Publications by CCO Consultants

The following are some of the publications by the Experts at Convergent Computing:

Title: "Windows Server 2003 Unleashed R2 Edition"

Abstract: This is the 3rd release of the best selling Windows 2003 Unleashed title, this time covering the new Windows 2003 R2 components added early in 2006.  In addition to having coverage of the R2 components, this book also covers Windows 2003 Service Pack 1, new Feature Packs added to Windows 2003, resource kit tools, and tips, tricks, best practices, and lessons learned.

Title: "Exchange 2007 Unleashed"

Abstract: Senior consultants from Convergent Computing have teamed up to write the next edition of the Exchange unleashed series with a book on Exchange Server 2007. This book covers how to migrate from Exchange 2003 to Exchange 2007, and also cover all of the newer technologies in Exchange 2007 including local continuous replication, clustered continuous replication, and Unified Communications

Title: "SharePoint Server 2007 Unleashed"

Abstract: Best selling authors Michael Noel and Colin Spence once again teamed up to write the next edition of their best selling book on SharePoint Server, this time covering SharePoint 2007 Unleashed. This book covers all of the latest Web form capabilities, administrative tools, and integrated application components that allow SharePoint 2007 to integrate with Office 2007, Exchange 2007, and Office Communications 2007.

Title: "ISA Server 2006 Unleashed"

Abstract: Best selling author, and CCO consultant, Michael Noel released a new edition of the ISA Server Unleashed title supporting the ISA Server 2006 product. This book will cover all of the same topics from the ISA 2004 title such as firewall, site to site VPN, and secured remote access configuration and best practices. But will also includes content specific to ISA 2006 such as Web Publishing Load Balancing, BITS Caching, Web SSO, SmartCard and OTP Support, LDAP Authentication Support, and DiffServ Bandwidth Utilization.

Title: "SQL 2005 Unleashed"

Title: "Microsoft Operations Mgr 2005 Unleashed"

Title: "PowerShell Unleashed"

Title: "Network Security for Government and Corporate Executives"

Abstract: This is a college textbook that was written for courses on Homeland Security. The book covers computer network security theory, laws and legislation relative to cyber-security, corporate and government policies that should be put in place to minimize the risk of security breaches, and best practices relative to security management and organizational structures based around secured computing environment.

Title: "Project Management Best Practices: Achieving Global Excellence"

Title: "Encryption in a Windows Environment"

Abstract: This mini-book covers the step-by-step process to implement encryption in a Windows environment. This includes EFS file encryption, IPSec transport encryption, 802.1x wireless encryption, S/MIME email encryption, and encryption for mobile devices. This mini-book has no marketing fluff and goes right into the steps and process of implementing encryption in a Windows environment

Title: "Performing an Active Directory Health Checks"

Abstract: This mini-book covers a prescriptive process for validating that Active Directory is working properly. In a step-by-step process, the mini-book walks the reader through the use of tools and utilities to test the operations of Active Directory, helps identify problem areas, and provides a comprehensive description how to resolve problems in the areas of GC replication, FRS replication, DNS configuration, tombstone updates, and the like.

Title: "Windows Vista Management and Administration"

Abstract: This is a title focused specifically on the management and administration of a Windows Vista environment such as backup, maintenance, security, tuning, optimization, problem solving, and debugging.

Title: "SQL 2005 Management and Administration"

Abstract: This is a title focused specifically on the management and administration of a SQL 2005 environment such as backup, maintenance, security, tuning, optimization, problem solving, and debugging.

Title: "Exchange Server 2003 Unleashed, 2nd Edition"

Abstract: This is the 2nd edition of the best selling book written by CCO consultants on Exchange 2003. This revision includes Service Pack 2 updates as well as expands on earlier topics around clustering, email retention and archiving, as well as dedicated chapters on management and administration.

Title: "SharePoint Technologies Unleashed 2nd Edition"

Abstract: This book continues the Unleashed series and covers the planning, design, implementation, and support of the new Microsoft SharePoint Portal 2003 and Windows SharePoint Services including the latest service updates. Colin and Mike are CCO consultants that have worked extensively with SharePoint 2003 technologies providing consulting on business process implementation of document management and information sharing systems. This book covers how to securely implement a collaborative environment with replication, clustering, and fault tolerance capabilities.

Title: "ISA Server 2004 Unleashed"

Abstract: Best selling author, and CCO consultant, Michael Noel continued the Unleashed series with this book on the Microsoft Internet Security and Acceleration Server product. ISA 2004 provides firewall, site to site VPN, and secured remote access functionality. This book covers installation, configuration, performance optimization, migration from previous versions of the ISA product, and ongoing maintenance and management practices and techniques.

Title: "SQL 2005: Changing the Paradigm"

Title: "SharePoint Technologies Unleashed 2nd Edition"

Abstract: This book continues the Unleashed series and covers the planning, design, implementation, and support of the new Microsoft SharePoint Portal 2003 and Windows SharePoint Services including the latest service updates. Colin and Mike are CCO consultants that have worked extensively with SharePoint 2003 technologies providing consulting on business process implementation of document management and information sharing systems. This book covers how to securely implement a collaborative environment with replication, clustering, and fault tolerance capabilities.

Title: "Windows Server 2003 Insider Solutions"

Abstract: IT Professionals that have been working with the Windows network operating system for years can shortcut the reading and understanding process of the new Windows 2003 operating system by getting this Experts guide.  Rather than hashing through the basic definitions and introductions, this book jumps right in to best practices, tips, and tricks information spanning security, migration, administration, and support of a Windows 2003 environment.  Based on over 3 years of lessons learned from beta and real world implementations, this book starts where other books leave off.  (note: suggested audience is advanced or expert level for this book)

Title: "Sams Teach Yourself SharePoint in 10 Minutes"

Abstract: This book series is written in a 10-minute lesson format where readers are able to learn critical aspects of Microsoft's SharePoint 2003 technology. Some of the key lessons covered in this book include Creating Portals, Creating Document Library Systems to Manage Sarbanes-Oxley Content, Developing Webparts, and the like. This book is written by Colin Spence and Michael Noel, authors of the Best Selling book "SharePoint 2003 Unleashed"

Title: "Microsoft Operations Manager: Managing, Tuning, and Securing"

Abstract: After a network is implemented, an organization has two options at supporting the environment; either reactively (after problems arise and users are impacted) or proactively (planning and preventing the problems before they occur). This book, authored by CCO Chief Technology Officer Chris Amaris along with the help of 7 CCO consutlants is based on years of best practices used by Convergent Computing to help organizations leverage the Microsoft Operations Manager product at proactively monitoring and alerting IT personnel of impending problems to fix them before network downtime occurs.

Title: "IT Project Management: On Track from Start to Finish"

Abstract: While CCO has undisputed expertise in networking and infrastructure technology planning and migration, another major component of the business is Project Management to ensure all projects conducted by Convergent Computing are done on time, on budget, and within scope.  CCO Enterprise Project Mgr, Anne Walker, contributed to this top selling book on IT Project Management providing background, insight, and best practices to keep teams motivated, address challenges that come up during projects (including changing business needs, budget restrictions, technical barriers, and even office politics), and skills needed to ensure the overall success of an IT Project implementation.

Title: "Exchange Server 2003 Unleashed"

Abstract: CCO consultants wrote this 1000-page book on Exchange Server 2003 based on over 18-months of implementation of the beta product in production environments. This book covers topics on migrating from Exchange v5.5 and Exchange 2000 to Exchange 2003, design and development of snap-shot databases and mailboxes, new administration functions of Exchange Server 2003, and best practices, tips, and tricks on leveraging the new features and functions of the new messaging system.

Title: "Windows Server 2003 Unleashed, 2nd Edition"

Abstract: This is the 2nd edition of the Windows 2003 Unleashed title that includes Service Pack 1 of the product.  This book is based on the installation, migration, configuration, and troubleshooting of Windows Server 2003 environments “soup-to-nuts”. Advanced topics on Volume Copy Services, DFS, ASR, GPMC, Directory Integration with Novell, Unix, Oracle, and NT4/Windows 2000, Security, Server Management and Maintenance Practices, and Recovering from a Disaster.

Title: "Maximum Windows 2000 Security"

Abstract: Security is no longer something that is "nice" to consider in technology implementations, but rather it has become a necessity.  CCO partners Rand Morimoto and Chris Amaris co-authored this book on security that addresses:  Physical & File System Security,  Password Security,  Malicious Code, Windows 2000 Network Security Architecture and Professional Protocols, Web Server Security, Denial of Service Attacks, Intrusion Detection, and Hacking Secure Code in Windows 2000.  This book was based on best practices CCO uses to help its clients design, implement, and ensure their networking environments are secure.

Title: "Windows 2000 Design and Migration"

Abstract: This book was written by CCO President, Rand Morimoto with the assistance of 6 CCO consultants and technical specialists. The book released 3 months before the Windows 2000 operating system was launched and was based on over 3-1/2 years of experience CCO had at migrating organizations from Windows NT4 to Windows 2000 in beta and early release migrations.  CCO had so much experience with Windows 2000 Active Directory designs and migrations prior to the product launch that it received an award from Bill Gates at the Feb 17, 2000 launch event as "Most Valuable Partner - Windows 2000 RDP Beta Program"

Title: "Microsoft Exchange 2000, Conferencing Server, and SharePoint Portal Server 2001"

Abstract: This is CCO President Rand Morimoto's third book on the Microsoft Exchange messaging product that fwas written with the help of 7 other CCO consultants.  Since Rand has been on the development team for Exchange for 8-years prior to the release of this book and CCO was 1 of 15 companies helping organizations plan their migration from Exchange v5.5 to Exchange 2000 over 18-months prior to the Exchange 2000 product release, there is over 2-1/2 years of planning and migration experience in this book based on real world designs and migrations.  This book also covers the Microsoft Exchange Conferencing Server product as well as SharePoint Portal Server product.

Title: "Windows 2000 Performance Tuning and Optimization"

Abstract: Installing technologies is one thing, but keeping them running in tip-top shape is an ongoing requirements for all organizations. Written from years of Windows networking performance tuning and optimization experience, CCO consultant Chris Amaris -authored this book to help organizations improve system performance and operations.  This book is a hands-on resource that details how organizations can properly design and scale system hardware, memory, disk, and network functions to meet the specific needs of your environment. The book also provides advice for optimizing key Windows 2000 subsystems including security, Active Directory, SQL Server 2000, IIS5, Exchange 2000, and more

Title: "Biztalk Unleashed"

Abstract: Network, Internet, and communications technologies can be used for more than just electronic messaging, file storage look-up, and Web searches, but for true business to business transactions that can improve the bottomline for a business.  This book, co-authored by CCO President, Rand Morimoto, titled "BizTalk Unleashed" provides an overarching view of how BizTalk Server impacts the traditionally difficult application integration tasks organizations face when trying to integrate mainframe and other legacy business transaction systems with e-commerce and Web business technologies.

Title: "Windows Server 2003 Unleashed"

Abstract: Because CCO was 1 of 12 companies in the world on the Microsoft Joint Development Program (JDP) that helped Fortune 500 companies plan and prototype / test their migration to the next generation Windows 2000 operating system for 2-1/2 years prior to the product release, 3 CCO consultants wrote this 1200+ page book based on the installation, migration, configuration, and troubleshooting of Windows Server 2003 environments “soup-to-nuts”. Advanced topics on Volume Copy Services, DFS, ASR, GPMC, Directory Integration with Novell, Unix, Oracle, and NT4/Windows 2000, Security, Server Management and Maintenance Practices, and Recovering from a Disaster.

Title: "Windows NT Performance Tuning and Optimization"

Abstract: While most organizations are migrating to Windows 2000 technologies, many business units still have Windows NT4 / Exchange v5.5 in their environments that need to be maintained and supported.  In this book, contributing writer Rand Morimoto (CCO's President) assisted in the development of detailed step-by-step methods to tune and optimize an NT4-based networking operation.  There are chapters in this book on capacity planning, details on how to forecast a network's growth, and recommendations on several helpful tools readily available to help organizations support their networks.

Title: "Deploying Microsoft Exchange Server 5"

Abstract: This book on Microsoft Exchange v5.0 was CCO President Rand Morimoto's first book on the topic.  Being involved with the beta product development of the Exchange product over 3-years prior to Microsoft Exchange's v4.0 release in 1995, Rand and the staff at CCO had extensive experience working with the technology years before the general public.  This book covers the planning, preparation, and tuning of Exchange for a successful installation. This book has subsequently been translated to several languages and became a top selling book in Spain, Norway, Romania, Singapore, China, Taiwan, Japan, and Russia.

(click on the graphic to view a copy of the Evaluation Guide)

Title: "64-bit Windows Evaluation Guide"

Abstract: This 101-page guide was written by several CCO consultants for Microsoft to provide to anyone looking to evaluate the 64-bit version of the Microsoft Windows operating system.  Based on years of experience CCO had with the product months before its release, this guide outlines best practices, tips, tricks, and inside information about the technology to help organizations evaluate the products capabilities

Title: "Windows Server 2003 Unleashed"

Abstract: Many of the books written by CCO authors have been translated to other languages.  The Windows Server 2003 Unleashed book has been translated to Polish, Italian, Farsi, Chinese, Japanese, and several other languages.

Title: "Windows Server 2003 Unleashed"

Abstract: Many of the books written by CCO authors have been translated to other languages.  The Windows Server 2003 Unleashed book has been translated to Polish, Italian, Farsi, Chinese, Japanese, and several other languages.

Title: "Windows Server 2003 Unleashed"

Publisher: Campus Press (France)

Language: French

Pages: 989

CCO Contribution: Authors - Rand Morimoto and Mike Noel

Abstract: Many of the books written by CCO authors have been translated to other languages.  The Windows Server 2003 Unleashed book has been translated to French, Polish, Italian, Farsi, Chinese, Japanese, and several other languages.

Title: "Windows Server 2003 Unleashed"

Publisher: Pearson Publishing (Slovenia)

Language: Slovak

Pages: 847

CCO Contribution: Authors - Rand Morimoto and Mike Noel

Abstract: Many of the books written by CCO authors have been translated to other languages.  The Windows Server 2003 Unleashed book has been translated to Slovak, French, Polish, Italian, Farsi, Chinese, Japanese, and several other languages.

Title: "Exchange Server 2003 Unleashed"

Publisher: Pearson Publishing (Russia)

Language: Russian

Pages: 1024

CCO Contribution: Authors - Rand Morimoto, Mike Noel, and Joe Coca

Abstract: Many of the books written by CCO authors have been translated to other languages.  The Exchange Server 2003 Unleashed book has been translated to Russian, Polish, Italian, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, and several other languages.

Title: "Windows 2003 Insider Solution"

Publisher: China Publications (China)

Language: Chinese

Pages: 593

CCO Contribution: Authors - Rand Morimoto and Mike Noel

Abstract: Many of the books written by CCO authors have been translated to other languages.  The Windows 2003 Insider Solution book has been translated to Chinese, Japanese, Russian, and several other languages.

Title: "Windows 2003 Insider Solution"

Publisher: Sams Publishing (Russia)

Language: Russian

Pages: 735

CCO Contribution: Authors - Rand Morimoto and Andrew Abbate

Abstract: Many of the books written by CCO authors have been translated to other languages.  The Windows 2003 Insider Solution book has been translated to Chinese, Japanese, Russian, and several other languages.

Title: "Windows 2000 Design and Migration"

Abstract: Many of the books written by CCO have been translated to other languages.  CCO President Rand Morimoto's book on Windows 2000 Design and Migration has been translated to Mandarin Chinese, German, Spanish, Russian, and Japanese.