TechNet Flash - Volume 15, Issue 26: November 13, 2013

Symon Perriman, Microsoft Technical Evangelist, and Principal PM Manager Michael Kelley discuss the new capabilities available for Linux integration with System Center 2012 R2. See how you can manage different Linux distributions with Virtual Machine Manager, Operations Manager, Orchestrator, and more. Download the System Center 2012 R2 Evaluation to try this out yourself.

Bringing together Microsoft’s Cloud OS and Cisco’s Application-Centric Infrastructure

Microsoft executive VP Satya Nadella details the expanded partnership with Cisco to deliver new integrated solutions that drive infrastructure automation in support of core business processes and applications.

What cloud experience has taught Microsoft about software-defined networking

Microsoft corporate VP Brad Anderson explains the key set of beliefs that form the company’s cloud strategy, and examines innovations in software-defined networking that go beyond network virtualization to leverage existing infrastructure investments and enable hybrid cloud scenarios.

Witness VMware migration… like you’ve never seen!

This video (which, against all odds, is really funny), demonstrates how the Migration Automation Toolkit (MAT) can help you reduce the time it takes to migrate from VMware to Hyper-V from days to just about 5 minutes. Check out the video for a fun look at this collection of PowerShell cmdlets that are found in NetApp’s Data ONTAP PowerShell Toolkit version 3.0, and then learn more about MAT.

If you use – and love – SQL Server, but are starting to hit some of the scale and performance limits, it’s time you learned more about the SQL Server solution built specifically for big data and data intensive workloads. New resources include:

A new website introducing SQL Server Parallel Data Warehouse

A new white paper outlining some of the benefits you can expect to see when moving from an SMP-based data warehouse to SQL PDW

A new white paper explaining the migration process from your current SQL data warehouse to SQL PDW

Building your hybrid cloud: Networking enhancements in Windows Server 2012 R2

In the latest installment of their “Building a Hybrid Cloud” series, Keith Mayer and Matt Hester demonstrate the new networking enhancements available in Windows Server 2012 R2.

Start your dream career in technology now

There is a shortage of skilled technology workers in everything from infrastructure and app development to data management. This creates a lucrative opportunity for students and career-changers who are ready to gain the necessary skills. Microsoft has free training and resources to help you get started. Visit us today.

How to automate your organization’s IT service management with System Center

System Center Service Manager provides built-in processes for incident and problem resolution, change control, and asset lifecycle management. This free course from MVA will teach you more about Service Manager, SLA insights and analysis, standardized service delivery, and more.

Garage Series: Manage iOS, Android, and Windows devices with identity-based access and Office 365

The Garage Series takes on Office 365-based user access and device management. Jeremy Chapman catches up with long-time Exchange ActiveSync (EAS) engineer Greg Baribault to discuss the evolution of EAS, allow/block/quarantine, and OWA for Devices. You’ll also see EAS controls in action with device wipe versus selective wipe, and get an early peek at the upcoming Office 365 Admin app.

Enter the Cloud OS Challenge – your chance to win a Surface Pro

Enter the IT Pro Cloud OS Challenge Sweepstakes for a chance to win great prizes, including a Surface Pro. Just complete three easy tasks to download and build your private cloud foundation with Hyper-V Server 2012 R2. Read the blog for more information and download the Hyper-V Server 2012 R2 evaluation.

New enhancements for Windows Azure

Microsoft has released another set of enhancements for Windows Azure. The latest round of updates includes the preview of Windows Azure Import/Export Service for storage, general availability of Microsoft’s Hadoop service in the cloud, HDInsights, and a number of web and mobile solutions that provide a richer set of capabilities for developers to create and manage applications. For more details, visit the Windows Azure blog.

Windows Azure IT Camp is now available on demand

Who said you can’t have the best of both worlds? Learn how to use Windows Azure to extend an on-premises network while also embracing the power and scale of the cloud. We’ll help you solve some of your most pressing IT issues at this free, online IT Camp available on demand.

Now available: Microsoft Security Intelligence Report Volume 15

This report highlights the threat landscape from the first half of 2013 with statistics that show Windows XP is 6 times more likely to be infected with malware than Windows 8. There are steps customers can take to mitigate known risks. Read the report.

Join the conversation: Windows Server 2012 R2

Have a question about Windows Server 2012 R2?Post it on Facebook or Twitter and then watch TechNet Radio to see if your question is discussed. If your question is used, you might win some Channel 9 swag.

Training and Books

How to automate your organization’s IT service management with System Center

Upgrade your MCSE: Get one free exam and two chances to pass exams.

Certification is a great way to show you have skills and expertise with today’s current technologies. If you are planning to upgrade your MCSA: Windows Server 2008 certification, now is the perfect time to upgrade to an MCSE: Server Infrastructure, MCSE: Desktop Infrastructure, or MCSE: Private Cloud certification. Request your certification pack and you’ll get one exam free with purchase of two – plus free retakes if you don’t pass your exams on the first try. Register today.

Now available on demand: Windows Azure IT Camp

System Center 2012 R2: Automation and self-service in the datacenter

This free course from MVA looks into the primary components of Service Manager and Orchestrator and the capabilities that are used to build out the infrastructure within the environment.

Get credit for your MVA training with Degreed

We’re excited to announce that Microsoft Virtual Academy (MVA) has teamed up with Degreed to recognize completed MVA courses along with your formal education. Now when you go to the Courses Completed tab on your MVA Dashboard, you’ll find a link to Degreed where you can track and showcase your academic and lifelong learning experiences, including MVA courses. Read more about MVA and Degreed.

Events

What’s New in Windows 8.1 for IT Professionals: Free MVA Jump Start

Is your organization still using Windows XP or Windows 7? Learn how a Windows 8.1 environment can improve productivity with new possibilities for mobile users, improved security, and easier ways to manage your infrastructure. Join author Ed Bott and members of the Microsoft Windows team for this live event on November 14. Register now.

Enter the Cloud OS Challenge – Your chance to win a Surface Pro

TechNet Flash - Volume 15, Issue 26: November 13, 2013

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