Simple Workflow Service made simple

Amazon is developing tools through the Cloud that will make life a whole lot easier on small businesses.  Amazon Web Services' Simple Workflow Service (SWF) is a portal for developers to build and run cloud-based or on-premise business automation applications.  Check out why they think this endeavor will be beneficial for businesses to take advantage of.
We want to make it easier for you to build distributed, fault-tolerant, cloud-based applications! In our own work with systems of this type, we have learned quite a bit. For example:

1. The applications often incorporate a workflow -- A series of steps that must take place in a predefined order, with opportunities to adjust the workflow as needed by making decisions and by handling special cases in a structured fashion.
2. The workflow often represents a business process - Think about all of the steps involved in processing an order on your favorite e-commerce site. Charging your credit card, updating your order history, arranging for the items to be shipped, shipping the items, tracking the shipment, replenishing inventory, handling returns, and much more.
3. Processes can be complex - Years ago, I was told that a single Amazon.com order needed to make its way through at least 40 different states or steps before it was considered complete. I am sure that the process has become even more complex over time.
4. Flexibility is key - Earlier attempts to specify and codify a workflow in declarative form have proven to be rigid and inflexible. At some point, procedural code becomes a necessity.
5. Ease of use is important - It should be possible to design and implement these applications without spending a lot of time acquiring specialized skills.

As for pricing, this service will be pay as you go.  Like all of the services in the AWS Cloud, Amazon Simple Workflow is priced on an economical, pay-as-you-go basis. First, all AWS customers can get started for free. You can initiate execution of 1,000 Workflows and 10,000 tasks per month and you can keep them running for a total of 30,000 workflow-days (one workflow active for one day is equal to one workflow-day).
Beyond that, there are three pricing dimensions:

• Executions - You pay $0.0001 for every Workflow execution and an additional $0.000005 per day if they remain active for more than 24 hours.
• Tasks, Signals, and Markers - You pay $0.000025 for every task execution, timer, signal, and marker.
• Bandwidth - You pay $0.10 for the first Gigabyte of data transferred in. There is no charge for the first Gigabyte of data transferred out, and the usual tiered AWS charges after that.

Check out the rest of Amazon’s announcement over on their blog, and don’t forget about the upcoming Columbus Cloud Conference on April 3, 2012.
-Matt

System Center, SQL and Private Cloud all new in 2012

Microsoft is rolling out the 2012 courses for many of its newly soon to be released products, and we’re here to give you the lowdown on these highly anticipated courses.  Let’s start it off with System Center 2012!

SCCM2012- Mastering System Center Configuration Manager 2012

This is a brand new class developed and presented by Kent Agerlund, Microsoft MVP Configuration Manager. Next version of Configuration Manager will be released in 2012, but now can you get a solid training on its new features as well as the upgrade path from earlier version. This unique training is based on the latest release version, currently RC1, of the product and is the first and only in the market at this level.

2/21/12-2/24/12

M-10748- Deploying System Center 2012 Configuration Manager

This course describes how to plan and deploy a System Center 2012 Configuration Manager hierarchy, including the central administration site, one or more primary sites and secondary sites, and all associated site systems. This course also covers migration from System Center Configuration Manager 2007.
This course helps people prepare for exam 70-243

8/15/12-8/17/12

M-10747- Administering System Center 2012 Configuration Manager

This five-day instructor-led course provides students with the knowledge and skills to configure and manage a System Center 2012 Configuration Manager site and its associated site systems in the role of Configuration Manager Administrators.

5/21/12-5/25/12 and 7/23/12-7/27/12

While we’re at it with the new System Center courses, let’s focus on the Cloud as well.  Don’t forget, along with these new courses we have the Ohio Cloud Intelligence Conference coming up on April 3^rd, 2012!

M-10750- Private Cloud Monitoring and Operations with System Center 2012

This course provides an overview of a private cloud infrastructure, the business and technical drivers behind the implementation, and how System Center 2012 can be used to monitor and operate the private cloud infrastructure. Students will learn how to configure and optimize a new business unit cloud as well as how to deploy pre-packaged applications and create a new service template to deploy a service into the cloud. Students will learn how System Center Operations Manager is used to monitor the various services that underpin the private cloud and will gain a deep insight into the Application Performance Monitoring (APM) feature of Operations Manager to monitor the performance and availability of an application. Students will learn about the core functionality of Service Manager and learn how to create and manage change requests, incidents, and release records as well as the security model behind Service Manager.

M-10751- Private Cloud Configuration and Deployment with System Center 2012

This course provides direction on producing a high-level design that accounts for requirements for the private cloud environment. Students will learn how to configure and deploy the application infrastructure, how to configure a preboot execution environment (PXE) server, an update server, and a software update baseline. Students will learn how to sequence and deploy an application virtually, and how to build the core components that are necessary for delivering services in the infrastructure. They will also allocate resources and grant access to the private cloud.
Let’s close this week out with another quick look at the SQL 2012 offerings!

M-10776- Developing Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Databases
M-10774- Querying Microsoft SQL Server 2012
M-10775- Administering Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Databases
M-10777- Implementing a Data Warehouse with Microsoft SQL Server 2012
M-10778- Implementing Data Models and Reports with Microsoft SQL Server 2012

See you next week!

-Matt

Exclusive new SQL server courses: SQL 2012, advanced SQL server 2008 and cloud computing

This week I wanted to let everyone know about some new exclusive SQL 2012, and advanced SQL 2008 offerings!  Take a look at the new classes below.

Advanced SQL Server 2008

Advanced Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Analysis Services R2 (SSAS)

This two-day SSAS course focuses on advanced concepts for both operating and tuning SSAS in an enterprise environment. This course takes IT professionals, DBAs and developers to a deeper level of SSAS skills maturity. By the end of the course, students will have the knowledge on how to architect complex SSAS solutions, stress test an SSAS solution, implement load balancing, optimize dimension and cube processing, and implement a real-time and near real-time solutions.

3/8/12-3/9/12 and 3/15/12-3/16/12

Advanced Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Integration Services R2 (SSIS)

This two-day SSIS course focuses on advanced concepts for both managing and applying SSIS in an enterprise environment. Just knowing how to use SSIS is often not enough when faced with challenging processing requirements or complicated environments. This course takes IT professionals, DBAs and developers to a deeper level of SSIS skills maturity. By the end of the course, students will have the knowledge on how to architect SSIS solutions and deal with advanced requirements for data cleansing, data warehouse ETL, dynamic project environments, file management, and package optimization.

3/22/12-3/23/12 and 5/3/12-5/4/12

Advanced Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Reporting Services R2 (SSRS)

This is a fast-paced course for students with previous experience and basic Reporting Services design skills. This course teaches practical design techniques based on industry best practices and real-world reporting applications.

3/29/12-3/30/12 and 5/3/12-5/4/12

SQL Server 2012

Implementing a Data Warehouse with Microsoft SQL Server 2012

This 5-day instructor-led course describes how to implement a BI platform to support information worker analytics. Students will learn how to create a data warehouse with SQL Server 2012, implement ETL with SQL Server Integration Services, and validate and cleanse data with SQL Server Data Quality Services and SQL Server Master Data Services.

4/2/12-4/6/12

Implementing Reports and Data Models with Microsoft SQL Server 2012

This 5-day instructor-led course describes how to empower information workers through self-service analytics and reporting. Students will learn how to implement PowerPivot and tabular data models, create and deliver rich data visualizations with Project Crescent and SQL Server Reporting Services, and discover business insights by using data mining.

3/12/12-3/16/12

Now that you’ve seen the new SQL classes we have to offer, let me take a second and remind you about the upcoming Ohio Cloud Intelligence Conference 2012.  The conference is coming up on April 3^rd, 2012 and seats are filling up fast.  You can register here, and check out our Facebook page for special limited time pricing promotion for the conference.

-Matt

System Center 2012 and working with virtual lab environments

Before we get into this week’s blog, I wanted to remind everyone that the Ohio Cloud Intelligence Conference is coming up!  Take a look at the promotions, and register ASAP to ensure your seat!  The BEST promotion in my opinion is the one we are currently running on our Facebook page.  If you hit the “Like” button, you will open up the exclusive promotions area with a promo code for the conference.  It’s a great deal, and it’s easy do.

People are always asking if they can continue using the lab environments that they get to use in our classes once the classes are finished.  Sometimes this is the case, other times it isn’t an option.  The good news for System Center users is that Microsoft has made virtual labs available to you!  What’s even better is that these labs are designed for brand new tools!  Take a look.

System Center 2012 Virtual Labs

Microsoft has four new free System Center 2012 virtual labs available. Try out the basic operations of the new suite of System Center 2012 tools

• TechNet Virtual Lab: System Center Operations Manager 2012: Infrastructure and Application Performance Monitoring
• TechNet Virtual Lab: System Center Virtual Machine Manager 2012: Building Your Cloud Infrastructure
• TechNet Virtual Lab: System Center Virtual Machine Manager 2012: Building a Service Template
• TechNet Virtual Lab: Introduction to System Center Configuration Manager 2012

These are just a few of the available lab environments.  View all System Center 2012 Virtual Labs
Speaking of SSCM 2012, check out the brand new course below!
SCCM2012: Mastering System Center Configuration Manager 2012

This is a brand new class developed and presented by Kent Agerlund, Microsoft MVP Configuration Manager. Next version of Configuration Manager will be released in 2012, but now can you get a solid training on its new features as well as the upgrade path from earlier version. This unique training is based on the latest release version, currently RC1, of the product and is the first and only in the market at this level.

This class will take you through the installation and configuration of the main features in Configuration Manager 2012 based on Windows 2008 R2 and Windows 7. After the training you will have a solid understanding of the product and be able to use and design these features:

·         Installing different site servers

·         Working with multiple sites

·         Configuring site settings

·         Migrate from Configuration Manager 2007

·         Role based security

·         Configuring, maintaining and installing clients

·         Inventory Management

·         Reporting & Queries

·         Application deployment

·         Software updates

·         Settings management

·         Image deployment

·         Forefront Endpoint Protection 2012 beta

2/21/12-2/24/12

-Matt

Cloud Conference. Gain valuable insights and the opportunity to network with the best in the industry!

I’m sure you’ve heard the expression “Get your head out of the clouds!”  That expression isn’t such a bad thing anymore.  I want to introduce you to the…

Cloud Intelligence Conference: Columbus 2012

Babbage Simmel is proud to be a title sponsor of the 2012 Cloud Intelligence Conference.  The conference will take place on April 3^rd, 2012 at the Aladdin Shrine Event and Conference Center.

If you haven’t already come to the conclusion that it’s no longer a matter of “if” you’ll move to the Cloud, but simply a question of “when,” this conference will help you clearly understand why so many of your competitors and colleagues have already begun their migration.

·         You’ll see proof that the savings that can be realized by eliminating capital upgrade investments and significantly reducing operating expenses are REAL

·         You’ll be able to appreciate for yourself the maturity and reliability of cloud-based business models

·         You’ll enjoy deeper level explanations of the concepts you’ve been hearing about in the press

·         You’ll find yourself attending presentations that are ideally suited to your specific role and current level of familiarity with cloud computing concepts

With more than 12 sessions across 5 carefully targeted learning tracks, you’ll leave the Cloud Intelligence Technology Conference prepared to discuss and help develop your company’s cloud computing strategy.

Please register now.  I can’t stress this enough.  With five different tracks going all day long, the seats are going to go fast.  If you “like” our facebook page and check out the exclusive offers you will find a promo code worth $300 of the list price!  That’s right, for just $99 you can have your head in the clouds all day long, and then bring back valuable information to your organization.  If that’s not enough for you; earn a $399 credit towards any Microsoft Technical or Developer training class at Babbage Simmel for each enrollment to Cloud Intelligence. All of these amazing deals for one great day.  Don’t believe me?  Check out some of the testimonials from recent Cloud Conferences around the country.

Again, register for a seat ASAP!  They won’t last long!

-Matt

Developing Web Applications; Identity Management and Project Management Professional

This week I just wanted to quickly highlight a few classes within the next month that only have a few seats still available.  You will want to sign up for these classes ASAP to secure your seat!  Let’s take a look.

First off we have M-10264: Developing Web Applications with Microsoft Visual Studio 2010.

In this course, students will learn to develop advanced ASP.NET MVC and Web Forms applications using .NET Framework 4 tools and technologies. The focus will be on coding activities that enhance the performance and scalability of the Web site application. ASP.NET MVC will be introduced and compared with Web Forms so that students know when each should/could be used. This will also prepare the student for exam 70-515.

After completing this course, students will be able to:

-Describe the underlying architecture and design of a Web application.

-Develop MVC models.

-Develop MVC controllers.

-Develop MVC views.

-Optimize the design of a Web application for discoverability by search engines.

-Write server-side code for Web Forms.

-Optimize data management for Web Forms.

-Ensure quality by debugging, unit testing, and refactoring.

-Secure a Web application.

-Apply Master Pages and CSS for a consistent application UI.

-Develop client-side scripts and services for a responsive, rich, and interactive UI.

-Implement advanced AJAX in a Web application.

-Deploy a Web application.

-Develop a Web application by using Silverlight

This course has two different dates over the next month and both are filling up fast!

1/30/12-2/3/12

2/13/12-2/17/12

M-50382: Implementing Forefront Identity Manager 2010.

This four-day instructor-led course introduces and explains the features and capabilities of Microsoft Forefront Identity Manager 2010 (FIM), and provides an overview of the solution scenarios that FIM addresses. The course format includes presentation, discussion, demonstration, and many hands-on exercises. It is intended for students who have no previous Forefront Identity Manager 2010 or Microsoft Identity Lifecycle Manager 2007 (ILM) experience.

After completing this course, students will be able to:

•Understand FIM concepts and components.

•Identify appropriate FIM scenarios.

•Manage users, groups, and passwords using FIM.

•Synchronize identity data across systems, such as Active Directory and HR.

•Understand the issues involved in loading data (initial load, backup, and disaster recovery).

•Configure security for different levels of user.

•Manage password self-service reset and synchronization.

•Automate run cycles.

•Handle sets, simple workflows, and management policy rules (MPRs).

2/21/12-2/24/12

BAB520: A Guide to Preparing for the PMP Exam.

The Project Management Professional (PMP®) certification has become a highly sought-after indication of professionalism in project management. Preparing for the PMP® examination, however, can be a daunting and time-consuming experience.  In order to meet the needs of busy professionals, Babbage Simmel, one of the nation's leading project management training firms, has created PMP® 1-2-3: A Guide to Preparing for the PMP Exam, which forms the base of this intense, five-day workshop. PMP® 1-2-3 brings together the materials covered on the PMP® exam into one easy to use, step-by-step method for efficient and effective exam preparation.

In the PMP® 1-2-3 workshop, your exam preparation follows a simple three-step process:

-Learn the necessary concepts and definitions for the exam based on the PMBOK Guide, Fourth Edition and other authoritative sources of project management literature. Materials are presented in summary format within a highly visual presentation geared to the learning needs of adult learners.

-Apply the material in interactive assignments and exercises, again geared toward adult learners who learn by application

-Review and measure your progress using review templates and practice exam questions

2/6/12-2/10-12

Remember, all of these courses only have a few seats available, so sign up now!  We look forward to seeing you all soon.

-Matt

Are we really secure?

Are you really secured?

Here are three articles that I was able to pull together from a Google search very quickly.  SpyEye malware borrows Zeus trick to mask fraud, Hacking group releases more Stratfor subscriber data, and Government engineers actively plan for cyberwar.  What does this mean exactly?  I tell you.  These three examples show that not only are we not safe in cyberspace, but that it’s OBVIOUS that we aren’t safe.

As IT professionals, we need to know how to keep the people in our organization secured.  Luckily, we have a great path for you to take to ensure that you can do this.

Let’s start with Security +

CompTIA Security+® (2008 Objectives) is the primary course you will need to take if your job responsibilities include securing network services, network devices, and network traffic. It is also the main course you will take to prepare for the CompTIA Security+ (2008 Edition) Certification examination (exam number SY0-201). In this course, you will build on your knowledge and professional experience with computer hardware, operating systems, and networks as you acquire the specific skills required to implement basic security services on any type of computer network.

Next, the just released CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP).

You will examine advanced security concepts, principles, and implementations that pertain to enterprise level security.

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

•identify enterprise security fundamentals.
•apply enterprise security technology solutions.
•implement security design and solutions.
•manage risk, policies and procedures within an enterprise.
•integrate security solutions within an enterprise.
•conduct security research and analysis.

Finally we have CISSP Certification.

This five day, instructor-led course trains students in all areas of the security Common Body of Knowledge (CBK). They will learn about security policy development, secure software development procedures, network vulnerabilities, attack types and corresponding countermeasures, cryptography concepts and their uses, disaster recovery plans and procedures, risk analysis, crucial laws and regulations, forensics basics, computer crime investigation procedures, physical security, and much, much more. They will explore the contents and concepts that make up the diverse domains and learn how they work together to provide true "in-depth" defense.

The certification process for the Information Systems Security Officer training and certification program prepares and certifies individuals to analyze an organization's information security infrastructure in respects to threats, risks, and design a security program to mitigate risks relevent to 2011 and beyond. ISSO's will also be proficient in risk analysis, risk mitigation, application security, network security, operations security, business continuity and disaster recovery planning.

Let’s all make a New Year’s resolution to be as secure as possible in 2012.

-Matt