Dave Glover "Down Under (Oz)" : SQL Server

WARDY IT Solutions win Microsoft Data Management Partner of the Year

dglover — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 05:32:25 GMT

At the Australian Partner Conference gala awards dinner last Thursday (Sept 3rd, 09), WARDY IT Solutions was announced as the winner of the Data Management Solutions Partner of the Year. This award was in recognition of their high level of performance in the design and delivery of Microsoft SQL Server solutions supporting customer's mission-critical applications.

The Awards were presented in 30 categories and WARDY IT Solutions was recognised for superior technology and innovation in Data Management Solutions. The Data Management Solutions Partner of the Year award recognises partners who delivered exemplary solutions using Microsoft technologies to address customer business needs and challenges.

Congratulations to Peter and the crew!!

Cheers Dave

Application Architecture Guide 2.0

dglover — Thu, 14 May 2009 05:28:00 GMT

Hey if you went to the Victoria.NET User group on Tuesday then you would have caught my Windows 7 session, you can find resources I mentioned at here, hope those that installed Win 7 on the night are enjoying and those that grabbed the DVDs have had a chance to fire it up!!

You can find resources from Tarn Barford's awesome session on Iron Python at http://blog.sharpthinking.com.au/post/2009/05/11/IronPython-Presentation.aspx - funny we both did our sessions on Netbooks!!

And Mahesh's session covering the Application Architecture Guide 2.0, tbh, I had lost track that version 2 was over on codeplex!! If you've not see this guide then I highly recommend you download it from http://www.codeplex.com/AppArchGuide/Release/ProjectReleases.aspx?ReleaseId=20586

There is great coverage of where technologies fit, from web, to services, data access, security, desktop and mobile along with recommended best practices and patterns, honestly take a break from your busy day to day busy existence and check it out, it'll be time well spent!!

Cheers Dave

Tech.Ed Australia and New Zealand Call for Content Now Open

dglover — Fri, 08 May 2009 09:07:09 GMT

We’ve just opened the “Call for Content” for TechEd 2009 Australia and New Zealand, if you are interested in getting involved then check out Andrew’s blog at http://blogs.msdn.com/acoat/archive/2009/05/06/tech-ed-australia-and-new-zealand-call-for-content.aspx

Cheers Dave

CodeCampOz 2009 - April 4-5 - Registration Open

dglover — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 05:57:51 GMT

Just spotted that Andrew posted about CodeCampOz - cool!!

Summary is.

Mitch Denny has just announced that registration is now open for this year's CodeCampOz. April 4-5 at Charles Sturt University in scenic Wagga Wagga, this not-to-be-missed event is now in its 5th year. Sign up on the Event Brite site.

It's a free of charge event, a great way to learn and a most excellent opportunity to network!!

Cheers Dave

Sync Services for Devices Shipped!

dglover — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 10:56:13 GMT

The device bits for Sync Services for ADO.NET have been released to the web so now we have a have a supported version of Sync Services for Windows Mobile 5.0 and 6.x.

You can find the download at http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=75FEF59F-1B5E-49BC-A21A-9EF4F34DE6FC&displaylang=en.

Keep in mind that you'll also need SQL Server Compact 3.5 Service Pack 1 for Windows Mobile at http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=fce9abbf-f807-45d6-a457-ab5615001c8f&DisplayLang=en as well as Visual Studio 2008 SP1 which can be found at http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=fbee1648-7106-44a7-9649-6d9f6d58056e&DisplayLang=en.

This sync technology is a developer-focused companion to Merge Replication that can take advantage of the more efficient change-tracking engine in SQL Server 2008.

Since it's based on a higher-level ADO.NET Provider model, you can also get it to sync your device with other databases like Oracle and DB2, Cool!!

Cheers Dave

Australian Teched 2008 Session Listing available at...

dglover — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 10:11:30 GMT

I've been asked this a couple of times over the last few days so I thought it might be useful to blog it locations.

You can find the current session list at https://aunz.msteched.com/au/public/sessions.aspx

Cheers Dave

"How Do I?" Videos for Security

dglover — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 04:09:00 GMT

In case you missed this then worth checking out the "How Do I?" Videos for Security, see http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/security/bb896640.aspx

Cheers Dave

Wondering what to do this weekend then check this out!!

dglover — Fri, 19 Oct 2007 09:59:00 GMT

http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=e73_1192213802

ISV Innovation Days coming to Canberra!! Dec 11th, 2007

dglover — Fri, 19 Oct 2007 09:35:00 GMT

By popular request the ISV Innovation Roadshow will be coming to Canberra - but there is a caveat, we're looking for a minimum of 20 people to register, so if you live in Canberra and your an ISV then get clicking and get yourself registered ASAP and we'll cya there:)

see

http://blogs.msdn.com/dglover/archive/2007/10/11/oz-isv-innovation-days-for-the-2008-launch-wave-coming-to-a-city-near-you.aspx for more info on the Innovation Roadshow and dates for other cities...

Cheers Dave

Free Online eLearning Available from https://www.microsoftelearning.com

dglover — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 03:09:00 GMT

See the attached document for more info - but here is a quick summary:-

Developer

Clinic 7045: What's New in Microsoft® SQL Server™ 2008
Collection 5134: Developing Rich Experiences with Microsoft® .NET Framework 3.0 and Visual Studio® 2005
Clinic 5135 : Introduction to Developing with Windows® Presentation Foundation and Visual Studio® 2005
Clinic 3402: ASP.NET for PHP Developers: Introduction to ASP.NET
Clinic 5230 : Developing Enhanced Web Experiences with Microsoft® ASP.NET AJAX Extensions
Clinic 5045: Inside Look at Developing with Microsoft® Windows® SharePoint® Services 3.0
Clinic 5046: Inside Look at Building and Developing Solutions with Microsoft® Office SharePoint® Server 2007
Clinic 5136 : Introduction to Developing with Windows® Workflow Foundation and Visual Studio® 2005
Clinic 5137: Introduction to Developing with Windows® Communication Foundation and Visual Studio® 2005
Clinic 2954: First Look: Microsoft® BizTalk® Server 2006 for Developers
Clinic 2955: First Look: Microsoft® BizTalk® Server 2006 for IT Professionals

Infrastructure

Collection 5934: Introducing Microsoft Windows Server Code Name "Longhorn" (Beta 3)

Collection 5125: Introducing Microsoft® Office Communications Server 2007

Clinic 5091: Introduction to Microsoft Exchange Server 2007 Unified Messaging

ForeFront eLearning

Cheers Dave

PS. cya at SQL/Security Code Camp in Wagga Wagga!!

"Windows Server 2008: Developer Essentials" Partner Readiness event also free to Oz Managed ISVs

dglover — Thu, 11 Oct 2007 10:08:00 GMT

What is it?

Training for developers on Windows Server 2008

If you are a managed ISV then this training is 100% subsidized(= free), see the Call to Action below

Who should attend?

This event is specifically focused on .NET developers that write applications to run on the Microsoft Windows Server platform. The hands on exercises in this course will require familiarity with Microsoft Visual Studio 2005 and either Visual Basic .NET or C#.

Prerequisites:

Attendees are expected to be familiar with Microsoft’s current server platform and be familiar with developing applications that run on these platforms using Microsoft Visual Studio 2005.

Overview:

This two-day technical readiness event is designed to introduce developers to many of the new features of Windows Server 2008. As Microsoft prepares to release the most advanced version of their server platform ever, now is the time to start learning how to use many of the great enhancements in the applications you write and deploy. Learn how Windows Server 2008 provides a compelling application foundation and makes huge leaps forward in the area of Microsoft’s DSI (Distributed Systems Initiative) and DFO (Design for Operations).

Agenda:

This event is delivered as approximately 30% instructor delivery and 70% hands on lab exercises.
During this 2 day course, developers will cover get hands on experience in the following areas;

Introduction to the Windows Server 2008 Application Platform
How to leverage the many new features and improvements in Internet Information Server 7.0
Developing custom modules and handlers for Internet Information Server 7.0
How to use Microsoft Management Console 3.0 to create standard administrative interfaces for your application
How to use the new Transactional NTFS capabilities in your application
Creating custom cmdlets for PowerShell
Improving your application’s reliability
Windows Eventing 6.0 & Performance Counters
Windows Communication Foundation
Windows Workflow Foundation
Windows CardSpace

When / where is it?

Sydney Oct 29 & 30
Melbourne Nov 01 & 02
Brisbane Nov 13 & 14

Call to action:

If you are an Microsoft ISV partner wanting to attend and take advantage of the 100% subsidy (worth $780), please email Christian Longstaff for a voucher.
Register now: https://www.local.microsoft.com.au/australia/events/register/home.aspx?levent=188499&linvitation quoting “ISV Readiness”

Oz ISV Innovation Days for the 2008 Launch Wave: Coming to a city near you!!

dglover — Thu, 11 Oct 2007 09:59:00 GMT

ISV Innovation Days will allow you to connect with the Microsoft ISV Virtual Team (including representatives from the Microsoft Partner Team; and our Developer Platform Evangelism - DPE) and learn about the advantages and resources of becoming an early adopter for the 2008 launch wave products (Windows Server 2008, Visual Studio 2008, SQL Server 2008) in a relaxed workshop environment.

The Agenda includes New Opportunities with the 2008 Product Launch (for senior management), What's new in Visual Studio 2008 & .NET Framework for Smart Client and Next Generation Web Development, What’s new in Windows Server 2008 for ISVs, What's Hot in SQL Server 2008 for our Customers and ISVs, and Integrating Business Solutions with Microsoft Office SharePoint

• Register Today in a city near you!

• Brisbane: 20 November 2007 (Microsoft Brisbane Office, Level 9, Waterfront Place, 1 Eagle Street, Brisbane, Queensland 4000)

• Melbourne: 27 November 2007 (Microsoft Melbourne Office, Level 5, 4 Freshwater Place, Southbank Victoria 3006)

• Sydney: 3 December 2007 (Department of State and Regional Development, Parkes Room, Level 47, MLC Centre, 19 Martin Place, Sydney New South Wales 2000)

• Perth: 6 December 2007 (Perth Microsoft Office, Level 14 QV1 Building, 250 St Georges Terrace, Perth Western Australia 6000)

• Adelaide: 7 December 2007 (Adelaide Microsoft Office, Level 2 Santos Building, 91 King William Street Adelaide South Australia 5000)

P.S. – in the afternoon, partners will have the opportunity for partnering with Microsoft in the healthcare industry. We’ll give you an overview of the significant investments Microsoft is making in healthcare around the world including the Connected Health Framework, Common User Interface and Health Connection Engine. You’ll also see real examples of exciting mobile devices and applications and learn why Microsoft and Intel together provide the ultimate platform for mobility in healthcare.

Healthcare Agenda includes the opportunity for Microsoft Partners in the health industry, Microsoft’s key health investments, Mobility solutions in healthcare

Register here:

• Melbourne: 27 November 2007 (Microsoft Melbourne Office, Level 5, 4 Freshwater Place, Southbank Victoria 3006)

• Sydney: 3 December (Department of State and Regional Development, Parkes Room, Level 47, MLC Centre, 19 Martin Place, Sydney New South Wales 2000)

Cheers, Dave

"Astoria" RESTful Data Services for AJAX/Silverlight Solutions

dglover — Sun, 02 Sep 2007 03:21:00 GMT

Yup, again, probably the last to spot this, but Angus pinged me the link yesterday and it looks kinda interesting... If you've done any web service requests from the likes of Javascript and Popfly then you'll appreciate that there is no SOAP stack and you need to take the RESTful route and Plain Old XML.

Well enter "Astoria", and as I understand it the goal of the project is about making it easier to support RESTful style services in the absence of SOAP stacks, so check out http://astoria.mslivelabs.com/Default.aspx

Brief description cut and pasted from the Astoria site

The goal of Microsoft Codename Astoria is to enable applications to expose data as a data service that can be consumed by web clients within a corporate network and across the Internet. The data service is reachable over HTTP, and URIs are used to identify the various pieces of information available through the service. Interactions with the data service happens in terms of HTTP verbs such as GET, POST, PUT and DELETE, and the data exchanged in those interactions is represented in simple formats such as XML and JSON.

Snippet on REST from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/REST

The most important HTTP methods are PUT, GET, POST and DELETE. These are often compared with the CREATE, READ, UPDATE, DELETE (CRUD) operations associated with database technologies. An analogy can also be made to cut and paste: PUT is analogous to CREATE or PASTE OVER, GET to READ or COPY, POST to UPDATE or PASTE AFTER, and DELETE to DELETE or CUT. The CRUD verbs are designed to operate on atomic data within the context of a database transaction. REST is designed around the atomic transfer of a more complex state, such as can be seen in place of a structured document from one application to another.

Nice... d

SQL Down Under Code Camp 2007 (Oct 13th and 14th) Agenda Publish

dglover — Thu, 30 Aug 2007 05:42:00 GMT

If you're not on Greg's SQLDownUnderList mailer then there's a fair chance you missed the agenda has now been published, check out http://www.sqldownunder.com/CodeCamp/tabid/53/Default.aspx.

There is also a Security event running side by side and the aim is to sync the agendas so you can jump between the streams as you see fit, see Security Camp Oz for more details.

The SQL and Security Camps are running at Wagga Wagga/Charles Sturt University Campus again, the event is free of charge and from my own personal experiences with these events then I'd high recommend attending as it's a great opportunity to learn what's new, network, share stories and have a bit of fun!!

If you want a quick primer on what's new in SQL 2008 then check out http://www.microsoft.com/sql/prodinfo/futureversion/default.mspx.

It's all happened the weekend of October 13th and 14th in 2007, go to http://www.sqldownunder.com/CodeCamp/tabid/53/Default.aspx and pop Greg a note to let him know you'll be there...

cya there, cheers Dave

BizTalk R2 Launch in Sydney September 14: Registration now open

dglover — Thu, 30 Aug 2007 04:59:00 GMT

There's a lot happening with the R2 release of Biztalk 2006 and this launch event will be a great opportunity to find out how to make complex and costly integration projects a thing of the past.

Register your place at "Extending the Connected Enterprise" now, and discover how BizTalk Server 2006 R2 allows diverse systems inside and outside businesses to talk to each other - enabling a true Service Oriented Architecture, for more info on what's new then check out the BizTalk Server Roadmap.

The event registration link is at http://www.microsoft.com/australia/servers/biztalk/event/default.mspx