image We’re thrilled to publish another free ebook: Introducing Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2, by Ross Mistry and Stacia Misner!

The book contains 10 chapters and 216 pages, like so:

PART I   Database Administration
CHAPTER 1   SQL Server 2008 R2 Editions and Enhancements 3
CHAPTER 2   Multi-Server Administration 21
CHAPTER 3   Data-Tier Applications 41
CHAPTER 4   High Availability and Virtualization Enhancements 63
CHAPTER 5   Consolidation and Monitoring 85

PART II   Business Intelligence Development
CHAPTER 6   Scalable Data Warehousing 109
CHAPTER 7   Master Data Services 125
CHAPTER 8   Complex Event Processing with StreamInsight 145
CHAPTER 9   Reporting Services Enhancements 165
CHAPTER 10   Self-Service Analysis with PowerPivot 189

SysCnt-DPM2010_h_rgb

System Center Data Protection (DPM) 2010, meantime, delivers unified data protection for Windows servers such as SQL Server, Exchange, SharePoint, Virtualization and file servers — as well as Windows desktops and laptops. Microsoft has re-engineered DPM 2010 to be more scalable so that both midsize and enterprise-class organizations can take advantage of it.

Key additions in DPM 2010 include:

  • The ability for roaming laptops to get centrally managed policies around desktop protection, so that your laptop data is protected, whether you are connected to the corporate network or remote
  • Enhanced virtualization protection, including Hyper-V R2 LiveMigration scenarios and the ability to recover single-files from within host-based backups
  • Additional protection and recovery capabilities for Windows application servers like SQL Server, Exchange or SharePoint
  • Native site-to-site replication for disaster recovery to either another DPM server or an off-site cloud provider
  • Significant enterprise-scalability increases for deploying DPM in large environments
  • Centrally managed System State and Bare Metal Recovery

We are very excited about two offerings because we think they address a critical need among midsize businesses: the struggle to find great IT management solutions that are tailored to provide that elusive combination of rich features and ease of use.

[taken from System Center blog]

Posted by: kurtsh | April 23, 2010

RELEASE: Microsoft Touch Pack for Windows 7

image

The Microsoft Touch Pack for Windows 7 is a collection of games and programs that you interact with using your fingers. To use these games and programs, you need either a laptop with a screen that supports multitouch or a desktop PC connected to a touchscreen that supports multitouch (including all-in-one PCs with touchscreens).

To find this capability, look for a laptop, all-in-one PC, or touchscreen with the Windows 7 logo that says it supports Windows Touch.

The Touch Pack comes preinstalled on some multitouch PCs running Windows 7, but it isn’t included in Windows 7.

What’s in the Touch Pack

The Touch Pack includes six games and programs that highlight the capabilities of Windows Touch:

  • Microsoft Blackboard, an intricate game of physics in which you solve a puzzle by creating a fanciful machine on a blackboard.
  • Microsoft Garden Pond, a tranquil game that takes place in serene Japanese water gardens.
  • Microsoft Rebound, a game in which you use your fingertips to control Tesla spheres with an electrical field between them to catapult a metal game ball into your opponent’s goal.
  • Microsoft Surface Globe, a program that you can use to explore the earth as a flat 2-D map or as an immersive 3-D experience.
  • Microsoft Surface Collage, a program that you can use to explore and interact with your photos and arrange them as a desktop background.
  • Microsoft Surface Lagoon, a screen saver and interactive water simulation, complete with a meditative rock arrangement and playful, shy fish.

DOWNLOAD: Microsoft Touch Pack for Windows 7
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?displaylang=en&FamilyID=b152fadd-82e4-4ddb-a46a-aebe49944428

BLOG: Introducing the Microsoft Touch Pack for Windows 7
http://windowsteamblog.com/blogs/windows7/archive/2009/05/27/introducing-the-microsoft-touch-pack-for-windows-7.aspx

Posted by: kurtsh | April 23, 2010

RELEASE: Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 posts to the web

image The released Express & Eval versions of the SQL Server 2008 R2 have been posted to the web.

  • Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 – Express
    Microsoft® SQL Server® 2008 R2 Express is a powerful and reliable data management system that delivers a rich set of features, data protection, and performance for embedded applications, lightweight Web Sites and applications, and local data stores.
  • Microsoft SQL Server2008 R2 – Express with Advanced Services
    Microsoft® SQL Server® 2008 R2 Express is a powerful and reliable data management system that delivers a rich set of features, data protection, and performance for embedded applications, lightweight Web Sites and applications, and local data stores
  • Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 – Management Tools
    Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 Management Studio Express (SSMSE) is an integrated environment for accessing, configuring, managing, administering, and developing all components of SQL Server Express.
  • Microsoft® SQL Server® 2008 R2 End User License Agreements
    The Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 End User License Agreements provide the legal terms and conditions for using the SQL Server 2008 R2 core software
  • Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 Evaluation : Trial Experience for IT Professionals
    Download SQL Server 2008 R2 180-day Trial Software. Building on SQL Server 2008, R2 provides an even more scalable data platform with comprehensive tools for managing your databases and applications, improving the quality of your data, and empowering your users to build rich analyses and reports using tools they are already familiar with.
  • Microsoft® SQL Server 2008 R2 Evaluation : Trial Experience for Developers
    Download SQL Server 2008 R2 180-day Trial Software. Building on SQL Server 2008, R2 provides an even more scalable data platform with comprehensive tools for managing your databases and applications,improving the quality of your data, and empowering your users to build rich analyses and reports using tools they are already familiar with.
  • SQL Server Driver for PHP 2.0 CTP
    Download the SQL Server Driver for PHP v2.0 CTP1 to enable a PHP application to use the PDO (PHP Data Objects) API for using SQL Server for data storage
  • SQL Server Modeling CTP Nov 2009 Release 3 (formerly “Oslo”)
    SQL Server Modeling (formerly code name "Oslo") is a set of future technologies that provide significant productivity gains across the lifecycle of .NET applications by enabling developers, architects, and IT professionals to work together more effectively with SQL Server at the center of the application lifecycle.
Posted by: kurtsh | April 23, 2010

INFO: Technet Forums Priority Subscriber Support

imageQ: What are these “Technet Subscriptions” I get with Software Assurance?

I get this question a lot.  People that own Software Assurance (also referred to as “SA” or “Maintenance”) on their Volume Licensed Microsoft products, have a variety of really cool benefits.  One of these is “Priority Subscriber Support” from the Technet Forums.  SA customers are given a limited number of subscriber licenses that allow employees to access these forums at no charge.  (Traditionally, customers have to either be full Technet Plus Subscribers or full MSDN Subscribers to access these forums)

The way it works is you simply post your technical questions in the TechNet Forums to receive a response from a Microsoft engineer within 2 business days if the community hasn’t already gotten you the answer.  To receive Priority Support in the TechNet Forums designated below, please make sure to sign in with the same Windows Live ID you use to access your other subscription benefits; no special configuration is needed.

You can get answers to your technical questions in a variety of subject areas.  Here’s a small sample of the forums where Microsoft engineers answer questions:

  • Windows Server General
    Windows Server Clustering
    Windows Server Directory Services
    Windows Server File Services and Storage
    Windows Server Group Policy
    Windows Server Hyper-V
    Windows Server Management
    Windows Server Migration
    Windows Server Network Access Protection 
    Windows Server Network Infrastructure Servers
    Windows Server Platform Networking
    Windows Server Print/Fax
    Windows Server Security
    Windows Server Setup Deployment
    Windows Server Server Core
    Windows Server Server Manager
    Windows Server Terminal Services
    Windows Server WSUS
    Windows Server Windows PowerShell
  • Exchange Server General
    Exchange Server Transport
    Exchange Server Secure Messaging
    Exchange Server Monitoring
    Exchange software updates
    Exchange Server Admin
    Exchange Server Anti Virus/Anti Spam
    Exchange Server Clients
    Exchange Server Compliance
    Exchange Server Deploy
    Exchange Server High Availability/Disaster Recovery
    Exchange Server Migration
    Exchange Server Mobility
  • Sharepoint General
    Sharepoint Setup and Admin
    Sharepoint Design and Customization
    Sharepoint Development and Programming
    Sharepoint Business Data Catalog
    Sharepoint Business Intelligence
    Sharepoint InfoPath Form Services
    Sharepoint Workflow
    Sharepoint Excel Services
    Sharepoint Search
    Sharepoint Enterprise Content Management
    Sharepoint Accessibility
    Sharepoint Social Computing
    Sharepoint Community Advancement
    Sharepoint Collaboration

FORUMS: TechNet Forums
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/subscriptions/ms788697.aspx

image The following products are now available for download for Technet & MSDN Subscribers:

  • Office Professional Plus 2010 (x86/x64)
  • Office Web Apps 2010 (for SharePoint Server 2010 – x64)
  • Project 2010 (x86/x64)
  • SharePoint Server 2010 (x64)
  • Visio 2010 (x86/x64)

Download these products from the Technet Plus Subscriber’s Download site at:
https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/subscriptions/securedownloads/default.aspx

The following products are available for download on Microsoft.com’s downloads:

This is pretty cool:
image

Why would you want an installation of Internet Explorer 8.0 that was optimized for Amazon?

Internet Explorer 8 Optimized for Amazon.com Features

  • Amazon Outlet and Gold Box Web Slices
    New deals, every day. Use Web Slices to access Amazon.com daily deals directly from your favorites bar. Find great deals on everything from Electronics to Tools to Sporting Goods. Deals are refreshed regularly and you’ll be notified automatically when new deals are available. You are always one click away from deep savings on great products.
  • Amazon Search Suggestions
    Search Amazon.com from anywhere on the web using the Instant Search box on your browser. Search better and faster by seeing instant product suggestions as you type. Click on a suggested product to go straight to the product’s page on Amazon.com.
  • Accelerate Your Searches
    The new Accelerators in Internet Explorer 8 help you quickly perform your everyday browsing tasks without navigating to other websites to get things done. Simply highlight text from any webpage, and then click on the blue Accelerator icon that appears above your selection to search on Amazon.com for related products.
  • Amazon Button
    With just one click you can go directly to the Amazon.com home page or any department on Amazon.com.
  • Universal Wish List Button
    The Universal Wish List button allows you to add products from any website to your Amazon.com Wish List with one simple click, making it easier than ever to keep track of all the gifts you wish for, all in one place.
  • Amazon Feeds
    Whether you’re wondering about the top selling book on Amazon.com or just want to know when new DVDs are released, the Amazon Feeds feature in the new Internet Explorer 8 Optimized for Amazon.com gets you instant access to live updated Amazon.com content like Bestsellers, New Releases, and Gold Box Deals.
  • Amazon MP3 Tweets
    Instant access to the latest Tweets from Amazon MP3.

DOWNLOAD:  Internet Explorer 8.0:  Optimized for Amazon.com
http://amzn.to/9TFZZQ

Microsoft FUSE Labs just announced “Docs”.  Now you can discover, create, and share Microsoft Office documents with your Facebook friends. Built using Microsoft Office 2010 – Docs for Facebook lets you work from just about anywhere with the familiar Office experience.

Taken from the Docs blog:

image INTRODUCING DOCS… for FACEBOOK

I’m so excited to announce today the launch of a new beta Facebook app from FUSE Labs called “Docs”, also available at our docs.com website.  Built on Microsoft Office 2010, the Docs app enables Facebook® users for the first time to create and share Microsoft Office documents directly with their Facebook friends, using the Office tools they already know.

It’s been quite a sprint for the FUSE team to deliver this beta – from concept to its initial implementation in less than four months.  The FUSE Labs mission is to explore a range of “Future Social Experiences”.  In this exploration it’s our belief that we may increase the value of Office ‘docs’ by giving everyone the ability to seamlessly take their friends and connections with them from Facebook to docs.com.

The fact that we’ve been able to adapt the Office 2010 “Web Apps” technology to work directly with Facebook truly speaks to the flexibility and power not just of the Facebook platform, but also of the Office system’s rich “contextual collaboration” capabilities.  And we’d never have been able to achieve our critical ‘simplicity’ goals had it not been for our ability to use a new test feature from Facebook that allows us to build an instantly personalized and seamless document authorization & sharing experience directly from our site.

This exploration exposes yet another facet of Ray Ozzie’s broad and long-held vision of social productivity.  Although quite simple (and fun!), docs.com integrated with the Facebook experience bring together the best of ‘software’ with the best of ‘services’.  Documents can be created directly within the app, or can be uploaded from your PC.  After starting work on a document alone, you might then choose a few others with whom to share it.  Or you might instead share it with all your friends, or you might share it with the world.  Documents can be viewed and edited directly within a web browser – or, with a single click, you can edit them more richly and powerfully through the Microsoft Office software on your PC or Mac.

One of our FUSE Labs principles is that ‘it’s not what you say – rather, it’s what you do, what you learn, and how you adapt’.  So, we hope you’ll register at docs.com, have some fun with our app, and help us explore!  See you there!

LINK:  Docs from Microsoft FUSE labs (Documentation here)
http://docs.com/

Posted by: kurtsh | April 21, 2010

RELEASE: SQL Server 2008 R2 releases to manufacturing!

image We are very excited to share that today, Microsoft released SQL Server 2008 R2 to manufacturing! Customers can expect availability in the next few weeks through Microsoft’s distribution channels. For more information, visit www.sqlserverlaunch.com.

SQL Server 2008 R2 enhancements continue to support mission-critical workloads providing a trusted, scalable platform, increased developer and IT efficiency and managed self-service business intelligence reporting and analytics. It is for these very reasons that SQL Server 2008 R2 is setting records for performance and price/performance on industry standard benchmarks.

SQL Server 2008 R2, as part of Microsoft’s complete information platform, makes gathering, managing and using business information easier and more cost-effective for businesses. Some of the capabilities that customers and partners will benefit from include:

  • PowerPivot: a managed self-service analysis solution that empowers end users to access, analyze and share data across the enterprise in an IT managed environment using Excel 2010 and SharePoint Sever 2010.
  • Master Data Services: helps IT organizations centrally manage critical data assets companywide and across diverse systems, and enables more people to securely manage master data directly, and ensure the integrity of information over time.
  • Application and Multi-server Management: helps organizations proactively manage database environments efficiently at scale through centralized visibility into resource utilization and streamlined consolidation and upgrade initiatives across the application lifecycle.
  • Report Builder 3.0: report authoring component with support for geospatial visualization. This new release provides capabilities to further increase end user productivity with enhanced wizards, more powerful visualizations, and intuitive authoring.
  • StreamInsight: a low latency complex event processing platform to help IT monitor, analyze and act on the data in motion to make more informed business decisions in near real-time.

To explore what’s new in the SQL Server 2008 R2 release, please visit the SQL Server 2008 R2 Digital Tour at www.sqlserverlaunch.com. Additionally, remember to use the #SQLR2 hashtag when Tweeting all SQL Server 2008 R2 related news!

Additional Resources:

[taken from SQL Server team blog]

Posted by: kurtsh | April 21, 2010

DEAL: Xbox 360 Arcade… $159! (UPDATED)

image

UPDATE: 4/21/10 12:01PM:
Looks like it was a pricing error on Barnes and Noble’s part and they’re not honoring any of the orders made.  Wah.

The good news is that there’s still the Xbox 360 Arcade deal from Amazon for $159.  Not quite as cheap but still a total deal.

————
UPDATE 4/21/10 11:45AM:
Whoa.  A colleague pointed out that BING Cashback will also get you 8% cashback, making the resulting cost $96.

If you don’t know how to use BING cashback, you’re missing out.  Go to http://bing.com and search for something like “barnes and noble Xbox”.  It will likely return a set of results, one of which will say “Get 4%-8% cashback” with the BING Cashback logo next to it.  Select this.  If you get a list of vendors, select the link for Barnes & Noble that says “Go to store”.  (You should see that the discount for Barnes & Noble is 8%.)  You will be required to sign in with your Bing cashback ID.  If you don’t have one, sign up for one at this point.  

(This link may work as a shortcut:
|http://www.bing.com/cashback/go?o=46860620&cbst=1.2&msclkid=63CFBE7C7F644E8396F0631F33D05D9E&c=283465&mu=http%3a%2f%2fsearch.barnesandnoble.com%2fbooksearch%2fisbnInquiry.asp%3fEAN%3d9781605500423)

It will lead you to BarnesandNoble.com which will allow you to find the Xbox below and use the coupon.

————
ORIGINAL POST:
This was too phenomenal to not forward on.

  • Xbox 360 Arcade – $105
    Barnes & Noble has Xbox 360 Arcade for $200 – 50% instant discount code M4U8F7F = $100. (Shipping is $5.)
    http://bit.ly/afPEwO

Epic WIN!  Get one while supplies last! Limit 1 per customer.
(I bought one immediately.  I’ll let you know if it’s a ‘Jasper’… for those of you who know what that means.)

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