Kurt Shintaku's Blog

I have a personal longer list than this that I’ll publish some day HOWEVER, here is what they published over at the Office 365 blog about what makes Outlook so much better for business mail than Gmail.

1. Integration across email, calendar and contacts
2. Offline access to email
3. Organize email your way
4. Categorize email items to stay organized
5. Multiple ways to find email
6. Flags, changing importance of email
7. Rules to minimize email clutter
8. Rich contact information
9. Scheduling meeting rooms
10. Mail tips
11. Ignore conversations
12. Sharing and delegating calendars

For explanations on each of these, check out the original post here:

• OFFICE 365 BLOG: 12 reasons why users prefer Outlook over Gmail at work
  http://blogs.office.com/b/microsoft_office_365_blog/archive/2013/09/26/reasons-why-users-prefer-outlook-over-gmail-at-work.aspx

Rights Management is now an implicit service within Office 365, which of course begs the question, “What’s Rights Management?”  Here’s a brief explanation:

Have you ever had your email or documents shared or given to other people than you intended, or seen your company’s information shared with people outside the company by accident? Maybe you have information that you want to share confidentially with only a few trusted colleagues for purposes of collecting feedback, but you’re concerned that the information may get leaked inadvertently before you are ready?

Fortunately, with Rights Management in Office 365, you can secure your information and apply an intelligent policy so that only specified internal and/or external people can "act" on your information. For example, you can allow recipients to edit and print, while restricting them from forwarding to others. This policy is attached to the information, so it applies no matter where your information lives-in the datacenter, in transit, or on your laptop, mobile device, or a USB key. Rights Management lets you assign policies to email, SharePoint Online libraries, individual Office documents, and other file types. 

Rights Management for Office 365 isn’t just data security or encryption, although you get both with access control and 128-bit AES encryption. Rights Management is about putting you, the creator of content, in control. Now, with you firmly in the driver’s seat, you can confidently share information with anyone.

…

Here’s a quick demo of these functions.

Read more about Rights Management for Office 365 here:
http://blogs.office.com/b/office365tech/archive/2013/09/10/collaborate-confidently-using-rights-management.aspx

Yes, the products are from a functional standpoint very similar but there are some key differences in the end user experience & the IT administration workloads that people need to know.

Get the break down of the differences in this video from Jeremy Chapman and Tal Krzypow in The Garage video series.

Read more here:
http://blogs.office.com/b/office365tech/archive/2013/09/18/the-garage-series-365-days-later-office-365-vs-office-2013-on-the-desktop-review.aspx

Join Microsoft Certified Master and Premier Field Engineer Mike Pfeiffer and senior technologist at Concentrated Technology Jason Helmick to learn what you need to know about deploying Exchange Server 2013 in this one-day course. These high energy instructors will teach how to manage the messaging infrastructure and provide high availability and security through real world demos geared to your business needs.

It’s appropriate for anyone upgrading from earlier versions of Exchange as well as IT Pros new to Exchange but with prior networking experience. If you are pursuing the MCSE: Messaging certification, it will help you prepare for Exam 70-341.

Date: October 8, 2013
Time: 9:00am – 5:00pm
Where: Live, online virtual classroom
Cost: Free!

Register now

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Taken from:
http://borntolearn.mslearn.net/events/b/weblog/archive/2013/09/20/register-for-core-solutions-of-microsoft-exchange-server-2013-jump-start-on-october-8.aspx#fbid=8X_LeVIXNv3

SQL Server professionals, save the dates! We have two fast-paced, demo filled days of training, live and online coming up October 16 and 18.

Administering SQL Server 2012 Jump Start

This one-day live event focuses on security, data management, and disaster recovery/high availability and its implications for the configuration of the enterprise. The demos will show what you want to know about storage design and capacity configuration, security configuration, optimization of the instance, and automation.

This Jump Start prepares you for the Implementing a Data Warehouse with SQL Server Jump Start on October 18, and if you are pursuing a MCSA: SQL Server certification, it will help you prepare for Exam 70-462

Date: October 16, 2013
Time: 9:00am – 5:00pm
Where: Live, online virtual classroom
Cost: Free!

Register now

Implementing a Data Warehouse with SQL Server Jump Start

Take this Jump Start to expand your understanding of SQL Server 2012 data warehousing concepts and implementation. This one-day live event focuses on the design of Dimensions to support BI in the organization, the implementation of Extract, Transform, and Load (ETL) processes, and the implementation of enterprise-level master data and data quality. If you’re interested in the MCSA certification, this Jump Start will help you prepare for Exam 70-463

Date: October 18, 2013
Time: 9:00am – 5:00pm
Where: Live, online virtual classroom
Cost: Free!

Register now

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Taken from:
http://borntolearn.mslearn.net/events/b/weblog/archive/2013/09/27/free-sql-training-administering-sql-server-2012-and-implementing-a-data-warehouse-with-sql.aspx#fbid=8X_LeVIXNv3

A friend of mine & I got to talking the other day about the pros & cons of NFC relative to QR codes.  The fact of the matter is they both accomplish similar goals but while QR codes are free & require no hardware, NFC are more costly but they are eerily more attractive to use due to their convenience, accuracy, and the fundamental lack of effort it requires on the part of the recipient.

So let’s start at the beginning… because there’s a bunch of folks reading this that are already totally confused.

WHAT IS NFC?
NFC stands for Near Field Communications.  The purpose of the technology is to allow people to embed around 1KB of information in small, cheap, paper-thin memory chip-laden electronics known as “NFC tags” that can be read/written using a “NFC reader” – the technology for which is typically embedded within a smartphone.

NFC tags are typically embedded within small quarter-sized stickers, purchasable on Amazon or any retailer for as little as $1.  They can be programmed with most smartphones or purchasable desktop NFC readers and can store usually 1KB-8KB worth of data, depending on the NFC tag type.  (The vast majority are 1KB)

WHAT MIGHT THEY BE GOOD FOR?
Here’s a few interesting things you can do with NFC tags:

• Embedded your vCard in them and place them on your business cards
• Store your voice in them for quick messages for people
• Command the receiving device to “check in” to Four Square at the current location
• Instruct the receiving phone to send a SMS text message to someone
• Send the phone used to a web site for a particular product
• Start a specific music playlist
• Start installing a specific application for the recipient’s phone
• Follow a particular user/company on Twitter
• Like a particular company on Facebook

HOW DO I GET STARTED FOR WINDOWS PHONE?
It’s pretty simple.  Just make sure your phone supports NFC and install a NFC application.  If you have the Nokia Lumia 920, 925, 928 or the HTC 8X, you’re all set.  Just download a program from the Windows Phone Store like below:

• NFC Interactor – NFC read/writing software for Windows Phone 8 (More extensible & customizable than Nokia’s NFC Writer… but more complicated – $1.99)
  http://www.windowsphone.com/en-us/store/app/nfc-interactor/4e1598fe-4885-4e2b-9c69-8d3f882c545b
• NFC LaunchIt – NFC read/writing software for Windows Phone 8 (Rather limited in nature however completely free to use)
  http://www.windowsphone.com/en-us/store/app/nfc-launchit/c7010644-ace4-4df0-b08a-7f95a83d80a8
• Nokia NFC Writer – EXCLUSIVE TO NOKIA PHONES: NFC read/writing software for Windows Phone 8 (Very powerful & user friendly… but has less customization than NFC Interactor)
  http://www.windowsphone.com/s?appid=709e64e0-5849-4ce4-b252-b7b252aefacf

Nokia also has a free NFC Writer available for download through the Nokia store for Nokia Lumia users called “Nokia NFC Writer”.  It is very user friendly & a very complete tool to start with although not as customizable as NFC Interactor.

WHERE DO I GET NFC TAGS?
You basically buy them from Amazon or any number of places that sell them.  They generally cost around $2-$3 each if not purchased in large quantities.  Here’s one of my favorites:

• 5-Pack NFC sticker/ NFC tags Programmable Near Field Communication Tags for NOKIA NFC Lumia 920,820, 720, 620 and All Other NFC Enabled Phones
  5-Pack NFC sticker/ NFC tags Programmable Near Field Communication Tags for NOKIA NFC Lumia 920,820, 720, 620 and All Other NFC Enabled Phones
  NFC Chip Type: FM11RF08 (compatiable Philips NXP)/ Mifare S50 / Mifare S70) Memory Capacity: 1K EEPROM/ 8k Erasable:> 100,000 times) support NOKIA Lumia 920/820/720/620 and all other NFC Windows Phone can work http://www.amazon.com/5-Pack-sticker-Programmable-Communication-Enabled/dp/B00E3PSM3K/

IMPORTANT WARNING REGARDING WINDOWS PHONES & NFC TAGS:
The thing to remember is that the NFC tags you purchase for Windows Phone 8 need to be pre-formatted in a format called “NDEF” to work with any Windows Phone.  Usually the manufacturer will explicitly tell you that their tags will work with Windows Phone or they’ll say they’re NDEF pre-formatted.  (Note: This applies to Android-based & Symbian-based devices as well) 

This is an important point because many outlets sell unformatted NFC tags which can be written by desktop computers using low level instructions without preformatting – but not smart phones.  If they aren’t preformatted, you’ll need to use a Windows-based desktop/laptop to write the NFC tag.

Continued in the next post: 
Windows 7/8 & NFC programming & usage…

Surface Public Website: http://www.surface.com/
The public Surface website has all available product, accessories, and service details. It also details the list of current available markets and the retailers for Microsoft product, accessories, and services.

Direct Order Website: http://www.surface.com/commercialorder
This site provides Enterprise customers with the opportunity to bulk order Surface devices & peripherals in volume with the added benefit of being able to enroll in a special 3 year, Enterprise-only warranty.

Warranty Documentation and Service Requests: https://myservice.surface.com/ 
Frequently Asked Questions that cover product, availability, sales guidance, support, and services topics.

Description

You need to have a Lync account to use this app. Also, some functionality might require an update to Lync Server or might not be available to all users. If you’re not sure about your account status, please contact your IT department.

The Pre Call Diagnostic Tool (PCD) is a client-based application that allows a user to see how the current state of the network might impact the media quality in an upcoming call. PCD shows a graphical view of your network metrics – Network MOS, Packet Loss and Interarrival Jitter.

Features

• About to get on an important call? Run a quick test in On Demand mode to make sure it will go smoothly.
• Run a test in On demand mode to look at your network’s performance over extended periods of time.
• Diagnose trends with a view of historical test runs
• Having trouble signing in to Lync? PCD’s Signin flyout can help you figure out where the issue is.

Grab the app here!

• DOWNLOAD: Lync 2013 PreCall Diagnostics app for Windows 8
  http://apps.microsoft.com/windows/en-us/app/lync-2013-precall-diagnostics/9607fe33-2b51-403d-9615-c23f248e7c88

Stay connected to your favorite Office 365 based reports from wherever you are through a connected BI experience provided by the Microsoft’s Power BI for Windows app.

The Power BI mobile app allows you to view and stay connected to multiple live reports from Office 365 from your Windows tablet. Tag your favorite reports in the Power BI Site in Office 365 and have them appear in the mobile app or browse and discover new Office 365 reports from your tablet. Explore reports with the touch optimized experience and quickly share insights with colleagues.

Please note that in order to use your own reports the Power BI for Windows mobile app will require a Microsoft Power BI for Office 365 account. To find out more please visit www.powerbi.com.

Features:

• Stay connected to critical live Office 365 based reports from your tablet.
• Use Windows sharing to quickly share Office 365 based reports with your colleagues.
• Quickly tag reports as favorites to access them later with one tap.
• Browse your Office 365 based reports to easily find all your reports in the cloud.
• Explore your live reports by filtering, sorting, and highlighting interactive content.

Grab the app for free from the Windows Store today!

• DOWNLOAD: PowerBI for Windows 8 mobile app
  http://apps.microsoft.com/windows/en-us/app/microsoft-power-bi/b7e7c94d-2ea3-4fa6-a277-9d19a1f697ba

The pricing for Visual Studio 2013 hit the web site.  In a nutshell:

• Upgrading from Visual Studio 2012 Professional to Visual Studio 2013 Professional: $99 (November 2013 – January 2014; after it’s $299)
• Visual Studio 2013 Professional: $499
• Visual Studio 2013 Professional with MSDN: $799
• Visual Studio 2013 Premium with MSDN: $2,569
• Visual Studio 2013 Ultimate with MSDN: $4,249

Pricing and Licensing

In addition to all of the new and exciting capabilities detailed above, we are pleased to offer Visual Studio 2013 at Visual Studio 2012 pricing. Also, MSDN subscribers gained new benefits at no additional cost since the release of Visual Studio 2012, including dev and test use rights for Microsoft’s latest releases such as Windows 8.1 and Windows Server 2012 R2, monetary credits to spend on Windows Azure services, discounted rates for Windows Azure Dev/Test scenarios and developer accounts for the Windows Store, Windows Phone Store, and an Office 365 Developer subscription.

Buying Visual Studio with an MSDN Subscription is the most popular way to purchase Visual Studio and gain access to the most comprehensive collection of software, services, and benefits for targeting Microsoft platforms. Active MSDN Subscribers will have the earliest access to the final release of Visual Studio 2013 in mid-October. Visual Studio 2013 with MSDN will be available through Volume Licensing on November 1st, and from retail resellers soon after; however, you can purchase Visual Studio 2012 with MSDN today and receive Visual Studio 2013 upon its release.

As the entry-level professional product, Visual Studio Professional is the mainstay tool of choice for many developers around the world. With these developers in mind, we created a special, limited-time offer through the Microsoft Store for those who purchased Visual Studio Professional 2012 at retail to upgrade to Visual Studio Professional 2013 for only US$99 (pricing varies by region). For more information, see Visual Studio on the Microsoft Store in early November. After this offer expires on January 31, 2014, Visual Studio Professional 2013 Upgrade will be available from the Microsoft Store and through resellers at the estimated retail price of US$299. The estimated retail price for Visual Studio Professional 2013 is US$499.

Lastly, with the release of Visual Studio 2013, agile project planning capabilities are now more accessible for project managers with Backlog Management and Sprint Planning capabilities available for Team Foundation Server 2013 Client Access License (TFS CAL) customers at no additional cost.

Read more here:
http://www.microsoft.com/visualstudio/eng/visual-studio-2013

Read article from Visual Studio Magazine here:
http://visualstudiomagazine.com/articles/2013/09/30/microsoft-announces-vs-2013-pricing.aspx