Apple Mac Integration Basics OS X 10.8 - Adding a Mac to a Windows or Other Standards-Based Network

This guide is for people bringing a Mac into a small-business environment that’s predominantly Windows based and most likely using Windows Small Business Server. The guide is also for users replacing a Windows computer with a Mac, and for system administrators supporting Mac users.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to integrate a Mac within your organization’s network environment, including how to configure your Mac to work with Active Directory and how to take advantage of network services, file sharing, printing, instant messaging, emailing, calendars, and contacts.

You’ll also learn about security at the user, local network, and remote networking levels. You’ll learn about data management, both migrating your data from a Windows computer as well as backing up your important data. Finally, you’ll learn how to run Windows programs directly on your Mac, giving you total compatibility and interoperability with your colleagues who use Windows.

You can download the guide here

VMware: Get the Facts - Not The Microsoft Hyper-Bole

This morning I came across very intersting page in a sea of pages on the VMware website.

VMware: Get the Facts - Not The Microsoft Hyper-Bole

The page is dedicated to solidifying VMware to its current and future customer base that it is still the proven leader and technology in the virtualization market space and cloud infrastructure in regards to its up and coming competitors, specifically Microsoft Hyper-V. 

When it comes to virtualization and cloud infrastructure, VMware’s competitors are playing catch-up, often making bold unsubstantiated claims. Check out the facts for yourself and learn how Microsoft’s marketing fluff falls short of reality. You will find that VMware remains the proven leader, providing customers higher value for their virtualization and cloud infrastructure investment.

The site lists Case Studies, Customer Stories, and a list of 5 facts as evidence to the "technology jury". Whether you are a soldier of VMware or Microsoft, it is defiantly worth the time to check out to add some ammunition to the ongoing debate.

Microsoft Updates Windows Azure Pricing Calculator With New Offering

Microsoft announced today new offerings within its Windows Azure Ecosystem.

Some of Windows Azure new features include:

Windows Azure Virtual Machines (IaaS)

Windows Azure Virtual Machines offer customers maximum flexibility in managing applications and infrastructure, Microsoft Windows Azure extends the functionality of the new IaaS. With this you can now run local virtual machine images to a Windows Azure and move virtual hard disks (VHD) between local and cloud environments. Microsoft also has expanded the list of supported operating systems, which include Windows Server (2008 R2, 2008 R2 with SQL Server 2012 Eval and 2012 RC) and Linux (OpenSUSE 12.1, CentOS-6.2, Ubuntu 12.04, SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 11 SP2).

Windows Azure Virtual Network

Windows Azure Virtual Network allows you to configure virtual private network (VPN) in Windows Azure, and manage and securely tie them to the local IT infrastructure. The network is based on IPSEC protocol and gives administrators control over network topology, including IP addresses and routing tables.

Windows Azure is an open and flexible cloud platform that enables you to quickly build, deploy and manage applications across a global network of Microsoft-managed datacenters. You can build applications using any language, tool or framework. And you can integrate your public cloud applications with your existing IT environment.

Click here to access the updated offerings pricing calculator