Revelations of a Confused Mind : TechNet Events

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

Sign up to Attend a Microsoft Technical Event Today

shawnt — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 09:59:00 GMT

Session 1: Windows Server 2008 R2 – Optimize your Time

Get a jump start on your peers with Windows Server 2008 R2 by joining us for this no nonsense technical session, where we will discuss the critical improvements in the next version of Windows Server. Some have argued that, given the impressive scope of new functionality in Windows Server 2008 R2, it should not be an “R2” release, but rather should be given a completely new name. They point to features such as Direct Access, Branch Caching, Live Migration, Powershell 2.0, and VDI that will help you cut down on the amount of time you spend doing mundane tasks, reduce end user frustration and support headaches, and give your mobile workforce a competitive edge through ubiquitous access to company data. There’s a good chance that by attending this session you’ll find a way to save time and money with Windows Server 2008 R2, and so you’ll get the time you spend with us back many times over.

Session 2: Windows 7 – Maximize Your Potential

In designing Windows 7, the engineering team had a clear focus on what we call ‘the fundamentals': performance, application compatibility, device compatibility, reliability, security and battery life. Early reviews of Windows 7 seem to indicate that the choice to focus on the fundamentals is resonating well with many users and professionals. And, IT professionals will further benefit from the enhancements to manageability and security. You’ll also learn how your investments in testing and evaluating Windows Vista will pay off in the transition to Windows 7. Come see firsthand what all the buzz is about in this demo-intensive session where we explore the UI improvements, performance gains, and manageability enhancements in the next client operating system from Microsoft.

Session 3: Internet Explorer 8 – Get Excited About the Browser Again

Internet Explorer is currently the most widely used browser in business, and while we’ve seen nice incremental improvements to IE in recent history, we haven’t seen as many truly earth shattering changes. Well, many agree that the next release of IE, Internet Explorer 8, provides the most compelling upgrade to IE in many years. In a typical day, users spend 2 hours or more per day in the browser, so significant improvements here can have tremendous impact on productivity and the way we work. The browser needs to be thought of in the same terms as an operating system—it has to be rich, robust, interoperable, easy to use and secure. Internet Explorer 8 is a browser that meets these needs and more for users, enterprises, IT professionals and developers alike. Come learn how the new improvements, too numerous to mention here, are driving many to get excited about the browser again.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

IT professionals interested in learning about the next generation of Microsoft platforms and tools.

WHERE ARE THE EVENTS?

Events are held in 16 cities across Central Region. To register for this event, please select a link below or head on over to http://www.technetevents.com/unleashed/.

Location/Registration	Date	Time
Waukesha, WI	4/28/2009	3:10pm – 5:00pm
Austin, TX	4/28/2009	3:10pm – 5:00pm
Bloomington, MN	4/30/2009	3:10pm – 5:00pm
Cleveland, OH	4/30/2009	3:10pm – 5:00pm
Indianapolis, IN	5/4/2009	3:10pm – 5:00pm
Chicago, IL	5/5/2009	3:10pm – 5:00pm
Columbus, OH	5/12/2009	3:10pm – 5:00pm
Houston, TX	5/12/2009	3:10pm – 5:00pm
Mason, OH	5/14/2009	3:10pm – 5:00pm
Overland Park, KS	5/14/2009	3:10pm – 5:00pm
Dallas, TX	5/19/2009	3:10pm – 5:00pm
Southfield, MI	5/20/2009	3:10pm – 5:00pm
Downers Grove, IL	5/20/2009	3:10pm – 5:00pm
St. Louis, MO	5/21/2009	3:10pm – 5:00pm
Nashville, TN	6/11/2009	3:10pm – 5:00pm
Knoxville, TN	6/12/2009	3:10pm – 5:00pm

Session 1: Internet Explorer 8 for Developers

The Windows Internet Explorer 8 browser makes it easier to explore and interact with the web. Did you know that there will be a new standards mode by default? While it can easily be turned off, knowing the potential to impact this may have on many sites that have been crafted around various features in past versions is a good idea. Attend this session to learn which current practices you need to change and how the new standards mode affects your development techniques and your existing sites. We review tools that are built into Internet Explorer 8 to help developers debug and create Web pages. We also discuss Web Slices, Accelerators, and Search Suggestion – all of which are key new features in this latest release.

In this session we’ll show you:

· Developer Tools

· Selectors API

· Use and create accelerators

· Use and create web slices

· Use and create search suggestions

· AJAX Navigation enhancements with Virtual Earth demo on history, AJAX Cross Domain Calls

· CSS improvements (printing, counters, new pseudo classes)

Session 2: Developing on Microsoft Windows 7

Building applications that are easy to use, visually appealing, and offer high performance is a challenge that developers face every day. Innovative applications can greatly improve the user experience, empowering companies to differentiate their services and solutions. However, developers are increasingly asked to do more in less time, while also optimizing the power and performance requirements of their applications. The Windows 7 platform makes it easy for developers to create engaging, user-friendly applications by providing familiar tools and rich development features that allow them to take advantage of the latest PC capabilities. In this session we will explore the new Taskbar and Jump Lists, the Scenic Ribbon, file management with Libraries, and Windows Web Services among many other enhancements to the new operating system.

In this session we’ll show you:

· New Features in Windows 7

· Use and create jump lists

· Scenic Ribbon API

· Use and create Libraries

· Windows Web Services API

· Additional enhancements that support development

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

Developers interested in learning about the next generation of Microsoft platforms and tools.

WHERE ARE THE EVENTS?

Events are held in 16 cities across Central Region. To register for this event, please visit http://www.msdnevents.com/unleashed.

Location/Registration	Date	Time
Waukesha, WI	4/28/2009	1:00pm – 2:50pm
Austin, TX	4/28/2009	1:00pm – 2:50pm
Bloomington, MN	4/30/2009	1:00pm – 2:50pm
Cleveland, OH	4/30/2009	1:00pm – 2:50pm
Indianapolis, IN	5/4/2009	1:00pm – 2:50pm
Chicago, IL	5/5/2009	1:00pm – 2:50pm
Columbus, OH	5/12/2009	1:00pm – 2:50pm
Houston, TX	5/12/2009	1:00pm – 2:50pm
Mason, OH	5/14/2009	1:00pm – 2:50pm
Overland Park, KS	5/14/2009	1:00pm – 2:50pm
Dallas, TX	5/19/2009	1:00pm – 2:50pm
Southfield, MI	5/20/2009	1:00pm – 2:50pm
Downers Grove, IL	5/20/2009	1:00pm – 2:50pm
St. Louis, MO	5/21/2009	1:00pm – 2:50pm
Nashville, TN	6/11/2009	1:00pm – 2:50pm
Knoxville, TN	6/12/2009	1:00pm – 2:50pm

Architecting for the Client Tier

The client (or presentation) tier of our applications is taking on an increasingly important role. Users are expecting more compelling user interfaces, but they also want more functionality from their applications. In this ArcReady we examine how to design and deliver well architected client applications that will be easy to maintain and extend.

Session 1: Trends and Patterns on the Client Tier

In our first session we will take a vendor and platform neutral look at some of the trends and emerging technologies that can be used on the client tier. We will look at techniques like Mashups, technologies like Natural User Interfaces (NUI) and the increasing importance of the mobile platform. We will also look at some common patterns that can be used in the architecture of the client tier.

Session 2: Applying Microsoft Technology on the Client Tier

In our second session we will take some look at how we can use Microsoft technologies to create well architected and compelling client applications. We will look at technologies like Silverlight and WPF that can be used to create compelling clients. We will also look at technologies that can be used to make your applications more extensible for future development. We will also examine some architectural guidance developed by the Microsoft Patterns and Practices group.

WHAT IS ARCREADY?

· A forum for aspiring and practicing architects to discuss industry trends

· An overview of Microsoft’s roadmap as it relates to software architecture

· A mechanism to solicit your feedback

· An opportunity to showcase the work you do!

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

Architects and Senior Developers who are interested in becoming an architect.

WHERE ARE THE EVENTS?

Events are held in 16 cities across Central Region. To register for this event, please visit www.arcready.com.

Location/Registration	Date	Time
Waukesha, WI	4/28/2009	9:00am – 11:45am
Austin, TX	4/28/2009	9:00am – 11:45am
Bloomington, MN	4/30/2009	9:00am – 11:45am
Cleveland, OH	4/30/2009	9:00am – 11:45am
Indianapolis, IN	5/4/2009	9:00am – 11:45am
Chicago, IL	5/5/2009	9:00am – 11:45am
Columbus, OH	5/12/2009	9:00am – 11:45am
Houston, TX	5/12/2009	9:00am – 11:45am
Mason, OH	5/14/2009	9:00am – 11:45am
Overland Park, KS	5/14/2009	9:00am – 11:45am
Dallas, TX	5/19/2009	9:00am – 11:45am
Southfield, MI	5/20/2009	9:00am – 11:45am
Downers Grove, IL	5/20/2009	9:00am – 11:45am
St. Louis, MO	5/21/2009	9:00am – 11:45am
Nashville, TN	6/11/2009	9:00am – 11:45am
Knoxville, TN	6/12/2009	9:00am – 11:45am

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

Expired PINs in Vista SP1 Giveaways at TechNet Events [UPDATE]

shawnt — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 20:19:34 GMT

Well, we have received a LOT of feedback about the Windows Vista Ultimate with SP1 giveaways that we handed out at TechNet events during the second half of 2008. It seems we did not do a great job of informing attendees that the PINs would expire on December 31, 2008. So, today, I have some good news to pass on!

We are currently in the process of extending the expiration date, probably to the end of this month or the end of February. Please check back at http://www.registerwindowsvistasp1.com/ in the next week or so and the site should be live again for registrations.

Thanks for your patience in this matter, once the site is live again please register ASAP.

How to Map a Printer with Powershell 1.0

shawnt — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 11:24:44 GMT

Well, I just finished presenting three shows in three cities in just two days in the great state of Ohio. The people here are amazingly smart and friendly, and they had many, great questions and comments. One of the questions came from the DANPA "loadfest" event in Dayton last night: "How do you map printers using Powershell 1.0?"

Well, I promised a post, and here it is - I did a bit of research and finally dug this helpful post from Guy Thomas on the computerperformance website. Please do not use the script below without first testing thoroughly in a non-production environment, and neither I nor Microsoft assumes any responsibility for any problems resulting from its use.

To Add or 'Map' a Network Printer

# PowerShell for Mapping a Printer
# Author: Guy Thomas
# Version 1.2 June 2008 tested on PowerShell v 1.0

$PrinterPath = "\\Server\PrintShare"
$net = new-Object -com WScript.Network
$net.AddWindowsPrinterConnection($PrinterPath)

For more information as well as common troubleshooting issues, please consult the original post. (See Example 4)

Recent TechNet event attendees - Please read this!

shawnt — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 23:54:15 GMT

Recent attendees to TechNet Events in the U.S., including my events, may have experienced an issue with the website we use to serve up product keys for the free Windows Vista SP1 software we gave away. Happily, the issue has been corrected, and it is now properly handing out keys. To solve the problem, we extended the deadline for obtaining your key through December 31, 2008. So, if you tried to obtain your key recently and were unsuccessful, please try again now and there should be no problems. Here's that link if you need it. (But you'll still need your unique code from the Vista software packaging to get your key.)

www.registerwindowsvistasp1.com

If you still experience difficulties, try deleting the cookie for the registerwindowsvistasp1 website. Or, you can try the registration from another computer. Please write a comment to this blog if you continue to have a problem with registration. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience.

Revelations of a Confused Mind : TechNet Events

TechNet and MSDN Events Roadshow – Register now!

Announcing Real World Azure with Microsoft IT

Sign up to Attend a Microsoft Technical Event Today

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

IT Pro Momentum - Now Accepting Applications

Join Me for a Live TechNet Event!

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

Get Extra $ for Your Events!

Get People at Your Events!

Get Great Stuff to Show!

Expired PINs in Vista SP1 Giveaways at TechNet Events [UPDATE]

How to Map a Printer with Powershell 1.0

To Add or 'Map' a Network Printer

Recent TechNet event attendees - Please read this!