Ronan Geraghty's Blog https://docs.microsoft.com/archive/blogs/ronang/feed.xml Ronan Geraghty's Blog (Developer and Platform Group, Microsoft Ireland) Tue, 16 Apr 2019 05:26:37 GMT en-US hourly 1 Joint Enterprise Ireland-Microsoft Event, ‘Succeeding in the US Market – Best Practices for Software Companies’, 23rd March 2010 https://docs.microsoft.com/archive/blogs/ronang/joint-enterprise-ireland-microsoft-event-succeeding-in-the-us-market-best-practices-for-software-companies-23rd-march-2010 Tue, 16 Mar 2010 03:58:22 GMT https://blogs.msdn.microsoft.com/ronang/2010/03/16/joint-enterprise-ireland-microsoft-event-succeeding-in-the-us-market-best-practices-for-software-companies-23rd-march-2010/ clip_image002clip_image004

Following the recent BizSpark Camp event, I want to keep you informed of other interesting events and resources, helping foster growth in Irish technology firms.

Microsoft Ireland are supporting BizSpark Network Partner, Enterprise Ireland, with an event focusing on tips and best practices helping Irish technology firms to succeed in the US Market.

Learn more here: http://www.bestconnected.ie/succeeding-in-the-us-market-best-practices-for-software-companies-23rd-march-2010/

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The latest, and one of the most important joint Microsoft – EI events, is Paul Solski’s visit to Ireland. It will be useful for existing Microsoft Partners and companies partnering with other vendors both in the US and other key export markets. There will be a public event ‘Succeeding in the US Market – Best Practices for Software Companies’, 23rd March 2010 at Enterprise Ireland, Eastpoint , Dublin.

Paul Solski is the Managing Director of The OpenBorders Group in North America. Together with The OpenBorders Group executive partners in Germany and the UK, he build Microsoft’s Open Borders Program which helps Microsoft ISVs expand internationally.

This event is more targeted at established technology firms, rather than start-ups. Do check it out though and sign it up if you think your business could benefit from tips and best practices for Software Companies striving to succeed in US Market.

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]]> Azure Academy Module 1, Dublin Oct 22nd 2009 https://docs.microsoft.com/archive/blogs/ronang/azure-academy-module-1-dublin-oct-22nd-2009 Mon, 12 Oct 2009 06:43:19 GMT https://blogs.msdn.microsoft.com/ronang/2009/10/12/azure-academy-module-1-dublin-oct-22nd-2009/ Microsoft Ireland and the National Digital Research Centre present Azure Academy, a series of FREE Level 300 Technical training seminars for a select group of invite-only customers and partners.

Half-day instructor-led training seminars will be run on a bimonthly basis, giving attendees exclusive and early access to technical training delivered by the best of local and international subject matter experts.

Register for the first module here, and Module 2, Module 3 and Module 4

]]> NDRC calls for proposals under 3 newly launched programs https://docs.microsoft.com/archive/blogs/ronang/ndrc-calls-for-proposals-under-3-newly-launched-programs Mon, 21 Sep 2009 07:55:45 GMT https://blogs.msdn.microsoft.com/ronang/2009/09/21/ndrc-calls-for-proposals-under-3-newly-launched-programs/ This looks v. interesting. Drill down into each of the links to get details of the funding available etc. (in some cases funding of up to 100% is available!)

The NDRC is currently calling for project proposals under three newly launched programmes:

  1. Entrepreneurial Internships Programme 
  2. CTR Feasibility Programme 
  3. Collaborative Translational Research Programme

1. Entrepreneurial Internships: This programme is designed to develop small scale projects with aspiring entrepreneurs to produce commercially focused applications in the web and mobile space. This investment programme is an avenue for individuals or small teams with links to a third level institution to pursue potential opportunities from idea to application in a supportive environment and among a set of peers. For more information about our Entrepreneurial Internship programme visit this page.

2. CTR Feasibility projects: We are investing in a programme to develop projects with established academics and companies that are potential collaborative translational research projects, but would benefit from upfront problem-solution and market validation. The focus of projects within the programme will be in the areas of health, education, entertainment and the environment. For more information about our CTR Feasibility programme visit this page.

3. Collaborative Translational Research projects: Having built a portfolio of collaborative translational research projects, the National Digital Research Centre is embarking on a second investment phase in further collaborative translational research.  As such, the NDRC is seeking to facilitate further collaborations between established academics and industry partners to develop commercially-focused research projects in the application areas of health, education, entertainment and the environment. 

In this specific call, the NDRC is particularly interested in receiving proposals for environmental technologies – specifically targeted at energy efficiency as distinct from green energy generation – in a digital context. We are not, however, excluding good ideas in other digital application areas. For more information about our Collaborative Translational Research programme visit this page.

To register and access online forms for all of these programmes visit this page.

]]> BizSpark DC event, Dublin, Sept 24th https://docs.microsoft.com/archive/blogs/ronang/bizspark-dc-event-dublin-sept-24th Wed, 09 Sep 2009 09:11:00 GMT https://blogs.msdn.microsoft.com/ronang/2009/09/09/bizspark-dc-event-dublin-sept-24th/ I’m delighted to announce that we are hosting a BizSpark event on the day of our Dublin Data Centre opening which will  include a tour of the new facility on September 24th 2009. The Data Centre is not normally open to visitors, therefore this is a very limited opportunity and I’m especially pleased to be able to make this opportunity available to those of you on the BizSpark program.

This exclusive event for BizSpark startups in Ireland and Northern Ireland will provide you with a unique opportunity to hear from the President of Microsoft International Jean-Philippe Courtois and the General Manager of Microsoft Ireland Paul Rellis in relation to Microsoft’s Strategy and Vision for Software + Services.

Here are the essentials:

- The event is for startups  enrolled on the BizSpark program in Ireland/Northern Ireland

- Aim to set aside hours of 10am - 4pm on Sept 24th – agenda will be communicated to attendees

- Availability is extremely limited so a lottery system will apply.

- Please register your interest by contacting me via http://blogs.msdn.com/ronang/contact.aspx ASAP, preferably by COB Friday 11th Sept.

- Because of security regulations, we will not be able to admit anyone who has not officially registered and been approved to attend in advance

]]> Windows 7 ISV App compat drop-in clinics : week of 31st August 2009, Dublin https://docs.microsoft.com/archive/blogs/ronang/windows-7-isv-app-compat-drop-in-clinics-week-of-31st-august-2009-dublin Mon, 10 Aug 2009 04:59:08 GMT https://blogs.msdn.microsoft.com/ronang/2009/08/10/windows-7-isv-app-compat-drop-in-clinics-week-of-31st-august-2009-dublin/ With the recent release to manufacture (RTM) of Window 7 now is the time for ISVs to make sure your applications are ready for Microsoft’s latest version of Windows.

Over the next few months we will be running a number of Application Compatibility briefings and drop-in clinics, where we have a very high success rate of taking ISV applications that e.g. work on Windows XP, and making them compatible with Windows Vista and Windows 7.

For example, by the completion of our remediation workshops in June most applications worked with Windows 7 (and ready to obtain the Compatible with Windows 7 logo) or it had been identified what needed to be done in order to make those applications compatible.

All of these events are free of charge.

First up, we are running 2 1-day clinics the week of 31st August 2009 in Dublin. I’m still finalising the exact days and the venue, but if you’re interested in attending please contact me directly for more details.

The Drop-in Clinic is an event where ISVs can drop in with their applications and get help from a consultant to remediate compatibility issues. ISVs can bring their own laptops running Windows 7 – or failing that we can organise to have Windows 7 PCs available for you to install your application.

One clinic can accommodate a maximum of eight ISVs during a given day.

During the clinics you may test, debug, and fix any application compatibility issues you may have with the assistance of Microsoft Application Compatibility experts.

All client applications are welcome, whether they are written in .NET, C++, VB6, or A.N. Other Tech :-). Please bring with you an installable version of your application(s) and the symbols (PDBs) if possible.

So, if you’re an ISV who needs some help in getting compatible with Windows 7 let me know if you want a slot on the clinic.

If you already support Vista then ensuring compatibility with Windows 7 should be a snap and you should also find it easy to get the Windows 7 logo – see https://www.isvappcompat.com/ for more details or contact me directly, and let me know if you support Windows 7. You can also declare your support at https://www.microsoft.com/windows/compatibility/windows-7/partner/submission.aspx to get listed in the Windows 7 Compatibility Center.

]]> Out-of-band security bulletins https://docs.microsoft.com/archive/blogs/ronang/out-of-band-security-bulletins Wed, 29 Jul 2009 07:50:55 GMT https://blogs.msdn.microsoft.com/ronang/2009/07/29/out-of-band-security-bulletins/ This is post is to notify you that Microsoft released two out-of-band security bulletins on July 28, 2009.

One bulletin is for the Microsoft Visual Studio product line; application developers should be aware of updates available affecting certain types of applications.

The second bulletin contains defence-in-depth changes to Internet Explorer to address attack vectors related to the Visual Studio bulletin, as well as fixes for unrelated vulnerabilities that are rated Critical.

This security update was released outside of the usual monthly security bulletin release cycle in an effort to protect customers. Microsoft recommends customers prepare their systems and networks to apply this security bulletin immediately to help ensure that their computers are protected from attempted criminal attacks. For more information about security updates, visit http://www.microsoft.ie/protect.

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NEW SECURITY BULLETIN SUMMARY

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Bulletin ID: MS09-034

Bulletin Title: Cumulative Security Update for Internet Explorer (972260)

Maximum Severity Rating: Critical

Vulnerability Impact: Remote Code Execution

Restart Requirement: Requires restart

Affected Software: All supported versions of Internet Explorer on Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Server 2003, Windows Vista, and Windows Server 2008

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Bulletin ID: MS09-035

Bulletin Title: Vulnerabilities in Visual Studio Active Template Library Could Allow Remote Code Execution (969706)

Maximum Severity Rating: Moderate

Vulnerability Impact: Remote Code Execution

Restart Requirement: Requires restart

Affected Software: Microsoft Visual Studio .NET 2003, Visual Studio 2005, Visual Studio 2008, Visual C++ 2005, and Visual C++ 2008

The full version of the Microsoft Security Bulletin Notification can be found here: http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/advisory/973882.mspx.

The purpose of this notification is to assist customers with resource planning for this security bulletin release. The information offered in this notification is purposely general in nature to provide enough information for customers to plan for deployment without disclosing vulnerability details or other information that could put them at risk. Anyone believed to have been affected can visit: http://www.microsoft.com/protect/support/default.mspx and should contact the Gardaí.

Microsoft continues to encourage customers to follow the “Protect Your Computer” guidance of enabling a firewall, applying all software updates, and installing anti-virus and anti-spyware software. Additional information can be found at: http://ww.microsoft.ie/protect.

If you have any questions regarding this alert, please contact your local (Technical) Account Manager.

]]> Bizspark logos for Network Partners and Startups https://docs.microsoft.com/archive/blogs/ronang/bizspark-logos-for-network-partners-and-startups Fri, 03 Jul 2009 05:50:47 GMT https://blogs.msdn.microsoft.com/ronang/2009/07/03/bizspark-logos-for-network-partners-and-startups/ We now offer a BizSpark logo program for Network Partners and Startups (see NP home page screenshot below). You simply need to log in to your home page, accept the logo agreement and you can use the BizSpark logo in your Marketing Materials.

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Here are the examples of the Startup and Network Partner Logos

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]]> Networking seminar - Intelligent outsourcing for export success https://docs.microsoft.com/archive/blogs/ronang/networking-seminar-intelligent-outsourcing-for-export-success Thu, 18 Jun 2009 04:23:00 GMT https://blogs.msdn.microsoft.com/ronang/2009/06/18/networking-seminar-intelligent-outsourcing-for-export-success/ There is an 'Intelligent Outsourcing' seminar and networking lunch on the 2nd July at the Digital Exchange in Dublin. This is a forum bringing together a number of Irish software companies with six of of the leading Microsoft Gold Certified Partners from Sri Lanka.

The forum will explore areas of common interest between the Irish and Sri Lankan companies - looking at opportunities to partner for the Irish/European markets (from a blended costings/ extended capabilities perspective etc) but equally to look to partnering for growth opportunities for Irish companies in the dynamic and growth-oriented South Asian markets. The event is supported by Chambers Ireland.

The attached brochure contains full details.

You can register online at http://tinyurl.com/nq8kun

Details of the event can also be seen at www.BusinessSriLanka.com and the profiles of the Sri Lankan companies can be seen at:

www.tinyurl.com/m93s2z

Intelligent Outsourcing.pdf

]]> BizSpark Ireland / Northern Ireland Newsletter content, May 2009 https://docs.microsoft.com/archive/blogs/ronang/bizspark-ireland-northern-ireland-newsletter-content-may-2009 Fri, 08 May 2009 04:46:00 GMT https://blogs.msdn.microsoft.com/ronang/2009/05/08/bizspark-ireland-northern-ireland-newsletter-content-may-2009/

Welcome to the BizSpark Startup Newsletter

Get Windows 7 RC first using your MSDN subscription, access free classroom Azure and Windows 7 developer training, and get ready to ride the Windows 7 wave!
Welcome to the latest edition of the BizSpark Newsletter for Ireland / Northern Ireland.
By the time you read this, the Windows 7 RC should be available for you to download using your MSDN subscription, see here for details from the Windows 7 team.
Remember the Visibility promise of BizSpark? The excitement around Windows 7 is growing – and I am building a pipeline of ISV launch partners! Get your app compatible by checking out the resources on Innovate On, and we have some in-person events coming up which can help - in this edition you’ll also find details of free developer training for both the Azure Services platform and Windows 7 – see the events section. Pease feel free to contact me for more details on becoming a launch partner.

Success stories

RevaHealth

RevaHealth.com Increase Conversion by 66% by Changing Two Words
RevaHealth.com is a healthcare search engine that helps users find and compare health clinics worldwide. With information about 60,000 clinics in the UK and Ireland and thousands more in 50 countries around the world, Revahealth.com helps people take control of their healthcare choices and find the most suitable clinic and treatment for their needs. Having raised €1.25 million of angel funding early this year, the RevaHealth team is now moving away from its original focus on niche markets, and expanding into wider local and national healthcare markets, with plans to move into the Far Eastern and American markets later in 2009. RevaHealth.com recorded traffic growth of 16% from February to March of this year, with UK traffic growing by just over 50%. Learn how they increased their conversion rate by 66%!
 

Lucey Technology Selected to present at Microsoft European Investor Summit
Microsoft will host the 6th Annual European Investor Summit in Prague, organized in conjunction with the EU SME Week, and I’m delighted to say that Lucey Technology, a BizSpark startup based in Ireland have been selected to present.

News

Virtual Earth

Got Millions of Users? You Can When You Share Your Web App
The Windows Web App Gallery provides simple ways for you to explore, discover, install, and deploy your web applications on the Windows platform. You can share your web app with millions of Windows users worldwide. Learn more about the simple submission process, and what you’ll need to join in

Guinness Enterprise Center BizSpark Cluster
Announced at the BizSpark briefing on April 29th, GEC have designated an open plan office suite to facilitate the development of a Microsoft® BizSpark™ start up cluster of enterprises. DBIC/GEC are one of the managers of the AIB Seed Capital Fund and also the Halo Business Angel Partnership
Bizspark participants will join the GEC / DBIC community of over 100 entrepreneurs who have started their companies with GEC / DBIC business mentoring, guidance and resources, and who are equally driven by innovation and technology. For more information, contact the GEC (details at http://co1piltwb.partners.extranet.microsoft.com/mcoeredir/mcoeredirect.aspx?linkId=11856370&s1=1c13a400-855d-4ad0-0ae6-2572fe664970)
BizSpark Startups Can Now Join Metro: Get Pre-release Support and Training!
Metro, Microsoft’s early adoption program that provides access to training and a broad range of pre-release support for projects based on Microsoft’s newest technologies, is now available for BizSpark startups. Get free support and resources on Windows 7, Azure, .NET 4.0, Visual Studio 2010, Office 14 and more!
Join Metro by logging into your account from the BizSpark Welcome Page on the BizSpark Portal — look for the Metro banner on the bottom of the page.
Promote Your Company on BizSpark DB.
Want to promote your startup to potential investors, clients, employees, and partners? Go to the “Add Your Startup” tab on the BizSparkDB at microsoftstartupzone.com, fill out a short profile and we’ll do the rest. It’s so easy. Each week, we select a new startup to showcase.
Outsourcing – the Perils and Benefits.
We are thinking of running an online seminar on this topic. Some would consider that outsourcing their software development enables them to focus more on executing their business strategy. The client can oversee the development very closely, choosing from a larger pool of specialist resources. Crucially, Irish-based outsource providers can also enter into an agreement covered by Irish law, guaranteeing protection of your IP. If you select the right partner you can greatly benefit from outsourcing and, like everything else, cheapest is not usually the best. Would this topic be of interest to you? If so, let me know...
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Events: Join Us

BizSpark Breakfast Briefing – IT@Cork
May 12th 2009
8.15am-10.00am
Rochestown Park Hotel, Cork
Read More.
European Investor Summit
6th European Investor Summit
May 13, 2009
Prague, Czech Republic
Microsoft will host the 6th Annual European Investor Summit in Prague, organized in conjunction with the EU SME Week. European Startups will present, and as a Startup, you will have an opportunity to meet with Microsoft executives, leading European VCs, and investor groups. Register here.
Seminar on the Microsoft BizSpark Program at the Galway Technology Centre
May 14th 2009
12.30pm-2.00pm
WESTBIC and Galway Technology Centre, Mervue Business Park, Galway
For more details, email mailto:info@gtc.ie
BizCamp Belfast
May 16th 2009
The Black Box, Belfast
Read More.
Azure Services Platform Training(Free!)
May 28th 2009
9.00am-5.00pm
Microsoft Ireland, Sandyford
The Azure™ Services Platform (Azure) is an internet-scale cloud services platform hosted in Microsoft data centers, which provides an operating system and a set of developer services that can be used individually or together. Azure’s flexible and interoperable platform can be used to build new applications to run from the cloud or enhance existing applications with cloud-based capabilities. This is a 1 day course for developers who are interested in building a solution on the Azure Platform. Registration is via the Metro portal : join Metro by logging into your account from the BizSpark Welcome Page on the BizSpark Portal — look for the Metro banner on the bottom of the page. Then search for Events in Ireland. Any problems, contact me.
2 day Windows 7 Developer Training (Free!)
June 11th & 12th 2009
New Horizons, Strand House 22-24 Strand Street Great Dublin
This instructor led training course will show developers how to build the next generation of software applications which deliver the richer application experiences and positive product discriminators that users now expect.
The course will consist of approximately 50% instructor presentation (PowerPoint slides and instructor-led demonstration) and 50% hands on lab activities, which will provide students the opportunity to gain solid hands-on experience with the compelling features of Windows7. Registration is via the Metro portal : join Metro by logging into your account from the BizSpark Welcome Page on the BizSpark Portal — look for the Metro banner on the bottom of the page. Then search for Events in Ireland. Any problems, contact me. The full agenda is available here.
Windows 7 ISV Remediation Workshops, Dublin
June 15th-19th 2009
New Horizons, Strand House 22-24 Strand Street Great Dublin
This is a set of half day and full day workshops where participants will have the opportunity to test their application for compatibility with the most recent publicly available version of Windows 7. You will also receive valuable guidance on how to address compatibility issues discovered during testing. This is a great opportunity to test your applications on Windows 7, but there is limited availability so be sure to register early to get your preferred time slot.
Who should participate in a Windows 7 Remediation Workshop?
Software vendors may send 1-2 individuals to participate in the half day workshop (for Vista compatible apps) or full day workshop (for XP compatible apps). These individuals should be intimately familiar with the design of the application being tested and should be prepared to work with the workshop staff to execute the technical aspects of the testing process. Software developers, database administrators and testers are all good candidates to represent your company at the workshop. Only one primary contact should register for your company, regardless if only 1 or 2 representatives will be present. Please note:
• You will need to bring your application(s) to be loaded on our secure Windows test platform in a private developer lab environment for testing and debugging application issues.
• Prior to participating in the workshop, it would be advisable to go through the Windows 7 Application Compatibility Cookbook
A dedicated consultant will be on hand to support participants in investigating application compatibility, and give architectural guidance. Registration for these workshops has not opened yet – please contact me directly for more details.
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Resources

Innovate On

Windows 7 App Compatibility Resources on the Innovate On Portal
If you have a solution on either the Windows Vista or Windows XP operating system, Innovate On has resources which will help you to ensure your solution lights up on Windows 7. If you’re interested in becoming eligible to display the Windows 7 Software Logo on your solution please feel free to contact me for more details. The good news is it’s become a lot easier!

 

 

Essentials

Microsoft StartupZone
Find guidance for your startup and your investors
BizSparkDB
Gain visibility by profiling your startup company
MSDN Download
Find and share software and code samples
Microsoft BizSpark
Software, support and visibility for your Startup
Channel 9
MSDN community for access to the people who devise Microsoft technologies
Microsoft Partner Program
Development, training, marketing, and sales resources

 
 

 

]]> Windows 7 ISV Remediation (App Compat) Workshops, Dublin, June 15th-19th 2009 https://docs.microsoft.com/archive/blogs/ronang/windows-7-isv-remediation-app-compat-workshops-dublin-june-15th-19th-2009 Thu, 30 Apr 2009 10:33:36 GMT https://blogs.msdn.microsoft.com/ronang/2009/04/30/windows-7-isv-remediation-app-compat-workshops-dublin-june-15th-19th-2009/ June 15th-19th 2009

New Horizons, Strand House 22-24 Strand Street Great Dublin

This is a set of half day and full day workshops where participants will have the opportunity to test their application for compatibility with the most recent publicly available version of Windows 7. You will also receive valuable guidance on how to address compatibility issues discovered during testing. This is a great opportunity to test your applications on Windows 7, but there is limited availability so be sure to get on board early to get your preferred time slot.

Who should participate in a Windows 7 Remediation Workshop?

Software vendors may send 1-2 individuals to participate in the half day workshop (for Vista compatible apps) or full day workshop (for XP compatible apps). These individuals should be intimately familiar with the design of the application being tested and should be prepared to work with the workshop staff to execute the technical aspects of the testing process.

Software developers, database administrators and testers are all good candidates to represent your company at the workshop.

Please note:

· You will need to bring your application(s) to be loaded on our secure Windows test platform in a private developer lab environment for testing and debugging application issues.

· Prior to participating in the workshop, it would be advisable to go through the Windows 7 Application Compatibility Cookbook

A dedicated consultant will be on hand to support participants in investigating application compatibility, and give architectural guidance.

Please contact me directly for more details and to reserve a slot.

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