Download 2010 Information Worker Demonstration Virtual Machine (Beta) from Microsoft

I bit happy about the Microsoft have just released the newly configured Virtual Machine built for Microsoft SharePoint 2010 R2. now I can demonstrate the latest beta of Office 2010 and SharePoint 2010 in an information worker scenario to my customers? 

In order to run this demo you will need the following hardware:
- Windows Server 2008 R2 with the Hyper-V role enabled
- Intel VT or AMD-V capable processor
- 8 GB or more RAM
- 50 GB of NTFS-formatted hard disk space required for install

Download it from Microsoft Download Center

It has two sets of VM

Virtual Machine “A” has the following pre-configured software’s

- Windows Server 2008 SP2 Standard Edition x64, running as an Active Directory Domain Controller for the “CONTOSO.COM” domain with DNS and WINS

- Microsoft SQL Server 2008 SP1 + CU2 Enterprise Edition with Analysis, Notification, and Reporting Services

- Microsoft Office Communication Server 2007 R2

- Visual Studio 2010 Beta 2 Ultimate Edition

- Microsoft SharePoint Server 2010 Enterprise Edition Beta 2

- Microsoft Office Web Applications Beta 2

- FAST Search for SharePoint 2010 Beta 2

- Microsoft Project Server 2010 Beta 2

- Microsoft Office 2010 Beta 2

- Microsoft Office Communicator 2007 R2

Virtual Machine “B” contains the following pre-configured software’s

- Windows Server 2008 R2 Standard Evaluation Edition x64, joined to the “CONTOSO.COM” domain

- Microsoft Exchange Server 2010 Active directory has been preconfigured over 200 “demo” users with metadata in an organizational structure. All of these user profiles have been imported and indexed for search within SharePoint Server 2010, with “contoso\administrator” granted administrator permissions. SharePoint Server 2010 has been configured in a “Complete” farm using Kerberos authentication and the default SQL Server 2008 instance for data, and has a site collection created using the Team Site template at http://intranet.contoso.com/ and a FAST Search Center at http://intranet.contoso.com/search/.

Performance Considerations

If possible, unpack and run the VM image on a separate, fast hard drive (7200 RPM or better) from the operating system of the host machine. If this is being done on a laptop, a second internal drive or external eSATA drive works best, though USB 2.0 (make sure it’s 2.0, 1.1 is too slow) or Firewire is acceptable.

For absolute best performance use a second internal SSD drive.

Planning for Upgrade from SharePoint Portal Server 2003 to SharePoint Server 2010

On the Configuration part of side… In order to upgrade to SharePoint Foundation 2010 or SharePoint Server 2010, you must first be running Windows SharePoint Services 3.0 at SP2 or Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007 at SP2, respectively. For customers running prior versions of SharePoint, including Windows SharePoint Services 2.0 and SharePoint Portal Server 2003, this means that you must first upgrade to Windows SharePoint Services 3.0 SP2 or Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007 SP2 prior to upgrading to 2010 versions. Windows SharePoint Server 3.0 with SP2 is available as a free download, and trial versions of Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007 are available and supported for use in this upgrade/migration process: SP2 Slipstream Downloads and Trial Versions Windows SharePoint Services 3.0 (32-bit) with SP2 http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=EF93E453-75F1-45DF-8C6F-4565E8549C2A Windows SharePoint Services 3.0 (64-bit) with SP2 http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=9FB41E51-CB03-4B47-B89A-396786492CBA Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007 Trial Version (32-bit) with SP2 http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=2E6E5A9C-EBF6-4F7F-8467-F4DE6BD6B831 Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007 Trial Version (64-bit) with SP2 http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=3015FDE4-85F6-4CBC-812D-55701FBFB563 Please note that the trial product versions are licensed for 180 days of use from the date of installation. Upgrade Method This upgrade process should be done using the Database Migration approach documented in the following links: Windows SharePoint Services and Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007 Determine upgrade approach (Office SharePoint Server) http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc263447.aspx Determine upgrade approach [Windows SharePoint Services] http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc287821.aspx SharePoint Foundation 2010 and SharePoint Server 2010 (pre-release documentation) Determine upgrade approach (SharePoint Server 2010) http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc263447(office.14).aspx Determine upgrade approach (SharePoint Foundation 2010) http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc287821(office.14).aspx Note that this method is referred to as “Database attach upgrade” in pre-release documentation Please note that there are manual steps involved in this upgrade path in order to maintain some configuration information, as documented in the links above. Example Upgrade Sequence The upgrade documentation above should be referenced for full detail and information, but the following illustrates an example of an upgrade sequence for moving from Office SharePoint Server 2007 to SharePoint Server 2010. 1. Prepare Farms a. Set up a small, temporary farm running Office SharePoint Server 2007 b. Set up full SharePoint 2010 farm and verify that it is configured and running correctly 2. Upgrade content from 2003 to 2007 a. Detach the content databases from the 2003 farm and take the 2003 farm offline b. Attach the content databases to the 2007 farm and upgrade them c. Verify the content has upgraded and that the 2007 farm is working correctly 3. Upgrade content from 2003 to 2007 a. Detach the content databases from the 2007 farm b. Attach the content databases to the SharePoint Server 2010 farm and upgrade them in parallel c. Verify the content has upgraded to SharePoint 2010 and is working correctly 4. Start serving requests on the SharePoint Server 2010 farm Again, this is just an example for illustration: for full detail, including all steps and important considerations, please review the existing and pre-release documentation linked above. Additional Information and Notes Please note that SharePoint Server 2010 Beta cannot be upgraded to the final release version (RTM). Any use of these steps or guidelines with any pre-release version of SharePoint 2010 should be for testing/evaluation only. This upgrade path will necessarily mean a move from 32-bit OS architecture to 64-bit OS architecture. Windows SharePoint Services 2.0 and SharePoint Portal Server 2003 were supported only on 32-bit operating systems, as opposed to SharePoint Foundation 2010 and SharePoint Server 2010, which are supported only on 64-bit operating systems. The database platform selected for Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007 or Windows SharePoint Services 3.0 should be consistent with the planned platform for Microsoft SharePoint Server 2010 or Microsoft SharePoint Foundation 2010. For example, if SQL Server 2008 will serve as the database software for the Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007 or Windows SharePoint Services 3.0 trial versions you should maintain that version for Microsoft SharePoint Server 2010 or Microsoft SharePoint Foundation 2010 to avoid downgrade support limitations such as SQL Server 2008 to SQL Server 2005. For additional information on SQL Server 2008 downgrade rights see: SQL Server 2008 Licensing Frequently Asked Questions http://www.microsoft.com/sqlserver/2008/en/us/licensing-faq.aspx

Working with PowerShell in SharePoint 2010

It’s is really good to see the way the PowerShell interacts with the SharePoint 2010. I can say that this PowerShell scripting is really an extended form of the STSADM utility with additional programmatically features which can be achieved through batch files.
In this post I am going to show you how PowerShell works… and some tips and tricks for the PowerShell module on the SharePoint 2010
Let’s us create a new Web under the PowerShell console for the SharePoint 2010. To create a new Web under the existing Site Collection, PowerShell scripting will use the following command
“New-SPWeb”
The following are the input parameters for the respective command.
SYNTAX
New-SPWeb
[-Url] <String>
[-Language <UInt32>]
[-Template <SPWebTemplatePipeBind>]
[-Name <String>]
[-Description <String>]
[-AddToQuickLaunch]
[-UniquePermissions]
[-AddToTopNav]
[-UseParentTopNav]
[-AssignmentCollection <SPAssignmentCollection>]
[-Verbose]
[-Debug]
[-ErrorAction <ActionPreference>]
[-WarningAction <ActionPreference>]
[-ErrorVariable <String>]
[-WarningVariable <String>]
[-OutVariable <String>]
[-OutBuffer <Int32>]
[-WhatIf]
[-Confirm]

PowerShell provides us a set of commands which draws out the SharePoint Out-Off-Box functionalities and also it extends the SharePoint Object model.

Write-Host “Defining variables for creating a new Web under the different Site Collection”
# define variables for script
$SiteTitle = “Lab 1 – Getting Started”
$SiteUrl = “http://sharepoint2010v/Lab01/”
$SiteTemplate = “STS#0″
Write-Host “Creating a new SharePoint Web under the URL – “ $SiteUrl
PS C:\> New-SPWeb -Url $SiteUrl -Template $SiteTemplate -Name $SiteTitle
Write-Host “New SharePoint Web has been successfully created.”

Pack the above code snippet in a notepad and save it as CreateNewSite.ps1

Powershell -Command “& {.\CreatenewSite.ps1}” -NoExit
pause

Again pack the above two lines of code as a batch file and save it as “ExecuteNewSiteCreation.bat”
Now, run the above created “ExecuteNewSiteCreation.bat” file. PowerShell creates a new Web under the specified Site Collection…
Note: you should modify the “$SiteUrl” variable in order to execute the above scenarios.

Happy programming… will see more updates on the Powershell developement on SharePoint 2010…

A Fresh move towards the UP – navigation button embedded on the SharePoint 2010 ribbon.

This enables the end users to access the site hierarchy very quickly. Microsoft had implemented this instead of the breadcrumb.

Nicely carried out this design… Happy delving…

Beta Language Packs for SharePoint Foundation 2010 are now available for download

Several beta language packs for SharePoint Foundation 2010 Beta and SharePoint Server 2010 Beta are now available through the Download Center. Installing one or more language pack will allow you to evaluate the new Multi User Interface (MUI) features of SharePoint 2010.

The following language packs are available:

• German
• English
• Spanish
• French
• Japanese
• Russian
• Chinese (simplified)

SharePoint Foundation 2010

Language Packs

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=0956787e-210d-4d78-9e4e-a9cdef0e8495&displayLang=en

SharePoint Server 2010 Language Packs

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=a0c7c05d-8fca-4391-bc70-b62c9af91123&displaylang=en

Please follow the instructions on the download page to install language packs. For further reading, please refer to TechNet articles: Deploy language packs (SharePoint Foundation 2010) and Deploy language packs (SharePoint Server 2010).

SharePoint 2010 Videos Revealed – Development Experience

If you are curious what the development experience are gonna be in SharePoint 2010, there are now 10 modules with multiple videos per module that go through the details of using Visual Studio 2010 to customize your Microsoft SharePoint Foundation

Here are the links to the 10 video modules:

Module 1: Getting Started: Building Web Parts in SharePoint 2010

Module 2: What Developers Need to Know About SharePoint 2010

Module 3: Building Blocks for Web Part Development in SharePoint 2010

Module 4: Accessing SharePoint 2010 Data and Objects with Server-Side APIs

Module 5: Accessing SharePoint 2010 Data and Objects with Client-Side APIs

Module 6: Accessing External Data with Business Connectivity Services in SharePoint 2010

Module 7: Developing Business Processes with SharePoint 2010 Workflows

Module 8: Creating Silverlight User Interfaces for SharePoint 2010 Solutions

Module 9: Sandboxed Solutions for Web Parts in SharePoint 2010

Module 10: Creating Dialog Boxes and Ribbon Controls for SharePoint 2010

Microsoft is delighted to invite you to the SharePoint 2010 Ignite Training for Developers

For developers, SharePoint 2010 provides the business collaboration platform to rapidly build solutions and respond to business needs. SharePoint 2010 Ignite is a deep technical training for SharePoint 2007 professionals who are looking to upgrade their skills to SharePoint 2010.

The training will show you how to build custom applications with SharePoint 2010. Be among the first partners to learn about the incredible new features of SharePoint 2010 that will help you provide the best possible solutions to your customers. Don’t miss this great opportunity to network with highly skilled Microsoft SharePoint experts and exchange practical experiences!

AGENDA 

• SharePoint 2010 Developer Roadmap
• SharePoint Development with Visual Studio 10
• SharePoint UI Advancements
• Designing Lists and Schemas
• LINQ to SharePoint
• Client Object Model
• SharePoint 2010 Workflow
• The SharePoint 2010 Services Architecture
• External Data in SharePoint (BCS)
• Enterprise Content Management (ECM)
• Extending Search
• BI Solutions  
• User Solutions 
• SharePoint 2010 and Security 

Approximately 40% of the training will be dedicated to lab exercises. A detailed agenda will be provided when you receive confirmation on your registration.

PRE-REQUISITES 

WE VALUE YOUR TIME!

This is a 5-day event, and we are conscious of the investment you are making when you choose to attend. We appreciate your commitment and want to assure you that it is our first priority to ensure that this event provides each attendee with a valuable return on this investment.

 

1. Skills

To get the most out of this training, it is essential that you have a solid technical background and understanding of SharePoint 2007.

 

We require all attendees to successfully complete the following exam:

• Exam 70-542 : TS: Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007, Application Development

We strongly recommend that attendees also pass this exam:

• Exam 70-541: TS: Microsoft Windows SharePoint Services 3.0 – Application Development

We appreciate your understanding that we are firm about these pre-requisites. We strongly believe that it is very important not only for the individual but for the classroom as a whole that each participant possesses a similar level of knowledge.

 

2. Microsoft Confidential: Technology Preview Agreement

The training material and the detailed agenda are confidential. Upon registration you will receive a Technology Preview Agreement (TPA). You will be asked to sign this TPA and send it back to the registration team.

 

3.  Commitment to Certifying on SharePoint 2010

Be better prepared for the new certification by attending this training and be among the first to get certified!

As a participant of this training, you will be receiving early access to information to help in preparing for the new Microsoft certification exam (#70-576) on SharePoint 2010, when it is available.  You will receive a follow-up notification when this exam is released with specific instructions that you will be asked to follow to register and successfully complete this new certification exam.

DATES AND EVENT LOCATIONS

In addtion, This training will be offered in the following locations: 

Amsterdam, Netherlands	November, 2nd  to 6th
Berlin, Germany	November, 16th  to 20th
Bangalore, India	December, 14th  to 18th

If you are interested in attending the events in Europe or India, please contact: plc4part@microsoft.com.

Sharepoint 2010 IGNITE FOR Implementers  

Microsoft is pleased to also offer a SharePoint Ignite training for Implementer. These trainings will be delivered at the same locations as the Developer training, in some cases the dates vary. If you are interested in the Implementer track of the Ignite tour, please contact: plc4part@microsoft.com 

Registration

We have limited seats available. This invitation does not guarantee a seat. Seats will be assigned first to students who returned the signed TPA and passed the required exam. 

Delegates can sign up for the events in Microsoft Partner Learning Center via the following link:

https://training.partner.microsoft.com/learning/app/management/registrationex/LMS_Registration.aspx?UserMode=0&Mode=0&ActivityID=505413 

DELIVERY LANGUAGE 

This event will be delivered in English. 

FEES 

This event is free of charge. However, delegates are responsible for booking and paying for their own travel and accommodation. 

Accommodation 

Delegates will receive additional information about hotels close to the training location as soon as the registration is confirmed and a seat is assigned. 

Additional Logistics

 Business-casual attire is suggested. The training center will be fully equipped with necessary materials. Coffee breaks and lunch will be provided on each day of the training. 

Queries 

If you have any queries in regards to any of these events, please contact our registration team:

 plc4part@microsoft.com

 We look forward to welcoming you in Amsterdam or Berlin or at Bangalore.

SharePoint 2010 SDK

SharePoint 2010 SDK is out in a primary version. You can get it here

Right now it contains API reference, along with a white paper for how to customize the ribbon.

Ribbon customization is done using features that use the CustomAction command. nothing special here.

Going through the API reference I have discovered some very interesting stuff. My favorites are:

• JSGrid web control – I take that for JavaScript grid.
• Microsoft.SharePoint.Client Namespace – seems like a trimmed down version of the OM that’s available from client side.
• SPList.DataSource – “Gets the data source for a list that has an external data source.”
• Chart control -  “Represents a chart control for use with Microsoft SharePoint Server 2010 farms that use multiple front-ends, and ensures that the user who rendered the Web page that contains the chart is the only user who can download the chart image.”

Sounds great! I particularly liked the client side aware approach with 2010.

Happy Programming…

Generating an Unique Number and String in C#

i had a trouble with one my client wantz a unique chars

in .NET we often use System.GUID to generate a unique key, but it is very long. you know when it comes to web(scenario) where it is part of the URL we need to use its string representation which is 36 characters long. It’s utterly very pathetic isn’t so ugly.

is it possible to shorten the it without loosing some of the uniqueness of the GUID, but we can come a long way if we can accept a 16 character string instead. here the magic

We can change the standard GUID string representation:

21726045-e8f7-4b09-abd8-4bcc926e9e28

Into a shorter string:

3c4ebc5f5f2c4edc

private string GenerateId()
{
     long i = 1;
     foreach (byte b in Guid.NewGuid().ToByteArray())
     {
          i *= ((int)b + 1);
     }
     return string.Format("{0:x}", i - DateTime.Now.Ticks);
}
the above method creates the shorter string and it is actually very unique. which is an iteration of 10 million, make a guess man. It won’t  duplicate. It uses the uniqueness of a GUID to create the string.

If you want numbers instead of a string, you can do that to but then you need to go up to 19 characters. The following method converts a GUID to an Int64.

private long GenerateId()
{
        byte[] buffer = Guid.NewGuid().ToByteArray();
        return BitConverter.ToInt64(buffer, 0);
}

The standard GUID is still the best way to ensure the uniqueness even though it isn’t 100% unique.

Check it, Happy Coding…

Rapid Tools for SharePoint released!

Rapid Tools for SharePoint (RTS) is a set of developer tools that are dedicated to making SharePoint developers more productive. RTS enables developers to build SharePoint custom applications using the full Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC). Traditionally using the SDLC with the SharePoint platform has been a painful and awkward process, but with Rapid Tools for SharePoint application developers are now in full control of SharePoint development and deployment in a way that was not possible before. Together SPDeploy and the Provisioning Framework makes source control, isolated developer environment, build automation and automated site generation possible. Today, I am happy to announce that Rapid Tools for SharePoint has been released for general availability.

Download Rapid Tools for SharePoint