Don’t miss a thing!

You Couldn’t Make It to MIX10 - but You Can Watch Online
While it isn’t the same as attending MIX10, we’ve made it possible for you to watch the keynotes and sessions (posted within 24 hours after they happen) and interact with the MIX Online community. Visit the MIX10 site now to see what you’re missing. Learn about the next generation of Windows Phone 7 Series, Internet Explorer 9 and the future of Web Design and User Experience.
You wanted more and now, we are giving you MORE! Based on your feedback, requests and suggestions – We are continuing our FREE Trainings on Windows Azure.
On April 6th (Tuesday) we are hosting the Windows Azure FireStarter event in Redmond, WA at the Microsoft Commons facility. The entire event will be simulcasted online for those of you who can’t be here in-person.
We have some rock stars from the Azure Product Team including Steve Marx who’ll be talking about Microsoft’s vision for Cloud Computing and more specifically how Developers can get ready to take advantage of everything the cloud has to offer. If you attended the recent MSDN Azure Events, or saw a few Azure Webcasts, then this is the perfect Continuum story. We will go deeper and get your trained on Windows Azure. Did I mention, it’s FREE!
Seating is limited, so please do Register. Also note that Registration is required for both In-Person and Online Events.
- Windows Azure FireStarter: www.msdnevents.com/firestarter
- In-Person Registration: http://msevents.microsoft.com/CUI/EventDetail.aspx?EventID=1032441229&Culture=en-US
- Online Streaming (Live): http://msevents.microsoft.com/CUI/WebCastEventDetails.aspx?EventID=1032441296&EventCategory=2&culture=en-US&CountryCode=US
Twitter Tag: #wafs
For any further questions, contact me at mithund at Microsoft or tweet me at @mithund (please include the #wafs tag).
Please forward the information to anyone else who might be interested in attending this event.
We look forward to seeing you at the event!
-Mithun Dhar
My colleague architects are putting together some awesome Architecture Vision webcasts. Be sure to sign up…

Each month through June 2010, we’ll bring you a 60-minute Architect focused Webcast to educate on the latest trends/topics and how new technologies can align with your business needs.
March 25, 2010 at 1:00pm – 2:00pm EST
Title: Extending Your Sites Reach with IE8 Add On Features
Abstract Today's users are getting more sophisticated and they expect more features from the sites and services they use. In this session learn about how to implement low effort, high value add-ons that expand your sites reach and bring value to your customer base .
Link to Register: https://swrt.worktankseattle.com/webcast/4240/preview.aspx
Presenter:
Jim Cirone
Architect Evangelist, Microsoft
Jim Cirone is an Architect Evangelist with Microsoft's Developer and Platform Evangelism team. He joined the DPE team 3 years ago after spending 10 years in Microsoft's services group architecting and delivering complex solutions. In his current role he is focused on new and emerging web technologies.
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March 26, 2010 at 1:00pm – 2:00pm EST
Title: Windows Azure Design Patterns
Abstract: One of the challenges in adopting a new platform is finding usable design patterns that work for developing effective solutions. The Catch-22 is that design patterns are discovered and not invented. Nevertheless it is important to have some guidance on what design patterns make sense early in the game.
This webcast attacks the problem through a set of application scenario contexts, Azure features and solution examples. It is unique in its approach and the fact that it includes the use of features from all components of the Windows Azure Platform including the Windows Azure OS, Windows Azure AppFabric and SQL Azure. In this webcast you will learn about the components of the Windows Azure Platform that can be used to solve specific business problems.
Link to Register: https://swrt.worktankseattle.com/webcast/4241/preview.aspx
Presenter:
Bill Zack
Architect Evangelist, Microsoft
Bill Zack is an Architect Evangelist with Microsoft. He comes to this role after serving as a Solutions Architect in the Financial Services Unit of Microsoft Consulting Services. His experience includes developing, supporting and evangelizing .NET/SOA based frameworks used to jump-start development projects for financial services companies.
Stay Connected:


-Mithun Dhar
Thanks everyone for attending the MSDN presentations in Seattle. As promised, here are the resources from the event. Please note that there are two formats, the first format is what you saw during my presentation in Seattle, WA and Portland, OR. The other format is the company format which I modified to suit my delivery and speaking style.
Sift through and let me know if you have any questions.
Slides:
Session 1: Introduction to Cloud Computing & Windows Azure 101
Session 2: Azure Data Storage
Session 3: Azure App Deployment
Pre-Edited Slides/Content:
www.msdnevents.com/resources
More to come…
Thanks,
-Mithun Dhar

MIX10 is fast approaching-and still getting better!
At MIX10, learn about developing applications and games for the next generation of Windows Phones. Not only will you learn about Windows Phone 7 Series, you will hear from keynote speakers Bill Buxton, Scott Guthrie, Joe Belfiore. Dean Hachamovitch, GM of Internet Explorer will also be on hand to talk about the future of web design and user experience. Attend MIX10.
MIX10 just seems to be getting better and better!
-Mithun Dhar
Before you get all riled up, I want to let you know that we are hiring for Architect and Developer positions at San Francisco/Bay Area and Phoenix, AZ.
Now read on!
These are the three positions open in my team:
Developer Evangelist, San Francisco Bay Area, California, USA Developer Evangelist, Phoenix, Arizona, USA Architect Evangelist, San Francisco Bay Area, California, USA More details and a FAQ can be found on Scott’s blog @ http://www.scottkerfoot.com/page/Jobs.aspx
If you are interested, feel free to mail me your resume. If I know you and have worked with you, I’m happy to put in a word!
Good luck!
-Mithun Dhar
…with Silverlight/Deep Zoom and the Azure Platform.
If you have not already checked out the Mosaic 23/25, also know as the Social Mosaic – you’re missing out! The Jordan Brand a Division of Nike, Inc is celebrating its 25th Anniversary during NBA All-Star Weekend to take place in Dallas, TX from February 11-14. With the help of Wirestone, Jordan Brand is leveraging innovative Microsoft technology to engage consumers through rich experiences.
The social mosaic is an innovative web app that allows enthusuasts to personally connect with the Jordan Brand by allowing them to upload photos of themselves with their favorite Air Jordans.
All of this coolness is powerd by Silverlight 3 and leverages Deep Zoom which provides the ability to view high-res images and it also enables Multitouch capabilities.
All of this is being dished up by powerful Azure Servers in the backend. The Windows Azure platform allows to easily calibrate the number of web roles instances to support traffic bursts and it also allows the Jordan brand team to scale out backend worker role instances used to construct the Deep Zoom Mosaic, especially as photos are continually uploaded.
Here’s the kicker – The total mosaic is constructed with over 5 Billion pixels!
You can feast here!
-Mithun Dhar
…it’d now be worth $2,200. Basically…my investment would be nearly down by 50%. I am wondering if it’s really wise to keep any money in the market at all. Perhaps there is a wiser way to invest. Albeit, lesser profits but safer.
All, I can say is WOW! We still haven’t recovered from the .Com bubble bust. Just look at the chart below…
I wonder how long we’ll take to recover from this recession. It’s an epic fail of Efficient Market Hypothesis.
-Mithun Dhar
PS:
This is not the actual representation. But a very vague one at best…
Here’s a really cool chance for you to win a spanking, brand new, Windows 7 netbook. Also, note that there are three netbooks that Microsoft is giving away. It’s really simple and easy…
Click Here: http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9702402
Requirements
- Write a great article using the regular Code Project submission guidelines
- Your article should include screen shots and code samples
- Your article must use Visual Studio 2008 and/or Visual Studio 2010 Beta
- The app should run as a Windows client, and should take advantage of Windows-specific technologies/features found in Windows 7 (such as jumplists, thumbnails, etc.)
- You’ll need to tag your article with the key words "Windows 7”
The Rules
- Articles must follow the guidelines listed on the above website.
- The articles can use any programming language but must focus on one of the Windows 7 features.
- No cheating, lying, stealing code, or biting.
- The judges’ decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.
- Only those who live in jurisdictions in which this contest is legal may enter.
- Any breach of the rules and the prize will be awarded to the runner up.
- The contest runs from 3 November 2009 to 3 February 2010, at 11:59:59 PM US Eastern Standard Time. After the contest closes, no additional entries will be permitted.
- By entering the contest you agree to the rules, conditions of entry, and agree that your name, member profile information, article, code and any other submitted material can be used for promotional purposes by The Code Project and Microsoft.
- By entering your article in the contest you agree that The Code Project and Microsoft can link to your article and all accompanying data or information for promotional purposes.
Good luck!
-Mithun Dhar
This is a really cool TED talk! I don’t know if it’s enlightening or entertaining or thought provoking or none or all of the above. It was very unique and since I come from India and it’s almost 10 years of me living in a Western country my thought process is a little too mixed. I however know the nuances in each school of thought…probably the best thing to gain from exposure and diversity. Watch and let me know what you think…
-Mithun Dhar
I am very happy to see the Microsoft Technology Conference come to fruition! I’ll be presenting at this conference along with my colleague Chris Avis. Come join us for a whole day of fun & learning.
I look forward to seeing you at the event.
Event ID:
1032438197
Event Title: Microsoft Public Sector Technology Conference
Event Date: January 28, 2010
Registration: 8:30am
Event Time: 9:00am – 4:00pm PST
Event Location:
DSHS Headquarters, (OB2), Auditorium
1115 Washington St. SE, Lower Level
Olympia, WA 98504
(360) 902-8400
REGISTER TODAY!
Click the link above OR call 1-877-673-8368 and reference the above event ID
| Who Should Attend Developers, Architects, Web Designers and technical managers who wish to get an early look at the next advancement in Software Development. The Agenda | Time | Session | Duration | Presenter | | 8:30 – 9:00 | Registration | | | | 9:00 – 10:30 | Introduction to SQL Azure | 90 minutes | Joel Reyes | | 10:30 – 10:45 | Break | 15 minutes | | | 10:45 – 12:00 | Overview of Windows 7 and writing applications for Windows 7 using .NET Framework | 75 minutes | Mithun Dhar and Chris Avis | | 12:00 – 1:00 | Lunch | 60 minutes | | | 1:00 – 2:30 | Overview of Windows Communication Foundation Data Services | 90 minutes | Joel Reyes | | 2:30 – 2:45 | Break | 15 minutes | | | 2:45 – 4:00 | Introduction to Microsoft Unified Communications | 75 minutes | Mithun Dhar and Chris Avis | | |
| © 2010 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. |
Thanks,
-Mithun Dhar
| Welcome Time 12:30 PM Local Time Event Time 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM Local Time Register for a date & location near you! Click the registration link OR call 1.877.673.8368 and reference Event ID. Denver, CO January 28, 2010 Event ID: 1032439050 Portland, OR February 2, 2010 Event ID: 1032439051 Bellevue, WA February 4, 2010 Event ID: 1032439052 Mountain View, CA February 9, 2010 Event ID: 1032439053 Irvine, CA March 16, 2010 Event ID: 1032439054 Los Angeles, CA March 18, 2010 Event ID: 1032439055 Phoenix, AZ March 23, 2010 Event ID: 1032439056 | MSDN Events Presents: From Zero to XAML in 4 Hours Learning XAML for use in Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF) or Silverlight can be a little daunting. This seminar with Paul Sheriff of PDSA, Inc will introduce the basic concepts of XAML and show you how to get started quickly and easily. You will be given an overview of XAML tools such as VS.NET 2010 and Expression Blend. If you are new to Silverlight and WPF you need to attend this seminar to see how to move to these powerful new platforms. The focus on this seminar is using XAML to build business applications. After the initial XAML introduction we will then dive deep into the data binding features of WPF. We will explore the many ways to retrieve and present data using data binding in WPF. You will see examples of loading data into combo boxes, list views, and the WPF DataGrid. You will learn how to populate WPF controls using a DataTable, Collection Classes, XML, LINQ to SQL and the Entity Framework. The next deep dive we will do will focus on creating standard Login and About dialogs, menu systems, toolbars, status bars, etc. At the end of this seminar you will walk away with tons of samples that you can put into use right away. You will Learn: 1. Introduction to XAML, WPF and Silverlight 2. XAML Controls used in Business Applications 3. Introduction to Styles 4. Data Binding Techniques in WPF 5. Building standard business forms, dialogs and tools More about Paul Sheriff: Paul D. Sheriff is the President of PDSA, Inc. (www.pdsa.com), a Microsoft Partner in Southern California. Paul acts as the Microsoft Regional Director for Southern California assisting the local Microsoft offices with several of their events each year and being an evangelist for them. Paul has authored several books, webcasts, videos and articles on .NET, SQL Server and SharePoint. Paul can be reached via email at PSheriff@pdsa.com or at Paul Sheriff's Inner Circle (www.PaulSheriffInnerCircle.com). Who Should Attend Developers, Architects and stakeholders who wish to gain a better understanding of Windows Presentation Foundation. Attend for your chance to win* a copy of Windows 7 Ultimate! Please feel free to forward to a co-worker you think would benefit from attending this event. |
My dad sent me this simple short video with a simple short message – Wish you a very happy and prosperous new year!
‘Dare to believe in yourself…’
-Mithun Dhar
With all the Cloud announcements, the cloudsphere is abuzz with ‘cool’ stuff! Here’s a really useful webcast if you want to build a Private Cloud with the Dynamic Data Center Toolkit!
Register today!
http://msevents.microsoft.com/CUI/WebCastEventDetails.aspx?EventID=1032432793&EventCategory=4&culture=en-US&CountryCode=US
TechNet Webcast: Building a Private Cloud with the Dynamic Data Center Toolkit for Enterprises (Level 300)
Event ID: 1032432793
Register Online
Product(s): Microsoft System Center Virtual Machine Manager,Microsoft System Center Virtual Machine Manager 2007.
Audience(s): IT Decision Maker,IT Generalist.
Duration: 60 Minutes
Start Date: Friday, December 11, 2009 11:00 AM Pacific Time (US & Canada)
Event Overview
You can build the foundation for a private cloud infrastructure on Windows Server 2008 R2 Hyper-V and Microsoft System Center Virtual Machine Manager 2008 using the Microsoft Dynamic Data Center Toolkit for Enterprises (availability scheduled in the first half of 2010).
This free, partner-extensible toolkit provides an architectural road map, deployment guidance, best practices, and familiar tools for creating agile, virtualized IT infrastructures. Attend this webcast to learn more about the components of the Data Center Toolkit and how you can improve your data center efficiency by lowering the overall costs of on-boarding, deployment, and management.
Presenter: Luis Camara Manoel, Group Program Manager, Microsoft Corporation
Post PDC, the Silverlight communities across the world is rejoicing for all the awesomeness that was showcased! And, like everything good, better and best the communities are rushing to fill in the gaps and create Silverlight User Groups.
Seattle, WA is no different! Barring rain, we are normal like everywhere else. We even formed our own Seattle Silverlight User Group. The launch party is slated to happen on the 9th of December at the Microsoft’s Steptoe Room in Building 41. This will be a really cool holiday party so be sure to come dressed in your best geek attire! A lot of Microsoftee’s, MVPs, and Community influencers will be present at this event.
Where: Microsoft building 41 – Steptoe Room (Where the .NET UG meets every Monday)
Directions: http://www.bing.com/maps/?v=2&where1=Microsoft%20Building%2041%2C%20WA&encType=1
When: December 9th
More information: http://www.SeattleSilverlight.net/
The topic of the Evening is What is new in Silverlight 4 by John Stockton:
We will take a tour of the new features in Silverlight 4 including features like printing, rich text (RTF) support, and expanded databinding support. Also hear about exciting Silverlight additions to the media stack, and get an introduction to the Silverlight 4 elevated trust out of browser model

Interact Seattle - http://www.interactseattle.org/
In other news, the Interact group which is rapidly gaining popularity with designers and developers alike is having their next meeting on December 16th. This user group meets Every Third Wednesday between 7:00 – 8:30pm at Bellevue Place where the Hyatt is located. Free parking after 6:00 pm is located under the hotel. They meet in the Hyatt Board room on the second level in the Atrium ( big dome).
This month David Kelley(Principal UX Architect at Wirestone) is talking about
On Better Design, User Experience and Why It Matters
What is the return-on-investment of building better User Experiences (UX)?
How does User Interface (UI) design affect your business?
Come join the discussion on why User Experience matters and how it applies to the real world. In the current world of web 2.0 and with talk of design being important, help us understand why it matters to you and what we get out of good User Interface design. Let’s talk about the technologies on the web and on the desktop that do and don’t support the development of well designed applications, and how we can apply better practices to our own projects. Equally important, let’s discuss how we can bridge the typical gap in cross discipline team dynamics. Tell us about your secret sauce or just listen to what others have to say. From great enabling technologies like Silverlight to tried and true web development in Flash, everyone has a story to tell about UI and design in the UX World.
Come join the fun with David at Interact.
_____________________________
WHEN
Date: Wednesday, Dec 16th, 2009
Time: 7:00pm – 8:30pm PAC
WHERE
Bellevue Place
10500 NE 8th St.
Bellevue, WA 98004
http://www.bing.com/maps/?v=2&where1=10500%20NE%208th%20St%2C%20Bellevue%2C%20WA%2098004-4345&encType=1
Cost
Attendence: Always Free.
Parking: Free.
Are you on LinkedIn and planning to attend? Well let us know.
WOW! This will be fun!
-Mithun Dhar