Gill looks at IT Pro stuff

Microsoft's Lync Mobility Deployment Guide updated

2012-01-19T11:56:00.000+08:00

Microsoft's Lync Mobility Deployment guide was updated to fix the document's errors.

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/hh690016.aspx

MS11-099: Cumulative Security Update for Internet Explorer: December 13, 2011

2011-12-14T11:00:00.000+08:00

this one fixes the issues with EMC in Exchange 2010 not closing (Article 2624899: You cannot close the EMC window on a computer that has Internet Explorer 9 installed)

Lync gets people talking - Unified Communications Group Team Blog - Site Home - TechNet Blogs

2011-10-03T23:06:00.000+08:00

Lync gets people talking - Unified Communications Group Team Blog - Site Home - TechNet Blogs: Lync gets people talking

Coming Soon: PST Capture Tool - Exchange Team Blog - Site Home - TechNet Blogs

2011-07-12T23:11:00.000+08:00

This is truly a valuable tool. I already have clients who have to manage .pst all over the network in PCs belonging to users.

SANS: 20 Critical Security Controls

2011-07-04T22:33:00.000+08:00

SANS: 20 Critical Security Controls: "20 Critical Security Controls"

Microsoft TMG needs a restart after installing Root Chain certificate

2011-06-24T07:58:00.002+08:00

After installing a root certificate from Entrust and the Root Chain on Microsoft TMG, i was still getting the "CA Untrusted" error when connection over Outlook Web App frome the internet. Talking to the Entrust support folks, said they required a restart especially if a Root Chain cert is installed.

A restart of the TMG and all started working with Outlook Web App.

UC experience: Cisco vs Microsoft « IT based Communications

2011-06-19T18:17:00.000+08:00

UC experience: Cisco vs Microsoft « IT based Communications: "UC experience: Cisco vs Microsoft"

Remember: An UC business case is all about end-user experience and productivity. CUCIlync should be carefully evaluated like any other scenario, but in this particular case if something goes wrong you might get a bad impression about the whole solution (ex: a customer might get the ideia that the “lync videocall” is failing).

The real disadvantage is see here is the idea that VPN is required from Cisco perspective for remote connectivity where else a Lync client on remote just need an internet connection to establish connection with the Lync environment using TLS.

Lync Network Monitor Parsers

2011-06-16T10:55:00.000+08:00

Colleague of mine found this on the MS download site and i find it truly useful.
http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=22440

Download details: Microsoft Lync 2010 Training Download Package

2011-05-19T07:14:00.000+08:00

This zipped file contains all of the available training and user education resources for Microsoft Lync 2010. The included Lync Training Plans workbook helps you choose the resources that will work best for your users.

Download details: Microsoft Lync 2010 Training Download Package: "Microsoft Lync 2010 Training Download Package"

Announcing Enhanced Hardware Virtualization Support for Exchange 2010 - Exchange Team Blog - Site Home - TechNet Blogs

2011-05-16T21:26:00.000+08:00

Announcing Enhanced Hardware Virtualization Support for Exchange 2010 - Exchange Team Blog - Site Home - TechNet Blogs: "Announcing Enhanced Hardware Virtualization Support for Exchange 2010"

: Producer for PowerPoint

2011-05-02T08:17:00.000+08:00

Use Microsoft Producer for Microsoft Office PowerPoint to capture and synchronize audio, video, slides, and images, then preview and publish a rich media presentation virtually anywhere for viewing in a Web browser.

Question of the Day - “How do you know when a customer needs UC (unified communications)?"

2011-04-29T10:31:00.000+08:00

In a very simple way, see how to answer the question.
http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-strategies-views/question-of-the-day.aspx

CX 600 bug

2011-04-08T09:06:00.001+08:00

I was told of this recent bug by a fellow consultant. Hope it helps others. Polycom CX600 (Lync Phone Edition release 4.0.7577.250 (CU2)) and Lync client. USB connection between IP phone and Client. - User is in a call on the phone - 2nd Call comes in - If second call has same phone number as previous caller or comes in with suppressed phone number, secondary call will disrupt the first call and becomes active/connected immediately. - If the USB connector has been pulled, this error does not show up

A cool PowerShell Script.

2011-04-08T07:41:00.000+08:00

Retrieve Lync Connection Information - Lync PowerShell - Site Home - TechNet Blogs: "Retrieve Lync Connection Information"

Internet Explorer 9 RC set to launch on February 10 | WinRumors

2011-02-02T09:43:00.000+08:00

Internet Explorer 9 RC set to launch on February 10 WinRumors: "Internet Explorer 9 RC set to launch on February 10"

Configuring Windows Live ID as Trusted Identity Provider for SharePoint 2010. - Hiran Salvi's Ramblings - Site Home - MSDN Blogs

2011-01-03T11:34:00.000+08:00

Configuring Windows Live ID as Trusted Identity Provider for SharePoint 2010. - Hiran Salvi's Ramblings - Site Home - MSDN Blogs: "Configuring Windows Live ID as Trusted Identity Provider for SharePoint 2010."

Microsoft Lync Server 2010 Resource Kit tools and documentation is now available.

2010-12-14T14:19:00.000+08:00

Download URL (http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/en/details.aspx?FamilyID=80cc5ce7-970d-4fd2-8731-d5d7d0829266)

Technet Blog article on the resource kit.

#Lync ´ing from a thin client–Lync on XenDesktop with Hyper-V, RemoteFX, App-V

2010-12-13T23:00:00.000+08:00

This is actually pretty cool. Check out the video on how to get Lync inside of an virtual desktop with HD video and enterprise voice with a usb phone device.

teach your kids programming

2010-12-10T02:15:00.000+08:00

Microsoft Small Basic is a project that is aimed at making computer programming accessible to beginners. The project comprises a simple programming language that gathers inspiration from the original BASIC programming language; a modern and attractive programming environment; and rich, extensible libraries. Together they make programming fun for kids and adults alike.

Download details: Microsoft Small Basic: "Microsoft Small Basic"

Download details: Migrating from Office Communications Server 2007 R2 to Lync Server 2010

2010-12-08T16:17:00.000+08:00

Download details: Migrating from Office Communications Server 2007 R2 to Lync Server 2010: "Migrating from Office Communications Server 2007 R2 to Lync Server 2010"

STEALTHbits Technologies, a leader in the data security and compliance space, announces the release of Version 2.0 of their Data Governance software s

2010-12-03T12:35:00.000+08:00

"In Wake of WikiLeaks, Data Audit and Security Software Solution"

Glen Rock, NJ (Dec. 2, 2010) – STEALTHbits Technologies, a leader in the data security and compliance space, announces the release of Version 2.0 of their Data Governance software solution set. Helping organizations address critical security risks such as the recent WikiLeaks incident, the StealthAUDIT Management Platform for Data Governance arms administrators with comprehensive and scalable user activity monitoring, security permissions and assessment tools, and advanced auditing, reporting, and resolution features.

Read more ..
http://www.stealthbits.com/newsroom/WikiLeaks-Solution-Release.html

New HTTP POST DDoS Attack Tools Released

2010-12-01T09:17:00.001+08:00

New HTTP POST DDoS Attack Tools Released - Darkreading

Moving your customers to BPOS or Office 365? Check their BANDWIDTH!

2010-12-01T08:37:00.001+08:00

From my expereince in deploying BPOS, the customer's bandwidth is a very critical component in deciding how smoothly the migration is going to go thru.
I had customers with low bandwidth that a 4GB mailbox took over night to upload / migrate to BPOS.

Microsoft finally has a deep analysis tool of the customer's bandwidth.
Here is the blog post: http://blogs.technet.com/b/uspartner_ts2team/archive/2010/11/30/moving-your-customers-to-bpos-or-office-365-check-their-bandwidth.aspx

Partner Solution Brief - Unify Square

2010-11-16T13:24:00.001+08:00

Download the solution brief here : Download details: Partner Solution Brief - Unify Square: "Partner Solution Brief - Unify Square"

Analysis Services – Roadmap for SQL Server “Denali” and Beyond

2010-11-14T13:46:00.001+08:00

Analysis Services – Roadmap for SQL Server “Denali” and Beyond - SQL Server Team Blog - Site Home - TechNet Blogs

Among the numerous announcements relating to BI were two key ones:
· A new ad hoc reporting and data visualization experience codenamed “Project Crescent”.
· A new Business Intelligence Semantic Model (BISM) in Analysis Services that will power Crescent as well as other Microsoft BI front end experiences such as Excel, Reporting Services and SharePoint Insights

Read more... http://blogs.technet.com/b/dataplatforminsider/archive/2010/11/12/analysis-services-roadmap-for-sql-server-denali-and-beyond.aspx

Is Microsoft ready to roll out its BPOS v2 test build? | ZDNet

2010-10-19T15:05:00.000+08:00

Is Microsoft ready to roll out its BPOS v2 test build? ZDNet: "Microsoft ready to roll out its BPOS v2 test build?"

Biggest insider threat? Sys admin gone rogue

2010-09-30T18:23:00.000+08:00

Biggest insider threat? Sys admin gone rogue: "Biggest insider threat? Sys admin gone rogue"

OCSblogs: Webcast from Teched

2010-08-08T19:44:00.000+08:00

OCSblogs: Webcast from Teched: "Webcast from Teched".

This is useful indeed.

Exchange Web Site Updates with New Videos

2010-08-07T18:07:00.001+08:00

The Exchange team has been working on several ‘lightweight’ introductions to Exchange technology.

The first of these is now available on the updated technology workload pages on the microsoft.com/exchange site. Each workload page includes a 30-45 second video which introduces the Exchange technology workload - these are fun, creative and tell the story for each workload.

Watch the new videos, explore the new pages.

Voicemail with Unified Messaging
Mailbox Resiliency
Mobility
Outlook Web App
Management
Information Protection and Control
Archiving, Retention, and Discovery
Deployment
Advanced Security

Thanks to the Exchange TPM team for their hard work in making this happen – Adam Glick, Ankur Kothari and Jim Lucey.

Microsoft shares (officially) its future BPOS plans | ZDNet

2010-07-19T15:16:00.000+08:00

Microsoft shares (officially) its future BPOS plans ZDNet: "Microsoft shares (officially) its future BPOS plans"

Now Available: Facebook & Win Live Messenger for Outlook Social Connector

2010-07-14T09:33:00.001+08:00

The Microsoft Office Blog - Connect your Inbox to Facebook and Windows Live with the Outlook Social Connector: "Connect your Inbox to Facebook and Windows Live with the Outlook Social Connector"

A plumber's guide to SaaS

2010-07-08T14:05:00.000+08:00

A plumber's guide to SaaS: "A plumber's guide to SaaS"

Microsoft SharePoint 2010 - Advanced IT ProfessionalTraining | TechNet

2010-07-03T23:19:00.000+08:00

Microsoft SharePoint 2010 - Advanced IT ProfessionalTraining TechNet: "SharePoint 2010 Advanced IT Professional Training"

Southeast Asia SharePoint Conference

2010-07-01T17:26:00.001+08:00

“Southeast Asia SharePoint Conference is COMING to Singapore from October 26 & 27! Please help to spread the word via your viral marketing and social media channels.

Interested speakers can also submit your topics via the Speaker Registration Survey. For more information, visit our conference web site - www.sharepointconference.sg.”

Download details: Hands-On Labs for Microsoft Enterprise Library 5.0

2010-06-08T10:46:00.000+08:00

Download details: Hands-On Labs for Microsoft Enterprise Library 5.0: "Hands-On Labs for Microsoft Enterprise Library 5.0"

Google buys VOIP engine behind Yahoo, AOL, WebEx, Lotus conferencing | ZDNet

2010-05-19T12:35:00.000+08:00

Google buys VOIP engine behind Yahoo, AOL, WebEx, Lotus conferencing ZDNet: "Google buys VOIP engine behind Yahoo, AOL, WebEx, Lotus conferencing"

Visio Insights : Introducing Visio Services

2010-05-17T23:19:00.000+08:00

Visio Insights : Introducing Visio Services: "Introducing Visio Services"

Microsoft OCS Rides Its Own Wave - Unified Communications Strategies Views - Unified Communications Strategies

2010-05-17T23:18:00.000+08:00

Microsoft OCS Rides Its Own Wave - Unified Communications Strategies Views - Unified Communications Strategies: "Microsoft OCS Rides Its Own Wave"

Voicemail: A story of unrealized potential

2010-04-28T07:21:00.000+08:00

Brief Description
This whitepaper details the value that Exchange 2010's Unified Messaging capabilities offer to empower your users, reduce cost and manage risk by replacing your voicemail system.

Microsoft SharePoint Team Blog : SharePoint 2010 reaches RTM!

2010-04-17T07:15:00.000+08:00

Microsoft SharePoint Team Blog : SharePoint 2010 reaches RTM!: "SharePoint 2010 reaches RTM!"

The new Exchange 2010 Mailbox Server Role Requirements Calculator

2010-04-02T09:03:00.000+08:00

Propagation Status - Waiting for Initialization

2010-03-27T16:10:00.003+08:00

i had a customer with 19,000 users and 5 server farm with 2 x WFE.

The problem had to do with search. After applying the cumulative patch from Feb, things did not really good.

In the search administration site, under search setting, the Propogation Status showed "Propagation Status - Waiting for Initialization ().

Event ID: 6482 was logged in the event log of the query server with the reason being something like this "Object 66a9ed68-c956-4bb3-af4f-3b9eb257a64e not found".

The waiting for initialization error points to the process of of propogation in a stuck state. So got to restarting the Windows SharePoint Administration services on both the query servers (WFE) and the propogration kick started. This services is found in the Services applet in the Administration tools of the WFE servers.

Before doing anything drastic, understand how search works in a SharePoint farm. Know the services involved, know the process involved and the flow of this services from index to propogation.

March 27, 2010

SQL Server® 2008 R2 November CTP Reporting Services Add-in for Microsoft SharePoint® Technologies 2010

2010-02-12T06:55:00.000+08:00

You need this to enable SSRS on SQL Server 2008 R2 to work with SharePoint 2010.

Download details: SQL Server® 2008 R2 November CTP Reporting Services Add-in for Microsoft SharePoint® Technologies 2010: "SQL Server® 2008 R2 November CTP Reporting Services Add-in for Microsoft SharePoint® Technologies 2010"

Download details: PHP on Windows Training Kit

2010-02-10T22:42:00.000+08:00

"PHP on Windows Training Kit" by Microsoft, available free for download.

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?displaylang=en&FamilyID=c8498c9b-a85a-4afa-90c0-593d0e4850cb

Office Communications Server Team Blog : Free Instructor-Led Training for end-users: Introduction to Office Communicator

2010-01-30T11:43:00.000+08:00

Office Communications Server Team Blog : Free Instructor-Led Training for end-users: Introduction to Office Communicator: "Free Instructor-Led Training for end-users: Introduction to Office Communicator"

Download details: Critical BI Platform Whitepaper

2010-01-24T09:28:00.000+08:00

Download details: Critical BI Platform Whitepaper: "Critical Business Intelligence Platform for the Agile Enterprise"

Cisco Space Router (IRIS) Is Orbiting The Earth Now

2010-01-20T11:52:00.000+08:00

Cisco has successfully launched it's first IP router in space abroad Intelsat's IS-14 satellite on Nov. 23, 2009. The satellite and the router attests a major milestone in Internet Routing in Space (IRIS) technology.

German government warns against using MS Explorer

2010-01-17T22:04:00.000+08:00

From my friend Mike Veltman

I like the statement made by the spokesman of Microsoft Germany, that this was a specific attack by highly motivated people. Somehow I doubt that other hackers abusing Internet explorer are less motivated. Money always motivates very well.

Russian hackers who want to plunder your accounts are also highly motivated people. So saying that this is a special occasion is a joke.There will always be people who exploit the weaknesses of software for own gain. Whatever these gains would be.But those hackers would focus on Firefox when 95% of the users would use that. So its not only a IE problem. But saying that this is special occasion would will make all security people laugh".

Here is the news at BBC: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/8463516.stm

Virtualboy @ TechNet Edge

2010-01-07T16:17:00.000+08:00

Great resources on anything virtual on Windows 2008 R2, be it RDS or Hyper-V, this is the place: VirtualBoy

Windows 7's 'GodMode'

2010-01-07T14:16:00.000+08:00

Understanding Windows 7's 'GodMode' Beyond Binary - CNET News: "Understanding Windows 7's 'GodMode'"

Avaya Lists 10 Communications Trends for 2010

2010-01-05T22:55:00.000+08:00

Avaya Lists 10 Communications Trends for 2010: "Avaya Lists 10 Communications Trends for 2010"

Plan, Planning, Baseline and something is better than nothing

2010-01-03T21:10:00.002+08:00

A well-prepared plan provides the management team with a means to accomplish project objectives and to direct work and assess project status and is critical to the success of the project. Assessing project status requires a baseline project plan from which cost, schedule, and performance status can be compared and change management corrective actions taken, if required.

A plan is nothing more than our best estimate of how a project will be performed. Plans must be modified as a project progresses. The right thing to do is to develop and baseline the deliverables and assumptions and plan to the best of our ability. Imperfect planning is far better than no planning!

The set of plans required for a project are unique to each project. Use this sequence of plan preparation to ensure inter-plan consistency.

Baseline the Requirements
Determine the Technical Approach
Determine major risks
Develop the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS), Organizational Breakdown Structure (OBS), Responsibility Assignment Matrix (RAM), and Financial Control Structure
Identify resource training needs (as part of the project team training plan)
Identify risks and perform risk assessment and mitigation planning
Develop the Schedules, Resource Requirements and Cost Estimates
Update the Resources and Budgets
Set up the cost management and control approach (as part of the Cost Management & Control Plan)
Develop the escalation and jeopardy plans
Define the project status-ing and reporting Approach (as part of the Communications Plan)
Define project information system and distribution needs (as part of the Project Information System)

To summarize,

Something is better than nothing.
Start with a baseline and update as project progresses. In time, your baseline gets more accurate.

Microsot's FastStart Kit for UC

2009-12-28T22:01:00.000+08:00

Did you know about the FastStart Kit from Microsoft on Unified Communications?
This is especially very useful when working on pre-sales with customer, especially in the Architectural Design Sessions (ADS).

Microsoft has developed a number of pre-sales supporting materials with their FastStart kits. This helps the sales/project team to present ADS in light of an individual product capability possessing the most potential for high impact with the client. Some of them are:
Unified Messaging
Security
Voice and Conferencing

These kits provide a great deal of guidance and content that may be heavily leveraged when creating deliverables for an ADS project. Each provides architecture with emphasis on a particular client interest or concern and each contains a comprehensive execution guide, ADS PowerPoint presentation, Discussion Guide, and FAQ document.

Here are some download links:

Unified Communications – Voice and Conferencing FastStart Kit
Unified Communications – Security FastStart Kit
Unified Communications – Unified Messaging FastStart Kit

OCS R2 Enhances Unified Communications - Unified Communications Strategies Views - Unified Communications Strategies - Print View

2009-12-28T08:53:00.000+08:00

OCS R2 Enhances Unified Communications - Unified Communications Strategies Views - Unified Communications Strategies - Print View: "OCS R2 Enhances Unified Communications"

Rob Costello : OCS QOE and QMS

2009-12-27T20:10:00.000+08:00

Rob Costello : OCS QOE and QMS: "OCS QOE and QMS"

ISA 2006 SP1 Configuration with Exchange 2010

2009-12-18T22:18:00.000+08:00

Here is a very precise document on how to configure ISA 2006 SP1 for Exchange 2010

http://msexchangeteam.com/archive/2009/12/17/453625.aspx

Unify Square Introduces Comprehensive Reporting/Billing and Bandwidth Management Product Suite for Enterprise Office Communications Server

2009-12-18T16:33:00.000+08:00

Unify Square, a leading services and solutions firm in Unified Communications (UC) and Microsoft Office Communications Server (OCS), announced today a software product suite designed to help global enterprises optimize their UC investments by monitoring and driving OCS usage, integrating with billing and chargeback information, and enabling comprehensive bandwidth planning across the enterprise

Read more here .. http://newsblaze.com/story/2009121713282100002.mwir/topstory.html

i am presenting at Microsoft Singapore's Community Technology Update, 19 Dec 09

2009-12-18T11:08:00.001+08:00

http://mstechevents.sg/ViewEvent.aspx?eventId=279.

The OFFICIAL Dilbert Widget

2009-12-10T23:00:00.001+08:00

Download details: Update Rollup 1 for Exchange Server 2010 (KB976573)

2009-12-10T16:41:00.000+08:00

Download details: Update Rollup 1 for Exchange Server 2010 (KB976573): "Update Rollup 1 for Exchange Server 2010 (KB976573)"

Black Screen of Death on Windows 7 official statement

2009-12-03T13:46:00.001+08:00

“The reports on the so called “Black Screens” was investigated by Microsoft and found to be inaccurate. The company which issued the report has apologized and made a full retraction. Windows 7 security updates was not the cause of the black screens. There is no fix or update necessary for this, but customers should keep their anti-virus software up-to-date as a preventative measure. So far, Microsoft is not seeing an occurrence of this particular issue in our support channels locally.

Misleading report on Black Screen of Death on Windows 7

2009-12-03T13:43:00.002+08:00

I would like to bring your attention to inaccurate stories following a report by a British company claiming that customers who deployed the Windows 7 November Security updates have experienced the so-called “Black Screens” that would render the system unbootable and unusable due to changes in the registry.

Here’s the background for your reference:
Microsoft has found these reports to be inaccurate. Comprehensive investigation has shown that none of the recently released updates are related to the behavior described in the reports. Microsoft’s support organization is also not seeing this as an issue. The claims also do not match any known issues that have been documented in our security bulletins.

On December 1, Prevx, the company which issued the report, posted an apology to Microsoft which stated the following: “Since more specifically narrowing down the cause we have been able to exonerate these patches from being a contributory factor.”

According to Microsoft’s blog post, the real culprit is a piece of malware that clears desktops and produces a black screen on infected PCs; various security vendors have tools for removing this malware. There is no fix or update necessary for this, but customers should keep their anti-virus software up-to-date as a preventative measure.

So far, Microsoft is not seeing a massive occurrence of this particular issue in our support channels. If customers do encounter an issue with a security update, contact our Customer Service and Support group for no-charge assistance at http://support.microsoft.com/security.

The protection and well-being of Microsoft's customers’ PCs through the deployment of Security Updates is the ultimate goal of the Microsoft Security Response Center.

Because of this, Microsoft continually work with their Customer Service and Support teams to keep a close eye for issues that may impact customers’ deployment of security updates.

Consumers can also download Microsoft Security Essentials provided free.

Solved: Eseutil on running on DPM 2010

2009-11-30T07:42:00.002+08:00

As i was protecting an Exchange 2003 (on Windows 2003 R2) from DPM 2010 (on Windows 2008 R2), i needed Exchange 2007 32-bit version of eseutil to be installed on DPM 2010 server.

i had naturally copied the eseutil from Exchange 2003, which did not work so.

So i downloded the Microsoft Exchange Server 2007 Management Tools (32-Bit), installed on a test Windows 2008 Std, 32bit (it had AD installed). i then extracted the eseutil dll and exe and copied to the DPM 2010 server.

This is where i pretty much got the idea that i needed the Exchange 2007 tools.
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb808827.aspx#ExchangeServerDatabaseUtilities

Note
If you installed DPM 2007 on a Windows Server 2008 operating system, and you are protecting Exchange Server 2003 on a Windows Server 2003 computer, you must install the Exchange Server 2007 version of the eseutil.exe and ese.dll files. You can download this version from the Microsoft Exchange Server 2007 Management Tools (http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=112325).

Installing DPM 2010 Beta in my production.

2009-11-29T15:42:00.004+08:00

Installed DPM 2010 beta in a live production environment.
There was very little data on migrating from DPM 2007 SP1 to DPM 2010.

Procedures (#HINT: Read the beta documentation for the basics on the setup. There are also documents on recovery, client protection, SharePoint item level restore etc.).
1. Stopped protection group and retained the protected data.
2. removed the agents (DPM 2007 Sp1) from protection machines.
3. DPm 2010 was installed on a new hardware. Windows 2008 r2 base OS and DPM 2010 Beta. Installation went on without a problem .
4. Installed agents DPM 2010 beta to the servers. They were automatically installed from DPM 2010 Management Console.

Protections Group
Servers i wa protecting in DPM 2007 SP1 were:
Windows 2003 R2 / Windows 2003
SQL Server 2005
SharePoint 2007 SP2
Exchange 2003 Sp2 (Front end and mailbox)
Windows XP SP3 clients.

Moving these servers to protection with DPM 2010 beta, i had this issues.
For a Windows 2008 R2 protected machine i had to install a Windows Server backup before i could successfull add server to a protection group. This was my domain controlller running Windows 2008 R2 which was trying to get the System State back-ed up.

On my exchange 2003 SP2 servers on a Windows 2003 Sp2, i needed a Windows 2003 patch. KB940349 to allow me to backup the exchange storage groups.

Now i am getting issues with Exchange files eseutil not executing. The DPM 2010 is x64 and my exchange 2003 is 32 bit (of course). i loaded the eseutil files to the DPM as requested but seems like it is not working.

The SharePoint 2007 SP2 protection worked like a charm once i had solved the WSS Writer Failures issues with ConfigureSharePoint.exe.

Will write about eseutil once i get it solved.

Microsoft Business Intelligence Project Booster Kit - SQLServerCentral

2009-11-25T02:53:00.000+08:00

Microsoft Business Intelligence Project Booster Kit - SQLServerCentral: "Microsoft Business Intelligence Project Booster Kit: Tools and Utilities"

New RCs For Asterisk 1.4.27, 1.6.0.18, 1.6.1.10, and 1.6.2.0, Ready For Download. | VOIP IP Telephony

2009-11-17T10:30:00.000+08:00

New RCs For Asterisk 1.4.27, 1.6.0.18, 1.6.1.10, and 1.6.2.0, Ready For Download. VOIP IP Telephony: "New RCs For Asterisk 1.4.27, 1.6.0.18, 1.6.1.10, and 1.6.2.0, Ready For Download."

One place to get all your updates for OCS R2 and clients

2009-11-14T09:06:00.000+08:00

Updates Resource Center

HTTPS, SSL attack vector discovered; fix is on the way

2009-11-07T17:45:00.000+08:00

A serious security flaw in the TLS protocol could make HTTP communication vulnerable to a man-in-the-middle attack. Security researchers are working to address the issue.

Read more ... http://arstechnica.com/security/news/2009/11/https-ssl-attack-vector-discovered-fix-is-on-the-way.ars

Visual Studio 2010 and .NET Framework 4 Training Kit

2009-11-06T18:18:00.001+08:00

Download details: Visual Studio 2010 and .NET Framework 4 Training Kit:
This week, the October preview of the Visual Studio 2010 & .NET Framework 4 Training Kit was released.

The content in this training kit has been tested with Beta 2 and is ready for you to use.

Windows Server 2008: Supported Microsoft Applications

2009-11-06T07:29:00.000+08:00

Windows Server 2008: Supported Microsoft Applications: "Microsoft Server Applications Supported on Windows Server 2008 R2"

Exchangepedia Blog: Removing internal host names and IP addresses from message headers

2009-11-06T01:23:00.001+08:00

Exchangepedia Blog: Removing internal host names and IP addresses from message headers: "Removing internal host names and IP addresses from message headers"

Apple Hits the Windows Wall — ServerWatch.com

2009-11-06T01:23:00.000+08:00

Windows 7 has been out for barely two weeks, and its market share already rivals that of Mac OS X, despite years of marketing and strategizing on Apple's part. Does Windows stand a chance of being dethroned?

Mathematics for Automotive Engineering

2009-11-01T16:35:00.002+08:00

Cylinder volume = (π/4) x bore2 x stroke

Displacement = (π/4) x bore2 x stroke x number of cylinders

Displacement of overbore = (π/4) x (bore + overbore)2 x stroke x number
of cylinders

Stroke = displacement/( π/4 x bore2 x number of cylinders)

Compression ratio = (cylinder + chamber volume)/chamber volume

Piston speed in inches per minute = 2 stroke in inches x rpm

Horsepower = (rpm x torque)/5252

Bhp loss = (elevation in feet/1000) x 0.03 x (bhp at sea level)

Horsepower = (mean effective pressure x displacement x rpm)/792,000

Torque = (mean effective pressure x displacement)/150.8

Theoretical cubic feet per minute = (rpm x displacement)/3456

Racing carb cfm = 1.1 x (rpm x displacement)/3456

Center of gravity behind front wheels = (rear wheel weight/overall
weight) x wheelbase

Drive wheel torque = flywheel torque x first gera x final drive x 0.85

Wheel thrust = drive wheel torque/rolling radius

g = wheel thrust/weight

rpm after shift = (ratio shift into/ratio shift from) x rpm before shift

mph = (rpm x tire diameter)/(gear ratio x 336)

tire diameter = 2 x (section width x aspect ratio)/2540 + rim diameter

Actual mph = (new tire diameter/old tire diameter) x indicated mph

Blood alcohol concentration = (ounces x %alcohol x 0.075)/weight — (hours x 0.015)

Free eBook : Master-PowerShell | With Dr. Tobias Weltner - PowerShell.com

2009-10-31T00:19:00.000+08:00

Master-PowerShell With Dr. Tobias Weltner - PowerShell.com: "Master-PowerShell With Dr. Tobias Weltner"

Get Started Developing on SharePoint 2010

2009-10-30T10:15:00.000+08:00

Get Started Developing on SharePoint 2010: "Get Started Developing on SharePoint 2010"

OCS/Exchange Integration: How to Change the Shared Folder Location for an OCS Enterprise Pool

2009-10-29T09:43:00.000+08:00

Doug Deitterick's Blog : How to Change the Shared Folder Location for an OCS Enterprise Pool: "How to Change the Shared Folder Location for an OCS Enterprise Pool"

10 Ways to Take your Site from One to One Million Users by Kevin Rose

2009-10-28T22:02:00.000+08:00

High Scalability - High Scalability - 10 Ways to Take your Site from One to One Million Users by Kevin Rose

SharePoint 2010: Hands on Labs in C# and Visual Basic

2009-10-28T07:30:00.000+08:00

Download details: SharePoint 2010: Getting Started with Development on SharePoint 2010: Hands on Labs in C# and Visual Basic: "SharePoint 2010: Getting Started with Development on SharePoint 2010 Hands-on Labs in C# and Visual Basic"

Unified Communications Group Team Blog

2009-10-28T07:25:00.001+08:00

Unified Communications Group Team Blog: "Exchange 2010 – Revving the Engines for Launch"

Microsoft Case Studies where Office SharePoint Server 2007 Accessibility Kit was used

2009-10-26T12:51:00.000+08:00

Microsoft Case Studies: State of West Virginia: "State Government Modernizes Portal, Drives Internet Usage with Improved Online Services"

free eBook for Deploying Windows 7

2009-10-25T16:55:00.002+08:00

The new eBook from Microsoft Press, Deploying Windows 7, offering essential guidance from the Windows 7 Resource Kit and TechNet Magazine. You'll find selected chapters from the Windows 7 Resource Kit on deployment platforms, planning, and testing application compatibility, to name a few. You'll also get six new articles on Windows 7 from industry experts on migration, running Windows 7 in mixed environments, certification and more. The eBook is free for a limited time.

This book addresses the two issues everyone face in new deployments: application compatibility and deployment

Facebook is Many Things…but “UC Killer” is not one of Them

2009-10-22T11:16:00.001+08:00

Facebook is Many Things…but “UC Killer” is not one of Them « BroadbandIgnite

SQL Remote Blob Storage Team Blog

2009-10-22T06:51:00.001+08:00

This is another feature used by SharePoint 2010 which will be important in storage/performance optimization.

Microsoft vows no upgrade nightmares with monster SharePoint 2010 release

2009-10-22T04:04:00.001+08:00

Microsoft vows no upgrade nightmares with monster SharePoint 2010 release: "Microsoft vows no upgrade nightmares with monster SharePoint 2010 release"

SharePoint 2010 is here.

2009-10-21T16:51:00.000+08:00

The SharePoint 2010 NDA has been lifted as of October 19th, 9:00AM Pacific Standard Time

Here are some SharePoint 2010 links to share with all of you.

- SharePoint 2010 Website - to view SharePoint 2010 in action
- SharePoint 2010 forum- for SharePoint 2010 questions
- SharePoint 2010 PressPass- for the SPC 2009 keynote video, a Q&A with Jeff Teper, and more
- SharePoint 2010 Developer Center - for developer info
- http://www.mssharepointitpro.com - for IT Pro info
- http://www.microsoft.com/sharepoint - for more SharePoint information

File Classification Infrastructure

2009-10-21T09:06:00.001+08:00

Was at a "File Classification Infrastructure" presentation at SharePoint Conference 2009 today.
Especially the topic was about SharePoint and the FileShare strategy from Microsoft.

For once there is proper plans on bring SharePoint and FileShare servers/infrastructre from Microsoft.

Read more from here : http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2008/en/us/fci.aspx

I was told it would go beta in the next few days

7 tools for Windows 7 rollouts | NetworkWorld.com Community

2009-10-17T00:10:00.001+08:00

7 tools for Windows 7 rollouts NetworkWorld.com Community: "7 tools for Windows 7 rollouts"

Microsoft beefs up its hosted Exchange/SharePoint suite | NetworkWorld.com Community

2009-10-16T11:11:00.001+08:00

Microsoft beefs up its hosted Exchange/SharePoint suite NetworkWorld.com Community: "Microsoft beefs up its hosted Exchange/SharePoint suite"

a cool use of presence

2009-10-14T23:21:00.001+08:00

Onze Mensen - Wortell

Snow Leopard bug deletes all user data

2009-10-14T08:32:00.000+08:00

Apple's Snow Leopard OS bug deletes all user data.
I have not seen something this bad in Windows before.

WSUS Product Team Blog : New Product Family Name for Visual Studio coming soon

2009-10-14T08:28:00.003+08:00

WSUS Product Team Blog : New Product Family Name for Visual Studio coming soon: "New Product Family Name for Visual Studio coming soon"

Download details: Patch Registration Cleanup Tool

2009-10-14T08:28:00.002+08:00

Download details: Patch Registration Cleanup Tool: "Patch Registration Cleanup Tool"

Brief Description
On a computer that has a Windows Installer based product installed, you may receive an error while installing an update for the product and the installation of the update may fail.

patterns & practices SharePoint Guidance

2009-10-13T23:49:00.002+08:00

Project Description

Microsoft develop guidance to help devs and architects build applications on SharePoint. The second version of guidance expanded coverage to LOB integration, content driven applications, and adding enterprise qualities to your SharePoint applications. The release includes a library of reusable components, a guide, and a new reference implementation of a Partner Portal application. It expands upon the first release which delivered a Training Management application, and guidance around unit testing SharePoint, fundamental design and implementation decisions, and how to setup team development environments with SharePoint.

http://www.codeplex.com/Wiki/View.aspx?ProjectName=spg

Developing SharePoint Applications - from Patterns and Practices

2009-10-13T23:47:00.001+08:00

Developing SharePoint Applications
Guidance for building collaborative applications that extend your LOB systems

Summary
The Developing SharePoint Applications guidance helps architects and developers design and build applications that are both flexible and scaleable. It shows developers how to provide IT professionals with the information they need to maintain those applications and diagnose problems when they arise. The two reference implementations illustrate how to solve many of the common challenges developers encounter. One reference implementation addresses basic issues such as creating lists and content types. The other addresses more advanced problems such as how to integrate line of business services, how to create collaboration sites programmatically, and how to customize aspects of publishing and navigation. A library of reusable components helps you adopt techniques used in the reference implementations. The guidance discusses approaches for testing SharePoint applications, such as how to create unit tests, and documents experiences with stress and scale testing one of the reference implementations.

Should You Virtualize Your Exchange 2007 SP1 Environment?

2009-10-13T20:08:00.001+08:00

Good place to start with a "checklist" and guide. This scenario applies a lot to what i am doing currently:Branch Office Deployments. Putting virtual servers on branch office with the many tools to assist remote deployments and administration, tremendously helped increase availability and productivity of the folks in the branch office.

Read more from Exchange Team Blog: http://msexchangeteam.com/archive/2009/01/22/450463.aspx

Sarbjit

SQL Server Tempdb Usage and Bottlenecks tracked with Extended Events

2009-10-13T19:37:00.001+08:00

I find this a pretty good and useful information on monitoring performance in SQL Server's Tempdb.

http://www.mssqltips.com/tip.asp?tip=1853&home

Now Available! Updated Deployment and Operations Infrastructure Planning and Design (IPD) Guides"

2009-10-12T21:56:00.001+08:00

Five Steps to Windows 7 Application Readiness

2009-10-12T21:37:00.000+08:00

Five Steps to Windows 7 Application Readiness: "Five Steps to Windows 7 Application Readiness"

Exchange 2010 System Requirements: Exchange 2010 Help

2009-10-12T21:25:00.000+08:00

Here are some Exchange 2010 System Requirements where the requirements for Virtualization is set for Exchange 2010.

Microsoft SQL Server Tops All Databases in Emerging Markets

2009-10-11T05:06:00.000+08:00

database news around the world: Survey: Microsoft SQL Server Tops All Databases in Emerging Markets: "Microsoft SQL Server Tops All Databases in Emerging Markets"