IT Professionals

We're hosting three events to support the launch of Windows Server 2008, Visual Studio 2008 and SQL Server 2008 – all you need to do is find the right one for you.

Choose from:

  • The Launch Event at the ICC in Birmingham on 19 March - featuring keynote addresses, information sessions, expo area and hands-on labs
  • The TechNet Roadshow - a series of full day, regional events that are heavy on demos and light on PowerPoint
  • The Virtual Launch Experience - a new type of launch experience from Microsoft; if you can’t make it to the live events, or simply want a content recap, you’ll find all the presentations, videos and documents at this online event that you can visit at your convenience

Launch Event
TechNet Roadshow
Virtual Launch
Overview

On 19 March 2008 at the ICC in Birmingham, we launched three ground-breaking products: Windows Server 2008, Visual Studio 2008 and SQL Server 2008.

If you missed the Launch Event, visit our Virtual Launch Experience – it's perfect for those who couldn't attend the launch events in person, or for anyone wanting a content recap.

Browse sponsor stands in your own time and see all the presentations, videos and keynote speeches. You'll also have a virtual backpack to fill with documents, business cards, presentations and videos as you explore

Visit the Virtual Launch Experience now
Overview Agenda Abstracts

The TechNet Roadshow will focus on Windows Server 2008 and will be heavy on demos and light on PowerPoint. We’ll be looking at scenarios including managing Windows Server 2008, small offices and branch offices, and what it means for your infrastructure when using Windows Server 2008 in conjunction with Windows Vista.

You’ll also have the opportunity to meet the Microsoft Community, including user groups and Microsoft Most Valued Professionals, as well as the Microsoft experts who give you top technical information and real-world scenarios.


Agenda
Time Sessions
09:00 – 09:30 Registration
09:30 – 09:45 Keynote
09:45 – 11:00 Windows Server 2008 Top Features
11:00 – 11:20 Break
11:20 – 12:35 How to Manage Windows Server 2008
12:35 – 13:25 Lunch
13:25 – 14:40 How to Deploy and Manage the Desktop. What’s in Windows Vista SP1?
14:40 – 15:00 Break
15:00 – 16:15 How to Overcome the Challenges of Small Office AND Branch Offices
16:15 – 17:15 Q&A with the full team of presenters
17:15 Close

Abstracts


Keynote: 09:30 – 09:45

Consider the way you work today. Think about what’s changed in the last few years. You can be sure that there have been plenty of changes along the way and that there are more to come. How can you best position yourself to help your business make the most of change and improve your career at the same time? During this session we’ll take a look at the opportunities offered by key technologies including software plus services and innovative approaches such as virtualisation and Infrastructure Optimisation. Change seems to be the only constant in our industry. Keeping ahead of the curve brings benefits to everyone. This session will help you plan for the next generation of infrastructure and your own personal development.

Windows Server 2008 Top Features: 09:45 – 11:00

So many features. So little time. Where should you focus? This session will help you decide where to invest your time and effort.

People’s expectations are changing. They expect to be able to work ’their way‘, free of the limitations of being ’tied to a desk‘or to a particular device. Minimising the risk of security breaches while enabling flexible working can create interesting challenges. Windows Server 2008 can help – enter Network Access Protection. Thankfully the days of one line of business application per server are numbered thanks to virtualisation. Lazy servers waste power, data centre space and maintenance charges. Windows Server 2008 can help – enter Hyper-V. Traditionally ensuring consistent configuration of your web servers can be time consuming. Windows Server 2008 can help – enter IIS 7.

How to Manage Windows Server 2008 11:20 – 12:35

Where should you use Windows Server Core instead of the full installation of the operating system? If you use ’core‘, then how on Earth are you supposed to manage it? Regardless of whether you use ’core‘ or ’full‘ where should you use PowerShell and where does Windows Server Manager make more sense? We’ll show you!

How to Deploy and Manage the Desktop. What’s in Windows Vista SP1? 13:25 – 14:40

One desktop no cry? As anyone who’s ever managed a large number of desktops knows, it’s well worth making the most of automation to ensure consistent user experiences and reduce support costs. We’ll dive into the range of operating system features available to you including WDS and WSUS, plus we’ll investigate MDOP and SoftGrid’s application virtualisation. Waiting for SP1 before deploying Windows Vista? Wait no more! We’ll open the lid and explain exactly what’s in there.

How to Overcome the Challenges of Small Offices AND Branch Offices: 15:00 – 16:15

It’s unlikely anyone would notice a server going ’missing‘ in a small or remote branch office. These servers hold replica copies of user account credentials and your production data. Windows Server 2008’s Read Only Domain Controller features and BitLocker on the server can help! Moving to a world where small/branch offices connect via the Internet to your main server resources can reduce both your attack surface AND expense/complexity. Windows Server 2008’s much improved Terminal Services can help!



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