Microlau's Blog

‘Better’ Practices on SQL Server Reporting Services

I’ll be presenting about SSRS on coming Thursday’s SGSQLUG User Group meeting on the following topic:

Ever felt that SSRS is behaving slightly below your (or your customer's) expectations? Come and join me in sharing some of the 'better' practices of using SSRS. Don't just listen to me, chip in with your very own good practices, tips or tricks

To sign up for the event, send an email to sqlugsingapore_at_mvps_dot_org with the subject: RE: [SGSQLUG] April User Group Meeting.

Learn, Network and Party with Singapore's User Groups at Microsoft { one } Nation 2009!

First time in Singapore, 5 DAYS only! 18th – 22nd May 2009

Come down to Microsoft Singapore and celebrate the birthday of Singapore's favorite server! The Microsoft User Communities in Singapore have put together an awesome week-long event to help you unlock the full power of the Microsoft server platform - culminating in a spectacular Microsoft { one } Nation celebration on the final day!

It's a festival that no IT professional or Developer should miss! Take part in live training, hands-on labs, demonstrations, and sessions to prepare you for your certification exam. Then, it's time to kick back, relax, and celebrate with the Singapore IT community! There will be contests, prizes, special discounts on products and training, and lots of giveaways!

Don't miss out! Seats are limited!

18th - 21st May
(Mon - Thu)
Hands-on Labs, Demos, Seminars, Training, SERVER showcase
9am - 4pm

22nd May (Fri)
USER COMMUNITY GRAND CELEBRATION
6:30pm till late!

FEATURING
Training and Networking opportunities!
Unbelievable SERVER hardware and software discounts!
Special bundle offers!
Lots of prizes and giveaways!

To register, click here

To find out more about the event, click here

Using Web service to get data from SQL Server and updating the local database cache

Some time back, my long time pal Apurva presented creating occasionally connected applications (aka Smart Clients). While he was preparing some materials for another purpose, he’s kindly uploaded his video and a pdf document which shows you step by step on how to build such an application.

Be sure to check it out!

Possibilities for Surface

I was at the newly renovated Liang Court and saw the interactive mall directory which understands some flicking actions. The first thought that came to me is 'Surface'? But after interacting with it, I could firmly saw that it is not - There's no 'throwing' action, no zooming (and un-zooming), and the flicking reaction is sluggish. Surface came to my mind, and I thought about how it can be combined with a bunch of Microsoft technologies to give shoppers a more interactive experience. 

Imagine this, a shopper comes to the interactive mall directory, and looks up for the product or service that he/she wants. Before actually going into the shop, the shopper can take a 3D look of the product, look up for reviews and comments (from online services such as HungryGoWhere for food), all before stepping into a shop.

Flipping back into my own world context, I can see how Surface (when pricing is economical) will bring endless possibilities for the household. Just imagine having it as a coffee table, and being able to entertain your family and friends right in the heart of your house - Music, videos, games and even surfing, all within Surface.

However, I simply cannot imagine how Surface can replace my good old keyboard when it comes to basic computing needs such as churning proposals, writing code and drawing diagrams.

Photos of my Phuket Trip

My family of 3 recently went on a short trip to Phuket. Here's the online photo album.