.NET User Group Monthly Meeting

When: Thursday, April 3rd, 2008.
Location: Microsoft Office
Time: 5PM-7PM
Registration Link: Sign Up Now
Topic: Wow, that doesn't look like a SharePoint Site
Presenter: Jerry Sevier

Abstract:
Since Content Management Server 2002 has been Microsoft's only solution to Content Management for over six years, it has become less and less of a contender in the Content Management world. Now enters MOSS 2007, the new upgrade path for CMS 2002. We will review the ins and outs of the new features of MOSS 2007's CMS module. What's great, what just works, and the things that could work better. Find out if SharePoint is the right choice for you and your organization. We will dispel the myth that sites running on Microsoft Office SharePoint Server (MOSS) 2007 have to look like SharePoint Sites. You will see how to create robust, visually attractive sites in minutes and we will look at the code that makes it all possible

Speaker

Jerry is a Principal Consultant with ILM. He possesses over 14 years of diverse Information Technology (IT) experience in application architecture, development, and technical leadership. Additionally, Jerry is a technologist who keeps his skills sets up to date with new technologies including Commerce Server, SharePoint and MS CMS.

SQL User Group Special Meeting - SQL Server 2008 Change Data Capture

SQL Server 2008 Change Data Capture

Please Note: Andy Leonard offered this presentation to us while he is in town teaching a class at New Horizons of MN on SSIS.

This meeting is in addition to our regularly scheduled meeting on April 15, 2008.
April 29, 2008
4:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Register Here or visit http://www.mnssug.org/

SQL Server 2008 Change Data Capture

Speaker: Andy Leonard, Solid Quality Mentor & SQL Server MVP

Change Data Capture is a new SQL Server 2008 feature. One benefit of CDC is data filtering for Incremental ETL in SSIS: only touching rows that are new, updated, or have been deleted! In this presentation I walk through enabling Change Data Capture in SQL Server 2008, then present an overview of an SSIS package that utilizes Change Data Capture to perform Incremental ETL.

Andy Leonard is a Solid Quality Mentor, SQL Server database and Integration Services developer, SQL Server MVP, and engineer. He is a co-author of Professional SQL Server 2005 Integration Services , Professional Software Testing with Visual Studio 2005 Team System: Tools for Software Developers and Test Engineers , MCITP Self-Paced Training Kit (Exam 70-441): Designing Database Solutions by Using Microsoft SQL Server 2005 , and the upcoming e-book Mastering Visual Studio Team System Database Edition . Andy founded and manages VSTeamSystemCentral.com and maintains two blogs there: Applied Team Systemand Applied Business Intelligence . He also blogs for SQLBlog.com. Andy's background includes web application architecture and development, VB.Net, ASP, and ASP.Net; SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS); data warehouse development using SQL Server 2000 and 2005; and test-driven database development.

ArcReady - May 8, 2008

Architecting for Scalable and Usable Web Applications

Website: http://www.arcready.com

As Enterprises and Software Vendors start to develop more and more applications on the Internet there is an increasing importance to architect these applications for both growth and for the optimal user experience. Software + Services allows you to develop fantastic applications, but there are pitfalls with architecting the applications in the wrong way.

Our Central Region Architect Evangelists will lead us through two great discussions on scaling web applications and creating the best possible user experience.

Session 1: Architecting for Scalable Web Applications
In this session we will explore the patterns that typical applications follow as their scalability needs grow due to increased demand. We will also discuss best practices from companies that have gone up the scalability curve like Amazon.com, MySpace and Flickr. We will discuss the common bottlenecks that prevent scalability as well as how to tackle tough issues like state management in a application that is scaled across servers and even data centers. We will also discuss the “scale later” philosophy and how it should be accompanied by a solid plan to scale your applications.

Session 2: Architecting for Usable Web Applications
In this session we will discuss how to architect your application with the user in mind. We have more choices than ever before for developing applications (Traditional Web Apps, AJAX, RIA technologies like Flex and Microsoft Silverlight and even smart clients) and picking the technology is only part of the solution. The architecture of the application must be designed correctly to provide a pleasing user experience and (potentially) to add new and interesting clients in the future.

SQL User Group Monthly Meeting - April 15

SQL Server 2008: Applying Resource Governor
&
SQL Server Best Practices
April 15, 2008
4:30 PM - 7:30 PM

Register Here or visit www.mnssug.org

SQL Server 2008: Applying Resource Governor
Speaker: Lara Rubbelke, Microsoft

Are you concerned with the impact of consolidation on your database performance and service level agreements? Are you challenged with the random user query which impacts performance of your production applications? Do you often wish for a solution to define controls over server resources to ensure consistent levels of performance for very important applications?

Of the many new features available in SQL Server 2008, Resource Governor is near the top of the list of favorites for many database professionals who want to define limits on resource usage and provide a predictable response for production databases. Lara Rubbelke will demonstrate how to implement the new feature while painting a vision of business solutions which impact your production environment.

Lara Rubbelke brings her passion for architecting, implementing and improving SQL Server solutions to the community as a Technology Specialist for Microsoft. Her expertise involves both OLTP and OLAP systems, data management, performance tuning, encryption, ETL, and the Business Intelligence lifecycle. She is an active board member of the local PASS (Professional Association for SQL Server) chapter and regularly delivers technical presentations at local, regional and national conferences, user groups and webcasts. Notably, Lara has presented at Tech Ed (2006 and 2007), the PASS Summit (2006 and 2007), the Minneapolis SQL Server 2005 Launch, and delivered numerous webcasts on MSDN and TechNet. Lara authored the Microsoft whitepaper detailing SQL Server 2005 Enterprise Edition features and was a contributing author of "Expert SQL Server 2005 Development". Prior to joining Microsoft, Lara was a Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP).

SQL Server Best Practices
Speaker: Craig Neville, Fujitsu Consulting

I first installed Microsoft SQL Server 2005 into a real live client development environment in December of 2005. In the two years since then, I have learned many things and even standardized on a few. In this presentation, I will focus on what I have learned, what I consider to be important issues, and other topics that I feel are just plain interesting. The bulk of the presentation will be on topics related to Integration Services and Reporting Services. In addition, I have topics on Analysis Services, Service Broker, TSQL, use of XML, general performance and others. All are topics that I have been involved with over the past two years.

Craig Neville is a Principal Consultant for Fujitsu Consulting. He specializes in working with database technologies with a current focus on Microsoft SQL Server. During his 20+ year career, Mr. Neville has developed expertise in the areas of database management, database solutions architecture, hardware selection and designing and developing complete business intelligence solutions. He has taught classes in SQL and database design and has presented to local and national user groups.

CTA Monthly Meeting - April 15 - Mobile Technology for the Enterprise

Please note the corrected description below. This is a panel discussion.

Tuesday, April 15, 2008, 11:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Eagan Community Center
1501 Central Parkway Eagan, MN 55121

Register: http://www.ctamn.org/cde.cfm?event=179283

Do you have challenges dealing with the expanded use of multiple mobile devices? Bring your questions to our panel comprised of managers from prestigious enterprise companies as we discuss the management and security of this growing technology.

Panelists:Kathy FullerProject Manager
Ms. Fuller has more than 23 years of industry experience, including more than12 years as a vendor and 11 years as a customer and consultant. She has expertise in the area of telecommunications, voice and data networks, conferencing solutions and wireless services.

As a vendor, Ms. Fuller has been responsible for the implementation and management of global contracts for small, medium and large Fortune 500 companies. As a customer and consultant, she has been instrumental in securing multi-million dollar savings for companies.

Dean Schrimpf
Principal IT Technologist, Medtronic

Eris Hanson
IT Dept Manager, Security/Global Network Infrastructure, General Mills, Inc.

April PACT Meeting

Title: April PACT Meeting
Dates: Friday, April 11
Time: 8am – 11am
Capacity:
Location: Metropolitan – 394/100
Cost: FREE to members;
Link: http://www.pactweb.org
Topics: “Why E-Learning 2.0 matters” by John Wooden We’ll explore some critical questions, including: What are the implications of eLearning 2.0 for training and learning? What happens to the role of instructional designer? To courseware? To the training department? Will eLearning 2.0 help create organizations that truly value learning for its own sake? Or will Web/eLearning 2.0 prove to be more hype than substance?

SharePoint Server 2007: Connecting People, Process and Information

Title: SharePoint Server 2007: Connecting People, Process and Information
Dates: April 7, 2008
Time: 8:30 – 12:00
Capacity: 60
Location: NH of MN Seminar Room
Cost: Free
Link: http://www.newhorizonsmn.com/CourseDetail.aspx?CrsNum=NHSP07ConPpl
Topics: This is a joint seminar with New Horizons of MN and Inetium. This session will explore how Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007 can boost organizational effectiveness by providing a comprehensive business solution for managing content, accessing information efficiently, improving business processes, and facilitating team collaboration and communication.

Twin Cities Code Camp IV

Title: Twin Cities Code Camp IV
Dates: Saturday, April 5
Time: 8am – 5pm
Capacity: 250
Location: New Horizons of MN
Cost: FREE
Link: http://www.twincitiescodecamp.com
Topics: Topics vary. Web parts for web pages; F#, the Business case; Writing better code; O-R Mappers; A Developer’s introduction to Spatial Computing with SQL Server 2008; Extending SharePoint Search with the Search API; A tour of the Parallel Extensions to the .NET framework; A code Review of SQL Server 2008 Features; The Microsoft MVC Framework for Web Applications: Will it change how you do web development?; What’s new in WCF 3.5; Silverlight for Developers – making it pass the glitz; First look at CSLA.NET 3.5; Introduction to Ruby on Rails; All you can do is Harm: Coding as a leadership tool; User defined functions and Excel Services in MOSS 2007; Tapping the Power of LINQ; The Asteroid’s game from scratch in 60 minutes, with ActionScript 3 and Flash CS3; From Dundas to Tablix: Explore what’s new in SQL Server 2008 Reporting Services; Becoming the SQL Guy in your organization; MyTube with Silverlight and Silverlight streaming; Extending PowerShell for Developers; MS Silverlight and the SOA Architecture

BI User Group Quarterly Meeting

Title: BI User Group
Dates: Thursday, March 27, 2008
Time: 3pm-7pm
Capacity: 150
Location: Microsoft Office
Cost: FREE
Link: http://www.ncbisig.org
Topics: Converting Legacy into Leverage – Shawn Spott from RBC Dain Rauscher & Implementing Key Performance Indicators (KPI) in the real work – Ben Lorence from Automated Intelligence Corporation

SharePoint 2007 - Business Intelligence Deep Dive

Title: SharePoint 2007 – Business Intelligence Deep-Dive
Dates: March 26, 2008
Time: 8:30 – 12:00
Capacity: 60
Location: New Horizons of MN Seminar Room
Cost: Free
Link: http://www.newhorizonsmn.com/CourseDetail.aspx?CrsNum=NHSP07BusIntell
Topics: This session will explore the various Business Intelligence options available from Microsoft and how they integrate with Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007. This session will include a number of demonstrations and tips on how to get started using SharePoint for business intelligence.

ITIL V3 Service Management Awareness: A lifecycle Approach

Title: ITIL v3 Service Management Awareness: A Lifecycle Approach
Dates: March 21, 2008
Time: 9:00am – 12:00pm
Location: New Horizons of MN Seminar Room
Cost: FREE
Link: http://www.newhorizonsmn.com/CourseDetail.aspx?CrsNum=NHITILAwarev3
Topics: Our ITIL v3 Service Management Awareness overview provides a general introduction to IT Service Management, focusing on the lifecycle of services, birth to retirement. broken into five key phases. The phase components, Service Strategy, Service Design, Service Transition, Service Operations and Continual Service Improvement, are introduced and discussed within the best practice framework

Minneapolis Office Developers Interest Group

Custom Field Types in SharePoint

You're invited.

Please join us on Tuesday, March 25, 2008 at the newly formed Minneapolis Office Developers Interest Group (MODIG), presented by Inetium. We will exploring and discussing SharePoint's extensibility with custom fields. Click to attend

Custom field scenarios can include:

• UI flexibility
• Validation
• Data populated from LOBs
• Dependent dropdowns
• ASCX controls

We'll cover the basics of creating your own field type along with some potential problems you might encounter.

Presenter(s): Neil Iversen, Information Worker Lead Consultant, Inetium

*If you're a developer that regularly attends MNSPUG meetings looking for a deeper development content, this meeting is for you.


When: Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Registration: 5:00 - 5:30 PM Event: 5:30 - 7:00 PM
Networking/Q&A: 7:00 - 7:30 PM
Where: Microsoft Office 8300 Norman Center Drive, Suite 950 Bloomington, MN 55437
Meeting Room: Lake of the Woods I and II
Refreshments:Pizza and soda
Registration:
Click to attend

Contact Information:

If you would like more information about this event or about the Minneapolis Office Developers Interest Group, please contact Tara Schulz at (952) 646-0800 or tschulz@inetium.com.

F1 Overnight Website Challenge

Sierra Bravo has challenged web professionals (nerds like us) from throughout our community to a friendly competition. We will all donate 24 hours to build complete websites for 11 Minnesota non-profit organizations — everyone wins, but we all lose sleep. One part nerd Olympics, one part community service project and one part race-against-the-clock — Sierra Bravo’s F1 Overnight Website Challenge presented by VISI will partner deserving Minnesota non-profits with teams of talented web developers for 24 hours of fun collaboration culminating in a fully operational website for each participating non-profit.

Visit the website at: http://www.f1webchallenge.com/

New Horizons is a supporting sponsor of this event. We will be providing training to the 11 non-profit organizations to help support their new website.

These non-profits are in:

Altered Esthetics
Doorstep Healthcare Services
Families Moving Forward
Hope Chest for Breast Cancer
Kairos Dance Theatre
Little Brothers – Friends of the Elderly
Metro Meals on Wheels
Rebuild Resources, Inc.-
Riverview Economic Development Association
Twin Cities RISE!-
Wingspan Life Resources

When and Where

The F1 Overnight Website Challenge begins the morning of March 1st, 2008, and ends mercifully the day after. The event will take place at the Continuing Education Conference Center, located on the St. Paul Campus of the University of Minnesota: 1890 Buford Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55108

Event Timeline
7:30 a.m. — Registration, breakfast served, set up work stations
8:30 a.m. — Welcome remarks by Sierra Bravo and sponsors
9:00 a.m. — Teams meet together for the first time to discuss the mission and objectives of their non-profit, as well as desired functionality of the new website
10:00 a.m. — Begin programming and countdown begins
12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. — Lunch served, Guitar Hero Challenge (no programming)
6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. — Dinner served, raffle (no programming)
12:00-12:30 a.m. — Midnight snack (programming can continue)
6:00 a.m. to 6:30 a.m. — Breakfast (programming can continue)
12:00 p.m. — Programming stops, judging begins
12:30 p.m. — Lunch served
1:00 p.m. — Presentations by group