TechNet Flash, Volume 15, Issue 8 - April 3, 2013
TechNet Flash editor's note from Matt Graven

Getting hands-on with new technology

Over the past few months, we’ve seen some significant changes in the IT landscape. Microsoft has released a variety of products and made a stronger commitment to the cloud. Many IT pros are busy getting up to speed with new technologies, deciding what solutions they want to implement, and planning these deployments. Fortunately there are plenty of opportunities to delve into these products and get hands-on experience to see how these new solutions can fit into your organization.

If you head over to Microsoft Virtual Academy, for instance, you’ll find numerous courses designed for IT professionals, including a new course on Windows Azure Virtual Machines, a look at Microsoft Tools for VMware Integration & Migration, and a course on Using the Virtual Desktop Infrastructure. If you’re concerned about managing mobile devices running Windows 8, you can join a hands-on lab to learn more about using AppLocker to make your Windows 8 systems more secure. And, of course, you can download trial versions of software and evaluate solutions like System Center 2012 SP1 and Windows Server 2012. 

There are also a host of online discussions, demos, and videos to fill you in on new features and strategies. The Office Garage series will be having a live discussion and Q&A on new Adoption Tips, Tricks, and Secrets for Microsoft Office. Meanwhile, the latest episode of Full of I.T. has Kevin Remde and Michael Niehaus discussing advance tools for deploying Windows 8 in different scenarios.

And let’s not forget the traditional, in-person events. TechEd 2013, which will take place in New Orleans in June, is quickly approaching. The Tech Ed 2013 catalog is now available so you can start planning which of the more than 400 sessions you want to attend. If data is your game and you’ll be near Chicago in April, you should check out the PASS Business Analytics Conference, where you can spend April 10 - 12 learning about Big Data, advanced analytics, data visualization, and more.

When you think you’ve mastered some of these technologies, you might want to consider being certified. In the latest episode of IT Time, Blain Barton and Ed Wilson (the Scripting Guy) discuss the importance of Microsoft certifications. To help keep you focused and on track as you work toward being certified, Microsoft has started the 90 Days to MCSA program. This 90-day program provides a roadmap, tools, and community support to help you achieve your MCSA goals.

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

Thanks,

Matt Graven