Free “State of .NET” Event coming to Dallas and Houston

• Dallas: Tuesday, March 30, 2010  1:30 – 4:30 PM
  Microsoft Dallas Office -  7000 SR-161 (George Bush Turnpike), Irving, TX 75039
• Houston: Thursday, April 1, 2010  1:30 – 4:30 PM
  Microsoft Houston Office – 2000 W Sam Houston Pkway S, Houston, TX 77042

Brought to you by Microsoft, CODE Training & EPS Software, this free afternoon event presents an unbiased look at the current and future development with .NET. Join Markus Egger, for an afternoon of free and independent information about current Microsoft development technologies! What is the state of .NET today? Which of the many .NET technologies have gained traction? Which ones can you ignore for now? What is new in .NET 3.5 and the coming .NET 4.0? What other Microsoft technologies should you include in your development efforts? This event is completely free of charge and is designed for developers as well as IT decision makers. Specific prior knowledge is not required. Attendees of this event will come away with a clear understanding of which technologies to use for various technical challenges.

Exact list of topics is under NDA until after MIX announcements have been made.

Dallas Signup Link – Thursday, March 30, 2010  1:30 – 4:30
Houston Signup Link - April 1, 2010  1:30 – 4:30

Attention all  current and potential public speakers!  Are you a technical person with loads of great information to share with your peers? Do you get nervous speaking in front of crowds? Would you like to develop your public speaking, demonstration and group interaction skills?  Then DFW Technically Speaking is for you!

Led by some of our top local presenters, here’s a summary of what Technically Speaking will help you learn to do:

• Overcome public speaking nervousness by gaining confidence in your presentation skills
• Present technical ideas and speak more effectively at user groups or technical events
• Communicate your ideas more effectively using stance, gestures, movement, and voice
• Structure your presentations to emphasize and reinforce key points.
• Create visual aids and improve your use of them while interacting with your audience
• Target your presentations to match your audiences by use of research techniques

Featured speakers include:

• Dave Gunby –The successful speaker: Techniques for “Techies”
• Chris Koenig – Art of the Demo
• Caleb Jenkins – Gauging and engaging your audience
• Tim Rayburn – Let’s get started!!

The first Technically Speaking event will be held on March 27th, 2010 from 9am – 5:00 pm at 4121 International Parkway in Carrollton. The cost to attend is $50 per person, which will include a nice lunch. 

Seats are limited so sign up soon by going to http://technicallyspeaking.dfwnav.com or contact Teresa Burger at tburger@woot.com.

Hey everyone – just wanted to share the good news that Dallas TechFest is on the books for 2010!  We’ve secured a date and a location for the event, and are in the process of determining our session plan.  Here’s what you need to know:

July 30, 2010

Addison Conference Center

The call for speakers is also open – you can find the information on how to submit your session ideas, as well as keep up with all the other announcements coming out of the planning team at http://dallastechfest.com.

There are quite  a few interesting (and cool) events coming up in SCD over the next couple of weeks… Check these out, mark your calendars and let ALL your friends know about them!

Launch Event – Visual Studio 2010, Office 2010 and SQL Server 2008 R2

Tuesday, May 18, 2010 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

The event date is now SOLID, but the location is not.  We’ll be showing off VS2010, Office 2010 and SQL Server 2008 R2.  More to come on this launch once we have the info – I only just got the final word on dates this evening.

MSDN Events Presents: Visual Studio 2010, .NET Framework 4.0 and SharePoint Development

Wednesday, February 24, 2010 1:00 PM, North Little Rock, AR

Join your local Microsoft Evangelism team for a lively tour our latest version of Visual Studio and the .NET Framework. We’ll start with an overview the IDE and explore how you can use the latest features to develop great applications in a flash. Next, we’ll look at the newest changes to the .NET Framework and how you can leverage them today. Finally, we end the day by looking at the new tools in Visual Studio that will supercharge your SharePoint development.

SESSION 1: What’s New in Visual Studio 2010
SESSION 2: What’s New in the .NET Framework 4.0
SESSION 3: SharePoint Development using Visual Studio 2010

[ Event Details | Map & Directions | Add To Calendar ]

Software Engineering 101

Saturday, February 27, 2010 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

This is a one-day, FREE event focused on core skills that modern developers need to have to be successful today.  This isn’t about learning the basics of Silverlight, WPF, or <insert_new_tech_of_day>, rather, this conference will help you understand how to build software that is better designed, more maintainable, and more testable. They’re spending the morning on fundamentals around object-oriented programming, the SOLID principles and a few other important skills, while the afternoon is all about hands-on skills development using Pair Programming techniques to work through a series of challenges. 

If you’re in Nashville, you can attend in person, but for those of you not in Nashville, there is still a chance to participate! The event will have an associated webcast that will allow people to play along from home.  You will need your own laptop with Visual Studio 2008  (or 2010) pre-installed before arriving.

There is more stuff on the horizon, but I’ll save that for later blog posts.  If you have any questions about these events, just let me know!

Our own Eric Sowell, better known to the Twiteratti as @mallioch, will be speaking at the next episode of Dallas DevCares on January 29th, 2010 on ASP.NET Testability and Scalability.

Here are the abstracts for the event:

Putting Some Testability in ASP.NET

In the world of ASP.NET development, testing has been recognized as being more and more important in recent years, and for many reasons. From a development perspective, testing helps us write better code both in quality and usability. From a business perspective, it helps in reducing total bug counts. If the testing architecture is expanded to cover more than just automated unit-testing into A/B user testing, business-impact of changes can also be measured.

At Match we have learned a few things about both. ASP.NET Webforms is not necessarily built for automated testability but most of those limitations can be overcome with some thought. It also has no built-in mechanism for selective user testing to measure the impact of changes. In this talk I will discuss some of the techniques we have used to help us write better applications for our sakes (better code) and our users (a more useful site), outlined in the following:

• Automated testing by abstracting away difficult-to-test bits of ASP.NET.
• A/B testing and measuring the impact on users by reducing the risk of flaws in both design and implementation.
• Testing flows to determine the most effective of various ways of constructing a user interface.

Putting Some Scalability in ASP.NET

ASP.NET is a great toolkit for building scalable websites. In this talk we will discuss the core techniques that Match uses to scale out to handle about 35 million page views a day. We’ll talk about:

• Handling user state across the lifecycle of a visit to the site
• Employing caching to ease load on the data tier
• Bifurcating the data tier to handle different classes of data

Speaker

Eric Sowell is an avid .NET developer who gets into as many technologies as he can though with a focus on ASP.NET. He is a Senior Application Engineer at Match.com on the international platform and enjoys writing code which serves up Html millions of times on a daily basis. Eric is the father of three children and the husband of one wife. He has no pets but does want fish. When not being a geek or hanging with the family, he enjoys reading, writing and doing research primarily in the realms of ancient Greek, biblical studies and early Christianity.

If you’re interested in attending, check out these links:

I want to be there live and in person!

Can’t be there, but I want to watch via Live Meeting.

Hey all – just wanted to let you know about an upcoming MSDN Event in Dallas on Windows Azure. Here’s all the deets:

MSDN Events presents:  Take Your Applications Sky High with Cloud Computing and the Windows Azure Platform

Join your local MSDN Events team as we take a deep dive into cloud computing and the Windows Azure Platform. We’ll start with a developer-focused overview of this new platform and the cloud computing services that can be used either together or independently to build highly scalable applications. As the day unfolds, we’ll explore data storage, SQL Azure, and the basics of deployment with Windows Azure. Register today for these free, live sessions in your local area.

SESSION 1: Overview of Cloud Computing and Windows Azure

The Windows Azure platform is a set of high-performance cloud computing services that can be used together or independently and enable developers to leverage existing skills and familiar tools to develop cloud applications. In this session, we’ll provide a developer-focused overview of this new online service computing platform. We’ll explore the components, key features and real day-to-day benefits of Windows Azure.

Highlights include:

• What is cloud computing?
• Running web and web service applications in the cloud
• Using the Windows Azure and local developer cloud fabric
• Getting started – tools, SDKs and accounts
• Writing applications for Windows Azure

SESSION 2: Survey of Windows Azure Platform Storage Options

Durable data storage is a key component of any cloud computing offering. The Windows Azure Platform offers many options, which can be used alone or in combination. Windows Azure itself offers ready-to-use and lightweight storage in the form of tables, blobs, and queues. Another choice for storage is SQL Azure, a true relational database in the cloud. In this session, we’ll explore the highlights of these implementations and how to both create and use storage in each form. We’ll give you guidance on choosing the right forms of storage for your application scenarios.

Highlights include:

• Understanding table & blob storage
• Programming against table & blob storage
• Working with queue storage
• Managing credentials and connection strings
• Scaling and configuration
• Understanding SQL Azure databases versus local SQL Server databases
• SQL Azure firewall, logins and passwords
• Database creation, deployments and migrations
• Database management using SQL Management Studio
• Programming against SQL Azure databases

SESSION 3: Going Live with your Azure Solution

Windows Azure features a powerful, yet simple deployment model. By focusing on your application and abstracting away the infrastructure details, you can deploy almost any app with minimal fuss. In this session, we’ll walk you through the basics of Windows Azure deployment, including site monitoring, diagnostics and performance issues.

Highlights include:

• Start-to-Finish Visual Studio demonstration of a realistic XML data driven business web site from the desktop to the cloud.
• Windows Azure Deployments
• Start-to-Finish Visual Studio demonstration of a realistic SQL Server data driven business web site from the desktop to the cloud.
• Configuration of your application in the cloud
• Guidance and Suggestions to ensure your success

Come out and join us for a great event!

Dallas, TX
February 4, 2010
1:00pm – 5:00pm
11819 Webb Chapel Rd
Dallas, TX 75234

Speech Title: Introduction to Windows Server 2008 R2

Come learn about the great new features in Windows Server 2008 R2 with a focus on the benefits for IT Administrators. This session will cover many new features included in Windows Server 2008 R2 that improve the cost of ownership and IT administrator improvements. This overview session will cover the improvements to Active Directory, Windows PowerShell, Power Management, Group Policy enhancements, Scalability, Server Core enhancements, Windows Server Web application platform, and new Remote Desktop Services features and capabilities. You will also learn about Direct Access and Branch Cache- features enabled by using Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 together.

Location
Microsoft’s Las Colinas Office
LC1 Building (Right Tower)
7000 State Highway 161, Irving, TX

Speaker: Kevin Saye is a Senior Technical Product Specialist at Microsoft.  His focus is on Windows Server and he covers enterprise customers in Microsoft’s South Central District, which includes: Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana and Oklahoma.

Prior to joining Microsoft, Kevin has had a long career as an Enterprise Architect.  He has experience architecting and implementing many infrastructure technologies including: UNIX, AS/400, Oracle, Netware and Active Directory.  He is versed in many development technologies, including both Microsoft (.Net, C++, VB) and Java.

Kevin’s passion is around enabling IT organizations to realize the full potential with Microsoft and non-Microsoft technologies.

Cost: Free but please RSVP to help predict the amount of food needed.
RSVP: http://events.linkedin.com/DFW-Pro-Jan-Meeting-Introduction-Windows/pub/181691

Agenda:
6-6:30: Dinner and Networking
6:30-7:00: Announcements, and Business meeting
7 to 8:30: Presentation and wrap up

Give a ways: Books, Software, Shirts and more

Website: www.dfwitprofessionals.com

Click here to Register

Exclusive Invitation from Microsoft Services: “Ask the Experts” at the Microsoft Irving Office

In this tough economy, you need to do more with less, work smarter, and plan better.  “Ask the Experts” is designed to give you an opportunity to engage directly with Microsoft Architects and Technical Support Engineers on a wide variety of technologies and solutions.

This event is designed to allow free unstructured flow of questions and answers between attendees and experts in an casual setting. Subject Matter Experts are ready to discuss:

• Lower Cost Computing and Green IT
• Enabling Your Business for Growth Through End User Empowerment
• Connecting More Directly with Your Customers
• The Cloud:  What Should You Be Considering Now
• Enterprise Architecture and Long Term Supportability

Microsoft Architects will be available to discuss your technical issues, potential solutions, and answer development and architectural questions.  In addition, you will have the opportunity to tour the Irving Microsoft Technology Center, network and interact with your peers.

Who should attend?

• Technical Decision Makers
• IT Executives/Directors
• IT Business Executives

Why should you attend?

Have you ever wanted to ask a Microsoft expert anything at no cost to you?

1. Are you looking for a solution and technology strategy to support where your company is headed 3 to 5 years down the road?
2. Are you doing everything you can do to lower your costs and at the same time lower your impact on the environment?
3. Are you taking full advantage of your investment in technology and capabilities by truly empowering end users through collaboration and business intelligence?
4. What is your Cloud strategy and how will leverage current and future capabilities to the your best advantage?
5. Are you looking for additional ways to connect with and enable your customers?
6. Are you equipped with the strategy, knowledge, and experience to take full advantage of the capabilities enabled through the Microsoft platform?

These are just a few of the potential questions and topics that “Ask the Experts” can discuss with you.

Come meet the Microsoft team and take advantage of this unique opportunity to interact one on one with today’s industry leading experts in Microsoft technologies.  In just a few hours, you will have the ability to arm yourself with some of  the knowledge necessary to LEAD your organization in technology and processes for years to come.

Click here to Register

Are you a Web Professional…

• Interested in free software and support to grow your web development business?
• Who needs help getting your customers’ websites to the top of the search rankings?
• Looking for tips and tricks to design and develop next generation web experiences?
• Looking to make your web development business more profitable?
• Looking to streamline the way you design, build and deploy websites?
• Looking to mix the best of Open Source with the best of Microsoft in your customer’s websites?

If so, then you need to attend the Elite Web Optimization event!

Microsoft & SoftLayer Present the Elite Web Optimization Event

Microsoft Las Colinas office
7000 N. State Hwy 161
Irving, TX 75039
December 15th 2009 9:00AM – 6:00PM

Come spend a day with us to explore the Microsoft Windows Web Platform and the many hosting services provided by SoftLayer!

During this event, we’ll review what’s new in the Microsoft Web Platform and tools, the interoperability improvements in the Microsoft Web platform and the value that Softlayer can add to your project/business, including:

• MS Web Platform – IIS management Console, Hyper – V and the Dynamic Data Center, SQL Server 2008 Web Edition, IISMedia Services3.0
• MS Interoperability – PHP on Windows, Web-PI, PHP Drivers in MS SQL Server 2008
• MS Web Tools – Visual Studio, Expression, Silverlight
• SoftLayer services and value add
• WebsiteSpark Program
• The Great PHP on Windows Contest
• Microsoft Partner Evangelism Initiative

All attendees will be entered into a drawing to win one of the following:

• HP Netbook with Win7
• Xbox360 Elite
• ZuneHD
• 8GB Zune

Our good friends at EPS Software are hosting a FREE event during the month of December in both Dallas and Houston, focused on what’s happening with the .NET platform.  Of special interest to most is that there is some Silverlight 4, Windows 7 and Visual Studio 2010 content included!

Here’s the full info:

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Two Locations – Dallas & Houston:

• Dallas:   Thursday, December 3, 2009  1:30 – 4:30 PM
  Microsoft Dallas Office -  7000 SR-161 (George Bush Turnpike), Irving, TX 75039
• Houston:   Thursday, December 10, 2009  1:30 – 4:30 PM
  Microsoft Houston Office – 2000 W Sam Houston Pkway S, Houston, TX 77042

Brought to you by Microsoft, CODE Training & EPS Software, this free afternoon event presents an unbiased look at the current and future development with .NET. Join Markus Egger, for an afternoon of free and independent information about current Microsoft development technologies! What is the state of .NET today? Which of the many .NET technologies have gained traction? Which ones can you ignore for now? What is new in .NET 3.5 and the coming .NET 4.0? What other Microsoft technologies should you include in your development efforts? This event is completely free of charge and is designed for developers as well as IT decision makers. Specific prior knowledge is not required. Attendees of this event will come away with a clear understanding of which technologies to use for various technical challenges. This is NOT Microsoft marketing hype – this is based on our real-world development experience with varous techologies.

Topics include:

• Silverlight 3.0 and 4.0
• WPF 3.x and 4.0
• Expression Blend
• Windows 7
• Windows Azure and Cloud Services
• Techniques and Paradigms
• ASP.NET MVC
• WCF & SOA
• Visual Studio 2010

Dallas Signup Link – December 3, 2009  1:30 – 4:30
Houston Signup Link – December 10, 2009  1:30 – 4:30

Questions? Please e-mail info@eps-software.com or call 832-717-4445 x32.

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I’ll definitely be at the Dallas event, and Zain will be at the Houston event.  If you come, please make sure to stop by and say Hello to us!