TechNet Flash - Volume 13, Issue 16 - July 27, 2011

Top Stories


Windows Server 8 Sneak Preview

We are excited to give you a sneak peek at the next step in private cloud computing by showing you just two of hundreds of new capabilities coming in the next version of Windows Server, internally code-named "Windows Server 8." Go to the 36:50 mark of this video for the demo.


Follow Volkswagen's Lync 2010 Test Drive


BUILD the Future of Windows... BUILD Happens 9•13-16

Build will show how Windows 8 changes everything. Hear how the UI was designed to work seamlessly with a diversity of devices and form factors. Go behind the scenes and learn all about the new app model.

SQL Server Migration Assistant (SSMA) v.5.1 Now Available
Microsoft announced the release of SQL Server Migration Assistant (SSMA) v.5.1, a family of products to automate database migration to all editions of SQL Server, including SQL Server Express and SQL Azure, and SQL Server "Denali."

Download the Deploying and Managing Windows Azure Applications Evaluation
In this evaluation, users will follow a step-by-step guide to deploy a sample application to Windows Azure and then use System Center Operations Manager to monitor and manage that application.

How to Build and Manage a Business Database Application on SQL Azure
An alternative to the on-premises database is SQL Azure, which delivers the power of SQL Server without the on-premises costs and requirements. Learn the benefits of using SQL Azure as an alternative to Access or SQL Express and how to get started with the cloud solution.

Video: When Is a Hybrid Cloud Solution a Good Choice?
This video describes some common scenarios where a hybrid solution, including both cloud elements and on-premises elements, can be a good solution.

New Virtual Lab: Internet Explorer 9 Deployment
After completing this lab, you will be better able to add Internet Explorer 9 packages to a Windows 7 image using Deployment Image Service and Management Tool (DISM), use Windows System Image Manager to create an answer file for unattended setup, deploy a custom image, create an Internet Explorer 9 package using Internet Explorer Administration Kit (IEAK), and install IEAK package on a target computer.

Configure Excel and Excel Services by Using SQL Server Analysis Services on SharePoint Server 2010
By using Excel 2010 and PowerPivot for Excel, the IW can connect to and import data from multiple back-end sources such as SQL Server 2008 R2, SQL Server Analysis Services, and SQL Server Reporting Services.

New Cloud News and Features Page on TechNet
Visit our new Cloud News and Features page to stay abreast of Microsoft cloud technology, take advantage of published scenarios, and update your cloud skills.

Monitor SharePoint Server by Using Visio Services and System Center Operations Manager
This scenario describes how to use a Visio 2010 add-in to create a data-connected web drawing that monitors the status of your Microsoft SharePoint Server 2010 farm, publish it to a document library on the farm, and render it by using Visio Services in SharePoint Server 2010.

VHD Evaluation Download: Deploying and Managing Windows Azure Applications
The Windows Azure Application Monitoring Management Pack enables IT pros to use System Center Operations Manager to manage applications on Windows Azure. In this evaluation, users will follow a step-by-step guide to deploy a sample application to Windows Azure and then use System Center Operations Manager to monitor and manage that application.

Microsoft Assessment and Planning Toolkit 6.0 Released
Identify workloads and estimate the infrastructure size and resources needed for both Windows Azure and Hyper-V Cloud Fast Track. Also, new to MAP 6.0 is an Office 365 client assessment, enhanced VMware inventory, and Oracle schema discovery and reporting.

Less Than 1,000 Days Left of Extended Support for Windows XP
To avoid the risks and cost burdens of managing an unsupported operating system, companies should consider retiring XP now. With Windows 7, the fastest-deployed OS in history, organizations can benefit from a modern Windows experience that delivers better security, increased productivity, and lower costs.