Planet SCM

Just heard that Ray Ozzie will also be talking at Mix this year.  If you don't know, Ray Ozzie is Microsoft's Chief Architect - taking over after Bill Gates. I've followed Ray's career for a very long time - since the days of Lotus Notes (which he created) and Groove (which is still ahead of its time... even though Microsoft has done absolutely nothing with the product since they purchased it - which is sad).

I have to admit, Ray Ozzie isn't the most exciting presenter in the lineup - however, I think along with Guthrie, he'll be the most profound.  With the speakers that they have lined up - I truly hope Microsoft drops some huge news on our laps...something that will really blow us away and keep us excited.  

I've heard a lot of great things about MIX from other MS RD's who have gone in the past.  This year I decided I'm checking it out for myself.

http://visitmix.com/2008/default.aspx

The conference is from March 5-7 (which is perfect since it doesn't blow an entire week - or weekend for that matter) in Vegas at the Venetian.  There are a bunch of sessions that I'm going to try to attend - likely more than I'll have time for.  Will be interesting staying at the Venetian as well....

Cheers!

Just FYI - you can listen to me on DotNetRocks on September 12th talking all about Microsoft Team Foundation Server - whats coming.. some of my opinions and experiences.. all good.

September 12 also happens to be my birthday as well - double goodness!

www.dotnetrocks.com

Here is a link to a VSTS plugin that allows you to use CCNET with Team System.

http://vstsplugins.sourceforge.net/index.php/archives/news/2006/11

Want to store your SQL stuff in Team System's version control system?  On April 3rd you should be able to grab the TFS MSSCCI Provider. 

Buck tells all..

Remember, this tool won't be supported - so you should likely have a plan "B" kicking around somewhere.

http://scrumforteamsystem.com

It's simple.  It's Elegant.  It works!

Rock on Conchango - Rock on!!!!!!

At the same time you should likely read: Agile Project Management with Scrum

I admit it - I've been dead silent on the blog front for a very long time.  That doesn't mean that I've been up to no good - in fact, just the opposite.  I've been drowning in work - all Team System and Software Engineering Process Improvement stuff.  Good heaven - what an exciting life I must lead! (sarcasm alert)

First - if you are interested in how Team System helps manage projects - check out the Birds of a Feature (BOF) sessions at TechEd.  Mine is called "Managing Projects with Team System" - suspiciously this happens to be the title of the book I'm working on...http://www.microsoft.com/MSPress/books/8754.asp - Go figure!

Granted, the topic does sound a little boring - however, I want to provide an opportunity to go beyond the tools (tools are easy) - and explore ways you can use Team System to help you delivery software.  I don't want people to talk mumbo jumbo - agile this, agile that - CMMI this, CMMI that - cumulative flow diagrams everywhere - I want to talk real life.  I want to hear you discuss what its like to be a consulting company and use Team System, what its like to be a software vendor and use Team System - what its like to be a large systems integrator - and attempt to use Team System.   If you are interested, go and vote - select my session and go nuts.

The BOF is my last chance to contribute to TechEd - all seven of my proposed topics were killed by "the man" - and I have sooo much to talk about after working with customers for over a year now.. nuts hey?  I'm not bitter though... noooo.. not bitter at all.  I'm actually OK with that - because I'm speaking at www.DevTeach.com this year.  For those of you who don't know about DevTeach - hands down, its Canada's BEST geekfest in one of the WORLD's most beautiful cities - Montreal.  If you get the chance.. go to this event.  Its going to be great to spend some time in Canada speaking for once.  The organizers of this event finally have it right.  We don't get paid to present - we simply WANT to present at this event - that's how good it is.

The Process Template Editor seems to have been a fairly good success.  We have LOTS of additional features coming.  We also have another tool coming out very shortly that I'm sure you will find stunning and absolutely necessary.  Wait for it... I might be showing it off at TechEd...I have to keep it under wraps right now since the walls have ears - if you get what I'm saying...

If I don't get to host a BOF session at TechEd - would anyone be interested in meeting up for some bevies? - to talk shop of course...  Let me know.

 Winnipeg marked the last day of the Canadian Visual Studio.NET Launch Tour.  Besides it being a slightly colder than average day for this time a year in Winnipeg (yeah right), I think that today went well. 

Actually, there was one little thing that could have gone better – you see, about ¼ of the way through the ASP.NET/Smart Client session – the room started spinning and I truly felt like I was going to loose my cookies.  I kept on thinking to myself “Just keep your hands in your pocket – look at your shoes – nod – and you will be OK” – for those of you who have seen me present before – this must have come as a shocker.   Bristowe was talking in a fury about ASP.NET master pages as I slowly felt more and more like I was actually going to puke my guts out in front of 400 people.  Nice hey?  As I stand there eying the big bowl of ice water that was cooling our bottles of drinking water wondering if it would be acceptable to use it as a puke-pot – John starts asking me to explain some new IDE enhancements… oye – not good – concentration broken…I decided to sit out one of John’s demos to catch a breather.  I totally zoned out – (go to my happy place – breath) - and by the time John got to the Smart Client section I started to feel better.  My entire family is home sick with the flu this week – looks like I’m next in line.

Overall, the tour was a blast.  I met hundreds of developers, project managers, and architects.  Everyone I met was extremely enthusiastic and looking forward to the new adventures they will experience with Visual Studio 2005, SQL, and Team System.  Canada truly has a vibrant and talented pool of software developers and I’m extremely happy to have been part of this launch tour.  I’ve been a part of Microsoft Launch tours since Windows 95 and I have to admit that this one was one of the most exciting, most fun, and most organized.  Thanks to all of Microsoft Canada (especially John and Jerome – you guys rock) for allowing me to participate.  

Now, back to my second home – the UK -  for more Team System training. 

.. because you are about to get rocked!!!  The Visual Studio launch is hitting those cities on November 15th (Edmonton) and 17th (Victoria).  I've been zip zagging across this tiny planet (literally) for the past year and haven't spend much time in Canada.  Because of this I'm really stoked to say that I'm co-presenting along with the LEGENDARY John Bristowe who decided to take a ride on the wild side and go work for Microsoft Canada.   John has recently delivered the launch event in Toronto and Ottawa - and let me tell ya - the man is on fire!!!  I only guarantee two things.   You will learn - and you will be entertained!!!