Microsoft launches the Cloud OS Network

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Free on-demand IT Camp: Key virtualization scenarios

What’s new in Windows 8.1 for IT professionals: Available on demand on MVA

TechEd 2014: Register by December 31 and save US$300!



TechEd 2014 is your best source for the latest news, trends, resources, and deep technical education that will make you an expert in your field and prepare you for tomorrow’s innovations. Join us May 12–15 in Houston. Early registration ends December 31. Register now and save US$300.

500+ free hands-on labs and guided experiences



Microsoft offers hundreds of learning opportunities and options to evaluate products. This includes over 60 hands-on labs from TechEd North and the latest Windows Server 2012 R2 and System Center 2012 R2 experiences, as well as a new series of Windows Server 2012 R2 virtual labs that allow you to try Windows Server 2012 R2 without ever installing a server. For more details catch up with the Regular IT Guy blog and follow us on Twitter at @MicrosoftTrials.

Cloud security: What matters most when evaluating the security of cloud providers



Download Forrester Research’s “Enabling the Secure and Rapid Adoption of Cloud Services” to learn about common criteria for evaluating the security of cloud providers. This report also discusses the technical and process changes IT pros anticipate as they move to the cloud.

Free MVA course: Windows Server 2012 R2 Networking



This new course from Microsoft Virtual Academy covers what’s new in the world of networking and how you can use System Center 2012 R2 to manage Windows Server 2012 R2. The course also provides insight into industry trends, performance levels, and network performance. Download the Windows Server 2012 R2 Evaluation to start preparing for this course.

Java application performance monitoring with Operations Manager in System Center 2012 R2



Learn about the new Java (JEE) application performance monitoring (APM) capabilities provided by System Center 2012 R2 Operations Manager. This new Management Pack provides deep insight into application health and performance as well as code-level analysis for Java applications. Download the System Center 2012 R2 Evaluation and test for yourself.

Heterogeneous virtualization: Learn about various platforms at the VTUG user group event on January 16



Nearly two thirds of businesses employ more than one virtualization platform. Learn about different virtualization platforms at the Winter Warmer conference being hosted by the Virtualization Technology User Group (VTUG) on January 16. The free one-day conference in Foxborough, MA (near Boston) will offer keynotes, hands-on labs, and a great chance to network with more than 1,500 attendees.

Windows Server 2012 R2 Web and Application Platform: Free MVA course

Learn how to overcome the technical challenges involved in integrating private and hybrid cloud services in a new course from Microsoft Virtual Academy. Learn about Microsoft’s commitment to delivering an end-to-end solution for self-service delivery of multi-tenant cloud services. Download the Windows Server 2012 R2 Evaluation and prepare for this course.

Windows Azure Active Directory: Cloud identity and access management



We are excited to announce that a free offering of Windows Azure Active Directory is now available. This free version lets you manage user access to hundreds of cloud SaaS applications such as Office 365, Box, GoToMeeting, DropBox, and Salesforce.com. Also available now is a public preview of a premium offering designed for enterprises that have advanced requirements. This version includes self-service password reset for cloud users, group-based access management to SaaS applications, a customized logon environment, and detailed machine learning-based security reports.

Cloud economics: Find out how you can get an ROI of up to 350 percent using the cloud

Want to learn more about the key benefits, costs, and risks associated with implementing Windows Azure? Download “The Total Economic Impact of Microsoft Windows Azure,” a commissioned study conducted by Forrester Consulting, for an in-depth discussion.

Wax poetic about BYOD for a chance to win an Xbox 360



Write a poem that shows us how you manage devices, data, and apps in your workplace, putting a fun spin on BYOD, and you could win an Xbox 360 with Kinect bundle. Check out the rules and requirements.

Free MVA course: Windows Server 2012 R2 Networking

This new course from Microsoft Virtual Academy covers what’s new in the world of networking and how you can use System Center 2012 R2 to manage Windows Server 2012 R2. The course also provides insight into industry trends, performance levels, and network performance. Download the Windows Server 2012 R2 Evaluation to start preparing for this course.

Windows Server 2012 R2 Web and Application Platform: Free MVA course

Learn how to overcome the technical challenges involved in integrating private and hybrid cloud services in a new course from Microsoft Virtual Academy. Learn about Microsoft’s commitment to delivering an end-to-end solution for self-service delivery of multi-tenant cloud services. Download the Windows Server 2012 R2 Evaluation and prepare for this course.

What’s new in Windows 8.1 for IT professionals: Available on demand on MVA

Is your organization using Windows XP or Windows 7? Learn how you can fast-track your organization to a more productive Windows 8.1 enterprise desktop environment by offering new possibilities for mobile productivity, secure IT, and easy-to-manage infrastructure. Download the Windows 8.1 Enterprise Evaluation to prep for this course.

Ring in the New Year with certifications that validate your expertise

Microsoft Certifications help technology professionals stand out from their peers while allowing hiring managers to validate that candidates have the necessary technical skills. The Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) certification endorses that you have the ability to design, deploy, an optimize technologies for critical IT solutions. For a limited time, you can earn your Microsoft Certification with two chances to pass your exams. Sign up for your Second Shot vouchers today.

Free on-demand IT Camp: Key Virtualization Scenarios

Did you miss our popular Virtualization IT Camp? Well, here is another chance to expand your virtualization skills. Watch the recording of this IT Camp and get an edge in your technical career. In this workshop, seasoned experts demonstrate key virtualization scenarios and cover equivalent technologies from Microsoft and VMware.

Heterogeneous virtualization: Learn about various virtualization platforms on January 16

Nearly two thirds of businesses employ more than one virtualization platform. Learn about different virtualization platforms at the Winter Warmer conference being hosted by the Virtualization Technology User Group (VTUG) on January 16. The free one-day conference in Foxborough, MA (near Boston) will offer keynotes, hands-on labs, and a great chance to network with more than 1,500 attendees.

TechEd 2014: Register by December 31 and save US$300

TechEd 2014 is your best source for the latest news, trends, resources, and deep technical education that will make you an expert in your field and prepare you for tomorrow’s innovations. Join us May 12–15 in Houston. Early registration ends December 31. Register now and save US$300.