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From the Editor
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Greetings New TechNet Flash Subscriber,
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Organizations today thrive on data. Understanding data trends and having a vision of the requirements of your data-driven applications is crucial in meeting the needs of these applications going forward. For a view of the Microsoft data platform vision, and to see how Microsoft SQL Server 2008 will deliver on that vision, the Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Product Overview white paper is a great place to start. And Microsoft recently released a Community Technology Preview (CTP) version of SQL Server 2008 for you to download and provide your feedback to the SQL Server development team. For a quick look at the key improvement pillars in the SQL Server 2008 CTP, click over to the SQL Server 2008 June CTP Highlights.
Over the next month, we are also featuring a series of SQL Server 2008 TechNet Webcasts including the SQL Server 2008 Data Management Overview on July 26. Check out the Webcasts section below for the entire series.
Update on Cool Stuff
Here are some quick pointers to the latest in useful and fun gear that may have professional or personal application.
Thanks for reading
Mitch Irsfeld
Editor, TechNet Flash
Top Stories and Featured Content
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Systems management is about to get a lot easier. Take a guided tour of Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager 2007 and see how it can simplify key tasks, such as deploying software updates, managing mobile devices, and maintaining system configurations.
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Microsoft Operations Manager 2007, the newest incarnation of MOM, introduces some major improvements, including new management interfaces, better reporting, support for line-of-business applications, new security options, and more.
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Answer this short survey and enter a drawing for a Zune media player. Tell us what’s working and how we can improve your TechNet Flash newsletter experience. You must be a U.S. resident to win. Deadline for entries is July 31.
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Microsoft is launching a cool contest and we wanted you to know about it. We’re looking for companies who are developing innovative software with the power to change the world and our lives for the better in the Healthcare, Education, and Clean Technology industries. We believe that people and software are the key to unlocking some of the biggest global challenges today. If you are passionate about developing software that makes a difference, let us know by entering your solution.
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The Sprint Mogul is the newest Windows Mobile 6 device in the market. With 3G radio, a 400+ Mhz processor and large memory capacity, it is a powerful platform for developing mobile applications targeting the .NET Compact Framework and SQL Server Compact Edition, which come preloaded in ROM.
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Evaluation Center Updates
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Microsoft SQL Server 2005 is an integrated database management and analysis solution that delivers increased security, scalability, and availability to enterprise data and analytical applications, while making them easier to build, deploy, and manage. Register to download the free 180-day trial software and you will receive relevant resources that are strategically assembled to address the challenges specific to each stage of evaluation as you discover, assess, and deploy the software.
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Scripting for IT Pros
Hey, Scripting Guy!
Support and Troubleshooting
How-to Articles
Hotfixes
Knowledge Base Articles
See a selection of new Knowledge Base articles on the TechNet Web site. 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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System Center Configuration Manager 2007 Release Candidate (RC) 1 is the next iteration of Microsoft Systems Management Server 2003. With major investments in simplicity, configuration, deployment, and security, Systems Center Configuration Manager 2007 dramatically simplifies system deployment, task automation, compliance management, and policy-based security management, allowing for increased business agility.
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Support for Microsoft Software Update Services 1.0 ended July 10. Now is the time to migrate to its successor, Windows Server Update Services 2.0. You can also download WSUS 3.0 now.
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Download the newly released and free Windows Vista Hardware Assessment 2.0 tool to help you determine your computers’ readiness and the upgrades required for your Windows Vista and 2007 Microsoft Office migration project. See the power of auto-generated readiness reports and migration proposals.
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Upcoming Webcasts
Featured Webcasts: SQL Server 2008
Come check out a SQL Server 2008 TechNet webcast to learn why the next release of SQL Server provides a comprehensive data platform that is more secure, reliable, manageable, and scalable for your mission-critical applications.
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Wednesday, August 15, 11 AM Pacific Time
Microsoft IT is in the process of migrating an internal human resources content management platform from Microsoft Content Management Server 2002 onto Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007. Expected benefits include application reduction, saved time and money and an improved architectural platform
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Tuesday, August 28, 9:30 AM Pacific Time
Attend this webcast to learn how Active Directory Federation Services (ADFS) helps companies extend their authentication infrastructure across enterprise and organizational boundaries.
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Tuesday, August 28, 11 AM Pacific Time
Microsoft IT and HR deployed a project portfolio selection tool built on Microsoft Office Project Portfolio Server 2007. They have reduced project funding frustration, improved governance, and are on track to provide business value back to the HR business.
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Security
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Windows Vista continues to show a trend of fewer total and fewer high severity vulnerabilities at the 6 month mark compared to its predecessor product Windows XP and compared to other modern competitive workstation operating systems.
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See for yourself how Forefront and System Center products integrate with each other and with your infrastructure to put you in control of your environment. Register and try the unified virtual-machine based demo environment containing Forefront and System Center products.
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 Microsoft Forefront Demos:
On Demand
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See how Windows Vista is easier to deploy and less expensive to maintain than earlier version of Windows. Tune in to live webcasts to ask questions, stream or download on-demand webcasts to watch when you want, listen to podcasts on the go, or test drive Windows Vista in a virtual lab.
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The Microsoft Forefront family of business security products can help you provide greater protection and control over the security of your network infrastructure. See how when you access this series of webcasts, podcasts, and virtual labs, at any time that fits into your schedule. We show you how Forefront can help you improve your security for the client operating system, application servers, and the network edge.
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Get the inside scoop on key features of the 2007 Microsoft Office system fast, with Webcast Express. These webcasts are 10 - 15 minutes long and are designed to provide you with valuable product information quickly and easily. Tune in and learn more about installation, configuration, search, reporting, and more. You can also view our full-length webcasts, take part in virtual labs, and download podcasts.
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Join this session as we explore how Microsoft Internet Security and Acceleration (ISA) Server 2006 and Microsoft Office Outlook Web Access work together to provide enhanced security for e-mail messages. We also take a closer look at how ISA Server 2006 and Microsoft Office SharePoint Portal Server 2003 enhance security for Windows SharePoint Services.
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Watch this webcast to learn how SQL Server 2005 powers a 27 terabyte data management system called ICE 3.0 that gathers forensic data from more than 85 Microsoft corporate proxy servers into a single database. The ongoing work of forensics engineers, such as query activities and analysis, is not interrupted by event processing or database loading.
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In part one of this webcast series, we explore how to prepare for and deploy Microsoft Forefront Client Security. We also provide information on where to get the required software, installation options available to you, and how to perform post-installation configuration to prepare your server and client computers for a successful Forefront Client Security deployment.
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In this second installment we explore how to install and configure Forefront Client Security on the server and client computers. Learn how to install and perform post-installation configuration for the Forefront Client Security server before installing Forefront Client Security client software. We also explain the necessary procedures to help ensure that Forefront Client Security is working properly and that the client computers are receiving updates and sending data to the server.
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Join this session as we explore how the Forefront Server Security Management Console integrates with standard management tools, such as Microsoft System Center Operations Manager (formerly Microsoft Operations Manager) and Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager (formerly Microsoft Systems Management Server), to take advantage of preexisting solutions and processes while reducing deployment and training costs.
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Michael Murphy discusses Network Access Protection in Windows Server 2008 with Amith Krishnan, a Senior Product Manager at Microsoft. He is responsible for the product management of Windows Server platform networking and security technologies.
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Building on the success of leveraging Virtual Server 2005 R2 for Microsoft IT's Virtual Server Utility, Microsoft looks forward to using the virtualization feature of Windows Server 2008 to drive additional value and move virtual machines as the commodity data center platform offering.
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The Windows Vista Hardware Assessment version 2.0 deployment tool enables you to determine in a matter of hours whether the computers on your network are ready for the Windows Vista and 2007 Microsoft Office. Listen in and see how Windows Vista Hardware Assessment assesses the hardware and device compatibility of each of an organization's existing systems across the network.
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Watch this webcast to see how Microsoft IT uses Microsoft BI tools to create a personalized BI UI Portal solution called “myBI.”
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Virtual Labs
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Welcome to Microsoft Virtual Lab Express, a 30-minute hands-on overview of the features of ISA Server 2006.
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Learn how Microsoft Forefront Security for SharePoint manages and integrates industry-leading antivirus engines to provide comprehensive protection against the latest threats, helping ensure that documents are safe before they are saved to or retrieved from the SharePoint document library.
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Learn how to troubleshoot Forefront Client Security, server problems, and client problems with this virtual lab.
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Experiment with the newest features and familiarize yourself with Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007 in a free, online virtual environment. TechNet Virtual labs are simple--no complex setup or installation is required. Here are our newest virtual labs:
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What’s New Online in TechNet Plus
Two Professional Support Incidents Included with Your Subscription
Did you know that you receive two complimentary Professional Support incidents? They can be used any time day or night to resolve the toughest technical issues. These support services are available online or via phone and are delivered on a per incident basis. TechNet Plus support doesn’t stop there -- you also get a 20 percent discount on any additional Professional Support incidents you purchase. Visit the subscriber-only benefits portal to access your support benefits today. Are you still receiving media shipments? Consider switching to TechNet Plus Direct. TechNet Plus Direct offers all the benefits of your current subscription without media shipments to manage.
And to stay up to date on TechNet Plus news, sign up for the TechNet Plus Blog RSS feed. 
Solution Accelerators
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This final guide in a series provides resources to help you move from the Rationalized level of infrastructure optimization to the Dynamic level, where IT is aligned and managed according to business needs. Benefits at the Dynamic level include controlled costs; integration between users and data, desktops, and servers; pervasive collaboration between users and departments; and nearly on-site levels of service and capabilities for mobile users.
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Case Studies and White Papers
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This Forbes magazine Microsoft/HP/Intel article focuses on the growing issues related to maintaining aging mainframe platforms and highlights the benefits of moving to mainframe-class solutions from Microsoft, HP, and Intel.
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Find terms such as TCO, IRR, and NPV confusing? Not sure where to start in developing an IT business case? This practical IDC paper has the answers. It includes an easy-to-follow 7-step framework for developing your business case.
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Every day, IT managers face demands for managing costs, complexity, and compliance while providing their business with a flexible, agile infrastructure to drive new business opportunities. Read this white paper to find out how to secure and manage your infrastructure.
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Kean Deans sits down for a conversation on the importance of having skilled resources to support the IT environment of Bassett Healthcare.
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Volvo Trucks North America wanted to increase customer and dealer satisfaction with its fleet parts purchasing program by replacing a slow and inaccurate financial transaction processing solution. Volvo chose Microsoft technologies for its custom transaction processing and accounts receivable solution.
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Iniflux added Microsoft security products to its offerings to meet its high standards and because of the support Microsoft provides partners. In the first year of sales, Microsoft security products will generate approximately 20 percent of its total revenue.
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Collegiate Housing Services used Windows Vista Hardware Assessment tool and determined that 70 percent of their existing PCs were ready for Windows Vista with only a few minor upgrades, saving $38,000 in PC replacement costs.
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Sporton International, Inc. in Taiwan determined that 88 percent of their existing PCs could be ready for Windows Vista with a small investment of minor hardware upgrades. Read this success story and learn more about the Windows Vista Hardware Assessment tool that helped get the job done.
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Received TechNet Flash from a Friend?
The TechNet Flash is full of pointers to in-depth technical information that we encourage subscribers to forward to friends and co-workers. If you've received this issue from someone via e-mail and would like to receive the free TechNet Flash newsletter biweekly, all you have to do is register.
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Volume 9, Issue 15  July 25, 2007 |
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Events
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DFW Small Business Server User's Group (DFW SBS)
Join DFW SBS on July 26 for its monthly meeting. |
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Lower Alabama .Net User Group (LANUG)
Join LANUG on July 31 for its monthly meeting. |
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Cincinnati Networking Professionals' Association (CiNPA)
Join CiNPA on August 1 for its monthly meeting. |
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Detroit SQL User Group (DSUG)
Join DSUG on August 1 for its monthly meeting. |
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Windows Networking Solutions Users Group (WiNSUG)
Join WiNSUG on August 2 for its monthly meeting. |
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New York Enterprise Windows Users Group (NYeWin)
Join NYeWin on August 2 for its monthly meeting. |
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How To VS.Net (HTV)
Join HTV on August 2 for its monthly meeting. |
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BDPA - DC Chapter (BDPA-DC)
Join BDPA-DC on August 6 for its monthly meeting. |
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Minnesota Small Business Server Users Group (SBSMN)
Join SBSMN on August 7 for its monthly meeting. |
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NPA - Los Angeles Chapter
Join NPA-LA on August 7 for its monthly meeting. |
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Southern California IT Professional Association (SoCal IT Pro)
Join SoCal IT Pro on August 8 for its monthly meeting. |
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AZ SQL Server User Group (AZSSUG)
Join AZSSUG on August 8 for its monthly meeting. |
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San Francisco Bay Area SharePoint User Group
Second Thursday of each month, 4:00 - 6:00
The SF Bay Area SharePoint User Group is a community of enthusiasts, veterans, and newcomers who share ideas, best practices, and experiences to improve their competency in SharePoint, and further enhance the productivity of their workplace through effective use of SharePoint technology. |
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Get IT Skills That Impress with TechNet Events
Admittance is free and you’ll receive a complimentary resource kit.
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August 7:
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August 9:
Portland, OR
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August 14
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August 16
Charlotte, NC
Los Angeles, CA |
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August 21
Broomfield, CO
Jacksonville, FL
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August 23
Englewood, CO
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How Microsoft Does IT
Insight Workshops from Microsoft IT Showcase
Offered worldwide, Insight Workshops provide IT professionals an opportunity to engage in peer-to-peer technology sharing in a multiple-day workshop environment, offering a unique inside view into Microsoft’s process of developing, deploying, and managing Microsoft enterprise solutions. Current topics include Enterprise Security & Directory Services, Manageability, and Messaging Deployment & Operations at Microsoft.
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TechNet Plus Direct
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Full library of Microsoft software for evaluation without limits
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Immediate access through subscriber downloads
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Two Professional Support incidents
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Access to beta software before public beta releases
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Exclusive tools and utilities |
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Tell Us Your IT Interests and Get News to Match
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