microsoft
There are 212 entries for the tag microsoft
If you can’t be bothered reading the details – simply use this? :-) Because the Windows 7 Beta will be offered download-only, it will be provided to you as an ISO image (an .iso file) that you download. more details below And just in case you are interested in the Keynote at CES from Steve Ballmer regarding the release of Windows 7 Windows 7 Home Page As of today, I am running the Windows 7 Beta on several different PCs including my laptop, my work PC, and my PC at home, which I upgraded recently...
So I have been asked a few questions regarding FBWF (File Based Write Filter) in the last few days and thought this might also be useful to others? By default in XP Embedded there is a component called EWF (Enhanced Write Filter) that acts as an overlay to catch actions that require write access like the Cache for the browser and these are discarded during a reboot. As an Admin you can set up the XPe system as you like and then COMMIT the changes to the flash memory via Command Line or using the...
So anyway, I figured that with the stories getting around regarding the recent PDC that there would be Virtual Machines of Windows 7 being handed out on the portable Hard drives that it wouldn't take long for them to appear on Torrent sites etc... And so it would appear ;-) Download 64-bit Windows 7 6801 Pre-Beta ISO (Microsoft.Windows.7.64Bit.... Torrent) So I started looking around to see how easy this might be to crank up under the old trusty VMware Workstation 6 (I really have...
Hi All, Just a note regarding an issue I had to help resolve a little while back? Issue: We had a pre-sealed image of an XPe intended for a customer, who wanted to join it to the domain, come through and during testing at our location and on site for the customer it was found that it simply refused to get it's time in sync Research: What we able to narrow down to is that the Registry Entry for: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\C... was listed as Type = NoSync and...
Given that Hyper-V has now just been released as RTM it’s likely that more people are looking at the product and quite possibly for the first time so this sort of information might be very useful? 10 commonly asked questions or issues seen during Hyper-V beta With the RTM release of Hyper-V just around the corner, I thought it would be a good idea to re-visit some of the top things we have seen customers encounter when installing and configuring Hyper-V for the first time and give pointers to resources...
So this mornings news from Alessandro is the release of Hyper-V - Download a trial here. I have also included at the bottom of this post a number of links that Justin Zarb helped collate regarding where to find all kinds of info relating to Hyper-V Release: Microsoft Hyper-V 1.0 Thursday, June 26, 2008 | 0 Comments | After over three years of development (the product was originally announced at WinHEC 2005 conference) Microsoft finally releases today its first bare-metal virtualization platform:...
Well as far as I am aware, XPe as it stands to day will be available through till sometime in 2010, but it seems more news is getting out about is’s possible Vista based replacement? My personal view is that MS should take a deep hard look at the *LACK* of take up and interest in Vista before heading down this path anytime soon – but that doesn’t mean they won’t try regardless. Now of particular note from the details below from Mary Jo Foley is the indication of the size of the OS? XPe may have a...
Reap the rewards of the open-source community courtesy of Douglas Toombs from Windows IT Pro Magazine Find your free tools: "LocatePC" "OCS Inventory NG" "PRTG" "SIW" "SyncBack" "TrueCrypt" "WinDirStat" "Wink" "BareTail" "Ethereal" "FileZilla" "NeWT" "Ngrep" "OpenSSH" "WinDump" "WinPcap" "Winfingerprint" "CamStudio" "CDBurnerXP" "Comodo Firewall Pro" "DriveImage XML" "GParted LiveCD" "JkDefrag" "PageDefrag" "TestDisk" 25 Absolutely Cool, Totally Free Utilities...
My only disappointment is that we are currently in the middle of moving our current Solutions Centre from one Office location to the other so it'll be some while before I get a chance to test this. It certainly looks quite impressive and it does have some lofty aims, but from a brief look through as well as their well deserved reputation based on Flex Profiles I'm sure this will stand up to it's promises. Test Scenario’s With login VSI you can compare many different scenarios: • VDI vs. SBC • VMware,...
So from a note on Jason Langridge's blog about Mobile 2.0 I started looking deeper at some of the recent developments in the mobile world. Of particular note is the presentation embedded below from Rudy De Waele of m-trends.org and I would encourage anyone who is remotely interested in where things are heading with regards to mobile usage, Internet and information services to review this. | View | Upload your own Rudy definitely appears to have a finger on the pulse of what's going on in the rapidly...
It is something of a shame that Symantec is not making the best of this acquisition, especially when you consider the amount of change and hype in the Virtualization space over the last 14 months since Symantec announced the purchase? I made the comment only a few weeks ago (Thinstall quick out of the blocks) that it was quite gratifying to see good technology not sitting by the sidelines waiting for the politics and marketing to settle before it can again back on with getting the work done - but...
I was helping build a Road Case for demos at MS 2008 Launches and other uses and while building a couple of VDI's as well as BladePC's for the Thin Client's to connect to we found that roughly half of the devices were not responding at all to a simple RDP connection. One point here is that although this was just a small Road Case for demo's we had decided to try and emulate a proper enterprise environment as possible in that the systems had been setup as Multi-Homed with dual NIC's so that there...
Well who would have thought it? is this Novell rising from the ashes? It will no doubt be an interesting year watching still further manoeuvrings in the Virtual space - although I wonder if the US does finally get in to a recession will this slow down the pace a bit? Certainly VMware has a lot more competitors to contend with now than it did when the IPO was released last year and I see there share price is now back under USD$60 after the dizzy heights of $120 late last year.... Novell acquires PlateSpin...
So running out of space to store all those "must have available 24/7" docs and files? If you already have a Hotmail or Live email address you have 5Gb at your disposal? Now I just need to rid myself of this crappy Internode ISP and switch to TPG so that I can ramp things up to a proper ADSL2+ connection and all should be sweet? ;-) February 21 Welcome to the bigger, better, faster SkyDrive! We know it's been mighty quiet on the SkyDrive blog, but we’ve been hard at work on a new version that we’re...
Now somewhile back I produced the following post regarding any other alternatives to RDP and ICA and at the time I might have been somewhat flippant about NComputing's model based on Windows XP SP2, and since then there have been a number of other companies like Miniframe jump on the same bandwagon where they are effectively using a desktop based OS to provide concurrent multi-user sessions and I always thought this did somewhat fly in the face of the EULA? At the time I was sort of suspecting that...
So as I'm going to be attempting this in the next few weeks it is interesting to note that this would appear to still be an issue with the RTM of 2008 as the Hyper-V is still in beta. Another note mentioned that you don't actually reinstall: You don't really need to reinstall anything. You only have to reset System & Default User regional settings to original (default EN-US) settings and then reboot the server. Ciao, Alessandro Still, worth keeping mind if you are after the Hyper-V service? ;-)...
A very comprehensive rundown (from Massimo) of the potential issues being faced by anyone trying to implement a VDI solution? I certainly agree with Massimo on a number of points, just as it's quite easy to move from physical to virtual on the Server side this almost sets the customers expectations that it's just as easy to do the same for the Desktop, and this is where things are sometimes getting undone? Why Desktop Virtualization is not as easy as Server Virtualization In the last few months I...
So this certainly adds some ammunition for VMware's coming stoush with Microsoft in the Battle of the Hypervisors? It makes you wonder who's next on VMware's radar? VMware acquires Thinstall Just yesterday virtualization.info published the news about a possible acquisition of VMware in the application virtualization market, speculating that the acquired firm could be FastScale. The official announcement comes today, clarifying the actual acquired company and the company strategy behind the move:...
So from what Alessandro is saying it currently only works with Linux, I wasn't aware of that limitation but that's OK from an Appliance perspective, but you kind of wonder how hard it might be to replicate that on the Windows side of things? Certainly this sounds like it can really help VMware distinguish itself from some of the other competitors - but only for the moment as I'm beginning to think that we might see something like an "Arms Race" as all the Virtualization players rush to out do each...
I have been trying Vista on a corporate Laptop over the holidays in advance of getting hold of the "Approved" corporate image for my laptop and in some ways it's a clunker - so if you know what you're doing and want to "trim" some of those annoying messages and confirmations then this might be just the tool for you? Vista4Experts Current Version: 1.0.0.1 Download Vista4Experts Vista4Experts is kind of a treat for computer experts who don't want security center notifications, User Account Control...
So things have been quite quiet for me over the break in some ways as I took advantage of the fact that my Father-in-law made late changes to go over to Perth for the Xmas/New Year break and that unexpectedly left a 42 foot fly bridge cruiser at my disposal for use on the Sydney Harbour - but I digress.... Anyway, I'm now catching up on all the feeds from bloglines and I came across this tasty little snippet of all the work that Microsoft looks to be pouring in to developing the SmartPhone side of...
I found this article today at CIO via an Article at Doug Browns site www.dabcc.com and thought it too good to just post the quote. This is exactly why Virtualization is shaking up the IT market so much - it has the capacity to drastically change the way you think about "Flexibility" and "Agility". Being able to provision on the fly in 30 minutes or so doesn't hurt either - and it's this very reason that makes concepts like VDI seem so very attractive. Virtualization at Warp Speed: How One Company...
I am so glad to have noticed this while in the office ;-) I can set the download going while I head off for Lunch, although I'm not sure I'm going to have too much time to play over the weekend as the missus clearly has ideas of Xmas shopping and taking advantage of the sunny weather this weekend? Microsoft launches Hyper-V beta 1 Thursday, December 13, 2007 | 0 Comments Completely unexpected Microsoft launches today the first beta of its upcoming hypervisor Hyper-V (formerly codename Viridian /...
Well this certainly sounds good, but I seem to recall that a few years ago there was the Cappuccino PC and the AOpen, just to name a few and there is also a good web site at www.worldssmallestpc.com that has a whole range of devices that come under the small form factor banner. The main change with this particular unit would appear to be the lack of an optical drive which frees up the design criteria allowing a much narrower profile from the front and consequently a reduction in volume for the overall...
So it looks like the gloss is coming off the VMware IPO? now that we are back down to the $70 mark I wonder how many people will stop and remember that this was an IPO of only $29? Let's be honest here, regardless of the hype surrounding the stock and the IPO, most companies and advisors do not normally release a stock for IPO and price it at 30% or 50% of value? It was priced at $29 for a reason and now we are starting to come back to that. If anything I feel sorry for those that are not intimately...
Well, hang on a minute and let's not get too carried away? It doesn't "run" 45 times faster - what is explained here is a simple file copy, a large file copy sure, but essentially the basic File and Print server stuff that Novell used to own some 10 or 15 years back? Don't get me wrong, I'm glad that someone at Redmond has finally found the Turbo button, and what I would be curious about is "exactly how" that copy instruction was carried out, and how they took their measurements - they haven't indicated...
Judging by my limited experiences with Vista the "security" sounds like it might be a case of how much security you need to turn off until your Server actually communicates with the other devices and runs the Applications correctly? Other than that I'm looking forward to seeing just how much can be accomplished with Power Shell, it's certainly got my Brother excited ;-) 10 things to consider when making a Windows Server 2008 upgrade decision Windows Server 2008 is expected to officially launch in...
With all the computing power available it's so disappointing to see it being sucked up by ever bigger bloatware, so it's refreshing to see Microsoft focusing on getting things thin and efficient. And from this I picked up the interesting news regarding Microsoft's research into the concept of a Singularity based O/S Singularity Overview Singularity is a research project focused on the construction of dependable systems through innovation in the areas of systems, languages, and tools. We are building...
Back when I was focused on Citrix Servers and helping people get the best out of existing Terminal Server and Citrix Server installations it was somewhat surprising how many Applications AND Developers all do their own thing in whatever way they like with no regards to Standards like these. There was similar material from Microsoft regarding Server 2003 and I always kept the details in template email ready for when asked. Anyway, these links below should start you off in the right place? Windows...
So based on two recent announcements it might actually be possible shortly to host your Virtual Web Server from your PDA? Seriously, it might not be possible today - but don't bet against it being real in the next year or so? Turn your phone into a file and web server When you want to connect to your Windows Mobile phone you've got a few options. You can either use ActiveSync via the supplied cable or you can remotely connect over the WiFi with applications like Pocket Controller. Now there's another...
So it's worth considering what this news might mean in it's wider context? As Alessandro quite rightly points out, Quest is almost in stealth mode with regards to it's Virtualization plays, it is much more widely known for it's AD Admin tools, etc. - not Virtualization? When you have a look through the Products and Solutions offered by Quest the main reoccurring theme would appear to be "Management" and the tools to assist Admin's in Management of the various IT Systems. Provision was effectively...
from virtualization.info: Well this clearly looks like it is vindicating some of the comments from Brian Madden's site that Hypervisors will become a commodity, and what will clearly differentiate will be the Management Tools for Virtual Machines. Microsoft Hyper-V is the final name for codename Viridian Monday, November 12, 2007 | 0 Comments With an unexpected announce Microsoft opens TechEd IT Forum 2007 in Barcellona revealing that final name for codename Virdian will be Hyper-V. Tentative name...
So now Softgrid is to be known as "Application Virtualization", well at least it does follow the recent trend where some of the Vendors are attempting to call their products by a name that actually describes what it does? Microsoft Application Virtualization 4.5 is Open for Public Beta And away we go!!!!! Welcome to ITForum and Welcome to Microsoft Application Virtualization 4.5 Beta!!! The keynote has kicked off with an amazing display of technologies and one that jumped out straight at me was our...
I'm not suggesting it's the smartest thing to do, how would anyone know the URL for instance? What is interesting though is the possibilities that this starts to open up? It has been mentioned before that the idea and concept of a hypervisor and multiple virtual machines running in a SmartPhone (or iPhone for that matter) is a real possibility, so when you start thinking that there is a way of also hosting a web server in there as well then it starts me thinking about all the other possibilities?...
Well this is going to be interesting - a windows version is around the corner? well to be honest I kind of like the Linux GUI anyway, but what will be crucial to this device is that it doesn't sacrifice speed or battery life for a fancy Vista like GUI. I have always been a fan of Laptops and Notebooks being mobile devices, as opposed to Desktop replacements, so my personal bias has always been for a maximum screen size of 12" - besides have you ever been sitting by someone in an aircraft when they...
It would appear that Martin is getting a hard time from the Oracle regarding the Licensing element. Is this just me, or does this seem like Oracle is sticking their head in the sand? I find it incredibly hard to understand that in the latter part of 2007 Oracle finds it difficult to accept or accommodate the concept of Virtualization. Oracle licensing: not OK We have received word on our Oracle licensing problem. Unfortunately the word from Oracle HQ in The States was not good. They still will not...
I'm afraid I haven't had time to actually download the docs and read them through as there are other things I need to get done before heading over to Vegas for Citrix's Application Delivery Expo next week. But it would appear that the Guide for Softgrid has come at a very opportune time as I've been contacted a couple of times now in the last few weeks by recruiters looking for people here in Australia with experience in Softgrid, in fact a few weeks ago I was contacted by a recruiting firm in Hong...
Looks like MS have not had a good month on this subject? Still, looks like there is light at the end of the tunnel? :-) Stealth Windows update prevents XP repair By Scott Dunn A silent update that Microsoft deployed widely in July and August is preventing the "repair" feature of Windows XP from completing successfully. Ever since the Redmond company's recent download of new support files for Windows Update, users of XP's repair function have been unable to install the latest 80 patches from Microsoft....
So it would seem that Provision and Leostream are almost going head to head with getting their message out there regarding Desktop Brokers? I wonder how long VMware is going to keep Dunes version of DS-O under wraps after the recent acquisition? Seems to me they'd better not leave it too long? :-) ---------------------------... Provision Networks, provider of enterprise presentation and desktop virtualization solutions, announced...
Alessandro is at it again, keep checking his site for all news Virtual? Microsoft opens Viridian technical preview to general public By Alessandro Perilli Just a couple of weeks after releasing Windows Server 2008 RC0 to TAP customers, Microsoft is ready to open the new build to general public. Since it includes a technical preview of upcoming Windows Server Virtualization (codename Viridian), this is the first time the new Microsoft hypervisor reaches such a wide audience. Viridian adopts is a true...
Now this is quite interesting because up until now most of the news and information (dare I say Hype?) has been based around the benefits of flexibility and high availability (like VMotion, etc.) but we are now starting to see enough real world examples of Server and Desktop Virtualization that we can have broad benchmarks or rule-of-thumb guidelines that are indicative of the savings that can be gained even at the design stage when details of the intended environment are almost non-existent? Although...
Since around late 2003 I was getting fed up with Vodafone's service at the time in London and was looking to switch, I was also getting somewhat fed up with Nokia's offerings with it's monochrome screens while everyone else was offering colour screens. So I switched to Orange and the MPX 200 from Motorola, not only for it's colour screen, but also the fact that it was a Microsoft device that seamlessly (well sort of....) synched Outlook contacts etc.... Anyway, the point is that since switching to...
Microsoft opens Viridian technical preview to general public By Alessandro Perilli After revealing that codename Viridian beta 1 will be included in Windows Server 2008 RTM, set for February 28, Microsoft published a 10-minutes demo of the technical preview included in Window Server 2008 RC0. It's the first time Microsoft shows Viridian to a broad audience since first demo presented at WinHEC 2006. The video shows Viridian integration in a full version of Windows, a scenario which Microsoft didn't...
After a wet and wild weekend camping Dugie pulls out all the stops again... Thanks Dugie, I wasn't aware I needed to install the 64bit version to make it work? URLs for Windows 2008 RC0 and WSv WSS, Virtualization September 25th, 2007 If you want to download Windows 2008 RC0 with the Windows Server virtualization preview, the URLs are below: Windows Server 2008 RC0 Enterprise - 2.6 Gb Windows Server 2008 RC0 Datacenter - 2.6 Gb Remember to grab the 64 bit version (6001.16659.070916-1443_amd...
I have been looking a bit deeper at the blogging side of things and investigating if it's worth getting a bit more serious, as well as having some great ideas about creating a Social Network, so based on this I have run up quite a few virtual Servers and installed DNN (DotNetNuke), Community Server, Movabletype and Wordpress, amongst others, both in Windows and Linux flavours and I have to state that from my pitiful level of Linux knowledge creating a LAMP server is not that easy. LAMP for the uninitiated...
I was checking some other news over at ChannelRegister and found this interesting little snippet. I'm sure the Microsoft marketing will make a lot more of this than it's worth? ;-) Microsoft counters VMware insanity with optimistic frown I'm pretty sure that this is part of the reason VMware has pushed so hard with ESX Server 3i - a 32MB version of its flagship product that can and will be embedded into the flash memory of servers. Dell, IBM, HP, Fujitsu and others have lined up to include ESX 3i...
Welcome to the cold shower? Still, it will be very interesting how this space shapes up? Deeper look at VMWare's results spooks investors Posted by: Aaron Pressman on September 18 When software hotshot and EMC (Symbol: EMC) spin-off VMWare (VMW) went public last month at $29, demand from investors was feverish and the shares shot up 76% on their first day of trading. Since then, they’ve gained even more, peaking at $82.75 in intraday trading last week. VMWare’s final IPO filing with the Securities...
There has been so much going on in the Virtualization space that it's worth reviewing some of the announcements that has predominately been broken at Alessandro's Virtualization.info Microsoft to distribute Viridian beta 1 with Windows Server 2008 RTM Microsoft and Citrix will leverage future products on VHD format Microsoft partners with Sun to improve hypervisors interoperability Virtualization leaders and OEMs start working on common virtual machines format VMware distributes VMware Tools as open...
Thanks to Dugie for the heads up on this announcement, could this be right? everyone is going to co-operate? WOW DMTF Accepts New Format for Portable Virtual Machines from Virtualization Leaders New specification created by Dell, HP, IBM, Microsoft, VMware, XenSource aims to become an industry standard; will help ensure portability, integrity and automated installation/configuration of virtual machines PORTLAND, ORE. September 10, 2007 The Distributed Management Task Force (DMTF®) today announced...
So this is a very interesting bit of news almost on the eve of the VMworl Conference in SF? Microsoft releases Viridian hypervisor along with Windows Server 2008 RC0 Few hours ago WinBeta broke the news Microsoft just released Windows Server 2008 RC0 to TAP customers. Now virtualization.info has learned from trusted sources that this new version contains first preview version of new Microsoft hypervisor Windows Server Virtualization (WSV), codename Viridian. As expected the hypervisor comes as a...
From TechCrunch.... Google Earth’s Hidden Surprise: A Flight Simulator Duncan Riley We’ve always known that Google has wanted to challenge Microsoft’s desktop dominance in a number of areas, but to date we didn’t know that extended to gaming. Hidden inside Google Earth is a secret Flight Simulator that takes full advantage of Google’s extensive satellite imagery. To access the hidden feature, open Google Earth and hit Command+Option+A (note it must be capital A) or Ctrl+Alt+A if you’re using a Windows...
One thing is for sure, if Microsoft were to buy/offer XenSource $1b and trump Citrix - then I think we would be able to safely say "the bubble has burst" on Tech Stocks again.... Having said that, this <cough> reporter from TheDeal then goes on to compare Microsofts Virtualization efforts to Google's acquisition of Green Border for the browser virtualization technologies - so on that little insight I'm not going to be worrying too much if I was Citrix. But in fairness, there is a very good...
So I was reading these two articles in todays IT Section and it started me thinking about the fact that I hadn't really looked through Opsware's web site to see what it did, and then it started to dawn on me that not only is Opsware looking really good, it also looks like a shift for HP in that this does a lot of the tasks that are currently done by Altiris Deployment Manager (OEM'd by HP as the Rapid Deployment Pack (RDP)). It can build from bare metal, offers Config Management, Patching, Compliance,...
More comment on the Citrix acquisition of XenSource.... Citrix buys XenSource: what next?And what will Microsoft and VMware do now? By Manek Dubash, Techworld Last time we wrote about virtualisation -- only just over a month ago -- we said: "the virtualisation market is in a bit of turmoil at the moment, shaken up by the prospect of billions of dollars of revenue." How prophetic those words have proven to be, albeit not in the manner we expected. Market gorilla VMware now has a rival. But what does...
Courtesy of Dugie at Dugie’s Pensieve Virtual Server R2 ‘Cookbooks’ released Virtualization August 20th, 2007 Microsoft have released “5 Cookbooks” for Virtual Server R2. Cookbooks are a step-by-step guide (with screen shots) on how to “make and bake” a solution. Thanks to Matt McSpirit for the early heads up! Each of the cookbooks are about ~100 pages in length and you can download them directly below: Hosted Backup.pdf - data backup and recovery to customers as a hosted solution with Virtual Server...
On the back of my last post - Roundup of news regarding Citrix XenSource deal plus quotes from Mark Templeton there are a number of people who feel that with Citrix's latest acquisition of XenSource that it is now being touted as a perfect opportunity for Microsoft to purchase Citrix. Well we've also heard in the past that even Cisco might be interested? but stop and think for a moment how good a deal would it be for HP to but Citrix? That would certainly make sense if they wanted to get to IBM's...
So there has been all sorts of news coming out regarding Citrix's purchase of XenSource, including the following articles below But what has been really interesting to read this morning is that apparently Novell were wooing XenSource about 9 months ago according to Allessandro's post Novell wanted to acquire XenSource 9 months ago, but so far the two best that do put it all in perspective are: The Truth Behind The Citrix XenSource Deal? from Michel at Thincomputing.net With XenSource, Citrix Sees...
So after you have survived another update Tuesday you are thinking that all's well with the on-line world? Perhaps it's worth checking all those other media snap-in's and add ons to make sure you have minimized the security implications? And don't think that you're safe just because you're running Firefox, etc? As an example this was what the scan came back with for my Laptop: Applications / Result Version Detected Status Microsoft Windows XP Professional Service Pack 2 Adobe Reader 7.x 7.0.9.50...
I was just ordering copies of the Server 2008 Beta 3 and was very nearly tripped up by the way Microsoft have changed the default naming of the O/S, now they specify the 32-bit as the "stated" O/S and I am assuming that the other one is the 64-bit? Part Number Product Name Qty. Price Item Total P73-03759 Windows Server® 2008 Beta 3 Standard 32-bit * Please enter 0-9 for quantity. 0.00 0.00 P72-02810 Windows Server® 2008 Beta 3 Enterprise 32-bit * Please enter 0-9 for quantity. 0.00 0.00 P73-03760...
Mmmm, looks a bit like we're going to be bombarded with Market during the next 194 days (and counting) ?? Countdown to Launch 194 Add this Gadget to your Vista desktop...
Thanks to Dugie, this is starting to lift the veil a little on what it might look like? ;-) BTW he also has a nice link to a slide deck from WinHEC regarding this Some perspective on the ‘thickness’ of Windows Virtualization Virtualization August 17th, 2007 I wanted to blog some more on recent chats I had at TechEd, particularly with some confusion with Windows Server Virtualization (aka Viridian). There was a common misconception that Microsoft Virtualization was “very fat“. So in an attempt to...
Looks like Thinstall is strating to gain some support down in this neck of the woods? Apps on tap help consolidation Barbara Gengler | August 14, 2007 APPLICATION virtualisation products from Microsoft, Citrix, Scalent Systems and Thinstall are winning acceptance as the next step for enterprises that want to consolidate their infrastructure. As an alternative software concept, application virtualisation uses policy-based automation to intelligently match available server supply with application demand....
Well, you have to hand it to the boys at El Reg, they certainly sound confident it's on for tomorrow? Citrix to reveal XenSource buy tomorrow Gets hypervised By Ashlee Vance in Mountain View → More by this author Published Tuesday 14th August 2007 20:45 GMT Citrix will announce its acquisition of XenSource tomorrow, The Register has learned. In a bid to expand its software management play, Citrix will grab the developer of the open source Xen hypervisor. The deal will give XenSource heftier corporate...
So…. Question? Would I use TS/Citrix or would I use VDI if I was building or designing the Front-Office of a Greenfield site today? This is a quite a hot topic, because as much as VDI/xDI/DDI is the latest craze that’s sweeping the IT sector, is it really all it’s cracked up to be? What has changed? My thoughts are that until relatively recently Corporate IT was rock solid and unchangeable, absolutely rooted in Change Management, driving Mainframes and COBOL – but now we are living in a much faster...
Well I have watched loads of "Grand Designs" in the UK and the first thing that went through my mind was - "how hard must have that been to build?", followed by "how hard must have that been to design?" and finally - I'd have loved to have seen the builders face as he started to understand what he was being asked to build? Microsoft Fanboys Do Stupid Things Too... By sumeethevans@bink.nu on Windows (general)...
So thanks to Doug at DABCC there is this article - this also contains a downloadable PDF of Credit Suisse's research on Citrix Is Citrix Making A Broader Virtualization Play? Posted on Friday, August 10, 2007 2:47:00 AM - E-mail Printer Friendly Version Written by: Philip Winslow and Dennis Simson Implications. In our opinion, one of the Xen developers—either XenSource or Virtual Iron—could represent an attractive target for Citrix, as we believe that hypervisor and associated management solutions...
It looks like I should have sold my Xbox 360 last month?...... bummer ;-) Xbox 360 Premium confirmed shipping with HDMI Posted Aug 8th 2007 5:33PM by Joshua Topolsky Filed under: Gaming It looks like after all the rumor-mongering and speculation, the bomb is in fact dropping on Xbox 360 Premium hopefuls: the game systems are shipping with HDMI. At least one lucky customer who purchased a Premium system at a Target in Atlanta is currently enjoying the spoils of Microsoft's not-so-secret addition,...
I came across this useful piece of info today and thought it was worth sharing... Number of Microsoft Certified Professionals Worldwide Updated: July 19, 2007 The Microsoft Certified Professionals (MCP) program was established in 1992. To date, more than 2 million people have achieved Microsoft Certification worldwide. Based on customer feedback, we have updated this list to include both the credential and the number of professionals on each release or certification. Because the MCP program is constantly...
From Allesandro comes this news - this is a huge list of updates, shouldn't this be 3.5 or so? ;-) VMware ESX Server 3.1.0 / VirtualCenter 2.1.0 features list - Updated with full details Tuesday, August 07, 2007 | 0 Comments With maximum secrecy VMware is preparing next minor version of its flagship platform: VMware Infrastructure 3.1. Despite numbering this release will bring on the table remarkable features to further increase the gap between virtualization leader and its competitors. virtualization.info...
Courtesy of Dugie: Windows 2008 VHD available Virtualization August 9th, 2007 Here at TechED at the moment, but I’m taking a moment to blog that the Windows 2008 VHD is now on Microsoft Downloads It’s a 5 part download totalling 2.8Gb — Gotta run to a session, but I’ll post back in a couple of days...
See if you can cast your mind back to when Compaq brought out the sexy new iPaq around 2000? It looked a bit like this and boy was it in demand, compared to the HP Jornada and the Casio models it really raised some eyebrows - I'd even go so far as to say it was the iPod of the time. More on these models. But since Compaq was taken over by HP it's almost like we have been plodding along with the slightly boring but functional HP style of PDA's that have inherited the iPaq name - so this news below...
Now this is a very interesting thought, especially when placed in context with the history of the fact that Symbian is effectively the son of Psion, and forgive me now for sounding incredibly optimistic, but given the legacy of what the Psion team and code could achieve then from a performance perspective in small tight code it's quite possible it could blow the doors of the Benchmarks? Let's take this crazy thought one step further and suggest that they launch a Notebook? Better yet, just take the...
So far in speaking with Clients this certainly reinforces what I'm hearing - no one seems in any hurry to go and install Vista - so far I know of only one Compant here in Australia that has plans to install this in the next 6 months. Business doubts grow about Vista migration Gregg Keizer Users are happy with what they have or considering Linux and Macs Fewer businesses are now planning to move to Windows Vista than seven months ago, according to a survey by patch management vendor PatchLink, while...
I noted this yesterday and I must confess that initially I had a brief look at Desktone's web site and after looking everywhere for some technical detail it would appear that the most you are going to get at this stage is the very nice graphic and not much else? I must confess that I'm quite curious about the "dynamic best fit protocol" and what that might entail? At the moment everyone is trying to jump on the xDI bandwagon and try to carve out a slice for themselves and yet they all still appear...
So news in from eHomeUpgrade - although to be fair it was also in this mornings Sunday Paper... ;-)) So is this the convergence that people like me have been looking for? Well I'd love to be able to tell you the answer but things are a bit busy at the moment and then I'll be cacthing up with my brother late next week for some time wandering around the Whitsundays and the Barrier Reef up north - but while we're taking it easy I might see if I can convince the minister for finance that this device...
Courtesy of bink.nu Vista SP1 pops up on TechEd Australia’s website By sumeethevans@bink.nu on Windows Vista It looks like Windows Vista’s first service pack is coming a lot sooner than expected. Mary Jo Foley’s reports that a Vista SP1 beta might be seeded to ‘elite’ testers and enthusiasts as early as this week and public release around November, or as vaguely described by Microsoft PR “sometime this year”. However, pundits down-under might even get their dirty “hands on” SP1 as early as August...
Is it just me, or do we all think that Microsoft is having a bit of a lend with the price of Vista? For the life of me I can't honestly see that we will be looking back at this in 5 years time and saying this was a defining moment for O/S's? Actually maybe we will, and all for the wrong reasons as far as Microsoft is concerned? I have been delving more and more into the various Linux Distros and Ubuntu is certainly looking quite slick, as well as Suse from Novell (BTW, drop them an email and they'll...
This is of particular interest to me as I'm keeping an eye out on the Server Core as it gets more airplay - I'm hoping to have some very neat ideas about how this can be used? Virtualization listed in the Windows 2008 Component Posters WSS, Virtualization July 18th, 2007 Microsoft just released the 2x two “Lonhorn Component Posters” from the July TechNet Magazine (thanks to Keith Combs for the heads up). Anyway, you can download both the Windows Server 2008 Component Posters from Microsoft Downloads,...
Deciding which Thin Client is good for you? So you are considering a Desktop Refresh in your organization? Are you aware of the impending "Tipping Point" where the difference between PC's and Thin Clients is about to become blurred? Traditional Thinking: Traditional thinking around Thin Clients focus's on the matrix between a choice of Hardware at a good, better and best level and the choice of O/S that is used which is typically WinXPe, WinCE or Linux - this then prompts the decision maker to ask...
I was just reading this in PC Mag here in the US - It should never be overstated - ALWAYS question whether or not you really do need to enter something like your credit card details - OR - any other personal details for that matter, it's a Jungle out there.....!! MS Needs Your Credit Card Details? Recently we came across an interesting Trojan sample, detected by Symantec as Trojan.Kardphisher. The Trojan is not very technical - it's really just another classic social-engineering attack. What makes...
So for those of you who have one, or are interested in how this is progressing it might be worth while checking out http://hackint0sh.org/forum but it's quite clear that Apple's blaze of Hype and Publicity could be bringing with some rather unwanted attention? ;-)) Files in iPhone reveal overseas plans for T-Mobile, Vodafone Posted Jul 4th 2007 3:09PM by Ryan Block Filed under: Cellphones That iPhone firmware leaked this week? Well, as found on the iPhone Dev Wiki it's been cracked open, its files...
Something else that I hadn't noticed before was Alessandro's Rent-a-lab available from his web site If you need to complete a Proof of Concept and lack of cold hard cash for hardware is holding you back then this is quite possibly a way forward - still with only 14 days max you'll need to be up and ready to roll before you get the gear? Nice innovative way of being able to prove the concept though ;-)) Rent-A-Lab virtualization.info Rent-A-Lab is a fully-redundant enterprise infrastructure available...
Well it's hardly a suprise, but it is nice to see some one serious like Gartner actually stating the obvious regarding MS's tardiness in the Virtualization space - coutesy of Alessandro. Gartner predicts a hypervisor for Vista by mid-2009, accuses Microsoft to slow down virtualization adoption Tuesday, July 03, 2007 | 0 Comments Quoting from ComputerWeekly: Gartner fellow, Brian Gammage, said, "Microsoft's licensing terms for Windows Vista running in VMs are unjustified; in addition, these terms...
So how are things progressing with regard to any serious Virtual Desktop scenarios? Do you know of any? VMware still touts the effort by Prudential in the UK as a success story, but that was done nearly two years ago, well before MS came to appreciate the level of interest in Virtualizing the Desktop. From what I've seen and heard down here in Australia the major roadblock to any movement on this is the lack of clarity from MS Licensing regarding releasing of any Pricing for the VECD unless of course...
Is this why Apple has been keen to keep the device out of reviewers hands until lthe Hype Cycle has completed the selling frenzy? Will Unusable Keyboard Fuel Apple iPhone Backlash? June 30, 2007 [General] | By Tadd Rosenfeld. Yes. The inner technology junkie in me was in prime form yesterday when at 6:00PM eastern standard time, when the normal Tadd would have been enjoying a Friday evening off, I found myself instead tapping my arm for a vein at the local Apple store. I was joined there by perhaps...
So from MSmobiles I found this very neat comparison of the features - I'm actually considering replacing the trusty Orange C600 that I have been using for some while now and everytime I catch the video of the interactive display of the iPhone I do think it looks great, but..... I have to remind myself that Mobiles (even more that Laptops) are a very tactile choice and before you make the commitment you should definately have the chance to pick one up and touch and play with it - jump in too quickly...
I can see I will need to check the price of the Sony MicroVault as Dugie is right, it certainly is small enough to fit in your wallet I would simply add to this with TeraCopy (previous post) being a tool that can support the resume function in traditional SMB, LAN, WAN connections just as it is possible via FTP. I have found myself stuck with trying to download 100mb or more over a VPN just knowing that it will timeout at some stage but being absolutely helpless - well now it doesn't matter with...
Well looks like I'll have to add "download Server 2008 and install in VMware (oops. Virtual Server)" to my ToDo list? ;-) A closer look at Session Broker load balancing in Windows Server 2008 In Technical Articles Notice: This article was written based on the Beta 3 release of Windows Server 2008. Features and facts about the Session Broker Load Balancing therefore could be subject to change as Windows Server 2008 moves towards RTM. You should be aware of this! Session Directory versus Session Broker...
This is nice to know, even if you aren't going to buy it straight away because of all the potential issues? there has been a lot of reporte issues surrounding battery life (not unlike some of the issues with the iPods?) and I'm sure it's not goiing to be an easy start for the iPhone - but at least it would mean that you aren't disconnected if you decided to buy one of these? With the amount of convergence currently in the electonic consumer market it would be unwise to place people in a position...
Some interesting news via bink.nu I have been using Ubuntu via VMware at home as a safe Browser/Internet facing device and even the 6.x version is very slick and easy to install - adding other Open Source apps via the Internet is a breeze. If you haven't tried Linux yet because you thought it too dificult then I'd encourage you to try this. I'm hoping for a Novell DVD of Suze to drop at my door shortly and I'll be giving that at run and see how it compares? Microsoft's Windows Marketplace: "Ubuntu...
So it's great to see that the info is slowly starting to emerge and be defined - to be sure it'll be a slow process... Vista Enterprise: Licensing FAQ for Virtualization ABOUT LICENSING RIGHTS TO 4 VIRTUAL OPERATING SYSTEMS Q. What does licensing rights to 4 virtual operating systems mean and why is this valuable for customers? A. Customers who deploy Windows Vista Enterprise receive a new benefit: the ability to install up to four copies of the operating system in a virtual machine for a single...
Ubuntu Linux Validates As Genuine Windows By sumeethevans@bink.nu on Windows (general) "Another crack in the Windows Genuine Advantage wall. A user at UbuntuForums.org managed to validate an Ubuntu installation as a genuine copy of Microsoft Windows and get to the download page of Windows Defender, using IE4Linux and Wine. (Here is an OGG video of the process.) Along with the advancement of LiveCD technology, this could spell the end of Microsoft's control over who gets their updates."...
Well I guess this is all too fast for MS to handle? Microsoft flip-flops on Vista virtualization Company reverses plan to expand rights to allow home versions of the operating systems to run inside virtual machines. By Ina Fried Staff Writer, CNET News.com --> Published: June 19, 2007, 6:25 PM PDT TalkBackE-mailPrint del.icio.us Digg this Microsoft planned this week to announce that it was broadening the virtualization rights for Windows Vista, but decided at the last minute to reverse course and...
So hopefully we're begining to see light at the end of the Tunnel? Microsoft, VMware Agree: They Better Cooperate By sumeethevans@bink.nu on Virtual Server VMware and Microsoft both said they're working behind the scenes to make it easier for virtualization users to migrate across their differing virtualization environments and run each other's virtualized files. But so far, it's only virtual kumbaya. Neither one is saying how they're going to do it. XenSource, the company sponsoring the open-source...
Interesting to note, however given that my Home ADSL has a 20Gb limit per month - I'll pass for now...... ;-)) But it could be very useful - and it is good to see companies providing this sort of Demo Citrix Offers PS 4.5 Platinum Edition Evaluation VHD Category:Server Based Computing Posted By Michel Roth On Saturday 23 June 2007 One of Thincomputing.net's readers, Cesar Garcia, pointed out that Citrix has recently made available a preconfigured evaluation edition of Citrix Presentation Server 4.5...
Some more comments on the way MS appears to be keeping all the details about pricing and licensing around VECD very close to it's chest? More from Alessandro below: Microsoft torn on extending Vista virtualization license Wednesday, June 20, 2007 | 0 Comments Several news magazines (ComputerWorld, ZDNet and others) are reporting a news about Microsoft moves in Windows Vista license for virtualization scenarios. After a private pre-announcement to extend rights to virtualize all Vista editions, Microsoft...
So my friend Charles has come up with an intriguing concept, and on the surface of it it looks very compelling, the main thought I have is making sure it can do what it says - that to me is the real Litmus Test of any IT appliance or Technology these days - can I deploy it and start getting value from day 1? I'll post more on this later as I get to grips with it... Think beyond VDI broker etc. why not think applications as content and an infrastructure broker managing this systems Think beyond VDI...
Courtesy of bink.nu I found Web Server Software and Malware and this makes some very interesting reading Which kind of makes Roberts comments very valid - Time for Microsoft to Change Its Patch Policy? Distribution of web server software by country. Web server distribution by country Malicious web server distribution by country The figure on the left shows the distribution of all Apache, IIS, and nginx webservers by country. Apache has the largest share, even though there is noticeable variation...
I'm keen to see how well the Server Core is adopted, as I was always a fan of the earlier Netware Servers before they started adding the JavaX GUI front end - very light and purposeful. So I thought I'd drop a note about two sites I've come across today: Introducing The Server Core blog Server Core is a minimal server installation option for Windows Server “Longhorn”. It runs a subset of the server roles included in Longhorn Server, specifically it supports the following: DHCP server File Server...
After my 2 cents worth earlier I also discovered this detail courtesy of Alessandro at Vitrulisation.info Microsoft will use Virtual Machine Manager as desktop broker for VDI Despite it's not considering Virtual Desktop Infrastructures (VDIs) ready for enterprise deployment, Microsoft is embracing the technology pretty fast, modifying the Windows Vista licensing to be VDI-friendly. At WinHEC 2007 Microsoft reveals even more, disclosing upcoming System Center Virtual Machine Manager (SCVMM) will act...
Hi All, I had an Integrator ask me for the details on how they could solve the MS Licensing dilemma around a relatively simple (??) VMware XP SP2 Desktops being delivered from an ESX VMware Server. As this was essentially a VDI scenario I found it somewhat interesting that this info didn't appear to be readily available. As I knew that Prudential UK was listed as a Success Story by VMware at http://www.vmware.com/custo... I was able to find that a chap called Andy Ruby was...
As per normal I was looking for something else entirely but happened upon this little gem. As I don't have a MAC it's not much use to me at the moment, unless of course I start layering way beyond good sense and load Fusion on to the MAC I'm running in VMware under the XP Desktop? Yeah.. it does get knid of messy real quick, best to leave that for another time? ;-)) How to install Longhorn Reloaded using VMWare Fusion in OSX - a complete walkthrough This tutorial is for anyone with an Intel based...
So a few people I have spoken to have asked me recently why the switch to Neoware after Citrix? Well, let's just say that the decision to leave Citrix wasn't made by me.... So that leaves... why Neoware? Well, when I weighed up all the positives that I uncovered during my research in to them I was quite impressed with what they have managed to accomplish in the last 5 - 7 years, as well as what they are doing now to grow the business. Some highlights of these details are: 63% CAGR over the last 5...
Well I have been quite quiet for a while now while I get settled in to the new job and the new location, so with a little spare time this morning I've just been checking Bloglines and catching up on other blogs and noticed this new CTX32545792 article courtesy of Doug Brown. But the one that really caught my eye was ieHTTPHeaders - this is a tool that will essentially allow you to view the "naked" HTTP Traffic flow from your browser to the Web Server, well worth a look? I have posted a screenshot...
Mary Jo Foley Leaving Ziff Davis for ZDnet - this news just in courtesy of Bink.nu...... Mary Jo Foley dropped a bombshell this afternoon, announcing she was leaving MicrosoftWatch to branch out on her own after 11 years at ZiffDavis. What are her plans for the future? LonghornBlogs has the exclusive Exit Interview. RWM: You’ve been covering Microsoft for ZiffDavis for a very long time. What made you to decide to go solo?MJF: It just seemed like the time was right. It’s a bloggers’...
Jason Langridge reports that Vista RC1 is ready for download..... go get it......You can download RC1 from HERE or order a DVD Interestingly enough I'm quite keen to try this in a new format I was testing this morning. I have a slightly slow (1Ghz) CPU on a Tosh Portege with a relaitively slow drive. So I was experimenting with a new USB 2.0 case fitted with a 100Gb Samsung 7,200 RPM drive and it really rocks. I was running a 6Gb image of Mac Tiger OS 10.4 in a VMware session straight from the USB...
I've noticed this article over at the Register.co.uk concerning the emergence of MS's Mobile email solution based on Exchange 2003 SP2 and Windows Mobile 5 devices using ActiveSync to communicate. I was fascinated when I first learnt of the Always-Up-To-Date (AUTD) feature that was in Exchange, and covered that here "Blackberry Killer" Solution back in June 2005, it took me a while to get it even close when I had all the client components at Orange SPV C600 AKU2 by March, but I had to wait until...
Does Vista mean the begining of the end for Microsoft? Well that's an interesting suggestion from John Naughton at the Observer I found this courtesy of Bink.nu and it does raise some interesting points regarding the gestation period of Longhorn and it's challenges getting to this point? Have we reached the natural plateau of how large a software program can be? There will be a predictable (and expensive) PR campaign to coincide with the final release of the software. But in Redmond, Washington,...
So again courtesy of Bink.nu I came across the other Blog that Alessandro writes at Security Zero, where I have normally just been tracking what he writes at virtualization.info What I also found interesting was the stats - 1,951 Participants for Network Monitor 3 Beta 2, 38 Bugs, 20 Active. This has been available since 6/06/2006. Network Monitor 3 Details:Upcoming Network Monitor 3 will offer several new features and will finally be an uncapped, free, stand-alone application for Windows XP/2003/Vista/codename...
Courtesy of bink.nu I've discovered that there's a new beta release of Microsoft ActiveSync 4.5 Beta 2 Latest Changes: Changes in ActiveSync 4.5 Beta 2 help resolve issues related to setup, partnerships, and connectivity with the PC and Microsoft Exchange In addition, it includes a troubleshooter utility that scans your computer and device to identify problems and offers information and corrective actions to solve them...
I found this courtesy of bink.nu - but you might want to pay particular note to the Caveat: Note that the Kanalyze is not designed for general users of Windows. It is assumed that the users are already familiar with the kernel debuggers, have knowledge of the inside of Windows, and have basic skills of debugging kernel mode programs ;-)) Kernel Memory Space Analyzer Version 8.1 Brief Description Microsoft Support Professionals Toolkit for WindowsThe Kernel Memory Space Analyzer is a tool to help...
It looks like Mark Russinovich has started settling in to Microsoft as he has now started blogging at:Mark Russinovich's technical blog covering topics such as Windows troubleshooting, technologies and security.The RSS feed is http://blogs.technet.com/ma... I must confess that the level of detail sometimes leaves me floundering so I jump to the end to find out the answer, but what is really fantastic is that he does take the time to patiently explain how he managed to solve the...
I've just been reading this over at AppSense's Security Blog and it's amazing to think how simple some this can be, as well as frightening to think how many possible devices have been compromised out there? It's starting to look like it's a good idea to do all your general browsing (at least from Home? ;-)) via a locked down device running under VMware? or at least try one of the other alternative methods of making your browser more secure? +++Full Article+++++++++++++Following on from the recent...
I came across this via an email from our Microsoft TRM and thought that the Documents were quite detailed and informative, they would certainly be quite a help if you wanted to create a formal procedure or process for your interview questions? Education Competencies: Interview Worksheets Action Oriented - Interview Worksheet.doc 41 KB DownloadDownload Assessing Talent - Interview Worksheet.doc 40 KB DownloadDownload Building Effective Teams - Interview Worksheet.doc 38 KB DownloadDownload Comfort...
Thanks to Michel Roth at Thincomputing.net has received information on the new pricing Microsoft has put on the Softgrid products. This is really earth shattering! Prices of the Softgrid products will be cut by as much as 85% This is how it will be: • Softgrid Desktop Licenses: €32 / $38 (list) • Softgrid Terminal Server Licenses: €18 / $21 (list) • Softgrid Terminal Server Licenses will no longer be based on the concurrent number of users (as in all Microsoft products)•...
I'm just going through a proof of concept at a client's site for an AG+AAC Implementation and I was looking at bringing the AG up to 4.2.2 as I heard there were a few critical patches, and interestingly enough the link to 4.2.2 from CTX108902 ends up pointing at a 4.2.3 Download?? BTW - Don't forget to remove your existing Admin Tool and then download and install from fresh after upgrading the CAG!(But you knew that didn't you? ;-) The 4.2.2 lists these Known Issues and Issues Fixed: Known Issue(s)...
So among several other things this week I managed a quick sneak peak at an early (Alpha?) release of Citrix's Tarpon (Application Streaming) yesterday, what I found interesting was not that it would appear that Citrix are leaning towards using blue instead of red for some of the pretty bits? nor that there was a nice shiny new Citrix Client, but I suddenly realised that I was examining Tarpon from a purely Technical Focus and to really appreciate what might be possible meant that I had to shift to...
Technical Design Considerations for AG and AAC for 10,000 Users · The two following pages detail the caveats and considerations that need to be addressed when designing an AG and AAC Implementation for up to 10,000 Users · It should be kept in mind that these details were documented as of January 2006 and as such there have been some changes since then. · It was anticipated that Citrix would be making reasonable efforts to improve the number of *Tunnels* available to the AG, however...
So thanks to Bink.nu I noticed this little note yesterday. So, late last week it was MS buying Softgrid, now it's Whale to add SSL-VPN's to the bag of tricks, what must the Management at Citrix be thinking....????? So how must this be going down at Citrix as they realise that the - as yet unreleased - Tarpon and AIE could be under threat by the Company that provides Terminal Servers? (I know...... TS is running on Citrix's MultiWin core - but they did agree to sell it way back... right? ;-) and now...
Thanks to Bink.nu for the heads up to the original article here at iTnews.com.au So maybe this explains why Softgrid was running a bit slow on getting around to x64 version, etc? Interesting times ahead? Microsoft is in talks to buy application virtualisation software vendor Softricity of Boston, USA CRN has learned."It's coming down to the final stretches," said one source close to Microsoft who is familiar with the discussions. "It's not a done deal yet but it's just last minute haggling kind of...
DABCC is very happy to announce the first release of the updated Methodology in a Box 4.0 ‘Tweaks Section' Updated April 26, 2006 - BETA 2These performance, security, and usability ‘tweaks & tips' apply to Microsoft Windows Server 2003 with Citrix MetaFrame Presentation Server 4.0. The goal of this section is to detail the basic tweaks needed to tune Windows for a Citrix and Terminal Services environment. This paper is just a draft of what will appear in the upcoming Methodology in...
VMware Virtual Machine Importer 2.0 Beta Program Download hereVMware is proud to announce the Beta availability of Virtual Machine Importer 2.0, the latest desktop utility for IT professionals and software developers/testers working with virtual machines. VMware Virtual Machine Importer (VMI) is a freely available, stand-alone utility to import virtual machines from different source formats into several VMware product destinations, and can be used to: Move virtual machines across different test/dev...
I’ve spotted this post from Martin Banks at TheRegister and I guess it’s because he has recently interviewed David Greschler, of Softricity due to the (upcoming) release of SoftGrid 4.0 I have reproduced it here in full, but I think it is of particular note because it very accurately gets to the heart of why this particular technology and SoftGrid in particular is growing at 100% year on year (in some ways I’m surprised it’s not a higher number?) "Virtualised applications...
Thanks to MSMobiles for the note about LocutusBorgMan's post in the BrightHand Forum. (NOTE: As far as I am aware this is in the public domain, not restricted by NDA) Here he posted the link to a MS Presentation in Interlaken for MS Mobile Developers, and although it was very developer biased, slide 55 was quite illuminating from my point of view so I've included it below. Equally LocutusBorgMan's notes make an interesting read:Seems like Crossbow, which is supposedly a second edition of WM5.0 like...
I have been doing some brainstorming with Charles@eknowlogy over the past few days regarding Virtualization and how this may change the face and use of Citrix and Terminal Servers and he has pointed out some new developments that might have some far reaching effects like:Marathon Launches Next Generation Application Availability Software Solution Built on Patented Virtualization Technology So based on this, and an article Brian Madden did a little while back regarding this I have put together my...
Citrix have released this article CTX109553 regarding interaction with ActiveX, and it looks like this issue could be with us for some time? If we come across any handy workarounds I'll post the details here - better yet, if anyone else has any answers, post them here as well? SymptomsWhen used with Citrix Web Interface 4.x and/or Citrix Access Gateway Advanced Access Control 4.x, both the embedded ActiveX ICA and embedded RDP clients require the end-user to click in the ICA or RDP session before...
Well it looks like Ericom's attendance at BriForum in Washington has gone to it's head? ;-))Thanks for the heads up from Charles@eknowlogy on this Some while back I did a post questioning if Citrix's near monopoly on the Terminal Server/Remote Access market was reaching it's zenith (Has Citrix reached the top of this cycle? Will the monopoly implode?) and back in January my pick of the competitors was Ericom based on it's relatively mature WebConnect Product that can provide Seamless RDP Sessions...
So Microsoft has posted this article for those who want to deploy Push email but this is interesting that I've noticed this today almost immediately after going through an online discussion with some of the security team at my end that has seen us decide (read - me capitulate under overwhelming numbers??) to try using Nokia's Intellisync to achieve push email. OK, I'm gutted, and not just because I've spent so much spare time over the last 9 months or so trying to line this up but the reality of...
If you have a need to understand the full details at a very deep technical level of how the HeartBeat function works in Exchange 2003 SP2 and WM5 devices then check out this article here. Background Exchange 2003 introduced the Always Up To Date notification feature (AUTD) that kept devices up to date by sending SMS triggers to the device. The triggers were sent from the enterprise as SMTP messages to the SMTP front end at the mobile operator. They were then sent through the SMS gateway as SMS messages...
I've had a couple of articles pinned in Bloglines to post at some stage and I never seemed to quite get around to it - until today, time for Spring Cleaning? This comes from MS Terminal Services.orgBandwidth Management: Part 3 – Guaranteeing and Protecting ICA/RDP on LAN/WANQuite a tidy article from Andy Jones, that gets in to how to protect the bandwidth for ICA. However a lot of Customers seem to get put off Packetshaper by the price, a slightly different solution that can sometimes give...
So this popped in today from CoolSmartPhone - and this is fantastic news from my own selfish point of view? Looks like they will definately be competing with TMobile's efforts? Orange have announced pricing their new Microsoft Exchange Direct Push e-mail plans, according to this ComputerWeekly story. Data bundles will start at £6.50, giving users 10Mb of email. Medium usage packages will cost £12 per month for 30Mbytes, with high usage costing £25 per month for 200Mbytes.You'll need...
I've been sent an email today from Orange because I'm signed up to their Developers site, and it seems they have finally cottoned on to the fact that not everyone has installed Verisign Certificates on their Exchange Servers - so now they have at least explained how to go about getting Root Certificates added to the latest devices (C600, M600, M3000, M5000, etc.) that have a higher level of security applied. Anyway, head over to OrangePartners for the lowdown on how Orange thinks that you should...
This just in courtesy of Jason's blog Over at MyPDACafe.com there is a post of some very cool looking devices coming out of China from TechFaithWireless HTC is probably known to all fans of the Pocket PC and Microsoft-OS based Smartphone platform. HTC is currently a clear market leader but this may change soon. One of its challengers among OEM and ODM manufacturers is Chinese TechFaithWireless, whose smaprtphone I am honoured to introduce to you today. Unlike many other smart phones with Windows...
Now some of you may recall that I recently heard a rumour that Citrix were definately prepared to be somewhat flexible on their pricing (especially if you mentioned that you might be considering something like Ericom instead?) well now it appears that they have taken that somewhat further? OK, so first of all the Good News - this includes one years Subscription Advantage (So you should also qualify for the next release?) AND also allows you to upgrade from ANY Citrix Server product, even goinig back...
So reviewing a couple of neat things today at Bink.nu Microsoft has added Linux support to Virtual Server 2005 R2:Supported operating systems actually are:Novell’s SuSE Linux Enterprise Server 9Novell’s SuSE Linux 9.2Novell’s SuSE Linux 9.3Novell’s SuSE Linux 10.0Red Hat Enterprise Linux 2.1 (update 6)Red Hat Enterprise Linux 3 (update 6)Red Hat Enterprise Linux 4Red Hat Linux 7.3Red Hat Linux 9.0 Then there was this link from Bink to Alessandro's site about MS now making...
Of all the Blogs and comments regarding Virtualization recently this is the one that I have found to be the most thought provoking. There was a time between 2000 and 2002 where I almost couldn't make my mind up whether to consolidate on VMWare or Connectix, depending on whether I needed USB support or something else at the time.... so have a look at the full article? I think Alessandro is on the money here, the way Microsoft is developing Virtual Server it's almost like they want to be in second...
I've noticed a new post from AppSense's Response Centre regarding the new Exploit for all versions of IE There has been some discussion recently about another new vulnerability in Internet Explorer. All versions are at risk, including the latest beta of IE 7. Microsoft have suggest workarounds including setting the Internet and local security zone settings to high and disabling active scripting. There are working versions of exploits already being used to compromise machines on the internet. Currently...
So this just in from Jason.... If you are even just thinking about how this might work in your environment (AND have an Exchange Server that you can upgrade to 2003 SP2?) then this is a very good detailed description of the steps to take. Attached to this blog entry is the 'hot' of the press document that describes how to deploy Mobile Messaging with Exchange 2003 Service Pack 2 and the Messaging and Security Feature Pack (MSFP) The current record for getting this up and running is 1hr 30 mins by...
So I had a bit of a challenge today, I needed to get WebSphere Studio Application Developer (WSAD 5.1.2) working correctly in a CPS 4.0 installation - took a little messing about, but here's the raw notes. First tried setting Virtual IP for WSAPPDEV.EXE - this was enabled with 30 IP's available. Checked via Event Log that IP's are being issued to Clients. Tried Setting Compatibility Flags for WSAPPDEV.EXE Decimal Value of 18 (Hex code of 18 and App Fails to start) just in case that might have resolved...
Thanks to CoolSmartPhone and Nick Butcher ;-) It's now available to download here! This will bring the push email facilities (MSFP or Messaging and Security Feature Pack as MS used to call it?) promised by Microsoft. It's a whacking 34.5Mb download called "c600_mail.exe" from the Orange Business site and brings your handset up to version 11.2.1.5. Orange state..."As part of our commitment to enable customers to get more for their money, Orange are now enabling all existing SPV C600 users to set up...
So I have learnt earlier this morning that this Beta exam is available, although when I looked at it's availability, I found that I could not book it beyond the end of next week, so this leads me to believe that it has been out for some time? You may get lucky as I did this morning, or not? Citrix has released the beta 1Y1-258 Presentation Server 4.0 Support exam, which will be a requirements towards CCEA 4.0 certification. Study materials are not available at this time. The associated course, CTX-1258AI...
Now it's interesting to see that this morning I have seen two articles that are both heading in opposite directions? Over at Doug's site we have Microsoft Launches Killer New Search Engine – Google Beware…WOW! Is all I can say, WOW! Microsoft just released an upgrade and complete makeover to their Search Engine. ( www.live.com ) This thing is amazing and you must use it to believe how cool and easy search can be. As many of you might know, I'm not a fan of the search engine, or at least...
Thanks to Michel at ThinComputing.net for the update, A new article on MSterminalservices.org by Cláudio Rodrigues on MUI (Multilingual User Interface) in a Terminal Services environment: This articles describes what MUI (Multilingual User Interface) is and the main reasons why it is a must on corporate environments dealing with multiple language requirements. Multilingual User Interface is a set of language specific resource files that you can add to Terminal Servers running Windows Server...
So this came in from MSMobiles this morning: Later than promised by CEO of i-mate in an interview but at last it is here: ROM upgrade with push email (MSFP) for i-mate K-JAM (but not for other i-mate phones) and without support for A2DP (stereo audio over Bluetooth)! Latest Release details: The main improvements from the original AKU 1 Operating System, 1.x.9.x, are: Microsoft Messaging and Security Feature Pack (MSFP): Addition of the MSFP allowing Direct Push email, remote device wiping, security...
I must confess there seems to have been a fair bit of work stacking up in the queue on the Help Desk recently, and there have been some problems that have seemed to defy logic, and then after a while they almost take on the persona of the Ugly Troll guarding the bridge, you just don't want to know about it - because you almost feel defeated just glancing at the heading, or when a request for an update lands in your email? Let me state for the record that I'm not *tied* to the Help Desk, all of the...
OK, so it's a little contrived, almost a bit like reading a rough draft for a CSI Plot, but for all that it does highlight how much we need to be aware of keeping things secure when we build them as opposed to patching them later? It's certainly an insight as to how things might happen....? Jessi Knapp: Voiceover: The real world is fraught with security challenges, privacy hurdles and mobility issues. All problems software developers solve every day. Join us now as we explore the latest tools and...
This just in from DABCC.com, a very detailed (and lengthy ;-) guide on how to approach IM Packaging and deploying applications in general with a focus on Terminal and Citrix Servers. Although, I'm currently looking at an issue with deploying Adobe Acrobat Std where it keeps trying to carry out some activation process, and I've found that Adobe is suggesting that the only way around this for Terminal or Citrix Servers is to install the Volume Licensing version ONLY! Interestingly enough this article...
Courtesy of a link I found at MSMobiles, I found this article by GeekZone Here I have just posted what is effectively the exec summary, but please do have a read of the full article? as it has loads of detail, and it also points to a default of possibly 12Mb a month consumed by the HeartBeat, but I believe this was on a setting of 24 hours a day? so it's quite possible with a reduced setting outside the core business hours you might see something like 4Mb a month? Bring on the datacardsOne more thing...
From CoolSmartPhoneJeremy Platt has emailed in about the new push email facility coming from Microsoft. According to what he's heard, the ROM update for Windows Mobile 5 devices on Orange should be available before the end of this month. To make that news even better, the ROM upgrade will be an incremental one. This means that you guys won't have to do a complete ROM re-grade - these are usually pretty hefty 11Mb downloads. It'll almost be a "patch".We'll keep out eyes and ears peeled for this one!...
Now this was posted at MSMobiles a few days ago... but interestingly enough all the links are now broken with the exception of the Accessories page makes you wonder when it might actually be released? UK division of HP makes the HP iPAQ hw6915 / hw6910February 12, 2006 [Pocket PC phone]No more digging deep in the website of HP is needed - now it is enough to go to HP UK website, click on professional handhelds and the HP iPAQ hw6915 / hw6910 are presented officially. Also the probable reasons of...
UPDATE - This link below relates to the Wizard - not the Tornado/C600 But from this I'd expect it won't take too long before we start seeing the other models being leaked in a similar manner. It is always a good practice to always use Winzip to extract the files from within the executable and double-check which model this is for BEFORE trying to apply it?I know that this message is teaching some to suck eggs, etc. but it still needs to be said? This has just been posted on MSMobiles, but if you really...
New just been posted in MSmobiles about an open source Project called Funambol Now MSmobiles has always been keen to be setting the record straight with regard to MS's claims about the Push email (MSFP, AKU2, etc.) just being around the corner, pointing out about the onging court action by Visto, so it will be interesting to see what sort of reply Jason has regarding this and when we might actually start to see some releases by the Carriers? What is quite exciting is that although this is listed...
Posted By Bink on February 7, 2006 at 1:38 PM Now you may not think this is very interesting? Then just jump to the bottom of the story and check out the price? Now that's got your interest? ;-)) 2X makes Terminal Services & Citrix fault tolerant with 2X LoadBalancer v4Easily implement SSL, resource based load balancing and session reconnection for Microsoft Terminal Services or Citrix Metaframe servers 2X releases 2X LoadBalancer for Windows Terminal Services & Citrix Metaframe: a tool to...
So this news in from TheRegister.co.uk A potential weak spot in the otherwise rather enticing offerings of Boston-based Softricity looks like it gets filled today with the announcement that it has launched a version of its SoftGrid Virtual Application Server that integrates with Microsoft’s Systems Management Server (SMS). The ability to provide sysadmin staff with applications management information plus management control over the SoftGrid environment is an important step forward. In the...
So hot of the press - this in from Bink Last November Microsoft released Virtual Server 2005 R2 with an astonishing price of $99 for standard edition and $199 for enterprise edition. Virtual Server is a direct competitor to Vmware GSX.Now it seems Vmware strikes back, they are going to make Vmware GSX server free! Looks to me like VMWare would HAVE to be tying this to at least a high-level OS like 2000/2003 Server? Surely you wouldn't be able to run this on XP SP2? Otherwise wouldn't they be undercutting...
Well, I noticed a few articles this week and I have been trying to find the time to put it all together, but it's all moving so quickly it's getting crazy..... But what's even more telling about this is the news (rumour?) that Vodafone here in the UK would appear to be actively engaging with existing customers who are currently using Blackberry servers/services and advising them to switch to MS PocketPC devices? This must be music to Jason's ears? Oh, and if you are at all interested in what might...
So continuing on from last nights rant/ramble regarding Root Certs on my C600……. I originally sent this email to Orange Developers trying to find out why I couldn’t at least unlock my Phone from the point of view of running unsigned applications on it. This used to be one of the first things I always did after I’d upgraded or flashed the C500, straight over to http://developer.orangews.c... and enter my details along with the IMEI number and hey presto “Application...
As it turns out it's possible that the cert wasn't necessary as one of my colleagues (Thanks Alex!) pointed out "just uncheck the SSL box and it should be fine" - and lo and behold it was!! So although I've now proved it works, I'm still a bit miffed on a few accounts: Why can't it be using SSL? (I think this is related to point 2?) We still have the security team at our place insisting that OWA hides behind the FW-1, so everyone who wants/needs access to OWA needs to have an account set up on the...
Again from Doug Brown: A new Citrix Article regarding problems with getting WISP working correctly, SymptomsAttempting to configure Web Interface for Microsoft SharePoint with Access Gateway with Advanced Access Control 4.2 fails with an access denied message. CauseIn order for Web Interface for SharePoint to work with Advanced Access Control, you must have the Microsoft SharePoint Portal Server version of SharePoint with the service configured. Also, the Microsoft Single Sign-on Service for Web...
Supremes shun RIM - again The US Supreme Court has rejected Research in Motion's latest request that it weigh in on the Blackberry maker's battle with US intellectual property holding company NTP. The Court this week said it would not review the US Court of Appeals' August 2005 verdict that RIM had indeed infringed NTP's patents and which sent the case back to the District Court where RIM now faces the prospect of being told to stop offering its service to US users. More at TheRegister.co.uk So does...
So this just in from Michel at ThinComputing ___________________________... a leader in endpoint security for the enterprise, today announced that it has joined the Microsoft SecureIT Alliance, a community of industry partners working together to provide security solutions for the Microsoft platform. AppSense will collaborate with other SecureIT Alliance members to identify new security features and combinations of products with services to...
Michel over at ThinComputing has unearthed a very neat set of White Papers from Microsoft covering Clustering and NLB....Server Clusters: Majority Node Sets Describes how to set up a majority node set, how to size a majority node set cluster, and what to do if you lose quorum. Server Clusters: Frequently Asked Questions for Windows 2000 and Windows Server 2003 Frequently asked questions on a wide variety of subjects related to server clusters. Network Load Balancing: Frequently Asked Questions for...
I have realised that I have made something of an error in that I have failed to include Doug Brown @ DABCC.com in my list of RSS feeds, so I have taken a good look through the items that have been posted in the last month or so and posted a consolidated list here: But please take time to check out Doug's site and keep an eye on the MIAB ver 4.0 coming soon.... Web Interface 4.0 Command-line Installation and Site Management Web Interface 4.0 supports installation, uninstallation, site creation, site...
On the back of my comments about Citrix and it's competitors, it was interesting to unearth this little gem about the Software companies from the viewpoint of a developer.... Oracle and SAP say that enterprise software is boiling down to three or four vendors. Why bother with all of the moving parts, they ask, while citing industry statistics that make it sound inevitable. I'm placing my bet on the other end of the spectrum. The next few years will see the rise and fall of technology empires and...
This info has been passed on to me from Rob, one of the Citrix SE's here at Chalfont, UK. I'd be thinking that if you are looking at a large implementation of AG+AAC you might want to have a quick peruse of this before you submit your budget request? ;-) Read on..... Mmmm.... So at Rob's request - it would appear there will be another update to the AG shortly.... I would naturally assume that this would conincide with the Florida Partner Exchange coming at the end of the month, in the meantime if...
Personally, I'm begining to think that Michel has far too much time on his hands? ;-)) All in one easy and convient download• VisionApp's Big Iron Test • Citrix Presentation Server for Windows Server 2003 x64 Editions Performance and Scaling Capability • Brian Madden's Comparing 32-bit and 64-bit Memory Architectures • CTX101705 - Troubleshooting Slow Logons • CTX105314 - Troubleshooting Application Performance Issues • CTX106463 - Troubleshooting ICA Session Performance...
Just in case anyone else is searching for "PrimaryInterfaceIP"....??I had 2 x 2003 Servers running WLBS, WI4, CSG3 and RSA 6.0 Local Client and it still kept failing with "Multihomed host detected" ; "Primary IP assumed is x.x.x.x" appearing in the Event Log. we had tried setting both IP's on the Node in the RSA Console, but still no joy. So I found a Support note from RSA that referenced "PrimaryInterfaceIP" but didn't dish out the details, but that was OK because this led me to a MS Article - Sdtest...
It seems recently we are getting quite a number of potentially new customers asking us to help with issues that they seem to have had some difficulty getting on top of. Generally the quickest and easiest way is just to fire up the trusty GoToAssist session and have a real "look" at what their issue is, that's when the fun starts. ;-)) But what has really prompted this blog is that when I did my first Citrix Admin course (It was on Winframe 1.6 back in 1996) it was really hammered in to us that you...
It was interesting to note a couple of different articles that popped up on Michel's site this week, it seems to me that Citrix might have pushed the Presentation Server revenues about as far as it can? In some ways they are acting like the 800 pound gorilla that does what ever it wants because it can get away with it? There's no doubt that Citrix is price sensitive in it's newer markets like the SSL-VPN play as well as NetScaler, etc. but in the Terminal Server market it is still quite a price to...
Thanks to Michel at ThinComputing.Net for this one.... The January 2006 edition of the HP / Citrix compatibilty guide: Citrix has collaborated with HP to test select HP printers and their associated HP print drivers in a Citrix Presentation Server and Citrix Presentation Server for Windows Server 2003 x64 Edition environments. Citrix Presentation Server 4.0 for Windows was tested on Microsoft Windows 2000 Advanced Server, Microsoft Windows Server 2003, and Microsoft Windows Server 2003 x64 Edition...
I can only agree whole heartedly with Michael Roth over at ThinComputing that - "This util is sure to come in handy ....." The User Mode Process Dumper (userdump) dumps any running Win32 processes memory image (including system processes such as csrss.exe, winlogon.exe, services.exe, etc) on the fly, without attaching a debugger, or terminating target processes. Generated dump file can be analyzed or debugged by using the standard debugging tools. The userdump generates dump file by several triggers;...
Again Brian's got the scoop - this has now been extended until 2007http://www.brianmadden.... Microsoft Extends Windows 2003 TS CAL Transition Plan until June 2007 I had previously reported that you had until December 31, 2005 to obtain your "free" Windows 2003 TS CALs if you bought Windows XP Professional before April 24, 2003. I'm happy to announce that Microsoft has extended this transition program an additional 18 months! If you're confused, read this article Brian...
One of my MS Colleagues here at work was trying to get his head around how to deal with the TSCAL's when upgrading the AD to 2003, and to be fair this also involves upgrading the Hardware. They were looking at a rather complex process involving a system state restore on new Hardware etc. making sure that the FSMO was moved off the same server as the TSCAL Licensing....... all in all it started to get pretty messy Essentially be aware that under 2000 - 2000 TSCAL Licensing Service needs to be on a...
Well this has worked a treat, and I only have the briefest details here to hand at the moment so bear with me and I'll add more when I get time, but..... here are my notes for what it's worth? Caveat - don't mess with your phone unless you have a reasonable idea what you're doing? - do not blame me if it goes seriously "pear shaped"? - Caveat+++Warning+++This is a little more complicated than you might think. There are a lot of ways to screw up where you need a lot of patience and willingness to...
Courtesy of Brian Madden comes this timely reminder..... (I have posted here in full, because this is too important for anyone effected to miss) If you owned (or were licensed for) Windows XP Professional before April 24, 2003, you are eligible to receive a free Windows Server 2003 Terminal Server Client Access License (TS CAL). However, I just learned that this program will expire on December 31, 2005, so make sure you get your free license soon. Huh? As you might remember, in the days of Windows...
Another interesting bit of info from MSMobiles: While we were complaining here for several years already that Microsoft lacks innovativeness and thus is missing out on many major business opportunities, it looks like Bill Gates (de facto boss of Microsoft) and Steve Ballmer (CEO of Microsoft) have noticed it just now! Major changes at Microsoft coming! Read on! Lately Steve and Bill have promoted Ray Ozzie to a position of CTO - Chief Technical Officer. With this catchy name and visionary statements...
I've finished the day and come home after spending the best part of the last 3 days getting AG and AAC 4.1.2 installed at a client's site. So after a nice glass (or two) of Bourdeaux..... What do I think now? Well given that this particular client has a heavy bias towards Notes due to their WebSphere developers AS WELL AS Active Directory, you wouldn't be surprised to find that they have two disparate LDAP's ?? would you? Mmm..... I'm thinking that something that has been sitting in the too hard...
Presentation Server for Windows Presentation Server 4.0 CTX106319 Presentation Server 3.0 CTX103723 MetaFrame XP Feature Release 3 CTX16879 Advanced Concepts Guide Presentation Server for Windows 4.0 CTX107059 Presentation Server for Windows 3.0 CTX104144 MetaFrame XP with Feature Release 3 CTX102497 Resource Manager Resource Manager for Presentation Server 4.0 CTX106471 Resource Manager for Presentation Server 3.0 CTX103746 Resource Manager for MetaFrame XP Feature Release 3 CTX5178 Installation...
So in the same vein, there is also a page regarding MS Issues, start here or pick a link below? Microsoft Updates and Information (Relating to Citrix and Terminal Services) This is the central location for Microsoft and Terminal Services related resources that specifically apply to Citrix administrators. Microsoft Updates Known Issues with Microsoft Windows 2003 Service Pack 1 Users Unable to Connect to Presentation Server After Installing Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1 Unable to Connect with...
Thanks to Jason's Blog for the heads up on this, Some highlights of this document: Companies in the study paid back the cost of implementation in 4.3 months The one-year return on investment (ROI) of implementing the mobile solution was 129% Better quality of work life resulting in less employee turnover Efficient management of mobile devices and greater security of mobile data and mobile access Reduced costs from pulling back notebook computers that were used primarily for email and the reduction...
MSMobiles also have an article about some issues with ActiveSync 4.0? and this then points to an Article at Microsoft. But to be perfectly honest, I think the best and most comprehensive place to look for answers when you are troubleshooting ActiveSync issues is Chris De Herrera's ActiveSync Troubleshooting Guide...
Microsoft celebrates release of HP iPAQ hw6500 in USA but analysts say: no Windows Mobile 5.0 so do not buy it!Microsoft has launched new section at their website devoted to HP iPAQ hw6500 series phones just released by Cingular: ... but analysts are extremely angry and say clearly "no matter what features it has, don't buy it because it doesn't have Windows Mobile 5.0". Can't say fairer than that? Especially as not too long ago HP was silly enough to accidentally release info on the 6700 Series...
If you are at all interested in upgrading your handset, or getting your hands on one of the new Windows Mobile 5 powered devices, you should really keep an eye on the MoDaCo Forums and Portal. The M5000 as you would expect was brilliant, but whats more interesting is I asked the nice chap from Microsoft if the C600 final would have WiFi or not.His response was that it was in this prototype version in my hands, and will remain so if the handset passes Orange's multiple tests which take into consideration...
So why is it listed as being posted on the 11th? mmmmm.... Anyway, direct link here, and if you're looking for more info on the mobile devices side of this then perhaps you'd be better off with this Exchange Server 2003 Support for Mobile Devices? have a good look through this as there is some quite good links at the bottom of this page. When I find more about the mysterious MSFP, I'll post here...
NetScaler now with Citrix: While at the Citrix Partner Exchange last week, we ended up learning about the new NetScaler product (Citrix bought the company not so long ago). Much more than just a Load Balancer or Accelerator, this is more like a Full Application Switch with loads of Functions, Citrix see this (probably, ;-) as embracing and extending their reach further in to remote access infrastructure? (If I keep this up I could get a job with their Marketing Dept.? What is it capable of doing?...
The thing that keeps bugging me on this is that although they have updated the PLAN, it's only the CPS 4.0 CCA Exam that has been through Beta so far and available to the Public, all the rest of this is way in advance of the Exams even reaching Beta, and YET ALREADY they are insisting that Citrix Partners get up to date on accreditation......... Give me a break! Very few people saw MPS 3.0 as being sufficiently compelling to go through the upgrade process, and the same with our accreditation. It...
Came across a rather nice consolidated list of CTX Articles covering migration of Citrix Farms up to CPS 4.0: CTX106832 – Presentation Server 4.0 Migration Guide Migration path for XP F2/FR3 and MPS 3.0 to CPS 4.0 CTX106831 – Service Pack 2005.04 – FAQ commonly asked question about Service Pack 2005.04 CTX105728 – MetaFrame Presentation Server 4.0 Installation Checklist EN - Check list before proceeding with installation of CPS 4.0 CTX106319 – MetaFrame Presentation...
Well this is interesting, and on the surface of it, it would certainly appear that Citrix is working their relationship with MS pretty hard? It will be interesting to see what other *rabbits* get pulled out of the hat this week? I wonder how much of this is Citrix or MS developed technology? 10/10/2005 » Today at its 8th annual business and technology conference, Citrix iForum™ Global 2005, Citrix President and CEO Mark Templeton announced a major technology development initiative, codenamed...
Well it was released today: (my comments in blue below)If you want the original Planning Whitepaper from Citrix - check my original post at http://www.geekswithblogs.n... Key Enhancements in Citrix Presentation Server 4.0 for Microsoft Windows Server 2003 x64 Editions Significantly increases user density per server to drive down both initial deployment costs as well as recurring operating costs. The 64-bit version of Presentation Server supports up to 65 percent...
Amazon.co.uk - SynopsisHis most ambitious novel to date, ACCELERANDO is a multi-generational saga following a brilliant clan of 21st-century posthumans. The year is some time between 2010 and 2015. The recession has ended, but populations are ageing and the rate of tech change is accelerating dizzyingly. Manfred makes his living from spreading ideas around, putting people in touch with one another and leaving a spray of technologies in his wake. He lives at the cutting edge of intelligence amplification...
If you are interested in Citrix at all, you should really make Brian Madden's site one of your regularly visited sites What if Citrix dropped ICA and just went with RDP?September 28, 2005Editorial >> I've been thinking a lot about Longhorn Terminal Services and the future of Citrix recently, and I found myself wondering what would happen if Citrix stopped working on ICA and just went with RDP. Microsoft's Complete Longhorn Terminal Server Feature ListSeptember 27, 2005Article >> A lot...
Now the reason I post this is that sometime back I was looking in to some issues at another Client's site and came across issues that were not necessarily the cause of the Symptom but they were rather strange. The resolution was to rollback McAfee server client to an earlier revision OR await the arrival of a patch from McAfee....... It would still appear to be the case?And just in case you thought you'd rip that out and try something else, do yourself a favour and don't use Sophos? On a large greefield...
Rumours are appearing about the possible resurfacing of Nokia having another tilt at the Mobile Office Connectivity side of things. Does anyone recall a rather unfortunately named product called NOBS? (Nokia One Business Something?) Sounds to me like now that they have licensed ActiveSync they’ve decided they want to get on the Blackberry Bandwagon as well? Essentially this would appear to continue on from the older Nokia offerings so it’s rumoured to be referred to Version 4.0 even though...
I picked this up originally from an article in the MS Exchange BlogNow this is interesting news, the last I heard some 4 – 6 months ago was that things appeared to be equally split between Notes and Exchange at approx. 120 Million users a piece. The article doesn’t appear to mention actual figures, just percentages, but as Gartner and IDC both agree it does tend to lend weight to each report?I believe we have yet to see a real impact on Exchange’s growth due to the take up of Mobile...
I found this little Gem on Jason’s Blog last night. If you are at all concerned about how to ensure some degree of Security on mobile devices within your organisation you should really review this – sorry, late me restate that – you must review this, it’s essential reading. Although the headline is for CESG, Jason quickly points out that:“CESG is the Information Assurance (IA) arm of GCHQ and are the UK Government’s National Technical Authority for Information...
If you really need to know all about it, straight from the horses mouth?http://www.microsoft.
Directly from Jason Lagridges Weblog: I participated last week in a series of press briefings around some research that we (Microsoft) did with Martec International to investigate the growth of mobile solutions in Retail.Whilst in 2004, only 28% of the UKs leading retailers had adopted or planned to adopt mobile technology [1] , less than a year later the Mobility in Retail 2005 Survey reveals that mobile solutions are now being used or are planned for use in-store by 83% of respondents.You can read...
So you do your best to keep an eye on what’s going on – especially in your particular specialist area – and so when you do get a chance to read one the popular IT Magazines like ITWeek you don’t expect too many suprises. Sure, Symantec has bought Sygate, already saw that in theregister.co.uk a few days ago, HP leaks details of next generation iPaq’s (HW6700 series), yawn old news, WatchGuard and Citrix teamed up to provide mid-market SSL VPN for Secure Remote Access,...
And just appearing on one of my favourite sites for IT related News TheRegister.co.ukhttp://www... But of possibly more interest to me was this interesting snippet:The Universal is expected to ship late Q3, HTC said in June. In the meantime, Orange is expected to launch the M3000, a more compact (10.8 x 5.8 x 2.3cm) version of the M5000, based on HTC's Wizard handset. Wizard does not support 3G, but it does provide quad-band GSM/GPRS connectivity. It also...
From Harold Wong's Blog comes this news: ===========================... 2003 SP2 Community Technology Preview available for Download I know a lot of people have been waiting for Exchange 2003 SP2 to release. I've blogged in a previous entry that a pre-release version of SP2 will be out shortly. Yeah, yeah, you say, but WHEN will it be out????? That is a great question! Here's the answer ...................... [drum roll ............] On August 19th, 2005 the Community Technology...
There is a new update available for the Citrix Access Gateway Also be aware that the Admin Interface does change significantly from 4.0 to 4.1, it would appear on the surface of it that 4.1 was a bit "buggy" so it might be a better idea to try the 4.1.2, although as usual, your mileage may vary ;-)) http://support.citrix.com/k... orhttp://support.citrix.com... Resolved in this Hotfix 1. Cached LDAP user group information was not...
I was checking on the latest news regarding the C500 handset and Windows Mobile 5 at http://msmobiles.com and also came across another interesting site for similar news at http://www.coolsmartphone.com So first of all - start that download ;-)) Try this for the new 4.2.1.1 ROM Upgrade with Media Player 10 and Compatibility with THB car kit (whatever that means??), I'm always ready to be a guinea pig - but not tonight, I'll give this a bash tomorrow.http://www2.orange...
I was researching a slightly different issue, and in the couse of discovering what and how were things going wrong, I came across this article that is quite neat. Windows 2000 and Windows Server 2003 provide the ability to install a printer using a command line. This is particularly useful when you add or remove a printer from a group of users using a login script or a scheduled event. You can also modify and delete local printers using Windows 2000. The result is that an administrator can control...
Hot off the press - there appears to be an issue with the New 2000 rollup for Windows 2000 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++... - Confirmed by Citrix at:http://support.citrix.co... to Connect with ICA After Installing Microsoft Rollup 1 for Windows 2000There is a workaround so long as you don't need SmartCard Functionality++++++++++++++... far this has been noted in the Citrix Forums:http://support.citri...
Went to a customer’s the other day for what should have been a simple health check, and it turns out that their 25 odd Citrix Server Farm has recently been experiencing a problem whereby the Production Servers will routinely exhibit a BSOD (Blue Screen of Death) and spontaneously reboot. As the servers were already set up to save a Mini Dump file and then reboot, this has somewhat kept the issue “liveable” with, but for some reason this wasn’t on their most important list...
Altiris: Using Altiris/HP RDP the concept s to automate the build process and script each process so that it is: Automatic, as much as possible Modularised, in that each separate step is done independently What this enables is that you can switch Hardware and you would only need to change the “drivers” section of script, everything else should be able to remain as it is VMWare: Can be run as a host on Windows Server or Linux O/S, or in the case of ESX Server be run on “bare metal”....
Just as when the information first came out that it *might* be possible to get hold of an upgrade ROM for the MPx 200 to bring it up to WM 2003 SE to enable the .Net functionality, so it comes around again. As you’d expect with very few of the Mobile 5.0 compatible devices actually having been built, you might want to ask the question “What is MS using to test Exchange SP2 functionality with if they don’t have any new fancy gadgets?” But I can say I have seen something that...
Pretty provocative statement? What do I mean by this? Any of this sound vaguely familiar? This then possibly progress's at some point (when the next yearly(?) review of the DR Plan comes around) to add a bit more hardware and possibly some dedicated Leased line of some kind to enable comms? Although this is still somewhat half-hearted, when questioned about why it takes so long to test someone will usually point out that the reason it took so long is that: A - It wasn't done properly by *the other...
The Concept of DR (Disaster Recovery) is dead! Pretty provocative statement? What do I mean by this? Typical Scenario Large sized Enterprises of 1,000 users or more have looked around at what they implement in IT Technology and realized at some point that, although they have done their best to eliminate any potential "Single Points of Failure" during the design stage, they have now come to accept (especially post 9/11) that in the event of some kind of Natural Disaster or other major failure to the...
I did hear a totaly unsubstantiated rumour that MS have/had(?) considered calling this release Exchange 2006? And I guess when you consider that this is going to be release SP2 and the is nearly 3 years old, the MS Marketing machine must be itching to give it a new up-to-date name. Then the people looking after the revenue stream must also be thinking that would be a good idea as well. Let's just hope they hold off from that, as it would really have an effect on the speed of deployment on this. It'll...
I am looking in to the possibility of getting a "Blackberry Killer" Solution together combining the power of Exchange 2003 SP1(SP2) - the Always-Up-To-Date (AUTD) feature - and the new iPaq HW6500 from HP. Although I am by definition a Citrix Consultant at Ultima, I have always been interested in SmartPhones and the Pocket PC for some while. Now that I have Tom Tom Mobile 5 working on my C500, I figure there's not much that it can't do, so let's push the boundaries right out there.Main Crux of this...
Sorry for the delay - moving blogs etc. Now bear with me on some of this as it's almost RAW note taking - and I'm still waiting on the PowerPoint to confirm some of this but I have to say that I'm still getting goosebumps on my arms when thinking about how this came across, it felt like **My Personal Call to Arms** Notes: People recruited to the industry 20 – 25 years ago were/are risk averse We now have different challenges Skills are now not as important, now it’s Attitude and Personality,...