Sessions

Developing for the Microsoft Surface
Level: 300
Slides/Samples:
Abstract: Learn how to write code for the Surface! This session introduces the (not publicly available) Surface SDK that forms the basis of the Windows 7 multi-touch programming model. In addition, learn about the unique attributes of Surface computing, dive into the core controls like ScatterView and vision-system tagging, and leverage your existing investments in Windows Presentation Foundation and Microsoft Visual Studio.
Creating Rich Internet Applications with .NET and Adobe Flex
Level: 200
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Abstract: Learn how to create rich and expressive applications targeting the Flash and AIR runtimes using the Flex SDK. We will also talk about using managed data, and interacting with some 3rd party utilities such as ESRI’s ArcGIS and BlazeDS.
Development Patterns for Mere Mortals
Level: 200
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Abstract: Software development patterns have been around long before the MVC Framework gained such momentum. In this session we will look into the several development patterns, the C# implementation, and when and how they should be used in modern software development.
Enabling Test Driven Development with Dependency Injection and Mock Objects
Speaker: Len Smith
Level: 200
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Abstract: Dependency injection and mock objects come together to let us write tests with the bare minimum of set-up code. We'll not be focusing on any particular frameworks but on the principles behind these techniques and how they help us write better quality software, faster.
Tips and Tricks For Silverlight Beginners
Level: 200
Slides/Samples:
Abstract: Creating useful animations, understanding XAML, talking to data, and managing screen transitions are just a few of the things that will be covered in this session. You are guaranteed NOT to see spinning buttons and gradients in this talk. These tips are geared towards those that are building their first Silverlight applications, but will cover topics that even seasoned SL developers will appreciate.
Intro to Applied Entity Framework
Level: 200
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Abstract: Jody Morgan is a Solutions Architect for Exodus Integrity Services, Inc. in Willoughby, Ohio. Since 1999, Jody has developed a distinctive approach to solving business needs with Microsoft Technologies. Jody has worked in the Manufacturing, Retail, Transportation/Logistics, Healthcare, Staffing firms as well as for the Federal Government. Jody is strong in the Windows Application and back office architecture. He has help write coding standards along with patterns and practices for specific clients to fit their needs and unique conditions. Proficient in C# and VB as well as SQL Script. Jody is passionate about sharing knowledge and educating the masses.
Getting started with CSLA.NET
Level: 200
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Abstract: CSLA.NET 3.5 allows you to quickly develop applications by simplifying the creation of business objects. The framework allows developers to concentrate on the business logic implementation and not worry about the tedious details and plumbing code. The framework provides an abstracted data portal, n-level undo, security, serialization, transactions, and data-binding support. In this presentation, we’ll look at how the CSLA.NET framework provides these features and how it is different than data persistence frameworks. We will then implement our own business objects using the CSLA.NET framework and anASP.NET MVC front end.
T4: Code Generation with Visual Studio 2008
Level: 200
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Abstract: A lesser-known feature in Visual Studio, Text Templating (T4) provides powerful code generation capabilities. We will start by creating a basic T4 template to explore statements and expressions. Then, we will dive into generating domain-specific artifacts based on external business logic. Finally, we will look at custom directive processors and hosts to handle advanced scenarios.
Using Microsoft Distributed Cache to speed your application
Speaker: David Giard
Level: 200
Slides/Samples:
Abstract: Retrieving data from a disc or a database can be a time-consuming operation. Data that is accessed frequently can be stored in an in-memory cache, which can speed up its retrieval considerably. Microsoft Distributed Cache (aka “Velocity”) provides a framework for storing and managing cached data. In this session, we will discuss how to use this framework in your application and demonstrate some code that implements this framework.
A Bazaar Intro to Distributed Version Control
Level: 200
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Abstract: Why can't I check in my source at home? Wonder why the Linux and Ruby guys are giddy about Git? What does distributed mean with Version Control? Find out the answer to all these questions and more while we explore common use cases and how bazaar crept into our daily work flow.
Dev Basics: The ASP.NET Page Life Cycle
Speaker: Jay Harris
Level: 100
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Abstract: When a request occurs for a ASP.Net page, the response is processed through a series of events before being sent to the client browser. These events, known as the Page LifeCycle, are a complicated headache when used improperly, manifesting as odd exceptions, incorrect data, performance issues, and general confusion. It seems simple when reading yet-another-book-on-ASP.NET, but never when applied in the real world. In this session, we decompose this mess, and turn the LifeCycle into an effective and productive tool. No ASP.NET MVC, no Dynamic Data, no MoroRail, no technologies of tomorrow, just the basics of ASP.NET , using the tools we have available in the office, today.
Writing Secure Code
Speaker: Sam Nasr
Level: 200
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Abstract: With security attacks on the rise, protecting your applications and data is more of a necessity than ever before. We will discuss the many of the features provided by .Net framework such as Role-based and code based security, cryptography, and proper coding practices. In addition we'll look at using features in SQL Server and other tools from Microsoft to help you code more secure applications and protect valuable data.
Getting Started with Silverlight
Level: 100
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Abstract: Silverlight is one of the hottest new development platforms to come out of Microsoft. With Silverlight, you can create a rich browser experience with only a small amount of code. This talk will get you started writing a Silverlight application from the ground up. Topics included: consuming web services, working with XAML, understanding the relationship between code-behind, XAML, the data model and web services, and guidance for the best practices.
How to make your application awesome with JSON, REST and WCF
Level: 300
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Abstract: Users of web applications are demanding more. More interaction, more usability and a better overall user experience. A great way to do that is with REST services. In this session you will learn what REST and JSON are, how to easily and quickly create REST based WCF services, see how to consume these from the client using JQuery.
Windows 7 – Maximize Your Potential
Speaker: Matt Hester
Level: 200
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Abstract: In designing Windows 7, the engineering team had a clear focus on what we call ‘the fundamentals': performance, application compatibility, device compatibility, reliability, security and battery life. Early reviews of Windows 7 seem to indicate that the choice to focus on the fundamentals is resonating well with many users and professionals. And, IT professionals will further benefit from the enhancements to manageability and security. You’ll also learn how your investments in testing and evaluating Windows Vista will pay off in the transition to Windows 7. Come see firsthand what all the buzz is about in this demo-intensive session where we explore the UI improvements, performance gains, and manageability enhancements in the next client operating system from Microsoft.
Beginning Programming SQL Server T-SQL
Speaker: Joe Kunk
Level: 100
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Abstract: This session presents the most common programming tasks in SQL server for the new T-SQL developer. We go over computed fields, triggers, user-defined-functions, and stored procedures. We look at easy optimizations that will help your functions and procedures run much faster and reliably. Recommendations will be given based on experiences from a 10 month financial database project I just completed for a major corporate client.
Taming the Tiger:Unleashing the CSS Beast with in you
Speaker: Matt Hall
Level: 100
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Abstract: A programmer is like a tiger. Like tigers, the developer has the end goal in sight: a functional product that works. While a functional product is vital, the look and the feel of the product can affect the perception of the product to clients. This seminar will explore how to enhance your web app’s design, primarily through CSS. If you rarely pay attention to the look and feel of your app, then maybe it’s time to unleash your inner CSS beast.
ASP.net 4.0 Ajax
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Abstract: ASP.NET AJAX allows developers to call web services. We’ll take a look at the new features that are coming with ASP.NET 4.0 AJAX. It greatly increases the ability of developers to build user interfaces with ajax. We’ll look at how to call a web service and then how to build a CRUD user interface in ASP.NET 4 AJAX. This talk will feature:
  • A short explanation of ASP.NET AJAX with Web Services. While being with the product since the initial release, most developers are not aware of the ability to call Web Services. We’ll do a quick review of that and how to set it up. ASP.NET AJAX is more than the UpdatePanel.
  • These features include the new client side controls and databinding. We’ll look at the features of building a CRUD user interface and concentrating on the grid features.
  • Want to bind data inside of an ajax grid? We’ll look at referencing dynamically generated controls and how to handle events on the client with the client side DataView.
Anatomy of an IronPython Application
Level: 300
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Abstract: You've heard about IronPython and maybe have even taken the time to write the obligatory "Hello, World" application. Now what? The buzz around IronPython continues but there's still little guidance on tools and development processes. This presentation focuses on the internals of an application written using IronPython while introducing useful tools and techniques to get you started. Though experience with .NET is necessary, the samples and discussions are understandable to even beginning Python developers.
An Introduction to ASP.NET MVC
Level: 200
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Abstract: This session will introduce you to Microsoft's new framework for developing web applications. ASP.NET MVC is Microsoft's implementation of the model-view-controller pattern on top of ASP.NET. The MVC pattern enforces things like separation of concerns, code reuse, easier maintainability and testability and reduced time to market. Some of the other benefits of ASP.NET MVC include cleaner URLs for search engines and users, complete control over generation of your HTML and easy jQuery integration.
Improving our Craft: A Discussion on Software Estimation
Level: 200
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Abstract: How are your software estimation skills? If your answer was "dude, I'm terrible at estimation", you're not alone. Being able to accurately estimate software is a skill every developer should have but research and statistics show it's a skill few actually possess. In this session, we'll talk about why we have so much trouble with this key skill and then discuss some strategies for improving our software estimation chops.
Silverlight 3 for Business Apps
Speaker: Jason Beres
Level: 200
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Abstract: Silverlight is arguably the biggest shift in web technologies in the last decade. But is Silverlight 3 ready for prime time business applications? In this code-focused talk, you will learn how platform features like navigation framework, RIA Services, visual states, animations, isolated storage, data templates and custom styles can give you to tools you need to bring your business applications to life with high-fidelity user experience and enhanced end-user productivity.
5 Easy things to be just a bit more Agile
Level: 200
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Abstract: We all want to be more agile. We want a process that helps us deliver awesome code, but need to drag the rest of IT and the business along with us. How do you stop the nightmare of yesteryear, and sneak agile into your shop, right under the noses of the waterfall guardian trolls? We have five ways to be more agile without officially changing your process, or getting fired.
Sensational Scripting: using jQuery in your ASP.NET Applications
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Abstract: JQuery aims to redefine the way we write JavaScript, and now with support built into Microsoft Visual Studio, you can more easily write client-side scripts than ever before. In this session, you will learn the basics of jQuery starting with downloading & installing jQuery. We’ll then move onto topics such as unobtrusive JavaScript, using jQuery wrapped sets and selectors, creating animations, and common scripting tasks.