We will be running our next local Live Meeting session in March.



Optimise Windows 7 with the Microsoft Desktop Optimisation Pack (MDOP)

The session will focus on the Microsoft Desktop Optimization pack for management and deployment. We will begin by discussing challenges that IT Professionals experience in deploying applications and managing desktop systems. Then we will discuss solutions around the Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack offerings that simplify deployment and management while reducing IT costs. We will explore Microsoft Application Virtualization for Windows 7 clients to deploy applications on demand. Register here

Twitter hashtag #technetlive

If you want to ask a question prior to the event please post them at:  http://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/en-AU/technetgeneralau/thread/3246f04c-7b2d-4f6e-9bf0-0714ae8fadc0

MDOP is a desktop solution that is available on a subscription basis for customers that are on our Software Assurance program.  It includes 6 technologies which I’ll be going through in this session.

• Microsoft Application Virtualization (App-V)
• Microsoft Enterprise Desktop Virtualization (MED-V)
• Microsoft Advanced Group Policy Management (AGPM)
• Microsoft Asset Inventory Service (AIS)
• Microsoft Diagnostic and Recovery Toolset (DaRT)

You can find out more information on all these technologies here.  Plus make sure you check out the MDOP Blog for up to the minute updates on all these technologies.

As you know (if you don’t you should!) TechEd 2010 Australia will be held on the Gold Coast 24-27 August.  We need you to put your creative hats on (or whatever you put on when you need to get creative) and tell us your ideas for what you want to see at TechEd 2010.  The idea could be to do with content, food, event logistics, the party, the TechEd bag, the Tech Showcase, speakers, anything to do with the conference!

This TechEd is all about you so help shape it the way you want it to be.  Who said Techies can’t be creative?????

Join the discussion over at the forum thread

We have Craig Kitterman (Senior Tech Evangelist) and Vijay Rajagopalan (Principal Architect) coming down to Australia to talk about Interoperability goodness.  What do you want to hear about?  What is on your mind at the moment when it comes to Interoperability in your organisation?

From the Windows Team Blog:

On February 15th, people still running the Windows 7 Release Candidate (RC) will receive a notification reminding them that starting March 1st, 2010, their PC will begin experiencing bi-hourly shutdowns. These shutdowns will continue through June 1st, 2010.

On June 1st, 2010, a non-genuine experience is triggered where your wallpaper is removed and “This copy of Windows is not genuine” will be displayed in the lower right corner above the taskbar. This means your PC will no longer be able to obtain optional updates or downloads that require genuine Windows validation.

To avoid any data loss, I suggest making plans to move to a released version of Windows 7 before the automatic shutdowns start. During these shutdowns, your work will not be saved.

Remember, pre-release versions of Windows are unsupported. For more information on the expiration of the Windows 7 RC, see this KB article.

To move to a released version of Windows 7, you’ll need to do a custom (clean) install to replace the installation of the Windows 7 RC. I suggest checking out this Help & How-To page on Windows.com which covers all kinds of installation scenarios.

Do you need more time to test your application and hardware compatibility in Windows 7? If so, the Windows 7 Enterprise 90-day Trial provides a great opportunity for IT Pros to finish critical testing with a full version of Windows 7 Enterprise.

If you’re an IT Pro ready to move to Windows 7, I suggest visiting the Springboard Series on TechNet which provides the latest tools, whitepapers, walkthroughs and tips and tricks to help you with your Windows 7 Deployment. On the Springboard Series on TechNet, you’ll find resources such as Deploying Windows 7 from A to Z and Installing Windows 7 on an Existing XP PC. You can visit the Window 7 TechNet Forum for more information as well!