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 In This Issue
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LinkFrom the Board
LinkGetting Started with the Windows Presentation Foundation
LinkBoard Member Nominations
LinkDo More, Make a Greater Impact
LinkMSDN Developer Conference: Coming to a City Near You
LinkLego SeriousPlay WomenBuild Workshop
LinkThe Three New SDL Related Offerings
LinkBaking Security In Comics
LinkMicrosoft patterns & practices Monthly Learning Series
LinkTechEd 2009 Birds-of-a-Feather Sessions
LinkNominations Accepted for Speaker Bureau and the new Regional Speakers Bureau
LinkAnnouncing Regional Speaker Mentors
LinkUpcoming INETA Speaker Bureau Local Events
LinkGet in on the PhizzPop Online Challenge action!
LinkINETA Community Champions
LinkContact INETA
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 Sponsors
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Microsoft


Microsoft
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 From the Board
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As 2008 draws to a close I decided to take a moment to reflect back on the year that was. 2008 was an extremely exciting year with the release of major products like Visual Studio 2008, Windows Server 2008, SQL Server 2008. We received exciting updates like Silverlight 2 and the Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 Service Pack 1, and many previews of new technologies which certainly  fueled many heated discussions throughout the year.

The broad developer community has also had a very busy year with releases and updates with many open source projects and tools that are helping shape our industry. The contributions through code and thoughtful debate appears to be continuing to increase and help move our industry forward like never before.

2008 was also a very busy year for community events including Group meetings Code Camps, and special events. One of the highlights of the year was our launch of the INETA Community Champions Award to recognize those individuals that put in the huge amounts of time and effort to make these events happen, and help build local communities. The Champs program provides a highly visible way for us all to say thank you. If you're active as a user group leader, please be sure to check out INETA Community Champions.

I'm very much looking forward to 2009, and all that it will likely bring for the our community.

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 Newsletter in a Nutshell
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In this newsletter you will find multiple opportunities to become involved in the community.  Nominations, applications, open positions, everywhere you turn there are opportunities.  We encourage you to consider getting involved and giving back.  Make 2009 a fresh start.
 
If you are a speaker - or want to be come one - there are opportunities just for you outlined in this newsletter.  Even if you think you need help before you hit the national circuit, this is the perfect time to get involved.  Be sure to read all about speaker opportunities.
 
Plus, more winners, contests and free seminars annouced here!
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 Getting Started with the Windows Presentation Foundation
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When the .NET Framework 3.0 shipped with Windows Vista back in late 2006, one of the key features it introduced was the Windows Presentation Foundation (or WPF for short.) As a technology, WPF was quite ambitious, and managed to:

  • Decouple user interface appearance from behavior, enabling complete freedom of design
  • Enable developers and designers to work together simultaneously on projects, each using tools appropriate for their skills
  • Unify access to 2D, 3D, raster image, vector image, and high-quality rending from a single managed code API
  • Provide seamless deployment to Windows desktops via ClickOnce technologies
  • Seamlessly utilize GPUs for advanced graphics rendering

Even when these technologies were still quite new, developers and designers took them and built some amazing applications.  To get a sense of what they've done (and what's possible to do) on WPF, take a look at the case studies posted on http://www.microsoft.com/casestudies/search.aspx?ProTaxID=3206.

Since this time, Microsoft has released major updates to both WPF (.NET Framework 3.5 and .NET Framework 3.5 SP1) and the tools used to build WPF applications (Visual Studio and Expression Blend.) Also, several component vendors are now in market with libraries of controls for WPF - ComponentOne, IdentityMine, Infragistics, Telerik, and others all have strong offerings which greatly enhance WPF apps.

So, now that WPF has matured, you might be considering learning the skills needed to build your own applications thereon.  If you are, the good news is that we have some really great resources to get you started.  You can get going via:

  • WindowsClient.net - this is the official Microsoft community portal for WPF development, and is chock full of great resources such as the...
  • Learn WPF page - this page links to podcasts, labs, and the very popular "how do I?" videos
  • MIX University's WPF Bootcamp - this is a full 3-day video training course on WPF, in which expert instructors guide you from the surface into the depths of the technology stack

If you're building apps on WPF, we'd love to hear more about them (and might even be convinced to highlight your efforts in a future Windows Client column) - just contact us here and let us know. In the meantime, happy designing + developing!

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 Board Member Nominations
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In mid-January the nomination process for INETA North American Board (USA & Canada) positions will take place. Details on what positions are open and the associated responsibilities will be posted in the January 2009 newsletter and distributed to all INETA user group leaders. All nominations must come from an INETA user group leader. Pass the word along to anyone who might have an interest in running for a Board positon.
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 Do More, Make a Greater Impact
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My name is Steve Andrews, and I have a challenge for you this holiday season. In 2007 over 35.5 million people in the United States and Canada went hungry during the holidays. Given the current state of the world economy, this number is expected to be significantly higher in 2008.

To that end I am issuing this challenge:

For all user groups to hold a food drive as part of their meeting in December.

This is our opportunity as community leaders to improve the lives of our friends and neighbors during this holiday season and make a difference in the larger community, beyond our general attendance. It is also an opportunity to foster deeper pride and bonds in our individual communities through shared service.

In addition, I am coordinating with sponsors to provide swag and other services as rewards for participating. The rewards will be given based on donations relative to attendance, to be fair to all groups large and small.

For more information, please visit www.GeekFoodDrive.com.

"In this life we cannot do great things. We can only do small things with great love." - Mother Teresa

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 MSDN Developer Conference: Coming to a City Near You
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The nature of software development is radically changing ... Are you ready?

Attend the MSDN Developer Conference for a glimpse into the future of the Microsoft Application Platform. You will experience Microsoft's vision for Cloud Computing and building applications that seamlessly bridge the gaps between PC, Web, and phone. Be among the first to see the full range of advances in Windows 7, the next major version of the Windows client operating system. Sessions include the latest developments in .NET, Silverlight, Surface, Parallel Programming, Live Mesh, and more. 

Register and attend so you can stay current in an ever-competitive job market, enhance your engineering skills and gain access to the next generation of tools and technology. The cost to attend is just $99. And, did we mention that attendees will get some cool giveaways?

If you are a developer who enjoys diving deep into the Microsoft platform or you are responsible for the technical strategy of your organization, then the MSDN Developer Conference is for you. 

Don't miss this premier developer event coming to major cities. Check out http://www.MSDNDevCon.com  so you can attend the MDC coming to you!

When registering, please use RSVP Code: MDCINETA

Hope to see you at the MDC!!

Here's where you can find us:

Houston: 12/9/08
Orlando: 12/11/08
Atlanta: 12/16/08
Minneapolis: 1/13/09
Chicago: 1/13/09
Washington, DC: 1/16/09
New York: 1/20/09
Boston: 1/22/09
Detroit: 1/22/09
Dallas: 1/26/09
San Francisco: TBD
San Diego: TBD

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 Lego SeriousPlay WomenBuild Workshop
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Missed the WomenBuild workshop at PDC?
 
Come join the Lego SeriousPlay WomenBuild workshop at the MSDN Developer Conferences!
What is WomenBuild?
  • Designed to address how do we attract and grow Women in Technology through creative out-of-the- box thinking.
  • A place to brainstorm solutions on how we can make technology and a career in technology more accessible to women.
  • Combines personal interaction and networking with the use of LEGO® Bricks as a conceptual modeling tool, part of the LEGO® Serious Play Program (LSP).
  • A great way to build bridges to solutions with a passionate and creative community of people who care to "pay it forward".

Both men and women are welcome to attend this Lego Serious Play workshop, networking oasis and multimedia presentation held at the MSDN Developer Conference.

Actions

  • Register for WomenBuild via MDC using this code: MDCWIT. $99
  • Join WomenBuild Facebook group to discuss diversity in this industry & what we can do to improve it at Microsoft. Now up to 85 members and growing!
  • Watch the Laura Foy video on 10 and find out what WomenBuild is all about!
  • Blog away and share the external links widely
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 The Three New SDL Related Offerings
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Are you ready to develop more secure applications?

Security is most effective when it is 'baked in' from the start-for the past several years the Security Development Lifecycle (SDL), the industry-leading security assurance process, has been continually improving the built-in security of Microsoft flagship products, including Windows Vista, SQL Server, and Microsoft Office.

The SDL empowers developers to create more secure applications through education, defined methodology, and tools. You can leverage the same process in your organization. As part of its commitment to fostering a trustworthy computing ecosystem, Microsoft released three new SDL offerings to make the SDL more accessible to any developer:

Self-assess your current state of application security and create a strategy and road map to progressively attain measurable security improvements with the Microsoft SDL Optimization Model.

Identify and mitigate potential security issues early, when they are relatively easy and cost-effective to resolve, with the Microsoft SDL Threat Modeling Tool.

Need some help getting started with the SDL? The Microsoft SDL Pro Network, a group of nine consultants and trainers who specialize in application security, will help you implement the SDL in your environment.

Learn more about the SDL and download the tools on Microsoft.com/sdl

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 Baking Security In Comics
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Discover Heroes of the Virtual World in The Amazing Adventures of Kevlarr and the SDL.

Contoso is under attack. Villains from the Legion of Malware are tearing down the newly constructed walls of an application in development-threatening the company's security and success. Can one man stop the destruction and save the project in time?

Follow weekly the quest of Kevlarr, an ordinary developer, as he learns to find his inner super powers to build and protect a more fortified application and learn about the Security Development Lifecycle (SDL), the industry-leading security assurance process created by Microsoft.

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 Microsoft patterns & practices Monthly Learning Series
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The Microsoft patterns & practices (p&p) team is responsible for delivering applied engineering guidance that helps software architects, developers, and their teams take full advantage of Microsoft's platform technologies in their custom application development efforts. p&p releases include Enterprise Library, Composite Application Guidance, ESB guidance and more. Starting January, we will be hosting a monthly technical sessions with p&p over live meeting. The topics will cover one of many p&p deliverables. This monthly event will take place the 3rd Wednesday of every month at 10AM PST. Any changes to this schedule and topic of the month's discussion will be announced in the newsletter. For January's session, p&p team will be presenting their recently released SharePoint Guidance. ( http://www.microsoft.com/spg).
 
Please watch out for live meeting links and speaker information in the next newsletter. In the meantime, if you have suggestion for topics, please let us know!
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 TechEd 2009 Birds-of-a-Feather Sessions
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The always popular Birds-of-a-Feather (BOF) sessions will be held again at TechEd 2009 in Los Angeles, May 11-15, 2009. Details on topic submission and voting will be provided in the January 2009 INETA Newsletter. BOF sessions are community moderated discussions on any technology topics. Put your thinking caps on and get ready to submit topics that you would like to moderate!

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 Nominations Accepted for Speaker Bureau and the new Regional Speakers Bureau
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In an effort to meet user group demands and speaker requests, applications are now being accepted for the INETA NORAM Speakers Bureau until Midnight CST, Dec 28th, 2008. Simply fill out the form located here:

http://www.ineta.org/newsletters/INETA%20Speaker%20Candidate%20Form%202007.doc

Email it and any questions to:   noram.speakers@ineta.org

Since only a select amount of new speakers can be added, don't get discouraged. You will also be considered for the new INETA NORAM Regional Speakers Bureau - see details below.

On December 31st, 2008, the new speakers to join the elite ranks of the INETA NORAM Speakers Bureau will be announced.

Not ready for the big time NORAM INETA Speakers Bureau?

Dont fret, applications are now being accepted for the new INETA NORAM Regional Speakers Bureau. Simply fill out the form located here:  http://www.ineta.org/newsletters/INETA%20Speaker%20Candidate%20Form%202007.doc

Email your application and any questions to:  noram.speakers@ineta.org

You will be informed as the selection process progresses.

David Walker
VP of Speakers Bureau, INETA NorAm
david.walker@ineta.org
Tulsa Developers .NET
INETA - The Face of .NET

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 Announcing Regional Speaker Mentors
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Applications are now being accepted for the INETA NORAM Regional Speaker Mentors.
The responsibilities will be to help existing and new speakers in your region, help maintain the policies and procedures, speaker selection process, etc.

Simply email noram.speakers@ineta.org with your interest in the position and the reasons you would be the best candidate. We will then select 1 for each of the 26 current NORAM regions.

Thanks,
David Walker
VP INETA Speakers Bureau
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 Upcoming INETA Speaker Bureau Local Events
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Fort Smith .NET User GroupFort SmithARKate Gregory12/08/08
Orlando .NET User GroupOrlandoFLMark Dunn12/08/08
Central Florida .NET User GroupLakelandFLMark Dunn12/09/08
Northwest Arkansas .NET User Group (NWADNUG)FayettevilleARKate Gregory12/09/08
Baton Rouge .Net User GroupBaton RougeLAKate Gregory12/10/08
Bellingham.NETBellinghamWAPhil Weber12/10/08
Space Coast Dot Net User GroupMelbourneFLMark Dunn12/10/08
Capital Area .NET Users GroupViennaVAJulie Lerman12/16/08
San Diego .NET User Group Connected SystemsSan DiegoCAJuval Lowy12/17/08
New England SQL Server Users GroupWalthamMARichard Hale Shaw01/08/09
Cleveland .NET Special Interest GroupClevelandOHKathleen Dollard01/13/09
GatorMUGGainesvilleFLJohn Papa01/15/09
Nashville Visual Studio .NET User GroupNashvilleTNSam Gentile01/15/09
Tallahassee SharePoint Experts Exchange for Developers (SPEED)TallahasseeFLTodd Bleeker01/20/09
Philly .NET User GroupDresherPAJulie Lerman01/21/09
Florida .NET - West Palm BeachWest Palm BeachFLJohn Papa01/22/09
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 Get in on the PhizzPop Online Challenge action!
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Web Developers and Designers from across the U.S. and around the world are having their skills put to the test as they compete in four successive challenges of increasing complexity. Faced with a problem statement, you will combine your creative genius with the provided challenge-specific (free) training materials to create a solution that solves the posed issue. You have the opportunity to win valuable prizes and receive bragging rights by winning either the judged or people's choice categories - or both!

Don't delay! Get in on the action by visiting PhizzPop Online for creative inspiration, challenge specific training, and instant exposure of your solution through the PhizzPop Gallery. Let loose your creativity and show the world your design and development know-how!

What is the PhizzPop Design Challenge? The PhizzPop Design Challenge is a web design and development competition. It is comprised of the PhizzPop Tour, a set of in-person agency challenges; and PhizzPop Online, a set of four online challenges targeting web professionals. For more information, visit www.phizzpop.com.
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 INETA Community Champions
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INETA Community Champions Q4 2008 Submissions

Selections for the Q4 2008 Community Champions Award are coming up soon, so be sure to enter your activities and have a chance at being recognized for your contributions to the user group community. The deadline is December 31, 2008 and covers your activities between January 1, 2008 and December 31, 2008, meaning you can submit everything you have done for your user group community during this time period. If you are among the 10 most active contributors, you will be awarded as an INETA Community Champion for this quarter.  So go ahead, log on toCommunity Championand submit your activities today using the new Silverlight based UI!

Also, each month we pick someone at random, from those who have entered submissions, to win a $50 gift check.  We are pleased to announce that the November 2008 Champs Participant of the Month goes to Mitchel Sellers. Congratulations Mitchel and thanks for supporting the developers in your community!

 

Now Accepting INETA Community Excellence Award Nominations

The Community Excellence Awards are given to those who have made a significant and prolonged impact within the developer community. These lifetime awards are presented semi-annually and use a nomination process to select the key individuals who represent the true spirit of community leadership and vision that INETA strives to represent and support. Tell us who you believe should be awarded this special honor and then enlist the participation of two people to endorse your nomination. The nomination requests will be reviewed by a selection committee consisting of past winners, Microsoft representatives and INETA board members. Nominations for the current award cycle will be accepted from now thru December 31, 2008. Log in to view past recipients, learn more, and submit your nomination by going to the Community Excellence Awards section of the INETA web site.

Please contact us with any comments and feedback.
INETA Community Champion Team
noram.champs@ineta.org

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 Contacting INETA North America
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noram.communityactivities@ineta.org The community activities team which coordinates all events and program with the community like launch events, user group leaders summits, etc.
noram.marketing@ineta.org The marketing team responsible for all external correspondence like this newsletter and emails to user group leaders.
noram.membership@ineta.org The membership team responsible for membership applications and member relations.
noram.president@ineta.org Any ideas, concerns, praise, etc. you want to send or if you do not get a response from another email address.
noram.speakers@ineta.org The speakers team responsible for scheduling and coordinating INETA expert speakers.
noram.sponsorship@ineta.org The sponsorship team responsible for acquiring and maintaining sponsors.
noram.technology@ineta.org The technology team responsible for infrastructure and email.
noram.volunteers@ineta.org Inquiries about becoming an INETA NorAm volunteer.
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Archived newsletters are available on the INETA website at www.ineta.org/newsletters.
Copyright 2008 by INETA
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