View from the Cube

SQL Server 2005 Performance Features

http://www.msreadiness.com/wscart.asp?eid=4505

There were a number of compelling demonstrations during the webcast.  The scripts and information for setting up demo database are also available at the followin link:

http://www.aditi.com/library/webinarseries.htm

If you have an idea for a topic for a future webcast you would like to see us put together, feel free to leave a comment!

W^3

Get Ready for Windows Vista

Over the last while I have been getting more and more questions regarding Windows Vista.   The interest has inspired me to convert my systems over to Vista Beta 2.  (I am never going back :) )

The questions I have been asked span everything from how do I get a copy of BETA 2, what are the hardware requirements, upgrade advice, and more.

If you have Windows Vista questions, then this is the site for you!

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/getready/default.mspx

Have Fun!!!!

W^3

Migrating from to SQL Server Reporting Services

Hi!

Recently a bunch of you attended a WebCast that dealt with migrating to SQL Server Reportin Services.  

Those of you who participated requested that I post the slides and the Q&A Log. 

I am confident you will find both very useful.

http://www333.members.winisp.net/DownLoad/MigratingToSSRS.mht

http://www333.members.winisp.net/DownLoad/QA.htm

Have Fun!

W^3

ISV Royalty Licensing

Several weeks ago I wrote a brief post detailing a special licensing program for ISVs who sell their Software as a Service.  Since that time I have had a number of inquiries regarding licensing programs for traditional 'installed software' ISVs.  So, I want to make sure that you are all aware of the ISV Royalty Licensing Program (ISVRL).

ISVRL is a program designed to assist ISVs whose products 'embed' one or more Microsoft technologies.  The program offers such ISVs with considerable discounts on the embedded technologies.   For example, if an ISVs application requires SQL and BizTalk as part of the core solution, then through this program the ISV could receive significant discounts on these products.   The list of products eligible for this program is extremely broad.  As of April first this list even includes some Office SKUs.

For more information on ISV Royalty Licensing, click >>> HERE <<<

ISV Resources Quick Reference

Hi Gang!

Here is a nice consise list of Microsoft Resources for ISVs:

ISVs utilizing the Software as a Service Model (SaaS)

A growing number of ISVs are utilizing or exploring the Software as a Service (SaaS) model.  Given the right market and product, this can be a fantastic was to bring software to the marketplace.  

One of the interesting challenges with SaaS can be licensing.   While an in depth dissertation on the licensing issues surrounding SaaS is clearly beyond the scope of this note, I would like to point out one thing that Microsoft is doing to assist ISVs who are selling the wares as  services.  

Microsoft offers SaaS ISVs as special licensing agreement known as Service Providers Licensing Agreement (this often goes by its unfortunate acronym SPLA).  This agreement is designed to both simplify the licensing of Microsoft products in a services model as well as provide the ISV with a significant savings on licenses.  

To get information on SPLA, click >>> HERE <<<

Have Fun!

W^3

Funny

Most of the time I write about serious ISV issues, but everyone needs a break sometimes :).

I found this URL that has one of the funniest Microsoft Videos I have ever seen.  I thought I would share it with all of you.

http://tinyurl.com/cwgp9

Have Fun!

W^3

Have a Question?

Hi!

About 3 times per week I have ISVs calling me or emailing me with miscellaneous questions.  How much does this cost?  How do I get a hold of resource materials on this? etc.   I am guessing that there are a lot of you out there with questions and nobody to ask them of.

I want to make sure that you are all aware of the US Partner Resource Desk.  It is a great resource for getting questions answered and getting directed to resources that you require.

You can reach them at:

800-426-9400 x 81797

Notes from the AASHTO IT Conference

Hi!

I recently had the pleasure of speaking at the AASHTO IT Conference on a variety of topics includeing:

• 64 Bit Development in VS 2005
• Windows Presentation Foundation
• Windows Workflow Foundation
• Windows Communication Foundation.

Many of the participants requested the slides so click >>> HERE <<< to get them.

Have Fun

W^3

Some interesting Webcasts

Hi!

Often I speak with ISVs who are utilizing both MS technology and 'other' technologies.  Herer are a series of webcasts that talk about moving from those technologies to .Net.

Have Fun!

W^3

A Few Thoughts about Security

I have the privilege of attending a security conference hosted by an ISV named PATCHLINK.  In preparing to speak at that conference, I was reminded again how important it is for ISVs too prioritize security in the as part of the complete development lifecycle.   All to often security concerns are completely ignored or only considered in the testing phase.   Often I have heard ISVs articulate the belief that their 'Line of Business application' could not possibly constitute a security risk.  

Sadly these assumptions and actions all too often lead to big problems.

Everyone who writes software needs to consider security at every point in the development lifecycle.

Here are some great resources that will help get you started on the right track.

 http://msdn.microsoft.com/security/sdl

http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/en-us/dnvs05/html/vs05security.asp

Have Fun!

W^3

Touchdown Briefing: Windows Vista and Office 12

Many thanks to all of you who attended yesterday's Touchdown Briefing in Denver.  It was a wonderful event and you had great questions and input.

As always, there were many requests for the slides to be posted and as always, I committed to make them available on my BLOG :) .

Click here to get the slides and several other great 'Touchdown Resources'.

Thanks for supporting the Touchdown Program.

Have fun!

W^3

Calling All Web Developers

Have your heard about MIX?

Finding Local events... and a side order of managing the flood of incoming email

Hi Gang!

Have you ever had a really good idea and just as you were about to do something about it you discovered that someone else had beat you to it.   Well... today is a day like that for me.   A few of my team were on an internal  thread about helping partners find local events.  After the thread wrapped up l decided to write a blog entry on the subject.   I started writing but then I got dragged into a few urgent issues.   Before I got back to my post, I noticed one of my buddies had beat me to the punch.

So please check out Steve's posting on how to get notified on great microsoft events in your area. Just click here.

Also:  Please note that the same tool that lets you sign up for notification of local events also lets you manage all your microsoft mail subscriptions.   Take a moment to unsubscribe from those publications that you never read and are just clogging up your inbox.  Also, check out all the publications that are available.  You may find a few that are very useful.

Have Fun!

W^3

Great resources to check out

Hi Gang!

I am constantly impressed by the huge set of resources that Microsoft provides their partner ISVs.  Often I find that the ISVs I work with are not aware of all of them.  Please find below a list of some of the most useful resources for ISVS.  Check them out. They will be worth your time.

General ISV Information
Partner Site for ISVs in the USA: This site provides a great view of Microsoft’s partner program as it applies to ISVs in the US

The TouchDown Briefing Site:  This site is the registration site for the quarterly ISV briefings in their local geo

The ISV Web Seminars:  The site contains links to current and archived web presentations on a huge number of technical and business topics that ISVs can capitalize on

FrontRunner:  A current program that is designed to reward ISVs that are among the first to adopt SQL 2005

ISV Advisory Service page:  Provides details about advisory service hours are one of the benefits of participation in the Microsoft Partner Program.  It also provides a vehicle to start using this service

ISV Developer Sites
The MSDN Event Site:  This site will lead ISVs to great developer events in their area.

Virtual Labs: This site contains links to a number of virtual labs that ISVs can utilize.

ISV Developer Training:  This site points ISVs to training opportunities designed specifically for ISVs

Channel 9: is a great technical resource site for all developers

Patterns and Practices: A great resource for software architects

SQL Server Data Mining:  This community site is a goldmine of information on SQL Server 2005 data mining information

Windows Workflow Foundation:  This site has all the latest and greatest information on one of Microsoft’s most exciting emerging technologies.

Have fun!

W^3