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Springboard Series Insider – April 2011 Edition

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NOTE FROM THE EDITOR

Welcome to April. Windows Intune, the kickoff of the next Springboard Series Tour, new Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack 2011 resources...where to begin?

Let's start with the new products. Last month, we released Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack (MDOP) 2011, Windows Internet Explorer 9, and Windows Intune. You'll find new technical resources to help you explore and deploy these products as you read through this month's edition. MDOP 2011 is available for download from the
http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9768410
Microsoft Volume Licensing site for Software Assurance customers, or for evaluation on the
http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9768411
TechNet and
http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9768412
MSDN subscriber sites. There is also a 30-day free trial of Windows Intune available to all IT professionals from the
http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9768413
Windows Intune Resource Zone on TechNet. Internet Explorer 9 is available for free download
http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9761819
here .

We announced last month that we would soon be heading out on our next
http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9768415
Springboard Series Tour .Since you are Springboard Series Insiders, you get the first peek at the list of cities we will be visiting:
-May 2 – Toronto, ON-May 9 – Indianapolis, IN
-May 4 – Detroit, MI-May 11 – Dallas, TX
-May 6 – Chicago, IL-May 13 – Columbus, OH

The tour will wrap up with a full week at
http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9768414
Tech•Ed North America , May 16-20, 2011.

Want to join us for a full day of technical sessions, deep dive demos, face-to-face discussions with myself and other members of the Windows and Office product teams, and maybe even some cool giveaways?Visit
http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9768415
www.springboardseriestour.com and register today! Space is limited—and these free seminars will fill up quickly—so don't miss this great opportunity to improve your skills around Windows and Office deployment, the cloud (Windows Intune and Office 365), the newest Windows slate PCs, and much more.

We also have a very important upcoming virtual event coming up. The next
http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9768379
Springboard Series Virtual Roundtable will be on Thursday, April 14th at 9:00 AM Pacific Time. The topic this time—Is Windows XP Good Enough? Really??Join us for a lively discussion on how the technology landscape has changed since Windows XP was first released, and learn how to address today's challenges around security and manageability. We'll explore the differences between Windows 7 and Windows XP, Internet Explorer 6 and Internet Explorer 8 and Internet Explorer 9, and the various technologies in the client PC management stack. You can ask us your questions live during the event—or submit your questions in advance to
mailto:vrtable@microsoft.com
vrtable@microsoft.com .

Throughout the rest of this month's newsletter, we are focusing on the relationship between IT pros, the desktop, and the cloud with some great pieces on Windows Intune, Office 365, and much more. So grab a comfortable chair and settle in for another issue of the Springboard Series Insider. Also, if you attend a Springboard Series Tour event, or will be at Tech•Ed in May, make sure to come find me and tell me you're a Springboard Series Insider.

Stephen Rose

Sr. Community Manager, Microsoft Windows Client IT Pro

mailto:stephen.rose@microsoft.com

stephen.rose@microsoft.com

NEW RESOURCES

http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9768416
Windows Intune Trial Guide

Learn how you can get the most out of your 30-day trial. This guide is designed to help you set up your new Windows Intune environment and evaluate the main features of Windows Intune. You can also take the steps documented in the guide to create and customize Windows Intune to meet your own business needs. Need additional guidance? Check out these helpful resources:
-
http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9768417
Getting Started with Windows Intune
-
http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9768418
Windows Intune: Frequently Asked Questions

http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9768420
Now On Demand: Windows Intune Technology Tune-up

Watch as Microsoft Technical Fellow Mark Russinovich and panel discuss best practices in PC management, the challenges of protecting and supporting remote users, and real life experience with Windows Intune, Microsoft's cloud-based PC management solution. This video is designed to jumpstart your trial of Windows Intune and includes product demonstrations, how-to information, and tips and tricks from subject matter experts.

Microsoft Application Virtualization (App-V) 4.6 Service Pack 1 Resources

MDOP 2011 includes Service Pack 1 (SP1) of Microsoft App-V. Download the
http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9768421
trial guide and
http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9768422
sequencing guide then delve into these step-by-step video tutorials:
-
http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9768423
Create an App-V Package using the App-V 4.6 SP1 Sequencer
-
http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9768424
Create an App-V Package Accelerator
-
http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9768425
Create an App-V Package from an App-V Package Accelerator
-
http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9768426
Enable and Use the App-V Read-only Shared Cache for VDI and RDS
-
http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9768427
App-V Sequencing: Built-in Diagnostics and Templates
-
http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9768428
Advanced App-V Sequencing: Internet Explorer Add-Ins and VFS
-
http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9768429
Sequence an Application Plug-in for Dynamic Suite Composition

Microsoft Enterprise Desktop Virtualization (MED-V) 2.0 Resources

MDOP 2011 also includes version 2.0 of MED-V.
http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9768430
Download the trial guide to get started and get step-by-step guidance with these video tutorials:
-
http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9768431
MED-V 2.0 Workspace Overview
-
http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9768432
Configure a Windows XP Virtual Machine Image for MED-V 2.0
-
http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9768433
Create a MED-V Workspace Package
-
http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9768434
Deploying a MED-V Workspace Package
-
http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9768435
Updating a MED-V Workspace

http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9768436
Managing Microsoft Desktop Virtualization

Microsoft Desktop Virtualization enables organizations to optimize their core desktop infrastructure by separating the different layers of the computing environment—user state, applications, and the operating system—and managing them independently. Get an overview of Microsoft Desktop Virtualization technologies then learn how to manage those technologies using Microsoft System Center products.

http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9768437
Springboard Series for Internet Explorer 9

Get step-by-step guidance, tools, and resources to help you pilot and deploy this enterprise-ready browser in your organization with the Springboard Series for Internet Explorer 9.

http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9768439
Internet Explorer 9 Product Guide for IT Professionals

Read about the features in Internet Explorer 9 for IT professionals then explore them in more depth with a
http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9768440
video overview .

http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9768441
Internet Explorer Administration Kit 9 (IEAK 9)

Get the tools you need to simplify the creation, deployment and management of customized Internet Explorer packages. Available as a download and online reference, the IEAK can be used to configure the out-of-box Internet Explorer experience or to manage user settings after Internet Explorer deployment.

SOMETHING TO BLOG ABOUT

http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9768442
Get an Insider's View of Tech•Ed with The Krewe

Looking to meet up with other Windows IT pros like yourself at
http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9768414
Tech•Ed North America 2011 in May? The Krewe is a great place to start! The Krewe was created to help IT pros and developers connect, both inside and outside the conference setting, and to build a networking community for members throughout the year. Through Facebook and Twitter, they share information about Tech•Ed sessions and related activities like networking events and parties. If you want to join the fun, or just want to know where the good parties are, join them on
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=108587248759
Facebook , follow
http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9768443
@TheKrewe on Twitter, or visit them at
http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9768444
www.techedkrewe.com .

TIPS AND TRICKS

http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9768419
Deploying the Windows Intune Agent

Windows Intune helps businesses manage and secure client computers by using Windows cloud services. Windows Intune has three parts:
-The web-based administration console, which you use to manage your organization's client computers
-The Windows Intune client software, which you install on each client computer you want to manage
-Upgrade rights to Windows 7 Enterprise and future versions of Windows

Windows Intune requires no infrastructure and is quick and easy to deploy. This article describes how to deploy the Windows Intune client software using Microsoft deployment tools, including Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT) 2010 and System Center Configuration Manager 2007. For more information about installing the client software, see the
http://onlinehelp.microsoft.com/en-us/windowsintune/ff462939.aspx
Administration topic in Windows Intune
http://onlinehelp.microsoft.com/windowsintune/
Help .

Deployment Preparation

You download the Windows Intune client software from the Windows Intune account administration website. Because the file you download contains a certificate unique to your organization, you must log on to the website using the Windows Live ID and password associated with your Windows Intune account. ClickDownload Client Software in theAdministration workspace, and save the file (called Windows_Intune_Setup.zip) to your computer.

After downloading Windows_Intune_Setup.zip, extract it to a folder on your computer. The folder will contain two files: Windows_Intune_Setup.exe and WindowsIntune.accountcert:
-Windows_Intune_Setup.exe. This program file installs the Windows Intune client software on x64 and x86 client computers. You automate installation by using the/Quiet command-line option.
-WindowsIntune.accountcert. This file is a certificate that identifies your organization. Windows Intune uses this certificate to enroll each computer in the Windows Intune service.

You can install the Windows Intune client manually by downloading it directly from the account administration website, installing from a network share, installing from a USB flash disk, or installing from an intranet webpage. This article elaborates on deploying the Windows Intune client by using MDT 2010, System Center Configuration Manager 2007, and custom Windows images.

Microsoft Deployment Toolkit 2010

After downloading and extracting the Windows Intune client software installation files, you are ready to add them to your MDT 2010 deployment share. This article assumes that you have already installed MDT 2010 and fully stocked a deployment share with operating systems, applications, and so on. To add the Windows Intune client software to the distribution share, perform these steps:
1. Copy the folder containing Windows_Intune_Setup.exe and WindowsIntune.accountcert to a location accessible to the Deployment Workbench.
2. In the Deployment Workbench console tree, clickApplications. Applications is under Deployment Shares\share_name, whereshare_name is the name of the deployment share you are configuring.
3. In the Actions pane, clickNew Application.
4. On theApplication Type page, clickApplication with source files, and then clickNext.
5. On theDetails page, enter the following information, and then clickNext:
-In thePublisher box, typeMicrosoft.
-In theApplication Name box, typeWindows Intune.
6. On theSource page, clickBrowse, open the folder containing the Windows Intune client software, and then clickNext.
Note: The Windows Intune client software is unique to your organization and contains a certificate that client computers use to enroll in the service. Therefore, take steps to secure these files, and make sure they are only available to Windows Intune administrators and users who need them for installation.
7. On theDestination page, clickNext.
8. On theCommand Details page, typeWindows_Intune_Setup.exe /Quiet in theCommand line box, and then clickNext.
9. On the Summary page, shown in Figure 1, review the settings, and then clickNext.

Figure 1. Adding Windows Intune to a deployment share

10. ClickFinish.

After completing these steps, the Windows Intune client software is in the MDT 2010 deployment share, but that alone is not enough to install the client software. You must add a command to each task sequence that installs the client software during deployment:
1. In the Deployment Workbench console tree, clickTask Sequences. Task Sequences is under Deployment Shares\share_name, whereshare_name is the name of the deployment share you are configuring.
2. In the Details pane, click the task sequence to which you want to add the Windows Intune client software. Then, in the Actions pane, clickProperties.
3. In theProperties dialog box, click theTask Sequence tab.
4. In the left pane of the task sequence, underState Restore, clickCustom Tasks.
5. ClickAdd,General,Install Application.
6. On theProperties tab, shown in Figure 2, perform the following tasks, and then clickOK:
-In theName box, typeInstall Windows Intune.
-ClickInstall a single application.
-ClickBrowse, selectMicrosoft Windows Intune in theApplications list, and then clickOK.

Figure 2. Adding Windows Intune to a task sequence

That's it. When you run this task sequence on client computers, it will automatically install Windows Intune during the State Restore phase. It is important to note, however, that each computer must have Internet connectivity, or Windows Intune installation will fail. Windows Intune requires an Internet connection during installation to enroll the computer in the service.

System Center Configuration Manager 2007

You can also deploy the Windows Intune client software by using System Center Configuration Manager. This article assumes that you have already added Windows images to System Center Configuration Manager and that you have created task sequences to install them. To install the Windows Intune client software by using a task sequence, perform the following steps:
1. Create a package for the Windows Intune client software by following the instructions at
http://technet.microsoft.com/library/bb680528.aspx
How to Manage Packages . Make sure the source folder contains both Windows_Intune_Setup.exe and WindowsIntune.accountcert.
2. Add a program to the package that installs the Windows Intune client software by following the instructions at
http://technet.microsoft.com/library/bb680405.aspx
How to Manage Programs . The command to install the Windows Intune client software isWindows_Intune_Setup.exe /Quiet.
3. Add the Windows Intune client software package to an existing task sequence by following the instructions at
http://technet.microsoft.com/library/bb632474.aspx
How to Install Software Packages as Part of a Task Sequence .

As with deployment using MDT 2010, each computer on which you run the task sequence must have an Internet connection during deployment, because the Windows Intune client software enrolls the computer during installation. Installation fails if the installer cannot enroll the computer.

Custom Windows Images

Creating custom Windows images containing applications, including management agents, was once a common practice that has fallen out of favor lately. Known as thick imaging, the practice was to build monolithic images that were difficult to maintain and gobbled up vast amounts of storage. The process was to install Windows on a master computer, install applications and configure the computer, and then capture a new image that contained the applications.

The Windows Intune client software is not compatible with the thick imaging process. The client software enrolls the computer in the service during installation, which is why an Internet connection is required during installation. So, the following scenario does not work:
1. Install Windows on a master computer.
2. Install the Windows Intune client software, which enrolls the computer in the service. The enrollment data is specific to the computer.
3. Capture a custom Windows image.
4. Deploy the image to other computers in the organization. The Windows Intune client does not enroll each computer again, so each machine receives the same enrollment data. This clearly does not work.

As a result, you must use a thin imaging process to deploy the Windows Intune client software. In this process, you install the default Windows image, and then automatically install required applications immediately afterward. Both MDT 2010 and System Center Configuration Manager make this process easy. The benefit is that thin imaging reduces image maintenance and image count considerably. Updating an application no longer requires capturing a new image. You simply update the application in the deployment share.

A hybrid process is possible for organizations that do not use MDT 2010 or System Center Configuration Manager. You can add the Windows Intune installation files to an image, and then run the installer the first time the image boots. You can do this by creating an Unattend.xml file, which
http://technet.microsoft.com/library/dd744318.aspx
Work with Answer Files describes.

Conclusion

Windows Intune provides essential management and protection for any size business that has unmanaged or lightly managed client computers. Large organizations can also use Windows Intune to complement existing management systems to manage pockets of unmanaged client computers (e.g., non–domain-joined computers, contract employees, or lightly managed field employees).

Not only is Windows Intune easy to use, it is also easy to deploy. Microsoft recommends that you use the
http://www.microsoft.com/deployment
Microsoft Deployment Toolkit 2010 or
http://technet.microsoft.com/library/bb735860.aspx
System Center Configuration Manager 2007 to automate deployment. Key points to remember about deploying the client software with either tool are:
-You must keep the installation files (Windows_Intune_Setup.exe and WindowsIntune.accountcert) together in the same folder. The Windows Intune client software uses the certificate to enroll the computer during installation.
-For the Windows Intune installation process to complete successfully, the client computer must have access to the Internet. If the installer is unable to contact the Windows Intune service during installation, the installation process will fail.
-You cannot capture a custom image containing the installed Windows Intune client software. The client software enrolls the computer during installation. Capturing and distributing an image that contains the enrolled Windows Intune client software will duplicate its information to each computer.

To find out more about Windows Intune, or if would like to sign up for a free 30-day trial and join the thousands of IT professionals who are already using it to help manage their computers, visit the
http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9768413
Windows Intune Resource Zone on TechNet today.

COMMUNITY UPDATE

What Convinced Me, An IT Professional, to Use Windows Intune?
By Erdal Ozkaya, Microsoft MVP, Windows Expert – IT Pro

As an IT professional, Windows Intune helps me manage and secure PCs using Windows cloud services and the Windows 7 Enterprise operating system. There are good reasons IT professionals will want to consider using Windows Intune, and I've outlined the primary ones below.

One of the biggest challenges in managing end users is their location, particularly when they are in a different location from where we are and yet require IT support. With the Windows Intune cloud service, and an Internet connection, I can centrally manage and secure PCs through a single web-based management console. This is true even in hard-to-reach scenarios, such as non-domain joined PCs, PC from a temporary contractor, or with PCs from a recent acquisition.

Another significant challenge is working with multiple configurations and different Windows versions. Licensing, lack of insight to PCs, and high infrastructure investments also pose significant challenges for IT professionals. The Windows Intune web-management console includes the functionalities I need to make my job easier and better serve end users.

Deploying Windows Intune is easier than you might think. All we have to do is download the client agent from the Administration console, or push it via Group Policy.

From the Alerts Workspace, I can manage all Windows Updates, including service packs and security updates; and I can set up alerts, monitoring, and policies. The Licensing Workspace allows me to track licensing agreements.

With the Windows Intune Software agent, I can access a detailed account-wide and per-computer inventory of software and hardware. The software inventory includes information about publisher, title, version, and application language. The hardware inventory lists the hardware in such a way that I have details about the system, system enclosure, BIOS, processor, installed disks, NICs, and peripherals.

Importantly, I can provide remote assistance using the Microsoft Easy Assist agent, through which I can assume control of the end users' desktops to help them resolve IT issues. The proactive monitoring helps me quickly troubleshoot issues.

Windows Intune Endpoint Protection, which is built on the same Microsoft Malware Protection Engine used by the Microsoft Forefront Protection Suite, administers endpoint protection, helping to protect end users against malicious software. In the event of an infection, Windows Intune sends me notifications so I can resolve the issues.

And, because a Windows Intune subscription includes a Windows 7 Enterprise upgrade, PCs are standardized on one operating system, which makes PC management easier.

Windows Intune is scaling to the enterprise over time, giving IT professionals solutions for managing and securing PCs for highly distributed workforce. Windows Intune simplifies my operations regardless of end users' locations, which helps me reduce support costs and gain more free time to grow my own business.
To use Windows Intune, all that is required is a standard Internet connection and a Microsoft Silverlight–enabled browser and enrolled clients to the Windows Intune Service.

For more information, visit the
http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9768413
Windows Intune Resource Zone on TechNet .

http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9768445
Erdal Ozkaya is a co-founder and Senior Microsoft Instructor at CEO IT Training & Solutions Pty Ltd.; one of Australia's Gold Certified Microsoft Learning Partners. He travels across Australia teaching IT workshops, participates as a speaker in worldwide events such as Tech-Ed, and was recognized by Microsoft in 2009 with the MVP Award for Windows Expert - IT Pro. He is also a Microsoft Certified Learning Consultant and shares his knowledge and tips through
http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9768446
his technology blog .

OFFICE FOR IT PROS

Office 365: What Is It and Why Should Desktop IT Pros Care?
By Andy O'Donald, Product Manager, Microsoft Office

Office 365 combines the Microsoft Office Professional Plus client suite with cloud versions of the following products and services: Microsoft Exchange Online, Microsoft SharePoint Online, and Microsoft Lync Online. The Office Professional Plus offering provides the complete Office client suite as a monthly subscription service. The combination of the Office Professional Plus suite and the Office 365 services provide the easiest way for users to experience anywhere access to their e-mail, documents, across multiple devices and browsers.

What makes Office Professional Plus (referred to as OPP) different from Office Professional Plus 2010 (referred to as Office 2010) and other volume licensed Office products?

The main difference is that OPP is a subscription-based activation on a monthly per user license, compared to volume licensed Office 2010 which use either Key Management Service (KMS) or Multiple Activation Key (MAK) activation and are a perpetual per device license. This means that OPP automatically validates the user's subscription every 30 days via the Internet. For example, if an employee decides to install OPP on their laptop and home computer, but then leaves the company, as the supporting IT pro, you would cancel that user's subscription taking away their access and also stop paying for that user account, without worrying about uninstalling the software. Office Professional Plus and Office Professional Plus 2010 are identical from an end user feature and functionality perspective.

Figure 1. The Admin pilot and deployment plans offer a simple checklist for configuring users for Office 365

As with any new product or service, sometimes rumors or other sources have made inaccurate claims about Office Professional Plus & Office 365. Let me quickly clarify a few things that OPP is not:
-Office Professional Plus is not the Office Web Apps or "browser-based" Office. The Office Web Apps are standards based web applications that currently run on top of SharePoint for businesses or Windows Live SkyDrive for consumers. The Web Apps can be included as part of your Office 365 subscriptions.The web apps are: Microsoft Excel Web App, Microsoft OneNote Web App, Microsoft PowerPoint Web App, and Microsoft Word Web App. The Microsoft Outlook Web App is also available through Exchange and Exchange Online. The Web Apps are perfect companions to the Office suite and allow users to securely view documents within SharePoint, anywhere they have an Internet connection.
-Office Professional Plus is not "streamed" or virtualized Office. OPP uses the Office Setup exe, like Office 2010, and you can choose to deploy it through the self-service Office 365 portal, through a network share, or with managed tools like System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM) or Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT). Just like Office 2010, OPP can be customized with the Office Customization Tool (OCT), Config.XML, and Group Policy.

Figure 2. Users can download and install OPP themselves from the Office 365 self-service page

While Office 365 simplifies the on premises datacenter setup, an IT department still needs to maintain an up to date desktop environment. In fact, Office 2003 and Internet Explorer 6 are not supported, so in many cases desktop modernization will be a pre-requisite for organizations looking to move to the Office 365 cloud service. For Office 365, there is an additional component necessary to establish a client-cloud connection. The Microsoft Office 365 Desktop Setup is an installer service that checks for and provides important software updates. These updates are required for successful client connection to, and operation against cloud services in Office 365. Microsoft Office 365 Desktop Setup uses Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) and Windows Update to detect, download, and install only the required software updates.

Figure 3. The Office 365 Desktop Setup checks that system requirements are met and configures the clients and installs any necessary updates to establish the cloud connection

Learn more about Office 365 with the
http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9764568
Springboard Series for Office on TechNet, and
http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9768447
sign up for the Office 365 private Beta .

Andy O'Donald is a product manager in the Microsoft Office team currently focused on Office deployment, and the Office 365 Beta. Check out his recent
http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9768448
TechNet Radio interview for answers to common IT pro questions on topics such as Office 2010 planning, deployment tools such as the Office Migration Planning Manager, end user resources, and the Office Web Apps. You can also see Andy live and in-person on the upcoming Springboard Series Tour.

*Note: the screenshots in this article are from a product currently in beta and are not final production representations.

INTERNET EXPLORER IT CORNER

We are excited to announce that the final version of Internet Explorer 9 is now available, which you can download today from the
http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9768449
Internet Explorer TechCenter .

In last month's Internet Explorer IT Corner, we mentioned
http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9768450
Internet Explorer 9 delivery through Automatic Updates . We've recently announced that the delivery of Internet Explorer 9 through Windows Update will begin this month. We encourage you to prepare your organization for automatic updates using the
http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9768451
Internet Explorer 9 Blocker Toolkit , if you haven't done so already.

This month, we also wanted to introduce you to the
http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9768452
Internet Explorer 9 Deployment Guide , which is the one-stop resource for you to learn about what's new in Internet Explorer 9 and how plan for, deploy, and manage Internet Explorer 9. The deployment guide covers a wide range of topics from
http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9768453
migration and application compatibility , to
http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9768454
software distribution tools for deploying Internet Explorer 9 , and
http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9768455
troubleshooting end user issues . To make this content easy to navigate, we've organized the Internet Explorer 9 Deployment Guide into the following sections, so you can dive into the content at the appropriate stage:
-
http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9768456
Exploring Internet Explorer 9
-
http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9768457
Preparing for Internet Explorer 9 Deployment
-
http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9768458
Deploying Internet Explorer 9
-
http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9768459
Maintaining and Supporting Internet Explorer 9

Today, the deployment guide is available in English, but we will soon be translating the guide into French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese (Brazil), Russian, Spanish, Simplified Chinese, and Traditional Chinese. Check out the deployment guide and other resources today at the
http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9768449
Internet Explorer TechCenter .

TWEET ALERT

In addition to keeping up on all the latest news from the Springboard Series Tour, we're following some of our fellow IT pros in "The True North." If you attend the tour kickoff event in Toronto, you may see them there.
-
http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9768460
@springboardtour – The Official Twitter Site for the Springboard Series Tour
-
http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9768461
@jason_miller – IT pro in Winnipeg, Canada; Microsoft MVP for SBS, tech enthusiast, and mountain biker who also tweets
http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9768462
@witpro
-
http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9768463
@RicksterCDN (Rick Claus) – Geek, family man, infrastructure guy, and gadget lover
-
http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9768464
@MGarvis (Mitch Garvis) – Senior IT pro trainer and courseware specialist with SWMI Consulting Group, also a Virtual Partner Technology Advisor for Microsoft Canada, dad, husband, TKD!

If you would like to be considered for this column, send a message to Stephen Rose via Twitter
http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9714769
@stephenlrose and tell him, in 140 characters or less, why we should feature you next month. Also, for the latest information on what's going on here at Microsoft follow the Springboard Series
http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9699312
@MSSpringboard .

EVENTS AND TRAINING

http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9768379

http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9768379
Springboard Series Virtual Roundtable: Is Windows XP Good Enough? Really??
Thursday, April 14, 2011 9:00 AM Pacific Time -
http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9768384
ADD TO CALENDAR

Join us for a lively roundtable discussion on how the technology landscape has changed since Windows XP was first released, and learn how to address today's challenges around security and manageability.

Host Stephen Rose, IT Pro Community Manager with the Windows Client team, will be joined by a panel of IT professionals and Microsoft subject matter experts to dive into the differences between Windows 7 and Windows XP, Internet Explorer 6 and Internet Explorer 8 and Internet Explorer 9, and the various technologies in the client PC management stack.

This event will address questions and concerns around migration costs, application compatibility, and organization readiness. The panel will also cover the role of virtualization in the desktop environment as well as the migration tools available to manage application compatibility and better automate deployment.

Ask your questions live during the event with our online tool—or submit your questions in advance to
mailto:vrtable@microsoft.com
vrtable@microsoft.com .

Microsoft Tech•Ed North America Events

Annual Springboard Series Party at Microsoft Tech•Ed North America
Atlanta, Georgia – Wednesday May 18, 2011 7:30-11:30 PM Eastern Time

Don't miss the always popular Springboard Series Party Community Party at Tech•Ed North America in Atlanta. Held exclusively for the IT pro community, Microsoft MVPs, Microsoft Certified Trainers, community members, and special guests, the party is your opportunity to network with industry peers and key Microsoft executives, learn about other communities, and enjoy an evening full of music, food, drinks, and fun. Space is limited so make sure to check the May issue of the Springboard Series Insider for details on how to register to attend this exclusive event!

http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9768465
Microsoft Tech•Ed Professional Career Development Seminar
Atlanta, Georgia - Sunday, May 15, 2011 5:30 PM Eastern Time

Join an interactive and informative evening devoted to professional development, and learn the technical and career skills to position yourself for jobs of the future. Springboard Series Insider editor Stephen Rose will be presenting the keynote so don't miss this chance to join him and other distinguished industry leaders and noted Microsoft speakers to learn about how you can re-tool your technical skill set and business acumen to create personal career insurance. Get tips for embracing new technologies such as cloud computing and mobile development and management. Learn ways to help effectively communicate the value of business and technology decisions to get buy-in from various stakeholders within your business.

Upcoming Springboard Series Technical Expert Program (STEP) Events

http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9768466
Microsoft & Community Tour 2011
Rome, Italy – Monday May 16, 2011

The new Microsoft & Community Tour starts in May in Rome and will travel to cities across Italy. Sessions will cover Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI), Microsoft Application Virtualization (App-V) and Windows Intune, the new tool that enables management and monitoring of client directly from the cloud.

UPCOMING WEBCASTS

http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9764588
Talk TechNet with Keith Combs and Matt Hester – Justin Rodino on Deployment (Level 200) Wednesday, April 06, 2011 9:00 AM Pacific Time
Have a burning question about Windows desktop deployment? Ask your questions live with guest Justin Rodino, Microsoft Technology Solutions PM and former Microsoft Deployment MVP.

http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9768467
Technical Talks with Tim Vander Kooi: Windows 7, Under Your Control (Level 200) Thursday, April 07, 2011 11:00 AM Pacific Time
Explore features and tools you can use to tailor your Windows environment to meet your organization's needs from Group Policy to management in the cloud.

http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9768468
Business Insights Webcast: Consumerization: How Consumer Devices Are Changing the Way IT Works (Level 100) Tuesday, April 12, 2011 11:00 AM Pacific Time
The consumerization of IT is an up and coming trend, learn how to embrace it. This webcast will explore the following scenarios: bringing your own PCs, smartphones, and devices to work; the excitement around media tablets and slate PCs; the use of social networking sites (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn) at work and for work; and work-related collaboration using cloud applications (e.g., webmail, cloud storage, web apps).

http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9768469
Talk TechNet with Keith Combs and Matt Hester – Joseph Davies and Christopher Palmer on IPv6 (Level 100) Wednesday, April 13, 2011 9:00 AM Pacific Time
Join Windows product group team members Joseph Davies and Christopher Palmer for a lively 60-minute session on IPv6 and common questions.

http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9768470
Talk TechNet with Keith Combs and Matt Hester – Elias Mereb on Windows Client Security and Reliability (Level 100) Friday, April 15, 2011 9:00 AM Pacific Time
Get answers to your questions about Windows Client security, reliability, and performance.

http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9768471
Talk TechNet with Keith Combs and Matt Hester – Hal Rottenberg on Windows PowerShell (Level 100) Wednesday, April 20, 2011 9:00 AM Pacific Time
Learn about best practices and trends in the world of Windows PowerShell.

http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9768472
Technical Talks with Tim Vander Kooi: MDOP 2011: Optimize Your Optimization (Level 200) Thursday, April 21, 2011 11:00 AM Pacific Time
Dive deep into Windows 7 deployment and management and learn about some of the great new features, tools, and improvements that are available in Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack (MDOP) 2011. Topics covered in this webcast will include virtualization (of desktops and applications) and BitLocker, as well as diagnostic and troubleshooting tools that no IT pro should be without. We will also answer your Windows 7 management questions throughout the discussion, so come ready to improve your toolset and your knowledge.

http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9768473
Talk TechNet with Keith Combs and Matt Hester – Guy Yardeni on Group Policy (Level 100) Friday, April 29, 2011 9:00 AM Pacific Time
Get insight into topics and trends related to Group Policy, answers to your questions, and tips and tricks.

http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9768474
TechNet Webcast: Virtualization 101 (Part 2 of 4): Windows Virtual PC and the Type 2 Hypervisor Model (Level 200) Friday, April 29, 2011 11:00 AM Pacific Time
Gain a solid understanding of the basic operations and use case scenarios for Microsoft's Type 2 hypervisor product lines, Windows Virtual PC, and Virtual Server—then dive into a demonstration of Windows XP Mode operations in Windows 7.

SNEAK PEEK: FOR INSIDERS
ONLY

The following resources will be released in April on the
http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9668548
Springboard Series for Windows on TechNet. Bookmark or subscribe to
http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9668549
our RSS feed and receive automatic notification when these and other resources, announcements, and downloads are released.
-Downloadable posters on how to better prepare for a Windows 7 deployment project, how to test for application compatibility, and how to deploy language packs for Windows 7.

In addition, new resources will be released to the
http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9764568
Springboard Series for Office on TechNet in April:
-An overview of the Office Professional Plus for Office 365 Beta
-Guidance on how to deploy, activate, and troubleshoot Office Professional Plus for Office 365 Beta

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April 2011

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