US ISV Developer Evangelism Team

Enjoy the Latest Video for Office 2010 – The Movie

2009-07-10T03:10:00Z

Here’s the latest in Office 2010 – The Movie.

You can sign up for the the Office 2010 technical preview list.

CodePlex Offers More Than 10,000 Open Source Projects

2009-07-09T21:16:00Z

CodePlex has passed the 10,000 project mark shortly after the site's three year anniversary in late June. The projects contain almost 160 million lines of code hosted across ten Team Foundation Servers. In June, the website had just under three million visits and close to 10 million page views.

The most popular license used by the projects hosted on CodePlex is the Microsoft Public License, followed by the GPL v2 and with the MIT license rounding out the top three.

For more information, see CodePlex blog.

Bruce D. Kyle
ISV Architect Evangelist | Microsoft Corporation

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Preview of Windows Azure SDK for PHP Submitted for Zend Framework

2009-07-09T15:50:00Z

PHP developers can now use the July CTP of PHP SDK for Windows Azure to build your applications.

As part of the announcement, our development partner Realdolmen has formally submitted the SDK to be included as part of Zend Framework which will enable speed dial for millions of PHP developers that use Zend Framework to target Azure for their web application development & hosting.

The SDK enables PHP developers to take advantage of the Microsoft Cloud Services Platform – Windows Azure.with a consistent programming model for Windows Azure Storage (Blobs, Tables & Queues). The SDK provides:

PHP classes for Windows Azure Blobs, Tables & Queues (for CRUD operations)
Helper Classes for HTTP transport, AuthN/AuthZ, REST & Error Management
Manageability, Instrumentation & Logging support

For more information, see July CTP of PHP SDK for Windows Azure Released and support in Zend Framework. To download the SDK including source code, see PHPAzure on Codeplex.

Please note that you need to have the May CTP of Windows Azure to take advantage of the features in this release of PHP SDK for Windows Azure.

Bruce D. Kyle
ISV Architect Evangelist | Microsoft Corporation

Technorati Tags: SDK,PHP,Azure,Zend,Framework,Cloud,Codeplex
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ISVs Get Ready for Windows 7, Windows Server 2008 R2 With Front Runner

2009-07-08T21:01:24Z

Getting your applications ready and telling your Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 story just got easier with Front Runner. Front Runner is an early adopter program that helps you get your apps compatible with the latest Microsoft technologies.

Front Runner brings you technical expertise and marketing benefits in an easy-to-use site.

Once you join the program, Front Runner helps you lets your customers know that you are developing on the very latest Microsoft Technologies. The early adopter program has been running for several years now, helping independent software vendors (ISVs) get their applications to market quickly and effectively.

Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 are launching to the public on October 22, so now’s the time to make sure your app is compatible. In addition, Front Runner adds benefits for your company, large or small.

Technical Benefits

Front Runner helps you learn how to make your app compatible, and gives you what you need to make that happen, including:

Access to Microsoft experts to answer any questions you have
Training courses on developing for and migrating to Microsoft technologies
Release Candidate technology versions, software development kits, and technical documents

Front Runner team will help point you to resources, videos, labs, seminars to help you test your applications. You can access online technical communities.

Marketing Benefits

Once your app is compatible, you’ll get a range of marketing benefits to help you get the message out to your customers, including:

The Front Runner stamp to use on all of your communications
Customizable marketing and PR campaigns
Listing in Microsoft directories that are viewed by millions of people

Using the Front Runner logo, you can show your company as an early adopter of Windows technologies.

With the Ready-to-Go marketing campaign you can get a head start on the competition. It features co-branded marketing materials you can use to identify sales opportunities, generate demand, and grow your customer base. These include templates for emails, business letters, postcards, and Web banners. But your application must be compatible to access the Ready to Go Campaigns.

In addition, to help promote next generation Windows to your customers, you’ll get $250 US for your first compatible application and $100 US for each application you register (up to three additional applications).

Front Runner will provide a professional press release template to maximize your customer outreach.

And you’ll be able to create a Microsoft Solution Profile to generate interest in your product. Profiles are listed in directories such as Microsoft Pinpoint that reaches millions of customers. Front Runner team will help create and update your Solution Profile.

How to Get Started

Here’s how to get started with Front Runner for Windows 7 or Windows Server 2008 R2.

Sign up on the Front Runner site at http://msdev.com/frontrunner You’ll describe your application and select whether it’s for client or server.

Your application doesn’t need to be compatible to get started. In fact, Front Runner will help with the tools and training you will need to get compatible.

You can then add more applications.

For more information, see Front Runner.

Bruce D. Kyle
ISV Architect Evangelist | Microsoft Corporation

Technorati Tags: Windows,ISVs,Ready,Server,Solution,Pinpoint,Microsoft,FrontRunner
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Check Out the Killer Apps for Surface

2009-07-08T15:31:00Z

Fast Company has assembled a set of videos that show off the capabilities of Surface. As developers find ways to make Surface's gorgeous multi-user interface shine, more and more companies are turning to the device to reinvent their customer experience.

The posting Killer Apps for Microsoft Surface: The Complete Guide includes videos of:

Surface DJ by Vectorform
Tonegrid by Stimulant
Table Toss by Razorfish
Staff Directory by Razorfish
Jewelry by Phenomblue
The Pits by Phemonblue
XRay by Stimulant
DaVinci by Razorfish
Genesis by Phenomblue
Music Quiz by Ergonomidesign
BMW Product Navigator by Vectorform
Patient Consultation Interface for Texas Health
Sheraton Hotel Application
Barclay's Premier Account App
Coldwell Banker's Home Search App
MSNBC's Electoral Coverage App

You can now try out development on Surface without having to invest in a new Surface machine in the new Microsoft Surface QuickStart Program. A new entry level titled "Microsoft Surface Community Members" provides access to the SDK and simulator, as well as training and other resources, without any commitment required.

You’ll use the same skills you learn for XAML development for Silverlight and WPF. There are differences though, primarily with multi-touch, how Surface responds to touch, and that your design your user experience without the idea of a top side. Users can approach the table from any side.

For more information about how to get started with XAML, see XAMLFest Online.

Bruce D. Kyle
ISV Architect Evangelist | Microsoft Corporation

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Community Preview Updates .NET Services

2009-07-08T01:37:10Z

An updated Community Technology Preview (CTP) of the .NET Services Software Development Kit (SDK). The latest .NET Services SDK CTP delivers support for Windows 7 RC, expedites the set-up experience, improves service security and reliability, and follows-through on the planned removal of the.NET Services Workflow Service.

This CTP release continues support for Web standards and interoperability. The release makes it simpler for developers to connect cloud applications and services across platforms. It allows web developers using any programming language to use the services to connect, collaborate, and create federated applications.

You can download the .NET Services SDK from Azure Services Platform SDK.

The preview now supports Windows 7 RC, in addition to Windows Server 2008, Windows Server 2008 R2 and Windows Vista. The July CTP Release SDK can be installed on machines running Windows 7 RC.

.NET Services focus strongly on interoperability and support for web standards such as REST, ATOM, SOAP, and HTTP. Moreover, .NET Services can be accessed using a variety of programming environments, such as .NET, Java and Ruby. They can also be accessed through any cloud service, such as Amazon Web Services, Google App Engine, Microsoft Azure Services Platform, etc.

.NET Services provides access control and service bus functionality. The Microsoft .NET Access Control Service provides an easy way to control web applications and services while integrating with standards-based identity providers, including enterprise directories and web identity systems such as Windows Live ID. The Microsoft .NET Service Bus makes it easy to connect applications together over the Internet. Services that register on the Bus can easily be discovered and accessed, across any network topology.

To get started using .NET Services, see .NET Services Development Center on MSDN.

Bruce D. Kyle
ISV Architect Evangelist | Microsoft Corporation

Technorati Tags: Identity,Interoperability,Preview,Services,Azure,Cloud
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Developers Enhance Skills, Advance Career, Link with Community

2009-07-07T20:42:00Z

Thrive is a one-stop community hub for career advice, job postings, technical resources, and local connections. Whether you’re seeking new ways to differentiate yourself on the job, or you need to re-tool your existing skill set for that next big role, Thrive has the resources to help you get there faster.

Advance Your Career

Check out our wide range of training resources - learn at your own pace, join up with other developers, or take online courses to refresh your skills. Or check out the latest job postings in your area.

You’ll find discounts on materials, free training, and more.

Enhance Developer Skills

Being asked to take on more? You’ll also find top rated resources, lined up in a step-by-step format to help you ramp quickly and tackle unfamiliar coding challenges. Watch “How do I…” videos, leverage sample code, and work through interactive lab sessions. From concept to code for Web Development or Windows Client Development.

Connect With Your Community

Connect with developers nationwide who share your skills and interests. Find job information, events, connect with others.

Bruce D. Kyle
ISV Architect Evangelist | Microsoft Corporation

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Top 100 Tips for Startups

2009-07-07T15:43:00Z

My son Ryan shared a post with me from the July 4 weekend from a blog entitled What Would Dad Say? Frequently Wrong, Never in Doubt. The post is for those who are starting out in your own software business, typically underfunded microISVs like Ryan. It provides some basic advise on the mindset and todo list of today’s entrepreneurs.

Although the post is called Happy Independence Day to All Independents, or Who Want to Be, the authors are looking for a better title.

Here is some of the top ten tips for startups:

Speed reading
A must-read list
Get comfortable asking for advice and help
Present your startup idea to anyone who will listen
Get really, really good at concisely stating your business idea
Find a metaphor that works for your business idea
It is about leadership, not management
Love your prospects
Know what you are good at
Build your team

No all of the nuances are obvious as the list might first appear. So the post goes on to list 90 more including some key tips for once you are in the jump-to-light speed phase. Here’s a sampling of them:

Storytellers needed
TIVO-Ability
To sell many, sell one
Your sales people don’t work for you
Be ready for luck
Never talk down, talk up
Communicate with your stakeholders often
Better to be OCD, than ADD
No one will like change, except you

Take a look. It’s what dad would say.

Bruce D. Kyle
ISV Architect Evangelist | Microsoft Corporation

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Getting Started Tutorials Featured in 31 Days of Silverlight

2009-07-06T15:24:00Z

Jeff Bankenburg has launched a series of 31 blog posts on Silverlight development during July.

The topics will range from 100-level to 300-level in difficulty, but all of them will be written so that a beginner could start from scratch to create them.

Jeff covers Drag & Drop, Event Handling, and even Collision Detection. This is an extensive list of tutorials, and I hope that it will help you see how useful and powerful these technologies can be.

Here are links to the first two:

For more information about getting started writing Silverlight applications, see XAMLFest Online.

Bruce D. Kyle
ISV Architect Evangelist | Microsoft Corporation

Technorati Tags: XAML,Silverlight,Tutorials
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Video Explains How Attachmate Earned ‘Compatible with Windows 7’ Logo

2009-07-06T12:10:00Z

Attachmate was among the very first to earn the Compatible with Windows 7 software logo. In this video, Product Marketing Manager Kris Lall and Test Lead Chinh Vu talk with me about the whole application certification process.

Kris tells why the logo is important to Attachmate and the customer benefits. Chinh explains the process, how it is different from other logo tests, and what steps he took to get the logo.

Attachmate earns Compatible with Windows 7 Software Logo

For more information about how to obtain the Compatible with Windows 7 software logo, see ISV App Compat.

Bruce D. Kyle
ISV Architect Evangelist | Microsoft Corporation

Technorati Tags: Win7,Logo,Test,Attachmate

Players Become Gamers with Kodu

2009-07-06T02:57:00Z

Kodu is a new visual programming language for Xbox 360 made specifically for creating games. It is designed to be accessible for children and enjoyable for anyone. The programming environment runs on the Xbox, allowing rapid design iteration using only a game controller for input.

Launching on the Xbox Live Community Games Channel, this intuitive game lets players choose from a variety of visual building blocks in order to develop their own unique creation. Playgrounds created in Kodu are expressed in physical action-reaction terms, using basic concepts like vision, hearing and time to control your character's behavior. Players can start their own unique Kodu created playgrounds from scratch or, if they aren't in the mood to create, they can choose from several pre-loaded levels for quick play.

With almost 200 different game-creation building blocks to choose from, the opportunities are endless. Originally designed by Microsoft Research as a learning tool for young kids, Kodu is the newest game to keep minds of all ages sharp by developing logic, problem-solving and creative thinking skills.

In 2006, Microsoft Research teamed up with Girls Inc. and the University of Santa Barbara to create an after school “Kodu” program to accurately measure the influence educational games have in the fields of math, science, and comprehension. The team logged hundreds of hours of “Kodu” research with creators from ages five to 45 to ensure that it is easy for beginners, but maintains a depth of content for those who are more advanced.

You can try Kodu today from Xbox LIVE. For more information, see Microsoft Research’s Kodu site.

Bruce D. Kyle
ISV Architect Evangelist | Microsoft Corporation

Technorati Tags: Players,Gamers,Kodu,XBox,Development,Research
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Video Explores NewsGator Social Networking on SharePoint

2009-07-03T12:03:00Z

Kirk Evans has posted a new Channel9 interview about NewsGator Social Sites. Kirk talks with Brian Kellner, VP of Products for NewsGator Technologies, about the capabilities of NewsGator Social Sites.

Social Sites is an enterprise social computing platform built upon SharePoint 2007. Laura Kellner, VP of Marketing for NewsGator, walks us through a detailed look at many of the features of Social Sites.

For more information about how to get started writing applications for SharePoint, see Microsoft Office SharePoint Server Development Center.

Bruce D. Kyle
ISV Architect Evangelist | Microsoft Corporation

Technorati Tags: Video,NewGator,Social,SharePoint,MOSS,Office
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Try Your Hands at Surface Development

2009-07-02T08:24:00Z

You can now take try out Surface without having to invest in a new Surface machine in the new Microsoft Surface QuickStart Program. A new entry level titled "Microsoft Surface Community Members" provides access to the SDK and simulator, as well as training and other resources, without any commitment required.

You develop using a Workstation Version of the SDK. So your applications run on a PC using a simulator.

The program has additional benefits including marketing campaigns, Web presence, events, press releases, and so on. The other two levels, Microsoft Surface Partners and Strategic Partners, get even more benefits.

For more information, see Microsoft Surface QuickStart Program.

If your company is not yet a Microsoft Partner, you'll have to follow these four steps to become one:

If you do not yet have one, create a Windows Live ID.
Sign in to the Partner Membership Center using your Windows Live ID.
Answer a few questions about yourself and your company.
Click I Accept to accept the Microsoft Partner Program Agreement.

The program is free. And as an ISV you can qualify for additional benefits and reduced costs in operating systems and developer tools.

Bruce D. Kyle
ISV Architect Evangelist | Microsoft Corporation

Technorati Tags: SDK,Surface,Development
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Internet Explorer 8 Brings Value to Users

2009-07-01T15:51:00Z

There are four big areas we think about building in a browser for a billion customers around the world. And these four areas have been put into Internet Explorer 8. For ISVs, there are compelling reasons for your customers to use IE8 and for you to add support for Web slices, accelerators.

You should know too that Internet Explorer 8 will be made available via using Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) starting August 25. For more information, see IT Professionals: Prepare for Internet Explorer 8 availability via Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) in August 2009.

Internet Explorer 8 takes a big step forward in browser innovation focused on the way people use the web today. Faster, easier, safer and more reliable than ever before, Internet Explorer 8 is the best version of Internet Explorer we’ve released to date. For example, through Accelerators and Web Slices we are optimizing the browser experience by removing repetitive, time consuming actions, and Internet Explorer 8 offers protections against malware that are far superior to the protections in other browsers.

So what is all the buzz about?

Security and Reliability Built-In

Educating and putting people in control to protect people from the major threats of today – top in malware (NSS labs) and leader in phishing, first to integrate the two into one, easy to understand feature without additional add-ons or customizations.
Built-in protection from emerging threats – first to have cross site scripting (XSS) protection that doesn’t interfere with the way the page renders (like No Script), protection from ClickJacking.
Tab Recovery – first to have loosely-coupled tabs built-in.

XSS protection helps protect users against Cross-Site Scripting Type-1 reflection attacks, one of the most common attacks against websites. For more details on how this security protection works, see IE8 Security Part IV: The XSS Filter.

Along with XDomainRequest, cross-document messaging (XDM) facilitate a more secure method for creating sites that share content known as “mashups”. XDM provides an easier method for domains to communicate with each other given mutual consent, providing a simpler, better-performing and more secure mechanism

Real World Performance and Ease of Use

We did the research to understand how people use the Web and made those things faster.

Web Slices and Accelerators – let you do the stuff you usually do on the web faster – either keeping up to date on things without having to actually go to the webpage or finding, searching, etc all without having to open new window, copy/paste, etc. A video shows off how Accelerators in Internet Explorer 8 make your browsing experience quicker and easier:
Visual Search – helps you find what you are looking for faster; less steps to get you to what you need; allows you to switch between search engines mid-search and change search engines faster
New tab page – we know people close tabs and then go back to the tab they just closed. Put that right into the new tab page.

Performance is extremely important to us. Internet Explorer 8 is the fastest version of Internet Explorer we have ever created. Not only is Internet Explorer 8 one of the fastest browsers for surfing from site to site it is one of the fastest browsers for doing everyday web tasks such as mapping addresses, emailing links to friends, monitoring eBay auctions, etc.

Enterprise Readiness

Enterprise customers demand all of the above, but more than that, they need to be able to manage and deploy easily. With over 1300 Group Policy settings, we offer more flexibility for how enterprises manage their browser than any other browser out there.

In terms of support, Microsoft supports IE for the life of the operating system.

Support for What Developers Need Now

We have the best support for the most widely used standard – CSS 2.1.

We are committed to providing a browser that accurately supports web standards. In Internet Explorer 8, we shipped several features from HTML5 and a few from CSS 2.1. Our primary concern was making sure that we got CSS 2.1 (a specification that has reached final candidate stage) done right before we moved on to specifications that are still in development and may change.

Best developer tools built-in.

Resources

For more information about IE-8 for developers, see Internet Explorer HTML, CSS, Compatibility, and More on MSDN.

ISVs Rule – Total Computer Video

2009-07-01T02:39:58Z

I recently had the pleasure of getting to chat with Vincent Tedesco and Al Perez – both of Total Computer – about their solutions for law enforcement and public safety applications.

If you’re interested in hearing about how our leading edge technologies can be applied for a specialized vertical, I encourage you to check out the videos I’ve posted here and here.

Cheers!