Ronan Geraghty's Blog

Azure Academy Module 1, Dublin Oct 22nd 2009

Microsoft Ireland and the National Digital Research Centre present Azure Academy, a series of FREE Level 300 Technical training seminars for a select group of invite-only customers and partners.

Half-day instructor-led training seminars will be run on a bimonthly basis, giving attendees exclusive and early access to technical training delivered by the best of local and international subject matter experts.

Register for the first module here, and Module 2, Module 3 and Module 4

NDRC calls for proposals under 3 newly launched programs

This looks v. interesting. Drill down into each of the links to get details of the funding available etc. (in some cases funding of up to 100% is available!)

The NDRC is currently calling for project proposals under three newly launched programmes:

1. Entrepreneurial Internships Programme 

2. CTR Feasibility Programme 

3. Collaborative Translational Research Programme

1. Entrepreneurial Internships: This programme is designed to develop small scale projects with aspiring entrepreneurs to produce commercially focused applications in the web and mobile space. This investment programme is an avenue for individuals or small teams with links to a third level institution to pursue potential opportunities from idea to application in a supportive environment and among a set of peers. For more information about our Entrepreneurial Internship programme visit this page.

2. CTR Feasibility projects: We are investing in a programme to develop projects with established academics and companies that are potential collaborative translational research projects, but would benefit from upfront problem-solution and market validation. The focus of projects within the programme will be in the areas of health, education, entertainment and the environment. For more information about our CTR Feasibility programme visit this page.

3. Collaborative Translational Research projects: Having built a portfolio of collaborative translational research projects, the National Digital Research Centre is embarking on a second investment phase in further collaborative translational research.  As such, the NDRC is seeking to facilitate further collaborations between established academics and industry partners to develop commercially-focused research projects in the application areas of health, education, entertainment and the environment. 

In this specific call, the NDRC is particularly interested in receiving proposals for environmental technologies – specifically targeted at energy efficiency as distinct from green energy generation – in a digital context. We are not, however, excluding good ideas in other digital application areas. For more information about our Collaborative Translational Research programme visit this page.

To register and access online forms for all of these programmes visit this page.

BizSpark DC event, Dublin, Sept 24th

I’m delighted to announce that we are hosting a BizSpark event on the day of our Dublin Data Centre opening which will  include a tour of the new facility on September 24^th 2009. The Data Centre is not normally open to visitors, therefore this is a very limited opportunity and I’m especially pleased to be able to make this opportunity available to those of you on the BizSpark program.

This exclusive event for BizSpark startups in Ireland and Northern Ireland will provide you with a unique opportunity to hear from the President of Microsoft International Jean-Philippe Courtois and the General Manager of Microsoft Ireland Paul Rellis in relation to Microsoft’s Strategy and Vision for Software + Services.

Here are the essentials:

- The event is for startups  enrolled on the BizSpark program in Ireland/Northern Ireland

- Aim to set aside hours of 10am - 4pm on Sept 24th – agenda will be communicated to attendees

- Availability is extremely limited so a lottery system will apply.

- Please register your interest by contacting me via http://blogs.msdn.com/ronang/contact.aspx ASAP, preferably by COB Friday 11th Sept.

- Because of security regulations, we will not be able to admit anyone who has not officially registered and been approved to attend in advance

Windows 7 ISV App compat drop-in clinics : week of 31st August 2009, Dublin

With the recent release to manufacture (RTM) of Window 7 now is the time for ISVs to make sure your applications are ready for Microsoft’s latest version of Windows.

Over the next few months we will be running a number of Application Compatibility briefings and drop-in clinics, where we have a very high success rate of taking ISV applications that e.g. work on Windows XP, and making them compatible with Windows Vista and Windows 7.

For example, by the completion of our remediation workshops in June most applications worked with Windows 7 (and ready to obtain the Compatible with Windows 7 logo) or it had been identified what needed to be done in order to make those applications compatible.

All of these events are free of charge.

First up, we are running 2 1-day clinics the week of 31st August 2009 in Dublin. I’m still finalising the exact days and the venue, but if you’re interested in attending please contact me directly for more details.

The Drop-in Clinic is an event where ISVs can drop in with their applications and get help from a consultant to remediate compatibility issues. ISVs can bring their own laptops running Windows 7 – or failing that we can organise to have Windows 7 PCs available for you to install your application.

One clinic can accommodate a maximum of eight ISVs during a given day.

During the clinics you may test, debug, and fix any application compatibility issues you may have with the assistance of Microsoft Application Compatibility experts.

All client applications are welcome, whether they are written in .NET, C++, VB6, or A.N. Other Tech :-). Please bring with you an installable version of your application(s) and the symbols (PDBs) if possible.

So, if you’re an ISV who needs some help in getting compatible with Windows 7 let me know if you want a slot on the clinic.

If you already support Vista then ensuring compatibility with Windows 7 should be a snap and you should also find it easy to get the Windows 7 logo – see https://www.isvappcompat.com/ for more details or contact me directly, and let me know if you support Windows 7. You can also declare your support at https://www.microsoft.com/windows/compatibility/windows-7/partner/submission.aspx to get listed in the Windows 7 Compatibility Center.

Out-of-band security bulletins

This is post is to notify you that Microsoft released two out-of-band security bulletins on July 28, 2009.

One bulletin is for the Microsoft Visual Studio product line; application developers should be aware of updates available affecting certain types of applications.

The second bulletin contains defence-in-depth changes to Internet Explorer to address attack vectors related to the Visual Studio bulletin, as well as fixes for unrelated vulnerabilities that are rated Critical.

This security update was released outside of the usual monthly security bulletin release cycle in an effort to protect customers. Microsoft recommends customers prepare their systems and networks to apply this security bulletin immediately to help ensure that their computers are protected from attempted criminal attacks. For more information about security updates, visit http://www.microsoft.ie/protect.

=================================

NEW SECURITY BULLETIN SUMMARY

=================================

Bulletin ID: MS09-034

Bulletin Title: Cumulative Security Update for Internet Explorer (972260)

Maximum Severity Rating: Critical

Vulnerability Impact: Remote Code Execution

Restart Requirement: Requires restart

Affected Software: All supported versions of Internet Explorer on Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Server 2003, Windows Vista, and Windows Server 2008

---------------------------------

Bulletin ID: MS09-035

Bulletin Title: Vulnerabilities in Visual Studio Active Template Library Could Allow Remote Code Execution (969706)

Maximum Severity Rating: Moderate

Vulnerability Impact: Remote Code Execution

Restart Requirement: Requires restart

Affected Software: Microsoft Visual Studio .NET 2003, Visual Studio 2005, Visual Studio 2008, Visual C++ 2005, and Visual C++ 2008

The full version of the Microsoft Security Bulletin Notification can be found here: http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/advisory/973882.mspx.

The purpose of this notification is to assist customers with resource planning for this security bulletin release. The information offered in this notification is purposely general in nature to provide enough information for customers to plan for deployment without disclosing vulnerability details or other information that could put them at risk. Anyone believed to have been affected can visit: http://www.microsoft.com/protect/support/default.mspx and should contact the Gardaí.

Microsoft continues to encourage customers to follow the “Protect Your Computer” guidance of enabling a firewall, applying all software updates, and installing anti-virus and anti-spyware software. Additional information can be found at: http://ww.microsoft.ie/protect.

If you have any questions regarding this alert, please contact your local (Technical) Account Manager.

Bizspark logos for Network Partners and Startups

We now offer a BizSpark logo program for Network Partners and Startups (see NP home page screenshot below). You simply need to log in to your home page, accept the logo agreement and you can use the BizSpark logo in your Marketing Materials.

Here are the examples of the Startup and Network Partner Logos

Networking seminar - Intelligent outsourcing for export success

There is an 'Intelligent Outsourcing' seminar and networking lunch on the 2nd July at the Digital Exchange in Dublin. This is a forum bringing together a number of Irish software companies with six of of the leading Microsoft Gold Certified Partners from Sri Lanka.

The forum will explore areas of common interest between the Irish and Sri Lankan companies - looking at opportunities to partner for the Irish/European markets (from a blended costings/ extended capabilities perspective etc) but equally to look to partnering for growth opportunities for Irish companies in the dynamic and growth-oriented South Asian markets. The event is supported by Chambers Ireland.

The attached brochure contains full details.

You can register online at http://tinyurl.com/nq8kun

Details of the event can also be seen at www.BusinessSriLanka.com and the profiles of the Sri Lankan companies can be seen at:

www.tinyurl.com/m93s2z

BizSpark Ireland / Northern Ireland Newsletter content, May 2009

Windows 7 ISV Remediation (App Compat) Workshops, Dublin, June 15th-19th 2009

June 15^th-19^th 2009

New Horizons, Strand House 22-24 Strand Street Great Dublin

This is a set of half day and full day workshops where participants will have the opportunity to test their application for compatibility with the most recent publicly available version of Windows 7. You will also receive valuable guidance on how to address compatibility issues discovered during testing. This is a great opportunity to test your applications on Windows 7, but there is limited availability so be sure to get on board early to get your preferred time slot.

Who should participate in a Windows 7 Remediation Workshop?

Software vendors may send 1-2 individuals to participate in the half day workshop (for Vista compatible apps) or full day workshop (for XP compatible apps). These individuals should be intimately familiar with the design of the application being tested and should be prepared to work with the workshop staff to execute the technical aspects of the testing process.

Software developers, database administrators and testers are all good candidates to represent your company at the workshop.

Please note:

· You will need to bring your application(s) to be loaded on our secure Windows test platform in a private developer lab environment for testing and debugging application issues.

· Prior to participating in the workshop, it would be advisable to go through the Windows 7 Application Compatibility Cookbook

A dedicated consultant will be on hand to support participants in investigating application compatibility, and give architectural guidance.

Please contact me directly for more details and to reserve a slot.

(Free) 2 day Windows 7 Developer Training, Dublin: June 11th & 12th 2009

This instructor led training course will show developers how to build the next generation of software applications which deliver the richer application experiences and positive product discriminators that users now expect.

The course will consist of approximately 50% instructor presentation (PowerPoint slides and instructor-led demonstration) and 50% hands on lab activities, which will provide students the opportunity to gain solid hands-on experience with the compelling features of Windows7.

The event covers both native and managed code (C++-using-COM and C#) and focuses on the features new to Windows7.

The agenda is inline below: for more information and details of how to register, please contact me.

Course Objectives

After completing this course, students will be able to:

· Describe the design intent and key features of Windows7.

· Customize the new Windows7 taskbar to the individual application requirements

· Describe the Multi-Touch and Ink support

· Customize the Libraries and Federated Search capabilities

· Describe the common interfaces for Sensors and Location

· Develop the Windows Scenic Ribbon for their application

· Use the Application Compatibility features

· Design an application to be compatible User Account Control

· Describe the Xml Paper Specification and support offered in Windows7

· Create start-on-demand Windows Services to reduce start-up times

· Create Energy-Efficient applications that conserve power.

· Use the Application Instrumentation, Diagnostic and Performance Tools

Audience

The primary audience is experienced early-adopter Developers who wish to use some or all of the Windows7 features in applications.

Product and Technology Experience:        

Experience of Visual Studio and either C# or C++/COM

Course Outline

Day 1 – Windows7 : Visible Features

· Windows7 Overview

· The new Windows7 Taskbar

· Multi-Touch and Ink

· Libraries and Federated Search

· Sensors and Location

· The Windows Scenic Ribbon

Day 2 – Windows7 : Supporting Features

· Graphics Improvements

· Application Compatibility Overview

· User Account Control Overview

· XPS

· Background Services and Tasks

· Energy Efficient Applications

· Application Instrumentation, Diagnostic and Performance Tools

New Windows 7 App Compat Resource for ISVs in Ireland / Northern Ireland

App Compat - Windows 7 Partner Readiness Day – online event, May 7th 2009

Check out http://www.windowspartnerreadinessday.com/index.html and the ISV track at http://www.windowspartnerreadinessday.com/isvihv.html for a chance to learn about Windows 7 – all sessions will be recorded for viewing after the event as well….

ISV & IHV Session Information

Time

Topic

Speaker

8:00-9:00am

Keynote

Brad Brooks & Rich Reynolds

9:00-9:45am

Windows 7 Compatibility and Tools 

Mark Rogers

9:45-10:30am

Meet the Windows 7 Logo Program

Jeff Price

10:30-11:15am

New Possibilities With Software

Aseem Datar

11:15am-12:00pm

New Possibilities With Hardware - Includes DS, Touch, Playto, Rally

Gary Schare

Windows 7 Compatibility and Tools

Speaker: Mark Rogers

Learn about the programs and tools to test your applications and device drivers to verify compatibility and ensure that your customers have a great experience with Windows 7

Meet the Windows 7 Logo Program

Speaker: Jeff Price

Get the inside scoop on the vision and plan for the Windows 7 Logo program. Learn about why customers care about it and what it means to you.

New Possibilities with Software

Speaker: Aseem Datar

Unlock new value with a collection of new features (Touch, New taskbar, and new extensible Ribbon) introduced in Windows 7 that improve how users discover and interact with applications.

New Possibilities with Hardware - Includes DS, Touch, Playto, Rally

Speaker: Gary Schare

Windows 7 federated search and your web property

Just a quick post for those of you who are developing either internet or intranet applications, to highlight how Windows 7 federated search can easily allow users to search your web property from within Windows Explorer on Windows 7.

Here’s how it works using Live Search with the MSDN Ireland blog:

Download the federated search connector file (MSDNIreland.osdx) attached to this post, double click then you’ll end up with:

Select it then enter a search term. If you have the preview pane turned on you end up with the content in your explorer window.

The .osdx file is pretty straightforward : all that’s needed  is a URL on the given site that can return results in RSS or ATOM format. For those of you using WCF to create services, creating an RSS/ATOM feed should be pretty easy.

There are plenty of examples of search connectors out there, for example here’s one for Flickr.

Those BizSpark startups out there who are building hosted services might find this a quick and easy way to bring their web presence to the desktop.

Azure Services Training for ISVs, Dublin May 28th 2009

We have set up a 1 day course on Azure for ISVs enrolled in the Metro program. Details are below.

This training is for ISVs in Ireland/Northern Ireland only and to attend you must register from within the Metro portal – look under Events->Europe->Ireland.

Spaces are limited, so please only register if you are certain you can attend.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact me.

Location:

The Auditorium,

Microsoft Building 3,

Carmanhall Road,

Sandyford Industrial Estate,

Dublin 18.

Training date: May 28^th

Time: 9-5

Language: English

Alpha toolkit for the Windows 7 Software Logo Program now available

The alpha toolkit for the Windows 7 Software Logo Program is now available. The toolkit provides you with a quick and agile, automated, light weight command-line tool to verify their application’s compliance against the technical requirements.

The toolkit is being made available and supported through the Windows 7 Software Logo Connect site. Anyone can access the connect site, but to download the alpha toolkit or leave feedback, you need to have an invitation code. Sign up to receive updates to get the code.

More information about the alpha toolkit is available at the Microsoft Connect site for the software logo program. Be sure to read the readme file,  release notes, the PowerPoint overview with step by step guidance on how to use the toolkit.

If you’re an ISV based in Ireland/Northern Ireland and want to find out more about Windows 7 application compatibility please contact me.