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Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT) 2010 Released

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The new version of the Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT 2010) has been released today. MDT is the recommended toolset to automate server and desktop deployments. Having used it for about 2 years I find it the best tool for deploying new Windows computers. Every computer which enters into service in the library system has its operating system and its applications deployed onto using MDT.

Highlights of Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT) 2010

  • Unified tools and processes required for desktop and server deployment in a common deployment console and collection of guidance.
  • Reduced deployment time and standardized desktop and server images, along with improved security and ongoing configuration management.
  • Fully automated Zero Touch Installation deployments by leveraging System Center Configuration Manager 2007 Service Pack 2 Release Candidate and Windows deployment tools. For those without a System Center Configuration Manager 2007 infrastructure, MDT leverages Windows deployment tools for Lite Touch Installation deployments.

New Features for Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT)2010

  • Access deployment shares from anywhere on the network and replicate files and settings across organizational boundaries or sites.
  • Organize and manage drivers, operating systems, applications, packages, and task sequences with an improved UI.
  • Automate UI functionality using the new Windows PowerShell command line interface.

Now that you know what it can do for you, your next step is to download Microsoft Deployment Toolkit 2010. You can learn more about MDT by visiting the MDT site on TechNet.

70-630, Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007, Configuring Study Group

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The other study group running this fall through the OWSUG is the 70-630, Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007, Configuring; Study Group.

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Special Announcement:  Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007, Configuring Study Group!

We are pleased announce that we are now accepting applications to join our TS: Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007, Configuring certification study group.  The previous OWSUG.ca study group was very successful with over 85% of the participants obtaining the certification by the end of the study group.

Content

The focus will be on preparing to pass the Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007, Configuring to achieve the Microsoft Technology Specialist for Configuring Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007.  Topics include Deploy, Monitor, Configure and Administer Microsoft office SharePoint 2007 Server. MCTS Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007 Configuration Study Guide (70-630) will be provided.

Schedule

Sessions take place on Tuesday evenings from 6:00 PM until 8:30 PM at CTE Solutions’ Ottawa facility beginning September, 2009 and continuing until December, 2009 for a total of 12 sessions (30 hours). Exact date will be send later after confirming the numbers of  attendees

Objectives

1. Individual:

2. Group:

  • a. Review the content, perform demonstrations and review exam practice questions.
  • b. Attend 80 % of the sessions.

Mentors

The study group will be mentored by OWSUG.ca Study Group Coordinators Islam Gomaa and Abraham Melesse. The expectation will be for all participants to actively engage in the group sessions (i.e. this is not a course).

Offer

Cost to participate in the study group is $ 250.  All participants will receive a copy (to keep) of the MCTS Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007 Configuration Study Guide (70-630).  A $150 deposit will be reimbursed if you attend 80% of the total number of session.

Apply

To apply please send an email to [email protected].  Additional registration details will be sent only to people that pre-register.  Positions will not be held before deposit and fees have been received.

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Study Group in Ottawa: 70-236, Exchange 2007, Configuring

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The OWSUG is running two study groups this fall. The first one I am highlighting is the Microsoft Exchange 2007 Configuring Exam. If you are planning to write 70-236, Exchange 2007, Configuring and you think you need some extra preparation, this is a great way to do it. I have been involved with the study groups, so I can vouch that they are very beneficial.

The Ottawa Windows Server User Group looking to start a Microsoft Exchange Server 2007 Study group.  The OWSUG has been running study groups for several years and many in the Ottawa IT community have taken advantage of these opportunities for assistance with certification, as well as gaining valuable knowledge that can be applied on the job.

Content

The focus of this study group will be preparing for Microsoft Exam 70-236, Exchange 2007, Configuring.  Passing this exam will gain the student a Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS): Microsoft Exchange Server 2007, Configuration; and counts as one credit towards the Microsoft Certified IP Professional (MCITP): Enterprise Messaging Administrator.  The text will be the Microsoft Press Configuring Exchange Server 2007 Self Paced Training Kit, and copies will be provided to all study group members.

Objectives

All study group members will prepare for the sessions by reading the training material content.  Individuals will work in teams to take turns leading the study group sessions according to a schedule which will be provided , and will lead demonstrations where appropriate.   This is study group not a course, so everyone’s involvement will be required to ensure the success of the group as a whole.

Cost

The cost to participate in the group is $250.  This includes the textbook (to keep,) as well as an exam voucher valid at any Microsoft testing centre. 

Schedule

The group will be meeting weekly Tuesday nights beginning Sept 15, 2009 and continuing until early December 2009.

To Apply

To apply please send an email to [email protected].  Additional registration details will be sent only to people that pre-register.  Positions will not be held before deposit and fees have been received.

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