http://www.NxtGenUG.NetLatest News brought to you by NxtGenUG(c) 2006 NxtGenUG5Three members of the UK Community and NxtGenUG Speakers had been recognised in the latest MVP Awards.<br/><br/>A huge congratulations to <a href="http://blogs.blackmarble.co.uk/blogs/rfennell/archive/2008/07/02/wow-i-m-an-mvp.aspx" target="_blank">Richard Fennell</a>, <a href="http://www.andrewwestgarth.co.uk/Blog/post/2008/07/Awarded-Microsoft-MVP-Award-for-IIS!.aspx" target="_blank">Andy Westgarth</a> and <a href="http://blog.benhall.me.uk/2008/07/i-c-mvp.html" target="_blank">Ben Hall</a>, all of which have Spoken for us at NxtGenUG meetings, are now the proud wearers of the Coverted Microsoft MVP Award. Congratulations guys and thanks for supporting NxtGenUG.<br/><br/> MVP Programme<br/><br/> Microsoft Most Valuable Professionals (MVPs) are exceptional technical community leaders from around the world who are awarded for voluntarily sharing their high quality, real world expertise in offline and online technical communities. Microsoft MVPs are a highly select group of experts that represents the technical community's best and brightest, and they share a deep commitment to community and a willingness to help others. <br/><br/> <A href="http://mvp.support.microsoft.com/" target="_blank">Read more here</a>http://www.nxtgenug.net/NewsArticle.aspx?ArticleID=287Fri, 18 Jul 2008 07:00:00 GMTDevExpress have just announced their new FREE Silverlight AgDataGrid<br/><br/>DevExpress have just announced their new FREE Silverlight AgDataGrid Control. You can download a copy of it from <a href="http://www.devexpress.com/slgrid">here</a> and you can hear all about it on a video on Mehul Harry's Blog <a href="http://community.devexpress.com/blogs/aspnet/archive/2008/06/19/how-to-get-a-free-silverlight-grid-with-source.aspx">here</a><br/><br/>DevExpress are sponsors of the NxtGenUG <a href="http://www.nxtgenug.net/ViewEvent.aspx?EventID=148">Silverlight Assault Course</a><br/><br/><a href="http://www.devexpress.com/slgrid"> <img src="/imagesmainadverts/DevExpress.gif" alt="DevExpress Silverlight Grid Control"></a> http://www.nxtgenug.net/NewsArticle.aspx?ArticleID=286Thu, 17 Jul 2008 12:51:00 GMTWe're pleased to announce <a href="http://www.devexpress.com">DevExpress</a> are sponsoring the Silverlight Assault Course.<br/><br/>We're really pleased to announce that DevExpress sponsoring the <a href="http://www.nxtgenug.net/ViewEvent.aspx?EventID=148">Silverlight Assault Course</a> by providing 20 USB 2.0 HDDs which will store the Hands On Labs which we'll be using in the Silverlight Training. <br/><br/> DevExpress have just announced their new FREE Silverlight grid. You can download a copy of it from <a href="http://www.devexpress.com/slgrid">here</a> and you can hear all about it on a video on Mehul Harry's Blog <a href="http://community.devexpress.com/blogs/aspnet/archive/2008/06/19/how-to-get-a-free-silverlight-grid-with-source.aspx">here</a><br/><br/> If you want to attend the Silverlight Training Course, its on a Saturday is only £40, but nearly all places are gone. Unfortunately our site is not geared up to limit numbers, but we will advise you asap if you registered after the event was full. We will be running a waiting list and keep you advised if a place comes up. The waiting list is strictly a first come first served basis.<br/><br/> Thanks again to DevExpress for sponsoring this event.<br/><br/><a href="http://www.devexpress.com/slgrid"> <img src="/imagesmainadverts/DevExpress.gif" alt="DevExpress Silverlight Grid Control"></a> http://www.nxtgenug.net/NewsArticle.aspx?ArticleID=285Thu, 17 Jul 2008 12:27:00 GMT4 Top UK Community SQL Server guys have formed SQL Know How, and are offering some TOP SQL Server Courses!<br/><br/><table> <tr><td> <div> 4 Top UK Community SQL Server guys, amongst them Tony Rogerson, Simon Sabin who have spoken at NxtGenUG meetings, have formed SQL Know How, and are making several great courses available here in the UK taught by the likes of Kimberley Trippp, Kalen Delaney and Paul Neilson.</div> <br/> <br/> The course they have offered at the moment are: <ul> <li><a href="http://sqlknowhow.com/events/sqlsk1.aspx?Referrer=NxtGen">Best Practices in Performance and Availability for SQL Server 2005-2008</a></li> <li><a href="http://sqlknowhow.com/events/sqlsk2.aspx?Referrer=NxtGen">Indexing for Performance in SQL Server 2000/2005/2008</a></li> <li><a href="http://sqlknowhow.com/events/sqlbible1.aspx?Referrer=NxtGen">Smart Database Design</a></li> <li><a href="http://sqlknowhow.com/events/insidesql1.aspx?Referrer=NxtGen">SQL Server Data Storage Formats: Internals, Performance and Best Practices</a></li> <li><a href="http://sqlknowhow.com/events/insidesql2.aspx?Referrer=NxtGen">SQL Server Concurrency Control: Locking, Blocking and Row Versioning</a></li> <li><a href="http://sqlknowhow.com/events/insidesql3.aspx?Referrer=NxtGen">SQL Server Data Internals and Tuning</a></li> </ul> </div> <div>They all look top quality courses. I (Dave) can thoroughly recommend both Kimberley and Kalen as instructors and speakers, they are absolute experts in their fields, and you will learn a stack of highly valuable information!</div><div>Check out our events pages for more information <a href="http://www.nxtgenug.net/EventList.aspx?Un=1"> here</a> or click the banner below to be taken directly to SQL Know How site.</div><br/><br/> </td></tr><tr><td> <div><script type="text/javascript">var height=90;var width=720;var referrercode="NxtGen";</script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.sqlknowhow.com/scripts/Banner.js"> <br/> </div> </td> </tr></table>http://www.nxtgenug.net/NewsArticle.aspx?ArticleID=282Mon, 30 Jun 2008 14:36:00 GMTWe're having a G(r)eek diner just before FEST08 - please feel free to join us if you're in the area<br/><br/>We're having a G(r)eek diner just before FEST08 - please feel free to join us if you're in the area. <br/><br/> Register <a href="http://www.nxtgenug.net/ViewEvent.aspx?EventID=140">here</a> just like you would for an event. <br/><br/> Hope to see you there!http://www.nxtgenug.net/NewsArticle.aspx?ArticleID=280Sun, 01 Jun 2008 17:38:00 GMTDaniel Moth is to make his final presentation, before heading off to Redmond, at Fest08 in a SwanSong Nugget - bring the hankies - it'll be a tear jerker.<br/><br/>NxtGenUG is proud to announce UK DPE Superstar Daniel Moth is to present a 'Nugget' at Fest08 on the 12th June 2008 at TVP in Redmond.<br/><br/> Daniel will be presenting the "SwanSong Nugget" late in the afternoon, as his last duty as a UK Microsoft DPE Evangelist. Daniel will then be heading to Redmond to join the Parallel Computing team. - Good luck mate! <br/><br/> Don't miss this memorable event - sign up for <a href="http://www.nxtgenug.net/Fest08">Fest08</a> now! http://www.nxtgenug.net/NewsArticle.aspx?ArticleID=279Thu, 22 May 2008 07:23:00 GMTRidgian (Company Dave works for) are looking for a Business Analyst right now!<br/><br/>Ridgian, the company Dave has worked for for the last 6 years are looking for a Business Analyst right now! The role will be based in Birmingham, but will initially require regular travelling to London and Oxford as part of a large client project currently in progress. <br/> <br/> Usual Business Analysis Skills are required, the ability to communicate well both in writing and verbally, good customer facing skills and the ability to act as the technical interface between the Ridgian Development Department and their clients. Knowledge of the capabilities of Windows and Web .NET applications required. Any experience of working with SharePoint, SQL Server, Biztalk or other Integration Solution or PerformancePoint Server or other BI tools would also be a great advantage. <br/> <br/> If you are interested in this position in an exciting, successful and growing company, send your CV to <a href="mailto:jason.betteridge@ridgian.co.uk?cc=david.freeth@ridgian.co.uk&subject=Business Analyst Position at Ridgian&body=Hi Jason%0A%0AI have seen the advert for the subject position on the NxtGenUG site. Please find attached my CV.%0A%0AKind Regards%0A%0A">Jason Betteridge</a> as soon as possible.http://www.nxtgenug.net/NewsArticle.aspx?ArticleID=278Wed, 30 Apr 2008 09:37:00 GMTWant to catch up on Silverlight, WPF, MOSS, Workflow Foundation and Visual Studio 2008 ? - VBUG have a one day conference on 24th April 2008 in Birmingham.<br/><br/>Dave McMahon and Richard Costall will be joining the other speakers for a VBUG one day technology conference to be held on the 24th April 2008<br/><br/> Details here <a href="http://www.vbug.net/Events/April-2008/VBUG-Mini-Conference--Birmingham.aspx">http://www.vbug.net/Events/April-2008/VBUG-Mini-Conference--Birmingham.aspx</a><br/><br/> “Sharpen That Axe!” <br/><br/> There is a need to “Sharpen Your Axe” so to speak, every now and again. What do we mean by that? In the pioneering days of the West, it was no good for a lumberjack to just keep chopping at trees day in day out with the same old axe. Every now and then he had to sit down, relax, take time to sharpen his axe, and to smell the roses. That way he got a lot more done. <br/><br/> It’s the same with Software Development . In the daily need to meet deadlines and milestones often we neglect the things that brought us into the industry in the first place. The desire to experiment and to learn ‘new stuff’! Half the problem of course is that there is more than enough ‘new stuff’ out there or so it seems, and it is a bit of a head scratcher, trying to decide which way to go first off. <br/><br/> That’s why VBUG are putting on this one day conference, to give help you get started in some key areas of current and emerging technologies. <br/><br/> We will be taking a look at two of the ‘hot’ technologies in the Microsoft Web Technologies area namely Windows Presentation Foundation and Silverlight. You can start to see how the User Interfaces of the future might look. But that is not all. There are other technologies out there which have been around nearly a year and are gathering momentum, namely Windows Workflow and Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007 or MOSS. Is Workflow the new way to write applications? Is the next Web Development Platform MOSS? You decide after seeing these sessions. <br/><br/> Finally you can hear about some completely different things such as Functional Programming, Speech Recognition and Virtual Earth Mapping which may or may not have an impact on your daily work. Just knowing about these things however, can often make you start to think about your existing challenges in a different and productive way. <br/><br/> So we invite you to come along and take part in a great day of technological “axe sharpening”. All of the speakers are Software Developers like you and have a passion for current and the emerging technologies and for sharing their knowledge with others such as yourself. It’s going to be a great event, and a great investment in you for the coming months and years<br/><Br/> <b>Location: Quality Hotel Birmingham, Garden Suite, 166 Hagley Road, Birmingham, B16 9NZ <br/><br/> Price: from just £119.00 ex VAT - When you get in touch tell them you are from NxtGenUG!<br/><br/></b> http://www.nxtgenug.net/NewsArticle.aspx?ArticleID=277Tue, 08 Apr 2008 10:27:00 GMTNxtGenUG is Multiplying ... Again!<br/><br/>Welcome to Jacob Richard Allen, latest addition to the NxtGenUG family in <a href="http://www.nxtgenug.net/Regions.aspx">Southampton</a> ... Congratulations to the proud parents Rich and Ruth Allen!http://www.nxtgenug.net/NewsArticle.aspx?ArticleID=274Sat, 29 Mar 2008 19:59:00 GMTChris Sexton, long time member of NxtGenUG and XSLT 'Nuggetteer' runs PET Learning in Coventry and is after a senior developer ...<br/><br/><br/> <br/> Chris Sexton, long time member of NxtGenUG and XSLT 'Nuggetteer' runs Progressive Education Tools (PET) Learning in Coventry. He's after a top quality senior developer. So if you're interested, here's the details: <br/> <div class="intQ">Senior Developer/Technical Architect</div> <br/> PET is looking to recruit a highly experienced/senior developer to join their dynamic and friendly development team. This varied role is a great opportunity to work on a broad range of mainly educational projects primarily covering web application development and technology. <br/> <br/> By joining PET you will: <ul> <li>Become part of a small development team in a growing company, which emphasizes a great user experience along with technical excellence.</li> <li>Have the chance to build software in a range of application sizes which really makes a difference to people.</li> </ul> This post is ideal for someone who is: <br/> <ul> <li>Looking to bring the benefit of their experience of application design and development to a new environment.</li> <li>Able to take responsibility for designing and developing applications.</li> <li>Able to make an impact from the start and become an integral part of the team.</li> <li>Highly experienced in developing non-trivial applications.</li> <li>Has embraced the web and web development, who doesn’t just see it as another development platform.</li> <li>Self-motivated and keen to get their hands dirty.</li> <li>Able to carry ideas through to completion. <li>Can design and build an application for operation through its initial launch and throughout its ongoing life.</li> <li>Keen on the whys and wherefores of what is done, and not just interested purely for technology's sake.</li> </ul> <strong>Key Technical Requirements</strong> <br/> <br/> The successful applicant will: <ul> <li>Be highly experienced in ASP.NET, preferably C# and understand web functionality, architecture and performance issues.</li> <li>Have good knowledge of web technologies such as HTML, CSS and JavaScript. <li>Be highly experienced in SQL Server 2005, including database design, programming, configuration and performance.</li> <li>Have the ability to assess an application in terms of sizing, hardware/software configuration, load testing, performance monitoring.</li> <li>Be a “Team Player”, a “real person” able to communicate with other members of the technical team and customers, in both verbal and written form, in non-technical as well as technical terms.</li> <li>Be someone who enjoys working hard in a friendly atmosphere.</li> <li>Appreciation of importance of Unit Testing approaches (MS Unit, NUnit, etc.)</li> <li>Have good knowledge of XML technologies including XSLT, Schemas etc. and experience of working with them in .NET.</li> <li>Have a relevant degree in Computer Science or related degree/masters.</li> <li>Have experience of managing and configuring Windows Server 2003, IIS and SQL Server 2005.</li> <li>Have excellent technical understanding of all areas of application development including object-oriented programming and database design.</li> <li>General interest in technology, with good problem-solving skills.</li> <li>Must be willing to travel as required. </ul> <strong>Good to Have But Not Essential</strong> <br/> The successful applicant is also most likely to have: <br/> <ul> <li>Involvement in the wider .NET development community at events, etc.</li> <li>An appreciation of the importance of user experience and the visual side of user interface design.</li> <li>Experience of working with Oracle.</li> <li>Experience of working with AJAX.</li> <li>Experience of working with Build technologies (Nant, etc.)</li> <li>Previous work/experience in educational/e-learning field.</li> </ul> Location: Coventry <br/> <br/> Status: Full time, Permanent <br/> If you want to find out more contact <br/> <br/> Email: csexton at petlearning.co.uk Website: http://www.petlearning.co.uk/ <br/> <br/>http://www.nxtgenug.net/NewsArticle.aspx?ArticleID=267Fri, 28 Mar 2008 16:10:00 GMTDDD Moves to the Emerald Isle - "Techprechaun" is born on Saturday 3rd May 2008!<br/><br/>What do you do when DeveloperDeveloperDeveloper (DDD) events are so successful they get booked out in 2 -3 days? Easy You distribute the franchise! <br/> <br/> So we're really pleased to see our Gaelic cousins across the Irish Sea are having a DDD Ireland on 3rd May 2008 and a whole bunch of UK guys are going over to speak, including Craig Murphy, Oliver Sturm, Barry Dorrans and Dave and John, to name but a few. Rich unfortunately can't make it, but Dave's promised to have his Guiness so it won't be wasted! <br/> <br/> Check out the website here <a href="http://www.dddireland.com">http://www.dddireland.com</a>. If you fancy coming over yourself and enjoying the fun and seeing some great sessions then you can register via the Microsoft website here: <a href="http://msevents.microsoft.com/CUI/EventDetail.aspx?culture=en-US&EventID=1032370583"> http://msevents.microsoft.com/CUI/EventDetail.aspx?culture=en-US&EventID=1032370583</a> <br/> <br/> Better than a slap in the face with a shillelagh! <br/> <br/> Cheers Davehttp://www.nxtgenug.net/NewsArticle.aspx?ArticleID=272Fri, 07 Mar 2008 15:42:00 GMTSave the Date : June 12th 2008 - That's the date for Fest08 - The NxtGenUG boys annual conference. This year the subject is "Data Today, Data Tomorrow".<br/><br/>Save the Date : June 12th 2008 - That's the date for Fest08 - The NxtGenUG boys annual conference. This year the subject is "Data Today, Data Tomorrow". <br/><br/> Registration is open, the agenda, speakers and sessions will be updated over the next couple of weeks <br/><br/> Fest08 is FREE to paid up NxtGenUG members. Non members can take advantage of a special early bird rate<br/><br/> <a href="http://www.nxtgenug.net/Fest08">What are you waiting for?</a> http://www.nxtgenug.net/NewsArticle.aspx?ArticleID=269Sun, 24 Feb 2008 16:12:00 GMTIf you own an XBox 360 and have Forza Motorsport 2- why not get a custom NxtGenUG paint job ...<br/><br/>NxtGenUG Member, and designer Conan Ablewhite is the proud owner of this vehicle, including the distinctive NxtGenUG branding.<br/><br/> Forza Motorsport™ 2, the sequel to Microsoft Game Studios' award-winning, fully-customizable driving simulator Forza Motorsport™, speeds its way onto Xbox 360™. Buckle up for authentic simulation physics, bone-jarring damage, and photo-realistic graphics, as well as licensed tuning and customization options.<br/><br/> <img width="640" height="360" src="http://www.nxtgenug.net/imagescontent/nxtgen01.jpg"><br/><br/> Loaded with over 300 of the world’s hottest cars for you to collect, personalize, and race, Forza Motorsport 2 gives you the complete racing experience.<br/><br/> Express your inner artist in the paint and upgrade shops with near endless visual personalization. Customize the shape of your car by combining different licensed rims, performance parts, and aftermarket body kits. Create your own unique paint scheme using millions of paint and decal options. Take in-game pictures of your creation in the Forza Motorsport 2 photo mode.<br/><br/> <img width="640" height="360" src="http://www.nxtgenug.net/imagescontent/nxtgen02.jpg"><br/><br/> Game details taken from : <a target="_blank" href="http://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/f/forzamotorsport2/">XBox.com</a> http://www.nxtgenug.net/NewsArticle.aspx?ArticleID=268Mon, 18 Feb 2008 03:39:00 GMTTwo new Lombardi's arrive ...<br/><br/>We're pleased to announce that NxtGenUG is expanding again ... We'd like to pass on our congratulations to Geff Lombardi and his partner Sam who have just had twin boys!! Mum and boys are doing well, Geff is as proud as can be!! <br/> <br/> Well done Geff. <br/> <br/> Well done Sam!! http://www.nxtgenug.net/NewsArticle.aspx?ArticleID=266Sat, 16 Feb 2008 10:16:00 GMTInnerWorkings is been running a special promotion giving away 10 hours of free training ...<br/><br/><a href="http://www.innerworkings.com/">InnerWorkings</a> has been running a special promotion giving away 10 hours of free training in association with INETA groups in the US. You can access the training at <a href="http://www.innerworkings.com/promotions/d754c800-6547-497c-8178-4c5245126a78/ineta-new-year-promotion">http://www.innerworkings.com/promotions/d754c800-6547-497c-8178-4c5245126a78/ineta-new-year-promotion</a>. Note that this offer closes February 25th and you can find out more about it below. <br/> <br/> 10 hours of free .NET learning for all INETA members! <br/> <br/> Until February 25th, InnerWorkings is giving away 10 hours of hands-on .NET learning to any INETA member, no strings attached. This is your chance to sharpen your current skills or learn some new technologies at no cost, using InnerWorkings Developer. All the following are included: <br/> <ul> <li>Object Oriented Programming</li> <li>AJAX Extensions</li> <li>Silverlight 1.0</li> <li>New Features in C# 3.0</li> <li>New Features in VB 9.0</li> <li>LINQ to SQL</li> </ul> <br/> To take advantage of this learning offer, members should register on our website and download the free samplers before February 25th, 2008. <br/> <br/> <b>Learn by doing</b> "At InnerWorkings, we believe in hands-on learning – check out our quick product tour for more information. Our practice environment is integrated with Visual Studio and our patented code-judging engine provides instant feedback on your solutions. Take us up on our offer and we're confident you'll see the value of our hands-on approach." <br/> <i>Marketing speil ends, Dave here ...</i> <br/> Sounds pretty good, worth checking out ... http://www.nxtgenug.net/NewsArticle.aspx?ArticleID=265Wed, 13 Feb 2008 08:18:00 GMTNxtGenUG's primary partner for Training, is running a fantastic course with Michele Leroux Bustamante with 15% Discount for members.<br/><br/><a target="_blank" href="http://www.iterativetraining.co.uk/">Iterative Training</a>, NxtGenUG's primary partner for Training, is running another fantastic course featuring the one and only <a target="_blank" href="http://www.dasblonde.net">Michele Leroux Bustamante</a>. She'll be teaching a 5 day Master Class on Windows Communication Foundation (WCF) as part of Iterative Training's program of top quality courses aimed at pushing the boundaries of what is possible with 5 days of intensive training.<br/><br/>Watch this space too for announcement about a special FREE evening event which will be run by Iterative Training with NxtGenUG featuring a special session by Michele!<br><br/>Meanwhile, don't forget that all paid up members of NxtGenUG qualify for a special 15% Discount on all Iterative Training courses!<br/><br/>The 2008 training prospectus from Iterative Training is avaiable from their site <a target="_blank" href="http://www.iterativetraining.co.uk/downloads/TrainingSchedule2008.pdf">here</a> or you can download it from NxtGenUG <a target="_blank" href="http://nxtgenug.net/downloads/document/TrainingSchedule2008.pdf">here</a>.http://www.nxtgenug.net/NewsArticle.aspx?ArticleID=263Fri, 25 Jan 2008 18:16:00 GMTVoting is now open for the next SQL Bits Community Conference which takes place 1st March 2008.<br/><br/><p> 1st March 2008 sees which will be at the Aston University Lakeside Conference Centre; we are expecting around 500 people for this exciting one day 4 track - 20 session conference. </p> <p> Proposed sessions are now available on <a href="http://www.sqlbits.com/information/PublicSessions.aspx">http://www.sqlbits.com/information/PublicSessions.aspx</a> where you can also vote for your favourite 10. </p> <p> Voting closes in a couple of weeks so please do your voting today! </p> http://www.nxtgenug.net/NewsArticle.aspx?ArticleID=261Thu, 03 Jan 2008 06:10:00 GMTMicrosoft have announced the date for the next Professional Developers Conference (PDC) 2008 - October 27th-30th in Los Angeles.<br/><br/>Wow, I keep checking the PDC site - and bingo Microsoft Professional Developers Conference (PDC): October 27–30, 2008 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. PDC is the definitive Microsoft event for software developers and architects focused on the future of the Microsoft platform.<br/><br/> I had the fortune to attend PDC 2005, and it was one of the best events I have ever attended (apart from Fest07). <a href="http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/events/bb288534.aspx" target="_blank">Read more here</a>http://www.nxtgenug.net/NewsArticle.aspx?ArticleID=260Fri, 07 Dec 2007 04:27:00 GMTThe Mix07:UK sessions are online - That's not new news, but they've just added Dave and Rich's legendary Micro-Presentation. Live the Legend!<br/><br/>Described, by some, as the 'Ultimate' Micro-Presentation, Dave and Rich had just 6 minutes and 40 seconds to deliver a session on user groups at <a href="http://www.microsoft.com/uk/mix07/default.aspx" target="_blank">Mix07:UK</a>. The slides auto-advanced after 20 seconds. Surely nothing could go wrong in 6 minutes and 40 seconds. <br/><br/> Download and view the presentation <a href="http://download.microsoft.com/download/0/6/4/064912b2-b410-47ef-bf99-dd68f00ab92b/026.zip" target="_blank">here</a>, to see Dave and Rich in action, and you'll be rewarded with some other sessions afterwards... http://www.nxtgenug.net/NewsArticle.aspx?ArticleID=259Wed, 05 Dec 2007 04:29:00 GMTAustralian Jeff Wharton has scooped TechEd developers 2007 Speaker Idol Competition in a thrilling final.<br/><br/>Dave and Rich are thrilled to announce that Jeff Wharton has scooped the title of being TechEd Developers 2007 Speaker Idol.the top title comes with a 'speaking' ticket to TechEd 2008, where Jeff will get a presentation slot, plus a trophy and a metre of MSPress books. Jeff presented a 5 minute session on Raid Technology, and why developers need to care.<br/><br/> <img src="https://www.mseventseurope.com/teched/07/Developers/SiteCollectionImages/SpeakerIdol/JeffWharton.jpg"></br> Dave and Rich dressed up, with Jeff Wharton, Winner of TechEd 2007 Speaker Idol<br/><br/> Second place went to Karl Davies-Barrett, who presented on WPF within window forms applications. Karl wins a Ticket to TechEd 2008 and a half metre of books. Maciej Pilecki took third place and Bill Ayres came fourth.<br/><br/> <img src="http://www.nxtgenug.net/imagescontent/speakeridol1.jpg"></br> The finalists, Judges, Us and Karen Young. Thanks to Mick Lohan <a href="http://gamtug.spaces.live.com" target="_blank">GamTUG</a><br/><br/> The final had been really exciting, with all competitors giving excellent presentations, and the judging panel of Kate Gregory, Guy Smith-Ferrier, Bart De Smert (Winner of Speaker Idol 2006) and Rafal Lukawiecki (top TechEd speaker) having to choose the eventual winner.<br/><br/> <img src="http://www.nxtgenug.net/imagescontent/speakeridol2.jpg"></br> The Audience hear one joke too many from Dave and Rich (that was one joke)<br/><br/> Details of the event can be found <a href="https://www.mseventseurope.com/teched/07/devblog/Lists/Posts/Post.aspx?ID=43" target="_blank">here, on the TechEd site blog</a><br/><br/>http://www.nxtgenug.net/NewsArticle.aspx?ArticleID=254Thu, 08 Nov 2007 17:45:00 GMTMissed Daniel Moth last Monday? - Never Fear, pop over to the VBUG meeting on Thursday 1st November to hear what all the fuss is about with VS2008<br/><br/>Details here...<br/><br/> Visual Studio 2008 (formerly code named “Orcas”) brings with it a host of features for the web developer. In this session, we demonstrate the benefits you can get out of the Visual Studio toolset when working on your existing ASP.NET 2.0 projects as well as for new ASP.NET 3.5 projects. There are many improvements in the IDE so we’ll need to focus on JavaScript Intellisense and debugging improvements, the new designer, CSS enhancements and a few more. <br/><br/> <a target="blank" href="http://www.vbug.com/Events/November-2007/VBUG-Visual-Studio-2008-for-the-web-developer-with-Daniel-Moth.aspx">http://www.vbug.com/Events/November-2007/VBUG-Visual-Studio-2008-for-the-web-developer-with-Daniel-Moth.aspx</a>http://www.nxtgenug.net/NewsArticle.aspx?ArticleID=250Mon, 29 Oct 2007 15:40:00 GMTJoel Spolsky's World Tour is coming to Cambridge!<br/><br/>Joel Spolsky's (of <a href="http://www.joelonsoftware.com" target="_blank">http://www.joelonsoftware.com</a>) World Tour is coming to the UK in a couple of weeks, and he's doing sessions in Cambridge and London on Nov 8th/9th respectively. Check out the link at <a href="http://www.joelonsoftware.com/items/2007/10/23b.html" target="_blank">http://www.joelonsoftware.com/items/2007/10/23b.html</a> <br/><br/> This guy comes highly recommended by a number of people in the UK Community so if you are in the area of London or Cambridge on either of these dates, we suggest you get along! http://www.nxtgenug.net/NewsArticle.aspx?ArticleID=249Wed, 24 Oct 2007 20:04:00 GMTDDD6 Registration is now open! <br/><br/>You can now register for <a target="_blank" href="http://www.developerday.co.uk/ddd/default.asp">DDD6</a> on Saturday 24th November 2007: <a target="_blank" href="http://msevents.microsoft.com/CUI/EventDetail.aspx?EventID=1032357828&Culture=en-GB">http://msevents.microsoft.com/CUI/EventDetail.aspx?EventID=1032357828&Culture=en-GB</a>. The agenda will be posted on the DDD6 site shortly. <br/><br/> Don't miss it. It gets booked up REAL quick so register now!http://www.nxtgenug.net/NewsArticle.aspx?ArticleID=248Wed, 24 Oct 2007 08:26:00 GMTBarry Dorrans is awarded Microsoft Most Valued Professional (MVP)<br/><br/>Many congratulations to Barry Dorrans one of NxtGenUG Oxford's co-ordinator's, on being awarded the Microsoft Most Valued Professional (MVP) award in the Visual Developer - Security specialization.<br/><br/>Well done Barry from everybody associated with NxtGenUG -it's well deserved! http://www.nxtgenug.net/NewsArticle.aspx?ArticleID=246Wed, 03 Oct 2007 15:50:00 GMTThe TechEd ticket competition is now closed. Thanks to all people who entered, and if you haven't won. Why not visit the TechEd site or the Facebook group.<br/><br/>The TechEd ticket competition is now closed. Thanks to all people who entered, and if you haven't won. Why not visit the <a href="http://www.mseventseurope.com/teched/07/developers/content/Pages/Default.aspx">TechEd site</a> or the offical TechEd 2007 Developers <a href="http://www.facebook.com">Facebook</a> group.<br/><br/> TechEd07http://www.nxtgenug.net/NewsArticle.aspx?ArticleID=245Sat, 29 Sep 2007 03:31:00 GMT