GuntherB's WebLog

SQLUG.BE - next UG event: The Holy Trinity for SQL Server DBAs

GuntherB — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 13:50:53 GMT

The Belgian SQL Server User Group is organizing another interesting evening full of technical content.

From their website:
"This UG-evening will start with an introduction of the basics of index design (the heap,clustered/non clustered indexes and covering of a query by an index). Later we will discuss how the optimizer works, why it can be wrong (statistics, procedure cache) and how to correct this. Another part of the session will be some advanced features of indexing like partitioning, locking and filtered indexes. We will of course not forget indexed views and computed column indexes. If there is some time left we can also look at spatial indexes and xml indexes”

Speaker will be Marc Mertens – a very knowledgeable & strong SQL Server expert in the Belgian ICT-industry.

Agenda:
18:00 - 18:30 Registration and welcome with a drink & sandwich
18:30 - 20:00 Part 1 of the session
20:00 - 20:30 pause
20:30 - 22:00 Part 2 of the session
22:00 - ... Networking with your peers"

Hope to see you there! More information on http://www.sqlug.be.

Kimball University: Microsoft SQL Server Comes of Age for Data Warehousing

GuntherB — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 10:16:48 GMT

Just bumped into this article in Intelligent Enterprise - June 23, 2008

Impressive to see the impact of the new SQL Server 2008 features, like compression, partitioning and star schema optimization to improve your DW/BI system's query performance.

Guess it's gonna be a busy DW year! ;-)

SQL Server now with a logo !!!

GuntherB — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 11:10:27 GMT

For many years, SQL Server was a product / platform with no logo.
At TechEd US we finally revealed the new SQL Server logo :

Check the Data Platform Insider's post here for more background info.

Cheers!
Guntherb.

Rafal Lukawiecki- Data Mining and Business Intelligence for Enterprises on TechNet Spotlight

GuntherB — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 11:48:24 GMT

I've always had a passion for Data Mining... simply because I didn't understand what it's all about :-) and foremost, because it's such a huge - yet unknown - hidden gem in the SQL Server Business Intelligence stack!

One of the world's best presenters, Rafal Lukawiecki, presents Data Mining in a very interesting 1-day seminar format :

In Data Mining and Business Intelligence for Enterprises, Rafal Lukawiecki aims to show IT Professionals how data mining can be used in IT infrastructure to support real business scenarios demystifying the perception that Data Mining is complex, untested or only for specialists. This has become possible since Microsoft has taken the technology to new levels making it accessible to all. In four easy-to-understand yet packed with practical information sessions you will learn about what Data Mining and Business Intelligence can do for you, how to deploy and manage it, how to use it, and how to make it available to other parts of your IT environment.

Data Mining and Business Intelligence for Enterprises:

http://www.microsoft.com/emea/spotlight/event.aspx?id=99

Links to Session Videos:

Introduction to Data Mining- Rafal Lukawiecki, Strategic Consultant, Project Botticelli Ltd
Working with Data Mining- Rafal Lukawiecki, Strategic Consultant, Project Botticelli Ltd
Using Data Mining in your IT Systems (Part 1)- Rafal Lukawiecki, Strategic Consultant, Project Botticelli Ltd
Using Data Mining in your IT Systems (Part 1), Rafal Lukawiecki, Strategic Consultant, Project Botticelli Ltd

Enjoy!
Guntherb.

What's up with those SQL Injection Attacks lately ?

GuntherB — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 11:34:03 GMT

As you might have seen in the news, there have been ongoing SQL injection attacks against vulnerable web applications occurring over the last few months. These attacks have received recurring attention in the press as they pop up in various geographies around the world, and there have been a number of customer inquiries as well.

These attacks do not leverage any SQL Server vulnerabilities, nor any un-patched vulnerabilities in any Microsoft product – the attack vector is vulnerable customer and third party applications. They do however target installations running IIS and SQL Server and are therefore impacting our beloved SQL Server customers.

In order to help our customers respond to and defend themselves from these attacks, we have collaborated with our Microsoft Security Rescue Centers to produce and publish an authoritative blog including talking points and customer guidance. This can be found at :
http://blogs.technet.com/swi/archive/2008/05/29/sql-injection-attack.aspx

Enjoy & be safe!
Guntherb.

SQL User Group evening : "Managing, monitoring and troubleshooting SQL Server using Free tools"

GuntherB — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 18:45:33 GMT

Woohoo! The guys from the SQL User Group keep going strong. I'm very pleased that our very own Dirk Gubbels will be delivering the next SQL Server User Group evening.

C ya there!
Guntherb.

Speaker: Dirk Gubbels (Microsoft Consultancy Services, SQL Ranger, MCA)

Abstract:
Out of the box, SQL Server 2005 offers nice tools for managing and monitoring servers and databases. If you want to get an even richer experience and a broader toolset, there are a lot of hidden gems out there, free for you to download and to make the life of the DBA easier. This practical and demo-driven session will show you how to make best use of some of these. Topics include: Extending Management studio with custom reports, Performance dashboard, Sqlio, Dmvstats, RML Utilities and more...

Level:
300

Date:
Thu May 29, 2008

Agenda:
18:00 - 18:30 Welcome with a drink & sandwich
18:30 - 20:00 Part 1
20:00 - 20:30 Pause
20:30 - 22:00 Part 2
22:00 - ... networking

Location:
Global Knowledge, Mechelen

Registration is needed, registration is open.
Note that registration will be closed on May 26.

SQLUG.be : Reporting Services by Marc Mertens

GuntherB — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 18:40:00 GMT

On Thu Nov 22 the Belgian SQL Server User Group (SQLUG.be) will deliver a SQL Server Reporting Services by the one & only Marc Mertens.

Abstract:
Reporting Services is Microsoft's server based reporting solution that is delivered together with SQL Server 2005. In this session you will learn how to create a report, deploy and manage it. Also covered is how you can use Reporting Services to control the load on your source system when running a report. If there is time left we will shown how to write custom extensions for your reports.

Prepare yourself for a long night. First we have the session, afterwards we are offered a guided tour in "Huis van de Toekomst". Doors will be closed far after 22:00 hour.

The starting hour will be 18:30, doors open from 18:00 hour.

The event will take place in Huis van de Toekomst

Indringingsweg 1
B-1800 Vilvoorde

Registration is needed. You can register here.

Registration is open.

JDBC Driver 1.2 CTP August 2007

GuntherB — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 09:03:17 GMT

Good news for all the J2 App Server fanatics! :-) We've just released a new Java Database Connectivity (JDBC) driver with SQL Server 2005.

The SQL Server 2005 JDBC Driver 1.2 CTP August 2007 download is available to all SQL Server users at no additional charge, and provides access to SQL Server 2000 and SQL Server 2005 from any Java application, application server, or Java-enabled applet. This is a Type 4 JDBC driver that provides database connectivity through the standard JDBC application program interfaces (APIs) available in J2EE (Java2 Enterprise Edition).

This release of the JDBC Driver is JDBC 3.0 compliant and runs on the Java Development Kit (JDK) version 1.4 and higher. It has been tested against all major application servers including BEA WebLogic, IBM WebSphere, JBoss, and Sun.

Download here

SQL User Group event : Secrets of Fast Detection and Recovery from Database Corruptions by Paul Randal

GuntherB — Thu, 26 Apr 2007 10:54:00 GMT

On Thu May 24, Paul Randal, Lead Program Manager in the SQL Server Storage Engine team will host a remote presentation at our MS premises in Diegem, Belgium.

Abstract:
How can you tell whether your data is corrupt? If you have corruption, how do you work out what's wrong with the database? How do you ensure you have a valid backup? If you don't have a valid backup, how and what do you repair? If you do have a backup, how do you work out whether you should restore or repair? And at what granularity? How do you go about determining what went wrong in the first place? It's all about limiting downtime and data-loss when a corruption occurs - from knowing the tools to understanding the choices to planning a successful strategy. Some of the features discussed: torn-page detection and page checksums, IO read-retry, backup checksums, consistency checks (DBCC CHECKDB and related commands), and database repairs. Facing database corruption is almost inevitable in every DBAs career - make sure you're prepared when it happens to you.

The starting hour 18:30, doors open from 18:00 hour.

The event will take place in the offices of:

Microsoft Av. Culliganlaan 1A, 1831 Diegem.

Registration is open:
http://sqlug.be/content/NextUGEvening.aspx

See you there!
Guntherb.

SQL Express : How to detect if Express is installed?

GuntherB — Tue, 23 Jan 2007 20:09:00 GMT

I recently stumbled across this question from a customer : how can you detect if SQL Express is installed on a local/remote box?

Apparantly, the Add/Remove Programs list lists some confusing entries including general "SQL Server" et all, so how do you know if SQL Express is on the box or not? Here's a trick that I learned from Mike Walach, PM and great guy on the SQL Server Express team : enter the world of the wonderful SQL WMI Provider. Mike posted a cool piece of C# sample code on his blog here: http://blogs.msdn.com/sqlexpress/archive/2006/07/29/faq-detecting-sql-server-2005-using-wmi.aspx

Microsoft ProClarity Analytics Platform 6.3 (English) releases to manufactoring !

GuntherB — Mon, 22 Jan 2007 11:59:00 GMT

Microsoft ProClarity Analytics Server 6.3 (English) and Microsoft ProClarity Desktop Professional 6.3 (English) have RTM'ed !
This is the first release by the ProClarity team since Microsoft acquired ProClarity in May, 2006.

What is new in Version 6.3

· Version 6.3 contains a number of security fixes as a result of following the Security Development Lifecycle (SDL)

· Support for the following products and platforms:

· Microsoft Office 2007

· Internet Explorer 7

· Microsoft Windows Vista

· Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007

· Added support for Microsoft SQL 2005 local cube files

· Business Reporter for Excel has been discontinued. The replacement product for BRE is Excel 2007, which has superior capabilities for free-form placement and formatting of OLAP data.

· Active (live) export to PowerPoint has been removed from the product.

Version 6.3 Packaging

Two CDs:

1. Microsoft ProClarity Analytics Server CD: Analytics Server, Dashboard Server, Business Logic Server and Web Professional

2. Microsoft ProClarity Desktop Professional CD: Desktop Professional

Enjoy the BI-stack ! ;-)

VSDBPro Codeplex samples project goes live

GuntherB — Thu, 04 Jan 2007 10:10:00 GMT

If you are looking for samples or want to collaborate on Visual Studio Team Edition for Database Professionals samples, we now have a CodePlex project for this, please check-out http://www.codeplex.com/vsdbpro

The goal of this project is to share and collaborate on Visual Studio Team Edition for Database Professionals related sample projects and sample code.
In order to put some organization in place we create five categories in which the samples have to fall, with the last one being our escape clause if it does not fit in the more explicit ones.

Data generators
Data distributions
Test conditions
Sample projects
Miscellaneous: tools and other helpful item that make the live of DataDude easier

We hope you'll find this project useful and feel free to collaborate!

How does Windows Live Messenger actually work?

GuntherB — Thu, 28 Dec 2006 15:04:00 GMT

An interesting post from the MSBLOG.org sources explaining how Windows Live (MSN) Messenger actually works behind the scenes.

1. The user starts the session by double clicking a contact.
2. The user’s Windows Live ID credentials are sent across to the Windows Live ID Credentials server for further verification
3. The information is passed through a incoming only firewall to the dispatch server. This is the first point of connection for the message being sent.
4. Depending where the user is in the world, a connection will be made to the local notification server. There are main ones in Singapore, Dublic, Redmond and Reading. This keeps the connection between the two users alive, and keeps things updated such as user status, chat requests and email notifications from Windows Live Mail/Hotmail.
5. The message itself doesn’t go near the notification servers - it is passed onto the switchboard server which is the where all the messages and files are exchanged. The user starting the chat can talk to one user, whilst using another switchboard session to talk to someone else, and another switchboard session for someone else still - without even knowing it. Invitations, file transfers and video/voice chat are also sent through here.
6. The information is then relayed back through an outgoing firewall and checks the user is still online. If the user is offline by the time the message is ready to be received, then it’ll bounce back and be saved on the switchboard session until the user logs back on again. If they are online, they will receive the message.

This is all done in the space of around 2 seconds - most of the time your message will be sent at least twice around the world, in the space of 2 seconds.

See http://www.msblog.org/2006/12/27/who-wants-to-know-how-windows-live-messenger-actually-works/

TechEd: Developers - Good times to be a SQL Developer

GuntherB — Thu, 02 Nov 2006 19:10:13 GMT

Folks, these are good times to be a SQL Developer!
Over the next few days more than 3500 developers will be heading to Barcelona Spain for the TechEd: Developers event.

I'm very excited about the strong SQL Server line-up we will have and in addition, some really good news came in last-minute!

We are now 100% final, locked-down and confirmed!
Thanks to YOUR feedback, we will bring some additional content, including:
- SMO by Bob Beauchemin (yes!)
- SSIS Scripting Development by the man himself, Donald Farmer!

I'd like to thank all the people who sent me open & honest feedback on the SQL Server Track agenda at TechEd: Developers. We worked hard to incorporate your feedback, needs and desiratae. On behalf of the entire TechEd Europe content team and speaker staff : THANK YOU!

We are committed to bring you the highest quality technical SQL Server content during next week's European TechEd: Developers event.

Below you'll find the complete SQL Server track listing, breakout sessions and whiteboard discussions and demos extravaganza sessions included.

If you are in Barcelona next week and plan to attend the SQL Server sessions, please drop me line and we'll catch up. I'd love to hear what you think about SQL Server, what you like and what you'd like to see differently. As usual, my email addy is guntherb (at) microsoft dot com.

Again, thank you for your interest in SQL Server technologies and hope to meet you in person in Barcelona! Guntherb.

SQL001 DEMO: biTunes – Building an end-to-end Business Intelligence (BI) Application with SQL Server 2005 and… iTunes!

Frederik Vandeputte

Wed Nov 8 13:30 - 14:45

SQL Servers 2005 gives you all the tools you need for building end-to-end BI applications. In this 100% demo driven session we walk through the complete SQL Server 2005 BI stack. We'll use SQL Server Integration Services to import the iTunes (yes, that's right) music library. We'll build an OLAP cube on top of our MP3 library with SQL Server Analysis Services. Finally we'll use SQL Server Reporting Services and Excel 2007 to reveal information you thought you could never retrieve from iTunes. Come and take a walk on the BI-side…

SQL301 Coding SQL Server 2005: Plan Guides and Plan Forcing

Bob Beauchemin

Thu Nov 9 17:30 - 18:45

Most database professionals avoid query hints unless they're really necessary, but when you do need them they can make an enormous difference. The query engine is constantly being improved, but you may be one of the few that wants to return to an older query plan. SQL Server 2005 has a few new query hints, but includes quantum changes known as plan guides and plan forcing. Plan guides allow you to insert hints into code that you can't change directly, such as code generated by packaged products. Plan forcing allows you to use the XML representation of a query plan to instruct the engine to use a specific plan. This session shows how both of these features can be used to increase plan control when you need it.

SQL302 Metadata Solutions for SQL Server 2005 Integration Services (SSIS)

Donald Farmer

Fri Nov 10 10:45 - 12:00

What does metadata mean to you? A critical part of everyday Business Inelligence (BI)? A check-box when completing proposals? Something that sounds important, but somehow never quite seems to get the attention it deserves? This session introduces the Metadata Samples Pack for SSIS - a shared source, extensible metadata tool that enables you to move beyond traditional metadata management to incorporate metadata intelligence into your BI applications. Demos include how to use the samples as they are shipped, but also how to extend and embed the technology for your own needs.

SQL303 SQL Server 2005 Analysis Services: Deep Dive

Richard Tkachuk

Wed Nov 8 17:00 - 18:15

SQL Server 2005 Analysis Services includes a re-architecture of the Online Analytical Processing (OLAP) and Data Mining engines from SQL Server 2000. In this session we explore the semantics of the Unified Dimensional Model (or UDM) including explanations of what it is in the dimension and data structures that make calculations so flexible and query response so fast. This will be followed with a demonstration of building a cube, how multidimensional expressions (MDX) are used to query the result, and how the structure of the cube is exposed programmatically in native and managed environments. We'll end with a demonstration of building a mining model and querying the result with Data mining expressions (DMX).

SQL304 Upgrade Benefits of SQL Server 2005 for Developers

Don Vilen

Tue Nov 7 11:30 - 12:45

Power to the Developer! SQL Server 2005 provides myriad benefits to the Developer, including enhancements to Transact-SQL, XML, SQLCLR, VSTE-DP (Visual Studio 2005, Team Edition for Database Professionals), SQL Server Management Studio, SQL Server Service Broker, Query Notifications/Cache Sync, and others. In this session we’ll discuss these various areas that provide improved productivity for developers and greater availability, scaleability, and security for your applications.

SQL305 Building Connected Systems Using SQL Server 2005 XML Features

Dave McMahon

Wed Nov 8 09:00 - 10:15

This session takes an in-depth look at sending and receiving data to and from SQL Server as XML. It will take a look at why this technology is so useful, and some real-life examples of how this technology has been implemented. Dave will look in depth at extracting SQL data as XML using the FOR XML syntax assessing the strengths and weaknesses of the various modes and demonstrating the technology using an XML powered web-site. He will also show how to get data into SQL Server using OPENXML and the XML Data Type/XQUERY and how these technologies map hierarchical data to relational data. Finally he will show how SQL Server 2005 offers a new way to access this XML data using SOAP based Native Web Services. This is a level 300 session and attendees are assumed to be familiar with SQL DML and SQL DDL syntax in SQL 2000 and/or SQL 2005.

SQL306 Embedding Rich Reports in Your Application with the Report Controls in Visual Studio 2005

Carolyn Chau

Thu Nov 9 15:45 - 17:00

The Report Controls in Microsoft Visual Studio 2005 allow you to embed rich, interactive reports into your smart client and ASP.NET applications. These controls are fully integrated with SQL Server 2005 Reporting Services to leverage features such as security, caching and delivery. They also work in local mode (not requiring Reporting Services) to enable embedded and offline scenarios. This session shows how easy it is to integrate these controls in a variety of development scenarios.

SQL307 Building Ad-Hoc Reports using the SQL Server 2005 Reporting Services (SSRS) Report Builder

Carolyn Chau

Fri Nov 10 09:00 - 10:15

SSRS includes new Ad-hoc reporting capabilities via the new end user Report Builder tool. Come and learn about the architecture behind Report Builder, see the capabilities of the Report Builder client demonstrated, and understand how you can easily build business data models for end users.

SQL309 Developing Client and Mobile Data Solutions with SQL Server 2005 Everywhere Edition

Steve Lasker

Wed Nov 8 10:45 - 12:00

SQL Server Everywhere Edition is a compact database for rapidly developing applications that extend enterprise data management capabilities to the desktop and mobile clients. Ideal for distributed and embedded applications, it delivers essential relational database functionality in a small footprint while providing the same programming model and management interfaces of SQL Server. This session explores how you can leverage SQL Server Everywhere Edition as a local data store for client and mobile applications. We will cover designer support within Visual Studio, deployment options including ClickOnce, and the ADO.NET programming model including updatable cursors using the SqlCeResultSet. Come and learn more about how to empower your users with Windows Client Applications that work anywhere your users are.

SQL310 Synchronizing Data with a Server in SQL Server 2005 Everywhere Edition

Steve Lasker

Wed Nov 8 13:30 - 14:45

SQL Server 2005 Everywhere Edition ships with two synchronization technologies, allowing you to synchronize data from the local data store back to a server. Such synchronization is a key enabler for allowing users to access their data offline, and synchronize changes with a central server when the user is back on the network. This session will cover the architectures and sync options available today, including Merge Replication and Remote Data Access. Come and learn more about how to empower your users with applications that work anywhere your users are.

SQL311 Security in SQL Server 2005: What Developers should know

Don Vilen

Fri Nov 10 15:15 - 16:30

SQL Server 2005 includes a large number of security enhancements, from data encryption and key management to advanced context impersonation. In this session, we walk through the major improvements in the security space and show you how to get the most out of the security features in SQL Server 2005.

SQL312 T-SQL Querying: Tips and Techniques

Stephen Forte , Richard Campbell

Wed Nov 8 10:45 - 12:00

Take your queries to the next level! This interactive session focuses solely on advanced querying techniques to get the most out of your SQL Server. See a series of real-world examples to extract data from your databases in ways you've never seen before. Techniques demonstrated include an ultra-fast way to do crosstab queries in SQL Server, running totals and ranking. Along the way you'll get some insight into how SQL Server works and the new capabilities in SQL Server 2005.

SQL313 Extending SQL Server Integration Services 2005 (SSIS) with Script

Donald Farmer

Thu Nov 9 17:30 - 18:45

The Integration Services feature of Microsoft SQL Server 2005 brings together data from diverse sources in a high-performance data integration platform, to enable users to work across multiple applications that may not have been designed to co-operate. In this session, you'll learn how .NET scripting in SSIS can enable you to easily add new, fully-integrated functionality to achieve your enterprise data integration needs by building practical and useful Script Tasks and Script Components.

SQL401 SQL Server Error Handling: T-SQL, SQLCLR (Common Language Runtime) and Clients

Bob Beauchemin

Thu Nov 9 13:30 - 14:45

In SQL Server 2005, both T-SQL and SQLCLR procedures can use Try-Catch constructs to intercept and process exceptional conditions. This is a big change for both server and client/middle-tier processing, as client and middle-tier received and processed all errors directly from SQL Server. In addition, both T-SQL and SQLCLR error handling don't catch every type of error or allow the ability to directly re-throw all errors to reproduce SQL Server 2005 behaviour. This session looks at the mechanism in depth and attempts to provide a comprehensive and consistent error handling strategy that works for all procedural code and clients.

SQL402 Implementing the Service-Oriented Database Architecture (SODA) with SQL Server

Bob Beauchemin

Wed Nov 8 09:00 - 10:15

This session will cover building an application architecture that takes the purpose and usage of the data into account, using scale-out techniques and services. You can build a database application as services from the ground up or implement individual operations as services. SQL Server 2005 Service Broker is an infrastructure that uses asynchronous activation programs, which are built using SQLCLR or T-SQL. SQLCLR programs have the capability to be moved off-database (external activation) if needed for maximum flexibility. See how to build services using SQL Server 2005 that allow you can scale as your transaction and query volume grows.

SQL403 Understanding Interactions of Transactions, Batches, Nested Procedures, MARS (Multiple Active Result Sets) and SQLCLR (Common Language Runtime) in SQL Server 2005

Bob Beauchemin

Thu Nov 9 10:45 - 12:00

Most errors in SQL Server do not automatically roll back transactions. The interaction between SQL batches, transactions, errors, timeouts, and procedure nesting can be complex. SQL Server 2005's MARS and SQLCLR features, introduce additional ramifications, and client-side timeouts which have often been misunderstood. This session will shed light on the interaction of all of the behaviours that can cause inconsistencies in programming and intermittent surprises for Database Administrators (DBAs) and programmers.

SQL404 SQL Server 2005 Cache Sync/Query Notifications in Depth

Bob Beauchemin

Fri Nov 10 13:30 - 14:45

SQL Server 2005, ADO.NET 2.0, and ASP.NET 2.0 combine and provide a solution to an age-old development problem - keeping a data cache automatically up-to-date with minimal overheads. This is known as Cache Sync when implemented in ASP.NET and backed by Query Notifications in the database. In this session, we'll look at the "sweet spot" for this feature, how it works inside the database, and how to use it to minimize database resource utilization.

SQL405 SQL Server 2005 Integration Services (SSIS): Performance and Scale

Donald Farmer

Thu Nov 9 15:45 - 17:00

In this session, learn the architectural patterns that derive the highest scale and performance from SSIS. Walk away with a full set of strategies for planning high performance and scale implementations and a range of practical techniques for measuring performance and for identifying and tackling bottlenecks in your data integration processes.

SQL406 Developing SQL Server 2005 Analysis Services Powered Applications

Richard Tkachuk

Thu Nov 9 13:30 - 14:45

Come and learn how developers can take advantage of SQL Server Analysis Services 2005 to build applications that help users make better decisions, faster! In this session we explore how simple and complex analytics can be added to your applications using Analysis Services 2005. We'll explore how simple report-like queries, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), ad hoc browsing and predictive analytics can be added to ASP.NET applications. Along the way, we'll describe the ins and outs of ADOMD.NET, XML/A, Data Mining Extensions (DMX), Multidimensional Expressions (MDX), and other important aspects of Analysis Services that developers need to know. Those interested in this session should also consider attending the SQL Server Analysis Services Deep Dive session to learn about the Analysis Services intrinsics/internals.

SQL407 XQuery Deep Dive: How to Write and Optimize Your XQuery

Stephen Forte

Thu Nov 9 09:00 - 10:15

SQL Server 2005 provides deeply integrated native support of XML. Besides storing the data as XML, it provides XQuery support as the key to unlock the information stored inside the XML document. This session gives you an introduction to SQL Server's XML and XQuery support and it demonstrates how to write and optimize your XQuery expressions. In particular, it discusses the use of XML Indices and how to read XQuery generated query plans.

SQL408 SQL Server 2005: Advanced Indexing Strategies - Part 1

Kimberly Tripp

Tue Nov 7 14:15 - 15:30

In this session we look at a fast-paced collection of indexing tips and tricks based on an already optimized base table structure. How you create your base table - as well as cluster it - has a big impact on that table's performance. Once the base table structures have been defined and you have to further improve system performance, where do you look and how do you do this? In this session we will talk about targeting both the known and finding the unknown performance problems. Once you know where the problems are we'll go through numerous options to improve the performance using indexes. This session is very fast-paced with a lot of tips and tricks for various search arguments (SARGs), aggregations, and joins. Additionally, this session will look at a couple of design techniques that help to improve both performance and availability by leveraging new SQL Server 2005 features.

SQL409 SQL Server 2005: Advanced Indexing Strategies - Part 2

Kimberly Tripp

Tue Nov 7 16:00 - 17:15

SQL410 SQL Server 2005: Optimizing Procedural Code

Kimberly Tripp

Tue Nov 7 17:45 - 19:00

Now that we've just spent two sessions talking about Advanced Indexing Strategies - are your stored procedures using them? In this mini series where we focus on database code, you need to make sure that your Advanced Indexing Strategies aren't going to waste. In this session we will talk about plan caching and Optimizing Procedural Code as well as how to see whether or not your plans are being re-used. Are your stored procedures being re-compiled - too much or not often enough? In this session, you will learn when recompilation is good v. bad. If you use stored procedures (and you want them to scale!) then you need to be here!

SQLWD01 SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS) – The Top 10 Tips

Donald Farmer

Fri Nov 10 13:30 - 14:45

An informal, but informative, session describing, discussing and solving the top 10 tips that SSIS users need to know. Come prepared with your questions!

SQLWD02 The Doctor Is In: Tell us what hurts in SQL Server 2005

Don Vilen

Fri Nov 10 09:00 - 10:15

SQL Server 2005 has great new developer functionality but we need you to tell us what we're missing. What are your pain-points as a developer and the scenarios that go with them? We may make some suggestions as to alternatives and workarounds, but primarily we'll take your feedback back to the SQL Server product group for analysis. After all, it is customer feedback that is the primary driver for getting new features into future versions of SQL Server. If you can't attend, please provide your feedback on SQL Server via the http://lab.msdn.microsoft.com/productfeedback/default.aspx site.

SQLWD03 A Day in Life of a Query – What happens when you type GO?

Paul Randal

Wed Nov 8 15:15 - 16:30

Have you ever wondered what goes on under the covers while a query is executing? This session will follow the execution of a query inside the SQL Server 2005 Engine, from parsing down to the disk, touching on a bunch of the internal components. Think of it as a fast-paced tour of Engine internals from someone who's been in the code… Come prepared with your questions!

SQLWD04 The Query Governor: SQL CLR in Action

Richard Campbell , Stephen Forte

Thu Nov 9 17:30 - 18:45

See how .NET takes SQL Server 2005 to a whole new level! In this Whiteboard Discussion learn how to build a query governor, a set of tools for evaluating whether or not a query should be run. Most query governors are simple limiters, automatically cancelling queries when they run too long or aborting queries with too high of a cost. The CLR makes it possible to programmatically evaluate the cost of a query without executing it! Combined with some techniques for determining the state of the server, you can build a governor is flexible and smart. This interactive Whiteboard Discussion makes it easy to explore different applications of this technology beyond the query governor.

SQLWD06 Best Practices for Architecting Reporting Services Report Models for Ad-Hoc Reporting

Carolyn Chau

Fri Nov 10 10:45 - 12:00

Do your users require self-service reporting? Are you ready to move forward with Report Builder but unsure of how to build a robust Report Model to enable end-user independence? Have you built Report Models but need to know how to move to the next level or solve design issues? This session provides prescriptive guidance about using the new Model Designer to build robust Report Models that will facilitate diverse reporting needs and overall yield better reports. Gain a better understanding of model auto-generation and the manual steps of model design and editing. Leave with a greater confidence in Report Model design concepts and allowing you to deploy Report Builder widely in your organization.

SQLWD07 Occasionally Connected Systems, now and into the future!

Manikandan Thangarathnam

Thu Nov 9 09:00 - 10:15

Today's workforce is increasingly mobile and having the right data, in the right form, at the right place, in the right time is crucial to effectiveness. The offline capabilities user experience of an application like Microsoft Outlook allows users to be more productive. Come and see how Microsoft is providing a new generation of application architecture that helps developers more easily build offline experiences for users. Also see how Microsoft will continue to invest with future product releases of SQL Server and Visual Studio.

SQLWD08 SQL Server Everywhere Edition and Express Edition… How do I choose?

Sitaram Raju

Thu Nov 9 10:45 - 12:00

If you're feeling confused between SQL Server Everywhere Edition and Express Edition, or wondering about where they fit in with Jet (database engine for Microsoft Access), this is the chalk and talk for you. Come and learn more about which scenarios each product was designed for and get guidance on where we think they should be used. Bring your questions!

SQLWD09 Solving your SQL Server 2005 Manageability Challenges with SQL Server Management Objects (SMO)

Bob Beauchemin

Tue Nov 7 14:15 - 15:30

Did you know that SQL Server Management Studio was primarily written in managed C# code using the SMO object model? Do you have any applications that you would like to develop to manage your SQL Server 2005 environment in your corporate environments (automation, disk space checks, WMI events, configuration etc)? Come to this interactive whiteboard discussion to discuss the SMO potential and get your SMO questions answered!

You access the agenda & event info online here.

Thanks so much!

Guntherb.

TechEd: Developers - SQL Server - Draft Session Update

GuntherB — Fri, 11 Aug 2006 18:24:39 GMT

So here we are, star date August 11th 2006

Still 4 months to go until TechEd Europe.
But only 1 month to get your feedback on the TechEd: Developers SQL Server Track agenda !

Yes, we've been hearing your feedback and made changes to the SQL Server track agenda. I'd like to take this opportuntity to thank all of the people who sent me feedback through my blog or direct email address.

Again, the content team is working hard to make this your event. It's thanks to your feedback that we shape those sessions and make them less marketing. :)

Here's the 75% draft list of the breakout sessions:

SQL Server Error Handling: T-SQL, SQLCLR and Clients
In SQL Server 2005, both T-SQL and SQLCLR procedures can use Try-Catch constructs to intercept and process exceptional conditions. This is a big change for both server and client/middle-tier processing, as client and middle-tier received and processed all errors directly from SQL Server. In addition, both T-SQL and SQLCLR error handling don't catch every type of error or allow the ability to directly rethrow all errors to reproduce SQL Server 2005 behavior. In this session, I'll look at how the mechanism in depth and attempt to provide a comprehensive and consistant error handling strategy that works for all procedural code and clients.
Speaker: Bob Beauchemin (SQLSkills Inc)
Managing Semi-Structured and Unstructured Data: BLOBs, XML and FTS in SQL Server 2005
More and more data that does not fit into the relational model directly, such as semi-structured and unstructured data, is stored inside the database. SQL Server 2005 provides several improvements that make the management of such data easier and more efficient than ever. This presentation shows how XML, varbinary(max), CLR-based user-defined functions and fulltext search will enable you to store and manage your semi-structured and unstructured data along with your traditional, relational data.
Speaker: Michael Rys
XQuery Deep Dive: How to Write and Optimize Your Xquery
SQL Server 2005 provides deeply integrated native support of XML. Besides storing the data as XML, it provides XQuery support as the key to unlock the information stored inside the XML document. This presentation gives you an introduction to SQL Server's XML and XQuery support and it demonstrates how to write and optimize your XQuery expressions. In particular, it discusses the use of XML Indices and how to read XQuery generated query plans.
Speaker: Michael Rys
Implementing the Service-Oriented Database Architecture with SQL Server
In this session I'll discuss building an application architecture that takes the purpose and usage of the data into account, using scale-out techniques and services. You can build a database application as services from the ground up or implement individual operations as services. SQL Server 2005 Service Broker is an infrastructure that uses asynchronous activation programs, which are built using SQLCLR or T-SQL. SQLCLR programs have the capability to be moved off-database (external activation) if needed for maximum flexibility. See how to build services using SQL Server 2005 that allow you can scale as your transaction and query volume grows.
Speaker: Bob Beauchemin (SQLSkills Inc)
Understanding Interactions of Transactions, Batches, Nested Procedures, MARS, and SQLCLR in SQL Server 2005
Most errors in SQL Server do not automatically roll back transactions. The interaction between SQL batches, transactions, errors, timeouts, and procedure nesting can be complex. SQL Server 2005's MARS (multiple active resultsets) and SQLCLR features introduces additional ramifications, and client-side timeouts have often been misunderstood. In this talk, I'll bring shed light of the interaction of all of the behaviors that can cause inconsistancies in programming and intermittant suprises for DBAs and programmers.
Speaker: Bob Beauchemin (SQLSkills Inc)
SQL Server 2005 Cache Sync/Query Notifications in Depth
SQL Server 2005, ADO.NET 2.0, and ASP.NET 2.0 combine the provide a solution to an age-old development problem - keeping a data cache automatically up-to-date without minimal overhead. This is known as Cache Sync when implemented in ASP.NET and backed by Query Notifications in the database. In this presentation, we'll look at the "sweet spot" for this feature, how it works inside the database, and how to use it to minimize database resource utilization.
Speaker: Bob Beauchemin (SQLSkills Inc)
Coding SQL Server 2005 Plan Guides and Plan Forcing
Most database professionals avoid query hints unless they're really necessary, but when you do need to them they can make an enormous difference. The query engine is constantly being improved, but you may be one of the few that wants to return to an older query plan. SQL Server 2005 has a few new query hints, but includes quantum changes known as plan guides and plan forcing. Plan guides allow you to insert hints into code that you can't change directly, such as code generated by packaged products. Plan forcing allows you to use the XML representation of a query plan to instruct the engine to use a specific plan. We'll show how both of these features can be used to increase plan control when you need it.
Speaker: Bob Beauchemin (SQLSkills Inc)
SQL Server 2005 Integration Services: Performance and Scale
In this session, learn the architectural patterns that derive the highest scale and performance from SQL Server Integration Services. Walk away with a full set of strategies for planning high performance and scale implementations and a range of practical techniques for measuring performance and for identifying and tackling bottlenecks in your data integration processes.
Speaker: Donald Farmer
Metadata Solutions for SQL Server 2005 Integration Services
What does metadata mean to you? A critical part of everyday business intelligence? A checkbox when completing proposals? Something that sounds important, but somehow never quite seems to get the attention it deserves? This session introduces the Metadata Samples Pack for SQL Server Integration Services - a shared source, extensible metadata tool that enables you to move beyond traditional metadata management to incorporate metadata intelligence into your BI applications. Demos include how to use the samples as they are shipped, but also how to extend and embed the technology for your own needs.
Speaker: Donald Farmer
SQL Server 2005: Advanced Indexing Strategies : Part 1
In this session we look at a fast-paced collection of indexing tips and tricks based on an already optimized base table structure. How you create your base table - as well as whether or not you cluster it - has a big impact on that table's performance. So, in order to allow us to have a more advanced session, we've decided to mix learning options and continue the discussion in this session. Prior to TechEd, you should view Part 4 of the MSDN Webcast Series titled: Effectively Designing a Scalable and Reliable Database. The complete set of resources for Part 4 can be found here: http://msevents.microsoft.com/cui/WebCastEventDetails.aspx?EventID=1032278595&EventCategory=5&culture=en-US&CountryCode=US. This online webcast focuses on the base table structure so that we can continue to further improve system performance with Advanced Indexing Strategies. In part 1, we will discuss methodologies in for finding your hidden performance problems (briefly) and then we will dive into solving them. We'll go through numerous options to improve your performance using indexes. This session is very fast-paced with a lot of tips and tricks for various search arguments (SARGs), and joins. Part 2 (DAT4xx) will continue by going over performance tuning for aggregates as well as when it's appropriate to use Indexed Views. Additionally, in Part 2, we will look at a couple of design techniques that help to improve both performance and availability by leveraging new SQL Server 2005 features. Finally, once this session has been completed you should watch Part 5 of the same MSDN series. Part 5 covers Index Maintenance and completes the indexing series from Table Creation to Advanced Indexing Strategies to Index Maintenance. You can see a complete set of resources for this series in a summary entry on Kimberly's blog here: http://www.sqlskills.com/blogs/kimberly/PermaLink.aspx?guid=4daca6d9-c52b-4f85-a47c-20f252883e20.
Speaker: Kimberly L. Tripp
SQL Server 2005: Advanced Indexing Strategies : Part 2
In this session we look at a fast-paced collection of indexing tips and tricks based on an already optimized base table structure. How you create your base table - as well as whether or not you cluster it - has a big impact on that table's performance. So, in order to allow us to have a more advanced session, we've decided to mix learning options and continue the discussion in this session. Prior to TechEd, you should view Part 4 of the MSDN Webcast Series titled: Effectively Designing a Scalable and Reliable Database. The complete set of resources for Part 4 can be found here: http://msevents.microsoft.com/cui/WebCastEventDetails.aspx?EventID=1032278595&EventCategory=5&culture=en-US&CountryCode=US. This online webcast focuses on the base table structure so that we can continue to further improve system performance with Advanced Indexing Strategies. In part 1, we will discuss methodologies in for finding your hidden performance problems (briefly) and then we will dive into solving them. We'll go through numerous options to improve your performance using indexes. This session is very fast-paced with a lot of tips and tricks for various search arguments (SARGs), and joins. Part 2 (DAT4xx) will continue by going over performance tuning for aggregates as well as when it's appropriate to use Indexed Views. Additionally, in Part 2, we will look at a couple of design techniques that help to improve both performance and availability by leveraging new SQL Server 2005 features. Finally, once this session has been completed you should watch Part 5 of the same MSDN series. Part 5 covers Index Maintenance and completes the indexing series from Table Creation to Advanced Indexing Strategies to Index Maintenance. You can see a complete set of resources for this series in a summary entry on Kimberly's blog here: http://www.sqlskills.com/blogs/kimberly/PermaLink.aspx?guid=4daca6d9-c52b-4f85-a47c-20f252883e20.
Speaker: Kimberly L. Tripp
SQL Server 2005 : Optimizing Procedural Code
Now that we've just spent two sessions talking about Advanced Indexing Strategies - are your stored procedures using them? In this mini series where we focus on database code, you need to make sure that your Advanced Indexing Strategies aren't going to waste. In this session we will talk about plan caching and Optimizing Procedural Code as well as how to see whether or not your plans are being reused. Are your stored procedures being recompiled - too much or not often enough? In this session, I will help you to know when recompilation is good v. bad. If you use stored procedures (and you want them to scale!) then you need to be here!
Speaker: Kimberly L. Tripp
Upgrade benefits of SQL Server 2005 for Developers: Power to the Developer!
Abstract pending
Speaker: Don Vilen
Security in SQL Server 2005
Abstract pending
Speaker: Don Vilen
SQL Server 2005 Analysis Services: Deep Dive
SQL Server 2005 Analysis Services includes a re-architecture of the OLAP engine from SQL Server 2000. As a result, a lot of your knowledge of Analysis Services 2000 internals needs updating. In this presentation, we discuss the Analysis Services 2005 architecture in detail specifically around query processing and storage. We start with the semantics of the calculation model, explaining how the formula engine operates in the attribute driven multi-dimensional space and computes cell values from the base fact data and calculations. We then dive into the inner workings of MDX query evaluation including query parsing, semantic analysis, optimization, storage engine interaction, etc. Finally we describe how the storage engine manages dimensions and facts on disk and in memory, including compression, bitmap indexing, memory management, etc.
Speaker: Richard Tkachuk
Developing SQL Server 2005 Analysis Services Powered Applications
Come and learn how developers can take advantage of SQL Server Analysis Services 2005 to build applications that help users make better decisions, faster! In this session we explore how simple and complex analytics can be added to your applications using Analysis Services 2005. We’ll explore how simple report-like queries, Key Performance Indicators, ad hoc browsing and predictive analytics can be added to ASP.NET applications. Along the way, we’ll describe the ins and outs of ADOMD.NET, XML/A, DMX, MDX, and other important aspects of Analysis Services that developers need to know. Those interested in this session should also consider attending the SQL Server Analysis Services Deep Dive session to learn about the Analysis Services intrinsics/internals.
Speaker: Richard Tkachuk
? (slot reserved for SQL Server Reporting Services, focus on Report Controls & embedding reports)
? (slot reserved for SQL Server Reporting Services, focus on Report Controls & embedding reports)
? (slot reserved for OCS - SQL Express / Everywhere Edition)
? (slot reserved for OCS - SQL Express / Everywhere Edition)

So, what's missing?

We're still working on the Reporting Services sessions, but the're coming! :)
We're still working on the SQL Server Express and SQL Server Everywhere Edition sessions, but the're coming! :)
SMO - As it stands right now, we won't have a session on SMO (SQL Server Management Objects). I would like to understand how important this is to you. If you feel this is highly important to you as a SQL Developer, then let me know NOW (blog reaction or email me directly) and let me know as well what session you'd like to drop in favor of an SMO session. Dropping a session is never easy - welcome to the world of a track owner. :)
Depending on the number of requests & feedback, I can still change the agenda and host an SMO session if you really want it.

Business Intelligence (BI) topics?

I've received a couple of request on the BI topics (Business Intelligence). Let me first clarify our BI approach at TechEd Europe:

The SQL Server track focuses on the SQL Server BI topics, being SSIS (Integration Services), SSAS (Analysis Services), SSRS (Reporting Services).
The IW track focuses on the front-end BI topics, being our OBA (Office Business Applications) suite with products like Business Scorecard Manager, Excel, ProClarity and the forthcoming Performance Point Server (Biz#).

So if you can't find a front-end BI session in the SQL Server track, then make sure to check out the IW track. Chances are you'll find your preferred sessions in there! :)

That's it so far. This must be the longest blog post I've ever written. :-)
Now please tell us : Does this respond, meet and exceed your SQL Server Developer needs? If there is something missing, let us know, if there is too much or too little content on a particular product or technology, again let us know. At this stage we can and will make changes based on your comments.

We want to bring you the *highest quality* SQL Server content, sessions and speakers and your ultimate satisfaction is my only goal.

Thanks and I'm looking forward to your feedback and also, to meet you in person in Barcelona! Guntherb ( guntherb at microsoft dot com )

TechEd: Developers - SQL Server - First list of draft sessions

GuntherB — Wed, 17 May 2006 18:03:00 GMT

Ok, so here's a first draft of some of the SQL Server sessions that we are planning for TechEd: Developers 2006

Disclaimer: No commitmens, no guarantees, but I'd love your feedback on this :-)

SQL Server Error Handling: T-SQL, SQLCLR and Clients
Managing Semi-Structured and Unstructured Data: BLOBs, XML and FTS in SQL Server 2005
The Query Governor: SQL CLR in Action
XQuery Deep Dive: How to Write and Optimize Your Xquery
Implementing SQL Express 2005
SQL Querying Tips and Techniques
Building Reliable Service Applications with SQL Server 2005 and Service Broker
Implementing the Service-Oriented Database Architecture with SQL Server
Understanding Interactions of SQL Server 2005 Transactions, Batches, Nested Procedures, MARS, and SQLCLR
SQL Server 2005 Cache Sync/Query Notifications in Depth
SQL Server 2005 Plan Guides and Plan Forcing

I'd really appreciate your first reactions, thoughts,... Note that we will be adding an additional set of sessions (approx 20 in total) purely dedicated to the SQL Server developer, so check my blog and the TechEd 2006 Europe web site.

Does this respond & meet your SQL Server developer needs? If there is something missing, let us know, if there is too much or too little content on a particular product or technology, again let us know. At this stage we can and will make changes based on your comments.

Thanks !
Guntherb ( guntherb at microsoft dot com )

TechEd 2006 Europe : Feedback & Suggestion request SQL Server Track

GuntherB — Wed, 17 May 2006 17:50:00 GMT

As you might know by now, TechEd Europe 2006 will be split in 2 events:

TechEd: Developers
TechEd: IT Forum
See http://www.microsoft.com/europe/teched

Kevin Ashby (Microsoft EMEA) and I will be owning the SQL Server/Database track again, it really is a fun & rewarding but hectic job.

So here's your chance to influence & provide feedback on the content.

We're early in the process but if you have any comments, suggestions, tomatoes, then please send them my way. Especially, if you're interested in the SQL Server track, please let us know your thoughts & suggestions.

We run TechEd Europe for you - so please provide feedback on the content. At this stage we can and will make changes based on your comments.

I read every email & comment, so keep 'em coming!

Thanks a million!
Guntherb. (guntherb at microsoft dot com)

LINQ CTP - May 2006

GuntherB — Wed, 17 May 2006 17:45:00 GMT

On May 10th, the VB and C# teams issued an integrated CTP release of the Language Integrated Query (LINQ) project. Although some code has been delivered since the PDC, this will be the first major release since the PDC Tech Previews. The release will include updates to integrated querying for relational data, objects, and XML. LINQ is a powerful example of language innovation, and we will use the CTP release to focus on how this new approach to data query expands the development capability.

What is LINQ?

The LINQ Project is a codename for a set of extensions to the .NET Framework that encompass language-integrated query, set, and transform operations. It extends C# and Visual Basic with native language syntax for queries and provides class libraries to take advantage of these capabilities.

What is DLinq?

DLinq is the component of the LINQ Project that handles relational data. LINQ extends the .NET Framework with language extensions to Visual Basic and C# that provide developers with native query syntax for objects, relational data, and XML.

What is the relationship between ADO.NET and DLinq?

ADO.NET is a full framework for data access and LINQ builds on that with language extensions to more deeply integrate data into procedural languages.

When are LINQ and ADO.NET going to ship?

LINQ will ship in the Orcas timeframe – Orcas is the codename for the next version of Visual Studio. ADO.NET v3 will be part of the next version of the .NET Framework, which will ship in the Orcas timeframe. We have not yet announced a specific target ship date for Orcas but we have announced that it will ship after Windows Vista and the 2007 Office System.

Where can I get it?

http://msdn.microsoft.com/netframework/future/

Microsoft Expression Web Designer CTP1 released !

GuntherB — Wed, 17 May 2006 17:35:00 GMT

So yes! We released the first CTP of Microsoft Expression Web Designer on Monday.

Over the past 2 days I've been receiving a couple of questions on this - weird cause I'm not a designer a all - guess devs & designers are really close after all then! :-)

So here's a compiled FAQ that should cover most of the immediate questions...

What is Expression Web Designer?

Microsoft’s professional design tool for creating HTML/CSS based web sites and applications.

Target audience?

Professional designers who are building broad reach HTML Web sites and applications.

Key features?

Expression Web Designer will help you create and work with:

• Standards-Based Web Sites

• Sophisticated CSS-Based Layouts

• Extensive CSS Formatting and Management

• Rich Data Presentation

• Powerful ASP.NET 2.0 Server Technology

Other features in the pipeline?

At this time, we are working through the customer and technology requirement and do not have a final feature list.

Expiration date for the CTP 1 build?

You bet! :-) The Expression Web Designer CTP1 will expire on February 1st, 2007.

Download size ?

The download size for this CTP is 230MB.

Support for CSS 1 and 2?

Yes, Expression Web Designer supports both CSS 1 and CSS 2.1.

Support for Expression Web Designer CTP?

Formal support is not offered for this Expression Web Designer CTP. Instead, we have set up a forum (news://msnews.microsoft.com/microsoft.public.expression.discussion) to solicit feedback and help get your questions answered by the Expression Web Designer community.

Launch date?

The feedback from the CTP process will not only drive the features of the product, but will also ultimately determine the launch date. We will ship when our customers tell us the product is ready.

Browser compatibility?

Microsoft Expression Web Designer supports XHTML and CSS standards and will enable Web designers to easily build browser-agnostic sites. EWD also incorporates rich accessibility support to help build the most accessible, standards conformant Web sites possible.

Pricing?

At this time we are not releasing pricing information. Details about pricing will be announced as soon as they are available.

Will this FrontPage 2003?

Microsoft Expression Web Designer is a new product for professional Web designers, based on the evolution of FrontPage 2003 technologies, including significant new investments in cutting-edge technologies (CSS, XML, XHTML XSLT, and ASP.Net 2.0) over the past several years. It will enable professional designers to create high-quality, modern, standards-based Web sites.

Where can I get the CTP?

http://www.microsoft.com/products/expression/en/web_designer/wd_free_trial.aspx

Must blog more often, must blog more often, must blog more often...

GuntherB — Wed, 17 May 2006 17:30:00 GMT

Ok ok, I know... I should blog more often... hectic times.

No excuses though - here's another attempt to blog more often.

Stay tuned, I'm in blog mode right now ! :-)

Windows Workflow Beta 2.2 is live !

GuntherB — Wed, 15 Mar 2006 10:41:00 GMT

Microsoft.com Download Page
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=5C080096-F3A0-4CE4-8830-1489D0215877&displaylang=en

Bits
http://download.microsoft.com/download/5/1/1/511bc547-dda7-4803-9e32-5f8202c0ef52/Visual Studio 2005 Extensions for Windows Workflow Foundation Beta 2_2(EN).exe

Install Guide
http://download.microsoft.com/download/1/5/8/15821942-BEE0-4828-BF64-2080D1A239C9/WFBeta2.2_Install_Instructions.htm

VS Extensions Release Notes
http://download.microsoft.com/download/E/A/8/EA877B6E-09D6-4E20-B055-FCA48338080D/VS2005Extensions_for_WF_Beta2.2_Readme.htm

Runtime Release Notes
http://download.microsoft.com/download/E/A/8/EA877B6E-09D6-4E20-B055-FCA48338080D/WF_Beta2.2_Readme.htm

IT Forum 2005 Database Track : Feedback Request

GuntherB — Tue, 23 Aug 2005 14:54:00 GMT

With TechEd 2005 Europe now a fading memory, we're well into the planning for IT Forum 2005 which runs 14th to 17th November. For the first time, we're in Barcelona at the Centre Convencions Internacional. November in the sun certainly sounds good to me! ;-)

The first partial list of content is already live, so please take a look.
Especially, if you're interested in the Database Management Track, please let us know NOW if these sessions meet your needs & interests.

The IT Forum event is run for you - so please provide feedback on the content. If there is something missing, let us know, if there is too much or too little content on a particular product or technology, again let us know. At this stage we can and will make changes based on your comments.

Thanks!

Free SQL Server 2005 Standard Edition For All TechEd 2005 Europe Delegates

GuntherB — Mon, 13 Jun 2005 04:14:00 GMT

All TechEd 2005 Europe delegates will receive a fully functional copy of SQL Server 2005 Standard Edition once the final version is released.
Indeed: no beta, the full release version, not an evaluation version, no time bombs... This means that you won't walk home with it from Amsterdam, but that you'll get a copy later this year.

After the announcement that TechEd 2005 Europe attendees will get a copy of Virtual Server 2005 Enterprise Edition, I think this is great news for all you developers and IT professionals coming to the conference! Not only will the attendees see and hear the best speakers, attend the most interesting topics and sessions of the moment, discover technology themselves in the more than 70 hands-on labs. They'll also get a copy of two Microsoft products !

TechEd 2005 Europe Attendees get Virtual Server 2005 Enterprise Edition For Free

GuntherB — Fri, 10 Jun 2005 01:25:00 GMT

All registered attendees for TechEd 2005 Europe Amsterdam (from 5 till 8 July for those that haven't heard of it yet) will get a free copy of Virtual Server 2005 Enterprise Edition. For the exact terms and conditions, check out this special page on Virtual Server offer for Tech·Ed 2005 Europe delegates: https://www.mseventseurope.com/TechEd/05/pre/registration/MVS2005.aspx

Shared Source Initiative extended to 7 additional countries in EMEA !

GuntherB — Sun, 20 Mar 2005 17:43:00 GMT

Hooray! The Shared Source Initiative has been extended to 7 additional countries in central and eastern Europe !

Windows 2000, Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 source code will now be available to eligible enterprises, OEMs, system integrators, MVPs and academic institutions in Cyprus, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Slovakia, and Slovenia.

If you didn't know : the Shared Source initiative was launched in May 2001 and encompasses 17 unique code sharing programs. It's a way how Microsoft is sharing source code with customers, governments, partners, academics and individuals.