brianjo

Interview: BizSpark Startup Linxter

Brian Johnson — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 21:54:00 GMT

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.

Here's the company description from the Linxter web site:

Linxter is an information broker that enables and governs message-based data exchange between any .NET applications or services that can connect to the Internet. Using your existing .NET skills and Linxter, you can quickly and easily connect distributed apps and integrate distributed systems.

Windows Azure and Partner Opportunities

Brian Johnson — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 12:56:00 GMT

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.

Interview: BizSpark Startup Xobni

Brian Johnson — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 13:49:00 GMT

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.

Links:
Xobni
BizSpark
Microsoft Startup Zone

Coworking for Startups

Brian Johnson — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 16:42:00 GMT

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.

I talked to Chris Shultz, the founder of Launch Pad in New Orleans, about the coworking movement, Microsoft BizSpark, and about their new space in The Big Easy.

Links:

Launch Pad - New Orleans
Coworking on Wikipedia
BizSpark Program
Microsoft Startup Zone

Azure Service Platform - Lightning Round at Cloud Camp DC

Brian Johnson — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 04:21:00 GMT

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.

Sayed Hashimi on MS Build

Brian Johnson — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 01:35:00 GMT

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.

In this short talk, Sayed describes some of the features of MS Build and shows how MS Build can be used to deploy an app as part of the build process.

Inside the Microsoft Build Engine is scheduled to be released in January.