News

March 20, 2012 20 Mar'12
OpenNebula 3.2 gains final Hyper-V drivers

OpenNebula, an open-source data center virtualization project, delivered Microsoft Hyper-V drivers for its platform last week.
March 16, 2012 16 Mar'12
Office 365 price cuts -- Power play or passing savings onto customers?

Microsoft recently announced major price cuts to certain Office 365 pricing plans. Are the markdowns a reaction to slow adoption rates or something else?
March 13, 2012 13 Mar'12
Critical RDP patch the focus of Microsoft's Patch Tuesday

Patch Tuesday for March is the lightest for Microsoft this year, but one “critical” patch for Remote Desktop Protocol needs to be applied immediately.
March 05, 2012 05 Mar'12
Early thoughts on the Windows Server 8 beta

By the time Windows Server 8 is generally available, you'll likely be as tired of hearing about it as you are about the Republican primary candidates. But right now, just five days after the beta ...
March 01, 2012 01 Mar'12
Microsoft delivers first Windows Server 8 beta containing new features

Microsoft finally made the leap on Leap Day, delivering the first Windows Server 8 beta containing dozens of enhanced features across the product.
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February 15, 2012 15 Feb'12
Microsoft gets busy with 58 fixes in first Exchange 2010 SP2 rollup

It seems like just yesterday that Exchange 2010 SP2 was released. Update rollup 1 is here already, and it's unclear if that's a good or bad thing.
February 14, 2012 14 Feb'12
Microsoft issues 21 fixes in February Patch Tuesday bulletin

Microsoft sent admins a Valentine's bouquet of fixes for 21 vulnerabilities this month, with a focus on Windows Server 2008 R2 and desktop Windows.
February 14, 2012 14 Feb'12
Windows IT: Where is the love?

When it comes to online discussions of Microsoft and Windows, negativity is pretty much the norm. If you've read any articles recently about a new Microsoft feature or product, this should come as ...
January 30, 2012 30 Jan'12
Windows Server and System Center: Mobile device management HQ?

Will IT shops soon be using System Center and Windows Server to control and update enterprise applications on employee smartphones and tablets? One analyst thinks that could be the case in the near ...
January 30, 2012 30 Jan'12
Exchange Server 2007 SP3 Rollup 6 drops with 21 new fixes

If you still rely on Exchange Server 2007, you may want to carefully consider the latest rollup. It might be the last.
January 19, 2012 19 Jan'12
ReFS debuts with Windows Server 8

Microsoft divulged details about its new file system, ReFS, built on the foundation of NTFS, this week.
January 18, 2012 18 Jan'12
Microsoft targets VMware with System Center 2012 licensing, packaging

The latest version of Microsoft’s management tool has VMware’s offerings in its sights, but it will need Windows Server 8 and Hyper-V 3.0 to complete the private cloud picture.
January 13, 2012 13 Jan'12
Windows Server 8's Minimal Server Interface offers hope for the GUI-dependent

When it comes to Windows Server 8, small is the new big.
January 10, 2012 10 Jan'12
Microsoft delivers seven security fixes for Windows Server, Windows

Microsoft kicks off another year of bug squashing, delivering seven security bulletins to seal holes in Windows Server 2008 R2 and desktop versions of Windows.
January 06, 2012 06 Jan'12
A public event for Microsoft's private cloud

Microsoft's private cloud plans will soon go public. On January 17, the company will host a webcast, titled "Transforming IT with Microsoft Private Cloud," featuring Server and Tools Division ...
December 14, 2011 14 Dec'11
Microsoft releases 'critical' fixes for Windows and Windows Server

Microsoft closed out Patch Tuesday for 2011 by issuing 13 security bulletins to fix 19 vulnerabilities, three of which were deemed “critical” for Windows and Windows Server 2003.
December 06, 2011 06 Dec'11
Microsoft moves deeper into cloud with Exchange 2010 SP2

Exchange Server 2010 SP2 is an important release for companies contemplating a move to Office 365. This release brings the Hybrid Configuration Wizard, OWA improvements and more.
December 05, 2011 05 Dec'11
Office 365 matures, inches into enterprises

Microsoft’s Office 365, has a ways to go before all components are enterprise ready, but the email portion of the cloud suite appears ready for its close up.
November 04, 2011 04 Nov'11
SMB 2.2 in Windows Server 8 could help Microsoft’s cloud fortunes

Corporate and third-party developers believe Microsoft’s support of the SMB 2.2 protocol could bolster its competitive chances in the cloud and virtualization markets.
November 02, 2011 02 Nov'11
Q&A: Microsoft’s Pfenning talks storage, SMB 2.2 in Windows Server 8

Microsoft is improving storage capabilities in Windows Server 8 as well as adding support for the SMB 2.2 protocol. General Manager Thomas Pfenning explains the importance of these changes to IT shops.
October 31, 2011 31 Oct'11
Exchange Server 2010 SP1 rollup 6 released, decreases crashes

Update rollup 6 for Exchange 2010 SP1 fixes 29 user and internally spotted issues. Six of those fixes stop unexpected Exchange 2010 SP1 crashes.
October 20, 2011 20 Oct'11
Windows Server 2008 is future king but Windows Server 2003 rules now

Windows Server 2008 R2 is gaining momentum but eight years after its introduction many IT shops still depend on Windows Server 2003 to run their mission-critical applications.
October 14, 2011 14 Oct'11
News Roundup: Hadoop, hypervisors, and Patch Tuesday

In this week’s server news roundup, we explore the latest on SQL Server 2012, talk hypervisors and upcoming patches.
October 10, 2011 10 Oct'11
Patch Tuesday fixes address critical flaws in Windows, IE

Fixes in October’s Patch Tuesday release are fewer than recent releases, although six of the eight bulletins involve remote code execution flaws and should be implemented quickly.
October 07, 2011 07 Oct'11
Cluster-based Wizard in Windows Server 8 could ease patch management

Microsoft's upcoming Cluster Aware Update Wizard aims to ease the pain of patch management. But IT shops have questions about how it might fit with their internal patching procedures.
September 29, 2011 29 Sep'11
HP risks fading fortunes as a top IT supplier

For decades HP has been a preeminent supplier of products and services to corporate IT. But the company’s recent drama has some IT shops concerned for the future.
September 26, 2011 26 Sep'11
Five things Meg Whitman can do to make HP more competitive in IT

Few envy the task facing HP’s new CEO Meg Whitman in refocusing the company’s $130 billion business. But here is a handful of suggestions that could bolster IT’s confidence.
September 23, 2011 23 Sep'11
Exchange Server 2007 SP3 Rollup 5 fixes 13 issues

Many IT shops still rely on Exchange Server 2007. If that includes you, check out the 13 fixes in Exchange 2007 SP3 Update Rollup 5.
September 21, 2011 21 Sep'11
Q&A: Microsoft’s Mike Neil talks Windows Server 8 development

Windows Server 8 is the most ambitious version of the product Microsoft has developed to date. Mike Neil, GM of the project, talks about the importance of IT’s input.
September 15, 2011 15 Sep'11
Microsoft sharpens Windows Server 8, Azure cloud story

Microsoft gave enterprises a glimpse of how future applications and enterprise platforms will be brought together with Windows Server 8 and Azure.
September 14, 2011 14 Sep'11
BPOS customers familiar with downtime, unfazed by Office 365 outages

Microsoft Office 365 customers experienced a second outage in less than a month last week, though several experts regard it as a bump in the road.
September 14, 2011 14 Sep'11
Microsoft showcases Windows Server 8 with new sense of purpose

Can Windows Server 8 bring Microsoft into the cloud era? With development of the new OS, the company aims to change the way IT shops deliver apps.
August 24, 2011 24 Aug'11
Update rollup 5 for Exchange 2010 SP1 released to skepticism

Microsoft released update rollup 5 for Exchange 2010 Service Pack 1, but many customers are justifiably hesitant to install it after recent Exchange update issues.
August 01, 2011 01 Aug'11
SCOM 2012 beta: Improved, but not revolutionary

The latest beta of System Center Operations Manager 2012 from Microsoft is out and testers are weighing in: think evolutionary not revolutionary.
July 29, 2011 29 Jul'11
Microsoft re-releases another Exchange update rollup

Update rollup 4 for Exchange 2010 SP1 has been re-released, drawing angst from the Exchange community. To calm future concerns, the Exchange team explained what went wrong.
July 08, 2011 08 Jul'11
Exchange Server 2007 SP3 rollup fixes 20 issues

Though Exchange Server 2010 is mature, many IT shops still rely on Exchange Server 2007. If that includes you, check out the fixes in Exchange 2007 SP3 Update Rollup 4.
June 24, 2011 24 Jun'11
Exchange 2010 SP1 problem? Update Rollup 4 might fix it

If you run Exchange Server 2010 SP1 or plan to upgrade, check out some of the important fixes and feature enhancements in Update Rollup 4.
June 20, 2011 20 Jun'11
Will Microsoft's messaging monopoly devolve into a mere utility?

Microsoft has an iron grip on the desktop and now the messaging-collaboration market, but its fortunes could fade if it can't generate new services based on those products.
June 14, 2011 14 Jun'11
Microsoft’s June patches fix Windows Server 2008 flaws

Windows administrators keep their jobs this month thanks to a hefty 34 security fixes to some mainstay products, including Windows Server 2008 and R2.
June 03, 2011 03 Jun'11
Can anyone challenge Microsoft's messaging monopoly?

With Exchange Server, Microsoft has won the messaging-collaboration wars against IBM’s Lotus Notes. But who will step up to challenge its monopoly in the age of the cloud?
May 25, 2011 25 May'11
Can Windows Server HPC broaden Azure's appeal?

Microsoft's Azure platform has generally received good reviews from many IT shops and third party developers and appears to be gaining mindshare despite a band of fierce competitors including ...
May 19, 2011 19 May'11
Microsoft fortifies Exchange Server 2010 with new service pack

Due out later this year, Exchange Server 2010 SP2 includes Outlook Web App "Mini" and GAL segmentation.
May 19, 2011 19 May'11
Data off premise no longer taboo for change averse Microsoft shops

As Microsoft shops take their first steps toward the cloud, many feel more comfortable putting critical data in the hands of third party providers.
May 18, 2011 18 May'11
Microsoft broadens Exchange certification options

Microsoft has expanded the options for Exchange administrators who wish to seek higher credentials, and that means long stays in Redmond are no longer necessary.
May 17, 2011 17 May'11
Can SCUPdates survive VMware's Shavlik buy?

Though many IT shops use products from both VMware and Shavlik Technologies, some worry that VMware may not care to keep SCUPdates, a third-party patch tool that extends SCCM.
May 11, 2011 11 May'11
IT pros seek details on Microsoft cloud computing strategy

Windows managers want Microsoft to pull together its cloud story into a cohesive whole. The company is expected to flesh out its plans at this year’s TechEd conference.
May 02, 2011 02 May'11
Microsoft hopes storage spec gets a boost under SCVMM 2012

Microsoft believes its SMI-S specification can address the needs of Windows shops with multi-vendor storage needs, but it will need support from storage vendors to make it happen.
April 29, 2011 29 Apr'11
Programs appear to aid Office 365 migrations

Software companies have prepared products to help shift enterprises to Office 365. But can they also ease the pains associated with the transition?
April 22, 2011 22 Apr'11
IT shops need direction from Microsoft on reaching cloud

Microsoft has released its first public beta of Office 365, a key piece of its cloud computing strategy. But IT shops wonder how they transition their earth-bound applications.
April 19, 2011 19 Apr'11
Microsoft's next major threat could be its own cloud computing strategy

We have heard this talk before, of course: Microsoft's power and influence has peaked and the company is on a slow slide into irrelevancy. The latest chatter about this started late last week with ...
April 06, 2011 06 Apr'11
Office 365 will change your job, not kill it

Rather than dread the emergence of cloud computing, such as Microsoft’s still-in-beta Office 365, IT managers should learn new skills to complement these services.
April 01, 2011 01 Apr'11
Microsoft re-issues Exchange 2007 Service Pack 3 rollup

Only a week after delivering its Exchange 2007 SP3 Update Rollup 3, Microsoft re-released the product to correct a critical flaw.
March 09, 2011 09 Mar'11
New Exchange 2010 SP1 rollup key to DAG and OWA installs

The latest Exchange Server 2010 and Exchange 2007 SP3 update rollup hits on OWA error messages and DAG headaches, among other things.
March 07, 2011 07 Mar'11
With Opalis, Microsoft bids for cross-platform credibility

Big enterprises are not pure Windows shops. Microsoft hopes its investment in Opalis Software will extend its reach in systems management and boost integration across platforms.
March 01, 2011 01 Mar'11
Windows Intune closes in on MMS 2011

It sounds like Windows Intune is just about ready for prime time. Microsoft’s new technology which it describes as “an end-to-end Microsoft solution that brings together Windows cloud services for ...
February 03, 2011 03 Feb'11
Microsoft, Google sweeten online service SLAs

As Microsoft readies Office 365, the company tweaked its Online Services lifecycle policy. Google also improved its service-level agreements to cut planned downtime.
February 01, 2011 01 Feb'11
Where the heck is SP1 for Windows 7 and Server 2008 R2?

UPDATE! 2/09/2011 It sounds like Microsoft is finally close to announcing RTM for both service packs soon, with MSDN availability set for Feb. 16, with a Feb. 22 release date for the Web. ORIGINAL ...
January 31, 2011 31 Jan'11
Memory methods still differ for Microsoft and VMware

Despite new features for Hyper-V R2 SP1, the two vendors still take very different approaches to memory management for virtualization.
January 25, 2011 25 Jan'11
Will Virtual Machine Manager 2012 clear the way for private clouds?

UPDATE! 2/02/2011 ZDNet UK just posted some screenshots from the SCVMM 2012 demos last week, for anyone interested in a few visuals of the interface in action. ORIGINAL POST 1/25/2011 Those who ...
January 25, 2011 25 Jan'11
A look toward key Windows releases in 2011

First service packs are coming for Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2. With them comes pressure for enterprises to start their migrations.
January 11, 2011 11 Jan'11
Microsoft Azure to be in Windows shops, like it or not

Microsoft seeks new blood to deliver on the long-term strategy of making Azure a force in the cloud market and an extension of Windows Server.
January 05, 2011 05 Jan'11
Can Microsoft and VMware virtualization coexist in the enterprise?

While both vendors work to market the benefits of one platform over the other, many organizations find themselves choosing the best of both worlds.
December 10, 2010 10 Dec'10
Microsoft and VMware memory battle is the same song and dance

“Dynamic Memory for Hyper-V is Microsoft’s answer to VMware’s memory overcommit technology for ESX. “ “Dynamic Memory is in fact not the same as memory overcommit, and now that you mention it, ...
December 10, 2010 10 Dec'10
Microsoft Dynamic Memory rivals Citrix, not VMware

Think Hyper-V Dynamic Memory is Microsoft’s answer to VMware's memory overcommit? Not so fast. Mike Laverick writes that it actually has more in common with Xen than ESX.
November 08, 2010 08 Nov'10
Microsoft brings endpoint protection to Configuration Manager

With Forefront Endpoint Protection 2010, Microsoft aims to make client security one with systems management, and those running SCCM 2007 should see the biggest lift.
November 05, 2010 05 Nov'10
Microsoft bets on PowerShell despite past support for other languages

Windows pros want a single scripting language that works across all platforms. But despite some early open source efforts, Microsoft has refocused on PowerShell.
November 01, 2010 01 Nov'10
Microsoft smoothes path to Azure for Windows shops

Microsoft made the on-ramp to Azure easier for Windows users by adding loads of new features. But customers still need time to wrap their heads around the cloud idea.
October 26, 2010 26 Oct'10
Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1 moves closer to final release

The first service packs for Windows 7 and Server 2008 R2 are a big deal for Microsoft, with new features that could help the company compete in the virtual desktop space.
October 12, 2010 12 Oct'10
New baseline aims to centralize Windows Server 2008 R2 security

Microsoft released a new security baseline this week for Windows Server 2008 R2, adding to the slew of similar baselines released earlier this year. The R2 baseline accelerator gives admins access ...
October 11, 2010 11 Oct'10
Exchange Server 2010 SP1 rollup fixes public folder hitch

The first rollup for Exchange Server 2010 SP1 fixes its inability to replicate a public folder from one Exchange 2010 server to another, among other things.
October 11, 2010 11 Oct'10
VMworld 2010: Microsoft USA Today ad missed the mark

Microsoft made news at VMworld 2010 with an open letter to VMware customers. Mike Laverick writes that the move was an unwelcome (and misleading) return to tired marketing tactics.
September 29, 2010 29 Sep'10
IT shops keep Windows Server 2003, despite risks

Enterprises don’t let Microsoft’s Support Lifecycle policies dictate their upgrade cycles. But unless they buy hotfix support for Windows Server 2003, it could lead to trouble.
August 27, 2010 27 Aug'10
Finding the silver lining for cloud computing

Trends show that slowly but surely, the cloud is gaining acceptance. How can Windows shops benefit?
August 27, 2010 27 Aug'10
Exchange Server 2010 SP1 signals upgrade go-ahead

With Exchange Server 2010 SP1, IT shops get increased support for database availability groups, better Outlook Web App support and more.
August 25, 2010 25 Aug'10
SharePoint planning tools abound -- just not from Microsoft

Microsoft axed its own SharePoint planning calculator, but IT shops have plenty of choices from third-party vendors that help with SharePoint Server 2010 capacity planning and analysis.
August 18, 2010 18 Aug'10
Configuration Manager R3 zeros in on power management

Microsoft has put an emphasis on green IT with its next release for System Center Configuration Manager 2007, but will organizations feel the need to upgrade?
August 13, 2010 13 Aug'10
Domain controller virtualization continues to spark debate

Less than two months ago, we posted an article by Microsoft MVP Gary Olsen on the topic of domain controller virtualization. The article was actually a follow-up to something he wrote way back in ...
August 11, 2010 11 Aug'10
Microsoft critical support plan comes with sticker shock

For a hefty price, Microsoft now offers a dedicated support plan for computers in Windows shops where even a second of downtime is too much.
August 02, 2010 02 Aug'10
Virtualization drives systems management trends

Survey results reflect that increased server virtualization deployments and improved automation capabilities have contributed to the growing demand in systems management tools.
July 21, 2010 21 Jul'10
Hyper-V R2 admins want better density, feature management

Windows administrators appreciate Dynamic Memory in Microsoft Hyper-V R2 SP1, but still have a list of features they would rather see first.
July 14, 2010 14 Jul'10
Microsoft readies Virtual Machine Manager self-service portal

The release of Virtual Machine Manager Self Service Portal 2.0 should help IT pros and end users manage virtual machine resources in private clouds.
July 13, 2010 13 Jul'10
New Azure appliance too big for IT

The latest addition to Microsoft’s Windows Azure platform promises to give customers greater control over cloud-based data, though the release isn’t likely to mean much to most IT professionals ...
June 24, 2010 24 Jun'10
Increased Windows support could help spur UCS adoption

Though new to IT, the adoption of unified computing systems could accelerate as Microsoft partnerships lead to better UCS support for Windows servers and apps.
June 22, 2010 22 Jun'10
Free Windows performance monitoring tools not to be missed

Unbeknownst to some admins, the latest versions of Windows Server include new or updated tools that can minimize the need for third-party options.
June 18, 2010 18 Jun'10
New Microsoft hotfix solves Hyper-V host startup issues – or does it?

Just a quick post today. Microsoft released a new hotfix this month in response to some startup hang issues involving servers hosting virtual machines. Basically, some users running Windows Server ...
June 11, 2010 11 Jun'10
Windows 7 and 2008 R2 service packs go beyond virtualization

While dynamic memory features have received most of the press, the first service pack for Windows 2008 R2 will also include improvements to DirectAccess and Active Directory.
June 11, 2010 11 Jun'10
Exchange 2007 SP3 makes good on R2 support promise

If you're staying on Exchange 2007 but eyeing Windows Server 2008 R2, Exchange 2007 SP3 is the answer. But could Exchange 2010 SP1 offer more value?
June 07, 2010 07 Jun'10
Microsoft offers Windows, Exchange SP1 betas

At TechEd 2010, Microsoft executives breezed through service pack news in an effort to assuage IT managers' concerns about the company's shift to cloud computing.
June 04, 2010 04 Jun'10
What is Windows Server AppFabric?

There are two versions of AppFabric – one for cloud applications and another for in-house apps. Here's what they can do for you.
June 02, 2010 02 Jun'10
IT shops look for Hyper-V feature boost with SP1 beta

IT managers hope to get service pack info on Windows Server 2008 R2, Hyper-V and Exchange Server next week.
May 21, 2010 21 May'10
What's driving investments in Windows servers?

Studies have noted an uptick in x86 hardware purchases of late, the reasons for which align well with Microsoft's most recent OS and virtualization releases.
May 20, 2010 20 May'10
The IT salary market and how to increase your value

While compensation for IT pros is slightly down, there are ways to separate yourself from the pack and increase your value.
May 10, 2010 10 May'10
Best practices for SAN configuration and administration

Storage headaches tend to get worse over time, but following the proper configuration and management steps can be the perfect remedy for your SAN-related woes.
May 07, 2010 07 May'10
AD Federation Services 2.0 drops with added cloud support

The updated version of Microsoft's claims-based identity software has single sign-on capabilities for apps both on-premise and in the cloud.
April 27, 2010 27 Apr'10
Active Directory on your iPhone? There’s an app for that

A new app could help simplify the management of Active Directory-related help desk calls straight from your mobile phone. It’s called AD HelpDesk, a brand new iPhone app designed to aid with the ...
April 22, 2010 22 Apr'10
Microsoft shows maturing IT management vision

Microsoft fleshed out its Systems Center roadmap and released some new tools this week, including the long awaited Service Manager.
April 08, 2010 08 Apr'10
Microsoft adds storage provisioning to Exchange Server

The first service pack for Exchange Server 2010 also adds improved OWA performance and some new management UI enhancements, among other things.
March 25, 2010 25 Mar'10
New Google tools underline interest in enterprise mail

Remember Microsoft's aggressive deals and migration tools aimed at moving enterprises off Domino and onto Exchange? Google is now eyeing those customers.
March 23, 2010 23 Mar'10
End of Microsoft Select means smaller discounts for savvy shops

Microsoft will phase out Select license agreements this summer in favor of its Select Plus program. But Select Plus may not give customers the best discounts.
March 18, 2010 18 Mar'10
The challenges of iSCSI storage deployments for Windows

While an iSCSI deployment might sound like a good idea, it's not always the right move. Most often it's the minor details that can trip you up.

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