It seems that Microsoft are pointing us towards a January 2009 release date for the Windows 7 beta, rather than December 2008 as originally thought.
**Update-it seems we have dates for when the beta will be available here.
According to the Register, MS have updated their sites to show that event attendees won’t receive a physical copy of the beta in their hands until an event on 13/01/09. If you’re at an event before then, you will get teh beta DVD mailed to you later.
Despite this, ZDNet’s Mary Jo Foley thinks we could be on for a December 17th release..who will be proved right? I’m very excited about getting my hands on a proper beta of Windows 7 so the sooner the better I say!
**Update** Yesterday (16/12/08) Microsoft sent invitations to select “beta tech testers” giving them early access to Windows 7 Beta 1. The note from MS contained the line “While (the Windows 7) beta will not be available until early 2009…” so a general release date in January is nearly confirmed.
Cloudy with a chance of Licensing 
I found this great app that works with Windows Phone 7. It’s called Xian Wings and it basically allows you to see your Ops Mgr console directly on any mobile device, including Windows Phone 6.5 and 7. You can receive real time alerts, graph performance data, execute system tasks and some other interesting features. It’s basically a really useful tool because you can stay on top of any issue without having to be glued to your computer at your office. Thanks!