Cliff Hobbs is a UK-based systems management consultant who specialises in the various systems management tools covered by his website FAQShop.com such as Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager (ConfigMgr) and Systems Management Server (SMS).Having worked with SMS since 1998 Cliff has gained extensive experience of designing, deploying, and supporting large enterprise-wide systems management solutions on behalf of companies such as EDS, 1E and Getronics.In recognition of his contribution to the Systems Management community Microsoft awarded Cliff the Most Valuable Professional (MVP) award for SMS in January 2004 which has been re-awarded in all subsequent years.Having grown up with the PC from the days of the IBM AT and PC-DOS 3.3, he has an extensive knowledge of several operating systems and applications gained through his present and past employment with companies such as EDS, Du Pont, Abbey National and Getronics, amongst others.The prime goal of FAQShop.com is to help people use Systems Management technology to make their lives easier - not for technology to control their lives which is reflected in this site's mission statement:
'Ensuring you get the best of IT'.
By Sacha Dawes:
I am delighted to announce that Opalis Software -- the leader in IT process automation software -- is now a wholly-owned subsidiary of Microsoft. This acquisition will deliver great new functionality to the Microsoft System Center family.
Opalis Software brings capabilities that deliver advanced workflow and reliable automation of processes across complex environments. Combining the deep automation expertise of Opalis with the integrated, physical and virtual datacenter management of System Center will enable customers to:
While we transition Opalis to Microsoft systems and processes, Opalis will continue to fulfill its existing commitments and support to its customers. Microsoft customers should visit www.opalis.com for more information on these capabilities.
For more information on the acquisition you should:
We in System Center are very excited about this acquisition, and look forward to the integrated benefits that both System Center with Opalis will provide to Microsoft and Opalis customers.
Best Regards, Sacha Dawes System Center Product Management
http://blogs.technet.com/systemcenterexperts/archive/2009/12/11/microsoft-acquires-opalis-software.aspx