Complete your MCAD, MCSD, or MCDBA certifications before the exams retire on March 31, 2009 and take advantage of price reductions to complete your credential; then save again on your upgrade path to Visual Studio 2005 or SQL Server 2005 certifications Our records indicate that you have completed one or more exams related to Microsoft® Visual Studio® 2003 or Microsoft® SQL Server® 2000.
These exams, which are required to earn the Microsoft Certified Application Developer (MCAD), Microsoft Certified Solution Developer (MCSD), or Microsoft Certified Database Administrator (MCDBA) certifications, will retire on March 31, 2009. This is your last chance to complete the certifications.
View a list of exams scheduled to retire
If you no longer work with Microsoft Visual Studio 2003 or Microsoft SQL Server 2000, we recommend that you pursue certification related to the technology you work with today or will work with in the near future. Whatever the certification you hold today, upgrade paths make it simple and efficient for you to certify on newer technologies. To help you complete your certification goals, we have reduced prices by 40 percent on all MCAD, MCSD, and MCDBA exams scheduled to retire and the related upgrade exams. No promotion code is required; the reduced price will be automatically applied when you register with Prometric.
•
Learn more
Your next step: save 40 percent with a price reduction on retiring and upgrade exams
Working on MCAD or MCSD?
Complete your MCAD or MCSD before March 31, 2009, and then follow your upgrade path to Visual Studio 2005.
Have MCAD or MCSD?
Upgrade to Visual Studio 2005 certifications and get ready to become certified on Visual Studio 2008 with a one-exam or two-exam upgrade.
Focusing on Microsoft Visual Studio 2008
Earn your first Visual Studio 2008 certification--on Windows Presentation Foundation Applications, ADO .NET, ASP .NET, or other key technology areas--in just two exams. Get to know the 2008 certifications.
Working on MCDBA?
Complete your MCDBA before March 31, 2009, and then take advantage of the upgrade path to Microsoft SQL Server 2005.
Have MCDBA?
Upgrade to SQL Server 2005 and then get ready to earn a 2008 certification.
Focusing on Microsoft SQL Server 2008
Become certified in business intelligence, database administration, or database development--in just two exams. Get to know upcoming SQL Server 2008 certifications.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Sharepoint SDK and Best Practices
Microsoft recently announced the ship of both the online MSDN Library and the downloadable SDK.
Download the MOSS SDK 1.4
Download the WSS SDK 1.4
The August 2008 update is version 1.4 and reflects feature enhancements that were part of the recent Infrastructure Update. For more information on SharePoint Products and Technologies updates, you can start here on TechNet.
Which SDK do I need to download?
If you are only writing code that utilizes the Windows SharePoint Services platform, you can download the WSS SDK. However, if you want the superset of all documentation and samples, you should install the MOSS SDK, and then you’ll get all the platform and technology information as well. You don’t need to download both, but you will need to uninstall all previous versions.
Note The SDK 1.4 downloads are full releases that include all previous tools and documentation.
What’s New in this release?
The SDK updates in 1.4 include:
Custom Federated Search Web Part with a Credentials UI (also available at MSDN Code Gallery)
Federated Search SQL Server Connector (also available at MSDN Code Gallery)
Federated Search HTML to RSS Connector (also available at MSDN Code Gallery)
Federated Search Virtual Earth Map Connector (also available at MSDN Code Gallery)
Updated documentation files, including updated, offline versions of MSDN Library Technical Articles and Developer Guides
To find out more about what's new in the documentation, check the following links:
What’s New in the MOSS SDK 1.4 Documentation
What’s New in the WSS SDK 1.4 Documentation
Lots of new documentation for Records Management APIs.
Microsoft.Office.RecordsManagement.Holds
Microsoft.Office.RecordsManagement.InformationPolicy
Microsoft.Office.RecordsManagement.PolicyFeatures
Microsoft.Office.RecordsManagement.RecordsRepository
Microsoft.Office.RecordsManagement.Reporting
Microsoft.Office.RecordsManagement.SearchAndProcess
While you’re updating your SharePoint development tools…
You can also update the Visual Studio Extensions for SharePoint Services. Here is the link to the installer: VSeWSS 1.2. The extensions were updated on 7/1/2008 and now work with Visual Studio 2008!
Don’t forget to download the user’s guide: version 1.1
Recently, Microsoft released the Infrastructure Update that provides fixes and even a new set of Search Federation features. They also announced support for Virtualization technology like Hyper-V and SQL Server 2008. In addition, they announced the availability of the SharePoint Administration Toolkit 2.0 which provides functionality to run highly available and geographically dispersed SharePoint deployments.
Today, Microsoft announced the SharePoint Best Practices Series. These consumable and actionable guidelines are based on real-world experience from Microsoft Consulting Services (MCS) and the product team. They are aimed to help SharePoint developers and administrators avoid some of the common SharePoint deployment pitfalls and keep their SharePoint environments available and performing well. The SharePoint Customer Team, part of the core product team dedicated to providing real-world feedback inwardly and outwardly, has put this guidance together working with a number of teams within Microsoft.
The SharePoint Best Practices Resource Center on TechNet highlights the different best practices for IT Professionals and Developers and helps you navigate through the resources. IT Professional topics include Operational Excellence, Team Collaboration Sites, Publishing Portals, Search and My Sites. Developer topics include Common Coding Issues, Using Disposable Objects, Search SQL Syntax Queries and Customization Best Practices. We will continue updating and publishing new Best Practices based on real-world experience.
Download the MOSS SDK 1.4
Download the WSS SDK 1.4
The August 2008 update is version 1.4 and reflects feature enhancements that were part of the recent Infrastructure Update. For more information on SharePoint Products and Technologies updates, you can start here on TechNet.
Which SDK do I need to download?
If you are only writing code that utilizes the Windows SharePoint Services platform, you can download the WSS SDK. However, if you want the superset of all documentation and samples, you should install the MOSS SDK, and then you’ll get all the platform and technology information as well. You don’t need to download both, but you will need to uninstall all previous versions.
Note The SDK 1.4 downloads are full releases that include all previous tools and documentation.
What’s New in this release?
The SDK updates in 1.4 include:
Custom Federated Search Web Part with a Credentials UI (also available at MSDN Code Gallery)
Federated Search SQL Server Connector (also available at MSDN Code Gallery)
Federated Search HTML to RSS Connector (also available at MSDN Code Gallery)
Federated Search Virtual Earth Map Connector (also available at MSDN Code Gallery)
Updated documentation files, including updated, offline versions of MSDN Library Technical Articles and Developer Guides
To find out more about what's new in the documentation, check the following links:
What’s New in the MOSS SDK 1.4 Documentation
What’s New in the WSS SDK 1.4 Documentation
Lots of new documentation for Records Management APIs.
Microsoft.Office.RecordsManagement.Holds
Microsoft.Office.RecordsManagement.InformationPolicy
Microsoft.Office.RecordsManagement.PolicyFeatures
Microsoft.Office.RecordsManagement.RecordsRepository
Microsoft.Office.RecordsManagement.Reporting
Microsoft.Office.RecordsManagement.SearchAndProcess
While you’re updating your SharePoint development tools…
You can also update the Visual Studio Extensions for SharePoint Services. Here is the link to the installer: VSeWSS 1.2. The extensions were updated on 7/1/2008 and now work with Visual Studio 2008!
Don’t forget to download the user’s guide: version 1.1
Recently, Microsoft released the Infrastructure Update that provides fixes and even a new set of Search Federation features. They also announced support for Virtualization technology like Hyper-V and SQL Server 2008. In addition, they announced the availability of the SharePoint Administration Toolkit 2.0 which provides functionality to run highly available and geographically dispersed SharePoint deployments.
Today, Microsoft announced the SharePoint Best Practices Series. These consumable and actionable guidelines are based on real-world experience from Microsoft Consulting Services (MCS) and the product team. They are aimed to help SharePoint developers and administrators avoid some of the common SharePoint deployment pitfalls and keep their SharePoint environments available and performing well. The SharePoint Customer Team, part of the core product team dedicated to providing real-world feedback inwardly and outwardly, has put this guidance together working with a number of teams within Microsoft.
The SharePoint Best Practices Resource Center on TechNet highlights the different best practices for IT Professionals and Developers and helps you navigate through the resources. IT Professional topics include Operational Excellence, Team Collaboration Sites, Publishing Portals, Search and My Sites. Developer topics include Common Coding Issues, Using Disposable Objects, Search SQL Syntax Queries and Customization Best Practices. We will continue updating and publishing new Best Practices based on real-world experience.
Monday, June 23, 2008
Cleveland SharePoint User Group June Meeting
Cleveland SharePoint User Group June Meeting
Wednesday, June 25th from 4pm – 6:30pm
Cleveland Microsoft Office
6050 Oak Tree Blvd.
Independence, OH 44131
If you plan on attending the June meeting and have not yet registered, please do so, as we are working with our sponsors to make the event a success!
Be sure to Join the Group (so we can keep you updated on SharePoint User Group meetings and other SharePoint events in the community) and to register for the June meeting (so we are able to ensure appropriate accommodations are made for all June meeting participants).
Topic: Workflow Foundation + SharePoint
This talk covers the basics of Microsoft’s workflow technology (Workflow Foundation) and how it can be applied to typical .NET programming scenarios. SharePoint offers a way for humans to interact with workflows built with this technology. We’ll take a look at what SharePoint workflows offer and how they can be used to complement your business processes.
Presenter : Jeremy Sublett, MVP SharePoint Server, MCSD, MCT
Jeremy Sublett is a software architect and senior partner with Composable Systems, LLC, specializing in SharePoint-based business solutions. Prior to becoming a SharePoint MVP, Jeremy was focused on using the latest Microsoft technology to implement service-oriented applications. Jeremy has worked professionally with Microsoft development technology since 1994 and is a Microsoft Certified Solution Developer (MCSD) for .NET as well as a Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT). Jeremy contributes regularly to the Microsoft development community by speaking on topics such as ASP.NET, WCF and SharePoint 2007. Recently, Jeremy was asked by Microsoft to be one of three people nation-wide to teach SharePoint development for Microsoft partners.
Please forward to others that may be interested in attending.
The Cleveland SharePoint User Group site is available at http://www.sharepointcleveland.com/.
Stay updated on announcements by following SharePointCLE on Twitter.
Wednesday, June 25th from 4pm – 6:30pm
Cleveland Microsoft Office
6050 Oak Tree Blvd.
Independence, OH 44131
If you plan on attending the June meeting and have not yet registered, please do so, as we are working with our sponsors to make the event a success!
Be sure to Join the Group (so we can keep you updated on SharePoint User Group meetings and other SharePoint events in the community) and to register for the June meeting (so we are able to ensure appropriate accommodations are made for all June meeting participants).
Topic: Workflow Foundation + SharePoint
This talk covers the basics of Microsoft’s workflow technology (Workflow Foundation) and how it can be applied to typical .NET programming scenarios. SharePoint offers a way for humans to interact with workflows built with this technology. We’ll take a look at what SharePoint workflows offer and how they can be used to complement your business processes.
Presenter : Jeremy Sublett, MVP SharePoint Server, MCSD, MCT
Jeremy Sublett is a software architect and senior partner with Composable Systems, LLC, specializing in SharePoint-based business solutions. Prior to becoming a SharePoint MVP, Jeremy was focused on using the latest Microsoft technology to implement service-oriented applications. Jeremy has worked professionally with Microsoft development technology since 1994 and is a Microsoft Certified Solution Developer (MCSD) for .NET as well as a Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT). Jeremy contributes regularly to the Microsoft development community by speaking on topics such as ASP.NET, WCF and SharePoint 2007. Recently, Jeremy was asked by Microsoft to be one of three people nation-wide to teach SharePoint development for Microsoft partners.
Please forward to others that may be interested in attending.
The Cleveland SharePoint User Group site is available at http://www.sharepointcleveland.com/.
Stay updated on announcements by following SharePointCLE on Twitter.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Lansing Day of .Net
The Lansing Day of .Net is scheduled for Saturday, June 21, 2008. A few developers from the Cleveland area are organizing a car pool/convoy to the event. If you're interested in joining, please reply to this post or e-mail sam@clevelanddotnet.info.
CodeStock 2008
CodeStock 2008 is now open for registration!
The event is scheduled for Saturday, August 9th in Knoxville, TN. There are 30 sessions available, a keynote address by respected author and Microsoft MVP Jeff Prosise, and a place to hang out with speakers and other attendees in open spaces style.
CodeStock 2008 will be held at:
Pellissippi State Technical Community College
Lamar Alexander Bldg
10915 Hardin Valley Rd
Knoxville, TN 37933.
Register at: http://codestock.org/Pages/Register.aspx
If you are looking for hotel accomodations, go to http://codestock.org/Pages/Directions.aspx
Pass this on to your friends and coworkers. You can also follow the event on Twitter at http://twitter.com/CodeStock.
For more info, go to http://codestock.org/
If you're interested in attending this event, please reply to this post or e-mail sam@clevelanddotnet.info. If we get enough people we might be able to hop on the Microsoft bus for the trip down south!
The event is scheduled for Saturday, August 9th in Knoxville, TN. There are 30 sessions available, a keynote address by respected author and Microsoft MVP Jeff Prosise, and a place to hang out with speakers and other attendees in open spaces style.
CodeStock 2008 will be held at:
Pellissippi State Technical Community College
Lamar Alexander Bldg
10915 Hardin Valley Rd
Knoxville, TN 37933.
Register at: http://codestock.org/Pages/Register.aspx
If you are looking for hotel accomodations, go to http://codestock.org/Pages/Directions.aspx
Pass this on to your friends and coworkers. You can also follow the event on Twitter at http://twitter.com/CodeStock.
For more info, go to http://codestock.org/
If you're interested in attending this event, please reply to this post or e-mail sam@clevelanddotnet.info. If we get enough people we might be able to hop on the Microsoft bus for the trip down south!
Monday, June 9, 2008
SQL Server RC available
Shortly after TechEd 2008, Microsoft announced the availability of Release Candidate 0 (RC0) to TechNet and MSDN subscribers at the following links:
Download SQL Server 2008 RC0 (MSDN subscribers)
Download SQL Server 2008 RC0 (TechNet Plus subscribers)
SQL Server 2008 Release Candidate 0 (RC0) will automatically expire after 180 days. To read more about the new features offered with the new release of SQL Server go to http://www.microsoft.com/sqlserver/2008/en/us/default.aspx.
For some of the highlight articles, check out the following links:
Record Performance Benchmarks
Virtual Launch Experience
SQL Server Data Services
Brochure
Overview Demo
Product Overview
Virtual Labs
Download SQL Server 2008 RC0 (MSDN subscribers)
Download SQL Server 2008 RC0 (TechNet Plus subscribers)
SQL Server 2008 Release Candidate 0 (RC0) will automatically expire after 180 days. To read more about the new features offered with the new release of SQL Server go to http://www.microsoft.com/sqlserver/2008/en/us/default.aspx.
For some of the highlight articles, check out the following links:
Record Performance Benchmarks
Virtual Launch Experience
SQL Server Data Services
Brochure
Overview Demo
Product Overview
Virtual Labs
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Cleveland Sharepoint User Group Launch
Today marks the initial launch of the Cleveland Sharepoint User Group. The event is scheduled from 4:30-6:30 at the Microsoft office in Independence, OH. Tonight's speaker is Paul Stork, a Sharepoint instructor at Mindsharp.
Future meetings will occur every 4th Wednesday at the same location. For more information, go to http://www.sharepointcleveland.com/default.aspx.
Future meetings will occur every 4th Wednesday at the same location. For more information, go to http://www.sharepointcleveland.com/default.aspx.
Friday, March 7, 2008
Cool Cam
If you're in the market for a new web cam, check out the Logitech Orbit Cam. The software that comes with it allows you to do some really amazing and fun affects. You can view a demo on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r7Gn2TyEyHw&feature=related. The camera retails for about $129. For more info, check out http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/webcam_communications/webcams/devices/3480&cl=us,en
Friday, February 29, 2008
Day of .Net
Many of you may have heard of the Day of .Net events that have occured in the region (http://www.dayofdotnet.org/). On Saturday, April 19th, The Cincinnati .Net Users Group, Central Ohio .NET Developers Group and the Dayton .Net Developers Group will be hosting this year's "Central Ohio Day of .NET". This is a day long conference of various .Net topics, held by developers for developers and is free of charge.
The event will be held at the Roberts Centre in Wilmington, OH (off exit 50 on I-71). You can sign up online via the MSDN Events site. For more information, go to http://cinnug.org/cododn/.
In addition, I recently got involved with a dedicated team of .Net developers in the Cleveland area and we are planning a Cleveland Day of .Net in mid May. The details are still being finalized, but it should be a great event. The web site is http://www.clevelanddodn.org/. More details will be posted as they become available. In the meantime, if there's something you would like to see happen at this event, I'm all ears! Simply post a reply to this blog or e-mail me directly at sam@ClevelandDotNet.info.
The event will be held at the Roberts Centre in Wilmington, OH (off exit 50 on I-71). You can sign up online via the MSDN Events site. For more information, go to http://cinnug.org/cododn/.
In addition, I recently got involved with a dedicated team of .Net developers in the Cleveland area and we are planning a Cleveland Day of .Net in mid May. The details are still being finalized, but it should be a great event. The web site is http://www.clevelanddodn.org/. More details will be posted as they become available. In the meantime, if there's something you would like to see happen at this event, I'm all ears! Simply post a reply to this blog or e-mail me directly at sam@ClevelandDotNet.info.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
"Second Shot" Promotion Extended
Microsoft recently announced the 2007 Second Shot promotion deadline has been extended from January 31st to June 30th, 2008. Register for this offer before your next exam and receive a free exam retake if you don't pass on your first try.
• Sign up now.
• Read frequently asked questions about this offer.
Customers who have already registered for the offer will receive a separate e-mail with more information about the extension.If you don't already have a certification strategy, consider one of the new Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) certifications--many requiring just one exam each--to demonstrate your skills on the newest technologies from Microsoft.
•Learn more about MCTS certifications.
In addition, certification exams for Visual Studio 2008 will soon be released as well.
There will be six MCTS certifications providing options on the key .NET Framework 3.5 technologies from Microsoft:
• Sign up now.
• Read frequently asked questions about this offer.
Customers who have already registered for the offer will receive a separate e-mail with more information about the extension.If you don't already have a certification strategy, consider one of the new Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) certifications--many requiring just one exam each--to demonstrate your skills on the newest technologies from Microsoft.
•Learn more about MCTS certifications.
In addition, certification exams for Visual Studio 2008 will soon be released as well.
There will be six MCTS certifications providing options on the key .NET Framework 3.5 technologies from Microsoft:
- ADO.NET
- ASP.NET
- Windows Forms
- Windows Communication Foundation
- Windows Presentation Foundation
- Windows Workflow Foundation
For more info, go to http://blogs.msdn.com/trika/archive/2008/01/24/visual-studio-2008-certifications.aspx
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
.Net Source Code Released
On January 16th, Scott Guthrie, General Manager within the Microsoft Developer Division, announced the release of the source code for .Net Framework 3.5 for the following libraries:
Base Class Libraries
System
System.CodeDom
System.Collections
System.ComponentModel
System.Diagnostics
System.Drawing
System.Globalization
System.IO
System.Net
System.Reflection
System.Runtime
System.Security
System.Text
System.Threading
ASP.Net
System.Web
System.Web.Extensions
Windows Forms
System.Windows.Forms
Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF)
System.Windows
ADO.NET
System.Data
XML
System.Xml
Developers can now step through the code in Debug mode. However the code is for viewing purposes only and cannot be changed. This feature is relatively simple to setup in Visual Studio 2008 and only takes a few minutes to setup. Shawn Burke has a detailed blog post that covers the exact steps here.
To read more about this, go to http://weblogs.asp.net/scottgu/archive/2008/01/16/net-framework-library-source-code-now-available.aspx
Base Class Libraries
System
System.CodeDom
System.Collections
System.ComponentModel
System.Diagnostics
System.Drawing
System.Globalization
System.IO
System.Net
System.Reflection
System.Runtime
System.Security
System.Text
System.Threading
ASP.Net
System.Web
System.Web.Extensions
Windows Forms
System.Windows.Forms
Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF)
System.Windows
ADO.NET
System.Data
XML
System.Xml
Developers can now step through the code in Debug mode. However the code is for viewing purposes only and cannot be changed. This feature is relatively simple to setup in Visual Studio 2008 and only takes a few minutes to setup. Shawn Burke has a detailed blog post that covers the exact steps here.
To read more about this, go to http://weblogs.asp.net/scottgu/archive/2008/01/16/net-framework-library-source-code-now-available.aspx
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
MS Exams not recognized from Pearson Vue
Microsoft has long been a partner with Pearson Vue and Prometric, certifying them both as Microsoft Exam Centers. However, this has changed and Pearson Vue is no longer a test provider.
Recently I logged on to Microsoft's MCP site to check the status of my account. I realized that my test transcripts did not show 2 exams that I have previously taken and passed. These exams were taken through Pearson Vue. After some additional digging, I discovered that Microsoft has dropped Pearson Vue as a testing provider. Effective January 1st, 2008, Vue patrons could no longer access their Microsoft exam records through vue.com. To resolve the problem, I contacted Microsoft Support and e-mailed them the results of the exams in question.
After this experience, I strongly urge all MCPs to log on to the MCP site to ensure all information is recent and accurate. If you have any questions about exams, please use the following info to contact customer service.
Vue Customer Service
Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. CT; closed on local holidays.
United States/Canada: 800-TEST-REG (800-837-8734)
Americas Region (Toll): +1-952-681-3951
Prometric Customer Service
Monday - Friday, 8:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M. Eastern Time; closed on local holidays.
For Microsoft related information: 800-617-3926
General questions/comments: 800-853-6769
Microsoft Regional Service Centers (http://www.microsoft.com/learning/support/northamerica.mspx)
General E-Learning Support
(800) 636-7544
(888) 456-7077
Microsoft Certified Professional
Telephone: (800) 636-7544
Fax: (661) 793-6555
E-mail: MCPHelp@microsoft.com
Address:Microsoft Certification Programs
P.O. Box 911Santa Clarita, CA 91380-9011
Microsoft Certified Trainer
Telephone: (888) 456-7077
E-mail: MCT@microsoft.com
As a side note, Prometric is now offering free 2nd shot exams until January 31, 2008. To register, go to http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/offers/secondshot/default.mspx
Recently I logged on to Microsoft's MCP site to check the status of my account. I realized that my test transcripts did not show 2 exams that I have previously taken and passed. These exams were taken through Pearson Vue. After some additional digging, I discovered that Microsoft has dropped Pearson Vue as a testing provider. Effective January 1st, 2008, Vue patrons could no longer access their Microsoft exam records through vue.com. To resolve the problem, I contacted Microsoft Support and e-mailed them the results of the exams in question.
After this experience, I strongly urge all MCPs to log on to the MCP site to ensure all information is recent and accurate. If you have any questions about exams, please use the following info to contact customer service.
Vue Customer Service
Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. CT; closed on local holidays.
United States/Canada: 800-TEST-REG (800-837-8734)
Americas Region (Toll): +1-952-681-3951
Prometric Customer Service
Monday - Friday, 8:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M. Eastern Time; closed on local holidays.
For Microsoft related information: 800-617-3926
General questions/comments: 800-853-6769
Microsoft Regional Service Centers (http://www.microsoft.com/learning/support/northamerica.mspx)
General E-Learning Support
(800) 636-7544
(888) 456-7077
Microsoft Certified Professional
Telephone: (800) 636-7544
Fax: (661) 793-6555
E-mail: MCPHelp@microsoft.com
Address:Microsoft Certification Programs
P.O. Box 911Santa Clarita, CA 91380-9011
Microsoft Certified Trainer
Telephone: (888) 456-7077
E-mail: MCT@microsoft.com
As a side note, Prometric is now offering free 2nd shot exams until January 31, 2008. To register, go to http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/offers/secondshot/default.mspx
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