Microsoft TechEd 2009

I am writing this blog post amidst unpacking my bags and settling in (i.e. watching the LOST and Fringe season finales), after an all-inclusive week long trip to mostly sunny California. My employer was kind enough to sponsor my attendance of Microsoft’s annual educational conference, TechEd. The shindig was hosted at the Los Angeles Convention center from May 11th – 15th, and was jam packed with an over abundance of Information Technology nerdiness.

The conference kicked off with a keynote speech from Bill Veghte, Senior Vice President for the Windows Business, where he informed us that the theme this year will be focused on the technology awaiting us on the road ahead, with the impending releases of Windows Server 2008 R2 and Windows 7. Along with a brief dog-and-pony show displaying features of both products, the most notable moment was when Bill announced that Windows 7 should be available to the public by this holiday season.

My time at the conference consisted of a plethora of Breakout and Birds-of-a-Feather sessions, as well as some interactive learning labs. Let me not forget the Partner Expo, which was introduced with more finger foods than you can shake a stick at, as well as an open bar to help wash them down. Vendor presence was fulfilled by the usual suspects, such as Dell, HP, Symantec, etc. Needless to say, I carried away more swag than I could fit in my TechEd tote bag.

From what I witnessed at the show, Windows Server 2008 R2 does not offer much that is particularly new, but instead incorporates features and functionality that was previously only obtainable via third party developers. Whereas application and desktop virtualization are the staple of companies such as VMWare and Citrix, both tasks can be obtained by Microsoft’s App-V and MED-V. Server virtualization can now be accomplished via Hyper-V. Sysadmins can have a tighter grasp on the end-user experience with desktop optimization (MDOP) and application management (AppLocker). So it seems, Microsoft is really pushing the concept of virtualization to embrace the color green, whether it be to cut costs or to reach for an eco friendly environment.

As far as the Windows 7 offerings, I was already pretty familiar with the OS from toying with the Beta and RC. One feature I was unaware of was the ability to create and attach virtual hard disks, handy for isolation environments. Microsoft also demoed XP Mode in Windows 7 via Windows Virtual PC, which comes free with the Professional, Ultimate, and Enterprise editions of the OS. As one can expect, there will exist tight integration between Windows 7 and Server 2008 R2.

I shied away from the developer side of the house, but from what I can gather, much emphasis was placed on Windows Azure and the future of cloud computing. Database administration puts me to sleep, but SQL Server 2008 seemed to be highly praised.

Being that this was my first TechEd, I was impressed by the showing of 7,000+ attendees. However, I heard employee grumblings that attendance was down 50% compared to last year. I assume we can blame a faltering economy for the decrease in numbers. Overall, I had a great time and very much enjoyed the wholesome learning environment. I give Microsoft a Golf-style round of applause for their efforts, and do look forward to attending future TechEds.

Welcome to the Dollhouse

Here’s hoping that you tuned in to catch Josh Whedon’s Dollhouse this past fall. Some consider the Sci-Fi/Drama the pinnacle of writer/director Josh Whedon’s career. After finding success with Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel, Whedon has had a bitter love/hate relationship with FOX. His 2002 series, Firefly was well received amongst viewers, but chopped up and spit out by FOX execs. The series was aired out of order and canceled prematurely. Many fans have yet to forgive FOX for this blasphemy, though the studio may redeem itself if it places its faith in the Dollhouse.

The concept Dollhouse is definitely intriguing. A well funded organization provides a unique service to those willing to pay. The Dollhouse accepts those whom have no where else to turn. Their minds are wiped and archived. Their bodies become relatively empty vessels, waiting to be populated with the fitting personality that the job requires. Once the arrangement has been fulfilled, the active has their mind re-wiped, with no recollection of the events that took place.

The moral dilemma of such a concept plays a major role in the story, as an ex-FBI agent becomes infatuated and obsessed with bringing down the Dollhouse, which exist to the general populace as only an urban legend. As questioned in the show, does removing a person’s memory also displace their soul, an arguably figurative term referring to what makes a person who they are? Throughout the series, there are hints that indicate that despite all of the memory wiping that may occur, some instincts inevitably carry over. You can change what a person thinks, but you can’t change whom they are.

Though the series has had a couple of sleeper episodes in the 12 episode first series, there have certainly been a fair share of memorable, thought provoking moments. It is undeniably a breath of fresh air to see a prime time series attempt to break the common mold and take a risqué approach. To attempt a series where the main character, Eliza Dushku in this case, has a different personality from week to week, is unheard of. How can we develop an essential emotional attachment to a character whom half the time has no emotions, and the other half they are artificially imposed? Mastermind, Josh Whedon manages to pull this off, by making the character not only adorably hot, but also someone whom we want to root for in hopes that she will become self-aware, and rebel against the agency that has (consensually) taken away years of her life.

While in writing, the series sounds of one that is destined for longevity, it seems to have the odds stacked against it. For as many prospective shows that have earned FOX’s backing, there are 10 more that have been cancelled before given a chance to become a mainstream success. Don’t even get me started on Arrested Development. And, of all the time slots to give a premiering series, the one you want to avoid is Friday nights, especially in a world that has yet to recognize the value of broadcast time shifting or streaming internet content.

As of this writing, it is unknown whether Dollhouse will be renewed for a second season. Even if it is, how much is FOX willing to tolerate of a show has yet to show signs of monumental viewership? Whether or not Dollhouse is allowed to capitalize on its potential, Josh Whedon has certainly proven that he deserves the respect that Sci-Fi enthusiast have bestowed upon him. Meanwhile, if you care to contribute to the continuing presence of Science Fiction in prime time, you owe it to yourself to watch Dollhouse, be it downloaded from iTunes, streamed from Hulu, or rented from Netflix. Emerge yourself in the Dollhouse, but be careful not to lose your mind ;)