Microsoft Ignite 2015 sessions dealing with what we do

Early in the month of May, Microsoft held it’s Ignite Conference (formally known as TechEd) in Chicago, Illinois.  This conference was a huge success with over 23,000 attendees.  There are a lot of new things coming out with Windows 10 and Windows Server 2016 over the next year.  I wanted to provide you some of the sessions that deal specifically with what our Core Group supports (Failover Clustering, Storage, Hyper-V, and Deployment).  There were tons more sessions regarding all other aspects of Microsoft Azure, Applications (such as SQL, Exchange, Office 365), SCVMM, Security, etc, but I wanted to pull out these specific sessions since they deal with what we deal with.

Give it a look and see how the next version of Windows could be for you.  Each full session is approx 75 minutes in length.  I also pulled out a few “Ignite Studios” productions that are in the 20 minute or so range.

To see the full list of all sessions from Microsoft Ignite, please visit our Channel 9 site.

Failover Clustering / Storage

Stretching Failover Clusters and Using Storage Replica in Windows Server vNext https://channel9.msdn.com/Events/Ignite/2015/BRK3487
In this session we discuss the deployment considerations of taking a Windows Server Failover Cluster and stretching across sites to achieve disaster recovery. This session discusses the networking, storage, and quorum model considerations. This session also discusses new enhancements coming in vNext to enable multi-site clusters.

Deploying Private Cloud Storage with Dell Servers and Windows Server vNext https://channel9.msdn.com/Events/Ignite/2015/BRK3496
The storage industry is going through strategic tectonic shifts. In this session, we’ll walk through Dell’s participation in the Microsoft Software Defined Storage journey and how cloud scale scenarios are shaping solutions. We will provide technical guidance for building Storage Spaces in Windows Server vNext clusters on the Dell PowerEdge R730xd platform.

Exploring Storage Replica in Windows Server vNext https://channel9.msdn.com/Events/Ignite/2015/BRK3489
Delivering business continuity involves more than just high availability, it means disaster preparedness. In this session, we discuss the new Storage Replica feature, including scenarios, architecture, requirements, and demos. Along with our new stretch cluster option, it also covers use of Storage Replica in cluster-to-cluster and non-clustered scenarios.

Upgrading Your Private Cloud to Windows Server 2012 R2 and Beyond! https://channel9.msdn.com/Events/Ignite/2015/BRK3484
We are moving fast, and want to help you to keep on top of the latest technology! This session covers the features and capabilities that will enable you to upgrade to Windows Server 2012 R2 and to Windows Server vNext with the least disruption. Understand cluster role migration, cross version live migration, rolling upgrades, and more.

Overview of the Microsoft Cloud Platform System https://channel9.msdn.com/Events/Ignite/2015/BRK2472
With the Microsoft Cloud Platform System, we are sharing our cloud design learnings from Azure datacenters, so customers can deploy and operate a cloud solution with Windows Server, Microsoft System Center and the Windows Azure Pack. This solution provides Infrastructure-as-a-Service and Platform-as-a-Service solutions for enterprises and service providers.

Architectural Deep Dive into the Microsoft Cloud Platform System https://channel9.msdn.com/Events/Ignite/2015/BRK3459
The Microsoft Cloud Platform System has an automated framework that keeps the entire stamp current from software to firmware to drivers across all Windows Server, Microsoft System Center, Windows Azure Pack, SQL Server and OEM/IHV and prevent disruptions to tenant and management workloads. This session covers the complete architecture for CPS and deployment in your datacenter.

Platform Vision & Strategy (4 of 7): Storage Overview https://channel9.msdn.com/Events/Ignite/2015/BRK2485
This is the fourth in a series of 7 datacenter platform overview sessions.

StorSimple: Extending Your Datacenter into Microsoft Azure with Hybrid Cloud Storage https://channel9.msdn.com/Events/Ignite/2015/BRK2494
StorSimple provides a hybrid cloud storage solution with a hybrid storage array in the on-premises datacenter that seamlessly extends storage capabilities to the cloud. This session details the implementation and functionality of the solution and discusses how the solution solves the issue of growing IT costs related to storage growth and management.

Hyper-V Storage Performance with Storage Quality of Service https://channel9.msdn.com/Events/Ignite/2015/BRK3504
Windows Server vNext allows you to centrally monitor and manage performance for Hyper-V workloads using Scale-Out File Servers. Learn how to monitor storage performance from a customer, Hyper-V, and storage admin’s viewpoint, then author effective policies to deliver the performance your customers need.

Spaces-Based, Software-Defined Storage: Design and Configuration Best Practices https://channel9.msdn.com/Events/Ignite/2015/BRK3463
Going well beyond a feature walkthrough, this session delves into the nuances and complexities of the spaces-based SDS design. Starting with the hardware selection and continuing up the stack, this session empowers you to successfully design, deploy, and configure a storage solution based completely on Windows Server 2012 R2 and proven best practices. Examples galore!

Virtualization

Platform Vision & Strategy (2 of 7): Server Virtualization Overview https://channel9.msdn.com/Events/Ignite/2015/BRK2466
Windows Server and Microsoft Azure are ushering in the next generation of computing for modern apps and cloud infrastructure. What are Containers? Nano Server? New in Hyper-V? Azure IaaS? Or how does this fit into Microsoft’s cloud strategy? Get the answers and more! Come learn about new capabilities in Windows Server, Hyper-V and Azure VMs.

The Hidden Treasures of Windows Server 2012 R2 Hyper-V? https://channel9.msdn.com/Events/Ignite/2015/BRK3506
It’s one thing to hear about and see a great demo of a Hyper-V feature. But how do you put them into practice? This session takes you through some of those lesser-known elements of Hyper-V that have made for great demonstrations, introduces you to some of the lesser-known features, and shows you best practices, how to increase serviceability and uptime, and design/usage tips for making the most of your investment in Hyper-V.

Microsoft’s New Windows Server Containers https://channel9.msdn.com/Events/Ignite/2015/BRK2493
In this session, we cover what containers are, what makes them such an exciting technology, how they will work in Windows Server, and how Docker will integrate with them.

An Insider’s Guide to Desktop Virtualization https://channel9.msdn.com/Events/Ignite/2015/BRK3853
Ready to drink from a fire hose? In this highly energized session, learn about insights, best practices, and hear unfiltered thoughts about Desktop Virtualization, VDI, vendors, and solutions. Discussion topics include: VDwhy, VDCry, VDI Smackdown, building and designing a Microsoft VDI solution, and 3D graphics. Experience the Microsoft and Citrix Virtual Desktop solution with a huge amount of videos and demos. With unique content and insights, this session is fun and packed with great content for everyone interested in Desktop Virtualization—and some nice giveaways. A session you don’t want to miss!

Shielded Virtual Machines

Harden the Fabric: Protecting Tenant Secrets in Hyper-V https://channel9.msdn.com/Events/Ignite/2015/BRK3457
In today’s environments, hosters need to provide security assurance to their tenants. “Harden the fabric” is a Windows Server and Microsoft System Center vNext scenario, which includes enhancements in Hyper-V, Virtual Machine Manager, and a new Guardian Server role that enables shielded VMs. Technologies which ensure that host resources do not have access to the Virtual Machine or data.

Platform Vision & Strategy (5 of 7): Security and Assurance Overview https://channel9.msdn.com/Events/Ignite/2015/BRK2482
Come learn how Microsoft is addressing persistent threats, insider breach, organized cyber crime and securing the Microsoft Cloud Platform (on-premises and connected services with Azure). This includes scenarios for securing workloads, large enterprise tenants and service providers.

Shielded VMs and Guarded Fabric Validation Guide for Windows Server 2016 https://gallery.technet.microsoft.com/Shielded-VMs-and-Guarded-44176db3
This document provides you an installation and validation guide for Windows Server 2016 Technical Preview (build #10074) and System Center Virtual Machine Manager vNext for Guarded Fabric Hosts and Shielded VMs. This solution is designed to protect tenant virtual machines from compromised fabric administrators.

Windows 10

Top Features of Windows 10 https://channel9.msdn.com/Events/Ignite/2015/BRK2339
In this demo-heavy session, see why you need to start thinking: Windows 10. The answer to every question will be Windows 10, but what are the questions? How do you deliver a more secure standard operating environment? How do you make mobility familiar for all your users? What changes the deployment conversation? What changes the app conversation? How do you “mobilize” Win32 applications? What changes the way you manage device lifecycles? What changes how you buy your devices? There will be prizes, there will be fun and you’ll be ready, set for the rest of your Windows 10 experience at Microsoft Ignite.

The New User Experience with Windows 10 https://channel9.msdn.com/Events/Ignite/2015/THR0310
Are you ready for Windows 10? Well, it was designed and developed based on feedback from millions of people around the world, so we think you probably are! Join us as we show you how Windows 10 combines the familiar things you love with a modern touch. Get a deeper look at the user experience and discover new features. Find out how Windows 10 makes you more productive, celebrates a new generation of apps, and unlocks the power of hardware.

Upgrading to Windows 10: In Depth https://channel9.msdn.com/Events/Ignite/2015/BRK3307
With Windows 10, we are encouraging everyone, including organizations, to upgrade from their existing OS (Windows 7, Windows 8, or Windows 8.1). This upgrade process is easy and reliable, but how exactly does it work? In this session, we dig deep and explore how the process works to ensure that everything (apps, settings, data, drivers) is preserved.

Windows 10: Ask the Experts https://channel9.msdn.com/Events/Ignite/2015/BRK2320
We’ve talked a lot about Windows 10 already. In this session, we hold an open Q&A, hosted by the always-entertaining Mark Minasi, where you can ask anything about Windows 10. No questions are off limits. So if you’ve still got questions and are looking for answers, bring them to this session.

Provisioning Windows 10 Devices with New Tools https://channel9.msdn.com/Events/Ignite/2015/BRK3339
A new feature in Windows 10, runtime provisioning will help to reduce the cost of deploying Windows PCs and devices such as tablets and phones. This new feature will enable IT professionals and system integrators to easily configure a general-purpose device during first boot or runtime without re-imaging for the organization’s use. In this session, we look at the new tools that enable these scenarios, and exploring the capabilities and deployment options for them.

Overview of Windows 10 for Enterprises https://channel9.msdn.com/Events/Ignite/2015/THR0342
Windows 10 brings a wealth of new features and solutions to the enterprise. In this session, we explain the various security, management, and deployment features of Windows 10 along with showing you some of the new end-user features that will not only make your customers more productive but also delight them.

Overview of Windows 10 for Enterprises https://channel9.msdn.com/Events/Ignite/2015/FND2901
Windows 10 brings a wealth of new features and solutions to the enterprise. In this session, we explain the various security, management, and deployment features of Windows 10 along with showing you some of the new end-user features that will not only make your customers more productive but also delight them.

Overview of Windows 10 for Education https://channel9.msdn.com/Events/Ignite/2015/BRK2305
While Windows has always provided great learning outcomes for students and a comprehensive platform for teachers and administrators, there are several reasons why education customers in general should take notice of Windows 10. From the minimal learning curve user experience for mouse and keyboard users, to the familiar usability scaled across Windows 10 devices, teachers and students will be productive and comfortable from the start. In this session we explain how we are simplifying management and deployment, including in-place upgrades from Windows 7 or 8.1 and provisioning off-the-shelf devices without wiping and replacing images. Learn about benefits of the new, unified app store, allowing flexible distribution of apps.

What’s New in Windows 10 Management and the Windows Store https://channel9.msdn.com/Events/Ignite/2015/BRK3330
Windows 10 continues to add new and improved management technologies, to ensure that Windows continues to be the best—and most flexible—operating system to manage. In this session, we talk about all the changes that are coming, including enhancements to built-in mobile device management protocols, new Windows Store and volume purchase program capabilities, sign-on capabilities with organizational IDs (Microsoft Azure Active Directory), sideloading and other app deployment enhancements, and new capabilities being added to other existing management technologies, such as PowerShell, WMI, etc.

Windows Server 2016

Nano Server https://channel9.msdn.com/Events/Ignite/2015/THR0480
Come hear about important transformations in Windows Server – the new installation option called Nano Server. Nano Server is a deep rethink of the server architecture. The result is a new, lean cloud fabric host and application development platform, resulting in 20x smaller than Server Core and a reduction in security attack service surface and reboots!

Deployment

How Microsoft IT Deploys Windows 10 https://channel9.msdn.com/Events/Ignite/2015/BRK3303
Learn how Microsoft IT adopted and deployed Windows 10 internally using Enterprise Upgrade as the primary deployment method. This approach reduced the deployment overhead by using System Center Configuration Manager Operating System Deployment (OSD) and upgrade which resulted in significant reductions in helpdesk calls. In addition we share how we are leveraging some of the new Enterprise scenarios to delight users while securing the enterprise. You can realize similar benefits in your enterprise by adopting these best practices as you migrate from Windows 7 and 8.x to 10.

Expert-Level Windows 10 Deployment https://channel9.msdn.com/Events/Ignite/2015/BRK4301
Join us for a live demo on how to build a Windows deployment solution, based on Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager. In the session we are taking OS Deployment in Microsoft Deployment Toolkit and System Center Configuration Manager to its outer limits. Deployment tips, tricks, and hard core debugging in a single session. You can expect a lot of live demos in this session.

Windows 10 Deployment: Ask the Experts https://channel9.msdn.com/Events/Ignite/2015/BRK3333
Still have questions about Windows deployment, even after all the other sessions this week? For this session, we gather as many experts as we can find for a roundtable Q&A session, with plenty of “official” and “real-world” answers for everyone, troubleshooting and implementation advice, and probably a fair number of opinions and “it depends” answers as well.

Preparing Your Infrastructure for Windows 10 https://channel9.msdn.com/Events/Ignite/2015/BRK3325
So you want to deploy Windows 10 in your organization? While many organizations will be able to do this with little impact, there are some scenarios and features that can impact existing server, management, and network infrastructures. In this session, we take a look at those impacts so you know what to expect.

Deploying Windows 10: Back to Basics https://channel9.msdn.com/Events/Ignite/2015/BRK2316
Are you new to Windows deployment, or maybe just rusty? In this session, we review the tools that are available, explain all the acronyms, and explore best practices for deploying Windows 10. During the process, we show all the key tools that we recommend for building and customizing Windows 10 images, deploying Windows 10 images, provisioning new computers, and migrating from older operating systems like Windows 7.

What’s New in Windows 10 Deployment https://channel9.msdn.com/Events/Ignite/2015/THR0322
With the upcoming release of Windows 10, there will be new and updated ways to deploy Windows. In this session, we review new recommendations for upgrading existing devices using a simple in-place upgrade process, provisioning tools for transforming new devices into ones ready for enterprise use, as well as updates to traditional deployment tools and techniques (ADK and beyond). We also talk about application compatibility, hardware requirements, and other common deployment questions.

What’s New in Windows 10 Deployment https://channel9.msdn.com/Events/Ignite/2015/BRK3321
With the upcoming release of Windows 10, there will be new and updated ways to deploy Windows. In this session, we review new recommendations for upgrading existing devices using a simple in-place upgrade process, provisioning tools for transforming new devices into ones ready for enterprise use, as well as updates to traditional deployment tools and techniques (ADK and beyond). We also talk about application compatibility, hardware requirements, and other common deployment questions.

Deploying Microsoft Surface Pro 3 in the Enterprise https://channel9.msdn.com/Events/Ignite/2015/BRK3327
You have chosen Surface Pro 3 for your organization. Now, get the tips and tricks directly from engineers who built it. This session offers useful information on how you can deploy, manage, and support these devices throughout your org like a jedi master.

Troubleshooting Windows 10 Deployment: Top 10 Tips and Tricks https://channel9.msdn.com/Events/Ignite/2015/BRK3318
Need help with troubleshooting Windows deployment issues? Johan and Mikael share lessons learned around handling device drivers in the deployment process, common deployment issues and their workarounds, parsing log files, WinPE and PXE troubleshooting, UEFI deployments. As a foundation, Microsoft Deployment Toolkit and Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager will be used. You can expect a lot of live demos, tips, and tricks in this session.

Preparing for Windows 10 Deployment: Assessment, Compatibility, and Planning https://channel9.msdn.com/Events/Ignite/2015/BRK3334
Before you can deploy Windows 10, you need to make sure your organization is ready. That requires information gathering, compatibility analysis, project management, and piloting – an iterative process. In this session, we talk about tools to help with common concerns around app and hardware compatibility, web compatibility, readiness for upgrades, and more.