Chrome Experiments
To show us what can be done with Javascript (and Chrome) Google has launched Chrome Experiments. A collection of unusual experiments that also work in other (good) browsers.
† RIP ESD
It was announced a while back that the Business Objects Electronic Software Delivery was going to be closed down and it appears that it has, because I can still log in but cannot do anything else apart from that.
Rest in peace trusty ESD. I know we had our troubles at times, but being with you sure beats the heck out of being with the SAP MarketPlace. Oh well, I guess everything takes getting used to.
Latest All Up BI VPC (7.1)
I was recently made aware that there’s a newer version of the Microsoft All Up VPC than the one I’m running. Apparently it’s been out for some time now, but I thought I’d mention it. What is it you might wonder? It’s a (in my opinion) very cool VHD that, once mounted and set up, contains literally everything Microsoft has to offer in the field of Business Intelligence. The image runs Windows Server 2003 en contains, among others, SQL Server 2005, Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007, PerformancePoint Server 2007 SP1, ProClarity Analytics Server 6.3, Office 2007, ProClarity Desktop Professional 6.3 and lots and lots of demos. Unfortunately there image hasn’t been upgraded to Windows Server 2008 and/or SQL Server 2008 and is missing some Service Packs, but I’m sure this will come in the next version (whenever that is). Read more
Crystal Reports Service Packs and their corresponding versions
In addition to a post I wrote a while back I discovered something similar for Crystal Reports on the SAP network. It provides a list of Crystal Reports version numbers and their corresponding service packs, which will enable you to find out if you’re on the latest and greatest Service Pack for your (and mine) favourite reporting tool. This list only applies to versions XI, XI R2, and 2008 (via).
SSIS Custom component and its performance
Something I’ve also been wondering about and now know the answer to. It’s a shame I have no knowledge of C++.
I finally found out how to use Hyper-V Manager in Windows 7
I installed the Windows 7 Beta a while back on my notebook and haven’t looked back since. I did so on a separate partition thus still being able to use my XP Pro on the other partition, but I must admit that I’ve only booted up the Previous Windows Version
(that’s what it says on the boot up screen) a handful of times. What I’m trying to say is that that over the last few weeks I’ve become a fan of Windows 7. It feels a lot faster and more intuitive than XP and I’m sure the same goes for Vista as well (I’ve never actually used Vista as I’d never gotten around to it).
Virtual PC vs multi-boot
Most people have only got one operating system installed on their computers, while in some cases it would be quite handy to have several. Personally, working mainly as a Business Intelligence consultant, I work a lot with VMware and Virtual PC, since I do development, some (beta) testing and a lot of fumbling with all sorts of server software. But recently I stumbled upon a multi-boot manager called BootIt NG, quite a good product for turning your (in my case) notebook into a multi-boot environment. Now, there are some drawback and advantages when looking at both alternatives:
- A virtual environment eats a lot of system resources on the host, which can make both the host as well as the virtual server somewhat sluggish.
- With a virtual server there are no worries when something goes wrong. You simply reboot the virtual machine and you’re on your way again. When it comes to multi-boot systems things could go wrong.
- Virtual machines can emulate all kinds of hardware. This way you can run Mac OS on your Windows machine or the other way around.
So, basically, I would always go for a virtual machine if what I’m doing is something that is temporarily – like testing a new version of a product – or is something you don’t do on a daily/weekly basis. Vice versa I would go with a multi-boot machine.
It is important that you install a second (or third, etc) operating system on its own partition otherwise things will probably go wrong. It’s probably also a good idea to to backup before you start.
I’ve also got a very powerful workstation at home that is running Microsoft Hyper-V Server. With this setup you are able to start up several virtual machines at the same time (you’ll need quite a bit of memory to be able to runs things smoothly though). In this case I’m using both technologies, since I’ve got Windows Vista 64-bit running on one partition and Microsoft Hyper-V Server on another.
I should also mention that Microsoft has also got a very rudimentary way to manage your multi-boot system, by allowing you to choose which one you’d like to start up when booting. I’m not very impressed by it, but have never really looked into its inner workings and I guess it’s better than nothing.
I was wrong
I vented my frustration in this post about the fact that I could not install the Web Intelligence Rich Client. It seems, after having investigated the error (STU00244) and upgrading to Crystal Reports 2008 SP0 (which was what it was all about) I can now indeed install the Rich Client. I do apologize. The only thing is, why couldn’t the error message have said this straight away?
A cool MS video
Now, I’m not a Microsoft fanboy or anything of the sorts, but while I was surfing the Mobile section of MSDN it popped up on my screen, and I really like it. Especially the song.
I’m actually thinking of buying the missus a Zune, just for the sheer fact that not many people have got one in Europe. Shoot me! 
Business Objects XI Release 2 Service Pack 3 is almost there
It looks like they’ve named it simply BO XI R2 SP3, judging from the documentation I found today. I thought code name Titan was much sexier. Then again, Titan might refer to a new branch of the software, i.e. R3.
