Kurt Shintaku's Blog

Tango is a free application that provides both audio calls between Tango clients (iPhone, iPad, Android, Windows Phone 7.5, and Windows Desktops) as well as video calls over both Windows Phone 7.5 and Windows Slate/laptop devices that have cameras on them.

• WEB SITE: http://www.tango.me/
• WINDOWS DESKTOP:  http://www.tango.me/downloading-pc/
• WINDOWS PHONE 7.5: http://www.windowsphone.com/en-US/apps/fe30c379-d111-427d-894f-dc3bfa0ec371

For those of you with front facing cameras from your HTC Radar, Samsung Focus S, or Samsung Focus FLASH, it’s a great tool being able to video call (similar to Apple’s Facetime) using your 3G data connection to another phone or to a Windows SLATE with a front facing camera.

Two things about Tango to know:

1. DISABLING CONTACT DATA STORAGE
   Tango, by default, uploads your contact information to their servers over an encrypted pipe. (XMPP-TLS)  You can have this data deleted by turning off the “Save Address Book” setting. 
   To change it, go to Settings and touch the edit icon (pencil) next your contact information, and then at the bottom of that screen you’ll find the “Save Address Book” setting.  Evidently, turning this off will delete the data that they uploaded.
2. TANGO SKIN
   Maybe it’s just me but you may want to get rid of the iPhone skin on the Windows Desktop client.  Under SETTINGS, set it to the Windows Standard skin.

[as announced on the Server & Cloud team blog]

I am so glad that the System Center Operations Manager 2012 Release Candidate was recently released. This is an exciting release, and includes all of the new capabilities introduced in the Beta plus a few more.

One of the important changes we made with Operations Manager 2012 is that we have simplified the architecture by removing the RMS (Root Management Server) role. To do this, we have created resource pools that will distribute the workload that the RMS performed in the past. This will help decrease bottlenecks, help increase performance, and help provide higher availability of your Operations Manager environment.

I am really excited about our Network Monitoring in Operations Manager 2012 RC. Whether the devices are ones where we have extended monitoring capabilities (check out the link here), or other switches where we can just determine connectivity, you can determine if the problem is with the networking infrastructure, or the servers connected.

Now, if you want to, you can create your own custom dashboards displaying views of performance and alerts that are important to you. Once you have created these dashboards, you can present them in a read-only view to SharePoint via the Operations Manager Web Part support.

With Operations Manager 2012, we have connectors for other System Center products that allow for better management of your infrastructure and more connected communication within System Center.

With System Center Orchestrator 2012, the integration pack will have the capabilities to interact with Operations Manager 2012 through activities like:

• Create Alert
• Get Alert
• Update Alert
• Monitor Alert
• Get Monitor
• Monitor State
• Start Maintenance Mode
• Stop Maintenance Mode

With System Center Virtual Machine Manager 2012, the connector will allow you to push from Virtual Machine Manager

• Virtual machine information (properties, performance data)
• Service information (services rendered as distributed applications in OM)
• Private cloud information (capacity, usage metrics)
• Host and Host Cluster information
• Storage Pool information
• IP Address and MAC pool information
• VMM infrastructure information (VMM server health, library server health)

With System Center Service Manager 2012, you have the connector which allows you to sync your Operations Manager discovered objects from any Operations Manager management packs and create configuration items and business services within Service Manager. Also, the connector will create incidents from Operations Manager alerts automatically for you.

We’ve built Operations Manger 2012 with upgrading in mind, and you can perform a rolling upgrade from your Operations Manager 2007 environment. Here is a nice diagram on the upgrade process flow.

I would be remiss to mention that all the really cool things you used in Operations Manager before are still there. For example, your management packs will still work, your alerting, health, and performance monitoring is all still there. Existing MPs and Templates should just work, allowing you to preserve that existing investment you may have already made.

I am really excited about this Release Candidate. Please, download and give it a try.

• DOWNLOAD:  System Center Operations Manager 2012 Release Candidate
  http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/evalcenter/hh505660.aspx?ocid=nlc-f-corp-jtc-DPR&wt.mc_id=TEC_103_1_7
• DOCUMENTATION: System Center Operations Manager 2012 Release Candidate
  http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/hh205987.aspx

Please join us for lunch and a fun Kinect gaming experience. Learn how OrgChart for Visio can shape and visualize your workforce faster than ever before by:

• Enabling best-of-breed features of Visio 2010
• Leveraging critical path Human Capital Management features of OrgChart
• Create dynamic & data-driven diagrams
• Simply connect your diagram to one or more data sources such as Excel

You will also have a very special opportunity to win some fantastic prizes.

DATE:
December 12th, 2011

REGISTRATION/TIME/LOCATION:
If you are interested in participating and you are a customer of mine, please contact me for registration instructions.

Beta 2 of the Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT) 2012 is now available for download!New features and enhancements make large-scale desktop and server deployments smoother than ever!

• For System Center Configuration Manager customers, MDT 2012 Beta 2 provides an improved, extensible wizard and designer for customizing deployment questions.
• MDT 2012 makes full use of the capabilities provided by System Center Configuration Manager 2012 for OS deployment.
• MDT 2012 integrates with configuration templates from the Security Compliance Manager (SCM) tool to ensure a secure Windows installation from the beginning of the deployment.

Download the latest version of MDT and improve your deployment experience. Existing MDT users will find more reliability and flexibility with the many small enhancements and bug fixes and a smooth and simple upgrade process.

Key Benefits:

• Full use of the capabilities provided by System Center Configuration Manager 2012 for OS deployment.
• Improved Lite Touch user experience and functionality.
• A smooth and simple upgrade process for all existing MDT users.

Tell us what you think!
We value your input. Download the beta on Connect and tell us what you think! Please submit your feedback through Connect and direct any support questions you may have to satfdbk at microsoft dot com.

Availability
This program is now open. The beta review period will run through January 2012.

Tell your friends
To join the beta review program for Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT) 2012, visit Microsoft Connect: http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=217606

Learn more
Visit the MDT home page: http://www.microsoft.com/MDT
Get the latest news straight from the MDT team: http://blogs.technet.com/mniehaus/

MDT works with the Microsoft Assessment and Planning Toolkit and Security Compliance Manager to help you plan, securely deploy, and manage new Microsoft technologies-easier, faster, and at less cost. Learn more athttp://www.microsoft.com/solutionaccelerators.

Thank you for your interest in the development of MDT. We look forward to receiving your feedback!

We’re throwing a big ol’ party in Santa Monica, featuring musical artist, “MuteMath”, as featured on the Tonight Show performing “Blood Pressure”!

Register now or miss out!

• DATE/TIME:
  7:00PM-12Mid
  Wed, Nov 30th or Thur, Dec 1st
  (Depending on availability and what date you register for)
• LOCATION:
  2415 Michigan Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90404
• REGISTRATION:
  A Night Out with Windows Phone
  https://www.facebook.com/windowsphone?sk=app_226856474039890

FAQ:
(As taken from web site)

GENERAL EVENT QUESTIONS

What is Spend the Night with Windows Phone all about?
It’s a celebration and a chance to get a first look at the new Windows Phones while enjoying hot indie bands, great food and drinks. It’s free but by invitation only.

Who should attend?
Anyone who digs technology, hearts their cell phone, loves to be the first to know, enjoys good music, video games or tasty local food & drinks should definitely RSVP.

Who is hosting this event?
The Microsoft Windows Phone team.

Do I have to RSVP to get in?
Yes, you must have your confirmation of your RSVP to be allowed in. Space is limited. Party crashing prohibited.

When and where will the events be held?
We’re hosting these hi-tech shindigs in New York, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles and San Francisco. Address details will be sent with your RSVP confirmation.

• Los Angeles
  November 30th & December 1st.
  Starts at 7pm PST
  Ends at 12am PST.

How much does it cost to attend?
Registration is free, but limited.

What’s the dress-code?
Hip, casual. Nice jeans and sneakers are fine. We’re ok if you want to glam it up a little. Be yourself.

Can I bring friends? How do I invite them?
Heck yes, you can bring friends. Once you RSVP, you’ll see a tool to select friends and invite them. You can also share this link: http://on.fb.me/uA6dQo

Does my RSVP guarantee a spot for me?
You must have your confirmation to be allowed in. Space is extremely limited, so it’s recommended that you arrive early.

How old do I have to be to attend?
You must be 21 or older to attend.

Why are you asking for my FB data?
During the party, there will be amazing technology where you can choose to interact with different areas and generate a post to your Facebook account, having this info makes it super easy and fun. We’re also requesting permission to stay compliant with Facebook’s guidelines to obtain a complete release from each participant.

What are you going to do with that data before, during, after the events?
When you arrive at the door, we’ll double-check that you registered through Facebook & that you are who you say you are. Once at the event, we may message you. You’ll also get to play with some cool tools on-site to post status updates. After the event, we’ll safely dispose of your information.

I didn’t get a confirmation email/ticket text.
Please contact support at support@mogotix.com or by phone 1-855-MOGOTIX

The application isn’t working for me.
Please contact support at support@mogotix.com or by phone 1-855-MOGOTIX

What’s the best browser to view the application?
We recommend Internet Explorer 9. Here is a link to download: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/internet-explorer/downloads/ie-9/worldwide-languages

How do I invite more friends after I’ve initially RSVP’d?
Share this link: http://bit.ly/vCJScY

Who do I contact for help?
Contact support at support@mogotix.com or by phone 1-855-MOGOTIX

I lost my confirmation email/ticket
Please contact support at support@mogotix.com or by phone 1-855-MOGOTIX

How do I know if I’m a VIP?
Your mobile ticket will label what kind of ticket you have right under your name. If you have further questions email us at support@mogotix.com

Will parking be available?
No special parking will be available for the events.

Additional Questions?
If your question is not listed here please email support@mogotix.com.

Check this out:  It’s a video documentary we’re producing in 5 parts that talks about being a startup from the eyes of 5 organizations that I believe are participating in our Bizspark startup program.

David Hernie recently posted instructions on how to your blog into a great Windows Phone 7 application without being a developer with the caveat that your blog must have a RSS feed.

Here’s a snippet of his instructions:
(Leeched & reposted in the event his post disappears)

• Download the windows Phone 7 SDK (Even if you are not a developer) to test your app in the emulator. It’s free : http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?displaylang=en&id=27570
• Build your Windows Phone App online No code – couple of clicks – Max 15 min .. http://www.followmyfeed.net -The most complicated part is selecting pictures and finding a good name for your mobile app.
• Register as developer to the WP7 Marketplace. http://create.msdn.com
• Submit you app to the certification process, your application will be available worldwide after couple of days.
• Promote your application to your audience and don’t forget to tweet with the TAG #WP7be

For the full read, go to:
http://www.mytic.be/blog/dhe/Lists/Billets/Post.aspx?ID=69

In case you forgot how awesomesauce this game was, here’s a reminder to GET YOUR BUTT DOWN TO THE MIDNIGHT LAUNCH IN CENTURY CITY!  It’s gonna be ‘wrapped in bacon… & fried in butter’! 

Four days left!

———————

Join us beginning at 10:00PM as we celebrate the launch of “Halo: Combat Evolved – 10th Anniversary Edition”

Show off your skills in tournaments and enter to win great prizes. Bonus: The first 100 gamers attending a launch event will receive a complimentary gift bag.

Pre-order and score $25!
Pre-order Halo: Combat Evolved – 10th Anniversary Edition and get a $25 gift card per title when you pick up your purchases. **

* Open to guests 17 years and older with proof of age. Guests under 17 no admitted without parent or legal guardian.

** Limited-time offer value with pre-order of eligible products through 11/14 or while supplies last. Requires pre-order deposit, which is non-refundable if pre-ordered product is not purchased or refund is not requested within 120days of the product release date. Offer cannot be redeemed for cash or combined with any other offer or promotion. Not available online. Limit one gift card per pre-order game title. Value of gift card may not be applied to purchased of the eligible products. Pre-order and gift card terms and conditions apply. See an associate for details.

DATE/TIME:
November 14th 10:00PM-1:00AM

LOCATION:
Westfield Century City
10250 Santa Monica Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90067
3102283550
http://microsoftstore.com/losangeles

Are you familiar with the Microsoft Software Assurance Home Use Program?

Probably.  Customers with Microsoft Office on Software Assurance (also known in some circles as ‘license maintenance’) have a benefit called the Home Use Program that allows corporate employees covered by the Microsoft licensing agreement to purchase 1 home copy of Office Professional Plus 2010 for $9.95.  This includes the activation key and the software as a download.

What is HUP with Digital Bulk Order?
The Home Use Program Digital Bulk Order allows Software Assurance benefit administrators to purchase multiple copies of Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2010 in bulk for their employees to use on home PCs. 

Instead of employees individually purchasing and downloading the software/activation key for $9.95, they can get the software and the key from their corporate administrator of the benefit if the company ‘fronts the $9.95/copy bill’.

This is useful if your organization wants to buy and gift the Office HUP software for the holidays for example as a benefit of working at the company.

What do you need to do:

• Tell your users about the option to buy Office Professional Plus 2010 at $9.95 per employee, if you have Software Assurance and the HUP benefit.
• Contact me for details on marketing materials, posters, emails and more if you are a customer of mine.
• Contact me for details on how to sign up for the Digital Bulk Order program if you are a customer of mine.

Office 365 is a suite of Internet-based services that are designed to help meet your needs for robust security, 24/7 reliability, and user productivity. This set of documents provides service descriptions for the components of the suite.

• Microsoft Exchange Online for Enterprises Service Description – Microsoft® Exchange Online is a hosted messaging solution that delivers the capabilities of Microsoft Exchange Server as a cloud-based service. It gives users rich and familiar access to email, calendar, contacts, and tasks across PCs, the web, and mobile devices.
• Microsoft SharePoint Online for Enterprises Service Description – Microsoft SharePoint Online is a Microsoft Office 365 service for businesses of all sizes. Instead of installing and deploying Microsoft SharePoint Server on-premises, any business can now simply subscribe to SharePoint Online to provide their employees with an enterprise grade solution for creating sites to share documents and information with colleagues and customers.
• Microsoft Lync Online for Enterprises Service Description – Microsoft® Lync™ Online is a next-generation cloud communications service that connects people in new ways, anytime, from virtually anywhere. Lync Online provides intuitive communications capabilities across presence, instant messaging, audio/video calling and a rich online meeting experience including PC-audio, video and web conferencing. Transform your interactions with colleagues, customers and partners from today’s hit-and-miss communication to a more collaborative, engaging, and effective experience.
• Microsoft Office Professional Plus Service Description – With Office Professional Plus, users get the latest version of the Microsoft Office applications, seamlessly connected and delivered with cloud services, so they can access their documents, email, and calendars from virtually any device. Office Professional Plus includes the new Office Web Apps—online companions to Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel®, Microsoft PowerPoint®, and Microsoft OneNote®—which let users review and make minor edits to documents directly from a browser.
• Microsoft Office 365 Apple Devices Service Description – The Microsoft Office 365 Apple Devices Service Description provides customers with an overview of Office 365 capabilities on the Mac and iOS (iPhone and iPad) devices.
• Microsoft Exchange Online Archiving Service Description – Microsoft Exchange Online Archiving is a cloud-based archiving solution for organizations that have deployed Microsoft Exchange Server 2010 on-premises. Exchange Online Archiving is an enterprise-class service that assists these organizations with their archiving, compliance, regulatory, and e-discovery challenges while simplifying their on-premises infrastructure, thereby saving costs and easing the information technology (IT) burden.
• Microsoft Office 365 for Enterprises Support Service Description – Microsoft® Office 365 for enterprises Support Service Description provides information to customers about the technical and nontechnical support included in their subscription fee to Microsoft Office 365 for enterprises.
• Microsoft Office 365 Mobility Services Description – The Microsoft Office 365 Mobility Services Description provides customers with information on mobility solutions—access to services from phones and devices—that are available for two online services in this current release namely, Microsoft Exchange Online and Microsoft SharePoint® Online.
• Microsoft Office Web Apps Service Description – Microsoft® Office Web Apps is the online companion to Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel®, Microsoft PowerPoint®, and Microsoft OneNote® applications that helps users access documents from almost anywhere. Users can view, share, and work on documents online with other users across personal computers, mobile devices, and the web.
• Office 365 Security and Service Continuity Service Description – This service description describes the security, continuity, privacy, and compliance policies and controls for the Office 365 for enterprises service offerings. It is intended to provide Office 365 customers with an overview of how each of the Office 365 services is designed to provide a high degree of security, privacy, continuity, and compliance—service goals that are derived from the Microsoft Risk Management program.
• Office 365 Identity Service Description – This document discusses the design, policies, and best practices related to Office 365 identity, including the creation of user accounts, password policy, co-existence, directory synchronization, and single sign-on ( identity federation). Users can gain access to Office 365 by authenticating to their Office 365 user accounts—either through a prompt to provide valid credentials or through a single sign-on process. Once authenticated, users’ identities refer to the user names associated with the Office 365 accounts.

DOWNLOAD: Office 365 for Enterprise Service Descriptions
http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=13602