Evaluate

Evaluate

Weigh the pros and cons of technologies, products and projects you are considering.

• Five reasons for an Office 365 hybrid deployment

  Not all organizations can go all-in on cloud. There are five reasons why a hybrid Office 365 arrangement makes sense for those companies. Continue Reading

• Microsoft software-defined networking gets baked into Windows Server

  The Microsoft SDN technology that comes in the Windows Server 2016's Datacenter edition features a range of basic to nuanced virtual control options. Continue Reading

• How does System Center Orchestrator stack up against similar tools?

  Administrators who wrestle with deployment and optimization of IT resources can ease the workload by adopting an orchestration tool designed to ease this burden. Continue Reading

• System Center 2016 new features -- and changes -- worth noting

  Microsoft integrates key Windows Server 2016 features, such as Nano Server and data protection, with the new version of System Center. Continue Reading

• Windows Server 2016 license shakeup affects enterprise choices

  Organizations mulling an upgrade to a Windows Server 2016 license should understand the big differences in features available between the Standard and Datacenter editions. Continue Reading

• Which Microsoft OMS license is best for my IT deployment?

  What do you get for your money -- and for free -- when using the Microsoft Operations Management Suite to handle workloads running in different environments?Continue Reading

• Office 365 planning requires a costs and needs evaluation

  Migrating to Office 365 can lift some stress off a busy IT department, but there are fiscal and technical considerations to contemplate before moving email to the cloud.Continue Reading

• configuration drift

  Configuration drift occurs naturally in data center environments when changes to software and hardware are not recorded or tracked in a comprehensive and systematic fashion.Continue Reading

• Office 365 advantages, disadvantages and surprises

  With new features, increased stability, different pricing models and cloud capability, Microsoft Office 365 is showing itself to be a robust, evolving option for businesses. This handbook looks at the Office 365 advantages and weaknesses.

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• Five Exchange 2016 migration best practices

  If your organization is considering an Exchange 2016 upgrade, follow these expert tips to make the transition as painless as possible.Continue Reading

• Upgrade to Windows Server 2016 or consider other options?

  As the release date for Windows Server 2016 draws near, will your organization decide to upgrade or go another route?Continue Reading

• Exchange mobile device management poses challenges to administrators

  While allowing end users to access Exchange from multiple devices usually won't affect the server, it can quickly drive up licensing costs and help desk calls.Continue Reading

• Storage Replica presents cheaper replication option

  The Storage Replica feature in Windows Server 2016 delivers a backup and recovery option for organizations that might otherwise require an offsite data center.Continue Reading

• How well do you know these Hyper-V Server 2016 security features?

  Microsoft ramped up Hyper-V security in Windows Server 2016 with new features such as shielded VMs and guarded hosts. Here's what to expect from the latest technical preview.Continue Reading

• Best practices for authenticating PowerShell script permissions

  PowerShell scripts can only run when they have the proper permissions, but an administrator may need to authenticate the script so it has the right privileges.Continue Reading

• What are the benefits of deploying Microsoft Nano Server?

  Nano Server, one of the key new Windows Server 2016 features, is a lightweight installation option designed to run in cloud instances and virtualized environments.Continue Reading

• Crunching the costs of Microsoft Exchange on-premises vs. cloud services

  Security concerns are less of an issue for most organizations, but do the costs of using Exchange on premises vs. the Office 365 mail service stack up?Continue Reading

• When to use OneDrive for Business vs. SharePoint Online

  With multiple options available from Microsoft for personal and corporate document storage and sharing, it's easy to get confused about which to use and when.Continue Reading

• Determining the right time for a Windows Server 2016 upgrade

  The release of Microsoft's latest server OS gives organizations a chance to rethink their IT infrastructure. Windows Server 2016 requirements are largely the same as those for Windows Server 2012 R2, which remains a viable option for organizations. ...Continue Reading

• Will Windows Server 2016 licensing change drive Azure adoption?

  With the looming increase to Windows Server pricing coupled with lower Azure costs, Microsoft continues to steer customers to the cloud. Here's how the costs compare.Continue Reading

• Exchange 2016 CU1 overshadowed when mailbox anchor drops

  Microsoft released updates for all supported versions of Exchange Server. The updates cover issues with mailbox anchoring in Exchange 2013 and improvements to lagged database copies.Continue Reading

• What are the most notable features in System Center 2016?

  System Center 2016 can manage a mix of environments, but administrators should evaluate new features before upgrading from an older version.Continue Reading

• Does Linux SQL Server hint at further disruption in Redmond?

  Many longtime IT professionals are wondering if Microsoft's plan to release SQL Server on Linux means other products may be ported to the open source platform.Continue Reading

• Knowing when it's time for Exchange mailbox migration

  The end-of-life moments for older versions of Exchange are coming (and have come already for some versions), coinciding with the release of Exchange Server 2016. While some organizations may make the jump to the newest release, a number of companies...Continue Reading

• Office 365 single sign-on augurs complexity, setup hitches

  Office 365 SSO allows end users to log into the enterprise network with existing credentials from any device, but admins should consider security requirements before implementing SSO.Continue Reading

• Windows Server licensing change reduces Azure VM pricing

  Microsoft's Hybrid Use Benefit could lure organizations to Azure by allowing use of existing Windows Server licenses.Continue Reading

• Deciphering Office 365 licensing for businesses

  A subscription-based model allows an organization to choose an Office 365 license that fits its size and more importantly its needs.Continue Reading

• What tools can manage Active Directory in Azure?

  There are several Azure Active Directory management tools to help administrators create or modify services, and manage and organize users.Continue Reading

• New technology competes to become email replacement

  Many email alternatives have emerged over the years, yet it continues to reign supreme despite musings to the contrary. Will email hold its crown or be toppled by new technology?Continue Reading

• Eight influential Microsoft experts to follow on Twitter

  Stay up to date with all things Microsoft by following some of the most knowledgeable experts on Twitter, including CEOs, CTOs and MVPs.Continue Reading

• Let's get IMAP vs. POP email protocols straight

  IT pros must make a protocol choice -- POP vs. IMAP -- when they don't want outside applications interfering with email message downloading.Continue Reading

• What methods should I use to prepare for MCSE certification?

  MCSE preparation can include a few methods, such as practice exams or study guides, but administrators should be prepared to demonstrate their technical expertise.Continue Reading

• Six alternative Hyper-V management tools

  There are a number of third-party Hyper-V management tools available for organizations that need to handle a few dozen nodes.Continue Reading

• Administrators' choices for Exchange 2016 public folders

  Administrators who want to migrate public folders to Exchange 2016 should weigh the benefits over Exchange 2013 public folders and any migration risks before deciding.Continue Reading

• Windows containers a reality through Hyper-V nested virtualization

  Microsoft ushers in the use of containers by developing nested virtualization on the Windows Server 2016 platform.Continue Reading

• What third-party tools can I use for Office 365 monitoring?

  Our business is migrating from an on-premises server to Office 365. What third-party monitoring tools can we use to make sure it is running at optimal performance?Continue Reading

• What Microsoft professional certifications are available?

  Microsoft offers a bevy of certifications that can help a Windows Server admin demonstrate expertise in technical areas such as desktop administrationContinue Reading

• What file types are blocked in a SharePoint Online migration?

  SharePoint Online handles blocked file types differently than file types for on-premises SharePoint deployments, which may confuse users migrating to the cloud.Continue Reading

• Microsoft EMS features to know in Office 365, Exchange

  The Microsoft EMS adds capabilities such as document encryption and threat detection to Office 365, but a subscription may not be necessary for every organization.Continue Reading

• Test your knowledge of the SharePoint 2016 Beta 2

  Released in November 2015, the SharePoint 2016 Beta 2 introduced new compliance and site creation features. Find out what may be included in the RTM version.Continue Reading

• Microsoft E5 plan supports new ATP, Skype functionality

  Microsoft's new Office 365 E5 plan offers features applicable across the organization. But some of the new functionality isn't useful to all, and some features bring controversy.Continue Reading

• What happened to my SharePoint Online templates?

  An unprepared organization may find some SharePoint Online features are not the same as the on-premises version.Continue Reading

• Must-know Exchange Server info from 2015

  We've rounded up the top Exchange Server info of the past year, including a look at deploying Exchange 2016, and troubleshooting common Outlook error messages.Continue Reading

• Exchange email security best practices establish safe environment

  To keep an Exchange environment secure, determine what risks exist and implement policies and technologies that will protect against attacks.Continue Reading

• What SharePoint Online limits exist across different Office 365 plans?

  Depending on the Office 365 plan your business uses, there are several SharePoint Online limits to keep in mind when planning a SharePoint migration.Continue Reading

• Will Groups replace Yammer for Office 365 collaboration?

  Microsoft is pushing Office 365 Groups instead of Yammer. What does this mean for the enterprise? It means choosing between the two collaboration platforms.Continue Reading

• How well do you know these System Center 2016 features?

  Microsoft is updating, adding and removing functions in System Center 2016. Take our quiz to find out what you know about this upcoming release.Continue Reading

• How Azure pricing for ExpressRoute breaks down

  Azure ExpressRoute pricing varies depending on a number of factors, including whether the business needs the standard or premium version.Continue Reading

• Microsoft sends Exchange Online plans to the cloud

  Exchange Online and compatible third-party options for Office 365 brought Exchange in the cloud closer to the forefront, especially with hybrid workloads.Continue Reading

• Why Microsoft continues to buoy the Windows Server GUI

  The graphical user interface delivers a familiar environment for many administrators, but it may not have much of a future.Continue Reading

• Should admins consider an Exchange 2016 upgrade?

  Microsoft released Exchange 2016, but older versions may win out. No matter the version, admins should prioritize Exchange security in 2016.Continue Reading

• Surprise changes in the Exchange 2016 release

  Exchange 2016 brought mixed feelings for admins who felt like the release was more of an Exchange 2013 Service Pack than a new version. See which changes made it to the final release.Continue Reading

• Third-party tools support an Exchange to Office 365 migration

  Third-party tools are available to help migrate Exchange and non-Exchange platforms to Office 365. To choose the right option, consider data protection, control and speed.Continue Reading

• How to sync AAD Connect with on-premises deployments

  Upgrading to AD Connect comes with the decision to deploy an Express or Custom installation. Before planning the sync, consider what you need from your new deployment.Continue Reading

• Is the Microsoft cloud first policy floating or failing?

  Microsoft intends to implement a cloud first strategy in which new features debut in the cloud yet on-premises deployments remain important. Has it succeeded?Continue Reading

• How to approach a disk fault under Windows Server 2012 R2

  Windows administrators have several options to identify a faulty disk in the array, but should heed best practices when replacing the drive.Continue Reading

• Exchange Server migration tips to plan the transition

  Migrating to Exchange 2013 or 2016 is best for some organizations, but others can't do without a legacy version. Consider these factors when planning a migration of Exchange Server.Continue Reading

• How Windows Server containers differ from Hyper-V containers

  Windows administrators will need to learn how Windows Server containers differ from Hyper-V containers, and why one might be preferred over the other.Continue Reading

• Azure AD PowerShell supports MFA to protect authentication

  The preview of the Azure AD PowerShell module flexes its muscles by supporting MFA and device management.Continue Reading

• How do I avoid a hard-disk failure?

  When you're depending on a JBOD array to keep the business running, there are several ways to further the longevity of its drives.Continue Reading

• Google Apps vs. Office 365 for business email systems

  With comparable cloud-based productivity suites, Google and Microsoft compete for enterprise users. In the Google Apps vs. Office 365 for business debate, which side are you on?Continue Reading

• Dell acquisition of EMC could jostle Microsoft's plans

  Microsoft's alliance with Dell may begin to crumble now that the two will be circling the same customers in multiple areas.Continue Reading

• Should email platforms be hosted, or should they stay home?

  Messaging and web collaboration tools and other email alternatives can go to the cloud or stay on-premises. Where are you sending your email platforms?Continue Reading

• Do Active Directory functional levels still matter?

  Will there be enough improvements in the next version of Active Directory for administrators to consider raising functional levels?Continue Reading

• Reading XML files with PowerShell

  As the tech world evolves, Windows administrators need to get familiar with creating and handling XML files.Continue Reading

• Write-back to on-premises with Azure AD Connect

  Exchange 2016 promises some improvements to write-back functionality, especially for administrators managing a hybrid deployment.Continue Reading

• Can I use third-party tools to back up Active Directory?

  Although Windows Server has a built-in backup tool, third-party tools offer useful capabilities, such as reporting and alerting features, to help admins back up Active Directory.Continue Reading

• Migrating to the future: Moving to Exchange 2016

  Migrating to Exchange 2013, or even preparing for a 2016 migration, may be the best choice for some organizations, but others could be fine with a legacy version. In this three-part guide, we will cover the key factors in making a decision regarding...Continue Reading

• What admins should know about Microsoft Azure security and vulnerabilities

  Although Microsoft performs its own Azure testing, end users bear the responsibility of making sure their systems meet company security requirements.Continue Reading

• How to calculate Exchange 2013 resource requirements

  Inadequate server resources can impair performance and growth. Here's how to calculate megacycles of work and memory requirements for Exchange 2013.Continue Reading

• Conditions, constraints for building Exchange in Azure

  Running Exchange in Azure doesn't compare favorably to Office 365, but it has valid instances where it might be useful. Consider costs and competitors first.Continue Reading

• Availability requires monitoring mailboxes in Exchange 2013

  For a better understanding of Exchange Managed Availability, learn how to create and manage monitoring mailboxes, and how to fix a corrupted mailbox.Continue Reading

• What third-party Azure management tools should I use?

  SCOM 2012 is Azure's native monitoring platform, but these third-party cloud management tools give IT shops more control over their Azure environments.Continue Reading

• Do I need to migrate public folders to Exchange 2010?

  I'm finishing up an Exchange 2007 to 2010 migration. Do I need to switch over the public folders? If so, what is the best method to do it?Continue Reading

• Extending Microsoft Azure applications with connectors

  Connectors have different uses. Certain Microsoft APIs, or connectors, can ease Azure applications development and improve Office 365 functionality.Continue Reading

• Configure disk volumes to optimize your Exchange 2013 performance

  The wrong disk volumes can foil Exchange optimization practices. Assess your configurations with support and compression in mind.Continue Reading

• How should we use SCOM 2012 for Azure management?

  Our organization uses Azure for cloud services, but we need a way to monitor health and performance. Can we use SCOM 2012 for Azure management?Continue Reading

• OPM data breach a teachable moment in security basics

  The recent OPM data breach exposed personal information for nearly 22 million people. Here's how enterprises can prevent a similar attack.Continue Reading

• Azure ExpressRoute offers new Office 365 connection

  The ExpressRoute feature can benefit organizations that want to maintain a high level of reliability and traffic management. Is it right for you?Continue Reading

• A first look into the Exchange 2016 Preview

  Microsoft rolled out the Exchange Server 2016 Preview with productivity and collaboration changes. But is it actually a new version of Exchange?Continue Reading

• A beginner's guide to Microsoft Azure Backup

  Microsoft Azure Backup, which automatically sends encrypted backups to the cloud, is easy to set up. But is it cost-effective for large enterprises?Continue Reading

• Top Windows Server admin tips of 2015 -- so far

  A lot has happened this year. Windows Server 2003 support ended and Windows Server 2016 was announced. Here are some must-read tips for 2015.Continue Reading

• Windows Update for Business: Breaking bad patch management

  Windows Update for Business gives Windows 10 users more control over OS security, with System Center integration and distribution rings.Continue Reading

• Nano Server benefits means big changes for Windows Server

  Windows Nano Server offers many benefits over traditional Windows Server deployments, including the ability to run multiple instances on a single host.Continue Reading

• Five vital Windows 2016 security updates

  Windows Server 2016 will include updates that will affect authentication options, account restrictions, Web protection and more.Continue Reading

• Microsoft Azure Stack packs a punch for server apps

  The new feature could transform workload management and blur the lines between public, private and hybrid clouds.Continue Reading

• What's new in Azure Active Directory Connect?

  Azure Active Directory Connect offers a raft of new features, including synchronization and single sign-on between an on-premises environment and Azure AD.Continue Reading

• Making a case for Microsoft Windows Server 2016

  With Windows Server 2016 in its second technical preview, organizations are digging into its features and benefits. Whether or not to upgrade can be broken into three factors.Continue Reading

• Is RAID 5 or RAID 10 a better Exchange 2013 storage choice?

  Choosing the right RAID level for your Exchange 2013 setup can prevent disk failures and improve overall storage performance.Continue Reading

• Overcome Exchange 2013 storage sizing issues

  Properly sizing an Exchange 2013 deployment protects it from future performance issues resulting from storage bottlenecks.Continue Reading

• Mapping out Exchange 2016 installation plans

  Features may change before Exchange Server 2016 hits RTM, but these six guidelines and requirements won't.Continue Reading

• Exchange 2013 CU9 adds little in new functionality

  With the upcoming Exchange 2016 release, don't be surprised at the lack of new features or functionality in the recent Exchange 2013 cumulative update.Continue Reading

• Move to Azure cloud services inevitable for Windows shops

  Microsoft continues to stress its cloud message -- increasing capabilities for Office 365 and Azure cloud services. Have its cloud offerings turned into an offer IT pros can't refuse?Continue Reading

• What's the deal with Windows containers?

  Windows Server 2016 will support Docker containers native to Hyper-V. What are the benefits of using Docker containers with Windows?Continue Reading

• Your Exchange 2016 cheat sheet

  Microsoft is still refining Exchange 2016 for release later this year, but the company has already outlined key features and capabilities.Continue Reading

• Five quick tips on Microsoft Azure management

  Strapped for time? Get the lowdown on Azure Pack, Microsoft Cloud Platform System and more in this fast feature on Azure.Continue Reading

• Advanced threat protection add-on comes to Microsoft EOP

  The ATP add-on for Exchange Online Protection gives on-premises Exchange Server and Office 365 customers another layer of security.Continue Reading

• Grooming Windows images for deployment

  When it comes to getting OS images ready to deploy in a Windows infrastructure, there are tools to use to get them ready.Continue Reading

• What SCCM collections should I use for Linux?

  SCCM 2012 collections allow admins to organize Linux systems as well as Windows systems. How should admins approach it?Continue Reading

• Can I include Linux systems in SCCM maintenance windows?

  SCCM maintenance windows allow for patching, upgrading and reconfiguring servers. Here's how to include Linux in the mix.Continue Reading