Revelations of a Confused Mind : Community

TechNet and MSDN Events Roadshow – Register now!

shawnt — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 22:31:14 GMT

Well, you’ve been asking and the time has finally come. We’ve got more TechNet Events coming up for your viewing pleasure. So, sign up now by clicking on the your Midwest city from the list below and we’ll see you at the next free event! This round of events will be a slightly different format, so make sure you sign up for both TechNet and MSDN events (there are two lists below) to get the biggest bang for your back. We’ve also merged ArcReady events into the MSDN/TechNet roadshow, so there is no separate sign up for those events anymore. Thanks and we’ll see you there!

Announcing Real World Azure with Microsoft IT

Our first event under the new format will be on cloud computing and specifically the Windows Azure Platform. Cloud computing is a big topic in the industry these days, Microsoft is not the only player in the space, but we are pretty proud of our Windows Azure Platform. This topic will talk about the nuts and bolts of the platform, but will also showcase an application built on the platform, “Project Austin”. Here is information on the TechNet Events and MSDN Events.

TechNet Events Presents – Azure for the IT Professional

In this event, we will discuss:

Azure architecture from the IT professional’s point of view
Why an IT operations team would want to pursue Azure as an extension to the data center
Configuration, deployment and scaling Azure-based applications
The Azure roles (web, web service and worker)
Azure storage options
Azure security and identity options
How Azure-based applications can be integrated with on-premises applications
How operations teams can manage and monitor Azure-based applications

Dates & Location (click on city name to register)

8/18/09 - Columbus, OH
8/19/09 - Mason, OH
8/19/09 - Downers Grove, IL
8/20/09 - Indianapolis, IN
8/20/09 - Dallas, TX
9/16/09 - Grand Rapids, MI
9/17/09 - Southfield, MI
9/17/09 - Overland Park, KS
9/17/09 - Houston, TX
9/22/09 - Cleveland, OH
9/24/09 - Waukesha, WI
9/24/09 - Austin, TX
9/29/09 - St. Louis, MO
9/29/09 - Nashville, TN
9/30/09 - Knoxville, TN
10/1/09 - Chicago, IL
10/27/09 - Bloomington, MN

(All TechNet events are from 8:30am to noon)

MSDN Events Presents – Azure for the Developer & Architect

Cloud computing architectures in general and the Azure architecture in particular
Several aspects of Azure from the developer’s and architect’s perspective
Azure roles (web, web service and worker)
Azure storage options
Azure security and identity options
How Azure-based applications can be integrated with on-premise applications
Configuration, deployment and scaling Azure-based applications
How development teams can optimize their applications for better management and monitoring

Dates & Location (click on city name to register)

8/18/09 - Columbus, OH
8/19/09 - Mason, OH
8/19/09 - Downers Grove, IL
8/20/09 - Indianapolis, IN
8/20/09 - Dallas, TX
9/16/09 - Grand Rapids, M
9/17/09 - Southfield, MI
9/17/09 - Overland Park, KS
9/17/09 - Houston, TX
9/22/09 - Cleveland, OH
9/24/09 - Waukesha, WI
9/24/09 - Austin, TX
9/29/09 - St. Louis, MO
9/29/09 - Nashville, TN
9/30/09 - Knoxville, TN
10/1/09 - Chicago, IL
10/27/09 - Bloomington, MN

Show me the Money! Attend the Chicagoland Sharepoint Event on May 27th.

shawnt — Wed, 06 May 2009 20:04:00 GMT

If you're in the Chicagoland area and interested in Sharepoint, I want you to know about this upcoming event. There will be lots of great content delivered by experienced partners as well as customers. Sign up at:

Sharepoint Seminar - May 27th, 8:30-Noon

Now, more than ever, companies are scrutinizing investments in technology. In order to gain project approval, a well defined business case needs to be established and understood. In this seminar, you will learn how to explain the financial considerations around SharePoint that will make sense to your CFO and gain acceptance of your SharePoint initiative in 2009. You will learn proven ROI strategies for SharePoint and see real word examples of organizations who have implemented SharePoint to cut costs and realize a positive ROI.

Learn how to answer the following questions:

1. Is there a return on investment (ROI) for SharePoint?
2. How long do I need to wait until I will see a payback?
3. Where can SharePoint save my organization money?
4. What is the "low hanging fruit"?
5. How do I control the total ownership cost of SharePoint?

Featured Products

Microsoft Office InfoPath, Microsoft Office SharePoint Server, Microsoft Windows SharePoint Services

Recommended Audiences

Technology Executives, IT Managers, Business Executives, Managers, Vice Presidents, CEO, CIO, COO, CTO, CFO, Operations Managers, IT Directors, Business Managers, Solution Architects, Practice Directors, Business Owner, Controller, Business Decision Maker, Technical Decision Makers

Seminar Content Preview

SharePoint ROI in Practice:
Cut costs with document imaging using KnowledgeLake for SharePoint.

Use proven, extensible server software to transform SharePoint into a production imaging system capable of meeting high-volume needs. KnowledgeLake Imaging Server eliminates the costs and challenges of using paper documents, as well as the limitations it puts on your business processes.

SharePoint ROI in Practice:
Simplify and automate your organization's business processes with SharePoint to “do more with less.”

Learn how a mid-market professional service firm simplified and automated their business processes to reduce costs and position themselves for growth. Stout Risius Ross (SRR) is a financial advisory firm specializing in investment banking, valuation & financial opinions, and dispute advisory & forensic services. SRR's business goals were to Increase the prospect-to-client conversion ratio by giving individuals the ability to easily search firm-wide relevant experience, help the firm achieve a 7:1 ratio of client service staff to operations staff and reduce the firm's exposure related to incomplete conflict checks and legal & regulatory compliance. SRR streamlined their core engagement lifecycle process and integrated their systems using Microsoft SharePoint Office SharePoint Server 2007 as the underlying foundation.

SharePoint Management Best Practices:
Strategies & tools to lower your SharePoint total cost of ownership.

Successful SharePoint deployments require effective management, vigorous protection, diligent compliance protocols, and continuous availability. As companies increasingly rely on SharePoint to store business-critical digital assets, these requirements become crucial catalysts for optimal production and minimized exposure to costly downtime and data loss. The fundamental question for every organization operating in today's 24/7 economy is: How much will it cost to support a mission-critical SharePoint environment? Success in today's demanding business environment requires organizations be properly equipped to maintain continuous, uninterrupted access to business-critical digital assets.

Join me in Indianapolis on Thursday, 3/12/09

shawnt — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 08:32:00 GMT

We are delivering some great content tomorrow on Windows Server 2008 in the Indianapolis area. If you'd like to join us, there are still a few spots available.

http://msevents.microsoft.com/CUI/EventDetail.aspx?culture=en-US&EventID=103

Location:

Microsoft Corporation

500 E. 96th Street, Suite 460

Parkwood Business Park, Building Four

Indianapolis Indiana

Date & Time: 3/12/09, 3:00pm - 5:00pm

Event Overview:

"In this session we will look at Windows Server 2008 and the improvements that have been made to Microsoft's premier server operating system. Microsoft Windows Server 2008 is the most advanced Windows Server operating system yet, designed to power the next generation of networks, applications, and Web services. With Windows Server 2008 you can develop, deliver, and manage rich user experiences and applications, provide a highly secure network infrastructure, and increase technological efficiency and value within your organization.

Windows Server 2008 introduces several new capabilities including 64bit virtualization, a robust web and development platform, improvements in networking, security, high availability and disaster recovery. In addition, there is a new "Core" installation option that reduces the operating system overhead by removing the graphical user interface thus freeing resources and lowering the potential security attack surface. Come see demonstrations on many of the features in a technical deep dive you won't want to miss!

After we discuss Windows Server 2008, we'll briefly discuss the improvements coming in Windows Server 2008 R2 which is in development and now available for beta testing."

Again, here is that link to register:

http://msevents.microsoft.com/CUI/EventDetail.aspx?culture=en-US&EventID=103

We also have an MSDN Unleashed event the same day at the same location from 1:00pm - 2:45pm. For more information and to register: http://msevents.microsoft.com/CUI/EventDetail.aspx?culture=en-US&EventID=103

And, we are doing an ArcReady event from 9:00am - 12:00pm. For more information and to register: http://msevents.microsoft.com/CUI/EventDetail.aspx?culture=en-US&EventID=103

IT Pro Momentum - Now Accepting Applications

shawnt — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 02:13:00 GMT

Okay, folks, I've posted on this before, but the IT Pro Momentum program is really catching fire, and I've decided to readvertise it since there seems to be so much interest. The program is exclusive to people who read Microsoft blogs or attend Microsoft events, and is designed to help anyone who is evaluating new Microsoft software. If you are testing or piloting or even in the very early stages of evaluating any of the folllowing products, shoot me an email with your full name and I'll send you an exclusive invitation.

Windows 7 (Newly ADDED!)
SQL Server 2008
Windows Server 2008
IIS7
Forefront Edge (ISA)
Forefront Client & Server
Virtual Server 2005 R2 SP1 or Windows Server Virtualization
Windows Vista
MOSS 2007
System Center
Windows PowerShell
Network Access Protection

What is the Momentum Program?

Momentum is a Microsoft program focused on supporting “early adopters” – IT professionals who bet on the newest technologies to drive business value for their companies and advance their career.

Is IT Pro Momentum right for you?

Interested in learning more about the newest Microsoft technologies?
Need help to evaluate different Microsoft products and features?
Willing to test and pilot in production Microsoft beta products?
Would like to have access to exclusive forums and Microsoft product support?
Want to share your early adoption experience with the IT Pro community world-wide?

Through the Momentum Portal, participants will have access a number of benefits including:

Free TechNet+ Direct Subscription
In-Depth Technical Content
Managed Forums (Questions answered directly by Microsoft experts)
Help from me
PSS Support Requests

What's in it for you?

Exposure and Career Opportunities
By sharing early adoption successes, IT Pro's receive community recognition and increase their opportunities for networking and career growth.
Your Voice is Heard
Through Momentum, IT Pros establish a direct, two-way communication channel with Microsoft which allows you to provide feedback and influence the future of our products and services.
Reduce Risk of Failure
Momentum benefits such as free TechNet subscription and PSS support requests reduce the risk and complexity of deploying new technologies.
Competitive Advantage – Be the First to Use & Know

Program participants have access to the latest information and cutting-edge technologies developed by Microsoft. You are expected to help out with a short description of your project and the project's success and challenges at the completion of your project.

Does this sound interesting to you? Then click here to get in touch with me.

Now’s the time for you to get involved!

Join Me for a Live TechNet Event!

shawnt — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 23:07:56 GMT

Everywhere I go, people always ask when we are coming in town next. Well, here is the latest TechNet event list for the Central U.S. Join me or one of my colleagues for a FREE event simply by registering using the city links below.

Session Topic: Windows Server 2008

In this session we will look at Windows Server 2008 and the improvements that have been made to Microsoft’s premier server operating system. Microsoft Windows Server 2008 is the most advanced Windows Server operating system yet, designed to power the next generation of networks, applications, and Web services. With Windows Server 2008 you can develop, deliver, and manage rich user experiences and applications, provide a highly secure network infrastructure, and increase technological efficiency and value within your organization.

Windows Server 2008 introduces several new capabilities including 64bit virtualization, a robust web and development platform, improvements in networking, security, high availability and disaster recovery. In addition, there is a new “Core” installation option that reduces the operating system overhead by removing the graphical user interface thus freeing resources and lowering the potential security attack surface. Come see demonstrations on many of the features in a technical deep dive you won’t want to miss!

After we discuss Windows Server 2008, we’ll briefly discuss the improvements coming in Windows Server 2008 R2 which is in development and now available for beta testing.

Prizes: Attendees are eligible to win a book or a copy of Windows Vista.

Event Schedule: TechNet Events Unleashed starts at 3:00 PM and end by 5:00 PM

St. Louis, MO – March 5, 2009 3:00 PM <------ I am presenting!

Downers Grove, IL – March 9, 2009 3:00 PM

Austin, TX – March 10, 2009 3:00 PM

Indianapolis, IN – March 12, 2009 3:00 PM <--- I am presenting!

Irving, TX – March 19, 2009 3:00 PM

Chicago, IL – March 23, 2009 3:00 PM

Houston, TX – March 24, 2009 3:00 PM

Detroit, MI – March 31, 2009 3:00 PM

IMPORTANT: ***We are also hosting several ArcReady sessions for software and infrastructure architects, as well as MSDN Events Unleashed sessions for developers. These events will frequently be held on the same day and in the same venue as the TechNet Unleashed events listed above. Register for all events to get the most out of your day. ArcReady features Architecting Solutions for Cloud Computing and MSDN Events Unleashed features Debugging Tips and Tricks plus Windows Mobile Development. Please let your colleagues know.

Microsoft LOVES User Groups! Want proof? Okay, we’ll give you Cash, Advertising, and Freebies for your next event.

shawnt — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 22:26:00 GMT

Microsoft today announces the launch of User Group Support Services (UGSS), a website specifically built to give busy community and user group leaders what they need to help their User Groups grow and prosper.

Get Extra $ for Your Events!
- Microsoft, in partnership with Culminis, INETA and PASS now offers funding for your next community-led event! Whether it’s a monthly user group meeting, a product launch event, or a code camp – whatever the format invite UGSS! You can receive up to $500 per event, once per quarter, max 2x per fiscal year.
Get People at Your Events!
- We know that in order for an event to be successful, you’ve got to have people there! Add your events to our Global Events Calendar and gain publicity for your events worldwide. This calendar is synced with other community calendars such as the Community Megaphone, and calendars on INETA and Culminis organizational websites.
Get Great Stuff to Show!
- We know that you are busy. You work hard, you are a dedicated community leader. Who has time to create content for each event? Take advantage of our services for your next meeting and we can provide the content! Our content library is growing… check in monthly to see what’s new!

BTW, I am now tasked with building community in a specific geography which includes all of Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, and Indiana. So, if you are in one of those states, please email me as well and I’ll be happy to help in any way that I can: Email

So, check it out today at http://www.ugss.codezone.com