The Curtain Raiser

The Curtain Raiser

.NET Developer Advisor
Windows 7 for Developers DevChat – Port Elizabeth
We're going to do it. We're doing the Win 7 for Devs that we did in Jo'burg and Cape Town, now also in Port Elizabeth. 

For more info and registration detail see the registration page.

Posted: Nov 04 2009, 06:17 AM by Eben | with no comments
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Devs4Devs (JHB): Calling all attendees!
Registration has opened for the Devs4Devs event in Jo'burg.  See a previous blog entry for detail about the event or if you would like to volunteer as a presenter.
Posted: Oct 28 2009, 11:56 AM by Eben | with 1 comment(s)
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Win7 for Devs Resources

I've uploaded my slide presentation and here is Ahmed's presentation on the Logo Program.

Developer Resources for Windows 7:

Windows Developer Centre on MSDN
Windows 7 Training Kit for Developers
Windows 7 Blog for Developers
Windows 7 on Channel 9
Sensors
WFP Ribbon
Learning
Windows 7 RTM SDK
Windows API Code Pack 1.0

Posted: Oct 26 2009, 06:21 AM by Eben | with no comments
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VS2010 and .NET 4 Beta 2

Visual Studio 2010 and .NET Framework 4 Beta 2 is (as of yesterday) available to MSDN Subscribers through MSDN Subscriber Downloads, and later to other developers on 21 October through Microsoft Downloads.

Posted: Oct 20 2009, 10:15 AM by Eben | with no comments
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Devs4Devs (JHB): Calling all presenters!

The year is pushing towards the end, but, I'm sure, we can still fit in a very entertaining morning for Devs4Devs.

The concept is simple:

  • Anyone can present.  This is not an event for the experts.  It's for developers with enough courage to share their knowledge with others.
  • The topic can be on any Microsoft development technology.
  • Each presenter gets 20 minutes to present his topic.
  • If you're interested, leave your name and topic, by posting a comment to this blog entry.

Microsoft Bryanston
Saturday, 28 November 2009, 09:00 to 12:00.

I'll keep the agenda updated as topics are submitted.  I'll also add the registration link, once it opens for registration, so the rest of us can attend.

Agenda-as-it-grows:

  • Silverlight Game Development - Dave Russell
  • 10 things to make you a better developer - Martin Cronje
  • Marriage of clients: Async loading of large data blocks with Jquery and web services - Eric Truter
  • Managed Extensiblity Framework - Darrel Schreyer
  • 10 on 10: 10 highlights of the upcoming Visual Studio 2010 - Robert MacLean
  • Raphael Javascript Library - bringing vector graphics to your browser! - Simon Stewart
  • Practical implications of the MVVM pattern - Mark Pearl
  • Team Foundation Server on the Desktop - Zayd Kara
Posted: Oct 15 2009, 09:25 AM by Eben | with 8 comment(s)
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DevDays 2010: $$$?

We're planning for DevDays 2010. And, as always, we aim to make it the best developer event around.  However, with "budget cuts" being the new fashion phrase, we're faced with a bit of a dilemma.  We either have to limit the number of people who can attend DevDays (which we really don't want to do) or we have to (for the first time in history) charge a fee for attendance.  I would like to know what you would consider a reasonable price for DevDays.  DevDays will be a full day conference with opening keynote, at least 4 technical sessions running in each of 3 tracks, lunch and tea breaks and a great developer vibe.  So, tell me.  Will you still attend if we make it a paid for event next year and what will you consider to be fair value?

Posted: Oct 14 2009, 06:41 PM by Eben | with 17 comment(s)
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Web Application Toolkits

I've experienced it so many times before.  I want to try my hand on a new developer project.  If only I could find a clear working solution or sample - it would just be so much easier to get going.

Web Application Toolkits are designed to enable Web Developers to simply extend their web application capabilities by providing them with a packaged set of running samples, templates and documentation.

The goal for the Web Application Toolkits is to provide Web Developers with resources such as project templates, controls, and code samples along with simplified documentation all in a consistent packaged format that is easy to download and run in a very short period of time. One of the key criteria around the Web Application Toolkits is to enable Web Developers to get to an F5 (Run) experience very quickly to ensure that this is the right solution for their problem.

Posted: Oct 08 2009, 01:04 PM by Eben | with no comments
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Windows 7 for Developers DevChat

This event will provide guidance to developers on how to make applications Windows 7 Ready and how to leverage off the new and enhanced features of Windows 7. 

Attendees will learn about compatibility issues that may cause their Windows XP or Vista application to perform incorrectly on Windows 7, and understand how to remediate those issues. These include topics like User Access Control, Version Detection, Data Redirection and Session 0 Isolation. Additionally participants learn what the application requirements are for the Compatible with Windows 7 Logo, and the process to get the logo.

Finally, the training covers the most important opportunities for participants to enhance their applications with functionalities that are new to Windows 7. These include features like taskbar integration, multi-touch, federated search, ribbon and the sensor platform. The training is primarily targeted at developers and application architects of existing Windows XP and Vista applications.

"Windows 7 is here.  Be ready."

Register now:

Posted: Sep 23 2009, 06:58 PM by Eben | with no comments
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PDC 09

I’m writing to remind you about registration for this year’s Professional Developers Conference (PDC), November 17 – 19th in Los Angeles.  The PDC is the definitive developer event focused on the technical strategy of the Microsoft developer platform.  At the PDC, you’ll have the opportunity to learn from and connect with the people behind the technology.  If you’re a developer, architect or technology leader involved in making strategic technology decisions,  this is the conference you need to attend. 

 Register by October 13 and save $300.  Your discounted conference pass gives you access to all the keynotes, sessions, special events and ‘goodies’ that full-price attendees will receive. 

 

Posted: Sep 22 2009, 07:49 AM by Eben | with no comments
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Windows Mobile 6.5 Gesture Development
Touch-ability is one of the most important new features of Windows Mobile 6.5.  Microsoft released Gesture APIs for C++ developers earlier this year.  We now have gesture support for the .NET Compact Framework.  Head on over to http://code.msdn.microsoft.com/gestureswm to download a sample solution for VS 2008 as well as a managed assembly. The ability to Pan and Flick will add a new level of sophistication to the Windows Mobile 6.5 apps you’ll be building for you customers.
Posted: Aug 27 2009, 02:56 PM by Eben | with no comments
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PHP Toolkit for ADO.NET Data Services

The PHP Toolkit for ADO.NET Data Services makes it easier for PHP developers to take advantage of the ADO.NET Data Services, a set of features recently added to the .NET Framework. ADO.NET Data Services offer a simple way to expose any sort of data in a RESTful way.

Posted: Aug 24 2009, 10:18 AM by Eben | with no comments
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PDC – LA – 17 - 19 Nov
Registration for Microsoft’s Professional Developer Conference has opened - http://microsoftpdc.com.  Early bird offer ends on 15 September. 

 

What you'll get at the PDC:

  • Hear from keynote speakers who help set the direction for Microsoft and the industry, and see them unveil our new products and technologies
  • Immerse yourself in four days of deep, technical session and workshop content delivered by Microsoft and industry luminaries
  • Get one-on-one access to more than 1,000 Microsoft experts at the Ask The Experts reception and on-site throughout the conference
  • Try out the latest platform technologies in our Hands-on-Labs and get a jump start on planning your company's products and technology investments
  • Network with other leading-edge developers and architects
  • Walk away with the pre-release bits
Posted: Aug 07 2009, 08:41 AM by Eben | with no comments
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Windows 7 RTM available to MSDN subscribers
Windows 7 only releases 22 October 2009.  However, MSDN subscribers can already download a copy and get going.
Posted: Aug 07 2009, 08:39 AM by Eben | with no comments
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Code 7 Contest

All regional finalists will be sponsored to attend PDC in November 2009!

The Windows 7 Code7 Contest is a worldwide contest recognizing and rewarding applications for Windows 7 that show off the new features in Windows 7.

Why not you?  But, if you want to compete, time is short - go check it out today.

Posted: Jul 23 2009, 12:58 PM by Eben | with no comments
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Expression 3 Launched

Attention: Developers and Designers
If you're involved in WPF or Silverlight application development, then you probably already know.  For the rest, go check out the Expression Web Site and download a 60-day trial copy for yourself.  It's free :-)

Posted: Jul 23 2009, 12:56 PM by Eben | with no comments
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