The Windows 7 Release Candidate (RC) is now available for immediate download if you are one of our TechNet and MSDN subscribers. If you’re not a TechNet Plus subscriber, please click here to learn about the benefits of becoming one. They are many, in addition to getting early access to important new releases.

Windows 7 RC will be made available to the general public on May 5, 2009. You will then be able to download Windows 7 RC here, through the Springboard Series on TechNet. Windows 7 Ultimate is the Release Candidate edition; it will be available in 32-bit and 64-bit versions in English, French, Japanese, German, and Spanish.

More to come,

Mitch

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Evaluate Microsoft Forefront codename “Stirling” Beta 2

Microsoft Forefront codename “Stirling” is an integrated security suite that delivers protection across endpoint, servers and the edge that is easier to manage and control. By delivering simplified management and providing critical visibility into threats, vulnerabilities, and configuration risks, Forefront codename “Stirling” helps you protect your business with greater confidence and efficiency.

Download Microsoft Forefront Threat Management Gateway Beta 2

Try the next generation of Microsoft Internet Security & Acceleration (ISA) Server and experience key features that include Web anti-malware, HTTPS inspection and the Network Inspection System.

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Mitch

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Microsoft today announced the availability of Service Pack 2 (SP2) for the 2007 Microsoft Office system. The update includes major performance enhancements for Office applications, most notably Microsoft Office Outlook and Microsoft Office SharePoint Server. Another big benefit is SP2’s boost to interoperability. With this release, Office supports additional built-in file formats such as PDF and ODF. The service pack includes the latest updates to the 2007 Office suite and two types of fixes:

• Previously unreleased fixes that were made specifically for this service pack. You can find out more information in Knowledge Base Article 953195, where product-specific changes are described.
• All of the Public Updates, Security Updates, Cumulative Updates, and Hotfixes released through February 2009.

Download the 2007 Microsoft Office Suite Service Pack 2

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Mitch

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BizTalk Server 2009 delivers new capabilities to help customers more effectively integrate disparate systems, enhance end-to-end enterprise connectivity and more quickly exchange data across multiple platforms, resulting in increased efficiency and lower costs. Learn more:

·        Download 180-Day Trial

·        Introduction to Microsoft BizTalk Server 2009 (whitepaper)

·        Try the online virtual labs

·        New features in BizTalk Sever 2009

More to come,

Mitch

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Microsoft announced today that the Business Productivity Online Standard Suite, part of the Microsoft Online Services, is available to businesses in 19 countries worldwide. The suite, including Microsoft Exchange Online, Microsoft SharePoint Online, Microsoft Office Communications Online and Microsoft Office Live Meeting, is a set of messaging and collaboration solutions hosted by Microsoft which enable rapid deployment and reduce the need for infrastructure investments. Pricing starts from $15 per user per month.

Microsoft is offering a 25 percent discount on the Business Productivity Online Suite to customers who purchase it by the end of June 2009.

Download Datasheet: Word | XPS

More to come,

Mitch

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