SQL Server 2005 Books Online (April 2006)

The SQL Server 2005 Books Online April download has been refreshed as of May 4, 2006 to correct a problem that was found with the SQL Server Express search filter. Download an updated version of Books Online for Microsoft SQL Server 2005. Books Online is the primary documentation for SQL Server 2005. The April 2006 update to Books Online contains new material and fixes to documentation problems reported by customers after SQL Server 2005 was released. Refer to "New and Updated Books Online Topics" for a list of topics that are new or updated in this version. Topics with significant updates have a Change History table at the bottom of the topic that summarizes the changes. Beginning with the April 2006 update, SQL Server 2005 Books Online reflects product upgrades included in SQL Server 2005 Service Pack 1 (SP1). Books Online includes the following types of information:

• Setup and upgrade instructions.
• Information about new features and backward compatibility.
• Conceptual descriptions of the technologies and features in SQL Server 2005.
• Procedural topics describing how to use the various features in SQL Server 2005.
• Tutorials that guide you through common tasks.
• Reference documentation for the graphical tools, command prompt utilities, programming languages, and application programming interfaces (APIs) that are supported by SQL Server 2005.
• Descriptions of the sample databases and applications included with SQL Server 2005.

You can Download an updated version of the documentation and tutorials for Microsoft SQL Server 2005 by visiting this Microsoft Link.

Exchange 2003 Mobile Messaging Part 4 – Accessing the Corporate GAL from your Mobile Device Using GAL Lookup

This is part 4 in this 5 part article series covering Mobile Messaging using Exchange 2003 Server with SP2 applied and Windows Mobile 5.0 devices with the Messaging and Security Feature Pack installed. In this article we’ll take a closer look at the GAL lookup feature.

With the new GAL Lookup feature included in the Messaging and Security Feature Pack, you can now lookup contacts in the Global Address List (GAL) on your corporate Exchange Server 2003 SP2 Server(s). Those of you who own a Windows Mobile device which doesn’t have the MSFP installed know that you can only look up contacts in your personal contacts list stored locally on your device. Well actually this statement isn’t completely true, as you can get access to the Global Address Book (GAL) by installing the free Microsoft Global Contact Access add-on on the device. Of course the Microsoft Global Contact Access add-on is not as integrated in the Windows Mobile 5.0 OS as the GAL Lookup, but it’s definitely worth checking out while you wait for a build with the MSFP included for your particular device.

Enjoy reading Part 4 of this series.

Microsoft Lunches thier new Support Site - it is really Fantastic

Today while I was browsing Microsoft Support Center Site(http://support.microsoft.com) I noticed that they totally changed the site. It is really fantastic, they added a module called "Tob Solution Center" where they lists the most common products that every body is using during thier day to day activities and they need the support for. The new site includes common issues, frequently asked questions, helpful links, tips and how-tos, and latest downloads. If you didn't see it, they you have to check it now by your self.

If you used ADMT v 2.0 then you need to see ADMT v 3.0

The Active Directory Migration Tool version 3 (ADMT v3) simplifies the process of restructuring your operating environment to meet the needs of your organization. You can use ADMT v3 to migrate users, groups, and computers from Microsoft® Windows NT® 4.0 domains to Active Directory® directory service domains; between Active Directory domains in different forests (interforest migration); and between Active Directory domains in the same forest (intraforest migration). ADMT v3 also performs security translation from Windows NT 4.0 domains to Active Directory domains and between Active Directory domains in different forests.

I personally used ADMT v2.0 to migrate 5400 Users with password from NT4.0 to 2000 and the migration was successfully. and i used it to migrate 1000 users from 2000 to 2003. I saw my friend doing a full migration from NT4.0 to 2003 with desktops been joined to the new domain without changing of their profiles, also he migrated Directory Services from 5.5 to 2003.

I love this utility, and for you to start love it you need to download it & read about it :):)

Step-by-Step Guide to Deploying Windows Mobile-based Devices with Microsoft Exchange Server 2003 SP2

This document is designed primarily for Information Technology (IT) professionals who are responsible for planning and deploying mobile messaging systems that use Microsoft Exchange Server 2003 with Service Pack 2 (SP2) and Microsoft Windows Mobile-based devices that have the Messaging and Security Feature Pack.
This document is divided into two main sections that describe the following:

• The essential elements of a mobile messaging system, including requirements; a summary of deployment procedures; an overview of the features of the Messaging and Security Feature Pack; and best practices for networking, security, and device management.
• The guidelines and resources for the deployment of a mobile messaging system, including updating Exchange Server 2003 SP2, setting up Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync for mobile access, creating a protected communications environment, and procedures for setting up and managing mobile devices..

This Document is available in 14 Web Pages, it is not downloadable document. So you have to view it online, here is the Link.

Automated Deployment Services (ADS) in Windows Server 2003

Automated Deployment Services (ADS) is add-on to Windows Server 2003 Enterprise Edition providing a solution for rapidly deploying Windows server operating systems onto bare-metal servers across large, scaled-out installations. With support for script-based mass server administration, ADS also enables administrators to administer hundreds of servers as if they were one. If you don't know anything about this new feature and you want to read more about it, here is the link, and i am sure you will start using it in your IT :)

Automated Deployment Services (ADS) Home Page

MIIS 2003 Global Address List Synchronization

These walkthroughs introduce users to the fundamental concepts and functionality of Microsoft® Identity Integration Server (MIIS) 2003. They are self-paced, hands-on practice guides that demonstrate how MIIS 2003 functions in specific scenarios. Walkthroughs contain an overview of the scenario presented, guidelines for setting up the practice environment, and step-by-step instructions that describe how to implement MIIS 2003 to meet the requirements of the scenario. Download the walkthroughs now.

SQL Server 2005 - Service Pack 1 is Available for Download Now

Microsoft announces the availability of SQL Server 2005 Service Pack 1 with Database Mirroring, SQL Server Management Studio Express, additional options for ISVs, and feature fixes. Explor the new features of SQL 2005 Service Pack 1 by updating your SQL Servers. The release of SQL Server 2005 SP1 follows the March 2006 Community Technology Preview (CTP) and the initiation of a new customer collaboration model, which allowed active customer feedback to drive final updates and routine fixes delivered in this service pack. SQL Server 2005 includes functionality for the largest enterprise to the smallest hobbyist, non-professional or ISV, delivering on the team’s vision to provide a complete data platform for all users of every size. To download SQL Server 2005 - SP1 , Click Here.

Exchange 2003 Mobile Messaging Part 3 – Installing, Administering, and Using the Microsoft Exchange Server ActiveSync Web Administration tool

In this article you will go through how to install and configure the Exchange Server ActiveSync Web Administration tool, as well as how to use the tool to initiate remote wipes, check transaction log entries, etc. Have a nice time

Microsoft Exchange Hosted Services Overview

Microsoft Exchange Hosted Services is composed of four distinct services that help organizations protect themselves from e-mail-borne malware, satisfy retention requirements for compliance, encrypt data to preserve confidentiality, and preserve access to e-mail during and after emergency situations. The services are deployed over the Internet, which helps minimize up-front capital investment, free up IT resources to focus on value-producing initiatives, and mitigate messaging risks before they reach the corporate firewall.

Here is the overview of MS Exchange Hosting Service.