Now Available: Deployment 4 Beta 3 for Desktops & Servers

TechBlog — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 00:29:00 GMT

Deployment 4 is the code name for the next version of Business Desktop Deployment (BDD) 2007. Deployment 4 unifies the tools and processes required for desktop and server deployment into a common deployment console and collection of guidance. For the thousands of IT professionals already trained on BDD 2007, Deployment 4 requires minimal extra training to perform large-scale Windows Server 2008 and Windows Server 2003 deployments, while offering a further enhanced desktop deployment experience. Deployment 4 adds integration with recently released Microsoft deployment technologies to create a single path for image creation and deployment, including:

System Center Configuration Manager 2007 Operating System Deployment
Windows Automated Installation Kit
Windows Deployment Services with new multicast technology
Application Compatibility Toolkit 5.0
User State Migration Tool 3.0.1
2007 Office system
Windows Server 2008 Server Manager for automated server role definition (coming soon)

Deployment 4 Beta 3 is part of the Windows Server 2008 Beta and TAP Programs. It is also available as an open beta download.

To join the Deployment 4 Beta 3 program, follow these steps:

1) Visit the Microsoft Connect Web site (http://connect.microsoft.com).

2) Click Invitations on the Connect menu.

3) Sign in using a valid Windows Live ID to continue to the Invitations page.

4) Enter your Invitation ID in the box. Your invitation ID is: D4B3-RFC6-99CW

5) Click Go.

If you have not previously registered with Microsoft Connect, you might be required to register before you continue with the invitation process.

If the link in step 1 does not work for you, copy the full link and paste it into the Web browser address bar.

Join the beta for the 2007 Microsoft Office Security Guide

TechBlog — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 01:59:00 GMT

The 2007 Microsoft Office Security Guide is an indispensable tool for IT professionals in midsize and enterprise-level organizations. When released this Fall, the guide will provide best practices, preconfigured security settings, and automation tools to help you quickly and easily deploy security configurations for the 2007 Office release across your organization. The beta program for the guide is launching in mid-September. Reserve your place by clicking here.

TechBlog: What's New on TechNet : Connect

Now Available: Deployment 4 Beta 3 for Desktops & Servers

Join the beta for the 2007 Microsoft Office Security Guide