Doing a ConfigMgr 2012 R2 SP1 upgrade (Notes from the field)

Last week I did a lot of ConfigMgr 2012 R2 SP1 upgrades already. I did 5 upgrades on different environments, resulting in different behavior. Let's have a look at that. Before you begin just make sure you have a good backup! Most of time I start with a ConfigMgr backup and snapshot of ConfigMgr and SQL VM's. Better safe then sorry :-)

Then start the SP2 media (still confusing) to implement SP1 in your environment. It will be finished in around 30-45 minutes. The crazy part is starting after that. ConfigMgr isn't done with the upgrade, but running tasks in the background. Strange enough it's hard to see what's the status of that, and sometime it's stuck too and a reboot is needed. Let's have a look again.

When the upgrade wizard is finished and you start the ConfigMgr console, have a look at Site & System status. The MP will be down for almost one hour. When looking at Software Library the ConfigMgr client package and boot images are not updated yet. Because of that OS deployment isn't possible too. Sometimes it will be started automatically within one hour, sometimes a reboot is needed to start processing again. A nasty situation for sure.
 
Installation progress in short: 

Installation done in the wizard

 

Installation done in the logfile 

 

Installation is done, but a lot of components still needs to be updated:

-Monitoring components installation
-Monitoring server roles installation
-Setting up management point
-Installing services
-Installing Component Monitor
-Installing SMS Executive
-Installing Database Notification Monitor
-Installing Site Control Manager
-Installing Hierarchy Manager
-Installing Inbox Manager
-Installing policy provider
-Installing management point control manager

 

Management point in critical state

 

SMS Replication Configuration Monitor stops

 

SMS Site Component Manager degraded

 

Site Component Manager stopping

 

Site Component Manager shut down

  

The Management point is in critical state, because it must be installed again. No communication possible for almost one hour. The SMS Site Component Manager is degraded, because most of Site components needs to be installed again. When installation is stuck, it may help to reboot the Primary server. (not recommended, just wait first)

 

 

When looking at Component Status, they will be gone (66 items) because communication is down. Big oops moment :-)

SMS MP Control Manager back online

 

Site Components back online

 

As I sayed earlier, it can take on hour before the Management point is healthy again and Site Components are back in business. It may help to reboot the Primary server once, when there's no progress seen (recommended only when nothing changed after one hour). After the reboot you will see that functionality is restored soon! When looking at Software Library the ConfigMgr client package and boot images will be updated now. Still it's a nasty upgrade, because you think it's done in 30-45 minutes, and not one hour after that. Strange enough it's hard to see what's the status of that, and sometimes it's stuck too and a reboot is needed.

Why not mention in the wizard, installation is not finished and will take another hour? Or count another hour on the wizard and finish it in 60-90 minutes, instead of running tasks in the background? I guess this can be better with another release in future. Hope it helps!

More blogposts about ConfigMgr 2012 R2 SP1:
ConfigMgr 2012 R2 SP1 and ConfigMgr 2012 SP2 released
Upgrade ConfigMgr 2012 R2 to SP1 with SP2 media (confusing)
New functionality in System Center 2012 R2 Configuration Manager SP1

Update: More status pictures will be added soon!

Our SNMP Device Simulator Promo is back to help you simulate any network device for free!

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Because of our previous SNMP Device Simulator promotion success, we wanted to do it all over again this May 28th & 29th! In case you were not able to get your free license, you can this second time around. Our SNMP Device Simulator allows you to simulate any network device. For detailed information on the features it offers, see below.

In a nutshell, this is what our full version offers:

So, how to obtain your free license?
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-Contact sales@jalasoft.com if you have any questions at all. You can also reach us through any of our social media accounts. 

For a Detailed features description visit Jalasoft blog on:
Xian NM- Network monitoring made easy!

Windows 10 will be 'the last version of Windows' ever (or not)

On Microsoft Ignite in Chicago last month, people mentioned that Windows 10 will be 'the last version of Windows' for now. There will be no new version of Windows anymore in future, but instead of that Microsoft will constantly update the product with new features and security updates. Therefore Microsoft is calling it 'Windows as a service' from now on. This is no new version of Windows, this is a new generation of Windows! Their could be a Windows 11 or 12 release somewhere in future, but Microsoft may rename it to 'Windows' as well, so the version number is not that important anymore.

No Windows 9 because of multiple reasons..

Windows as a service
The Windows 10 upgrade path is limited to Windows 7 operating systems and later, so no luck for XP and Vista users here. It will be 'free for personal use', because Windows 10 will be offered as a free upgrade for Windows 7 and 8.x operating systems, when upgrade within a year of its release. If customers have to pay after a year usage is not known at the moment. Expect some kind of subscription somewhere in future (but probably after a year). Because that's what 'Windows as a service' is all about, paying for new features and security updates, to optimize you operating system constantly.

Windows Update for Business
For business there's no free upgrade possible, but there are important changes to mention on software updates. Microsoft will end 'Patch Tuesday' in nearby future, because updates will be available as soon they are released, making operating systems more secure. Updates will be released in 'rings', given the choice between faster or regular update scenario's. This feature is called 'Windows Update for Business' and it will be free for both Windows Pro and Enterprise devices. You can still use programs like WSUS or SCCM, but as soon as you stay behind on updates, you're missing new features too!

Latest Windows 10 media
At every feature update, new Windows 10 media get's available with new functionality and security updates in it. Expect new media at least once a year! Therefore it's not necessary anymore to build an image with around 200 updates in it, like on Windows 7. Just use the 'latest Windows 10 media' and deploy that one to systems. Therefore Microsoft is mentioning imaging (building images and keep them up-to-date) will be less easier that way. When using SCCM or Intune, the operating system can be changed when needed. Building images with components and updates integrated is history for it seems!

Same look-and-feel on different devices

One Windows, One Store
Another thing to mention is using the same operating system on multiple devices. When having a high-end Windows Phone, you can make usage of 'Continuum' using the phone as your personal computer. The experience will be same on different types of devices, from small to large, it will be same! Expect a release this summer already. Windows 10 will not be final then, but it will never because of the updates coming constantly. Releases for Windows Phone, Xbox One and Thin Client (Kiosk devices) will be available later. It will be the same operating system, but with additional software running on it.

New features and strategy
With features like 'Azure Active Directory' join and 'Cortana' integrated in Windows 10, Windows Phone, Microsoft Band and even more systems, it will be the best Microsoft operating system ever. Just start thinking about a implementing strategy for Azure AD, Windows 10, System Center Configuration Manager 2016 integrated with Microsoft Intune (Hybrid) to manage Windows 10 the best way possible. Microsoft has done an excellent job with Windows 10!

Microsoft is the productivity and platform company that will thrive in the mobile-first, cloud-first world. I'm very excited about it :-)

More blogposts about Windows 10:
Microsoft’s Mobile-first, Cloud-first vision (part 1)
Microsoft’s Mobile-first, Cloud-first vision (part 2)
My personal experience with Windows 10 Technical Preview
Windows 10 Technical Preview updated with 7,000 changes and fixes
New Microsoft System Center and Windows versions coming!
Windows 10 Technical Preview for phones is available now
Meet Windows 10: The New Generation of Windows

Install the GUI on Windows Server Technical Preview 2

During Microsoft Ignite last month, Windows Server Technical Preview 2 is released. More information about Microsoft Ignite announcements can be found here: Microsoft Ignite 2015 (Event) recap. Download of Windows Server Technical Preview 2 can be done on Microsoft Evaluation Center. When installing Windows Server Technical Preview 2, no GUI is installed by default. Let's have a look at the installation steps needed to have a GUI again.
 

This option (recommended) reduces management and servicing by installing only what is needed to run most server roles and applications. It does not include a GUIU, but you can fully manage the server locally or remotely with Windows PowerShell or other tools.
 

This option is useful when local admin tools are required (for example, to provide backward compatibility for an admin tool that cannot be run remotely). All server roles and features are supported.
 

Change password (look-and-feel) when choosing "Windows Server Technical Preview 2"

 

Change password when choosing "Windows Server Technical Preview 2 (with local admin tools)"

 

After installation run PowerShell from the command prompt. Start the following cmdlet to install the GUI and reboot the server:

Install-WindowsFeature Server-GUI-Shell -Restart

Just great to have the GUI back again (if you want it like me)! Windows Server 2016 (final name) will be released some time next year. Stay tuned for more!

New functionality in System Center 2012 R2 Configuration Manager SP1

Last week I did a few blogposts about the System Center 2012 R2 Configuration Manager SP1 Release and Upgrade. After the upgrade both Consoles and Clients must be upgraded as well. ConfigMgr clients can be upgraded with the Automatic Client Upgrade (like always when installing big updates). Let's have a look at new functionality added to the ConfigMgr console and boot images.

After installation the version has changed to 5.00.8239.1000 in About Configuration Manager dialog box and Site server properties. The current ConfigMgr 2012 R2 key will work with R2 SP1 also.

The OSD screen is changed and looks a little better if you ask me..

With all checkmarks enabled (which is default), only drivers that match the architecture, which are in the storage or network class, and are digitally signed are available. Much better, because I've seen complete driver packages in boot images before!

Deployment Verification is a cool feature, that makes sure no deployment on default collections (except All Unknown Computers) and collections with more then 100 systems (which is a default value) can be done. No more Required deployments on the All Systems collection from now on :-)

During deployment no default collections (except All Unknown Computers) and collections with more then 100 systems (which is a default value) are available. A message is displayed, that deployment has potential to be a high risk one.

When a required deployment is done, and the checkmark "Hide collections with a member count greater than site's minimum size configuration" is unchecked, a message is displayed. A checkmark must be set on "I want to create this high risk deployment (This wil generate an audit status message)" to continue.

With Cumulative Update 1 to 5 included, and a bunch of improvements, it's a must-have to install SP1 in your organization. I installed it twice already without any problems. Let's wait for ConfigMgr 2016 later this year (Q4 CY2015) now!

Upgrade ConfigMgr 2012 R2 to SP1 with SP2 media (confusing)

Today I started my first (and second) ConfigMgr 2012 R2 upgrade. When looking on Microsoft Evaluation Center, there is the choice between ConfigMgr 2012 R2 SP1 and ConfigMgr 2012 SP2 media. When looking at ConfigMgr 2012 R2 SP1 there's the choice between a SP2 and SP1 file as well. Strange thing is SP2 is 762MB in size and SP1 is only 1,10MB in size. Let's have a look at some more information about this (Preinstall Information).
 

Upgrading your installation: If you have a System Center 2012 R2 Configuration Manager installation, you can use the System Center 2012 Configuration Manager SP2 media to install the latest patches and automatically upgrade to System Center 2012 R2 Configuration Manager SP1.
New installation: Install System Center 2012 Configuration Manager SP2 first, and then install System Center 2012 R2 Configuration Manager SP1 at the top-tier site of your hierarchy. Both of these installation files are included as part of this evaluation.
 

Error message when starting SP1 installation before SP2

When SP2 is installed, you can install SP1 successfully
(but it's needed only on new installations)

So yes, you must actually run ConfigMgr 2012 SP2 when you have ConfigMgr 2012 R2 SP1 installed. Very confusing if you ask me? Using ConfigMgr 2012 R2 SP1 is needed only for new installations at the top-tier site of your hierarchy. Crazy it's less then 5MB in size!? Otherwise it's not needed to install this file (but it surely does install fine after ConfigMgr 2012 SP2 too). Just checked that one too.

The installation/upgrade went fine after all, and was done within 60 minutes. The second upgrade was done within 100 minutes, but was a larger site to upgrade. There will be new functionality added to the ConfigMgr console and boot images as well. This will be mentioned in another blogpost published soon. Because R2 functionality is built-in, no need to use R2 media anymore!

After installation the version has changed to 5.00.8239.1000 in About Configuration Manager dialog box and Site server properties. The current ConfigMgr 2012 R2 key will work with R2 SP1 also.
 
More information about the servicepack can be found here: ConfigMgr 2012 R2 SP1 and ConfigMgr 2012 SP2 released
 
Microsoft websites to visit:
What's New in System Center 2012 R2 Configuration Manager SP1
Announcing the availability of System Center 2012 R2 Configuration Manager SP1 and System Center 2012 Configuration Manager SP2
Planning to Upgrade System Center 2012 Configuration Manager

ConfigMgr 2012 R2 SP1 and ConfigMgr 2012 SP2 released

As mentioned on Microsoft Ignite last week, ConfigMgr 2012 R2 SP1 and ConfigMgr 2012 SP2 are now released and can be downloaded. The service packs deliver full compatibility with existing features for Windows 10 deployment, upgrade, and management. Also included in the service packs are new hybrid features for customers using ConfigMgr integrated with Microsoft Intune to manage devices. Some of the hybrid features that you can expect to see are conditional access policy, mobile application management, and support for Apple Device Enrollment Program (DEP). You can view the full list of hybrid features included in these service packs here: What's New in System Center 2012 R2 Configuration Manager SP1
 

 
Here's a list of improvements included, there are quite a lot of them:
-Sites and Hierarchies (2 improvements)
-Application Management (2 improvements)
-Content Management (6 improvements)
-Operating System Deployment (8 improvements)
-Reporting (3 improvements)
-ConfigMgr and Microsoft Intune (17 improvements)
 
Additional improvements that are included in this update:
-ConfigMgr Company Portal App (Windows 10 support)

To apply this update, you must have ConfigMgr 2012 (SP1/R2) installed. SP1/SP2 provides support for Windows 10 and improves data transfer reliability for slow and latent networks with new checkpoint restart functionality for distribution points and pull DPs. Increases secondary site from 5,000 clients to 10,000 clients and standalone primary to 150,000 clients. The version that is displayed in the About Configuration Manager dialog box is now 5.00.8239.1000.
 
This update replaces Cumulative Update 1 to 5 for System Center 2012 Configuration Manager R2

For more information have a look here: System Center Configuration Manager Team Blog
 
MSDN subscribers can expect these service pack downloads to be available next week. Microsoft is also planning to make these service packs available on the Volume Licensing Service Center (VLSC) on May 27th. You may also use your existing product key to transition from the evaluation version to the full product version.
 
More blogpost on this topic:
Microsoft Ignite day 1 (Keynote) recap
Microsoft Ignite day 2 (Session) recap
Cumulative Update 5 for ConfigMgr 2012 R2 released

Microsoft Ignite 2015 (Event) recap

Last week I attended the first Microsoft Ignite event in history. With 23.000 attendees the event was SOLD OUT and hugh! Instead of TechEd and Management Summit (MMS) before, Microsoft want to bring all IT Pro's to one single event. Therefore focus on Azure/Cloud, Server/Client, System Center/Intune, SQL/Visual Studio, Exchange/ Office 365 and SharePoint could all be found on one event. Personally I don't like the idea to have all those people on a single event, because networking will be more difficult that way. Let's have a look at announcements done and some pro's & con's on the Ignite event.

During the keynote an impressive line-up on speakers went on-stage: Satya Nadella (Global), Joe Belfiore (Windows 10), Gurdeep Singh Pall (Office/Skype), Julia White (Office/Skype) and Brad Anderson (Cloud/ System Center). Some other speakers went on stage as well.

Let's have a look at the announcements first:
-Windows Server 2016 (next preview) – available now
-System Center 2016 (next preview) - available this week
-SQL Server 2016 – in preview this summer
-Microsoft Azure Stack – available in preview this summer (demo)
-System Center Configuration Manager Technical Preview for managing Windows 10
-Outlook conditional access and MAM with Microsoft Intune will be enabled in Q2 (demo)
-Microsoft Operations Management Suite (OMS) - Announcing availability (demo)
-Azure RMS Document Tracking - Public preview (demo)
-Azure AD Cloud App Discovery - General available (demo)
-Microsoft Advanced Threat Analytics (ATA) - Public preview (demo)
-Azure AD Privileged Identity Management - Public Preview

Let's have a look at my personal pro's on the event:
Microsoft did a good job on organization, having a first event with 23.000 attendees is not that easy. A lot of things went fine after all.
-Picking up name badge and bag before the event is handy
-Pre-conf sessions seems to be great (I did not attend myself)
-Keynote was awesome on speakers and announcements
-Location was great, Chicago is a perfect city for an event like this
-Expo hall was really big and a lot of interesting stuff there
-Shuttles between hotel and conference location was easy to use
-Closing party was really nice to attend, great food and music
-Next year Microsoft Ignite will be held in Chicago again!

Now let's have a look at my personal con's on the event:
Beside Microsoft did a great job on some parts, there are parts that can be better. Lot's of people are complaining about the same stuff.
-Food on the event was really bad, no normal food to find here
-Security people where shouting a lot, especially during lunch
-Technical level on sessions was to be ashamed of, level 300 sessions where most of time between 50-200 and contains almost no new stuff. I skipped more sessions then I ever did on MMS (attended 3 times)
-Almost all content on keynote and sessions-on-demand are global available, given the fact that you can better stay at home and watch it from there? (or watch them at a later moment)
-No roundtable sessions like on MMS before, where you have open discussion sessions and more room for networking and knowledge sharing (evening sessions anyone?)
-Sometimes sessions where overbooked 20 minutes before start, given annoying situations. Why not use the same on MMS before, where you can book a session, and claim a seat till the session starts?
-The only hands-on lab I did, was not working and contains markups

Hope that Microsoft will listen to all feedback mentioned, so next year it will be even better. Personally I hope there will be a System Center event again somewhere in future, or choose an event like Nordic Infrastructure Conference (NIC), System Center Universe (SCU) or Midwest Management Summit (MMS) instead. My '2 cents' :-)

More blogposts on Microsoft Ignite:
Microsoft Ignite general attendee registration is SOLD OUT!
My scheduled sessions and product focus on Microsoft Ignite
Microsoft Ignite day 1 (Keynote) recap
Microsoft Ignite day 2 (Breakout) recap
Microsoft Ignite day 3 and 4 (Session) recap

Microsoft Ignite day 3 and 4 (Session) recap

Day 3 and 4 I did multiple sessions on ConfigMgr, Intune and Windows 10, listening to great speakers like Johan Arwidmark and Mikael Nystrom and some more. Very nice to see new functionality in both servicepack and vNext version coming. There will be more possibilities on both Mobile Device and Windows 10 Management. There are some improvements in the ConfigMgr console also.
 
Let's have a look at some interesting features so far:
-ConfigMgr will be more easily updatable to support windows 10 updates
-Intune will also iteratively stay up-to-date to manage windows 10 features
-Ability to manage Windows 10 PC's with MDM-style management
-New ConfigMgr version is like a servicepack, in-place upgrade possible
-Improved task sequence logging logic (better OSD logging)
-Windows 10 ADK available when Windows 10 is RTM
-New MDT Upgrade task sequence in MDT 2013 Update 1 Preview
-New functionality to restart the task sequence (multiple times)
-New functionality called Deployment verification (cool)
-New ConfigMgr task sequence for Windows 10 upgrade

Tuesday there was an interesting session about New and Upcoming features in Microsoft Intune and ConfigMgr. Let's have a look at it:
 
Microsoft Intune Roadmap
-Ability to restrict access to Outlook app based on device enrollment and compliance
-Intune App SDK for iOS
-Intune app Wrapping tool for Android
-Support for MAM in Outlooks app
-Multi-identity
-Support of Apple Volume Purchase Program (VPP)
-Windows 10 support
-Mac OS X support

Hybrid features for ConfigMgr 2012 R2 SP1 integrated with Intune
-Restrict access to Exchange on-premises email only if the device is managed
-Managed Office mobile apps – Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneDrive, OneNote
-App Wrapping Tool for existing iOS line-of-business apps
-Managed Browser for iOS and Android devices
-Device lockdown via supervised iOS devices and Assigned Access for Windows Phone 8.1
-Application install allow/deny list
-Support for custom policies for iOS devices
-Deployment of email profiles for Android devices using Samsung KNOX
-Passcode reset and remote device lock for iOS, Android, and Windows Phone devices
-Support for Apple Device Enrollment Program (DEP)
-Support for Samsung KNOX Standard
-Push free store apps to iOS devices
And many many more!

Hope you liked my recaps during this week. Will do an overall Microsoft Ignite post next week! Stay tuned for more :-)
 
More blogposts on Microsoft Ignite:
Microsoft Ignite general attendee registration is SOLD OUT!
My scheduled sessions and product focus on Microsoft Ignite
Microsoft Ignite day 1 (Keynote) recap
Microsoft Ignite day 2 (Breakout) recap

Cumulative Update 5 for ConfigMgr 2012 R2 released

Today Cumulative Update (CU) 5 for ConfigMgr 2012 R2 is released. It fixes 13 issues and 1 additional change is included. No need to install CU4 anymore when using this one.

Here's a list of issues that are fixed, there are quite a lot of them:
- Reporting (1 fix)
- Software distribution and application management (3 fixes)
- Site servers and site systems (5 fixes)
- Client (1 fix)
- Operating system deployment (3 fixes)

Additional changes that are included in this update:
- Endpoint Protection (anti-malware platform update)

Just install it in your environment when experiencing problems described in this article. When not affected by these problems, Microsoft recommends to wait for the next service pack that contains this update. The version that is displayed in the About System Center Configuration Manager dialog box is 5.0.7958.1604.

This update replaces Cumulative Update 4 for System Center 2012 Configuration Manager R2

For more information or download the update have a look here:
Microsoft Support

Note: Because ConfigMgr 2012 SP2 and 2012 R2 SP1 is released next week (may 14th) already, it's better to wait for the service pack then installing this one. Just saying ;) Why Microsoft is releasing another CU so soon before the SP is not clear to me. Do you?
Johan Arwidmark mentioned on twitter: Wow, don't deploy CU5 for SCCM 2012 R2, those updates are included in SP2 which is releasing next week, and SP's are more tested than CU's.

More information about the service pack:
Microsoft Ignite day 1 (Keynote) recap
Microsoft Ignite day 2 (Breakout) recap

Microsoft Ignite day 2 (Session) recap

Day 2 I did a few sessions on Windows 10, listening to great speakers like Michael Niehaus and Mark Minasi. Besides of that there is much to do on networking, expo hall, tech labs, blogging and all things else. There is a big difference with Microsoft Management Summit (MMS) however, because less focus on ConfigMgr. There is not even a booth on ConfigMgr available. It's all about the cloud I guess.

Starting early again today I heard a few interesting features, like:
-Windows 10 will be fully Azure Active Directory (AAD) aware
-MDT 2013 Update 1 Preview is needed for Windows 10 deployment
-Business Store: merged stores of Windows, Phone and Xbox together
-Business Store does licensing tracking for licensed apps
-Windows 10: no more flatten-and-reimage, it's upgrade and refresh
-Migrate to IE11 on Windows 7 before upgrade to Windows 10
-The Windows footprint is reduced, saves multiple GB's on systems
-Insiders will get new versions and updates, even after RTM

Yesterday there was an interesting session about New and Upcoming features in Microsoft Intune and ConfigMgr. Let's have a look at it:

Overview: Windows 10 Management with ConfigMgr and Intune
-ConfigMgr Technical Preview released on may 4th
-ConfigMgr Generally Available on Q4 CY2015
-ConfigMgr 2012 SP2 and R2 SP1 release on may 14th
-Microsoft Intune service update on may 4th (app compatibility and management of new Windows 10 features via custom policies with incremental updates to deliver full support)
 
Improvements in ConfigMgr 2012 SP2 and 2012 R2 SP1:
-Faster virtual app (App-V) publishing at first logon for non-persistent VDI environments
-Increased hierarchy and primary standalone site scale
-Improved scale and performance for pull distribution points (DP)
-Hybrid parity features for ConfigMgr integrated with Microsoft Intune
-Improved data transfer reliability for slow and latent networks
-Full compatibility with existing features for Windows 10
-Native support for SQL Server 2014
And much, much more...

What’s new in the ConfigMgr Technical Preview:
-Full compatibility with existing features for Windows 10
-Support for Windows in-place upgrade
-First iteration of new hybrid option to manage Windows 10 devices via MDM with on-premises infrastructure
-Client deployment upgrade status monitoring added in admin console
-Support for running ConfigMgr in Azure Virtual Machines
And much, much more...
 
My next post will be about new features in Microsoft Intune. Expect more blogposts about Microsoft Ignite soon!

More blogposts on Microsoft Ignite:
Microsoft Ignite general attendee registration is SOLD OUT!
My scheduled sessions and product focus on Microsoft Ignite
Microsoft Ignite day 1 (Keynote) recap

Microsoft Ignite day 1 (Keynote) recap

Day 1 was a really busy day, starting on 8:00 AM already being on time for the keynote. With around 23.000 attendees it was full house! With speakers like Satya Nadella, Joe Belfiore, Gurdeep Singh Pall and Brad Anderson it was an impressive line-up. Sadly enough Wi-Fi connection was failing again (same experience as other keynotes before), so between 8:00 and 10:00 AM it was hard to have a connection on any device. Between 10:00 and 12:00 it went better, but still very slow. Pity if you like to share information like me :-)

Let's have a look at the announcements shared so far.
-Windows Update for Business
-Windows Server and System Center 2016
-SQL Server 2016
-Office 2016 Technical Preview available
-ConfigMgr vNext Technical Preview available
-ConfigMgr 2012 SP2 and R2 SP1 next week available
-Azure Stack (formely known as Azure Pack)
-Operations Management Suite (OMS)
-Microsoft Advanced Threat Analytics
-Intune support for Windows 10

Satya Nadella speaking during the keynote!

Windows 10 Build 10105 and 10107 was shown with a few new features and updates on Continuum, Biometric logon, Extensions for Edge browser and Encrypted files. Furthermore programs can be switched between multiple desktops now. Cortana is even more advanced at every build also. Great to see that Windows 10 is almost ready, as a new generation of Windows: Windows as a service.

Since today ConfigMgr and SCEP vNext Technical Preview is available. In this preview, you will get an early glimpse of the functionality that Microsoft is planning to release in Q4 of this calendar year, bringing with it full support for client deployment, upgrade, and management of Windows 10. The service packs for ConfigMgr 2012 and 2012 R2 will be available next week already! These will deliver full compatibility with existing features for Windows 10 deployment and management as well as several other features.

A second preview of Windows Server 2016 is available now too! Microsoft Intune is updated with support for Windows 10. Too much to mention in one blogpost as you can guess :-) My next post will be about new features in ConfigMgr 2016 and Microsoft Intune. Expect more blogposts about Microsoft Ignite soon!

Information and Download links:
-Exploring the Ignite Keynote Demos
-Announcing support for Windows 10 management with System Center Configuration Manager
-Microsoft Brings the Next Generation of Hybrid Cloud - Azure to Your Datacenter
-Introducing Microsoft Operations Management Suite
-Announcing the Microsoft Azure Stack
-Download ConfigMgr vNext Technical Preview
-Download Windows Server Technical Preview 2
-Microsoft Ignite keynote on Channel 9
 
More blogposts on Microsoft Ignite:
Microsoft Ignite general attendee registration is SOLD OUT!
My scheduled sessions and product focus on Microsoft Ignite