Sessions

(October 18, 2008)

Introduction to Castle ActiveRecord, or Stop Writing CRUD! Speaker: Michael Eaton Level: 200 Slides/Samples: Abstract: Nobody likes writing CRUD. After writing an obscene number of methods and stored procedures you are left with a mountain of repetitive,error-prone,data access code. Wouldn''t it be great if you could spend that time writing actual business logic instead of being a plumber and writing the same old data access code? In this talk Michael Eaton will introduce you to an open-source framework called Castle ActiveRecord that will help you write less data access code and be more productive.
Data and Silverlight 2 Speaker: Willis Logwood Level: 200 Slides/Samples: Abstract: This session is an overview of three ways to get data into your Silverlight applications; Asmx Services, WCF Services, and ADO.NET Data Services.
Testing for the Web Speaker: Jeff McWherter Level: 200 Slides/Samples: Abstract: Your small web application has grown into a monster. Manual testing is not cutting it anymore, and you are looking for ideas on how to apply automated testing to an existing application. This session will explain concepts and tools used in testing web applications.
Reverse Engineering .NET Speaker: Joe Kuemerle Level: 300 Slides/Samples: Abstract: Learn the various techniques bad guys can use to extract information from your .NET applications or at least how you can recover the source code that your predecessor deleted before he quit. A demo filled session on how easy it is to extract information from any .NET application (yes, including Silverlight).
Browser Magic with jQuery Speaker: Leonard Smith Level: 100 Slides/Samples: Abstract: jQuery makes working with the DOM, event handling and AJAX across browsers easy, fun and downright magical. We'll get started with some examples of DHTML and AJAX in both ASP.NET and ASP.NET MVC.
An Introduction to DSL with Boo Speaker: Jay R. Wren Level: 300 Slides/Samples: Abstract: DSL shwee ess ell. Isn't this a Digital Subscriber Line? Domain Specific Languages get all the lip service and none of the implementation or use. Real world DSLs are hard work. Boo makes it much easier. Just what does it take to make a DSL with Boo? Why would I use Boo instead of that Ruby thing I keep hearing about? You might get some answers here.
Real World Iron Ruby Speaker: Michael Letterle Level: 100 Slides/Samples: Abstract: In this talk we will examine how IronRuby can be utilized to breath new life into preexisting .NET code. The words "Silverlight" nor "Rails" will be uttered. This talk is not about glitz and glam, this is about how IronRuby can help your existing .NET enterprise.
Beyond Breakpoints: Debugging and Troubleshooting Speaker: David Truxall Level: 300 Slides/Samples: Abstract: While everyone has used Visual Studio to debug code line-by-line, there is much more to ferreting out bugs and finding performance issues than stepping through code. Since developers spend as much time in the debugger as any other part of Visual Studio, it provides a great starting point for debugging. Other tools and techniques are just as valuable as Visual Studio for effective debugging. Find out how to debug effectively with Visual Studio, and which processes and techniques can ease debugging, and how to use advanced tools like WinDBG for debugging difficult problems.
WPF for Developers Speaker: Joe Wirtley Level: 200 Slides/Samples: Abstract: You've seen the sizzle, but what about the steak? In this presentation I will describe Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF) for developers. No reflected images. No animated page flipping transitions. No Expression Blend. No Silverlight. Just Visual Studio 2008 and code to actually do stuff. I'll cover the WPF fundamentals, including XAML, dependency properties, data binding, commands, validation, and styles. Then I'll talk about how to use these features to create desktop applications and describe some of the challenges I encountered creating my first WPF applications.
Testing WinForms in .NET Speaker: Brian Genisio Level: 200 Slides/Samples: Abstract: It is a common misconception that GUI-level testing is difficult with WinForms. This misconception is fed by the abundance of expensive tools on the market that so often fail to deliver. By using a handful of proven techniques, WinForm applications can be easily tested using NUnit. This talk will cover techniques for Test Driven Development, Unit Testing and Functional GUI Testing of WinForms applications. We will cover common pitfalls and some tools (free and commercial) that exist to help with driving WinForms applications through tests.

RESTing on the Web with WCF Speaker: Dan Rigsby Level: 200 Slides/Samples: Abstract: .Net 3.5 ushered in a new Web Programming Model for Wcf which extended the library to support REST, Json, and Syndication. This session will dive into what this new model has to offer and how you can use it to extend the reach and scalability of your applications.
Extending your Application with the Managed Extensibility Framework Speaker: David Giard Level: 200 Slides/Samples: Abstract: Microsoft Managed Extensibility (MEF) framework allows developers to add “hooks” into their application to make it extensible at runtime. These hooks allow you or a third party to extend your application dynamically in the future. In this session, we will review the MEF tool set and build an extensible application and then extend that application using MEF.
Well, Isn't that Spatial... (SQL Server 2008 Spatial Data) Speaker: Jason Follas Level: 200 Slides/Samples: Abstract: Thanks to the pervasiveness of GPS data, developers today are being asked to incorporate geospatial information into their data-driven applications. Working with spatial data, though, involves using complex geometric formulas that are difficult to implement in SQL queries. What developers need is a common abstraction layer running on the database itself that softens the complexity of working with geospatial data, yet is straightforward enough to incorporate directly into queries to provide spatial-based filtering and distance calculations. Microsoft introduced two new spatial data types (Geometry and Geography) in SQL Server 2008 that provide an implementation of Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) standards.
Introduction to Business Intelligence with SQL Server 2008 Speaker: Chris Roland Level: 200 Slides/Samples: Abstract: The data landscape is changing and so has the ability to stay competitive. By using Microsoft’s business intelligence (BI) stack, you can stay one step ahead of the competition. SQL Server 2008 does everything from reporting and analysis to data warehousing, it slices and dices your data, but doesn’t make julienned fries. This session introduces you to the SQL Server 2008 BI stack and what it means for the .NET developer. We will also touch on the technologies surrounding Microsoft business intelligence.
An Introduction to CSLA 3.5 Speaker: Jamie Wright Level: 100 Slides/Samples: Abstract: CSLA is a business object framework that allows the developer to create business objects with a specified pattern. It allows the developer to focus on the business rules for an application. We will create business objects on the fly during the presentation in order to have the audience learn the material and participate.
A Look Into the New Data Types in SQL 2008 Speaker: Sarah Dutkiewicz Level: 100 Slides/Samples: Abstract: From representing hierarchies to working with spatial data and FILESTREAMs, SQL Server 2008 introduces more ways of storing and querying data – relational and non-relational. This session will introduce some of the new data types in SQL 2008 and how to work with them from a developer’s perspective. We will cover sample applications that will show these new data types in action, with a look at how to work with these from both T-SQL and within code.
Introduction to Microsoft Sync Framework Speaker: Nino Benvenuti Level: 200 Slides/Samples: Abstract: The Microsoft Sync Framework (MSF) is a comprehensive synchronization platform that enables synchronization, offline, and collaborative scenarios for services, applications, and devices. This session will discuss MSF, its architecture, default sync providers, and the mechanisms by which MSF can be extended. Demonstrations of MSF usage and building a custom provider will also be featured in this presentation.
Programming with Parallel LINQ Speaker: Paul Kimmel Level: 300 Slides/Samples: Abstract: In a confusing world of soylent green, flying saucers, and collapsing markets, Parallel FX is coming. Come where its still safe: technology land and learn to parallelize your LINQ queries. Its cool. Its happening, and its hygenic.
C# 3.0 and the Power of LINQ Speaker: Jennifer Marsman Level: 300 Slides/Samples: Abstract: In this talk, we will discuss the new language features in C# 3.0, including LINQ. Be prepared to see code - as we learn each one, we'll demonstrate how best to implement it by refactoring existing C# 2.0 code to use each C# 3.0 feature.
Re-thinking the UI Layer - WPF DataTemplates Speaker: Carey Payette Level: 200 Slides/Samples: Abstract: WPF provides developers and designers unheard of UX power with relative ease. It's time to wake up and start using WPF in the way that it was intended. DataTemplates can be used to define how data is to be represented in a UI, but did you know that they can be swapped out on the fly or have different templates applied to different items in a list depending on a condition? This session will review the concepts above and demonstrate more of the goodness that WPF DataTemplates has to offer.
My Technology Addiction and Live Mesh Speaker: Jeff Blankenburg Level: 100 Slides/Samples: Abstract: From video games to cell phones, to the Internet, I've got a serious technology addiction. Next on my list of things that I am hopelessly hooked on: Live Mesh. We'll talk through how it works, why it's important, and what is next on the horizon.
UML and Visual Studio Team System, code-named Rosario Speaker: Martin Shoemaker Level: 200 Slides/Samples: Abstract: Microsoft has released their technical previews of the next version of Visual Studio Team System, code-named Rosario; and among a host of exciting new features is found a shocking turnaround: after years of saying the Unified Modeling Language is OK for those who like such things but just not important to their customers, Rosario will ship with powerful tools for UML. In this session, Martin L. Shoemaker (The UML Guy) will give you a tour of the new UML features. We’ll put Rosario through its paces to model and build code; and we’ll also see how Rosario can give you powerful new insights into your code, including ways to better understand and reuse your existing code assets. We’ll also discuss what UML features are not in Rosario (yet), as well as ways to incorporate UML into your overall Application Lifecycle Model.
3 Tips to Improve Your Development Process Speaker: Jim Holmes Level: 200 Slides/Samples: Abstract: It doesn’t matter if you’re doing Agile or if you’re working in an environment like RUP or CMMI, there are several things you can do to improve your development process. This highly interactive session will show you three specific tips: improve your estimation, use a daily standup to keep a close focus on your progress, and work in retrospectives to empower your team’s ability to drastically improve your entire software development process, regardless of what that process is, even if it’s no process! You’ll leave this session with a handle on ways to smooth out your project’s environment.
The C# Variety Show Speaker: Dave Redding Level: 200 Slides/Samples: Abstract: Let’s face it, Technology is boring to the non-technologist. How many of you run home to your significant other and say “Ooh OOH Guess what I learned today” I’m guessing at this point you get “That’s nice dear, what’s for dinner?”. Well, let’s change that. If you really want something to talk about, come listen how Dave has made his wife more efficient at fetching beer from the fridge using Yield Return, or about how Mom and Dad give Kid a personality disorder since he’s a Singleton. This talk will cover a wide variety C# and Software development topics, ranging from Design patterns to C# specific implementations. I guarantee you’ll see more references to Beer than you ever had in any other technology talk.
How to be an architect Speaker: Brian Prince Level: 100 Slides/Samples: Abstract: So, you want to be an architect? Or maybe you think you are an architect, and want to make sure? Brian will discuss some of the core skills an architect needs on the job, as well as some of the aspects of the job an architect should remember to focus on.

Introduction to Castle ActiveRecord, or Stop Writing CRUD! Speaker: Michael Eaton
Level: 200
Slides/Samples:
Abstract: Nobody likes writing CRUD. After writing an obscene number of methods and stored procedures you are left with a mountain of repetitive,error-prone,data access code. Wouldn''t it be great if you could spend that time writing actual business logic instead of being a plumber and writing the same old data access code? In this talk Michael Eaton will introduce you to an open-source framework called Castle ActiveRecord that will help you write less data access code and be more productive.

Data and Silverlight 2 Speaker: Willis Logwood
Level: 200
Slides/Samples:
Abstract: This session is an overview of three ways to get data into your Silverlight applications; Asmx Services, WCF Services, and ADO.NET Data Services.

Testing for the Web Speaker: Jeff McWherter
Level: 200
Slides/Samples:
Abstract: Your small web application has grown into a monster. Manual testing is not cutting it anymore, and you are looking for ideas on how to apply automated testing to an existing application. This session will explain concepts and tools used in testing web applications.

Reverse Engineering .NET Speaker: Joe Kuemerle
Level: 300
Slides/Samples:
Abstract: Learn the various techniques bad guys can use to extract information from your .NET applications or at least how you can recover the source code that your predecessor deleted before he quit. A demo filled session on how easy it is to extract information from any .NET application (yes, including Silverlight).

Browser Magic with jQuery Speaker: Leonard Smith
Level: 100
Slides/Samples:
Abstract: jQuery makes working with the DOM, event handling and AJAX across browsers easy, fun and downright magical. We'll get started with some examples of DHTML and AJAX in both ASP.NET and ASP.NET MVC.

An Introduction to DSL with Boo Speaker: Jay R. Wren
Level: 300
Slides/Samples:
Abstract: DSL shwee ess ell. Isn't this a Digital Subscriber Line? Domain Specific Languages get all the lip service and none of the implementation or use. Real world DSLs are hard work. Boo makes it much easier. Just what does it take to make a DSL with Boo? Why would I use Boo instead of that Ruby thing I keep hearing about? You might get some answers here.

Real World Iron Ruby Speaker: Michael Letterle
Level: 100
Slides/Samples:
Abstract: In this talk we will examine how IronRuby can be utilized to breath new life into preexisting .NET code. The words "Silverlight" nor "Rails" will be uttered. This talk is not about glitz and glam, this is about how IronRuby can help your existing .NET enterprise.

Beyond Breakpoints: Debugging and Troubleshooting Speaker: David Truxall
Level: 300
Slides/Samples:
Abstract: While everyone has used Visual Studio to debug code line-by-line, there is much more to ferreting out bugs and finding performance issues than stepping through code. Since developers spend as much time in the debugger as any other part of Visual Studio, it provides a great starting point for debugging. Other tools and techniques are just as valuable as Visual Studio for effective debugging. Find out how to debug effectively with Visual Studio, and which processes and techniques can ease debugging, and how to use advanced tools like WinDBG for debugging difficult problems.

WPF for Developers Speaker: Joe Wirtley
Level: 200
Slides/Samples:
Abstract: You've seen the sizzle, but what about the steak? In this presentation I will describe Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF) for developers. No reflected images. No animated page flipping transitions. No Expression Blend. No Silverlight. Just Visual Studio 2008 and code to actually do stuff. I'll cover the WPF fundamentals, including XAML, dependency properties, data binding, commands, validation, and styles. Then I'll talk about how to use these features to create desktop applications and describe some of the challenges I encountered creating my first WPF applications.

Testing WinForms in .NET Speaker: Brian Genisio
Level: 200
Slides/Samples:
Abstract: It is a common misconception that GUI-level testing is difficult with WinForms. This misconception is fed by the abundance of expensive tools on the market that so often fail to deliver. By using a handful of proven techniques, WinForm applications can be easily tested using NUnit. This talk will cover techniques for Test Driven Development, Unit Testing and Functional GUI Testing of WinForms applications. We will cover common pitfalls and some tools (free and commercial) that exist to help with driving WinForms applications through tests.

RESTing on the Web with WCF Speaker: Dan Rigsby
Level: 200
Slides/Samples:
Abstract: .Net 3.5 ushered in a new Web Programming Model for Wcf which extended the library to support REST, Json, and Syndication. This session will dive into what this new model has to offer and how you can use it to extend the reach and scalability of your applications.

Extending your Application with the Managed Extensibility Framework Speaker: David Giard
Level: 200
Slides/Samples:
Abstract: Microsoft Managed Extensibility (MEF) framework allows developers to add “hooks” into their application to make it extensible at runtime. These hooks allow you or a third party to extend your application dynamically in the future. In this session, we will review the MEF tool set and build an extensible application and then extend that application using MEF.

Well, Isn't that Spatial... (SQL Server 2008 Spatial Data) Speaker: Jason Follas
Level: 200
Slides/Samples:
Abstract: Thanks to the pervasiveness of GPS data, developers today are being asked to incorporate geospatial information into their data-driven applications. Working with spatial data, though, involves using complex geometric formulas that are difficult to implement in SQL queries. What developers need is a common abstraction layer running on the database itself that softens the complexity of working with geospatial data, yet is straightforward enough to incorporate directly into queries to provide spatial-based filtering and distance calculations. Microsoft introduced two new spatial data types (Geometry and Geography) in SQL Server 2008 that provide an implementation of Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) standards.

Introduction to Business Intelligence with SQL Server 2008 Speaker: Chris Roland
Level: 200
Slides/Samples:
Abstract: The data landscape is changing and so has the ability to stay competitive. By using Microsoft’s business intelligence (BI) stack, you can stay one step ahead of the competition. SQL Server 2008 does everything from reporting and analysis to data warehousing, it slices and dices your data, but doesn’t make julienned fries. This session introduces you to the SQL Server 2008 BI stack and what it means for the .NET developer. We will also touch on the technologies surrounding Microsoft business intelligence.

An Introduction to CSLA 3.5 Speaker: Jamie Wright
Level: 100
Slides/Samples:
Abstract: CSLA is a business object framework that allows the developer to create business objects with a specified pattern. It allows the developer to focus on the business rules for an application. We will create business objects on the fly during the presentation in order to have the audience learn the material and participate.

A Look Into the New Data Types in SQL 2008 Speaker: Sarah Dutkiewicz
Level: 100
Slides/Samples:
Abstract: From representing hierarchies to working with spatial data and FILESTREAMs, SQL Server 2008 introduces more ways of storing and querying data – relational and non-relational. This session will introduce some of the new data types in SQL 2008 and how to work with them from a developer’s perspective. We will cover sample applications that will show these new data types in action, with a look at how to work with these from both T-SQL and within code.

Introduction to Microsoft Sync Framework Speaker: Nino Benvenuti
Level: 200
Slides/Samples:
Abstract: The Microsoft Sync Framework (MSF) is a comprehensive synchronization platform that enables synchronization, offline, and collaborative scenarios for services, applications, and devices. This session will discuss MSF, its architecture, default sync providers, and the mechanisms by which MSF can be extended. Demonstrations of MSF usage and building a custom provider will also be featured in this presentation.

Programming with Parallel LINQ Speaker: Paul Kimmel
Level: 300
Slides/Samples:
Abstract: In a confusing world of soylent green, flying saucers, and collapsing markets, Parallel FX is coming. Come where its still safe: technology land and learn to parallelize your LINQ queries. Its cool. Its happening, and its hygenic.

C# 3.0 and the Power of LINQ Speaker: Jennifer Marsman
Level: 300
Slides/Samples:
Abstract: In this talk, we will discuss the new language features in C# 3.0, including LINQ. Be prepared to see code - as we learn each one, we'll demonstrate how best to implement it by refactoring existing C# 2.0 code to use each C# 3.0 feature.

Re-thinking the UI Layer - WPF DataTemplates Speaker: Carey Payette
Level: 200
Slides/Samples:
Abstract: WPF provides developers and designers unheard of UX power with relative ease. It's time to wake up and start using WPF in the way that it was intended. DataTemplates can be used to define how data is to be represented in a UI, but did you know that they can be swapped out on the fly or have different templates applied to different items in a list depending on a condition? This session will review the concepts above and demonstrate more of the goodness that WPF DataTemplates has to offer.

My Technology Addiction and Live Mesh Speaker: Jeff Blankenburg
Level: 100
Slides/Samples:
Abstract: From video games to cell phones, to the Internet, I've got a serious technology addiction. Next on my list of things that I am hopelessly hooked on: Live Mesh. We'll talk through how it works, why it's important, and what is next on the horizon.

UML and Visual Studio Team System, code-named Rosario Speaker: Martin Shoemaker
Level: 200
Slides/Samples:
Abstract: Microsoft has released their technical previews of the next version of Visual Studio Team System, code-named Rosario; and among a host of exciting new features is found a shocking turnaround: after years of saying the Unified Modeling Language is OK for those who like such things but just not important to their customers, Rosario will ship with powerful tools for UML. In this session, Martin L. Shoemaker (The UML Guy) will give you a tour of the new UML features. We’ll put Rosario through its paces to model and build code; and we’ll also see how Rosario can give you powerful new insights into your code, including ways to better understand and reuse your existing code assets. We’ll also discuss what UML features are not in Rosario (yet), as well as ways to incorporate UML into your overall Application Lifecycle Model.

3 Tips to Improve Your Development Process Speaker: Jim Holmes
Level: 200
Slides/Samples:
Abstract: It doesn’t matter if you’re doing Agile or if you’re working in an environment like RUP or CMMI, there are several things you can do to improve your development process. This highly interactive session will show you three specific tips: improve your estimation, use a daily standup to keep a close focus on your progress, and work in retrospectives to empower your team’s ability to drastically improve your entire software development process, regardless of what that process is, even if it’s no process! You’ll leave this session with a handle on ways to smooth out your project’s environment.

The C# Variety Show Speaker: Dave Redding
Level: 200
Slides/Samples:
Abstract: Let’s face it, Technology is boring to the non-technologist. How many of you run home to your significant other and say “Ooh OOH Guess what I learned today” I’m guessing at this point you get “That’s nice dear, what’s for dinner?”. Well, let’s change that. If you really want something to talk about, come listen how Dave has made his wife more efficient at fetching beer from the fridge using Yield Return, or about how Mom and Dad give Kid a personality disorder since he’s a Singleton. This talk will cover a wide variety C# and Software development topics, ranging from Design patterns to C# specific implementations. I guarantee you’ll see more references to Beer than you ever had in any other technology talk.

How to be an architect Speaker: Brian Prince
Level: 100
Slides/Samples:
Abstract: So, you want to be an architect? Or maybe you think you are an architect, and want to make sure? Brian will discuss some of the core skills an architect needs on the job, as well as some of the aspects of the job an architect should remember to focus on.

In Ann Arbor

October 18, 2008

Sessions

(October 18, 2008)

Sponsors