US ISV Developer Community

Windows 7, Server, Azure, Silverlight Tools to Integrate With Eclipse

Bruce Kyle — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 13:43:00 GMT

Microsoft will deliver new interoperability solutions across three major products that will make it easier for developers to create and deploy a mix of Microsoft and open source technologies. These new solutions will help developers using the Eclipse platform to take advantage of the new features in Microsoft Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008, and enable cross-platform interoperability with Windows Azure and Microsoft Silverlight.

Eclipse on Windows 7, Windows Server 2008 R2

An Enhanced Developer Experience for Eclipse on Windows 7 will result from a joint project with Tasktop to enhance the overall developer experience of Eclipse on Windows 7 by developing updates to the Eclipse integrated development environment (IDE) that will incorporate new features – and improved productivity and user experience - available in Windows 7 and Window Server 2008 R2. Early access to the enhancements to the Eclipse IDE are expected in the first quarter of 2010 and targeted for general release with Eclipse Helios in June 2010.

Windows Azure Tools for PHP Developers on Eclipse

This new open source plug-in that will enable PHP developers using Eclipse to create web applications targeting Windows Azure.The Windows Azure Tools for Eclipse is available as a free download at Windows Azure Tools for Eclipse.

Windows Azure Software Developer Kit (SDK) for Java

Windows Azure Software Developer Kit (SDK) for Java is an open source project that consists of tools and resources to help bridge Java developers to Windows Azure.The Windows Azure SDK for Java is available for download at
WindowsAzure4j.

Eclipse Tools for Silverlight

The release of version 1.0 of the Eclipse Silverlight plug-in, an open source, cross-platform plug-in for the Eclipse development environment that enables Eclipse developers to build Silverlight Rich Internet Applications (RIAs), and includes support for the Macintosh platform. The plug-in provides guidance for greater interoperability between Silverlight-based applications and Java-based web sites and web services, including REST, SOAP, JSON and other standards. The release to manufacturing of version 1.0 can be downloaded at no charge at Eclipse4SL.

For more information, see Eclipse Gets Interoperability and Next-Generation Experience on the Microsoft Platform and Partnering to foster Eclipse and Microsoft platform interoperability.

Bruce D. Kyle
ISV Architect Evangelist | Microsoft Corporation

White Paper: The Time to Move to the Cloud is Now

Bruce Kyle — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 19:06:33 GMT

“The challenge for software vendors is no longer about when to include or even shift entirely to SaaS, software-plus services, or other Cloud-based solutions. The time is now. The challenge is how to make it happen,” according to a white paper written by Saugatuck Technology.

The Microsoft-funded white paper, A Sense of Urgency for Software Companies: Partnering for Success in the Cloud, shows that by year end 2010, nearly half of firms worldwide will be depending upon SaaS as part of their regular
business operations.

Software buyers know they can cut costs, and move significant amounts of IT spending from capital to operating expense, by implementing SaaS and other Cloud-based solutions. They can dramatically reduce the time and money spent on software upgrades and maintenance. And they can scale their use of software, and its costs, according to the number of users over time. The appeal of these solutions is not limited to one specific area of business or one type of application.

According to the paper, transition affects every area of the software vendor’s business, including Finance, Technology, Organization, Operations, and Culture.

Saugatuck recommend that on-premise software vendors planning their Cloud transition must carefully select partners who not only have a viable platform, but also a well-conceived program of support to accelerate success in this major transition.

“Microsoft offers several different resources and programs for software vendors making the move to the Cloud — BizSpark, WebSiteSpark, a “Software-plus-Services” ISV incubation program, and business consulting services, with support tailored to the appropriate stage of readiness based on a formal assessment. Solutions development is via the widely-supported Visual Studio, SQL Server and .NET framework.”

The paper concludes,"The Cloud is the next stage of business solutions development and delivery. For
on-premise software vendors the time to move to the Cloud is now.”

For your copy of the paper, see A Sense of Urgency for Software Companies: Partnering for Success in the Cloud.

Bruce D. Kyle
ISV Architect Evangelist | Microsoft Corporation

New Video - Attachmate Describes Benefits of Joining Front Runner for Windows 7

jodonnell — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:27:00 GMT

Video Link - Attachmate Describes Benefits of Joining Front Runner for Windows 7

Kris Lall, Product Marketing Manager, at Attachmate describes the benefits for joining the early adopter program, Front Runner for Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2. Now with the launch of Windows 7, there's still time to join Front Runner.

Front Runner is an early adopter program for ISVs in the US that helps you get your applications compatible with the latest Microsoft technologies. Once you tell us that your application is compatible, you’ll get a range of marketing benefits to help you let your customers know you’re a Front Runner, including customizable marketing and PR campaigns as well as listings in Microsoft directories that are viewed by millions of people.

For ISVs outside the United States, you can register and participate in Project Green Light.

Attachmate was among the first to earn the Compatible with Windows 7 software logo. Find out how they accomplished that at How Attachmate Earned Windows 7 Software Logo.

John O'Donnell
Microsoft Dynamics ISV Architect Evangelist
Microsoft Corporation
(b) http://blogs.msdn.com/jodonnell

(b) http://blogs.msdn.com/usisvde

(t) http://www.twitter.com/jodonnel

Software Architecture Workshop in Issaquah, WA

Bruce Kyle — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 09:54:00 GMT

Just days after the Professional Developer Conference (PDC09) we are organizing a Software Architecture Workshop (SAW) for our managed partners and independent experts. The event will be an intense and interactive one day event that is specifically targeted to address problems and opportunities for ISVs.

Event is planned for the Microsoft office in Issaquah, WA on December 7. Register here.

Who should attend?

Software Solution Architects
Technical Decision Makers
Lead Software Developers

Benefits

UPDATE on Microsoft technologies (e.g. Windows Azure, SharePoint 2010, VSTS 2010,..) fresh from PDC.

Opportunity to Network with other ISVs in the area, Microsoft delegates, and Microsoft MVPs.

Learn about and share your experiences adopting new Architecture paradigms, such as S+S, Cloud Computing, Patterns, Scalability, TCO, The Future of Software, etc.

Discuss Solutions, Challenges, and Opportunities for ISVs today.

About the Event:

This one day conference is limited to 40 attendees due to its interactive nature. We will use a combination of presentations for the update on Microsoft technologies and the OpenSpace format to create an interactive platform to discuss problems, challenges, and opportunities for ISVs. We are planning to have 2-3 parallel tracks to allow for discussing a range of relevant topics to you.

Register here.

Security Intelligence Report Details Threat Landscape

Bruce Kyle — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 17:40:07 GMT

The seventh Microsoft Security Intelligence Report (SIR) describes the changing threat landscape including software vulnerability disclosures and exploits, malicious software (malware), and potentially unwanted software. The release of the SIR is the seventh volume and includes data derived from hundreds of millions of Windows computers and some of the busiest online services on the Internet. This will be of value for ISVs with data centers as you evaluate the threat landscape.

The report also provides a detailed analysis of the threat landscape and the changing face of threats and countermeasures and includes updated data on privacy and breach notifications.

You can get the SIR itself and a summary of the report at Microsoft Security Intelligence Report (SIR).

Bruce D. Kyle
ISV Architect Evangelist | Microsoft Corporation

Windows Azure Platform: Microsoft SQL Azure

glenz — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 02:54:08 GMT

Exciting progress is being made in SQL Azure:

Technical Preview Available Now: Create a new SQL Azure account and register for the CTP. The SQL Azure Database CTP is available for free. Click here to create your account with your Live ID, and we will send you an invitation code. (Due to high demand for the SQL Azure Database CTP, there may be some delays in receiving your invitation codes as we onboard new participants.)
New SQL Azure Evidence Available: The Azure SQL team has posted new case studies to the Windows Azure evidence portal.
SQL Azure Content Update:

Technical Datasheet

Windows Azure Platform: Microsoft .NET Services

glenz — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 02:52:47 GMT

Microsoft .NET Services enable ISVs and other developers to connect cloud-based and on-premises applications and services. They include the .NET Access Control Service which provides identity federation and authentication, and the .NET Service Bus which enables communication across network and organizational boundaries. .NET Services enable developers to focus on their application logic, in the same way the Microsoft .NET Framework does, instead of having to deal with deploying their own cloud-based infrastructure.

The .NET Services team has been listening closely to feedback from partners, and is working on incorporating significant changes to make the usage of the Access Control Service and the Service Bus easier and better. Clickhere for upcoming updates to .NET Services.

On Your Mark… Get Set… Go! It’s Time to Get Ready for the Windows Azure Platform

glenz — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 02:49:39 GMT

In efforts to help you get ready for the Windows Azure Platform, we have developed several key resources to assist you in learning about Azure as well as deep technical training to help you build applications.

Understanding the Windows Azure Platform and Benefits

Windows Azure Platform Partner Quickstart Portal

This portal is an excellent resource to learn more about Windows Azure. From videos and blogs to trainings and events, this can be your go to destination for materials and information related to the Windows Azure Platform.

Microsoft Partner Network (MPN) Learning Paths

This site provides role based trainings on the Windows Azure Platform, so whether you are a sales and marketing person, a developer or a technical architect, you will find specific trainings relevant to your area of expertise.

Get Technical Training and Learn to Build Windows Azure Solutions

Windows Azure Platform Training Kit

This resource is a destination for deep technical trainings, demos, labs and more. Encompassing Windows Azure, SQL Azure, and .NET Services, the training kit will be a comprehensive destination for technical learning.
Starting on 11/17 you can also find an updated version of this resource on our learning network Channel 9.

Additional Readiness Opportunities and Resources

Partner Academy Live (PAL)

These Live Meeting sessions held about once a month cover topics such as evidence and showcase reviews, readiness planning, competitive overviews.
MPN Members find our previous PAL on the Windows Azure Platform Business Model here (Code: 269426*) and our PAL on Windows Azure Platform – Value For Our Partnershere.
MPN Members sign up here to attend the “Total Cost of Ownership” PAL on November 12th, including an overview of the TCO tool.

Windows Azure Platform Drive Times

This audio series is downloadable as a podcast to your mobile device and covers sales and technical topics, many specific to partners. MPN Members can access previous Drive Times in our Partner Learning Center here.
If you are an MPN member sign up for our new Drive Time “Windows Azure Pre-Launch Overview” to learn more about the upcoming launch, cloud computing strategy, product roadmap, and cost savings to your customershere.

Windows Azure Platform Partner Resource Guide

This comprehensive and all- inclusive resource guide will give you step-by-step help on the best readiness materials and program information. The guide will be available online November 17^th here.

Leverage Social Networking Connections

Keep up with what’s happening in Windows Azure by connecting with these social networking links:

Windows Azure Platform Partner on Facebook

The SQL Azure Platform Advantage

glenz — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 02:44:38 GMT

The launch of the Windows Azure Platform is only days away.At the Professional Developers Conference (PDC) in Los Angeles from November 16th until November 19th Microsoft will launch the next generation cloud platform. Therefore, let’s look at the value proposition of SQL Azure as relational data storage in the cloud:

Existing SQL Server apps & tools, including PHP, can run on SQL Azure, triple redundancy included, provides instantaneous automated failover with no patching downtime, offers simple scale from $9.99/month up to large databases, is fully managed.
SQL Azure fully managed pay-per-use provides key significant advantages:
High Availability: SQL Azure has reliable triple redundancy instantaneous and automated fail-ver, and does not require downtime for patching and maintenance. Amazon RDS does not offer any HA.
3x to 10x lower cost: SQL Azure is 3x to 10x less expensive than Amazon RDS (and Amazon does not include HA!). SQL Azure starts at $9.99/month, vs +$79/month for Amazon RDS.
Zero infrastructure management: SQL Azure does all the tuning, scaling, installation, replication, high availability, updates. Amazon RDS only provides backup and patches.
Elastic scale. SQL Azure databases can start small and scale up automatically. No need to understand IO usage, backups, or pay for storage not used beyond the minimum 1GB. Amazon requires customers to select and manually change instances, reboot databases, etc.
Compatibility with SQL Server and SQL Server ecosystem. SQL Server applications and knowledge applies to SQL Azure. SQL Azure works with SQL Server-based services (Reporting Services, Analysis Services, Integration Services), developer and management tools as well as other Microsoft online offerings like Windows Azure and SharePoint online.
Simple business model. SQL Azure has a very simple and predictable pricing and business model. No need to measure IO requests, storage size, and do complex estimations. Start small, pay as you grow.

Two New Editions Join SQL Server 2008 R2 Roadmap

Bruce Kyle — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 18:52:00 GMT

Bob Muglia and Ted Kummert delivered a keynote address to more than 2,00o attendees at PASS Summit 2009, where they made key announcements:

Upcoming SQL Server 2008 R2 community technology preview (CTP) would be available in November.
SQL Azure is now feature-complete and goes live in January.
Two new editions of SQL Server to address high-end, mission-critical scenarios:

Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 Datacenter
Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 Parallel Data Warehouse (formerly project code-named “Madison”)

PASS is the Professional Association for SQL Server.

Key SQL Server 2008 R2 Features

SQL Server 2008 R2 is the next-generation information platform that is designed to deliver the following:

Managed self-service business intelligence. Expanding powerful BI tools to all users with SQL Server PowerPivot for Excel and empowering a new class of business users to build and share powerful BI solutions with little or no IT support, while still enabling IT to monitor and manage user-generated BI solutions.
Greater IT and developer efficiency. Enabling administrators to centrally monitor and manage multiple database applications, instances or servers, accelerating the development and deployment of applications and providing improved support for virtualization through Hyper-V with Live Migration in Windows Server 2008 R2.
A trusted and scalable platform. Supporting data consistency across heterogeneous systems through SQL Server Master Data Services, enabling high-scale complex event-stream processing through SQL Server StreamInsight, and supporting scale-up scenarios for the largest available x64 and Itanium hardware (up to 256 logical processors).

SQL Server 2008 R2 November CTP will be available for download in November. More information and the sign-up for the SQL Server 2008 R2 CTP.

SQL Server for High-End, Mission-Critical Scenarios

SQL Server R2 Datacenter delivers a high-performing information platform that provides high levels of scalability for large application workloads and managing an organization’s database infrastructure. With support for up to 256 logical processors and unlimited virtualization, SQL Server Datacenter and Windows Server 2008 R2 Datacenter provide a foundation on which to build enterprise-class solutions.

SQL Server 2008 R2 Parallel Data Warehouse extends Microsoft’s offering in data warehousing by providing scalability and performance from tens to hundreds of terabytes at a low total cost of ownership (TCO). SQL Server 2008 R2 Parallel Data Warehouse will be available on industry-standard hardware from Bull, Dell, HP, EMC and IBM.

Demos at PASS

There were several SQL Server demos including: SQL Server 2008 R2 running on a 1,200lb. server rack with 192 CPUs, Live Migration using System Center Virtual Machine Manager (Edwin Yuen), Application & Multi-Server Management (Dan Jones), Master Data Management and Self-Service Reporting – loaded 60M rows to a server farm with 320 cores at a rate of 3TB/hr...and then a query against this returned 2B rows in several seconds!! (Amir Netz), Report Builder 3.0/Visual Studio 2010/.NET Entity Framework (Pablo Castro), and last but not least SQL Azure Database (Liam Cavanagh).

Also notable was the announcement of a new TPC-E benchmark world-record of 2,012 tpsE!

PASS Keynote

Checkout clips of the keynote.

For more information about the PASS announcements, see Microsoft Elevates Mission-Critical Commitment With New SQL Server 2008 R2 Premium Editions, Delivery of November CTP.

Roadmap

More information on Microsoft’s Data Warehousing offerings can be found at http://www.microsoft.com/fasttrack.

Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 will be available in the first half of 2010. More information about it can be found at http://www.microsoft.com/sqlserver/2008/en/us/R2.aspx.

Bruce D. Kyle
ISV Architect Evangelist | Microsoft Corporation

TechNet & MSDN Events Present: Highlights from “the New Efficiency” Launch

jwiese — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:08:01 GMT

At this free event we’ll cover the “best of” content and deliver highlights from “the New Efficiency” Launch events taking place nationwide.

ATTEND this special event and learn about these exciting new products and discover how:

Windows 7 simplifies everyday tasks, improves productivity and works the way you want.
Windows Server 2008 R2 delivers new functionality and powerful improvements to the core Windows Server operating system to help organizations increase control, availability, and flexibility for their changing business needs.
Exchange Server 2010 achieves new levels of reliability, reduces cost and drives productivity.

We’re coming to a city near you!

Des Moines, IA	November 11th
Indianapolis, IN	November 12th
Louisville, KY	December 2nd
Cincinnati, OH	December 3rd
Omaha, NE	December 3rd
Austin, TX	December 8th
Columbus, OH	December 8th
Tulsa, OK	December 9th
Nashville, TN	December 10th

www.technetevents.com for the IT Pro session

www.msdnevents.com for the Developer & Architect session

SharePoint 2010 Developer Resources

jwiese — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 13:51:14 GMT

Developers have been asking about resources available for SharePoint 2010 training. Here’s some resources that will help.

Developer Resources

For developers, SharePoint 2010 provides the business collaboration platform you can use to rapidly build solutions and respond to business needs.

See Getting Started with SharePoint 2010 The series includes:

· Module 1: Getting Started: Building Web Parts in SharePoint 2010

· Module 2: What Developers Need to Know About SharePoint 2010

· Module 3: Building Blocks for Web Part Development in SharePoint 2010

· Module 4: Accessing SharePoint 2010 Data and Objects with Server-Side APIs

· Module 5: Accessing SharePoint 2010 Data and Objects with Client-Side APIs

· Module 6: Accessing External Data with Business Connectivity Services in SharePoint 2010

· Module 7: Developing Business Processes with SharePoint 2010 Workflows

· Module 8: Creating Silverlight User Interfaces for SharePoint 2010 Solutions

· Module 9: Sandboxed Solutions for Web Parts in SharePoint 2010

· Module 10: Creating Dialog Boxes and Ribbon Controls for SharePoint 2010

First Look from MSDEV

Coming November 16, MSDEV brings you a series of videos on SharePoint 2010.

A First Look at Microsoft SharePoint Server 2010

The series includes:

· Microsoft SharePoint 2010 TDM Overview. This course gives a detailed overview of SharePoint 2010 and how it can help organizations to solve business challenges such as storage, collaboration and content publication.

· What's New in Microsoft SharePoint 2010? This one hour Webinar will take a look at what’s new in SharePoint 2010. We will start by taking a quick look at new features, and then continue with installation, deployment and administration.

The following Webinars look at each of the SharePoint 2010 Services. They cover the basics of installation and administration. We will also take a quick look at how you can integrate each service into your custom solutions.

· Microsoft SharePoint 2010 Excel Services.

· Microsoft SharePoint 2010 Forms Services.

· Microsoft SharePoint 2010 Visio Services.

Evaluation Guide

This evaluation guide is designed to give you an overview of the feature set and extensibility points for Microsoft SharePoint 2010 and an understanding of how the professional developer can use these features and extensibility points to create comprehensive solutions. This guide begins with an overview of the types of solutions that you can build by developing on SharePoint. It then addresses the developer tools for SharePoint 2010, the new platform features, and the solution deployment enhancements. The guide concludes with six walkthroughs that show example developer customizations in SharePoint 2010. The goal of this guide is to provide a framework for an effective evaluation of SharePoint 2010 as a solution creation platform. This guide is intended for the professional developer, development lead, and software architect. An evaluation guide focused on the SharePoint 2010 product and an evaluation guide for the IT Professional are also available.

SharePoint 2010: Professional Developer Evaluation Guide and Walkthroughs

Tools for Developers

Visual Studio 2010 Beta includes 14 project templates for SharePoint development. It includes a Visual Web Part designer, packaging designers, and integration with Team Foundation Server for Application Lifecycle Management.

SharePoint Designer 2010 Beta is ideal for configuring SharePoint sites, creating list schema, adding design elements, and creating workflow models. It can use workflow activities created and maintained in Visual Studio 2010 and you can export sites created in SharePoint Designer 2010 beta to Visual Studio.

Future Training

Coming in June 2010 will be a certification path for developers.

70-573 TS: Microsoft SharePoint 2010, Application Development

Microsoft Official Curriculum: Five-day instructor-led course designed for developers with six months or more of .NET development experience. Course covers what you need to know to be an effective member of a SharePoint development team using Visual Studio 2010.

70-576 PRO: Designing and Developing Microsoft SharePoint 2010 Applications

Microsoft Official Curriculum: Five-day instructor-led training course designed for development team leads who have already passed the Developing on SharePoint 2010 technical specialist exam. The course covers choosing technologies for and scoping a SharePoint project, best practices for SharePoint development, configuring a SharePoint development environment, advanced use of SharePoint developer features, and debugging of code in a SharePoint project.

Additional Resources

· SharePoint 2010 (Beta) Home Page

· SharePoint 2010 Upgrade Resource Center

· SharePoint 2010 Community

Free SharePoint 2010 1 Day Developer Workshops

jwiese — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 13:48:37 GMT

Paul Stubbs and Jim Blizzard will be presenting two different 1 day developer workshops in Fort Lauderdale and Tampa in December. If you are a developer interested in learning about Microsoft’s fastest growing development platform this may be for you. SharePoint 2010 is the Business Collaboration Platform for creating rich enterprise applications.

Seating is limited. Click on the links below to see more details and sign up.

Sign up now

Fort Lauderdale December 3rd 2009:

http://msevents.microsoft.com/CUI/EventDetail.aspx?EventID=1032432394&Culture=en-US

Tampa December 7th 2009:

http://msevents.microsoft.com/CUI/EventDetail.aspx?EventID=1032432403&Culture=en-US

Here are the sessions that will be presented:

1. SharePoint 2010 Developer Roadmap

2. SharePoint Development with Visual Studio 10 and SharePoint UI Advancements

3. Building a successful SharePoint development team

4. Designing Lists and Schemas and LINQ to SharePoint

5. Client Object Model and SharePoint 2010 Workflow

6. The SharePoint 2010 Services Architecture, External Data in SharePoint (BCS)

7. Enterprise Content Management (ECM), Extending Search

8. BI Solutions with Performance Point Server 2010

9. User Solutions and Partially Trusted Code, SharePoint 2010 and Claims-based Security

Video, Photos Shows Windows Azure Data Centers

Bruce Kyle — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 11:07:00 GMT

A video from CNET shows the new data center in Chicago that hosts Windows Azure. In its first phase, the ground floor of the facility is designed to hold up to 56 containers, each filled with anywhere from 1,800 to 2,500 servers. Each of the servers can host e-mail, manage instant messages, or run your applications in Windows Azure.

For a view inside, see Photos: Inside a Microsoft data center. Photos include a traditional data center, how the containers work, the air skates on which the containers roll, and how the servers are cooled.

Read more in about it in a related CNET article: "Inside one of the world's largest data centers"

Bruce D. Kyle
ISV Architect Evangelist | Microsoft Corporation

Channel 9 Learning Centers Offer Developers Free Training

Bruce Kyle — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 17:34:21 GMT

Visit this new destination on Channel 9 for free technical training on emerging Microsoft products There is a collection of continually updated courses at the new Channel 9 Learning Center. Each one includes a set of videos, hands-on labs, and source code samples help to bring your team up-to-speed quickly.

There will be landing pages for each course offering, and the first two are now available:

In addition to the great course material, you will find a link that allows you to download an entire Training Kit as a self-extracting package.

We hope you’ll enjoy and take full advantage of the Channel 9 Learning Center.

Bruce D. Kyle
ISV Architect Evangelist | Microsoft Corporation