TechNet Flash - Volume 17, Issue 2: January 21, 2015

Top News Worldwide

Step-by-step instructions to get you started with Enterprise Mobility Suite in minutes

Is hybrid cloud right for you? Real-world examples of when you need a hybrid solution

Secure enterprise mobility: Know when you’re under attack, and know what to do next (February 3, 2015)

Microsoft Azure: Join the weekly online demo and live Q&A

Top Downloads

SQL Server 2014

Windows Server 2012 R2

System Center 2012 R2 Configuration Manager

Windows Server 2012 R2 Essentials

Microsoft Azure one-month trial

Windows 8.1 Enterprise

System Center 2012 R2

Hyper-V Server 2012 R2

Microsoft Intune 30-day trial

Windows Azure Pack

Get Microsoft products and services alerts

2014 roundup: The most important DevOps news and announcements from Microsoft

Last year was filled with a lot of new developments for tech professionals (both IT pros and developers) involved in DevOps. Here’s a quick snapshot of the new DevOps-related products and tools announcements from Microsoft in 2014. Join the conversation on Twitter using #talkdevops.

New preview: Microsoft Azure Key Vault

Key Vault provides an easy, cost-effective way to safeguard security keys and other small secrets (such as passwords) using hardware security modules. This is a streamlined solution to key management that allows you to maintain control of your keys.

On demand from MVA: SAP Gateway for Microsoft

Learn how to securely integrate an on-premises SAP system with Microsoft technologies via the Microsoft cloud, in a smooth, scalable, and sustainable manner, without needing to invest in new hardware. Check out this free, on-demand course to find out how.

Free study guide: Architecting Microsoft Azure solutions

Keith Mayer’s study guide will help experienced architects prepare for Exam 70-534, Architecting Microsoft Azure Solutions to help them get their Microsoft Specialist certification. Be sure to visit Early Experts for more opportunities to increase your product knowledge.link

For a limited time, get a second shot on your Microsoft Certified Professional exam

There is a little less pressure when you take a Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) exam by May 31, 2015. If you don’t pass, you get a free retake. Find out how to get a second shot on MCP exams.link

Increase your DevOps knowledge: Top learning resources from 2014

If you’re interested in advancing your skills related to DevOps practices, check out this list from David Tesar. He compiled the top DevOps learning resources for IT pros. Join the conversation on Twitter using #talkdevops.

Five questions: Using application development to drive innovation and move your company forward

Your CEO might not realize this yet, but apps are essential to driving innovation. In today’s software-powered landscape, technology is a strategic differentiator. This video answers five questions to help set you on the right course so you can lead your company in the right direction.

TechNet Radio: An overview of Service Management Automation and Azure Automation

Yung Chou continues his “Automation and DevOps” series with a visit from Tiander Turpijn and Charles Joy. In this episode, they dig into Service Management Automation and Azure Automation and provide a demonstration.

Open Tech: Ubuntu VM integrated with Docker for easy deployment on Microsoft Azure

A new image is now available in the Azure Marketplace making it even easier to get started with Docker on Microsoft Azure. Get the image and easily deploy an Ubuntu virtual machine with Docker pre-installed.

Office Garage is now Office Mechanics

Want more than just a quick overview of the latest innovations? Office Mechanics takes you deeper, giving you a look at the latest tech straight from the people behind these technologies. Less talk and more demos in 10-minute episodes.

Training and Books

On demand: Windows 10 Technical Preview fundamentals for IT pros

Get a sneak peek at Windows 10 in this technical preview. Learn about new UI enhancements, find out how management and deployment is evolving, and hear how new security enhancements in Windows 10 can help your organization respond to the modern security threat landscape. Watch here.

Events

Secure enterprise mobility: How to know when you’re under attack, and what to do next

February 3, 2015
Your enterprise mobility strategy must account for managing identity and protecting against hostile intrusions to company resources. In this live webcast, Brad Anderson and Alex Simons discuss what you can do to protect against persistent threats to mobile devices and corporate resources.

Microsoft Azure: Weekly online demo and live Q&A

January 23, 2015
Join us for a 30-minute live demonstration of Microsoft Azure to get a taste of what the Microsoft cloud platform can do. The first half of the session will feature Azure in action followed by a live Q&A to answer your questions.

A month of MVA training: Know it. Prove it.

February 1–28, 2015
Everyone, whether seasoned professional or student, has areas that they need to brush up on or gain more knowledge in. Here’s your chance to do just that. Register now for “Know it. Prove it.” – a month-long challenge to accelerate your skills on the tech topic you choose.

Microsoft Ignite: Many technologies, one conference

May 4–8, 2015
Microsoft Ignite is the first all-up Microsoft enterprise technology conference, delivering the best of the Microsoft Exchange, Lync, Project, SharePoint, MMS, and TechEd conferences at one event. Talk to tech industry leaders and get answers to your toughest tech questions. Register now.