What are the dates and locations for the UK Windows & SQL Server 2008 launch tour?

Many of you have asked me both by posting comments to my NAP post and also at the main launch event last week in Birmingham

If you'd like to register and find out the exact details for the locations then browse to the Launch tour area of the HeroesHappenHere website.

Note: The Keynote will not simply be a time filler catering for those who are late - it will challenge your perceptions and encourage you to consider some alternative perspectives to the way to manage and deploy infrastructure.

Each of the sessions will be co-presented and will be of a similar style to the last couple of roadshows where we'll build as much of the infrastructure as possible in front of you - we'll use a few slides as possible. You'll be able to submit questions via text during the day (in addition to interacting during the sessions) for the Q&A session @ the end of the day.

The deliver dates and locations are as follows:
• Cardiff, 22 April 2008
• London, 24 April 2008
• Manchester, 30 April 2008
• Glasgow, 12 May 2008
• Newcastle, 15 May 2008

Keynote: 09:30 – 09:45
Consider the way you work today. Think about what’s changed in the last few years. You can be sure that there have been plenty of changes along the way and
that there are more to come. How can you best position yourself to help your business make the most of change and improve your career at the same time?

During this session we’ll take a look at the opportunities offered by key technologies including software plus services and innovative approaches such as virtualisation and Infrastructure Optimisation. Change seems to be the only constant in our industry. Keeping ahead of the curve brings benefits to everyone.

This session will help you plan for the next generation of infrastructure and your own personal development.

Session 1: Windows Server 2008 Top Features: 09:45 – 11:00
So many features. So little time. Where should you focus? This session will help you decide where to invest your time and effort.

People’s expectations are changing. They expect to be able to work ’their way‘, free of the limitations of being ’tied to a desk‘ or to a particular device.

Minimising the risk of security breaches while enabling flexible working can create interesting challenges. Windows Server 2008 can help – enter Network

Access Protection. Thankfully the days of one line of business application per server are numbered thanks to virtualisation. Lazy servers waste power, data centre space and maintenance charges. Windows Server 2008 can help – enter Hyper-V. Traditionally ensuring consistent configuration of your web servers can be time consuming. Windows Server 2008 can help – enter IIS 7.

Session 2: How to Manage Windows Server 2008 11:20 – 12:35
Where should you use Windows Server Core instead of the full installation of the operating system? If you use ’core‘, then how on Earth are you supposed to manage it? Regardless of whether you use ’core‘ or ’full‘ where should you use PowerShell and where does Windows Server Manager make more sense? We’ll show you!

Session 3: How to Deploy and Manage the Desktop. What’s in Windows Vista SP1? 13:25 – 14:40
One desktop no cry? As anyone who’s ever managed a large number of desktops knows, it’s well worth making the most of automation to ensure consistent user experiences and reduce support costs. We’ll dive into the range of operating system features available to you including WDS and WSUS, plus we’ll investigate MDOP and SoftGrid’s application virtualisation. Waiting for SP1 before deploying Windows Vista? Wait no more! We’ll open the lid and explain exactly what’s in there.

Session 4: How to Overcome the Challenges of Small Offices AND Branch Offices: 15:00 – 16:15
It’s unlikely anyone would notice a server going ’missing‘ in a small or remote branch office. These servers hold replica copies of user account credentials and your production data. Windows Server 2008’s Read Only Domain Controller features and BitLocker on the server can help! Moving to a world where small/branch offices connect via the Internet to your main server resources can reduce both your attack surface AND expense/complexity. Windows Server 2008’s much improved Terminal Services can help!