TechNet Flash - Volume 17, Issue 9: April 30, 2015

Top News Worldwide

Forrester paper: Leveraging infrastructure as code for faster application delivery

Free training: Azure security for IT professionals (June 2–3, 2015)

Live from Chicago: Tune in to the live stream and experience Microsoft Ignite (May 4–8, 2015)

Free eBook – Microsoft Azure Essentials: Azure Machine Learning

Top Downloads

SQL Server 2014

Windows Server 2012 R2

System Center 2012 R2 Configuration Manager

Windows Server 2012 R2 Essentials

Microsoft Azure one-month trial

Windows 8.1 Enterprise

System Center 2012 R2

Hyper-V Server 2012 R2

Microsoft Intune 30-day trial

Windows Azure Pack

Get Microsoft products and services alerts

Q&A: Top questions and answers from the Microsoft Intune Jump Start event

Another enterprise mobility core skills session is on the books, along with a host of insightful questions from the IT community. Check out this round-up of the best questions and answers from the event.

A new way to architect: Explore microservices in Docker and Microsoft Azure (May 5, 2015)

Discover a different way to architect so you can update your site in milliseconds. Get practical guidance and real-life examples to understand why microservices are critical to DevOps and continuous delivery. Register today.

Can’t attend Microsoft Ignite in person? Get details for watching the live stream.

You don’t have to miss the Microsoft Ignite conference. Keynotes, popular sessions, and in-depth interviews will be available online in real time. Check out the blog for full details.

Top 10 datacenter platform sessions at Microsoft Ignite

Check out Matt McSpirit’s list of Ignite sessions you should not miss. Find out what’s going on with virtualization, storage, security, service delivery, and more in the datacenter.

Get the free MAP Toolkit: Prepare for your Windows Server 2003 and SQL Server 2005 migration

Support for Windows Server 2003 ends in July. If you're still running Windows Server 2003, it's time to plan your migration. Download the free Microsoft Assessment and Planning Toolkit to get started today.

Data in the cloud: A look at how customers are using Microsoft Azure

Dan Stolts and Shawn Bice, Director of Program Management at Microsoft, kick off the new Data in the Cloud series with a close look at how customers are using Microsoft Azure to address their data needs.

Data in the cloud: Understanding architecture and data management in Microsoft Azure

On this episode of the Data in the Cloud series, technical evangelist Dan Stolts and guest Scott Klein discuss architecture and data management in Microsoft Azure.

Live webinar: Office 365 and Enterprise Mobility Suite (May 12, 2015)

Discover how Office 365 and EMS can work together to provide a secure and productive environment for your workforce. Learn how some of the basic functionality of Office 365 is enhanced when paired with the capabilities of EMS to enable new productivity models. Register now and check out the entire series.

Free on-demand webinar: Prepare for the server evolution that will power tomorrow’s business

Is your business ready to evolve? Register for this Microsoft webinar featuring Gartner, and take the first step in preparing to migrate your environment from Windows Server 2003.

Outlook 2016: New support for Groups and OAuth enable multi-factor authentication scenarios

Watch this end-to-end tour for a preview of the new Outlook mail and calendar experiences across the Windows desktop and Windows 10, iOS, and Android devices.

Navigating the hybrid cloud

Check out the brand new TechNet hybrid cloud page for resources, training sessions, tools, and more, gathered in one place to help you make sense of the hybrid cloud and plan your hybrid environment.

Office 365: Learn how to enable built-in mobile device management

Stop worrying about all those devices connecting to your environment. Simon May walks you through the process of setting up Office 365 mobile device management and explains how it works with Microsoft Intune.

Gear up your “cloudy” skills: Top 10 Azure sessions at Microsoft Ignite

Rick Claus put together a list of the 10 Azure sessions you shouldn’t miss. Add some hybrid cloud skills to your IT toolbox and transition from an on-premises server hugger to a hybrid cloud aficionado.

Download the app: New content added to the Microsoft Press Guided Tours app

Microsoft Press authors provide insightful tours of new and evolving Microsoft technologies. The app now includes guided tours for building cloud apps with Microsoft Azure, programming Windows Store apps, and using Microsoft Azure HDInsight. Download the app now.

SQL Server end of support: Plan your SQL Server upgrade and stay in control

SQL Server 2005 support will end in less than a year. Get this research report that details your options for a smooth transition and start preparing your upgrade plan today.

Windows Azure Pack: Find out what it is and how to use it in your environment

Get an overview of the Windows Azure Pack and watch demonstrations of the installation and configuration process. Learn about the Service Provider Foundation (SPF) and how to set up a functional Windows Azure Pack environment.

Know it, Prove it: Take the KiPi technology challenge

Are you revved up for Microsoft Ignite? Get ready by taking the new “Know it, Prove it” challenge. Can't make it to Microsoft Ignite? Take the challenge and get training on topics that will be covered at the conference.

Training and Books

On demand: Taming Android and iOS with Enterprise Mobility Suite

Take a high-level look at new capabilities that make recovery, security, and identity management easier and more flexible. Explore MDM policies, work with SCCM and Microsoft Intune, and get tons of practical insights. Watch here.

Monthly EMS training: Enterprise Mobility Core Skills Series

Get deep-dive training with product engineers and master enterprise mobility management before Windows 10 arrives. You'll gain hands-on experience, as each session finishes with a virtual lab to help you build core skills. Register now.

On-demand training: PowerShell Desired State Configuration

Master the basics of PowerShell Desired State Configuration and find out how you can control deployment, maintenance, and configuration of your traditional datacenter and a hybrid environment. Then go deeper with Advanced PowerShell Desired State Configuration (DSC) and Custom Resources.

Events

Microsoft MVP Virtual Conference: The Power of Community

May 14–15, 2015
Register for this free, two-day conference to learn the latest technology trends and hear about IT pro, developer, and consumer topics. Register now and join the conversation on Twitter with #MVPvConf and @MVPAward.

Big Data Hackathon in New York City

May 9–10, 2015
Calling all data scientists, developers, and data architects. Register for a weekend of fun and hacking hosted by Microsoft in New York City. Assemble a team, learn, share, and make friends as you solve real-world problems. This event is open to all tech professionals interested in big data, BI, and data visualization.