John Weston

Recently, the Windows Store blog announced that in the next significant Windows 8 preview release they will be expanding their global coverage with 33 additional app submission locales for developers. Our store services are ramping up as planned--and of course the plan includes ramping up developer registrations to enable app submissions to the Windows store. Today, you need an invite "token" to register. This begs the question - How can YOU get a token? It's easy! If your app is ready and you want to be among those developers who get to submit to the store early, simply attend one of the 100s of free Application Excellence Labs that DPE and Windows are holding around the world. Follow these steps to get invited to an App Excellence lab: 1. Contact Ryanjoy@microsoft.com for instructions on how I can nominate your app for an excellence lab. 2. Create a really great ... (more)

Top Ten Reasons to Use SQL 2012

Our new SQL 2012 just released. I get asked all the time why should I upgrade to the latest. There are hundreds of reasons with this one, I tried to pick the best 10. More info here. 1. AlwaysOn SQL Server Failover Cluster Instances Multi-subnet failover clusters: A SQL Server multi-subnet failover cluster is a configuration where each failover cluster node is connected to a different subnet or different set of subnets. These subnets can be in the same location or in geographically dispersed sites. Clustering across geographically dispersed sites is sometimes referred to as Stret... (more)

Private Cloud Chat with Microsoft Experts

To successfully face the IT challenges of today and tomorrow, we know we need to understand the cloud. However with so much fluff it is hard to decipher what is important. Get your questions answered by the Cloud Experts! You will learn where to spend your time learning and what tools you should have in your cloud management tool belt. Start building your private cloud (tips / instructions at http://aka.ms/lab) If you come up with questions, write them down and come to one of the upcoming Private Cloud Chats. Online Events: 3/28/2012 1:00:00 PM (EST) - Live! IT Time: Private Clou... (more)

Windows 8 Had Three Different Product Guides

We have three different guides one for consumers, one for business, and of course developers. The consumer one: Welcome to the Windows® 8 Consumer Preview. Windows 8 has been reimagined to focus on your life. The beautiful, fast, and fluid design is perfect for a range of hardware: from compact, touch-enabled slates and lightweight laptops, to large, powerful all-in-ones with high-definition screens. It's smooth, intuitive, and gives you instant access to your people, apps, and stuff, so you spend less time searching and more time doing. Download it here: Product Guide for Consum... (more)

Microsoft Private Cloud

System Center 2012 Beta all in one download Cloud - Care: System Center 2012 Suite Download page I get asked all of the time, hey where is that or that software. We are always coming out with new software you want to try, yes "most" (not all) everything we have you can try for up to 180 days for free. The problem is, finding the download site. Well I put together this blog post so you have what is currently available today, and what most IT professionals are interested in Downloading. Please share with your friends! Deploying and Managing Windows Azure Applications Step by Step o... (more)