I didn’t get much done yesterday. Rather than slaving away over a hot keyboard I went to the “Heroes Happen Here” Microsoft Launch Event.

I know some of you are probably thinking something like “Dave, you’re a writer, why did you go to a Microsoft event?” I could say I went because I could, but that would only be a small part of it. Part of it’s because I have worked as a system administrator and it’s always good to keep up with what’s happening; and since Microsoft is the eight million pound gorilla of the software industry I have a vested interest in keeping up with them in particular.

Still that may not be enough of a reason to go to such an event, and while the swag is good– the biggest giveaway was Vista Ultimate and I already have that.

So, what was the point?

Part of it was networking. I made a few contacts and also managed to get both my name out and connect with others. A lot of the writing jobs you can find on oDesk are technical in nature, and if you’re going to write about technology it pays to know what’s going on in the field.

Most of those companies need writers, and by being aware of what they’re doing (because there were a lot of other companies represented there too) I got a better idea of the industry as a whole. It also helps with the background knowledge I need for various technical writing jobs I might be applying for.

Child care issues meant I didn’t get as much done as I wanted to, but there were some very interesting things I learned at the event.

One big thing, from my perspective, is that Microsoft is taking a lesson from Linux and looking to compete directly. That’s not as strange a statement as it sounds. Server 2008 is bringing in ideas like Server Core, which allows you to install a basic server OS with no GUI for simple server tasks. It’s something people have been doing on Linux for years, but Microsoft hasn’t really had a product to compete in the same space.

Another change has to do with what they’re calling the PowerShell which is a new command line environment.  They’re moving back to the idea that the command line should be more powerful than the GUI, and that the GUI should be a layer that sits on top of the actual commandlet.  I’m impressed.

A lot of the other changes have to do with security. Server 2008 is both much more secure and more granular in that security than previous versions. I was very impressed with how tightly they can lock it down,while at the same time the part that I love as an administrator would terrify me as a user.

I found the event worthwhile, and I think many of you would too.

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