We've compiled the best desktop deployment resources located across the Microsoft Web site. Review the following list for the events, toolkits, resource kits, and tools that should not be missed.
1. | Learning Opportunities
Microsoft has developed a comprehensive learning plan for senior managers and IT professionals who plan, build, and support Microsoft solutions. Review our list of recommended courses or visit the Microsoft Learning page. |
2. | Deployment Partner
Find a partner in the US to help jumpstart your deployment project (of 150+ PCs) with an Architectural Design Session (ADS). The 2-day ADS will focus on every aspect of desktop infrastructure, from planning an efficient and effective deployment of Windows XP and Office 2003 to managing the cost, risk, time, and complexity of your desktop infrastructure. Find a US partner. Find a Global Partner. |
3. | Application Compatibility Toolkit
The Windows Application Compatibility Toolkit (ACT) 4.0 is designed to help IT professionals minimize the risks, lower the cost, and speed the deployment of Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2). |
4. | Resource Kits | • | Microsoft Windows Desktop Deployment Resource Kit [Microsoft Press Book] $59.99
Deploy and manage Microsoft Windows XP and Microsoft Office 2003 Editions with expertise from well-known Windows authority Jerry Honeycutt. This resource kit includes time-saving scripts, worksheets, and a searchable eBook on CD. | | • | Office 2003 Resource Kit [Book and online format available]
The ultimate technical resource, this Kit is the all-in-one reference that computer-support professionals and administrators rely on to install, customize, and support Microsoft Office. It includes detailed technical drill-down plus handy tools on CD-ROM. |
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5. | Windows XP Service Pack 2
Windows XP SP2 enhances your security infrastructure and provides increased manageability and control for IT professionals and an improved experience for Windows XP users. |
6. | Microsoft Software Assurance
Your Software Assurance benefits include training resources that can assist you with desktop deployment. Software Assurance benefits are available for: | • | IT Professionals: live technical training, better access to reference materials, and Windows Preinstallation Environment (Windows PE). | | • | End Users: self paced E-Learning to facilitate the transition to new versions of Windows and Office. |
If your company has already enrolled in Software Assurance, contact your Benefits Administrator to tap into your benefits. Or, call 1-866-230-0560 to enroll and get started today. Enterprise organizations should contact their Microsoft Account Manager to help identify their Benefits Administrator. If you're ready to start, visit the Software Assurance or Volume Licensing Training Web pages. Vouchers for Classroom Training
IT professionals can apply to receive vouchers for training to build deployment skills and increase knowledge about Windows XP and Office 2003 maintenance and server infrastructure. Vouchers can be redeemed for Microsoft Official Curriculum classes at Microsoft Certified Partner for Learning Solutions training centers near you. Each voucher is good for one (1) day of training. The number of vouchers available to your organization is based on your license agreement. Review our recommended deployment classes and jump-start your deployment activities. E-Learning
Software Assurance now includes over 25 online E-Learning courses covering Microsoft Office 2003 and Office XP, Windows XP, and Windows Server 2003. Review our recommended deployment E-Learning courses. Webcasts
Tune in to an on-demand webcast today! |
7. | Tools and Support | • | Windows PE
Windows PE allows your IT staff to build custom solutions that speed up deployment through automation so you spend less time and effort keeping desktops updated. Windows PE is a minimal version of Windows XP that replaces DOS and can run Windows setup, scripts, and imaging applications. | | • | TechNet Online Concierge Chat
Concierge Chat provides chat sessions with a Microsoft Support Advisor who can direct IT professionals to relevant technical content posted on TechNet. Chat sessions can provide answers to questions about planning, deployment, maintenance, and support for Microsoft products. A user ID is necessary to access the Concierge ? plan to provide at least one user ID to the deployment project manager. |
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