ESRI Developer Network

ESRI Developer Network
I've been spending a lot of my time lately working on the new ESRI Developer Network (EDN). EDN is a developer centric program that consists of Web resources and access to the EDN Software Library created specifically for GIS developers. EDN is designed to give all types of developers commercial, one-off, end-user developers and system integrators the resources needed to successfully develop with ESRI software. EDN is a subscription based program for an annual fee. The EDN Software Library includes the following products for development use:
- ArcGIS Server
- ArcIMS
- ArcSDE
- ArcWeb Services
- ArcGIS Engine Developer Kit

A major part of the new EDN program is the website which we hope will become the place on the web for ESRI developer related resources. The site is open to all interested in using the ESRI developer platform for creating custom GIS solutions. Brian Golden the EDN Development Lead has just posted a welcome letter for the site which is currently in beta but about to go final.

Let me know if you want more information on the pricing and licensing for the new EDN program (relkins@esri.com)

Microsoft's Metro Takes Aim at Adobe

PCWorld.com - Microsoft's Metro Takes Aim at Adobe
Adobe's PDF is the industry standard for sharing documents but it looks like Microsoft wants a piece of the action. They just announced that Longhorn will have a new feature (code name Metro) that appears to be a direct competitor to Adobe Acrobat.

Bill Gates' Web Site - Speeches: 2005

Bill Gates' Web Site - Speeches: 2005
Here's link to the different keynote address that Bill Gates has given this year. The latest video clip from the Windows Hardware Conference features the release of Windows 64 and a sneak peak at the next big release of Windows; Longhorn.

There were a few demos of interest
• The new 64 bit Windows client used in movie special effects
• SQL Server 2005 running faster with more clients
• Bill also showed off the latest TabletPC hardware
• There was also a cool new feature to laptops or Tablets that has a small display on the outside for quickly getting to information like calendar and email items without opening up and turning on a laptop.

So checkout the video to get Bill G's take on the future on PCs and Windows.

Rob @ Living

Rob @ Living
Here's the link to my personal / family blog and photos. I'm using MSN Spaces mostly because it's free and I like the photo album setup. It's very easy to update pictures, Blogger needs this functionality.

ESRI Among Top Employers in Inland Empire

Press Release -- ESRI Among Top Employers in Inland Empire
Recently ESRI won an award as one of the top companies in Southern California. Some nice recognize, my non ESRI friends are always surprised when I tell them how big ESRI is. Many of them drive by the campus here in Redlands and have never realized what a big company ESRI is.

ArcWeb Services Challenge

ArcWeb Services Challenge

ESRI has announced an ArcWeb Services Challenge. ArcWeb Services users are asked to create a Web application and submit an entry form to ESRI by May 20, 2005. Applications will be judged based on usefulness, ease-of-use, and originality. First, second, and third place winners will be showcased at the ESRI International User Conference and on the Web. Winners will also receive ArcWeb Services credits ($$$).

FlipStart coming soon

FlipStart.Vulcan.com
More then a PDA but not a full Tablet... It's not available yet, but said to be coming soon.

I could easily see this as the future for mobile computing. Yes, hardware will cost more, but you won’t need a PDA and a Real Computer. “Just this thing” (a real computer). And you doc it with a full size monitor and keyboard when not mobile. Lacks some ram and high end video card, but it will get there.

SSI Shredding Demonstrations

SSI Shredding Demonstrations
Checkout the video of this shredder in action...

ArcGIS Engine Developer Kit (version 9.1)

ArcGIS Engine Developer Kit - ESRI Support ESRI has announced that ArcGIS 9.1 will begin shipping in May. Version 9.1 is a solid release. I worked with the ArcGIS Engine and ArcReader / Publisher teams on this release so if you have any feedback, let me know.

Computerworld Development Survey gives nod to C# - Computerworld

Computerworld Development Survey gives nod to C# - Computerworld
A recent Computerworld article contains some interesting data on language and platform usage. The lead of the story is "Microsoft's C# beat out Java as the preferred programming language in a recent developer survey conducted by Computerworld. "

The top 5 languages were:

72% C#
66% Java
62% Visual Basic
54% C++
50% JavaScript/ECMAScript

I don't have time to do much programming anymore but I'd like to... VB 6 was my language of choice and I've been playing around with VB.Net but maybe C# is the way to go.

ESRI.com News

ESRI.com News
The ESRI website recently added an RSS feed... So you can now get the latest ESRI news via RSS. As a big fan of RSS, I say good job to the esri.com team.

Sheppard Software - We Make Learning Fun!

Sheppard Software - We Make Learning Fun!

A friend just pointed out Sheppard Software, a company that provides educational software. Among its wares are free online (Flash-based) games that challenge visitors to locate states, oceans, continents or countries (sort of place the puzzle piece) and name capitals and other features. The games are interactive and begin with learning level and move up to expert level. At expert level, players must not only placing a feature correctly, but rotating it, too! Very spatial, and rather fun, too.