Let's talk servers

Join us! Subscribe here. If you’re running Windows Server 2003, you’re also running out of time. July 15, 2015 will mark the end-of-support (EOS) date for Windows Server 2003/R2. This will mean no updates, malware protection or compliance with standards and regulations. It’s a biggie. Make sure you know what your next steps are for upgrading to a modern Windows Server. There can of course be many applications running on a Windows Server 2003 environment, and one of the more common would be SQL Server. Over half of all SQL Server 2005 runs on a Windows Server 2004 platform. So while you’re in an assessment and planning frame of mind, it’s worth noting that support for SQL Server 2005 ends on April 2016 and it may be worth modernising your data platform at the same time as your Windows Server. Be clued-up about the storage, networking, and management enhancements in Windows Server 2012 R2. The TechNet NZ team and \@nzregs are a wealth of knowledge. They are running free, one-day IT Camps in Auckland (in April and May), Christchurch or Wellington. Upskill quickly and register yourself or team mates now through the links. Upgrading your server means improved performance, reduced maintenance requirements, and increased business agility. It’s also a big move, so check out the migration planning assistant. These Microsoft expert delivered courses, are also available for free anytime you have an hour or so, and are perfect for detailed guidance: Jumpstart to Windows Server 2012 Migration Windows Server 2012 Migration Training Dirk Develter Cloud & Enterprise Business Group Lead Microsoft New Zealand Start being successful on purpose here. Arm yourself with key identity and access knowledge with these recommended courses from Microsoft Virtual Academy. Identity and Access Management Effectively implementing identity and access management solutions across diverse devices and hybrid environments requires a strong foundation of skills from enabling single sign-on to extending your domain with Azure AD. Get started here. Office 2016 Preview The IT Pro and Developer Preview of Office 2016 for the Windows desktop is now available. Enhancements include additional Data Loss Protection (DLP), changes to Outlook, Click-to-Run deployment, Macros and Add-ins and Accessibility Information Rights Management (IRM) extension to Visio files. Win a Nespresso™ machine for your startup with BizSpark NZ. Is your startup in need of some free software, Azure benefits, networking and support? Sign up now for the \@BizSpark program. All successful applicants will receive a free coffee mug, and if you use USD $1,000 worth of Microsoft Azure while building your empire before 31 May 2015, you'll be in to WIN a Nespresso™ Maestria Breville machine for your office (worth NZD $849!) See more details here. The High Tech Youth Network and #wespeakcode Only a tiny fraction of our primary and high school students learn the basics of how computers work, or how to create software, apps or websites. The High Tech Youth Network is working with Microsoft to change this. This Friday, as a part of the Week of Code they are hosting a #WeSpeakCode event - bringing together students, parents and teachers from across New Zealand to give coding a try. Check out this great video produced by the HTYN, which captures the excitement they’re feeling about being involved in this campaign! IT Camp: Modernizing your Infrastructure with Microsoft's Cloud OS 14, 16 April & 12, 14 May Attend this IT Camp to learn about the benefits of modernizing your infrastructure with Windows Server 2012 R2. You will explore identity in the modern world with virtualised Domain Controllers and Azure Active Directory sync. We’ll take a look at the storage, networking, and management enhancements, plus plenty of hands on experience with PowerShell! The Project 16 -17 April Great minds think...differently. Project15 will focus on scaling New Zealand innovation globally. Over 1½ days more than a dozen international and local presenters will come together to share their knowledge and expertise around how New Zealand Inc can continue to develop and export diverse and unique products and services to global markets. IT Camp: Extend your Datacenter with Microsoft Azure 21, 23 & 30 April When you extend your datacenter to meet the public cloud, you are working in a hybrid cloud model that provides your business a flexible IT infrastructure that can scale on demand. Attend this IT Camp to learn how the Microsoft hybrid cloud combines Microsoft Azure with your own datacenter, or a hosting service providers datacenter. Have a Windows app project on the side? Show it off! Share it with the rest of the community in the Kiwi Windows Apps Facebook group or send an email to technetnz\@microsoft.com to have your app featured here! © 2015 Microsoft Corporation Terms of Use :: Trademarks Microsoft respects your privacy. To learn more, please read our online Privacy Statement. If you would prefer not to receive this newsletter any longer, click here to unsubscribe. To set your contact preferences for other Microsoft communications click here. 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