Friday 28 June 2013

End of Microsoft XP Support – The Countdown




End of Microsoft XP Support – The Countdown

Thursday, July 11, 2013
10:00AM PDT / 1:00PM EDT

Windows XP will be officially phased out April 2014 – is your business ready? Join application migration expert Greg Lambert from Dell , who will share expert insight on how to get ahead of the Windows XP phase-out. In this webinar Greg will address the following:
  • Mistakes customers make during a migration & the cost of doing nothing
  • How to speed up migrating from Windows XP to 7 before April 2014
  • How to simplify your virtualization project
  • How to better manage Windows and your applications beyond migration
You will also learn about the savings you can gain by introducing automation into your migration processes and how Asset Manager and ChangeBASE can halve your migration time whilst saving you 50% in migration costs.

Featured Speakers:

Greg Lambert
Lambert is a co-founder of ChangeBASE, now a part of Dell Software Group. Greg has considerable experience of application packaging technology and its deployment. Before setting up ChangeBASE, Lambert worked primarily in the financial service sector, delivering application projects for many leading banks and financial institutions.


Monday 24 June 2013

Join the ChangeBASE team at TechEd Madrid!

Learn how Dell ChangeBASE can enable you to quickly address your Desktop, IE, Server and Virtualized application compatibility issues.

Join Christophe Jonot, application migration expert for a 1 hour session where you will learn how to gain 50% time and cost savings through automated application discovery, assessment and remediation whilst decreasing the risk of a Windows 7 or 8 Migrations.

You will also learn how to overcome the skills gap and streamline the sequencing of applications into App-V through ChangeBASE automation – saving hundreds of man hours.

Session details: -Migrate Faster! Using ChangeBASE to Quickly Resolve Your Customer’s Windows 7/8, Windows Internet Explorer 9/10 and AppV Application Compatibility Problems

SPEAKER: Christophe Jonot - Solutions Consultant, Dell Software
DATE: Friday 28th June
TIMESLOT: 12:00 – 13:00
ROOM: N112

We look forward to seeing you at the session as well as at the Dell Stand (A1 & A2)

Friday 21 June 2013

DELL July Webinars

Here is a quick list of some of the on-line webinars and recorded events scheduled for June and July.

Live Events

Multiple Dates, Next one – June 26 at 11 am PT
Managing Configurations in the User Environment without Scripts
Are you still using login scripts to configure user environments? In this Webcast, discover the power of automation when delivering applications, controlling configurations across desktops, virtual desktops, remote sessions and much more. 
For a full list of upcoming demos, click here.

June 27 at 10 am PT
Software License Audit: Breeze it and Beat it with Dell KACE
Learn about the latest features of the Dell KACE K1000 Management Appliance that will allow you to mitigate compliance concerns while also saving time and money through a centralized, appliance-based approach to managing your software environment. 
Register here.

Multiple Dates, Next one - July 3 at 11 am PT
Solving Three Problems by Eliminating User Administration Rights
It’s time to eliminate the role of Administrator from Windows servers and desktops. In this webcast, you can learn how to increase productivity through policy-based elevation of user privileges, minimize security issues caused by unauthorized access and create custom elevation rules by leveraging Group Policy Objects. 
To view the demo dates and register, follow this link.

July 18 at 10 am PT
Addressing the Multi-Device Reality: Unified Endpoint Management
Join guest speaker, EMA lead analyst Steve Brasen, author of the recent report Unified Endpoint Management, as he discusses the realities of multi-device proliferation and the need for such core considerations as data loss protection for mobile devices and BYOD policies. 
Register here.

July 18 at 11 am PT
Creating (and Maintaining!) Consistent Windows Desktops: Are these 15 User Settings in Your Desktop Management?
Today’s PC user expects personalization in his or her Windows desktop. However, some user settings will always need IT configuration. The challenge in desktop management lies in finding the right balance between user and IT control. Join the experts for this informative webcast and learn how controlling 15 user settings can benefit your organization today. 
Register here.

July 23 at 11 am PT
Solving Desktop Challenges in Healthcare
Today, healthcare IT professionals are forced to do more with less while staying in compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accessibility Act (HIPAA). To deal with the many challenges of managing your IT environment, join us for our live webcast and learn how you can enforce HIPAA compliance while ensuring confidentiality and integrity of all your health data. 
Register here.

July 25 at 10 am PT
From Out of Time to Under Control: 3 Steps to Automating Windows Migrations and Application Compatibility
Windows migration doesn’t need to be a complex and time consuming task – automation tools and best practices can dramatically simplify system deployments. Find out what time traps are waiting, how to avoid them and how to automate your windows migration process. 
Register here.

On-Demand

Easily Manage User Configurations without Logon Scripts
Defining a comfortable Windows environment is the reason we’ve used log-in scripts for decades, but using them hasn’t gotten easier. In fact, with all the testing, verification, risk of mistakes, and ever-growing use cases, it’s obvious log-in scripts can’t solve the challenges.  Discover scripting’s intrinsic hazards, while learning about replacement technologies that can help eliminate log-in scripts forever. 
Access the recording here.

Solving Windows Desktop Management Challenges in Education
With the slow economy and shrinking budgets, IT professionals in the education field are forced to do more with less. Watch how Desktop Authority Management Suite can help you proactively manage, secure and support your Windows user environment from a single interface. Plus, it makes it easy to stay compliant with Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act mandates. 
Access the recording here.

The Ever-Changing Security Threat Landscape: How to Survive in a Dangerous Place
With the growth of BYOD and the increasing numbers of devices and platforms to support, the threat landscape is more challenging than ever. Discover how Dell SecureWorks and Dell KACE can help safeguard your business with proven solutions to increase security while improving efficiency. 
Access the recording here.


Upcoming Events
Backyard Boot Kamp
Dell KACE will be in Austin from July 23 (K1000) – 24 (K2000)! If you’re in or around the area, give us a holler and register here today. Keep in mind, early bird registration (and pricing!) is now open for Denver (8/13-14), Minneapolis (9/24-25) and Boston (10/22-23) –check ‘em out here!

Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference
Dell is a Titanium sponsor at the Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference being held in Houston, TX from July 7-11. Dell solutions span four key domains: Connect, Transform, Inform, and Protect. Dell Software supports these domains with both stand-alone solutions and as part of an end-to-end solution with Dell hardware and services. Stop by booth 601 to view live demos and  learn about the Dell PartnerDirect program.


Thursday 20 June 2013

Desktop Authority 9.1 Released

I am pleased to announce the release of Desktop Authority 9.1. This release offers new platform support, new and updated management objects and usability, performance and stability improvements. With this release, all components of the Desktop Authority Management Suite support the latest Microsoft platforms. This release includes:
  • Support for Windows 8, Server 2012, SQL Server 2012 and Internet Explorer 10
  • An all-new, Local Account Management object to support least privilege user initiatives
  • A completely revamped Registry object, incorporating highly-requested customer features
  • An updated patching engine for those customers licensed for patch deployment
  • An updated ExpertAssist remote management agent and Remote Support Center add-on
  • Support for managing User Account Control (UAC) settings in a remote management session
  • Support for logging admin activities in a remote management session
  • User interface, stability and performance improvements
With the recent offering changes, it may be best  to review how this new version affects existing and new customers. Existing customers will receive the edition they have purchased. If they are licensed for Professional or Essentials, they will continue to have that same edition after they install 9.1. If they are licensed for Standard edition, they will keep Standard edition. New customers will always receive the Standard edition.

· New customers can learn more and download Desktop Authority 9.1 from: http://www.quest.com/desktop-authority-management-suite/ or http://software.dell.com/products/desktop-authority-management-suite/.

· Existing customers, with active maintenance, can download it from: https://support.quest.com/softwaredownloads.aspx?pr=268447863&pv=4294947297

Tuesday 18 June 2013

Patch Tuesday Debugged - Computer World Blog

A quick post today - but, you will see that I have been busy. Though of course, I am very, very busy at work - I also get an opportunity to post for a blog in Computer world.

You can usually find my Computer World posts here: http://blogs.computerworld.com/user/greg-lambert

The ComputerWorld blog is called "Patch Tuesday Debugged". The blog focussing on some of the issues or "stories" that surround and involve Microsoft's Patch Tuesday Security updates and GDR releases. It's likely that I will also start to include Adobe and JAVA updates as well given the recent nature and frequency of their updates.

You can read the latest post here: http://blogs.computerworld.com/windows/22341/lone-critical-update-fixes-all-versions-internet-explorer

This posting attempts to cover some of details behind each Microsoft security update as well describe the issue that Microsoft is attempting to resolve.

Enjoy!

Wednesday 12 June 2013

Microsoft Patch Tuesday - June 2013

With this June Microsoft Patch Tuesday update, we see a set of 5 updates; 1of which is  marked as “Critical” and 4 rated as “Important”.
 
The Patch Tuesday Security Update analysis was performed by the Quest ChangeBASE Patch Impact team and identified a small percentage of applications from the thousands of applications included in testing for this release which showed amber issues.
 
Of the five patches, all will  "require a restart to load correctly",   so as usual, it is probably best to assume all require a restart to be installed correctly.

Here is a quick snap-shot of the results from our ChangeBASE Patch Impact Assessment for June 2013. As you can see Security Updates MS13-047 and MS13-051 appear to have an overlap with a number of sample packages - potentially causing a compatibility impact upon application installation or during runtime.



In addition, we have supplied a Testing Overview for the sample database run by the ChangeBASE development team. Here you can see that again, patch 47 and 51 appear to raise a number of issues against the test portfolio for this Patch Tuesday update.














And, to add to some detail to the report, we have included the Patch Details for this June 2013 Patch Tuesday update. Most importantly, the following table includes all of payload or files updated or added by each Patch Tuesday update.

Patch Tuesday Security Update Details
MS13-047
Cumulative Security Update for Internet Explorer (2838727)
Description
This security update resolves nineteen privately reported vulnerabilities in Internet Explorer. The most severe vulnerabilities could allow remote code execution if a user views a specially crafted webpage using Internet Explorer. An attacker who successfully exploited the most severe of these vulnerabilities could gain the same user rights as the current user. Users whose accounts are configured to have fewer user rights on the system could be less impacted than users who operate with administrative user rights.
Payload
Browseui.dll, Html.iec, Ieencode.dll, Iepeers.dll, Mshtml.dll, Mshtmled.dll, Mstime.dll, Shdocvw.dll, Tdc.ocx, Url.dll, Urlmon.dll, Vgx.dll, Wininet.dll, Ie4uinit.exe, Iedkcs32.dll, Iedvtool.dll, Ieframe.dll, Ieproxy.dll, Iertutil.dll, Inetcpl.cpl, Jsdbgui.dll, Jsproxy.dll, Licmgr10.dll, Msfeeds.dll, Msfeedsbs.dll,   Occache.dll, Xpshims.dll, Iexplore.exe, Wininetplugin.dll, Msfeeds.mof, Mshtml.tlb, Ieshims.dll, Ieunatt.exe, Sqmapi.dll, Ieui.dll, Jsdebuggeride.dll, Jscript.dll, Jscript9.dll, Vbscript.dll
Impact
Critical - Remote Code Execution

MS13-048
Vulnerability in Windows Kernel Could Allow Information Disclosure (2839229)
Description
This security update resolves one privately reported vulnerability in Windows. The vulnerability could allow information disclosure if an attacker logs on to a system and runs a specially crafted application or convinces a local, logged-in user to run a specially crafted application. An attacker must have valid logon credentials and be able to log on locally to exploit this vulnerability. Note that this vulnerability would not allow an attacker to execute code or to elevate their user rights directly, but it could be used to produce information that could be used to try to further compromise an affected system.
Payload
Ntkrnlmp.exe, Ntkrnlpa.exe, Ntkrpamp.exe, Ntoskrnl.exe
Impact
Important - Information Disclosure

MS13-049
Vulnerability in Kernel-Mode Driver Could Allow Denial of Service (2845690)
Description
This security update resolves a privately reported vulnerability in Microsoft Windows. The vulnerability could allow denial of service if an attacker sends specially crafted packets to the server. Firewall best practices and standard default firewall configurations can help protect networks from attacks that originate outside the enterprise perimeter.
Payload
Netio.sys, Fwpkclnt.sys, Tcpip.sys
Impact
Important - Denial of Service

MS13-050
Vulnerability in Windows Print Spooler Components Could Allow Elevation of Privilege (2839894)
Description
This security update resolves a privately reported vulnerability in Microsoft Windows. The vulnerability could allow elevation of privilege when an authenticated attacker deletes a printer connection. An attacker must have valid logon credentials and be able to log on to exploit this vulnerability.
Payload
Printcom.dll, Win32spl.dll
Impact
Important - Elevation of privilege

MS13-051
Vulnerability in Microsoft Office Could Allow Remote Code Execution (2839571)
Description
This security update resolves one privately reported vulnerability in Microsoft Office. The vulnerability could allow remote code execution if a user opens a specially crafted Office document using an affected version of Microsoft Office software, or previews or opens a specially crafted email message in Outlook while using Microsoft Word as the email reader. An attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could gain the same user rights as the current user. Users whose accounts are configured to have fewer user rights on the system could be less impacted than users who operate with administrative user rights.
Payload
Ietag.dll, Mso.dll
Impact
Important - Remote Code Execution

*All results are based on an AOK Application Compatibility Lab’s test portfolio of over 1,000 applications. 

Monday 10 June 2013

What's New in DELL Software for June

Dell DVS Enterprise for vWorkspace Announced on May 31st
Dell DVS Enterprise for vWorkspace is an important new release that further demonstrates Dell’s commitment to vWorkspace as an integral part of its desktop virtualization line-up. A tested/validated reference architecture (RA), DVS Enterprise for vWorkspace is an end-to-end desktop virtualization solution featuring vWorkspace 8.0 on Hyper-V, powered by Dell datacenter hardware, storage, networking – along with Dell Wyse end points. Recently, it was selected as a finalist for the “Best of TechEd” awards in the Virtualization category (full article can be viewed here). Dell DVS Enterprise for vWorkspace is positioned for customers as follows:

In the mid-market space (500 to 5,000 seats) in education, healthcare, finance, MSP, retail
  • Wanting a value platform (cost effective enterprise-class VDI)
  • Wanting to manage both RDSH (Remote Desktop Session Hosting) and VDI from a single console
  •  With a preference for Microsoft Hyper-V hypervisor and familiar with Microsoft tools

Upcoming Webinars

Live Events

June 10 at 10 am PT
The Ever-Changing Security Threat Landscape: How to Survive in a Dangerous Place 
With the growth of BYOD and the increasing numbers of devices and platforms to support, the threat landscape is more challenging than ever. Discover how Dell SecureWorks and Dell KACE can help safeguard your business with proven solutions to increase security while improving efficiency.
To register, click here.

Multiple Dates, Next one – June 12 at 11 am PT
Managing Configurations in the User Environment without Scripts 
Are you still using login scripts to configure user environments? In this Webcast, discover the power of automation when delivering applications, controlling configurations across desktops, virtual desktops, remote sessions and much more.
For a full list of upcoming demos, click here.

Multiple Dates, Next one- June 19 at 11 am PT
Solving Three Problems by Eliminating User Administration Rights 
It’s time to eliminate the role of Administrator from Windows servers and desktops. In this webcast, you can learn how to increase productivity through policy-based elevation of user privileges, minimize security issues caused by unauthorized access and create custom elevation rules by leveraging Group Policy Objects.
To view the demo dates and register, follow this link.

June 27 at 10 am PT
Software License Audit: Breeze it and Beat it with Dell KACE 
Learn about the latest features of the Dell KACE K1000 Management appliance that will allow you to mitigate compliance concerns while also saving time and money through a centralized, appliance-based approach to managing your software environment.
Register here.

On-Demand Events

Enhanced Remote Systems Management and Recovery with Intel vPro and Dell KACE 
In this Webcast, hear how—with the powerful combination of Intel’s latest vPro technology and Dell KACE Appliances—you can enjoy remote systems management and recovery that is both effective and economical. Click here to view the recording.

Discover how Dell Desktop Virtualization Can Further Your ESM Strategy 
Are you ready to configure the next generation desktop for your end users? Maybe you’ve considered desktop virtualization, but are unsure which technology will work best for your organization? Look no further—this webinar will help you learn how to drive down costs of desktop virtualization deployments with full support for Windows Server 2013, Windows 8 and Remote FX. Access the recording here

Friday 7 June 2013

Webcast: Top 10 Steps to Ensure a successful migration to Exchange 2013

Are you considering the migration to Exchange 2013?
If you are starting to evaluate the benefits and challenges of moving to Exchange 2013, then you are probably starting to prepare for your migration project. Whether you are upgrading from one flavor of Exchange to another, consolidating multiple Exchange environments, or transitioning from a legacy platform, taking on an Exchange migration project is not something to jump into without knowing exactly what effect it will have on your environment.

Attend this upcoming webcast with Tri Nguyen, Manager of Migration Products at Dell Software to learn if Exchange 2013 is right for your organization. Then, if you decide to make the move, you will also know how to ensure a successful migration.

Why attend this webcast?
  • Learn what new major features and benefits are found in Exchange 2013
  • Hear key considerations to take into account before making the decision to migrate
  • Understand the new platform drawbacks and migration challenges you might face
  • Discover the top 10 steps you should take to ensure a successful migration
This webcast is part of the Dell ZeroIMPACT Migration Day, that is taking place take place on Thursday, June 13th from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM Eastern Time. In addition to this LIVE webcast, you’ll get unlimited access to the industry's top migration experts and migration partners throughout the day.
Title: Top 10 steps to ensure a successful migration to Exchange 2013
Date: Thursday, June 13, 2013
Time: 1 p.m. Eastern / 10 a.m. Pacific

Wednesday 5 June 2013

Dell ZeroImpact Migration Day - June 13th


Join us for the next ZeroIMPACT Migration Day, a FREE virtual event where you’ll get unlimited access to the industry's top migration experts – attend two LIVE webcasts or chat directly with our experts throughout the day. This unique virtual event will take place on Thursday, June 13th from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM Eastern Time.

Visit the Auditorium: Watch one of our LIVE migration webcasts about Exchange 2013 and Windows XP/7/8.
Visit the Communications Lounge: Chat live with Dell migration experts and network with your peers.
Visit the Exhibition Hall: Win prizes, access resources, and “pick the brains” of industry migration leaders from Dell, Microsoft, Avanade, InfraScience, Insight, Slalom, and Sycom Tech.
Visit the Resource Center: Access white papers, webcasts and helpful tips to ensure that your migration is on time and under budget, with ZeroIMPACT.
Win Prizes: Don't forget about the great prizes awarded throughout the entire day!

We know your time is limited, so scan the agenda below to find the discussion topics that matter to you most. The event format is informal, so spend the entire day with us or stop in at your convenience.

11:00am ET - Why you don't have to worry about the end of Windows XP with Doug Maul, Systems Consultant at Dell Software
11:00am ET - Top 10 steps to ensure a successful migration to Exchange 2013 with Tri Nguyen, Manager of Migration Products at Dell Software

10:00am-11:00am ET - Pre-Migration, Migration, & Post Migration Expert Chat*
11:30am-12:15pm ET - Windows 7 & 8 Migration (Application Compatibility and Application Virtualization) Expert Chat
12:00pm-12:30pm ET - Compliance & Recovery for your New Exchange, SharePoint or AD Environment
12:30pm-1:00pm ET - SharePoint Migration Expert Chat
1:30pm-2:15pm ET - Exchange Migration Expert Chat
2:00pm-2:30pm ET - Notes and GroupWise Migration Expert Chat
2:30pm-3:00pm ET - Office 365 Migration Expert Chat

*Topics for all-migration expert chat include: Windows File Server, Windows XP/7/8, Exchange, SharePoint, Notes, GroupWise, Office 365, Active Directory, and more.


Monday 3 June 2013

Best of Microsoft TechEd 2013 Finalists Announced!

Congratulations to the Finalists for the Microsoft TechEd 2013 "Best of TechEd Awards.

Of the ten categories DELL and the DELL Software group have picked as the finalists for the Best of TechEd awards for 2013.

DELL products were selected for the final round in the following categories;

  • Database: with Dell (Quest) Spotlight on SQL Server Enterprise
  • Hardware: Dell S2340T Touchscreen Monitor
  • Systems Management : Dell Mobile IT
  • Virtualization: Dell DVS Enterprise for vWorkspace
You can read more about the selection process and the results here: http://windowsitpro.com/windows/best-teched-2013-finalists-announced

Here are some quick facts about the DELL vWorkspace product.
Dell DVS Enterprise for vWorkspace is an important new release that further demonstrates Dell’s commitment to vWorkspace as an integral part of its desktop virtualization line-up. A tested/validated reference architecture (RA), DVS Enterprise for vWorkspace is an end-to-end desktop virtualization solution featuring vWorkspace 8.0 on Hyper-V, powered by Dell datacenter hardware, storage, networking – along with Dell Wyse end points. (You have probably heard of this referred to as the project name “Quake”). Dell DVS Enterprise for vWorkspace is positioned as follows:

For customers…
  • In the mid-market space (500 to 5,000 seats) in education, healthcare, finance, MSP, retail
  • Wanting a value platform (cost effective enterprise-class VDI)
  • Wanting to manage both RDSH (Remote Desktop Session Hosting) and VDI from a single console
  • With a preference for Microsoft Hyper-V hypervisor and familiar with Microsoft tools
DVS Enterprise for Windows Server 2012 enables small to mid-sized organizations to take advantage of existing Microsoft licensing investments and deploy a combination of up to 600 VDI users or 1,040 remote desktop sessions (RDSH). Enhancements include faster and more flexible deployment of converged infrastructure, 10-seat proof of concept, high-end graphics and support for Windows 8 and Microsoft Office 2013. DVS Enterprise for Windows Server 2012.

In addition, here some details on the the DELL Spotlight tool-set.
Spotlight on SQL Server Enterprise provides in-depth physical, cloud, and virtual SQL diagnostics. Intuitive overviews of enterprise health and performance, automated alerts and actions, and an integrated Xpert tuning module ensure optimal performance for your SQL Server, Analysis Services, VMware ESX and SQL Azure database environments. Spotlight makes it easy to:

Understand your SQL Server infrastructure health at a glance
Monitor SQL Server’s relational engine, Analysis Services, Windows, VMware ESX and SQL Azure from a single console
  • Customize built-in metrics and alarms
  • Automate performance metric analysis
  • Resolve issues quickly, including long-running processes, blocking locks, deadlocking and more

And, for more information, please check out the following DELL product pages;