IT edge

The Configuration Manager team announced the release of System Center Configuration Manager 2007 R2. You can get the installation kit from the Download Center. the R2 release includes enhancements in: Application Virtualization Management Client Status Reporting OS Deployment SQL Reporting Services Integration Forefront Client Security Integration Detailed information on the improvements is on TechNet. Technorati [...]

You have likely heard about the “Core” installation role in Windows Server 2008 which does not have a GUI, but is all command line based. This is a great role to use for branch offices, for Hyper-V servers and some other roles that are typically managed remotely. If you want to install the server core [...]

Get the visual, interactive reference guides to help your users find their favorite Microsoft Office 2003 commands in the new 2007 interface. Free downloads. Outlook 2007 Guide: Outlook 2003 to Outlook 2007 interactive command reference guide Word 2007 Guide: Word 2003 to Word 2007 interactive command reference guide Excel 2007 Guide: Excel 2003 to Excel [...]

Microsoft has a ‘Talk Tuesdays Series’ of webcasts for State & Local Government (SLG). The series is designed to demonstrate how similar agencies are implementing and deploying SLG Solutions around the country and the world. It’s a good way to learn how Microsoft and Microsoft Partner solutions can increase constituent and employee satisfaction, improve agency [...]

Oracle is scheduled to deliver 41 patches for its line of business software Tuesday (April 15, 2008). The Critical Patch Update affects the following products: Oracle Database 11g, version 11.1.0.6 Oracle Database 10g Release 2, versions 10.2.0.2, 10.2.0.3 Oracle Database 10g, version 10.1.0.5 Oracle Database 9i Release 2, versions 9.2.0.8, 9.2.0.8DV Oracle Application Server 10g [...]

Microsoft Virtual Earth has released the Spring 2008 Updates. 3-D Models have been added and improved, GPS and traffic improvements, and RSS features have been added to the map software. Arstechnica has a hands on review of the new features.

The Windows Virtualization Team has been busy! Over the last few weeks they made some big announcements. You can follow their news and release information first hand by visiting or subscribing to their blog. Windows Hyper-V Release Candidate made available on March 19, 2008. Compared to the Beta version the RC as improved usability, additional [...]

The Exchange Team on their blog revealed that Public Folders will be supported in the next version of Exchange after 2007. They also provide some guidance around when to use SharePoint or Public Folders. The entire blog post is here.

Microsoft has a community web site where visitors find and share information about software which runs on Windows Vista. You can browse the extensive listing of applications, see comments from the community on compatibility and, see what apps are certified for Vista or are Vista Ready. Be sure to share your own experiences with application [...]

Released March 24, 2008: Microsoft Remote Server Administration Tools (RSAT) enables IT administrators to remotely manage roles and features in Windows Server 2008 from a computer running Windows Vista with SP1. It includes support for remote management of computers running either a Server Core installation or the full installation option of Windows Server 2008. It [...]