http://blog.machsol.com Thu, 12 Apr 2012 07:25:21 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 Support Policy Update http://blog.machsol.com/company/announcements/support-policy-update http://blog.machsol.com/company/announcements/support-policy-update#comments Thu, 12 Apr 2012 07:13:46 +0000 Admin http://blog.machsol.com/?p=1469 Ticket initiation via support portal made compulsory

MachSol Inc. is an emerging leader in unified automation software that solves business and operational challenges in delivering scalable hosted software (SaaS) in cloud. MachSol paves way to the next generation of hosting, uniting the common aspects of management and control into single complete solution supported by experience and Microsoft certified engineers.

Notice – Support Policy Update

While we feel delighted to assist all our customers, we have made it compulsory that all issues are first initiated via the support portal in the form of a Case / Trouble Ticket and then formal Email, Phone or Live Chat communication is done.  In all communications the Title and Case ID generated should be mentioned as a reference.

For timely resolution and action on the problem points, Enterprise Services and Support team is mainly responsible.  In the event of a Problem, Question or Suggestion about the product “MachPanel”, You must forward all requests via the support portal on our website.

This will help everyone to keep track of all open/pending requests and appropriate resources from our team will be watching the progress. The procedure to place a ticket is very simple and entailed on the KB link below:

http://kb.machsol.com/Knowledgebase/Article/50282

NOTE:  After announcement of this notice, it is the client’s responsibility to ensure they have an active support agreement and they must initiate a ticket before contacting our support team via email, chat or phone for every new incident/problem.

Sincerely,

MachSol Team

Related Posts:

]]> http://blog.machsol.com/company/announcements/support-policy-update/feed 0 Configuring IFD with Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 http://blog.machsol.com/microsoft-dynamics-crm/configuring-ifd-with-microsoft-dynamics-crm-2011 http://blog.machsol.com/microsoft-dynamics-crm/configuring-ifd-with-microsoft-dynamics-crm-2011#comments Mon, 02 Apr 2012 12:50:15 +0000 Abid Sultan http://blog.machsol.com/?p=1457 Configuring IFD with Microsoft CRM 2011Internet Facing Deployment (IFD) configurations have been significantly varied from Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 to Microsoft CRM 2011. In the following post, these changes have been listed but before we move onto them we need to know ADFS. Active Directory Federation Services (ADFS) help organization to validating users from partner organizations based on highly secure, scalable and extensive identity access solution. For example, if you are using Windows Server 2008 R2 and you want to grant permissions to external users to your some resources within your organization in a secure and simple way then you can use ADFS to ensure external users are securely authenticated and granted access. Using ADFS can also help you to establish trusteeship between untrusted resources and your organizational domain resources. In short, following are the changes that have been prominent from Dynamics CRM 4.0 to CRM 2011.

  • + In Dynamics CRM 4.0 form based authentication mechanism was used for IFD whilst in CRM 2011 claim based authentication dependency is taken which makes it necessary to configure security token service like ADFS and some sort of certification management.
  • +  In Dynamics CRM 4.0, an administrator usually had two ways to configure IFD which are the following:
    • -  Setting up XML configuration file during installation
    • -  Using IFD configuration tool
  • + In CRM 2011, IFD configuration goes through the following steps (Watch the video given below for more details):
    • -  Installing AD FS 2.0
    • -  Configuring the AD FS 2.0 federation server
    • -  Managing certificates
    • -  Configuring Dynamics CRM 2011 for claims-based authentication and IFD
    • -  Creating the relying party trust for CRM and configuring the claims rules on AD FS 2.0

For more technical details about IFD and ADFS, following the Microsoft’s post here at: http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?displaylang=en&id=3621

Related Posts:

]]> http://blog.machsol.com/microsoft-dynamics-crm/configuring-ifd-with-microsoft-dynamics-crm-2011/feed 0 Remotely Creating Lync Simple URL – Lync Automation Solution http://blog.machsol.com/microsoft-lync-2010/remotely-creating-lync-simple-url-lync-automation-solution http://blog.machsol.com/microsoft-lync-2010/remotely-creating-lync-simple-url-lync-automation-solution#comments Thu, 22 Mar 2012 09:31:30 +0000 Abid Sultan http://blog.machsol.com/?p=1448 Lync Management Shell provides an interface for administrators to easily manage Lync server. In different circumstances, even simplest job becomes an unavoidable hurdle. For example, creating Lync simple URL (e.g. https://lync.mydomain/SipDomain/Meet ) using management shell is quite simple by executing the following commands:

$urlEntry = New-CsSimpleUrlEntry -Url "https://lync.MyDomain/SipDomain/Meet"
$simpleUrl = New-CsSimpleUrl -Component "Meet" -Domain "SIPDomain" -SimpleUrl $urlEntry -ActiveUrl "https://lync.MyDomain/SipDomain/Meet"
Set-CsSimpleUrlConfiguration -Identity Global -SimpleUrl @{Add=$simpleUrl}
Enable-CSComputer

Above commands once executed will create simple URL but this easy task becomes quite difficult if you had to do it remotely (for any purpose like an automation solution for Lync management). Inside a vb.net code above shell cmdlets were called. But upon execution below error came: Assignment statements are not allowed in restricted language mode or a Data section.

Few solutions to bypass above error were tried like setting execution policy to unrestricted , using admin credentials for remote session etc. , but all in vain.

However, another approach was used to get this task done by saving these cmdlets in a ps1 file and executing the file. Following is the code snippet that does this:

Try
Proc.StartInfo.FileName = "C:\Windows\System32\WindowsPowerShell\v1.0\powershell.exe"
Dim ScriptFile As String = “C:\Script.ps1”
Dim PSCommand As String = "Import-Module Lync" & vbCrLf
PSCommand &= Command
File.AppendAllText(ScriptFile, PSCommand)
Proc.StartInfo.Domain = DomainNETBIOS
Proc.StartInfo.UserName = ADUserName
Proc.StartInfo.LoadUserProfile = True
Dim Pass As New System.Security.SecureString
For Each character As Char In ADPassword
Pass.AppendChar(character)
Next
Proc.StartInfo.Password = Pass
Proc.StartInfo.UseShellExecute = False
Proc.StartInfo.RedirectStandardError = True
Proc.StartInfo.RedirectStandardOutput = True
Proc.StartInfo.Arguments = " -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command &'" & ScriptFile & "'"
Proc.Start()
Proc.WaitForExit()
If Not Proc.StandardError Is Nothing Then
Dim ErrorMsg As String = Proc.StandardError.ReadToEnd
If ErrorMsg <> "" Then
Throw New Exception(ErrorMsg)
End If
End If
Proc = Nothing
File.Delete(ScriptFile)
Catch ex As Exception
Throw New Exception("Error processing PS command: " & ex.Message)
End Try

 

Often you will find that new approach to a problem is better than focusing all efforts in one direction

Related Posts:

]]> http://blog.machsol.com/microsoft-lync-2010/remotely-creating-lync-simple-url-lync-automation-solution/feed 0 SharePoint 2010 – Ensure High Availability with SQL Mirroring http://blog.machsol.com/microsoft-sharepoint/sharepoint-2010-ensure-high-availability-with-sql-mirroring http://blog.machsol.com/microsoft-sharepoint/sharepoint-2010-ensure-high-availability-with-sql-mirroring#comments Mon, 19 Mar 2012 15:31:41 +0000 Abid Sultan http://blog.machsol.com/?p=1442 High Availability – Data Tier

SharePoint 2010 provides rich integration with SQL Server enabling SharePoint administrators to leverage the high availability solutions provided by Microsoft SQL Server. Changes include support for the Fail-over_Partner keyword, which enables SharePoint 2010 to natively interpret/translate and respond to state changes in a database mirroring topology. Following is brief of how to accomplish SQL Mirroring.

SQL Mirroring – The Native Way

Since SharePoint 2010 has built-in support for SQL mirroring so farm administrator can configure the SQL environment to mirror a SharePoint content database. When a new database is created, the SharePoint administrator will be prompted to enter the fail-over server. SharePoint then communicates with the witness server, and if issues are discovered, SharePoint will fail-over to the hot backup of the environment. Following image shows the configuration:

Related Posts:

]]> http://blog.machsol.com/microsoft-sharepoint/sharepoint-2010-ensure-high-availability-with-sql-mirroring/feed 0 SharePoint 2010 – Host-Named Site Collections Using Powershell http://blog.machsol.com/microsoft-sharepoint/create-host-named-site-collections-using-powershell-sharepoint-2010 http://blog.machsol.com/microsoft-sharepoint/create-host-named-site-collections-using-powershell-sharepoint-2010#comments Thu, 15 Mar 2012 13:27:24 +0000 Abid Sultan http://blog.machsol.com/?p=1419 Question: How to create host named site collections?

Answer: Create host-named site collections using PowerShell

The management shell in SharePoint 2010 provides a comprehensive set of Windows PowerShell cmdlets that make development, implementation, and management of SharePoint 2010 easier and more effective. The SharePoint management shell replaces the Stsadm.exe management tool. All current and upcoming development of command-line resources and management information in Microsoft SharePoint Foundation 2010 should use this new scripting technology.

However, in order to create named site collection we can make use of the same SharePoint management shell. Following is the way to go:

Create host-named site collections using PowerShell:

Open up the SharePoint 2010 Management Shell and enter the following commands to create a new site collection for each of your desired vanity (Self-love) URLs. In this case I have created a site collection with the host name portal.machsol.com

New-SPSite http://portal.machsol.com -OwnerAlias DOMAIN\username -HostHeaderWebApplication http://web-app-url.com

Related Posts:

]]> http://blog.machsol.com/microsoft-sharepoint/create-host-named-site-collections-using-powershell-sharepoint-2010/feed 0 Microsoft Exchange 2010 SP2 and Address Book Policies (ABP) http://blog.machsol.com/microsoft-exchange/microsoft-exchange-2010-sp2-and-address-book-policies-abp http://blog.machsol.com/microsoft-exchange/microsoft-exchange-2010-sp2-and-address-book-policies-abp#comments Wed, 14 Mar 2012 14:29:01 +0000 Abid Sultan http://blog.machsol.com/?p=1410 Exchange 2010 SP2 and Address book policies

Exchange 2010 SP2 comes with a solution for something that has plagued Exchange administrators for years – the ability to quickly and easily segregate the Global Address List (GAL) and present a tailored view to respective users. Although, there have been different solutions to accomplish GAL segmentation but never been suggested by Microsoft. However, in release of Exchange 2010 SP2 it has been made a cornerstone feature which termed as Address Book Policies (ABP) which enables Exchange administrators to quickly and easily separate address lists for each organization.

An ABP must contain the following:

  • -      One Global Address List.
  • -      One Offline Address Book.
  • -      One room list. This is required in an ABP. Even if you don’t use these in your company.
  • -      One or more address lists

 ABP in Exchange SP2 are completely Microsoft recommended practices and methods  which should encourage you to setup your Exchange environment and solution for the long term benefit. Having these practices ignored in your Exchange SP2 deployment means that you can run into problems and issues which may not be consulted with either Microsoft or the solution vendor. So, the only remedy for your deployment is to be exactly in accordance with Microsoft guidelines or using Microsoft approved and validated solution for the Exchange just like MachPanel.

Image Credit: Microsoft TechNet Community

Related Posts:

]]> http://blog.machsol.com/microsoft-exchange/microsoft-exchange-2010-sp2-and-address-book-policies-abp/feed 0 SharePoint 2010 Redundant & Virtualized Farm http://blog.machsol.com/microsoft-sharepoint/sharepoint-2010-redundant-virtualized-farm-with-minimum-physical-servers http://blog.machsol.com/microsoft-sharepoint/sharepoint-2010-redundant-virtualized-farm-with-minimum-physical-servers#comments Mon, 12 Mar 2012 14:56:38 +0000 Abid Sultan http://blog.machsol.com/?p=1400 Question: How to achieve SharePoint 2010 redundant & virtualized farm with minimum number of physical servers?

Answer: Plan for virtualization (SharePoint Server 2010)​

SharePoint Server 2010 – Virtualized Farm Architecture for fully Redundant Farm with only Two Physical Nodes

  •  - High Availability across Hosts
  •  - All Components Virtualized
  •  - Uses Only two Windows Enterprise Edition Licenses

As more companies try to decrease managing and investment expenses, fix the problems of datacenter solidity, and provide versatility to their SharePoint deployments – so in such circumstances virtualization becomes the pivotal point of conversation.  SharePoint 2010 provides more versatility in assistance of virtualization and similar to other hosting server technological innovation needs appropriate preparing to make sure those objectives are met.

A virtual platform is made up of two related levels, one actual and one virtual. A settings change in either level results hosts in the other level. This interrelationship becomes obvious when you plan to setup and use SharePoint Hosting server 2010 in a virtual platform. For more details you can contact us or read see virtualization overview.

All components of Microsoft SharePoint Server 2010 are fully reinforced when implemented in a Microsoft Windows Server 2008 R2 Hyper-V technology platform. Additionally, any relevant or required helping technologies are also support. Every factor of a SharePoint forest that is setup on a virtual machine should adhere to the licensing specifications for SharePoint Server 2010 as well as relevant and supported technologies.

 

Related Posts:

]]> http://blog.machsol.com/microsoft-sharepoint/sharepoint-2010-redundant-virtualized-farm-with-minimum-physical-servers/feed 0 Go Unified with MachPanel Lync Module http://blog.machsol.com/company/go-unified-with-machpanel-lync-module http://blog.machsol.com/company/go-unified-with-machpanel-lync-module#comments Fri, 09 Mar 2012 12:45:52 +0000 Abid Sultan http://blog.machsol.com/?p=1387

MachSol Inc. is proud to announce complete support for Microsoft Lync 2010 to empower you with Microsoft’s enterprise ready unified communication platform. MachSol being a Microsoft Gold Partner and official validated control panel vendor is actively engaged in supporting latest Microsoft technologies to help you stay competent and ahead of competition.


MachSol – Microsoft Approved Control Panel Vendor MachPanel Lync module can take you yet further to offer your clients Microsoft Hosted Lync service enabling them to experience IM and Presence, Video Conferencing and Enterprise Voice. MachPanel Lync module helps simplifying corporate communications and doing better by means of unified messaging, online meetings and telephony with enhanced mobility bearing mobile devices. With MachPanel Lync module you can avail opportunity to provide streamline communications, operational flexibility with control, instant messaging, conferencing, and enterprise voice solution to businesses across the globe. Following are some of the salient features of MachPanel Lync module:

  • Segregated hosted Lync users
  • Organization, SIP Domain and user creation and management
  • Phone number assignments
  • Policy Assignments using Service Plan and Add on
  • Customer self-service control panel
  • Email templates for Lync operations
Still Waiting to Switch to MachPanel?

MachSol being a Microsoft validated solution vendor delivers MachPanel – the most advanced, fast and secure web host automation solution fully supporting LYNC 2010, Exchange 2010 SP2, CRM 2011, SharePoint 2010, BlackBerry Enterprise/Express and classic mail and web hosting. Our pricing is based on a very competitive Pay-as-you-go model with top-notch 24×7 customer support. Our Microsoft Certified Engineers can help you to migrate, upgrade, and design and deployment of your own infrastructure.

Contact us for Special Offer now! Sincerely,
MachSol Team
USA Headquarters Europe Headquarters
MachSol, Inc MachSol BV
21520 Yorba Linda Blvd, Evert van de Beekstraat 310
Ste G-451, Yorba Linda, CA 92887 1118 CX Amsterdam-Schiphol
United States The Netherlands
Phone: +1 (877) MACHSOL Phone: +31 88-6224765 (+31 88-MACHSOL)
Email: sales@machsol.com Email: sales@machsol.com

 

Related Posts:

]]> http://blog.machsol.com/company/go-unified-with-machpanel-lync-module/feed 0 MachPanel v.4.3 BUILD 10, Now Available http://blog.machsol.com/machpanel-control-server/machpanel-v-4-3-build-10-now-available http://blog.machsol.com/machpanel-control-server/machpanel-v-4-3-build-10-now-available#comments Mon, 27 Feb 2012 07:12:23 +0000 Zohaib http://blog.machsol.com/?p=1377

Dear Customer,

We at MachSol Inc, are pleased to announce the immediate availability of latest build of MachPanel Provisioning System – Complete SaaS & Traditional Hosting Windows Control Panel. Latest build MachPanel v.4.3 Build 10 includes an array of new features and performance improvements alongside bug fixes, to name a few are:

  • Lync 2010 is fully supported by MachPanel.
  • Verified and added support for “SmarterStats 7″ in HostMatic Module.
  • Added Chinese language pack to translate MachPanel into Chinese.
  • Export Customer List – First Name, Last Name, Company and Email Address fields.
  • Disable Auto Processing from Service Queue.

You may review the complete list by visiting the useful links mentioned as under:

- How to Update to MachPanel v.4.3 Build 10

For more information about MachPanel, visit our website at: http://www.machsol.com or call Toll free number: +1 877 622 4765. Our Sales & Support team is always available to assist you in every respect.

Related Posts:

]]> http://blog.machsol.com/machpanel-control-server/machpanel-v-4-3-build-10-now-available/feed 0 MachSol – Microsoft Validated Solution Vendor for Exchange 2010 SP2 ABP http://blog.machsol.com/microsoft-exchange/machsol-microsoft-validated-solution-vendor-for-exchange-2010-sp2 http://blog.machsol.com/microsoft-exchange/machsol-microsoft-validated-solution-vendor-for-exchange-2010-sp2#comments Thu, 09 Feb 2012 08:31:47 +0000 Abid Sultan http://blog.machsol.com/?p=1359  

MachSol Inc. is a Microsoft Gold Partner and first official validated control panel vendor that provides validated automation solution for Exchange 2010 SP2 and other Microsoft products.  Now, with MachPanel you can stay compliant with Microsoft guidance and recommendation regarding Exchange 2010 SP2 deployment and automation solution.


MachSol – Microsoft Approved Control Panel Vendor With release of Exchange 2010 SP2, Microsoft also published guidance documents to ensure recommended Exchange deployments and automation solutions for hosters and ISV’s to be able to avail long term benefit from Microsoft.To take it yet further, Microsoft maintained a list of official Microsoft Validated Solutions Vendors for Exchange 2010 SP2 ABP built on their guidance and recommendation. MachSol is proud to be an approved vendor providing MachPanel that supports Exchange 2010 SP2 ABP being the very first in the industry and among Microsoft approved ISV’s. MachSol had announced to support Exchange 2010 SP2 late in 2011. Still Waiting to Switch to MachPanel?

MachPanel is not only the first control panel solution that supports Microsoft Exchange 2010 SP2 ABP but is also Microsoft’s recommended control panel. It helps you automate your business by means of built-in billing, helpdesk and management modules. MachPanel’s release for SP2 is fully compatible with other Microsoft products like SharePoint, CRM, Lync etc. On top of it, Exchange integration with Blackberry Enterprise and Express servers is also supported. MachSol, made it quite easier for you to switch to MachPanel by means of migration toolkits, comprehensive knowledge base, top-notch customer support and professional services.

Contact us for Special Offer now! Sincerely,
MachSol Team
USA Headquarters Europe Headquarters
MachSol, Inc MachSol BV
21520 Yorba Linda Blvd, Evert van de Beekstraat 310
Ste G-451, Yorba Linda, CA 92887 1118 CX Amsterdam-Schiphol
United States The Netherlands
Phone: +1 (877) MACHSOL Phone: +31 88-6224765 (+31 88-MACHSOL)
Email: sales@machsol.com Email: sales@machsol.com

 

Related Posts:

]]> http://blog.machsol.com/microsoft-exchange/machsol-microsoft-validated-solution-vendor-for-exchange-2010-sp2/feed 0