Herleson Pontes - IT Professional : MCTS

Windows 7 Release Candidate available for download!

herleson — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 09:50:00 GMT

Hi Friends,

It´s with great happiness that I share with you, as break news, that Microsoft announced the release of the RC build of Windows 7 for download! This is a moment expected by many professionals and enthusiasts, who already test and use this new OS of Microsoft. The mainly change of this release is the solved of many bugs, including driver incompatibility.

So, let´s talk a little more about this new build of Windows 7, and some tips for those that already use it.

General Information and Download

From today (April 30th), Windows 7 RC is available for download in 32-bits (2.47GB Aprox.) and 64-bits (3.2GB Aprox.) versions. Professionals who has the Technet/MSDN Subscriptions or are registered as beta testers in Microsoft Connect site can already download the images and start to use it! For professionals who don´t have a subscription and aren´t registered in the beta program, Microsoft will provide the download of images in May 5th, in Microsoft Download Center site (http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/).

An important note about this new build is about the Product Key: the PID used in Beta 1 of Windows 7 WON´T WORK in this new build. So, you must request new PIDs to install Windows 7.

In this build, we will still work only with the Ultimate edition. Only in July Microsoft should define the features of each edition and starts the regionalization of this version.

Windows 7 RC will expire in two phases. At March 1st 2010, the machine will start to reboot every two hours of use. At June 1st 2010, the system will stop completely. Since RCs always expire after the release of the final version (RTM), we can see that Microsoft maintain its schedule, which projects the release of Windows 7 to market in the ending of 2009/beginning of 2010.

OS Upgrade

Windows 7 RC allows the upgrade from Windows Vista to this new build. Users of Windows 7 Beta 1 must execute a clean installation to install the Release Candidate performing a boot from the DVD of from the OS.

ATTENTION WINDOWS XP USERS: Because many changes in the architecture made through the Beta 1 period, Windows 7 RC DON´T SUPPORT UPGRADE OF WINDOWS XP CLIENTS! Users who wish to upgrade from XP to 7 must perform a clean installation. Another way available is to upgrade Windows XP to Vista, then upgrade Vista to 7.

If you have files and setting in previous versions of Windows and want to transfer these to Windows 7, Microsoft provides a complete set of tools and guidances in Windows site (http://www.microsoft.com/windows/). Also, inside the DVD is available the Windows Easy Transfer software, tool which allow you to migrate files and settings.

Reporting Bugs

Windows 7 has improved, but there is still a long way to go. Bugs and Feedbacks should be reported to Microsoft, so they can improve this new OS. To send feedbacks, professionals must perform the Feedback Wizard by executing this command at Search box (or Run box):

Rundll32.exe FeedbackTool.dll ShowWizard

The Send Feedback links that appear in all windows of Beta 1 release (Figure below) are gone.

Since we´re now at Release Candidate phase, all features that Windows 7 will ship are defined. It means that the next step is to tune this features, removing the small bugs. Microsoft are looking for feedbacks that report:

Problems that blocks the install/upgrade of Windows
Problems that results in data loss
Security Issues
Features that works in Beta 1 and aren´t working now
Application and Drivers incompatibility
System crashes that may be reproduced

I submitted some feedbacks to Microsoft related to drivers and applications, and they returned after some days. That´s why you should continue to collaborate in the development of a better Windows for you and your daily tasks as a professional.

Conclusion (Well, ti´s only the beginning indeed…)

For more information about Windows 7, visit the site: http://www.microsoft.com/windows. For technical resources and guides, visit the Springboard site: http://www.microsoft.com/springboard/.

Well, that´s it! Now it´s time to you download the images and starts the diversion! This is an excellent opportunity to learn more about Windows 7.

Regards,

MICROSOFT EVENT (Brazil) - Windows 7 Springboard Series

herleson — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 05:43:00 GMT

Hi Friends,

It's with great happiness that I invite all IT Professionals from Ceará and beneath states to attend a presentation about the new Microsoft client OS: Windows 7 Springboard Series. This presentation will be in Portuguese, and will happen on May 8th, at Faculdade Evolução in Fortaleza (Ceará, Brazil).

Windows 7 proposes a new way to use the computer, and will be a mark in the OS world. In this presentation, the professionals will see many new features of Windows 7 and its impacts in usability, security and compatibility. We´ll see what changed from XP and Vista, and how this new version of Windows brings great benefits in many areas, since users to IT Pros.

This great event will happen on May 8th, at 06:00PM (GMT-3), at Faculdade Evolução (Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil). This is a Live presentation, and the language is Portuguese. But don´t worry: we will be holding English events soon.

Ah, it´s good to remember that all Microsoft events hosted by us are TOTALLY FREE! And, at the end of each presentation, we´ll draw some gifts among the participants. In other words, you keep your knowledge up to date, don´t pay anything, and you can still win prizes!

So, what are you waiting for? Don't lose time: register now and assure your seat! The registrations are made by using the following URL: http://msevents.microsoft.com/CUI/EventDetail.aspx?EventID=1032414781&Culture=pt-BR

And don´t forget: today (Thursday) we will share great news! You wanna know what is it? Visit my blog later and see by yourself!

I wait you there! It will be a fantastic event!

Regards,

Webcasts Technet – Migration to SQL Server 2008: 10 reasons to do it!

herleson — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 05:33:00 GMT

Hi Friends,

It´s with great happiness that I invite you to attend the Microsoft Technet Webcast that I will be presenting this Thursday: Migration to SQL Server 2008: 10 reasons to do it! This webcast will be present in Portuguese, and will start at noon (Brasília - GMT-3).

For those who don´t know, webcasts are online events promoted by Microsoft itself, where IT professionals have the opportunity to learn more about actual and new technologies. In these events, solutions such as Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows 7, SQL Server 2008, Exchange Server, and others are covered.

Webcasts have many advantages:

Comfort, peaceful and commodity, since they have the same format of a live presentation, but let you watch it at work or at home
The presenters are professionals recognized in all country, including MVPs and Microsoft Team
The presentations are grouped in series, providing a better learning
Download of the material related to the presentation
Drawing of many prizes
And these presentations are COMPLETELY FREE!

At April 30th, I´ll present the webcast Migrating to SQL Server 2008: 10 reasons to do it. Developed to Brazilian professionals, we will show in this session ten reasons that you should consider now to upgrade your data platform to SQL Server 2008, including demonstrations and practical examples.

Indeed, I will be presenting, with Maycon Alves, MORE THAN 10 REASONS for you to migrate to SQL Server 2008. There are so many new features and functionalities that this presentation deserves more demonstrations than proposed!

These demonstrations are ready, and we will have many surprises throughout the presentation! YOU CAN´T MISS!

You can register for this webcast at the URL (Portuguese): https://msevents.microsoft.com/CUI/WebCastEventDetails.aspx?EventID=1032409717&EventCategory=4&culture=pt-BR&CountryCode=BR

I wish to dedicate this victory to my wife Priscila, who is always at my side, supporting and taking care of me. Thank you my love: you´re everything to me. I LOVE YOU!

I´m counting with your attendance in this webcast!

Regards,

Windows 7 - News about the Beta Exam!

herleson — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 05:12:00 GMT

Hi Friends,

Let´s talk about some news related to the topic of the moment: Windows 7. I wish to share with you some news about the beta exam 70-680, available since April 27th.

The first news is that this exam is the MOST CONCURRED OF HISTORY. When the registrations were open, ALL the seats were filled in ONLY TWO HOURS! Since this fact affected negatively Brazil, US and Europe professionals, Microsoft opened more seats at the same day.

One of our readers (Alex) commented that the Promocode doesn´t work anymore. This means that all seats are filled, again. In this case, unfortunately, Microsoft won´t open registration for this exam. For those how lost this registration, the only thing that they can do now is wait for the final release of this exam, which must happen in June.

However, there is a hope for IT Professionals who are already certified in Windows Vista. For professionals who have the Enterprise Support Technician credentials, Microsoft should release in May or June an upgrade exam. In this case, probably, there will be a beta phase.

If you still aren´t certified in Windows Vista, you´d better run! For those who holds the MCDST credentials in Windows XP can upgrade their credentials to Vista with only one exam.

The second news is about a problem that I crossed when I schedule my exam, and another reader of this blog commented: the Retake Policy Notification message that appears every time you choose a test center at Prometric´s site. Since this message comes without any text describing the details, many professionals don´t understand what the real problem is.

The explanation is quite simple: The Windows 7 beta exam will be realized between days 05 and 18 of May. However, this is a bed time for test centers, because this is the last month of Second Shot promotion. Many professionals scheduled their exam to May months ago, filling up all seats available in the test centers. So, when you select a test center and Prometric´s site returns this message, without any additional text, it means that the test center´s schedule is FULL.

For those who scheduled the exam successfully, great news: Microsoft provides the topics that will be covered by the exam. Two of these topics called my attention: Image Management (WIN Files, ImageX, etc.) and VHD Support. These topics were covered only in Windows Vista 70-622 exam. So, beware: this won´t be an easy exam!

The URL with the details about this exam and its topics is: http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/exams/70-680.aspx.

For those who live in Fortaleza (Ceará, Brazil), we will held a Microsoft Event focused on Windows 7 at May 8th. The presentation starts at 06:00PM, at Faculdade Evolução. You can already register and learn a little more about the features of this new OS. More details in the next post.

To finish, today (Thursday) we will share great news! You wanna know what is it? Visit my blog later and see by yourself!

Regards,

BETA EXAM 70-680 - TS: Windows 7, Configuring

herleson — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 04:05:00 GMT

Hi Friends,

Finally, the first beta exams of 2009 will be available soon!

Microsoft has just announced to public the first beta exam of Windows 7 for IT Professionals: 70-680 (TS: Windows 7, Configuring). This exam belongs to the MCTS (Technology Specialist) credential, and it can be taken by professionals for free.

The coolest thing about beta exams is, if you approved in a beta, you win the credential when the final version of this exam becomes available. The only problem is that the result of beta exams, differently of final exams, is sent to you three or four months later.

The exam 70-680 is Windows 7, Configuring. This exam, developed for IT Professionals and Support Technicians, tests the professional’s knowledge in installing, configuring and managing computers and networks with Windows 7 computer.

The period of this beta exam will start on April 27th, and will be on until May 18th.

If you want to take this exam, access Prometric website (www.2test.com) and schedule the desired exam. The code of these beta is in the format 71-XXX. On the last step (Payment), inform the promotional code (Promocode): WIN7J. After you inform the code, the system will discount the whole value of the exam. Then, you confirm the appointment and get ready for the exam!

Since the exam still aren´t available, there is no information about the topics that are covered. So, the best you can do is to install Windows 7 and start to study its new features and components.

So, schedule in you agenda and get ready for this exam! The seats are limited.

Regards,

Webcasts Microsoft Technet – Brazil and United States!

herleson — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 03:22:00 GMT

Hi Friends,

It´s with great happiness that I invite you to attend the two webcasts which I´ll be presenting in this month: Migrating Databases from Oracle to SQL Server 2008 and Migrating to SQL Server 2008: 10 reasons to do it. In special, the first one is a great victory that I wanna share with you all.

For those who aren´t familiar with, webcasts are online events hosted by Microsoft, where IT professionals have the opportunity to develop their knowledge about Microsoft solutions. In these events, solutions such as Windows 7, Windows Server 2008 R2, SQL Server 2008, Exchange, and other technologies are presented. Also, these presentations are completely FREE!

However, tomorrow (04/14) is the big day! Starting at 01:00 PM (Pacific Time), one of my dreams will come true: I will be presenting my first official Microsoft webcast for Microsoft US! The webcast is called Migrating Databases from Oracle to SQL Server 2008, and it´s a part of webcasts that will be played at TechEd USA on May! During Microsoft´s biggest event of the world, my presentation will be available for professionals, and after will be available for download!

This webcast will be in English, and we will demonstrate SQL Server Integration Services, SQL Server Migration Assistant and Hyper-V!

The URL to register for these webcasts are below:

Migrating to SQL Server 2008: 10 reasons to do it (Portuguese): https://msevents.microsoft.com/CUI/WebCastEventDetails.aspx?EventID=1032409717&EventCategory=4&culture=pt-BR&CountryCode=BR
Migrating Databases from Oracle to SQL Server 2008 (English): http://msevents.microsoft.com/CUI/WebCastEventDetails.aspx?culture=en-US&EventID=1032408185

I wish to dedicate this victory to my wife Priscila, Who is always supporting me and give me strength to continue. Thank you my love, you´re my bless. I LOVE YOU!

I´m counting with your presence!

Regards,

FREE trainings of MOF 4.0 and SCCM 2007 by MVP Cleber Marques

herleson — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 23:18:00 GMT

Hi Friends,

My great friend Cleber Marques, one of the authorities in project management of Brazil and Microsoft MVP, released in his website (http://www.clebermarques.com/) two free training for students and professionals: one about Microsoft Operations Framework (MOF) 4.0 and other about System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM) 2007.

In the MOF training, he developed eight videos and a sheet about the MOF 4.0 Foundations certification, which was released at the end of the last year. One important note: he was approved in that exam, raising the credibility of this material.

Below are the URLs to the videos and the sheet (In Portuguese):

Videos: http://www.clebermarques.com/index.php?secao=mof
Sheet: http://www.clebermarques.com/mof/mofv4/MOF4Spreadsheet-PT.zip

The another training is about System Center Configuration Manager 2007. In his site, there are 13 videos in Portuguese, covering the main topics of this solution from installation to management. This training has more than four hours of video, providing a great foundation to the professional.

Below are the links to these videos (In Portuguese):

I recommend these trainings, because their technical qualities are awesome. I wish to congratulate my friend Cleber Marques, by the initiative of creating this material. Thanks, my friend.

Regards,

March – Microsoft Events are BACK!

herleson — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 05:31:00 GMT

Hi Friends,

After a good break, it´s time to return to our work! And nothing is better than meet other IT Professionals to share knowledge and news about Microsoft products. That why I announce, with great happiness, that Microsoft Events are back!

After two great events in the city of Teresina (State of Piauí), which I´ll blog later, Salvador (State of Bahia) and Fortaleza (State of Ceará) are the next cities where we will present Microsoft events. For the month of March, we scheduled at least five presentations: four in Fortaleza and one in Salvador.

In Fortaleza and Salvador, we´ll have three events about the newest Microsoft´s operational system: Windows 7. For those who aren´t familiar with, Windows 7 proposes a new way to use the computer, and will be a mark in the OS world. In this presentation, the professionals will see many new features of Windows 7 and its impacts in usability, security and compatibility. We´ll see what changed from XP and Vista, and how this new version of Windows brings great benefits in many areas, since users to IT Pros.

Another great event will be about MED-V: the new software of MDOP. Microsoft Enterprise Desktop Virtualization (MED-V) eases the deployment and management of virtual machines in Windows Desktops, while it provides access to virtualized environments, regardless their PC configurations. Compatibility problems are minimized and migrations between OS are fastened. In this session, which will happen in Fortaleza, the professionals will see how MED-V provides all this functionalities, simplify administrative tasks, turn you business highly available and integrate heterogeneous IT environments.

And, to finish March with the gold key, we´ll have our traditional Microsoft Certification event. In this event, directed to all professionals in the area of information technology (from users and technicians until administrators and architects), participants learned all about Microsoft Certification. We saw what are the existing certifications, prerequisites, the careers and the benefits of becoming a certificated professional.

Below are the list of events with dates and locations. You can register by clicking on the title of the presentation that you wish to attend (Events hosted in Brazil: GMT-3).

March 03rd – Undefined (Salvador):

Windows 7 Springboard Series – Salvador (07:00 PM)

March 10th – FANOR (Fortaleza):

Microsoft Enterprise Desktop Virtualization (06:30 PM)
Windows 7 Springboard Series – Fortaleza (08:30 PM)

March 28th –Violeta School (Fortaleza):

Microsoft Certification - The road to success! (08:30 AM)
Windows 7 Springboard Series – Fortaleza (10:30 AM)

So? What are you waiting for? Register now and confirm your presence. Call your friends and learn more about Microsoft solutions.

We´re waiting for you!

Regards,

Preparation Guide - TS: Microsoft System Center Virtual Machine Manager 2008, Configuring

herleson — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 13:49:00 GMT

Hi Friends,

Some days ago, we published here the release of the beta exam of the virtualization management solution of System Center suite: 70-403 (TS: Microsoft System Center Virtual Machine Manager 2008, Configuring). This exam belongs to the MCTS (Technology Specialist) credential, and it can be taken by professionals for free.

You can read the complete post at: http://msmvps.com/blogs/herlesonpontes/archive/2008/09/16/1647976.aspx.

Today I bring to you the link with the preparation guide and a new. Microsoft pages are passing by modifications. Besides the changes at layout and menus, the Page extensions are changing from *.mspx to *.aspx, allowing the addition of more funcionalities later.

So, the link to the preparation guide of the exam 70-403 is: http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/exams/70-403.aspx.

Regards,

MCTS: Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack, Configuring

herleson — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 14:03:00 GMT

Hi Friends,

Some posts ago, we announced here that Microsoft released the Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack (MDOP) and a promotion for the exam 70-656, that allow the first 500 IT Pros to take the exam through Prometric for FREE. The complete post you can read here: http://msmvps.com/blogs/herlesonpontes/archive/2008/08/21/1645413.aspx

]Also, I posted at my Portuguese blog that the MVP Cleber Marques (http://www.clebermarques.com/) created a set of articles about MDOP and the solutions that compose it in the Portuguese language. You can read more information about it at the URL: http://herleson.spaces.live.com/blog/cns!8ACB9B8FAEDBCB6F!1427.entry

And today, after almost one month of news about MDOP and its exam, I wish to share with you a great victory: I PASSED at the exam 70-656! I took it last Friday, and passed in an exam that requests a deep knowledge in Microsoft Application Virtualization (ex-called SoftGrid), beside the other solutions: AGPM, DEM, DaRT and AIS.

And there is more: I took a look at Microsoft site to see how many professionals passed in the MDOP exam so far (http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/certified.mspx) and I found out that only 74 professionals worldwide have passed until September 22, which means that I´m a MDOP CHARTER MEMBER!

I want to say thank you to my friend Cleber Marques, that prepared an excellent material about MDOP and share it freely in his site. This material was essential to obtain this certification.

I dedicate this victory to my only and forever wife, Priscila, who always supports me and helps me in all moments of my life. I LOVE YOU, MY PRISCILA!

Regards,

BETA EXAM - 70-433: TS: Microsoft SQL Server 2008, Database Development

herleson — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 13:46:00 GMT

Hi Friends,

And one more exam of SQL the Server 2008 certification track will be available in the next Friday.

Microsoft has just announced to public the beta exam of SQL Server 2008 for database developers: 70-433 (TS: Microsoft SQL Server 2008, Database Development). This exam belongs to the MCTS (Technology Specialist) credential, and it can be taken by professionals for free.

The exam 70-433 is Microsoft SQL Server 2008, Database Development. This exam, developed for database developers, tests the professional’s knowledge in developing and implementing data solutions using Transact-SQL.

The period of this beta exam starts this Friday (September 19th), and will be on until October 10th.

If you want to take this exam, access Prometric website (www.2test.com) and schedule the desired exam. The code of these beta is in the format 71-XXX. On the last step (Payment), inform the promotional code (Promocode): F589G. After you inform the code, the system will discount the whole value of the exam. Then, you confirm the appointment and get ready for the exam!

You can obtain more information about the topics that are covered by this exam at the link: http://www.microsoft.com/learning/exams/70-433.mspx

I already schedules mine. And you? Hurry up and get ready for this exam! The seats are limited.

Regards,

SYSTEM CENTER BETA EXAM - TS: Microsoft System Center Virtual Machine Manager 2008, Configuring

herleson — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 22:29:00 GMT

Hi Friends,

Microsoft has just announced to public the beta exam of the virtualization management solution of System Center suite: 70-403 (TS: Microsoft System Center Virtual Machine Manager 2008, Configuring). This exam belongs to the MCTS (Technology Specialist) credential, and it can be taken by professionals for free.

The exam 70-403 is Microsoft System Center Virtual Machine Manager 2008, Configuring. This exam, developed for IT Managers and Enterprise Administrators, tests the professional’s knowledge in planning, implementing and maintaining virtual machines and servers, and also how VMM interacts with other System Center solutions.

The period of this beta exam starts next Tuesday (September 23rd), and will be available until October 24th.

If you want to take this exam, access Prometric website (www.2test.com) and schedule the desired exam. The code of these beta is in the format 71-XXX. On the last step (Payment), inform the promotional code (Promocode): VMM08. After you inform the code, the system will discount the whole value of the exam. Then, you confirm the appointment and get ready for the exam!

You can obtain more information about the topics that are covered by this exam at the link: http://www.microsoft.com/learning/exams/70-403.mspx.

Beside the link above, I recommend the site of the MVP Cleber Marques, System Center specialist, that offers many documentation and articles about these solutions. The URL is: http://www.clebermarques.com/.

I will schedule mine as soon as possible. And you? Hurry up and get ready for this exam! The seats are limited.

Regards,

Windows Vista Connected Experience (Media Center) - Final Exams Results

herleson — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 01:24:00 GMT

Hi Friends,

In February of this year, I posted here about two BETA exams of Windows Vista focused on the connected experience: Windows Vista Connected Experience: Home Theater for Sales Professional (70-626) and Windows Vista Connected Experience: Home Theater for Technologists (70-625).

These exams cover the ability of Media Center (In my opinion, the best Vista application) to connect and interact with other devices, allowing media streaming. These devices could be an Xbox 360, a Windows Home Server or a Media Extender.

At that time, I posted twice. In the first one, I explained a little more about this technology, its functionalities and advantages, and also commented about the topics covered by these two exams. In the second one, I posted about the beta period of these exams, which were extended to March 31st.

For those whom haven’t read these posts, the links are (Portuguese): http://herleson.spaces.live.com/blog/cns!8ACB9B8FAEDBCB6F!962.entry and http://herleson.spaces.live.com/blog/cns!8ACB9B8FAEDBCB6F!980.entry.

Today, after seven months since the day that I took these exams, I wanna to share a great new: I was approved in BOTH exams! I’m really happy with these positive results, ‘cause I studied only two days before the exams, and the beta period was almost at the end (It was before the extend).

I wish to dedicate these two great conquests to my only and truly love, Priscila, for all the support and dedication that she has with me. I LOVE YOU, MY SWEET PRISCILA.

If you want to learn more about Media Center features in Windows Vista, enter this site: http://www.microsoft.com/mediacenter/. There you can find everything about these features and how to set up them at your house. I also recommend you to access Windows Home Server website, at the URL: http://www.microsoft.com/homeserver/.

To learn more about the topics that are covered by these exams, access these websites:

Sales Professionals: http://www.microsoft.com/learning/exams/70-626.mspx
Technologists: http://www.microsoft.com/learning/exams/70-625.mspx

Regards,

FREE BETA EXAM - TS: Windows Small Business Server 2008, Configuring

herleson — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 23:50:00 GMT

Hi Friends,

Microsoft has just released to public the beta exam of Windows Small Business Server 2008: 70-653 (TS: Windows Small Business Server 2008, Configuring). This exam belong to the MCTS (Technology Specialist) credential, and it can be taken by professionals for free.

The exam 70-653 is TS: Windows Small Business Server 2008, Configuring. This exam, developed for Administrators of small and medium size networks, tests the professional’s knowledge in planning, tuning and implementing a server with SBS 2008 and its products, such as SQL Server and Exchange.

The period of this beta exam has started today, and will be on until September 12nd.

After you inform the code, the system will discount the whole value of the exam. Then, you confirm the appointment and get ready for the exam!

There is no site listing the exam topics, but you can use the sites below to learn more about Windows SBS 2008:

Microsoft Downloads (Look for Documents): http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/
Official SBS Site: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver/essential/sbs/
Official SBS Blog: http://blogs.technet.com/sbs/

I have already schedule mine. And you? Hurry up and schedule your exam! The seats are limited.

Regards,

Microsoft MDOP Charter Program - FREE Exam and Goodies!

herleson — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 15:47:00 GMT

Hi Friends,

You must hurry now!

Microsoft has Just released some weeks ago the Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack. For those who are not familiar with, the Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack (MDOP) is a key part of Microsoft’s focus this year on Core Infrastructure Optimization. It combines Windows Vista Enterprise and the Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack to provide powerful technologies that will help secure, efficiently manage, and lower the costs of organization's desktop infrastructure. MDOP Dynamic desktop management technologies will enable you to control your software assets, simplify desktop deployments, and create a optimized infrastructure with centrally managed services.

And to stimulate IT Professionals, Microsoft has just released a great promotion. The exam 70-656 (Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack, Configuring) is FREE for the first 500 IT Pros who take the exam through Prometric. Just enter “MDOP” as a promotion code when you register on the Prometric Web site.

But that´s not all. The first 200 IT Pros who pass the 70-656 Exam will be MDOP Charter Members who receive the exclusive MDOP Charter Member jacket and award!

The MDOP Charter Membership program is open to any IT Professional. So, all the world will be on it! So, hurry up and register if you want to be the first to get Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack (MDOP) insider updates, exclusive content, and great MDOP Charter Member SWAG.

You can find more information about this promotion at the site: http://www.mdopcharter.com/. The exam topics can be found at this URL: http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/exams/70-656.mspx. You can schedule this test at the Prometric site, at the URL: http://www.2test.com/.

I already schedule mine. What are you waiting? Hurry up and good luck!

Regards,