Ben Forta's Blog

Tom Jordahl Explains How He Figures Out CFML Arguments To Web Services

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 14:34:00 -0400

Yesterday I had to (once again) ping Tom Jordahl for help in figuring out exactly what to pass to a particular funky Web Service. And of course, Tom had the answer for me, as he always does. But this time he went a step further and blogged about Using WSDL2Java to figure out CFML arguments to a Web Service.

4 ColdFusion Webinars In July

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 14:21:00 -0400

We're hosting a new series of ColdFusion Webinars in July, 4 sessions in all of 4 different topics. ColdFusion Product Marketing Manager Kristen Schofield has posted details, and you can register online.

David Tucker Bought ColdFusion And Tells Why

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 10:30:00 -0400

David Tucker purchased a copy of ColdFusion for personal use with his own funds. He look at the alternatives, even free/cheap alternatives, and bought ColdFusion. And over on InsideRIA he tells why.

Joshua Rodgers Explains How To Embed LiveCycle Data Service 2.6 Into ColdFusion 8

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 07:30:00 -0400

ColdFusion 8 includes LiveCycle Data Services 2.5, and the instructions we've provided on getting CF to use the about-to-be-released LCDS 2.6 leave much to be desired. Joshua Rodgers has written a superb step-by-step post on getting this all working. [Via Ryan Stewart].

Bye Bye Microsoft WMV, Bye Bye Real, Hello Flash Video And Extra Views

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 07:19:00 -0400

I previously mentioned the BBC adopting AIR for widgets, but this little nugget in the paidContent story is worth highlighting: "In October [the BBC] signed a technology deal with Adobe to adopt its Flash [for video]... finally axing Microsoft's WMV and Real's video formats in favour of embedded [Flash] video, causing video views to double."

BBC Dumps Microsoft For Adobe AIR

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 05:41:00 -0400

The BBC has been using Microsoft technologies for widgets that are used by "hundreds of thousands of users". And they have just publicly stated that they have dumped the Microsoft solution for an Adobe AIR one. paidContent has posted details, too.

Help Fix Flex 3 Bugs And We'll Buy You Books

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 17:23:00 -0400

The Flex SDK is open source, and the community is encouraged to submit code and fix bugs. And as an extra incentive to contribute bug fixes, the Flex SDK team is offering to buy books from your Amazon.com wish list, a book for each 3 bugs fixed. Details posted online.

Flash Content Is Now Searchable

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 04:32:00 -0400

Adobe has announced new technologies that will allow SWF content to be indexed and searchable, not just text in the SWF, but also data generated programmatically and at runtime. Lots of good info in the SWF Searchability FAQ. Google is the first to leverage this new ability, and some great Google-centric context can be found on the Google Webmaster Central Blog entry entitled Improved Flash Indexing.

My New Pet Peeve - Required Toll Free Numbers

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 17:41:00 -0400

Toll free numbers are all about customer convenience, right? Maybe, but maybe not. Too many U.S. based companies neglect the fact that there is civilization outside of the U.S., locations from where U.S. toll free numbers cannot be called. When I was in Europe a few weeks ago I ran into this problem, and ended up having to call a co-worker in the U.S. and having him dial the toll free number and then conferencing me in. And today I ran in to the problem again! I am in London, and need to contact a financial institution but can't because they only provide a toll free number. And when I contacted them via a form on their web site, I received a message asking me to call - can you guess? - yep, their toll free number! And I've only run into this on occasion, and am guessing that those who actually live outside of the U.S. have to deal with this regularly. Toll free numbers are all about customer convenience, but they must be optional, and good old fashioned paid call numbers must always be provided, too! Grrrr!

Ray Camden To Lead MAX CF Unconference

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 17:31:00 -0400

What's an "unconference"? Imagine a technical conference without strict rules and timetables, a more free format, more interaction than sessions, lots of presenters discussing topics of their choosing, casual seating arrangements ... you get the idea. And MAX North America this year will host 4 Unconferences, including one on ColdFusion. And, Ray Camden has announced that he's leading the CF Unconference. ColdFusion has a major presence at MAX this year, which is a great reason for you to be there!

Hands On FlexCamp Scheduled In MI

Sun, 29 Jun 2008 18:04:00 -0400

The Michigan Flex User's Group will be hosting a FlexCamp in Lansing, Michigan, on the 30th and 31st of July. This FlexCamp is targeted at Flex and AIR beginners, and attendance is being limited to 150 people. And this is a hands-on conference - all sessions are designed to allow you to follow along on your laptop. Details posted online.

James Ward And James Governor To Present Enterprise Flex In London

Sun, 29 Jun 2008 10:40:00 -0400

RedMonk's James Governor has announced that he's tag-teaming with our own James Ward to present a "SAP Enterprisey Nanoconference" at Adobe's London office on July 11th.

ColdFusion Position In PA

Sat, 28 Jun 2008 19:09:00 -0400

Just the one this week:

Thomas Jefferson University (Philadelphia, PA) is looking for a senior ColdFusion developer. Requirements include strong design and layout skills. Flash/Flex skills and experience with Model-Glue preferred. Details posted by Luis Mathews on his blog.

ColdBox Training Now Being Offered

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 15:43:00 -0400

Luis Majano has announced that he has partnered with two other companies to offer ColdBox Platform Official Training Seminars - 16+ hours of intensive hands-on training.

LendingTree Selects ColdFusion Based Loan Pricing Technology

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 01:11:00 -0400

LendingTree is the number one online lending exchange, and LendingTree has just announced that they have selected LXE Software's LoanXEngine as a preferred technology solution for CRM and automated loan pricing for lenders participating in the LendingTree network. And LoanXEngine is all powered by ColdFusion 8. Thanks to Alan Johnson of LXE Software Inc. for bringing this one to my attention.