http://blogs.devsource.com/msdev/?kc=rss en Copyright 2010 Thu, 21 Jan 2010 11:29:21 -0500 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/ http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss What Will Oracle Do with Java and the JCP? http://www.devsource.com/c/a/Architecture/What-Will-Oracle-Do-with-Java-and-the-JCP/ Oracle's acquisition of Sun Microsystems is expected to be approved any day now, but the question many asked when the database giant initially announced its acquisition plans in April 2009 remains: What will happen to Java? McObject Makes Play for Java Developers with New Interface http://www.devsource.com/c/a/Architecture/McObject-Makes-Play-for-Java-Developers-with-New-Interface/ Embedded database vendor McObject announces the availability of the Java Native Interface for ExtremeDB in a nod to the Java community. Amazon Announces Kindle Development Kit http://www.devsource.com/c/a/Architecture/Amazon-Announces-Kindle-Development-Kit/ Amazon announces a software development kit (SDK) for developers to create applications and content for its Kindle e-reader platform. Microsoft Bing Maps Silverlight Is No Longer Beta http://www.devsource.com/c/a/Architecture/Microsoft-Bing-Maps-Silverlight-Is-No-Longer-Beta/ Microsoft announces that the Bing Maps Silverlight site is no longer being beta tested and has gained two new features: Local Events, which displays the day's happenings on a map of a particular area, and Destination Maps, which can render a selected portion of a map in a variety of fanciful styles with names such as Treasure Map. Microsoft Readies SQL Server 2008 R2 for May Release http://www.devsource.com/c/a/Architecture/Microsoft-Readies-SQL-Server-2008-R2-for-May-Release/ Microsoft plans to release SQL Server 2008 R2, currently in the CTP phase, by May. ]]> http://blogs.devsource.com/msdev/content/newsletters/the_future_of_java.html?kc=rss http://blogs.devsource.com/msdev/content/newsletters/the_future_of_java.html?kc=rss Newsletters Thu, 21 Jan 2010 11:29:21 -0500 Today's guest blogger is eWEEK's Nicholas Kolakowski. Nick is a big name in the writing business and has written for such publications as The Washington Post and WebMD. --Jeff
Microsoft and Intuit are planning to integrate the capabilities of their cloud services platforms, giving developers the chance to develop applications for small and midsize businesses that use QuickBooks financial software. Customers would be able to access the applications via the cloud-based Intuit App Center. Intuit has named Windows Azure the "preferred platform" for SMB cloud-based application development on the Intuit Partner Platform, in theory giving Intuit's developer community access to a variety of Microsoft-built tools. The beta of the Windows Azure SDK (software development kit) for Intuit Partner Platform is available for downloading from this site. The SDK will be offered to developers for free. "By combining the pooled technology assets of our developer communities," Walid Abu-Hadba, Microsoft corporate vice president of the Developer & Platform Evangelism organization, said in a Jan. 21 statement, "we stand to produce an outpouring of new applications to help small businesses enhance their competitive edge." Later in 2010, Microsoft also plans to sell a variety of online services, including Exchange Online, SharePoint Online, Office Live Meeting and Office Communications Online, through the Intuit App Center. "The Intuit App Center is a huge breakthrough," Bill Lucchini, vice president and general manager of Intuit's Platform as a Service Group, said in a Jan. 21 statement. "Now, Microsoft developers can enhance their businesses with access to the small business channel, the Intuit App Center will get stronger and small businesses will reap the rewards of all this innovation." Microsoft has been experimenting with cloud-computing platforms aimed at a variety of different audiences, although the full results of those efforts may not be known for several years. One of the mainstays of this effort, Windows Azure, consists of three parts: Windows Azure, an operating system as a service; SQL Azure, a cloud-based relational database; and .NET Services, which provide both secure connectivity and federated access control for applications. Jan. 1 marked the full switch-on of the Azure cloud platform for enterprises. By February 2010, users will have to pay for Azure's services via a pay-as-you go model, a subscription format or volume licensing. ]]> http://blogs.devsource.com/msdev/content/general_development/microsoft_intuit_partner_for_cloud-based_apps.html?kc=rss http://blogs.devsource.com/msdev/content/general_development/microsoft_intuit_partner_for_cloud-based_apps.html?kc=rss General Development Thu, 21 Jan 2010 11:03:34 -0500 Editor's Note: This blog entry is written by guest blogger and eWEEK writer Darryl Taft. The Apache Software Foundation (ASF) has announced that the Apache Pivot Java-based rich Internet application [RIA] project has reached Top-Level Project (TLP) status. When an Apache project graduates to TLP status that means the effort has reached a level of maturity and stability under the ASF's meritocratic process and principles. In addition to the TLP news on January 19, ASF also announced the release of Apache Pivot 1.4, the fourth update since joining the Apache Incubator in January 2009. Apache Pivot is a platform for building rich Internet applications (RIAs) in Java. It combines the enhanced productivity and usability features of a modern RIA toolkit with the ubiquity and standards compliance of the Java platform. Pivot provides a foundation for sophisticated and engaging applications to be built and deployed over the Web. Because Pivot applications are written in Java, they can take full advantage of the features and industry support of the Java platform. "Users have much higher expectations for Web applications now than they did 10 years ago," said Greg Brown, chair of the Apache Pivot Project Management Committee (PMC) and principal consultant at Cantina Consulting. "This is why we're seeing tools like Flex and Silverlight beginning to gain traction; however, both of these require developers who are otherwise happy using Java to switch technologies. Pivot is an attempt to create a modern, rich client development platform in Java." Pivot provides a comprehensive set of standard user interface elements ranging from simple buttons to editable tree and table controls, ASF officials said. It also includes a number of features that simplify development of modern GUI applications, including an X M L markup language for declaring the structure of a user interface, data binding, animated effects and transitions, and Web services integration. "I've tried the demos and I was stunned," said Pivot user Trelieux Einagen, in a statement. "The framework uses easy to understand markup for the applet front end while at the same time taking advantage of the power of Java for business logic and server side processing...I think the Java community in general is fortunate enough to have those guys at Pivot stand up and build something that can actually compete right now with the likes of Flash/Flex and Microsoft Silverlight/WPF without losing your sanity." Another Pivot user, Scott Lanham, said, "The current default theme has a nice clean look and feel... I am impressed with the good selection of widgets. They appear to cover just about every need of an application... Well done with Pivot!" And N. Forbes, a Java developer and Pivot user, said in a statement, "Thank you guys with coming up with Pivot. Java really, really needs a smooth, coherent RIA next-generation framework to 'seriously' compete with the likes of Flex and Silverlight/WPF... I saw someone comment on the Pivot Framework that it leverages existing Java skills to make the transition to the framework as seamless as possible. I looked at the source code and screamed out in joy: you guys may actually end up bailing out the Java RIA from pure academic obscurity and back into the more popular sphere of mind." Apache Pivot 1.4 is released under the Apache Software License v2.0 and can be downloaded at http://pivot.apache.org/. ]]> http://blogs.devsource.com/msdev/content/general_development/apache_pivot_java_ria_platform_advances.html?kc=rss http://blogs.devsource.com/msdev/content/general_development/apache_pivot_java_ria_platform_advances.html?kc=rss General Development Wed, 20 Jan 2010 10:50:38 -0500 ATT Reaches Out to Developers http://www.devsource.com/c/a/Architecture/ATT-Reaches-Out-to-Developers/ At its AT&T Developer Summit, AT&T announced a slew of initiatives aimed at increasing its penetration in the mobile phone space, including supporting multiple application stores. Meanwhile, AT&T's new partnership with WaveMarket is aimed at helping developers build location-aware applications for all major operating systems. What's Behind Microsoft's SVG Standards Move? http://www.devsource.com/c/a/Architecture/Whats-Behind-Microsofts-SVG-Standards-Move/ Microsoft plans to join the World Wide Web Consortium's (W3C) Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG) Working Group to help push the SVG specification forward, a move welcomed by many in the community and questioned by others. Online Job Openings Rise for Technology in December http://www.devsource.com/c/a/Architecture/Online-Job-Openings-Rise-for-Technology-in-December/ The second half of 2009 saw growth in online job vacancies. Health care and technology jobs led the pack in job opportunities, but the opportunity numbers for 2009 are still down significantly from 2008 and 2007. Microsoft Previews Tool to Ease Migration from MySQL to SQL Server http://www.devsource.com/c/a/Architecture/Microsoft-Previews-Tool-to-Ease-Migration-from-MySQL-to-SQL-Server/ Microsoft has released a new preview version of a tool that enables users of the MySQL database to migrate to Microsoft's SQL Server. Developers Will Focus on Hybrid Cloud in 2010, Survey Says http://www.devsource.com/c/a/Architecture/Developers-Will-Focus-on-Hybrid-Cloud-in-2010-Survey-Says/ More than 60 percent of IT shops polled plan to adopt a hybrid cloud model over the coming year, according to survey of application developers by Evans Data. ]]> http://blogs.devsource.com/msdev/content/newsletters/increases_in_jobs.html?kc=rss http://blogs.devsource.com/msdev/content/newsletters/increases_in_jobs.html?kc=rss Newsletters Thu, 14 Jan 2010 11:27:59 -0500 Google Nexus One to Be Supported by Verizon, Vodafone http://www.devsource.com/c/a/Architecture/Google-Nexus-One-to-Be-Supported-by-Verizon-Vodafone/ Google unveils its Nexus One smartphone, demonstrating many of its features during a press event and opening a Web store to sell the device unlocked to consumers who wish to purchase it online. 10 Google Nexus One Features You Need to Know http://www.devsource.com/c/a/Architecture/10-Google-Nexus-One-Features-You-Need-to-Know/ News Analysis: All the advance news, rumors and blogs gave some people hope that Google's Nexus One smartphone would break enough new technological ground to seriously challenge the iPhone. But a day after the Nexus One introduction, appears the device is less than revolutionary. 10 Reasons Why App Store Will Keep Apple Dominant in 2010 http://www.devsource.com/c/a/Architecture/10-Reasons-Why-App-Store-Will-Keep-Apple-Dominant-in-2010/ News Analysis: Apple's App Store is now solidly established as one of the most important services this hardware company offers. As 2010 progresses, it will likely be the cornerstone for Apple's dominance. Understaffed Tech Teams to Get Contract Help http://www.devsource.com/c/a/Architecture/Understaffed-Tech-Teams-to-Get-Contract-Help/ Expect 2010 to be a good year for technology contractors, consultants and outsourcing companies. Over 40 percent of CIOs in a Robert Half Technology survey say their departments are understaffed. MySpace Launches Developer Challenge http://www.devsource.com/c/a/Architecture/MySpace-Launches-Developer-Challenge/ MySpace launches a developer contest to find new developers to write compelling applications on the MySpace social networking platform. ]]> http://blogs.devsource.com/msdev/content/newsletters/a_bright_year_ahead.html?kc=rss http://blogs.devsource.com/msdev/content/newsletters/a_bright_year_ahead.html?kc=rss Newsletters Wed, 06 Jan 2010 11:25:17 -0500 Novell Launches Moonlight 2.0 http://www.devsource.com/c/a/Architecture/Novell-Launches-Moonlight-20/ The Mono Project, an open-source initiative sponsored by Novell, has announced the release of Moonlight 2, an open-source Linux implementation of Microsoft's Silverlight cross-platform browser plug-in and rich Internet application platform. Microsoft Posts Moonlight Patent Covenant http://www.devsource.com/c/a/Architecture/Microsoft-Posts-Moonlight-Patent-Covenant/ Microsoft publishes the patent covenant that will cover third-party distributions of Moonlight, the open-source implementation of Microsoft's Silverlight rich Internet application platform that runs on Linux. Glide OS for Internet Explorer Launches http://www.devsource.com/c/a/Architecture/Glide-OS-for-Internet-Explorer-Launches/ TransMedia's Glide browser operating system for Microsoft Internet Explorer is now available for download. WISE Opens Eyes http://www.devsource.com/c/a/Architecture/WISE-Opens-Eyes/ NASA's recently launched Wide-Field Infrared Survey Explorer drops its lens cover and soon will be open for business. The mission's "first-light" images of the sky will be released to the public in about a month, after the telescope has been fully calibrated. Intel to Release Core i3, i5, i7 PC Chips at CES http://www.devsource.com/c/a/Architecture/Intel-to-Release-Core-i3-i5-i7-PC-Chips-at-CES/ Intel will use CES in Las Vegas next month to launch its first 32-nm Core i3 and i5 processors, as well as new i7 chips. The dual-core desktop and notebook processors will offer a host of features, including Turbo Boost, hyper-threading, integrated graphics and on-chip memory controllers. ]]> http://blogs.devsource.com/msdev/content/newsletters/moonlight_20.html?kc=rss http://blogs.devsource.com/msdev/content/newsletters/moonlight_20.html?kc=rss Newsletters Wed, 30 Dec 2009 11:20:56 -0500 iPhone App Developer Tapulous Sees Big Success http://www.devsource.com/c/a/Architecture/iPhone-App-Developer-Tapulous-Sees-Big-Success/ iPhone app developer Tapulous says its sales have approached $1 million a month, providing fresh evidence of the growing success of start-ups designing programs for Apple's smartphone. Engine Yard Adds to Ruby on Rails Network http://www.devsource.com/c/a/Architecture/Engine-Yard-Adds-to-Ruby-on-Rails-Network/ Engine Yard, a provider of Ruby on Rails automation and management technologies, today announced that more than 50 companies have joined the Engine Yard Partner Network in its first 50 days, including Premier members, Hashrocket and Pivotal Labs. Microsoft to Delay Launch of Visual Studio 2010 http://www.devsource.com/c/a/Architecture/Microsoft-to-Delay-Launch-of-Visual-Studio-2010/ Microsoft has decided to push back the launch of Visual Studio 2010 to take more time to address performance issues reported by testers in in Betas 1 and 2. Microsoft plans to deliver another interim release of the technology. Intel Introduces New Atom Chip Platform http://www.devsource.com/c/a/Architecture/Intel-Introduces-New-Atom-Chip-Platform/ Intel is unveiling its next-generation Atom chip platform, which includes integrated graphics capabilities and an on-board memory controller, changes that Intel says will improve the Atom platform's performance, size and energy efficiency. As part of the platform, Intel is rolling out two CPUs aimed at the entry-level desktop space, as well as another one designed for netbooks. Palm Releases Beta of Ares Mobile Development Platform http://www.devsource.com/c/a/Architecture/Palm-Releases-Beta-of-Ares-Mobile-Development-Platform/ Palm announces the public beta availability of Project Ares, which the company says is the first complete set of integrated mobile development tools hosted entirely in the browser. ]]> http://blogs.devsource.com/msdev/content/newsletters/success_with_mobile_apps.html?kc=rss http://blogs.devsource.com/msdev/content/newsletters/success_with_mobile_apps.html?kc=rss Newsletters Wed, 23 Dec 2009 11:16:43 -0500 Intel Launches Atom SDK Beta for Netbook App Developers http://www.devsource.com/c/a/Architecture/Intel-Launches-Atom-SDK-Beta-for-Netbook-App-Developers/ Intel has launched a beta version of the Intel Atom Developer Program Software Development Kit (SDK) for the Microsoft Windows and Linux-based Moblin operating systems. Microsoft AJAX CDN Supports SSL http://www.devsource.com/c/a/Architecture/Microsoft-AJAX-CDN-Supports-SSL/ Microsoft has announced that the Microsoft AJAX Content Delivery Network (CDN) service now has Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) support. Ruby on Rails 2.3.5 Hits Streets http://www.devsource.com/c/a/Using-VS/Ruby-on-Rails-235-Hits-Streets/ The Ruby on Rails community releases Rails 2.3.5. Version 2.3.5 of the Ruby on Rails Web development framework features improved support for Ruby 1.9 and more. Google Announces Android Developer Challenge 2 Winners http://www.devsource.com/c/a/Architecture/Google-Announces-Android-Developer-Challenge-2-Winners/ Google has announced the winners of the Android Developer Challenge (ADC) 2, including overall winners that consist of an application to help smartphone users sleep better, an online multiplayer game and a mobile security solution. Ruby on Rails Available for Windows Azure http://www.devsource.com/c/a/Architecture/Ruby-on-Rails-Available-for-Windows-Azure/ Microsoft announced that its Azure cloud platform supports Ruby on Rails. ]]> http://blogs.devsource.com/msdev/content/general_development/intel_atom_sdk.html?kc=rss http://blogs.devsource.com/msdev/content/general_development/intel_atom_sdk.html?kc=rss General Development Wed, 02 Dec 2009 11:09:24 -0500 Check it out here.]]> http://blogs.devsource.com/msdev/content/general_development/byte_magazine_cover_artist.html?kc=rss http://blogs.devsource.com/msdev/content/general_development/byte_magazine_cover_artist.html?kc=rss General Development Wed, 02 Sep 2009 08:53:10 -0500 Introducing the First Silverlight Powered .NET CMS ]]> http://blogs.devsource.com/msdev/content/silverlight/interesting_silverlight_project_cms.html?kc=rss http://blogs.devsource.com/msdev/content/silverlight/interesting_silverlight_project_cms.html?kc=rss Silverlight Mon, 17 Aug 2009 09:41:48 -0500 Quick Tip - Convert VB.NET to C# or C# to VB.NET]]> http://blogs.devsource.com/msdev/content/net_and_other_apps/convert_between_c_and_vbnet.html?kc=rss http://blogs.devsource.com/msdev/content/net_and_other_apps/convert_between_c_and_vbnet.html?kc=rss .NET and Other Apps Mon, 17 Aug 2009 09:36:25 -0500 Designing Highly Useable Software (Yes, the publisher spelled it Useable, not Usable. Their decision. Oh well.) Today I received a review copy of this new book by Harold Hambrose. I'll be reading it and writing a review of it soon. So far it looks great. You might want to check it out: Wrench in the System: What's Sabotaging Your Business Software and How You Can Release the Power to Innovate (Hardcover) ]]> http://blogs.devsource.com/msdev/content/general_development/building_solid_software.html?kc=rss http://blogs.devsource.com/msdev/content/general_development/building_solid_software.html?kc=rss General Development Fri, 14 Aug 2009 10:39:28 -0500 John Liao's blog; he has lots of good resources and examples. And for learning F#, this book looks pretty good (although I'm just guessing -- I haven't read it yet): Expert F# by Don Syme.]]> http://blogs.devsource.com/msdev/content/silverlight/how_about_f_and_silveright.html?kc=rss http://blogs.devsource.com/msdev/content/silverlight/how_about_f_and_silveright.html?kc=rss Silverlight Wed, 25 Mar 2009 09:35:44 -0500 hope you're not playing Freecell you're driving!); rather, we're talking about things like launching an email program. For me, it's often a matter of while I'm sitting a traffic light (really, I swear), I'll grab the phone and click the button to start checking the email. Then when I'm at the next traffic light (really!), I'll glance at the phone and see if I have new mail. Here's what this means for software:

• Make sure the buttons on the screen are BIG and clickable with my finger. Don't make me yank out the stylus. This is also true when I'm on a call and need to quickly switch to a different application, such as the contacts app, to give information to the person I'm talking to.
• Make the text big enough that I can glance at it. Or better yet, let me control how big the text is.
• If possible, include voice support.
• Make the application thread and process friendly. In other words, make it easy to switch between other applications, especially the phone app.

These are just a couple quick thoughts. I'll think of more, I'm sure. What do you think? ]]> http://blogs.devsource.com/msdev/content/windows_mobile/thoughts_on_developing_for_windows_mobile.html?kc=rss http://blogs.devsource.com/msdev/content/windows_mobile/thoughts_on_developing_for_windows_mobile.html?kc=rss Application Architecture Usability Windows Mobile Mon, 23 Mar 2009 10:35:46 -0500 Learn about the cool new Windows Mobile 6.5 mobile platform! Hear about the new UI, the 6.5 emulator and other SDK tools, and Web enhancements in Internet Explorer Mobile including support for the W3C Mobile Widget Packaging and Configuration standard. Also see a demo of the new Windows Mobile 6.5 User Interface and productivity enhancements. Find the video here: http://videos.visitmix.com/MIX09/T61F ]]> http://blogs.devsource.com/msdev/content/windows_mobile/windows_mobile_65_overview.html?kc=rss http://blogs.devsource.com/msdev/content/windows_mobile/windows_mobile_65_overview.html?kc=rss Windows Mobile Mon, 23 Mar 2009 10:08:06 -0500