TechNet Flash, Volume 15, Issue 10 - May 1, 2013
TechNet Flash editor's note from Matt Graven

Taking time to learn

The IT landscape has changed – significantly. We’ve got new tools, new architectures, new best practices, new user expectations, and even new terminology. But with all this comes new opportunities. Opportunities to create more powerful and more reliable systems and services, and better ways to manage your infrastructure. You’ve got virtualized networks that can be quickly deployed, robust cloud-based applications that are readily available from nearly anywhere, and more-secure systems that make better use of the resources your organization has in place. With so many new concepts and technologies, you’ll need to set aside some quality time for learning. As busy as you might be, investing a little time now will save you a lot of time in the future.

This edition of TechNet Flash is loaded with materials for delving into some of these newer technologies. We’ve got a Jump Start from Microsoft Virtual Academy that explores some of the powerful things you can do when you use Windows Azure for your datacenter. An ongoing series of posts from Keith Mayer provides step-by-step guides to real-world ways to use VMs and virtual networks in your datacenter. The Edge Show discusses how you can Run SharePoint on Windows Azure while Brian Lewis has posted a series of tutorials for running WordPress on Windows Azure. Virtualization experts from Microsoft explore the latest approaches to desktop virtualization and there’s a new reference guide that can help you understand Microsoft IT’s own hybrid cloud strategy. Meanwhile, Trustworthy Computing takes a broader look at the implications cloud solutions have on the general guidelines for reliability in a three-part video series on the fundamentals of service reliability in the cloud.

But your learning doesn’t start and end in the cloud. There’s a hands-on lab to learn how you can use AppLocker in Windows 8 to control access for improved security. A new Work Smart guide offers the basics to get you started with Windows 8 Client Hyper-V. And a new virtual lab teaches you how to configure System Center 2012 SP1.

Once you’ve mastered some of these new technologies, you may want to get your certification – it’s always helpful when you can show you are a documented expert! If you are going to TechEd, be sure to check out the deals for getting your certification right at TechEd North America 2013.

Another way to keep up on the latest technologies, events, and news - subscribe to TechNet's Technology News feed for updates as they happen.

Thanks,

Matt Graven