The old VNC from AT&T Labs has been around for many years now in various flavors in the open source world. Now the original developers behind it and their current company, RealVNC, are planning to enter the mobile world officially later this month with a true 2-way remote control solution:
http://www.vnunet.com/vnunet/news/2227408/mobiles-enterprise-grade-remote
Currently the RealVNC Viewer is available for Windows Mobile here in Enterprise Edition beta (v4.2.7):
http://www.realvnc.com/products/beta/ce/
There is also an free .NET VNC Viewer for Windows Mobile available over on SourceForge.net here with a recent update from April 2007:
http://dotnetvnc.sourceforge.net/
- and another freebie version from Allware here:
http://www.allware.com.mx/?RP=VncViewer
Otherwise there are several other VNC variants out there for Windows Mobile over the years, but I believe most required funds to use.. It will be interesting where the RealVNC folks take this and how applicable it becomes to SCMDM\VPN type solutions..
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One of the most powerful things about Microsoft System Center Mobile Device Manager (SCMDM) is the ability to manage all of your Windows Mobile 6.1 or above devices through Active Directory (AD) Group Policy Objects (GPOs). A large percentage of the corporate market is already using GPOs to manage their desktop, notebook and server environments.
The GPO technology was introduced in Windows 2000 Server. Before that there were System Policies in Windows NT 4.0. There is already a fair amount of documentation and knowledge around extending GPOs to your own needs. But here I will go into some aspects more important around making use of SCMDM and supporting Windows Mobile in an enterprise running AD.
In this article I will go through how you can extend your own GPOs to have additional settings not available out of the box in the default Windows Mobile GPO template supplied by Microsoft in SCMDM 2008. I will expect that you already know how to access and use the default SCMDM GPO settings.
Windows Mobile Registry Keys
GPOs work by manipulating how registry keys are changed and written on the client machines. This is no different on Windows Mobile, compared to other Windows platforms at this point in time.
I will save the discussion on where to find and research Windows Mobile registry locations. But will point out that many are bound to specific OS levels, OEM and hardware requirements. So what works on one WM device may not work on another. So I can't stress enough the aspect of testing such settings before a larger deployment to end-users.
For this article I have asked my colleague, Chris De Herrera, to suggest some registry keys to use:
Improve text rendering performance by increasing the GLYPH Cache to 32k (decimal):
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\GDI\GLYPHCACHE]
"limit"=dword:00008000
Internet Explorer Mobile homepage settings:
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\AboutURLs]
"home_0409"="file://\\windows\\default_0409.htm"
"version_0409"="file://\\windows\\about_0409.htm"
"blank"="res://webview.dll/blank.htm"
Configure Communicator Mobile:
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Communicator\System Settings]
"ServerInternal"="sip.yourcompany.com"
"Server"="sip.yourcompany.com:443"
Furthermore I have also researched the following registry keys which may be helpful in corporate environments:
ClearType Activation:
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\GDI\ClearType][HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings]
"ClearTypeText"=dword:1[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\GDI\ClearTypeSettings]
"OffOnRotation"=dword:0
Browser History:
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main]
"DaysToKeep"=dword:00001E
Default Search Page:
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main]
"Search Page"=http://m.live.com/search/Results.aspx?q=%&mid=8001
Internet Explorer User Agent:
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings\5.0\User Agent]
"Default"="Mozilla/4.0"
"Platform"="Windows CE"
"Version"="MSIE 6.0"
Menu Animations:
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\GWE\Menu]
"AniType"=dword:0
Windows Animations:
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\GWE]
"Animate"=dword:0
Error Reporting:
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\ErrorReporting\DumpSettings]
"DumpEnabled"=dword:0
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\ErrorReporting\UploadSettings]
"DontUpload"=dword:1[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\ErrorReporting\UploadSettings]
"ConnectionFlags"=dword:0
Today Screen Text:
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Shell\DeviceBeta]
"Today"="EnterpriseMobile"
Display Time/Date in Taskbar or disable for battery indicator:
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Shell]
"TBOpt"=dword:3
"ShowTitleBarClock"=dword:1
Permit Bluetooth and IrDA File Transfer:
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Obex]
"IsEnabled"=dword:1
Please be aware that most of these settings require a soft reboot of the device before they become effective. The SCMDM policy agent should prompt you for a reboot of the device when an updated policy is synchronized from the Device Management Server.
Creating .ADM Files
Using the information published here about the correct registry key prefix to use for GPOs on Windows Mobile I created my own .ADM file with my sample registry keys listed above and a few other samples currently available.
You can download it here. I have noted in my sample the references used.
Look for a new folder called "Windows Mobile Settings-Extended" in the Computer Configuration section of the Group Policy Object Editor.
The single main trick was to prefix the native Windows Mobile registry keys with the <SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Mobile Settings\Registry> path.
So the native:
<HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\AboutURLs> became the longer:
<SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Mobile Settings\Registry\HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\AboutURLs>.
Note the collapsed HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE hive into the named HKLM. This also works for the HKEY_CURRENT_USER hive into HKCU.
Further Information on .ADM Files
Please see the reference links below for more details on the syntax used in the example .ADM file. The syntax and commands are not the easiest in the world of IT.
I also found a ADM file editor, called ADM Template Editor from a small company in Australia that may be useful if you are planning to write and manage a large number of custom .ADM/.ADMX files.
Again, please test the policies on the OS platform, level, and hardware you wish to broadly deploy your Windows Mobile settings out to.
Look for more articles soon on useful Windows Mobile registry keys and GPOs!
References:
Microsoft articles on writing GPOs:
How to Write a Simple .Adm File for Registry-based Group Policy
KB225087: Writing Custom ADM Files for System Policy Editor
KB816662: Recommendations for managing Group Policy administrative template (.adm) files
Creating a New Group Policy Object for (Windows Mobile) Devices:
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc135570.aspx
SCMDM Technical Article: Deploying and Configuring Communicator Mobile with MDM:
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc664624.aspx#DeployingConfiguring
SCMDM Technical Article: Name Resolution Considerations for Company Web Site Access
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc678152.aspx#NameResolutionConsiderations
ADM Template Editor: (Recommended, one of the few I believe out there!)
http://www.sysprosoft.com/adm_download.shtml
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Cross posted on http://blog.enterprisemobile.com as well.
A good FAQ has been posted over at the SCMDM Team Blog here:
http://blogs.technet.com/scmdm/archive/2008/09/24/faq-for-system-center-mobile-device-manager-2008.aspx
Covers several good topics in these sections:
- General
- Certificates
- AD Group Policy
- Software Distribution
- Administration
- Inventory
- Security
- MDM Client/Mobile VPN
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Good article that I think rounds it up nicely:
1. Securing and managing every device
2. Managing every connection
3. Protecting every piece of data
4. Educating every user
Article:
http://www.networkworld.com/news/2008/092508-mobile-security.html
Kudos and shout outs go to: Patrick Salmon and Alphons Evers! :-)
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Palm has announced the availability of the Palm Treo Pro in the United States. Highlights:
- Unlocked GSM device - Can be used on several US and international carriers.
- 2 year warranty
- Microsoft® Windows Mobile® 6.1 Professional Edition - SCMDM Ready
- Qualcomm® MSM7201 400MHz
- 320x320 transflective color TFT flush touchscreen
- HSDPA/UMTS/EDGE/GPRS/GSM radio
Tri-band UMTS – 850MHz, 1900MHz, 2100MHz
Quad-band GSM – 850MHz, 900MHz, 1800MHz, 1900MHz
- 802.11b/g with WPA, WPA2, and 801.1x authentication
- Built-in GPS
- Bluetooth® 2.0 + Enhanced Data Rate; Infrared (IR)
- 256MB (100MB user available), 128MB RAM
- 2.0 megapixels with up to 8x digital zoom and video capture
- Removable, rechargeable 1500mAh lithium-ion; Up to 5.0 hours talk time and up to 250 hours standby
- microSDHC cards (up to 32GB supported)
- 3.5mm stereo headset jack
More information here:
http://investor.palm.com/pressdetail.cfm?ReleaseID=337019
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"Celio has found that a REDFLY device in the hands of media, developers or mobile enthusiasts has tremendous viral marketing benefit. Therefore, they have budgeted a limited amount* of REDFLY devices for placement at $199 until October 31, 2008.
*Offer subject to limited quantity. Celio reserves the right to end the program at any time."
My company, Enterprise Mobile, is giving an additional reduction of $4 (as supply lasts):
https://store.enterprisemobile.com/
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The Common Criteria is an internationally recognized ISO standard (ISO/IEC15408) used by governments and other organizations to assess the security and assurance of technology products. Common Criteria provides assurance that the process of specification, implementation and evaluation of a computer security product has been conducted in a rigorous and standard manner. In the United States, federal agencies mandate that all IT products purchased by the U.S. Government for national security systems, which handle classified and some non-classified information, are required to be Common Criteria certified. Security-conscious customers such as government agencies utilize Common Criteria certification as a determining factor when making purchasing decisions.
More information on the Common Criteria can be found here:
http://www.commoncriteriaportal.org/ or here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_Criteria
Microsoft Windows Mobile 6.1 completed evaluation to Common Criteria EAL 2 augmented with Flaw Remediation (ALC_FLR.1) in the AISEP on 7 August 2008.
The Windows Mobile 6.1 evaluation builds on and extends the core security features of the Microsoft Windows Mobile 6 evaluation at EAL 2+.
Windows Mobile 6.1 has now been awarded the Common Criteria Evaluation Assurance
Level 2+ (EAL2+), so the last three operating system levels are now certified:
Windows Mobile 5.0 with MSFP:
http://www.dsd.gov.au/infosec/evaluation_services/epl/mobile_products/windows_mobile_v5.html
Windows Mobile 6:
http://www.dsd.gov.au/infosec/evaluation_services/epl/mobile_products/windows_mobile_v6.html
Windows Mobile 6.1:
http://www.dsd.gov.au/infosec/evaluation_services/epl/mobile_products/windows_mobile_v6.1.html
This should only further assist companies, government agencies and their suppliers to approve the use of Windows Mobile v6.1 as a mobility solution for their production environments.
Update 10/2/2008: Good article with more details is here: (Thanks to Chris De Herrera!)
http://www.windowsfordevices.com/news/NS2459427840.html
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The open beta of the Skyfire browser has finally been made available. I have been testing it in the closed beta and did like it's speed and features. Appears to work fine on Windows Mobile 6.1 devices as well. Although not yet designed for VGA type screens.
However in a corporate setting, it is architected in a similar manner as the Opera mobile browser. It retrieves the pages through a central server, and sends a compressed version to the phone. So for an enterprise using SCMDM or another VPN solution on their Windows Mobile devices, they still would need to expose their web applications to the Internet. :-(
I'm still looking forward to the standalone updated IE browser for Windows Mobile..
Links to additional information:
http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/09/24/skyfire-mobile-browser-now-open-to-everybody/
http://www.windowsfordevices.com/news/NS4005098322.html
http://technologizer.com/2008/09/24/skyfire-a-phone-browser-that-thinks-its-a-desktop-application/
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I noticed some press releases this last week for a particular product. For those enterprises that still have systems running that require terminal emulators I believe a possible solution could be available from BlueZone software:
http://www.bluezonesoftware.com/products/bzmobile/learn-more
They appear to support:
- IBM mainframes (TN3270 & TN3270E)
- IBM iSeries (TN5250)
- DEC/UNIX (VT)
- Unisys (T27, UTS)
- Secure File Transfer Protocol (FTPS)
Looks like they support all of these telnet connections through a 3-tier architecture where the mobile client traffic is transported over HTTP/HTTPS to a BlueZone Access Server. Of course using the SCMDM VPN, this could be even be more protected. :-)
Example screenshots on Windows Mobile can be found here: http://www.bluezonesoftware.com/products/bzmobile/screenshots2
I think depending on one your legacy screen designs, your usability may vary. If anyone has tried this solution, please leave a comment!
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I know this doesn't much to do with Windows Mobile devices, but I think it could show a peek of the business future to come and what devices we might see in the enterprise.
This yet to be named device I think has promise and shows how the technology is continuing to push the limit on size and form factor.. Not to mention battery time or the "green" factor instead of paper print!
It is only a black and white display device but think of the instances where you didn't need to bring along your Tablet PC or laptop, where this could work.. The Amazon book-reader device looks fairly ugly, and the Sony reader is also on the market.. But I think this takes it to a new level of non-LCD silicon technology and form factor.
Links:
http://www.plasticlogic.com
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For many international companies having large numbers of employees in EMEA, the fact that Nokia is the current worldwide leader in handsets can make it difficult to come up with a true global solution.
Looks like this may change rather rapidly with the announcement of the updated Nokia Mail for Exchange being made available:
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122099513463316437.html
http://news.cnet.com/8301-1035_3-10037506-94.html
http://www.nokiaforbusiness.com/nfb/DetailPage.html?guid=7b88d4a300a4c110VgnVCM100000708ef393RCRD
Direct link to the Nokia Mail for Exchange client is here: Mail for Exchange
Appears to have plenty of excellent ActiveSync features known primarily on the Windows Mobile platform. Looking in the technical specifications section it appears (I could be wrong!) it supports these ActiveSync policy settings without the need to use the Nokia Intellisync Device Management tool (which is not free):
Security
- Support for SSL encryption
- Mail for Exchange utilizes Microsoft Exchange Server 2003 SP1 and Microsoft Exchange server 2007 SP1 security policies, providing the administrator with the option to:
- require the use of passwords and manage passwords policies
- restrict ability to download or limit size of the attachment download
- allow or not allow the user to use Mail for Exchange while roaming
Lock and wipe functions
- An administrator can remotely wipe a supported device that has been lost or stolen
- Device is wiped if the password is entered incorrectly a predefined number of times
Synchronization
- Multiple configurations include: manual, scheduled (or periodic), and always-on synchronization using Microsoft Exchange Server 2003 SP2 or later
- Synchronization according to individually configurable parameters
Not too shabby, if you don't have policies requiring encryption as well on the device with corporate e-mail.
Would be interesting to hear from anyone that gives this a try and configures Exchange policies towards different Nokia devices!
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Dave Madison from the product team has publicly posted details on the upcoming SP1 for SCMDM that will be available in time for Christmas this year:
http://blogs.technet.com/scmdm/archive/2008/09/02/what-s-coming-in-scmdm-sp1.aspx
Key highlights:
- Multiple-instance: The ability to have more than one SCMDM installation in a single forest. This way in a large multiple domain forest, you could have separate installations with different admin security permissions, etc..
- PIN Reset: Closes the gap with Exchange 2007, so the similar functionality found there can also be brought to the SCMDM Self-Service Portal.. Interesting to note that this will require a small .CAB update to the Windows Mobile 6.1 devices. Of course deployable to the devices with SCMDM itself.. :-)
- Windows Server 2008 AD Support: Domain and Functional mode. yeah!
- Windows Hyper-V support for MDM components running on Windows Server 2003 for testing.
- Increased Performance and Scalability: Goal to raise the maximum users from 30K to 40K in a single instance..
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For new or current AT&T customers out there, there is a new cool interesting offering from AT&T where they will give customer support to setup and test out SCMDM in their environment! See the full press release here and ask your local rep for more information:
http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=26038
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Just a quick reminder if you aren't already aware but the Microsoft SCMDM product team is posting some great troubleshooting tips over on their blog: http://blogs.technet.com/scmdm/
Some recent topics:
Troubleshooting device connection to the Device Management server
Remote Wipe Now and MDM Alerter troubleshooting
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For those of you that have been following along and interested in the Redfly, please note that the price has now been lowered to USD $399. You can also order it directly here:
https://redfly.store.enterprisemobile.com/
In other Redfly news, another batch of Windows Mobile device drivers have been released. Please see http://www.celiocorp.com/smartphone/ for the latest listing!
And finally, a new 30 day free trial program has been put in place: http://www.celiocorp.com/freetrial/
They will simply charge the current price if not returned after 30 days..
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I've tried to compile a list of which devices now have official supported upgrades available for them. This may be useful for many of you as well. I will keep this list updated..
Sprint Motorola Q9c:
http://direct.motorola.com/hellomoto/NSS/update_my_software.asp
Sprint Mogul:
http://www.htc.com/us/FAQ_Detail.aspx?p_id=75&act=sd
Sprint HTC Touch:
http://www.htc.com/us/faq_detail.aspx?p_id=76&act=sd
AT&T Motorola Q9h:
AT&T Tilt:
<imminent I have heard, will replace with link once available! Possible announcement at the CTIA conference Sept 10, 2008?>
HTC TyTN II:
http://www.intomobile.com/2008/05/24/htc-gets-official-with-windows-mobile-professional-61-update-for-htc-tytn-ii-kaiser.html
Samsung SCH-i760:
http://msmobiles.com/news.php/7497.html
Orange HTC TyTN II:
http://www.coolsmartphone.com/news4172.html
Telus HTC Touch:
http://www.htc.com/us/FAQ_Detail.aspx?p_id=80&act=sd
If you know of others please let me know!
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Skype has now released a updated version with Windows Mobile 6.1 support. So this means within a MDM environment you could package it up and ship it out to your supported WM 6.1 devices..
More info here:
https://developer.skype.com/WindowsMobileSkype
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This appears to be "silently" released almost 2 weeks ago, but haven't seen much posted about it so far.
Microsoft System Center Mobile Device Manager 2008 Management Pack for SC Operations Manager 2007:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=B9785235-826E-442B-AEAF-12F44BAE5517
I'm interested in seeing how someone could perhaps extend some of the event log and/or performance collection gathering to fit other needs.. Perhaps a nice view of connected devices and their IP pool addresses?
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I've been on vacation for a few weeks and now back in the saddle and will keep updating my blog here with more interesting Windows Mobile enterprise management information!
I new site I have added to the left side underneath the SCMDM Links section is the SCMDM Team Blog which will have comments and information directly from the product team. Check it out!
http://blogs.technet.com/scmdm/
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The company I work for, Enterprise Mobile, is hiring! If you know someone you might be a good fit please forward this on and see the links below! Much appreciated!
Description:
Reporting to the Regional Director, Professional Services, the Mobility Consultant will consult with customers on mobility strategy, making recommendations and suggestions.
Specific responsibilities:
- Delivering strategy workshops across a range of enterprise mobility related topics.
- Troubleshooting specific technical problems related to mobility infrastructure.
- Designing mobility architectures for enterprises.
- Delivering proposals related to mobility issues such as security, device management, etc.
- Either doing or providing technical leadership to technical staff doing hands-on work associated with any or all of the above.
For more details on requirements and qualifications, and to apply please go here:
http://www.interviewexchange.com/jobofferdetails.jsp?JOBID=10064
http://www.enterprisemobile.com/careers/overview.htm
Marco..
Several new support documents have now been posted to TechNet before TechEd this week to further support enterprise installations of SCMDM. Check them out!
Configuring External and Internal Firewalls in Mobile Device Manager
Describes how to configure external and internal firewalls to permit MDM to function.
Deploying Mobile Device Manager in a Global Enterprise Environment Helps you address the decisions and activities that are critical to successfully integrate MDM into a larger, more complex, or geographically dispersed enterprise environment.
Integrating Mobile Device Manager with Microsoft Exchange Server Helps you address the decisions and activities that are critical to successfully integrate MDM and Microsoft Exchange Server.
Integrating Mobile Device Manager with Existing Web Sites or SharePoint Server Helps you integrate MDM with existing Web sites or Microsoft Office SharePoint Server portals for Windows Mobile 6.1 access.
Using WM 6.1 Images on the Device Emulator with MDM Provides instructions for using the Windows Mobile 6.1 Device Emulator images to configure and test your MDM system.
New entry on June 19, 2008:
Using Wi-Fi with Mobile Device Manager
Helps you plan and deploy your wireless infrastructure using SCMDM 2008. Includes best practices and guidelines for a secure and reliable wireless architecture.
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Can't help think back in time when phones were literally a different "beast" than today.. This gives a nice recap, enjoy!
http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=d5a_1211301449
“Who hasn't rummaged through their pants pocket or purse looking for their ultra-sleek, super-tiny cell phone and longed for a return to the days when using a mobile phone meant lugging around a 2-pound battery pack and holding a brick to your face?
This three-minute video takes us on a nostalgic trip back to the early days of cell phones. Watch a 1985 Motorola DynaTAC morph into an Apple iPhone, with about three dozen cell models squeezed in between. The video even provides a glimpse of the cell phones of the future.”
BTW, I even found a company that is selling "vintage mobile phones" now: http://www.retrobrick.com :-)
Update July 14, 2008:
Chris Saint Amant forwarded me this nice graphic: http://www.newlaunches.com/entry_images/1107/12/nokia_timeline.jpg
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In case you have missed the news so far the last week or so.. Things are slowly starting to pick up with all the promised upgrades for specific models announced in October 2007 and April 2008:
Sprint Motorola Q9c:
http://www.everythingq.com/news/software/motorola-releases-windows-mobile-6-1-upgrade-for-sprint-moto-q-9c-20080603298/
HTC TyTN II:
http://www.intomobile.com/2008/05/24/htc-gets-official-with-windows-mobile-professional-61-update-for-htc-tytn-ii-kaiser.html
Which means the official AT&T upgrades should be around the corner as well you would think... :-)
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A few great new tools now available for download from http://tools.enterprisemobile.com!
These new tools can really be useful when trying to use and troubleshoot your SCMDM 2008 installation. Check them out and feel free to give me some feedback on how they could be made even better!
This utility provides a graphical user interface (GUI) for signing CAB files (files used for installing software on WM devices) in order to easily creates secure mobile deployment. Microsoft System Center Mobile Device Manager requires each software distribution to be digitally signed, which may be a challenge for the Mobile Administrator using existing process and procedures. The utility makes the signature step super easy and simple.
GUI CAB Signer Utility provides:
· Graphical User Interface for CAB signing for easier and simpler process
· Enables faster deployment through visual verification of certificate
· Can be installed on any PC running Windows XP or Vista
This utility combines basic troubleshooting tools commonly available on the desktop and widely used by IT Staff and Administrators (ping, traceroute, ipconfig) with some more advance capabilities (ping sweep, speed test) into one package that is compatible with WM 5, WM 6 and WM 6.1.
Windows Mobile IP Utility enables easy troubleshooting of connectivity on Windows Mobile devices, enables and eases out troubleshooting of Microsoft System Center Mobile Device Manager VPN connections and even enables troubleshooting of PCs connected to the same network as the WM device i.e. WiFi network.
Windows Mobile IP Utility provides:
· IPCONFIG for all adapters on the Windows Mobile device
· PING to any host or destination
· PING SWEEP of multiple hosts within the specified range
· Traceroute to any host or destination
· Speed Test to check your connection speed and performance
· Is compatible with WM 5, WM 6 and WM 6.1 devices
· Requires .NET CF 2.0 (additional install for WM 5 devices, in ROM for WM 6 and later)
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Today new Resource Kit v1.1 downloads were made available for the Client and Server, together with the long awaited Reporting Services!
I will attempt to post a more detailed review of all the tools at a later date.
For now this is a quick overview and what is included in which release:
MDM Server Tools:
- v1.0: MDM Certificate Tool
- v1.0: MDM Bulk Pre-Enrollment Tool
- v1.0: MDM Cleanup Tool
- v1.0: MDM Device Enrollment Cleanup Tool
- v1.0: MDM Application Hash Code Tool
- v1.1: MDM CAB Signing Tool
- v1.1: MDM Active Directory Validation Tool
- v1.1: MDM System Configuration Cmdlets
- v1.1: MDM Device Records Synchronization Tool
- v1.1: MDM Additional Group Policies
- v1.1: MDM Group Policy Models
- v1.1: MDM Blocked Device Cleanup Tool
- v1.1: MDM Security Configuration Wizard Templates
MDM Client Tools:
- v1.0: MDM Connect Now Tool
- v1.0: MDM VPN Diagnostics Tool
- v1.1: MDM Managed Device Status Viewer
MDM Reporting Services:
"provides a reporting and data access service across all feature areas of MDM. MDM Reporting Services is based on and integrated with SQL Server Reporting Services 2005."
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Since things are heating up and more and more people are asking questions on SCMDM information, I have gathered up this little quick-hit list:
System Center Product Page:
http://www.microsoft.com/systemcenter/mobile
One page overview:
http://www.microsoft.com/systemcenter/mobile/evaluation/overview.mspx
TechNet Product Page:
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/scmdm
TechNet Forum for SCMDM 2008:
http://forums.technet.microsoft.com/en-US/SCMDM/threads/
Product Documentation:
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/scmdm/cc304592.aspx
This currently has the following guides listed:
- Architecture Guide
- Planning Guide
- Deployment Guide
- Security Guide
Resource Kit Tools: (v1.1 released on May 14th, 2008)
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/scmdm/cc304591.aspx
This currently has the following downloads:
- Self Service Portal (SSP)
- Server Tools (See my other blog posting for the v1.0 release)
- Client Tools: ConnectNow and VPNDiag see this blog posting, MDM Managed Device Status Viewer new with the v1.1 release)
- Best Practices Analyzer Tool (BPA)
- Reporting Services (new with v1.1)
One note on the Server and Client Tools:
The v1.0 downloads dated April 1, 2008 where removed and updated with the v1.01 or later dated after May 1, 2008. Do not extract the older versions to your root C:\ drive folder as it will blow away your OS! See the KB article on this here: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/952338.
120-day Trial/Evaluation Download:
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/evalcenter/cc339027.aspx
MSDN media: http://msdn.microsoft.com/subscriptions/downloads
Windows Mobile 6.1 Emulator
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=3D6F581E-C093-4B15-AB0C-A2CE5BFFDB47
Emulator setup documentation: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc461417.aspx
Windows Mobile 6.1:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsmobile/6-1/default.mspx
Windows Mobile - System Center Mobile Device Manager overview:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsmobile/mobiledevicemanager
Proxy assistance:
To configure a Proxy running ISA server to tunnel HTTPS packets on port 8443 to the Device Management server, use the AddTPRange.vbs script from here: http://www.microsoft.com/technet/isa/2004/plan/managingtunnelports.mspx
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Summer 2008 is coming and a new wave of mobile devices are being announced. Yesterday it was the long anticipated new batch HTC Touch devices.
As these devices come towards to the consumer (via direct stores and carriers), there will automatically be questions raised to the Enterprise administrator when these employees start bringing these new devices into their work space.. "When can these be supported?", "How can I get my corporate e-mail and apps on them?", etc..
The major good news is that many of these newer devices now are coming with WM 6.1, so using them with your MDM infrastructure and mandating the same settings throughout your environment has become much easier!
Comparison Table of the HTC Touch Diamond and Sony Ericsson Xperia X1:
http://www.gsmarena.com/compare.php3?idPhone2=2368&idPhone1=2246
For grins, an added comparison with an iPhone, as this new wave of devices appear to attack that premium marketplace:
http://pdadb.net/index.php?m=pdacomparer&id1=815&id2=1311&id3=1117
Together with a new breed of mobile browsers (ie. Skyfire, etc) and graphical display engines (Adobe Flash, Silverlight), it think these high-powered, high-resolution, memory crammed devices will be highly sought after and enter the enterprise space rather quickly!
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