Many of the readers have expressed interest in having the ability to manage their down level (running Win 2003/2008) DCs using ADPowershell. The only missing piece was the availability of the Active Directory Web Service (ADWS overview here). Well, ADWS beta for down level DCs is here. Using this beta download, you can manage your existing Active Directory forests using ADPowershell. Below are the steps to participate in this beta program:

1. Visit http://connect.microsoft.com and enter the invitation ID ADWS-FDBT-CVJK on the home page.
2. Sign in using your live/hotmail ID
   
3. Active Directory Management Gateway Service download details and instructions will be available to you on MS Connect site - http://connect.microsoft.com/ADWS/

Note that there is a feedback section on that page that you are encouraged to use :) Please install the beta and provide your feedback.

Thanks,

- Ali

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Mudassir Ali
Software Development Engineer in Test - Active Directory Powershell Team