Microsoft Private Cloud beta exams

For the first time ever at MMS, attendees can take Microsoft Certification Exams onsite. For those interested in the Private Cloud — you could be one of the very first to take the beta version of Microsoft’s private cloud certification exams.

The Beta version of the exams for the Private Cloud certification allows Microsoft to develop the most relevant exams to build a private cloud on Microsoft technologies. Those who achieve a passing score will be among the very first to receive the Private Cloud certification.

The Microsoft Private Cloud beta exams are:
Exam 071-246: Private Cloud Monitoring and Operations with System Center 2012
Exam 071-247: Private Cloud Configuration and Deployment with System Center 2012

You won’t want to miss this amazing opportunity to fulfill your certification requirements, and with the new Certification Center at MMS, you’ll have the chance to learn, practice, and even talk one-on-one with the training experts on a variety of technologies.

On Monday 16th I will attend both Exam Cram sessions for training.
On Thursday 19th and Friday 20th I will attend both beta exams.

Nice to be first (in the world) to take this beta exams!

Microsoft Management Summit 2012 sessions

Every year around April there's a huge Microsoft event called Microsoft Management Summit (MMS). This event is the top in Management solutions build on Microsoft System Center. This year I'm attending MMS also. I was there before in 2009, and now 3 years later, I will return to Las Vegas. Happy to be at this great event again!

The following topics I'm trying to schedule:

• Microsoft Deployment Toolkit 2012
• Microsoft Private Cloud overview
• Mobile Device Management solutions
• System Center Configuration Manager 2012
• System Center Endpoint Protection 2012
• System Center Operations Manager 2012
• Windows 7 deployment tips & tricks
• Windows Embedded Device Manager 2012

Nice to see that most sessions are about the new System Center 2012 suite and Microsoft Private Cloud solutions. Too much interesting sessions for me to schedule I guess :)

Windows 8 Consumer Preview available for download

On 29-2-2012 the second build of Windows 8 (server and client) is showed to the world. After the Windows Developer Preview earlier last year, there's now a Consumer Preview available for download. Windows 8 (server and client) is build on Metro, the User Interface we know from Windows Phone 7 devices. That way it's usable on servers, desktops, laptops and tablets, with touch interface!

The Windows 8 Consumer Preview ISO can be download HERE
The Windows Server "8" Beta ISO can be download HERE

How to install Windows 8 Consumer Preview from an ISO image

The easiest way to convert an ISO file to a DVD in Windows 7 is to use Windows Disc Image Burner. On a PC running Windows XP or Windows Vista, a third-party program is required to convert an ISO file into installable media—and DVD burning software often includes this capability. One option is the USB/DVD download tool provided by the Microsoft Store. You can also download Windows 8 Consumer Preview Setup, which includes tools that allow you to create a DVD or USB flash drive from an ISO file (Windows Vista or Windows 7 required).

More blogposts available for Windows 8 also:

Guide to install Windows 8 on a VHD (Virtual Hard Disk)

Guide to remove Windows 8 on a VHD (Virtual Hard Disk)