Linxter is a BizSpark startup that's changing the way that developers think about traditional middleware. Last week I caught up with Linxter CEO Jason Milgram, to talk about the company, messaging, and the BizSpark program.[more ]

What are the Azure opportunities for Microsoft partners? Mike Werner provides a high level overview of Windows Azure, Microsoft's cloud computing services. Topics covered include basic platform features and functionality, overall benefits, and the common scenarios for using Windows Azure. We will also discuss how the Azure Services Platform applies to the partner business by creating new services-based opportunities across the Microsoft partner and customer ecosystem.[more ]

Xobni is an Outlook plug-in that lets users easily connect to their contacts through the various social networks. The program comes in two versions, one free and now a new pay version that ads enhanced features. I recently talked to Matt Brezina, one of the Xobni founders, about the product, about social networking, and about how being a BizSpark startup has helped Xobni build their product and their company.[more ]

One of the issues that new startups often face is the where to work question. Do we build in the garage/basement, or do we go after some office space? One new alternative that's catching momentum nationwide is coworking. Coworking allows community members to share the costs of an office space that offers meeting rooms, connectivity, printers, and other amenities. [more ]

Scott Zimmerman, Solutions Architect at Microsoft, presents a concise, 5-minute summary of Microsoft's Azure Service Platform during the Lightning Round at Cloud Camp DC Commercial in Reston, VA on June 17, 2009.  For more information on Cloud Camp and a link to Scott’s presentation, visit http://blogs.msdn.com/usdevpartners.[more ]

This weekend I visited the Tampa Code Camp, where I was able to talk to Sayed Hashimi. Sayed is the co-author of the upcoming MS Press book title, Inside the Microsoft Build Engine.[more ]