News & Press http://www.aitp.org/news/default.asp Thu, 23 May 2013 21:22:13 GMT Thu, 18 Apr 2013 15:26:37 GMT Copyright © 2013 Association of Information Technology Professionals ASPTICS Starts Operations, Publishes E-Newsletter http://www.aitp.org/news/news.asp?id=122364 http://www.aitp.org/news/news.asp?id=122364

In December 2012, I reported on the founding of the Asociación Sonorense de Profesionistas en Tecnologías de Información A.C. (ASPTICS) and their overall goal of sharing technology management insights with AITP.  See http://www.aitp.org/news/110645/. 
 

ASPTICS recently published the first edition of their Association magazine, "Sonora IT – I nnovación y T ecnología ” – a quarterly publication. This premier edition is 40 pages, packed with Association information, technical articles, and educational opportunities under an overall theme of "The future of the Information Technologies and the role of AITP and ASPTICS.”

Manuel Bernal, ASPTICS President, opens the magazine with an editorial outlining how far – and how fast – their Association has come since last fall. Using their initial vision of uniting the information technology and communications organizations in the state of Sonora, Sr. Bernal describes the multi-faceted approach they are taking to ensure coverage of all facets of IT – from education, to "hard-core” technology, and to leading industry concepts, such as AGILE.

The articles begin at the beginning: the "Start-up Weekend” in Cuidad Obreg ó n, where all participating organizations met to launch ASPTICS. Following that were articles on key subjects – "Why Study for a Career in IT?” – "Professional Ethics” – "Myths About AGILE” – "Statistics on IT Professionals in Sonora” (education, licensing & certifications) – "Five Steps to Outline a Strategic Plan” – "Characteristics of Sonora's IT Companies” – A Comparison of Five Internet Affiliation Tools (Like Google AdSense) – and as the End Piece, "The Future of Information Technology and AITP's Role” by Norbert Kubilus, Association Past President.

The entire team at ASPTICS is to be congratulated for such an auspicious start for their new organization. In about six months they have moved from concept to reality! While we are the Norte Americanos, our Latino/Latina IT professionals and students may find many benefits to following ASPTICS on Face Book, where the e-magazine has been posted (http://www.facebook.com/asptics) and on their website (http://asptics.wordpress.com/).

Visit http://www.aitp.org/?page=SonoraIT to view their entire newsletter.

Chuck Brown, CDP/CCP

(Chuck is Region 1 President and chairs the Region Presidents' Council. He is a lifetime AITP member and an emeritus Board Member of the San Diego Chapter.)

]]> Thu, 18 Apr 2013 16:26:37 GMT AITP Members Can Save up to 40% on Printing at FedEx Office http://www.aitp.org/news/news.asp?id=103833 http://www.aitp.org/news/news.asp?id=103833 It's easy to do more with less. As an AITP member, you're eligible to save up to 40% on your color and black & white printing at FedEx Office. Now through May 2013, you can reach customers with bold, colorful marketing materials without sacrificing your bottom line. Save on full-color flyers, brochures, postcards, presentations, posters, and more.

Offer Details
Save 40% on your core printing and copying. Save 30% on signs and banners and other services. Promotional pricing will expire on May 31, 2013, but you'll continue to enjoy savings of 20% on core print and copy services and 10% on other services. Standard Alliance contract exclusions apply.*

If you're not already enrolled, go to the Members-only Product and Services page, http://www.aitp.org/?page=ProdServDisc, to get the FedEx web page link and passcode, or the 800# to call.  Enrollment is free and there are no minimum requirements.

Before displaying that page, the system will prompt you for your AITP web portal username and password.  If you do not remember your AITP username and password, then click on the "Forgot your password?" link in the Member Log In box in the web portal's right rail. 

If you already participate in the FedEx Advantage® shipping program, simply uncheck the FedEx Express® and FedEx Ground® shipping options when you begin the enrollment process. Once enrolled, simply present your discount card at FedEx Office locations or enter your 10-digit FedEx Office account number online to take advantage of these savings.

If you're already enrolled with a FedEx Office account, you'll need to enroll again in order to save up to 40%. Follow the instructions above and be sure to provide your FedEx Office account number.

Enroll today and start saving!

*Special pricing is in effect for purchases through 5/31/2013.Other standard Alliance contract exclusions apply. 40% off color and black & white copies and printing. Black & white copy discounts are applied to 8-1/2" x 11", 8-1/2" x 14" and 11" x 17" prints on standard weight white bond paper. Color copy discounts are applied to 8-1/2" x 11", 8-1/2" x 14" and 11" x 17" prints on standard weight white laser printer. FedEx Office discounts also include up to 30% on select other services. Discount does not apply to outsourced products or services, office supplies, shipping services, inkjet cartridges, videoconferencing services, equipment rental, conference room rental, Sony® PictureStationTM, gift certificates, custom calendars, holiday promotion greeting cards, or postage. This discount cannot be used in combination with volume pricing, custom-bid orders, sale items, coupons or other discount offers. Discounts and availability are subject to change. Not valid for services provided at FedEx Office® Print and Ship Center locations in hotels, convention centers and other nonretail locations.

]]> Tue, 25 Sep 2012 23:12:02 GMT New Member Benefit: AITP Teams with NYU-Poly http://www.aitp.org/news/news.asp?id=93189 http://www.aitp.org/news/news.asp?id=93189

I am pleased and excited to announce a new member benefit offered in partnership with Polytechnic Institute of New York University (NYU-Poly). AITP members will receive a 10% tuition rebate upon successful completion of any online course at NYU-Poly. This can lead to significant savings for an AITP member who is pursuing a Master's degree.

NYU-Poly (http://www.poly.edu/) is a comprehensive school of engineering, applied sciences, technology and research. It is a fully-accredited institution of higher education that has been at the forefront of teaching the latest technical innovations since its beginning over 150 years ago. U.S. News & World Report, widely known for rating educational institutions, ranks NYU-Poly among the best engineering graduate schools in several measures of the quality of distance learning.

NYU-ePoly, the online learning initiative of NYU-Poly, provides 15 online Master's degrees and 56 online courses for certificate and Master's programs. The graduate degrees offered by NYU-ePoly (http://www.poly.edu/nyuepoly) include Bioinformatics, Cybersecurity, Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Organizational Behavior, and Wireless innovation. The degree programs and courses incorporate the latest in technology to ensure that you will lead in your field of study or practice.

Watch for more information on NYU-Poly under the eLearning tab on http://www.aitp.org/. But why wait! You can start taking courses and webinars today. If you are interested in applying for the AITP Society rebate, visit http://www.poly.edu/societyrebate. You can learn more about the NYU-Poly Society Member Rebates at http://www.poly.edu/EnterpriseLearning/society-cosponsors/rebate.

On a final note, I want to thank Association Secretary Barbara Viola for bringing this opportunity to us!

]]> Wed, 30 May 2012 00:14:24 GMT AITP Members Get FedEx Discounts http://www.aitp.org/news/news.asp?id=93188 http://www.aitp.org/news/news.asp?id=93188 AITP is proud to support our members and has teamed up with FedEx to help boost your bottom line. Now more than ever, you need to get the most value for your dollar. As an AITP member, you can enjoy valuable discounts on select FedEx® services.

Choose FedEx and start saving today:

Save up to 26%*
  • For fast, reliable delivery of your time-critical shipments.
  • Ship and manage your shipping at fedex.com.
  • Drop off shipments at thousands of convenient locations.
  • Take advantage of shipping tools and resources at fedex.com.
Save up to 12%*
  • For cost-effective delivery of shipments that don't need the speed of express shipping.
  • Ship and manage your shipping at fedex.com.
  • Drop off shipments at thousands of convenient locations.
Save up to 70%**
  • For day-definite delivery of LTL (less-than-truckload) freight, palletized or non-palletized.
  • FedEx Freight specializes in reliable, responsive next-day and second-day regional service in the continental U.S.
Save up to 20%***
  • For a broad range of business and printing services.
  • FedEx Office is a convenient resource for digital photos, large-format printing, office supplies, signs and graphics production, document-creation services and business printing services.

*** For terms and conditions, please click here.

It's easy. It's free. And there are no minimum shipping, copy or print quotas. Enroll today.

AITP Members can learn how to enroll by going to the AITP Products and Services Discount Page, http://www.aitp.org/?page=ProdServDisc. 

To find that page through the menus,

  1. Go to www.aitp.org/.  Login. 
  2. If you do not remember your login credentials, click on "Forgot your password?" in the right rail.
  3. Once you are logged in you will see an option for "Members Only" in the left rail.  Click on it.
  4. Click on "Products&Services Discount".

AITP and FedEx understand that the success of your business depends on your ability to deliver your goods and services to your customers on time and that is why we are excited to remind you of these valuable discounts on the services you need the most.

]]> Tue, 29 May 2012 23:07:26 GMT GITCA Newsletter for January 2012 http://www.aitp.org/news/news.asp?id=81762 http://www.aitp.org/news/news.asp?id=81762 Editor's note:  AITP partners with GITCA, the Global IT Community Association to provide valuable resources for AITP Chapter and Regions.  GITCA provides services to support leaders and connect user groups, associations, and student IT organizations.  See the GITCA/UGSS page at:  http://www.aitp.org/?page=GITCA.


Getting the Word Out – very important for the success of GITCA

Please pass on the newsletter to your members or include the content that you consider relevant/appropriate in your own newsletters or on your website. This is your opportunity to help GITCA to achieve its goal of the development and growth of the IT community and the elevation of the status of the IT Professional. Communication to your members is absolutely vital for GITCA to succeed and in turn fulfill our desire to return the benefits of that success to your members.


Social Networking

Look out for us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter.

To join the group on LinkedIn, go to:
http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=144364&trk=myg_ugrp_ovr

To join the Facebook group, go to:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#%21/group.php?gid=10951654533

GITCA Facebook page, go to:
http://www.facebook.com/groups/GITCA/

To follow GITCA on Twitter, go to:
http://twitter.com/GITCAORG


New GITCA Public Website

The new public GITCA website development is now almost complete. We are just going through minor bug fixes. Most of the content from the previous website is now in place and work has started on adding content to the completely new parts of the site. Please be patient as we continue to work on the new content which will be made public as and when complete [you will gradually see new entries in the menus]. Unlike the previous site which was based upon SharePoint the site is based upon the free community version of Dot Net Nuke [DNN]. Please give us your feedback on the new site.

One of the new features is a News page. This page is intended both for news from GITCA but mostly from the community. The most important news from GITCA will be posted on the Home page. It has always been stressed that GITCA is "your” organization and we will all derive the most benefit by the highest level of participation by everyone. To assist please send any news items, eg. about events, programs, awards, etc., to info@GITCA.org for inclusion.


GITCA Private Website for Members

GITCA is looking into the possibility of a private members site. We would welcome input on what features that you think that the site should have to bring the most benefit to our members. Please send your thoughts to info@GITCA.org.


Resources for GITCA Federation Leaders or Members

We sometimes get asked for advice on how to start and run a successful User Group. Whilst there are no hard and fast rules there are some good guidelines which can be downloaded from here on the new GITCA website.


NPA Awards for Professionalism - the Tradition Continues……

The Network Professional Association (NPA) began honoring professionals in the computing and networking community in 2002. Then, Stephen Ibaraki, Henry Penaranda, Graham Reed, Doug Linman, David Vaillancourt, and William Collins were selected and awarded by their peers for the honor. Last year, NPA awarded Brian Cameron, Vivek Thangaswamy, Soumitra Sengupta, and Barry Sellers. This was Barry Sellers' second time being selected for the award.

The Awards for Professionalism recognizes the networking and computing professional at his or her best. Nominated by their peers, these are true professionals. Some are leaders and others are followers. The NPA is looking for the leading professionals to carry on this year's award tradition. The event returns to Interop in Las Vegas, and the award winners will be announced there, on May 7th 2012, at the Mandalay Bay.

Nominations are currently being accepted for the following categories:

Best Networking Professional — Career Achievement Award

Professional Excellence and Innovation Award

In the following subcategories:
Corporate Fortune X
Corporate Small Business
Education
Government
Independent Network Contractor

Outstanding Mentor Award

Top of the Mark — Volunteer Award

Each year, the NPA receives an excellent number of potential awardees and would like to have even more to consider this year.

Visit the website: http://www.awardsforprofessionalism.org/ for more information about the event, and nominate who you think is most deserving of the awards for professionalism.

Nominations have been extended to March 1, 2012.

GITCA is pleased and proud to support the NPA Awards for Professionalism.

 

Newsletter Content

This is YOUR newsletter and we would like to hear from you about the kind of community and general industry content that you would like to see. We would also like to receive short articles about what is happening in your part of the community. For example, we could feature a particular member group each month, ie. history, how the group is run, how meetings/events are organized/conducted, most popular topics, speaker recommendations, etc..

We would also welcome the opportunity to feature individuals who have made a recent noteworthy contribution or over an extended period of time. Community is all about people and we want to provide the opportunity for thanks and recognition via our wide reach. For example, public recognition can assist in individual's careers. If you want to submit any kind of article please email info@GITCA.org by no later than the second Friday in the month in order to be sure to be included in that month.


Stephen Ibaraki Interviews of Prominent People in the Industry

Roger Johnson – Chair IFIP IP3, Distinguished Scientist, Past Dean Birkbeck College/President CEPIS/President BCS/Honorary Secretary IFIP, International Top Leader and Innovator.
Following 4 years spent as a software developer in a major UK software house, Roger moved to a career in academia and retired as Dean of the Faculty which included the Department of Computer Science and Information Systems at Birkbeck College, University of London, in September 2010. In March 2010 he was made a Fellow of Birkbeck College.

Professor Gabriel Wainer Multi-awarding Winning Top Researcher

Gabriel A. Wainer (SMSCS, SMIEEE) received M.Sc. (1993) and Ph.D. degrees (1998, with highest honors) from the University of Buenos Aires (UBA), Argentina, and Université d'Aix-Marseille III, France. After being Assistant Professor at the Computer Science Department of UBA, in July 2000 he joined the Department of Systems and Computer Engineering at Carleton University, where he is now an Associate Professor. He has been a visiting scholar at ACIMS (The University of Arizona); LSIS/CNRS, University of Nice and INRIA (Sophia-Antipolis), France.

Dr. Gabriel Silberman International Top Researcher and Innovating Senior Executive

Dr. Gabriel Silberman is Senior Vice President and Director of CA Labs. He is responsible for building CA Technologies research and innovation capacity across the business.

Leveraging the talents of the company's researchers and technical experts worldwide, CA Labs engages with leading-edge researchers in academia, professional associations, industry standards bodies, customers and partners to explore novel products and emerging technologies in support of CA Technologies key growth areas. The results of these collaborations vary from research publications, to best practices, to new directions for products. Research topics cover insider threat detection, identity management, root-cause analysis, software development architecture, cloud computing methodology and strategy, and the human factor in technology.


Hosted SharePoint Sites and Live Meeting Accounts

We apologize but we are not currently accepting any applications for hosted SharePoint sites or Live Meeting accounts. Information on what to expect with respect to these benefits going forward will be available shortly.

We are still working diligently to try and recover the SharePoint WSS sites. It is proving to be a difficult challenge but we are determined to try and find a solution. We are utilizing all of the best resources available to us.

Existing LM accounts will be honored for the time being.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why when I request event funding from UGSS am I refused because I am not a member of GITCA when in fact my UG is a member?
A: You must make sure that the affiliation to GITCA check-box is checked in the profile of the UG on UGSS. This can be done by editing the profile of the UG(s) associated with a UG Leader via the My DashBoard tab.

Q: When will the next UG kits be available?
A: No UG kits delivered via UGSS are planned for the immediate future. Microsoft subsidiaries may provide UG kits at their option. For example, the Microsoft US subsidiary supplies UG kits on a quarterly basis.

Q: How can I find out about how to use UGSS?
A: The following link will help describe how to use UGSS - http://social.technet.microsoft.com/wiki/contents/articles/how-to-use-user-group-support-services.aspx

Q: How come I receive communications from GITCA but not from UGSS?
A: GITCA and UGSS are two totally different independent organizations with two different databases of members. GITCA is associated with UGSS through the requests for event funding as mentioned above. You currently must join UGSS in order to receive event funding and also be a member of GITCA.


Contacts

Use info@GITCA.org for general inquiries and input.

Use technical@GITCA.org for technical inquiries.

In order to avoid delays in a response, please ensure that you direct your email to the correct address.

GITCA Regional Chairs – please direct all inquiries and input which is region specific to the appropriate RC and cc info@GITCA.org.

Regional Chairs (RC's)

NORAM

LATAM

EMEA

APAC

Barry Sellers

USA

Felipe Zuniga

Chile

Anders Pistaceci

Belgium

Michael Jenkin

Australia

Sincerely,

The GITCA Global Board of Directors

"Voice of the IT Professional”

All responses to this newsletter should be directed to mailto:info@GITCA.org?subject=GITCA%20Newsletter%20Reply.

]]> Sat, 21 Jan 2012 16:15:22 GMT News from GITCA for all Chapter and Region Leaders http://www.aitp.org/news/news.asp?id=75743 http://www.aitp.org/news/news.asp?id=75743 This article contains news from GITCA, the Global IT Community Association.  There are many benefits AITP chapters (professional and student) and regions can reap by joining GITCA, UGSS and AlertPay. One of the benefits of membership in AITP is that regions, professional chapters and student chapters can join GITCA and regions and professional chapters can join UGSS to receive valuable services and even financial support for some events. Click here for more details.

Educational Opportunities from GITCA

Click here to learn about upcoming GITCA webcasts and webinars.

GITCA Business Plans for FY12

GITCA is poised to move forward with its next phase of development where we will focus on extending our value to and support for the GITCA members and the IT Pro community. You can find our Mission, Vision and Specific Goals going forward and our plans for FY12 at: http://www.GITCA.org/Documents/GITCA_BP_FY12.pdf.


New Hosted SharePoint Site Requests

We apologize but please note that we are NOT accepting any requests for hosted SharePoint 2010 websites at the moment.

We are still working on restoring the existing WSS sites.


Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why when I request event funding from UGSS am I refused because I am not a member of GITCA when in fact my UG is a member?
A: You must make sure that the affiliation to GITCA check-box is checked in the profile of the UG on UGSS. This can be done by editing the profile of the UG(s) associated with a UG Leader via the My DashBoard tab.

Q: When will the next UG kits be available?
A: No UG kits delivered via UGSS are planned for the immediate future. Microsoft subsidiaries may provide UG kits at their option. For example, the Microsoft US subsidiary supplies UG kits on a quarterly basis. GITCA does not provide UG kits.

Q: How can I find out about how to use UGSS?
A: The following link will help describe how to use UGSS - http://social.technet.microsoft.com/wiki/contents/articles/how-to-use-user-group-support-services.aspx.

Q: How come I receive communications from GITCA but not from UGSS?
A: GITCA and UGSS are two totally different independent organizations with two different databases of members. GITCA is associated with UGSS through the requests for event funding as mentioned above. You must join UGSS in order to receive event funding and also be a member of GITCA. It is only a requirement to be a member of both for the purposes of event funding. All other services/benefits/content is separate.

 

Social Networking

Look out for us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter.

To join the group on LinkedIn, go to:
http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=144364&trk=myg_ugrp_ovr

To join the Facebook group, go to:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/group.php?gid=10951654533

GITCA Facebook page, go to:
http://www.facebook.com/GITCAORG

To follow GITCA on Twitter, go to:
http://twitter.com/GITCAORG.


Contacts

Use info@GITCA.org for general inquiries and input.

Use technical@GITCA.org for technical inquiries and technical assistance including requests for Live Meeting accounts.

In order to avoid delays in a response, please ensure that you direct your email to the correct address.

GITCA Regional Chairs – please direct all inquiries and input which is region specific to the appropriate RC and cc info@GITCA.org.


Regional Chairs (RC's)

NORAM

LATAM

EMEA

APAC

Barry Sellers

US

Felipe Zuniga

Chile

Anders Pistaceci

Belgium

Michael Jenkin

Australia

Sincerely,

The GITCA Global Board of Directors

"Voice of the IT Professional”

]]> Tue, 25 Oct 2011 22:22:29 GMT Check out Upcoming Webinars and Webcasts from UGSS and GITCA http://www.aitp.org/news/news.asp?id=75018 http://www.aitp.org/news/news.asp?id=75018 Coming soon from the TechTrax Training Series, sponsored by Microsoft User Group Support Services (UGSS):

November 29, 2011: Where Do You Want to Work Today? Get Empowered with the Consumerization of IT.

December 13, 2011: SQL Azure: The Breakfast of DBA Champions.

TechTrax Training delivers technical content and guidance to help speakers and leaders inform user groups about practical applications of Microsoft solutions. The series features monthly webcasts for IT professionals on Microsoft products/services including: Windows Server, Hyper-V, Windows Azure, and more. Learn more at https://www.technicalcommunity.com/InfoCenter/Workshops/Pages/EventHolder.aspx.

 

NPA Webinar Series:

Topic: Working in the Cloud with Office 365

Presenter: Jim Belasco, DF/NPA, CNP, MCP

Date: 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM Pacific time , November 5th 2011

Description: Microsoft launched Office 365 some time ago to make it easier for small businesses to use Microsoft Office. By eliminating the need for setting up own infrastructure and by simplifying the licensing model, this new web based solution is all set to change the way we work. Join me in this webinar as I dive into the nuances of the product and tell you how you can use it to your advantage. A demo is included.

  • Productivity wins with Office 365 (Power Point)
  • 365 Demo

Level of Presentation: End-user to intermediate.

About the Speaker: James Belasco has served as a member of the NPA Board of Directors since 2000 for the Network Professional Association (NPA) and most recently as Chairman. James has represented the NPA in the forming of what today is known as GITCA. He supports the NPA websites: NPA.org, AwardsforProfessionalism.org, CNP.org as well as the NPA Job Board. His passion for ethics and professionalism is exemplified his participation in the Certified Network Professional, Awards for Professionalism, and College of Distinguished Fellows.

Attendee URL:  https://www.livemeeting.com/cc/usergroups/join?id=7ZM2GA&role=attend

]]> Tue, 25 Oct 2011 21:54:22 GMT On Demand - "Office 365 Doesn't Mean You're Fired" Webcast http://www.aitp.org/news/news.asp?id=74378 http://www.aitp.org/news/news.asp?id=74378 Microsoft's "Office 365 Doesn't Mean You're Fired: A Primer for Admins" webcast is now on-demand, watch it at https://www.technicalcommunity.com/Content/Office365-PrimerforAdmins_LiveMeeting.wmv and present it yourself at upcoming user group meetings!

Many times, the justification for cloud solutions is to reduce cost by removing IT overhead. The reality is, Office 365 can mean freeing IT from maintenance tasks and allow them to do things that impact the bottom line. In this webcast, join Microsoft Senior Technical Evangelist Joey Snow as he provides a tour of the admin tools and tasks you'll still perform in an Office 365 environment.

The TechTrax Training Series, sponsored by Microsoft User Group Support Services (UGSS), delivers technical content and guidance to help speakers and leaders inform user groups about practical applications of Microsoft solutions. The series features monthly webcasts for IT professionals on Microsoft products/services including Windows Server, Hyper-V, Windows Azure, and more.

Find out more about the TechTrax Training Webcast Series at https://www.technicalcommunity.com/InfoCenter/Workshops/Pages/EventHolder.aspx.

]]> Sat, 8 Oct 2011 01:34:47 GMT Free Training for AITP Members at Microsoft Virtual Academy http://www.aitp.org/news/news.asp?id=68730 http://www.aitp.org/news/news.asp?id=68730
As a valued AITP-national partner, Microsoft continues to support our continuous learning initiative for technical and business skills development. We are proud to offer a new resource from Microsoft for our members who are interested

The Microsoft Virtual Academy
The Microsoft Virtual Academy helps you improve your IT skill set and advance your career with a free, easy to access training portal that allows you to learn at your own pace, focusing on Microsoft technologies.

Why You Should Enroll: You will receive free training, help in mastering your training path, and the ability to connect with other IT Professionals to discuss The Cloud.

How to Enroll: www.microsoftvirtualacademy.com.]]> Tue, 28 Jun 2011 21:56:03 GMT Learn How to Develop with Internet Explorer 9 http://www.aitp.org/news/news.asp?id=68750 http://www.aitp.org/news/news.asp?id=68750
Extend the experience beyond the browser
Read about the new pinned sites feature of IE9 which allows websites to be integrated into the Windows 7 desktop. With pinned sites enabled for a website, users can pin that site to the Windows 7 taskbar or add the site to the desktop or Start menu.
Click here for an article on Pinned Sites: Windows 7 Desktop Integration with Internet Explorer 9.


Easy to Develop
Developers! Developers! Developers! Click here to learn how to integrate IE9's pinned sites feature into your website. The pinned sites feature allows users to pin websites onto their windows 7 desktop. This article covers the use of metadata, custom Jump Lists, notification icons, and Thumbnail Preview toolbar controls.
Click here for the Pinned Sites Developer Guide.

Want to learn to create a website using the pinned site feature? Follow the link to learn how to create a basic pinned site using the Channel9 Podcast Player. You will also learn key strategies which will help you promote the functionality to users of your website!
Click here for a Pinned Sites Tutorial.

Developers, learn how to use the Pinned Site API to create dynamic and personalized Jump Lists that are relevant to the user. This scenario introduces the TweetFeed sample application.
Click here to learn how to use Dynamic Jump Lists.


Create rich, immersive experiences
HTML 5 allows developers to create websites with less code and more capabilities. Check out this sample audio player that was built using the audio element and IE9's improved XML support.
Click here for a demo on how to create an HTML5 Audio Player.

Want to create a location aware page? Check out this article about the Geolocation API in IE9 which allows a web application to access the current geographical location of a computer or device running the browser. This can be used to display up-to-date local information such as weather or news reports.
Click here for a tutorial on how to create a location aware webpage.

Check out the eye-popping future of the internet with this IMDb Video Panorama example. This sample showcases the abilities of IE9 by combining the power of HTML5 and CSS3 into one seamless user experience.
Click here for a HTML5 IMDb Video Panorama Demo.


Download Internet Explorer 9
Click here for more information about IE9 and download it today!]]> Tue, 15 Mar 2011 20:33:48 GMT Microsoft Windows Phone 7 and App Hub Available for Your Development http://www.aitp.org/news/news.asp?id=69188 http://www.aitp.org/news/news.asp?id=69188 Windows Phone 7 app submission is open to all registered Windows Phone Marketplace developers. Join the excitement and become part of the vibrant community of app and game developers for Windows Phone and Xbox LIVE Indie Games. Create your Marketplace developer account and submit your apps and games today!
See: http://create.msdn.com/en-us/home/membership


APP HUB - GET THE TOOLS, RESOURCES YOU NEED; REGISTER FOR MP; UPLOAD:
App Hub provides the tools, information, and resources you need to create, distribute, and merchandise your Windows Phone 7 applications and Xbox LIVE Indie Games. Download the free development tools to begin coding and sign up for your Marketplace membership to publish your apps and games.
See: http://create.msdn.com/]]> Thu, 4 Nov 2010 20:50:38 GMT Free Windows 7 E-Learning http://www.aitp.org/news/news.asp?id=69184 http://www.aitp.org/news/news.asp?id=69184 Free Windows 7 E-Learning

Pick and choose from 19 free Windows 7 e-learning videos on the areas that you want to explore. Topics include:
  • Deployment
  • Migration
  • Network Connectivity
  • Remote Management with Windows PowerShell
  • and more.
Take advantage of this fantastic free learning opportunity before it's too late!

Click here for the free e-learning videos.]]> Sat, 30 Oct 2010 12:59:42 GMT Get Your Head IN the Cloud http://www.aitp.org/news/news.asp?id=69185 http://www.aitp.org/news/news.asp?id=69185 Get Your Head IN the Cloud

What is Cloud Computing? And what are Microsoft's offerings in Online Services? Today, organizations are increasingly looking to the Cloud for effective communications and collaboration capabilities that enable them to respond quickly to customer needs and competitive threats. Find out, quickly, everything that you need to know about Cloud Computing in these six short videos.

Click here for the videos.]]> Fri, 29 Oct 2010 20:54:25 GMT Introducing the Windows 7 Deployment Learning Portal http://www.aitp.org/news/news.asp?id=69187 http://www.aitp.org/news/news.asp?id=69187
  • Preparing for deployment
  • Configuring a Windows 7 image
  • Migration
  • Compatibility testing
    • Receive personalized recommendations on how to increase your knowledge and prepare for certification. Complete the assessment at your own pace. At the end of each module, you will receive customized learning recommendations that direct you to the most relevant resources from the Springboard Series, Microsoft Learning, and TechNet and, more importantly, resources that support your path to certification. Find out if your skills pass the test.

    CLICK HERE TO BEGIN.]]>     Fri, 29 Oct 2010 20:54:11 GMT     Cloud Quiz (No Studying Necessary) http://www.aitp.org/news/news.asp?id=69182 http://www.aitp.org/news/news.asp?id=69182 Cloud Quiz (No Studying Necessary)

    What kind of cloud are you? Cloud solutions are popping up right and left, but you've got real concerns. Will they help you do your job? Will they leverage your existing skills? Will they give you X-ray vision? Sure enough, Microsoft cloud services have you covered. (Well, almost.) To prove it, we've created a quiz that will introduce you to some resources specifically suited to address your concerns.

    http://www.microsoft.com/cloud/quiz/]]>     Fri, 29 Oct 2010 20:53:24 GMT     Valuable Microsoft Offerings For All AITP Members http://www.aitp.org/news/news.asp?id=69315 http://www.aitp.org/news/news.asp?id=69315 www.aitp.org (hover over "Members Only", select "Microsoft Resoruce Center"), we continue to receive great benefits from Microsoft that are time sensitive.

    We don't want you to miss any of these opportunities. So below are education, training, collaboration and other great benefits we encourage you to take advantage of now.

    WINDOWS PHONE 7:

    Free ebook: Programming Windows Phone 7 excerpt:
    Get the second draft preview ebook of Charles Petzold's upcoming Programming Windows Phone 7, containing eleven chapters. Click here.

    Windows Phone 7 Jumpstart Series:
    Training content led by our MVPs, Rob Miles and Andy focused on getting developers trained up on building amazing applications and games for Windows Phone 7. There are 12 sessions in total, each about :50 minutes in length. Think of this as a semester's worth of class time to help you in your quest to be an awesome Windows Phone 7 developer, -- and it's self-paced! Click here.

    Windows Phone 7 in 7 Minutes
    Each short, to-the-point video in this series highlights a feature of Windows Phone 7 in less than 7 minutes. This is a series for developers who want to pick up the basics quickly with brief explanations and hands-on examples. Demonstrations and code samples are based on the beta release of the Windows Phone 7 Developer Tools. Click here.

    Looking for awesome WP7 app ideas? Visit Mobile App Match! Join the discussions, get inspired, and get your app ready for Marketplace. http://www.mobileappmatch.com/.


    CLOUD:

    Grow Your Business with Microsoft Cloud Services:
    What kind of cloud are you? Microsoft offers a secure and flexible set of cloud-based IT solutions, including communications, collaboration, data storage, and infrastructure services. Take our quiz to find out how Microsoft ® cloud services can give you the freedom, agility, and flexibility to grow your business. Let's get quizzical. Click here

    The Microsoft Windows Azure team is looking for a 10 - 12 people who are interested in Windows Azure, and are new to Azure, with little or no experience developing for Windows Azure. The participants will be asked to provide feedback on content, content plans, terminology, etc. Interested parties should send an email to Don Glover.


    OTHER:

    Announcing Open Registration for Patterns & Practices Symposium!
    The Microsoft patterns & practices Symposium is the event for software developers and architects to have engaging and meaningful discussions with the people creating the technologies and guidance aimed at addressing their scenarios. Whether you're an architect or developer, this 5-day event will have something for you with topics that span the spectrum of technology, architecture and teamwork. Register here.]]>     Mon, 30 Aug 2010 04:27:23 GMT     AITP and CIO Executive Council to Pilot Leadership Program http://www.aitp.org/news/news.asp?id=69212 http://www.aitp.org/news/news.asp?id=69212
    Enhance Your AITP Member Experience

    The Association continually looks to enhance membership value through innovative avenues that provide personal and professional development. Our partnership with CIO Magazine's Executive Council and the Pathways Leadership Development Program is yet another opportunity for AITP members to participate in cutting edge education and leadership training initiatives. Through our partnership, AITP members receive a significantly discounted rate to enroll in the program.

    Turning today's IT professionals into tomorrow's IT business leaders.

    Developed by the CIO Executive Council, Pathways is a unique, flexible, self-managed, self-paced professional development program that brings together best practices, thought leadership and group mentoring for today's most promising IT business leaders.

    As a Pathways participant, the CIO Executive Council works with you to advance your Business, Technology and Leadership skills to prepare you for the next big step in your career.

    Core Areas of Professional Development

    The Pathways program is designed around three distinct areas of professional development - Business, Technology and Leadership. The program begins with a robust Executive Competencies Assessment, accompanied by 360-degree assessments. Pathways participants identify their unique strengths and growth opportunities across nine executive competencies, as determined by Egon Zehnder International, a global executive recruiter and talent assessment firm. The results of these assessments help tailor participation across the three core areas of professional development offered by the program: Business, Technology and Leadership.

    Business Development

    With IT becoming increasingly indistinguishable from the business operations with which it aligns and partners, the leaders of IT must adapt. For this reason, Pathways incorporates a business component to ensure that senior IT leaders develop the sensibility to become senior business leaders. Business-ready IT executives with proven strategic thinking skills will be better positioned as IT leaders of the future especially in today's global competitive economy.

    The primary business development offering is group mentoring, a structured and guided program to:
    • Connect in highly interactive discussion forums
    • Interact within small groups matched with one veteran CIO
    • Continually review professional challenges in a supportive environment
    • Take advantage of the counsel of a seasoned CIO
    • Mentors and mentees from different industries and companies form a tight community bond.
    Through this business community, day to day challenges are discussed as well as longer term suggestions for improvement are shared, all in a trusted positive environment.

    Technology Development

    Online global communities share peer-to-peer management insights across Pathways' five technology practice areas. These groups offer a setting where challenges and best practices can be shared with other IT executives in the following functional areas:
    • Applications - Applications-related responsibilities, including application development, enterprise application implementation, software systems integration, data warehousing and desktop applications.
    • Infrastructure and Operations - Responsibility for everything from ITIL to VoIP, including data center management, data and voice networks, client devices, hardware refresh cycles, and management of IT operations staff.
    • IT Strategy and Architecture - Developing and deploying IT strategy, creating and sustaining governance, and translating business models and processes into IT architecture.
    • Project and Portfolio Management - Responsibility for major projects, a project management office, or managing the full portfolio of projects in an organization.
    • Risk Management and Compliance - Responsibilities that include IT security, disaster recovery and business continuity, and compliance with a wide variety of governmental and industry standards.
    Leadership Development

    Experienced IT leaders from within the CIO Executive Council lead seminars and teleconferences enabling participants to capitalize on the CIOs personal expertise and knowledge. The seminar curriculum framework is based on the nine executive competencies and follows a highly interactive format providing Pathways participants the ability to learn from the direct experience of the seminar leader as well as their peers.

    In addition to the specific program services available to improve leadership skills, business savvy and applicability of technology, the CIO Executive Council powers the online platform behind Pathways, with more than 1000 resources contributed by CIOs, exclusive to the Pathways membership and available via a password-protected knowledge repository portal.

    The AITP-Pathways will offer 4 programs customized for mid-level and senior-level IT managers and executives at a discounted rate. Consultants and vendors are not eligible for enrollment. The Association Programs Committee is working with CIO Executive Council to launch a special introductory program in 4th quarter. Watch for more details.

    If you have any questions or would like to learn more, contact programs@aitp.org.

    ]]>     Mon, 30 Aug 2010 01:35:46 GMT     AITP & WEBSmart Partner to Offer Online Educational Courses http://www.aitp.org/news/news.asp?id=69210 http://www.aitp.org/news/news.asp?id=69210 AITP Mission Statement

    To serve our members by delivering relevant technology and leadership education, research and information on current business and technology issues, and provide forums for networking and collaboration.

    Since our inception in 1951, the Association of Information Technology Professionals has believed that the best way to serve our profession is to protect the careers and advance the talent of its members. It is our goal to provide educational benefits to our members that will help them achieve personal success today and tomorrow.

    AITP-Branded Online Training Courses

    The Association Programs Committee has been working with WEBSmart-USA, a provider of educational online courses, to develop an AITP-branded training library of various technical and professional development courses to be offered at a discount to AITP members.

    The Committee launched an evaluation pilot during the month of June for volunteer AITP members to evaluate the quality and value of online training. The feedback from the individual evaluations rated the quality of the learning experiences as high and as a group, the participants felt that offering online training curriculum can be very valuable to AITP members and serve to enhance the value of membership in AITP.

    The Association Programs Committee also reviewed other third-party training providers such as New Horizons, Global Knowledge, and Keystone Learning but these programs were found to be cost-prohibitive and/or unable to offer a deeply discounted service for our members.

    Based on the Association Programs Committee recommendation, the Association Board approved the partnership with WEBSmart-USA and the Programs Committee is now currently working with WEBSmart to create the AITP-branded catalogue of courses, both technical-centric and professional development, and the web landing page for our members to register for the courses at the AITP discount.

    The launch of the AITP educational online library, AITP Online, is tentatively scheduled for 4th Quarter. Watch for more details to come.

    If you have any questions or would like to learn more, contact programs@aitp.org.
    ]]>     Sun, 29 Aug 2010 23:35:30 GMT     AITP Launches Pilot Program - HOC Professional Development Training http://www.aitp.org/news/news.asp?id=69214 http://www.aitp.org/news/news.asp?id=69214 The Human Element of IT Business

    For years, business executives have expressed frustration over the less than satisfactory financial and strategic contribution from the information technology organization. A frequent and critical theme most commonly cited as the cause is: disconnect between the IT function (its people) and "the business". While this perceived disconnect is being attributed to many gaps such as business knowledge, leadership, effective communications, relationship building, and credibility, the underlying theme is universally tied to the absence of skills and competencies that lie outside of the technical arena.

    IBM recently conducted a study of 2,500 CIOs that shows there is a focus on developing the future IT business professional: converging interpersonal skills and business acumen with technical skills. As well, the Society for Information Management's current IT Workforce research initiative reports that while both technical and non-technical skills are important, the skills most critical to retain in-house and most sought in new mid-level employees are non-technical skills such as project management, business domain knowledge and relationship skills.

    A study conducted by Jerry Luftman, Society for Information Management (SIM) VP Academic Affairs and a Distinguished Professor at Stevens Institute of Technology, School of Management and Associate Dean of Stevens' Information Systems Programs, in 2007/2008 revealed "that companies are looking to hire IT employees who have more than just technical savvy saying they want "people who can demonstrate interpersonal, management, and industry skills."

    In fact, the survey found that companies want employees who can demonstrate ethics and morals, oral communication and the ability to more effectively collaborate with their business partners, and that such individuals are in short supply.

    In summary, the global competition, baby boomers retirement, and decreasing enrollment in our universities reassure us that there is a mandate for change to advance IT as a viable profession. With the demand for an integrated skill set of technical, business acumen and soft skills, there is concern among business and academia on how to retool the IT professionals, current and next generation, with these skills and offer a career path in IT relevant to their personal success.

    To address these concerns, the Association of Information Technology Professionals has made a call to action to deliver the professional development programs required to meet the current and future needs of the IT professional, the new IT business professional.

    AITP's Strategic Plan champions professional development training and the educational needs for the IT professional to help them thrive and advance their career today and for the future.

    Educational Workshops for IT Business Professionals

    Our industry research as well as the practical experience that CIOs are sharing with us supports AITP's conclusion that critical business and personal soft skills training is very much needed for beginning or advancing a career in IT. The CIO Surveys we studied show that the top ten skill sets most in demand are ethics & tolerance, problem solving, communications (both oral and written), team collaboration, project leadership, decision making, managing expectations, business growth, business analysis, and project planning and budgeting.

    The AITP Programs Committee has been researching third party professional development programs that can be delivered effectively by AITP and provide continuing education for the IT business profession, not only for our current IT professionals but also for the next generation of professionals (our K-12 digital natives).

    That's why AITP recently partnered with the Heart of a Champion Learning (HOC), a training series that includes instructor-led courses based on 10 key core values crucial to the IT professional's personal success and to mastering IT alignment with business for corporate growth and success.

    The AITP HOC pilot which includes 4 chapters, one from each district, was launched in June. The pilot is scheduled to end in July and the AITP Programs Committee will be evaluating the results and reporting the outcome in August. Based on positive results, the AITP Programs Committee will recommend to the Association Board, a full launch to all chapters. The Committee will also continue to identify valuable programs that can be delivered effectively by and differentiate AITP as the voice for "the Association of Professionals in Information Technology".

    In summary, the Association reason for being is to champion an investment in the human element of IT. AITP is focused on you, the individual professional, and our purpose is to help you achieve personal success today and tomorrow. Since our inception in 1951, the Association of Information Technology Professionals has believed that the best way to serve our profession is to protect the careers and advance the talent of our members.

    For questions about AITP Learning Program Initiatives, contact programs@aitp.org.

    2010 AITP Programs Committee
    Michael Light, Chair
    Deborah Lovell, Co-Chair
    Bruce Kavey, Member


    Research Sources:
    Gartner: The Next Generation of IT Worker

    IBM: CIO Study

    Society for Information Management: The Requisite Variety of Skills for IT Professionals

    Jerry Luftman, SIM VP Academic Affairs, Stevens Institute of Technology: InformationWeek Article

    Jerry Luftman, Stevens Institute of Technology: SIM 2007 Survey]]>     Sun, 29 Aug 2010 23:34:37 GMT     Free Windows 7 Deployment Guide http://www.aitp.org/news/news.asp?id=69748 http://www.aitp.org/news/news.asp?id=69748 http://go.microsoft.com/?linkID=9691885.

    Download the New eBook: Deploying Windows® 7 Essential Guidance from the Windows 7 Resource Kit and Microsoft® TechNet Magazine

    Looking for guidance specific to Windows 7 deployment? Check out what the industry's leading experts have to say in this free Microsoft Press eBook with selected chapters from the Windows 7 Resource Kit on Deployment Platforms, Planning, Testing Application Compatibility, to name a few. As an added bonus, you'll also get six new articles on Windows 7 from industry experts on migration, running Windows 7 in mixed environments, Certification and more.]]>     Sun, 3 Jan 2010 17:21:00 GMT     Get 15% Off Adobe Products Using Your AITP membership http://www.aitp.org/news/news.asp?id=70576 http://www.aitp.org/news/news.asp?id=70576
    • All the Adobe products that are licensed from Adobe.com are eligible for this discount;
    • As you shop in the Adobe Online Store, you will see the discount instantaneously;
    • AITP members must read the offer terms and conditions before placing orders.
    The entire benefit offering complete with a link to a dedicated AITP-Adobe website is located under our vendor-affiliates page on the AITP Portal - here. To access the vendor-affiliates page you will need your username and password. If you have forgot your username and password, please use the "Forgot Username or Password" link below the login prompts. Once logged in, click on Adobe and you will have access to all relevant information.

    Please keep an eye on our partners and affiliates, we have been working with a number of new companies that will continue to provide added AITP value. As always, if you have any specific questions, please contact AITP headquarters at 800-224-9371.
    ]]>     Wed, 20 Jun 2007 23:43:37 GMT     AITP and Robert Half Technology Announce Management Strategies InfoCenter http://www.aitp.org/news/news.asp?id=70751 http://www.aitp.org/news/news.asp?id=70751 AITP and Robert Half Technology are dedicated to the continuing education and professional growth of IT professionals. As Partners in Professional Development, RHT is excited to provide AITP members with the support needed to maximize career development and achieve job satisfaction.

    Whether you're interviewing for a new job or managing a team, the AITP Information Resource Center provides exclusive access to valuable information and research about the job market, IT career trends, management strategies, salary information and more.

    Recruiting, hiring and retaining talented IT professionals can be a challenge. Robert Half Technologies management strategies provide information that can help you through every step of the employment process, from evaluating resumes to retaining your top talent:

  • Recruiting
  • Interviewing
  • Compensation
  • Retention

    This section also contains information designed to assist you in managing your own career. AITP members can visit the staff development section for topics such as how to become a better leader and how to motivate your team. Members can access the infocenter by visiting the AITP.org web page.
    • ]]>     Wed, 17 Aug 2005 21:00:39 GMT     AITP and Robert Half Technology: Partners in Professional Development http://www.aitp.org/news/news.asp?id=70829 http://www.aitp.org/news/news.asp?id=70829 By Joel C. Dibble, Public Relations Manager, Robert Half Technology

    AITP and Robert Half Technology are proud to announce they have teamed up to promote the ongoing learning and professional development of the AITP membership. As partners in professional development, we are excited to provide you with a wide range of management and career development resources. Under our agreement, Robert Half Technology is now AITP's premier IT staffing partner.

    The relationship between AITP and Robert Half Technology, a leading provider of IT professionals, will help AITP members expand their networks and gain further insights into issues that affect the IT industry.

    Robert Half Technology and AITP will co-develop the Information Resource Center on AITP's Web portal. Members will have free access to valuable management and career materials from Robert Half Technology, including its annual Salary Guide, how-to booklets on a broad range of management and career topics, industry articles and research, and white papers. In addition, Robert Half Technology will share the findings of its quarterly surveys of chief information officers throughout the country, which discuss subjects such as hiring trends and skills and specialties in demand. It will also co-develop white papers covering the issues affecting AITP membership most.

    Expanded continuing education opportunities, such as presentations at local chapter meetings, will also be a feature. These discussions, led by Robert Half Technology representatives, will be designed to help further enhance the skills needed to succeed now and in the future. Leave these presentations with increased professional marketability.

    Robert Half Technology will also participate in national AITP events, such as the Annual Professional Conference and the Annual Collegiate Conference, where it will be the exclusive Diamond Sponsor and will award two $2,500 scholarships for student members. Representatives from Robert Half Technology will lead presentations and provide leadership to attendees at both events. AITP members attending the conferences will also be provided with complimentary resources from Robert Half Technology.

    Robert Half Technology will also sponsor AITP's Distinguished Information Science Award (DISA). Past winners of this prestigious honor have included Bill Gates and H. Ross Perot. AITP and Robert Half Technology look forward to providing AITP members with the tools required to support professional development.

    About Robert Half Technology

    With more than 100 locations in North America and Europe, Robert Half Technology, a division of Robert Half International Inc., is a leading provider of IT professionals for initiatives ranging from e-business development and multi-platform systems integration to network security and technical support. For more information about Robert Half Technology and the resources we offer, visit www.roberthalftechnology.com.

    ]]>     Thu, 29 Apr 2004 01:25:01 GMT