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From the Editor
Hi,
As we edge closer to bringing the final part of the Longhorn wave of software to market with the availability of the Windows Server 2008 RC0 I wanted to dedicate this newsletter to that wave of software innovation. Don't miss the great article below written by one of our MCS consultants on a Vista deployment with a company in Ireland. The project leveraged the BDD (Business Desktop Deployment) solution, covered 32 and 64 bit architectures, with five languages - all with just two images!
Working together with the global launch team. TechNet Ireland has launched the Face of Windows Server 2008 Ireland. It's quite cool really as it allows you (together with the rest of the Irish IT community) to download the Windows Server 2008 RC0 evaluation software and share your views on the product. It is also a rich source of information on Windows Server 2008. However, the real funky thing is that you can also create a personal profile, search for people with similar experience, and upload your image to become part of the Face of Windows Server 2008 in Ireland. Check out the Face of Windows Server and create your own profile. At TechEd IT Forum last week Microsoft also announced a hypervisor-based virtualisation feature that will be included as part of Windows Server 2008. It contains everything needed to support machine virtualisation. Hyper-V enables IT organisations to reduce costs, improve server utilisation and create a more dynamic IT infrastructure. Hyper-V provides greater flexibility because of dynamic, reliable and scalable platform capabilities combined with a single set of integrated management tools to manage both physical and virtual resources, which enable you to create an agile and dynamic data centre and progress towards achieving self-managing dynamic systems.
In addition to Hyper-V, Microsoft is also releasing Microsoft Hyper-V Server. This provides a simplified, reliable, cost-effective and optimised virtualisation solution enabling customers to reduce costs, improve server utilisation and provision new servers rapidly. Microsoft Hyper-V Server easily plugs into customers' IT infrastructures as they can leverage their existing management tools and IT professional skill set with broad support from Microsoft and its Partners. A customer technology preview version of Windows Server Hyper-V is now available as a part of Windows Server 2008 Release Candidate version. Before I sign off I just wanted to give you a final reminder of these two IT Pro events coming up soon:
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When: 30 November Where: Radisson Hotel, Dublin 2 Who should attend: IT Managers, Development Managers and Department Heads Registration: Click here to register
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When: 5 December Where: Microsoft Facilities, EPDC Sandyford, Dublin Who should attend: IT Pros, Network Managers, Telephony Managers Registration: Click here to register
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All the best and enjoy your weekend.
Thanks,
Colm Torris
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Vista Deployment with the Microsoft Deployment Solution Accelerator
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Recently, I've been working with a large international customer helping them upgrade their desktops globally to Windows Vista.
The Challenge
The customer requirements were as follows:
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Deploy Vista to both existing XP workstations and to new (bare metal) computers
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Deploy to both 32-bit and 64-bit machines
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Provide support for five languages (English, Japanese, Korean, Chinese-CN and Chinese-HK)
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Achieve a single desktop image per architecture to be used globally (total of two images, one for 32-bit and one for 64-bit)
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Be able to quickly update the image with new hardware drivers or software packages both offline or online
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Set predefined settings based on machine physical location, e.g. join the workstation to a specific domain and place it in a specific OU, set local language, install local applications and pre-set other locale settings such as time zone
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Install applications with unique signatures per installation
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Run the full deployment process from a network location (in main sites) and in remote sites run the exact same process using a customised DVD that will include all required OS binary, language packs, security updates, drivers, applications and customisation and configuration data files
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Restrict access to the deployment points to authorised users only
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Automate the process as much as possible
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Enable worldwide management from a single console
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The Solution
While the list of requirements sounds complex, the actual solution was very simple. I used the Microsoft Deployment Solution Accelerator (also known as 'Microsoft Deployment'). This solution was formerly known as Business Desktop Deployment (BDD). This solution accelerator provides proven tools and practices that enable you to:
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Create a software and hardware inventory to assist in deployment planning
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Test applications for compatibility and mitigate the compatibility issues discovered during the process
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Set up an initial lab environment with deployment and imaging servers
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Customise and package applications
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Automate desktop image creation and deployment
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Ensure that the desktop is hardened to improve security within the environment
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Manage processes and technologies to produce a comprehensive and integrated deployment
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The Solution Accelerator contains guidance, sample templates and technology files (such as scripts and configuration files). A schematic of all the areas covered in the content is below:
Microsoft Deployment enabled us to meet the customer's requirements within a short time frame of two to three weeks and provided the customer with the ability to customise and reuse the solution going forward.
I used only a fraction of the Microsoft Deployment capabilities to meet the requirements. There are many more features of the solution accelerator that can streamline desktop rollouts even further. All the technology used on this project is available natively within Windows Server; there is no additional software or hardware required to provide the end solution.
The key benefit was the usage of just two images which were able to cover 32-bit or 64-bit machines in any chosen language. This results in a lot less overhead of managing desktop images, less complexity in rollout, and the ability to build a machine with minimal user input in around 25-30 minutes.
The deployment tool provides a proven process that enables you to:
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Create and manage the complete process starting from creating the Vista images, driver additions, software package inclusion and uploading all required content to the deployment server
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Customise and capture a baseline image from a reference machine
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Deploy a selected image and configuration settings to any machine on the network
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Microsoft Deployment supports both Zero Touch Installation (ZTI) and Light Touch Installation (LTI). With ZTI no user input is required during the deployment (either SMS 2003 or System Center Configuration Manager 2007 is required to enable this functionality). With LTI a few keystrokes are required. In this case we used the LTI scenario.
A deployment server was installed and both Vista 32 and 64-bit source binaries, all hardware drivers (chip sets, network adapters, display adapter, soundcard etc.), all 10 language packs and all line of business applications were copied to the server for capture and post installation configuration.
The reference workstations were built using the customer's original PC deployment procedure and captured automatically to the Windows Deployment server as a customised WIM file.
After two capture rounds (per processor architecture) we had the production image ready for testing and deployment. One capture was automatic and the second was manual - the latter due to several applications requiring a reboot to finalise the installation sequence.
For final localisation and customisation tests, we configured a 'network' deployment point on one of the file servers in the Active Directory site named 'IRL'.
A customisation setting command file was then created for the 'IRL' AD site including language, keyboard locale, time zone settings, etc. Additionally the custom settings for the site included specific application installations for that site only, plus automated configuration of certain applications (e.g. name of DAT update server for the client antivirus application).
The configuration of the network deployment point can then serve as the blueprint for all other remote sites, thereby reducing configuration time for any other deployment servers. Once the configuration has been copied across, any site specific modifications such as language and other localisation settings can be quickly added.
We then used the deployment server to automate the creation of custom boot CD, DVD and PXE-boot images for the deployment point.
Finally we created a 'media' deployment point to enable remote offices to deploy the images via DVD if required - all image settings being the same as those configured in the 'network' type deployment point.
The following diagram illustrates this solution:
In conclusion, this solution is a demonstration of some of the key aspects of the solution accelerator flexibility and how it can provide a compelling way to quickly address many scenarios that customers may need to deal with. This sample is just a subset of what can be accomplished with Microsoft Deployment and how it can be quickly adapted for different environments. Rolling out workstations can be very quick and easy if you put the right environment in place to automate the process.
Yagil Adar
Yagil Adar has been working with Microsoft technologies for 15 years with a focus on infrastructure, computer resource management, storage and security solutions for the enterprise. Yagil has been with Microsoft Consulting Services for five years as a Senior Consultant providing worldwide consulting services, deployment and support to the following sectors: Hi-tech, Banks, Government, Telecom, Energy and other commercial firms in Ireland, Europe and the USA.
Your Featured Content
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Ensure that the content most relevant to you is presented in this section.
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The three new Microsoft System Center products are available for download. Configuration Manager 2007, Virtual Machine Manager, and Data Protection Manager - together with System Center Operations Manager 2007 - comprise the System Center Server Management Suite - Enterprise, Microsoft's comprehensive solution for end-to-end management of physical and virtual server environments.
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The System Center Essentials 2007 Hotfix Rollup has been released. It provides streamlined support to help customers more effectively deploy and configure Essentials 2007 in their environment.
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Microsoft Asset Inventory Service 1.0, a core component of the Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack, reduces application management TCO through advanced software inventory scanning and by translating inventory data into business intelligent information, on demand. It is an easily administered service hosted by Microsoft.
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Windows Live Services provide free, familiar and secure ways to connect and share. Stay in touch easily with email and IM that work together seamlessly. Access many of your services anywhere, using your PC, mobile phone or handheld device. Try out the betas for upcoming Windows Live Services.
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Tune in to our seven-part live webcast mini-series, stream or download on-demand webcasts, listen to podcasts on the go, or test drive Windows Vista in a virtual lab.
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Windows XP and Windows Vista provide Windows Firewall as part of the base offering. Now Microsoft Forefront Client Security customers can get visibility into the status of the Windows Firewall in Windows XP and Windows Vista. The new capability is delivered through the Security State Assessment (SSA) feature that allows security administrators to not only detect common vulnerabilities in their environment, but also configuration issues that increase their exposure.
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The 2007 Microsoft Office Security Guide provides best practice, automated tools, customisable, prebuilt security configurations, and tools that let you deploy Office security settings across your organisation - in minutes, instead of hours or days. And be sure to check out the suite of Windows Vista Solution Accelerators.
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Wednesday, November 21, 10:00 AM Pacific Time
Are you currently using Microsoft Office Project but need collaboration? Register now for this webinar and learn how easy it is to get started with EPM Live and how you can make a difference in your projects by strengthening collaboration, improving accountability and boosting productivity.
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Wednesday, November 14, 10:00 AM Pacific Time
There are two ways to set up EPM Live. Both allow you to create project plans using Microsoft Office Project 2007 and publish them to an online collaboration environment. EPM Live's affordable subscription service gives you an online workspace. With EPM Live's Project Publisher you can bring EPM Live in-house which will give you an online workspace powered by Windows SharePoint Services.
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After completing this lab, you will be able to launch the Report Designer Preview, create a data source and a data set, design a new report using the Report Designer of Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Reporting Services (in July CTP called Report Designer Preview), preview your report, enhance your report layout by working with Tablix functionality, and enrich your report using charts.
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Declarative Management Framework is a policy-based system for managing one or more instances of SQL Server 2008. When SQL Server policy administrators use Declarative Management Framework, they use SQL Server Management Studio to create policies to manage entities on the server, such as the instance of SQL Server, databases, or other SQL Server objects.
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In this webcast, we discuss how you can integrate Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007 and SAP Netweaver Portal from front-end integration (iView, Web Services for Remote Portlets, and URL linking) to integrate components and services across the portal (via Web Services, SAP Portal Development Kit for the Microsoft .NET Framework, and connectors).
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Formerly known as Microsoft SoftGrid Application Virtualization, Microsoft Application Virtualization 4.5 meets the need for increased desktop manageability. It supports large-scale virtualisation implementations across more sites, enables multiple delivery options, lets users work with localised applications, allows administrator-controlled virtual application interaction, and complies with the Microsoft Trustworthy Computing and Secure by Default initiatives. Microsoft Application Virtualization is a core component of the Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack.
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Thursday, November 29, 8:00 AM Pacific Time
HP has been actively developing hardware and highly competitive support software since the release of Microsoft Virtual Server 2005. In this session, we illustrate the core components in the HP portfolio that can help organisations prepare for, move to, and manage a virtualised environment based on Virtual Server 2005.
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November 26, 9:30 - 11:00 AM Pacific Time
Get expert guidance on how to use the Terminal Services API in your custom applications and system management tools. Learn how to use the Terminal Services API in managed and unmanaged code, how to develop your own Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) client tools, and how RDP Virtual Channels really work. This session includes sample code in C# for both the client and the server side.
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Friday, November 16, 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM Pacific Time
Learn how to tune a web server for speed and efficiency, from the hosting environment to specific configuration settings for various high-usage scenarios.
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Evaluation Center Updates
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See for yourself how easy it is to do a P2V conversion and watch the Intelligent Placement wizard recommend the best host for your new virtual machine. Download the 120-day trial software and automatically receive valuable information on VMM delivered at strategic intervals throughout your software evaluation period.
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See how built-in web and virtualisation technologies make Windows Server 2008 a robust, security-enhanced and reliable foundation on which you can develop, deliver and manage rich user applications and experiences.
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Microsoft Forefront Server Security Management Console allows administrators to easily manage Forefront Security for Exchange Server, Forefront Security for SharePoint, and Microsoft Antigen, providing a web-based console to centralise configuration and operation, automate the download and distribution of signature and scan engine updates, and generate comprehensive reports.
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Scripting for IT Pros
Hey Scripting Guy...
Hey, Scripting Guy!
Support and Troubleshooting
How-to Articles
Hotfixes
Knowledge Base Articles
See a selection of new Knowledge Base (KB) articles on the TechNet website. KB articles feature an Article Translations box in the right column. You can select a language from the drop-down list and read the article in the selected language. Also available via RSS 
Featured Downloads
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Download the 120-day trial software. Microsoft System Center Data Protection Manager 2007 is the new standard for Windows backup and recovery - delivering continuous data protection for Microsoft application and file servers using seamlessly integrated disk and tape media.
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Group Policy preferences enable IT professionals to configure, deploy and manage operating system and application settings including mapped drives, scheduled tasks and Start menu settings. This white paper introduces this new feature, and describes how you can use Group Policy preferences to better deploy and manage computer and user preferences.
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Upcoming Webcasts
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Tuesday, November 20, 1:00 - 2:30 PM Pacific Time
With Windows Server 2008 applications can be quickly accessed from a web page, even if they aren't installed on the client machine. This session will do an in-depth review of Terminal Services RemoteApp and Terminal Services Web Access.
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Thursday, November 29, 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM Pacific Time
This webcast demonstrates how to design, build and deploy predictive key performance indicators (KPIs) using Microsoft SQL Server Data Mining. Although there are useful worked examples, even non-technical users can benefit from this webcast by finding new possibilities for KPIs.
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Security
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Microsoft Diagnostics and Recovery Toolset 6.0 helps administrators recover PCs that have become unusable with new capabilities. Standalone System Sweeper lets IT remove viruses and spyware from an offline system. The toolset also supports 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008, unlocks BitLocker volume encryption to use the Diagnostics and Recovery Toolset functionality on the drive, and lets you pull files from USB devices.
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Help protect your Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007 and Windows SharePoint Services 3.0 collaboration environments with Forefront Security for SharePoint with SP1.
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On Demand
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Tune in and explore the features of Microsoft Exchange Server 2007, such as increased security, unified messaging, performance improvements and ease of deployment.
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In this webcast, we look at deploying Microsoft Exchange Server 2007, beginning with a review of the hardware, software, infrastructure and security requirements that you need to meet before you can deploy Exchange Server 2007. Next, we consider the five server roles, discuss what they do, and describe the options you have for implementing these roles within your organisation.
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Virtual Labs
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After completing this lab, you will be better able to use the Microsoft Exchange Management Shell to balance mailboxes across multiple mailbox databases, use the Exchange Server 2007 Toolbox, and understand the AutoDiscover feature of Exchange Server 2007 with Microsoft Office Outlook 2007.
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After completing this lab, you will be able to prepare the Active Directory service for Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007 and install, configure and validate Office Communications Server 2007.
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