For those of you in the Limerick region who are involved in software start-ups, you might be interested in attending an event being run by the EAC in Limerick IT on Thursday 5th Feb 2009. Yours truly is speaking on the details of BizSpark, there are also speakers from the ISA and Enterprise Ireland so it's shaping up to be a good event.
The agenda is inline below, you can find further details / instructions on how to register here.
You can find out more about BizSpark at www.bizspark.ie, or contact me for more details.
Soft Supports for Software Companies and Technology Start-Ups’
Welcome and Overview of Services provided by Campus Incubation Centres
- Donncha Hughes, Enterprise Acceleration Centre Manager
18.10
The Software Sector – Meeting the development challenges
- Anna Domegan, Irish Software Association
18.30
Enterprise Ireland Supports for Software Start Ups - Michelle O’Grady, HPSU Unit, Enterprise Ireland
18.50
Microsoft® BizSpark™ – An overview of benefits for Software Companies
- Ronan Geraghty, Microsoft Ireland
Microsoft® BizSpark™ – A user experience
- Ciaran Greene, Construct Software
Digiweb, one of our BizSpark Network Partners in Ireland, is running an event in their Network Operation Centre to cover the Microsoft BizSpark program for software start-ups.
Microsoft Ireland – www.microsoft.com/ireland
Innovate!Europe is a competition designed to identify Europe’s most promising startups and accelerate their drive into the global technology market, and they are holding a workshop in Dublin on February 4th (check out http://www.innovate-events.com for more details).
Essentially it's a competition to identify and support the top European technology, media and telecom startups ready to accelerate their business in Silicon Valley and around the world. The competition will deliver feedback from expert market analysts and media exposure to all the applicants and finalists, and the top startup in Europe will win a spot in Guidewire’s Studio program, a three month in-residence program in Silicon Valley.
Companies apply online and semi-finalists are invited to workshops around Europe to get help with their pitching and positioning and to compete for the for the next round.
Finalists are invited to a Master Class program in Zaragoza, Spain (May 4-6), taught by serial entrepreneurs and mentors from the US and Europe, to help them prepare for a week long Trade Mission to Silicon Valley in June. The Trade Mission and Showcase will introduce participating finalists to the Valley’s best entrepreneurs, potential partners and investors, and media and bloggers.
There’s no charge for startups to participate in the competition and workshops, so if you’re interested in taking part, then apply to the competition.
It would be great to see some Irish start-ups progress to the later stages.
If you were in Galway last year for the first ever Developer Developer Developer Ireland (Techprechaun!), you’re already familiar with the idea of a community-driven, developer-focused, multi-track day of talks, training, presentations and great fun, all for free.
If you didn’t attend DDD Ireland 2008, don’t worry; it’s coming back for more this April in Belfast.
The thing I love about DDD is that it’s very attendee-focused. First of all, anyone can submit a talk. Anyone. Are you an expert in XNA? Are you using some cool Ruby gem no one else knows about? Concerned that people using PHP are making security mistakes? Did you build a cool robot with Robotics Studio for a school project? Talk about it!
Many conferences are filled with the same speakers, the same talks, the same content. This is *your* chance to make this the day you want. Because secondly, the community gets to vote on the talks submitted so that you get to attend the presentations you want and learn about the topics you voted on.
Did I mention it’s free? That’s pretty great too.
Last year, one of the really fun things we ended up doing was a group trip out to Craggy Island AKA Inis Oirr the following day, where we got to geek out and chat more about technology all while enjoying fantastic weather and some Father Ted scenery. So if there’s enough interest we might do the same thing this year and head up to the Giant’s Causeway / Bushmills. More on that once the agenda is finalized.
So here’s the need-to-know:
Deadline for submitting talks: 2nd February (that’s soon!!)
Voting Opens: 3rd February
DDD Belfast: Saturday, 4th of April
Speaker Training / Workshop:
One last thing I will mention. I have received a few e-mails from people related to both DDD Belfast as well as the OSS Barcamp asking for maybe a workshop or training session on speaking tips and pointers. Someone mentioned it would also be great to do a short talk in front of a nice audience to get honest feedback and build confidence. So I’m offering it. If you are interested in doing something like this before OSS Barcamp or before DDD Belfast, either e-mail me at martharo [at] microsoft.com or leave a comment here. I’ll contact the people interested and set up a free, low-key workshop for people who want to give talks for the first time or who just want a bit of practice.
I may also do a women-only focused event if there’s enough interest in conjunction with Girl Geek Dinners. Again, let me know if you’re interested.
In December Microsoft Ireland launched a Financing Solution, a new service to provide financial assistance for Irish businesses wishing to procure and deploy business applications and services. It provides up to 100% of eligible software, hardware and services costs.
Obviously in the current climate it’s often difficult for companies to finance the purchase of new technology but this Finance offer for the Irish market has been designed to address this issue by providing low cost finance for the purchase of software, hardware and services that can bring incredible benefits to businesses.
Note that it's for software, hardware and services : so for example, you could finance a “Premier for Partner Support Contract” through MCS, which is very neat.
If you are interested in this please visit https://partner.microsoft.com/Ireland/licensing/liccustomerfinancingoptions for more details and call / email per below, depending on your location.
Republic of Ireland
Phone: +353 (1)5124710
Email: Sales.support.ie@microsoftfinancingservices.com
Northern Ireland
Free Phone: 00 800 3434 1000
Lo-Call: + 44 203 024 1622
Email: sales.support.uk@microsoftfinancingservices.com
Quick update to my previous post on this event: : by happy coincidence, it turns out that Claire O'Halloran is in town on 19th Jan and will deliver the introduction to BizSpark. I'm delighted about this as Claire is the Local Software Economy and Innovation Lead for EMEA and has been heavily involved in BizSpark from its inception, so she will be able to offer some interesting perspectives on the program and definitely adds an extra dimension to the event.
We've also confirmed that two network partners and one ISV will talk about their offerings / experiences within the program, so it's shaping up to be a strong event. If you're involved in a new software startup or thinking about it, take a look at the updated agenda available here and come along.
Nab me on the night to tell me about your startup get signed up!
See here for a reminder of the benefits
Here's why :-) Click on any of the links below to get step-by-step instructions to help guide you through the various development stages.
You can also find resources for your solution using the neat Silverlight search app at http://www.innovateon.com/advancedsearch.aspx where you can search based on the technology but also based on the stage you're and type of information required (technical or business as shown below).
To get started, enroll and profile a solution to create a customised plan and get access to technical support, and help for building testing and marketing your product.
Interest in Dynamics CRM from our partners has been incredible, but one thing that has come up in the past is that outside of the Microsoft official curriculum material there was no clear guide to learning CRM for ISVs.
I'm happy to announce that the InnovateOn portal now includes an updated curriculum consisting of freely accessible content, which is listed in a very structured format.
What this means is that a new ISV can start at the top of the list with items such as what is Dynamics CRM and then move through architectural sections and on into developing for the platform and finally how to certify your solution and apply to become a partner. Over 300 unique pieces of Dynamics CRM learning collateral were reviewed and then finally reduced to just over 100 items representing a tightly focused guide or curriculum for learning Dynamics CRM (click the CRM section on the LHS).
While you're checking out the content, check out the benefits of InnovateOn and profile your solution - once enrolled, you will have the opportunity to create a customized benefit plan based on the technologies you plan to use.
If you've any feedback, let me know!
Displaying the Windows brand on your product represents a relationship and a shared commitment to quality between Microsoft and your company. In addition, customers trust that seeing the Windows brand on your product ensures that it has been verified to work well on Windows.
The InnovateOn portal now includes details of the the Windows 7 quality program which focuses on ensuring that devices, systems, and applications are compatible, reliable and can perform to meet Windows standards.
In addition, the process for gaining certification has been changed. Download the Windows 7 logo program requirements, but you definitely should read the Windows Application Quality Cookbook at :
http://code.msdn.microsoft.com/Windows7AppQuality/Release/ProjectReleases.aspx?ReleaseId=1734
In particular, note the following from the section on Client Application Certification:
We also improved the process for gaining certification. Microsoft will not require developers to have their applications tested for certification by authorized testing authorities. Instead, Microsoft is developing a test kit you can use to ensure your application meets the certification requirements. We have significantly reduced the number of requirements. Similar to the hardware program, we have created some policies; while not linked to specific test cases, we will enforce these policies. Partners must meet all requirements and observe all policies to gain Windows 7 certification.
I've worked with a lot of ISVs on certification for previous versions of windows so I think this is a very significant and welcome development.
Now that the Windows 7 Beta is here (I've installed it on my tablet PC, the Libraries feature is v. neat), it's time (if you haven't already) for ISVs to start thinking about a) application compatibility and b) building the next generation of software applications to take advantage of the new platform.
I've listed some resources below which will help ISVs achieve both of these aims.
If you're an ISV in Ireland/Northern Ireland and want to work with Microsoft on targeting Windows 7 please contact me
Ensure Application Compatibility
Windows Vista Compatibility Center Gain valuable exposure of your Windows Vista compatible software products by listing them on this comprehensive site. The investments you make to ensure Windows Vista compatibility will help you prepare your software for the release of Windows 7 and give your customers confidence that your products will continue to deliver great value to your customers as they move to the new operating system.
Windows 7 Application Quality Cookbook Learn how to verify compatibility of your applications with Windows 7 and get an overview of the few known application compatibility issues with the new operating system. Understand differences in performance, reliability, and usability, and access links to detailed white papers and other developer guidance.
Windows 7 ISV and Developer Resources
Windows 7 Developer Guide
Get help building applications on a solid foundation, enable richer application experiences, and integrate the best of Windows and web services by providing information on the features and technologies of Windows 7 that enable you to build the next generation of software applications.
Windows 7 White Papers
Review this collection of white papers on MSDN for in-depth technical insight into Windows 7.
Windows 7 Partner Resources
Access resources describing the Windows 7 partner opportunity.
Windows 7 Content from PDC 2008
View announcements and session recordings from this year’s Professional Developers Conference available online.
Dev Readiness
This site is dedicated to assisting the Windows ISV ecosystem develop high quality applications for new versions of the platform.
I have 3 vouchers to give away to developers in Ireland / Northern Ireland (only) for a free Microsoft Certified Professional Exam, specifically Exam 70-502 Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 – Windows Presentation Foundation Application Development
Achieving certification is a great way of demonstrating that you have achieved a proven expertise, or formalising the knowledge you've gained on-the-job. If you're interested in taking the exam and would like a voucher please contact me. Only one voucher per developer / organisation, and preference will be given to developers who are working with WPF at the moment or are about to start a project involving WPF.
Once again, this is only for developers in Ireland or Northern Ireland.
I now have the previously top secret agenda for the Silverlight Assault Course I mentioned yesterday. The course will be on Saturday, January 17th in Dublin and on Sunday, January 18th in Cork.
We have some exciting news about our NxtGenUG guest speakers as well. Chris Hay has just been awarded Microsoft MVP status for client application development! Which means that we have two MVP speakers coming over to visit, as Richard Costall is an MVP with ASP.NET as well. What this means for you is energetic and expert speakers for the entire day to train you and answer your questions.
Registration links:
CORK
DUBLIN
The agenda is as follows (same for both days):
9:00-9:30
Registration
9:30
Welcome and Housekeeping
Martha Rotter
9:40
Getting Started Richard Costall In this Session Richard Costall will get you up and running with Silverlight, explain the constituent parts, build a "hello world" application and even dive into Expression Blend for a bit of Designer stuff.
10:00
XAP File Explored
Chris Hay So what is a Silverlight Application, What is a XAP file, how is our content deployed what is our best strategy? In this nugget we dive deep into the XAP file, how a silverlight application is exposed in a web page and how we can dynamically load assemblies. All in 20 minutes, surely not!
10:20
Layout Richard Costall Grid or Canvas? Richard takes you on an introduction to basic layout, which to choose and how to configure them.
10:40
Silverlight Sockets (networking 1) Chris Hay In this nugget we will mess around with network communication via sockets or WCF duplex messages. The supports for these features allow the ability to do chatty things in applications and we will dive straight into it.
11:00
WCF Communication (networking 2) Chris Hay Silverlight is all very nice and all but I'd like to talk back to the web server thank you very much. In this nugget we will communicate with WCF and the most important stuff you need to know. Communicating with a service, Generating a client, Asynchronous Calls, Cross Domain Calls. Another packed nugget.
11:20
Break
11:30
Application Services Richard Costall Can Silverlight communicate with the ASP.NET Provider Model? – Of course it can – Join Richard on his journey of discovery to utilise, Authentication, Roles and Profile in a Silverlight Application.
11:50
Dynamic Languages
Want to use Silverlight but prefer coding in Ruby or Python to C# and VB.NET? No problem. Martha shows you how to write and debug Silverlight applications with the Dynamic Language Runtime so that you can use the development language skills you already have and integrate your existing web applications with Silverlight.
12:10
Syling/Templating Richard Costall From a simple font change to a redesign of the controls. Richard will show how you refactor styling information and build a control with any visual style you wish.
12:30
Images + Media Chris Hay In this nugget we look into Images and MediaElements. At the end of this nugget you should be able to use images and media effectively in your apps. We will build a Media Player, build a media image map, it's going to be fun. You should have a good idea of what's supported and what isn't also.
12:50-13:40
LUNCH
13:40
Brushes, Transforms + Animation Chris Hay At the heart of every good Silverlight application, is the ability to animate things, rotate things, and make things look funky with nice gradients. This nugget is about doing rich stuff with XAML.
14:00
DataBinding Richard Costall Databinding is a first class citizen in WPF and Silverlight is no different. This session will introduce you to the basics of Databinding.
14:20
Using Isolated Stored (1)
Chris Hay This nugget is all about understanding Isolated Storage and how you can interact with it. Isolated Storage is the only place you can store data locally, it's probably one of the key features of Silverlight apps and this nugget is about showing you how to use it.
14:40
Using Isolated Stored (2) Chris Hay This nugget is a deep dive into Isolated Storage, where it is on disk, how it is represented internally, how to clean things up when it goes wrong. At the end of this nugget you will know everything you need to know about Isolated Storage (and probably stuff you didn't need to know either), but hey knowledge is power.
15:00
15:10
Gaming Richard Costall Silverlight has a great future as a viral gaming platform. Richard will show you how to utilise a gameloop, the basics on animation, before a demonstration of a true gaming classic.
15:30
User Controls Richard Costall XAML, like HTML can be very Verbose. In this session Richard will show how easy it is to build usercontrols and then utilise them in your applications
15:50
Silverlight Encryption + Compression Chris Hay Wow are we still going on about Isolated Storage. Well this one is really about Encryption + Compression within Silverlight. You don't really want folks peeking at your hard earned data after all.
16:10
Custom Install and Loaders Richard Costall Give your Silverlight application a more compelling and enticing experience with a custom Silverlight Install and application installer.
16:30
Silverlight integration Martha Rotter Silverlight plays nicely with everyone. Want proof? Learn how to use Silverlight with your PHP applications, with Live Mesh and yes, even with Adobe Flash. Yes, really.
16:50 – 17:30
SWAGGILY FORTUNES Game Show
Starring You! What a better way to end the day than with the ‘Internationally acclaimed NxtGenUG GameShow’ Swaggily Fortunes – Answer Simple Questions and win SWAG!
If you have any questions or concerns about the event, don’t hesitate to contact me by e-mailing me at martharo [at] microsoft.com. Register soon because we can only accommodate 20 individuals per city. See you there!
The Cork Microsoft Technology User Group is hosting a great event for one day in January. It’s a free, one-day workshop on Sunday, January 18th at the Imperial Hotel.
The Silverlight Assault Course was launched with great success last year for the first time by the very energetic NxtGenUG in the UK. These Silverlight experts are coming to Ireland to give the course for free. Speakers include Richard Costall, Chris Hay, John Price and John McLoughlin, and they will be bringing great demos, excellent coding sessions and of course, plenty of swag!
Bring your laptop along, too, so you can try out the demos and learn how to build great Silverlight applications and improve existing ones.
Registration is already open on the mtug site here: http://www.cork.mtug.ie/Events/EventInfo.aspx?ID=a607584a-2fa2-475b-ba8e-4ba9786d9814. Register soon, as this event can only accommodate 20 people, so it’s first come, first serve.
The agenda includes topics on data binding, styling, animation, networking, dynamic languages, gaming and a lot more. As soon as I get the finalized schedule, I will post it here for you to check it out.
(Yes, the event is coming to Dublin as well on Saturday, January 17th – will post more details when registration is open.)
I previously blogged about the BizSpark program which we launched here on 6th Nov 2008. The ISA is running an event on Monday 19th January 2009 to cover the BizSpark program and its benefits for startups. The details are:
Start Time: 18:00
Venue: IBEC
Address: Confederation House, 84-86 Lower Baggot Street, Dublin 2.
The current agenda is :
Agenda: - Accelerating Innovation with Microsoft BizSpark (Ronan Geraghty, Microsoft Ireland) - BizSpark program offerings for start-ups - Platform Overview (Martha Rotter, Microsoft Ireland) - Hosting services with BizSpark and Windows Server 2008 (Dave Northey, Microsoft Ireland) - One of our network partners and also a local startup will talk on their experiences within the program
If you're involved in a startup or thinking of taking the plunge then come along to find out what the program can do for you. You can register here.
Mix09 is just around the corner, believe it or not. Early Bird registration expires on January 15th, which saves you $200. This is your chance to explore the future of the Web with fellow developers and designers.
Where and When?
MIX09 will take place from March 18-20 in Las Vegas at the Venetian Hotel. There is also a pre-conference workshop on March 17th. The event is only $1395 USD for the whole conference, and you can add in the workshop for $295 USD (with exchange rates pretty good again, this is a great deal for folks on the Euro!).
Who Should Attend
MIX is for web designers and web developers representing top web sites, web start-ups, interactive agencies and other organizations that do business on the Web, including: frog design, Yahoo!, MySpace, Baidu, ESPN.com, Metaliq, Adobe, Digg, Facebook, schematic, Netflix, Fidelity, NASA, Amazon.com, and many, many more.
Why Attend
What’s New for MIX09