John Weston Stories, Information, and random thoughts. : Microsoft Server

Windows Server 2008 Launch Slides Module 3 Security

jweston — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 02:51:00 GMT

Hello! Thanks for checking out my blog. We just started doing Launch Events for Windows Server 2008. I got to do one of the first events Yesterday in San Antonio, Texas. Thanks home state crowd. It was a blast to present to you. As promised I have the slide decks I used available for you. I haven't had a chance to put them on my own site yet, or on a corporate site yet. But I wanted to get them to you ASAP. So my co worker Chris Avis (he did the other first day event Yesterday in NYC!)

has them up on his site. Don't worry about getting redirected to this thing called stewedprunes, it's just his server at home....

Don't worry, we are doing launches in 60 cities around the US. We will be coming to a city near you soon. My next one is March 20th, KEY CITY HOUSTON, TX. Go sign up now before it fills up at: www.microsoft.com/hhh

FOLLOW THIS LINK to slides from Launch

Windows Server 2008 Launch Slides Module 2 Virtualization

jweston — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 02:50:00 GMT

has them up on his site. Don't worry about getting redirected to this thing called stewedprunes, it's just his server at home....

FOLLOW THIS LINK to slides from Launch

Windows Server 2008 Launch Slide Module 1 What's New

jweston — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 02:48:00 GMT

has them up on his site. Don't worry about getting redirected to this thing called stewedprunes, it's just his server at home....

FOLLOW THIS LINK to slides from Launch

LAUNCH DAY. Windows Server 2008 VS 2008 SQL 2008 Q&A

jweston — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 16:36:00 GMT

Today is the start of Launch Day. BillG will do the start in LA. Then our team will carry that out to 62 other cities around the US. I thought about what to blog about today. If you want to watch it live go to www.heroeshappenhere.com There you can also register for your local event or try this new VLE(Virtual Launch Event) I will be helping with that tomorrow. VLE has a great Q&A info so I thought that would be good to post here. My first IN-PERSON event will be next Tuesday March 4th in San Antonio, TX. Go vote, and then come see me present on Windows Server 2008.

Heroes Happen Here Virtual Launch Experience (VLE)
Frequently Asked Questions

In this document:

GENERAL LAUNCH QUESTIONS

Q. Where can I get press information for the Heroes Happen Here launch?

A. Please see http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/events/HHHlaunch/default.mspx

Q. Tell me more about the Heroes Happen Here launch activities

A. Find out more about the Heroes Happen Here launch, the launch products, worldwide activities, training & how you can get involved at http://www.microsoft.com/heroeshappenhere/default.mspx

Q. I attended the LA launch event and have questions about the Launch Events kit

Or – how do I redeem the vouchers I got at a launch event?

A. Please see http://www.microsoft.com/heroeshappenhere/faq.mspx

Q. How can I get the software?

A. One way to get the software is to attend a participating launch event since all event attendees at participating locations are eligible to receive an event kit (subject to availability). See http://www.microsoft.com/heroeshappenhere/register/default.mspx for a list of events near you.

Product specific: Windows Server 2008

I installed Windows Server 2008 RC1, how do I obtain the final release version?

Please see http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2008/en/us/trial-software.aspx

I installed Windows Server 2008 Hyper-V Beta, how do I obtain the final release version of Hyper-V?

Microsoft plans on making the final release version available through Windows Update www.windowsupdate.microsoft.com. Customers who have editions of Windows Server 2008 with Hyper-V Beta, will be able to download the final release version of Hyper-V to update their copy(ies) of Windows Server 2008 at no additional cost.

Product specific: Visual Studio 2008

How can I get Visual Studio 2008?

Try Visual Studio 2008 free for 90 days at http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/vs2008/products/cc268305.aspx

Product specific: SQL Server 2008

I installed SQL Server 2008 CTP 5.0, how do I obtain the final release version?

Get the latest CTP of SQL Server 2008 CTP 6.0 at: http://www.microsoft.com/sqlserver/2008/en/us/trial-software.aspx

The final release version will be available at www.microsoft.com/sql/2008/default.aspx once released.

Q. How can I get trained on these products?

A. For training and certification on the 2008 Launch Wave products, please see http://www.microsoft.com/heroeshappenhere/learn-more/MSLearning/default.mspx.

Q. How can I find someone to help me with these products?

A. To find a partner who can help you build, develop or implement a solution using the 2008 Launch Wave products, please see http://www.microsoft.com/heroeshappenhere/find-a-partner.mspx

Q. Who’s using these products already?

A. To see real-world examples of customers who are using the 2008 Launch Wave products, please see http://www.microsoft.com/heroeshappenhere/learn-more/case-studies/default.mspx

Q. How else can I join in with launch?

OR – what is the HHH comic?

OR – what is the Heroes Portrait Gallery?

A. We’ve got a lot of new cool interactive ways to get involved with launch – go to http://www.microsoft.com/heroeshappenhere/default.mspx to see more.

To get the HeroesHappenHere comic (& RSS feed), go to http://www.microsoft.com/heroeshappenhere/cool-stuff/comic/default.mspx

Or add yourself to the Heroes Portait Gallery at http://www.microsoft.com/heroeshappenhere/portraitgallery/start.aspx (Silverlight required).

GENERAL MICROSOFT QUESTIONS

Q. I’m having a problem with xxx – where can I get help?

A. Please use the Microsoft support center at http://support.microsoft.com/ for non-launch related questions.

You may also want to try the TechNet technical forums for IT Professionals at http://forums.microsoft.com/technet/default.aspx?siteid=17

Or the MSDN technical forums for Developers at http://forums.microsoft.com/MSDN/default.aspx?siteid=1

Q. Tell me more about Silverlight

A. Find out more about Microsoft Silverlight at http://www.microsoft.com/silverlight/

Q. I have questions about Silverlight, where can I go for more help?

A. Please see Silverlight FAQ at http://www.microsoft.com/silverlight/#4_4

Q. How can I find a Microsoft office near me?

A. Please look up your local website or Microsoft office at http://www.microsoft.com/worldwide/

Q. Who can help me...build, develop, implement...a business solution?

A. Please search the partner solutions database at http://wwwbeta.microsoft.com/solutionfinder/marketplace/home.aspx

WINDOWS SERVER 2008

Q. How can I get more information about Windows Server 2008?

A. For general product information, please see http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2008/en/us/default.aspx

For WS08 community events, please see www.heroescommunitylaunch.com

For more Windows Server 2008 resources, including blogs, newgroups, forums, chats, user groups and community websites, please search the database at http://www.microsoft.com/communities/default.mspx

For WS08 Learning events, please see http://www.microsoft.com/learning/windowsserver2008/default.mspx

Q. Is anyone using Windows Server 2008 yet?

A. To see real-world examples of customers who are using the 2008 Launch Wave products, please see http://www.microsoft.com/heroeshappenhere/learn-more/case-studies/default.mspx

For Windows Server 2008 customer case studies, see

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2008/en/us/case-studies.aspx

Q. I want to try Windows Server 2008, how do I do that?

A. We’ve got a wide variety of ways to try WS08, including trial software, virtual labs, online test drives, videos & demos. Please see http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2008/en/us/try-it.aspx for more details.

Q. How much does Windows Server 2008 cost?

A. Please see http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2008/en/us/pricing.aspx for Windows Server 2008 pricing and licensing details.

Q. How can I get training for Windows Server 2008?

A. Please see http://www.microsoft.com/learning/windowsserver2008/default.mspx

Q. I need someone to help me implement Windows Server 2008, how do I find one?

A. Please see http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2008/en/us/find-partner.aspx for partners who can help you develop, build & implement WS08 solutions.

Q. How do I find a Windows Server Event near me?

A. To find a Heroes Happen Here launch event near you, please see http://www.microsoft.com/heroeshappenhere/register/default.mspx

For WS08 community events, please see www.heroescommunitylaunch.com

For worldwide Windows Server 2008 events, including in-person, live & on-demand webcasts, podcasts and virtual labs, please search the database at http://www.microsoft.com/events/default.mspx

Q. I have a technical question about Windows Server 2008

A. For general WS08 technical support for ITPros and business users, please see the Windows Server 2008 TechCenter on TechNet at http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windowsserver/2008/default.aspx

For general WS08 technical support for Developers, please see the Windows Server 2008 DevCenter on MSDN at http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/windowsserver/default.aspx

For additional technical questions, please consult the TechNet or MSDN forums.

Forums are available to the general public as a means for posting questions, comments and responses around a particular product or subject matter. The Windows Server Group has a Windows Server code name “Longhorn” forum available where people interested in this product can post questions on the following scenarios:

§ Directory Services

§ Failover Clustering

§ File Services and Storage

§ General

§ Management

§ Migration

§ Network Access Protection

§ Platform Networking

§ Print/Fax

§ Security

§ Server Core

§ Server Virtualization

§ Setup and Deployment

§ Terminal Services

Access the Windows Server “Longhorn” Forum

§ Directly, through this link: http://forums.microsoft.com/TechNet/default.aspx?ForumGroupID=161&SiteID=17

§ Via TechNet’s General List of Forums, through this link: http://forums.microsoft.com/technet/default.aspx?siteid=17

VISUAL STUDIO 2008

Q. How can I get more information about Visual Studio 2008?

A. For general product information, please see http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/vstudio/products/default.aspx

For VS08 community events, please see www.heroescommunitylaunch.com

For more Visual Studio 2008 resources, including blogs, newgroups, forums, chats, user groups and community websites, please search the database at http://www.microsoft.com/communities/default.mspx

For VS08 Learning events, please see

http://www.microsoft.com/learning/vstudio/2008/default.mspx

Q. I want to learn more about other Visual Studio products

A. For more information, or to try Visual Studio Team System, please see http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/vsts2008/products/default.aspx

For more information, or to get a free copy of Visual Studio Express, please see http://www.microsoft.com/express/

Q. Is anyone using Visual studio 2008 yet?

A. To see real-world examples of customers who are using the 2008 Launch Wave products, please see http://www.microsoft.com/heroeshappenhere/learn-more/case-studies/default.mspx

For Visual Studio 2008 customer case studies, see

http://www.microsoft.com/casestudies/search.aspx?ProTaxID=3197

Q. I want to try Visual Studio 2008, how do I do that?

A. We’ve got a wide variety of ways to try VS08.

For trial software, demos & virtual labs, please see http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/vs2008/products/cc263902.aspx.

For the Visual Studio 2008 online test drive, see http://www.microsoft.com/heroeshappenhere/testdrive/visual-studio-2008/default.mspx

Q. How much does Visual Studio 2008 cost?

A. Please see http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/vs2008/products/cc263904.aspx for Windows Server 2008 pricing and licensing details.

Q. How can I get training for Visual Studio 2008?

A. Please see http://www.microsoft.com/learning/vstudio/2008/default.mspx

Q. I need someone to help me implement Visual Studio 2008, how do I find one?

A. Please see http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/vs2008/products/bb964534.aspx for partners who can help you develop, build & implement VS08 solutions.

Q. How do I find a Visual Studio Event near me?

A. To find a Heroes Happen Here launch event near you, please see http://www.microsoft.com/heroeshappenhere/register/default.mspx

For VS08 community events, please see www.heroescommunitylaunch.com

For worldwide Visual Studio 2008 events, including in-person, live & on-demand webcasts, podcasts and virtual labs, please search the database at http://www.microsoft.com/events/default.mspx

Q. I have a technical question about Visual Studio 2008

A. For general VS08 technical support for Developers, please see the Visual Studio 2008 DevCenter on MSDN at http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/vs2008/default.aspx

For additional technical questions, please consult the MSDN forums.

Forums are available to the general public as a means for posting questions, comments and responses around a particular product or subject matter.

All MSDN forums: http://forums.microsoft.com/MSDN/default.aspx?SiteID=1

Visual Studio has the following forums for specific topics:

Visual Studio Setup and Installation

http://forums.microsoft.com/MSDN/AddPost.aspx?ForumID=26&SiteID=1

Windows Presentation Foundation

http://forums.microsoft.com/MSDN/AddPost.aspx?ForumID=119&SiteID=1

Visual Studio Extensibility

http://forums.microsoft.com/MSDN/AddPost.aspx?ForumID=57&SiteID=1

Visual Studio Tools for Office

http://forums.microsoft.com/MSDN/AddPost.aspx?ForumID=16&SiteID=1

SQL SERVER 2008

Q. How can I get more information about Windows Server 2008?

A. For general product information, please see

http://www.microsoft.com/sqlserver/2008/en/us/default.aspx

For SQL08 community events, please see www.heroescommunitylaunch.com

For more SQL Server 2008 resources, including blogs, newgroups, forums, chats, user groups and community websites, please search the database at http://www.microsoft.com/communities/default.mspx

For SQL08 Learning events, please see http://www.microsoft.com/learning/sql/2008/default.mspx

Q. Is anyone using SQL Server 2008 yet?

A. To see real-world examples of customers who are using the 2008 Launch Wave products, please see http://www.microsoft.com/heroeshappenhere/learn-more/case-studies/default.mspx

For SQL Server 2008 customer case studies, see http://www.microsoft.com/sqlserver/2008/en/us/case-studies.aspx

Q. I want to try SQL Server 2008, how do I do that?

A. We’ve got a wide variety of ways to try SQL08, including trial software, virtual labs, online test drives, videos & demos. Please see http://www.microsoft.com/sqlserver/2008/en/us/try-it.aspx

Q. How much does SQL Server 2008 cost?

A. SQL Server pricing has not been announced yet. For more information, please see

http://www.microsoft.com/sqlserver/2008/en/us/default.aspx

Q. How can I get training for SQL Server 2008?

A. Please see http://www.microsoft.com/learning/sql/2008/default.mspx

Q. I need someone to help me implement SQL Server 2008, how do I find one?

A. Please see http://www.microsoft.com/sqlserver/2008/en/us/find-partner.aspx for partners who can help you develop, build & implement SQL08 solutions.

Q. How do I find a SQL Server Event near me?

A. To find a Heroes Happen Here launch event near you, please see http://www.microsoft.com/heroeshappenhere/register/default.mspx

For SQL08 community events, please see www.heroescommunitylaunch.com

For worldwide SQL Server 2008 events, including in-person, live & on-demand webcasts, podcasts and virtual labs, please search the database at http://www.microsoft.com/events/default.mspx

Q. I have a technical question about SQL Server 2008

A. For general SQL08 technical support for ITPros and business users, please see the SQL Server 2008 TechCenter on Technet at http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sqlserver/default.aspx

For general SQL08 technical support for Developers, please see the SQL Server 2008 DevCenter on MSDN at http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/sqlserver/default.aspx

For additional technical questions, please consult the Technet or MSDN forums.

Forums are available to the general public as a means for posting questions, comments and responses around a particular product or subject matter.

SQL Server Forums on TechNet (for IT Pros): http://forums.microsoft.com/TechNet/default.aspx?ForumGroupID=440&SiteID=17

SQL Server Forums on MSDN (for Developers):

http://forums.microsoft.com/MSDN/default.aspx?ForumGroupID=428&SiteID=1

SQL Server has the following forums for specific topics:

SQL Server 2008 Spatial Support

http://forums.microsoft.com/MSDN/ShowPost.aspx?PostID=2622600&SiteID=1

SQL Server 2008 (Katmai) Manageability & Tools

http://forums.microsoft.com/TechNet/ShowForum.aspx?ForumID=1630&SiteID=17

SQL Server 2008 (Katmai) Integration Services

http://forums.microsoft.com/TechNet/ShowForum.aspx?ForumID=1622&SiteID=17

SQL Server 2008 (Katmai) Setup and Upgrade

http://forums.microsoft.com/TechNet/AddPost.aspx?ForumID=1627&SiteID=17

SQL Server 2008 (Katmai) Reporting Services

http://forums.microsoft.com/TechNet/AddPost.aspx?ForumID=1624&SiteID=17

SQL Server 2008 (Katmai) Database Engine

http://forums.microsoft.com/TechNet/AddPost.aspx?ForumID=1618&SiteID=17

Bill Gates Letter on Age of Software-powered communications

jweston — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 00:45:15 GMT

This letter was released today by Bill Gates. Here is the link to the letter if you didn't get it in email today.

Published: October 16, 2007

By Bill Gates, Chairman, Microsoft Corporation

If you’ve been in the work force for 20 years or more, you can remember a time when the pace of business—and life in general—was quite a bit slower than it is today. Back then we read newspapers and magazines and watched the network news to stay informed. Faxes were just becoming a common way to share written business information. A phone call might elicit a busy signal or no one would answer at all. In those days, no one expected to send documents to coworkers on the other side of the globe instantly, collaborate in real-time with colleagues in distant cities, or share photographs the very day they were taken.

These and similar advances have delivered remarkable results. The ability to access and share information instantly and communicate in ways that transcend the boundaries of time and distance has given rise to an era of unprecedented productivity and innovation that has created new economic opportunities for hundreds of millions of people around the world and paved the way for global economic growth that is unparalleled in human history.

But few people would argue that there is no room for improvement. Although we have once-unimaginable access to people and information, we struggle today to keep track of emails and phone calls across multiple inboxes, devices, and phone numbers; to remember a growing number of passwords; and to synchronize contacts, appointments, and data between desktop PCs and mobile devices. The fact is that the proliferation of communications options has become a burden that often makes it more difficult to reach people than it used to be, rather than easier.

In 2006, I wrote about how unified communications innovations were already beginning to transform the way we communicate at work. Today, I want to provide an update on the progress we’re making toward achieving our vision for unified communications. I also want to share my thoughts on how rapid advances in hardware, networks, and the software that powers them are laying the foundation for groundbreaking innovations in communications technology. These innovations will revolutionize the way we share information and experiences with the people who are important to us at work and at home, and help make it possible to put the power of digital technology in the hands of billions of people around the globe who have yet to reap the benefits of the knowledge economy.

Moving Beyond Disconnected Communications

A fundamental reason that communicating is still so complex is the fact that the way we communicate is still bound by devices. In the office, we use a work phone with one number. Then we ask people to call us back on a mobile device using another number when we are on the go, or reach us on our home phone with yet another number. And we have different identities and passwords for our work and home email accounts, and for instant messaging.

This will change in the very near future. As more and more of our communications and entertainment is transmitted over the Internet thanks to email, instant messaging, video conferencing, and the emergence of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), Internet Protocol Television (IPTV), and other protocols, a new wave of software-driven innovations will eliminate the boundaries between the various modes of communications we use throughout the day. Soon, you’ll have a single identity that spans all of the ways people can reach you, and you’ll be able to move a conversation seamlessly between voice, text, and video and from one device to another as your location and information sharing needs change. You’ll also have more control over how you can be reached and by whom: when you are busy, the software on the device at hand will know whether you can be interrupted, based on what you are doing and who is trying to reach you.

One of the best examples of how communication is changing—and how technology is integrating the way people share experiences across devices—starts in the world of video games. With Xbox Live, the online gaming and entertainment network for Xbox 360, people can play games with friends who are in distant locations. Xbox Live also provides a comprehensive range of communications options including video chat and instant messaging, as well as text, voice, and picture messaging, all seamlessly integrated into the video game experience. With more than 7 million subscribers, Xbox Live is quickly redefining the way people access entertainment of all kinds. And it is enabling them to share experiences with each other in real time without being constrained by the limits of location.

But that’s just the start. We recently launched Games for Windows – Live, which links Xbox 360 gamers with the millions of people who play games on their PCs. Now, Windows and Xbox 360 video game players can compete and communicate with each other without being constrained by the limits of devices.

The communications expectations that young people—and anybody else who has adopted the latest digital communications tools—bring to the workplace are already changing how we do business. To them, the desk phone is an anachronism that lacks the flexibility and range of capabilities that their mobile device can provide. A generation that grew up on text messaging is driving the rapid adoption of instant messaging as a standard business communications tool. Accustomed to forming ad hoc virtual communities, they want tools that facilitate the creation of virtual workgroups. Used to collecting and storing information online, they look for team Web sites, Wikis, and other digital ways to create and share information.

All of these expectations are prompting companies to adapt by implementing new communications strategies and technologies. Those that do are already seeing a wide range of benefits including significant cost savings and important productivity gains. At Microsoft, for example, we replaced our old voice mail system with Exchange Server 2007 unified messaging, a move that is saving the company $5 million annually by lowering hardware and maintenance costs. More importantly, Exchange Server 2007 provides a software solution that enables integration of traditional telephone infrastructure and VoIP with corporate messaging, calendaring, and directories. This convergence of telephony and messaging increases employee productivity and decreases the administrative workload for IT professionals.

The Next Wave of Communications Technologies

Today in San Francisco, Microsoft is launching the next wave of enterprise VoIP and unified communications products for business. Among the products we’ll launch are Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007 and Microsoft Office Communicator 2007, which bring together a broad range of communications options including voice, instant messaging, and video into a single, consistent experience. Office Communications Server 2007 and Office Communicator make it easier for employees to communicate and collaborate with each other in real-time by letting them see at a glance if the people they want to contact are available. They will also be able to initiate a conversation by email, voice, video, or instant messaging from within Microsoft Office system applications, making communication and collaboration an integral part of day-to-day work processes, rather than an interruption. In addition, when they use the new version of Office Communicator Mobile that is launching today, they will be able to stay connected using Windows Mobile-powered devices.

We’re also announcing the availability of Microsoft RoundTable, an advanced video and VoIP conferencing device that provides a 360-degree view of a meeting room, along with wideband audio and video that tracks the flow of conversation between multiple speakers. With RoundTable and Office Live Meeting or Office Communications Server, meeting participants in different locations will be able to converse and share information as if they were in the same room. RoundTable also enables companies to record meetings for later use.

All of these products are important steps toward achieving our long-term vision for streamlined, integrated communications that will enable people to be more productive, more creative, and to stay in touch more easily without being limited by the device they have at hand or the network they are connected to.

A Foundation for Future Innovation

It would be hard to overstate the magnitude of the changes that are coming. Standardized, software-powered communications technologies will be the catalyst for the convergence of voice, video, text, applications, information, and transactions, making it possible to create a seamless communications continuum that extends across people’s work and home lives. This will provide the foundation for new products, services, and capabilities that will change the world in profound and often unexpected ways.

This will happen not only in developed countries where access to digital technology is the norm, but also in emerging economies around the world. Currently, about 1 billion of us have a PC, just a fraction of the world’s 6 billion people. As we make technology more accessible and simpler to use—often in the form of affordable mobile devices—we can extend new social and economic opportunities to hundreds of millions of people who have never been able to participate in the global knowledge economy. And as more and more of the world’s people are empowered to use their ideas, talents, and hard work to the fullest, the results will be new innovations that make everyone’s lives richer, more productive, and more fulfilling.

Bill Gates

Resources

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Unified Communications 2007 Launch Web site
Tour the virtual pressroom for the Microsoft Unified Communications Group.

•

Press Release: Microsoft Launches Next Wave of Business Communications Software
Read the Press Release.

•

Feature Story: Partners Rally Around Microsoft Unified Communications Software - October 16, 2007
Microsoft partners discuss how and why they are taking advantage of the company’s unified communications platform to meet the needs of customers and tap into a $45 billion market opportunity.

•

Microsoft Unified Communications Web site
Microsoft offers companies a complete software platform that unifies communications with their business applications and processes.

•

Microsoft Office Communications Server Web site
Office Communications Server 2007 enables your users to find and communicate with the right person.

•

Microsoft Office Communicator Web site
Communicator 2007 is a unified communications client that helps people communicate easily with others in different locations with different communication options.

•

Microsoft Office Live Meeting Web site
The 2007 release is available! Download a free trial and experience how you can collaborate online with colleagues, customers, and partners in real time, between either individuals or large groups — with just a PC, and an Internet connection.