SharePoint and Office 2010 Official Launch-- May 12, 2010

Just wanted to remind everyone that tomorrow, May 12th, is the official launch date of SharePoint/Office 2010. There is going to be an online launch event at www.the2010event.com. If you want to check it out.

I know that a lot of us actually downloaded the release to manufacturer copy of SharePoint Foundation around April 22th, but for the rest of the world (that doesn't have TechNet or MSDN), this will be the day they can run out and buy SharePoint server or Office 2010 for the first time.

This date is also significant because it is the date that a whole lot of data about SharePoint should start trickling out of Microsoft, like reporting services for SharePoint Foundation (at least, that's what I am hoping).

Be sure to check out the online launch event, and try to catch the live, in-person launch events in your area. I am sure they are going to have insider info that may not be available online or in book form yet.

Office/SharePoint 2010 Launch Events

So, SharePoint Foundation 2010 is releasing in mid-May (as are SharePoint Server 2010, Office 2010, and Visual Studio 2010). And to celebrate the release, as they always do, Microsoft is having Launch events.

Unlike they always do, and possibly in response to the economy, the locations where the day long events, full of swag and experts, will be sadly limited.

To see the planned agenda for the event and get your seat first (before they run out), go to https://microsoft.crgevents.com/Register2010/Content/Event_Selection.aspx. You'll find a list of the cities hosting launch events. To sign up you'll need to pick a track, IT Pro or Developer.

And, what about the folks who don't live anywhere near these lucky cities (like myself)?

Well, I found out today that there is a scaled down, half day, less stuff, less content, but still Launch focused "Launch 2010 Highlights" launch event being held at other, less popular cities.

--Basically look at it as the Tier 1 cities, with the higher population, the ones that spend the most money with Microsoft, get the full day real Launch events, and lower tiers get the "highlight" reel. Money's tight everywhere.--

Nonetheless, to register for at least the short (fun sized) version of the 2010 Launch event, go to http://www.microsoft.com/business/2010events/Highlights.aspx. That's what I did.

Besides, I'm am a little busy writing a book. Maybe I shouldn't spend a whole day away from my desk. Maybe a half day event is perfect for me.

Here's hoping, whichever event you can get to, that it'll be perfect for you too.