In The Know - Charles Van Heusen's Weblog

PreOrder Windows 7 Today!! Upgrade Promotions equal big Savings!!

You've been using Windows® 7 for a while now, and we hope you've been enjoying a simpler PC experience.

Because you've been a loyal Windows customer, we're offering you the Windows 7 upgrade at a great introductory price* - only $49.99 for Home Premium or $99.99 for Professional.

It's our way of saying thanks for trying it out. To take advantage of this deal, pre-order your copy while supplies last.

*Discount based on estimated retail prices of $119.99 and $199.99. Actual prices may vary.

Microsoft Certified Master Program

Do you have what it takes to become a Microsoft Certified Master?

Introducing Master certifications
The new Microsoft Certified Master series offers advanced technical training and certifications on Microsoft technologies that go beyond any product training offered outside of Microsoft today. IT professionals who successfully complete the training program and certification testing validate their skills as product experts who successfully design and implement solutions that meet the most complex business requirements.

Exclusive advanced training
The strength of Microsoft Master training begins with an experience-based curriculum that is built on a foundation of expert-level classroom training and labs. This curriculum is presented by instructors from Microsoft and Microsoft global network partners who are practiced experts in their discipline. The instructors draw upon their real-world experience to ensure that students learn the skills that apply to real-world customer scenarios. The program includes three weeks of highly intensive classroom training, three computer-based tests, and one lab-based exam per training rotation (training and exam series).

Certification
Master certification enables senior-level IT professionals to demonstrate and validate their technical expertise on Microsoft server products and authoritatively differentiate themselves to prospective employers and customers. Master certification is a prerequisite for all Microsoft Certified Architect (MCA) certifications.

Learn about MCA certification

Microsoft offers five Master-level certifications, all of which deepen and broaden the technical skills of experienced IT professionals.

Microsoft Certified Master: Microsoft Exchange Server 2007

Microsoft Certified Master: Microsoft SQL Server 2008

Microsoft Certified Master: Windows Server 2008: Directory

Microsoft Certified Master: Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007

Microsoft Certified Master: Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007

Qualification requirements
Qualified Microsoft Certified Master candidates are highly skilled technical experts in their discipline and have several years of experience designing, deploying, and managing solutions by using Microsoft technology. To be eligible for Master certification, the candidate must be a current Microsoft Certified Professional (with a Microsoft Certification ID) or an eligible Microsoft employee. Specific technology requirements vary by platform.
To achieve Master certification, candidates must:

Attend required sessions (three weeks total)

Successfully complete all in-class (written and lab) exams (up to three exams)

Successfully complete a qualification lab exam

Registration is available now

Learn how to apply and register

Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 Solution Accelerators

Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2

       We're getting ready. Are you?

There is a complete list of BETA solution accelerators available online to help you get started with your planning and testing for the October release of Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2.

Considering Windows 7? Start getting more out of your computing experience. Windows 7 makes the things you do today faster and easier, and the things you'd like to do possible. Windows 7 works your way. Visit the Windows Desktop Solution Accelerators page.

Looking at Windows Server 2008 R2? The upcoming release of Windows Server 2008 R2 will include such compelling features as BranchCache, DirectAccess, and LiveMigration as part of Hyper-V R2 technology. The Windows Server Solution Accelerators include guidance and tools to help you assess and plan your hardware migration readiness and to securely deploy and manage your Windows Server 2008 R2 infrastructure. Check out the Windows Server 2008 Solution Accelerators page.

We have the tools to help, so put them to good use.

Infrastructure Planning and Design Guides. Get the guidance you need to streamline the design processes for planning and implementing Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2. This set of proven guidance takes you through the necessary steps to select the right server or desktop virtualization technologies-including Hyper-V, Terminal Services, App-V, and MED-V.
Check out all of the IPD guides for Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2:
. IPD guide for Active Directory Domain Services
. IPD guide for Windows Server Virtualization
. IPD guide for Windows Optimized Desktop Scenarios
. IPD guide for MED-V
. IPD guide for App-V
. IPD guide for Terminal Services

Microsoft Assessment and Planning Toolkit. Are you getting ready for Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 hardware upgrades? Join the Microsoft Assessment and Planning (MAP) Toolkit 4.0 Beta to determine if your servers and desktops meet the hardware and device compatibility requirements, and also conduct virtualization assessments for Windows Server 2008 R2 Hyper-V. Register to join the MAP 4.0 Beta program today! (Live ID and registration required.)

Microsoft Deployment Toolkit. Getting ready for Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 deployment? The Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT) 2010 will provide unified tools and guidance in a common deployment console for a quicker, more cost-effective Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 deployment. Join the MDT Beta 2 program today. Already a member? Bookmark this link to get the latest project details.

Service Level Dashboard. Once you've migrated to Windows 7, you can use the Service Level Dashboard 2.0 for System Center Operations Manager 2007 R2 to keep your mission-critical applications up and running at peak performance. The Dashboard measures and reports application availability and performance in near real-time, helping you head off problems before they occur, and keeping users productive.

Security Compliance Management Toolkit. The Security Compliance Management (SCM) Toolkit combines best practice guidance and automated tools, enabling your clients running Windows 7 to plan, deploy, and monitor their security baselines. You will be able to further secure your organization by implementing Internet Explorer 8.0 and BitLocker baselines. Sign up for the SCM Beta to be notified of new Beta updates for Windows 7, or download the currently released version, which includes baselines for previous versions of Microsoft technologies. Already a member of the Beta program? Bookmark this link to get the latest project updates.

Windows 7 General Availability and Upgrade Options Announced Today

Steve Guggenheimer, corporate vice president, Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Division, delivered a keynote announcing the date Windows 7 will be Released to Manufacturing (RTM) and when it will be available to consumers. He will also disclose that plans are in the works for a Windows 7 upgrade option program.   I wanted to pull together the Partner Centric messaging out of the PR announcement so you could get to the heart of the announcement.

While we’ve announced an RTM date, which is uncharacteristic of us, please realize we are still focused on product quality of a set ship date.  It’s our confidence in the overall integrity of Windows 7 that is allowing us to lock down a date to enable our partner channel to prepare for the launch well in advance of the holiday season.

The information below is what I felt was pertinent for you to review.  There will be additional posts today on the Windows 7 team blog you can read as well.

Today we’re happy to announce Windows 7 will be in stores for the holidays, beginning October 22nd.

·       While we’re announcing GA timing we’re also very confident with the progress we are making in delivering RTM code to our partners.

·       We anticipate that RTM will be available to our partners in the last two weeks of July

We also expect to be able to deliver different language versions to our international customers much faster than ever before.

We’ve also received great feedback from our partners who are looking forward to being able to offer Windows 7 to their customers.

·       Partner Data

o   Already  over 32,000 individual participants representing over 10,000 companies have joined the Windows Ecosystem Readiness Program

o   More than 99% drivers available for Vista SP1 are already available for Windows 7 Today

o   Thousands of hardware partners are already actively testing their products and seeing great success – ATI and Nvidia are two great examples

Customers can soon start getting ready for Windows 7 with Windows Upgrade Option program through participating retailers and PC manufacturers.

·       As with previous programs we have done; PC OEMs offering a PC with Windows Vista Home Premium, Business or Ultimate will all be allowed to pass through a no cost from Microsoft upgrade to Windows 7. OEMs and retailers may chose to pass on the Cost of Goods or handling charges per individual programs.

·       We know that some customers need new PCs and can’t wait for Windows 7 to arrive before making a new PC purchase, such as parents preparing to send their sons and daughters off to school, who need a PC to do homework assignments, and the excuse that they had to wait for Windows 7 just won’t cut it with the teacher.

·       Customers who purchase qualifying PCs will be able to participate in the Windows Upgrade Option Program when it becomes available.

Windows Upgrade Option Program enable our OEM and Retail partners to provide extra value to their customers and ensure they don’t miss out on Windows 7 when it launches

·       We’ve been working closely with our partners to help our mutual customers get ready for Windows 7.

·       This program enables retailers and OEMs to offer a low cost or no cost upgrade to Windows 7 for customers purchasing a qualifying PC. OEMs and retailers may chose to pass on the Cost of Goods or handling charges per individual programs.

·       With Windows 7 our retail and OEM partners will be able to extend this offer in all languages and will directly manage the engagement with their customers for the most customized purchase experience. Each OEM and Retail partner will determine the languages they will make the program available in.

·       Microsoft enables the Windows Upgrade Option Program but participation and implementation is managed by specific OEMs and retailers.

·       We already have major OEMs and Retailers signed up to deliver the program and they will be sharing their plans individually with their customers.

Windows Upgrade Option Program enables customers to enjoy the benefits of a new Windows PC today and be ready for Windows 7

·       Today Windows is more secure. More connected. More productive. More fun. And now it will come with Windows 7 when it releases.  All perfect reasons to buy a PC with Windows Vista Home Premium, Business, or Ultimate with the Windows Upgrade Option Program.

·       Customers can have a great experience today with the PC’s they’re purchasing knowing they’ll have an even better experience with Windows 7

Syspine Special Promotion is almost over, so contact Tom Today!

   Email Tom Burgess for more details - Tom.Burgess@Syspine.com

My Dreams are Coming TRUE!!! Metal Gear Solid Rising is coming to the Xbox Platform

The E3 conference game announcements for the Xbox platform just keep getting better.  While I’ll always be a diehard Halo follower, I’ve longed for the chance to get some game time in on the Metal Gear Solid (MGS) line.  Most of the gamers that I know who have both the Xbox 360 and PS3 Platforms, due so primarily for the ability to play the MGS series.   Now, the can stick with just one platform!!!  Check out the trailer teaser video below.  There is finally something to lift my spirits in the crappy economy.

Xbox 360 – Project Natal – Moving beyond the Wii

If what is demonstrated in the video on YouTube is anywhere close to what is shown in the video when it releases, Nintendo will finally have some competition in the interactive gaming market.  I’ll be interested to test out the sensitivity of the system when you have multiple players of different heights and sizes.  This is an issue I have with our Wii and a reason why it typically sits unplugged next to the Xbox360.

If you are wondering what Project Natal is…..  here’s a high level explanation.  Project Natal is a revolutionary new way to play: no controller required.  See a ball? Kick it, hit it, trap it or catch it.  If you know how to move your hands, shake your hips or speak you and your friends can jump into the fun -- the only experience needed is life experience.

Check out the video and let me know if your thoughts.