Microsoft to Outline New Web Platform
September 8, 2005, 6:12 PM
At the PDC next week, Microsoft will provide details on its new strategy to take on Google by turning its Web services into full-fledged development platforms. Most notably, MSN Search APIs will be opened to developers using SOAP. Applications will be able to access up to 10,000 search results per day. Microsoft's Desktop Search API will also be opened up to third parties.
The approach follows one taken by Google to establish its online services as platforms that can be utilized by Web 2.0 applications. Google Maps, for example, can be extended by developers for specific uses such as finding cheap gasoline. Microsoft will also open its Virtual Earth mapping service through JavaScript. Next Thursday at the PDC, Microsoft will discuss ways developers can extend its new Start.com RSS aggregator.
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'Atlas' Beta to Debut at PDC
September 8, 2005, 6:03 PM
Microsoft will release next week the first beta of "Atlas," a new tool that aids in the development of Web applications using AJAX. AJAX, or Asynchronous JavaScript and XML, uses new standards to create more interactive online services. Google Maps is one example of an advanced browser-based service implemented using AJAX.
At the core of Atlas lies the MSN Framework for building applications atop Microsoft's Web properties such as the next version of Hotmail and MSN Spaces. The object-oriented JavaScript framework will enable Microsoft developers to more quickly build features into MSN sites. Atlas will also closely be tied to ASP.NET and Avalon, the presentation framework in Windows Vista.
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PDC 2005: What, Why, When and How
September 6, 2005, 3:29 PM
On September 11, thousands of developers will flood downtown Los Angeles for Microsoft's 2005 Professional Developers Conference. Expectations are high, as the event will offer the first real peek into the inner workings of Windows Vista, along with sessions covering everything from WinFX to Whidbey, to Office 12.
Even if you won't be attending the sold-out PDC this year, you can still follow the event online. DVDs of keynotes and sessions will be available to purchase as well. BetaNews will be covering the conference live from Los Angeles, and Microsoft is also hosting PDC blogs via MSDN and Channel 9.
Read on for a brief primer on what to expect at PDC 2005.
Continue reading "PDC 2005: What, Why, When and How"
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Microsoft Explains WinFS Technology
September 6, 2005, 3:01 PM
Microsoft last week surprised MSDN subscribers with an unexpected download: WinFS Beta 1. The company also clarified its plans for the future relational file system technology, which has been the subject of much confusion since the feature was crossed off the list of additions to Windows Vista.
WinFS takes a SQL engine and marries it with NTFS, creating a "file system and relational database in one consistent storage engine," Quentin Clark, Director of Program Management for WinFS, explained to BetaNews. The technology stores metadata for all files on a system to facilitate organization and searching, as well as structured data such as contacts, calendars and more.
Continue reading "MS Explains WinFS, Releases Beta 1"
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MS to Showcase Vista, Office 12 at PDC
September 6, 2005, 2:57 PM
Microsoft has announced that its 2005 Professional Developers Conference, which begins September 13 in Los Angeles, has completely sold out. The four day event will give developers a long-awaited taste of Windows Vista and a look at the next release of Microsoft Office, code-named Office 12.
Bill Gates will kick off PDC05 with a keynote address, and other Microsoft executives will also speak at the event. The last PDC was held in 2003 and focused on the fundamentals of Longhorn. However, much has changed in the operating system since that time and PDC05 will be crucial for any developers looking to prepare for Vista's late 2006 debut
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