Kurt Shintaku's Blog

IT Management, Process Management, Project Management… and lots more
Microsoft Office Visio 2007 makes it easy for IT and business professionals to visualize, explore, and communicate complex information. Go from complicated text and tables that are hard to understand to Visio diagrams that communicate information at a glance. Instead of static pictures, create data-connected Visio diagrams that display data, are easy to refresh, and dramatically increase your productivity. Use the wide variety of diagrams in Office Visio 2007 to understand, act on, and share information about organizational systems, resources, and processes throughout your enterprise.

———————-

Using Visio 2007 Professional to Document IT Infrastructure
Tuesday, September 8th 11:00 AM EST  – 90 minutes

In this webcast, we focus on using Visio 2007 Professional to document resources and solve IT challenges. Topics we cover include:

• Creating and maintaining site maps and building plans.
• Importing CAD floor plates from CAD drawings such as AutoCAD .DWG files.
• Creating and maintaining corporate organization charts.
• Analyzing corporate resource utilization (documented as a Visio 2007 pivot diagram).
• Presenting performance analysis for staff (shown as data graphics added to an organizational chart).
• Analyzing departmental assets, both in floor plan view and as a Visio 2007 pivot diagram.
• Displaying space allocation as illustrated on a floor plan.

———————-

Using Visio 2007 Professional for IT Asset Management
Tuesday, October 13th  11:00 AM EST  – 90 minutes

Microsoft Office Visio 2007 Professional can provide clear and concise visual insight into the IT documentation process. In this webcast, we focus on using Visio 2007 Professional to create and maintain:

• Physical network layouts through plan-based diagrams.
• Logical network diagrams through logical network topology diagrams.
• Rack diagrams to document the physical IT assets in server rooms and equipment closets.
• Wiring diagrams as overlays to floor plan diagrams.

Other topics we discuss include using auto-discovery tools in conjunction with Visio 2007 Professional, documenting collections of additional physical network equipment as Visio SmartShape symbols, and using space-allocation diagrams generated from the Visio facilities management solution technology and attached to external data.

———————-

Using Visio 2007 Professional for IT Migration Process Flow
Tuesday, November 10th  11:00 AM EST  – 90 minutes

Microsoft Office Visio 2007 Professional can provide clear and concise visual insight into the IT implementation and documentation process. In this webcast, we focus on using Visio 2007 Professional to:

• Create flow diagrams to document and analyze business processes.
• Create cross-functional flow diagrams to analyze tasks and processes across numerous stakeholders and functional groups.
• Design and create user interfaces to assist knowledge workers.
• Document Web sites to understand and improve corporate intranet and Internet presences.
• Link flow diagrams to external data sources for analysis of key performance indicators.
• Analyze server performance based on external data driven by enterprise data sources.
• Link to Microsoft Office Project 2007 data to generate and analyze timelines for project performance.

TechNet Presents: Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2
Join us for a morning exploring Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2.

Migrating Windows XP to Windows 7: Get it done
You’ve been tasked with upgrading your desktops from Windows XP to Windows 7 and you know there isn’t a direct upgrade path, so how are you going to do it?  This session will give you the answers and tools that will make your migration from Windows XP to Windows 7 pretty straightforward.  First we’ll discuss standalone migrations using standard methodologies.  Then we’ll explore how you can do large scale migrations with the Microsoft Deployment Tool Kit 2010 technologies, covering the "Light-Touch” Installation (LTI) method using User State Hard-Link Migration which will minimize network traffic and get the migration done in a timelier manner.  What tools will we use?  The User State Migration Tool (USMT) in the Automated Installation Toolkit (AIK) has everything you need to get the migration going and smoothly deploy Windows 7.

Securing Windows 7 in a Windows Server 2008 R2 Environment
The session will focus on Windows 7 Direct Access to provide secure anywhere access on the network. We will explore how Direct Access solution makes it easier for IT Professionals to manage the network infrastructure and how it reduces IT costs. We will discuss how Direct Access works, network infrastructure requirements, and how to setup and configure Direct Access on the WS08 R2 Server and Windows 7 Client. In addition, we will include how NAP connections are integrated with Direct Access for Windows 7 remote clients to comply with network policy before connecting to intranet resources. The topics will include WS08 R2 configuration and the Windows 7 connection process through the Direct Access server to the NAP server. The session will include demonstrations on how to setup and configure Direct Access on the Windows 7 client and Windows Server 2008 R2. In addition, we will discuss File Sharing, transparent caching, and Offline File Enhancements, DNS Security Extensions, multiple active firewalls, and URL-based QoS. Finally, the session will include demonstrations to configure NPS Server on Windows Server 2008 R2 and connecting Windows 7 NAP client through the Direct Access Server to NPS Server.

New Features in Windows Server 2008 R2 Directory Services
The session will explore Windows Server 2008 R2 Active Directory features that enhance Identity Management and simplified management capabilities to provide more control of management resources. We will begin by examining the improved management capabilities that automate Active Directory tasks using Windows PowerShell and improved administrative tasks using Administrative Center for Active Directory. Then we will discuss the Best Practice Analyzers to help manage active directory deployments and Active Directory Recycle Bin that allows you to recover deleted objects. Next, we will explore improved management of user accounts used as identity for services and Offline Domain join that enables Computers to join a domain without being connected to the domain during the deployment process. Finally, we explore the new forest functional level known as authentication assurance that allows administrators to establish authentication policies for accounts that are authenticated in federated domains.

Please contact me for registration information if you are a customer of mine.

Microsoft Deployment Toolkit is the recommended process and toolset to automate desktop and server deployment. MDT benefits you by providing:

• Unified tools and processes required for desktop and server deployment in a common deployment console and collection of guidance.
• Reduced deployment time, standardized desktop and server images, along with improved security and ongoing configuration management.

MDT 2010 includes new features like flexible driver management, optimized user interface workflow, and access to distribution shares from any location to simplify deployment and make your job easier. Deploy faster and easier with MDT 2010.

Improvements to MDT 2010 RC allow you to:

• Access deployment shares from anywhere on the network and replicate files and settings across organizational boundaries or sites.
• Organize and manage drivers, operating systems, applications, packages and task sequences with an improved UI.
• Automate all UI functionality utilizing the new Windows PowerShell^TM.

Where do I download the MDT 2010 Release Candidate?
To download MDT 2010 RC and submit feedback, please click:
https://connect.microsoft.com/Downloads/DownloadDetails.aspx?SiteID=14&DownloadID=8689

How and where do I provide feedback?
To provide us your feedback, please click:
https://connect.microsoft.com/feedback/CreateFeedbackForm.aspx?FeedbackFormConfigurationID=1942&FeedbackType=1&SiteID=14

Microsoft Deployment Toolkit BLOG:
http://blogs.technet.com/msdeployment/

The Code7 Contest is on until Oct 10th!

Code7 is where your ingenious application meets the opportunity to get millions of eyes on your work, plus a trip to LA for PDC09 and up to $17,777 in cash!

Show the world what you’re working with and take things up a notch when you code to the power of Windows 7.

Take three minutes to video yourself describing and demonstrating your application idea for Windows 7 and you could win big.

As you work, keep in mind our Code7 Contest Guiding Principles and Windows 7 Technologies:

Guiding Principles:
Your application should support one or more of the following Windows 7 scenarios:

• Simplify My Life
  Develop an application that makes the things customers do every day faster and easier, with fewer clicks, simpler navigation and easier ways to connect.

• More Media, More Places
  Design a great application to help customers create, edit, organize and share media.

• Gaming
  Make it fun and exciting for customers to get their game on.

• Work from Anywhere
  Help make customers more productive at home, at work, or on-the-go.

• Safeguard Your Work
  Help customers protect their data, whether it resides on their PC, USB devices or on a network infrastructure.

• Applications for a Better Tomorrow
  Use the power of your code to help communities prepare and plan for a better future.

Windows 7 Technologies:
Your entry should take advantage of one or more of the following technologies:

• Libraries
  Libraries make it easier for customers to find, work with, and organize files scattered across their PC or network.

• Windows Touch
  Use the Windows Touch APIs to build an application that introduces a new input method.

• Shell Integration
  Applications are now more discoverable, informative and interactive.

• DirectX 11
  Develop applications that utilize DX11 technology that delivers graphics so real, it’s unreal.

• Sensor and Location Platform
  Windows 7 introduces a platform for using sensor devices, such as light sensors or GPS sensors, to create environmental or location awareness in programs

CONTEST DETAILS:
https://www.code7contest.com

RESOURCES:
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/dd433113.aspx

The Windows® API Code Pack for Microsoft® .NET Framework provides a source code library that can be used to access some new Windows 7 features (and some existing features of older versions of Windows operating system) from managed code. These Windows features are not available to developers today in the .NET Framework.

DOWNLOAD:
http://code.msdn.microsoft.com/WindowsAPICodePack

The individual features supported in this version (v1.0) of the library are:

• Windows 7 Taskbar Jump Lists, Icon Overlay, Progress Bar, Tabbed Thumbnails, and Thumbnail Toolbars.
• Windows 7 Libraries, Known Folders, non-file system containers.
• Windows Shell Search API support, a hierarchy of Shell Namespace entities, and Drag and Drop functionality for Shell Objects.
• Explorer Browser Control.
• Shell property system.
• Windows Vista and Windows 7 Common File Dialogs, including custom controls.
• Windows Vista and Windows 7 Task Dialogs.
• Direct3D 11.0, Direct3D 10.1/10.0, DXGI 1.0/1.1, Direct2D 1.0, DirectWrite, Windows Imaging Component (WIC) APIs. (DirectWrite and WIC have partial support)
• Sensor Platform APIs
• Extended Linguistic Services APIs
• Power Management APIs
• Application Restart and Recovery APIs
• Network List Manager APIs
• Command Link control and System defined Shell icons.

What’s New in this update (v1.0):
The new features added in this update of code pack are:

• Shell Search API support.
• Drag and Drop functionality for Shell objects.
• Support for Direct3D and Direct2D interoperability.
• Support for Typography and Font enumeration DirectWrite APIs.

Last week, we released the Kilimanjaro/SQL Server 2008 R2 Community Tech Preview for August 2009 on Technet, which includes SQL Server 2008 R2 x86/x64/ia64 in both Enterprise & Express Editions.  We also have the new SQL Server 2008 R2 Report Builder 3.0 available.
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/evalcenter/ee315247.aspx

For folks paying attention, the following features were added to this CTP:

Note that we are still on track to deliver other SQL Server 2008 R2 features such as Master Data Services, Self Service Business Intelligence capabilities delivered in SQL Server Reporting Services and Project "Gemini".)  This release does not included any Madison-focused technologies.  (Datawarehousing)

A customer asked how to go about sizing their Sharepoint implementation and our specialist recommended the following resources to take a look at.

• SharePoint 2007 Sizing and Configuration Tool from HP:
  http://blogs.msdn.com/sharepoint/archive/2007/09/25/microsoft-office-sharepoint-2007-sizing-and-configuration-tool-by-hp-new.aspx
• Microsoft Capacity Planning Tool:
  http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb961988.aspx
• General documentation on sizing and capacity planning:
  http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc262971.aspx

Microsoft Exchange Server 2010 brings a new and rich set of technologies, features, and services to the Exchange Server product line. This is a list of many of the new features and functionality that are included in Exchange 2010 however the list isn’t comprehensive. It provides important information to use when you’re planning, deploying, and administering your Exchange 2010 organization:

• New Rights-Protected E-Mail Functionality with Active Directory RMS
• New Transport and Routing Functionality
• New Permissions Functionality
• New High Availability Functionality
• New Messaging Policy and Compliance Features
• New Outlook Web Access Features
• New Unified Messaging Features
• Web Management Interface
• New Exchange Core Store Functionality
• New Administration Functionality in the Exchange Management Console
• New Administration Functionality in the Exchange Management Shell

BLOG ANNOUNCEMENT OF RELEASE CANDIDATE:
http://msexchangeteam.com/archive/2009/08/17/451974.aspx 

DOWNLOAD RELEASE CANDIDATE:
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/evalcenter/dd185495.aspx

TECHNET LIBRARY FOR EXCHANGE 2010 BETA: 
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb124558(EXCHG.140).aspx

EXCHANGE 2010 RELEASE CANDIDATE TECHCENTER:
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/exchange/2010/default.aspx

Originally slated to get their code on the 19th, volume licensing customers received the RTM build on the 12th–a full week early. The second half of August was still the target for the rest of the world, but we’ve burned the midnight oil this week and the result is that the Windows Server 2008 R2 RTM bits are available today! The eval bits are publicly available for download on microsoft.com. 

Some quick details: The eval is good for 180 days, and once you install there’s a 10-day grace period before you’ll need to activate the software. Please note, however, that while product activation is required, the product key is actually built into the software so all you need to do is click "Activate Now."

TechNet and MSDN subscribers also get access to RTM in the form of full bits. This version requires you to enter a product key for activation, but that key is supplied when you download the code. Just log-in with your account credentials and start downloading. Enjoy the new server!

[taken from WindowsServer]

Since the launch of Bing, more and more consumers are discovering that when it comes to shopping, Bing is helping them to make smarter decisions – and to save money.

Whether or not you’ve searched and shopped on Bing before, it’s a great time to check us out. You can now earn even more cashback – up to double the rebates on hundreds of merchants – using Bing cashback.

Bing cashback provides a unique way for you to save money when searching and shopping via Bing. For every purchase you make, you’ll earn a percentage of the product price as cashback.*
Get started by checking out some great savings from these cashback retailers:

• eBay: up to 10% off products like digital cameras
• HP: up to 15% off products like HP laptops
• Sears: up to 16% off products like Levi’s jeans
• Overstock: up to 20% off products like coffee makers
• Drugstore.com: up to 25% off health and beauty products

Some of our other nearly 1,000 partners include: Walmart, Office Max, Barnes & Noble, Nordstrom, Sephora, Banana Republic, Saks, Newegg, TigerDirect, Foot Locker, J&R Electronics, Brookstone, CompUSA and eBags.

For those who haven’t used Bing cashback before, earning cashback is simple:

1. Search: search on Bing.com for all of your back-to-school needs
2. Shop: look for the cashback coins
3. Save: click through to make your purchase. Every time you make an eligible purchase, we’ll email you to confirm your Bing cashback savings.**

FYI, the back to school cashback offers will expire in a very short time, so start searching, shopping and saving soon!

* It’s really important to us that you have a good experience with Bing cashback:

• Q’s about how cashback works?
• Have specific questions about your order?

** We will send you an email within 48 hours to confirm your cashback award. If you do not receive an email within this time, please contact customer support. You can request your cashback about 60 days after your purchase (waiting period varies by store) and with at least $5 in your cashback account.