Evaluation Downloads for Virtualization, Management and Training Resources

One of the fun things I get to do everyday is point people to products and resources.  With IT there seems to be an ever changing world and transformation on the tools and resources we use almost happens daily. have a had a few folks ask where can I get the tools and resources to test some the new features for working with virtualization on my own (private cloud) or the public cloud.  Well if you are looking to get the cloud on your terms I have several resources some learning resources and mostly trial software)  now that can help to get you started today.  I will also have throughout the year hopefully a few more fun and resources for you to try and take for a test spin.  If you download the bits let me know what you think! 

Here are the resources and (click on the title for the links)

- Deploying and Managing Windows Azure Applications I actually blogged about this a few weeks ago, it is a great step by step to show how we work with the applications in Azure

**[Windows Server 2008 R2 with SP1](https://aka.ms/r2server)** This is an evaluation of the core of any Hyper-V solution you may want to try.  Take a look at the enterprise or datacenter editions\!

• Hyper-V Server 2008 R2 SP1 This is our free server for you take hyper-v for a test drive and in some cases may even accomplish what you are looking to do with virtualization.
• System Center Virtual Machine Manager (SCVMM) 2008 R2 SP1 Do you have hyper-v or VMware servers you want to manage and work with then take a look at SCVMM, this is the current version and the next version is right around the corner and currently in beta (see the next link)
• System Center Virtual Machine Manager (SCVMM) 2012 Beta This is the next version of SCVMM and the beta has some excellent improvements you need to take a look at!
• System Center Operations Manager (SCOM) 2007 R2 SCOM System Center Operations Manager enables you to monitor your IT services and react to operational problems.
• System Center Configuration Manager (SCOM) 2007 R3 SCOM System Center Operations Manager enables you to monitor your IT services and react to operational problems.
• System Center Configuration Manager (SCOM) 2012 Beta 2
  This beta really is going to take SCOM to the next level!
• Microsoft Virtual Academy (MVA) The MVA is a free training resources that will allow you to improve your IT skill set and help advance your career with a free, easy to access training portal. Learn at your own pace, focusing on Microsoft technologies, gain points and get recognition.  Here are some of the classes:
  • Microsoft Virtualization for VMware Professionals - The Platform
  • Microsoft Virtualization for VMware Professionals – Management
  • Planning, Building and Managing a Private Cloud
  • Office 365 for the IT Pro – Platform
  • Introduction To Windows Azure

I hope you enjoy and download the links and take our software for a test drive!