TechNet Flash - Volume 14, Issue 17: August 8, 2012
Top Stories
Join Us for the Launch of Windows Server 2012
September 4, 2012 – Windows Server has reached its release-to-manufacturing (RTM) milestone. Save the date and join us for an online launch event where our executives, engineers, customers, and partners will share more about how Windows Server 2012 can help organizations of all sizes realize the benefits of the cloud OS.
"Be the Next Microsoft Employee" Reality Show Debuts
Don't miss a minute of the action, as our contestants compete in challenges that test their SQL Server smarts and their communication, leadership, and teamwork skills. Hear their stories, plus commentary from the judges, and weigh in on your favorites.
Download Windows Server 2012 Beta Essentials
Windows Server 2012 Beta Essentials (formerly Windows Small Business Server Essentials) is a flexible, affordable, and easy-to-use server solution designed and priced for small businesses with up to 25 users and 50 devices that helps them reduce costs and be more productive. Be sure to check out the Windows Server 2012 Essentials TechCenter.
Your Featured Content
Download Microsoft Deployment Toolkit 2012 Update 1 Beta 1
This release expands deployment capabilities with support for the latest software releases, including Windows 8 Release Preview, Windows Server 2012 Release Candidate, and System Center 2012 Configuration Manager SP1 Community Technology Preview. Support for PowerShell 3.0 is included to ease the process of running PowerShell scripts inside task sequences on Windows 8, Windows Server 2012, and Windows PE 4.0.
How CIOs Can Benefit from Cloud Computing (Part 2)
In part 2 of our CIO and cloud computing series, Otto Pijpker, Microsoft IT Marketing and Communications Director, and Microsoft CIO Tony Scott, discuss budgeting, IT talent, data access, and operations when moving to the cloud.
Assess Windows Server 2012 Readiness with MAP 7.0
Microsoft Assessment and Planning (MAP) Toolkit 7.0 includes detailed and actionable recommendations indicating which machines meet Windows Server 2012 system requirements and which may require hardware updates. A comprehensive inventory of servers, operating systems, workloads, devices, and server roles is included to help in planning efforts.
Video: How MSIT Deployed Windows 8 Consumer Preview
In this video, our subject matter experts discuss the steps that Microsoft IT took to provide a seamless user experience and highlight the deployment methods - WDS & USMT, MDT, Internet Explorer, Windows to Go, and Windows assessment. In addition, they cover IT Easy Installer, BitLocker helpdesk, enterprise scenarios and experiences, application compatibility and development, imaging, vision, replication, Azure deployment, and GPO recommendations.
Windows Server 2012 Installation Options
New and flexible ways to make changes to a Windows Server 2012 installation after the fact are available. IT pros can now convert a server from and to Server Core, and change the availability of server components that are previously committed at installation time.
New and Improved Private Cloud Fast Track
Learn how to build a private cloud infrastructure, the hardware and software requirements, and how to put the whole thing together.
Learn How to Build a Windows 8 App in 30 Days
Begin a journey to make your Windows 8 app idea come to life in 30 days. Receive daily tips and expert help.
Secure Cloud Deployment with New SCM 2.5 Baselines
Microsoft Security Compliance Manager (SCM) 2.5 is now available for download. Windows Server baselines include a Hyper-V baseline that addresses secure cloud deployment. SCM 2.5 provides ready-to-deploy policies and DCM configuration packs that are tested and fully supported.
Latest Version of MSRC Progress Report Released
This report, from the Microsoft Security Response Center (MSRC) on the progress of various initiatives, shares information to foster deeper industry collaboration, increase community-based defenses, and better protect customers.