I'm a UC Blog

The WGA blog (is there any team at Microsoft that does not have a blog?) has responded to the recent leaked OEM key by disabling the existing code and re-provisioning. They also went on to mention that Windows 7 has far more sophisticated anti-hacking measures hidden under its hood (than presumably it’s successor Windows Vista).

“Windows 7 already includes an improved ability to detect hacks, also known as activation exploits, and alert customers who are using a pirated copy.  There is a hack that is said to enable, when paired with the leaked key, a system to install and use a copy of Windows 7 Ultimate. Both the hack and the key are indications that a copy of Windows may not be genuine. The Windows Activation Technologies included in Windows 7 are designed to handle situations such as this one, and customers using these tools and methods should expect Windows to detect them.  “

Source: here

We should not forget that with a new version of Windows Server comes an updated Hyper-V (Hyper-V Server 2008 R2), this brings a wealth of new functionality and gives VMware’s equivalent a real kicking!

“Market dominant VMware has something to fear.” -PC Magazine

“Unlike VMware’s offering, [Hyper-V] Live Migration doesn’t cost extra and isn’t particularly difficult to configure.” -ZDNet

(An comparison of v.1 vs v.2 is seen in the table below)

The first thing that excites me is the support for 8 physical CPUs (not cores – they are virtual) and now with live migration and high availability too! But wait, there’s more (and we are not talking a free set of steak knives here) Hyper-V Server 2008 R2 will BOOT FROM FLASH.

“Microsoft Hyper-V Server 2008 R2 includes the unique ability (compared to Windows Server Hyper-V) to boot from flash. We’re making the documentation available to our OEM partners as part of the OEM Preinstallation Kit (OPK). Boot from flash is specifically designed for our OEM partners who want to ship an embedded Hyper-V hypervisor and thus will be supported via our OEM partners.”

For more information see this recent post over at the Windows Virtualisation Blog.

Source: here

For once us brits get something before the yanks, MSN UK is about to launch an iPlayer’esque video player that will stream over 300 hours of content from the BBC and All3Media. I would imagine given Microsoft’s interest in IPTV this is only the beginning! Excellent news and very pleased the UK gets to run the beta first! (even if you are only trying to get a head start over Hulu)

Taken from Times online:

A spokeswoman for BBC Worldwide confirmed that all BBC programmes on MSN Video Player will be at least 180 days old. The choice of programmes will be aimed squarely at the 18 to 29 age group, and will include such series as The League of Gentlemen, Hustle, Dead Ringers and The Hitch-Hiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.

The pilot service will run for an initial six months, after which – if successful – the number of content partners and available programmes will increase.

Source: here

Next year Sky will be launching 3DTV, without the need for a new box (for HD customers)…but there is a catch, you need to replace your TV and wear polarising glasses! Sounds really interesting though – I guess I better start negotiating with the boss now [:)]

Taken from The Register:

All content will be captured using HD cameras and broadcast over the firm’s existing HD infrastructure, making use of existing Sky+ HD set-top boxes.

In order to see a 3D image, Sky stressed that you will have to fork out for a 3D-ready TV and wear polarising glasses.

Source: here

Updates that are released for Communications Server 2007 R2

• Update for Application Host
  967832 Description of the update package for Communications Server 2007 R2 Application Host: April 2009
• Update for Application Sharing Server
  971296 Description of the update package for Office Communications Server 2007 R2, Application Sharing Server: July 2009
• Update for Administration Tools
  971289 Description of the update package for Office Communications Server 2007 R2, Administration Tools: July 2009
• Update for Audio/Video Conferencing
  971793 Description of the update package for Office Communications Server 2007 R2, Audio/Video Conferencing Server: July 2009
• Update for Core Components
  971299 Description of the update package for Office Communications Server 2007 R2, Core Components: July 2009
• Update for Communicator Web Access
  969824 Description of the update package for Office Communications Server 2007 R2, Communicator Web Access: July 2009
• Update for Conferencing Attendant
  969822 Description of the update package for Office Communications Server 2007 R2, Conferencing Attendant: July 2009
• Update for Conferencing Announcement Service
  969823 Description of the update package for Office Communications Server 2007 R2, Conferencing Announcement Service: July 2009
• Update for Monitoring Server
  971298 Description of the update package for Office Communications Server 2007 R2, Monitoring Server: July 2009
• Update for Mediation Server
  969835 Description of the update package for Office Communications Server 2007 R2, Mediation Server: July 2009
• Update for Outside Voice Control
  967835 Description of the update package for Communications Server 2007 R2, Outside Voice Control: April 2009
• Update for Response Group Service
  967829 Description of the update package for Communications Server 2007 R2, Response Group Service: April 2009
• • Update for Standard/Enterprise edition Server
  969821 Description of the update package for Office Communications Server 2007 R2: July, 2009
• Update for Standard/Enterprise edition Server Back End
  969834 Description of the update package for Office Communications Server 2007 R2 database: July, 2009
• Update for Unified Communications Managed API 2.0 Core Redist 64-bit
  970679 Description of the update package for Office Communications Server 2007 R2, Unified Communications Managed API 2.0 Core Redist 64-bit: July 2009
• Update for Web Conferencing Server
  971297 Description of the update package for Office Communications Server 2007 R2, Web Conferencing Server: July 2009
• Update for Web Components Server
  967830 Description of the update package for Communications Server 2007 R2, Web Components: April 2009

Source: here

The Exchange Team announced the Remote Connectivity Analyzer (RCA) for Exchange back in March, but now the OCS equivalent is available.

Microsoft Exchange RCA is here

Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007 RCA is here