Microsoft Software in 2005

Always on the cutting edge of Microsoft news, Bink.nu has once again updated their list of possible/probable Microsoft releases for 2005. Their speculative list includes:

Windows 2003 Server R2
Biztalk 2004 64
Commerce Server 2002 64
Windows XP x64
Windows Server 2003 x64
SQL 2000 Service Pack 4
Virtual Server 2005 Service Pack 1
Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1
Encarta 2006
Money 2006
Longhorn Beta (client)
Longhorn Server Beta 1
Exchange 2003 Service Pack 2 (includes some elements of Edge Services like Sender ID)
Monthly IMF updates for Exchange 2003
MSN Messenger 7
MSN Search web
MSN Search desktop
Corporate Error Reporting 3.0
Automated Deployment Services 2.0
ISA 2004 Service Pack 1
Office 12 Beta
Small Business Server 2003 Service Pack 1
Windows Update Services (SUS 2.0)
Sharepoint Portal Server 2005
ISA 2004 Enterprise Edition
Microsoft Data Protection Server (DPS)
Windows PE 2005
Windows 2000 Security Rollup Pack 2
ADAM 2.0
System Center 2005 (SMS 2003 sp1, MOM 2005, SQL reporting)
Visual Studio 2005
Visual Studio 2005 express editions (C#, VB, …)
Visual Studio 2005 Team System
SQL Server 2005
SQL Server 2005 Express Edition
AntiVirus and AntiSpyware 2005
Windows Server 2003 Compute Cluster Edition
Hot Patch Technology Support (part of common engineering initiative)
.NET Framework 2.0
Commerce Server 2006 beta
ASP.net 2.0
Network Access Protection (NAP)
Windows Update (support for more MS products)
“Instanbul” Windows Messenger (Voip client for LCS 2005)
Xbox 2 US release ?
Fingerprint reader in Intellimouse Explorer
Windows Mobile 2005 (3G [UMTS] , Wifi, VGA)
ActiveSync 4.0
Live Meeting 2005
Office for Small Business Management
Office 2003 sp2 ?
CRM 2005
Mappoint 2005/2006 ?
Windows XP Reduced Media Edition
Digital Image Suite 11 ?
Exchange Server Best Practices Analyzer Tool 2.0
Windows XP Media Center Edition 2006 update

Would you expect any less from the largest software company in the world? 😉

Source: Bink.nu http://bink.nu/?ArticleID=3126

Microsoft Plays Technology Match-maker for SMBs

Microsoft is offering a new technical assessment program free to small business customers who are interested in upgrading their systems.

Under the program, a Microsoft partner will assess the customer’s current systems and provide recommendations on technology solutions suited to their needs and provide valuable suggestions about technology solutions specifically suited to meet their needs before they buy the technology.

The goal of the program is to aid SMB owners with a certified, standardized technical assessment from a recognized Microsoft partner, thereby allaying the usual fears of change, cost, and what questions to ask.

Full story: http://www.integratedmar.com/ECL.cfm?item=DLY121304-4

Compter Associates Gives Away Anti-Virus Software

I saw this offer on Microsoft.com today:

Computer Associates (CA) is offering eTrust EZ Armor 2005 LE Antivirus and firewall protection free for 12 months. It’s a $49.95 value! Here’s the link:
http://www.my-etrust.com/microsoft/

Trend Micro Offers Free Anti-Virus Software for Mobile Devices

Trend Micro is offering an integrated solution providing antivirus and anti-spam for data-centric wireless mobile devices.

“Trend Micro™ Mobile Security” is designed to protect data-centric mobile devices such as smartphones and PDAs against viruses and short message service (SMS) spam. The integrated solution provides automatic, real-time scanning to protect wireless devices against malicious code and viruses on the Web or hidden inside files.

URL: http://www.trendmicro.com/en/products/desktop/mobile/evaluate/overview.htm

Free E-Book – Windows 2003: Active Directory Administration Essentials

Whether you’re an expert with Windows 2000 and Active Directory, an NT administrator who’s read all the trade journals and maybe has a Windows 2000 test lab, or you’re new to Active Directory, this book is for you. Windows Server 2003 brings a lot that’s new and improved to the table — and this book delves into those new features. Additionally, the author touches on key topics that many Windows texts fail to mention, including Active Directory backup and recovery. This book is especially different from other Windows Server 2003 books, because it’s based on the actual product rather than beta code that might contain outdated technology and ancient screenshots. Given this approach, you know you’re not missing out on “late-breaking” technological changes that might have occurred between betas or release candidates.

URL:
http://www.windowsitlibrary.com/Ebooks/AdministeringAd/Index.cfm

Source: Windows IT Library
http://www.windowsitlibrary.com