PDC05 Has Sold Out

Just announced! Bill Gates' keynote will be broadcast live on the Web. [Only Registered users can see links . Click Here To Register...] on September 13, 2005 at 8:30am.

If you're planning for the future and need to understand where the Microsoft platform is going, PDC is for you.


PDC05 is your window into the future of the Microsoft platform and the software industry as a whole. After the event, you'll be more informed, more skilled, and more inspired than ever before.

You'll be able to:

• Increase your development skills with learning sessions ranging from "tips and tricks" refreshers to graduate-level courses
  
• Learn now how to plan for the next wave of the Microsoft platform
  
• Get a hands-on feeling for developer capabilities of future Microsoft products including Windows Vista™, Windows Presentation Foundation, Windows Communication Foundation, and the next version of Office
  
• Meet face-to-face with industry gurus and Microsoft developers
  
• Network with other passionate software developers from around the world

Starting from 13 Sep

__________________
((((Sihmar_Online))))

Not Dead Yet!

Damn! I forgot to book my ticket! lol

Don't worry microsoft will give out DVD of PDC.

__________________
((((Sihmar_Online))))

Not Dead Yet!

[Only Registered users can see links . Click Here To Register...]

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.

[Only Registered users can see links . Click Here To Register...]


[Only Registered users can see links . Click Here To Register...]

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.

[Only Registered users can see links . Click Here To Register...]


[Only Registered users can see links . Click Here To Register...]

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.

[Only Registered users can see links . Click Here To Register...]
[Only Registered users can see links . Click Here To Register...]


[Only Registered users can see links . Click Here To Register...]

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.

[Only Registered users can see links . Click Here To Register...]

[Only Registered users can see links . Click Here To Register...]


[Only Registered users can see links . Click Here To Register...]

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


[Only Registered users can see links . Click Here To Register...]

Want to keep track of the latest PDC news from Los Angeles but don't have the time to keep refreshing? No problem! Simply subscribe to our RSS feed.



[Only Registered users can see links . Click Here To Register...]

Translucent windows, shadows and animation are just a few of the features Windows Vista will deliver with its brand new graphics architecture.



[Only Registered users can see links . Click Here To Register...]

The operating system once known as Longhorn was officially given a name: Windows Vista. Find out the reasoning behind Microsoft's final choice.

__________________
((((Sihmar_Online))))

Not Dead Yet!

Two days before the start of Professional Developers Conference (PDC) 2005, I received exclusive insider information about the product editions, or SKUs, which [Only Registered users can see links . Click Here To Register...] intends to create for Windows Vista (codenamed Longhorn). While the exact breakdown of the Windows Vista editions had been the subject of much speculation, this list closely matches the editions list I first published on the SuperSite for Windows last year. Here's how the Windows Vista product editions break down, according to the latest internal Microsoft documentation.Windows Vista product edition categories

There will be two general categories of Windows Vista editions, which map closely to the two that exist today for XP ("Home," which comprises Starter, Home, and Media Center Editions, Pro, which includes Professional, Professional x64, and [Only Registered users can see links . Click Here To Register...] Editions). In Windows Vista, the two categories are Home and Business.

In the Home category, Microsoft will create four product editions: Windows Vista Starter Edition, Windows Vista Home Basic Edition, Windows Vista Home Premium Edition, and Windows Vista Ultimate Edition (previously known as "Uber" Edition).

In the Business category, there will are three editions: Windows Vista Small Business Edition, Windows Vista Professional Edition (previously known as Professional Standard Edition), and Windows Vista Enterprise Edition (previously known as Professional Premium Edition).

In all, there are seven product editions planned for Windows Vista (or nine, if you count the N Editions as being different). Note that all of these product names are placeholders for now: They could change before the final product is released. However, this breakdown of editions is current as of this week and is unlikely to change.

Windows Vista product editions

Here's how the product editions look, along with a preview of Microsoft's marketing message for each version.

Windows Vista Starter Edition

Aimed at beginner computer users in emerging markets who can only afford a low cost PC. As with the XP version, Windows Vista Starter Edition is a subset of Home Edition, and will ship in a 32-bit version only (no 64-bit x64 version). Starter Edition will allow only three applications (and/or three windows) to run simultaneously, will provide Internet connectivity but not incoming network communications, and will not provide for logon passwords or Fast User Switching (FUS). Windows Vista Starter Edition is analogous to XP Starter Edition. This version will only be sold in emerging markets.

Windows Vista Starter Edition is lacking a number of unique features found in most of the other Vista product editions. There is no Aero user interface, for example, and no support for Castle-based networking. Other missing features include DVD Authoring, gaming common controller support, and image editing with enhanced touchup.

The marketing message: For beginner computer users in emerging markets who can only afford a low cost PC, Windows Vista Starter Edition provides a more affordable and easy introduction to personal computing because it is lower priced, tailored to the needs of beginner personal computer users, compatible with a wide range of Windows-based applications and devices, and tailored to each market.

Windows Vista Home Basic Edition

A simple version of Windows Vista that is aimed at single PC homes. Windows Vista Home Basic is the baseline version of Windows Vista, and the version that all other product editions will build from. It will include features such as Windows Firewall, Windows Security Center, secure wireless networking, parental controls, anti-spam/anti-virus/anti-spyware functionality, network map, Windows Search, Movie Maker, Photo Library, Windows Media Player, Outlook Express with RSS support, P2P Messenger, and more. Windows Vista Home Basic Edition is roughly analogous to Windows XP Home Edition. This version is aimed at general consumers, Windows 9x/XP Starter Edition upgraders, and price sensitive/first-time buyers. Like Starter Edition, Home Basic Edition will not support the new Aero user interface.

The marketing message: For mainstream Windows customers, Home Basic is where it all begins. Here, Microsoft will be pushing "peace of mind" and "performance," and will promise consumers a faster, more secure and reliable productivity experience. Home Basic Edition is secure by default and easy to keep secure. You can trust Windows with your most important tasks and data and complete everyday tasks faster.

Windows Vista Home Premium Edition

Whole home entertainment and personal productivity throughout the home and on the go. As a true superset of Home Basic, Windows Vista Home Premium Edition will include everything from Home Basic, as well as Media Center and Media Center Extender functionality (including Cable Card support), DVD video authoring and HDTV support, DVD ripping support (yes, you read that right), Tablet PC functionality, Mobility Center and other mobility and [Only Registered users can see links . Click Here To Register...] features, auxiliary display support, P2P ad-hoc [Only Registered users can see links . Click Here To Register...] capabilities, Wi-Fi auto-config and roaming, unified parental controls that work over multiple PCs, backup to network functionality, Internet File Sharing, Offline Folders, PC-to-PC sync, Sync Manager, and support for Quattro Home Server. Windows Vista Premium Edition is similar to XP Media Center Edition, except that it adds numerous other features and functionality, including Tablet PC support. My guess is that this will be the volume consumer offering in the Windows Vista timeframe (today, XP Pro is the dominant seller). This version is aimed at PC enthusiasts, multiple-PC homes, homes with kids, and notebook users.

The marketing message: Home Premium Edition turns it up a notch. In addition to the baseline functionality offered in Home Basic, this version focuses on such things as integrated entertainment (movies, memories, and more), mobility (media and productivity on the go), and connected living (connect with family, friends, and home). Home Premium Edition supplies whole-home entertainment and personal productivity throughout the home and on the go.

Windows Vista Professional Edition

A powerful, reliable and secure OS for businesses of all sizes. Windows Vista Pro Edition will include domain join and management functionality, compatibility with non-Microsoft networking protocols (Netware, SNMP, etc.), Remote Desktop, Microsoft Windows Web Server, and Encrypted File System (EFS). Additionally, Pro Standard will include Tablet PC functionality. Windows Vista Pro is roughly analogous to XP Pro today. This version is aimed at business decision makers and IT managers and generalists.

The marketing message: Vista Pro is a powerful, reliable, and secure operating system. It helps PC users be more effective at work and offers improved connectivity and access to information, so that companies can realize better return on their IT investment.

Windows Vista Small Business Edition

Designed for small businesses without IT staff. Small Business Edition is a superset of Vista Pro Standard Edition, and includes the following unique features: Backup and Shadow Copy support, Castle and server-join networking, and PC fax and scanning utility. Additionally, Microsoft is looking at including a number of other features, many of which might be cut: These include Small Business Edition guided tour, pre-paid access to the Windows Live! Small Business or Microsoft Office Live! subscription services, Multi-PC Health (a managed version of Microsoft One Care Live), and membership in the Microsoft Small Business Club online service. Microsoft will offer a Step-Up program for Small Business Edition that will allow customers to upgrade to Windows Vista Enterprise Edition (see below) or Windows Vista Ultimate Edition (see below) at a reduced cost. This SKU is new to Windows Vista; there is no XP Small Business Edition. This version is aimed at small business owners and managers.

The marketing message: Small Business Edition provides smooth operation even for those businesses without an IT staff. It is the operating system designed to help small businesses start, grow and thrive.

Windows Vista Enterprise Edition

Optimized for the enterprise, this version will be a true superset of Windows Vista Pro Edition. It will also include unique features such as Virtual PC, the multi-language user interface (MUI), and the Secure Startup/full volume encryption security technologies ("Cornerstone"). There is no analogous XP version for this product. This version is aimed at business decision makers, IT managers and decision makers, and information workers/general business users. Enterprise Edition will be offered exclusively through Software Assurance.

The marketing message: Enterprise Edition provides an advanced application compatibility solution that will be crucial to many large business users, can be deployed to multiple language locales using a single image, and provides Secure Startup functionality for the ultimate in security on the go. It is the client OS that is optimized for the enterprise. Enterprise Edition reduces IT cost and complexity by providing tools that protect company data, reduce the number of required disk images, and ensure the compatibility of legacy applications.

Windows Vista Ultimate Edition

The best operating system ever offered for a personal PC, optimized for the individual. Windows Vista Ultimate Edition is a superset of both Vista Home Premium and Vista Pro Edition, so it includes all of the features of both of those product versions, plus adds Game Performance Tweaker with integrated gaming experiences, a Podcast creation utility (under consideration, may be cut from product), and online "Club" services (exclusive access to music, movies, services and preferred customer care) and other offerings (also under consideration, may be cut from product). Microsoft is still investigating how to position its most impressive Windows release yet, and is looking into offering Ultimate Edition owners such services as extended A1 subscriptions, free music downloads, free movie downloads, Online Spotlight and entertainment software, preferred product support, and custom themes. There is nothing like Vista Ultimate Edition today. This version is aimed at high-end PC users and technology influencers, gamers, digital media enthusiasts, and students.

The marketing message: Ultimate Edition is the "no compromises" version of Windows Vista. It provides the best performance, most secure and complete connection to the office, and is optimized for the individual. Everything you need for work or fun is included. It is the best operating system ever offered for the personal PC.

N Editions

Finally, I should note that Microsoft is planning to offer so-called N Editions of Windows Vista for the European market, in order to meet the requirements of an antitrust ruling there. Windows Vista N Editions--Home Edition N and Professional Edition N--will mirror the Home Basic and Professional Editions of Windows Vista, respectively, but will not include Windows Media Player and other media-related functionality.

__________________
((((Sihmar_Online))))

Not Dead Yet!

__________________
((((Sihmar_Online))))

Not Dead Yet!

Checkout screenshots from PDC



[Only Registered users can see links . Click Here To Register...]

__________________
((((Sihmar_Online))))

Not Dead Yet!

Longhorn Server Set for 2007 Release

September 15, 2005

Windows Vista will ship in 2006, but "Longhorn Server will take a little longer to bake," Bob Muglia confirmed in his Thursday keynote. "We're planning on shipping this in the 2007 timeframe." In the meantime, an interim CTP build of Longhorn Server, which has not been given an official name, is available for PDC attendees and beta testers.

__________________
((((Sihmar_Online))))

Not Dead Yet!

Windows Server Compute Cluster Edition

September 15, 2005

The Beta 1 release of Windows Server 2003 Compute Cluster Edition is now available for download from Microsoft. The server brings high-performance computing technology to personal and workstation users, the company says. More information about the beta release is available on Microsoft's [Only Registered users can see links . Click Here To Register...].

[Only Registered users can see links . Click Here To Register...]

__________________
((((Sihmar_Online))))

Not Dead Yet!

Microsoft Outlines Monad Project

September 15, 2005

Microsoft's Bob Muglia on Thursday morning outlined Monad, the new command-line shell that's fully integrated into .NET to enable text-based control over Windows applications and services. Muglia said Monad was the first mainstream command-line that focuses on object-oriented programming.

Muglia also explained how Microsoft is undergoing a project "to get a full set of Monad commands across Windows Server and Windows Server applications." In order to accomplish this goal, Microsoft's graphical consoles will use the same .NET commands as Monad.

Monad is a "really important step from a management perspective. And I think it's a great opportunity," Muglia said. The final release of Monad is due in 2006.

__________________
((((Sihmar_Online))))

Not Dead Yet!