Microsoft IT Showcase is pleased to announce the publication of Deploying Active Directory Rights Management Services at Microsoft which discusses how Microsoft IT implemented Active Directory Rights Management Services (AD RMS) so that publishers could use Microsoft Office applications to restrict access...

This 490-page document covers the essential phases and steps to upgrade existing instances of SQL Server 2000 and 2005 to SQL Server 2008 by using best practices. These include preparation tasks, upgrade tasks, and post-upgrade tasks. It is intended to be a supplement to SQL Server 2008 Books Online...

Microsoft IT Showcase is pleased to announce the publication of Reducing the Costs of Enterprise Data Warehouse Creation and Data Acquisition , which discusses how Microsoft IT is improving its data warehouse management efficiencies. Metadata Driven Extract Transform and Load (METaL) was developed by...

Microsoft is pleased to announce the availability of SQL Server 2008 Service Pack 2. Both the Service Pack and Feature Pack updates are now ready for download on the Microsoft Download Center.  Service Pack 2 for SQL Server 2008 includes new compatibility features with SQL Server 2008 R2, product...

The MOF/Microsoft products companion guide bridges the gap between high-level service management processes and real-world application by clearly outlining how to apply MOF concepts using Microsoft products. The best practices outlined in this guidance will help facilitate collaboration between IT process...

SQL Server 2005 and SQL Server 2008 include many technologies that can be used to minimize downtime and maximize data protection so that database administrators can ensure smooth operation, continuous access to business critical data, and meet availability levels according to various service level agreements...

Hi All, Cumulative Update 5 for SQL Server 2008 Service Pack 1 contains hotfixes for the Microsoft SQL Server 2008 issues that have been fixed since the release of SQL Server 2008 Service Pack 1. Note This build of the cumulative update package is also known as build 10.00.2746. We recommend that you...

Hi All, The latest Community Technology Preview (CTP) for SQL Server 2008 R2 available to the general public. The new capabilities in the latest CTP include support for Windows Server 2008 R2 – including Hyper-V with Live Migration – as well as enhanced data compression with support for Unicode UCS-2...

Hi All, Please find below some of the important links which I collated on Microsoft Business Intelligence. Hope this information will be beneficial for your team. About Microsoft BI: · Microsoft Business Intelligence Why Microsoft BI? Microsoft business intelligence is delivered through a trusted and...

SQL Server 2008 provides the highest levels of security, reliability, and scalability for your business-critical applications. To take advantage of new opportunities in today's fast-moving business world, companies need the ability to create and deploy data-driven solutions quickly. SQL Server 2008 reduces...

Hi All, SQL Server 2008 Service Pack 1 (SP1) is now available at the following URL : http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?displaylang=en&FamilyID=66ab3dbb-bf3e-4f46-9559-ccc6a4f9dc19 You can use these packages to upgrade any SQL Server 2008 edition. SQL Server 2008 SP1 is primarily a roll...

Microsoft IT Showcase is pleased to announce the publication of SQL Server Consolidation at Microsoft, which discusses how Microsoft IT produced the SQL Utility to improve SQL Server manageability through host consolidation, virtualization, and standardization. With more than 4,700 Microsoft® SQL Server...

Microsoft IT Showcase is pleased to announce the publication of Securing the Microsoft Desktop Environment using Patch Management, which discusses how Microsoft IT maintains a secure environment by keeping client computers up to date with the latest software and security updates. In an enterprise organization...

Hi All, On November 4-6 we are running three one day training courses aimed at DBA's which are designed to jumpstart your knowledge of SQL Server 2008 planning and deployment. If you design solutions on SQL Server, maintain SQL Server databases or are evaluating SQL Server for deployment, this training...

On Monday, Sept. 29, Microsoft is launching the SQL Server 2008 Experience online at http://www.SQLServerExperience.com . With more than 500 short videos in 11 different languages, the SQL Server 2008 Experience is a Web site that helps Microsoft’s global customers and partners learn more about SQL Server...

Hi All, This week Microsoft released Cumulative Update package 1 for SQL Server 2008 containing hotfixes for the Microsoft SQL Server 2008 issues that have been fixed since the release of SQL Server 2008. CU1 contains almost 80 fixes including fixes for intellisense, replication, and clustering. The...

Hi All, SQL Server 2008 has just been released and is ready to deliver, allowing you to do more with your data, such as query, search, synchronise, report, and analyse. Many of you have been evaluating the SQL Server 2008 betas, and may be ready to try out the RTM version . TechNet Plus subscribers can...

Hi All, The wait is over . SQL Server 2008 has been released and is ready to deliver a rich set of integrated services that enable you to do more with your data, such as query, search, synchronize, report, and analyze. Many of you have been evaluating the SQL Server 2008 betas, and may be ready to try...

Hi All, Here is  a listing of FREE training opportunities for SQL 2008. Before going into the training details I wanted to make sure that you are aware of this upcoming SQL event, PASS Community Summit 2008, early bird registration is in progress. PASS Community Summit 2008 http://summit2008.sqlpass...

Hi All, As we’re gearing for the release of SQL Server 2008, please be aware of the page in the Setup process where one chooses Collation.  In the SQL 2008 setup, the collation is on a second tab, on the same page where one sets up the service accounts. The default collation is taken from the system...

Hi All, For anyone who couldn't make the 2008 Launch events in March, this is a great opportunity to access all the information and sessions in a unique way! In the Virtual Launch Experience, you'll find: Keynote address by Steve Ballmer An interactive 3D Silverlight event guide Microsoft...

Hi, Brief Description This download will install and register IFilters with the Microsoft Windows Indexing Service. These IFilters are used by Microsoft Search products to index the contents of specific document formats. Overview This download will install and register IFilters with the Windows...

Hiya, Download the latest SQL Server 2008 Community Technology Preview (CTP) and try out the latest features of SQL Server 2008! The SQL Server development team uses your CTP feedback to help refine and enhance product features. Download it today and send your feedback. Microsoft SQL Server 2008...