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SmallBizVista.com's Mission

From SmallBizVista.com's website:

Our Mission

In the final quarter of 2006, Microsoft is expected to release Windows VistaTM, the successor operating system (OS) to the current Windows XP (all versions). Shortly thereafter, in 2007, the follow-on to Windows Server 2003, currently codenamed Longhorn Server is projected to debut.

As with every new OS, there will be pain.

Despite Microsofts best intentions, non-compliant, and/or poorly-written software, be it drivers, application software, or utilities, will cause serious incompatibilities across the board. And we are just talking about errant software! For others, aka 'compliant' software, the compatibility issues inherent in any evolutionary upgrade can make many a company assume that the status quo is 'good enough'.

However, is the status quo really good enough?

This is a question that will be asked several times over the next few months, rising to a deafening crescendo in the days leading to, and immediately following the release of VistaTM.

In anticipation of this,
Logikworx, an SMB Systems & Security solutions Integrator using Microsoft technologies, based in Marina Del Rey, California, decided to set up a family of websites, under AbsoluteVista.com, dedicated to bringing you information on VistaTM as it relates to small- and medium-sized businesses.

We will not generally have scoops. Nor first-to-tell information there are lots of sites dedicated to that. What we will bring you is news and information relevant to small businesses. We will help transition from XP and Windows 2000. And we will attempt to ease the pain.

SmallBizVista.com will be your source for in-depth reviews of Windows VistaTM, Microsoft Office 2007, currently in beta as Office 12 Beta 1, Microsoft Office Live, and the associated Windows Live offerings, Longhorn Server, and describe a migratory route you can take from your current platform to the future. We will also describe how you can take advantage of licensing programs offered by Microsoft to small and medium businesses.

We, contrary to current thought, encourage small businesses to upgrade to VistaTM immediately upon release.

Why?

Barring any unforeseen last minute eventualities, our experience with VistaTM from the release of Beta 1 back on August 3rd of 2005. Without a doubt, the security and usability enhancements alone make upgrading to VistaTM a no-brainer.

The ROI on this investment can be, for even the smallest business with five (5) or more staff, easily recouped.

Additionally, this is where Microsofts Software Assurance and Microsoft Licensing programs start to shine; as they provide a lower entry cost for upgrades, while protecting your investment in Microsoft software for the duration of the contract.

For the companies at the top of the SMB scale, or with a lot of ISV-developed software, we can point you in the direction of competent developers who would help in your migration.

In our reviews, we will use ordinary desktops and server configurations similar to what small businesses use. No esoteric hardware here. We will also use our Standard Business Desktop: Microsoft Office Small Business Edition.

SmallBizVista.com will utilize resources available to us from Logikworxs facilities in the US, Africa, and Great Britain.


Microsoft Office Live (beta) released today

Microsoft Office Live beta has been released into the wild.

Office Live has been released to beta testers by Microsoft today. It has been announced by Microsoft the it has over 100,000 businesses lined up to take advantage of Office Live.

For the most part, it seems that most of the early speculation about what Office Live is and is not have sorely missed what it was. In the crescendo of rumors and (unfounded) exectations, the words from Microsoft about what Office Live is was lost. The official press release can be found
here.

Office Live is an easy-to-use web hosting and Internet presence creation/maintenance service that Microsoft hopes to go gold in the near term. A 3-tier service, ranging from a free to two paid packages, Office Live aims to give small to medium-sized business a way to create an website quickly, and add collaboration, domain services, and email very quickly.

A
comparison chart of the current Office Live offerings is also on the Office Live welcome page.

SmallBizVista.com is proudly a product of the current beta offerings, utilizing the top rung of the offering, called Office Live Essentials. As a result, we will be constantly reviewing Office Live for performance, ease-of-use, reporting, and collaboration, to see if the service measures up.

With our parent company, Logikworx, we will be attempting to see how Office Live extends the breadth of the offerings we offer to clients.


Copyright © 2006, John Obeto II for AbsoluteVista.com®

Hey, Hey Hey!

Trevor's Walking!

10 months old, and 3 steps at a time today!

For the past couple of weeks, Trevor has held on to the walls, sofa, even both wifey and I's pants taking a few steps.

But today............

Trevor is taking about three steps at a time without holding anything!

I'm still as pleased and surprised as when John was doing the same.

Praise the Lord!

Amen

SmallBizVista.com's Mission

From SmallBizVista.com's website:
Our Mission
In the final quarter of 2006, Microsoft is expected to release Windows VistaTM, the successor operating system (OS) to the current Windows XP (all versions). Shortly thereafter, in 2007, the follow-on to Windows Server 2003, currently codenamed Longhorn Server is projected to debut.

As with every new OS, there will be pain.

Despite Microsofts best intentions, non-compliant, and/or poorly-written software, be it drivers, application software, or utilities, will cause serious incompatibilities across the board. And we are just talking about errant software! For others, aka 'compliant' software, the compatibility issues inherent in any evolutionary upgrade can make many a company assume that the status quo is 'good enough'.

However, is the status quo really good enough?

This is a question that will be asked several times over the next few months, rising to a deafening crescendo in the days leading to, and immediately following the release of VistaTM.

In anticipation of this,
Logikworx, an SMB Systems & Security solutions Integrator using Microsoft technologies, based in Marina Del Rey, California, decided to set up a family of websites, under AbsoluteVista.com, dedicated to bringing you information on VistaTM as it relates to small- and medium-sized businesses.

We will not generally have scoops. Nor first-to-tell information - there are lots of sites dedicated to that. What we will bring you is news and information relevant to small businesses. We will help transition from XP and Windows 2000. And we will attempt to ease the pain.

SmallBizVista.com will be your source for in-depth reviews of Windows VistaTM, Microsoft Office 2007, currently in beta as Office 12 Beta 1, Microsoft Office Live, and the associated Windows Live offerings, Longhorn Server, and describe a migratory route you can take from your current platform to the future. We will also describe how you can take advantage of licensing programs offered by Microsoft to small and medium businesses.

We, contrary to current thought, encourage small businesses to upgrade to VistaTM immediately upon release.

Why?

Barring any unforeseen last minute eventualities, our experience with VistaTM from the release of Beta 1 back on August 3rd of 2005. Without a doubt, the security and usability enhancements alone make upgrading to VistaTM a no-brainer.

The ROI on this investment can be, for even the smallest business with five (5) or more staff, easily recouped.

Additionally, this is where Microsofts Software Assurance and Microsoft Licensing programs start to shine; as they provide a lower entry cost for upgrades, while protecting your investment in Microsoft software for the duration of the contract.

For the companies at the top of the SMB scale, or with a lot of ISV-developed software, we can point you in the direction of competent developers who would help in your migration.

In our reviews, we will use ordinary desktops and server configurations similar to what small businesses use. No esoteric hardware here. We will also use our Standard Business Desktop: Microsoft Office Small Business Edition.

SmallBizVista.com will utilize resources available to us from Logikworxs facilities in the US, Africa, and Great Britain.
Copyright © 2006, John Obeto II for AbsoluteVista.com®

Microsoft Office Live (beta) released today

Microsoft Office Live beta has been released into the wild.

Office Live has been released to beta testers by Microsoft today. It has been announced by Microsoft the it has over 100,000 businesses lined up to take advantage of Office Live.

For the most part, it seems that most of the early speculation about what Office Live is and is not have sorely missed what it was. In the crescendo of rumors and (unfounded) exectations, the words from Microsoft about what Office Live is was lost. The official press release can be found
here.

Office Live is an easy-to-use web hosting and Internet presence creation/maintenance service that Microsoft hopes to go gold in the near term. A 3-tier service, ranging from a free to two paid packages, Office Live aims to give small to medium-sized business a way to create an website quickly, and add collaboration, domain services, and email very quickly.

A
comparison chart of the current Office Live offerings is also on the Office Live welcome page.

SmallBizVista.com is proudly a product of the current beta offerings, utilizing the top rung of the offering, called Office Live Essentials. As a result, we will be constantly reviewing Office Live for performance, ease-of-use, reporting, and collaboration, to see if the service measures up.

With our parent company, Logikworx, we will be attempting to see how Office Live extends the breadth of the offerings we offer to clients.


Copyright © 2006, John Obeto II for AbsoluteVista.com®

Hidden_Hunter, CCNA

My Aussie friend, Hive member Hidden_Hunter, just sat for his CCNA exams and passed.

Why is this a big deal?

Because he is only 17!

Yes, 17 and already certified on one of the world's most relevant (tele)communications platforms.

Congratulations to him.

At his age, I was not as focused as you are now; I wanted to go to college to get out of the house, go to Fort Lauderdale for spring break yearly, and throw down Jägermeisters to further my education and please my parents.

I have informed him that shall be looking forward to a CCIE from him soon.

Major League Props!

Seagate Announces 12GB 1-inch drive!

This computer/computing thing is going way too far.

I'm almost at the stage where I cannot keep up!

I remember my first hard drive, a 10MB monster! Don't laugh; I was the only one I knew who had a an IBM PC with a hard drive, my classmates still had C-64s and Atari 800s with floppiy drives only.

Then a few years into the IT thing, circa 1989-90, I also remember that the largest capacity drives we could get were the Seagate ST6766 drives. The were 676MB full-height drives that I had to comsurf for our NetWare servers. Heck, if you ever need a boat anchor.....

Now Seagate has a 12GB 1-inch drive.

Hard to wrap my brain around the size/capacity of this announcement.

Kobe's 81: The Aftermath

Morons can't open their pie-holes fast enough!

Vince Carter: Yes, that Vince Carter! "It sets a bad example."

It does, eh, Mensa?

Just because you are asked a question by the press does not mean you have to answer, idiot!

In fact, treat all questions by the press as rhetorical, punk!

Antoine Walker: The -Journeyman-Who-Thinks-He-Has-Game says he'll clothesline Kobe.

What a dolt.

Then again, if he had any real talent, he would still be in Boston. A$$hole!

Pat Riley: "Anyone can do it if given 50 shots."

Sir, what was your highest point total?

Actually, add your best year up and multiply by two. Maybe you'll start reaching Kobe's totals.

Great coach, my ass! If anyone had the talent on the teams Riley had, they'd better win championships.

Shake yourself, and buy some more Brylcreeem!

Greg Anthony: Just who the fuck is this pig? A less-than-average player with bad elocution who has been given a job to fulfil the minority quota of on-air talent - and I use the word talent loosely in his case - for ESPN, now thinks he has answers.

WTF?

Has the whole world gone mad? I blame ESPN for hiring this idiot.

To compound matters, this is the same fuckhead who translates the results of anonymous current NBA players when they dis Kobe.

This is just going crazy!

Who died and made Greg Anthony a sage?

Who?

Who?

Seems I have to add Conde-Nast to the list of people to blame for this bastard being given any run!

Totally infra dig of Conde-Nast.

Heck, I'm a Black man and I feel ashamed when this Ebonics-speaking schnorr is given any run.

Carol Bartz stepping down as Autodesk CEO

One of the first women CEOs, and a very distinguished one at that, of a high technology firm, Carol Bartz, is stepping down at Autodesk.

She is actually falling upwards as she takes over the role of executive chairman of the board, a new position.

Without the flash of the pretenders, Ms. Bartz helmed Autodesk since 1992 and grew it from one in a crowd to its current as leader and trendsetter.

I always pointed her out to She-Who-Must-Be-Obeyed as one of the women who matter.

Good Luck in your new position.


Copyright © 2006, John Obeto II for AbsoluteVista.com®

CES Day IV

Final Day!

Rolled out of the rack, got ready, and packed my bags.

Cab'bed over to the LVCC for a final look-see.

Started out at the South Hall, walked around, then made for the Central Hall. Went automatically to the Windows Community booth, saw fyiguy and freitasm. Said our bye-byes and I went on my merry way.

Made it to the south edge of the North Hall before my feet called it.

Got a cab, went to the hotel, picked up my stuff and off to the airport.

Thanks once again to The Hive, the Microsoft Windows Communities program, Aaron Coldiron, Josh Levine, Jed Rose, Brian Fish (FFWD>>64), and all who made this my best CES ever; as prior events have been a solo affair for me.

Wish everyone a safe trip back home.

And, as usual, every thing that happens in Las Vegas, Stays in Las Vegas.

Peace Out!

The Windows Community Dinner

Location: Private room at the restaurant rm at Mandalay Bay
Time: 7.30p
RSVP: Double-secret invite only, complete with classified handshake.
Menu: Special, event-only menu!



That is Page 1, informing us that the dinner menu was developed especially for us. Can you get the feeling that we're starting to feel (even) more special?



Howz that? Some meal, eh?

As delicioso as the meal was, the camaraderie and conversations during the meal - and what a meal - was, believe me, a lot more exciting.

Totally enjoyble end to the day, and for some Hive members, end to the week.

The List

This event would not have been possible without the following:

Microsoft.
Aaron Coldiron - Microsoft
Jed Rose - Microsoft
Josh Levine - Microsoft
Robert Scoble
All other Microserfs

The Hive
Michael Reyes - HardwareGeeks.com
Terri Stratton - TheTabletPC.net
Ira Wilsker - Host, My Computer Show on KVLI & KEBQ
Dana Cline - MediaCenterStuff.com
Sandi - IE-Vista.com (Sandi from Down Under)
Mauricio Freitsam - GeekZone.co.nz
Steven Hughes - Boston Pocket PC
Howard Sobel - Wugnet
Larry Richman - Pro-Networks
DaveBee - Melbourne PCUG
Robert McLaws - LonghornBlogs.com
Steve Sinchak - Tewaks.com
Steve Bink - Bink.nu
Ryan Hoffmann - Bink.nu
Joel Daimond - Wugnet
Barb

Who else slips my memory.

Props to all.

Star Trek Experience

Chilled at the Star Trek Exxperience with Michael-HWG, Sandi -from Down Under, and Danacline.

Had lunch at Quark's Bar.

Nice spending it with people who knew who Seven of 9, Tertiary Adjunct of UniMatrix Zero-1 is.

Pretty niiiice.

Windows Vista Lounge

Aaron, Jed, and Josh have arranged for a more in-depth briefing for us on the Media Center functionality in Vista.

Location: A VITO*-only hospitality lounge purposely erected on the front lawn of the LVCC, usually only accessible to corporate executives, rainmakers, etc.
RSVP: Exclusive, invite-only.
Time: The lunch hour of noon to 1.00pm.
Fiji water, our own Barista to fix the coffees, sumptuous digs.

Microsoft has a new segmentation of the functions of Windows Vista around themes that resonate: if I remember correctly, three of them are Memories - for media created by users, MC Video (forget what the official moniker for this is) for Media Center TV funtions, and Music. Three distinct areas were set up for the briefings, with each area showing off both a desktop viewing area - the two-foot experience, and an enlarged viewing area for the ten-foot experience.

Check this out:
Memories: the default photo cataloguing function in Vista is going to be more powerful than ever, and in this, I include all current 3rd-party software. Not only is indexing totally integrated into this, but the ability to insert metadata information into these photos lets users archieve greater control and help their creativity. Demoed: Vista, Kodak WiFi digital camera.

Video: CableCard. Not using an IR blaster/dongle to control channels and being able to use the Media Center guide to program channels is a definite plus - the cable from Comcast plugged directly into the computer. With the newly announced JV with DirectTV, even satellite programming will be accessed directly from the Media Center remote.

Music: Vista really shines here! You can slice and dice you music many more ways then a Ginsu(r) knife. Too many options to list here, but be rest assured, ITMS must be feeling the heat Vista is bringin'. More on this is my CES newsletter


VITO: Very Important Top Officer of a corporation, usually C-level execs.

CES Day III

More of the same.

Memo to self: Mix in a salad with meals, and convert the treadmill from ornamental to operational

I have to man the Windows Communities booth from 10.00 am to 11.00 am so I have to fly. Unlike yesterday, there is traffic all over the town. So, guess what? I have to trudge over to the MGM Grand to catch the Monorail, Monorail, Monorail.

Windows Communities Booth at the Microsoft Pavilion.

Can you say packed?

I am getting the same tingling feeling I had leading to the Windows 95 intro. And boy, is it a good feeling or what?

I must have spoken to 15 people directly over the 90 minutes I was there with other members helping out with talking to the mass of prople all around me. A whole lot of IT pros wanting to learn about Vista. This is niiiice!

Yesterday, Microsoft refreshed the primary Windows Vista site located at www.microsoft.com/windowsvista. The site rocks, with lots of relevant info, and the crowd is already aware? Wow!

VIP Party

Venue: PURE at Ceasar's Palace

It kept getting better.

I was invited to an exclusive VIP party at the club PURE at Ceasar's Palace, hosted by MTV Networks and Microsoft to celebrate their new collaboration URGE, a new digital music service.

Featured Musical Guest(s): The Grammy-nominated group-> The Killers.

Was it cool, or what?

Then there was the Private Room within PURE, where XXXXXXXXXXXXX


Sorry, that is all I can tell you!

Siffice it to say, it WAS FUN, FUN FUN!!!