MSDN Flash Ireland - International Resources - 20 Dec 06

[Default] Spotlight on: Visual Studio Team System for Database Professionals

Visual Studio 2005 Team System: Power in Simplicity Are you interested in building robust and reliable, mission-critical applications? From architecture through development and testing, the integrated tools in Microsoft Visual Studio 2005 Team System enable you to be more productive throughout the stages of application development. To learn more about Visual Studio 2005 Team System and how it can improve the application development process, register for this series of webcasts now. Also, take part in our Visual Studio Team System Virtual Labs and apply what you've learned in a guided, hands-on environment.
Books   
Check out the Visual Studio Team System Database Professional Team Center for more resources...

[Default] Spotlight on: ASP.NET AJAX (formerly code-named "Atlas")

The ASP.NET AJAX (formerly known as "Atlas") Beta is now Available! Download and install the Beta release of ASP.NET AJAX v1.0, a free framework for quickly creating a new generation of more efficient, more interactive and highly-personalized Web experiences that work across all the most popular browsers.
Explore Web Development with ASP.NET 2.0 Learn how Microsoft ASP.NET 2.0 can help you create rich and dynamic Web applications with fewer lines of code. Throughout this series of webcasts, we show you how to accelerate application development with new controls, use features to build rich and personalized Web sites, extend and customize ASP.NET for your enterprise, and more.
Dig Deep and Go Further with Microsoft Visual Studio 2005 ...including special offers on "Introducing Microsoft ASP.NET 2.0 AJAX Extensions," and "Course 5230 - Developing Enhanced Web Experience with Microsoft ASP.NET for AJAX."
Books   
Check out the ASP.NET Developer Center for more resources...

[MSDN Subscribers] MSDN Subscribers

Coming soon in your January 2006 shipment*:

Microsoft Windows Vista (English, German, Japanese)
Microsoft Office 2007 (English, German, Japanese)
Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007 (English, German, Japanese)
Microsoft DirectX SDK (October 2006)
Microsoft System Center Capacity Planner with Service Pack 1

*Please note that your actual shipment contents depend upon your subscription type.

Special Note to CD media subscribers: With the number of new releases being released by Microsoft on DVD media only (Windows Vista (x64), Office Ultimate 2007, several language versions of Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007, and Microsoft Exchange Server 2007 to name just a few recent examples), we wanted you to be aware that MSDN CD media subscriptions will begin migrating to DVD media subscriptions over the course of the next year. Regional implementation will begin in Europe, Middle East, and Africa in February 2007, followed by North and South America in July 2007, with implementation for Asia and the Pacific region anticipated in late 2007. Existing CD media subscribers will be automatically transitioned to DVD media for the remainder of their subscription term to ensure that they receive the broadest selection of software media available. For your convenience, MSDN Subscriptions will continue to maintain ISO images of CD-based software releases on MSDN Subscriber Downloads.


[News for Students] News for Students

Don't just think it, blog it. These days blogs are everywhere, written by anyone from an at-home enthusiast to head product developers. Reading blogs is a great way to begin, sharpen, or extend your knowledge of Microsoft products and technologies. Tune in to Dan Fernandez's blog for a discussion of many beginner-level topics, or Scott Guthrie's blog for more advanced topics. As you discover blogs that interest you, subscribe to them using the built-in RSS feed support in Internet Explorer 7.

Writing a blog allows others to learn from your experiences and helps you to develop strong communications skills. You can post about projects you've worked on at home or at school using Windows Live Writer, a desktop application that makes it easier to compose compelling blog entries using Windows Live Spaces or your current blog service.

Leaning toward Web development? Get started with ASP.NET by participating in the Imagine Cup Web Development Competition, or extend your skills with ASP.NET AJAX.

Missing out on free software? Ask if your department is a member of the MSDN Academic Alliance.


Web Resources

Cover of the January issue of MSDN Magazine   
[Default] Vista and Office: View Data your Way with our Managed Preview Handler Framework Windows Vista and the 2007 Microsoft Office system give you the ability to write custom preview handlers for Windows Vista and for Outlook 2007. Learn what is required to implement a preview using managed code (the Windows SDK for Vista includes a sample preview handler written in native C++) and download a framework that makes it a snap to implement your own preview handlers.

The Open Specification Promise (OSP) for 38 Web Service specifications effectively releases those technologies to the community for implementation at no risk of infringing on Microsoft patents.
Writing apps for small and embedded devices like Windows Embedded CE, Pocket PC, and Smartphone? We've got what you need.
January 16 - February 26 Various US cities Take the technical deep dive on everything you need to know about Windows Vista and more at a launch event near you. Leave with all the resources you need to take your learning to the next level. And don't miss the developer track of the Microsoft Across America launch events.
December 19, 10:00 A.M. Pacific time This live webcast reviews Microsoft's vision and strategy to deliver complete regulated document management solutions for the life sciences industry.
SQL Server Compact Edition has a focused subset of core SQL Server 2005 features that developers need from a local database, and includes unique features for local database development. .
This free, downloadable book by Eric Evans is a quick summary of the essentials of Domain Driven Design - a vision and approach for designing a domain model that reflects a deep understanding of the business domain.
Visit the MSDN Evaluation Center, the central location for all Microsoft developer product trials and beta evaluations. Try before you buy, or test the latest beta. As you evaluate, receive relevant technical resources, delivered to your inbox.

Security for Developers

[Security] Privacy Guidelines for Developing Software Products and Services The Privacy Guidelines for Developing Software Products and Services are a public version of Microsoft's extensive internal privacy guidelines for developers that help protect customer privacy.


Product-Related Downloads

[Mobile Development] InkAnalysis and Parsing API Available The new InkAnalysis API integrates layout analysis with handwriting recognition and exposes new capabilities and features. You need only install the new addendum to the Tablet PC Platform SDK (1.7). This new release is called the "Input Supplement" and its version is 1.7.5. First, ensure you have the Tablet PC Platform SDK 1.7. Then, install the input supplement.
[Web Development] Free 60-day Trial of Expression Web Design dynamic, interactive pages that harness the power of the Web to deliver superior quality.

Case Studies, KB Articles, & How-tos

[Microsoft Office Solutions] MTV Rocks on Office 2007 Media and entertainment powerhouse uses the 2007 Microsoft Office system to improve handling of internal concert ticket requests.
[ASP.NET] How to export data from DataGrid control to an Excel file (GB2312)

The Next Generation Purchasing Desktop (NGPD) combines the purchasing systems with Microsoft Office 2007 software for user friendliness and integration of all procurement systems.
Accruent created powerful, Web-based visualization tools for real estate site selection, analysis, and management.
 

[.NET Framework] .NET Framework KB Articles
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[Visual Studio .NET and Visual Studio 2005] Visual Studio .NET KB Articles
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[SQL Server and Data Access] SQL Server KB Articles
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[Visual Studio 2005] Visual Studio 2005 KB Articles
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Training

[Microsoft Office Solutions] Free Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007 E-Learning Clinics Topics include Enterprise instant messaging, on-premise conferencing and telephony, and incorporating Office Communication Server functionality within custom applications.

Give yourself a free second chance to pass your certification exam, or 25% off your next exam if you pass on the first try.
Take the Developing Enhanced Web Experience with Microsoft ASP.NET for AJAX course, and get select free and discounted related courses.
Learn how to develop, deploy and maintain Windows Mobile 5.0 applications using Visual Studio 2005. Topics include user interface design, accessing Microsoft SQL Server data from a mobile device, and interoperability and platform functionality.
See the functionality and architecture of Windows Workflow Foundation, and learn how to build workflow-enabled applications, free from Microsoft Learning.
This free clinic from Microsoft E-Learning covers platform features and how to build, extend, and assemble solutions using Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007.
This guide highlights architectural underpinnings, the latest enhancements for developers, and code samples for building custom applications and solutions. Download the guide to help get you started now.
Find discounts on training and exams for the Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) and Microsoft Certified Professional Developer (MCPD) certifications.
Get hands-on experience and learn new Visual Studio 2005 skills from a Microsoft Certified Trainer with real-world experience.
Hot off the Press! New Books from Microsoft Press
Deep Training now offers self-paced courseware. For a limited time, get a 40% discount on our brand-new SQL Server 2005 Reporting Services DVD- or CD-based training courseware.
Attend the Virtualization 1-day summit and learn how to leverage the Microsoft Virtualization new offering to enhance your technology investments and business. Have your developer team attend the and implement the knowledge.
Your personalized MSDN Flash is showing this item because you chose to receive Microsoft Office Solutions news. Click the icon to customize your profile.   
January 29 - February 2, 2007, 1:00 P.M. Pacific
January 22 - 26, 2007, 1:00 P.M. Pacific time
Explore the latest Microsoft software and platforms in a no-fuss environment. There's no cost and nothing to install or format. With several Microsoft SQL Server 2005, Microsoft Visual Studio 2005, and Business Intelligence Upgrade lab modules, you will learn how to make the most of these innovative technologies.

Partner News

[Default] Try the New DevPartner Virtual Evaluation from Compuware Find and fix coding errors with performance, coverage and memory analysis. Register for the free DevPartner Virtual Evaluation.

[Default] Received MSDN Flash from a Friend? The MSDN Flash is full of pointers to in-depth technical information that we encourage subscribers to forward to friends and co-workers. If you've received this issue from someone via e-mail and would like to receive the free MSDN Flash newsletter biweekly, all you have to do is register.

International Events

[Mobile Development] [Embedded Development] Microsoft OEM Technical Seminars Through May 2007, worldwide See how Microsoft Windows Embedded products are revolutionizing the way that people work and live. Attend a free OEM Technical Seminar and find out how Microsoft Windows Embedded can help you quickly configure, build, and ship your next device.
[Windows Server System] Microsoft Virtualization Summit January - March 2007, worldwide
[Windows Server System] Microsoft Virtualization Developer Labs January - April 2007, worldwide Virtualization experts will teach you how to take advantage of Microsoft Virtual Server 2005 R2.