AnilDesai.net

Cloud Computing, Virtualization, .NET / SQL Server Development; Consultant / Author / Speaker

Archive for November, 2009

.NET Developer Stories

Nov 30

Posted by Anil Desai in Databases / SQL Server, Development | 1 Comment

Perhaps one of the best and most enjoyable ways to learn about technology is through examples of how it’s being applied.  Many organizations offer case studies and other details of their implementations in an effort to help others that can benefit from the knowledge.  However, it’s often difficult to find real-world, developer-focused content.  Much of the information has had many layers of overly enthusiastic marketing-ese applied, and the technical details get buried under photos of attractive, happy-looking business people from stock clip art.

To help provide some concrete examples (and recognition) related to .NET development, Microsoft has created it’s .NET Stories web site.  This site allows developers to post some details related to their own projects and the application of technologies such as:

  • .NET Framework and Visual Studio
  • Windows Server
  • SQL Server
  • SharePoint Server
  • Windows 7
  • Windows Azure

You can submit your own projects use the My .NET Story web site.  I’m looking forward to reviewing the submissions for ideas (and I might possibly submit one of my own applications for review).  Oh, and did I mention that the site offers numerous prizes, including a Smart Car and a 12-day trip to the Galapagos Islands?  It’s not often that developers get recognition, so I hope a lot of us can take advantage of the information collected on this site.

Office 2010 Beta Now Available to MSDN / TechNet Subscribers

Nov 16

Posted by Anil Desai in Development, General, Microsoft Office | 1 Comment

imageWhile I spend a lot of time writing and speaking about enterprise technology (such as server virtualization), like most techies, I do it using Microsoft Office.  I’m a big fan of Microsoft Office 2007, and I’m always eager to try new beta version of the product suite.  Thanks to the MSDN Subscriber Download’s RSS feed, I found out that the official first beta of Office 2010 is now available for download.  If you have a subscription, you can access the downloads from the following sites:

Just search for “Office 2010”, and you should see the relevant downloads.  Be sure to generate keys for activation of the beta, as well.  I’m not sure about the exact plans for making the downloads available publicly, but Microsoft will hopefully make the beta easily accessible to a wide range of potential testers later this week.

For more information on what’s new, see the official Microsoft Office 2010 product site.  As far as at the client applications themselves, the changes seem to be largely incremental (all apps now have the Ribbon UI).  I’m pondering upgrading my primary computer to the newest beta and will likely post some more details here if I do.  Particularly, I’ll focus on backwards-compatibility and file format upgrade issues (such as upgrading my Outlook PST files to work with Outlook 2010).  Happy downloading!

Virtual Event: Next-Generation Networks

Nov 11

Posted by Anil Desai in Management, Networking, Presentations, Virtualization, Webcasts | No Comments

Network Computing is hosting an online, virtual event that focuses on next-generation networking technologies.  Here’s a brief blurb from the event web site:

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This Next Generation Networks virtual event will bring you up to speed on networking state of the art by discussing the technologies that are going to drive network design and implementations today and in the future. You will learn from peers, analysts, and vendors about where the technologies are today and how you can prepare for a network overhaul.
Attendee Benefits:

  • Download informative research, white papers, and other resources straight to your Virtual Briefcase.
  • Access insightful webcasts  featuring industry experts, Network Computing editors, and analysts.
  • Interact with our guest speakers, other attendees, and exhibitors through real-time chat tools.
  • Visit vendor booths and browse through products and solutions in our unique, interactive and entertaining environment.

Use the Event Registration page to sign up to attend.  In addition to the virtual conference booths, you can view a list of presentations on the Distinguished Speakers page.  I’ll be attending and will try to answer as many technical questions as possible in the Microsoft booth.