Veni, Vidi, Velcro...

MSDN Flash - Are you subscribing AND customizing it?

So, I met a few influencers/MVPs earlier this week and I was surprised to learn that they are not subscribed to the fortnightly MSDN Flash Newsletter. And, if they are – they have not customized it.

Here are 3 reasons for you to subscribe:

1. Stay current, Stay relevant! – With fortnightly updates you will be in the know how and know what about everything happening in the Microsoft world.
2. Current Events - Up to date information about all MS and MS Sponsored events that’s happening locally. The best reason to not just subscribe but also to Customize it to tailor your news to your geography.
3. Contribute – You run a user group? You are hosting a community event? You are doing a webcast…you are writing a blog post series, anything that is beneficial to the community at large. Let me know and I can broaden your audience by getting it on the MSDN Flash Newsletter.

Here’s how you sign up and customize for the MSDN newsletter:

Here’s the Most recent Flash Newsletter - http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/dd776245.aspx

Let me know if you need more information or if you would like to contribute something to the next Flash Newsletter.

-Mithun Dhar

by Mithund | 0 Comments

Microsoft Thrive for developers, now live!

One of the most successful programs for IT Pro’s in FY09 was the Thrive Program. Now we have a similar offering for our developers.

We understand that times are tough. You’re doing more with less, applying your skills more broadly, or maybe you’re looking for a job. Thrive for developers is a community hub for career advice, peer insights, industry postings and training resources. Learn how to stand out and succeed in today’s challenging economy. Basically, Thrive for developers helps you get the skills and resources you need to stand out. It helps you to tackle today’s tough economy and come out on top. 

Learn more about the Thrive Program for developers: www.microsoft.com/thrivedev

We talked to many developers, community leaders, DEs and AEs to understand the top issues developers are facing in this economy. We designed Thrive, its content, resources and offers to specifically address the individual needs of developers as it relates to the downturn. The campaign anchors on three pillars:

Advance your Career

• - Industry and career resources designed to help developers land a  new job  (i.e. training and certification, tips and tricks)
• - Community member insights on career strategies
• - Search functionality for thousands of developer job openings across the US

Enhance your Skills – Web and Client Development

- Best of class resources outlined in a step by step format to help developers ramp on new tasks faster, saving time and money

- Product offers, training and certification discounts to get up to speed on MS tools and technologies quicker

Connect with your Community

- User groups and MS dev events search functionality powered by DPE’s “Community Connection”

- Blogs feeds from select regional DEs and AEs; as well as industry leaders in the Web and client space

- Community leaders share their insights on success strategies handling the downturn.  (i.e. “Development in a Downturn” podcast series delivered by .NET Rocks and “Insider Advice” corner highlighting community content around “Thrive” related topics of career, training and community)

Come and Thrive with Microsoft!

-Mithun Dhar

by Mithund | 0 Comments

Michael Jackson 'memorial', live in HD!

Tomorrow, July 7^th, 10AM PT, 1PM ET – We are broadcasting the Michael Jackson memorial, live in HD from the Staples Center in Los Angeles using IIS Smooth Streaming and Silverlight to the world. 

http://inmusic.ca/news_and_features/Michael_Jackson is the link to the page where the embedded player experience.

RIP MJ!

-Mithun Dhar

by Mithund | 0 Comments

Death…

It came in as a total surprise and yes, I first learnt it via facebook! It’s ‘kind of’ sad that MJ passed away today. Regardless of his past, his scandals, his eccentricities he had one good quality that is ‘Music’ for that he’ll always be remembered. I grew up in a generation where he is still the King of Pop!

But three deaths in a row and several interesting facebook comments made me think about life! Really, do we sweat the small stuff a lot? You know! We live in a constant worry of one thing or another. Our entire lives are spent chasing one thing after another there’s no end to all this until we actually die. And then unfortunately, the only thing that remains is our legacy, our kith and kin, and in essence people only remember how we touched their life nothing of your past life matters unless it’s lived for the other person. Do good, be good, live good!

In short, it was an eye opening day! It reminded me to start living a life! Because after the game, both the king and the pawn go to the same box.

RIP MJ!

-Mithun Dhar

by Mithund | 0 Comments

Windows 7 Pre-Order/half off Offer…

This is an unbelievable offer on Windows 7. Pre-order Windows 7 today at Microsoft Store. You'll get it for at least half off and be one of the first to get it. Hurry, quantities are limited.*

It's pretty simple

Windows 7 is coming on October 22, 2009. Here's an easy way to get it fast and save a bundle: Pre-order a Windows 7 Home Premium Upgrade for $49 or a Windows 7 Professional Upgrade for $99 at Microsoft Store.   That's about half off the estimated retail prices.

For more information about the offer go to the Windows team blog or go to the Windows 7 Product page.

And before you can buy, Know about What it take to run Windows 7 

Here’s a basic overview of the features in different SKUs:

-Mithun Dhar

* The offer begins on June 26, 2009 and will continue while supplies last, or until July 11, 2009, whichever comes first.

by Mithund | 0 Comments

Microsoft Hohm…

Want to save energy and money? Want to go green? Well, if you answered yes! look no further. Today, Microsoft launched Hohm. Microsoft Hohm is a free online beta application that helps you save energy and money.

It’s basically a very smart application that takes in users energy usage and recommends a plan to conserve energy and thus save money. As with any recommendation engine, it gets better as its users contribute home energy input and feedback.

One of the objectives during our beta period is to refine our tool and further increase the value our product can offer to you.

Microsoft Hohm uses advanced analytics licensed from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and the Department of Energy to give you personalized energy saving recommendations.

You can also compare your energy usage with others in the area. This is revolutionary and one of the first products that helps you see your ‘energy bill’ in a ‘smart’ way!

Sign up and start saving now. It’s free:  www.microsoft-hohm.com

· Blog: http://blog.microsoft-hohm.com

· Give us feedback: www.getsatisfaction.com/microsoft_hohm

· Follow us on twitter: http://twitter.com/microsofthohm

· Become on Fan on Facebook: http://tinyurl.com/hohmfb

While you are here don’t forget to watch a short film about Hohm on Channel9 - http://channel9.msdn.com/posts/NicFill/Introducing-Microsoft-Hohm-Save-Energy--Money/

-Mithun Dhar

by Mithund | 0 Comments

Seattle Job Social this evening in Seattle…

The Seattle Job Social is meeting at Twist this evening in downtown Seattle. If you have not already sent your resume and RSVP’d do so right away! RSVP with your résumé to invite@SeattleJobSocial.com

Location:

Twist Belltown

2313 1st Avenue

Seattle WA

Starts: 6:00 PM

Also you can follow on Twitter @SEAjobSocial

or join out LinkedIn Group (http://www.facebook.com/l/;http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=1905549&trk=hb_side_g)

or Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/group.php?gid=44336508621 or

http://www.facebook.com/l/;www.SeattleJobSocial.com

Some of the companies representing are:

• NCSoft

• Expedia

• Amazon

• Premera

• Clearwire

• New York Life

• WhitePages

• Liberty Mutual

• SEOmoz

• Moss Adams

• Intellectual Ventures

• Visible Technologies

• Topaz Bridge

• Avanade

• Softchoice

• Gist (Tentative)

• Starbucks

• Vertafore

• Ascentium

• Sabey Corporation

• Verticalmove

• Parker Technologies

• Rylem

• Comsys

• Wimmer Solutions

• Chameleon Technologies

• Mactus Group

• Xtreme Consulting Group

• Protingent

And many others…

See you there!

-Mithun Dhar

by Mithund | 0 Comments

Windows 7 RC updates…

I hope most of you are already running Windows 7 RC! The download will cease to exist on Aug 15th. After that, you won’t be able to get the download, but you can still install the RC and get a key if you need one. (To get a key, just go to the Downloads page and follow the instructions.)

And if you are already using Windows 7 RC, you know what to do to make it better. Feedback! Feedback! Feedback! Remember, it’s your Operating System and You can make it help better! Just go to http://input.microsoft.com and give us any information that will help make this release better than the previous one.

And, if you are still running Beta – Upgrade ASAP. Starting July 1^st, the Beta will start to reboot every 2 hrs and expire Aug 1^st.

If for some reason, you cannot download the RC bits and need Media, let me know. If you need media for your customers or User Groups, or any other event let me know and I can ship you a box.

-Mithun Dhar

by Mithund | 0 Comments

More Silverlight ‘Wins’….

I was reading our Platform Advisor/Architect Evangelist – Sam Chenaur’s blog and noticed he had two really good pieces of information that I think is important to showcase Silverlight’s power in the RIA platform play…

1. John L. Scott Real Estate Enables Online Social Networking with Live Services

John L. Scott Real Estate (JLS) is delivering a unique social marketing solution, called JLSconnect, that makes it easier for buyers to shop for a home and it will help JLS agents win new business and keep customers.  By building this new solution using Microsoft Live Services and a Software+Services approach, John L. Scott was able to deliver unique customer value quickly and cost-effectively.  Read more about this exciting application via Sam Chenaur’s blog.

2. Two Seattle Startups, Cootendy and Overcast Media, adopt Silverlight 

Read more about these exciting companies and their adoption of Silverlight via Sam Chenaur’s blog post.

This is great news! Follow Sam’s blog more closely for some really interesting updates :)

Enjoy the weekend!

-Mithun Dhar

by Mithund | 0 Comments

Windows 7 Compat virtual roundtable with Mark Russinovich...

Mark's my favorite speaker! He's by far the most knowledgeable speaker on Windows. In about 10 minutes get ready to be edutained!

>>

Springboard Series Virtual Roundtable

Windows 7 Application Compatibility: Your Questions Answered (Part 1)

Date:  Thursday, June 18

Time:  11:00am Pacific Time

https://ms.istreamplanet.com/springboard

Windows 7, is approaching fast and from the application standpoint is very similar to Windows Vista. We’re going to examine Windows 7 application compatibility not only from the perspective of moving from Windows Vista, but also for those coming from Windows XP. Join us to discuss the most common challenges around application compatibility when coming from a legacy operating system, why changes were made along the way, compatibility technologies inside the OS and methods for getting incompatible applications to run on Windows 7. Along the way we share tips and tricks, demonstrate free tools to analyze and fix applications and answer your specific questions about application compatibility live.

In Part 2 of this Virtual Round Table discussion (planned for later this Summer/Fall), we’ll discuss the options and approaches for using virtualization tools In depth to address application incompatibilities – including presentation virtualization, desktop virtualization and application virtualization. We’ll be sending out more details and posting information to www.microsoft.com/springboard for part 2 as the dates are finalized.

As part of the “virtual” experience, you may submit your questions about Windows 7 Application Compatibility to the panel live during the event—or submit questions in advance to vrtable@microsoft.com.

Springboard Series: The resource for Windows desktop IT professionals

 <<

-Mithun Dhar

by Mithund | 0 Comments

Visit India…(great online deal!)

I just got my usual Spam for the day and I noticed this great deal for India. $1199 all inclusive – Air & Accommodation. And being from India I think its a great time of the year to visit. But be warned the weather in Mar and Apr gets really, really hot.

Hey my tickets alone usually cost $1400 to $2000 depending on the airline and time of travel. So this is definitely a hot deal…

If you are interested, check this out:

$1199 -- India: Upscale Package w/Tours, Elephant Ride & Air
http://www.travelzoo.com/top20/26220182-603020/
Source: Gate 1 Travel

Here’s the details from Travelzoo (Reliable website for your travel deals):

$1199 -- India: Upscale Package w/Tours, Elephant Ride & Air^*

Delhi, Agra, Jaipur

Top 20 deal - sells out quickly!

Travel dates: Select dates October-April

By Andrew Bradick
Travelzoo Staff

Explore India in prime fall and winter season and save at least $500 OFF similar packages in the market with this new $1199 five-night/eight-day deal from Gate 1 Travel.

This package includes visits to India's famed Golden Triangle -- Delhi, the capital; Agra, home to the Taj Mahal; and Jaipur, the exotic "Pink City." An additional tour highlight includes an elephant ride to Amber Fort.

This special offer includes:

• Roundtrip airfare from New York City to Delhi
• Upscale hotel accommodations -- one night at The Metropolitan in Delhi, two nights at Gateway Hotel Fatehabad in Agra and two nights at the Ramada Jaipur in Jaipur
• Six meals: five breakfasts and one dinner
• All transfers
• Sightseeing per itinerary in a modern, air-conditioned coach and services of an English-speaking local guide
• Entrance fees per itinerary
• Airline fuel surcharges

This deal is valid for the following departure dates: Oct. 7; Nov. 4, 18, 25; Jan. 6, 20; Feb. 3; March 3, 17, 31; April 14

To Book: Call Gate 1 Travel at 800-682-3333 and request the eight-day Golden Triangle of India package. Be sure to use promo code TZIN100 to get the $100 per person discount.

For those who prefer to book online, click here and follow these steps:

1. Click on the 8-Day Golden Triangle of India link; then hit the red "Book Now" tab on the next page
2. Choose desired departure date and hit "Continue" tab at bottom of the page (Note: Select from the departures listed at $1299 -- you will be instructed to enter a promo code in a later step to get a $100 per person discount)
3. Review itinerary and choose optional tours if desired; then hit "Book" tab
4. Enter promo code TZIN100 into the box at the bottom of the following page; you should then see $200 deducted from total cost
5. Hit the "Continue to Contact and Billing Information" tab at the bottom to complete your reservation

Note: Airport taxes and fees of $88 per person are not included.

Travelzoo Tip: With this deal, most dates listed above are also available at the $1199 price from Chicago, too (subject to availability at time of booking). Check online or call for details. 

Enjoy!

-Mithun Dhar

by Mithund | 1 Comments

"Connected Show", a new Podcast on Microsoft Technology for Developers

My East coast colleagues have come out with a really good podcast series called the ‘Connected Show’ with a goal to continue and provide great sounding interviews on Microsoft technologies for developers and interoperability stories in areas where Microsoft is trying to extend its embrace with other communities.

Recent Episodes include:

· Silverlight 3 Beta (Laurence Moroney, Microsoft)

· Visual Studio 2010 Beta 1 (Tony Goodhew, Microsoft)

· PHP SDK for Windows Azure (Maarten Balliauw, RealDolmen)

· Windows Live Messenger Web Toolkit (James Senior, Microsoft)

Future episodes will feature topics such as: PRISM, SQL CE, JavaOne Conference Interviews, Virtual Worlds and much more…

Check it out!

-Mithun Dhar

by Mithund | 0 Comments

Bytes by MSDN…

Summer’s always fun! Geek hot spots like MSDN.com shouldn’t be deprived of these good times. Keeping up with the Summer spirit We are pleased to announce Bytes by MSDN, a 16 part interview series of community and Microsoft influencers talking about their recommended portable content. Here’s our first installment with Scott Hanselman…

This awesome series is all set to be followed by a stellar line up from now through Labor Day.

Bytes by MSDN Schedule

You like it? Give us feedback! We’d love to hear from you…

-Mithun Dhar

by Mithund | 1 Comments

Next installment of Azure – ‘How Do I’ video series…

I’ve been getting some really good feedback about the Azure How Do I video series that we’ve been developing. Here’s the latest update for the next series of videos…

Other useful information:

§ Visit here for the summary page of HDI videos

§ Webcasts – microsoft.com/events/series/azure.aspx

§ Training kit – www.microsoft.com/azure/trainingkit.mspx

§ Azure SDK - http://www.microsoft.com/azure/sdk.mspx

§ Sample projects to review – codeplex.com, search “azure”

§ Azure user groups – azureusergroup.com

Enjoy geeking!

-Mithun Dhar

by Mithund | 0 Comments

Bing, and why I like it…

When Bing launched I convinced my dad, mom and brother to give Bing a chance. Just for a week. Anyway, today my dad called and he said he wanted to make Bing his default search engine :) I sure helped him.

His main reason:

http://www.bing.com/search?q=obama 

vs

http://www.google.com/search?q=obama

More relevant, fresher and better organized.

Love it! Bing!

-Mithun Dhar

by Mithund | 1 Comments