Why would a web enthusiast care about the future of Microsoft Windows?

Because the new programming model for building compelling, connected, native apps that harness the full power of the PC will allow HTML5 and JavaScript developers to use what they already know. And because the new marketplace for distributing these applications gives you a potential paying customer base of more than a billion people.

In this talk, you’ll get a hands-on introduction to the next version of Windows, and see how the UI was designed to work seamlessly with a diversity of devices and form factors. We’ll cover how to build and design Metro-styled applications using HTML5 and JavaScript, and connect you with tons of resources so you can capitalize on this new opportunity that brings your web skills to the next level.

Glen Gordon is a Developer Evangelist with Microsoft based in Atlanta. Glen brings free training, resources and other benefits to developer communities in the southeast. You can keep up with Glen via his blog at http://glengordon.name/ or on twitter @glengordon

Who: Jeff Keeton
When: Thursday, March 1st, 11:30-1pm (networking 11:30-noon)
Where: Innovation Depot, Training Room, 1500 1st. Ave. N
RSVP: Free to attend

Join an open discussion on using 2D bars codes

Two dimensional bar codes have popped-up like mushrooms after a summer rain. They were created to track parts inventory and now are seen on every form of print media from wine bottles to signs. But how affective are they as an advertising medium? Do they actually lead to increase sales or brand awareness or, are they merely a trendy gimmick without any real utility? Just because they are more common now, doesn’t mean they are used well. Jeff Keeton will moderate a participation-lead discussion on the practical use of 2D bar codes as well as comparing QR codes, Microsoft Tag, and Google Goggles.

We invite anyone who has experience using QR codes before, as well as anyone wishing to learn more about their effective use. Please bring examples of QR codes being used to share and discuss with the group.  The goal of the discussion is to come up with some creative and effective strategies for using them.

• +4 years experience working in digital management;
• Strong project management skills (professional certification a plus);
• Experience with Drupal a plus;
• Good understanding of Web analaytics; and
• Imagination about what is possible next in the Internet.

For a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and qualifications, read the complete job description here, (PDF) B.A.S.S. Job Opening – Digital Project Manager

Well qualified applicants should contact:
Jim Sexton
Chief Digital Officer
B.A.S.S.
205-313-0935
jsexton@bassmaster.com

There are several misconceptions about the future of the Flash platform stemming from Adobe’s recent announcements. John Cook, Sr. Software Engineer with Universal Mind, will demonstrate the powerful, cross-device development platform Adobe created from the Flash platform and languages. With the new tools and compilers developed by Adobe, a developer can now write code in one language, and deploy their application, in native code, to any iOS or Android device, as well as the RIM Playbook. See how this new development environment can save a developer and/or company both time and money. John will walk us through some high-points of the development environment and show project set-up, creation, and deployment.

The Web moves fast, really fast. No one talks about what version of a web site you are using. Maybe you are using the beta version. Even then, it is always new. The Web is obsessed with new. It thrives on new. To meet this demand, in the early years of the web, teams learned a new way to deploy their software. Rather than the traditional models used by compiled, installed software, these pioneers on the Internet deployed software when it was ready. That meant Web sites could be responsive to changes, fix bugs quickly, and add new features to compete with the market. This method is still alive today. Successful web companies still do this to keep their advantage. While there are no set rules, there are good examples of what others do and how it helps them be successful.

Please note: Attendance is limited to 40 people. Please RSVP so we know how many people to expect.

This month we are fortunate to have Daniel Walters, Customer Service Lead from Infomedia speak to us on being a customer advocate. While we all work for our customers, most of us complain (quite often) about the choices they make. We don’t take the step back and view things from the clients perspective. Daniel will examine roles within companies and argue how each team member can advocate for your customers.

Our friend, Tammy Hart, recently went to the WordCamp San Francisco 2011. She didn’t get us a t-shirt or anything from her trip. So we asked her to come and tell us what she learned on her trip. With over 14% of the web now running on WordPress, it’s undeniable that anyone involved in the web should know at least the basics and be familiar with the world’s most popular CMS.

Applies to:  Sharepoint 2007/2010Description:  Sharepoint is a powerful platform to managing data, but out of the box, the rendering of information from internal lists is frequently disappointing.  Conditional formatting, for instance, is limited to simple “if … then” scenarios.  Fortunately, developing custom XSLT for Sharepoint content isn’t as hard as it might seem, but it does require patience and the knowledge of which tools to use and when.  In this talk, you will be shown how XSLT can be harnessed in two scenarios:  the Data View Web Part, and the Content Query Web Part.  Examples and a short demonstration of each will help show how to make Sharepoint work for you.

Kevin Gunther-Canada is Assistant Director of IT Web Services at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.  He has been in IT for over 15 years, and is currently specialized in MS Sharepoint and other MS-based technologies for use on the web.

Also, BarCamp Birmingham, Saturday, 6 Aug. 8am-4pm at UAB Business & Engineering Complex

IPSA is a proud sponsor of BarCamp Birmingham this year and we are so excited for it, we decided to throw a party! BarCamp is a day-long, FREE, technology conference put on by your friends and colleagues right here in Birmingham. Participants choose the presentations that other attendees volunteer to give. Topics have covered everything from HTML5 and server virtualization to juggling. You are guaranteed to learn something new, meet some interesting people, and have lots of fun.

Come join us after work the night before at The Barking Kudu to meet you fellow BarCampers.

Hacking groups like Lulzsec and Anonymous have been in the headlines this summer with their coordinated attacks of governmental, business, and public computer networks. In this presentation Joshua Perrymon will discuss their tactics and motives, as well what security measures can be used to defend against them.

Joshua has been doing IT security consulting for over 15 years worldwide. He has worked in leading edge security research in areas like Social Engineering, Smartphone Hacking, RFID Hacking, Intrusion Detection, Application Security and Physical Security. His theory is “Security before Operations”, and his company works closely with organizations to help them understand IT related risk and implement appropriate security measures. He wrote the RFID hacking chapter in the latest “Hacking Linux Exposed” and is also working on a book of his own regarding Social Engineering and defense measures.