Welcome to this new blog targeted at  Microsoft partners in Belgium. Goal of this blog is to distribute all partner related readiness information on Microsoft products.

We are pleased to announce that SSCM 2007 SP2 was officially released on October 22nd with Win7. This is great news because SSCM 2007 SP2 was not only released on time to support what’s likely to be the largest ever OS upgrade cycle, but it also contains a new version of the iAMT feature set plus new SCCM product capabilities leveraging the new Win7 and WS2K8 offerings.

Configuration Manager 2007 SP2 RTM Is Available for Download

If you currently have Configuration Manager, you can upgrade to SP2. Not currently running Configuration Manager? Download the evaluation version of Configuration Manager with SP2 today.

From : http://blogs.technet.com/mdop/archive/2009/10/20/mdop-2009-r2-is-now-available.aspx 

Don't know what MDOP is yet.  MDOP employs six innovative technologies to increase desktop manageability, reduce TCO, and improve overall infrastructure satisfaction:

• Microsoft Application Virtualization (App-V) turns applications into centrally managed services that are never installed, never conflict, and are streamed on demand to end users.

• Microsoft Enterprise Desktop Virtualization (MED-V) provides deployment and management of virtual PC images to enable key enterprise scenarios, primarily resolving application compatibility with a new version of Windows.

• Microsoft Advanced Group Policy Management (AGPM) enhances governance and control over Group Policy through robust change management, versioning, and role-based administration.

• Microsoft Asset Inventory Service (AIS) is a hosted service that collects software inventory data and translates it into actionable business intelligence.

• Microsoft Diagnostics and Recovery Toolset (DaRT) reduces downtime by accelerating troubleshooting, repair, and data recovery of unbootable Windows-based desktops.

• Microsoft System Center Desktop Error Monitoring (DEM) provides insights into application and operating system failures, allowing helpdesk to be more proactive in managing PC problems, without installing an agent to the endpoint.

You can read one of the 44 MDOP case-studies at the Microsoft Case Study site.   

Desktop Deployment Planning Services (DDPS) can help an organization deploy Microsoft Office or Windows software to increase usage, improve productivity, and lower costs. Your DDPS consultant collaborates with the customer to create a comprehensive deployment plan that includes analysis, business case, process, and technical procedures.

The service is based on the Solution Accelerator for Business Desktop Deployment and best practices from Microsoft. The objective is to help reduce the cost and complexity associated with high levels of process and automation. The number of engagement days is 1, 3, 5, 10, or 15—as determined by your Software Assurance coverage.

NEW! DDPS Now Supporting Windows 7!

DDPS version 3.5.1 provides partners supporting deployment tools for 2007 Office, Windows Vista, and Windows 7. DDPS version 3.5.1

- Program Materials ‒ Videos ‒ Hydration Tools ‒ Delivery Guidance ‒ Presentations ‒ Leave-Behind CD ‒ Demo Scripts ‒ Deliverables ‒ Packing List

The latest versions of DDPS are more flexible and 'templatized' to address the most common customer scenarios and deployment opportunities - optimizing existing or available Microsoft technologies.

With DDPS, the partner can enable large customers to assess and evaluate the business value of upgrading their Microsoft Office and Windows software, and to deploy new versions more easily. Focus on “zero touch” methodologies to automate deployments and patching.

Customer Value: Reduces cost and complexity of software deployment with expert planning and automation tools delivered by certified and qualified partners, which increases IT productivity.

Partner Value: You can offer additional services and integration points to your existing customers, and get paid by Microsoft to deliver deployment planning to qualified customers.

Info on the Partner Portal : https://partner.microsoft.com/global/40028913 

DDPS Resources : https://iwsolve.partners.extranet.microsoft.com/psb/Resources.aspx 

How to become a DDPS Partner : https://iwsolve.partners.extranet.microsoft.com/psb/Engagementprocess.aspx 

DDPS certification exams:

• DDPS Certification Exam (74-139)

MS Learning Exam 74-139 is based on the Standard Edition of the Solution Accelerator for Business Desktop Deployments (BDDA) Version 2.5. It is the existing DDPS certification exam for consultants on Windows XP and Office 2003 remains. The materials covered in the exam include knowledge of successful desktop deployment project management, and technologies and tools included within the Standard Edition of the Solution Accelerator for Business Desktop Deployments.

• DDPS Certification Exam (70-624)

MS Learning Exam 70-624 is the TS exam testing based on the Solution Accelerator for Business Desktop Deployments 2007 (BDD 2007). The new DDPS certification exam for consultants launched February 14th. The materials covered in the exam include knowledge of successful Windows Vista and 2007 Office desktop deployment project management, and technologies and tools included within the Solution Accelerator for Business Desktop Deployments 2007.

 

Exchange Server 2010, the cornerstone of our Unified Communications solution, has long been the choice of organizations like yours to enable rich and productive collaboration among its users. The latest release of Exchange builds on this track record by helping you:

• Lower IT costs with a flexible and reliable messaging platform.
• Increase productivity through anywhere access to business communications.