Subhashini (Moderator): Hello all, a very good evening to all of you

Subhashini (Moderator): Thank you for taking out time to attend this Community Interaction Hour

Subhashini (Moderator): Today we shall discuss about " Launch at UserGroups " across cities in India

Subhashini (Moderator): Let’s welcome our experts for the chat today !

Subhashini (Moderator): We have the Community launch team here : Prasanna Meduri : BCC Lead

Subhashini (Moderator): Gaurav Khanna: Developer Evangelist (BCC)

Subhashini (Moderator): Pradipta Sharma : Mobile and Embedded Evangelism (BCC)

Subhashini (Moderator): and Deepak Rajendran (BCC) who drives the user group initiatives now

Subhashini (Moderator): Before we begin

Subhashini (Moderator): a quick look at the chat rules

Subhashini (Moderator): “Please use "ask the experts” checkbox to ask any queries to the experts

Subhashini (Moderator): Chat Procedures:

This chat will last for one hour. During this hour, our Experts will respond to as many questions as they can. Please understand that there may be some questions we cannot respond to due to lack of information or because the information is not yet public. We encourage you to submit questions for our Experts

Subhashini (Moderator): We ask that you stay on topic for the duration of the chat. This helps the Guests and Experts follow the conversation more easily. We invite you to ask off topic questions after this chat is over.

Subhashini (Moderator): And last but not the least, I am the MVP lead and closely work with BCC to drive community initiatives across India

Subhashini (Moderator): So let's get the chat rolling and hope all of you enjoy this one hour chat session.

Subhashini (Moderator): Today's chat will focus on the Community Launches of Visual Studio 2005, SQL Server 2005 and BizTalk 2006 across 20 cities in India. This discussion with the experts from Microsoft, will aim at getting feedback from community regarding the Launch, besides providing all that you would want to know about the Community Launches

Prasanna - MSFT (Expert):

Q: May I ask what is BCC (If this is related to the subject that we are discussing today)

A: BCC stands for Broad Customer Connection and is Microsoft's outreach to the technical communities nationwide.

GKhanna_MS (Moderator):

Q: can v implement AJAX in ASP.net 2.0??

A: check atlas.asp.net

GKhanna_MS (Moderator):

Q:Is it possible to run asp.net 1.1 and asp.net 2.0 in the same server???

A: yes - you can.

Subhashini (Moderator): Hi guys ,

Subhashini (Moderator): Deepak would begin with a brief overview of the launch plan and then we can have queries on the same

Subhashini (Moderator): Let’s welcome Deepak for the same

DeepakRajendran (Expert): Hi all.

DeepakRajendran (Expert): Let me brief you on the plans that we have got together for the Launch...

Prasanna - MSFT (Expert):

Q:How can we get involved in the Launch at UserGroups?

A: We've got an elaborate plan that is in place for the launch.  It includes corporate launches in 7 cities, UG launches in 15-20 cities and SI / Academic launches on the campueses.  The BCC team and specifically Deepak Rajendran and I can help you with the details of what the plans are and how you can be part of it.  We've been actively speaking to the UGs and will be reaching out to as many people as possible to assist in taking the excitement forward !!

DeepakRajendran (Expert): As you all know, the main idea of the Launch is to get the people take notice of it...

DeepakRajendran (Expert): And with a view of getting the product to a significantly higher number, we felt the best medium would be the UGs ..

DeepakRajendran (Expert): So, we have identified nearly 20 cities across India and have initiated talks with the UG Leads there...

DeepakRajendran (Expert): Regarding the Launch.

DeepakRajendran (Expert): So this would be your gateway to be a part of the Launch!

DeepakRajendran (Expert):

Q:Any plans to launch in Ahmedabad?

A: Yes, there would be a Launch in Ahmedabad as well.

Pradipta (Expert):

Q:Will there be a launch in Hyderabad as well?

A: there is a corporate launch planned for Hyderabad on the 20th of December, and also an exclusive UG-driven launch following that

Subhashini (Moderator): The launch is your opportunity to be a part of the biggest event worldwide this year! You have the opportunity to participate in this event through the community launches at your city /local user group

DeepakRajendran (Expert):

Q:What is Community Launches basically, How is different from regular Launches?

A: The Community Launches are the events that the UGs would own and Microsoft helps them to execute it. If you are excited about the Launch and would love to be a part of it, then this is the place where you would ideally be. Apart from the launching the products, this would be a fun event which would be a great and welcome change from the Corporate Launches that you would have attended. In essence, the Community Launches would resemble a Mela (say). So, lots of fun.

Subhashini (Moderator):

Q: [20] So how do we get involved in the UG-driven launch?

A: You can participate in the UG driven launch through a variety of ways including speaking sessions /articles and variety of other exciting things during the community launch . Please get in touch with the local UG manager for the same

DeepakRajendran (Expert):

Q:When is the Launch for Communities scheduled for India?

A: The Launches at the UGs are happening across 3 sets of dates namely 17 and 18th of Dec 2005, 24th and 25th of Dec 05 and 7th and 8th of Jan 06. The UGs have decided on a date that they felt would be most feasible for their city.

Pradipta (Expert):

Q:Will the Launches in the UG go according to what we have sent to INETA?

A: The Community Launches are driven by the respective communities (UGs) - Microsoft and INETA are trying to provide the back-end support in terms of content, speaker, etc. facilitation where required. For the said purpose, we have started off by interacting with the UG leads from each of the 20 registered UGs. This Chat is an extension of the same, whereby we are hoping to identify areas that we can work with you to ensure that the UG Launches at each of your respective communities is a huge success - so, please feel free to provide ideas and feedback on what you think would be ideal to do, and where Microsoft might be able to add value.

DeepakRajendran (Expert):

Q:Which are those cities?

A: The Launches are being held in 20 cities. Ahmedabad, Anand, Bangalore, Chennai, Coimbatore, Delhi, Madurai, Mumbai, Kolkata, etc.

DeepakRajendran (Expert):

Q:So will a Community launch span 2 days?

A: That’s something we have let the UG Leads decide. They would be the best judge when it comes to the decision about the duration of the event. A few of them have decided to have a single day event while a majority of them have settled for a two day event.

Subhashini (Moderator):

Q: [24] Who is the local UG manager for Hyderabad?

A: Please refer to the MUGH website for the same and connect with the UG manager. We are trying to work on providing a detailed contact list of all UG leads for your respective cities . This information will be posted on the UG site main page very soon

Pradipta (Expert):

Q:So will a Community launch span 2 days?

A: The ownership of the Community Launch lies with the respective community. You, along with your UG Leads, would decide the format that would best resonate with the audience. There are UGs who have decided to go ahead with a 2-day event because they thought that the audience would be able to derive greater value out of the same, while in some other cases, one-day format has been preferred.

Pradipta (Expert):

Q:Can you provide this feedback to the content owner of the http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserversystem/applicationplatform/launch2005/events.mspx?location=India site?

A: What is the feedback, Pratap - I think I missed one of your earlier queries

DeepakRajendran (Expert):

Q:What is the exact plan / agenda for the launch?

A: The exact plan or Agenda is something that the respective UG Leads would decide upon. Now I might want to add this point that the Launches that the UGs are organizing are the events that the UGs own and are at their liberty to execute and Microsoft/INETA just supports them in that. So, the only thing common across al the Launches are sessions on the three products and interleaved between them will be stuff that the UG leads would be deciding upon. And of course, another common factor would be a lot of FUN! ;-)

DeepakRajendran (Expert):

Q:When is it for Bangalore? Is the Launch first at Bangalore in India?

A: The Community Launch for Bangalore is on the 7th and 8th of Jan 2006. If you are referring to the UG Launches, no Blore is not going to be the first. However the India Launch of the three products is scheduled for the 9th of Dec 05 at Bangalore.So it would still be the first! ;-)

Pradipta (Expert):

Q:Is there a central site where we find information about all UG launches and their respective UG managers?

A: The UG Launch site should be up and running by end of this week - the site will contain information about the launch with links to the respective UG. You may contact the respective UG Managers by going to the respective UG Sites, and working with them to facilitate a successful Launch Event.

DeepakRajendran (Expert):

Q:What will be the Support from Microsoft?

A: The support from Microsoft would essentially be in terms of content that can be delivered at the event. In a few cases, there are also a few speakers from our side who will be delivering the content. Apart from this, we would help them in the actual orchestration of the Launch.

Pradipta (Expert):

Q:when it will be for chennai?

A: Chennai corp. launch is on the 15th of December, and the UG Leads in the city are looking at 7th-8th Jan as the dates for the Community Launch!

Pradipta (Expert):

Q:Can we expect the presentation of the new concepts

A: You guys will decide what you want to hear and talk about during the community launches (working with your respective UG Leads) - so, it's totally up to you whether the presentations will be on new or old concepts

DeepakRajendran (Expert):

Q:What are the fun events that would be a part of the UG-Launch?

A: This is again something that the UG Leads are at their liberty to decide upon. So they can let their imagination run wild and get something really exciting. But you can definitely expect a few contests as well. And yes, lots of great stuff too.

Pradipta (Expert):

Q:for Chennai, which UG has been selected?

A: Basically, it is the whole community in a particular location coming together and doing this launch - so, there's no particular UG that has been selected in any city. The UG Leads from every community in a particular city (in most cases) have been contacted to get their respective ideas, and in most cases, all of them are working together to drive this initiative.

DeepakRajendran (Expert):

Q:Deepak I guess it's all messed up at http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserversystem/applicationplatform/launch2005/events.mspx?location=India , they say it’s on Dec 9 at Bangalore! Hope you guys gonna tell them to update it for us!

A: Well, the Launch is actually happening on the 9th of Dec at Bangalore. This is the India Launch and is different from the Global Launch, which happened on the 7th of Nov 05.

Pradipta (Expert):

Q:What about for Academia?

A: The Community Launches are open for both professionals as well as academia - there will be an Express Launch targeted specifically towards the academic community at a later date, following the Corporate and UG Launches.

Pradipta (Expert):

Q:Since the china site is in Chinese, nothing on that page is readable.

A: The site is getting updated ... a major slip

DeepakRajendran (Expert):

Q:What about for Academia?

A: The Academia Launches are yet another thing that we are working on. The limiting factor right now being the exam time for the different universities/colleges, with distributed dates, that are prohibiting us from getting anything really solid. But yes, once we realize the dates, they are definitely happening as well.

Pradipta (Expert):

Q:Hi Pradipta, All the register now links on http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserversystem/applicationplatform/launch2005/events.mspx?location=India are directed to china !!!

A: Just answered - 'looks like we need to focus a bit better on the smaller things

DeepakRajendran (Expert):

Q:So how do we get involved in the UG-driven launch?

A: First of all, if you could identify the UG in your city that owns the Launch there that would be the first step. If you are unable, then please shoot out a mail to me with details of the city that you reside in and I could help you get in touch with the UG Lead there. U can get me on deepak_rajendran@hotmail.com

Pradipta (Expert):

Q:It would be great if we can know as of now when will the UG's in different cities is planning to have the community launch so that we can be a part of the launch in that city, if we are there at that time

A: Most of the cities are planning their respective Launch Events in the following 3 set of dates: 17-18 Dec '05, 24-25 Dec '05 and 07-08 Jan '06. While we have a tentative idea of when each of the UGs would like to organize the respective launch events, most of the UG leads are in the process of speaking with the members of their UGs to come up with the most plausible dates. We would encourage you to get in touch with them (hope that you all know who the leads are in your specific UGs) and work with them to come up with dates, location, venue, content, etc. that would work best for all technology professionals interested to attend the events in your respective city.

DeepakRajendran (Expert):

Q:Will all the participants get the Express Editions?

A: That’s a suspense which will be broken at the Launch;-)!

Pradipta (Expert):

Q:Can you please confirm if Microsoft is coming to 32 locations in India? If yes then good new for all of us. Please let us know if any schedules are also available.

A: 'Not sure if I got your question right - if it's Launch you are talking about: Microsoft will host events at 7 locations across India, while Microsoft Technology Focused Communities are planning to host similar Launch Events (more fun, though ) across 20 additional locations.

DeepakRajendran (Expert):

Q:Can you please confirm if Microsoft is coming to 32 locations in India? If yes then its good news for all of us. Please let us know if any schedules are also available.

A: 32 locations? Now all I can tell you is that there are Corporate Launches at 7 cities and UG Launches in 20 cities. Another point is  that there are few cities where there are both, a Corporate and UG launch. So that brings the number even lower. So, 32 doesn’t seem like a probable number.

Pradipta (Expert):

Q:I'm in the UK nowadays, please can you share the launch schedule in India so that I can be a part of it. Any contacts or info for launch in the UK would also help.

A: Date           City

9/12   Bangalore

9/12   Bangalore

13/12 Mumbai

14/12 Pune

15/12 Chennai

16/12 Delhi

20/12 Hyderabad

21/12 Kolkatta

Pradipta (Expert):

Q:looks like its 19th in Hyderabad

A: it's 20th in Hyderabad

Pradipta (Expert):

Q:Is there any *plans* for students get hold of a standard edition of visual studio??

A: great question: please get in touch with Kevin D'Souza @ kdsouza@microsoft.com

DeepakRajendran (Expert):

Q:Or where can I get a list of UG Managers for all cities?

A: You may visit www.microsoft.com/india/communities and go to the User Groups page and click on them to go to the home pages of the respective groups. You can get all the details there. You may also visit www.ineta.org for more UGs.

Pradipta (Expert):

Q:There is free DVD on MS site. Can I order that for learning purpose?

A: The free evaluation DVDs can be ordered from Microsoft site - look at the shipping costs (and, some of the evaluation kits are not free)

Subhashini (Moderator):

Q: [54] 2 launches in Bangalore ??

A: yes , the first one would be a main event launch on December 9 and the second one will be the community launch at Bangalore user group

Subhashini (Moderator):

Q: [51] Any contests in the Launching Event?

A: Please wait to hear more on the contests very soon . For UG/community launch , connect with your UG leads on the same

DeepakRajendran (Expert):

Q:Is it postponed from 19th in Hyderabad?

A: The 19th date that you are talking about may be the Corporate Launch. But the UG Launches are happening only on the dates that I mentioned earlier, i.e. 17 and18 of Dec 05, 24 and 25th Dec 05 and 7th and 8th of Jan 06 only.

DeepakRajendran (Expert):

Q:do we need an invitation / registration for these events? Or can we just walk in

A: If you are mentioning the UG Launches, then you will not need any invitation to attend. You may need to register in advance, if the UG Lead decides so. But definitely no invite-only procedure.

Pradipta (Expert):

Q:2 launches in Bangalore ??

A: just to add: one launch on 9th Dec for CXO-level people at Leela, 2nd launch at Palace Grounds is for the broad technology community, and the 3rd, planned by the UGs, is proposed to be on 7-8 Jan

Pradipta (Expert):

Q:Pradipta (Expert):  Q: [23] I'm in the UK nowadays, please can you share the launch schedule in India so that I can be a part of it. Any contacts or info for launch in the UK would also help. A: Date City 9/12 Bangalore 9/12 Bangalore .. 2 Launches same day

A: just answered the same ...

Subhashini (Moderator):

Q: [22] What will be there in the Corporate Launch? I mean what can we expect out of this launch?

A: Please visit the main launch site for more details on the same at http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserversystem/applicationplatform/launch2005/default.mspx

DeepakRajendran (Expert):

Q:What kind of help can we expect from Microsoft for the UG Launch

A: As I mentioned earlier, the support that Microsoft provides is in terms of content that can be delivered at the event. In a few instances, we have also agreed to provide the speakers for the Launch. Apart from this, we support them in terms of actual execution of the event like getting the venue, prizes etc.

Subhashini (Moderator):

Q: [17] What kind of help can we expect from Microsoft for the UG Launch

A: Microsoft is helping all the UGs drive the launch across India . This will be a great event and opportunity for all the user group members to participate in the launch . Wait to hear more on the same by the UG leads

DeepakRajendran (Expert):

Q:When they are coming in Pune?

A: The UG Launch at Pune is on the 24th ad 25th of Dec 05.

Subhashini (Moderator): with the volume of questions we have today , we have planned to extend the chat till 6.30 pm . Please wind up your queries at the earliest or feel free to email your queries to commind@microsoft.com on the same

GKhanna_MS (Moderator):

Q:New version Launching is fine, but where do we get all the retaled learning material like internals of ASP.NET, Language enhancements?

A: www.asp.net has all the resources on asp.net 2.0. Also check, labs.msdn.microsoft.com

GKhanna_MS (Moderator):

Q:Possible re-post [if so, ignore] : Will VS.NET Standard editions be distributed at the launches?

A: No plans of as yet.

Subhashini (Moderator):

Q: [14] Is Microsoft opening Development center in Pune?

A: Well, we haven’t heard of any yet, but we will update you soon if we do plan one

DeepakRajendran (Expert):

Q:what is a codezone user group? Is it a separate UG?, Why it is not there in India!!

A: CodeZone is not a usergroup. It is a Microsoft Redmond initiative to aggregate community activities under one site. We do not have plans to launch it in India as of now.

Pradipta (Expert):

Q:.. Any thing on starter pack and media center ??

A: didn't get the question - windows xp starter pack? That would be released around the same timeframe ... media center 2005 edition is available in the market (available with OEMs only)

DeepakRajendran (Expert):

Q:.. Any thing on starter pack and media center ??

A: Good question ;-) The Starter Kits will  be mailed to the UG Leads shortly. And can you please explain your reference to the Media Centers?

Pradipta (Expert):

Q: a question to audience: our marketing folks are trying to figure out a good giveaway (that means inexpensive in their terms) for all the attendees of these events (outside of software) - any ideas that u guys can share?

Subhashini (Moderator): Guys , we are close to time up! And we have a question for all you guys from Pradipta . Don't miss out on the chance to suggest your ideas for the goodies;)

Pradipta (Expert):

Q:I just wanted to suggest to the experts that during the launch, be it UG or Corporate, can we get the Universities involved? I mean.. like they sending students to attend on the College name and other thing similar? It's gonna be a great stuff for students!

A: that's an awesome idea ... 'would be great if you can drive the same with your UG - we will communicate the same with all the other UGs.

Pradipta (Expert):

Q:Okay! How about Microsoft labeled pen and notepads to all the attendees to jot down note??

A: that, I am sure, we would be giving away in any case - ask for something better

DeepakRajendran (Expert):

Q:I was just referring, if they try to explain the features there too, as we had it in MVP Summit

A: Ok if you are referring to the sessions that you had about Media Centers at the MVP Summit, then no - we are not planning anything as that.

Subhashini (Moderator): Guys , we are close to time up! And we have a question for all you guys from Pradipta . Don't miss out on the chance to suggest your ideas for the goodies

Pradipta (Expert):

Q:Pradipta: I'll be all happy to do so!! Microsoftttttt.....

A: thanks so much ... it's this kind of enthusiasm that keeps all of us driven!

Subhashini (Moderator): Please feel free to email your feedback and queries to commind@microsoft.com

Subhashini (Moderator):

Q: [67] We are targeting only the Big Cities, How about going out and reach the Rural Areas?

A: We don’t have the infrastructure and plans at present to reach out to rural areas but we are chalking out plans on this soon. We have some exciting planning going on ...

Pradipta (Expert):

Q:Can u specify the link in English to get registered?

A: again, not exactly I got the question: if you are asking about registering for the Community Launch at your city, it would be handled by the User Group there. For the MS Launch Events across the 7 specified cities, you will be able to register at: www.microsoft.com/India/events (the Launch Registration Site is not yet up - should be up and running very soon)

DeepakRajendran (Expert):

Q:Brief explanation of the new concepts can be a Good Give away for the Tech attendees

A: Well, if I am to read between your words, I suppose you are referring to the places that don’t have access to the corporate events as much as the metros right? Well, we are planning a couple of

DeepakRajendran (Expert):

Q:Brief explanation of the new concepts can be a Good Give away for the Tech attendees

A: Oops sorry about that. Yes, we are providing the content for the events and even helping the UGs to deliver it.

Subhashini (Moderator): Time up !  So this brings us to the closure of today's chat which must have been definitely informative

Subhashini (Moderator): We had loads of questions from you today and we loved the response from you guys on the launch

Subhashini (Moderator): we are all excited about this event and we hope to see you all participating in this event of the year !

Subhashini (Moderator): Please feel free to email your queries at commind@microsoft.com

Subhashini (Moderator): Thanks again and  I would like to add that it's not just Microsoft but Communities Rocks too!! (y)

Subhashini (Moderator): Thanks to all our experts today for this info packed session

Subhashini (Moderator): Thanks again and have a great evening !

Subhashini (Moderator): The chat transcript will be posted at http://www.microsoft.com/india/communities/chat

DeepakRajendran (Expert): A big thanks to all of you for all the interest and enthusiasm that you displayed to the Communities!

DeepakRajendran (Expert): Keep it going!

Subhashini (Moderator): and email your feedback on this chat at commind@microsoft.com

Subhashini (Moderator): Have a great evening!