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Microsoft Ramps up on Midmarket Resources

In conjunction with the launch of a Windows Server System promotion for midmarket businesses on Thursday, Microsoft is making available a number of new resources for organizations with 25-500 PCs.

First among the resources is the Midsized Business IT Center, a new Web site within Microsoft TechNet that provides technical information and resources for IT professionals and consultants. The site is a clearinghouse for information on deploying and managing Microsoft servers, operating systems and security technologies and applications.

Another resource is a new book from Microsoft Press with a title that leaves nothing to the imagination: Windows Server System Deployment Guide for Midsized Businesses.

A series of existing and previously discussed tools are also being repackaged to bring them to the attention of midsized companies and partners who sell to them:

  • Microsoft Security Assessment Tool (MSAT) -- for customers with fewer than 1,000 employees, the tool is designed to help assess security vulnerabilities by recommending processes, resources and technologies.
  • Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer (MBSA) 2.0 -- for both small and midsized businesses, the tool checks that an organization's Microsoft software has the latest security patches installed and scans for common security misconfigurations.
  • Microsoft Software Inventory Analyzer -- the tool generates a software inventory assessment of core Microsoft products installed on a local computer or throughout a network.

  • About the Author

    Scott Bekker is editor in chief of Redmond Channel Partner magazine.

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