http://www.sqlmag.com/authors/author/author/5043157/rsscomment/5043157en-USFri, 25 May 2012 10:31:46 GMTFri, 25 May 2012 10:31:46 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/news2/microsoft-responds-to-policymaker-questions#commentsAnchorSat, 27 Jun 2009 10:03:20 GMT
Finally, my crusade is over. On 18 June 2009, Microsoft decided former PolicyMaker customers have suffered long enough, and published GPPMIG. http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?displaylang=en&FamilyID=35791cb6-710b-48c4-aaa1-90db170bcf2a Too late for me...I migrated manually about 2 weeks before it was released. What a fun process THAT was. Only to discover that at least one well-known PM bug remains unfixed in GPP! But hopefully there are still a half-dozen GPP holdouts left who have resisted manual migration longer than I could, who can benefit from Microsoft’s much-belated migration tool. Thanks, Microsoft. Too late for me, but still, better late than never.]]>JeffSat, 27 Jun 2009 10:03:20 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/news2/microsoft-responds-to-policymaker-questions#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/news2/microsoft-responds-to-policymaker-questions#commentsAnchorWed, 06 May 2009 23:27:05 GMT
And now we see this: http://blogs.technet.com/grouppolicy/archive/2009/04/09/policymaker-migration-tool-resetting-release-expectati ons.aspx And a month after that was published, still no tool, still no ETA. Must’ve been one hairy bug.]]>JeffWed, 06 May 2009 23:27:05 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/news2/microsoft-responds-to-policymaker-questions#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/news2/microsoft-responds-to-policymaker-questions#commentsAnchorSun, 05 Apr 2009 20:58:32 GMT
Update for 5 April 2009: Unless I’ve missed it, Microsoft’s promises remain unfulfilled. Credit where credit is due, IE8 didn’t break GPP like IE7 broke PolicyMaker.]]>JeffSun, 05 Apr 2009 20:58:32 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/news2/microsoft-responds-to-policymaker-questions#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/news2/microsoft-responds-to-policymaker-questions#commentsAnchorSat, 10 Jan 2009 10:46:34 GMT
Karen, just found this new article while doing yet another Google search for [PolicyMaker "Group Policy Preferences"]. Hope springs eternal! Meantime, Microsoft’s promises from February 2008 (WS2008 release), renewed in May 2008 (MMS) and September 2008 (this article), remain unfulfilled in mid-January 2009 (this post). So...answers at last? I guess so; at least they’re not yet saying they’re going to blow us off. But do we have a migration tool & GPP for XP SP3 at last? Nope. Pathetic.]]>JeffSat, 10 Jan 2009 10:46:34 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/news2/microsoft-responds-to-policymaker-questions#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/configuration/microsoft-system-center-configuration-manager#commentsAnchorTue, 16 Dec 2008 20:13:32 GMT
The article was helpfulyl]]>abintang2004 Tue, 16 Dec 2008 20:13:32 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/configuration/microsoft-system-center-configuration-manager#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/windows-client/microsoft-owes-policymaker-users-a-migration-plan#commentsAnchorWed, 24 Sep 2008 07:39:13 GMT
http://www.filefactory.com/file/a52bf9/n/PM2GPPConverter_zip I’ve uploaded my program again, this should be hosted for 90 days.]]>GrahamWed, 24 Sep 2008 07:39:13 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/windows-client/microsoft-owes-policymaker-users-a-migration-plan#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/licensing/microsoft-system-center-data-protection-manager-2007-licensing#commentsAnchorTue, 09 Sep 2008 13:19:02 GMT
It also doesn’t mention anything about the SharePoint recovery farm that’s needed to restore content. Any licensing costs associated with that?]]>charoldson17 Tue, 09 Sep 2008 13:19:02 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/licensing/microsoft-system-center-data-protection-manager-2007-licensing#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/nonit-professional/microsoft-s-smb-products-and-services#commentsAnchorThu, 04 Sep 2008 14:38:34 GMT
Thanks, Harry! Watch for the cover story in our November issue. It is on SBS and EBS in more depth. I’m interviewing the Microsoft product teams, and Susan Bradley and Nick Whittome give the community’s perspective.]]>KarenThu, 04 Sep 2008 14:38:34 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/nonit-professional/microsoft-s-smb-products-and-services#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/nonit-professional/microsoft-s-smb-products-and-services#commentsAnchorFri, 29 Aug 2008 14:34:02 GMT
Bravo Karen - good concise update on SBS and EBS....thanks....harrybbbb]]>HarryFri, 29 Aug 2008 14:34:02 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/nonit-professional/microsoft-s-smb-products-and-services#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/windows-client/microsoft-owes-policymaker-users-a-migration-plan#commentsAnchorFri, 29 Aug 2008 13:56:24 GMT
Thanks for checking in again, JRV. I’ll ping MS and see if I can get some kind of response.]]>KarenFri, 29 Aug 2008 13:56:24 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/windows-client/microsoft-owes-policymaker-users-a-migration-plan#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/windows-client/microsoft-owes-policymaker-users-a-migration-plan#commentsAnchorMon, 25 Aug 2008 11:40:04 GMT
Posted over 3 months ago. No response from MS, no migration tool, no repackaged GPP for XP SP3 on WSUS. I’m very disappointed in the way Microsoft has dealt with PolicyMaker users.]]>JeffMon, 25 Aug 2008 11:40:04 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/windows-client/microsoft-owes-policymaker-users-a-migration-plan#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/windows-server-20082/rsat-windows-server-2008-remote-server-admin-tools#commentsAnchorFri, 11 Jul 2008 06:54:56 GMT
Hi Karen, I’m running vista business (dansih), and I am not able to install the RSAT package. Do you know if it is language dependent??]]>BentFri, 11 Jul 2008 06:54:56 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/windows-server-20082/rsat-windows-server-2008-remote-server-admin-tools#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/windows-client/microsoft-owes-policymaker-users-a-migration-plan#commentsAnchorWed, 11 Jun 2008 09:13:19 GMT
You can download it here http://tinyurl.com/67k4sj This is for testing only. USE AT YOUR OWN RISK]]>GrahamWed, 11 Jun 2008 09:13:19 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/windows-client/microsoft-owes-policymaker-users-a-migration-plan#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/windows-client/microsoft-owes-policymaker-users-a-migration-plan#commentsAnchorFri, 06 Jun 2008 18:51:19 GMT
I’m intrigued. I’ve read anecdotally on some message board or other that the differences between GPP & PM XMLs are trivial. Not prepared to accept the potential liability of DIY import scripts, however! At least not with a client’s system. If it’s available somewhere for d/l, might consider it for my company’s system.]]>JeffFri, 06 Jun 2008 18:51:19 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/windows-client/microsoft-owes-policymaker-users-a-migration-plan#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/windows-client/microsoft-owes-policymaker-users-a-migration-plan#commentsAnchorWed, 04 Jun 2008 04:49:20 GMT
I have written a small utility to convert my PolicyMaker settings to GPP, it seems quite simple to do so i don’t know why Microsoft still don’t have a migration tool available. I have only tested it on a VMWare hosted copy of one of my DCs and it seems to work ok, but maybe i have missed something fundamental.]]>GrahamWed, 04 Jun 2008 04:49:20 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/windows-client/microsoft-owes-policymaker-users-a-migration-plan#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/sql-server-2005/is-the-world-ready-for-sql-server-2008-#commentsAnchorMon, 02 Jun 2008 17:27:04 GMT
I’d much rather see them fix issues with SQL 2005 vs. sell a new product. SP3 is waaaaaaaaaaaaay overdue. Did Microsoft talk to real customers, or their own marketing department? Not to speak for all DBAs, but I know that I prefer a solid, dependable platform far more than the latest/greatest features. With new releases, I have to determine what apps will work natively vs. using the various compatibility modes, of which there will now be more. Don’t get me wrong, I really look forward to the geographic datatypes and the IntelliSense (assuming they fix the tab/space usage bugs). Also, don’t add modularity/flexibility at the sake of usability. ie: Maintenance Plans. There is no doubt that SSIS is a very powerful platform for ETL and other complex processes, but the UI for setting up simple maintenance plans took 2-steps back from the prior interface. I’ve also had a number of backup jobs that report success while the actual backup task failed. This may be a simple setting/configuration mistake on my part, but that shouldn’t happen when using a "wizard" to create the job.]]>CHRISMon, 02 Jun 2008 17:27:04 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/sql-server-2005/is-the-world-ready-for-sql-server-2008-#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/windows-client/microsoft-owes-policymaker-users-a-migration-plan#commentsAnchorWed, 28 May 2008 18:31:52 GMT
Well, sopan123, who could resist a polite, gracious, friendly request for a favor like yours? Couldn’t find the script when I composed my message so I didn’t post a link, but I finally dug it out and Googled its name. You should find it at-- http://www.heidelbergit.dk/Code/InstallGPPCSE.vbs If it’s still mentionned on the English version of the blog anywhere, I couldn’t find a reference to it. You’re welcome.]]>JeffWed, 28 May 2008 18:31:52 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/windows-client/microsoft-owes-policymaker-users-a-migration-plan#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/windows-client/microsoft-owes-policymaker-users-a-migration-plan#commentsAnchorWed, 28 May 2008 14:00:06 GMT
duh... jeff why not include a url for the script? i can’t imagine viewers wouldn’t appreciate your research. the acquisition of PM by MS was a disappointmenting to me as we had just completed a reseller agreement with Desktop Standard, when the merger took place. Fortunately, Beyond Trust did not sell PrivilegeManager. This utility installs into the policy to allow admins to elevate privileges on objects. When working with legacy apps which require write access to resources beyond users policy limits, this has been a real lifesaver. It’s possible to remove admin rights in accounts which run these older applications. Previously, we’d have to open the accounts, and use all kinds of hacks and tricks to try and limit the damage possible by admin rights installs.]]>WilliamWed, 28 May 2008 14:00:06 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/windows-client/microsoft-owes-policymaker-users-a-migration-plan#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/sql-server-2005/is-the-world-ready-for-sql-server-2008-#commentsAnchorTue, 27 May 2008 16:03:12 GMT
Unless I see SQL Server 2008 released in the specified time frame, I do not see a need for an article like this.]]>SekharTue, 27 May 2008 16:03:12 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/sql-server-2005/is-the-world-ready-for-sql-server-2008-#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/windows-client/exclusive-video-microsoft-execs-give-details-of-mms-2008-system-center-announcements#commentsAnchorFri, 16 May 2008 15:31:53 GMT
All well and good, but why the sudden embracing of open source by Microsoft? It goes against their normal scorched-earth approach to competition..]]>bobreeder Fri, 16 May 2008 15:31:53 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/windows-client/exclusive-video-microsoft-execs-give-details-of-mms-2008-system-center-announcements#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/interoperability/the-next-wave-of-microsoft-virtualization#commentsAnchorThu, 03 Apr 2008 00:27:02 GMT
... and this little piggy’s about to go Wii, Wii, Wii all the way home.]]>DuncanThu, 03 Apr 2008 00:27:02 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/interoperability/the-next-wave-of-microsoft-virtualization#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/licensing/microsoft-system-center-data-protection-manager-2007-licensing#commentsAnchorMon, 17 Mar 2008 12:24:39 GMT
This Article is not very helpful, I expected an in-depth review of pricing...]]>JamesMon, 17 Mar 2008 12:24:39 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/licensing/microsoft-system-center-data-protection-manager-2007-licensing#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/sql-server-2005/is-the-world-ready-for-sql-server-2008-#commentsAnchorWed, 05 Mar 2008 13:59:41 GMT
Compressed backups are desperately needed. Alas, that feature is only offered on the Enterprise edition.]]>dlcooklhsWed, 05 Mar 2008 13:59:41 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/sql-server-2005/is-the-world-ready-for-sql-server-2008-#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/news2/system-center-server-management-suite-announced#commentsAnchorThu, 29 Nov 2007 22:00:13 GMT
MDVD movie playing program. It’s designed for Windows system including 2000, XP, 2003, Vista. Comparing with many other DVD Players, Ants DVD Player has many new features like low CPU usage, Vista optimizing, D3D technology, multi- thread reading, digital audio amplifier, playing area zoom, image capturing, learning mode, etc. Ants DVD Player works on any computers as long as it has a DVD-ROM installed. If your PC does not have a DVD-ROM installed, it can only play DVD movies installed on your hard disc. It is compatible with any type of DVD-ROMs. And it can play any type of DVD movie discs.]]>bart123456 Thu, 29 Nov 2007 22:00:13 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/news2/system-center-server-management-suite-announced#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/news2/system-center-server-management-suite-announced#commentsAnchorThu, 29 Nov 2007 21:55:15 GMT
Happy Christmas Could you please try our newer free software Ants DVD Player I suggest you try the newer free software Ants DVD Player,Ants DVD Player is a high-quality DVD movie playing program. It’s designed for Windows system including 2000, XP, 2003, Vista. Comparing with many other DVD Players, Ants DVD Player has many new features like low CPU usage, Vista optimizing, D3D technology, multi- thread reading, digital audio amplifier, playing area zoom, image capturing, learning mode, etc. Ants DVD Player works on any computers as long as it has a DVD-ROM installed. If your PC does not have a DVD-ROM installed, it can only play DVD movies installed on your hard disc. It is compatible with any type of DVD-ROMs. And it can play any type of DVD movie discs. please visit http://www.antsdvd.com/]]>bart123456 Thu, 29 Nov 2007 21:55:15 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/news2/system-center-server-management-suite-announced#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/news2/system-center-server-management-suite-announced#commentsAnchorThu, 29 Nov 2007 21:55:12 GMT
Happy Christmas Could you please try our newer free software Ants DVD Player I suggest you try the newer free software Ants DVD Player,Ants DVD Player is a high-quality DVD movie playing program. It’s designed for Windows system including 2000, XP, 2003, Vista. Comparing with many other DVD Players, Ants DVD Player has many new features like low CPU usage, Vista optimizing, D3D technology, multi- thread reading, digital audio amplifier, playing area zoom, image capturing, learning mode, etc. Ants DVD Player works on any computers as long as it has a DVD-ROM installed. If your PC does not have a DVD-ROM installed, it can only play DVD movies installed on your hard disc. It is compatible with any type of DVD-ROMs. And it can play any type of DVD movie discs. please visit http://www.antsdvd.com/]]>bart123456 Thu, 29 Nov 2007 21:55:12 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/news2/system-center-server-management-suite-announced#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/news2/system-center-server-management-suite-announced#commentsAnchorThu, 29 Nov 2007 21:55:12 GMT
Happy Christmas Could you please try our newer free software Ants DVD Player I suggest you try the newer free software Ants DVD Player,Ants DVD Player is a high-quality DVD movie playing program. It’s designed for Windows system including 2000, XP, 2003, Vista. Comparing with many other DVD Players, Ants DVD Player has many new features like low CPU usage, Vista optimizing, D3D technology, multi- thread reading, digital audio amplifier, playing area zoom, image capturing, learning mode, etc. Ants DVD Player works on any computers as long as it has a DVD-ROM installed. If your PC does not have a DVD-ROM installed, it can only play DVD movies installed on your hard disc. It is compatible with any type of DVD-ROMs. And it can play any type of DVD movie discs. please visit http://www.antsdvd.com/]]>bart123456 Thu, 29 Nov 2007 21:55:12 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/news2/system-center-server-management-suite-announced#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/windows-client/virtualization-support-for-isa-and-rras#commentsAnchorTue, 27 Nov 2007 09:25:15 GMT
in MS VS2k5 site there is a list of supported products I checked about march 2007 - it said ISA 2K6 WAS supported. I didn’t understand Jeff lacking of information (but I recommend MS site search, not talking with MS CSS :-)]]>marceloTue, 27 Nov 2007 09:25:15 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/windows-client/virtualization-support-for-isa-and-rras#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/microsoft-forefront-client-security/sql-server-2008-goodbye-database-hello-data-platform#commentsAnchorMon, 19 Nov 2007 06:16:10 GMT
FUYUEP]]>PascualMon, 19 Nov 2007 06:16:10 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/microsoft-forefront-client-security/sql-server-2008-goodbye-database-hello-data-platform#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/microsoft-forefront-client-security/sql-server-2008-goodbye-database-hello-data-platform#commentsAnchorFri, 16 Nov 2007 20:24:23 GMT
A lot of third party applications run on SQL Express. Are these developers going to ba ablt to simply plug their applications into the platform? Should the platform become compromised, so does your data. Too many eggs in one basket, too much integration and reliance on other Microsoft software being in place and to the right release and patch level. But that’s Microsoft trying to rebuild a monopoly in the DB space, just like it did in the OS.]]>ColinFri, 16 Nov 2007 20:24:23 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/microsoft-forefront-client-security/sql-server-2008-goodbye-database-hello-data-platform#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/microsoft-forefront-client-security/sql-server-2008-goodbye-database-hello-data-platform#commentsAnchorFri, 16 Nov 2007 15:34:09 GMT
SQL 2005 took a step backwards with its lack of import tool (not being able to access an Oracle ODBC), the generate SQL script looks like it was written by a kindergarten kid compared to the clean structure of a script from SQL 2000, the query builder is not as good. Neither of them imports with the keys and indexes. For the users that have small installations it is pretty poor. I hope that SQL 2008 will be better. Kind regards, Peter]]>PeterFri, 16 Nov 2007 15:34:09 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/microsoft-forefront-client-security/sql-server-2008-goodbye-database-hello-data-platform#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/windows-client/how-does-vista-rank-among-the-past-year-s-microsoft-releases-#commentsAnchorSun, 07 Oct 2007 05:44:58 GMT
I though MOSS deserves to be Microsoft’s top-ranked product release in 2007. My blog post at http://thucho.blogspot.com/2007/10/moss-as-microsofts-top-product-in-2007.html describes what makes me believe so.]]>ThucSun, 07 Oct 2007 05:44:58 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/windows-client/how-does-vista-rank-among-the-past-year-s-microsoft-releases-#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/sql-server/a-fresh-approach-to-sql-server#commentsAnchorFri, 05 Oct 2007 13:00:14 GMT
1]]>WayneFri, 05 Oct 2007 13:00:14 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/sql-server/a-fresh-approach-to-sql-server#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/windows-client/virtualization-support-for-isa-and-rras#commentsAnchorThu, 27 Sep 2007 17:45:14 GMT
porourke38, thanks for your post. MS CSS has already acknowledged that if the only thing bound to the host’s external NIC is the VS Server Service (and, specifically, TCP/IP is NOT bound to it), then there is NO Internet connectivity to the VM host. That’s the best Internet protection you can get--isn’t it? That’s the question I’ve been trying to get answered, and unanswered it remains: Is there an actual attack vector? If so, what is it? No one seems to know. I sure don’t. If there isn’t one, why is the config "not recommended"?]]>JeffThu, 27 Sep 2007 17:45:14 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/windows-client/virtualization-support-for-isa-and-rras#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/windows-client/virtualization-support-for-isa-and-rras#commentsAnchorWed, 26 Sep 2007 22:54:43 GMT
I want to clarify the situation as the MS response above lacked details. MS does support ISA 2006 when running inside VM in production, with the sole limitation that it can’t protect the VM host. CSS personnel know that ISA 2006 is supported as a VM guest in production as long as ISA is not deployed as the edge protection service. For scenarios where ISA 2006 is used as a proxy server or/and as a remote access server will be supported. ISA 2006 is supported running in production on a virtual machine as long as it is not used for layer 3 security (given the host OS will not be protected). It also supports evaluation of layer 3 protection scenarios on virtual machines as long as they do not go into production (internet).]]>patrickWed, 26 Sep 2007 22:54:43 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/windows-client/virtualization-support-for-isa-and-rras#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/windows-client/virtualization-support-for-isa-and-rras#commentsAnchorWed, 26 Sep 2007 17:02:54 GMT
One routinely runs much more than collide.six does on a fully-utilized SBS 2003 Premium server. ISA is then running on the same copy of Windows as the DC/File/Print/Exchange/SQL/WSUS/IIS/SharePoint/Whatever server. The protection afforded by banishing ISA to a VM is not an option, there. While MS’s claims that the SBS component products have been tweaked to make them secure, I don’t think the argument can be made that SBS with ISA running on the same box with ANY number of tweaks could be more secure than ISA in its own, dedicated, guest VM. Yet MS supports SBS Premium for systems up to 75 users. Put in perspective, 4 of this company’s 5 sites COMBINED are well under SBS’ limit of 75 users. In a sense, this is not only an example of Microsoft failing to support virtualization, but also an example of how Microsoft doesn’t "get" mid-sized businesses. I’m hardly the first to observe there’s a big gap between SBS on one extreme and dedicated, stanadlone servers running Microsoft [Insert Product Name Here] Enterprise Edition on 100s of clustered servers in a gigantic data center at the other extreme. I wouldn’t do this for a 10,000 seat system, just like I wouldn’t use SBS for a 10,000 user company (even if it was possible!). And I doubt I’d be asked to. And I am not doing it for this SMB without advising them of MS’s support posture, and the as-yet still-unspecified "potential security risks". I’d love to do this on physical hardware...it would require no disclaimers, no research--and would increase my billable hours as their consultant. But it’s out of the question for them, economically. That question has been asked and answered. Even physically out of the question; their smallest site has a tiny server closet that won’t house 2 servers. I also fully expect this discussion to seem very quaint 5 years from now, when virtualization is the rule rather than the exception.]]>JeffWed, 26 Sep 2007 17:02:54 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/windows-client/virtualization-support-for-isa-and-rras#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/windows-client/virtualization-support-for-isa-and-rras#commentsAnchorWed, 26 Sep 2007 12:49:25 GMT
On my home network I’ve been using an almost identical setup that you have describe. A host server which is a DC / File / Print / WSUS server that is also a Virtual host server running ISA 2006, exchange front-end in a virtual DMZ and a back-end exchange 2003. It works great after I ironed the kinks out of it and often times i have it running for over a month without any issues. Lately the only time I ever need to reboot any of the servers is for windows updates. That being said would I run a similar setup in a critical business environment? I would have to say no. There are just too many points of failures and too many things going on on a single box for me comfortable running any sort of real business on it. At a minimum I would keep the domain controller on separate physical hardware from the Virtual host server. Infact that’s an improvement I’m planning to make on my network at home also. I would also definetly make sure that your virtual guests are running on separate physical disks than what the host server uses for its OS and data. It’s great to see people pushing the potential of the virtual server environment.]]>CollideWed, 26 Sep 2007 12:49:25 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/windows-client/virtualization-support-for-isa-and-rras#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/windows-client/virtualization-support-for-isa-and-rras#commentsAnchorWed, 26 Sep 2007 12:02:14 GMT
JRV, I totally agree with you. I was just speaking with my boss the other day about virtualization vs. using blade servers and he asked if Microsoft supports virtualization of their software in a production environment. Needless to say, I didn’t have an answer for him yet - this response however cements to me that virtualization of any of microsoft’s products in a production environment is not supported - therefore I cannot reccommend its use internally in production or to our customer base (over a thousand clients). Man, what a bummer. :(]]>CHRISTOPHERWed, 26 Sep 2007 12:02:14 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/windows-client/virtualization-support-for-isa-and-rras#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/windows-client/virtualization-support-for-isa-and-rras#commentsAnchorTue, 25 Sep 2007 17:39:01 GMT
Embedded in all the marketing-speak in Microsoft’s response is this key sentence: “ISA Server 2006 can run as a virtual guest, but because of performance considerations and potential security risks DUE TO MISCONFIGURATION, this configuration isn’t recommended by Microsoft, especially in network firewall deployment scenarios.” (EMPHASIS mine.) This is as vague as the CSS responses I’ve gotten. There is apparently nothing *inherently* wrong with this design from a security standpoint. It has only to be *configured* properly. Well, that goes for nearly everything we do in IT, doesn’t it? Let’s see....I could create an Access Rule in ISA that allows all protocols, both directions,for all users, from all networks & Local Host, to all networks and Local Host. If I do, I have, in one step, negated the value of ISA. Would that not also be a "potential security risk due to misconfiguration"? If that’s their criterion, Microsoft should "not recommend" using ISA! But Microsoft gives me documentation about creating Access Rules that is neither vague nor arbitrary, and that persuades me not to create such an Access Rule. And as long as I abide by that documentation, they support my use of ISA. As for performance, the client is satisfied with performance of this design in our tests, so that’s a non-issue to us. Microsoft posts many gigabytes of configuration documentation. Why balk at documenting this one? Is there a real vulnerability or not? If there is, document it and I’ll move on. If not, why aren’t they “fully supporting” this design, provided that I use their recommended configuration?]]>JeffTue, 25 Sep 2007 17:39:01 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/windows-client/virtualization-support-for-isa-and-rras#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/deployment/windows-vista-bdd-use-as-directed#commentsAnchorFri, 21 Sep 2007 09:27:47 GMT
Thank you for providing this article and I look forward to the planned series on deployment. The problems we’ve encountered with the BDD is the complexity and the instability of the XML answer files used with sysprep. The fact that Microsoft is now unable to prompt for a machine name and then join a domain is absurd. The new XML answer files are riduculously complex and fragile. Sysprep.inf is easy to use, understand and it just simply works. Every time. The new format (XML is not the problem) with all of the components and the options is almost overwhelming and there’s been no guidance that I’ve found from MS as to which settings need to be set and the dangers of messing up. For example, I tried to set the time zone in an inappropriate pass and my image was so hosed it wouldn’t finish booting and the primary partitian had been deleted! I changed my answer file to set the time zone in the _other_ pass available to me and everything worked fine. Until I tried to set the default language and then the time zone stopped working. Big fun. We have abandoned Ghost and are using ImageX for our XP images with great success. XP still uses Sysprep.inf as an answer file of course. Oh, and using the MS recommended method of deployment with BDD increases our deployment time significantly. We’re not real excited about that and are looking for ways to make the process for efficient. And we remain plodding in the trenches.]]>JCFri, 21 Sep 2007 09:27:47 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/deployment/windows-vista-bdd-use-as-directed#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/deployment/windows-vista-bdd-use-as-directed#commentsAnchorFri, 21 Sep 2007 07:52:33 GMT
Deploying OS to many PC can be a complex taask and a tool such as BDD can be handy.]]>perezjonestsisah@yahoo.com Fri, 21 Sep 2007 07:52:33 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/deployment/windows-vista-bdd-use-as-directed#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/deployment/windows-vista-bdd-use-as-directed#commentsAnchorFri, 21 Sep 2007 07:23:01 GMT
It seems a little odd that MS would ignore its own numbers and try and force change among their target market. Most people are going to stick with what they know from experience works for them and their companies. Change can be a good thing, yes, but I think most will wait until MS comes out with something a little less mind boggling.]]>PatFri, 21 Sep 2007 07:23:01 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/deployment/windows-vista-bdd-use-as-directed#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/deployment/windows-vista-bdd-use-as-directed#commentsAnchorFri, 21 Sep 2007 05:24:28 GMT
Looking forward to your articles, every time I think of looking at the BDD I get demoralised. I cna see that for some small sites, it will be quicker jsut to deploy manually with a checklist, boring and ineffective though that is. Not all companies have as many employees as MS and their chosen beta sites.]]>carol@smalldomain.ch Fri, 21 Sep 2007 05:24:28 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/deployment/windows-vista-bdd-use-as-directed#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/security/vista-and-the-vpro-chip-a-new-emphasis-on-security-#commentsAnchorSat, 15 Sep 2007 23:46:59 GMT
If vPro is provides better security, why does Intel only have it on a few of their Motherboards? How many average employees will actually be using virtualized apps for their routine business activities? I doubt many. I expect someone at Intel jumped onto "security" as a way to sell more of the more expensive vPro boards.]]>WilliamSat, 15 Sep 2007 23:46:59 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/security/vista-and-the-vpro-chip-a-new-emphasis-on-security-#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/windows-client/microsoft-s-software-plus-services-strategy#commentsAnchorFri, 14 Sep 2007 13:15:03 GMT
I think 1 point to make is that " a PC on every desktop" and being a desktop company (or not) are not mtually exclusive. A PC doesn’t have to run desktop software, so the mission statement holds true. And repeating yourself isn’t really a bad thing (actually necessary for hard-heads like me!); shows conviction. Remember that IT is a very fluid market, and you have to go (sometimes writhe) with the flow to remain competitive. Would actually be dissheartening if I didn’t see that a leader could demonstrate agility. They - like any other company is after 1 thing - profit - by way of pervasiveness. Just like their svc stack; they’ll morph the definition of idioms like SOA in order to show that their offering is not only cmplete, but meets the definition and is "necessary". Acrchitects have to be wary of this (from any compnay like IBM, TIBCO, BEA, Sun, etc.) who do the same thing. MS is going to do whatever it takes to be pervasive and profitable by looking at acedamia, doing research, etc. as a map, then building their own product map based on the throughways (or dead-ends) that are gleaned from that research (and that ’ll foster that profitability/pervasiveness mission) - I guess like anyone else. SaaS is going to have to convince people to let go of their data - but more importantly, because of the work that companies like MS are doing - dissuading us from the fact that "rolling your own" ain’t really all that hard or expensive anymore! Interesting to see what they do there...]]>VictorFri, 14 Sep 2007 13:15:03 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/windows-client/microsoft-s-software-plus-services-strategy#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/security/vista-and-the-vpro-chip-a-new-emphasis-on-security-#commentsAnchorFri, 07 Sep 2007 08:31:48 GMT
Thank you for your feedback, Robeneal. I take reader concerns very seriously and want to learn from them. Please contact me at karen@windowsitpro.com if you’d like to help me with more information about how I can do a better job. Sincere thanks! Karen]]>KarenFri, 07 Sep 2007 08:31:48 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/security/vista-and-the-vpro-chip-a-new-emphasis-on-security-#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/security/vista-and-the-vpro-chip-a-new-emphasis-on-security-#commentsAnchorFri, 07 Sep 2007 06:29:07 GMT
This article made no sense. I normally read articles about security. This is probadly the worse written article I have read by a "professional" writer..]]>ROBERTFri, 07 Sep 2007 06:29:07 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/security/vista-and-the-vpro-chip-a-new-emphasis-on-security-#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/news2/the-problem-with-printing-on-windows-networks#commentsAnchorFri, 07 Sep 2007 03:43:54 GMT
With the print server model, in most cases the printer driver is loaded onto the local PC from the server. When you install a new printer on the print server you have the option of installing the drivers for other Windows O/S versions. We have several printers on our print server, only the Océ A0 plotter and a small Canon printer/copier needed a local driver installed per PC. With the print server we have only one point of maintenance, rather than over a hundred. As new drivers are available we upgrade only the print server, the Users are not affected.]]>StephenFri, 07 Sep 2007 03:43:54 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/news2/the-problem-with-printing-on-windows-networks#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/security/vista-and-the-vpro-chip-a-new-emphasis-on-security-#commentsAnchorThu, 06 Sep 2007 16:06:31 GMT
Let me get this straight: we have security concerns about a "new" OS that has had a bad start, so we are going to secure it with new hardware-based technology about which we know even less? Following this logic, I should next hand the keys to my house to both Microsoft and Intel personnel, with copies for their partners. Uh-Uh, yep, sure ...]]>MILTONThu, 06 Sep 2007 16:06:31 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/security/vista-and-the-vpro-chip-a-new-emphasis-on-security-#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/remote-computing/making-technology-work-at-home#commentsAnchorTue, 04 Sep 2007 16:08:36 GMT
I want to work at my home with my Dell Computer.Thank you for this opportunity.]]>Delfìn Orlando De Jesùs Tue, 04 Sep 2007 16:08:36 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/remote-computing/making-technology-work-at-home#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/remote-computing/making-technology-work-at-home#commentsAnchorTue, 04 Sep 2007 16:05:40 GMT
I want to work at home with my Dell Computer.So, thank you for this opportunity that you bring me.]]>Delfìn Orlando De Jesùs Tue, 04 Sep 2007 16:05:40 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/remote-computing/making-technology-work-at-home#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/news2/the-problem-with-printing-on-windows-networks#commentsAnchorTue, 28 Aug 2007 11:33:05 GMT
This would be a nice idea, except that the printer driver contains information about the capabilities of the printer (resolution, color capability, duplexing, stapler, printable margins, paper trays), and if the sending device had no such information, it would hard to get the expected results. I’m told that in the early days of the Linux world, developers targeted pdf as the output format, rather than worry about developing printer drivers. While the 10MB driver install is odious, it’s not always realistic. The driver itself may be under 1MB, while the associated "printer monitor" app inflates the size. Some printer manufacturers give you a more compact "driver only" option. Overall, I dislike print servers. They concentrate network traffic, slow down printing, constitute a single point of failure, need to be located onsite to avoid generating WAN traffic, and have generally outlived their usefulness. The only benefit they offer today is the ability to publish printers to clients, and that can be done through scripts. The only reason to have one would be if they could pull off the trick you describe.]]>JONATHANTue, 28 Aug 2007 11:33:05 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/news2/the-problem-with-printing-on-windows-networks#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/sql-server/what-do-you-care-about-performancepoint-server-2007-96367#commentsAnchorWed, 22 Aug 2007 08:30:46 GMT
Clear, concise description of product and use and how it would impact IT area.]]>LisaWed, 22 Aug 2007 08:30:46 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/sql-server/what-do-you-care-about-performancepoint-server-2007-96367#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/windows-server-20082/i-know-who-you-are-i-saw-what-you-did#commentsAnchorSat, 11 Aug 2007 06:50:59 GMT
When will the new Win XP service pack be available?]]>CHARLESSat, 11 Aug 2007 06:50:59 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/windows-server-20082/i-know-who-you-are-i-saw-what-you-did#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/licensing/vista-tools-hardware-support-roi-and-licensing#commentsAnchorSat, 21 Jul 2007 07:16:03 GMT
Thanks for the condensed version of "industry promo" There is sooooo much out there (from Microsoft) for those of us that are in that group you found that are in some way dependent on Microsoft. In 8 short paragraphs you have presented important concepts that represent volumes of reading and research on my part - I look for your articles]]>GSat, 21 Jul 2007 07:16:03 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/licensing/vista-tools-hardware-support-roi-and-licensing#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/news2/an-exchange-user-s-lament#commentsAnchorThu, 19 Jul 2007 15:04:51 GMT
I am a veteran of Linux, and have been using it since 1998. I am no stranger to the command line, and I find it extremely useful when implemented well. However, Exchange 2007 has all the disadvantages of a poor GUI and a poor command shell. Sure, the command line is useful for large enterprises who have 18 Exchange admins, like Bank of America where I used to work (luckily when still using Exchange 2003), but not having the ability to change user mailbox permissions in the GUI? That’s just asinine, and unconscionable. This alienates many administrators, and makes my life harder, and increases the time it takes me to do simple Exchange tasks from a few seconds to, in some cases, several days. This is insane. I’ve noticed that anyone who disagrees with the Microsofties here is accused of being a troll and spreading FUD, and all that. Whatever. I’ve been in IT since the 1990s. I now control a lot of money and make a lot of decisions as to what companies should use for their IT infrastructure. If there is any possible way that I can convince the small- to medium-sized companies that I consult for to explore other email solutions, I will do so -- even if it’s Linux-based, as at least the command line there makes some sense. It’s not that I am not comfortable with Powershell/EMS. I am. It’s just that I hate it and think it mars the good name of Exchange, and also makes day-to-day administration of most tasks much, much harder. Old days: User calls up and wants me to add some permissions to a mailbox: Click! Click! Click! Done. 8 seconds. Today: User calls up and wants me to add some permissions to a mailbox: Oh, what’s that command? (Looks it up.) Oh yeah. Ok, hmm, wrong syntax. Let me try that again. Oops, wrong syntax again. To user: Can I call you back in an hour? I have to wade through 20 pages of tech docs to figure this out. User: Confused because it used to take 8 seconds. Just a terrible product.]]>quoderat Thu, 19 Jul 2007 15:04:51 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/news2/an-exchange-user-s-lament#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/licensing/vista-tools-hardware-support-roi-and-licensing#commentsAnchorThu, 19 Jul 2007 14:57:46 GMT
Just another industry promo blurb...articles should have somme independent value. BTW, when will anti-trust be applied to Microsoft?]]>ROBERTThu, 19 Jul 2007 14:57:46 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/licensing/vista-tools-hardware-support-roi-and-licensing#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/virtualization/virtual-machine-manager-s-significance#commentsAnchorFri, 13 Jul 2007 13:33:34 GMT
Like many other business endeavors, the primary issue is producing revenue: Package less product in a larger box, up the price, slap a "New and Improved" sticker on it, and do some marketing. Aside from the basic OS Microsoft has repeatedly only reached "also ran" status with products (zume zume zume). The major benefit of virtualization is the ability to increase server density while delaying the replacement of HVAC and UPS systems in the data center. Backing up the VM files also provides the opportunity to provide business continuity more rapidly than spending days rebuilding several windows devices.]]>RogerFri, 13 Jul 2007 13:33:34 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/virtualization/virtual-machine-manager-s-significance#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/virtualization/virtual-machine-manager-s-significance#commentsAnchorFri, 13 Jul 2007 12:05:49 GMT
Wow... So Microsoft is finally coming out with a tool to manage all host servers at once. Of course, VMware had this 3 years ago with Virtual Center. You know, my big question is, why is Microsoft so intent on competing in the Virtual Server market? They bought a third-party company for millions of dollars a few years back, they’ve spent untold millions updating and supporting that product, and then they give the product away for free.. Yes, the more VMs out there, the more Windows licenses they will sell... But VMware was already providing them with that. Why didn’t they just partner with VMware and help VMware’s product succeed? It would have been much less costly for Microsoft with all the same benefits, and better for consumers too, since VMware’s product are so vastly superior to Microsoft’s. Why this insane need to compete in everything? Recap... they’ve spent millions and millions, and they give the product away for free. Why? I’d like to see an article about that. Note that it’s still more cost-effective to pay for VMware ESX, because you can get more VMs per physical server with VMware. For example, say a 4-processor server with lots of memory costs about $25,000 and you can get about 20 VMs on it using ESX, and 12 VMs on it with Microsoft Virtual Server... and an ESX license costs $10k, and Virtual Server is free... Cost for 240 VMs ESX - $35,000 x 12 physical servers = $420,000 MS - $25,000 x 20 physical servers = $500,000 So even in hard costs (not counting the vastly superior management features of ESX), ESX is still cheaper.]]>RonFri, 13 Jul 2007 12:05:49 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/virtualization/virtual-machine-manager-s-significance#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/news2/microsoft-responds-to-wga#commentsAnchorWed, 27 Jun 2007 05:26:28 GMT
I love the new iphone because it has cool things that it never has before in its daily life a wireless internet connection modulator http://www.iphone-converter.org/]]>shark12erWed, 27 Jun 2007 05:26:28 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/news2/microsoft-responds-to-wga#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/news2/microsoft-responds-to-wga#commentsAnchorWed, 27 Jun 2007 05:26:26 GMT
I love the new iphone because it has cool things that it never has before in its daily life a wireless internet connection modulator http://www.iphone-converter.org/]]>shark12erWed, 27 Jun 2007 05:26:26 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/news2/microsoft-responds-to-wga#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/windows-client/vista-deployment-in-the-trenches#commentsAnchorSat, 23 Jun 2007 22:31:48 GMT
Didn’t give any info on the vista deployment in print?]]>RichardSat, 23 Jun 2007 22:31:48 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/windows-client/vista-deployment-in-the-trenches#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/news2/me-too-i-want-an-iphone-#commentsAnchorTue, 19 Jun 2007 19:51:56 GMT
I want an iPhone too! Waiting for the listing of it, there are about a week. http://www.iphone-video-converter.org/]]>kaitlynggoTue, 19 Jun 2007 19:51:56 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/news2/me-too-i-want-an-iphone-#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/microsoft-internet-security-acceleration-server/discovering-the-midmarket-opportunity#commentsAnchorFri, 08 Jun 2007 10:23:35 GMT
Good thing to know for those who want use both IT and business for their bottom line, you can’t have one without the pther.]]>MichaelFri, 08 Jun 2007 10:23:35 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/microsoft-internet-security-acceleration-server/discovering-the-midmarket-opportunity#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/windows-client/vista-announcements-from-teched-2007#commentsAnchorThu, 07 Jun 2007 14:59:27 GMT
The background noise drowned out Stella. I can’t tell a thing she is saying,.]]>TIMThu, 07 Jun 2007 14:59:27 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/windows-client/vista-announcements-from-teched-2007#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/commentary/insane-devotion-to-sql-server-pros#commentsAnchorTue, 05 Jun 2007 00:53:42 GMT
It’s great reading journey of a good magazine which I have been a regular reader for several years.]]>ShyamTue, 05 Jun 2007 00:53:42 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/commentary/insane-devotion-to-sql-server-pros#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/interoperability/open-source-support-what-s-in-it-for-microsoft-#commentsAnchorMon, 21 May 2007 09:39:51 GMT
public class Starter { static void Main() { System.Windows.Forms.MessageBox.Show("Hello, world!"); System.Console.WriteLine("Hello, world"); } }]]>Chace K.Mon, 21 May 2007 09:39:51 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/interoperability/open-source-support-what-s-in-it-for-microsoft-#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/windows-client/how-does-vista-rank-among-the-past-year-s-microsoft-releases-#commentsAnchorThu, 17 May 2007 20:46:25 GMT
We’re in the middle of upgrading our intranet and Internet sites to MOSS. Whilst the product out of the box is fine, it seems to still be a rushed product. The documentation in MSDN is so non-existent it’s laughable. Most of the table and object documentation does not exist, which makes customising MOSS (what it’s billed as being the best for!) a real hit and miss afair. Until the developer documentation appears in any usable quantity, I’d be quite concerned if it was nominiated as the best product release of the year. Have a talk to some developers who are implementing it and you’ll find strange performance issues with no documentation as to what the components do and if it is doing it by design or not. Counting the number of people implementing the product is fine, but a better measure is how successful the implentations are.]]>STEVENThu, 17 May 2007 20:46:25 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/windows-client/how-does-vista-rank-among-the-past-year-s-microsoft-releases-#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/windows-client/how-does-vista-rank-among-the-past-year-s-microsoft-releases-#commentsAnchorThu, 17 May 2007 19:56:21 GMT
Yep, MOSS is undoubtedly the biggest "mover and shaker" in IT (Microsoft’s world at least). It’s going to be huge, in small and big businesses alike. The new Sharepoint Designer is also going to make the penetration of WSS / MOSS much deeper. And it does provide the greatest value.]]>PaulThu, 17 May 2007 19:56:21 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/windows-client/how-does-vista-rank-among-the-past-year-s-microsoft-releases-#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/windows-client/how-does-vista-rank-among-the-past-year-s-microsoft-releases-#commentsAnchorThu, 17 May 2007 12:53:19 GMT
As soon as you add the qualifier "provided the greatest value", this becomes a slam dunk for MOSS (and WSS). While Vista may eventually provide great value to the industry, it’s currently relegated to more of a curiosity. Without the MOSS integration features in Office 2007, it’s just a new interface on an old product. The others are either too limited in their use or too new to tell.]]>HaroldThu, 17 May 2007 12:53:19 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/windows-client/how-does-vista-rank-among-the-past-year-s-microsoft-releases-#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/exchange-server-2007/where-s-the-wow-over-exchange-2007-#commentsAnchorMon, 14 May 2007 21:13:06 GMT
>>Even if no highly attractive alternatives to Exchange are available to tempt current customers, neglecting a vital community is never a good idea.<< No alternatives ? I realize you’re an MS-centric publication, but come on. On page 11 of this issue, you ran an ad for IBM Lotus Domino, which with 5+ quarters of double digit revenue growth in a declining market segment, can only mean taking market share away from Exchange. Domino is still the No. 1 messaging and collaboration platform and Microsoft still cannot decide on how to package or deliver anything like the same capabilities.]]>DavidMon, 14 May 2007 21:13:06 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/exchange-server-2007/where-s-the-wow-over-exchange-2007-#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/news2/you-might-know-about-social-engineering#commentsAnchorWed, 09 May 2007 06:29:23 GMT
I love getting this type of phone call!. I grind them down until they apologize for even thinking I would answer their questions before I grill them to death with my OWN QUESTIONS to the caller. I generally end up informing the caller they are going to be reported to the BBB for attempted FRAUD and then I rattle off the BBB phone# for their state. By the time they spend two minutes with me they generally SLAM the phone down in dis-belief!... End of call... period! I love these types of callers...BRING THEM ON!!! Don’t let them interrogate you...NO... YOU BE THE INTERROGATER and put them in the hot-seat!]]>CarsonWed, 09 May 2007 06:29:23 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/news2/you-might-know-about-social-engineering#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/news2/you-might-know-about-social-engineering#commentsAnchorWed, 09 May 2007 01:37:03 GMT
And I thought Norwegians were naiv !]]>hdbrbWed, 09 May 2007 01:37:03 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/news2/you-might-know-about-social-engineering#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/deployment/vista-now-or-later-a-real-world-scenario-#commentsAnchorThu, 03 May 2007 16:03:50 GMT
I think the scenario portrayed is more complicated than scoped. One useful mitigating strategy when deploying Vista in the given scenario is to take images of existing production systems (XP, W2k,...); deploy and configure Vista as the network/workstation platform; and then use VirtualPC2k7 (not Express) to run the old production images within Vista. This buys you a lot of things. Staff can continue to work in VMs, on the systems they already "know;" so, training on Vista may then take place on a more elongated timetable. No non-Vista ready crap needs to be installed natively in Vista, *destablizing* Vista. These are supposedly "high end" systems, so VT capability in CPUs and BIOS should not be overlooked for improving VM performance. The HotShots, who only need to use already available Vista apps/hadware can go straight to Vista natively; but even then, VMs allow for keeping *existing* production and existing *workflow* available *and* live during the migration period for the entire, *inter-operating, enterprise*. Any Vista migration is not for amateurs or dilettantes. You not only need to be smart and lucky; you need to make sure you always have proven fallback and flexible interim mitigation provisions.]]>W.T.Thu, 03 May 2007 16:03:50 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/deployment/vista-now-or-later-a-real-world-scenario-#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/home-technology/vista-in-the-connected-home-#commentsAnchorSat, 21 Apr 2007 08:18:23 GMT
Thank you, mwerth1. I’m curious: Does your experience with technology at home have any impact on your satisfaction as a Microsoft customer at work?]]>KarenSat, 21 Apr 2007 08:18:23 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/home-technology/vista-in-the-connected-home-#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/home-technology/vista-in-the-connected-home-#commentsAnchorFri, 20 Apr 2007 12:25:33 GMT
I probably fit your IT profile. I manage the Windows Infrastructure for a larger organization (over 200 servers) and have multiple desktops and laptops at home. I purchased a MCE 2005 system the first week it was available, and had the usual growing pains with that. I purchased a new Vista Ultimate system in February as a Media Center. I must say, I am VERY UNHAPPY with that decision. The lack of good vendor support for my video card in Vista using an HDTV (GeForce 8800 GTS with BETA driver only) has left the system languishing, while my primary media system remains the MCE 2005. Comparing the two experiences, being an early adopter of MCE 2005 was a much more pleasant experience.]]>MICHAELFri, 20 Apr 2007 12:25:33 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/home-technology/vista-in-the-connected-home-#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/home-technology/vista-in-the-connected-home-#commentsAnchorFri, 20 Apr 2007 10:10:04 GMT
Glonmartin, you are absolutely right! My face is very red!]]>KarenFri, 20 Apr 2007 10:10:04 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/home-technology/vista-in-the-connected-home-#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/home-technology/vista-in-the-connected-home-#commentsAnchorFri, 20 Apr 2007 08:48:37 GMT
Early adopter? Sure Vista? Not on my PC!]]>AndrewFri, 20 Apr 2007 08:48:37 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/home-technology/vista-in-the-connected-home-#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/home-technology/vista-in-the-connected-home-#commentsAnchorFri, 20 Apr 2007 08:20:05 GMT
You used the word immanent to refer to your upcoming purchase of a Vista computer. The word you really wanted was imminent. Immanent means indwelling or inherent according to the Merriam-Webster website. By the way, I will use Vista once I have purchased a PC that can run Vista. I am not sure how imminent that is.]]>glonmartinFri, 20 Apr 2007 08:20:05 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/home-technology/vista-in-the-connected-home-#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/home-technology/vista-in-the-connected-home-#commentsAnchorFri, 20 Apr 2007 05:56:09 GMT
I used Vista starting with Beta-1 through RC-1,2 and RTM. I have currently drifted away from it because, 1) lack of applications written to capitalize on it’s strengths, 2) ridiculous hardware requirements, & 3) it’s just plain SLOW (most apps run slower in Vista than they do in XP). There’s some truth in those MAC ads we’re seeing on TV. I think adoption will be very slow because of the hardware restrictions. I know I can’t afford to spend $1150 just to buy the hardware to build a new PC to support MS’s fat OS. ($200 for a new motherboard, $325 for an Intel E6600 proc., $200+ for 2Gb RAM, $250 (minimim) for a DX-10 video card, and $175 for a new power supply.) That assumes, of course, that my existing case, DVD burner, and monitor are adequate.]]>CRAIGFri, 20 Apr 2007 05:56:09 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/home-technology/vista-in-the-connected-home-#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/news2/an-exchange-user-s-lament#commentsAnchorFri, 06 Apr 2007 13:05:06 GMT
Good food for thought here, Karen. I work with 123Together.com, an Exchange hosting company, and have seen several stories lately about the challenges many companies are facing with Exchange 07. I’m surprised that more people aren’t talking about outsourcing Exchange as an alternative.]]>RoseFri, 06 Apr 2007 13:05:06 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/news2/an-exchange-user-s-lament#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/exchange-server-2007/from-unified-messaging-to-unified-communications-#commentsAnchorTue, 03 Apr 2007 22:29:10 GMT
Any enhancements towards effective communication in the workplace, has to be a positive step! With this kind of technology in our hands everyday, maybe companies will allow workers to be responsible for their own schedule. You could start your day with a video conference from home (miss the rush hour), then cruise into the office for your 11AM meeting! David Corcoran Web Conferencing Consultant http://www.batipi.com]]>DavidTue, 03 Apr 2007 22:29:10 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/exchange-server-2007/from-unified-messaging-to-unified-communications-#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/news2/an-exchange-user-s-lament#commentsAnchorTue, 03 Apr 2007 12:26:27 GMT
I totally agree. I also think Microsoft betrays its roots. Better command-line control is very important. But to drop a lot of functionallity from GUI is bad. We have a lot of smaller customers that I expect would have a lot of problems with this.]]>ErnstTue, 03 Apr 2007 12:26:27 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/news2/an-exchange-user-s-lament#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/news2/an-exchange-user-s-lament#commentsAnchorTue, 03 Apr 2007 12:18:19 GMT
I guess you can sum it up with two bullets: 1: I don’t like a command line, even though it is more powerful. 2: I am willing to sacrifice security for an easier installation.]]>DANTue, 03 Apr 2007 12:18:19 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/news2/an-exchange-user-s-lament#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/news2/an-exchange-user-s-lament#commentsAnchorMon, 02 Apr 2007 11:28:02 GMT
I have installed Exchange 2007 and I found the installation was good in spite of some prerequired downloads. And yes I was disappointed with the new gui. But it seems that Exchange 2007 SP1 (beta in this april) will have more gui work & usability.]]>Jean-MarieMon, 02 Apr 2007 11:28:02 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/news2/an-exchange-user-s-lament#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/news2/an-exchange-user-s-lament#commentsAnchorMon, 02 Apr 2007 08:56:00 GMT
If these points are correct then they would affect my migration decision. I could live with the forced 64-bit migration but not the loss of GUI administration. If the GUI is gone so am I.]]>DARINMon, 02 Apr 2007 08:56:00 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/news2/an-exchange-user-s-lament#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/news2/an-exchange-user-s-lament#commentsAnchorMon, 02 Apr 2007 06:41:08 GMT
I have not looked at Exchange 2007 yet. If these comments are correct then Microsoft should not expect many migrations to Exchange 2007 from the SMB markets. I am a fan of scripting and powershell but it should be a choice not a requirement to manage a Windows product. I will not upgrade any time soon because Exchange only supports 64bit processors. I just upgraded our servers two years ago to dual Xeons and the servers never spike above 50%. This is another reason why migrations to Exchange 2007 in the SMB markets will be slow.]]>JOSIAHMon, 02 Apr 2007 06:41:08 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/news2/an-exchange-user-s-lament#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/news2/an-exchange-user-s-lament#commentsAnchorSun, 01 Apr 2007 21:59:55 GMT
No comment]]>GREGORYSun, 01 Apr 2007 21:59:55 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/news2/an-exchange-user-s-lament#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/news2/daylight-savings-time-resources#commentsAnchorWed, 21 Mar 2007 10:36:52 GMT
SSince Lotus Notes servers can be installed on several very different operating systems, I suspect that they use some method that is independent of the underlying operating system to address DST issues. Therefore, I suspect that Notes users face problems similar to those faced by Exchange users.]]>DavidWed, 21 Mar 2007 10:36:52 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/news2/daylight-savings-time-resources#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/news2/daylight-savings-time-resources#commentsAnchorMon, 19 Mar 2007 09:44:40 GMT
Actually, our IT group did distribute the patch and I’ve applied it. Sorry if I offended people who successfully use Lotus. It’s just never worked well for our group--in more ways than most people imagine. :-)]]>KarenMon, 19 Mar 2007 09:44:40 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/news2/daylight-savings-time-resources#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/news2/daylight-savings-time-resources#commentsAnchorSun, 18 Mar 2007 15:58:17 GMT
Your comments confirm that you are oblivious to the fact that the DST issue has nothing to do with Lotus Notes. Most likely your company did not distributed the MS patch KB931836 to your desktop. So stop bashing LN and put the blame squarely where it belongs.]]>JJ3212 Sun, 18 Mar 2007 15:58:17 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/news2/daylight-savings-time-resources#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/windows-client/windows-vista-app-compat-sometimes-you-can-t-blame-microsoft#commentsAnchorFri, 16 Mar 2007 04:59:17 GMT
Microsoft are just as guily on the driver front... the Microsoft SMART batttery used by asus/acer and sony laptops....guess what doesn’t support VISTA! and that is microsofts own!!]]>joeFri, 16 Mar 2007 04:59:17 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/windows-client/windows-vista-app-compat-sometimes-you-can-t-blame-microsoft#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/windows-client/windows-vista-app-compat-sometimes-you-can-t-blame-microsoft#commentsAnchorThu, 15 Mar 2007 16:15:30 GMT
Thank you guys for giving these specifics. Microsoft said they wanted to see what readers said about Jason’s and Manu’s responses about the admin tools and then Microsoft would follow up with more information. I’ll let you know what they tell me. Keep those comments coming! ]]>KarenThu, 15 Mar 2007 16:15:30 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/windows-client/windows-vista-app-compat-sometimes-you-can-t-blame-microsoft#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/windows-client/windows-vista-app-compat-sometimes-you-can-t-blame-microsoft#commentsAnchorThu, 15 Mar 2007 16:03:00 GMT
Good article Karen! But I must agree with some others here. I installed Vista on my computer to give it a try. I was forced to install VPC 2007, and a virtual WinXP, in order to do part of my day to day job! When MS based administrative tools don’t work, that’s a problem! They need to fix this quickly! On a slightly unrelated note, the networking is slow.... very slow!]]>JimThu, 15 Mar 2007 16:03:00 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/windows-client/windows-vista-app-compat-sometimes-you-can-t-blame-microsoft#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/windows-client/windows-vista-app-compat-sometimes-you-can-t-blame-microsoft#commentsAnchorThu, 15 Mar 2007 14:59:51 GMT
I for one am confident that tools sets will be forthcoming with great rapidity. But one thing I did to ese my stress level was to downgrade the user interface experience - turning off most of the special features and creating an XP-like experience. Start from System-properties-> Advanced-> Performance Options-> Visual-Effects and turn off a lot of the flashy options making a custom display (or just select "Adjust for best performance". Then, on Control Panel-> Personalization set the background to a solid color, then select a Themes like "classic Windows" or "XP". The net result is to strip away a lot of the glitter and distractions so that you can focus more directly on operational issues. Sure helped me!]]>ChrisThu, 15 Mar 2007 14:59:51 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/windows-client/windows-vista-app-compat-sometimes-you-can-t-blame-microsoft#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/windows-client/windows-vista-app-compat-sometimes-you-can-t-blame-microsoft#commentsAnchorThu, 15 Mar 2007 13:51:58 GMT
The latest Vista update includes app comp. for Server 2003 SP1 admin tools. However there are a great many other basic MS admin tools that will not work in Vista. Here is the problem MS created for themselves by not addressing this more fully (other than use VPC 2007). Most new OS upgrades are evaluated first by IT staff. After test installs they tend to install it on their own PCs first. If they find it can not be used for their normal tasks, even MS based tasks, they will tend to say it is not ready for use. MS wants enterprises to upgrade, but they have alienated the very group most likely to make that happen. Exchange SM did not work in XP at first, but MS issued a patch that made it possible. They need to revisit this issue more completely.]]>danbartleyThu, 15 Mar 2007 13:51:58 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/windows-client/windows-vista-app-compat-sometimes-you-can-t-blame-microsoft#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/windows-client/windows-vista-app-compat-sometimes-you-can-t-blame-microsoft#commentsAnchorThu, 15 Mar 2007 13:11:42 GMT
Yes, AdminPak.msi will install on Vista. True statement. But, for example, ADUC is broken in that I can’t tell whether or not a user is disabled. The icon doesn’t show up like in XP, with the red X over the user icon. Sure I can right-click on an account and assume that if it says "Enable account" that the account is in fact disabled, but come on... How do you release an OS and not have an updated server management tool pak that actually works well? MS really overlooked this. Don’t even get me started on the Exchange System Manager. The only way I can admin my Exchange servers is to have Xp running virtually on my Vista machine, or RDP to the server to run System Manager... Despicable for a company that thinks so highly of themselves.]]>JohnThu, 15 Mar 2007 13:11:42 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/windows-client/windows-vista-app-compat-sometimes-you-can-t-blame-microsoft#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/exchange-server-2007/the-value-of-vista-office-and-exchange#commentsAnchorFri, 09 Mar 2007 16:17:39 GMT
Who is MS trying to kid? They’ve conveniently forgotten that experienced users will take some time to get used to the new interface and probably can’t be bothered with *playing* with the new features. I guess they didn’t subtract this learning time from the benefits. What’s the cost of the upgrade? Enormous amounts of time and effort will be required to upgrade any substantial organisation. There’s the new standard build, re-training the support people, building new applications, purchasing new applications, purchasing new hardware (will probably need higher resolution displays!), training users (and they *will* need training), it just goes on and on. This cost will overwhelm the $37 (=$507-$470) which it’s supposed to save! Lies, damn lies, statistics, and now we have Microsoft snake oil. I originally thought they’d lost the plot, then I realised it’s all about Microsoft getting their $150/year/user. With Office 2003, XP, and the servers *just* about being good enough, there’s no real reason for people to upgrade. Please Microsoft stop playing - you’re looking more like IBM every day. As a post script, I installed Vista and Office 2007 to connect to Exchange 2003. Outlook won’t out of the box (some RPC errors - KB927481). And neither will IE7 (can’t reply - KB911829)! Both of these appear to be related to the alleged security hardening. This is patent stupidity on the part of Microsoft. I spent some time trying to fix this; can I take this off the savings bill now or later?]]>GlennFri, 09 Mar 2007 16:17:39 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/exchange-server-2007/the-value-of-vista-office-and-exchange#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/exchange-server-2007/the-value-of-vista-office-and-exchange#commentsAnchorFri, 09 Mar 2007 11:22:20 GMT
Windows is like a house built on sand and the walls crack. You can patch and patch and patch patches I will only UPGRADE when Windows is designed to be secure from the kernel upwards. In the meantime I will live with update tuesday.]]>EricFri, 09 Mar 2007 11:22:20 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/exchange-server-2007/the-value-of-vista-office-and-exchange#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/exchange-server-2007/the-value-of-vista-office-and-exchange#commentsAnchorFri, 09 Mar 2007 10:04:47 GMT
I am still trying to figure if I want new equipment in Vista or stay with XP for now. Compatibility of other software is of primary concern. I think I will wait for at least a year.]]>leoFri, 09 Mar 2007 10:04:47 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/exchange-server-2007/the-value-of-vista-office-and-exchange#commentsAnchor