A question came up today

"Al, what ever happened to all that interesting (and complicated) Information Bridge Framework stuff?".

Like any good Office TSP, I knew the answer :)

Office Business Applications (apart from having a much more descriptive name) are a lot easier to make now with a standardised (ECMA at least, ISO to come) XML file format and the ability to use .net code and Windows Workflow behind them. And of course, you get to leverage one of the most widely used application suites on the planet! (hint: it's the O in OBA)

Sound cool?

"Yeah, but where do I start?"

Well, you're in luck. Microsoft have created a heap of code, documentation and architectural guidance for Office Business Applications and there will be more cool stuff coming out in the future I am sure. So here is some linkage:

  • OBAcentral promotes third party Office Business Applications, so that you can get a packaged solution rather than blazing your own trail
  • For the developers, OBA has its own MSDN portal, complete with Reference Architecture Packs with documentation, code, and some even have vhd images to let you get right into it!
  • Like any good technology, it has a blog
  • There are plenty of Tech.Ed sessions on OBAs this year too, with Ron Dunn and Mike Walker at the helm. Check the agenda

So, if you're interested in OBAs, already doing stuff with OBAs or are still a little puzzled by OBAs, let me know!