Windows Azure Platform Introductory Special

Windows Azure Platform is Microsoft's cloud computing service. If you would like to try this service, there is a free resource-limited subscription called "Introductory Special".

I'm writing about this offer because it will end on March 31, 2011. It would be a shame not to take a look.
What you will need is a "Live ID" and a credit card. Don't worry. They will not charge you (unless you exceed your allotted resources). It's like when you stay at a hotel and they ask you for your credit card (just in case you raid the mini-fridge).

What do you get?
Included each month at no charge:
Windows Azure

• 25 hours of a small compute instance
• 500 MB of storage
• 10,000 storage transactions

SQL Azure

• 1GB Web Edition database (available for first 3 months only)

Windows Azure AppFabric

• 100,000 Access Control transactions
• 2 Service Bus connections

Data Transfers (per region)

• 500 MB in
• 500 MB out

Golden Rule of Azure Platform free ride: Delete the Hosted Services after you are done with them.

Why is this important?
Any monthly usage in excess of the above amounts will be charged at the standard rates. This introductory special will end on March 31, 2011 and all usage will then be charged at the standard rates.


All this sound very serious and it is, but if you take down your services after you played with Azure, you have nothing to fear.
 
So JOIN THE CLOUD :)

Microsoft Certification Packs

You can save up to 20% (5 exams pack) on Microsoft Certification exams and get "Second Shot" for each exam.

EXAM PACK   SAVINGS        SECOND SHOT


5 exam pack       20%                  Included with each exam

4 exam pack       20%                 Included with each exam

3 exam pack       15%                 Included with each exam

2 exam pack       15%                 Included with each exam

1 exam            Regular                Price add 15% to single exam price

For 1 exam you will pay an extra 15% to get the "Second Shot".

If you intend to obtain a Microsoft Certification, like MCTS, this may come in handy. Most of them consist of 2 or more exams.

Here is a link for more info: http://www.prometric.com/microsoft/certpacks

Microsoft "Second Shot" is back

Great news for those who are preparing for any IT Professional, Developer or Microsoft Dynamics certification exam. "Second Shot" is back.

Second Shot allows you to retake an exam at a significant savings if you fail your first attempt.

Visit ProMetric Site for information about "Second Shot": http://www.prometric.com/microsoft/Tech_Portfolio.htm?s=MSTPORT1

This offer is available until 31 July 2011. This is the original ProMetric condition:

"You must register for Second Shot and pay for your exam in order to receive the Second Shot offer. You must register, schedule and take both the first (and if necessary) second retake exam by June 30, 2011."

Looking forward to SharePoint 2010

SharePoint 2010 got its first Beta. Try it!

Before you start, you must have a 64bit compatible CPU to install it (or to run a 64bit system on your Virtual PC). Read the hardware and software requirements for SharePoint 2010 (or "14" as it was first called)

Download:
SharePoint 2010 Beta (you will need to register before you download)
Microsoft SharePoint 2010 (Beta) Software Development Kit (SDK)

Supported OS:
SharePoint Server 2010 will require 64-bit Windows Server 2008 or 64-bit Windows Server 2008 R2.

Supported Database Server:
SharePoint Server 2010 will require 64-bit SQL Server 2008 or 64-bit SQL Server 2005.

Renaming everything...
In keeping with tradition, Microsoft renamed a couple of components and features (that were available in the 2007 version).

• Windows SharePoint Services is now SharePoint Foundation 2010
• Business Data Catalog is now called Business Connectivity Services

What's new:

• New features available for management of SharePoint Farm
• Windows PowerShell support
• Silverlight hosting for user interfaces
• LINQ to SharePoint
• Client Object Model
• BCS - now with a built-in tool for creating the manifests
  

SharePoint Public Beta Resources
General information about SharePoint 2010: http://sharepoint2010.microsoft.com/Pages/default.aspx
Resources for Developers on MSDN: http://www.mssharepointdeveloper.com/
Resources for IT Pros on TechNet: http://www.mssharepointitpro.com/
Have a SharePoint 2010 question? Ask it in the SharePoint 2010 forums
Microsoft SharePoint Team Blog: http://blogs.msdn.com/sharepoint/default.aspx