Today Microsoft released the Office 2010 beta for public http://office.com/beta for product downloads, articles, product information and links to forums related to Office 2010. There, you can download and install the latest pre-release version of Office 2010 client software and experience the exciting new features Microsoft have added to server products such as SharePoint Server 2010 and Project Server 2010.

You can also visit Technet Forums, where you can post questions, comments, and thoughts about your experience with Office 2010 Beta products, at http://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums

Exchange 2007 Service pack 2 expected release in Q3 2009, We have been hearing lot of feedback on Exchange 2007 and Windows Server 2008, we do not have built in back up solution to backup Exchange 2007 by using windows 2008 back up feature.

Exchange team planning to release add-on to backup exchange data in windows 2008.

The Exchange 2007 SP2 will include the following features and features enhancements:

• Enhanced Auditing
• Exchange Volume Snapshot Backup Functionality
• Dynamic Active Directory Schema Update and Validation
• Public Folder Quota Management
• Centralized Organizational Settings
• Named Properties cmdlets
• New User Interface for Managing Diagnostic Logging.

It will be available on free downloads at  http://www.microsoft.com/exchange/2007/default.mspx

If you interest to know more about the Exchange 2007 SP2 do visit Exchange team blogs site:

http://msexchangeteam.com/archive/2009/05/11/451281.aspx

Fill the Survey as a BITPRo Member and avail 25% Discount Entry to TechEd India2009

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=vbAULPJ2UckJmDK808LMZQ_3d_3d

Dear BITPro Members,

Culminis, INETA APAC and PASS, have worked along with Microsoft to secure a unique discount for our user group members.
TechEd is happening in India after a period of 3 years. http://www.microsoft.com/india/teched2009/ With Steve Balmer CEO of Microsoft giving the Keynote, and illustrious speakers presenting. Tech.Ed-India 2009 is all about getting yourself ready for the next wave of technology innovations and trends. In today’s economic scenario, more than ever before, it has become pertinent that we stay ahead of the curve so as to establish ourselves as the future trend- setters. Tech.Ed-India 2009 – with its offering of sub-events – offers you this opportunity to interact with some of the leading lights in the business and technology space globally, talk to Microsoft product development teams directly, and get in-depth hands-on-trainings and certifications in some of the most coveted and anticipated technologies of our time.

for more Info visit: http://www.bitpro.in/default.aspx

Staying Ahead in Your Career with Microsoft Certification
A challenging economic climate is driving many organizations to re-examine their operations. Ensuring employees have the skills to utilize the latest software capabilities helps companies fully realize the potential value of their technology investments while achieving reduced costs and improved staffing efficiencies.
As responsible IT professional, it is essential to stay current on the latest technologies and proactively upgrade one’s skills. This will help the team to provide the necessary expertise to improve the organization’s IT environment. Certification, which encompasses training and skills validation, is a proven way to maximize the effectiveness of IT professionals. Check out more information from TechRepublic on 10 reasons why certification will be important in 2009
How do you decide on the relevant Certification to invest in? Find out more on the demand of IT Skills and Certification available in the market. Some reports you can refer to include TechRepublic’s The industry's 10 best IT certifications, IT Skills@Work – An Asia Pacific Perspective by Kelly IT Resources (October 2008) and TechRepublic’s IT Salary Survey 2009.

================================================================

This is the best time to join the
Microsoft Certified Professional community!

================================================================

If you are interested in getting a Microsoft Certification, here’s the good news … go to www.learnANDcertify.com by April 30, 2009 and key in the Promo Code: “INE026D2” to enjoy a 10% discount on your next Microsoft Certification exam. Even better, you will enjoy a free retake if you fail the exam. (Limited to with in INDIA usage only)
Note : Once you decided on obtaining a Microsoft Certification, you can participate in the upcoming Live Meeting on “Getting Started with Microsoft Certification” on April 7, 2009 10:30pm Singapore Time or April 8, 2009 8:30am Singapore Time. Also you can visit www.learnANDcertify.com to find out more on the resources available.

Yours sincerely,
S.Kaliyan, Microsoft - MVP

I am glad that, today onwards BITPro became member of PASS (Professional Association for SQL Server). I hope that, this new association with the PASS, BITPro  User Group Members can get access top notch technical training and learning opportunities.

What is PASS?

PASS is a Independent, not-for-profit association, Dedicated to supporting and Educating the MS SQL Server Communities. for more details do visit www.sqlpass.org 

Windows Deployment Services basic installation steps for Vista SP1 and XP Pro SP2 (Draft 1.0)

Tools Used in the Lab Setup:

1. Windows Server 2008 with SP1

2. Windows XP with SP2 (Reference Computer)

3. WDS (1.0)

4. Microsoft Deployment Tool updated 2008 (4.0)

5. Windows Automated Installation Kit (6.0.6001.18000)

Installation of WDS:

Pre-requisites:

1. Windows Server 2008 with SP1 (X86bit)

2. DHCP Configured

3. DNS Configured

4. AD DS

5. NTFS Partition

Steps for installing Windows Deployment Services

You can install Windows Deployment Services by using the Initial Configuration Wizard, Server Manager, or the command line.

• To install the role by using the Initial Configuration Wizard, click Add roles on the Initial Configuration Tasks startup screen. Click Next and then select Windows Deployment Services.
• To install the role by using Server Manager, click Add roles, which is located in the Roles Summary pane. Click Next and then select Windows Deployment Services.
• To install the role by using the command line, run one of the following two commands:
• For Deployment Server,run ServerManagerCmd -install WDS.
• For Transport Server, run ServerManagerCmd -install WDS-Transport.

During the installation, you have the following two role services to choose from. For a detailed comparison of these options, see the “Comparison of Deployment Server and Transport Server” chart in “Using Transport Server” at http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=115298.

• Transport Server. To install this option, clear the Deployment Server check box on the second screen of the installation wizard. This option provides a subset of the functionality of Windows Deployment Services. It contains only the core networking parts. You can use Transport Server to create multicast namespaces that transmit data (including operating system images) from a standalone server. You should use this option if you want to transmit data by using multicasting, but you do not want to incorporate all of Windows Deployment Services.
• Deployment Server. To install this option, ensure that both Deployment Server and Transport Server are selected on the second screen of the installation wizard. This option provides the full functionality of Windows Deployment Services, which you can use to configure and remotely install Windows operating systems. Note that Deployment Server is dependent on the core parts of Transport Server.

Note

If you want to manage Windows Deployment Services on a remote server that is running Windows Server 2008, you can install the Remote Server Administration Tools. To do this, open Server Manager, right-click the Features node, click Add Features, and locate Remote Server Administration Tools. This will install WDSUTIL and the Windows Deployment Services MMC snap-in on the server.

Configuring Windows Deployment Services

After you install the server role, you must configure the server.

Known issues with configuring Windows Deployment Services

• Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6) is not supported for this version of Windows Deployment Services.
• If you are running Windows Deployment Services and a non-Microsoft DHCP server on the same computer, in addition to configuring the server to not listen on port 67, you will need to use your DHCP tools to add Option 60 to your DHCP scopes.
• If DHCP is installed on a server that is located in a different subnet, you will need to do one of the following:
  • (Recommended) Configure your IP Helper tables. All DHCP broadcasts by client computers on UDP port 67 should be forwarded directly to both the DHCP server and the Windows Deployment Services PXE server. Also, all traffic on UDP port 4011 from the client computers to the Windows Deployment Services PXE server should be routed appropriately (these requests direct traffic, not broadcasts, to the server).
• Add DHCP options 66 and 67. Option 66 should be set to the Windows Deployment Services server, and option 67 should be set to boot\x86\wdsnbp.com. For more information, see “Managing Network Boot Programs” at http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=115304.

Steps for configuring Windows Deployment Services

To configure the server role, use the following procedure. Then see the following section to add images to the server.

To configure Windows Deployment Services

1. Ensure that you are a Domain Administrator. 2. Click Start, click Administrative Tools, and then click Windows Deployment Services. 3. In the left pane of the Windows Deployment Services MMC snap-in, expand the list of servers. 4. Right-click the server, and then click Configure Server. 5. Follow the instructions in the wizard. 6. When the configuration is completed clear the Add images to Windows Deployment Services now check box and then click Finish. 7. If you want to modify any of the settings of the server, right-click the server in the MMC-snap in, and clicking Properties. I have kept the Remote Install folder on “E:\”  (you can choose any driver which is having Sufficient space to capture the images) Select Respond to all (Known and Unknown) Client Computers, later on you move all these Client to respective groups or OU in the AD.

If you have installed DHCP on WDS server then you need to select the both option)

Now that you have configured the server, you will need to add images using the following section.

Steps for adding images

You must add at least one boot image and one install image before you will be able to boot to the Windows Deployment Services server and install an image.

• Boot images. Boot images are images that you boot a client computer into to perform an operating system installation. In most scenarios, you should use the Boot.wim file from the Windows Server 2008 SP1 or Vista SP1 installation DVD (in the \Sources folder). The Boot.wim file contains Windows PE and the Windows Deployment Services client
• Install images. Install images are the operating system images that you deploy to the client computer. You can also use the Install.wim file from the installation DVD, or you can create your own install image.

To add the default images, use the following procedures.

• To add the default boot image included on the product installation DVD

1. In the left pane of the Windows Deployment Services MMC snap-in, right-click the Boot Images node, and then click Add Boot Image. 2. Browse to choose the default boot image (Boot.wim) on the Windows Server Vista SP1 DVD, located in the \Sources folder. 3. Click Open and then click Next. 4. Follow the instructions in the wizard to add the image.

• To add the default install image included on the product installation DVD

1. In the Windows Deployment Services MMC snap-in, right-click the Install Images node, and then click Add Install Image. 2. Specify a name for the image group, and then click Next. (in my case i have pointed to default “ImageGroup1”) 3. Browse to select the default install image (Install.wim) on the Windows Vista or Windows Server 2008 DVD, located in the \Sources folder, and then click Open. 4. Follow the instructions in the wizard to add the images. 5. Now the Boot image and Install image available on the WDS for Windows Vista, I can perform a PXE boot on a client computer to install an windows Vista operating system.

Note: the above said two images (boot, install images are default image captured from Windows Vista DVD) these images cannot be used to deploy the multiple systems. If we want to install multiple systems by using install image then we need to create custom image – to create custom image steps as below:

Steps for Creating Custom install Image for Windows XP SP:

I. Create capture boot image by using the default boot image

II. Copy the new captured boot image into WDS boot image file

III. Goto reference PC do the sysprep and make it to PXE boot

IV. Boot the reference PC into PXE by pressing F12, select the Capture image to load.

V. After the capture image load it will pop up a window to capture a reference PC.

VI. Save the capture image on local Drive and upload to WDS server.

VII. The successful completion of upload image to WDS server, now we can use this image to deploy on multiple hardware in the network.

I. Create capture boot image by using the default boot image

Open WDS console and goto Boot Image folder, Right click on Default Boot Image and select Create Capture boot image.

Specify the image name and description and destination local to save the wim file. (I have chosen to save under E:\remoteinstall\boot\windowsxpsp.wim)

Copy the new captured boot image into WDS boot image folder; follow the steps as mentioned in the bellow given screenshot:

Select the captured boot image source location.

You can verify the image summary;

WDS copy the image to boot folder, it will take coupe of minute to complete the copy.

Click finish to complete the copy, now you can able to see the Boot image for Windows XP in the WDS boot folder:

Now you’re ready to capture the reference capture image to build the Windows XP SP2 install image.

Steps for creating an install image for Windows XP SP2

First make ready of the reference computer with Windows XP with Service Pack2 and update the necessary patches (before the start capturing the reference computer image, you need to run the Sysprep).

You can copy the sysprep.exe and Setupcl.exe from Windows XP source CD, you can find it under “D:\support\Tools\Deploy.cap” or create a folder “Sysprep” under “C:\Sysprep “ and Extract the Deploy.cap file to “C:\sysprep” by using winzip. You can also do the sysprep in GUI. I did it in GUI mode.

Open C:\Sysprep folder and double click on “sysprep.exe” system preparation tool 2.0 will open select the “use mini-setup” and click on “Reseal”

You will get a popup windows, click “OK” wait for second it will complete the Sysprep and shutdown the machine.

Now you are ready to capture the install image from reference PC and upload to WDS server.

Boot the Reference Windows XP System and select PXE boot by pressing F12 in the boot menu, then select the Capture image that created earlier.

Now the Windows XP client will start download the Boot image from WDS server.

The bellow given screenshot show the image download progress bar.

Once the download complete the client PC automatically reboot start Capture image process (you should disable the PXE boot or press Ese button while the PC reboot)

Click Next

Image Capture wizard prompt to select the volume to capture and image name, select “C:\” from the drop down box and type the image name then click Next

Another window popup to save the image. Select the local Drive on the reference PC to save the install image “C:\XPSP2Installimage\WinXPSP2.wim” (you may also save it on mapped drive, be safer side to save local drive:

Check the upload Image to WDS server: you need to mention the WDS server name or IP to make connection.

Clock on “Connect”

It prompted for credentials, provide a user name and password for an account with sufficient permissions to connect to the WDS server.

The validation success next drop down box will list the available image group, select the imagegroup1 and then click Finish.

Now the Install image will start Capture the reference PC and save it wherever you have given the path to save then it will upload into WDS server.

Just wait for couple of minute to complete 100%, after successful completion of upload you can go to WDS server and open WDS console to see the new install image, it will be available under Install image, InstallGroup1

Steps for installing captured XP image on the new Client PCs. Now you can boot the client PC into PXE and start installing windows XP SP2 from the WDS server.

Prerequisites for installing an install image:

• The client computer must be capable of performing a PXE boot.
• Your user account must be a member of the Domain Users group.
• The client computer must have at least 512 MB of RAM, which is the minimum amount of RAM for using Windows PE.
• The client must meet the system requirements for the operating system of the install image.

Boot the PXE client by pressing F12 and select windows boot image from the boot menu, it will take couple of minutes to start the installation image.

once you select the boot image it will start download the boot image to start the install image from WDS

Once it reach the 100% then automatically reboot to start install the windows XP

Select default language “English (US)” and Keyboard input method “US” then click Next

As soon as click Next, pop up prompt to enter the domain user name and password

If the user account is validated successfully, you get a windows which will show the list of available install image (in my case I got two image in the list, first one for Vista another one for Windows XP)

I have selected Windows XP install image, then click Next

Click Next

Now the windows XP installation will start

Once the installation finish automatically restart.

Enjoy the new windows XP installation.

Note: this article does not have fully automated script for the installation, I am planning to publish next post with detailed zero touch installations.

Disclaimer: I have prepared this article based on my experience, it may not suite for your environments, I request you to refer the http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc721929.aspx

If you find any error or changes do let me know.

Dear Members!

This is the time to get certified on Microsoft Technology / upgrade the technical skills on new technologies. We got a special discount scheme to benefits to our networks and the user group members.

You can use the Promotion Code: INE026D2 and get the 10% discount for each exam you take, in case if your notable pass the exam first attempt no worry you got a free second shot.

From now till March 31, 2009, you or your friends can use this Promotion Code to obtain a Microsoft Certification Exam Voucher Code at a 10% discount and free retake offer. The Exam Voucher Code is valid for exams taken by May 31, 2009 in India. Note that the limited time offer is valid for Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS), Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP) and Microsoft Certified Professional Developer (MCPD) exams only.

Goto this URL and get your discount voucher: www.learnandcertify.com if you need further details please feel free to reach me at kaliyan.s@bitpro.in

Wish you all the best.  *Terms & conditions apply

Regards

S.Kaliyan

Date: 15-Nov-2008 to 17-Nov-2008

We south Asia MVPs are meeting to bring the new changes into the technology and society.

Our team going to focus more on Windows Seven– Which is next generation of Operating Systems for a Personal Computer.

BITPro’s TechDay2008 Celebration success Story

BITPros’ TechDay2008 celebration Success Story”

Date: 23^rd August 2008, Time: 09.00AM to 02.30PM

Venue: R.V.Dental College, J.P.Nagar, Bangalore.

I am glad to share this success story:

We BITPro celebrated TechDay2008 event on 23^rd Aug 2008, the event aim to have insight feel on Microsoft new release products like Vista SP1, Exchange 2007, Windows Server 2008 Hyper-V and Office SharePoint Portal 2007. We have started the event as per schedule, key note speech delivered by Mr.V.N.Bhattachary, we had a target to get 150+ audience to the event but only 120 peoples have attended the event.

Event Agenda:

This is first time we have printed T-shirt with BITPros’ Logo on it, all the core team members with BITPros Uniform, we also given away the T-shirt to quiz winners.

We have approached new way of marketing the UG events to get more member into our community, we have printed event invite and distributed to IT corporate companies, and also approached few IT firms HR team to put display of the invite at their notice board and requested them to send inside mailer to all their employees. This kind of new technique helped us to get more audience and more community visibility inside the corporate.

We are able to manage the time to go through all the planed sessions according the schedule, each speakers have conducted small quiz program end of their session and distributed the Windows vista Ultimate, BITPro logo printed T-shirt to quiz winner, end of the session all the attendee walked away with Windows Vista spring board Technical DVD.

BITpro has given the appreciation memento to all the speakers for their contribution to community.

India’s first and Best IT Professional Community Award for year 2007 - 2008.

Once more good news that, BITPro community won the “Best IT Professional Community” award for the year 2007- 2008, the award program organized by Microsoft India. This kind of initiative from Microsoft really crating motivation between the user group communities.

I like to thank all the members and core team of BITPros who really helped to get this award.

Cheers!

S.Kaliyan

BangaloreITPro user group organizing the TechDay2008 celebrations event on 23rd-Aug-2008 with help of Windows Vista products groups / Culminis and local supports.

We expected to get 200+ audience around Bangalore.

Here is the event Invite and Agenda:

Date: 23rd-Aug-2008 Time: 09.00 AM to 02.00PM

Venue: Venue: R.V Dental College & Hospital, CA37, 24th Main, JP Nagar, Bangalore-78

A special Community event for key business and IT Professionals.

Registration Click here: BangaloreITpro

Dear BITPro Members!
BangaloreITPro is pleased to invite you to attend a special event on “Breaking Down Communication Barriers with Microsoft Unified Communications. And find out how to solve Windows Vista Network Issue, Windows Server 2008 Hyper-V and MOSS2007 Administration” Discover how the Microsoft unified communications & Virtualizations solution can help raise your business to the next level of productivity and profitability

Attend this Unique Event for a First-Hand View
Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to learn about the benefits of the Microsoft unified communications solution. You will also find out about complementary solutions and services available through BITPro.in to help take your success to the next level.
Go to http://www.clicktoattend.com/?id=130371 . We look forward to seeing you there!

Attend the Event and walk away with Windows Vista business, Windows Server 2003 R2 with 25 CALs & lots more goodies.

Microsoft India losing one of the best MD, past three and half years Dhawan was associated with Microsoft India and contributed lot to strengthen the Indian market, she decided to leave the Microsoft and join with HP India,

I personally met her during South Asia MVP summit 2005 in Delhi. I wish her success in all endeavors.   

Source: http://dqchannels.ciol.com//content/reselleralert/108060916.asp

Windows Essential Business Server 2008

We all know about Windows Small Business server 2003 which is mainly focusing for small business segment customer upto 75 users, but the SBS server not able to address the mid size business customers requirements above 75 to 250 users market.

Microsoft collected the market feedback and decided to address the mid size business segment by expending the SBS limitation and bundling the core server products into single component and meet the mid size business demand ie 'Windows Essential Business Server 2008'

The windows Essential Server 2008 expected to be launch in second half of 2008. right now the public beta available to peoples, if you interested to test the beta and provide the feedback, please follow the below given procedure. 

---

Share Your Feedback

We want to hear from you! By submitting feedback, you can actively work with members of the Microsoft product team to identify and evaluate the importance of issues, recommend workarounds, and help ensure that the product is reliable and meets your needs.  Please submit suggestions for improving product design or behavior, or send us descriptions of any problems that interfere with your work or cause the product to behave unexpectedly. We want to hear from you!

• Evaluate and provide feedback on the upcoming version of Windows Essential Business Server 2008

Product Information

Learn more about Windows Essential Business Server 2008:

Visit the EBS 2008 product pages. Get details from a product overview and discover the differences between the Standard and Premium editions.

Testimonials

See what customers and partners are saying about Windows Essential Business Server 2008

• Customer and Partner Testimonials

News and Reviews

Read news articles and discover what the industry says about Essential Business Server 2008

• News and Reviews

Key Resources

Use these key resources to learn more about Windows Essential Business Server 2008:

Newsgroups

Discuss a topic that interests you by visiting the following newsgroups.

• Windows Essential Business Server 2008

Essential Business Server 2008 Blogs

• Official Essential Business Server Team Blog

Partner Resources

Microsoft partners can explore these additional resources:

Windows Essential Business Server 2008 – Partner Information

Find resources and information on Essential Business Server 2008 geared specifically towards partners.  Partner testimonial videos, quotes, and more help outline opportunities, while other resources introduce you to EBS 2008 and its component technologies.

• Windows Essential Server Solutions Partner Presentation
• Windows Essential Server Solutions Partner Brochure

Product Keys for Public Preview Software Activation

Use the following product keys to activate your trial of the Windows Essential Business Server 2008 Public Preview software.  As this product is an all-in-one integrated multi-server, you will need all three product keys for activation (management server key, messaging server key, security server key).

• Windows Essential Business Server 2008 Standard Product Key for Management Server: 399PG-H3Y82-MHX2P-9K7CH-6YDRJ
• Windows Essential Business Server 2008 Standard Product Key for Messaging Server: 3YXXJ-XP7RJ-KVHQB-J4X6X-66MQ4
• Windows Essential Business Server 2008 Standard Product Key for Security Server: MCYH7-KYXD4-PY8X4-PWXKJ-RDBHF

More than 5 users?

Windows Essential Business Server 2008 Standard will allow you assign a maximum of 5 temporary user or device CALs.  For additional CALs, please use the product keys listed below. The product keys can only be installed once per installation.

There are two types of CALs available :

User CALs
With user CALs, you acquire a CAL for individuals who are given named access to your server. Licensed users can access the server from any device. User CALs might make the most sense for an organization that has many roaming employees who need access to the corporate network from mobile devices or employees who use multiple devices to access the network.

Device CALs
With device CALs, you acquire a CAL for every device--such as laptops, desktop computers, and Microsoft Windows Mobile-based Pocket PCs and Smartphones--that needs access to your server. With this option, any user can access the server on the licensed device.

• 50 User CALs for Windows Essential Business Server 2008 Standard: HPGQ7-RPJBT-YC7VC-HTP38-2RW8X
• 50 Device CALs for Windows Essential Business Server 2008 Standard: V8C3J-JV3CR-K6YG4-9623H-MCPHV

Windows Essential Business Server 2008 Product Information

• EBS 2008 Home

Technical Information

• EBS 2008 Tech Center

Microsoft Partner Information

• EBS 2008 Partner Portal

Beta Central Home

• See additional beta downloads and resources

Trial Software Evaluation

• Experience software evaluation in a whole new way

TechNet Plus

• Enjoy enhanced support options and get evaluation software without time limits

TechNet Flash Newsletter

• Learn how to get more value out of Microsoft products

Windows Small Business Server 2008

Solutions for small businesses.

• SBS 2008 Home
• Evaluate SBS 2008 Public Preview

Microsoft Technical audience Global team has launched UGTV (user Group Television) – The UGTV focus towards the User Groups community Development World Wide.

Here is what Microsoft says:

User Group Television (UGTV) is a monthly webcast dedicated to bringing informative programming to User Groups worldwide while providing Microsoft the ability to introduce up and coming information to user group communities as well as highlight our engagement with them.

The shows will be aired on 2 Microsoft websites, Edge for ITPros and Channel9 for Developers.

As a part of launch, they have aired the FIRST episode that includes some interviews of those behind the scenes and interviews of few User Group leaders worldwide. I have gave two interview during the recording one in English and another one in Tamil (UG localizations), I am happy to be part this initiative, the recording interviewed during my recent trip to Redmond for 2008 MVP Global Summit and Community Lead Summit 2008.

There are lots to come, so keep watching this space. Be an active participant in this User Group and chances are you could be casted in upcoming show sometime. There are several initiatives coming up with BangaloreITpro, do let your contributions keep coming in.

UGTV (User group Television) for ITPro Debuts!

UGTV for Developers Debuts!

Wishing this initiative a great success! Let's make it happen.

Regards,

S.Kaliyan
Co-founder & Manager, BangaloreITPro User Group

TIME: 8.30 AM to 5 PM
WHEN: Saturday, May 24, 2008
WHERE: Nimhans Convention Center, Bangalore (Near Dairy Circle), Bangalore.
DIRECTIONS: http://www.thesmarttechie.com/startupcity/howtogetthere.php

SmartTechie has organized the startup city event on 24-May-2008 to connect all Bangaloreans' IT firms' CxOs with their peers to share their experience and challenges to establish the company.

Event highlights and Agenda:

More than 40CxOs participated in the open forum from various developed IT firm.

More than 50 IT firms Exhibitors and about 10 event supporting partners including BangaloreITpro user group.

We have showcased the Community stall at the event, people are excised to know community like us working for peoples development and without any returns / business focus.

4000 people has registered for the event but actually people turned to event was about 7000 because of the event organizer allowed open registration at the spot.

We BITpro conducted the quiz during event / distributed goodies Microsoft Office 2007 logo printed mugs for 40 peoples. Apart from those activities we have distributed Vista springboard CDs / Vista SP1 white papers / 2008 community launch booklets.

SmartTechie has distributed the event booklets to all the attendee. BangaloreaItpro has been featured in that booklet at page No.45.

I personally want to thank to Mr.Pradeep shankar, Managing Editor, The StamtTechie and Ms.Jaya Smitha Menon, Assistant Editor, SmartTechie and our core team who are really helpful to have successful event.

Event Details:

http://groups.msn.com/bangaloreitpro/news.msnw?action=get_message&mview=1&ID_Message=1906

http://www.thesmarttechie.com/startupcity/

More Photos available at: http://kaliyans.spaces.live.com/photos/cns!96AD32C97E4483A0!416/

I am proud be part this global initiative program, to support technical community World Wide" I am sure that, this global initiative going to bring new changes and new technology to new generation of IT world.

Please contact mfleming (Senior Online Community Lead) with any questions on this pilot.

Consistency and scale in the services we provide to User Group Communities has been a challenge and a source of consternation for all of us over the past years.

Microsoft is pleased to announce that as of last month’s User Group Leadership Summit and based on global feedback, we have a model that delivers progress that can be universally appreciated and used by your local User Group Communities.  Our pilot, User Group Support Services, launches today May 8!

The pilot emerged from community feedback, efforts from UC and Windows and from work led over the past 2 years by the US Subsidiary with their rollout of Codezone in the US.  Thanks to their work and bolstered by the great feedback from the community, we have taken on the commit to build and sustain UGSS as a part of our global offering.  The pilot is available at this time for English speaking regions – but stay tuned as in early H1 FY09 we will have additional language offerings. If you wish to be among the first to pilot this program in your region, please contact mfleming.

WHAT IS USER GROUP SUPPORT SERVICES?

First of all, User Group Support Services (UGSS) does not replace local engagement and local investment. These tools enhance corp-to-user group engagement and have the capability to enhance your engagement with your local Microsoft field. UGGS is a  platform with an underlying framework which drives consistency in how we engage UGs across our Technical Audiences and enables the community to participate in a direct dialog with Microsoft.  The focus of this platform is on providing a process and a portal that helps improve the quality of content available to User Group Leaders for their events and tools that help them manage their groups.

This platform has two distinct offerings:

1. Access to content built specifically for User Group events by Microsoft Product teams
UGSS has partnered with Microsoft product teams to provide content built specifically for User Group events (demos, discussion presentations and other content). This content will be free to User Group Leaders and available through the UGSS Connect portal. In the future, User Group Leaders can access community led launch event content as well as explore other Beta Connect program opportunities.

· How do I know what’s available to me? A user group specific content editorial calendar is available through two interfaces:

· Public planning interface for Developer through Codezone

· Public planning interface for ITPRO Culminis – JUNE 2008

· Where can I go to download the content? UGSS Connect portal (user group content fownload center) is accessible from:

· MSDN

· TechNet

· Codezone

· Culminis (ITPRO) – planned release for JUNE 2008

· Online user group tools wrapped in a consistent UI
UGSS framework offers a free set of tools specific to user group management. In the pilot, these services continue to be surfaced through: Codezone (Developer & INETA supported), and for ITPRO will be released through Culminis – planned for JUNE 2008. These services include:

· Speaker's repository

· Sponsorship Repository

· Event management & attendance tracking

· Member management and communication

· Consolidated User Group Management Interface

· User Group Kits: Available in supported regions

· Study Groups

ADDITIONAL USER GROUP BENEFIT

• Free Live Meeting Accounts for User Group Leaders (contact Culminis, INETA or your local Microsoft evangelist for more details)

Some asks of you..

Because this is a new program from a global perspective, we are looking for your help.

Evangelize these services in your region.  This includes: Event content, Speaker's Bureau, Sponsorship Repository, and UG Leaders resources

Help to localize User Group Event Content for your region and offer this for download through the UGSS Connect portal.

Help to localize the regional feedback into English for Corp to consume and act on

We will…

Advance the tools/framework based on your feedback

Provide new content from Product Groups based/impacted by your feedback

Aggregate your feedback from the interface to participating subsidiaries and product groups

Maintain UGSS as the one place from which to access all Microsoft content for Community Led Launch Events

FY09 Corporate Deliverables (planning)

Community Lead Launch event kits/cycles:

• Virtualization Deep Technical / H1/H2
• SQL Deep Technical- H1/H2

Days to produce localized versions based on field commitments (plan in place July 15, 2008)

Editorial calendar detailing content to be delivered (see above)

New features, to include reporting functionality for User Group leaders, among others. The full set to be communicated in JUNE 2008.

THANK YOU!

We’d like to say a huge “THANK YOU” to you all for moving this effort forward, especially the following User Group Leaders:

1. Graham Jones
2. Lee Benjamin
3. Kaliyan selvaraj
4. Bill Wolff
5. Brendon Schwartz
6. James Johnson
7. Eric Selje
8. Matt Rigling
9. Michael Steinberg
10. Robin Edwards
11. Shawn Weisfeld
12. Stephen Swienton
13. Tim Rayburn
14. Mike Wells
15. Christopher Reed

Announcing the launch of the USER GROUP SUPPORT SERVICES pilot

Microsoft MVP Global Summit 2008 at Seattle on 17th April 2008, Microsoft CEO Mr.Steve Ballmer delivered the closing keynote and collected the IT market feedback from MVPs. I am proud to be part the summit.

Microsoft | Ballmer points out Microsoft soft spots | Seattle Times Newspaper

Microsoft Global team organized the UG Management Summit 2008, I am privileged the be part of this summit. I appreciate their initiative towards to User group WW partnering with Culminis & Ineta.

I am sure, this initiative definitely going to make big difference in the IT community. One thing I understand from this meeting is that two different team from Microsoft supporting to User group community Online team / Offline team. I am going make use of this opportunity and pass on to my group (BangaloreITpro) and rest of Rural places.

BITpro have been part of Culminis past three years and we have been utilizing their help, support service to our UG which gave base platform to put BITPro in the Global level. having said that  but I never got chance to meet all the Culminis management team in person.

I like thank Mr. Graham Watson and his teams for collaborating the UG , Culminis, Ineta with Microsoft.

Meeting place: Sheraton Seattle Hotel, Revanna. 17-April-2008

Microsoft Deployment Toolkit and BDD 2007 are now Windows Vista SP1 and Windows Server 2008-Ready!

Microsoft® Deployment Toolkit 2008-Unified Tools and Guidance for Desktop and Server Deployment Automation. Download it today!

We are pleased to announce that Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT) 2008 has been released! This is an update to Microsoft Deployment, released in November 2007.

MDT 2008 extends existing functionality to deploy Windows Vista® SP1 and Windows Server® 2008 for both Lite Touch and Zero Touch deployments using Systems Management Server 2003* and Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager 2007. This release of MDT supports Windows AIK 1.1 and configuration of Active Directory® directory service, DNS, and DHCP server roles. To learn more and download the latest content, go to http://www.microsoft.com/deployment.

* ZTI with SMS 2003 does not support deployment of server operating systems

Business Desktop Deployment 2007 Update 2-Automate Deployment of Windows Vista SP1. Download it today!

This update to Business Desktop Deployment (BDD) 2007 adds support to deploy Windows Vista SP1 for both Lite Touch Installation and Zero Touch Installation using Systems Management Server 2003. This release requires Windows AIK 1.1. To learn more and download the latest content, go to Microsoft Download Center.

Related Resources

Microsoft Deployment Team Blog

System Center Configuration Manager on Microsoft TechNet

System Center Configuration Manager evaluation software on Microsoft TechNet

Windows Server 2008 on Microsoft TechNet

Windows Vista Springboard Series

Please send your comments and feedback to satfdbk@microsoft.com.

Feel free to forward this mail to anyone who may be interested.

Microsoft Deployment Toolkit Team

Take ur time off to check this out.

Young CEO

Bill Gates, about 27, in his Microsoft office in 1982.

Bill Gates: The Early Years2 of 9   Geniuses at Work

Gates watches his friend and future Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen typing on a teletype terminal at the Lakeside School in Seattle in 1968. Gates was 13 when he entered the exclusive prep school, which was around the time this photo was taken.

Slacker?

Much of the computer equipment at Lakeside was bought with proceeds from a rummage sale organized by the students' mothers. Gates was drawn to programming the machines and was excused from math classes to pursue his interest.

Graduate

Gates during Commencement at the Lakeside School in 1973.

Arrested

In 1977, Gates was arrested by New Mexico police for speeding.

Partners

Gates and Allen in Microsoft's offices in 1982. Started initially in New Mexico, the company moved to Bellevue, Wash., in January 1979.

The Staff

The early team at Microsoft paused for a group portrait in 1978. Gates is at the bottom left.

Lots of Memory

Gates demonstrates the memory power of a CD in 1987.

Bill Introducing Microsoft

Bill's Lexus

Bill and Melinda Gates

Gates' 40,000 sq. ft. "ecology house" in Seattle - 7 years to built at estimated cost of $97 million (1998)

Bill Gates gets knighthood from Queen Elizabeth (2005)

Bill Gates playing video games at CES (2005)

Bill Gates hands over beta 2 of Windows Vista, Office 2007 and Longhorn Server at WinHEC 2006 in Seattle (2006)

Bill Gates launches Windows Vista and Office 2007 at New York's Times Square (2007

Bill Gates and his wife Melinda cuddle Samuel Baltazar (right) and Ires Mahnica during a visit to the Manhica Health Research Centre

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WORK HARD !!!! PARTY HARDER !!!!
ENJOY !!!!!