My first impressions of the Microsoft Mix10 Conference.

A lot of talk about Silverlight 4.0 and Windows Phone 7 Series.

Silverlight

Silverlight is really maturing into a rich development and design tool. With version 4 you can now develop not only for the web but the new Window’s based phone due out later this year. This was the best move Microsoft could have made to try and catch Apple. Silverlight is becoming a mature development / design environment and the natural choice for interactive app development.

Windows Phone 7 Series

I think Windows Phone 7 Series is the absolute worst name for a phone …. when you compare it with simple easy phone names like iPhone and Droid. While Microsoft is making great strides with the developer tools , it feels like they are say “yeah we can do that too!” instead of taking the phone experience to the next level. Microsoft’s position in the market is really sad due to the fact that they have been in this game for years. They used to compete with Palm and BlackBerry and now they have to more players to compete with Apple and Google. The buzz in the crowd was noticeable … but is that going to translate into sales? Will this become the Zune all over again …. a nice product that arrived a little to late to the party.

Google’s Chrome OS.

First impressions:

The OS is the browser!

When the system boots up the only thing you can interact with is the browser. There isn’t an option to load other “applications”. Google doesn’t let you touch the hard drive either.

This is the the culmination of the idea that the browser is the OS…. The tech press scoffed at it 4 years ago.

What this concept needs, to make it a usable reality, is ubiquitous wireless internet (Verizon or ClearWire WiMax) and the user coming to grips with relying on “cloud computing” to hold all of their personal information.

This is the first major shot fired in a coming war between desktop “private” and mobile “cloud” computing.…

Please check out the video from Google about the Chrome OS

I strongly recommend theRichmond Code Camp.

Every .net developer in the Richmond, VA area should take the time to learn at this incredible free resource.

This round I attended the following sessions:

• PowerShell Intro – Brian Hartsock
• MVC Contrib and MVC Futures – Steve Bodnar
• Cloud Computing with Microsoft Azure – James Bender
• Database Design for Developers – Andy Leonard

I predict that Apple holds back the tethering feature from the iPhone 3.0 release for fear of the volume of support calls on how to use it.

There are a few steps you have to jump through to setup a tethered connection. The process is not hard for medium to advanced users, but it is tough for the novice.

A very interesting read on why someone might consider the Palm Pre over the iPhone

Search Engine Optimization All-in-One For Dummies

Bruce Clay. For Dummies 2009, Paperback, 768 pages, $23.59

A great new book has come out on the hot topic of Search Engine Optimization or is shorter name SEO.

The book was written by the leaders in the SEO space Bruce Clay Inc.

A little more on the concept of SEO.

• SEO is the practice of working to make sure that your website shows up better than your competition in the major search engines.

• SEO is not about trying to “game the system” of how search engines see your website.

If you have any questions about your website and how to make it better … please buy this book and dig deeper into this topic.

-Bill

William F. Long Jr., Director of Research and Technology for Salem Web Network, Adds Responsibilities with New Post

WASHINGTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Aug. 6, 2007–Salem Communications Corporation (Nasdaq:SALM), a leading U.S. radio broadcaster, Internet content provider, magazine and book publisher targeting audiences interested in Christian and family-themed content and conservative values, today announced that William F. Long Jr., director of research and technology for Salem Web Network, has been named to the additional post of chief information security officer (CISO). In this new role, Long will analyze Salem’s company-wide information security practices and will provide oversight to ensure that Salem’s digital assets are properly protected.

Ken Thunberg, director of information technology for Salem, noted that Long’s extensive experience in the industry made him the singular choice for this position. “Bill has more than 18 years of experience in the world of computers, multi-media and web applications and leads a team of talented IT support professionals. As a subject matter expert in Web Application development, Bill’s specific and comprehensive knowledge uniquely qualify him to control and monitor this very complicated information security challenge.”

Long joined Salem Web Network in 2000 as chief technology officer. He was tasked with developing and leading the IT department for the new division. Beginning with the building of SWN’s programming team and management of its various computer, software and web technology initiatives, he has been an active part of the rapid growth of the online division, which now hosts and maintains over 100 web properties, including Crosswalk.com, Christianity.com, Oneplace.com and CrossDaily.com.

In 2005, Long was promoted to director of technology and research to “look ahead” to new technologies that would help the company continue to innovate and expand services for the future.

In 1992, following his studies at Virginia Commonwealth University, Long founded and operated several businesses that specialized in networking, computer hardware and software integration and technology consulting. With the rise in commercial use of the Internet, he collaborated with his wife and designer to start Ad Factory, Inc., a full-service graphic design and website hosting company. By the spring of 2000 they had designed, programmed and hosted over 80 websites for businesses and ministries in the Richmond, Va., area. Long continues to reside in Richmond.

In addition to its radio properties, Salem owns Salem Radio Network(R), which syndicates talk, news and music programming to approximately 2,000 affiliates; Salem Radio Representatives(TM), a national radio advertising sales force; Salem Web Network(TM), a leading Internet provider of Christian content and online streaming; and Salem Publishing(TM), a leading publisher of Christian-themed magazines. The company owns approximately 100 radio stations, including 61 stations in 23 of the top 25 markets. Additional information about Salem may be accessed at the company’s website, www.salem.cc.

CONTACT: Salem Communications Corporation
Denise Davis, 805-987-0400 x1081
denised@salem.cc

SOURCE: Salem Communications Corporation

http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=82189&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1037048