I just found out that there is now available a Powershell Provider for IIS7. This VERY cool piece of Powershell gubbins allows you, in very easy steps, to:-
Create Web-Sites, Web Applications, Virtual Directories and Application Pools
Change Simple Configuration Properties on Web-Sites, Application Pools, Web Applications and Virtual Directories
Add and Change Complex Configuration Settings
Query Run-time Data (Web-Site State, Application Pool State, Currently Executing Requests)
Execute Advanced Configuration Tasks, Scripting, Integration with other PowerShell Snap-Ins and features
Search and Discover Configuration Settings
Here’s a very quick example of how powerfull this stuff is… with the Provider installed the following powershell command creates a site in IIS7! (Line break for formatting purposes!)
This is going to be REALLY useful for anyone who wants to automate the deployment of IIS7 web sites and services on Windows Server 2008. For a full walk-through of this fantastic addition to Powershell check out the learn.iis.net site.
It announced that Apple announced they have licensed the Exchange ActiveSync (EAS) protocol and are building support into the iPhone. I’m pleased to say that, as far as I can see the addition of this piece completes the package for me. With the addition of 3G connectivity to the handset I can see no reason (pricing notwithstanding) why we won’t see the adoption of this - let face it VERY cool - piece of kit.
Other handset updates:
Nokia has revved their Mail for Exchange application and now supports it on most of the N and E Series smartphones. Mail for Exchange can be downloaded here.
Sony Ericsson is shipping some cool phones with EAS support. Check out the W960i Walkman. And two that often get grabbed out of my hands are the Z750i featuring a “hidden” external display and the sleek K630.
Palm is shipping the Palm Centro with EAS support.
Remoba announced its EAS implementation, RemoSync, and expects to make it available soon.
One of the many questions which have been asked over the last month or so has been with regards the ‘disappearance’ of the un-authenticated or anonymous SKU for Windows Server in the SPLA pricing. After a bit of digging and some questions in the right places here is the answer.. for all of you interested!
As long as they are deploying/running Windows Server 2008 Web edition,and adhere to the use rights as specified in the SPUR (downloadable from: http://www.microsoft.com/serviceproviders/licensing/default.mspx), they can naturally use the Win Srv 2008 WEB license SKU’s. However, they can’t use these license SKU’s to license an instance of Windows Server 2003 Standard edition (anonymous).
Transition:
Since Windows Server 2003 Standard & Enterprise Anonymous are being removed, partners have 2 options:
1. If they were licensing Windows Server 2003 Standard or Enterprise Anonymous prior to it being removed from the SPUR in January, they can keep using and reporting the Windows Server 2003 Anonymous SKUs.
2. For SPLA partners that wish to transition to Windows Server 2008, they will no longer be able to report the Windows Server Anonymous SKUs. They will need to transition to one of the following products:
If you know about SPLA reporting this should all make sense.. I hope!
