Abstract
Building apps that communitate in real-time with each other can be quite a burden. Figuring out a way to setup such a connection and implementing it can take up a lot of time. Microsoft started working on something called SignalR some time ago. The idea was to provide a quick and easy way for ASP.net developers to make their web apps communicate in real-time. In time the SignalR project has evolved and since the RC2 version it features clients for Javascript, .net, Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8. In this session we'll take a look at what SignalR is and what it can do for us. We'll build a service and connect our Windows Phone devices to that service. 

Extra 
- Download the Windows Phone 8 SDK.
- Have a look at the next events we have planned for developers in Belgium: http://msdn-events.be 
- Belgian app builders: discover your new home: http://msdn.be/apps AKA the Apps on Windows portal.

Abstract
Going to a technical conference like Microsoft TechDays is something many developers and it pro's look forward to a long time in advance. Three days full of great content, great speakers and the possibility to meet amazing people, learn a lot of new stuff and get in touch with new technologies. With around 80 sessions to choose from, it is not always easy to pick the ones you really want to see and to keep an overview of your own day planning.

Therefor Microsoft and three Cronos companies, Monkeyshot, Pocket-pro and AppStory, decided to enrich the event experience by developing a Windows Phone and Windows 8 app, linked together by Windows Azure.

This session will show you how these 2 apps and the full backend were developed in only a few weeks' time, which challenges had to be overcome and how the technical solution looks like.

Extra 
- Download the TechDays apps: Windows 8 | Windows Phone
- Have a look at the next events we have planned for developers in Belgium: http://msdn-events.be 
- Belgian app builders: discover your new home: http://msdn.be/apps AKA the Apps on Windows portal.

Abstract
Near-Field-Communication is a technology that has been around for a while but only recently started finding its way onto mobile phones. Microsoft introduced NFC support in Windows Phone allowing developers to leverage this impressive and cheap technology. In this session Nico Vermeir will explain you all about what makes NFC tags tick and how you leverage them in your Windows Phone 8 applications. Learn how to read and write tags, launch apps from a tag and pass parameters to your app.

Download the slides.

Extra
- Demo project presented by Nico during the webcast: http://sdrv.ms/139UV6U
- Download the Windows Phone SDK.
- Have a look at the next events we have planned for developers in Belgium: http://msdn-events.be 
- Belgian app builders: discover your new home: http://msdn.be/apps AKA the Apps on Windows portal.

Abstract
People are getting more and more connected and moving away from computers to using more mobile devices than ever before. Tablets, phones, slates are becoming the new computers.

All these devices and applications also need data, synchronization, security and much more. The broad reach, the number of devices and apps and the big amount of different platforms existing today, are pushing the needs for scalable and high available solutions running on a solid cloud platform, like Windows Azure.

One of the killer features of Windows Azure is WAMS, Windows Azure Mobile Services. A solid platform to connect cross platform devices and to open up a big set of features needed to build mobile applications.

Download the slides.

Resources
- Scripts Kristof used during the live session.
- Read more about Windows Azure Mobile Services.
- Have a look at the next events we have planned for developers in Belgium: http://msdn-events.be 
- Belgian app builders: discover your new home: http://msdn.be/apps AKA the Apps on Windows portal.

Abstract
The long awaited Windows Phone 8 SDK has finally gone live. What mysteries does it contain? How easy is it to upgrade my existing Windows Phone 7 apps to Windows Phone 8? Join Nico Vermeir in a one hour discovery through the new features of the biggest update the Windows Phone platforms has seen so far. Learn about the new emulator, working with different screen resolutions, connectivity between devices, in-app purchases, the speed improvements and many more new features.

Speaker: Nico Vermeir

Download the slides.

Resources
- Download the Windows Phone SDK on http://dev.windowsphone.com.
- Have a look at the next events we have planned for developers in Belgium: http://msdn-events.be 
- Belgian app builders: discover your new home: http://msdn.be/apps AKA the Apps on Windows portal.

Abstract
Apps are coming to Windows 8. Not just global apps but several Apps by Belgian companies and developers. With a Windows Store open for business since RTM in August, we've been supporting the Belgian teams to publish their Apps to the Windows Store. In this session we'll share our top learnings, going from packaging the app to technical, and content requirements. We'll finish off with the highlights of some great Belgian apps.

Speaker: Katrien De Graeve
Katrien is a technical evangelist at Microsoft Belgium & Luxembourg, focusing on Microsoft Windows and Web technologies. Her current focus is working with companies, developers and designers to bring great experiences to the Windows platform. She tweets as @katriendg.

Download the slides.

Support
- Step 1: Read Store App Certification Requirements
- Step 2: Read Resolving Certification Errors
- Step 3: Escalate through CSS

Extra
- Belgian app builders: discover your new home: http://msdn.be/apps AKA the Apps on Windows portal.
- Working on Windows 8 app and need some expert advice? Attend a Windows Store App Lab!
- Have a look at the next events we have planned for developers in Belgium: http://msdn-events.be 

Abstract
Charms are one of many features that make the Windows 8 platform stand out from its competition. In this talk I will walk you through implementing the charms and some best practices in using them.

Speaker: Nico Vermeir

Download the slides.

Resources
- timheuer/callisto on GitHub
- MSDN UX guidelines: charms

Extra
- Belgian app builders: discover your new home: http://msdn.be/apps AKA the Apps on Windows portal.
- Working on Windows 8 app and need some expert advice? Attend an App Clinic!
- Have a look at the next events we have planned for developers in Belgium: http://msdn-events.be 

Abstract
Windows Store apps will give users a great experience. Apps promise the user to be alive and connected. Being connected means interfacing with services and the cloud. But what options do we have to make the connection to the outside world? In this session, we'll explore how WinRT apps can connect with services (WCF, REST...) and the cloud to offer a great experience. We'll also see how internals like roaming data can be used in your apps.

Speaker: Gill Cleeren

Download the slides.

Extra
- Belgian app builders: discover your new home: http://msdn.be/apps AKA the Apps on Windows portal.
- Working on Windows 8 app and need some expert advice? Attend an App Clinic!
- Have a look at the next events we have planned for developers in Belgium: http://msdn-events.be 

1. How to implement the settings charm
2. How to implement the sharing charm
3. How to deal with file reading and writing, threads, and any other topics which vary between platforms
4. How to prepare art assets for Windows
5. A list of links and resources for further reading

Instructor: Alex Schearer, XNA/Monogame gaming expert.

Looking for developer events in Belgium? Your one-stop-shop is here: http://msdn-events.be.

Abstract
SharePoint 2013 introduces a new mechanism for custom code solutions wit the new App model.  In this session, we'll examine why SharePoint Apps have been introduced and how it compares with the standard solution deployment model, the different architecture models and which technologies are used in the App model.  We will also look in to the enhancements in the Client Side Object Model and the new REST API which will help you build SharePoint Apps. During this session the different scenarios are outlined using demos and after this session attendees will be ready to build Apps in SharePoint 2013.

Speaker: Joris Poelmans

Download the slides.

Extra resources
- Introduction to SharePoint 2013 Training videos
- Sign up for an Office 365 Preview developer site
- Introducing Napa – Office 365 development tools
- What's new for developers in SharePoint 2013

Next events
Have a look at the next events we have planned for developers in Belgium: http://msdn-events.be 

Abstract
We launched the Belgian Windows 8 developer events with the Windows 8 Day & Night event in March. In the meantime, we've worked closely with many developers and designers on building their applications, received and solved questions through App Clinics and helped developers get access to the Windows Store by passing App Excellence Labs. In this session we go over the top 10 learnings we have gathered. Don't miss this opportunity to learn some very useful insights in getting your app ready for the Windows Store.

Speaker
Katrien De Graeve is a Technical Evangelist for Microsoft Belgium and Luxembourg, focusing on Microsoft Web and UX stack. In this role she works with the community and is responsible for developer content and activities. Lately Katrien is focusing on HTML5, Web and Windows 8. Follow her @katriendg.

Build your Windows 8 app now ... and get a €100 Connections travel voucher! Take 4 simple steps by September 14, 2012:

1. Download the tools you need
2. Follow on & offline training
3. Attend an App Clinic
4. Pass an App Excellence Lab

More info here.

Please note that this promo is valid for Belgian residents only. View the full terms & conditions.

Abstract
Windows 8 is a hot topic right now, but if you want to build a Win8 version of your Windows Phone app, do you have to rebuild it from scratch? Well, as a Windows Phone 7 developer you are well on your way to becoming a Windows 8 developer.  In this session I will show you what code is reusable and how easy it is to port over your WP7 applications to a Windows 8 Metro app.

Speaker: Nico Vermeir

Build your Windows 8 app now! Make it real within 4 simple steps: http://www.microsoft.com/belux/msdn/metromap/buildyourapp.html

Abstract
The Windows 8 Runtime (WinRT) is the cornerstone for developing native C++ applications for the Windows 8 Metro platform. This session will explain what exactly the WinRT is, what it is capable of, and how to use it for your C++ Metro applications. You will also see a few language changes that have been made to C++ to make it easier to use the WinRT. The Metro UI aspect of C++ Metro applications can be implemented using XAML or DirectX. This session will go deeper in on how to use XAML and the XAML designers to develop UI for C++ Apps.

Speaker: Marc Grégoire

Build your Windows 8 app now! Make it real within 4 simple steps: http://www.microsoft.com/belux/msdn/metromap/buildyourapp.html

Abstract
We, community members, all like to join as many interesting events as possible. However combining events from multiple user groups is quite a challenge for both the organizers and the visitors. That's why some of us community citizens did step up to create a single place grouping the calendars of the different Belgian communities. In this session Bart and Glenn will go deeper in building a REST-based Windows 8 application, both backend and frontend. The community calendar application also provides the possibility to search, share and register for events using some of the available Windows 8 contracts.

Speakers
Bart Lannoeye & Glenn Versweyveld

Build your Windows 8 app now! Make it real within 4 simple steps: http://www.microsoft.com/belux/msdn/metromap/buildyourapp.html

Abstract
There is a difference between a Metro Style Windows 8 app and a great Windows 8 app. Building a great Windows 8 app takes more than technical skill and good programming. A great Windows 8 app is about putting the user first, building something that he can and wants to use. The overall user experience of an application is very much underestimated. In this session we'll take a closer look at the design principles and usability guidelines that will make your app great.

Speaker: Leslie Cottenjé

Build your Windows 8 app now! Make it real within 4 simple steps: http://www.microsoft.com/belux/msdn/metromap/buildyourapp.html

Abstract
With Windows 8 coming and Windows Azure being around as a solid cloud platform, there will be many new scenarios possible and big opportunities available to build new types of services and applications. We are facing a huge number of devices possibly upgrading to this new version of Windows and all of them will be connecting to well know services, fetching data and being online all the time. To enable this load, support flexible and scalable applications and to provide users with an amazing user experience, Windows 8 and Windows Azure will probably become best friends.

Speaker
Kristof Rennen is Architect and Lead Developer at Capgemini Belgium with many years of experience in software development. He is co-leader of the Windows Azure offering, gives trainings, talks about scalable architectures and cloud and evangelizes the interesting and challenging Windows Azure platform as much as he can.

Download the slides.

Extra resources
- Learn more about Windows 8 Metro Style apps
- Windows Azure Toolkit for Windows 8
- Windows Azure Free Trial

Next events
Feel free to have a look at the list of events for developers run by the Microsoft Community in Belgium and Luxembourg. If you're specifically looking for events about Windows 8 in Belgium, your one-stop-shop is here: the Metro Map. It lists all Windows 8 events for developers and is your local guide to your app in the Windows Store.

Abstract
The promise of all cloud vendors out there is they can run your applications without changes. While that claim is true, it's better to optimize existing software or design specifically for the cloud when moving or building an application. Architectural optimization will speed up your application, make it more scalable and even will make it cheaper to run on Windows Azure. This session will take you along some common patterns that are easy to implement and will make your cloud more sunny.

Speaker
Maarten Balliauw is a technical consultant in web technologies at RealDolmen, one of Belgium's biggest ICT companies. His interests are ASP.NET (MVC), PHP and Windows Azure. He's a Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP) for Windows Azure and has published many articles in both PHP and .NET literature such as MSDN magazine Belgium and PHP architect. Maarten is a frequent speaker at various national and international events. His blog can be found at http://blog.maartenballiauw.be.

Download the slides.

Extra resources
- Windows Azure homepage 
- Windows Azure Training Kit
- HighScalability.com

Next events
Feel free to have a look at the list of events for developers run by the Microsoft Community in Belgium and Luxembourg. If you're specifically looking for events about Windows 8 in Belgium, your one-stop-shop is here: the Metro Map. It lists all Windows 8 events for developers and is your local guide to your app in the Windows Store.

Abstract
NuGet has been around for some time now and has introduced the concept of package management into the heads of many .NET developers. A central package repository and integrated tooling suddenly made it a whole lot easier to deliver and ship software components, proof of which can be found into the increasing rate at which many packages make it to the NuGet Gallery. At the same time, many businesses are struggling how to take optimal benefit from this while trying to avoid a situation commonly known as "dependency hell". Package hell can be just around the corner if not implemented properly.

Questions are raised on how to deal with symbols and debugging. Do we check these packages into source control or not? What's the impact if I don't? How to mitigate potential downtime of the NuGet Gallery? This session will provide you with guidance, tips and tricks on how you can take benefit from NuGet and TFS11 to take your CI environment to the next level.

Extra resources
- http://www.hanselman.com/blog/HowToAccessNuGetWhenNuGetorgIsDownOrYoureOnAPlane.aspx
- http://www.xavierdecoster.com/post/2012/03/09/How-to-help-yourself-when-NuGet-goes-down.aspx

Next events
Feel free to have a look at the list of events for developers run by the Microsoft Community in Belgium and Luxembourg. If you're specifically looking for events about Windows 8 in Belgium, your one-stop-shop is here: the Metro Map. It lists all Windows 8 events for developers and is your local guide to your app in the Windows Store.

Abstract
You have looked into building Windows 8 Metro Style Applications. But now comes the step of building a great app that integrates with Windows 8 experiences and that has great user interaction. How do you make your app preferred by users? How do you give confidence to users?

Speaker: Katrien De Graeve

Katrien is an Evangelist for Microsoft Belgium, focusing on Microsoft Web and UX stack. With a web development background, working at agencies and training in the past, Katrien's focus at Microsoft is on Web, HTML5, Mobile and lately Windows 8 Metro Style apps. Katrien's main role as an evangelist is making developers shine!

Top designer and information architecture resources

Next events
Feel free to have a look at the list of events for developers run by the Microsoft Community in Belgium and Luxembourg. If you're specifically looking for events about Windows 8 in Belgium, your one-stop-shop is here: the Metro Map. It lists all Windows 8 events for developers and is your local guide to your app in the Windows Store.

Abstract
Microsoft SQL Server Data Tools provides an integrated environment for database developers to carry out all their database design work for any SQL Server platform (both on and off premise) within Visual Studio.
• Connected Database Development
• Project-Oriented Offline Database Development
• Project-Oriented Database Development using Command-Line Tools
• Modern Code and Designers.

Download the slides.

Speaker: Isabelle Van Campenhoudt

Find more info on the subject on the MSDN SQL Server Developer Center.

Next events
Feel free to have a look at the list of events for developers run by the Microsoft Community in Belgium and Luxembourg.

Abstract
With the release of Lync 2010, Microsoft created a terrific platform for Unified Communications. But the use of the platform is not limited to the software but only to the limitation of your imagination and creativity. The Lync environment is highly extensible and this through the use of the tools you all know best: the .Net Framework and Visual Studio. Together in this session we will walk through all types of development possible for the platform, the tools needed for this kind of development and some of the possible scenarios.

Download the slides.

Speaker
Mike Martin is a Microsoft Lead Consultant in technical pre-sales and architecting. Since a brief time, he's working for Crosspoint Solutions. From a technical perspective Mike is involved in architecting solutions based upon the entire Microsoft Application Platform. Recently he also joined the Azug crew, to help this terrific user group in their organisation.

Extra resources
Lync 2010 SDK
Lync 2010 SDK MSDN Documentation

Next events
Feel free to have a look at the list of events run by the Microsoft Community in Belgium and Luxembourg.

Abstract
We're going to build a small application to show off some of the more advanced Windows Phone 7.5 features: the new app lifecycle, Isolated Storage (and working with a local database). We'll start out with an almost-empty app and start adding code to get the app from dormant and/or tombstoned state back up and running, continue right into saving the state to the IsoStore and more. The application will be built using the MVVM design pattern.

Download the slides & demos.

Speaker
Kevin Dockx lives in Belgium and works at RealDolmen, one of Belgium's biggest ICT companies, where he is a technical specialist/project leader on .NET web applications, mainly Silverlight, and a solution manager for Rich Applications (Silverlight, Windows Phone 7 Series, WPF, Surface). His main focus lies on all things Silverlight, but he still keeps an eye on the new developments concerning other products from the Microsoft .NET (Web) Stack. As a Silverlight enthusiast, he's a regular speaker on various national and international events, like Microsoft DevDays in The Netherlands, Microsoft Techdays in Portugal or on BESUG events (the Belgian Silverlight User Group). Next to that, he also writes articles for various Silverlight-related sites, and he wrote a best-selling Silverlight book, Packt Publishing's Silverlight 4 Data and Services Cookbook (https://www.packtpub.com/microsoft-silverlight-4-data-and-services-cookbook/book ). His blog, which contains various tidbits on Silverlight, .NET, and the occasional rambling, can be found at http://blog.kevindockx.com/.

Extra resources
Windows Phone Developer Hub
Belgian Windows Phone Page for Developers

Next events
Feel free to have a look at the list of events run by the Microsoft Community in Belgium and Luxembourg.

Abstract
Building HTML5 web applications is nice, building HTML5 web applications that run on multiple devices is awesome. The key in this story are media queries which come with CSS3. In this session you will learn how you can create and use media queries to make your site available on multiple mobile devices.

Download the slides and demos.

Speaker
Since the web was more then displaying text, Kevin DeRudder is involved in everything that has something to do with "Front End Web Development". Silverlight, HTML, CSS, Javascript and more. Now that the Web is everywhere, Kevin shifted gears and also works on the mobile side of the web. At the moment, Kevin works for eGuidelines (http://www.e-guidelines.be) and is a lecturer at the Technical University of West Flanders (New Multimedia and Communication Technologies, http://www.nmct.be) where he teaches .NET development (WPF, Silverlight), Front End Web Development (HTML 5, CSS 3, Javascript), ...

Extra resources
MSDN HTML5 Developer Center 
Make your web applications compatible
IE Test Drive

Next events
Feel free to have a look at the list of events run by the Microsoft Community in Belgium and Luxembourg.

Abstract
Today we all have infinite cloud power at our finger tips, yet a lot is still involved at the architectural level to create highly scalable applications on top of all this power. In this session I want to introduce you to an open source framework, NServiceBus, that makes distributed application development a breeze. Join us to learn how the Windows Azure platform and NServiceBus can be used together to quickly build large scale distributed applications and start dreaming of your next global killer service.
 
Download the slides.

Speaker
Yves Goeleven is a solution architect at Capgemini, Windows Azure MVP, Co-founder of AZUG as well as a contributor to NServiceBus. He has over a decade of experience in designing and implementing large scale enterprise applications both on-premises and in the cloud.

Extra resources
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsazure
http://cloudshaper.wordpress.com/category/nservicebus/
https://github.com/NServiceBus/NServiceBus

Next events
Feel free to have a look at the list of events run by the Microsoft Community in Belgium and Luxembourg.