer Aid for Madagascar (2008)

15 PFE's across EMEA, 5 day cycling trek across Madagascar, 50-100km cycled each day, over £40,000 raised for new computer labs for schools and communities

I hope you have enjoyed this insight into PFE in the UK and can see that this isn't just a job it's a calling...

WWW.MICROSOFT.COM/CAREERS to view current opportunities within PFE

Introduction to PFE UK

2011-01-17T13:56:00Z

As part of our introduction to Microsoft Services, the support arm of our business. We will be introducing you to some of our Team. Today I'd like to introduce you to some of our people from the UK Premier Field Engineering Team.

Kate is a Premier Field Engineer in the Manageability team at Microsoft. She works with Blue Chip and public sector companies, deploying and supporting systems management and network management software. Kate has worked in the IT industry for over 15 years in support, project management, training and consultancy roles. Kate lives in Yorkshire, with her husband, four year old daughter and black Labrador. In her spare time she enjoys reading science fiction, cooking for friends, walking and sewing.

Getting to know Microsoft

2010-12-22T19:56:44Z

I would like to introduce to the Services arm of Microsoft's business the next two month's. Each week we are going to be giving you an insight into the diffirent parts of the business that makes up MS Services.

We'll have interviews from leaders down to our engineers, day in the life experience, current job opportunites and much much more.

We firslty be covering Premier Field Engineering.

Premier Field Engineering (PFE) provides technical leadership for Premier customers around the world to promote health in their IT environments through onsite, remote and dedicated support services. As part of Customer Service and Support (CSS), PFE partners with Commercial Technical Support and Enterprise Services to strengthen the Microsoft Services Field Engineering capability worldwide.

PFE at a Glance

Global organization led by General Manager, Shannan C

· Asia (APAC, Greater China; India; Japan;) led by Sashi K

· Americas (Canada; Latin America; United States) led by Sharon B

· EMEA (Central & Eastern Europe; France; Germany; Middle East & Africa, United Kingdom; Western Europe) led by Paul N

· Incubation Services and Support (Dynamics, Mediaroom, Mobility, and Healthcare) led by Dan T

What PFE Delivers

PFE partners with Customer Technical Support and Enterprise Services to deliver onsite, remote and dedicated support to Premier customers worldwide.

PFE services address known IT support challenges facing our customers and partners. Our tested services provide a predictable outcome that helps to improve the experience with Microsoft products and reduce common reactive support incidents.

PFE uses a global resource model consisting of two distinct modes of operation:

Dedicated Support:

o Long-term relationships and technical expertise

o Add-on to Premier

o Prevents issue reoccurrence

o Combination of hours and % of time

o Sold by Technology

Transactional:

o Short-term customer health issues and preventative services

o Resolves Critical Situations

o Delivers on Global PFE Portfolio of Services*

*Global PFE Portfolio of Services

The Global PFE Portfolio of Services represents all of the managed services forecasted by Enterprise Services and delivered worldwide by PFE. These Services contribute to customers’ ‘Prescription for Health’.

Fast Facts

O Over 1300 engineers in over 50 countries

o In partnership with Service Line 7, Support & Health, PFE helps to develop proactive services targeted at improving customer IT health.

o PFE’s delivery of proactive services has a proven track record of reducing reactive support incidents.

o PFE spends 75% of their time delivering proactive services (e.g. Risk Assessment Programs (RAPs), Workshops (teaching customers how to use our products within their IT environments)

o PFE spends 25% of their time responding onsite to resolve issues that couldn’t be resolved through other means.

Marry Me Microsoft...

2010-12-08T16:03:15Z

One Man. One PC. One Week to plan a wedding.

Can Mike, organize his entire wedding in only 5days, with just $20,000, a Windows 7 PCN, Office 2010, and Windows Live? All while living in his “bachelor bubble” at Circular Quay?

To follow Mikes status updates visit: http://www.facebook.com/windowsau

Digigirlz at TVP

2010-11-23T16:23:10Z

Microsoft is proud to offer technology programs that target youth, this one-day event will this time around be held on Friday 26th November at our Reading site.

The event is designed to provide high school girls with a better understanding of what a career in technology is all about. Digigirlz will provide the opportunity for the students to interact with Microsoft employees to gain exposure of careers in business and technology and to get an insight at what its like to work at Microsoft.

By participating in the Microsoft Digigirlz Day, young women can find out about the variety of opportunities available in the high-tech industry and can explore future career paths.

Win a Windows phone

2010-11-16T16:37:00Z

Share your Really moment and win the chance to have a Windows phone:

Ever had your own or witnessed a Really head-in-phone moment? Share your short tale below for your chance to win.

For further details click here: http://www.facebook.com/windowsphone?v=app_140980379270365

Queen's Girls are Digigirlz!!

2010-08-10T09:21:00Z

Pupils of The Queen’s School were delighted when Microsoft computer experts joined them for DigiGirlz Day in order to explore the latest technology and to discover more about IT careers for women. DigiGirlz is a Microsoft programme designed to provide secondary school girls with a better understanding of what a career in technology is all about. Chester joined cities such as Los Angeles, Dubai, Moscow and Johannesburg in hosting an event this year. Following a careers conference, pupils...(read more)

Optimizing and reducing the noise on Admin Packs Scom

2010-05-14T10:57:51Z

Orignally posted by Jane Lewis http://blogs.technet.com/janelewis

I have been working with my customer around reducing the noise and also optimising SCOM 2007 R2. The main emphasis of my work has been around the Active Directory Managment pack, but some of the techniques that I have highlighted and the links that I have used can be used more generic

http://blogs.technet.com/momteam/archive/2010/02/19/opsmgr-2007-r2-mp-version-6-1-7599-0-is-released.aspx

Check whether you have Configured for any Clusters, Active Directory, & Exchange “Agent Proxying” The reason this should be set is as follows;

When deploying the AD or Exchange management packs you need to enable proxying on agents in order for discovery to work properly. This is further detailed in the blogs below. There is also listed a tool that can be used to enable this across multiple Domain Controllers at once, otherwise you have to go to each individual server.

a. http://blogs.msdn.com/boris_yanushpolsky/archive/2007/08/02/enabling-proxying-for-agents.aspx

b. http://blogs.msdn.com/boris_yanushpolsky/archive/2008/01/24/troubleshooting-event-id-33333-logged-by-the-data-access-layer.aspx

c. http://ops-mgr.spaces.live.com/blog/cns!3D3B8489FCAA9B51!1077.entry?wa=wsignin1.0&sa=673832820

d. http://cameronfuller.spaces.live.com/blog/cns!A231E4EB0417CB76!1152.entry

e. http://ops-mgr.spaces.live.com/blog/cns!3D3B8489FCAA9B51!1077.entry

2. Another good technique to reduce noise is to run the following reports from the ODR Reporting Library .

3. In addition we can be more specific by focussing in on a particular Management Pack.

By choosing the following under the Generic Report Library.

These above reports can then enable us to identify the most noisiest errors .We can then take this information and then go to the specific Monitor and modify or disable it in the following way;

4. Also certain Alerts even though their health has been restored do not close down the Alert view thus creating unnecessary noise. Therefore you can carry out the following to address this.

5. Also you may or may not be aware of this , which can cause noise from Domain Controllers if the agent is deployed manually . OOMADS

OOMADS.MSI which is the active directory helper object.
From Technet - "If an agent is manually deployed to a domain controller, and
an Active Directory management pack is later deployed, errors might occur
during deployment of the management pack. To prevent errors from occurring
before deploying the Active Directory management pack, or to recover from
errors that might have already occurred, you will need to deploy the Active
Directory management pack helper object. This is done by deploying the file
oomads.msi on the affected domain controller. The file oomads.msi can be
found on the computer hosting the agent at C:\Program Files\System Center
Operations Manager 2007\HelperObjects.
After an agent has been manually deployed to a domain controller, locate the
oomads.msi file and double-click the file to install the Active Directory
management pack helper object.
You need to manually deploy oomads.msi only to domain controllers that will
host an agent and will be monitored via the Active Directory management
pack. The Active Directory management pack helper object is automatically
installed when the agent is deployed using the Discovery Wizard."
Although the article talks about Domain Controllers, it will apply equally
to computers you want to use as Clients for AD monitoring as they also use
OOMADS.MSI

Installation Checklist for Active Directory Managment Pack

1.Import the Active Directory Server Pack
Create a Management Pack in which to store customizations, such as overrides (for details on why, see this post)
2.(Optional) Import the Active Directory Client Management Pack and override the AD Client 3.Monitoring Discovery Rule
4.Enable the Agent Proxy Setting on all Domain Controllers
5.Configure an account for Replication Monitoring (associated with the Active Directory 6.Management Pack Account Profile)
7.Create a RunAs account and associate it with the AD MP Account Profile

Optional Configuration
1.Configure the maximum time allowed for change to replicate across a forest
2.Disable collection of warnings, performance data, and miscellaneous noncritical events to decrease network traffic.

3. Enable data collection for the Replication Latency Report
Set parameters for tasks

Common Problems

Oomads not installed
Oomads 64-bit issues
Agent proxy settings enabled on all Domain Controllers
AD MP Account Profile Run As Account Password is not validated by the application when entered