What is Agile?
Agile Project Management is a process that emphasizes teamwork, flexibility, adaptation and constant feedback. The goal of this process is to lower costs through making the right decisions at the right time.
Why should I learn Agile?
from ccpace.com: Agile stresses the view of the organization as a fluid system. By adopting Agile, your organization will be more flexible to change. It also stresses the importance of adaptability by limiting up-front planning and placing emphasis on change according to current conditions.
Learn more by checking out current
Agile offerings, including half-day events and free webinars.
Over the next couple of months, Donald Donais will be giving three different
FREE presentations on
Windows 7. These sessions will deal with some of the main changes with Windows 7.
The first seminar on
July 2nd will concentrate primarily on getting to know what is different about Windows 7. What makes this client operating system different than Windows XP? This seminar titled
“Welcome to Windows 7” will touch base on:
- New user interface
- Aero
- System Improvements: Problem Step Recorder, Boot from VHD, and Windows 7 XP Mode
- Changes in Management Tools
- Control Panel
Register
Security is something that many companies are concerned about. This concern ranges from locking down data that is found on and off a client to making sure only certain applications are allowed to run on the organizations infrastructure. This
August 7th Seminar
“Security in Mind – Windows 7” will talk about:
- User Account Control
- Enhanced Auditing
- Improved Network Security
- AppLocker
- BitLocker
Register
Finally on
September 10th “Moving Ahead with Windows Networking – Windows 7”, we will be showcasing improvements with Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2. Both of these applications will be released at the same time and they include some great functionality you will only get by teaming them up.
- DirectAccess
- VPN Reconnect
- BranchCache
- DNS Security
Register
All of these events are associated with New Horizons of MN and co-sponsored by Microsoft’s Springboard Technical Expert Program (STEP). STEP is an evangelist program that was created to help promote Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2. Because of this sponsorship by STEP, if there are 50 or more registrations for a Windows 7 seminar, you will be entered into a drawing for a one year subscription to TechNet Plus, valued at $349.99. All registrations for the TechNet Plus subscription giveaway are based on completed surveys for each event.
All of the Windows 7 seminars are available local or remote.
...and we are accepting applications for Speakers and Sponsors
NOW!
MindSurf 2009 will take place on September 24th at the Radisson in Plymouth. We are excited about the new venue and new topic waves, but we are most excited to connect with business people across the metro and hope to make a big impact on them by giving them tools and resources to increase their productivity and make them a more valuable employee.
If you are interested in learning more about MindSurf 2009 or applying to be a speaker, visit our
website to download the Speaker or Sponsor Information Packet.
HURRY! Applications are due June 18th.
Headway Program
Getting hired as an IT professional in today’s market is tough. The good news is there’s a new program IT pros can access to improve the odds of gaining employment in this extremely competitive market.
The Headway program was created as a collaborative effort between New Horizons of Minnesota, EXIN and itSMF USA. The goal of the Headway program is to provide an affordable option for unemployed IT professionals looking to expand their skills and earn the ITIL v3 Foundation Certification employers want.
As an initial member of Headway, New Horizons of Minnesota is offering unemployed individuals a substantial discount on a three-day ITIL v3 Foundation course, plus providing the EXIN certification exam. At the completion of the program, all Headway students will also receive discounts on ITIL publications and a free three-month membership to itSMF USA, a professional IT Service Management association. ITIL (IT Infrastructure Library) is the most widely accepted approach to IT Service Management in the world. It provides a comprehensive, consistent and coherent set of best practices for IT Service Management, promoting a quality approach to achieving business effectiveness and efficiency in the use of information systems.
According to Foote Partners, ITIL is a skill expected to see a sharp increase in pay and demand. The ITIL Service Management framework has seen widespread adoption by Fortune 500 companies and is increasing in adoption by smaller businesses and the public sector in the United States. A recent search of the job search engine Indeed.com returned more than 6,445 ITIL-related results in the United States, with annual salaries ranging from $40,000 to over $130,000. “We have been educating IT professionals for over 20 years and are seeing the ramifications of the current economy first-hand, “stated Leslie Kapocius, Director of Business Development for New Horizons of Minnesota. “Knowing the value of ITIL certification in the marketplace, we wanted to help unemployed IT pros gain a competitive edge and make headway toward getting a job.”
Additional information including how to participate in the Headway program is available on the New Horizons of Minnesota website at www.nhmn.com/headway.aspx, on the itSMF USA website at www.itsmfusa.org or on the EXIN website at www.exin.org.
When:
5/20/2009
11:30:00 AM
Register
Are you tired of using a manual checklist to create new desktop images? Would you like to find a way to reduce desktop imaging and deployment costs while implementing best practices?
In this
FREE 90-minute webcast, Microsoft Consulting Services and Virteva will share their desktop deployment processes and methodologies as well as lessons learned, covering the following topics.
1. Best Practices and Lessons Learned Performing OS Deployments
This session will use real world experiences, resolutions, and best practices to highlight the "best" process for implementing an automated deployment system. We will touch on the process for building and deploying your "gold" image including OS installation, driver management, updates management, managing user state, and dynamic application deployment.
2. Desktop Deployment Planning Services (DDPS) Overview
We will describe this Microsoft Planning Service, which is used to develop a high-level plan and business case analysis for desktop deployments, including the methodology, deliverables, and benefits. DDPS can be utilized by any Microsoft customer and can also be paid for with vouchers from customers that have Microsoft Software Assurance benefits.
3. Microsoft Consulting Service’s Desktop Optimization through Vista and Office (DOVO) Process Overview
With Microsoft’s DOVO offering, you get prescriptive guidance to help choose and deliver the best deployment method and tools for common scenarios; perform attended and unattended installations; automate the deployment process, control policy and profile settings for desktop operating systems and applications; automate deployments for Office and other programs; and more. The information, tools, templates, and scripts come straight from the source, for the expertise you need to maximize the productivity of your desktop environment and reduce support costs.
Presenters
Jarvis Davis- Senior ConfigMgr Consultant for Virteva
Jarvis is a skilled IT practitioner who has gained a broad range of experience in designing and implementing IT systems over the last 13+ years. His non-profit sector experience instilled the need to reduce costs by implementing solutions leveraging automation to minimize administrative and support staff all while providing higher business value. Jarvis recently presented this topic at the Microsoft Management Summit in April 2009.
Steve Campbell – Microsoft Consulting Services
Steve Campbell is an Architect in Microsoft Services focused on deployment and provisioning solutions. He has been involved in the development and delivery of deployment solutions and best practices at Microsoft for over 8 years. Steve works closely with Redmond-based product and solution accelerator teams in development, testing, training and documentation of Microsoft deployment technologies including the MDT/BDD, Application Compatibility Toolkit (ACT), and User State Migration Tool (USMT).
Recommended Audiences: Technology Executives, IT Managers, IT Professionals, CIO, CTO, IT Directors, Solution Architects and Technical Decision Makers.
When:
May 20, 2009
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Time Zone: Central
Welcome Time: 11:15 AM
Price:
FREE
Register
You're Invited!
Please join us on
May 19th as we provide an overview of two new Accelerators for Microsoft Dynamics CRM: Event Management and eservice.
When:
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Registration: 8:30 - 9:00 AM
Event: 9:00 - 11:00 AM
Networking/Q&A: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Where:
Microsoft
8300 Norman Center Drive, Suite 950
Bloomington, MN 55437
Map of Location
The eService Accelerator provides businesses the ability to deliver self-service capabilities to their customers while tracking and managing these interactions in CRM. People that manage call centers or customer service operations are constantly looking for new processes and technologies that can help them drive customer service efficiencies. The eService Accelerator provides the mechanism to help businesses solve that difficult equation. The Event Management Accelerator gives companies the ability to easily manage the planning, execution, tracking, and reporting requirements for events. The core component of the Event Management Accelerator is a web application that allows web registration, cancelation, waitlisting, and sellout maintenance for their events and track all of these actions in CRM. The Event Management Accelerator focuses on three key areas of event management, namely:
- Event Planning
- Event Attendance
- Event Review and Analysis
Register here
Register Now: $299 rate through
May 8, 2009
Students attend for only $50. (Must be enrolled full time and present valid ID)
Check with UMSA
member and affiliate organizations for a discount code!
Conference DVD Special Offer:
Register by April 30 and you can purchase the 2009 conference DVD with PPTs /audio presentations for just $69. (Regularly $129; a 45% discount!) Order DVDs at the conference.
See
Pre-Conference events for additional professional development opportunities
Keynotes: Howard Schmidt & Dave Kansas
On Tuesday, May 12,
Howard Schmidt , President, R &H Consulting, Inc. - whose impressive security credentials include 31 years of government service, private-sector roles at Microsoft and eBay, and service as cyber-security adviser to the White House - will address ways to leverage teamwork and technology to stop global threats. Current President of both the Information Security Forum and the Information Systems Security Association (ISSA), Schmidt will draw from his broad experience to address today's global security risks.
Wednesday, May 13, financial guru
Dave Kansas addresses the critical state of our economy. Kansas will demystify the current bottom-line crisis, share thoughts on regulatory reform, and promises ten surprising predictions for the future. Author of the recently released book "The Wall Street Journal Guide to The End of Wall Street as We Know It", Kansas is editor-at-large of FiLife.com, and previously spent four years as editor of The Wall Street Journal’s Money & Investing section.
Special Appearance: Dr. Whitfield Diffie ,Vice President, Sun Fellow and Chief Security Officer, Sun Microsystems Diffie is a pre-eminent figure perhaps best known for his development of the public key cryptography concept. Diffie, often described as a technology visionary, shares his thoughts on what we're headed for over the next decade.
Check out the fantastic lineup of
Featured Speakers, whose expertise covers every conceivable "security" realm: technology, business continuity, crisis management, physical security, legal compliance, disaster recovery, employee protection, and enterprise risk management.
For a complete look at the program, go to
Educational Sessions.
Industry-Leading Sponsors
To view a list of Exhibitors and Sponsors click here.
The tradeshow floor is another great source of information. Visit our Platinum and Gold Sponsors in the main conference hallway. Our Silver and Bronze Sponsors as well as our exhibitors are in the hall where you will also find refreshments during session breaks.
It's not too late to reserve a spot! Silver and Bronze Sponsorships are available; visit the
Education Sponsor Tab for more information.
Exhibitor packages start at $1500; learn more on the
Exhibitor Tab.
Register here, or preview (Terms and Conditions)
Questions? contact conference manager Michelle at manager@secure360.org
Full Circle: Keeping You in the Loop Sign up for the monthly Full Circle newsletter to receive updates on conference developments, upcoming UMSA member meetings and events, and related online resources. Opt in or opt out at any time.
SECURE360
The Secure360°™ Conference, brought to you by the
Upper Midwest Security Alliance, highlights solutions to new and evolving security threats to people, property and processes. This year's theme is "A Full Circle of Security Preparedness." This conference is the premier event for enterprise risk management and security professionals in business and government in the Upper Midwest. Join us May 12 & 13 at the RiverCentre in St. Paul.
We are happy to announce that the third Iowa Code Camp will be on
Saturday May 2nd.
We are looking forward to making this the most successful Code Camp yet, building on the wild popularity of the previous two. But we need your help. The success of our Code Camp is measured by the growth of the individuals that participate. Speakers, organizers, attendees, sponsors…everyone plays a unique role in making the Iowa Code Camp an exciting opportunity, a learning experience and overall – a great place to network, gain job or hobby skills and learn about “code”. So…What do we need from you? We need you to show up! Come join us on the Kirkwood Campus in Cedar Rapids for the third Iowa Code Camp on May 2nd 2009. Attendance is free and you can stay for as much or as little as you’d like but come ready to learn and meet other developers.
Please
register for the event
here.
What is a Code Camp?
Well, simply put, a Code Camp is community involvement in a collaborative and relaxed environment. Code Camps are always free for participation, free from “Marketing Placement” sessions and are held on Saturdays.
You can read more about the “spirit” of a Code Camp at this
link.
Schedule
We have an amazing schedule lined up: Visit our
website to find out more.
Join Us
We will be offering 5 different tracts offset 90 minutes throughout the day for a grand total of 25 sessions available for you to choose from. Come have fun, learn about .NET, Ruby, Django, Windows 7 and other technologies, and experience everything the Iowa Code Camp has to offer.
The speakers the Iowa Code Camp draws come from all over the Midwest region and the United States; we draw in some amazing talent and put it at your disposal. Get the latest scoop on that new technology, query an expert on a tough business problem, learn the latest practices, paradigms and patterns emerging in the industry or just come to eat our food. The atmosphere around the Code Camp is sure to send you home with better knowledge and skills.
Exposure to the industry outside the daily grind is essential to keep growing, expanding, learning and communicating. Network with others in similar fields, or get exposure to an area of business you hadn’t considered directly with peers and experts working in those fields.
Leave the Code Camp with more than you entered it with. That’s our goal. We want to give back to the community that has given us so much, and this is one way we accomplish that.
If you go home having gained from the Code Camp, then you, we and the Code Camp have succeeded.
Email me today at
bfavilla@nhmn.com to make a deal!
April 22
Acrobat 8 Level 2
April 22
Excel Level 1
April 23 - April 24
Photoshop Level 2
April 27 - May 1
Business Analysis Theory & Practice
April 27 - April 28
SharePoint Designer 2007 Fundamentals
April 27 - May 1
PMP 1-2-3: A Guide to Preparing for the PMP Certification
April 28
Time Management Tools for Peak Performance
April 29
Office Worksop
April 29
InfoPath 2007 - Creating InfoPath Forms
April 30
Half day: 12:30pm - 4:00pm
PivotTables: Build, manipulate and chart data
April 30
Negotiate for Success
April 30
Project Level 1
May 1
Web Design with XHTML, HTML, and CSS: Level 2
May 4
SQL: Advanced Querying
May 11
Excel 2007 Level 2
May 21
Excel Level 2
May 21 - May 22
Crystal Reports Level 1
May 28 - May 29
Introduction to XML
June 3
Effective Business Writing
User Groups, Trainings, and Community for users of Microsoft Dynamics CRM
User Groups
Quarterly user groups meet in February, May, and August and culminate at our annual two-day Summit each year in November. Features of our user group are:
- Customer Spotlight
- Large group discussions on specific topics
- Lunch and networking
- Technical breakout sessions and roundtable discussions
Trainings
Users come together one a month for two-hour hands-on trainings provided by consultants on our CRM team.
Community
CRM Net(work) members participate in discussion forums, blogs, news, and job postings in a private group on LinkedIn.
Join us for our CRM Net(work) User Group on Tuesday, May 5!
|
Time
|
Topic
|
Level
|
|
9:45 a.m.
|
Registration & Networking
|
-
|
|
10:00 a.m.
|
Customer Spotlight
|
Beginner
|
|
10:30 a.m.
|
CRM Sales User Adoption
|
Intermediate
|
|
11:30 a.m.
|
Lunch – Interactive Q & A and Networking
|
-
|
|
12:15 p.m.
|
CRM Reporting Options Roundtables
|
Advanced
|
|
1:00 p.m.
|
**Bonus Breakout Sessions**
|
-
|
|
|
Virtualization
|
Advanced
|
|
|
Creating Custom Web Parts in SharePoint
|
Developer Level
|
Register today!
To register for this complimentary event, email
events@ottechnologies.com or call
651.621.8555.
This event will be held at our office, located at:
2675 Long Lake Road,
St. Paul, MN 55113.
May 19, 2009
1:00pm - 5:00pm
Registration opens at 12:30pm
Learn more and register!
12:30 – 1:00 Registration and Open Vendor Fair
1:00 – 1:15 President Welcome; Meeting Announcements
1:15 - 1:30 Vendor Sponsor Presentation
1:30 – 2:30 Panel Discussion:
How can members get more out of their current ITIL investment that will improve Company ‘bottom lines?’
2:30 – 3:30 Networking – Vendor tables open to all participants
3:30 – 4: 30 Panel Discussion:
How can members ‘package’ process improvements and present to IT/Business Leadership to receive project approval?
4:30 – 5:00 Vendor Sponsored Prize Drawings including a 2009 Fusion pass!
Vendor Exhibit area open all day (except during Panel Discussions)
Refreshments and food provided by MN LIG Vendors
Location:
Unisys in Eagan
3199 Pilot Knob Rd
Eagan, MN 55121
(651) 994-4643
Get directions
RSVP
Date: Thursday April 23
Time: 3-5pm
Location: Microsoft's office, Bloomington MN
Topic: High Availability in Exchange Server 2007 SP1
Speaker: TBD
Topic:
We're going to talk about High Availability options in Exchange Server 2007 SP1 - SCC, LCR, CCR, and SCR. We'll discuss each and dive a little more into each so that you can effectively implement any of these options in your environment or to your clients.
Learn more and Register!
This month's System Center User Group meeting will feature John Nelson and Brian Mason from Wells Fargo. They are speaking on the first day of MMS about SQL Performance Tips, but if you can't make it to MMS, you can see that very same presentation on Thursday 4/16 at the Microsoft Bloomington office. This event does not cost anything, but we're going to try something different for food and beverages. This month a few of us will bring some pizza and drinks and we'll have a spot for everyone to chip in a few dollars on your own free will.
Food arrives at 4:30, presentation starts at 5:00.
SY30 SQL Performance Tips for SMS and ConfigMgr Reporting Gurus
Microsoft ConfigMgr MVPs
Brian Mason and
John Nelson will show you how to speed SQL & web reports so that they don't melt your server, time out, or make your boss wonder if you know what you're doing. Brian will create reports using SQL Design Editor, and then John will show how powerful a couple easy changes can be in speeding reports and reducing server load. See how Brian and John plan to install and configure SQL for their 400K client infrastructure so that SQL is optimized for all of ConfigMgr, not just reports. From web reports to RAID and disk partitioning, see how to keep your reports responsive and your system snappy whether your database size is measured in Megs or Terabytes.
This month for swag, we have a copy of Windows Home Server and a nice Microsoft Laptop bag (Courtesy of Brian and John). Please
sign up for the event using for a chance to win.
April 30th
Microsoft Office - Minneapolis
LOW I and II
8300 Norman Center Drive - Suite 950
Bloomington, Minnesota 55437
Microsoft ArcReady
9:00am - 11:45 pm
WHAT IS ARCREADY?
- A forum for aspiring and practicing architects to discuss industry trends
- An overview of Microsoft’s roadmap as it relates to software architecture
- A mechanism to solicit your feedback
- An opportunity to showcase the work you do!
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
Architects and Senior Developers who are interested in becoming an architect.
Session 1: Trends and Patterns on the Client Tier
In our first session we will take a vendor and platform neutral look at some of the trends and emerging technologies that can be used on the client tier. We will look at techniques like Mashups, technologies like Natural User Interfaces (NUI) and the increasing importance of the mobile platform. We will also look at some common patterns that can be used in the architecture of the client tier.
Session 2: Applying Microsoft Technology on the Client Tier
In our second session we will take some look at how we can use Microsoft technologies to create well architected and compelling client applications. We will look at technologies like Silverlight and WPF that can be used to create compelling clients. We will also look at technologies that can be used to make your applications more extensible for future development. We will also examine some architectural guidance developed by the Microsoft Patterns and Practices group.
Learn more and register
here
MSDN Events Unleashed
1:00pm - 2:50pm
Just like the regular MSDN Events you've come to know and love, these free sessions offer valuable content delivered by experienced coders -- with an exciting new twist. We’ve created MSDN Events Unleashed to provide technical content that is tailored specifically to meet the unique needs of your local development community. So tell us what you need, what's hot in your region, and you may see it in an upcoming MSDN Event Unleashed in your area.
Bring your toughest questions and get ready for lively, relevant discussions. As always, you'll get lots of time to talk shop and swap stories with some of the brightest developers in the region. Register today for MSDN Events Unleashed, and don't miss these free sessions designed specifically for coders near you.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
Developers interested in learning about the next generation of Microsoft platforms and tools.
Session 1: Internet Explorer 8 for Developers
The Windows Internet Explorer 8 browser makes it easier to explore and interact with the web. Did you know that there will be a new standards mode by default? While it can easily be turned off, knowing the potential to impact this may have on many sites that have been crafted around various features in past versions is a good idea. Attend this session to learn which current practices you need to change and how the new standards mode affects your development techniques and your existing sites. We review tools that are built into Internet Explorer 8 to help developers debug and create Web pages. We also discuss Web Slices, Accelerators, and Search Suggestion – all of which are key new features in this latest release.
In this session we’ll show you:
- Developer Tools
- Selectors API
- Use and create accelerators
- Use and create web slices
- Use and create search suggestions
- AJAX Navigation enhancements with Virtual Earth demo on history, AJAX Cross Domain Calls
- CSS improvements (printing, counters, new pseudo classes)
Session 2: Developing on Microsoft Windows 7
Building applications that are easy to use, visually appealing, and offer high performance is a challenge that developers face every day. Innovative applications can greatly improve the user experience, empowering companies to differentiate their services and solutions. However, developers are increasingly asked to do more in less time, while also optimizing the power and performance requirements of their applications. The Windows 7 platform makes it easy for developers to create engaging, user-friendly applications by providing familiar tools and rich development features that allow them to take advantage of the latest PC capabilities. In this session we will explore the new Taskbar and Jump Lists, the Scenic Ribbon, file management with Libraries, and Windows Web Services among many other enhancements to the new operating system.
In this session we’ll show you:
- New Features in Windows 7
- Use and create jump lists
- Scenic Ribbon API
- Use and create Libraries
- Windows Web Services API
- Additional enhancements that support development
Learn more and register
here
TechNet Events Unleashed
3:10pm - 5:00pm
Session 1: Windows Server 2008 R2 – Optimize your Time
Get a jump start on your peers with Windows Server 2008 R2 by joining us for this no nonsense technical session, where we will discuss the critical improvements in the next version of Windows Server. Some have argued that, given the impressive scope of new functionality in Windows Server 2008 R2, it should not be an “R2” release, but rather should be given a completely new name. They point to features such as Direct Access, Branch Caching, Live Migration, Powershell 2.0, and VDI that will help you cut down on the amount of time you spend doing mundane tasks, reduce end user frustration and support headaches, and give your mobile workforce a competitive edge through ubiquitous access to company data. There’s a good chance that by attending this session you’ll find a way to save time and money with Windows Server 2008 R2, and so you’ll get the time you spend with us back many times over.
Session 2: Windows 7 – Maximize Your Potential
In designing Windows 7, the engineering team had a clear focus on what we call ‘the fundamentals': performance, application compatibility, device compatibility, reliability, security and battery life. Early reviews of Windows 7 seem to indicate that the choice to focus on the fundamentals is resonating well with many users and professionals. And, IT professionals will further benefit from the enhancements to manageability and security. You’ll also learn how your investments in testing and evaluating Windows Vista will pay off in the transition to Windows 7. Come see firsthand what all the buzz is about in this demo-intensive session where we explore the UI improvements, performance gains, and manageability enhancements in the next client operating system from Microsoft.
Session 3: Internet Explorer 8 – Get Excited About the Browser Again
Internet Explorer is currently the most widely used browser in business, and while we’ve seen nice incremental improvements to IE in recent history, we haven’t seen as many truly earth shattering changes. Well, many agree that the next release of IE, Internet Explorer 8, provides the most compelling upgrade to IE in many years. In a typical day, users spend 2 hours or more per day in the browser, so significant improvements here can have tremendous impact on productivity and the way we work. The browser needs to be thought of in the same terms as an operating system—it has to be rich, robust, interoperable, easy to use and secure. Internet Explorer 8 is a browser that meets these needs and more for users, enterprises, IT professionals and developers alike. Come learn how the new improvements, too numerous to mention here, are driving many to get excited about the browser again.
Learn more and register
here.
Webinars are a great way learn vital skills in a convenient way. Our new webinar series will bring you the tips and tricks you need to increase productivity right to your office or home.
Learn More >>
Microsoft Word...Use it Right!
April 20 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Have you ever wondered why Microsoft Word does what it does? Attend this 90-minute webinar to learn the basic functionality that all users should know to efficiently work with Microsoft Word. You'll discover how easy it really is to create documents that look more professional in less time. This webinar covers the major pain points of Word that often need further explanation and a few bonus topics!
Access Queries: Discover Techniques to Increase Productivity
April 22 2:00pm - 3:30pm
In just 90 minutes, you'll learn to save time and increase productivity when creating Basic Select queries to retrieve and analyze data in an Access Database. No matter what kinds of information you are working with in your Access Database, learning how to use Advanced Queries will help you better analyze your data and make better business decisions.
Save Typing Time with Excel Macros
April 30 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Save your hands from carpel-tunnel by learning to use Excel Macros. OK, so we can't actually prevent that; however, if you have a repetitive process (for example; typing or importing data) that needs to be done frequently or which takes a large amount of time, a macro may be a great time-saver and you can learn how to record and use them in just 90 minutes.
I Have Integrity, But Does My Excel Data?
May 5 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Do you ever share a spreadsheet with someone and get it back looking like a big mess? During this 90-minutes webinar you will learn how to maintain data integrity by limiting how users are able to enter data in Excel and what kinds of data they are able to enter.
Advanced Features of PivotTables
May 13 2:00pm - 3:30pm
You already know the basics of using Excel PivotTables, but there is much more to explore. In just 90 minutes, this webinar will uncover the many hidden tips/tricks that you can use to streamline workflow and increase productivity.
SharePoint Makes Your Work Life Easier...Learn How!
May 15 2:00pm - 3:30pm
You've probably heard others talking about SharePoint. Now you can learn how to incorporate MOSS 2007 (Microsoft Office SharePoint Server) with Office 2007 to streamline document sharing, enhance knowledge transer, incorporate workflow and so much more. MOSS can also help cut budgets, save paper and increase productivity.
To Pivot or Not to Pivot...Managing Data with Excel PivotTables
June 5 2:00pm - 3:30pm
What are Excel PivotTables and why do I care? We will look at this highpowered tool that sets Excel apart from other spreadsheet applications. If you ever sort, filter, create formulas, subtotal, or chart your data, this class will make life more fun and exceptionally easier.
Someone Completed my Form in Acrobat Pro...Now What?
June 17 10:00am - 11:30pm
Many people create forms using Lifecycle Designer, which included with Acrobat Pro. This tool allows users to capture data in an easy and attractive way. But then what? No one has the time to manually enter their data into a spreadsheet or database. Now, you don't have to do that! In this 90-minute webinar you'll learn how to capture your data from your form in XML format and turn it into usable information in Excel, Access and many other applications.
It's So Easy, it's Almost Criminal...using Acrobat 9 for the Legal Community
June 17 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Working with your PDFs has never been easier and you can learn why from your office or home when you watch this 90-minute webinar. The enhancements Adobe has made to their latest version of Acrobat (Acrobat 9) are meant to help the legal community in new and exciting ways. In this 90-minute webinar you will discover how easy it is to use Acrobat 9 for creating PDF portfolios and for producing discovery with the ability to redact confidential information, including metadata, and Bates number the documents.
Small Tools to Help Manipulate Large Data Sets in Excel 2007
May 29 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Do you look at your data and wonder how to more effectively manipulate it? Or maybe, "How do I extract or bring in new data?" In this 90 minute webinar you will learn how to use the sorting and filtering tools to manipulate data. Also, discover how to use Excel's new "Table" feature to streamline sorting, filtering, formatting and formulas and explore the Subtotal feature as well as how to use the database functions and VLookups.
Word Mail Merge...It's Better Than You Think!
June 11 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Microsoft Word's mail merge feature is a powerful tool that helps automate document creation and more. Discover the correct way to use this feature in just 90 minutes. You'll also get tips and tricks on using advanced features of Mail Merge.
We have a number of upcoming IT and Business Application courses, and I am willing to make a deal! Email me to get signed up and to start the bargaining!
6215 Implementing and Administering Microsoft Visual Studio 2008 Team Foundation Server
Apr 23 - 24
1327AI Citrix Password Manager 4.5: Administration
Apr 23 - 24
Mastering SharePoint Server 2007 Administration
Apr 20 - 24
6451 Planning, Deploying and Managing Microsoft Systems Center Configuration Manager 2007
Apr 20 - 24
6232 Implementing a Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Database
Apr 20 - 24
6214 Effective Team Development Using Microsoft Visual Studio Team System
Apr 20 - 22
1259BI Citrix Presentation Server 4.5 and XenApp 5.0 for Windows Server 2003: Administration
Apr 20 - 24
Web Design with XHTML, HTML, and CSS: Level 1
Apr 6
Outlook 2007 Level 1
Apr 7
Access Level 1
Apr 9 - 10
Mastering the Art of Thinking on Your Feet
Apr 15
SharePoint Essentials for Business Users
Apr 6 - 7
SQL: Fundamentals of Querying
Apr 17
SharePoint Site Collection Owner/Team Site Administrator
Apr 20 - 22
Business Analysis Theory and Practice
Apr 13 - 17
Word 2007 Level 1
Apr 14
Captivate
Apr 16 - 17
Word 2007 Level 2
Apr 16
Minnesota SharePoint User Group
SharePoint and Business Intelligence
You're invited.
Please join us on Wednesday, April 8, as we explore Business Intelligence leveraging the SharePoint platform. In this session we will cover the various Business Intelligence integration points with SharePoint 2007 including:
- Excel Services
- PerformancePoint Server 2007
- SQL Reporting Services (SSRS)
- SharePoint filters
- Dashboards
- KPI lists
- and more!
This session will include a number of demonstrations and tips on how to get started using SharePoint for business intelligence.
Furthermore, if you have specific questions that you would like answered, we encourage you to submit them to info@sharepointmn.com, so that the panel may address them to the best of their ability.
Click to attend
When: Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Registration: 8:30 - 9:00 AM
Event: 9:00 - 11:00 AM
Networking/Q&A: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Where: Microsoft Office
8300 Norman Center Drive, Suite 950
Bloomington, MN 55437
Meeting Room: Lake of the Woods I and II
Registration:
Click to attend
About the Minnesota SharePoint User Group:
Since 2004, Inetium's objective has been to develop and support the local community focused on SharePoint Technologies. The mission of the SharePoint User Group is to:
- Educate user group members about SharePoint Technologies
- Transfer knowledge within the community
- Communicate best practices
- Introduce new products/solutions
We look forward to seeing you!
Contact Information:
If you would like more information about this event or about the Minnesota SharePoint User Group, please contact Inetium at (952) 646-0800 or marketing@inetium.com.
Today, more than ever, effective communication skills are the key to personal and professional growth.
TechMasters is a new Toastmasters chapter in Twin Cities, dedicated to helping technology professionals improve their skills in:
- Public speaking
- Making Presentations
- Communicating with non-technical people
- Impromptu speaking skills
Techmasters provides a mutually supportive and positive learning environment in which every member has the opportunity to develop communication and leadership skills, which in turn foster self confidence and personal growth.
Have you ever been asked to give a presentation on a technical topic? You know you are the expert on the subject matter, but you were hesitant to get in front of a group?
TechMasters is just the group for you! Join this network of peers to help build your presentation skills by practicing your speaking skills weekly. Each meeting will give participants the opportunity to speak, whether it be an impromptu speech or a prepared speech.
Each week, we rotate the meeting roles among the group to practice prepared and impromptu speaking in a friendly and supportive environment.
We meet every Tuesday morning from 7:30AM - 9:00 AM at the
New Horizons of Minnesota in Edina.
Directions
You are invited to stop in see what TechMasters is all about! There is no cost or obligation to visit.
Learn More
Join Magenic Technologies and New Horizons of Minnesota for the 6th Bi-Annual Twin Cities Code Camp Event.
Spend a day with other coders and learn from each other on a variety of topics that impact your world.
View the complete schedule, sessions details and bios of presenters at the code camp website
The address for code camp is:
Computer Science and Engineering building on the University of Minnesota campus
University of Minnesota
4-192 EE/CS Building
200 Union Street SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455
Objectives:
Session Schedule will be available 2 weeks prior to the event. As sessions are approved, they will be posted to www.twincitiescodecamp.com
The first ever Ignite Minneapolis event is right around the corner. Admission free. Beer is free.
Wednesday, April 22
Solera, downtown Minneapolis
RSVP now!
6:00 – Doors Open, social hour
7:00 – Presentations Begin
8:00 – Break
8:15 – Presentations Continue
9:00 – Event Conclusion
What is Ignite?
Ignite is a community-driven event comprising a series of speed presentations. Ignite events skew toward the geeky and wonkish, are usually innovative and fresh, and always involve drinking.
Basically, a person prepares a brief presentation on any topic. They get exactly 20 slides to tell their story, and each slide displays onscreen for exactly 15 seconds. So that's 5 minutes per presenter.
We hold the event at a bar or auditorium. There may be ten to twenty different presenters any given night. There is always free beer
Then, you come, and watch, and drink free beer. You might even learn something. In any case, you'll have a great time.
Who gives the presentations?
Anyone who wants to. You!
Just sign up to be a presenter, and we'll send you everything you need to prepare.
What is an Ignite event like?
It's all very informal. You'll find yourself rooting for the speakers, and laughing with them when they mess up. Below are a few videos from Ignite Seattle. They'll give you the general flavor.
Still have questions? Email
Patrick Kuntz
March 23
7:00pm
Uptown Bar, Minneapolis
This is a social get together for iPhone application developers.
Please RSVP to Dan Grigsby (dan@unpossible.com) if you are planning on coming.
April 21, 2009
3:00 PM - 5:15 PM
Minnesota SQL Server User Group
Drive Your Way to the DMV
Speaker: Jason Strate, Digineer
Dynamic Management Views (DMVs) and Dynamic Management Functions (DMF) have been around since the release of SQL Server 2005. But for many people DMVs and DMFs are still a mystery. Step under the hood and review some of the main DMVs and DMFs in SQL Server. From sessions to caches a walk through of some of the more useful DMVs and a practical look at what they all really mean.
Jason Strate, Digineer Inc, has been a Database Architect for over ten years. His experiences include designing and implementing both OLAP and OLTP solutions involving clustering servers, database monitoring and tuning, analysis services, DTS/Integration Services, Reporting Services, and Notification Services. Jason is actively involved with the local PASS chapter (SQL Server User Group); he is currently serving on the Executive Board and has presented at monthly meetings. Jason contributed to Microsoft’s published white paper "Empowering Enterprise Solutions with SQL Server 2005 Enterprise Edition" and actively blogs about SQL Server and related technologies. Also this year, Jason participated in the development of Microsoft Certification exams for SQL Server 2008, presented at the SSWUG SQL Server Launch Event and is presenting in upcoming SSWUG SQL Server Conference.
Performance Troubleshooting with Wait Statistics
Speaker: Joe Sack, Microsoft
When encountering a performance issue on a SQL Server instance, where do you begin? DBAs sometimes use troubleshooting methods that are biased towards past experience, instead of using a disciplined and consistent methodology. The danger of using instinct-based methods is that you may overlook the true root cause, or spend time troubleshooting less significant bottlenecks. In this session, Joe Sack will walk you through how to troubleshoot performance issues by evaluating Wait Statistics, which represent waits encountered for executed threads on a SQL Server instance. Joe will also discuss common wait type patterns seen in the field, and describe recommended next steps and resolutions. Performance troubleshooting with Wait Statistics allows you to focus on the higher priority bottlenecks, saving you time, and allowing you to apply your efforts towards the most impactful changes.
Joe Sack is a dedicated support engineer with Microsoft Premier Field Engineering based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Since 1997, he has been developing and supporting SQL Server environments for clients in financial services, IT consulting, manufacturing, retail and the real estate industry. He blogs about various SQL Server topics on http://blogs.msdn.com/joesack/ and is the author of the Apress books SQL Server 2000 Fast Answers for DBAs and Developers, SQL Server 2005 T-SQL Recipes, and most recently SQL Server 2008 Transact-SQL Recipes.
Register here!
Two day free training event called XamlFest at the Bloomginton, MN Microsoft offices from Tuesday, April 14th 2009 to Wednesday, April 15th, 2009. This will be a classroom style event led by fellow Microsoft’s very own John Pelak. This event will be going in depth on the XAML markup language and how it is used in both WPF and Silverlight 2.0 applications. We will also go deep on how to use Expression Blend to visually design application interfaces.
Here's all the information on the event:
Check out the website
Dates:
The event will take place on Tuesday, April 14th 2009 to Wednesday, April 15th, 2009.
Attendees:
This event is targeted toward software developers and designers who want to learn more about XAML, Windows Presentation Foundation, Silverlight 2 and Expression Blend 2. We can accommodate 60 people for this session and registration will be accepted on a first come/first served basis.
Agenda:
Tuesday, April 14th
9:00 AM - 10:30 AM - Introduction to WPF, XAML, Expression Blend
10:30 AM – 10:45 AM - Break
10:45 AM – 12:00 PM - Building Visually Rich Applications: The role of the Integrator in building "designable" applications
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM - Lunch, Mingle, Prizes
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM - Instructor-led WPF walk through and assisted development
3:00 PM – 5:00 PM - Assisted development
Wednesday, April 15th
9:00 AM - 10:30 AM - Introduction to Silverlight, Data Binding, LINQ
10:30 AM – 10:45 AM - Break
10:45 AM – 12:00 PM - Platform Centric Design Best Practices: Creating WPF and Silverlight XAML for Web and Local Client Solutions
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM - Lunch, Mingle, Prizes
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM - Instructor-led Silverlight walk through and assisted development
3:00 PM – 5:00 PM - Assisted development
Venue:
Microsoft Office
8300 Norman Center Drive, Suite 950
Bloomington, MN 55437
Registration:
To register for XamlFest, send an email with your contact information to xamlfest-msp@live.com. Only 60 seats are available, so be sure to register early if you want to attend. Also, we ask that, if you find you can't make it for the session, please let us know so we can let someone else come in your place.
Please register early, because we anticipate the seats filling up fast.
Register Here