One of the new features of SQL Server 2008 is it's integration with Powershell, and the ability to script just about any task.
Buck Woody has put together a pretty interesting "Panic Backup" script that will iterate through an XML file containing server and database names and back them all up. You can read about this here: http://blogs.msdn.com/buckwoody/archive/2008/06/30/sql-server-2008-improvements-practicals-powershell-run-a-panic-backup.aspx
I don't think I've actually mentioned this resource in my blog before, but if you're into technical podcasts (for me, my Zune is usually playing Heavy Metal or some other really loud music, but hey, to each their own) there's a very good one on Team Foundation Server here at : http://www.radiotfs.com/
Radio TFS is the brainchild of Paul Hacker and Mickey Gousset. Their latest episode is about Team Test, which has some pretty interesting capabilities and features.
Check out the show here, and subscribe to the RSS feed here.
In case you haven't seen this, the guys over at Conchango have developed a FREE (free is good!) Scrum template for Visual Studio Team System and Team Foundation Server. Basically it's a good set of WorkItems and process guidance that helps you better implement the SCRUM methodology using VSTS and TFS.
Check it out here: http://scrumforteamsystem.com/en/default.aspx
If you've been reading my blog (I know there's at least ONE of you out there!) you know that I've been participating in the SSWUG SQL Server Virtual Conferences. These conferences have been very interesting to me, lot's of interaction during the chat sessions, and some pretty good information being delivered. I have to admit that it's weird watching yourself deliver a session, but overall the experience has been very good.
Due to the success with the SQL Server Virtual Conferences, SSWUG is expanding out into other technologies. I have volunteered (dumb, you may say!) to be the conference chair for the upcoming SharePoint virtual conference, which is being held October 15-17. You can check out the conference link here. http://www.vconferenceonline.com/SharePoint/
I am currently in the process of deciding what sessions will be delivered (The target is about 8 speakers, each doing 3 different sessions), so would like any comments that you might have about things that you'd like to see in the conference. Time is running out and this needs to get locked down soon, but if you have any comments about stuff you'd like to see in a SharePoint conference, please comment here.
In case you hadn't heard, the Microsoft Professional Developers Conference (PDC) is back this year! It will be October 27-30 at the Los Angeles Convention Center... PDC is a must-not-miss conference if you are a developer. You get to see what Microsoft has coming down the pipe, and you get to interact pretty closely with the MS developers that are at the top of their game.
The big news this year is the forthcoming "Rosario" release of Visual Studio Team System (VSTS). VSTS MVP Brian Randell will be presenting a full day pre-conference session titled, "Get more out of Team System 2008", which will discuss best practices for team development using the currently shipping Team System 2008. Rosario adds a ton of new functionality to VSTS, so implementing best practices now will certainly help set the stage for your eventual upgrade.
Well, the SSWUG SQL Server Virtual Conference is underway. I've been watching the sessions today when I can, and have pretty much been logged into chat all day. I'm always amazed at the interaction that comes from these sessions. If you haven't checked it out yet, there's still time to register! The conference has got some very good information going!
My friend and colleague, Matthew Roche, posted a blog entry last week that got him into a little trouble with the folks at Readytalk today when he mentioned that the Virtual Conference environment doesn't suck like Readytalk. (Ok, he didn't actually say that, but that's how it came across). I mention this because it really is true that the Virtual Conference environment is VERY different than what you'd think of in terms of a typical online web conference. Check out the demonstration of the virtual conference here, and remember that I'll be leading the SSWUG Virtual Conference on SharePoint later in the year (October 15-17).
I know I mentioned it earlier, but I will be presenting 3 session for the second SQL Server Worldwide Users Group virtual conference. The conference is going live the 24th of June and runs through the 26th.
The cost is pretty cheap considering what you get, but there is a special RSVP code available if you want to save 10%. Just use code: VIPCS2008DIS
The conference registration link can be found here: http://www.vconferenceonline.com/sswug/
Well, it looks like I'll be presenting at the Fall SQL Connections conference in Las Vegas. The conference is at the Mandalay Bay Resort November 10-13. I am not sure exactly how many sessions I'll do, but I do know that I'll be speaking on Agile Business Intelligence as well as SQL Server Analysis Services.
The list of speakers is actually pretty impressive for this conference (as long as you don't count me, of course) so hopefully it will be a good time and worthwhile conference.
I just finished up filming my sessions for the Virtual Conference that is coming up soon (20 days and counting). The following email was sent out today, and I thought I'd pass it along here:
Hi Everyone,
Would you like a chance to win the Microsoft Visual Studio Team
System 2008 Team Suite with MSDN Premium edition? If so, read on.
http://www.vconferenceonline.com/sswug/default.asp?id=MSDN
We hope you'll join us for the
SSWUG.org SQL Server Virtual Conference II
June 24-26, 2008
The virtual conference that gives you more than 30 sessions, 11
speakers, outstanding content and a great schedule for three days.
All of this, direct to your computer.
This isn't your standard "screen capture and telephone quality
audio" presentation. These are full quality videos where you see
the presenters, see their demonstrations, see their slides and even
download the slides, full transcripts and more.
You can interact with the speakers on live chat and you can talk
with other attendees as well.
We're excited to announce that, just by registering by Midnight
June 12, 2008, you'll be entered into a drawing for the Microsoft
Visual Studio Team System 2008 Team Suite with MSDN Premium
- which is valued at more than $10,000! We'll be drawing one lucky
winner on that Friday (who says Friday the 13th isn't lucky?!) and will be
announcing the winner at the conference.
The catch? There really is none. You just need to register for the
conference by Midnight June 12, 2008.
Here's a direct link to the site to get registered, it's only $100
for all three days:
http://www.vconferenceonline.com/sswug/default.asp?id=MSDN
While you're there, check out the amazing speakers - authors, MVPs,
well-known technical presenters. We've brought them all together for
you - so you can get the information you really need to manage your
SQL Servers.
As I am sure you are aware, MSDN Subscription is an amazing tool and
the top of the line in terms of service. It gives you access to
development tools, servers, systems, dynamics and many more additional
benefits.
So, register for the SQL Server Virtual Conference II ($100 all
inclusive) by midnight Thursday, June 12th, 2008 and you will be
automatically entered into the drawing.
http://www.vconferenceonline.com/sswug/default.asp?id=MSDN
The June Conference promises to be an exceptional experience and we
can't wait to see you there. In the meantime...
See you online!
Stephen Wynkoop
SSWUG.ORG Founder, Editor
Microsoft SQL Server MVP
swynk@sswug.org
PS - we hope you'll join us - 100's have already registered and
we're confident the sessions will be outstanding. So much so that
we're guaranteeing the conference, no questions asked. If you don't
find it helpful in your use of SQL Server, just say the word and
we'll refund your registration cost. I'm completely confident this
won't be an issue, but I want you to rest-assured, knowing you're
covered.
Register today:
http://www.vconferenceonline.com/sswug/default.asp?id=MSDN
Bits on the Wire, Inc / vConferenceOnline.com / SSWUG.ORG
8987 E Tanque Verde #309-269 - Tucson - AZ - 85749
See drawing rules and terms:
http://www.sswug.org/tos.asp
