User Groups and Community

Culminis needs your help...

2009-08-17T18:29:00Z

Running any community requires a lot of work, as I'm sure every user group leader already knows. Make that a global organization, add in the fact that it's just undergone a major restructure, that many of the board members are newly elected, and that the IT platform has just been totally replaced, and you have a real challenge worthy of the best of the best. Of course, every challenge is just an opportunity in disguise, and the opportunity here is for IT Professionals to get involved in Culminis, help out, possibly learn new technologies, and build business and social contacts. Culminis is looking for a number of people to help them run the organization, including both technical and management positions. If you are interested in helping drive membership, running communications such as newsletters, working on web site, SharePoint, CRM support and development or any of a number of other areas, please do contact Culminis as soon as you can. You can find out more about the volunteer opportunities at http://culminis.com, then click on the "Get Involved" link...

Tell Microsoft what to do...

2009-08-17T18:20:00Z

We are going to be working on a number of global programs over the year in support of the User Group community, and it’s very important that we get as much input as possible from you as to the right way to approach each program. To this end, we have set up a number of “steering groups” including Microsoft, Culminis, INETA, PASS representatives, together with anyone else the group thinks can contribute. And we are looking for volunteers…..

A SharePoint site has been set up at http://ug.culminis.com/sites/microsoft (Yes, it’s a Culminis hosted SharePoint site). The first time you go to the site, you will see a list of projects and a “Volunteer to join a working party….” link. Just click on the link, tell us what you would like to get involved with, and unless we are already swamped with volunteers you’ll get access to the appropriate sub-sites.

Here are the projects currently running or in plan: -

1) Country Community Councils. Country Community Councils are an idea which started earlier in 2009 with the first council being in India. They have had tremendous success, including significant successes at Tech Ed India and with a “Tech Ed on the road” event which lasted a whole month, visiting 21 user groups across India, Nepal and Bangladesh. Several other CCCs have also started, and the aim is to ensure that there is the best possible connection and interaction between the different community groups within a region.

2) User Group Leader Kits. We are planning to send a kit to every user group leader who registers with UGSS each year. These kits will contain anything we can identify as being of value to the user group leaders (that we can afford and is reasonable to ship worldwide!). It’s likely that some Microsoft subsidiaries may want to add local content to the kits as they go out, there may be the possibility of localizing some of the content, and there is certainly the opportunity to include content from other sources, for example INETA, Culminis, PASS, perhaps Microsoft Partners etc. As each leader will only get one kit a year, we will also need to think about how to “add” content part way through the year. In most cases, this will be as online content that can be downloaded. The current state of this project is that we are building a list of potential content to put in the kits, and your input would be very much appreciated.

3) UGSS web site review and development. A separate email has already been sent to selected groups and individuals, but the purpose of this steering group is to provide input into the design of the UGSS web site as changes and improvements are made over the year. It will be focusing on identified and new pain points, feature prioritization, design review and system testing. There is a significant workload here, but if you didn’t get a direct invitation and want to participate, please volunteer as soon as possible.

4) Communications. We want to get a consistent process for communications to take place between Microsoft, the User Group organizations and the community. Some of the things we will be looking at here include (a) A mechanism for the User Group organizations to submit items for possible inclusion in TechNet and MSDN flash, (b) a way for Microsoft to “offer” items to the User Group organizations which they can take (or not!) and use in their newsletters etc. (c) a way of providing metrics on both of these, so everyone knows what is being published, how much it’s being read, and if it’s the right content or not.

5) Recognition. There are a number of different programs out there already, some working very well. Some are global, some are local. This working group will map the significant programs, build a framework where these can work together to everyone’s best advantage, and possibly promote the best of the best with global cross organization recognition.

6) “Virtual Events”. This actually covers several programs each of which are based on video and conference calls.

a. Technical Videos – A set of “How to” videos covering technical topics of value to User Group Leaders – for example, how to make the best possible use of LiveMeeting.

b. Community Videos – A set of “By the Community for the Community” videos, where we identify the best user group leader at recruiting members, for example, and get them to explain their best practice so that other leaders can learn from them.

c. Professional Videos – We intend to identify the world class leaders in areas of value to User Group leaders and produce videos on topics such as “Extending your user group through social media”.

d. Fireside Chats – These will be occasional virtual meetings with key Microsoft leaders which will be invite only for user group leaders. There won’t be much of an agenda, it’s more an opportunity for the leaders to ask questions. Recordings and transcripts will then be made available to the leaders for use in their meetings.

7) Content. During the year we will be producing content specifically for user groups. Rather than us producing the content we think you want, we’d like you to get involved all the way through the content production cycle – from prioritizing what we create, through reviews as the content is developed and through to feedback as it gets published.

8) Web Site and tool development. We will be helping Culminis develop the next version of their web site, hopefully using some cool new technology and hopefully pushing the boundaries of community a little. Of course, this is the Culminis web site, and ownership will be with Culminis, but there are obvious opportunities for others to help here and for everyone to benefit.

9) And more … During the year, additional opportunities to work together will come up – hopefully some of them will be because of ideas these steering groups will have.

Just to repeat – if you are interested in taking part in steering committees on any of the above, just go to http://ug.culminis.com/sites/microsoft, click on the “Volunteer to join a working party….” And then when you get access go to the sub-site(s) for that committee and contribute away!

Many Thanks,

Graham

Ramp Up Has Launched a Windows Mobile and 3 ASP.NET Tracks!

2009-05-30T00:14:00Z

I’m happy to announce that we’ve just launched 4 brand new learning tracks on Ramp Up* (www.MyRampUp.com):

1. Web Development with ASP.NET

2. Move from ASP to ASP.NET

3. Move from PHP to ASP.NET

4. Develop Windows Mobile 6 Applications

*Ramp Up (www.MyRampUp.com) is a free online learning program for developers. We’ve just launched four new tracks: “Web Development with ASP.NET”, “Move from ASP to ASP.NET”, “Move from PHP to ASP.NET”, and “Develop Windows Mobile 6 Applications”. These tracks, along with the other currently offered ones (eg, SharePoint for Developers, Visual Studio 2008), teaches the important skills in a guided path, making the learning process easier and more efficient. The easy-to-access content (provided by subject-matter gurus) is specifically tailored for the Ramp Up program, and offered in a variety of forms (article, v-lab, codecast and slidecast). Check them out now at www.MyRampUp.com, and see how Ramp Up can help you become more employable by learning important and marketable skills.

Microsoft to Begin First Technology Preview for Project "Madison"

2009-05-30T00:06:00Z

Microsoft is on track to release the first Technology Preview for Project “Madison” in H2 2009. A select group of customers will deploy a prototype MPP data warehouse on Madison. Download the first Project "Madison" data sheet from here, and view the on demand webinar, "An Early Look at Kilimanjaro and Madison” here.

How are you, your team, and organization Thriving during these times? Find out more!

2009-05-30T00:03:00Z

In tough times, the good will survive, but only the best will Thrive! Are you thriving? Visit the Thrive site and learn how to enhance your technical skills, advance your career, and elevate IT as the business leader. These strategies and skills will not only help you succeed now, but place you in a position to excel during the brighter times ahead. Now is the ideal time to rise to the top. Seize the moment - find out how YOU can Thrive at the Thrive site!

Find a World Where the Geeks Rule ...

2009-05-30T00:00:00Z

If you are in the USA, play the new ServerQuest II game and find out why geeks rule. You'll experience a day in a "geek's" life--digging deep into your surroundings, solving puzzles, and uncovering Easter eggs and mini games that will help you inch your way closer to the prize - and closer to carving your name into the annals of geekdom.

IT Managers - this section is for you...

2009-05-29T23:45:00Z

There is now a new IT Management Community area on TechNet which IT Managers should find really useful. Amongst many other things, you can find: -

An IT Manager Chat area with Kevin Remde
An InformationWeek analytics report addressing the Priorities for the next generation of web applications.
A discussion between Wayne Applehans and Chris Jackson talking about the latest trends impacting IT and the resources and guidance available to help plan and deploy Microsoft technologies.

Integrate your IT Environment

2009-04-30T01:32:00Z

Join the TechNet Events team for an interop roadshow that will help you integrate your heterogeneous IT environment. This 4 hour FREE event will include sessions on: Windows Server 2008 Active Directory Interop with Linux and OS X, Running OSS on Windows Server 2008 and SQL Server 2008 and PHP Web Application Infrastructure. For a more detailed agenda and to register visit www.technetevents.com/interop.

Location City	Event Start Date/Time	Event End Date/Time
Alpharetta	28-Apr-2009 08:30 AM	28-Apr-2009 12:30 PM
New York	30-Apr-2009 08:30 AM	30-Apr-2009 12:30 PM
Waltham,	05-May-2009 08:30 AM	05-May-2009 12:30 PM
Downers Grove	06-May-2009 08:30 AM	06-May-2009 12:30 PM
Chicago	07-May-2009 08:30 AM	07-May-2009 12:30 PM
Mountain View	04-Jun-2009 08:30 AM	04-Jun-2009 12:30 PM
Phoenix	09-Jun-2009 08:30 AM	09-Jun-2009 12:30 PM
Bellevue	11-Jun-2009 08:30 AM	11-Jun-2009 12:30 PM

Project Conference 2009

2009-04-30T01:30:00Z

IT professionals and developers who utilize EPM solutions and Project are invited to attend the Microsoft Project 2009 conference. We've extended our early bird rate to Culminis & INETA – register now for just $699. Visit http://www.msprojectconference.com/ and use code CnIPC09mL, limited time offer through June 15th. (You must be a member of a Culminis or INETA user group to use this code)

Register to attend Tech•Ed North America 2009 | May 11-15 | Los Angeles, CA

2009-04-30T01:27:00Z

Our new IT Strategy and Business Alignment track is specially designed to help IT Managers find efficiencies in productivity and cost from Microsoft experts and industry analysts like Art Wittmann, Managing Director of Information Week Analytics. Dive deep into product roadmaps for Cloud Computing, Virtualization, Infrastructure Management and more. Register by April 12 using the URL below, and save $100 on the full conference fee.

Tech-Ed NA 2009

NEW! Career Assist Package – up to 90% off the usual price for one Microsoft Official E-Learning Collection, when you register for Second Shot!

2009-04-30T01:25:00Z

NEW! Career Assist Package - up to 90% off the usual price for one Microsoft Official E-Learning Collection, when you register for Second Shot!

In the real world, you might need more than one chance at certification. With Second Shot, if you do not pass a Microsoft IT, Developer or Dynamics certification exam on your first try, you can retake the exam for free. Academic exams are still only $60! New! Until June 30^th 2009, if you register for Second Shot, you get any Microsoft E-Learning Collection for just US$35 (typically priced up to US$349) - up to 90% off!

There's a limit of one discounted E-Learning Collection per customer, and once you've activated yours, it will only be available for 90 days.

Whether you're looking to start or accelerate your career, become indispensible in your current role, or build your skills to get into the technical workforce, this is a great way to maximize your certification and training budget.

You may be an IT Whiz...but Are You Certifiable?!?

2009-04-30T01:24:00Z

Have you ever considered taking a certification exam? Here's your chance to practice, in a very fun way. Choose an avatar, select your expertise, and pit yourself against a worldwide community in a quest for Tech IQ supremacy, a top spot on the leaderboard-and ultimate bragging rights! "Are You Certifiable?!?" Find out today at: http://www.areyoucertifiable.com/

Upsize or Migrate to SQL Server Today

2009-04-30T01:22:00Z

SQL Server 2008 has launched the new Migration Solution Center. This site provides customers with prescriptive guidance and a clear process for executing successful migrations or upsizing your existing databases to SQL Server.

On this site, the freely downloadable SQL Server Migration Assistants (SSMAs) reduce the efforts required to move databases from Access, Oracle, and Sybase to SQL Server. Download these tools now and use them to perform assessments, move data and schema, and automate the process of database migrations to SQL Server.

Check out www.MyRampUp.com - a free online learning program for developers!

2009-04-30T01:20:00Z

Ramp Up (www.MyRampUp.com) has just launched SharePoint for Developers - Part 2I! The easy-to-access content (provided by subject-matter gurus) teaches the important skills in a guided path, making the learning process easier and more efficient.