Operations Manager SP1 RTM command shell requires Powershell scripts to be digitally signed

After installing SP1 RTM, I noticed that Powershell scripts that I frequently run will no longer run unless I digitally sign them or modify the execution policy. For those who do not have code signing certs and want to modify the execution policy, run the command set-executionpolicy unrestricted.
This is not a suggested setting!, but will allow you to run scripts whilst you work through the procedure to buy or create your own authority. For details on creating your own signing certificate, run get-help about_signing

Operations Manager 2007 Agent upgrade from SP1 RC to SP1 RTM

It was brought to my attention this morning that the upgrade documentation shipped with SP1 RTM failed to call out a change in the upgrade method of SP1 RC agents (6246) to SP1 RTM (6278). An update to the upgrade guide and release notes are pending, but below is the proper procedure to follow if you are upgrading from RC to RTM – do NOT use the approval method from pending management.

To upgrade agents from Operations Manager 2007 SP1 RC (build 6246) to Operations Manager 2007 SP1 (build 6278) using the Operations Console

1. Log on to the computer hosting the Operations Console with an account that is a member of the Operations Manager Administrators role for the Operations Manager 2007 management group. 2. In the Operations Console, click Administration. Note When you run the Operations Console on a computer that is not a management server, the Connect To Server dialog box appears. In the Server name text box, type the name of the Operations Manager 2007 management server to which you want to connect. 3. In the Administration pane, expand Device Management, and then click Agent Managed. 4. In the Agent Managed pane, select the agents that are listed as version 6.0.6246.0, right-click them, and then select Repair. 5. In the Repair Agents dialog box, select the appropriate agent action account, and then click Repair.

System Center Operations Manager 2007 SP1 RTM

After much anticipation from the Ops Mgr community, Microsoft has made System Center Operations Manager SP1 RTM available for download at http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=ede38d83-32d1-46fb-8b6d-78fa1dcb3e85&DisplayLang=en.

What's new (Source: What's New in Ops Mgr 2007 SP1)

Operations Manager 2007 SP1 addresses critical customer-initiated issues, including improved deployment, performance, reporting, and enhanced support. 

Highlighting some of the key new features and enhancements:

• New capability to export Operations Manager 2007 diagrams to Microsoft Visio VDX file format.
  
• New ability to publish reports to multiple locations, such as Microsoft Windows SharePoint Services Web sites.
  
• Improved performance and reliability across the product, such as when working with alerts, overrides, and searches.
  
• Enhanced "advanced search" by improved the ability to search across monitors and rules by their overrides.
  
• Simplifying the creation of new management packs by allowing users to copy views from existing management packs to an unsealed management pack.
  
• New ability view performance data through the Operations Manager Web console, and setup filters for desired performance counters to ease searching and navigation.
  
• New discoveries and views added to the Audit Collection Services (ACS), along with new monitors and alerts to track the health of ACS collectors.
  
• Enhanced backup and recovery with the introduction of an easier-to-use Secure Storage Backup Wizard.
  

SCCM SP1 and R2 Betas are open

Visit the Microsoft Connect site for more information regarding the SCCM SP1 and R2 beta.

https://connect.microsoft.com/site/sitehome.aspx?SiteID=16

Windows Server 2008 Released to Manufacturing!

Windows Server 2008 was released to manufacturing today and will be available for purchase to new customers on March 1. MVL customers with active SA coverage or an EA will be able to download the software by the end of February.

Vista SP 1 RTM

Windows Vista Service Pack 1 (SP1) was released to manufacturing today and will start being available to customers in March, starting with Microsoft Volume Licensing customers. Read more at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2008/feb08/02-04VistaSP1MA.mspx

MMS 2008 - SR41 - Demystifying Regulatory Compliance with System Center

I just learned that Jeremiah Beckett from Secure Vantage Technologies will be providing the above breakout session at MMS 2008 in Las Vegas. For those who have not had the chance to speak with Jeremiah, you will not want to miss this opportunity!

Jeremiah also announced that SVT is a MMS 2008 GOLD sponsor this year. Hopefully, this will allow them to create a dedicated section for the SVT angels, their groupies, and the bar! Still no word on the rumored Secure Vantage VIP program – am I the only one hearing the whispers.

Read more at the Secure Vantage Team Blog and learn more about Secure Vantage Technologies' products and solutions.