We finally got the issue with our image resolved and were able to deploy all of our new hardware...just under 500 systems, in just over 3 weeks in June (we took it easy). Everyone seems very happy with them thus far...lots faster, for certain. I do wish the connection manager component with Dell was as good as IBM's Thinkvantage Access Connections, so we'll keep pushing for improvements.
Finally getting some traction on the SharePoint front as well, using a consulting "mercenary" of sorts who has done a great job helping us map our requirements to features, and actually show us what things will look like as we go.
Windows Server 2008 R2 looks as if it may have some interesting benefits for us, as it applies to the total mobility effort we're undertaking. What we have in the lab now isn't far off, frankly, and it's pretty exciting to see it come together. 2008 R2 makes a compelling case to use Windows 7 once it's finally released also, which is depressing in a way, but is something we'll have to keep an eye on.
We just renewed our EA and Support agreements with Microsoft. I had high expectations but low hopes that our Microsoft relationship would be anything other than artificially pleasant and devoid of substance. In short, I've never been so happy to be wrong in my life. What a great lesson.
