Partner Otaku

function WebCamps () {
   Day1.Learn();
   Day2.Build();
}

Interested in learning how new innovations in Microsoft’s Web Platform and developer tools like ASP.NET 4 and Visual Studio 2010 can make you a more productive web developer? If you’re currently working with PHP, Ruby, ASP or older versions of ASP.NET and want to hear how you can create amazing websites more easily, then register for a Web Camp near you today!

Microsoft’s Web Camps are free, two-day events that allow you to learn and build on the Microsoft Web Platform. At camp, you will hear from Microsoft experts on the latest components of the platform, including ASP.NET Web Forms, ASP.NET MVC, jQuery, Entity Framework, IIS, Visual Studio 2010 and much more.

Web Camps also provide the opportunity to get hands on with labs and get creative by building in teams. All this with Microsoft experts on hand to guide you through.

Space is limited so register now!

US Dates

• Mountain View May 27-28
• Chicago June 11-12
• Redmond, WA June 18-19
• New York June 25-26

World Wide Dates

• Toronto May 07-08
• Moscow May 19-19
• Beijing May 21-22
• Shanghai May 24-25
• Sydney May 28-29
• Singapore June 04-05
• London June 04-05
• Munich June 07-08

Here’s a list of sessions using “cloud” tags, “Windows Azure Platform” tags and “Windows Azure” tags (there is a slight variance in what you pull up with each – I listed the sessions below using the “Windows Azure Platform” tag. I’ve also included a link to a very interesting session by James Hamilton

Cloud Computing Economies of Scale

James is VP and Distinguished Engineer at Amazon Web Services where he focuses on infrastructure efficiency, reliability, and scaling. Prior to AWS, James was architect on the Microsoft Data Center Futures team and, over the years, has held leadership roles on several high-scale services and products, including Exchange Hosted Services, Microsoft SQL Server, and IBM DB2. James loves all things server related and is interested in optimizing all components from data center power and cooling infrastructure, through server design, to the distributed software systems they host. He maintains a blog at http://perspectives.mvdirona.com.Monday 3:30 PM

Lap around the Windows Azure Platform

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The Windows Azure platform provides a comprehensive set of services for building and running scalable applications targeted at the cloud. In this session we go on a coding tour of the Windows Azure platform. On this tour, see how web applications can use the scalable compute and storage services with Windows Azure, secure connectivity with Service Bus and Access Control Service, and a relational database with Microsoft SQL Azure.

Building and Deploying Windows Azure-Based Applications with Microsoft Visual Studio 2010

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Visual Studio makes it easy to quickly build web applications for the Windows Azure Platform by allowing you to leverage your existing skills as a .NET web developer. In this session, see how to use the new Visual Studio 2010 tools to build, debug, and deploy web applications that target the cloud. We use familiar technologies such as Microsoft ASP.NET and Microsoft SQL Server and call out the key considerations when targeting the Windows Azure Platform. Whether you’re just getting started with Windows Azure or if you’re already a pro, in this session learn new tips and tricks for using the Visual Studio 2010 tools to accelerate the development of cloud applications.

Building Facebook Apps with Microsoft .NET and Deploying to Windows Azure

Jim Zimmerman in Lagoon F on Tuesday at 1:30 PM

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There are so many ways to develop Facebook apps now in .NET. Come and learn how to build Facebook applications with the Facebook Developer Toolkit. Walk through several real-world Facebook web apps in Microsoft ASP.NET and see how to best structure your app. Social media applications require dynamic scalability so a highly scalable computing infrastructure is mandatory to deliver a consistent user experience. Learn how to leverage all the components of Azure to meet the needs of successful viral applications.

Microsoft Project Code Name "Dallas": Data For Your Apps

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“Dallas” enables developers to consume premium commercial and public domain data to power consumer and business apps on any platform or device. Do you need mapping or government data? These datasets and many, many, many more are all available through “Dallas” with a simple and consistent REST-based APIs, simple terms of use, and a simple consumption-based billing model. In this session, you will see how “Dallas” removes the friction for accessing common datasets by enabling you to visually discover, explore, and purchase data of virtually any data type (images, real-time web services, databases, blobs, etc) provided by trusted partners from a single …

Building PHP Applications using the Windows Azure Platform

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The Windows Azure platform has been built from the ground up with interoperability in mind, supporting multiples languages and development tools to build applications which run on Windows Azure and/or integrate with other cloud platforms or on-premises components. Come learn how to run your PHP and MySQL applications on Windows Azure using open source tools & SDKs while taking advantage of new Windows Azure features. This session will cover developing for Windows Azure using PHP, deployment choices, patterns and practices in building & scaling PHP applications using cross platform open source SDKs using a choice of development tools, including command-line tools and Eclipse.

Using Storage in the Windows Azure Platform

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Building big web apps requires unique approaches to storing data. In this session we share hard-won lessons from Azure early adopters on how they’ve combined Microsoft SQL Azure and Windows Azure Storage to handle typical storage needs in the cloud. We discuss sharding and data partitioning approaches and how these can impact transaction throughput in SQL Azure as well as techniques to get the best out of "NoSQL" data stores like Azure Table Storage.

Building Web Applications with Microsoft SQL Azure

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SQL Azure provides a highly available and scalable relational database engine in the cloud. In this demo-intensive and interactive session, learn how to quickly build web applications with SQL Azure Databases and familiar web technologies. We demonstrate how you can quickly provision, build and populate a new SQL Azure database directly from your web browser. Also, see firsthand several new enhancements we are adding to SQL Azure based on the feedback we’ve received from the community since launching the service earlier this year.

Edit 4/13/10 – I’ve received lots of interest about this program. If you would like to get access please use this code at the WebsiteSpark site: gTI7JHq51b

There a lots of great reasons to join WebsiteSpark, but in this difficult economy where preserving capital or your hard earned dollars is critical. The WebsiteSpark program can provide access to the latest tools and technologies in ensuring your success while also providing support, sales leads and other business development opportunities.

The WebsiteSpark Program  – Key Highlights:

• Access to the latest version of Visual Studio Pro, Expression Studio/Web, and production licenses of Windows Server, and SQL Server. 
• Two support incidents and access to other online support forums
• Inclusion in the WebsiteSpark Partner Catalog
• No Upfront Costs – there is a $100 exit fee after three years
• Designed for small <=10 employee web development/design consultancies, freelancers etc.

If you’re interested in joining please visit the http://www.websitespark.com for more details.

If you’re already a member here a few quick reference links to commonly asked questions.

Each month through June 2010, we’ll bring you a 60-minute Architect focused Webcast to educate on the latest trends/topics and how new technologies can align with your business needs.

February 25, 2010 at 1:00pm – 2:00pm EST

Title: Visual Studio Tools For Architects

Abstract: Come learn how the new code visualization, UML, and Architectural Validation tools inside Visual Studio 2010 come together to help you understand existing code bases, model domain specific problem domains, and maintain the proper control and visibility of those software systems.

Event ID:  1032440937

Link to Register:  http://msevents.microsoft.com/CUI/EventDetail.aspx?EventID=1032440937&Culture=en-US

Presenter BIO

Cameron Skinner

Product Unit Manager, Microsoft

Cameron Skinner joined Microsoft in 2005 and is currently a product unit manager on the Visual Studio team. He is responsible for overseeing the Visualization and Architecture capabilities found in Visual Studio 2010 Ultimate. Prior to Microsoft, Mr. Skinner was the CTO and chief architect of application development tools for Embarcadero Technologies. Earlier in his career, he served as CTO for Advanced Software Technologies. In his limited spare time, Mr. Skinner enjoys spending time with his wife and three children, Crossfit, and playing his acoustic bass.

Stay Connected:

We announced the WebsiteSpark Program for professional Web Developers and Designers at no upfront cost!  If you have 10 or fewer employees, learn more and sign up if you qualify! Website Spark is also making news. Here’s a link to a couple of articles in PCWorld and Tech Crunch.

I’ve outlined the program below, but please go to the site for additional details.

What does the program provide?

WebSiteSpark provides software licenses that you can use for three years at no cost.  Once enrolled, you can download and immediately use the following software from Microsoft:

• 3 licenses of Visual Studio 2008 Professional Edition
• 1 license of Expression Studio 3 (which includes Expression Blend, Sketchflow, and Web)
• 2 licenses of Expression Web 3
• 4 processor licenses of Windows Web Server 2008 R2
• 4 processor licenses of SQL Server 2008 Web Edition
• DotNetPanel control panel (enabling easy remote/hosted management of your servers)

The Windows Server and SQL Server licenses can be used for both development and production deployment.  You can either self-host the servers on your own, or use the licenses with a hoster.  WebsiteSpark makes it easy to find hosters who are also enrolled in the program, and who can use your licenses to provide you with either dedicated or virtual dedicated servers to host your sites on.

In addition to software, WebsiteSpark provides partner opportunities to grow and build your business (including customer referrals through our partner programs).  It also includes product support (including 2 professional support incidents) and free online training for the products.

Who can join the program?

WebSiteSpark is available to independent web developers and small web development companies.  The only two requirements to join the program are:

1. Your company builds web sites and web application on behalf of others.
2. Your company currently has less than 10 employees.

If you meet these requirements you can visit the WebsiteSpark website and sign-up today. 

As part of the enrollment process you can pick either a network referral partner (for example: a hoster or an existing Microsoft partner), or enter a referral code that you have received at an event or from a Microsoft employee.  If you send mail to webspark@microsoft.com you can get a referral code quickly.  You can then use that code to enroll in the program on the WebsiteSpark website.  Once enrolled you can immediately download and use the software, as well as begin to participate in the network/partner opportunities.

If you have any problems enrolling, you can also send me mail (wesy@microsoft.com) and I can connect you with someone who can help. 

What happens after the 3 years?

WebsiteSpark is a 3 year program.  There is no obligation to continue to use any of the software after the three years is over, and there are no costs for the three years other than a $100 program fee at the end of the three years.

At the end of the three years, WebsiteSpark participants can optionally choose to purchase all of the software in the WebsiteSpark program via a $999/year package.  This includes 3 copies of VS Professional, 1 copy of Expression Studio (including Blend and Sketchflow), 2 copies of Expression Web, and 4 processor licenses of Windows Web Server 2008 and 4 processor licenses of SQL Server Web edition that can be used for production deployment.

Alternatively, if you want to purchase only the production server licenses, you can take advantage of a $199/year offering that includes both 1 Windows Web Server processor license and 1 SQL Server Web edition processor license.  You can buy the quantity you need of this package at $199/year each. 

Summary

The WebsiteSpark program joins the other two successful “Spark” programs we’ve previously launched – BizSpark for startups, and DreamSpark for students.

Coming at a time when the current economic climate is still tough, WebsiteSpark will help support developers and companies by providing the business resources, training, and software necessary for companies to get started and grow successful businesses on the Microsoft Web Platform.

Visit www.microsoft.com/web to learn more about the Microsoft Web Platform, as well as download and install the new Microsoft Web Platform Installer V2 we released today – which makes it really easy to quickly provision web servers and web development machines.  You can then browse and download and use open source web applications from the Windows Web Application Gallery.

When I speak with partners, they often express exasperation in trying to find information on our websites. I can empathize with that frustration. It’s difficult for me to find useful information as well.  That’s why I wanted to point you to to Bruno Terkaly’s Blog that has a list of resources, tools and downloads  (i.e. Silverlight, WPF, Videos, HOL etc.) .  Bruno is a great Developer Evangelist based in Northern California and I encourage you to visit his site. If you attended the Silicon Valle Pro Dev Briefing earlier this month, he was the presenter for the Live Mesh Platform Services Discussion.