MSDN Flash - Volume 11, Number 6: March 12, 2007
From the Editor
We are really excited to announce that the Visual Studio 2005 SDK 4.0 RTM release is now available. You can download the new SDK immediately from the Microsoft Download Center. This is the final release on the VS 2005 platform and includes the new Visual Studio SDK Browser to connect users with the community and online contents.
Application developers can now create mapping or visualization applications that offer a 3D experience so real, it's like being there. Microsoft's Virtual Earth 3D team is offering the Virtual Earth Map Control SDK, which enables developers to show a 3D view when they integrate mapping functions into their Web sites or embed the control into Windows Forms or native applications. Read Virtual Earth 3D development manager Duncan Lawler's End Bracket column in MSDN Magazine to see how his team developed techniques for automatically generating 3D textured models of structures. He also notes that his team will be documenting and providing samples of how to write and use your own plug-in extensions to change the control model, add your own data to the scene, and more. For more information and SDKs, visit the Virtual Earth forums at http://dev.live.com.
Also in the what's-hot department, developers are flocking to the free ASP.NET AJAX e-learning course: Developing Enhanced Web Experiences with Microsoft ASP.NET AJAX. It's free for only a few months, so sign up now and learn about the functionality that ASP.NET AJAX Extensions provide for building highly responsive and enhanced Web applications. In addition to learning about the different server and client components of ASP.NET AJAX, you will also learn how to build new ASP.NET AJAX applications and how to upgrade existing ASP.NET applications to take advantage of ASP.NET AJAX.
And if you haven't yet, visit the new MSDN Evaluation Center to download software and receive regular updates during the evaluation period. The Evaluation Center is currently featuring evaluation versions of the 2007 Office system and Visual Studio 2005.
Thanks for reading.
Editor, MSDN Flash
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Evaluation Center
Experience the New MSDN Evaluation Center
Register to download software and receive regular updates during the evaluation period, directing you to technical resources, including how-tos, webcasts, downloads, virtual labs, and more.
Microsoft Office Enterprise 2007 is Now Available for Evaluating
Extend this comprehensive suite of applications to deliver solutions that make data and processes more accessible and relevant to users. Sign up and receive updates on newly released technical resources.
Tech Resource Preview: Office 2007 Open XML File Formats
Try Out SharePoint Server 2007 and SharePoint Designer 2007
Create and customize Microsoft SharePoint Web sites and build workflow-enabled applications built on SharePoint technologies. While you evaluate them, enjoy technical resources put together to enhance your evaluation experience.
Tech Resource Preview: What's New In Window's SharePoint 3.0, Installing Office Server 2007
Spotlight on: Windows Vista
Visit the Ready for a New Day Resource Center to learn more from Bill Gates about the new releases.
Innovate on Windows Vista
Put your solutions on a fast track to success by qualifying for the Certified for Windows Vista logo. Get plenty of assistance along the way as you develop new solutions on this advanced platform.
March 25 - 28, Orlando, FL
Come learn about ASP.NET 2.0 and Atlas, Windows Vista and .NET Framework 3.0 development, Visual Studio 2005, SQL Server 2005, and more.
Windows Vista: Build More Secure Applications
Windows Vista offers substantial new capabilities in security, performance, reliability, and manageability. Tune in to these webcasts and learn how its focus on secure development can help you.
Take part in our Windows Vista virtual labs and apply what you've learned in a guided, hands-on environment.
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Check out the Windows Vista Developer Center for more great resources...
Spotlight on: the 2007 Microsoft Office System
Visit the Ready for a New Day Resource Center to learn more from Bill Gates about the new releases.
2007 Microsoft Office System Update: Redistributable Primary Interop Assemblies
Download a Microsoft Windows Installer package that contains the Primary Interop Assemblies for 2007 Microsoft Office system products.
InfoPath 2007 Developer Reference for Managed Code
Find overviews, programming tasks, samples, and class library reference information to guide you in developing solutions based on InfoPath using managed code (Visual Basic or C#).
Using XPath Explorer to Unlock Data in Word Open XML Files
Bill Coan introduces XPath Explorer, a new tool that you can use to view the XML element hierarchy in any XML file, including Word 2003 and Word 2007 XML files.
Guide to the InfoPath 2007 Developer Documentation
Learn about the object models and development options available in InfoPath 2007, and find out where the conceptual, procedural, and class library reference topics are located.
Publisher 2007 Developer Reference
Find conceptual overviews, programming tasks, samples, and references to guide you in developing solutions based on Publisher.
Implementing Week Numbering Systems and Date/Time Representations in Excel 2007
Learn about the four different week-numbering systems available in Microsoft Office Excel and how to use them.
Get step-by-step training and downloadable samples illustrating InfoPath 2007 features.
Sample: InfoPath 2007 Training Labs
• Lab 1: Publishing an InfoPath 2007 Form Template to a Server Running InfoPath Forms Services
• Lab 2: Deploying and Managing InfoPath 2007 Forms
• Lab 3: Integrating InfoPath 2007 with the Data Connection Library
• Lab 4: Enabling Digital Signatures in InfoPath 2007 Form Templates
• Lab 5: Importing Word Forms into InfoPath 2007
• Lab 6: Using InfoPath 2007 E-mail Forms
• Lab 7: Restricting Permissions to InfoPath 2007 Forms and Form Templates
• Lab 8: Using the InfoPath 2007 Object Model and Visual Studio Tools for Applications
• Lab 9: Designing InfoPath 2007 Forms for Mobile Web Browsers
• Lab 10: Creating and Inserting InfoPath 2007 Template Parts
• Lab 11: Integrating InfoPath 2007 Forms in Web Sites Using Visual Studio
• Lab 12: Using SharePoint Server Workflows with InfoPath 2007
Play Master Plan 2007 and Learn What's New in Visio 2007
Play Master Plan 2007 and see some new and improved features of Visio 2007 and Project 2007. Then enter for a chance to play the Master Plan 2007 game on the streets of London or Amsterdam with three of your friends. After entering, you'll receive a free DVD featuring over 8 hours of training.
2007 Microsoft Office System Virtual Labs
Take part in these virtual labs and see how the 2007 Microsoft Office system delivers a new level of programmability and extensibility to Office client applications. This month, enjoy our new labs covering Microsoft Office Outlook 2007 programmability and Business Data Catalog in Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007. Virtual labs are simple, with no complex setup or installation.
Also, watch our 2007 Microsoft Office system MSDN webcasts.
Spotlight on: Expression Web
Learn how to create rich Web sites, manipulate links and images, and work with style sheets in our two new Microsoft Expression Web virtual labs. You can complete these free hands-on labs in 90 minutes or less and walk away with a better understanding of how these professional design tools give you greater flexibility to create sophisticated applications and content.
Also, watch our Expression webcasts.
News for Students
There is nothing more exciting than the small tools, gadgets, and gizmos that provide a task or service that simplifies or enhances your life; it's like finding that one little rattle in your car that you just couldn't locate for the last few months. Technically speaking, gadgets are mini-applications that live on your Live.com homepage or Windows Sidebar and provide games, Web shortcuts, weather, or any other type of real-time info you may need or want.
Windows Live Gallery has a number of fun gadgets to start looking through before you get started developing. The Wikipedia gadget makes using Wikipedia quick and easy by enabling search directly from your sidebar. Outlook Info has all the daily information you could want, from unread mail to tasks and appointments. Calvin and Hobbes generates a flyout comic strip for each click.
Gadget development is a bit manual, but worth the effort. There are a number of good tutorials for getting started with gadgets. The MSDN Gadget Overview contains an introduction and overview for your first Hello World gadget. Coding4fun walks you through the steps to create an E-mail gadget that tracks the number of unread messages in the Windows Sidebar. Gadgets are developed using HTML, XML, and JavaScript.
The Code Project has a competition for cool and fun gadgets if you need a little more motivation to get started. They are also having a Vista API competition if you prefer to explore Vista from a different angle.
If you need to install Vista before getting started with gadget development find a Campus Launch Event near you where there are copies of Vista and Office being raffled. Get Vista for free if your department is enrolled in the MSDN Academic Alliance, or check to see if your local book store participates in Student Select for discounts coming later this spring.
March Campus Launch Events
Microsoft is making its biggest product launch ever and we are bringing it to your campus!
Come to this event to learn more about Windows Vista and the 2007 Microsoft Office system. You will get a firsthand look at Vista and Office, hear about these new products from Microsoft speakers, and learn how they can help you have more time, do better in school, and get a great job. You will also have the chance to win great prizes!
• March 28, 10:00 A.M. - Cornell University, Upson Hall, Ithaca, NY
• March 28, 6:00 P.M. - Clemson University, Bracket Hall Room 100, Clemson, SC
Web Resources
Editor's Picks from MSDN Magazine:
Developing the Virtual Earth 3D Control
The Virtual Earth 3D control is a new for visualizing the entire world in three dimensions. Implemented as a managed control, it allows seamless integration with Web sites or standalone applications. The Microsoft .NET Framework security model gives users the capability of dynamically loading plug-ins to supply data, but restricts them to execution in a partial-trust environment.
Validating ASP.NET Query Strings
ASP.NET applications don't have to link each and every page being secured to the authentication module of choice. Everything can be done declaratively through the web.config file and a bunch of external resources, such as the login page and the membership database.
Two for the Price of One: MIX and MEDC
April 30 - May 2, Las Vegas, NV
If you're interested in Microsoft's Web strategy and mobility and embedded strategy, for only US$395 more you can go to both MIX and MEDC breakout sessions at the Venetian Hotel. Register for MIX and you'll be asked if you also want to go to our Mobile and Embedded DevCon (MEDC). Early-bird discount ends March 15.
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Win with Microsoft Virtualization
April 3 - 5, Redmond, WA
Learn how to leverage Microsoft Virtual Server 2005 and optimize your existing products for virtual environments.
Free SQL Server 2005 and SQL Server 2005 Analysis Services Training CD
Learn with award-winning training from AppDev. Each CD includes three hours of training with a retail value of US$115.
Learn about the latest Microsoft development tools for public sector developers. Be sure to check out this month's upcoming webcast schedule.
Application Development Capability Assessment for Public Sector Customers
Get a free assessment of your application development capabilities. Fill the survey and one of our experts will contact you.
The Business Value of Microsoft's Web Technologies - Web Seminar Series
Discover the business value of Microsoft's newest Web technologies, including ASP.NET AJAX, WPF/E, and the Expression Suite, and how they can propel your business to the next level.
Note: these seminars will be available for on-demand viewing for a limited time after the dates posted.
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Microsoft Releases Visual Studio 2005 SDK v4.0
The Visual Studio 2005 SDK v4.0 includes new introductory tutorials and updated samples to make it easier to integrate your applications with Visual Studio.
Microsoft Healthcare & Life Sciences Developer Conference
May 21 - 22, Atlantic City, NJ
Developers and architects will gain insight into Microsoft technologies such as the .NET Framework 3.0, Windows Vista, and 2007 Microsoft Office system.
Microsoft .NET Developer Conferences
Come join us for a full day of Developer-oriented technical sessions on Microsoft .NET 3.0 and Visual Studio Team Edition for Database Professionals. There is no fee to attend. The Developer Conference in Washington DC will be held in conjunction with FOSE 2007.
Experience the Power of Visual Basic 2005
Attend the new Visual Basic 2005 labcasts and get a complimentary copy of Visual Studio 2005 Standard Edition.
March Mobility Madness
March 12, 13, and 19 - 9:00 A.M. Pacific time
This Web seminar series will take an in depth look at the latest technologies that will allow you to build your applications on the Windows Mobile platform, Visual Studios 2005, and SQL Server 2005 Mobile Edition.
Windows Longhorn Server Training for ISV Developers
March 20, 21, 22, 23, 10:00 A.M. Pacific time
Learn about the new features and technologies that will enhance your development capabilities and IT infrastructure.
Last Chance to Register for the 2nd Annual Microsoft Small Business Summit
March 19 - 23
Attend this free 5-day online and in-person event and find information and tools for managing finances, reaching customers, increasing productivity, and improving security.
Security for Developers
New Book: Writing Secure Code for Windows Vista
Michael Howard and David LeBlanc have just wrapped up their new book. Get a slight foretaste to whet your appetites.
Introduction to the Orcas Add-In Model
Downloads
Microsoft Visual FoxPro "Sedna" - Community Technology Preview (CTP) February 2007
Case Studies, KB Articles, & How-tos
Government Agency Improves Efficiency in Fraud Investigation
The Office of the State Auditor (OSA) of Massachusetts used Visual Studio 2005 Tools for the Microsoft Office System and the .NET Framework 3.0 to reduce data-collection times by 75 percent.
How the changes to daylight saving time (DST) in 2007 affect the .NET Framework and ASP.NET
37 Percent Lower TCO for Germany's TÜV NORD with SQL Server 2005
TÜV NORD analyzed its SAP deployment, which is hosted on SQL Server 2005, and found that it benefited from 56 percent lower database administration costs than industry average, and that it enjoyed a 37 percent lower total cost of ownership.
Veterinary Supplier Drives Sales, Cuts Costs with Business Intelligence Solution
The Kruuse Group turned from Oracle to SQL Server 2005 for its business intelligence system. It now hosts 5 data cubes instead of 1, and 30 standard reports instead of 3. Customizations that took two weeks are now implemented whenever needed.
More KB Articles and How-tos...
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SQL Server KB Articles
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FIX: A forward-only cursor may be implicitly converted to a keyset cursor in SQL Server 2005
FIX: You receive error 1456 when you try to add a witness to a DBM session in SQL Server 2005
Visual Studio 2005 KB Articles
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C/C++ KB Articles
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Partner News
Drag and Drop Scheduling Solutions for .NET and ASP.NET
ComponentOne Studio Enterprise 2007 is a comprehensive component toolset for Windows, Web, mobile, and ASP.NET AJAX-enabled applications. Free trial.
Dundas Chart for SharePoint 2007 is Now Available
Dundas Chart is now available for SharePoint 2007. View our gallery, demos, and download a full evaluation copy today.
Learn About the Reverse Engineering Risks Facing .NET Applications
Dr. David Pensak, founder of V.i. Labs, will host a session at SD West 2007, March 22, Santa Clara Convention Center.
Download DevForce Express Edition
IdeaBlade announces its DevForce 3.4 enterprise application framework for .NET 3.0. Start with the free DevForce Express edition today, and upgrade seamlessly to the .NET 3.0 features at your convenience.
International Events
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.
Win with Microsoft Virtualization
13 - 15 March, Munich, Germany
20 - 23 March, Reading, U.K.
10 - 12 April, Bangalore, India
17 - 19 April, Singapore
24 - 26 April, Seoul, Korea
8 - 10 May, Zaragoza, Spain
15 - 17 May, Copenhagen, Denmark
Enhance your technology, evaluation cycle, application performance, end-user experience, and ROI. Attend the Virtualization 3-day hands-on lab, learn how to leverage Microsoft Virtual Server 2005, and optimize your existing products for virtual environments.
MSDN Events
April - June Events: Cut Your Development Time
Join us for a free, half-day presentation where we'll explore identity management, interactivity, and support for cross-browser and cross-platform applications.
We'll explore how Windows CardSpace uses a standards-based, interoperable framework to simplify digital identity management and fight both phishing and identity theft. We'll also roll up our sleeves and dig into the best practices of ASP.NET AJAX (formerly code-named "Atlas") and discuss the client-side script libraries and server components that provide a robust development framework for developers of all stripes.
Blink and you'll miss these lively sessions hosted by your local MSDN Events team. Find an event at a city near you.