April 2007 - Posts

• Get your app certified for Windows Vista for free

  Microsoft has extended their Innovate on Windows Vista program.  It's a program available to partner ISVs that allows you to submit your application for certification for free.  Note though, that you do have to pay for a secure key from VeriSign.  (Note that I had bad success trying to get this key.  In my own opinion they are a horrible company because of their lack of service.  In an effort to get the key, they refused to accept validation of my company information.  Their tech support went back on their specifications for proof.) http://microsoft.mrmpslc.com/InnovateOnWindowsVista/ Posted Apr 29 2007, 11:55 PM by Randy Walker with no comments Filed under: ISV

• Competition is a GOOD thing! Quickbooks info

  Microsoft has always been one of the best companies for giving you a free taste of their products.  One of their newest initiatives is the Small Business line of applications, including their Accounting software.  With their most recent release of their 2007 version, they are now offering a free version. I use QuickBooks specifically so m accountant can open my books up and fix my mistakes.  Since I am now using Vista, I get this annoying message that QuickBooks isn't meant for Vista and I should upgrade.  I was looking to see how much the new upgrade would cost (I'll probably wait till next year to upgrade), and low and behold, they now offer a completely free version now! Isn't that awesome how an industry leader can be made to bend to the will of a competitor?  Now, I just wish my accountant would use Microsoft Accounting instead, so I wouldn't have to pay to upgrade to QuickBooks! Posted Apr 24 2007, 01:25 PM by Randy Walker with no comments Filed under: QuickBooks, Accounting

• TechEd 2007 Birds of a Feather

  I found out earlier this week that my topic, Running or Starting your own Software Development Shop, was selected for Microsoft's TechEd 2007 conference.  This is Microsoft's largest conference that they hold, and this year will be held in Orlando Florida.  If you get a chance to come, it will be on Tuesday at 7:30pm. More information can be found at www.microsoft.com/teched. Posted Apr 21 2007, 01:24 AM by Randy Walker with no comments Filed under: Presentations, TechEd, Accomplishments

• Dallas Code Camp 2007

  In a matter of a few hours I will be giving my first talk on Outsourcing at the Dallas Code Camp 2007.  I will also be part of the lunchtime panel focusing on doing software development on your own.  I am hopeful that it will be a successful first time presentation and that I can add this to my aresenal. Posted Apr 21 2007, 01:07 AM by Randy Walker with no comments Filed under: Dallas Code Camp, Presentations, Accomplishments

• Website Inauguration

  In an effort to start a community for Software Development companies, I have created this website.  I have spoken a numerous number of times on owning a Software Development company and I wanted to ensure that people could share their ideas on both their successes and failures during their business lifecycle. I truely hope this will be a community where you feel safe to share and shape the landscape and future of the software development world! Posted Apr 21 2007, 01:03 AM by Randy Walker with no comments