Learn, Build, Grow...the future of BI

Three factors lead to better performance and personal satisfaction: autonomy, mastery, and purpose.

noreply@blogger.com (BI Joe) — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 06:08:00 +0000

BI used to mean something..., well done Elad Israeli

noreply@blogger.com (BI Joe) — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 18:34:00 +0000

Just Another Fool with a Tool
— Once, when Business Intelligence (BI) wasn't a multi-billion dollar industry, it was an idyllic concept which revolved around enabling an analytic approach to business decision making. That's what made me fall in love with BI over 10 years ago and what, in my view, gives the BI space its misty glow.
At the heart of the Business Intelligence concept lies the seemingly trivial ability to get answers to important questions. The CEO may ask the CFO how quarterly sales look compared to the previous year, and the online marketer may ask himself to which landing page they should direct new traffic for maximum conversions. To each of them, their question is equally important and has great impact on their course of action.

Visual Studio 2010 and .NET Framework 4 Training Kit

noreply@blogger.com (BI Joe) — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 06:14:00 +0000

The Visual Studio 2010 and .NET Framework 4 Training Kit includes presentations, hands-on labs, and demos. This content is designed to help you learn how to utilize the Visual Studio 2010 features and a variety of framework technologies including: Click me for Download

•C# 4
•Visual Basic 10
•F#
•Parallel Extensions
•Windows Communication Foundation
•Windows Workflow
•Windows Presentation Foundation
•ASP.NET 4
•Windows 7
•Entity Framework
•ADO.NET Data Services
•Managed Extensibility Framework
•Visual Studio Team System
This version of the Training Kit works with Visual Studio 2010 and .NET Framework 4.

SQL Server 2008 R2 Update for Developers Training Kit (January 2011 Update)

noreply@blogger.com (BI Joe) — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 06:04:00 +0000

This training kit is a great resource for developers, trainers, consultants and evangelists who need to understand SQL Server 2008 and SQL Server 2008 R2 improvements from a developer perspective. It contains a rich set of presentations, demos, hands-on labs and videos that are perfect for self-paced learning or for conducting your own training.

Overview

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The January 2011 update includes lots of great new content and several usability improvements. More details on what’s new are provided below.

The easiest way to get started with the training kit is to download it, install it, open default.htm and browse the kit for the content that you are most interested in. Many of the presentations and demos in the training kit include a video that you can watch to familiarize yourself with the content. When you are ready for some hands-on experience, try installing one of the demos or hands-on labs. Each of them includes a configuration wizard that simplifies installation.

New Content: Build Your First Microsoft BI Solution with SQL Server 2008 R2
This update includes a rich new set of content designed for developers who want to learn how to build their first Microsoft Business Intelligence solution with SQL Server 2008 R2. Microsoft BI solutions leverage your existing technology investments in .NET, SQL Server and Office to develop rich integrated reporting and analytics experiences that empower users to gain access to accurate, up-to-date information for better, more relevant decision making. This content is a complete training course that contains eleven units covering all the key aspects of Microsoft BI solution development. You can find it by navigating to the Getting Started - BI Developers page. Here is a summary of what’s included:
•31 presentations (PowerPoint slides, videos and transcripts included)
•27 demos (installer scripts, videos and transcripts included)
•12 hands on labs (installer scripts included)
Here is a breakdown of each unit and its associated content:
1.Build Your First Microsoft BI Solution with SQL Server 2008 R2
Presentation: Understanding Business Intelligence
Demo: Delivering Information to Decision Makers with a Microsoft BI Solution
Presentation: Introducing Microsoft BI Solution Development
Demo: Introducing the Microsoft BI Development Toolset

2.Introduction to BI Modeling Techniques
Presentation: Designing Data Models for Microsoft BI Solutions
Demo: Exploring a Sample Dimensional Data Model
Presentation: Designing Semantic Models for Microsoft BI Solutions
Demo: Creating a Data Model with the Microsoft Entity Framework
Hands On Lab: Your First Look at the SQL Server 2008 R2 Sample Databases
Hands On Lab: Building Your First Semantic Model with the ADO.NET Entity Framework

3.Introduction to SQL Server 2008 R2 Integration Services
Presentation: Introducing ETL Processing with SQL Server 2008 R2 Integration Services
Presentation: Implementing Control Flow in a SQL Server 2008 R2 Integration Services Package
Demo: Implementing Control Flow in a SQL Server 2008 R2 Integration Services Package
Presentation: Implementing Data Flow Tasks in a SQL Server 2008 R2 Integration Services Package
Presentation: Loading Fact and Dimension Tables in a SQL Server 2008 R2 Integration Services Package
Demo: Implementing Data Flow in a SQL Server 2008 R2 Integration Services Package
Hands On Lab: Building Your First Extract-Transform-Load Process with SQL Server 2008 R2 Integration Services

4.Introduction to SQL Server 2008 R2 Reporting Services
Presentation: Reporting Fundamentals with SQL Server 2008 R2 Reporting Services
Presentation: SQL Server 2008 R2 Reporting Services Report Design Basics
Demo: Developing a Simple SQL Server 2008 R2 Reporting Services Report with a Relational Data Source
Presentation: Adding interactivity to a SQL Server 2008 R2 Reporting Services Report
Demo: Adding Interactivity to a SQL Server 2008 R2 Reporting Services Report
Presentation: Extending SQL Server 2008 R2 Reporting Services Reports with Custom Logic
Hands On Lab: Building Your First Relational Report with SQL Server 2008 R2 Reporting Services

5.Publishing and Accessing SQL Server 2008 R2 Reporting Services Reports
Presentation: Publishing SQL Server 2008 R2 Reporting Services Reports
Demo: Publishing SQL Server 2008 R2 Reporting Services Reports
Presentation: Enabling Self-Service Reporting with SQL Server 2008 R2 Shared Components
Demo: Enabling Self-Service Reporting by Publishing SQL Server 2008 R2 Reporting Services Shared Components
Presentation: Accessing SQL Server 2008 R2 Reporting Services Reports Programmatically
Demo: Developing Embedded SQL Server 2008 R2 Reporting Services Applications
Hands On Lab: Building Your First Reporting Application with the Visual Studio 2010 ReportViewer Control

6.Introduction to SQL Server 2008 R2 Analysis Services
Presentation: Analysis Fundamentals with SQL Server 2008 R2 Analysis Services
Presentation: Understanding the Components of a SQL Server 2008 R2 Analysis Services Database
Demo: Developing a SQL Server 2008 R2 Analysis Services Database
Presentation: Introduction to SQL Server 2008 R2 Analysis Services Programming
Demo: Developing a Time Dimension with SQL Server 2008 R2 Analysis Services
Demo: Enhancing the End User Experience of a SQL Server 2008 R2 Analysis Services Cube
Hands On Lab: Building Your First Cube with SQL Server 2008 R2 Analysis Services

7.Introduction to SQL Server 2008 R2 Analysis Services Query Syntax
Presentation: Introduction to SQL Server 2008 R2 Analysis Services MDX
Presentation: Exploring SQL Server 2008 R2 Analysis Services MDX Query Techniques
Demo: Introducing SQL Server 2008 R2 Analysis Services MDX Query Development
Presentation: Exploring SQL Server 2008 R2 Analysis Services Cube Calculations
Demo: Enriching a SQL Server 2008 R2 Analysis Services Cube with Calculations
Hands On Lab: Building Your First Queries and Calculations with SQL Server 2008 R2 Analysis Services MDX

8.Accessing SQL Server 2008 R2 Analysis Services Data
Presentation: Developing SQL Server 2008 R2 Reporting Services Reports for Analysis Services
Demo: Developing a Simple SQL Server 2008 R2 Reporting Services Report with an Analysis Services Cube
Presentation: Using Excel 2010 as an Analysis Services Client
Demo: Creating an Excel 2010 PivotTable Using a SQL Server 2008 R2 Analysis Services Cube
Presentation: Using SharePoint 2010 Excel Services with Analysis Services Data
Demo: Publishing and Sharing SQL Server 2008 R2 Analysis Services Cube Data with SharePoint 2010 Excel Services
Hands On Lab: Building Your First Multidimensional Report with SQL Server 2008 R2 Reporting Services

9.Introduction to SharePoint 2010 PerformancePoint Services
Presentation: Performance Management Fundamentals with SharePoint 2010 PerformancePoint Services
Demo: Delivering an Interactive Performance Management Dashboard with SharePoint 2010 PerformancePoint Services
Presentation: Developing KPI's and Scorecards with SharePoint 2010 PerformancePoint Services
Demo: Developing KPIs and Scorecards with SharePoint 2010 PerformancePoint Services
Presentation: Developing Reports and Dashboards with SharePoint 2010 PerformancePoint Services
Demo: Developing Interactive Reports and Dashboards with SharePoint 2010 PerformancePoint Services
Hands On Lab: Building Your First Dashboard with SharePoint 2010 PerformancePoint Services

10.Introduction to Data Mining with SQL Server 2008 R2 Analysis Services
Presentation: Data Mining Fundamentals with SQL Server 2008 R2 Analysis Services
Demo: Developing Data Mining Models with SQL Server 2008 R2 Analysis Services
Presentation: Programming SQL Server 2008 R2 Analysis Services Data Mining
Demo: Embedding SQL Server 2008 R2 Analysis Services Data Mining in a Custom Application
Hands On Lab: Building Your First Data Mining Model with SQL Server 2008 R2 Analysis Services

11.Introduction to Self-Service Reporting and Analysis with SQL Server 2008 R2
Presentation: Self-Service Reporting Fundamentals with SQL Server 2008 R2
Demo: Self-Service Reporting with Report Builder 3.0
Presentation: Self-Service Analysis Fundamentals with SQL Server 2008 R2
Demo: Self-Service Analysis with SQL Server 2008 R2 PowerPivot for Excel 2010
Demo: Publishing and Sharing SQL Server 2008 R2 PowerPivot Workbooks with SharePoint 2010 Excel Services
Hands On Lab: Building and Sharing Your First Report Builder 3.0 Report
Hands On Lab: Building and Sharing Your First SQL Server 2008 R2 PowerPivot for Excel Workbook

Other Content
This update includes all of the content from the previous release. Here’s a quick summary of what is included:

•Getting Started Building Web Applications With SQL Server
This content is for web developers who are new to SQL Server and are just getting started building their first solution. You can find it by navigating to the Getting Started - Web Developers page.
•SQL Server 2008 R2 Update for Developers
This content provides a complete training course with six units covering all the key improvements in SQL Server 2008 R2, including StreamInsight and Data-tier applications. Integration with Office 2010 and SharePoint 2010 is also covered. You can find this content by navigating to the SQL Server 2008 R2 - Overview page.
•SQL Server 2008 Update for Developers
This content covers all the key improvements in SQL Server 2008, including new date and time data types, spatial data types, FILESTREAM, Transact-SQL improvements and support for .NET CLR assemblies. You can find it by navigating to the SQL Server 2008 - Overview page.

Usability Improvements
This update features several usability improvements that we hope will make it easier to navigate and use the training kit:

•The master configuration wizard no longer auto-starts and can be launched manually from the Prerequisites page if needed. This makes it easier to use individual demos or hands-on labs without having to install the prerequisites for the entire training kit.
•Remote SQL Server instances are now supported for many demos and hands on labs. Unfortunately we were not able to add support for remote SharePoint 2010 installations. This still requires manual intervention.
•We reworked the menu structure and content pages to improve navigation and discovery of content.
•We added a desktop shortcut to the main training kit page (default.htm).

Some Random Thoughts: PowerPivot tutorial videos

noreply@blogger.com (BI Joe) — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 17:14:00 +0000

Some Random Thoughts: PowerPivot tutorial videos: "Waking up early morning for a technical webinar is so not me (I really love to have my sleep in the morning!); but then I was very intereste..."

ISE 2011: Construction of Sharp "cube" in fast motion

noreply@blogger.com (BI Joe) — Sat, 12 Feb 2011 03:38:00 +0000

Microsoft Tops 2010 BI Survey -- Information Week | Enterprise Software -- InformationWeek

noreply@blogger.com (BI Joe) — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 14:36:00 +0000

Microsoft Tops 2010 BI Survey -- Information Week Enterprise Software -- InformationWeek

Microsoft® SQL Server® code-named 'Denali' - Community Technology Preview 1 (CTP1)

noreply@blogger.com (BI Joe) — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 19:03:00 +0000

Microsoft SQL Server code-named 'Denali' helps empower organizations to be more agile in today's competitive market through an enhanced mission critical platform, increased productivity for developers and IT professionals and pervasive insight.

What Steve Jobs Can Teach Us About Business Intelligence | Blogs | ITBusinessEdge.com

noreply@blogger.com (BI Joe) — Sat, 23 Oct 2010 02:14:00 +0000

What Steve Jobs Can Teach Us About Business Intelligence Blogs ITBusinessEdge.com

Physician smartphone use in US and EU - interesting findings:

noreply@blogger.com (BI Joe) — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 16:00:00 +0000

http://www.epghealthmedia.com/blog/post.cfm/smartphone-adoption-among-healthcare-professionals-and-the-implications-for-pharma-latest-report

Gartner's Magic Quadrant for Horizontal Portals

noreply@blogger.com (BI Joe) — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 16:37:00 +0000

Link to Gartner's Magic Quadrant for Horizontal Portals. Microsoft is ranked high with SharePoint 2010 ;-)

SharePoint Server 2010 performance and capacity test results and recommendations

noreply@blogger.com (BI Joe) — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 15:20:00 +0000

These white papers describe the performance and capacity impact of specific feature sets included in Microsoft SharePoint Server 2010.

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/en/details.aspx?FamilyID=fd1eac86-ad47-4865-9378-80040d08ac55

Windows 7 vs Ubuntu 10.04 | Analysis | Features | PC Pro

noreply@blogger.com (BI Joe) — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 15:20:00 +0000

Windows 7 vs Ubuntu 10.04 | Analysis | Features | PC Pro

Ubuntu 10.04 ROCKS!!! I highly recommend it over Windows 7 and the driver support is much better.

10/Gui Multi touch Operating System

noreply@blogger.com (BI Joe) — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 12:45:00 +0000

Microsoft Convergence 2010 in Atlanta

noreply@blogger.com (BI Joe) — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 04:28:00 +0000

http://www.microsoft.com/dynamics/convergence/atlanta10/default.aspx

SharePoint/Project/Visio 2010 RTM

noreply@blogger.com (BI Joe) — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 03:22:00 +0000

http://sharepoint.microsoft.com/businessproductivity/proof/pages/2010-launch-events.aspx#fbid=iYCuLh5FVsc

HIMSS 2010 Sprint 4G

noreply@blogger.com (BI Joe) — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 14:44:00 +0000

HIMSS 2o10 - Sprint 4G to change healthcare collaboration

Microsoft UX Gurus conversation - MS Phone design

noreply@blogger.com (BI Joe) — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 06:10:00 +0000

A Conversation with Bill Buxton and Albert Shum; Microsoft's UX Gurus

Gartner - 10 traits of Top performing websites

noreply@blogger.com (BI Joe) — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 06:03:00 +0000

Gartner: The 10 traits of top-performing websites (and how to replicate them)

Windows 7 in 7 Minutes! (Part 1 & 2)

noreply@blogger.com (BI Joe) — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 01:45:00 +0000

Interesting Short Videos on Windows 7 functionality- I recommend checking it out!

Get to know Windows 7, 7 minutes at a time! In this series of short, code-focused videos you’ll see how to take advantage of the great new [Business Decision Maker, Technical Decision Maker, Developer] features in Windows 7. Each video is under seven minutes long, so you can check out a new video in less time than it takes to check your mail or grab your morning cup of coffee!

Part 2

Clearing the Fog around Cloud Computing

noreply@blogger.com (BI Joe) — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 19:47:00 +0000

Interesting write-up on cloud computing written by Karen Foster.

Microsoft Business Intelligence Conference 2010

noreply@blogger.com (BI Joe) — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 07:41:00 +0000

Conference Registration

The conference will be held in New Orleans from June 7-10.

Pattie Maes and Pranav Mistry demo SixthSense

noreply@blogger.com (BI Joe) — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 17:25:00 +0000

This demo -- from Pattie Maes' lab at MIT, spearheaded by Pranav Mistry -- was the buzz of TED. It's a wearable device with a projector that paves the way for profound interaction with our environment. Imagine "Minority Report" and then some.

PowerPivot FAQ Site

noreply@blogger.com (BI Joe) — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 09:12:00 +0000

Everything (almost) that you could ever want to know about PowerPivot featured on this SharePoint Site

BI in Excel 2010

noreply@blogger.com (BI Joe) — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 09:10:00 +0000

The New BI features in Excel 2010