mars 2009 - Posts
The second day was more about the tools like Expression Blend and Expression Web. Those tools are now part of the toolbox of any web developer or designer. The feature that attract more my attention are the SuperPreview from Expression Web (this allow you to compare a web page between different browser and fix any discrepancies. Also, in Expression Blend there a lot of new feature like Skecth Flow (this allow you to easily build a wire frame of your application that the end user can interact with and add feedback), the SampleDataSource which provide the ability to a designer to fill any object that require data without having to enter any data.
Keynote
- Dean Hachamovitch
The keynote of Dean wasn’t a surprise. But it was cool to be at the release of IE8. I’ve seen a lot of improvement. I’m still learning the new feature.
- Deborah Adler
Present her showcase about the design of container to solve some labelling issues. This was very interesting, to only thing the presentation was a little bit too long.
Session #1 – The Future of Microsoft Expression Blend
Expression Blend will evolve as much as Silverlight 3. This tool that was at first build to target designer is now considered as premium tool for developer to build Silverlight application. In this new version, Designer are now allowed to implement action and response to event without having to implement code. On the other side developer can now code without having to switch to Visual Studio. They have implemented the code editor with intellisense. Also, Blend can now handle project under source control like TFS. Another new feature is the ability to import Photoshop and Illustrator files and convert some of the layer into controls.
Session #2 – The Best Video and Photography on the Web in Microsoft Silverlight
This session was presented by Vertigo. This presentation was good but it was more a showcase than a technology presentation. I`m not a big fan of showcase presentation.
Session (video) - User Experience Design Patterns for Business Application with Microsoft Silverlight 3
I’ve planned to assist at this session but it was full. So i’ve downloaded the video. One thing that kept my attention, it’s the new SampleDataSource that generate the data to help the design of the application. So there is no more need to hardcode data to be able to test a DataGrid or a DropDownList. Corrina Black also present the new control that help build great user experience like the DataGrid, the validation control, etc… This is an excellent presentation.
Other Session
There was other session that look interesting that i will look later in video. I wasn’t able to attend to those due to schedule conflict.
-When Errors Happen: Debugging Microsoft Silverlight (John Papa)
-Microsoft Silverlight is Ready for Business (Ward Bell)
-Search Engine Optimization (SEO) for Web Developers (Thomas Deml)
Conclusion of Day 2
The second day was more about Expression Blend. All Blend feature are very interesting. I’ll take some time to test all those new feature. But i regret that the Sketch Flow feature is not available in the current preview of Blend 3.
Regards,
Louis-Philippe
Hi,
This years at MIX it was a great year for the Silverlight technology. For my part, i focus on the session about Silverlight and Expression Blend. So here is the review and the highlight of the session i attend.
Keynote
- Bill Buxton
Bill did a really good introduction. I didn’t know much about him. I’m really glad to have his book. His knowledge in user experience seems his very good. I’m looking forward to read his book.
- Scott Guthrie
What to says!! I’ve heard a lot about him, read his blog. But seeing him live on stage it was unbelievable. His introduction was very funny. It very impressive to see how he know the software and the framework the teams under him are developing.
Session #1 – What’s new in Microsoft Silverlight 3
This presentation was very interesting because it give a full overview of all the new features in Silverlight 3. Joe Stagman did a great job showing these new features.
- Pixel Shader
- Perspective 3D
- Style and theme
- Animation easing
I suggest this session: http://videos.visitmix.com/MIX09/T14F
Session #2 – Building Amazing Business Centric Applications With Silverlight 3
Brad Adams present us Silverlight in way i was waiting to! If you are looking to develop business application this is really a session you want to see! Don’t miss his blog http://blogs.msdn.com/brada/.
- Silverlight 3
- .NET RIA Services
I suggest this session: http://videos.visitmix.com/MIX09/T40F
Session #3 – .NET RIA Services - Building Data-Driven Applications with Microsoft Silverlight and Microsoft ASP.NET
This session presented by Nikhil Kotari, shows us how simple it is now to work with data wit the new .NET RIA Services. This session complete perfectly the presentation of Brad Adams. It is now possible to develop business application with minimum effort.
Again don’t miss Nikhil blogs, http://www.nikhilk.net/.
I suggest this session: http://videos.visitmix.com/MIX09/T41F
Conclusion of Day 1
This day was probably the most impressive. First it was the first time i attend at this kind of event. Second, being able to see some people i used to read on blogs or see in video, was incredible. Also it was really focused on Silverlight 3. The day ended perfectly with the attendee party at the Tao club.
Regards,¨
Louis-Philippe
This week i had the chance to go at the MIX 09 at Las Vegas. We were invited at a private party “Together @ MIX09”. I was enough lucky to be able have a quick talk and to take a picture with Scott Guthrie.
Regards,
Louis-Philippe
Hi everyone!
Everyone knows that kids are like sponge, they learn everything very fast! So i decide to start right now to teach mine some great technology like Silverlight!
Regards,
Louis-Philippe
Hi,
There is 28 days left to vote for the IGNITE IT AWARDS. And yes, RunAtServer Consulting is in the list. So feel free to vote for our team: http://www.microsoft.com/canada/igniteit-awards/view_SubmissionDetails.aspx?ID=258
Regards,
Louis-Philippe