They recently released a lot of documentation for Communicator management for those of you deploying Office Communications Server 2007.

• Communicator 2007 Policies Documentation
  One way to provide the appropriate registry settings for each user when deploying Office Communicator 2007 is to define Group Policies using an administrative template (.adm) file. Administrative template files contain specific information about which Group Policies the application implements, where policies are stored, and how to configure policies.   This package contains the Communicator.adm file and an Excel spreadsheet that documents the Group Policy settings for Office Communicator 2007.
  http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=DD3CAE08-3153-4C6A-A314-DAA79D616248&displaylang=en
  
• Microsoft Office Communicator 2007 Group Policies
  This document provides an Office Excel spreadsheet that describes Office Communicator 2007 Group Policies. Administrators can use Office Communicator 2007 Group Policies to provide the appropriate registry settings for users when deploying Office Communicator 2007.
  http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=69512283-7ed6-40a6-82a8-b215da051d9a&displaylang=en&tm
  
• Microsoft Office Communicator 2007 Testing and Troubleshooting Guide
  This document explains how to install, configure, and test Microsoft® Office Communicator 2007 in a laboratory environment and is designed for system administrators. To help with the testing process, this document provides a testing procedures checklist that you can use to verify that Communicator 2007 can successfully connect to Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007 and that Communicator 2007 features are working as expected.
  http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=DB9B4F8F-F0F7-4157-82AD-395F4C631A4E&displaylang=en
  

Every so often the question comes up, "How "green" is Microsoft?" so I thought I'd put some answers that we have together and post them to my blog.

--------------------------------

Q: How green is Microsoft?  Is Microsoft environmentally friendly?  Is Microsoft a major contributor to global warming?  Does Microsoft have a commitment to decrease its environmental footprint?

A: Every company has a responsibility to be a part of the solution. Microsoft is committed to environmental sustainability, continuously implementing new ways to preserve and improve the environment. We have built innovative energy-saving features into our products, we have implemented internal programs to further reduce any environmental impacts of our business operations, and we are partnering with numerous groups to draw attention to the problem and potential solutions.

For a full description of our efforts, you can review our online environmental page: Read More.

We focus our environmental efforts in two key areas:

1. Applying Microsoft’s expertise and industry position to environmental challenges
   1. Our newest operating system - Windows Vista - is Microsoft’s most energy efficient operating system to date. It features significant changes to power management infrastructure, functionality, and default settings that can reduce PC energy consumption.
   2. Microsoft is a leader in the development of collaboration software, such as Live Meeting, SharePoint and Microsoft Office Groove, which enable virtual meetings – thereby reducing the need for the physical transfer of documents and business travel.
   3. The company also recycles used PCs, monitors, servers and other surplus electronics. Additionally, Microsoft participates in programs throughout the world that refurbish thousands of PCs every year and donates them to schools and nongovernmental organizations.
2. Lowering the company’s consumption of fossil fuel energy
   1. We have eliminated PVC (polyvinyl chloride) from all Microsoft packaging, effective December 31, 2005. Based on historical product shipments, these measures will reduce PVC packaging by over 1.6 million pounds in the first two years.
   2. Microsoft is researching ways to improve product packaging by using environmentally-friendly ingredients and decreasing the amount of disposable packaging. Through participation in the Sustainable Packaging Coalition, a cross-industry group of more than 100 global companies, Microsoft created packaging made out of recycled plastic beverage containers for the Microsoft Streets and Trips GPS case.
   3. Our Mountain View, Calif., campus has a system of 2,000 solar panels covering over 30,000 square feet of roof-top area, which generates 480 kilowatts of power at peak capacity, enough energy to power approximately 15 percent of the campus's total energy needs.
   4. Microsoft has an extensive recycling and conservation program at its corporate headquarters that reduces waste and conserves resources at all of the company facilities; this includes an advanced irrigation system that saves about 11 million gallons of water annually.
   5. We also have a goal of increasing the number of employees who use alternative and efficient modes of transportation, and we have been recognized as a leader in this area. In 2006, we received an award from the EPA as the 2nd best workplace for commuters among Fortune 500 companies. At many campuses, the company offers public transportation passes to its employees and assists with the arranging of van/carpools and reductions in cost of bicycle maintenance.
   6. In the Redmond area, we’ve increased our commuter group to 30% of all employees - representing more than 11,000 commuters in Puget Sound. In 2007, we’ve introduce a ‘Connector’ bus transporting employees to our Redmond campus from various parts of the city, and eliminating hundreds of cars from the streets.

Q: How do company executives feel about global warming? Are they supportive of this issue?

A: Environmental stewardship is important and integral to Microsoft’s business. Over the past 30 years, we have translated our personal beliefs and corporate philosophy into meaningful environmental action. Today, more than ever, we are focusing our efforts on environmental sustainability and continuing innovation.

In addition, the company has created a new role and group focused solely on environmental stewardship for our products and our operations. This group is part of our Trustworthy computing division and represents a commitment at the highest level of our company to the issues of environmental sustainability.

Q: What environmental organizations do you work with?

A: Microsoft is a member of and serves in a leadership capacity on many industry organizations and groups who work to promote responsible business practices and improve social and environmental conditions across the globe. As many environmental issues are industry-wide concerns, we work with others to share best practices, solve challenges and create consensus and awareness on issues. We also work with groups that have a global perspective and reach, as the environment is a worldwide concern.

A sample list is below:

• AeA in both Europe and the US (American Electronics Association)
• IEC (International Electrotechnical Congress)
• BSR (Business for Social Responsibility)
• EICC (Electronic Industry Code of Conduct)
• GeSI (Global e-Sustainability Initiative)
• Green Grid
• SPC (Sustainable Packaging Coalition)
• Climate Savers
• Clinton Foundation Climate Initiative
  ...and others

PC Recycling/Windows Vista

Q: Isn’t Microsoft in the business of creating products that encourage waste of hard-to-recycle electronic hardware?

A: Microsoft is committed to enhancing the reusability of PCs and other devices, so that they are kept in use and out of the waste stream as long as possible (and can be recycled properly when they reach the end of their useful life). Through our Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher (MAR) programs and by supporting other programs such as Digital Pipeline (DP), the life of older retired computers is extended through low-cost licenses for Microsoft software, so that these computers can continue to be used.

Information on how to contact a MAR refurbisher can be found at either www.microsoft.com/communitymar or www.microsoft.com/oem/mar. Tips for donating computer hardware can be found at: http://www.microsoft.com/Education/TenTips.mspx.  

In addition to our focus on enhancing the reusability of computer hardware, we are also looking to design products which can help customers make better environmental choices. Our expertise in technology has the potential to make significant positive contributions to environmental sustainability. In addition to the power management features of Windows Vista, there are other important ways that we are helping customers use technology to lessen their environmental footprint.

• Microsoft is a leader in the development of collaboration software, such as Live Meeting, SharePoint and Microsoft Office Groove, which enable virtual meetings – thereby reducing the need for the physical transfer of documents and business travel.
• Microsoft Dynamics is developing an environmental dashboard - using the familiar interface of Microsoft Office - that will enable companies to manage greenhouse gas and other sustainability-related data. The dashboard will work in concert with other Microsoft Dynamics' business management solutions.

Q: Several environmental groups have criticized Microsoft for causing a major e-waste problem with Windows Vista, because it requires users to upgrade to new computers. Is this true?

A: Actually, it is important to note that many PCs are purchased on a set schedule regardless of when a new OS is released. This is very common in the enterprise space, where PCs are refreshed every 3-5 years. Therefore, we don’t anticipate that Windows Vista will impact normal PC refresh rates or growth in consumer demand.

We do recognize that there is a serious e-waste problem in parts of the world, and have set up PC refurbishment programs that help to license computers for reuse, and support computer recycling programs that send unwanted PC’s to those who need, but can least afford them. With the MAR (Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher) and DP (Digital Pipeline) programs, the life of older retired computers is extended through low cost licenses for Microsoft software - so that the computers can continue to be used.

Information on how to contact a Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher can be found at  http://www.microsoft.com/communitymar and http://www.microsoft.com/oem/mar. Tips for donating computer hardware can be found at: http://www.microsoft.com/Education/TenTips.mspx.  

Q: Doesn’t Vista require more power to run? I’ve heard it is a “power hog”.

A: Not at all. According to Tom’s Hardware Guide, an independent online technology guide, “Windows Vista doesn't require more energy than Windows XP, whether running under full CPU load or idle.” The comparison also found no evidence that “Windows Vista's new and fancy AeroGlass interface consumes more energy than Windows XP's 2D desktop. Although our measurements indicate a one watt increase in power draw at the plug, this is too little of a difference to draw any conclusions.” You can view the full report here.

Windows Vista is Microsoft’s most energy efficient operating system to date.  It features significant changes to power management infrastructure, functionality, and default settings that can reduce PC energy consumption.

CheckSUR or "Check for System Update Readiness" is a recently published update for Windows Vista that appeared on March 17th, 2008. 

CheckSUR will try to fix certain Windows Update installation failure causes.  Why do you care?  Well, if Windows Vista Service Pack 1 won't install this is one way of fixing it and it's pretty cool.  Basically, all that is entailed is downloading the .MSU file and running it.  During the installation it will run the check and store the results at %WINDIR%\Logs\CBS\CheckSUR.log.

What is CheckSUR?
System resources, such as file data, registry data, and even in-memory data, can develop inconsistencies during the lifetime of the operating system. These inconsistencies may be caused by various hardware failures or by software issues. In some cases, these inconsistencies can affect the Windows Servicing Store, and they can cause a Windows Vista update to fail. When the update fails, it blocks the user from installing updates and service packs. CheckSUR addresses this issue.
When Windows Update detects inconsistencies that are related to system servicing in system files or in the registry, Windows Update offers CheckSUR as an available update package. The package titles are as follows:

• Update for Windows Vista (KB947821)
• Update for Windows Vista for x64-based Systems (KB947821)

Note This Windows Update or Automatic Update package will only be offered if such inconsistencies have been detected on the system. CheckSUR should run automatically after it has been installed from Windows Update.

What does CheckSUR do?
Currently, CheckSUR verifies the integrity of the following resources that can affect Windows

Update in Windows Vista:
Files that are located under the following directories:

• %systemroot%\Servicing\Packages
• %systemroot%\WinSxS\Manifests

Registry data under the following registry subkeys:

• HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\COMPONENTS
• HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Schema
• HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Component Based Servicing

Note This list may be updated at any time.
When CheckSUR detects incorrect manifests, files, or registry data, CheckSUR may replace the incorrect data with a corrected version.

If you look at the %WINDIR%\Logs\CBS\CheckSUR.log, you'll see something like this on a system that needed repair:

=================================
Checking System Update Readiness.
Version 6.0.6000.2
2008-03-28 13:43:50 PM

Checking Deployment Packages

Checking Package Manifests and catalogs.

Checking package watchlist.

Checking component watchlist.

Checking packages.
Checking component registry

Checking component store
(f)    Corrupt Manifest    CSI    0xC0150006    x86_microsoft-windows-a..ltimateed.resources_31bf3856ad364e35_6.0.6000.16386_en-us_a76808992e5c7cfd        Manifest: Parsing failed
(x)    Corrupt Manifest    CSI    File Successfully Replaced    x86_microsoft-windows-a..ltimateed.resources_31bf3856ad364e35_6.0.6000.16386_en-us_a76808992e5c7cfd.manifest from Cabinet: C:\Windows\CheckSur\v1.0\base.CAB.
(f)    Corrupt Manifest    CSI    0xC0150006    x86_microsoft-windows-a..s-windowsultimateed_31bf3856ad364e35_6.0.6000.16386_none_5fa5452a84857ebe        Manifest: Parsing failed
(x)    Corrupt Manifest    CSI    File Successfully Replaced    x86_microsoft-windows-a..s-windowsultimateed_31bf3856ad364e35_6.0.6000.16386_none_5fa5452a84857ebe.manifest from Cabinet: C:\Windows\CheckSur\v1.0\base.CAB.
(f)    Corrupt Manifest    CSI    0xC0150006    x86_microsoft-windows-b..-ultimate.resources_31bf3856ad364e35_6.0.6000.16386_en-us_01e9e9eb17df0d8c        Manifest: Parsing failed
(x)    Corrupt Manifest    CSI    File Successfully Replaced    x86_microsoft-windows-b..-ultimate.resources_31bf3856ad364e35_6.0.6000.16386_en-us_01e9e9eb17df0d8c.manifest from Cabinet: C:\Windows\CheckSur\v1.0\base.CAB.
(f)    Corrupt Manifest    CSI    0xC0150006    x86_microsoft-windows-b..ding-shell-ultimate_31bf3856ad364e35_6.0.6000.16386_none_c268e045cd758d6a        Manifest: Parsing failed
(x)    Corrupt Manifest    CSI    File Successfully Replaced    x86_microsoft-windows-b..ding-shell-ultimate_31bf3856ad364e35_6.0.6000.16386_none_c268e045cd758d6a.manifest from Cabinet: C:\Windows\CheckSur\v1.0\base.CAB.
(f)    Corrupt Manifest    CSI    0xC0150006    x86_microsoft-windows-b..oyment-languagepack_31bf3856ad364e35_6.0.6000.16386_en-us_719e4df1e8a92435        Manifest: Parsing failed
(x)    Corrupt Manifest    CSI    File Successfully Replaced    x86_microsoft-windows-b..oyment-languagepack_31bf3856ad364e35_6.0.6000.16386_en-us_719e4df1e8a92435.manifest from Cabinet: C:\Windows\CheckSur\v1.0\base.CAB.
(f)    Corrupt Manifest    CSI    0xC0150006    x86_microsoft-windows-b..ultimate-deployment_31bf3856ad364e35_6.0.6000.16386_none_b10781b28b8b5f0d        Manifest: Parsing failed
(x)    Corrupt Manifest    CSI    File Successfully Replaced    x86_microsoft-windows-b..ultimate-deployment_31bf3856ad364e35_6.0.6000.16386_none_b10781b28b8b5f0d.manifest from Cabinet: C:\Windows\CheckSur\v1.0\base.CAB.
(f)    Corrupt Manifest    CSI    0xC0150006    x86_microsoft-windows-branding-base-ultimate_31bf3856ad364e35_6.0.6000.16386_none_39706b8cc247a1df        Manifest: Parsing failed
(x)    Corrupt Manifest    CSI    File Successfully Replaced    x86_microsoft-windows-branding-base-ultimate_31bf3856ad364e35_6.0.6000.16386_none_39706b8cc247a1df.manifest from Cabinet: C:\Windows\CheckSur\v1.0\base.CAB.
(f)    Corrupt Manifest    CSI    0xC0150006    x86_microsoft-windows-h..cultimate.resources_31bf3856ad364e35_6.0.6000.16386_en-us_7407fbaacd407b25        Manifest: Parsing failed
(x)    Corrupt Manifest    CSI    File Successfully Replaced    x86_microsoft-windows-h..cultimate.resources_31bf3856ad364e35_6.0.6000.16386_en-us_7407fbaacd407b25.manifest from Cabinet: C:\Windows\CheckSur\v1.0\base.CAB.
(f)    Corrupt Manifest    CSI    0xC0150006    x86_microsoft-windows-h..oyment-languagepack_31bf3856ad364e35_6.0.6000.16386_en-us_9c4390e8e4d3e99d        Manifest: Parsing failed
(x)    Corrupt Manifest    CSI    File Successfully Replaced    x86_microsoft-windows-h..oyment-languagepack_31bf3856ad364e35_6.0.6000.16386_en-us_9c4390e8e4d3e99d.manifest from Cabinet: C:\Windows\CheckSur\v1.0\base.CAB.
(f)    Corrupt Manifest    CSI    0xC0150006    x86_microsoft-windows-h..oyment-languagepack_31bf3856ad364e35_6.0.6000.16386_en-us_f052545ff0a8b48b        Manifest: Parsing failed
(x)    Corrupt Manifest    CSI    File Successfully Replaced    x86_microsoft-windows-h..oyment-languagepack_31bf3856ad364e35_6.0.6000.16386_en-us_f052545ff0a8b48b.manifest from Cabinet: C:\Windows\CheckSur\v1.0\base.CAB.
(f)    Corrupt Manifest    CSI    0xC0150006    x86_microsoft-windows-h..ultimate-deployment_31bf3856ad364e35_6.0.6000.16386_none_54e22a1aeccf9a7f        Manifest: Parsing failed
(x)    Corrupt Manifest    CSI    File Successfully Replaced    x86_microsoft-windows-h..ultimate-deployment_31bf3856ad364e35_6.0.6000.16386_none_54e22a1aeccf9a7f.manifest from Cabinet: C:\Windows\CheckSur\v1.0\base.CAB.
(f)    Corrupt Manifest    CSI    0xC0150006    x86_microsoft-windows-h..ultimate-deployment_31bf3856ad364e35_6.0.6000.16386_none_c2343a73151e464f        Manifest: Parsing failed
(x)    Corrupt Manifest    CSI    File Successfully Replaced    x86_microsoft-windows-h..ultimate-deployment_31bf3856ad364e35_6.0.6000.16386_none_c2343a73151e464f.manifest from Cabinet: C:\Windows\CheckSur\v1.0\base.CAB.
(f)    Corrupt Manifest    CSI    0xC0150006    x86_microsoft-windows-help-bitlock.resources_31bf3856ad364e35_6.0.6000.16386_en-us_ca2aadced68f1fb1        Manifest: Parsing failed
(x)    Corrupt Manifest    CSI    File Successfully Replaced    x86_microsoft-windows-help-bitlock.resources_31bf3856ad364e35_6.0.6000.16386_en-us_ca2aadced68f1fb1.manifest from Cabinet: C:\Windows\CheckSur\v1.0\base.CAB.
(f)    Corrupt Manifest    CSI    0xC0150006    x86_microsoft-windows-help-bitlock_31bf3856ad364e35_6.0.6000.16386_none_10a02aad240e0f90        Manifest: Parsing failed
(x)    Corrupt Manifest    CSI    File Successfully Replaced    x86_microsoft-windows-help-bitlock_31bf3856ad364e35_6.0.6000.16386_none_10a02aad240e0f90.manifest from Cabinet: C:\Windows\CheckSur\v1.0\base.CAB.
(f)    Corrupt Manifest    CSI    0xC0150006    x86_microsoft-windows-help-hhomeue.resources_31bf3856ad364e35_6.0.6000.16386_en-us_9d3575f6331e3dbc        Manifest: Parsing failed
(x)    Corrupt Manifest    CSI    File Successfully Replaced    x86_microsoft-windows-help-hhomeue.resources_31bf3856ad364e35_6.0.6000.16386_en-us_9d3575f6331e3dbc.manifest from Cabinet: C:\Windows\CheckSur\v1.0\base.CAB.
(f)    Corrupt Manifest    CSI    0xC0150006    x86_microsoft-windows-help-hhomeue_31bf3856ad364e35_6.0.6000.16386_none_09d85f6e30652b6b        Manifest: Parsing failed
(x)    Corrupt Manifest    CSI    File Successfully Replaced    x86_microsoft-windows-help-hhomeue_31bf3856ad364e35_6.0.6000.16386_none_09d85f6e30652b6b.manifest from Cabinet: C:\Windows\CheckSur\v1.0\base.CAB.

Scanned 11234 components, 13706 component payload files
Summary:
Milliseconds: 499594
Found 16 errors
Fixed 16 errors
  CSI Corrupt Manifest Total Count: 16
  CSI Corrupt Manifest Fixed.  Total Count: 16
Customer Experience report successfuly uploaded.  Thank you for participating.  For more information, see the Microsoft Customer Experience Improvement Program on the Microsoft web site.

Read more on this little gem at:
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=947821.

While researching some content, I found this article on Windows Vista Service Pack 1:
http://technet2.microsoft.com/windowsvista/en/library/5cf710a1-1414-4d11-97de-0748abdcec651033.mspx?mfr=true

At the end of it is a fairly interesting section on "Troubleshooting" failed installations of Windows Vista Service Pack 1.

Troubleshooting

When installing SP1, some computers may run into issues that block the installation or otherwise cause it to fail. These issues may include the following:

• A hard disk that is corrupted
• Memory failures
• Software and file system synchronization issues. For performance reasons, the file system keeps a copy of the contents of some files in the memory, and it can take a while for these contents to be written back to the hard disk. Therefore, sometimes the contents of the files on the hard disk may be slightly out of synchronization with the memory.

To work around installation problems, perform the following steps in the specified order:

1. Ensure that you have enough disk space, as specified in the "Check disk space requirements" table under Perform predeployment tasks earlier in this guide. Then restart the computer and try again to install SP1. This will ensure that all files are synchronized properly.
2. If the installation still fails, open an elevated Command Prompt window, and then run the chkdsk /f command. The Chkdsk tool checks the file system and metadata for errors, and then it fixes the errors, if possible. Then try again to install SP1.
3. If the installation still fails, open an elevated Command Prompt window, and then run the SFC /scannow command. The System File Checker tool scans all protected files to verify their versions, and then it updates these files, if possible. Then try again to install SP1.
4. If the installation still fails, open an elevated Command Prompt window, and then run the MdSched.exe command. The Windows Memory Diagnostic tool tests the random access memory (RAM) on your computer for errors. Then try again to install SP1.
5. If the installation still fails, download and extract the KB947821 update from the Microsoft Download Center. The Windows6.0-KB947821-XXX.msu file will ensure that the computer is ready to be updated. Then try again to install SP1. For information about this update, including information about how to obtain it, see http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=109180 .

Over the weekend, there were some emails going back and forth regarding Windows Vista SP1 and looking for support with it. As such, I thought I would post here about a resource available to you that you can take advantage of, if you need it. Microsoft is providing unlimited, no charge installation and compatibility support for Windows Vista SP1 through a variety of ways:

1. Email support – Response time: Within one business day
2. 1:1 Chat support – Available M-F from 5:00 am – 12:00 am PST and Sat/Sun from 6:00 am – 6:00 pm PST
3. Phone support – Available at no charge for those with: Software Assurance, a Microsoft professional services contract, TechNet subscription, MSDN subscription, or who are part of the Microsoft Partner Program

You can find out more about this offering and how to start using it online on the Windows Vista SP1 Help and Support page.

Taken from:  http://blogs.msdn.com/mssmallbiz/archive/2008/03/24/8333482.aspx

Microsoft Technical Fellow and IT guru Mark Russinovich hosts a panel of top independent industry experts to drive an open discussion around Windows Vista adoption and deployment, and demystify known issues.

The panel will feature leading third-party Windows Vista adoption subject-matter experts including Mark Minasi , author of Administering Windows Vista Security: The Big Surprises; Tony Bradley, foremost security expert and Microsoft Enterprise Security MVP; and Jerry Honeycutt, author, speaker and Deployment Forum MVP, as well as IT Pros from customer organizations that have tackled Windows Vista adoption and deployment-all discussing the challenges, workarounds, and tips and tricks that they have learned along the way and the benefits of adoption. Members of the Windows product team will also be on hand to help answer questions and speak to specific Vista hot topics.

• Visit TechNet Spotlight: Video on Demand, Video Downloads, PowerPoint Presentations, Audio and more
  http://www.microsoft.com/technetspotlight  
• Springboard Series- Still Undecided About Windows Vista?
  Event Page:
  http://www.microsoft.com/emea/spotlight/event.aspx?id=91
  Links to Session Video:
  http://www.microsoft.com/emea/spotlight/sessionh.aspx?videoid=815

Windows Vista SP1 Roundtable discussion:
Join Microsoft Technical Fellow Mark Russinovich and a panel of IT industry experts:

• Jerry Honeycutt, Author, technical writer, and head of independent Deployment Forum
• Tony Bradley, Security Consultant with BT INS in Houston, Director of Security (Evangelyze), Microsoft Security MVP
• Mark Minasi, Technology Writer and Speaker and Microsoft Directory Services MVP
• Sumeeth Evans, IT Director, Collegiate Housing Services
• Lars Norman Søndergaard, Consultant, Globeteam
• Gary R. Wilhelm, Sr., Business and Financial Systems Manager, Englewood Hospital and Medical Center
• Jeremy Chapman, Senior Product Manager, Windows Vista Deployment
• David Zipkin, Senior Product Manager, Windows Vista SP1

I usually don't plug other people's blogs but I've been watching Tiffany Songvilay's blog "Office Over Easy" for a while and it's not only good information, the content is very professionally done, it's got very consistently sound advice that's hard for anyone to dispute, and it's on a single concentrated topic:  "Office System".

(The fact that Tiffany Songvilay's also the co-author of "So that's how! 2007 Microsoft Office System:  Timesavers, Breakthroughs, and Everyday Genius" should also demonstrate the professionalism & credibility she has.  Hey - there's a at least one major publisher that trusts her - and that'd be the 600 lb gorilla of Microsoft literature, Microsoft Press.

One particular post that she made recently had her actual notes from the Microsoft Sharepoint Conference which she attended recently.  This is immensely valuable information for those of you who work with Sharepoint and the kind of thing that I'm surprised more people don't do.  (Post their notes from conferences to their blogs... heck, I should do more of that myself.  Good idea Tiffany.)

So if you're interested in all things "Office" or "Sharepoint" for Business or IT users, this is a good place to visit or subscribe:

http://officeovereasy.spaces.live.com/

Join the Microsoft Windows Vista Deployment team of experts as they provide IT Pros and Partners with the necessary tools and understanding to migrate existing Windows Applications to the Windows Vista Operating System. This webcast series will guide participants through a series of presentations and demos designed to empower them with the knowledge and tools necessary to evaluate, test and mitigate applications for compatibility on Windows Vista.

Although most applications developed for Windows XP SP2 will probably work well on Windows Vista, application compatibility breaks are inevitable due to new innovations, security tightening, and increased reliability.  In this training, attendees will learn about the most common compatibility problems and will be given tools to help facilitate application compatibility testing, debugging, and mitigation for the highest quality Windows Vista experience.

The speakers in this are the best-of-the-best and have been on the front lines deploying Vista for the past 18 months. Attendees will experience high level content loaded with in-depth technical information. 

You won’t want to miss this series!  If you can’t make the “live” presentation an on-demand version of the webcast is available on the very next day after the live broadcast.

Audience: IT Pros; Partners
Levels: 300-400

--------------------------------------

Date: Thursday, April 10, 2008
Title: Making Windows Vista Application Compatibility Testing More Predictable with Effective Project Management
Speaker: Chris Jackson, Technical Lead, Windows Application Experience SWAT Team
Level: 300
Length: 75 minutes
Attendee Registration URL
Session Description: When helping our customers accelerate their Windows Vista deployments by assisting with application compatibility, there are a number of technical skills to master. However, technical acumen is never enough - effectively managing the project is critical to making the process predictable and measurable, as well as controlling costs and maximizing effectiveness. In this session, we review best practices we have learned for effectively managing this process from enterprise customers world-wide.

Date: Thursday, April 17, 2008
Session Name:  Application Compatibility Toolkit
Speaker:  Matt Baddeley, Senior Program Manager, Windows Application Experience
Level:  300
Length: 1 Hour
Attendee Registration URL
Session Description: Provides an introduction to the major sources of application compatibility problems in Windows Vista, and shows how the Application Compatibility Toolkit can be used by enterprise customers to migrate their applications to the new OS. This session covers the phases of the application migration process and includes a demonstration of the ACT tools and features. Beyond migrating to a new OS, ACT also helps enterprises assess the impact of Windows Updates.

Date: Thursday, April 24, 2008
Title: Mitigating Application Issues Using Shims
Speaker: Chris Jackson, Technical Lead, Windows Application Experience SWAT Team
Level: 400
Length: 75 Minutes
Attendee Registration URL
Session Description: Explore many of the compatibility issues that the Windows team has experienced at customer sites in the context of what we can fix without updating the application, and how to fix it. The Windows Application Compatibility Infrastructure (Shim Infrastructure) is a powerful tool for resolving compatibility issues and unblocking Windows Vista deployments, but understanding where and how to leverage and configure shims can be daunting until you learn some of the tricks and subtleties, many of which we will be exposing!

Date:  Thursday, May 1, 2008
Title: LUA Buglight
Speaker:  Aaron Margosis, Senior Consultant, Microsoft Consulting Services
Level:  400
Length: 75 Minutes
Attendee Registration URL
Session Description: LUA Buglight™ (version 2.0 currently in the works) is a tool designed to help both developers and IT Pros (sysadmins) identify the specific causes of "LUA bugs" (admin-rights-required to work correctly) in desktop applications running on Windows XP, Windows Server 2003, or Windows Vista. Once the specific causes have been identified, the bugs can more easily be resolved by fixing the app's source code, or by making configuration changes, allowing the app to work correctly for non-admin users.

Date:  Thursday, May 8, 2008
Title: Application Compatibility in 50 Days
Speaker:  Steve Campbell, Deployment Segment Architect Lead, Microsoft
Level:  300-400
Length:  60 Minutes
Attendee Registration URL
Session Description: Deploying Windows Vista in the Enterprise has moved from “We’ll see…” to “Let’s get it done” and application compatibility is typically identified as the biggest blocker to a successful, low-cost migration. In this session we’ll identify the tools, technologies and best practices that have been used successfully by Microsoft Services and partners to minimize and/or eliminate many of the perceived (and real) challenges customers experience with both ISV and internally developed applications running on Windows Vista.

Task Market is now live and looking for users! 

Microsoft Task Market is a new online marketplace where businesses can connect with and hire skilled freelancers in graphic design, writing and editing,  translation, and more.  Freelancers that sign up with Task Market can expand their client base and put their great skills to use.  It’s as easy for businesses to post jobs as it is for freelancers to apply for them and start working. Task Market is also integrated with PayPal for hassle-free online payments.

Task Market is looking for people to try out the site and send us feedback.  As a tech preview, users have the chance to really have their voices heard.  Do you know of a small business that could use freelance talent or a freelancer looking for work?   If so, please tell them about Task Market. We’d love to hear what they think.

Learn more at www.taskmarket.com.

Got a call center? Are you using Aspect Software?

At VoiceCon 2008 in Orlando, Microsoft issued a press release announcing a multi-year global strategic alliance with Aspect Software, the world's largest standalone provider of software for contact centers. As part of the alliance, Microsoft is making an equity investment in Aspect to accelerate the delivery and adoption of the Office Communications Server VoIP platform and unified communications products in contact centers and the enterprise and to facilitate Aspect’s build out of a professional services practice for Microsoft Unified Communications.

Through this collaboration, Microsoft and Aspect we expect deliver new benefits for businesses and their customers – streamline customer interactions, help businesses enhance the customer experience and reduce cost; give customers faster access to better information, and through more modalities (email, IM, voice).

LINKS: 
Microsoft and Aspect Form Global Strategic Alliance
http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2008/mar08/03-18StandAloneContactCenterPR.mspx

Microsoft buys its way into call centers
http://www.infoworld.com/article/08/03/19/Microsoft-buys-its-way-into-call-centers_1.html

One of the things SP1 did was remove the Group Policy management tools which originally shipped with Windows Vista RTM.  The new Remote Server Administration Tools (RSAT) is a package released today which includes many of the Windows Server 2008 administration tools (including a more powerful Group Policy Management Console) to run on IT Pros’ Windows Vista SP1 PCs. 

Remote Server Administration Tools (RSAT) has been released to the web!

Today we released the Remote Server Administration Tools (RSAT) to the web.  RSAT is the collection of Windows Server 2008 management tools which enable IT professionals to manage their Windows Server infrastructure from their PCs running Windows Vista with Service Pack 1.  This post outlines the list of components which make up RSAT, a link to the downloads, and frequently asked questions. 

Where to Install:

• Microsoft Remote Server Administration Tools for Windows Vista with SP1 (x86): http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=9FF6E897-23CE-4A36-B7FC-D52065DE9960
• Microsoft Remote Server Administration Tools for Windows Vista with SP1(x64): http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=D647A60B-63FD-4AC5-9243-BD3C497D2BC5

(We will have a main download page at:  http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=108134)

RSAT is available to all customers as part of supplemental Microsoft Software License Terms to Windows Vista licenses.

What Is Included in RSAT?
This is the list of Windows Server 2008 administration tools which are included in RSAT:

Role Administration Tools:

• Active Directory Certificate Services (AD CS) Tools
• Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS) Tools
• Active Directory Lightweight Directory Services (AD LDS) Tools
• DHCP Server Service Tools
• DNS Server Service Tools
• Shared Folders Tools
• Network Policy and Access Services Tools
• Terminal Services Tools
• Uniiversal Description, Discovery, and Integration (UDDI) Services Tools

Feature Administration Tools:

• BitLocker Drive Encryption Tools
• Failover Clustering Tools
• Group Policy Management Tools
• Network Load Balancing Tools
• SMTP Server Tools
• Storage Manager for SANs Tools
• Windows System Resource Manager Tools

The tools in the following list are fully supported managing Windows Server 2003 servers as well:

• Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS) Tools
• Active Directory Lightweight Directory Services (AD LDS) Tools
• Active Directory Certificate Services (AD CS) Tools
• DHCP Server Tools
• DNS Server Tools
• Group Policy Management Tools
• Network Load Balancing Tools
• Terminal Services Tools
• Universal Description, Discovery, and Integration (UDDI) Services Tools

RSAT Questions and Answers:
Q. Why is Microsoft making RSAT available?
A. Many IT professionals manage their servers from their own desktops. RSAT enables IT professionals to use the updated Windows Server 2008 management tools to manage their servers remotely from their own computers.

Q. Which operating systems does RSAT manage?
A. All RSAT tools manage Windows Server 2008 servers. Certain RSAT tools also manage servers running Windows Server 2003.

Q. Is RSAT the next version of ADMINPAK.MSI?
A. Yes. As ADMINPAK.MSI provides IT professionals the ability to remotely manage their Windows Server 2003 servers, RSAT provides updated functionality for Windows Server management from computers running Windows Vista with Service Pack 1. All RSAT tools support the management of servers running Windows Server 2008; some of these tools also support the management of servers running Windows Server 2003, and thus can be considered a replacement for ADMINPAK.MSI.

Q. Will RSAT run on the version of Windows Vista with no service packs installed?
A. No. RSAT requires Windows Vista with Service Pack 1.

Q. Will RSAT include Group Policy Management Console (GPMC) for Windows Vista with SP1?
A. Yes.

Q: Will the GPMC provided by RSAT allow me to manage Group Policy preference items from a computer running Windows Vista with SP1?
A. Yes.

I'm not sure I should be sharing this video but here it goes.

If any of you have ever wondered what it was like working at the world's largest software company, I think this will be a nice peek behind the curtain for you.

Background:  TechReady 6
Twice a year, we at Microsoft have our own technical training conference called "TechReady".  Engineers & Specialists from the four corners of the globe fly into Seattle and go through a week's worth of training during HUNDREDS of presentations, hands-on-labs, and chalkboard-ing sessions.  All the stuff is "MS internal only" meaning that 'the good, the bad, and the ugly' is laid bare about all our products, new and old.  What's even better is it's all LiveMeeting-ed, all the presentations are made available during the event, and you can sit down with the product group folks and really get a lot out of it. 

Basically imagine if going to an "uber-TechEd2008-on-steroids" was part of your job.  Nice 'eh?

The Smackdown
Anyway, one of the more famous sessions held at every event is something called "Windows Mobility Smackdown".  Put simply, it's a session where the most interesting demos are shown, the latest hardware using Windows Mobile is revealed, and gadgetry of all types are actually given away.

Run by some friends of mine (Dan, Kevin, Jason), the Smackdown gets a little... wacky.  I mean if you want to talk about some fervor, passion and excitement look no further than the average Windows Mobility Smackdown session attendee.  These people are psycho and the funny part is that the rooms usually hold 300 people or so, and  you're only seeing a small 5 minutes slice of video... so you can imagine how ridiculous the rest of the 85 minutes during the session gets.

In fact, they show a couple interesting devices that you probably haven't seen before in the video.  (Simply because they haven't been released yet) But keep in mind that these are just a couple of the many devices that are shown.  So for the phone/PDA geek, this session is absolute paradise.

Anyway, check it out:  It's a good glimpse into the world of Microsoft's technology specialists.

VIDEO:  http://channel8.msdn.com/Posts/3768/

The Code Trip is hitting Southern California tomorrow! 

Our local developer evangelist, Woody Pewitt (along with several other developers will be riding in this bus on a 9,000 mile road trip to customer sites, universities and user group meetings, evangelizing development on .NET.

Tomorrow the bus is arriving in SoCal for the rest of the week -- we have several events planned (listed below).  You think you know someone who might enjoy one of our events?? Spread the word, the more the merrier!

• March 25^th - San Diego .NET Users Group meeting in Scripps Ranch Library in San Diego
• March 26^th – Irvine .NET meeting next event (and the bus will be parked at the Hyatt)
• March 27^th  - We have three events we will be at:
• Cal State Fullerton
  USC
  LA Geek Dinner
• March 28^th -  Special party at RedBull, space is quite limited so please register soon
• March 31^st - Cuesta Community College in San Luis Obispo

Interestingly, I wasn't the one that tried this.  My customer did.

The Microsoft Wireless Entertainment Desktop 7000 keyboard works just fine on an Xbox 360.  This means that you can keep a Wireless keyboard nearby and anytime you want to tap out a message or you have to enter in one of those god-awful 25 character redemption codes, you can use a keyboard to do so. 

The arrow keys work, the ENTER key works like the "Start" button, everything.  It's actually pretty cool.

LINK:  http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/mouseandkeyboard/productdetails.aspx?pid=081

Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT) 2008 unifies the tools and processes required for desktop and server deployment into a common deployment console and collection of guidance. The fourth generation deployment accelerator adds integration with recently released Microsoft deployment technologies to create a single path for image creation and automated installation. MDT’s tools and end-to-end guidance reduce deployment time, standardize desktop and server images, limit service disruptions, reduce post-deployment help desk costs, and improve security and ongoing configuration management.

Microsoft Deployment Toolkit technologies eliminate interaction time required to install desktop and server operating systems. Interaction at the targeted computer may take a few moments using the Lite Touch Installation (LTI) method or it can be completely automated using Zero Touch Installation (ZTI). Zero Touch Installation utilizes Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager 2007 or Systems Management Server 2003 with the Operating System Deployment Feature Pack. Lite Touch Installation can be used when software distribution tools are not in place.

Microsoft Deployment Tookit 2008 also uses Configuration Manager 2007’s stand-alone media-initiated operating system deployment feature. This release offers project management guidance for all deployment roles and separates technical documentation for the products and technologies to facilitate automation tasks.

Microsoft Deployment Toolkit 2008 enables deployment of the following Microsoft products:

• Windows Vista Business, Enterprise, and Ultimate (32 and 64 bit) RTM and SP1
• Office Professional, Professional Plus, Enterprise, and Ultimate 2007
• Windows Server 2008
• Windows Server 2003 R2 (32 and 64 bit)
• Windows XP Professional with Service Pack 2 (32 and 64 bit) or Windows XP Tablet PC Edition

DOWNLOAD:  http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=3bd8561f-77ac-4400-a0c1-fe871c461a89&displaylang=en&tm

Looks like the Windows Mobile group unleashed their technical writers on to Microsoft.com because there's a ton of new whitepapers out there around deployment and security for mobile devices in the Enterprise.

• Security Considerations for Windows Mobile Messaging in the Enterprise
  This paper discusses potential security risks in the mobile Enterprise, and how the network administrator can help protect the device by setting security policies using Exchange Server. It also describes security considerations on the device, the Exchange server, and the corporate network. This paper also describes how to perform common tasks, such as installing a certificate on a Windows Mobile powered device.
  http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=1b0260b9-4a92-43d9-84f9-7200d99e3ea1&displaylang=en&tm
  
• Deploying Windows Mobile 6 Powered Devices with Microsoft Exchange Server 2007
  This paper provides step by step instructions about how to deploy Windows Mobile 6 in an Exchange Server 2007 environment. Additionally, it describes new Enterprise features, network architecture scenarios, best practices, and procedures for implementing a mobile messaging system with Exchange Server 2007 and Windows Mobile powered devices that run Windows Mobile 6.
  http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=c72f213c-e52f-4971-af04-1d5eaebbb1dc&displaylang=en&tm
  
• Security Model for Windows Mobile 5.0 and Windows Mobile 6
  This paper describes all security policy settings in Windows Mobile powered devices. It also describes permissions, levels of security, and how policies and roles work together. This paper also describes certificates and security services for Windows Mobile 5.0 and Windows Mobile 6, and some common scenarios, such as wiping or locking a device.
  http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=e7bfb990-dd10-4d55-a785-52ebf5980331&displaylang=en&tm
  
• Step-by-Step Guide to Deploying Windows Mobile-based Devices with Microsoft Exchange Server 2003 SP2
  This paper presents essential elements of a mobile messaging system, including system requirements; a summary of deployment procedures; an overview of MSFP; an introduction to direct push technology; a summary of ISA Server 2006 features; and best practices for networking, security, and device management. It also provides guidelines and resources for the deployment of a mobile messaging system, including updating Exchange Server 2003 SP2, setting up Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync for mobile access, creating a protected communications environment, setting up an ISA Server 2006 environment, and procedures for setting up and managing mobile
  http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=50ad06ee-2e53-4353-b53e-692b7c7b7ad8&displaylang=en&tm

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so here's a snapshot of what Springboard, a website dedicated to getting IT Pro's started with Windows Vista, looks like:
(http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windowsvista/bb905048.aspx)

Looks pretty good huh?  It's VERY thorough from the "understanding phase" to the "deployment phase".

The bad news is that Technet Magazine, Microsoft's industry magazine for IT Professionals, will be losing one of it's columns. 

The Cable Guy was a popular column/article series that focused on Windows Networking technologies - the last of which focused on Network Access Protection from Windows Server 2008, written by Joseph Davies, Technical Writer for Microsoft, so you know the articles were pretty good. (The writer had to change posts within Microsoft and didn't have time for the column)

The good news is they're replacing the column with one dedicated to SHAREPOINT.  Entitled "Inside Sharepoint", Sharepoint administrators will now have a consistent article source in Technet Magazine providing hints and in depth looks at different ways to expand Sharepoint usage.

What's that?  You don't GET Technet Magazine?  Sheesh.  I've only written about how to get a free subscription a couple dozen times.  Here it is again:  For those of you who've been too lazy to subscribe, even though I've told you the subscription is totally free, here's the link to get a free subscription to the semi-monthly publication, sent straight to your doorstep.

SUBSCRIBE:  http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/magazine/cc296584.aspx

If any of you intend on using a Bluetooth headset with Windows Vista & Office Communicator 2007:

1)  ERROR:  “Can’t find device driver for Bluetooth headset”

If you run into a problem where you attempt to pair your Bluetooth headset with your Windows Vista laptop and you find the install process asking you “for a driver to be installed from the device manufacturer”.  The reason for this was answered in the Technet forums:

“The Windows Vista Bluetooth stack does not support Audio in-box.  During Vista, Microsoft added the underlying mechanics to support Bluetooth audio and opened up the interfaces, enabling 3rd parties to develop audio support.”
http://forums.microsoft.com/technet/showpost.aspx?postid=960824&siteid=17&sb=0&d=1&at=7&ft=11&tf=0&pageid=1

The net of this is, the built-in Windows Vista Bluetooth stack works with virtually every bluetooth device… except audio headsets. 
Basically, you just need to upgrade your Bluetooth software to a stack that works with audio headsets.

To configure your computer’s built-in Bluetooth hardware to properly support Bluetooth Audio devices you need to contact the manufacturer of your computer to help you identify the specific Bluetooth hardware used in your computer, and to determine if software/driver updates are available to use as an alternative to the native Bluetooth software in Vista.  (Note: Currently there is no patch available from Microsoft available for this issue.)  If you have the HP nc8430: 

Software Support for HP Integrated Module with Bluetooth Wireless Technology (Microsoft Windows Vista)
http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/SoftwareDescription.jsp?lang=en&cc=us&prodTypeId=321957&prodSeriesId=1839150&prodNameId=1839197&swEnvOID=2097&swLang=8&mode=2&taskId=135&swItem=ob-56755-1

2)  HOWTO:  “Find a Bluetooth Headset that works with both Windows Vista/Office Communicator & cellphone seamlessly”

The holy grail is to have a Bluetooth headset on your ear, and have it automatically receive the signal of inbound calls from either your laptop's Office Communicator (using Telephony Integration) or from your cellphone seamlessly.  This is only possible on a select group of phones that have the capability of what's called "multipoint pairing".

I've noticed that this functionality is available on roughly 30% of the headsets out there.  Since there’s no list of what headsets work best for usage with both your laptop and your cellphone, I started researching the topic myself by borrowing some people’s headsets, getting some sent to me to test from Plantronics, and also purchased a few.

Here’s the list of headsets that I’ve tested:

Headsets that DO work:

• Plantronics Voyager™ 510
  http://www.plantronics.com/north_america/en_US/products/mobile/bluetooth-headsets/voyager-510
• Plantronics Voyager™ 520
  http://www.plantronics.com/north_america/en_US/products/mobile/bluetooth-headsets/voyager-520
• Plantronics Discovery™ 650E
  http://www.plantronics.com/north_america/en_US/products/mobile/bluetooth-headsets/discovery-650e
• Plantronics Voyager™ 815
  http://www.plantronics.com/north_america/en_US/products/mobile/bluetooth-headsets/voyager-815

Headsets that do NOT work:

• Plantronics Discovery™ 655
  http://www.plantronics.com/north_america/en_US/products/mobile/bluetooth-headsets/discovery-655-audioiq
• Plantronics Discovery™ 665
  http://www.plantronics.com/north_america/en_US/products/mobile/bluetooth-headsets/discovery-665
• Plantronics Voyager™ 855 Stereo Bluetooth Headset
  http://plantronics.com/north_america/en_US/products/mobile/bluetooth-headsets/voyager-855

The Release Candidate 0 (RC0) update to the Hyper-V role provides improvements to security, stability, performance, user experience, forward compatibility of configurations, and the programming model. All users of the Hyper-V role are encouraged to apply this upgrade. After you install this item, you may have to restart your computer. (26MB)

x86:  http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=b7464b44-821d-4a7c-9d9c-7d74ec14437c&displaylang=en&tm

x64:  http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=ddd94dda-9d31-4e6d-88a0-1939de3e9898&displaylang=en&tm