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IT Manager Podcast
HomePrevious EpisodesHost BioWhat is a Podcast?

Barb
Cummings

Mark
Relph

Integrating 'Software-plus-Services' into your IT Environment

Date: June 2008
Listen:
Windows Media PlayerWindows Media Player| Download MP3Download MP3

'Software as a Service' (SaaS) continues to be one of the industry's hottest buzzwords. In fact, the growing popularity of SaaS is forcing IT managers and technology implementers to consider how this new software delivery model might affect their current IT infrastructures, since SaaS and on-premise software are not mutually exclusive.

This month, Ruth Morton, Mark Relph (Microsoft Canada) and Barb Cummings (Brodie Computers Inc.) are discussing the difference between 'Software as a Service' and Microsoft’s vision of 'Software-plus-Services,' as well as tips on how IT pros can choose the right mix of on-premise, hosted, and client software within an IT environment.

Additional Resources

Learn more about SaaS:

  • Read the 2008 Enterprise Software Customer Survey
  • Read Nicholas Carr’s thoughts about the new software landscape


Learn more about Microsoft’s vision for 'Software-plus-Services':

  • Software-plus-Services
  • Discover the power of CRM
  • Read up on ‘Software-plus-Services in the Microsoft World.’

Join the discussion

Ask a question, leave a comment, or read what others have to say about this month's episode in the IT Manager Blog.



Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in the podcasts do not necessarily reflect those of Microsoft.


Alex
Saltman

Derick
Wong

Rod
Kruetzfeld

Management and the Midmarket Myth

Date: May 2008
Listen:
Windows Media PlayerWindows Media Player| Download MP3Download MP3

Canadian midmarket companies are rapidly expanding their networks by adopting the latest mobile and collaboration technologies. However, a reactive management environment can make it more difficult to quickly deliver security and application upgrades and instead forces IT staff to spend their time putting out fires. So what is keeping midmarket companies from investing in tools that will help create a well-managed IT environment? This month, Rod Kruetzfeld (Compugen), Alex Saltman (Bonnett’s Energy), Derick Wong (Microsoft Canada) and our host, Ruth Morton (Microsoft Canada), discuss the three most common management myths, the benefits of adopting management technology, and how system management tools can help save time and deliver greater security across company networks.

Additional Resources

  • Find information on Microsoft System Center Essentials at www.microsoft.com/systemcenter/essentials
  • Find Microsoft System Center product information at www.microsoft.ca/systemcenter
  • Find general System Center information at www.systemcenterforum.org
  • Find information concerning common application deployment at www.appdeploy.com
  • Find general information concerning technology and management myths at www.myitforum.com

Join the discussion

Ask a question, leave a comment, or read what others have to say about this month's episode in the IT Manager Blog.


'Heroes Happen {Here}' Product Launch 2008

Date: April 2008
Listen:
Windows Media PlayerWindows Media PlayerDownload MP3Download MP3

On February 27, 2008, Microsoft launched Windows Server 2008, SQL Server 2008 and Visual Studio 2008 at the ‘Heroes Happen Here’ event in Toronto. The event gave attendees the opportunity to participate in Launch & Technical readiness events, workshops and Q&A sessions with development teams and software experts. Our podcast host, Ruth Morton recorded interviews with Microsoft Product Managers, key employees and Microsoft customers, who discussed everything from virtualization to security to reliability.

Watch videos from the 'Heroes Happen {Here}' Launch Event

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Move your mouse pointer over the images to see details about each video. Click an item to view. After launching a video, click “Full-screen button image” to view full-screen.

Related Resources

  • 'Heroes Happen {Here}' Post-Launch Site
  • See the Launch Offers
  • See the Launch Resources
  • Virtual Launch Event (recorded in Los Angeles)
  • BMO Case Study
  • Download the Windows Server 2008/SQL Server 2008/Visual Studio 2008 trials

Join the discussion

Ask a question, leave a comment, or read what others have to say about this month's episode in the IT Manager Blog.



Anthony
Brown

Mark
Lange

Nik
Garkusha

Supercharged: High Performance Computing and Digital Animation

Date: March 2008
Listen:
Windows Media PlayerWindows Media PlayerDownload MP3Download MP3

High performance computing solutions are making steady inroads into the mainstream. For example, Great Northern Way Campus needed technology that could deliver more computer power and streamline server management, and be integrated into the desktop or workstation environment so students in the Master’s of Digital Media Program could render state of the art animations. This month, Mark Lange (Great Northern Way Campus), Anthony Brown (Seven Group) and Nik Garkusha (Microsoft Canada) will join Ruth Morton to discuss the affordability of high performance computing technology and how one school’s Digital Media students are using this technology to fuel their creative work.

Related Resources

  • Microsoft Canada HPC
  • The Seven Group
  • Great Northern Way Campus’s Masters of Digital Media Program

Join the discussion

Ask a question, leave a comment, or read what others have to say about this month's episode in the IT Manager Blog.



Darin
Travis

Wilson
Chan

Rick
Claus

Help Reduce IT Costs and Improve Desktop Operations

Date: February 2008
Listen:
Windows Media PlayerWindows Media PlayerDownload MP3Download MP3

This month, Darin Travis (Microsoft Canada) and Wilson Chan (Durham District School Board) talk with special guest host Rick Claus, an IT Pro advisor with Microsoft Canada, about using MDOP to accelerate and simplify desktop deployments, and about creating a dynamic infrastructure by turning software into centrally managed services.

Deployment Links

  • Microsoft Canada Security Site
  • Site for Windows Vista Enterprise
  • Application Virtualization Team Blog

Join the discussion

Ask a question, leave a comment, or read what others have to say about this month's episode in the IT Manager Blog.



Rick Omar
Kazi

Bruce
Cowper

Taking the complexity out of IT security

Date: January 2008
Listen:
Windows Media PlayerWindows Media PlayerDownload MP3Download MP3

Businesses today are facing new hurdles when it comes to keeping their customers' personal and financial information secure. Managing a variety of technology tools can be time consuming and complex, so businesses are investing a significant portion of their IT budgets in software that can help them keep track of the security tools they have in place. Help is on the way. Ruth Morton, Rick Omar Kazi (Compugen) and Bruce Cowper (Microsoft Canada) discuss new Canadian IT security survey results and how innovations in the soon-to-be launched server technology from Microsoft will help make it easier for businesses to manage security.

Related Resources

  • Microsoft Canada Security Site
  • TechNet site for Windows Server 2008 (Technical)
  • Product site for Windows Server 2008
  • Blog for Windows Server 2008
  • Compugen Site
  • Product site for Microsoft Forefront
  • Forefront Trial Downloads
  • Forefront Customer Case Studies

Join the discussion

Ask a question, leave a comment, or read what others have to say about this month's episode in the IT Manager Blog.



Ed
Raffin

Paul
Barter

Ryan
Dochuk

Common pitfalls for managing business performance

Date: December 2007
Listen:
Windows Media PlayerWindows Media PlayerDownload MP3Download MP3

A survey of users attending a recent ComputerWorld BI Perspectives Conference indicated that many firms are still seeking ways to convince users to adopt Business Intelligence (BI) tools and processes ¾ tools designed to extract insight from large volumes of data in order to measure how a business is performing against certain strategic goals. Unfortunately, IT managers still face difficulties convincing users that BI tools are beneficial, and convincing corporate executives that this technology can offer a significant return on investment.

In order to help organizations strengthen BI adoption across their businesses, Ruth Morton, Ed Raffin (National Money Mart), Paul Barter (T4G) and Ryan Dochuk (Microsoft Canada) discuss common pitfalls of using BI for performance management and how National Money Mart is avoiding them and using BI for its planning department.

Related BI Resources

  • www.microsoft.ca/bi
  • www.microsoft.com/performancepoint
  • www.T4G.com

Join the discussion

Ask a question, leave a comment, or read what others have to say about this month's episode in the IT Manager Blog.



Vicki
Mains

Tony
Rybczynski

Erin
Elofson

The changing landscape of Unified Communications

Date: November 2007
Listen:
Windows Media PlayerWindows Media PlayerDownload MP3Download MP3

Unified Communications is changing the technology landscape and the roles of IT staff and telecommunications managers are beginning to overlap. As a result, many IT managers find themselves at a crossroads: How should IT Pros evolve their technology infrastructure? Should they be investing in the network or in the software? Ruth Morton talks with Vicki Mains (CNIB) Tony Rybczynski (Nortel) and Erin Elofson (Microsoft Canada) about the new role of the IT Pro and opportunities for software-powered telecom solutions.

Related Resources

Case Studies:

  • OACCAC
  • CNIB


Videos:

  • OACCAC
  • CNIB


Websites:

Find all the Unified Communications you need, including articles, white papers, downloads and trials, at http://www.microsoft.ca/uc

Join the discussion

Ask a question, leave a comment, or read what others have to say about this month's episode in the IT Manager Blog.


Rob Geller
Rob Geller
Warren Shiau
Warren Shiau

Deployment of Windows Vista Made Easy

Date: October 2007
Listen:
Windows Media PlayerWindows Media PlayerDownload MP3Download MP3

 

Today, Canadian organizations look to their IT managers to provide them with the technology tools that make finding information easier, improve security and simplify how people work together, all while reducing the cost of computing. In order to help achieve these goals, more and more businesses are adopting Windows Vista. Ruth Morton talks with Rob Geller, Windows Client Product Manager (Microsoft Canada), and Warren Shiau, Senior Associate (The Strategic Council), about common deployment myths of Windows Vista, various available tools and the best practices to ensure smooth deployment.

Related Resources

  • Driving Deployment Briefing Series - Interested in learning about the technologies and best practices for a successful migration to Windows Vista and the 2007 Microsoft Office system? Attend a free Microsoft Desktop Deployment Briefing session.

Deployment Resources

  • Microsoft Canada Technet Desktop Deployment Web site
  • The Business Case for Windows Vista: Five Reasons to Deploy Now
  • Learn how the Optimized Desktop can help reduce costs and improve organizational agility

Tools

  • Deploy systems faster with the BDD 2007 Solution Accelerator - BDD 2007 is a comprehensive set of guidance tools from Microsoft to best deploy Windows Vista and the 2007 Office system. Watch a business Desktop Deployment overview video (requires a Flash plug-in)
  • Application Compatibility Toolkit - Find out whether your existing applications will be compatible with your new Windows operating system.
  • Windows Vista Hardware Assessment 2. 1 (WVHA) - This assessment and reporting tool will determine if computers on your network are ready to run Windows Vista and/or the 2007 Microsoft Office system.

Guidance Resources

  • Technet Magazine: 10 things you need to know about deploying Windows Vista - From more flexible image handling to a new boot loader, Windows Vista can make your next deployment easier than ever.
  • Desktop Deployment Planning Services - Your organization may already be eligible to receive a free Microsoft services partner-led deployment assessment. This service provides the complete fundamental analysis you need to execute a comprehensive desktop deployment.

    Find out how to activate DDPS and other similar SA Benefits at http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=7790695

    The User Community Group page is located at http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=7790694

    Find the CIPS resources at www.cips.ca

Join the discussion

Join the discussion

Ask a question, leave a comment, or read what others have to say about this month's episode in the IT Manager Blog.

 


Virtualization Technology: Cost-effective Data Recovery and Remote Access

Date: September 2007
Listen:
Windows Media PlayerWindows Media PlayerDownload MP3Download MP3

Bruce Cowper
Bruce
Cowper

Dale Hall
Dale Hall

Bob Roudebush
Bob
Roudebush

Melvin Goodyear
Melvin
Goodyear
 

Many organizations rely on tape backup and manual processes as the main components of their disaster recovery plans. These offer good protection – but can only restore data to the point of the last backup. Unlike tape backup and manual processes, virtualization solutions can continuously capture server activity and replicate data in one or more target servers at local or off-site recovery locations. In this episode, Ruth Morton talks to Bruce Cowper and Dale Hall (Microsoft Canada), Bob Roudebush (Double-Take Software), and Melvin Goodyear (Newfoundland Power), about how virtualization can be used for advanced disaster recovery, business continuity planning, and managing remote offices.

Related Resources

  • Microsoft Virtualization page
  • Microsoft Virtual Server 2005 R2
  • Virtualization Resources

Case Studies

  • Microsoft Case Studies: Newfoundland Power
  • Microsoft Case Studies: City of Stratford

Join the discussion

Ask a question, leave a comment, or read what others have to say about this month's episode in the IT Manager Blog.

 

Danny Riddell
Danny Riddell
Paul Laberge
Paul Laberge

User Experience: Building the Next Generation of Software

Date: August 2007
Listen:
Windows Media PlayerWindows Media PlayerDownload MP3Download MP3

 

Exposed to an increasing variety of software and online services, end users have come to expect much more than functionality from software. In response, developers and software companies are focusing more attention on user experience in the application development lifecycle. Ruth Morton talks to Danny Riddell, Executive Vice President, Creative, at San Francisco-based design firm Metaliq Inc., and Paul Laberge, a partner development evangelist with Microsoft Canada, about the designer’s role in helping to create the next generation of compelling and engaging software applications.

Related Resources

  • Microsoft Expression Studio – Designer Tools for Better End-User Experiences
  • Microsoft Design Centre
  • MSDN Canada

Join the discussion

Ask a question, leave a comment, or read what others have to say about this month's episode in the IT Manager Blog.

 


Glenn
Bontje

Nik
Garkusha

High Performance Computing

Date: July 2007
Listen:
Windows Media PlayerWindows Media PlayerDownload MP3Download MP3

Until recently, High Performance Computing was associated solely with enormous supercomputers that filled entire rooms and that only government agencies and elite research organizations could afford. But thanks to rapid advances in HPC cluster technology, HPC is no longer just for academic research and government applications. This month Ruth Morton (Senior Technology Advisor, Microsoft Canada) discusses commercial uses of HPC technology with Glenn Bontje (Business Development Manager for High Performance Computing, HP Canada) and Nik Garkusha (Platform Strategy Manager, Microsoft Canada).

Related Resources

  • Windows Compute Cluster Server 2003 Resource Page


Commercial Applications of HPC Technology

  • Financial Services
  • Manufacturing
  • Oil & Gas
  • Science, Education, Research

Join the discussion

Ask a question, leave a comment, or read what others have to say about this month's episode in the IT Manager Blog.

 


Brian
Bourne

Bruce
Cowper

Rob
Labbé

Defense in Depth

Date: June 2007
Listen:
Windows Media PlayerWindows Media PlayerDownload MP3Download MP3

IT security is a top priority for Canadian businesses, yet still we hear frequent reports of significant security breaches. In the second Podcast episode on IT security a panel of experts including Bruce Cowper (Microsoft Canada), Rob Labbé (Application Consulting and Engineering, Microsoft Canada) and Brian Bourne (CMS Consulting) discuss the top reasons security policies fail, and how Defense in Depth security planning can help avoid IT security pitfalls. Discussion topics include application layer security, “defense in depth” security planning and incident response planning.

Related Resources

  • The Microsoft Canada IT Security Centre
  • Application Threat Modeling page
  • The Microsoft Threat Analysis Tool
  • Microsoft Security Newsletter
  • Antivirus Defense in Depth Guide
  • Microsoft Security Assessment Tool

Join the discussion

Ask a question, leave a comment, or read what others have to say about this month's episode in the IT Manager Blog.




Warren
Shiau


Jeffrey
Neven


John
Krikke

IT Reliability: Are We There Yet?

Date: May 2007
Listen:
Windows Media PlayerWindows Media PlayerDownload MP3Download MP3

Canadian businesses rely on their IT departments to keep employees, customers and partners connected. The demand for reliability has never been higher; anything less than 100% uptime can not only be frustrating for users but costly as well. In this episode Warren Shiau, analyst with the Strategic Counsel, discusses the evolution of IT reliability over the past decade. He is joined by Jeffrey Neven (Homestead Christian Care) and John Krikke (Krikke Computer Services), who discuss how the creation of a more reliable IT environment helped Homestead Christian Care lower its technology costs.

Related Resources

Case Study: 

Homestead Christian Care Case Study
Additional reliability case studies at microsoft.com featuring the London Stock Exchange, Barnes & Noble and more

Websites:

Get the Facts on Windows and Linux
Krikke Computer Services


Join the discussion

Ask a question, leave a comment, or read what others have to say about this month's episode in the IT Manager Blog.

 


Derick
Wong

Jeff
Kent

IT System Management – The Road to Unified Network Management

Date: April 2007
Listen:
Windows Media PlayerWindows Media PlayerDownload MP3Download MP3

The immense quantity and variety of servers, hardware, e-mail systems, databases and mobile devices that comprise today’s corporate networks can make network management a challenging proposition. In this episode Derick Wong from Microsoft Canada and Jeff Kent from Cineplex Entertainment will discuss the evolution of network management and how Cineplex Entertainment overcame some of their IT challenges by centralizing their network management environment.

Related Resources

Case Study: 

The Curtain Rises on a New IT Infrastructure for Major Theatre Operator (Cineplex Entertainment)

White Paper: 

Infrastructure Optimization at Microsoft – Technical Solution Brief

Websites: 

Microsoft System Center

 

System Center Operations Manager 2007

 

Microsoft Systems Management Server

 

Microsoft Forefront Security Products

 

Join the discussion

Ask a question, leave a comment, or read what others have to say about this month's episode in the IT Manager Blog.

 


Stephen
Ibaraki

Bruce
Cowper

The Security Environment in 2007: Staying One Step Ahead

Date: March 2007
Listen:
Windows Media PlayerWindows Media PlayerDownload MP3 Download MP3

Security threats are constantly changing and evolving. As we get better at protection, the hackers, virus makers and other malicious individuals are continually exploring new ways to get through our defenses. In this episode Stephen Ibaraki, National Vice-President of the Canadian Information Processing Society and Bruce Cowper, Security Lead at Microsoft Canada Co. discuss the top security trends/threats that IT professionals need to anticipate in 2007 – and tips on how to develop strategies to help meet them.

Related Resources

Case Study:

Vancouver City Savings Credit Union (Vancity)

Download:

Deloitte & Touche global security survey (PDF)

Websites:

Microsoft Canada IT Security Centre

 

Toronto Area Security Klatch

 

Microsoft Security Newsletter

 

Canadian Information Processing Society (CIPS)

 

Join the discussion

Ask a question, leave a comment, or read what others have to say about this month's episode in the IT Manager Blog.

 


Bill
Buxton


Bryan
Rushe


Evan
Zaleschuk

The New World of Work: Will unified communications change the way Canadians work?

Date: February 2007
Listen:
Windows Media PlayerWindows Media PlayerDownload MP3Download MP3

With the explosion of e-mail, instant messaging, and mobile phone technology, the way Canadians work has changed dramatically. Businesses now have to deal with information overload and underload – the inability to access the right information when it is needed. Featuring Bill Buxton (Microsoft Research), Bryan Rusche (Microsoft Canada Co.) and Evan Zaleschuk (Director, MTS Allstream Collaboration Suite, MTS Allstream), who will discuss how the convergence of communications contributes to the evolution of Canadians’ work styles.

Related Resources

Case Study:

Allstream breaks new communications ground with Microsoft Real Time Collaboration

Website:

Microsoft Unified Communications (information and demos)

White Papers:

An Overview of Microsoft Exchange Server 2007

 

Exchange Server 2007 Unified Messaging

 

Join the discussion

Ask a question, leave a comment, or read what others have to say about this month's episode in the IT Manager Blog.


 


Rodney
Buike


Greg
Mathieu

Virtualization: The Road Towards Dynamic IT Systems

Date: January 2007
Listen:
Play in Windows Media PlayerPlay in Windows Media PlayerDownload MP3Download MP3

From simplifying disaster and recovery planning to server consolidation, virtual technologies are emerging as one of the most effective ways for customers to make their IT operations more dynamic. Featuring Rodney Buike (Microsoft Canada Co.) and Greg Mathieu (Business Information Group) who discuss the role virtualization can play in making IT systems more dynamic and outline the top four virtualization scenarios and how they can help you manage existing business resources. Find out how Business Information Group used virtual server technology for server consolidation and disaster recovery, helping to save the company $30,000.

Related Resources

Download:

Microsoft Virtual Server 2005 R2

Case Study:

Business Information Group

Website:

Run IT on a Virtual Hard Disk

 

Business Information Group

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