Test Lab Guide integration with core product documentation

Although Test Lab Guides (TLGs) are a valuable tool for quickly getting some configuration and demonstration hands-on experience when performing an evaluation of a product or technology, they can be used for much more. For example, for DirectAccess in Windows Server 2008 R2, I built out the DirecAccess test lab environment and then used it as a proving ground for the following content:

• DirectAccess Design Guide
• DirectAccess Deployment Guide
• DirectAccess Troubleshooting Guide
• DirectAccess Technical Reference

After these guides were published, I went back through them and added back those experiences with references to the DirectAccess test lab environment. Here are some examples:

Design Guide

• “How it is configured in the test lab” (example)
• “How it works in the test lab” (example)
• “Try this in the test lab” (example)

Deployment Guide

• Test lab as an optional, but recommended, part of deployment checklists (example)

Troubleshooting Guide

• Links to the troubleshooting TLGs (example)

Technical Reference

• “Try this in the test lab” (example) 

These links integrate the DirectAccess test lab environment with the core product documentation, allowing that environment to be part of the learning of the planning, deployment, and operations of DirectAccess.

Enjoy!

Joe Davies
Principal Writer
Windows Server Information Experience (WS iX)