Windows IT Pro UPDATE-- PDC 2005: Microsoft Holds a Coming Out Party for Longhorn Server --September 27, 2005

Make sure your copy of Windows IT Pro UPDATE doesn't get mistakenly blocked by antispam software! Be sure to add [email protected] to your list of allowed senders and contacts.

This email newsletter comes to you free and is supported by the following advertisers, which offer products and services in which you might be interested. Please take a moment to visit these advertiser's Web sites and show your support for Windows IT Pro UPDATE.

"THE ARGENT GUARDIAN EASILY BEATS OUT MOM IN ALL OUR TESTS"
http://www.argent.com/w/whitepapers_mom.html?Source=WNT

Basic Care And Feeding of Your Exchange Server 2003 Environment
http://www.windowsitpro.com/Whitepapers/lucid8/exchangecare/index.cfm?code=927winmiddle

1. Commentary
- PDC 2005: Microsoft Holds a Coming Out Party for Longhorn Server

2. Hot Off the Press
- Sun Positions StarOffice 8 as Major Office Competitor

3. Peer to Peer
- Featured Blog: Ickiest Job in Systems Administration
- Tip: My Microsoft Exchange Server database has reached its 16GB limit, and I can't perform any actions to clear space. What can I do?

4. New and Improved
- Automatically Sync Important Files

==== Sponsor: NETWORK TESTING LABS COMPARES ARGENT TO MOM 2005 ====

Network Testing Labs, one of the world's leading independent research companies, concluded that "Argent's suite had a smaller footprint, was more scalable, supported more platforms, had a more responsive and intuitive user interface and gave us more useful reports," the report says. "Argent's suite of monitoring products emerged from our testing with flying colors." Download this FREE Comparison Paper now:
http://www.argent.com/w/whitepapers_mom.html?Source=WNT

==== 1. Commentary: PDC 2005: Microsoft Holds a Coming Out Party for Longhorn Server ====
by Paul Thurrott, News Editor, [email protected]

At its Professional Developers Conference (PDC) 2005 event earlier this month, Microsoft showed off a bunch of interesting features in Windows Vista (previously code-named Longhorn) as expected. But Vista wasn't the biggest news from PDC 2005, at least not from my perspective. The biggest news involved major changes coming in Microsoft Office 12, the next version of Office, and in Longhorn Server, the major Windows Server version that will follow Windows Server 2003 R2 (for Release 2). I'll report on Office 12 at a later time. This week, I look at Longhorn Server.

In mid-July, I received a very hush-hush briefing about Longhorn Server, along with several other representatives from Windows IT Pro Magazine. Microsoft had one curious condition for this briefing: Our nondisclosure agreement (NDA) regarding the product was "permanent," and Microsoft promised it would notify us when it was OK to write about Longhorn Server. The problem, we were told, was that Longhorn Server Beta 1 (released in late July) included just a tiny subset of the features that the company is planning for the final release. The company didn't want to disappoint us, noting that the beta 1 release was more of an alpha-quality build and not a true beta.

The Microsoft people then proceeded to blow our minds. Despite the lowering of expectations, even in beta 1 form, Longhorn Server is clearly going to be a monumental release. I've been pining away, waiting to write about it ever since.

At PDC 2005, Microsoft shipped an interim build of Longhorn Server and publicly discussed the product's feature set for the first time. I'm in the midst of a lengthy review of the Longhorn Server beta, but I thought you'd be interested in hearing about the major new features we now know about. With the understanding that Longhorn Server won't ship until early 2007, and we're probably going to see at least two more major beta releases between now and then, here are some of the more interesting changes you can expect in the next release.

A Deeply Componentized Design
In earlier Windows Server versions, Microsoft espoused a roles-based administration system that let you configure servers to handle specific tasks or scenarios. The system had one problem: Because Windows Server wasn't designed to be componentized (or "modular" as Microsoft calls it), servers based on this system today are often overloaded with features and functionality that aren't needed to satisfy the requirements of the roles they're performing. The problem isn't just bloat: Each unneeded technology is also an avenue of attack for malicious hackers.

The Longhorn Server system is completely componentized. A core part of the server, logically named Server Core, will form the basis for all Longhorn Server installations. You can add other roles--such as remote access, Windows Terminal Services, storage (file, portal), print, Web server, and so on--to Server Core to create highly specialized servers, each with only the minimal amount of code required to satisfy their roles.

The best part about the new system is that you can roll out a server that has just Server Core. Such a server offers no GUI at all, and you can locally administer it only via a command line. (although you can graphically administer these servers remotely using the Microsoft Management Console--MMC--based tools you know and love). Server Core-based servers will be able to handle only infrastructure tasks, such as DHCP, DNS, and the like.

Major New IIS Version
Microsoft Internet Information Services (IIS) 7.0, which will be built into Longhorn Server, will also offer a fully componentized design that ensures that the server is loading only those technologies required for the Web sites and applications you're hosting. IIS 7.0 is exciting enough to warrant a separate article: I'll look at it much more closely in the future.

Major New Terminal Services Version
Originally planned for Windows 2003 R2, the new Terminal Services version in Longhorn Server will let enterprises publish applications to remote users, not just to complete computing environments. This feature, called Terminal Services Remote Programs, will dramatically enhance how enterprise users access server-based applications. Now, you can deploy remote applications, which open like local applications, in a fairly seamless fashion.

Transactional File System
In Longhorn Server, the NTFS file system (and registry) will be upgraded--finally--to support transactions. That's right: NTFS will be transactional in Longhorn Server, letting you roll back file operations or gracefully back out of error conditions. Developers cheered this feature when Microsoft Corporate Vice President Jim Allchin announced this incredible and much-needed functionality at PDC 2005.

Overhauled Event Logs
Microsoft will replace the event logs in Longhorn Server with new XML-based logs that have a new API set that will let third-party developers plug into events and notifications much easier. We were told that any third-party management tool will be able to use those APIs to look at the logs, subscribe to events, and aggregate them however they need. The new event logs are completely open and can bubble up system health information much more easily. These capabilities are proactive as well: You can choose to be warned when a hard disk is about to fail or a volume is reaching a certain percentage of its capacity or quotas.

Both 32-bit and 64-bit
Although Microsoft hasn't yet revealed which product editions it will ship in the Longhorn Server time frame, most of them will be available in both 32-bit (x86) and 64-bit (x64) versions. The x86 and x64 versions of each Longhorn Server version will be functionally identical, although Microsoft says that the x64 versions will offer better performance and scalability and will support more RAM. The company expects x64 to be the mainstream server platform for Longhorn Server.

There's a lot more to Longhorn Server, of course, but I'm out of space. Given the lengthy amount of time between now and the release of Longhorn Server, it's clear we'll be discussing this product a lot more in the coming months. I hope this has whet your appetite for more.

==== Sponsor: Basic Care And Feeding of Your Exchange Server 2003 Environment ====
Consider the fact that you can predict most technical issues and take the appropriate action before a major problem occurs. This line of proactive thinking and planning is rarely considered in most Exchange design documents and high-availability recommendations, but it is vital information. This white paper will show you the bare and necessary facts you should know to maintain your Exchange Server 2003 environment. In addition to providing critical strategies for predicting failures and responding to failures, this white paper will share useful information for implementing proactive measures such as preventative database maintenance to ensure that your investment is well protected. OR Is Your Exchange Server 2003 Environment Well Cared For? Get the bare and necessary facts you should know to maintain your Exchange Server 2003 environment, including critical strategies for predicting and responding to failures. Plus, you'll receive useful information about implementing proactive measures, such as preventive database maintenance, to ensure that your investment is well protected.
http://www.windowsitpro.com/Whitepapers/lucid8/exchangecare/index.cfm?code=927winmiddle

==== 2. Hot Off the Press ====
by Paul Thurrott, [email protected]

Sun Positions StarOffice 8 as Major Office Competitor
Today, Sun Microsystems will announce a new version of its StarOffice office productivity suite that provides more features and a look and feel that closely resembles market-leader Microsoft Office 2003. StarOffice 8, which is built from the OpenOffice.org open-source project, will also cost significantly less than Office, while providing the most-often-used functionality from Microsoft's product. Read more at the following URL:
http://www.windowsitpro.com/articles/index.cfm?articleid=47888

==== Events and Resources ====
(A complete Web and live events directory brought to you by Windows IT Pro: http://www.windowsitpro.com/events )

Exploit the Opportunities of a Wireless Fleet
With the endless array of mobile and wireless devices and applications, it's hard to decide what you can do with the devices beyond providing mobile email access. It's even tougher to know how to keep it all secure. Join industry guru Randy Franklin Smith in this free Web seminar and discover what you can do to leverage your mobile and wireless infrastructure, how to pick devices that are right for you, and more!
http://www.windowsitpro.com/go/seminars/mobileandwireless/?partnerref=092805emailannc

Get Ready for the SQL Server 2005 Roadshow in Europe
Back By Popular Demand - Get the facts about migrating to SQL Server 2005! SQL Server experts will present real-world information about administration, development, and business intelligence to help you implement a best-practices migration to SQL Server 2005 and improve your database-computing environment. Receive a one-year membership to PASS and a one-year subscription to SQL Server Magazine. Register now.
http://www.windowsitpro.com/roadshows/sqlservereurope/index.cfm?code=0928emailannc

Are You Walking the Tightrope Between Recovery and Continuity?
There's a big difference between the ability to quickly recover lost or damaged data and the ability to keep your messaging operations running normally before, during, and after an outage. In this free Web seminar, you'll learn what the technical differences are between recovery and continuity, when each is important, and what you can do to make sure that you're hitting the right balance between them.
http://www.windowsitpro.com/seminars/exchangerecovery/index.cfm?code=0928emailannc

Deploy VoIP and FoIP Technologies
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is the future of telecommunications and many companies are already enjoying the benefits of transporting Voice over IP networks to significantly reduce telephone and facsimile costs. Join industry expert David Chernicoff for this free Web seminar to learn the 'ins and outs' of boardless fax in IP environments, tips for rolling out fax, integrating fax with telephony technologies, and more!
http://www.windowsitpro.com/go/seminars/voip/?partnerref=0928emailannc

Streamline Desktop Deployments – Free Web Seminar and White Paper!
Managing desktop software configurations doesn't have to be a manual process, resulting in unplanned costs, deployment delays, and client confusion. In this on-demand Web seminar, find out how to manage the software package preparation process and increase your desktop reliability, user satisfaction, and IT cost effectiveness. Plus – register today and receive a free industry white paper on standardizing the software packaging process.
http://www.windowsitpro.com/seminars/SoftwarePackagingWorkflow/index.cfm?code=0928emailannc

ManageFusion .05 Orlando
Register today for ManageFusion .05, the premier IT systems management user conference that brings together individuals, vendors, and customers to share and learn about the latest developments and best practices in IT lifecycle management.
For details, visit http://www.managefusion.com/orlando05-wip

==== Featured White Paper ====

Supercharging SMS for Effective Asset Management
Cost control and license compliance have risen to the top of the IT asset and desktop management agenda. Learn to map Microsoft’s SMS to specific business objectives and examine the pitfalls of relying solely on SMS to achieve business IT asset management objectives. Download this free white paper now and find out how you can leverage technology to bridge the gap between technical professionals and your CFO.
http://www.windowsitpro.com/whitepapers/scalablesoftware/superchargingsms/index.cfm?code=0928emailannc

~~~~ Hot Release: (Advertisement) Postini ~~~~

How to solve the Anti-spam dilemma
In this free white paper learn why older spam prevention technologies using traditional content filtering don’t work against the latest spammer tactics--and why more corporate email administrators are turning to a more accurate, more effective approach: managed email security service. Find out how to achieve email security dynamically with multiple layer protection ... minimize false positives ... cut email administration costs (and hassles) ... and keep user communities happy and productive. Download your free copy now.
http://www.windowsitpro.com/whitepapers/postini/managedservice/index.cfm?code=927winhot

==== Instant Poll ====

Results of Previous Poll:
The voting has closed in Windows IT Pro's nonscientific Instant Poll for the question, "Can you access enterprise applications from your mobile computing device?" Here are the results from the 63 votes:
- 40% Yes
- 60% No

New Instant Poll:
The next Instant Poll question is, "Does your organization have a wireless LAN (WLAN)?" Go to the Windows IT Pro home page and submit your vote for a) Yes, b) No, or c) I don't know.
http://www.windowsitpro.com/magazine

==== 4. Peer to Peer ====

Featured Blog: Ickiest Job in Systems Administration
Check out the most recent post in Orin Thomas's Hyperbole, Embellishment, and Systems Administration blog:

http://www.windowsitpro.com/Article/ArticleID/47819/47819.html

Tip: My Microsoft Exchange Server database has reached its 16GB limit, and I can't perform any actions to clear space. What can I do?
by John Savill, http://www.windows2000faq.com

Find the answer here:

http://www.windowsitpro.com/articles/index.cfm?articleid=47866

==== Announcements ====
(A complete Web and live events directory brought to you by Windows IT Pro: http://www.windowsitpro.com/events )

Stay Up-To-Date with the Windows IT Security Newsletter
Every issue of Windows IT Security features related product coverage of the best security tools available and expert advice on the best way to implement security. Our expanded content includes even more fundamentals on building and maintaining a secure enterprise. In addition, paid subscribers get access to our entire online security article database (more than 1900 articles)! Subscribe today:
https://store.pentontech.com/index.cfm?s=1&promocode=eu2559us

Monthly Online Pass = Quick Windows IT Answers!
Sign up today for your Monthly Online Pass and get 24/7 access to the entire online Windows IT Pro article database, including exclusive subscriber-only content. That's a database of more than 9000 Windows articles to help you get all the answers you need, when you need them. Sign up now for just US$5.95 per month:
https://store.pentontech.com/index.cfm?s=1&promocode=eu2059um

==== 4. New and Improved ====
by Carolyn Mader, [email protected]

Automatically Sync Important Files
Heatsoft released Heatsoft Automatic Synchronizer 1.05 (HAS), a Windows utility that features automatic synchronization, backup, replication, and mirroring of important files on most storage media and also between two computers on a network. With HAS, you can keep all important files synchronized between servers, desktops, notebooks, LANs, ZIP disks, and secondary hard disks. HAS arranges your synchronization needs in sets of jobs, which are a set of specifications that define what folder pairs you want to synchronize, how you want to sync, and how often you want to sync. Contact Heatsoft for pricing.
http://www.heatsoft.com

Tell Us About a Hot Product and Get a T-Shirt!
Have you used a product that changed your IT experience by saving you time or easing your daily burden? Tell us about the product, and we'll send you a T-shirt if we write about the product in a future Windows IT Pro What's Hot column. Send your product suggestions with information about how the product has helped you to mailto:[email protected].

==== Sponsored Links ====

Argent Versus MOM 2005
Download Argent Versus Microsoft Operations Manager 2005
http://a.windowsitpro.com/RealMedia/ads/click_lx.ads/www.windowsitpro.com/TextLink/1112745096/x14/Penton/WN_Argent_Sept05_NLSplink116195/1x1.gif/1

Is Your Office Truly Fax Integrated?
Download this free whitepaper from Faxback and find out!
http://www.windowsitpro.com/whitepapers/faxback/officefax/index.cfm?code=NLsplink

Admins rush to install BLOG servers
How to run your own blog server. Free 5 user license.
http://netwinsite.com/surgeblog/

==== Contact Us ====

About the newsletter -- [email protected] About technical questions -- http://www.windowsitpro.com/forums About product news -- [email protected] About your subscription -- [email protected] About sponsoring UPDATE -- [email protected]