November 2014

November 30, 2014 30 Nov'14
As Windows Server 2003 era ends, weighing public cloud migration

After taking cost and hardware considerations for Windows Server 2003 workloads, one option to consider is a public cloud migration. Continue Reading
November 26, 2014 26 Nov'14
Preparing for an upgrade to Windows Server 2012 R2

Making the necessary preparations before beginning an upgrade can help avoid problems during the process. Here's what to do before moving to Windows Server 2012 R2. Continue Reading
November 26, 2014 26 Nov'14
Choosing the right number of Windows Server licenses

When choosing the number of licenses needed for an upgrade to Windows Server, consider which edition best fits your enterprise's infrastructure and budget. Continue Reading

November 26, 2014 26 Nov'14
Understanding Windows Server 2012 R2 upgrade limitations

Windows Server 2012 R2 has a few hardware and software limitations, including issues with 4K native drives and the inability to upgrade from one language to another. Continue Reading
November 26, 2014 26 Nov'14
Understanding Windows Server 2012 R2 installation requirements

Windows Server 2012 R2 has minimal installation requirements, but "resource creep" can leave fewer resources for workloads on virtualized servers. Continue Reading
November 26, 2014 26 Nov'14
Hidden costs of migrating from Windows Server 2003

When Windows Server 2003 hits end of life, it could mean new expenses in the form of new servers. Here's how to prepare. Continue Reading
November 25, 2014 25 Nov'14
Getting started with the SharePoint Online Management Shell

The SharePoint Online Management Shell offers a new cmdlet set that runs in PowerShell to manage users, organizations and site collections. Continue Reading
November 25, 2014 25 Nov'14
The five best SharePoint 2013 management tips

These tips explore some new features that will help admins and enterprises manage SharePoint 2013 easily and effectively. Continue Reading
November 25, 2014 25 Nov'14
How to set up a virtual training lab that IT staff will use

The investment in a virtual training lab means additional cost, but there can be payoffs for your staff. Continue Reading
November 25, 2014 25 Nov'14
Take a layered security approach to Exchange

Using multiple Exchange and network security controls can help many organizations protect against potential data breaches. Continue Reading

November 24, 2014 24 Nov'14
What are my options for an Exchange archive?

Does Exchange have built-in support for archiving and stubbing, or are third-party tools the only options we have to do this? Continue Reading
November 24, 2014 24 Nov'14
Configure claim rules for greater Office 365 access control

Customized claim rules can be an important way to help your organization handle and enforce its Office 365 access policies. Continue Reading
November 21, 2014 21 Nov'14
Preparing for a move away from Windows Server 2003

With Windows Server 2003 nearing its end of life, it's time to start preparing to migrate to a new server. Here's how to get started. Continue Reading
November 19, 2014 19 Nov'14
What to include in an Exchange lab to test patches

A test lab isn't any good unless you know what to include. This checklist gives you the basics any admin should know to set up a test environment. Continue Reading
November 18, 2014 18 Nov'14
Microsoft to roll out delayed security update

Microsoft will deliver an out-of-band security update today after the update was held back from last week's Patch Tuesday cycle. In its advance security notification for update MS14-068, the update ... Continue Reading
November 17, 2014 17 Nov'14
Untested Exchange patches can spell disaster

Seemingly perfect patches can cripple Exchange setups in production, but test labs can help you catch problems before they occur. Continue Reading
November 17, 2014 17 Nov'14
What third-party Exchange backup tools exist?

We're running mailbox servers in Windows Server 2008 R2 and don't want to use Windows Server Backup. What third-party options are available? Continue Reading
November 11, 2014 11 Nov'14
Microsoft delivers hefty batch of patches

Microsoft patched two zero-day vulnerabilities in the year's largest Patch Tuesday update, but it delayed an Exchange update. Continue Reading
November 11, 2014 11 Nov'14
Microsoft rolls out Clutter for Office 365, rebrands Lync

Microsoft rolled out a new feature for Office 365 business customers today called Clutter, which helps users focus on the most important messages in their inbox. Clutter uses Office Graph's machine ... Continue Reading
November 11, 2014 11 Nov'14
Create the best plan to merge Office 365 accounts

Company acquisitions are never easy, especially when combining messaging platforms is required. Admins must be prepared if Office 365 is involved. Continue Reading