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!
Wednesday, May 20, 2015
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!
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!
Monday, May 18, 2015
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.
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
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!
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
Saturday, May 16, 2015
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
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
Tuesday, May 12, 2015
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
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
Friday, May 8, 2015
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
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
Thursday, May 7, 2015
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
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
Wednesday, May 6, 2015
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
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:
-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
Tuesday, May 5, 2015
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
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
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
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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
Tuesday, April 28, 2015
My findings after a large ConfigMgr deployment with Site servers worldwide
Last month I did a large ConfigMgr deployment. Last years I did dozens of implementations, but this one was special. This because beside The Primary Site server installation, ten (10) remote Site servers must be installed as well. I did this before also, but only twice on global scale. This time remote Site servers were placed in almost all continents, which is very cool if you ask me :-)
When having locations worldwide (with around 3.000 systems to manage), you must think about low bandwidth and/or high latency issues. Therefore your design must fit, so synchronization works, and OS deployment can be done in almost all continents worldwide. After a few weeks implementation all went fine. In this blogpost I will mention my findings so far. Hope they will be useful.
Special tasks provided during implementation:
-Application Catalog (doesn't work out-of-the-box always)
-Asset Intelligence - Licensing (easy to configure, nice to have)
-Asset Intelligence - Software (empty by default, but useful when configured)
-Compliance Settings - Configuration Items and Baselines (empty by default, but useful when configured)
-Monitoring Content transfer (different locations)
-Pull Distribution points (very useful if you ask me)
-Software Metering (doesn't work out-of-the-box always)
Special collections created for overview:
-Departments (all departments)
-Locations (all locations)
-Operating Systems (all operating systems)
-System Type (all system types)
Queries on Computer name, Model and System Type are used.
With all queries available and nested collections, you can create anything you want! :-)
Special tasks provided during OS deployment:
-BIOS Configuration Utility (HP)
-Define Active Directory OU Location
-Define and set Default Timezone
-Keep data & Format disk task sequence
-Set BIOS Password when not available (HP)
-Set Default Management Point (Affinity)
Very cool to see both Pull Distribution points and Management Point Affinity working. Furthermore Rate Limits on Remote Site servers are great to configure bandwidth usage. You can do so much in ConfigMgr, that almost everything is possible :-)
Have a look at "Most wanted features in ConfigMgr requested by customers" for functionality (still) missing in ConfigMgr.
Websites used during implementation:
-SCCM 2012 – Inventoried Software is empty?
-Monitor Virus guard definition level from SCCM 2012 compliance management
-Enable TPM for BitLocker usage during OS deployment on endpoints (part 2)
-How to add devices to different OU’s during deployment
-Chassis Types and query-based Collections (part 2)
When having locations worldwide (with around 3.000 systems to manage), you must think about low bandwidth and/or high latency issues. Therefore your design must fit, so synchronization works, and OS deployment can be done in almost all continents worldwide. After a few weeks implementation all went fine. In this blogpost I will mention my findings so far. Hope they will be useful.
-Application Catalog (doesn't work out-of-the-box always)
-Asset Intelligence - Licensing (easy to configure, nice to have)
-Asset Intelligence - Software (empty by default, but useful when configured)
-Compliance Settings - Configuration Items and Baselines (empty by default, but useful when configured)
-Monitoring Content transfer (different locations)
-Pull Distribution points (very useful if you ask me)
-Software Metering (doesn't work out-of-the-box always)
Special collections created for overview:
-Departments (all departments)
-Locations (all locations)
-Operating Systems (all operating systems)
-System Type (all system types)
Queries on Computer name, Model and System Type are used.
With all queries available and nested collections, you can create anything you want! :-)
-BIOS Configuration Utility (HP)
-Define Active Directory OU Location
-Define and set Default Timezone
-Keep data & Format disk task sequence
-Set BIOS Password when not available (HP)
-Set Default Management Point (Affinity)
Very cool to see both Pull Distribution points and Management Point Affinity working. Furthermore Rate Limits on Remote Site servers are great to configure bandwidth usage. You can do so much in ConfigMgr, that almost everything is possible :-)
Have a look at "Most wanted features in ConfigMgr requested by customers" for functionality (still) missing in ConfigMgr.
Websites used during implementation:
-SCCM 2012 – Inventoried Software is empty?
-Monitor Virus guard definition level from SCCM 2012 compliance management
-Enable TPM for BitLocker usage during OS deployment on endpoints (part 2)
-How to add devices to different OU’s during deployment
-Chassis Types and query-based Collections (part 2)
Tuesday, April 21, 2015
My scheduled sessions and product focus on Microsoft Ignite
Within 2 weeks Microsoft Ignite is there! As for March 31st, the Microsoft Ignite general attendee registration is SOLD OUT! With around 20,000 attendees in attendance, it will be a great event full off Microsoft announcements and new technology. More about that can be found HERE. In this blogpost I mention my focus on products and sessions scheduled (for the moment).
When we look on products first, the following have my attention:
- Microsoft Azure (Update)
- Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (Update)
- Microsoft Intune (Enterprise Mobility)
- System Center 'vnext' (ConfigMgr and OpsMgr)
- Windows 10 (Technical Preview)
Well, that's not a lot you may think :-)
Most of sessions scheduled will be about Windows 10, which has my attention definitely:
- Azure AD and Windows 10 together
- Creating Kiosk Devices with Windows 10
- Deploy Windows 10 with ConfigMgr and MDT
- Manage Windows 10 with Intune and ConfigMgr
- Provisioning Windows 10 with New Tools
- Troubleshooting Windows 10
- Upgrading to Windows 10: In Depth
- What's New in Windows 10
- Windows 10 for Education
- Windows 10 for Enterprises
- Windows 10 for Mobile Devices
And so on..
Using the next version of Configuration Manager (ConfigMgr), Microsoft Intune or Deployment Toolkit, it will be even more great! It's not about Windows 10 only, it's about the new way of managing the operating system. With Azure AD, ConfigMgr 'vnext' and Intune there will be a lot of new possibilities for that. Sounds great isn't it?!
Expect a lot of tweets and blogposts around Microsoft Ignite from me, and lot's of other people love sharing knowledge.
Follow me on Twitter: @henkhoogendoorn
More blogposts on Microsoft Ignite:
Microsoft Ignite general attendee registration is SOLD OUT!
When we look on products first, the following have my attention:
- Microsoft Azure (Update)
- Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (Update)
- Microsoft Intune (Enterprise Mobility)
- System Center 'vnext' (ConfigMgr and OpsMgr)
- Windows 10 (Technical Preview)
Well, that's not a lot you may think :-)
Most of sessions scheduled will be about Windows 10, which has my attention definitely:
- Azure AD and Windows 10 together
- Creating Kiosk Devices with Windows 10
- Deploy Windows 10 with ConfigMgr and MDT
- Manage Windows 10 with Intune and ConfigMgr
- Provisioning Windows 10 with New Tools
- Troubleshooting Windows 10
- Upgrading to Windows 10: In Depth
- What's New in Windows 10
- Windows 10 for Education
- Windows 10 for Enterprises
- Windows 10 for Mobile Devices
And so on..
Using the next version of Configuration Manager (ConfigMgr), Microsoft Intune or Deployment Toolkit, it will be even more great! It's not about Windows 10 only, it's about the new way of managing the operating system. With Azure AD, ConfigMgr 'vnext' and Intune there will be a lot of new possibilities for that. Sounds great isn't it?!
Expect a lot of tweets and blogposts around Microsoft Ignite from me, and lot's of other people love sharing knowledge.
Follow me on Twitter: @henkhoogendoorn
More blogposts on Microsoft Ignite:
Microsoft Ignite general attendee registration is SOLD OUT!
Monday, April 20, 2015
Current and upcoming features you’ll love in monitoring with Microsoft
Sponsor post
Join our exclusive webinar with MVPs Cameron Fuller and Bob Cornelissen (Jalasoft)
Operations Manager is continuously evolving! This includes management packs, new ways of looking at monitoring and gaining insight into monitored business services, cloud services, and more.
This webinar explores new developments in the Microsoft monitoring sphere, as well as developments in SCOM and Azure Operational Insights and how to benefit from these options:
Join us this Thursday, April 23rd, 2015 at 12:00 EDT / 11:00 CDT / 18:00 CEST.
Join our exclusive webinar with MVPs Cameron Fuller and Bob Cornelissen (Jalasoft)
Operations Manager is continuously evolving! This includes management packs, new ways of looking at monitoring and gaining insight into monitored business services, cloud services, and more.
This webinar explores new developments in the Microsoft monitoring sphere, as well as developments in SCOM and Azure Operational Insights and how to benefit from these options:
- Hear about changes in the current product to monitor your environment more effectively.
- Learn tips and tricks to be more effective as an Operations Manager administrator.
- See possibilities of Operational Insights and how the solutions from the Cloud can augment your monitoring.
- Explore the futures of SCOM and monitoring solutions from Microsoft.
Join us this Thursday, April 23rd, 2015 at 12:00 EDT / 11:00 CDT / 18:00 CEST.
Wednesday, April 15, 2015
The task sequence cannot be run because the program files cannot be located
After installing ConfigMgr with multiple remote Site servers (distribution points), we decided to configure half off them with a Fast connection, and half of them with a Slow connection. This can be configured on the boundary group, which contains one or multiple boundaries and is connected to all site servers. That way you are sure that content is downloaded from the local server and no or less WAN traffic takes place. But than it happens..
In this case the package is the ConfigMgr client package.
We did the following to troubleshoot the issue:
-Check if boundary groups are connected to site servers and boundaries are set
-Redistribute and Validate the ConfigMgr client package on multiple site servers (multiple times)
-Check if VLAN communication is working on security, firewall and access control list
-Content location request for PR100003:3 failed. (Code 0x80040102)
-Failed to resolve PackageID=<?>
-Failed to resolve selected task sequence dependencies. Code(0x80040102)
-ThreadToResolveandExecuteTaskSequence failed. Code(0x80040102)
When looking on Microsoft TechNet forums, the error code has a relation with boundaries, boundary groups and/or the network access account. This was in our situation not the case. After deploying systems on site servers with a Fast connection, everything seems to be okay? When deploying systems on site servers with a Slow connection however not. When changing connection speed on boundary groups back from Slow to Fast the issue is gone. Above issue is because you have configured a boundary group on a Slow connection, not specific because the boundaries, boundary groups and/or network access account is configured wrong. https://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/949574ac-c947-4ff4-a817-263014246ee2/osd-failed-package-cannot-be-located-on-distribution-point
Strange thing is, that nothing is found on this specific configuration. I rest my case and leave it on Fast connection for now. For it seems you cannot start OS deployment on systems which are using a site server with Slow connection boundary group? That makes no sense however, because on software packages you can decide what to do on Slow or Fast connections. On a task sequence deployment this cannot be configured. Hope that someone can explain this behaviour, because otherwise Slow connection is kind of useless if you ask me.
https://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/2fbd2270-88e4-4fff-add1-5839b6b9b712/prevent-osd-over-wireless-and-vpn-networks
Another one bites the dust!
Monday, April 13, 2015
Enable TPM for BitLocker usage during OS deployment on endpoints (part 2)
Last year I did deployment with BitLocker usage on Dell systems. You can find more information about that here: Enable TPM for BitLocker usage during OS deployment on endpoints. This time I will do the same, but then on HP systems. As mentioned last time I didn't used it before. Let's have a look at possibilities on HP boxes. With this configuration there's no need for manually actions.
HP is offering a few websites for more information:
Client Management Solutions
HP BIOS Configuration Utility
When installing HP BIOS Configuration Utility (BCU) 4 files will be found. These are:
-BCUErr.cfg
-BIOS Configuration Utility User's Guide
-BIOSConfigUtility.exe (for x86 boot image)
-BIOSConfigUtility64.exe (for x64 boot image)
The HP BCU settings file is created with BiosConfigUtility.exe and /getconfig:<file> parameter. This file is used during deployment with /setconfig:<file> parameter. Have a look at BIOS Configuration Utility User Guide for more information on this.BCU also has the ability to establish, modify, and remove the BIOS setup password. Use the HP Password Encryption Utility (HPQPswd.exe) to create the password file needed to specify new or current password.
Use the following sample command to create a setup password on a system with no existing password:
BIOSConfigUtility.exe /nspwdfile:"new password.bin"
Use the following sample command to modify the BIOS setup password use:
BIOSConfigUtility.exe /nspwdfile:"new password.bin" /cspwdfile:"current password.bin"
Use the following sample command to remove the BIOS setup password use:
BIOSConfigUtility.exe /nspwdfile:"" /cspwdfile:"current password.bin"
NOTE: A password change command can be combined with BIOS configuration, in which case the password is modified before the configuration is applied.
BIOSConfigUtility.exe /set:"configuration.txt" /nspwdfile:"new password.bin"
The HPQPSDW utility is started with a GUI and an encrypted BIN file is created. With this file the system administrator password is set or changed. Download: HP System Software Manager
With this information both password can be set and BIOS settings can be changed. Just great if you ask me!
Other posts on BitLocker:
How to Enable BitLocker, Automatically save Keys to Active Directory
Enable TPM for BitLocker usage during OS deployment on endpoints
BitLocker fails in task sequence because of false condition
HP is offering a few websites for more information:
Client Management Solutions
HP BIOS Configuration Utility
When installing HP BIOS Configuration Utility (BCU) 4 files will be found. These are:
-BCUErr.cfg
-BIOS Configuration Utility User's Guide
-BIOSConfigUtility.exe (for x86 boot image)
-BIOSConfigUtility64.exe (for x64 boot image)
The HP BCU settings file is created with BiosConfigUtility.exe and /getconfig:<file> parameter. This file is used during deployment with /setconfig:<file> parameter. Have a look at BIOS Configuration Utility User Guide for more information on this.BCU also has the ability to establish, modify, and remove the BIOS setup password. Use the HP Password Encryption Utility (HPQPswd.exe) to create the password file needed to specify new or current password.
Use the following sample command to create a setup password on a system with no existing password:
BIOSConfigUtility.exe /nspwdfile:"new password.bin"
Use the following sample command to modify the BIOS setup password use:
BIOSConfigUtility.exe /nspwdfile:"new password.bin" /cspwdfile:"current password.bin"
Use the following sample command to remove the BIOS setup password use:
BIOSConfigUtility.exe /nspwdfile:"" /cspwdfile:"current password.bin"
NOTE: A password change command can be combined with BIOS configuration, in which case the password is modified before the configuration is applied.
BIOSConfigUtility.exe /set:"configuration.txt" /nspwdfile:"new password.bin"
The HPQPSDW utility is started with a GUI and an encrypted BIN file is created. With this file the system administrator password is set or changed. Download: HP System Software Manager
With this information both password can be set and BIOS settings can be changed. Just great if you ask me!
Other posts on BitLocker:
How to Enable BitLocker, Automatically save Keys to Active Directory
Enable TPM for BitLocker usage during OS deployment on endpoints
BitLocker fails in task sequence because of false condition
Tuesday, April 7, 2015
New Microsoft System Center and Windows versions coming!
This is a great year again because of new Microsoft System Center and Windows versions coming soon. Let's have a look at some big announcements so far! It's really a hugh list this time.
ConfigMgr 2012 R2 SP2 is first in line, which contains Cumulative Update (CU) 1-4 and even more hopefully. It will be released probably around Microsoft Ignite which is held in Chicago in May. There will be an update also to support Windows 10 deployment, upgrade and management with existing ConfigMgr features.
Source: WindowsITPro.com
Windows 10 is expected in September this year. A new Preview version is expected probably around Microsoft Build which is held in San Francisco in April/May. Windows 10 may be the best OS since Windows 7 finally! Windows 10: One product family, One platform, One store. Love it! Update: Windows 10 Launching This Summer in 190 Countries and 111 Languages already.
Source: Blogging Windows
Windows 10 ADK, which is needed to deploy Windows OS to new computers, will be released around Windows 10. A Preview version can be downloaded already: Download Center
Note: Before you even try, this version is NOT compatible with MDT 2013 (6.2.5019.0) or ConfigMgr 2012 R2.
Source: Deployment Research
Windows Server 'vnext' (2016) is expected in H1 next year. Because of strong focus on Cloud (Azure), expect more integration on that part. The Windows Server Technical Preview can be downloaded here: Windows Server Evaluations
At this technical preview milestone, many of the features and scenarios of Windows 10 and Windows Server are still in development and are not intended for broad production roll out.
The System Center Technical Preview delivers unified management across on-premises, service provider, and Microsoft Azure environments, thereby enabling the Microsoft Cloud OS. You need to be running Windows Server Technical Preview and Microsoft SQL Server 2014. Expect a final release somewhere in 2015.
Download: TechNet Evaluation Center
Source: The System Center Team Blog
The next version of ConfigMgr will deliver full support for client deployment, upgrade, and management of Windows 10 and associated updates. The next version of ConfigMgr, will ship in a timeframe that aligns with Windows. Microsoft has decided not to ship a ConfigMgr preview at this time, and will do so in H1 CY15.
Source: System Center Configuration Manager Team Blog
Source: Server & Cloud Blog
Office 365: Since last week built-in mobile device management (MDM) is available for Office 365 commercial plans. With MDM for Office 365, you can manage access to Office 365 data across a diverse range of phones and tablets, including iOS, Android and Windows Phone devices, without the need for Microsoft Intune.
Source: Feature Comparison with MDM for Office 365
Microsoft Intune: In addition, as Windows 10 delivers advanced mobile device management (MDM) to support evolving enterprise requirements, Intune will provide the leading mobile-first, cloud-first management capabilities for Windows 10.
Source: System Center Configuration Manager Team Blog
Office 2016 for Windows and Mac has been in private preview for several months, though anyone could request access if they were so inclined. Microsoft has expanded the program in March to it's commercial Office 365 customers, interested in testing the upcoming release. The reason today’s Skype technical preview is tied to Office 2016 is simple: Skype for Business will be part of the suite! Office 2016 will be launching in the second half of this year.
Download: Microsoft Connect
Source: Office Blogs & VentureBeat
Can't wait to install the bits later this year! Life is good :-)
More blogposts on this topic:
My personal experience with Windows 10 Technical Preview
Feature Comparison with MDM for Office 365
Source: WindowsITPro.com
Windows 10 is expected in September this year. A new Preview version is expected probably around Microsoft Build which is held in San Francisco in April/May. Windows 10 may be the best OS since Windows 7 finally! Windows 10: One product family, One platform, One store. Love it! Update: Windows 10 Launching This Summer in 190 Countries and 111 Languages already.
Source: Blogging Windows
Windows 10 ADK, which is needed to deploy Windows OS to new computers, will be released around Windows 10. A Preview version can be downloaded already: Download Center
Note: Before you even try, this version is NOT compatible with MDT 2013 (6.2.5019.0) or ConfigMgr 2012 R2.
Source: Deployment Research
Windows Server 'vnext' (2016) is expected in H1 next year. Because of strong focus on Cloud (Azure), expect more integration on that part. The Windows Server Technical Preview can be downloaded here: Windows Server Evaluations
At this technical preview milestone, many of the features and scenarios of Windows 10 and Windows Server are still in development and are not intended for broad production roll out.
Download: TechNet Evaluation Center
Source: The System Center Team Blog
The next version of ConfigMgr will deliver full support for client deployment, upgrade, and management of Windows 10 and associated updates. The next version of ConfigMgr, will ship in a timeframe that aligns with Windows. Microsoft has decided not to ship a ConfigMgr preview at this time, and will do so in H1 CY15.
Source: System Center Configuration Manager Team Blog
Source: Server & Cloud Blog
Office 365: Since last week built-in mobile device management (MDM) is available for Office 365 commercial plans. With MDM for Office 365, you can manage access to Office 365 data across a diverse range of phones and tablets, including iOS, Android and Windows Phone devices, without the need for Microsoft Intune.
Source: Feature Comparison with MDM for Office 365
Microsoft Intune: In addition, as Windows 10 delivers advanced mobile device management (MDM) to support evolving enterprise requirements, Intune will provide the leading mobile-first, cloud-first management capabilities for Windows 10.
Source: System Center Configuration Manager Team Blog
Download: Microsoft Connect
Source: Office Blogs & VentureBeat
Can't wait to install the bits later this year! Life is good :-)
More blogposts on this topic:
My personal experience with Windows 10 Technical Preview
Feature Comparison with MDM for Office 365
Wednesday, April 1, 2015
Microsoft Ignite general attendee registration is SOLD OUT!
http://ignite.microsoft.com/
ttp://www.choosechicago.com/microsoftignite/
http://channel9.msdn.com/Shows/Microsoft-Ignite-Countdown/Countdown-To-Microsoft-Ignite-CD9
https://johnacook.wordpress.com/2015/01/05/things-to-do-in-chicago-when-at-microsoft-ignite/
https://twitter.com/Begley_D/lists/Chicago
https://channel9.msdn.com/Forums/MicrosoftIgnite
https://myignite.microsoft.com/
Today with MyIgnite you can:
-Access Schedule Builder to search for session and labs that interest you and build your personalized conference schedule
-Join the Yammer Network and start discussions with speakers and your peers
-Edit your profile
-View sponsors and exhibitors
Busy now filling my schedule with lots of great sessions :-)
Just awesome to be part of this, and expect way more in the next coming months!
Update: when more links available I will update this blogpost.
More blogposts on Microsoft Ignite:
My scheduled sessions and product focus on Microsoft Ignite
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