Windows Vista/Server 2008 SP2 Beta is here

Posted by sinlung

This is a traditional service pack release containing all cumulative security updates available since the Windows Vista SP1 release in March 2008; however, it is a single service pack for both client and server operating systems. Either Windows Vista SP1 or Windows Server 2008 is a prerequisite for installing this service pack. For a full list of changes in SP2, visit the Windows Server Division Weblog for Windows Server 2008 and The Windows Blog for the Windows Vista client. MSDN Subscribers can download the Windows Vista SP2 Beta or the Windows Server 2008 SP2 Beta from the subscriber downloads site.
If you're using Visual Studio 2008 Professional Edition, it's time to step up. For a limited time, get 30% off when you purchase a Step-up license to Visual Studio Team System 2008 Development Edition (or any other Team System edition).You'll get even more bang for your buck. Team System 2008 Development Edition with MSDN Premium now comes with Database Edition - it's like getting two for the price of one. To save 30%, contact your reseller.
December 2008 - January 2009, San Francisco, CA
The Microsoft Research team will be visiting San Francisco in December and January in order to gain insight into the tools that you use. Gain a unique perspective into what Microsoft is developing and walk away with a gift for your input. If you are interested or know someone who might be interested in participating, please e-mail itusable@microsoft.com with SF: Software in the subject line.
Architect Council Series: Cloud Computing and Impact on Architecture
- December 18, San Francisco, CA
Cloud computing is a disruptive force that has the potential to change everything, but how do we take advantage of it? At Microsoft, cloud computing is a major component of our technology strategy and platform, and a rich and massively scalable cloud platform was just unveiled at PDC. Come see a discussion on how Microsoft's platform can be leveraged to create a new class of applications that are more connected, dynamic, and can extend existing IT investments towards cloud computing.

Are you a software or Web developer or test engineer? The Microsoft Research team would like gain insight into the tools that you use on a daily basis. Gain a unique perspective into what Microsoft is developing and walk away with a gift for your input. If you are interested or know someone who might be interested in participating, please e-mail itusable@microsoft.com with Software in the subject line.
Web Resources
February 3, 2009
Register for the free online launch event for Office Communications Server R2, complete with keynote speakers, breakout sessions, customer evidence and partners' booths.
Pluralsight On-Demand is our new Web-based training service, providing premier Microsoft .NET training and content in a convenient online format. With Pluralsight On-Demand, you have a full training experience available at your fingertips.
In this series you'll learn the fundamentals of the Azure Services Platform, how to build applications in the cloud, and how to leverage Microsoft's global infrastructure of servers and services. This series is geared towards .NET developers who are interested in getting an early look at what Azure is all about.
Security for Developers
While at Tech·Ed Developers in Barcelona, Michael Howard and Adam Shostack did three video segments. The first is on the announcements they made and Dave Ladd blogged about. The second is a 25-minute detailed walkthrough of the new SDL Threat Modeling Tool, and the last is their top 10 security pet peeves.
Training
Receive a free copy of SQL Server 2008 when you attend select SQL Server 2008 instructor-led training courses with Microsoft Certified Partners for Learning Solutions. Limited-time offer, while supplies last.
For a limited time, save 30 percent on select Windows Server 2008 titles from Microsoft Press. These books and guides are great resources for deploying, automating, troubleshooting, and optimizing Windows Server 2008.
Shop at Bookpool from December 1 to January 31 and receive 45% off your order.
Introducing AppDev OnDemand - immediate online access to award-winning learning for the latest Microsoft technologies. Get up to speed quickly in SharePoint 2007, Visual Studio 2005 and Visual Studio 2008, SQL Server 2005 and SQL Server 2008, and more. For December only, get one-year full access to our entire course library for just US$2,995.
Case Studies
By using Windows Presentation Foundation, Roxio launched a revamped Roxio Creator 2009, which includes a user interface that is visually rich and easy to use.
To meet its organizational challenges and improve internal and external communication, LTA deployed Windows Server 2008, Visual Studio 2008, SQL Server 2008, Expression Studio and Virtual Earth to launch an on-demand videocasting communications platform for its staff and an exhibit that enables Singapore to see the future of transportation.
Partner News
Sample a web-based Secure Coding course that teaches developers how to code more securely and identify issues in existing code.
Integrate JMS (Java Message Service) with .NET applications or BizTalk Server. JNBridge adapters now support local JMS transactions and 64-bit platforms.
Windows Vista
Download the Windows Vista/Server 2008 SP2 Beta