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Join Us for the Launch of Windows Server 2012  September 4, 2012 – Windows Server has reached itsrelease-to-manufacturing (RTM) milestone. Save the date and join us for an online launch event where our executives, engineers, customers, and partners will share more about how Windows Server 2012 can help organizations of all sizes realize the benefits of the cloud OS. "Be the Next Microsoft Employee" Reality Show Debuts Don't miss a minute of the action, as our contestants compete in challenges that test their SQL Server smarts and their communication, leadership, and teamwork skills. Hear their stories, plus commentary from the judges, and weigh in on your favorites. Download Windows Server 2012 Beta Essentials Windows Server 2012 Beta Essentials (formerly Windows Small Business Server Essentials) is a flexible, affordable, and easy-to-use server solution designed and priced for small businesses with up to 25 users and 50 devices that helps them reduce costs and be more productive. Be sure to check out the Windows Server 2012 Essentials TechCenter. Your Featured Content Download Microsoft Deployment Toolkit 2012 Update 1 Beta 1 This release expands deployment capabilities with support for the latest software releases, including Windows 8 Release Preview, Windows Server 2012 Release Candidate, and System Center 2012 Configuration Manager SP1 Community Technology Preview. Support for PowerShell 3.0 is included to ease the process of running PowerShell scripts inside task sequences on Windows 8, Windows Server 2012, and Windows PE 4.0. How CIOs Can Benefit from Cloud Computing (Part 2) In part 2 of our CIO and cloud computing series, Otto Pijpker, Microsoft IT Marketing and Communications Director, and Microsoft CIO Tony Scott, discuss budgeting, IT talent, data access, and operations when moving to the cloud. Assess Windows Server 2012 Readiness with MAP 7.0 Microsoft Assessment and Planning (MAP) Toolkit 7.0 includes detailed and actionable recommendations indicating which machines meet Windows Server 2012 system requirements and which may require hardware updates. A comprehensive inventory of servers, operating systems, workloads, devices, and server roles is included to help in planning efforts. Video: How MSIT Deployed Windows 8 Consumer Preview In this video, our subject matter experts discuss the steps that Microsoft IT took to provide a seamless user experience and highlight the deployment methods - WDS & USMT, MDT, Internet Explorer, Windows to Go, and Windows assessment. In addition, they cover IT Easy Installer, BitLocker helpdesk, enterprise scenarios and experiences, application compatibility and development, imaging, vision, replication, Azure deployment, and GPO recommendations.   Windows Server 2012 Installation Options New and flexible ways to make changes to a Windows Server 2012 installation after the fact are available. IT pros can now convert a server from and to Server Core, and change the availability of server components that are previously committed at installation time. New and Improved Private Cloud Fast Track Learn how to build a private cloud infrastructure, the hardware and software requirements, and how to put the whole thing together. Learn How to Build a Windows 8 App in 30 Days Begin a journey to make your Windows 8 app idea come to life in 30 days. Receive daily tips and expert help. Secure Cloud Deployment with New SCM 2.5 Baselines Microsoft Security Compliance Manager (SCM) 2.5 is now available for download. Windows Server baselines include a Hyper-V baseline that addresses secure cloud deployment. SCM 2.5 provides ready-to-deploy policies and DCM configuration packs that are tested and fully supported.

TechNet Flash Sponsors SolarWinds: •  Rogue WSUS errors costing you time? Need answers? •  Go Mobile - Solve Hyper-V or VMware Issues on the Go Editor's Note TechNet Flash Editor Mitch Irsfeld RTMs Signal the Ramp-up for Windows 8, Windows Server 2012 We're getting very close to releasing our re-imagined operating systems. In fact, both Windows 8 and Windows Server 2012 were released to manufacturing last week. According to the Windows Server Blog, Windows Server 2012 will be made available to our volume licensing customers in the next couple of weeks. Save the date... Read more  ADVERTISEMENT Get Insights Now: Free Tool for the WSUS Agent  Solarwinds Diagnostic Tool for the WSUS Agent gives you a free, quick, and easy way to run configurations and sanity checks on a Windows Update Agent. Training and Books SharePoint 2013 Training for IT Pros Find IT pro-focused how-to training and walkthrough videos with this interactive course about SharePoint 2013. ADVERTISEMENT Keep an Eye on Your Virtual Environment from Your Phone  Manage your Hyper-V or VMware environment anytime, anywhere from any mobile device with SolarWinds Mobile Admin. Download a free trial now. Events TechMentor Registration is Filling Fast - Reserve Your Seat Now August 20 - 24, 2012 Redmond, WA (Microsoft HQ) At TechMentor, IT professionals receive cutting-edge and practical education from IT experts and industry insiders on topics including Windows, PowerShell, security, System Center, and virtualization. Seating is limited, so reserve your spot today. See the fullconference agenda for more information on sessions and speakers. The Cloud OS Signature Event Series Register now for the Cloud OS event near you. Join us for a free one-day event and check out the launch of our newest, most exciting products. You'll get the opportunity to engage with experts, learn about the new technology, and how to build your modern data center with Windows Server 2012, Windows Azure, Visual Studio 2012, and System Center 2012.