I just received the latest SIB (service information bulletin) e-mail message from my corporate helpdesk. We get these messages anytime there’s a planned upgrade, planned (or unplanned) outage, or any number of other technology-related shenanigans. In typical IT fashion, they’re usually heavy on the “geek speak” and short on information that’s actually useful to the average end-user; most recipients just delete them outright without even bothering to read them. This one, however, made me chuckle (contact info omitted):
Event: Microsoft Active Directory Schema Extension.
Time / Duration: We will be extending the Microsoft Schema at 8:00 pm EST, Saturday January 31, 2009. These updates will be transparent to all TH employees and systems and will not require any user action.
Who is affected: No impact.
Who to Contact: If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the HelpDesk at xxx in Notes, or by telephone at xxx.
So, it’s completely transparent, and there’s absolutely no impact to end-users. What they’re essentially saying is, “we just wanted to let you know that while you’re at home enjoying your weekend, we’ll be here working on Saturday night.”
At least I can rest assured that when I return to the office on Monday, my AD schema will be suitably extended. Thanks, guys.
– Greg
gregsedwards 
ha ahh the IT department. I used to get these sorts of message from the IT staff at my old school. People would just delete them because it was all geek speek.
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sounds just like the DC Goverment
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They didn’t even attempt to answer the basic end-user questions, including "what in the hell is an Microsoft Active Directory schema?" and "why should I care?" (please don’t submit explanations of AD or schemas, I know how it all works, thanks). Then again, I’m an instructor, so I’d probably write an equally terrible SIB with far too many details.
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Saturday? Och, that’s all right then. I’m out all day;) Thanks Greg.
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Greg you made me laugh!! :-0 Have to go cook dinner now! but thanks for the chuckle ……….
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Hey, can I have your autograph? I saw the post on Marcus’s page and went over to the community clubhouse. Contratulations! I joined that when it first started, but I never worked too hard to find out what the deal was about it. From what they were saying, it seems like it would be right up my alley. I like to write stuff to help people out.Let me know, huh?Thanks!X
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