TechNet Flash readers are being offered a special deal on a TechNet Plus subscription.  Get 12 months for just $297 (Reg. $349). Just use the promo code TNF10 to get the special price. Through TN Plus you can still get your hands on the Windows 7 Beta.

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Mitch

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Microsoft has announced the general availability of Office Communications Server 2007 Release 2, which delivers enriched audio and video conferencing, new developer tools, and enhanced voice capabilities. Office Communications Server 2007 R2 includes all components of Office Communications Server 2007 as well as the new Office Communications Server Attendant Console; integrated mobile client; cross-platform desktop sharing, group chat; the Response Group workflow design application; dial-in conferencing; Single Number Reach, which intelligently forwards calls; Session Internet Protocol (SIP) Trunking, for directly connecting to the PSTN over a SIP trunk without requiring on-premise gateways, and call monitoring.

You can be part of the Office Communications Server 2007 R2 Virtual Launch Experience. Just register for the full virtual launch experience for access to the keynote and breakout sessions plus the evaluation kit. Also, learn how you can cut costs with Office Communications Server 2007 R2 audio and Web conferencing.

More to come,

Mitch

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I guess it’s a testament to the hardy reception for the Windows 7 beta. Shortly after its release, the rumors were already flying about the Windows 7 RTM date. And some seem so enamored that they’re lobbying for Microsoft to just ship it, already. Here’s what we know: According to the Engineering Windows 7 blog, which does not announce a ship date, “the next milestone for the development of Windows 7 is the Release Candidate or `RC’. Historically the Release Candidate has signaled `we’re pretty close and we want people to start testing the release, especially because all the features are done’.” While it’s been reported that this is an acceleration of the schedule, it’s actually not. The Release Candidate will be a refresh for the Beta and released to a broad set of folks to try out and give us feedback. After that “dress rehearsal” release comes the Release to Manufacturing and then the general availability. Again, no dates given, yet. In the meantime, take Windows 7 Feature Walkthrough, or get First look for IT Pros.

More to come,

Mitch

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The Infrastructure Planning and Design team has released a new guide, Microsoft SQL Server 2008. When used in conjunction with product documentation, this guide will help companies confidently plan the implementation of a SQL Server 2008 infrastructure. Fundamental tasks are addressed to help identify which SQL Server roles will be needed as well as to determine the infrastructure's components, server placement, and the fault-tolerance configuration to meet necessary requirements.

If you’re already familiar with the IPD Guides series, the Infrastructure Planning and Design Team wants to hear your thoughts. Please take a moment to complete this brief survey.

More to come,

Mitch

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TechNet Plus subscribers can now get their hands on the Release Candidate bits for Windows Vista Service Pack 2 and Windows Server 2008 Service Pack 2. According to the TechNet Pus Blog, SP2 contains changes focused on supporting new types of hardware and adding support for several emerging standards. SP2 will also continue to make it easier for IT administrators to deploy and manage large installations of Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008.

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