Brian H. Madsen - .Net Powered by Caffeine : MS Events

Send Sara Ford to Tech-Ed Australia, vote

Brian Madsen — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 23:18:01 GMT

An excellent opportunity has come up to get Sara Ford shipped down under to present at Microsoft Tech-Ed Australia!

Sara put a petition video together which you can watch here.

Afterwards head on over to the twtpoll and put your vote to good use by voting “Yes, absolutely”!

Read more about her endeavours to go down south on Sara’s blog here.

Microsoft Tech-Ed Australia is promising to be an absolutely awesome event this year (yes, i’m going too!!!! w00t).

For a bit of behind-the-scenes look at what goes on in the lead-up to Tech-Ed, read the backstage ramblings of all the geeks that’s taking good care of us.

It’s also just been announced that it’s 90% sold out! so unless you want to miss out i’d be quick about registering!

AUS Tech-Ed Attendees gets to keep HP Mini Notebook

Brian Madsen — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 04:22:32 GMT

Now, as if it wasn’t enough that you’d be attending Tech-Ed, for those that’s paying to go (eg. no freebie ticket holders, MSFT staff etc etc) they now get to collect a HP Mini 2140 notebook upon arrival.

How cool is that???

The HP Mini 2140 Notebook PC

Lightweight, cool and handy – the HP Mini 2140 Notebook PC, weighing in at under 1.2kg, has the power to allow you to keep doing business no matter where you are. It features an Intel Atom N270 processor, 160GB of storage, 10.1-inch LED display with 16:9 aspect ratio, and a 92% of full-size QWERTY keyboard with DuraKeys. And of course, they’re fully Wi-Fi and Bluetooth compatible , so staying connected is easy.

Microsoft TechDays 2009 wants YOU!!

Brian Madsen — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 22:38:00 GMT

you don't want to miss this!!!

It's obvious, virtual events are becoming more and more popular - both because of the cost factor (definitely costs less) but also because of the availability of the events worldwide!

this means of course that regardless of where you are in the world, you can attend!

So, Microsoft TechDays 2009 is just around the corner (April 1, 2009) and they're looking for YOU!

They're looking for content, so if you're up to it and want to participate in this awesome event, head on over and submit your content:

Call for Content

Are you interested in sharing your knowledge with your peers around the world?

We are looking for passionate speakers to submit topics that developers would be interested in learning about.

This is an open call for sessions so please feel free to refer other industry experts to this site.

Please note that if you submit a session for consideration, this does not guarantee that your session will be accepted for this event

Click here to submit content: http://www.msfttechdays.com/modules/cft/default.aspx

Why should you adopt Visual Studio Team System 2010 - get the lowdown in Sydney on the 14th of November

Brian Madsen — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 21:33:00 GMT

After the success of Steve Balmer's visit to Australia last week (www.microsoft.com.au/powertodevelopers) I'm sure that there's going to be a ton of questions from the community, partners and lovers of VSTS!

So, Microsoft is inviting YOU to a 2hr session in Sydney on Friday the 14th of November, 2008 (please be aware that seats are limited so register quickly to ensure your place).

Value Proposition
“The Road to Visual Studio 2010”, a presentation (and live demo) aimed at technical decision makers. Matt Nunn, Group Manager for Visual Studio Team System at Microsoft Corporation in Redmond, will provide a first look at the next version of Microsoft’s development tool platform – Visual Studio 2010.
Visual Studio 2010 further enhances today’s capabilities to democratise application development and incorporate all members of the development organisation. It further reduces barriers between team members and provides increased levels of visibility to enable delivery on time and on target.
At this event you will learn how Microsoft’s development tool platform vision complements the Microsoft application platform today and tomorrow, thus securing your current technology investments.

Time
Friday 14 November
09:00 am "The Road to Visual Studio 2010"
10:30 am Q&A
11:00 am Close

Venue
Microsoft, 1 Epping rd, North Ryde, 2113, Theatre 1 (# of seats is limited to 60, 1st come 1st serve)
Registration required:
https://www.microsoft.com.au/events/register/home.aspx?levent=654837&linvitation

If you can't make it to Sydney (as many of us westerners probably have trouble with, especially for a 2hr session), it's going to be broadcast via LiveMeeting as well.

Live Meeting:
https://www112.livemeeting.com/cc/_XML/microsoft/join?id=C2W7QF&role=present&pw=s%3Fp%7B5_mMP
with alternative audio at +61 1800 202 713, Participant Code: 8893367

Matt’s Bio
Matt Nunn is a Group Product Manager for Visual Studio Team System and has been with Microsoft for just over 6 years. He currently runs the team responsible for all outbound product management for Visual Studio Team System working with customers, partners and the field. Previously Matt ran product management for the VSTS Database Edition and has worked in both the SQL Server and Microsoft Office Teams within Microsoft. Matt has over 15 years experience in the IT industry working as a developer, DBA, technical project manager and consultant for numerous Microsoft partners as well as many positions within Microsoft. You can reach Matt at mattnunn@microsoft.com

What i'm particularly happy about is that the trend seems to be showing that MSFT is putting more interest into the Australian developers! As mentioned, we've had Steve Balmer down here to show us some DEVELOPER love and we also have a new Product Manager for Developer Tools in Sydney (Joerg Lindner) and i'm certain we're going to be seeing more to him in the near future (get that blog up Joerg!).

PDC2008 extends Early Bird registration due to high demand

Brian Madsen — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 13:39:25 GMT

I was told that the PDC2008 event in Los Angeles has extended the period for early bird registrations.

See below for details:

Due to popular demand, the PDC2008 Early Bird Discount has been extended three weeks. Tell your customers, partners and your blog audience the news: Register by 11:59 PM Pacific Time, Monday, September 8^th and save $200 off the Full Conference Registration of $2395.

Special Trip for 2 Drawing
Encourage people to register using the R.S.V.P. code: LAExperience and they’ll get entered to win a separate trip for 2 to see the Lakers, the Dodgers or attend a Universal Movie Premiere (flights and hotel included). Please check links for terms & conditions of this draw.

Continue to Invite your Customers & Partners
Please continue to invite your customers and partners to PDC 2008. Registration is very strong among Canadian Professional Developers & Architect’s and this is definitely the event you want your customers to attend. Attached is an invitation you can customize for your customers or simply send them to http://www.microsoftpdc.com/Registration

So if you're contemplating heading across (or if you just happen to be in the US/LA area) why not get your geek on?

Technorati Tags: PDC2008

Heroes Happen attendance pack to contain FULL version of Windows Server 2008 Enterprise

Brian Madsen — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 01:38:40 GMT

Wow - before Michael clarified this one, i was actually under the impression that this would be a "trial" or "NFR" license and not a full blown, production environment version of Windows Server 2008.

Am I glad that i'm going now? yes!! for a measly $199, that the registration costs, i'm all set with this massive OS!

Thanks for the clarification Michael..unexpected and delightful news!

Michael Kleef ::: MSFT : Windows Server 2008 FPP available at Australian launch

2 (Two) faces to XNA??

Brian Madsen — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 13:12:43 GMT

After my earlier nap on the bus i'm feeling refreshed again so decided to trawl through the blogs i subscribe to (as i so often do) and see that Scott Barnes blogged about the two upcoming XNA events held in November.

I was excited, to put it literally, as i read the opening paragraph.

To get XNA in the hands of trillions, in order to ensure XBOX Games like Halo3 continue to evolve so that I will eventually succumb to "death by XBOX 360".

Man did my excitement grow..MSFT was going to hold nation wide XNA events..Even though i'm not a game developer this was something i just had to attend.

Then i read on.

Training Requirements:

It's simple men/women, ensure you show up at these key locations with your I'm an XNA Coder secret decoder ring (actually just show up wearing clothes and having at least showered once this week).

Woah!!! no pre-requisites except to get one of them rings???

As i was sitting here, i didn't expect the flying drop kick to my jaw which shattered my chin, cheek bone and drove my molars into my gums...Sydney...oh, and wait..Melbourne...what a surprise!

I half expected the list to go on and was looking for a registration link which could have looked like this:

http://xnaperthpeteisensee.events.live.com/default.aspx

following the tradition of the other 2 (two) registration/event links:

http://xnasydneypeteisensee.events.live.com/default.aspx

http://xnamelbournepeteisensee.events.live.com/default.aspx

The irony isn't lost of me Scott..."To get XNA in the hands of trillions..." obviously means Perth is going not part of the "trillion" calculation.

Again, i know Perth is smaller than Sydney and Melbourne and i'm also sure the events aren't organised by Microsoft Australia - most likely it's done in Redmond.

So are Redmond totally unaware of the lack of events this state is seeing compared to Sydney and Melbourne? Not to forget Adelaide, Brisbane and Canberra? Who can then bring this to their attention?

I had a very interesting conversation today with a Microsoft Gold Partner in Perth and the topic eventually entered Microsoft in Perth and how often we're loosing out.

I would dearly love to see the numbers that justifies Perth missing out constantly..obviously i'm not big enough a fish to get access to those, but it would be interesting..

So who can we go to if we want to get the attention of Redmond?

Second TechNet Update session scheduled for Perth - cancelled

Brian Madsen — Fri, 19 Oct 2007 08:09:32 GMT

Aaaaahhh bugger...cancelled due to low registration...what a shame..finally something good comes along and we dont get enough interest!!

thanks for putting it on in the first place!

More training for Perth - Technet update on Windows Network Policy Server and Wireless Security plus WSUS 3.0 deployment

Brian Madsen — Thu, 11 Oct 2007 00:53:21 GMT

Michael Kleef announced that there's going to be a second TechNet update on the following sessions in perth.

Event Overview

Windows Network Policy Server and Wireless Security & Deploying and managing a Microsoft Windows Server Update Services 3.0 Server

TechNet Update Perth Session 1 Wednesday, 24 October 2007 3:00 PM - Wednesday, 24 October 2007 4:15 PM

Welcome Time: 2:30 PM
Description:

Windows Network Policy Server and Wireless Security

In this session we will look at Network Policy Server in Windows Server 2008, and how to implement Network Access Protection. The session will start with an introduction to the Network Policy Server (NPS). We will see how it can play a valuable role in maintaining the integrity of an internal computer network. Then we will see how to deploy and configure NAP. We willl show you how NAP works, and how it employs NPS. The session will also take a look at some wireless networks and why they aren’t secure. Then see how to build a secure wireless network – a really rock solid one.
What we will cover:

Network Policy Server Architecture and Functionality
Deploying and configuring Network Access Protection (NAP) for 802.1x
Why many secure wireless deployments aren’t secure
Deploying and configuring a secure wireless network

Demonstrations in this Session:

Reviewing Network Policies
Configuring NAP for 802.1x
Examining Connection Trace events
Configuring secure wireless

TechNet Update Perth Session 2 Wednesday, 24 October 2007 4:30 PM - Wednesday, 24 October 2007 5:45 PM

Welcome Time: 4:00 PM
Description:

Deploying and managing a Microsoft Windows Server Update Services 3.0 Server

This session focuses on Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) network architecture and deployment methodologies, from single server to replica hierarchies. It also covers how to migrate from WSUS 2.0 to WSUS 3 and looks at the day-to-day management of Windows Server Update Services (WSUS), including backup strategy, compliance reporting, reboot strategy, and health monitoring.

What we will cover:

· Whats changed in WSUS 3.0

· What changed on the client

· How you administer WSUS 3.0

· How you migrate from WSUS 2.0

To register:

http://msevents.microsoft.com/CUI/EventDetail.aspx?EventID=1032353860&Culture=en-AU

Training events in Perth

Brian Madsen — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 03:01:17 GMT

Two events are coming this month.

Unified Communications and Exchange 2007

Unified Communications solutions reduce the complexities of modern communications into a seamless experience by combining e-mail, instant messaging, voice and video into a single, intuitive system. They enable businesses to replace conflicting systems with a single, unified communications platform that leverages their existing data and telecommunications infrastructure. With the launch of Exchange Server 2007, the 2007 Office system, and soon-to-release Office Communications Server 2007, Microsoft offers a comprehensive set of technologies enabling IT departments to deliver more flexible and more secure communications with simplified infrastructure that streamlines management and reduces total cost of ownership.

Windows Server 2008: IT Pro

This two-day Windows Server 2008 Essentials is intended for IT professionals and partners currently experienced on the technologies included in Windows Server 2000 and Windows Server 2003. The course will focus on and discuss the following product scenarios and technologies: Centralised Application Access, Branch Office, Security & Policy Enforcement and Server Management.

Australia goes Dynamics!!!!!

Brian Madsen — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 13:47:33 GMT

Wow - as if this wasn't enough coming out of Microsoft of late..and this..we now see Australia go Dynamics!

Yeps that's right - my babies are being let out and Microsoft Australia and the Dynamics team deserve a clap on the back, because we're going to see some serious Dynamics Development Sessions.

Initially it's going to start in Sydney and Melbourne - but wait - yes!!! YES!! David Lemphers is promising that Perth will see the sessions over here as well!

o O { now why did the D-man feel that he had to warn me about Perth coming..later? }

he hehe..It's all good David, i know you got my back!

So if you're interested in Microsoft CRM (my cat is named after the latest version, Titan), AX 5.0 or work at a company that thrives on pushing these brilliant platforms to the limit, you cannot miss out on this session once it hits Perth!

For a bit more information, head on over to David's blog and check out the goodies: David L's Blog : Dynamics Dev Sessions - Australia

Ozzie Rules Blogging : One of the Team Foundation Server program managers is coming to Australia

Brian Madsen — Sat, 25 Aug 2007 03:54:26 GMT

Chuck posted on his blog that Joe Schwertz is coming to Australia and will be touring client sites as well as the UGs around.

How awesome would it be to get him over here to the west and show us what TFS is really about?

Send me an email if you want me to petition Chuck to try and get him over...Or just simply comment here and i'm sure Chuck will eventually read about it...

Ozzie Rules Blogging : One of the Team Foundation Server program managers is coming to Australia

Tech·Ed 2007 Online: Prepare to Make Your Mark

Brian Madsen — Sat, 16 Jun 2007 03:09:06 GMT

Mitch Wheat blogged this link on Wednesday and i've been too busy watching the web casts and forgot to spread the word.

Tech·Ed 2007 Online: Prepare to Make Your Mark

Australian Architecture Forum 2007

Brian Madsen — Sat, 09 Jun 2007 03:15:22 GMT

Now this is an event I would have sold a kidney just to attend!! right down my alley that's for sure as architecture is one of my main developer/project passions.

Nick Mayhew announced the event on this blog here - though, i see (sadly) that events like this which really pushes the technology ahead, is again leaving out Perth!!!!

The Australian Architecture Forum agenda has been specifically designed for you to:

Learn about the latest practices in architecture ,
Interact directly with architectural subject matter experts ,
Form relationships with peers from other organisations,
Share war stories and experiences with other architects,
Understand how your career might develop in the industry,
Learn more about the local architecture community , and
Do all of the above in a single day in Sydney or Melbourne!

Where and When?
Sydney
Wednesday 27th June 2007
Star City

Melbourne
Friday 29th June 2007
Crown Promenade Hotel
Timing?
08.00 Registration
08.30 - 17.30 Forum
17.30 - 20.00 Networking/Drinks
Cost?
AU$295 including GST

It really hurts to see events like these being dropped from other cities, except of course for Sydney and Melbourne...

I know the old line "Sydney and Melbourne are bigger" yada yada yada...seriously!! why can't these events, and events like these in particular, be brought across to Adelaide, Perth, Canberra?

it looks to be a brilliant event and i seriously wish i could attend - but flying across the country for a one day event is a bit of an expensive affair.

What would be great though, would be if MSFT would podcast/record etc the event and release it after the event it self..that way us hicks and peons of lesser importance could get to see the event anyways?

Microsoft for Partner Roadshow Plus: Coming soon to a city near you!

Brian Madsen — Tue, 01 May 2007 03:31:37 GMT

Here's some great news for the Perth MSFT Partners - the roadshow is here. 5 more sleeps and it's rock and roll.

I'd suggest you hurry up and register if you haven't already!!!

Dear Partner,
The Microsoft for Partner Roadshow Plus kicks off in Perth in just six days! If you haven't already registered for one of the cities on the Roadshow tour, then make sure you register today.
A Microsoft for Partner Roadshow Premiere
For the very first time, Microsoft Australia is introducing interactive and instructor-led technical training sessions at the Microsoft for Partner Roadshow. So, in addition to the valuable business update and product roadmap information you will get at no charge, you can also choose to attend two of the very affordable technical training sessions.
For just $129 per person, you get six hours of hands-on lab training, delivered by Microsoft Technical Specialists. At this price, you can't afford NOT to miss it!
Secure your spot and register today!
Don't forget: Partner Briefings in Hobart and Darwin
The Partner Briefing sessions have been designed exclusively for our Partners in Hobart and Darwin, and will provide the latest product updates, complimentary technical training, and the opportunity to chat with the Microsoft team and experts.
Register for the Partner Briefing session today!
Kind regards,
The Microsoft Australia Partner Team

Please note: The Microsoft for Partner Roadshow Plus Registration Web site takes credit card only, so make sure you have your credit card details handy.

Microsoft Tech.Ed 2007 Australia Registrations open

Brian Madsen — Thu, 19 Apr 2007 04:35:20 GMT

Better be quick if you want to go to TechEd this year.

early birds save as usual - this year it's a $400 savings for early bird registrations...

Link to Microsoft Tech.Ed 2007

Australia: Take Control Management Event via Michael Kleef, MSFT

Brian Madsen — Tue, 20 Feb 2007 09:12:53 GMT

A great event is going to visit Perth from the IT Pro Australia Team.

It will feature 4 new products from Microsoft in order to improve work with and around desktop and server infrastructure.

See more details here

Perth loosing out on SaaS as well

Brian Madsen — Tue, 23 Jan 2007 00:07:00 GMT

Well - the trend for the heavy technologies are more or less set. SaaS isn't going to be presented to Perth (yet) either (grump grump).

The Microsoft Hosting Team is launching a full-day seminar on how to capitalise on the opportunities that SaaS presents for both hosting providers and ISVs.

Frank Arrigo published this post with some more details - and so did Nick Mayhew

The dates/venues are:

Sydney – Tuesday 13 February 2007, Microsoft Sydney

Melbourne – Wednesday 21 February 2007, Microsoft Melbourne

Brisbane – Tuesday 27 February 2007, Microsoft Brisbane

So if you're in Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane you should register for this event. Its a free event but you have to be quick as places are limited.