Category Archives: Hardware

As some of you might know already, the Microsoft Ignite 2015 conference has started where Microsoft talks about where they’re going and what they’re doing. I watched the keynote, took many notes and added other relevant information which I’m sharing with you. Since so much was told and shown it’s certain I’ve missed stuff. As time goes by I will update the information in this post so it can be used as a reference.

I hope it’s useful. If you find any errors or have other useful resources or feedback, please leave a comment.

Update log:

-05-05-2015: Created Initial version including the keynote and additional information.

• General information:
  
  • Twitter hashtag #MSIgnite
    
  • News portal for ignite: http://news.microsoft.com/ignite2015/
    
  • Videos:
    
    • Recording of the keynote: https://channel9.msdn.com/Events/Ignite/2015/KEY01
      
    • For other live streams and recorded sessions take a look at
      https://channel9.msdn.com/
      
    • Downloading MS Ignite content with PowerShell and Bits from CH9:
      http://vniklas.djungeln.se/2015/05/05/downloading-ms-ignite-content-with-powershell-and-bits-from-ch9/
      
  • Mobile first, cloud first
    
  • More personal computing, reinventing productivity, intelligent cloud: http://news.microsoft.com/2015/05/04/microsoft-announces-new-solutions-to-empower-it-professionals/
    
  • Same bits (code) is used across device types (mobile phones, tablets, desktops, laptops) and across on-premises and azure cloud services (Azure in cloud and Azure Stack on-premises)
    
  • 40% of IT spend outside of organization
    
  • Microsoft innovates in cloud and then delivers back to on premises.
    
  • Multi-cloud and hybrid cloud will become increasingly important
    
• Enterprise Mobility Suite
  
  • More info: http://blogs.technet.com/b/enterprisemobility/archive/2015/05/04/ignite-microsofts-next-chapter-in-enterprise-mobility.aspx?linkId=13943564
    
• SQL Server 2016
  
  • Mission critical Tier 1 scale
    
  • Advanced analytics including R integration
    
  • Hybrid cloud integration
    
  • Enhanced security and encryption
    
    • By example: stretch (part of a) database from on-premises SQL server to Azure
      
  • For more info:
    
    • http://blogs.technet.com/b/dataplatforminsider/archive/2015/05/04/sql-server-2016-public-preview-coming-this-summer.aspx?linkId=13943659
      
    • http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/server-cloud/products/sql-server-2016/?WT.mc_id=Blog_SQL_Announce_DI
      
• Windows Server 2016
  
  • New preview build (Windows Server Technical Preview 2) can be downloaded from: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/evalcenter/evaluate-windows-server-technical-preview or from MSDN
    
  • At Build 2015 it was also announced that nested virtualization would become available in Server 2016 (but it is unclear yet if this is already possible in Technical Preview 2). For more information see:
    http://www.hyper-v.nu/archives/hvredevoort/2015/05/nested-hypervisor-in-windows-server-vnext/
    
  • For more info:
    
    • http://blogs.technet.com/b/windowsserver/archive/2015/05/04/what-s-new-in-windows-server-2016-technical-preview-2.aspx
      
    • https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/mt126143.aspx
      
• System Center 2016
  
  • New Technical Preview 2 builds available here: http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/search/Results.aspx?q=System%20Center%20Technical%20Preview%202&form=DLC
    
  • More info: https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dn997272.aspx
    
• Operations Management Suite
  
  • Builds on Azure Operational Insights
    
  • More info: http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/server-cloud/operations-management-suite/Overview.aspx
    
• Windows 10
  
  • New preview build (Technical Preview 2) can be downloaded from MSDN and probably soon from https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/evalcenter/ as well.
    
  • http://blogs.msdn.com/b/microsoft_press/archive/2015/05/01/free-ebook-introducing-windows-10-for-it-professionals-preview-edition.aspx
    
  • In the new build you can use CTRL+Arrow to switch between virtual desktops
    
  • Cortana uses intelligent cloud and improves over time. It can be used to search web, search local content, learn how to use pc, search using big data/PowerBI if cortana is connected with it.
    
  • Microsoft Edge
    
    • The new Internet browser previously known as Project Spartan
      
    • Is a universal app.
      
    • Reading view can use extension to translate web sites to your native language.
      
    • More info: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/preview-microsoft-edge-pc
      
  • Continuum
    
    • Takes into account the device type you’re using and will (ask to) change when the situation changes. By example when you either add or remove a keyboard on a convertible device or when you dock it.
      
    • Will also work for Windows Phone 10 when connected to a monitor/TV using HDMI, by example when running Outlook on the phone it will get the full Outlook interface similar to that on a desktop/tablet.
      
  • Security
    
    • Microsoft Hello
      
      • Biometric suite
        
      • More info: https://blogs.windows.com/bloggingwindows/2015/03/17/making-windows-10-more-personal-and-more-secure-with-windows-hello/
        
    • Microsoft Passport
      
      • Enables replacement of password
        
      • Per device
        
      • Cryptographic credentials
        
      • When combined with Windows Hello, it provides biometric capabilities
        
      • Will delight users
        
      • Will help mitigate data leakage
        
    • Default in the Office 2016 “Save As” menu is to encrypt files on a per file basis using an encryption authority.
      
      • This is opposed to Bitlocker’s full drive encryption approach.
        
      • Works for local drives, shares, sharepoint, external drives.
        
      • Can be overridden for personal (non-enterprise documents).
        
      • Documents will be usable only by users that also fall under the same encryption authority. By example when mailed or put on USB drives.
        
      • Similar behavior will be implemented in other apps.
        
  • Supported by Microsoft Intune: http://blogs.technet.com/b/microsoftintune/archive/2015/05/04/announcing-support-for-windows-10-management-with-microsoft-intune.aspx
    
• Enterprise
  
  • Trustworthy
    
    • Security is #1 concern
      
      • 75% attacks due to weak credentials or compromised identities
        
        • Motives today: IP theft, damage, disruption
          
    • Balance between empowerment and security must be the goal
      
    • Modern architecture high level:
      

      
      

    • Key security principles: Apply defense in depth and assume you have been breached
      
    • Mobile device management and Mobile Apllication Management can help increase security, simplify management and improve the end-user experience.
      
    • Secure in an integrated way: Devices, Apps, Files, Identities
      
      • Windows 10
        
        • Designed for enterprise with this in mind, by implementing by example:
          
          • Secure boot
            
          • Device Guard: Hardware and software used to specify which software is (dis)allowed
            
            • More info: https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dn986865(v=vs.85).aspx
              
          • Microsoft Passport
            
          • Microsoft Hello
            
        • Windows for consumers
          
          • Windows as a service
            
            • Windows Update will not only deliver updates, but also operating system updates
              
            • Updates will not be delivered to everyone at the same time. Deployment rings are used to determine when which software will be deployed to who. This is similar to how the Windows 10 preview build updates are being deployed.
              
        • Windows Update for business
          
          • Microsoft committed to keeping your devices secure
            
            • Compared to by example Google that does not commit to keeping Android devices secure.
              
          • Delivers ongoing innovation and security updates
            
          • Requires Windows 10
            
          • IT controls
            
            • Distribution rings
              
            • Maintenance windows
              
            • Peer-to-peer delivery
              
            • Integrated with existing tools (SCCM/EMS)
              
              • Unclear yet if IT controls also integrates with WSUS or something similar to control which updates/innovations are deployed.
                
          • Free for Windows 10 Pro and Windows 10 Enterprise
            
          • More info: http://blogs.windows.com/bloggingwindows/2015/05/04/announcing-windows-update-for-business/
            
      • Many applications have been enhanced with:
        
        • Mobile Application Management through Intune
          
        • Conditional Access
          
          • Data Leakage Protection (DLP) on iPad: Not being able to copy/paste corporate data from a corporate app to a non-corporate/peronal app (by example Twitter), while allowing it between corporate apps like Outlook (version with these capabilities coming in Q2) and Word.
            
          • Policy in Windows 10 can be configured to warn about copying data from corporate app to non-corporate app, but still allow it and logging the event.
            
          • Supports multiple identities while still enforcing security and not allowing to copy corporate data between them.
            
          • For more info: https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dn818907.aspx
            
      • Azure RemoteApp can be used to easily enable people to use apps
        
      • Outlook : Protect a file that you share by email by using the Rights Management sharing application
        
        • Uses Azure AD RMS
          
        • Access (attempts) can be tracked including showing times and geographic locations using Azure RMS Document Tracking Public Preview
          
        • For more info:
          
          • https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dn574735(v=ws.10).aspx
            
          • Welcome to Azure RMS Document Tracking http://blogs.technet.com/b/rms/archive/2015/05/04/doctracking.aspx
            
      • Azure AD/EMS Cloud App Discovery
        
        • Detect SAAS apps that are being used
          
        • Bring SAAS apps under management (Requires Azure Active Directory Premium)
          
          • Configure service for SSO
            
          • configure user (de)provisioning for the service
            
          • Configure rules regarding access to the service
            
            • Require multi-factor authentication.
              
            • Require multi-factor authentication when not at work.
              
            • Block Access when not at work.
              
      • Insights available regarding access
        
        • By example reports like
          
          • “Users with anomalous sign in activity”
            
          • “Sign in from multiple geographies” where a log in occurs from The Netherlands at 08:30 and at Japan at 09:00.
            
          • “Users with leaked credentials” where accounts are available online …
            
            • Can be used with on premises Active Directory Domain Services as well.
              
              • Uses Microsoft Advanced Threat Analytics Preview
                
                • Shows very detailed information about when accounts are being used by which devices at which times and what is being done with it.
                  
                • More info: http://blogs.technet.com/b/ad/archive/2015/05/04/microsoft-advanced-threat-analytics-public-preview-release-is-now-available.aspx
                  
      • Microsoft Azure Stack
        
        • Allows you to run your private instance of Azure.
          
          • Goes beyond Microsoft/Windows Azure Pack by giving you on premises the same as what Microsoft uses for Azure.
            
        • More info:
          
          • http://blogs.technet.com/b/server-cloud/archive/2015/05/04/microsoft-brings-azure-to-the-datacenter-for-the-next-generation-of-hybrid-cloud.aspx
            
          • https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/server-cloud/products/azure-in-your-datacenter/
            
          • http://www.microsoftvirtualacademy.com/training-courses/Microsoft-Datacenter-vNext-Preview-Bringing-Azure-to-your-Datacenter
            

             

      • Nano Server
        
        • Nano Server is a remotely administered server operating system optimized for hosting in private clouds and datacenters. It is similar to Windows Server in Server Core mode, but markedly smaller. Also, there is no local logon capability, nor does it support Terminal Services. It takes up far less disk space, sets up significantly faster, and requires far fewer restarts than Windows Server.
          
        • More info:
          
          • Getting Started with Nano Server https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/mt126167.aspx
            
          • http://deploymentresearch.com/Research/Post/479/Quick-Guide-Deploying-Nano-Server-using-PowerShell
            
      • Containers
        
        • Portable application packages that can run anywhere
          
        • Self-contained and enables rapid deployment at massive scale.
          
        • Ships with Windows Server Technical Preview 3 in Q3
          
        • More info: https://msdn.microsoft.com/virtualization/windowscontainers
          
      • Multi-cloud and hybrid cloud will become increasingly important
        
        • Any app on any device, using any OS on any cloud
          
          • One pane of glass for management using Microsoft Operations Management Suite (OMS)
            
          • More info: http://blogs.technet.com/b/server-cloud/archive/2015/05/04/introducing-microsoft-operations-management-suite.aspx?linkId=13949724
            
  • In-Depth Demo Recap at: http://aka.ms/BradIgniteRecap
    
    • The New Outlook App: A Modern Standard for Secure E-mail
      
    • Enhanced Data Protection with Windows 10
      
    • Windows 10 Device Guard
      
    • Azure RemoteApp
      
    • Document Tracking & Secure Collaboration with Azure RMS
      
    • SaaS Management with Cloud App Discovery
      
    • Detecting Anomalous Sign-Ins with EMS
      
    • Microsoft Advanced Threat Analytics
      
      
    • Deploying Azure in Your Datacenter
      
      
    • The Microsoft Operations Management Suite (OMS)
      
    • Power BI in SCCM
      
• Content (co-)creation and sharing using Office, Skype For Business, HoloLens, etc
  
  • General: http://blogs.office.com/2015/05/04/modern-productivity-office-news-at-ignite/
    
  • Microsoft HoloLens
    
    • Shows holograms in real life.
      
    • Can collaborate with others regardless of location
      
      • Has Skype built-in
        
    • Video example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aThCr0PsyuA
      
    • For more info: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-hololens/en-us
      
  • Office co-creation options built-in and leveraging cloud file services like OneDrive and Dropbox.
    
  • Office, Office 365 and Office Server products
    
    • Security and data leakage prevention is very important
      
    • Office 2016
      
      • Office 2016 desktop supports real-time collaboration
        
      • Outlook swipes are customizable
        
      • Team Group conversation in Outlook 2016
        
      • For more info:
        
        • http://blogs.office.com/2015/05/04/office-2016-public-preview-now-available/
          
        • https://blogs.office.com/2015/05/04/modern-productivity-office-news-at-ignite/
          
    • Office 365 and Office Server products
      
      • Office Delve
        
        • Office Delve surfaces personalized content to you from across Office 365. Powered by the Office Graph, Delve shows you information based on what you’re working on and what’s trending around you – across Office 365.
          
          • Integration with other services like SalesForce possible.
            
          • Can be used to find people/groups with specific interests/skills.
            
          • Office 365 Groups “hub” is available
            
            • Might replace SharePoint team sites
              
        • For more info:
          
          • https://support.office.com/en-us/article/What-is-Office-Delve-1315665a-c6af-4409-a28d-49f8916878ca
            
          • https://products.office.com/en-us/business/explore-office-delve
            
          • http://blogs.office.com/2014/03/11/introducing-codename-oslo-and-the-office-graph/
            
      • Office Sway
        
        • Sway is an app for expressing your ideas in an entirely new way, across your devices. See: https://sway.com/
          
        • Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jw-g6IuBVJE
          
        • Coming to Office 365 for business and education next month
          
        • For more info:
          
          • http://blogs.office.com/2015/05/04/sway-announces-office-365-and-languages/
            
          • http://blogs.office.com/2015/05/04/modern-productivity-office-news-at-ignite/
            
          • https://sway.com/
            
      • SharePoint Server 2016
        
        • Video Portal
          
          • Sort of an enterprise YouTube.
            
        • For more info:
          
          • http://blogs.office.com/2015/02/02/evolution-sharepoint/
            
          • http://blogs.office.com/2015/04/16/sharepoint-server-2016-update/
            
      • Exchange Server 2016
        
        • Fore more info:
          
          • http://blogs.technet.com/b/exchange/archive/2015/04/15/coming-soon-a-first-look-at-exchange-server-2016.aspx
            
      • Real-Time collaboration using Skype for Business, Office Online and Power-BI
        
        • Power-BI
          
          • Simply adding two graphs and combining them by dropping one on the other.
            
        • Skype for Business
          
          • Coming Q3
            
          • In a Skype meeting a link to a document is included. When presenter opens document, it will be opened through Office Online in a browser for attendees as well.
            
          • Ink-back, touch-back is for two-way inking (multiple people adding notes with pen).
            
          • Skype broadcast in Office 365 is easy to use
            
          • Native video interoperability with Cisco Tandberg VTCs
            
          • In-place upgrade from Lync Server 2013
            
          • For more info:
            
            • http://blogs.office.com/2015/05/04/skype-for-business-gains-momentum/
              
            • https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/gg398616.aspx
              
• Azure
  
  • Multitude of azure announcements http://azure.microsoft.com/blog/2015/05/04/azure-shines-bright-at-ignite/