Microsoft promises integrated identity-aware security platform; Windows 7 beta free-for-all

An interview with Microsoft's JG Chirapurath Microsoft Alert NetworkWorld.com | Software Research Center | Update Your Profile Sponsored by NetApp Forrester Report: Server Virtualization Find out if server virtualization is right for your organization in this whitepaper. Discover the seven questions that every IT professional should ask to determine if their company will benefit from this revolutionary technology. See if your company can lower costs today. Download this whitepaper now. Spotlight Story This is Network World's Microsoft Subnet news alert in which we focus on the top items from Microsoft Subnet, your daily source for Microsoft news, blogs, discussion items, security alerts, giveaways and more. Top pick of the week Microsoft promises integrated, identity-aware security platform During the holiday season, Microsoft Subnet hooked up with John “JG” Chirapurath, Microsoft's director of marketing for the Identity & Security (I&S) unit. He dished about Identity Lifecycle Manager 2, Forefront (Stirling) and Intelligent Application Gateway SP2. He said Microsoft's vision was a "comprehensive platform that is not only identity aware (e.g. Active Directory) but is also secure by default (e.g. features like BitLocker). This platform works whether in a physical environment or virtual, whether on premises or in the cloud." Related News: More top picks from the week: Marathon to bring fault tolerant wares to WS2008, XenServer Windows 7 beta free-for-all Windows Server 2008 R2 beta ready for downloading Windows 7 news roundup -- skim this and be in the know Microsoft releases its second iPhone app: Microsoft Tag From our bloggers: Mitchell Ashley: Converging on Microsoft Windows 7: It's still all about the XP users Redmond is working hard to give Windows 7 its best shot at making a good first impression. The install has been virtually flawless thanks to continued refinement of the Vista kernel that lives on in Windows Server 2008 and now Windows 7.  Ron Barrett: A Better Windows World Why Windows 7 will crush Linux Windows 7 installs easier, has simpler configuration of user settings, greater availability of software, support (although you could argue that all support is awful, which is probably true) ... plus let's not forget PowerShell. Tyson Kopczynski: Hidden Microsoft I use Windows Live Mesh, what do you use? Sometimes Microsoft surprises me. It has been trying to outmaneuver Google in the cloud with its Live services. But these often seem to be a rehash of something that already exists. Live Mesh is different. It synchs data between devices and includes cloud storage that doesn't impose the usual data-type limitations. Brian Egler: SQL Server Strategies Database Mirror issues – Sweden saves the day! I have been testing out Database Mirroring in SQL Server 2008. There are numerous enhancements in 2008, mainly under the hood in the name of performance and reliability. Kerrie Meyler: Managing Microsoft Why the Microsoft Solutions Framework is a good tool for System Center The Microsoft Solutions Framework is a valuable yet often overlooked tool when working with System Center products. Susan Hanley: Essential SharePoint Helpful hints for SharePoint searchers Finding information effectively in SharePoint requires an understanding of the specific syntax used in the SharePoint search engine. Hot discussions among Microsoft Subnet readers Why Windows 7 will crush Linux Top 8 Microsoft Research projects to improve our lives Windows 7 has its first blunder Why XP users will switch to Windows 7 The case of the lecture only instructor Giveaways and goodies Deadline is January 31 for these goodies up for grabs: 1) One Microsoft training course from New Horizons worth up to $2,500. 2) Fifteen copies of Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Management and Administration Book by Ross Mistry and Hilary Cotter, published Dec. 23, 2008, by Sams. See the Microsoft Subnet home page for details on all giveaways. Check out Microsoft Subnet’s library for more free chapters and special discounts on best-selling books. Check out the giveaways for books and free Cisco training from our sister site, Cisco Subnet. Visit the Microsoft Subnet page for daily news, bloggers, opinions, hot topics. IT Outlook '09 In-depth analysis of the latest enterprise strategies, start-ups to watch, people to know, and more. 9 hot technologies for '09 Our annual rundown, plus a tip or two about how to approach each hot technology. Sponsored by NetApp Forrester Report: Server Virtualization Find out if server virtualization is right for your organization in this whitepaper. Discover the seven questions that every IT professional should ask to determine if their company will benefit from this revolutionary technology. See if your company can lower costs today. Download this whitepaper now. Effectively Managing Change. Find the right network/system management platforms that leverage the latest IT technologies in this Executive Guide, "The New Network/System Management Challenges." Get a handle on server sprawl, managing 802.11n wireless LANs, and data center automation tool integration. Confidently deploy innovative technologies that drive efficiencies today. Download this Executive Guide now. Executive Guide: Green IT Download this Network World Executive Guide, "Going Green: Trends, tips and case studies," for timely, real-world advice. By adopting an effective green approach to IT you'll save your company money and even bolster company profits. Find out how to make it happen today.   01/13/09 Today's most-read stories: Why Windows 7 will crush Linux Web designers admit to trashing client's Web site Outlook '09 Does Apple have anything to fear from the Palm Pre? Windows 7 beta: Complete resource center to the OS Top 25 software screw-ups Palm Pre vs. Apple iPhone: How they stack up Security experts ID top 25 programming errors NSA helps name most dangerous programming mistakes Joel Snyder's take on SolarWinds' Kiwi buy Effectively Support Wireless Networking Ensure you are at the top of your wireless game with the most up-to-date information on mobile technologies. 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