Technology News
Windows7, Server 2008 R2, and Exchange Server 2010
In a continuing effort to keep you informed of the latest technology and the advanced features associated within them, we wanted to inform you of Microsoft’s Windows 7, Windows Server 2008 R2, and Exchange Server 2010 products which are scheduled to be released in 2009-2010.
Although these products have not yet been released, NSG is currently conducting production testing in our environment. At NSG, we are always exploring new technology so you don’t have to. Our office includes a technology lab where we field test the latest technology solutions to ensure premium quality before we ever deploy to your environment. Just another way that NSG adds value to your business!
What is Windows 7?
Windows 7 is the next version of the Windows client operating system. Although it may look similar to Vista, it is NOT the same! This version incorporates hundreds of improvements based on your feedback. It works the way you want: it’s responsive, reliable, and runs smoothly. It starts and shuts down faster, and is designed to make your battery last longer. Plus, it’s really easy to connect to things you care about-from people to printers. You’ll also be able to do everyday things faster, from getting around the desktop and managing open windows, to finding files and programs, and using the web. We hope you love it, because it’s got your fingerprints all over it.
What Is Windows Server 2008 R2?
Windows Server® 2008 R2 is the newest Windows Server operating system from Microsoft, expanding existing technology and adding new features to enable organizations to increase the reliability and flexibility of their server infrastructures. Windows Server 2008 R2 provides enhanced management control over resources across the enterprise by providing new virtualization tools, web resources, management enhancements, and exciting Windows 7 integration help save time, reduce costs, and provide a platform for a dynamic and efficiently managed data center. Powerful tools such as Internet Information Services (IIS) version 7.5, updated Server Manager and Hyper-V platforms and Windows PowerShell version 2.0 combine to give customers greater control, increased efficiency and the ability to react to front-line business needs faster than ever before.
What is Exchange Server 2010?
Exchange 2010 is the latest version of Microsoft’s premier enterprise messaging and collaboration solution, and the cornerstone of Microsoft’s vision for unified communications. Exchange 2010 offers a simplified approach to high availability and disaster recovery coupled with enhanced maintenance tools to help you achieve new levels of reliability to deliver business continuity.
Some of the key features include:
Anywhere Access: Unify access to e-mail, voice mail, instant messaging, and text messages enabling your users to choose the best way to communicate no matter where they are, thus making it easier for collaboration with business partners.
Protection and Compliance: Exchange 2010 delivers new, integrated e-mail archiving functionality including granular multi-mailbox search, item-level retention policies and instant legal hold-making it easier to address compliance and discovery issues. Administrators get centralized control of all archives while users get direct access to their archived mail, including a familiar archive experience that does not disrupt the way they manage their inboxes every day.
Productivity: New productivity features help users easily organize and prioritize communications in their inboxes. With Exchange 2010, you can replace your traditional voice mail system with a unified solution integrated into the core of your communications platform. This new system will enable your users to receive their voice mail messages right in their inboxes, and manage those voice mail messages just as they do e-mail, with familiar tools like Outlook and Outlook Web Access. You will benefit from the cost-savings of voice mail systems consolidation and replacement, while providing users with features like:
- Text transcription of voice mail messages, allowing users to quickly triage messages without having to play the audio file
- The power of a personalized auto attendant for their voice mail
- Tools to create call answering and routing rules for individuals or groups of callers based on Caller ID and contact information ensuring that every caller gets the experience your users intend
- Phone-based access to their whole inbox – including e-mail, calendar, and contacts – in nearly 30 languages with Outlook Voice Access
Free Windows XP Support laid to rest by Microsoft
“As of April 14, 2009, free support from Microsoft for Windows XP has been laid to rest. Microsoft has officially stated that security patches and updates will continue for XP after that date. Most new PCs will probably continue to be offered with XP as an operating system option. However, there are millions of business desktops that are still running XP and did not upgrade to Vista. Of course, extended, fee-based support will be available until 2014.”
Let NSG help you maintain support for XP to keep your environment running smoothly:
- Upgrade all XP machines to the latest Service Pack and patches
- Check if your licensing provides alternate support options
- Assist with developing a strategy for the eventual XP phase-out
Windows 7 coming with Virtual XP mode
One of the challenges with Microsoft Vista was the fact that some programs which worked fine in Windows XP just wouldn’t run properly, even after playing with compatibility mode options. However, Microsoft has developed a solution for Windows 7 feature: XP Mode that should alleviate Vista program incompatibilities.
How does it work?
First, systems will need to be running a CPU that supports processor-based virtualization. Windows 7 Pro, Enterprise, and Ultimate licensees will receive access to download a fully-licensed Windows XP SP3 Virtual PC environment from Microsoft. Unlike Virtual PC, it is not a standalone virtualization program. Once installed, XP Mode works behind the scenes and allows programs to run seamlessly alongside native Windows 7 applications.
