OCS Voice Ignite - Phase 2

I'm in Copenhagen this week, running the first of the Phase 2 Voice Ignite sessions. The initial phase of VI involved re-deliveries in 6 cites (Orlando, Barcelona, Sydney, Kuala Lumpur, Paris and Scottsdale). These were big events at big venues mainly taught by MCS consultants and a few GK folks. Phase 2 is smaller regional re-deliveries. We've here in Copenhagen for the first of these (Reading UK, Paris and Austin Texas are the other three of these that are booked thus far).

The biggest issue with these regional re-deliveries is setup. With phase 1, we had support from Microsoft's TSG team (and 1st class they are too). For the the phase 2 deliveries, we're on our own. Like every first run of deep rich training, we've had issues (power, the wrong cables, etc) - nothing we can't and didn't solve. Just more stress!

But - with these challenges behind us, we're now steaming ahead with the training and folks seem to be pretty happy.

Technorati tags: OCS 2007, Voice Ignite, Office Communications Server 2007, Global Knowedge, Microsoft

Around the World With OCS Voice Ignite - continued

As I noted in a recent post (Around the World With OCS Voice Ignite) I'm taking part in the OCS Voice Ignite tour. Last week was Sydney where were were ensconced in Darling Harbour. The venue was great, and the content was even better. This week we're in the wonderful city of Kuala Lumpur.

My trip to Sydney (LHR-LAX,  LAX-SYD) was greatly improved by upgrades - entering a 747 and turning left is the only way to fly! Thanks to an unknown friend of a friend for those upgrades! The only downside was the unscheduled stop at Honolulu for fuel and the lack of laptop power across the Pacific. Nevertheless, the service was excellent, and the 4000 bonus miles United offered us as compensation helped.

Sydney is a great city - although it rained most of the week (I've seen drier days in the monsoon!). But the audience was great and we all had a lot of fun. I was sorry to leave, but Kuala Lumpur beckoned.  The flights to KL (SYD-BKK-KUL) were OK too. We were a bit late into Bangkok, but that just meant less time waiting. The flight down to KL on Lufthansa was stunning - a band new 747 (it had less than 400 flight hours said the stewardess). Think of the smell of a new car, very comfortable seats and a great crew.

Then the curse of all world travellers - I got to KL, but my luggage did not. When you travel as much as I do, lost luggage is something that is just going to happen sooner or later. And when it does, KL is the place to have it happen. The hotel and Lufthansa were great. The airline was very apologetic and gave me US$200 in local currency to buy some new stuff while they found my bag. And the hotel (The Westin) made it very easy - they called the airport every 4 hours and kept me fully informed. Fortunately the bag turned up last night and I've got a few Ringits spare to help the enjoyment of KL.

I feel very, very lucky on several levels. First I'm getting to work with a very rich content and very knowledgeable speakers. Second, we get real world labs with great hardware (I'm pretty biased though as Global Knowledge built the labs). Finally, we get to meet passionate and committed OCS fans and get them the real answers to the very real issues they and their clients face. Oh - and this week at least, we get the best breakfast buffet I've EVER seen in my entire life.

It's a shame that the content is under NDA - which means I can't share much of it (and the Voice Ignite sessions are now fully booked so I can't suggest you book onto a session). I think and hope that there will be more deliveries on a regional basis - but I've had nothing confirmed. Watch this space - or take a look at Devin's blog as noted in http://cacorner.blogspot.com/2008/02/voice-ignite-sydney.html which provide some insights to this great content.

Thanks to the OCS team for allowing me to have this wonderful experience.

Technorati tags: OCS, Voice Ignite, Microsoft, Global Knowedge

Launching a UK PowerShell User Group

In an earlier blog post, I posed some questions surrounding a PowerShell User Group for the UK. After talking about this with Richard Siddaway and a few others, I have some initial answers, set out below. The good news is that we are moving ahead to form a UK PowerShell User Group.

It's important to note that what follows is just the starting point for the group and is a way of getting it going. Nothing is set in stone, and all the decisions can easily be changed if that's what is wanted.

Who are we?

Keeping with the PowerShell approach to naming, the group is called Get-PSUGUK. Get-PSUGUK is a user group open to anyone with an interest in PowerShell - including administrators and developers. The group should be broadly independent of Microsoft, but closely aligned.

Who runs it?

Richard has assumed the role of Chairman and I'm acting as vice-Chairman. We are trying to keep the user group informal, which means no legal status, at least at present!

We are also hoping to keep the group free to members, through the generosity of sponsoring firms, including Global Knowledge, Microsoft, and Perot Systems.

What do we do?

We meet every couple of months, midweek after working hours to discus PowerShell. We may also run some on-line events if this is something members want. The group will also have a web site, and if we can find someone to take it on, a newsletter.

Where do we meet?

We've decided to hold the first meeting on January 24th 2006 at Global Knowledge's office in Wokingham starting at 18:00. There will be a bit of beer and pizza, sponsored by the PowerGadgets people. The meeting will be free, but open to the first 25 members who register. Future meetings can be held at Microsoft (Reading, London) and Perot Systems in Nottingham - plus anywhere else we can get free meeting space.

How do I join?

To become a member, just send a mail to PowerShell-UK@Hotmail.co.UK with your name and a working email address. Currently there is no fee to join or to attend meetings.

Our First Meeting

As noted, the first meeting will be at Global Knowledge on 24th January 2007. The draft agenda is:

• Discussion on organisation (15 minutes max)
• Discussion of installation and configuration of PowerShell and install fest (60 minutes max)
• Beer pizza (30 minutes)
• A presentation on PowerShell tools (TBA)
• Round up and planning for the next meeting (25 min max)

Be sure to bring your laptops along and we'll help you to get PowerShell up and running for you.

Next Steps - Call to Action

• If you are a UK PowerShell fan, then send an email to PowerShell-UK@Hotmail.co.UK and become a member.
• Mark the 24th of January in your diary and plan to turn up. You'll need to send mail to PowerShell-UK@Hotmail.co.UK to register for the event.
• Please comment on this blog if there's anything else we've missed.

Technorati tags: Powershell, Windows Powershell, Microsoft, Global Knowledge, Powershell User Group, Get-PSUGUK