Accelerate DevOps with the Cloud - Part 2 on TechNet Radio

Tune in with Matt Hester and Keith Mayer continue the special “Accelerate DevOps with the Cloud” series on TechNet Radio and in part 2 of our series they discuss how Microsoft Azure and cloud computing can be leveraged to help accelerate the transition to DevOps in an organization. 

• [1:37] What is DevOps and why is it important?
• [9:53] What is “Shadow IT” and how can it be disruptive to businesses and organizations?
• [12:35]  What does Microsoft Azure offer me?
• [16:19]  How does Microsoft Azure align with DevOps?
• [21:50]  DEMO Microsoft Azure in action!

Did you miss Part 1 with Jessica DeVita and Gene Kim? Find it here!

App Watch: Family Edition

I will the first to admit that I'm not very "app crazy" on my phone or my computer.  I was an avid BlackBerry user when the iPhone first came out, so when I switched to a Windows Phone, I wasn't really looking to download every app on the market.  And when it comes to Windows 8, I'll be the first to tell you that I live on my desktop, so even native Windows 8 apps take a lot to impress me.

However, I do have a family and all the joys and trials that come with sharing a household, so I wanted to share a couple Windows apps that are new and pretty interesting.

For the Windows Phone, check out the Cozi Family Organizer. I tried out the Cozi website a while back and liked the idea, plus it had a iPhone app for my husband.  But since there wasn't a Windows Phone equivalent at the time, it was hard for me to get on board. Now that oversight has been corrected, so I'll likely be signing up again to give the service another try.

For Windows 8, nothing beat a good app to keep the little ones busy for a while.  My kids are a little too young to appreciate the great features of the Crayola Color, Draw and Sing (I'll save this one for later because it has a cool two-player mode for larger screens), but an instant hit was Interactive Touch Books - For Kids!   They loved playing the stories over and over. If they continue to expand the titles, I'll pay!

Now let me go see if I can pry my computer back from my kids...

Get started with Part 1 of the TechNet Radio Series "Accelerate DevOps with the Cloud"

Jessica DeVita welcomes Gene Kim, co-author of "The Phoenix Project: A Novel About IT, DevOps And Helping Your Business Win" and founder and former CTO of Tripwire to the show as they kick off this special “Accelerate DevOps with the Cloud” series on TechNet Radio. 

Tune in as they dive into the world of DevOps and learn how this high performance concept is revolutionizing the tech industry. In Part 1 they provide a foundation for why this is important for IT Pros as well as dispel some common myths while shedding light on how everyone – from IT Pros, developers, businesses, end-users and customers can greatly benefit by building DevOps into their organization. 

What in this Video:

• [0:44] What is DevOps?
• [3:03] Is DevOps a new role or new tool?
• [8:03]  Does DevOps encourage Developers to perform Operations/IT Pro tasks themselves? Is it NoOps?
• [13:44]  Is "DevOps" just another name for Agile development?
• [15:45]  Tell me about this idea of “technical debt”
• [17:54]  What causes high performance in organizations that practice DevOps?
• [20:25] How should an IT organization begin thinking about transitioning towards DevOps? How do we start?
• [24:30] Why is "DevOps" important to IT Pros?
• [28:13] Where can people go to learn more about DevOps?

Keep that Microsoft Profile Updated!

Email management is a tough thing.  I struggle with it daily, often opting to quickly hit "unsubscribe" to all emails that come into my mailbox on any given day, just out of frustration.  If you've followed me for a while, you'll know I'm one of those "Inbox Zero" types, forever striving to have nothing to address via email.

I do lots of things to avoid getting emails and other things I consider "spammy"... I scan every form I'm filling out for the "opt out" boxes.  I try hard not to have my conference badge scanned at event expos because I don't want any extra mail.  At previous jobs, I've been known to have a fake phone number, complete with a voice mail message, that I used for registrations - simply so I never had to deal with cold calls.  (I don't like voice mail either, don't get me started.)

That being said, sometimes you DO want to be informed - particularly about events or about technologies that interest you.  My friend and colleague, Kevin Remde, just put up a great blog post about how Microsoft takes your preferences seriously - so seriously that you may have opted out of something you didn't mean to.

So check out Kevin's post for the "how to" and then check your Microsoft profile to ensure you are getting only the information you need and want.

Checking In... Happy Tuesday!

Ah... Life.  How it gets in the way of things sometimes.  I'm looking forward to some slowing down of things as we get into June and July, which gives me some time to concentrate on finishing up with updating my MCSE.

Microsoft has been busy updating certifications in the last year, so now you'll find options for the MTA (Technology Associate), MCSA (Solutions Associate) and the MCSE (Solutions Expert).  I'm working toward the Server Infrastructure MCSE, so I still have exams 70-413 and 70-414 to go.

For preparation, I've got a copy of the 70-413 Exam Ref book, but I also like to mix up my studying materials with content from MVA (Microsoft Virtual Academy) and TechNet documentation to fill in areas where I might need some extra clarification.  What's nice about the Virtual Academy is that you can add the courses to your profile and then work through them at your own pace. Finally, I look for sessions from TechEd and other conferences that I'm might have attended that line up with test concepts.

If there is good in-person training in my area, I look for that as well. If you are in the SF area (or can get there easily, don't miss out on the chance to attend TechDays, organized by PacITPros.  This low-cost, two day event has a line up of great speakers and there is sure to be a topic for everyone. Register at www.techdays.org.

Today, I reviewed the booklet of sessions from TechEd for Monday (baby steps!) and here is what is on my short list to watch this week (Warning: these might completely unrelated to my exam studying):

1. Windows PowerShell Unplugged with Jeffery Snover (DCIM-B318)
2. Microsoft Azure Storage (DCIM-B384)
3. Hybrid Identity: Extending Active Directory to the Cloud (PCIT-B313)

Also, if you are looking to learn more about Windows 8.1 in the Enterprise, register for an upcoming MVA JumpStart in mid-June! The instructors are Tommy Patterson and Simon May, so it's sure to be an enjoyable and educational few days.

Date: June 17, 18, & 19, 2014

Registration page: http://www.microsoftvirtualacademy.com/liveevents/windows-8-1-update-for-enterprise-jump-start

Windows 8.1 Update for Enterprise Jump Start

Are you tackling BYOD? Windows 8.1 Update, Windows Server 2012 R2, and Windows Phone can help! Find out how in this demo-filled, three-day Jump Start course with live Q&A. Plus, get the latest from the TechEd and Build conferences, and prepare for MCSE: Desktop Infrastructure and MCSA: Windows 8.1 certifications.

Seasoned experts share real-world experience as they explore the new feature set in Windows 8.1 Update. Dive deep into key enterprise scenarios around System Center Configuration Manager 2012 R2 and Windows Intune management and security, and explore virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI), disk deduplication and tiering, and the Remote Desktop app.

Windows 8.1 Update can simplify the management of tomorrow's IT environments, while tangibly improving today's end-user experience. Sign up for this fast-paced Jump Start, and find out more.

Anyway, happy Tuesday folks!