TechNet Flash - Volume 15, Issue 20: September 4, 2013

Gartner has recognized Microsoft as a visionary in the market for its completeness of vision and ability to execute according to its 2013 Magic Quadrant report for Cloud Infrastructure as a Service. Try Windows Azure one month for free.

Test improved failover clustering with Windows Server 2012 R2 Preview

You can now share a virtual hard disk file (a .vhdx file) among multiple virtual machines for simplified guest clustering storage access. Download the Windows Server 2012 R2 Preview trial to test the innovative abstraction technology available in Windows Server 2012 R2.

Security white paper: Software Vulnerability Exploitation Trends

The Software Vulnerability Exploitation Trends white paper analyzes software vulnerabilities addressed through Microsoft security updates and provides recommendations that can help to minimize the risk of attack. Find out moreabout this new white paper from Microsoft Trustworthy Computing.

Preview the new single sign-on capabilities in Windows Azure Active Directory

If single sign-on is important to you, application access enhancements for Windows Azure Active Directory can help you enable it for all the popular SaaS apps you need and provide access to them from a personalized page.

Find a user group event in your area

Looking for a free event on Microsoft technologies in your area? User groups organize hundreds of meetings on all topics around Microsoft Technologies every year – and most of them are free! Windows Azure in Ft. Lauderdale. SQL in Portland. SharePoint in Zurich. Check out the events calendar of Microsoft Technical Communities to find an event close to you.

Live MVA Jump Start on September 13: Querying Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Databases

If you’re already familiar with database fundamentals and you’ve worked with SQL Server, this Jump Start will help you take your skills to the next level. Learn about data manipulation and how to alter tables with demos presented by the experts: Brian Alderman (CEO and Founder of MicroTechPoint) and Tobias Ternstrom (Microsoft Program Manager in the SQL Server division). This Jump Start will also help prepare you for Microsoft Certification Exam 70-461. Register now.

New tool: Compare your TCO running a Microsoft datacenter solution vs. VMWare

The Microsoft Datacenter TCO Analysis Tool compares the total cost of ownership (TCO) of running a Microsoft datacenter solution based on Windows Server 2012, System Center 2012, and Windows Azure to a VMware solution that consists of the vCloud Suite and the vCloud Hybrid Service. This online tool analyzes information about your environment and delivers a customized report detailing the savings you will gain by switching to a Microsoft solution.

New Edge Show: Auto scaling virtual machines, web sites, and cloud services with Windows Azure

Learn the inside scoop on Windows Azure auto scale in this video interview with Microsoft’s Senior Program Manager Stephen Siciliano. We dive into the how and why behind auto scaling Windows Azure virtual machines, web sites, and cloud services, and offer up demos to demonstrate Windows Azure auto scale solutions. Try Windows Azure one month for free.

TechNet Radio: Transform your datacenter with Windows Server 2012 R2

Kevin Remde and Brad Anderson continue their "What's New in 2012 R2" series as they discuss Microsoft’s cloud OS vision and the next wave of Windows Server and System Center products. In this installment, they look at transforming your business’s datacenter with a hybrid cloud IT environment.

Download the Microsoft Security Intelligence Report Application for Windows

Designed for Windows 7 and Windows 8, this new tool provides readers with access to the vast amount of data contained in the Microsoft Security Intelligence Report. It includes all 800+ pages of content from Volume 14 and is fully searchable. Find out more.

Training and Books

Free ebook: Introducing Windows Server 2012 R2 Preview Release

Get a head-start evaluating Windows Server 2012 R2 with technical insights from Microsoft MVP Mitch Tulloch and members of the Windows Server product team. Based on the Windows Server 2012 R2 Preview release, this guide introduces new features and capabilities with scenario-based advice on how the platform can meet the needs of your business. Get the high-level overview you need to begin preparing your deployment now. Download the free ebook or order a hard copy.

Second Shot is back: Get two chances to pass your Microsoft Certification exams

Today, most jobs require some degree of technical training. If you’re looking to improve your marketability and gain a distinctive edge in today’s workplace, Microsoft Certification is a great place to start. Achieving a Microsoft Certification isn’t easy, so we’re offering some help. For a limited time, we’re bringing back the popular Second Shot vouchers – giving you a free extra chance to pass your exams.

New Windows 8 courses from Microsoft Virtual Academy

Microsoft Virtual Academy recently released three new courses on Windows 8 – Enhanced Data Encryption, Startup & Resource Consumption, and SysInternals Tools. All three courses are led by Microsoft Premier Field Engineers and all three are free. Find the latest Windows 8 training on the MVA Windows Client page.

Events

Live MVA Jump Start on September 13: Querying Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Databases

Find a user group event in your area

Looking for a free event on Microsoft technologies in your area? User groups organize hundreds of meetings on all topics around Microsoft Technologies every year—and most of them are free! Windows Azure in Ft. Lauderdale. SQL in Portland. SharePoint in Zurich. Check out the events calendar of Microsoft Technical Communities to find an event close to you.

TechNet Flash - Volume 15, Issue 20: September 4, 2013

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