Domino Admin training review

A while back I asked for recommendations on classroom based training. I did my homework and decided on Workgroup Connections. I went to their Orlando FL office.

The Location was easy to get to, right in downtown Orlando. We were on the 11th floor of the Fifth Third Bank Building. Not sure what I think about that name...

The classroom is setup for 8 people, we had 7. So it was comfortable. They provided snacks and beverages throughout the day.

The class was D8L89 IBM Lotus Domino 8.5 System Administration Bootcamp. The content was good, and the pace was on target to what I had expected.

The instructor was Michael Farquhar. He did a great job. The main reason he was so good, in my opinion, is that when he is not teaching, he is a consultant doing the actual tasks he teaches. I have taken classes in the past where you know the instructor has just studied the course-ware and then gets certified to teach it. Try asking the tough questions in that situation. "Well John that is a good question. I will check with my colleagues and get back to you. Blah blah blah..." Yea right. Michael answered all my tough questions to my satisfaction. The set this training center above all others I have attended.

I would highly recommend taking classes at this center, and especially with Michael.

Next I will experience training with him on xpages development. I will let you know how good he is on that next month.

Major, Minor, Point, HUH?

Application versioning, Code and element level versioning, both make sense.

If you are covered by any regulatory compliance than it is more than a good idea. If not it still makes sense to use versioning to control releases into production.

What is a good version numbering scheme you ask? The most widely accepted model is the Major, Minor, Point. (8.5.1 for example)

Major Releases deliver new functionality and may include new products. Major releases also contain bug fixes reported on a previous major or minor release.

Minor Releases deliver bug fixes reported on a previous major or minor release and may also include new functionality.

Point Releases deliver bug fixes and minor enhancements.

So lets use Lotus Notes for an example. (This is all in fun)

We have Release 8.5. IBM releases 8.5.1. this scheme would have me believe that there are no new features, just bug fixes and some minor enhancements! Hmmm I guess having Domino designer in eclipse is only a minor enhancement :-) I personally would have called it Release 9 (Again based on this scheme).

Some people have Design element level versioning as well. This means you need to effectively comment your code to include the version number. This will simplify testing and auditing changes.

Element versioning is typically overkill for most Notes shops, but I worked for a FDA regulated company, and we had to do this, (I was not so bad).

So to recap:
Application versioning is good, provides many benefits
Design element versioning is good also but may be more work than is needed for some environments.

Happy coding

Me, and Notes 8.5.1

Sorry no posts lately, been incredibly busy with work.

I have found time, however, to play with early versions of 8.5.1.
Yesterday I installed the gold release. Many people have gone over the cool features etc, so I will not repeat that here.

I will mention two things though.

Upgrading from 8.5.1 Code Drop 8 to gold took well over an hour, but was flawless.

I have been working with Lotus Notes since release 1. I have seen all the releases and all the proposed features that never made it.

The one thing I can say with the most confidence is that this release, especially with the designer in Eclipse, is the best release ever. I could go on about why, but other bloggers have stated so.

So to IBM Thanks for this release, keep up the good work

To my readers get to 8.5.1 as soon as you can. You will NOT regret it

My proposed sessions for Lotusphere 2010

So with thoughts turning to Lotusphere I am submitting 2 sessions to hopefully present;
1. Development 101: back to basics.
Last year at Gurupolooza a question was asked about resources for new and beginner developers. That is when I thought about the sessions at Lotusphere. They are primarily geared to the new and advanced features. (and should be) But for new and/or aspiring developers it is overwhelming. So a jump-start session is what I propose.

Please let me know what you think should be covered.

2. Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC)for Lotus Notes/Domino Development.
Learn all about the SDLC and how it applies to Lotus Notes development.
AS regulatory issues become more prevalent, having a defined and document SDLC for you development is key. We will cover the following:
Requirements
Design
Test
Production
We will cover all required deliverables to get you started on the path to compliance.

Again please let me know what you think should be covered.

I have asked Mike Kinder to present both with me. His blog is right on target with these presentations.

Let me know your thoughts the call for abstracts will be soon.

Training training training

So with my current job I am not as hands on with development and administration as I would like to be. So I want to upgrade my Certifications to App dev and sys Admin for 8.5.

Who can recommend a great training center, location is not an issue (well OK in the us please). Looking for xpages, composite application and complete overview of sysadmin features in 8.5.
Thanks in advance

New Blog to check out, especially for beginner developers

Mike Kinder, A friend and former Colleague of mine has started a blog Owed to Notes It is Notes Development 101. Highly recommend this for new and aspiring developers, as well as Admins wanting to know about basic development.

Good luck mike

Doing a webinar today on cleaning up your notes environment

here is the link http://video.webcasts.com/events/team001/31635/

Lots of good information as well as a little marketing from my employer Teamstudio
Happy Yellow day