ESWC06: Project Glidepath, Michael Lehman

Michael Lehman's (Microsoft) presentation was all about Project Glidepath, Micro ISV evangelism from Microsoft, and preparing for Windows Vista.

• Vista is coming, new PCs next year will run Vista. Some software will not run. This is an opportunity to sell more software, as customers will be looking for software with more compelling user experiences (and 256x256 icons).
• Creating software for Vista requires a mastery of many new skills. UI Design and security are different in Vista, along with the 8000 new API calls, and the standard support of .NET 3.0. .NET 3.0 is marketing speak for .NET 2.0 plus WPF, WCF, WF, and Cardspace.
• It's no longer possible to know everything, you can't remember entire APIs anymore. Although developer documentation from Microsoft has become more expansive by being tied to the code, it now has less context.
• Glidepath is an attempt to add guidance and context back into the development process. The Glidepath content is made up of workflow guidance, templates, custom tools, and new wizards. It includes both technical and non-technical view-points. This includes advice on Vista and .NET 3.0 compatibility, code librarys and objects to take advantage of new Vista dialogs, and it can all be used with new or existing applications.
• Tools and information for VB6 and Delphi developers will also be delivered through Glidepath, and on the website.
• The delivery of the Glidepath content is via RSS enclosures, as used for podcasting, so it is possible for third parties to product Glidepath modules for the community. Bob Walsh has produced a Micro ISV module, Robert Scoble produced one on Blogging, etc.

Micro ISV Evangelism

• Windows MarketPlace will feature a Micro ISV spotlight slot. You have to have a free version, and you can set a limit on how many copies you are prepared to give away, but you will be featured on the MarketPlace site and be promoted. You will need to be using Vista in some way to participate, but using one of the new task dialogs in place of the existing windows dialogs would probably qualify your product.
• The Glidepath community and spotlight. Michael plans to blog and podcast on the Vista Micro ISV community, and to showcase products. Contact him if you want to participate in this program. The community forums will provide a means for sharing information and Glidepath packages.
• There could be some kind of directory of Micro ISV software that runs on Vista. Get involved now, download Glidepath, submit feedback, see your software on the Microsoft sites.
• This will all start in January 2007, when Vista launches, but Michael is already accepting applications/nominations. Preference will be given to Glidepath users.
• There's also the Vista Logo programs. "Works with Vista" is free and self-assessed using a tool. You just have to register and run the tests to get listed in the directory. "Certified for Vista" is a paid program, in which your product is verified by a third part. Here you can qualify for additional co-marketing options.

Other Points/Responses to Questions

• Although the Glidepath content is delivered via RSS directly into Visual Studio 2005 (Standard or higher, not Express), the content is also available for viewing directly on the website.
• Yes, downloading these Glidepath add-ins to Visual Studio can be a security risk, so we test all the ones we make available directly from the site. No easy answer for those coming from other sites, are looking into a new security model for this.
• Using some Vista UI elements is easier in C++ (although it's still not trivial), and is harder from .NET. Glidepath components are available to make this easier to do from .NET. [In other words, even though Vista has some nice new common controls, if you want to use them in your software you'll still have to look at third party libraries]
• Visual Studio isn't fully Vista compatible yet, but the Service Packs are coming.
• .NET 3.0 will not be forced onto Windows XP, but it will be encouraged, and the new Vista software which uses .NET 3.0 will encourage uptake.
• Java on Vista? Ask Sun.

The slides for the presentation will be made available via the Glidepath site.

Tags: micro isv eswc06 shareware vista glidepath