Logging into Azure and Office365 with Different Accounts

I have been doing some work on the Modern Apps Live! content that required me to use both an Office365 account and an Azure account.  My Azure work is currently associated with my Microsoft Account (formerly known as my Live ID).  On the other hand, I am working with a Microsoft Office365 account which I have been unable to tie to my current account at this point.

While I was working with Office365, I was trying to open my Azure account to get some storage info that I wanted to use.  It told me I was already signed in with a different user ID and it did not have access to my Azure portal as noted in the image below.

Obviously I did not want to sign out, so I started looking for options.  The IT Director at Magenic, Dave Meier, mentioned he was having the same issue with multiple Microsoft accounts. So, we determined this was somehow related to IE so I installed Google Chrome.  By using Chrome I was able to work around the issue.  However, Dave came across the following article regarding this change in behavior starting in IE 8 http://blogs.msdn.com/b/askie/archive/2009/05/08/session-management-within-internet-explorer-8-0.aspx.  Turns out they changed how they manage sessions in that version.

The article brings up a couple of options to work around.  One is using Alt-F-I to change the session.  Kind of annoying as I actually use my mouse (some of you keyboard junkies will like that solution).  So I used the shortcut option and created a shortcut for IE on my Windows 8 desktop which uses the switch –noframemerging.  I added this to my Taskbar, and voila, I have an easy way to open a new session browser which ignores my other session.  Keep in mind that you are essentially running two different sessions in IE which means that you will have two sets of credentials active.  Be sure to keep track of which is which.

Also, as a quick sanity test, Google Chrome works the same way.  Even when I open a different Chrome instance, it keeps my session state. So, it appears the IE shortcut is a nice way to handle this issue.  Although, it is nice to know I can use a Chrome instance and and IE instance if that is my preferred method.

Add a comment if you try this in FireFox and want to chime in.  I really only want to use one browser, so Chrome is still one more than I want.

UPDATE:  You can also use InPrivate or Incognito modes accomplish the same thing.  Thanks to Rocky Lhotka ( T | B ) for pointing this out.

Using Word 2013 to Create Blog Entries

Over the past few years, I have used Windows Live Writer to create my blog entries on WordPress. Given the nature of Microsoft’s push to use Office for more including social and other online presence, I thought I would see if Word 2013 would actually work to create and edit blog posts. For the record, I am using Office 2013 RTM (I wouldn’t try this with the Preview. J) .

Creating My First Post with Word

Step one, find out if Word has a blog template. Answer: Yes.

When you select the template you get the following dialog:

When you pick this the first time you get the opportunity to set up your blog account.

Among the default blog providers are Blogger, WordPress, and, yes, even SharePoint. Once you choose your provider, the rest of the process allows you to choose your blog and set up your credentials. You can set up multiple accounts if you have multiple providers or blogs. Once you set up your account, Word opens with the following blog template:

Some Final Thoughts…

You also have the ability to publish as draft, choose categories, and other typical blog type activities. Overall, I really like the editing experience. You also now have the additional capabilities use in Word such as SmartArt and WordArt.

Windows 8 and Hyper-V: It’s that easy!

First, I need to set the record straight – I am not a systems guy.  When I need work done to set up a server or install an OS or handle networking, I usually talk to people who know what they are doing.  After the system is ready, I am build BI and data solutions on the system.

As far as Virtual Machines (VMs) go, I really did not like working with them.  I seem to always have issues getting them set up correctly and being able to work with them on a regular basis.  In particular, getting connected to the host system and internet always annoyed me.

Well, I upgraded to Windows 8 two weeks ago. Yes, I actually upgraded from Windows 7 to Windows 8 without issue.  I am really enjoying Windows 8 and my kids think it looks cool.

However, after the install, some VPN software provided by my client did not work.  It appears to have issues working with Windows 8.  I had heard that Hyper-V was easy to setup and use in Windows 8.  It’s true!  I merely had to turn on the service, create the network, create a VM, and point to a Windows 7 ISO and, voila, I had a VM running with Windows 7 and an internet connection.  A Building Windows 8 blog post by the Steven Sinofsky on Hyper-V was the key to simplicity.  Check it out!  They have a video, 3 minutes long, on creating a VM in Windows 8.  It worked!

Kudos to the engineering team on making this a simple exercise that even a non-systems guy could figure out and use!

#meme15: Reasons I Like My Job

When Jason ( B | T ) posted this assignment, I thought it would be a fun topic to write on.  Before I get into my reasons, some history is in order.  I will have been employed at Magenic ( T ) for over 8 years.  My employment has not been contiguous, as I left for about 4 1/2 years.  In my first stint at Magenic, I came into consulting with no idea what I was getting into.  When I left, 5 1/2 years later, I was doing a lot of travel while leaving my wife with 4 kids under 10 at home.  My reason for leaving Magenic was to be closer to home with less travel.  Now, on to the topic because the reasons I like my job and the reasons I returned are very similar.

Reason #1:  My wife likes where I work

When I mentioned to my wife that I was ready to go back into consulting, she noted that going back to Magenic would be good for me and for the family.  As it turns out, Magenic provided me with a supportive and fulfilling environment which meant a better home life.  Furthermore, she likes how they treat our family as if they matter as well.

Reason #2:  This too shall pass …

I work in consulting.  I really like the freshness of each contract and the knowledge that no matter how bad it looks, it will pass as well.  Keeps the work new and exciting without the burden of working on the same thing for years.  (FYI – did that for 4 1/2 years.  I like consulting better.)

Reason #3:  I get paid.

I don’t do the job for free and I still get a paycheck.  Given the economy of the day, this is a valid reason for liking my job.

Reason #4:  Blah, blah, blah

One of the reasons I came back to Magenic is the fact that they enabled me to find more speaking engagements.  While blogging for me at times can be a chore, speaking at user groups, SQL Saturdays, conferences and other events is fun.  It is one of the things I really love about my job.  This year I will likely get over ten speaking engagements in with over 12 sessions delivered on various SQL Server and BI topics.  Yes, this is fun.

Reason #5:  Coworkers and peers

My final reason is my coworkers and peers.  I get to work with a lot of smart, fun, and driven people.  It is refreshing to go to work and see how each and everyone is finding ways to push the envelope.  Not only that, many I am able to count as friends who I would keep in contact with whether or not we worked at the same place.

I am really pleased with where I work and enjoy what I am doing and who I work with.  I can only hope that I can help improve it for those around me.  What I found interesting about this meme is that it did not prompt a “career” response.  My job enables me to pursue my career, which is awesome.  I could do this elsewhere, but why?

Upcoming BI and Data Events with Magenic in Fall 2012

As I started looking over my event calendar, I was amazed at how many events Magenic is sponsoring, hosting or providing speakers for over the next couple of months.  As always, one of my goals is to make everyone aware of opportunities to increase their knowledge in BI and data or even network with other data pros.  Not all of the events are Magenic events, but Magenic has stepped up to sponsor or provide speakers for the event.  I will update this blog with more details as they become available, but I want to get you thinking about the possibilities to learn and connect.

BI Summit (Chicago, August 23, 2012)

This event is coming up very soon.  Register today to hear about BI topics that matter to you as a customer and in particular as a business user.  Ted Krueger ( B | T ) and Aaron Lowe ( B | T ) will be showing off some of the new Microsoft BI capabilities.  I will be joining them for the round table at the end of the day.  Sign up today as space is limited!

Code Mastery (Chicago, September 12, 2012)

Not to be outdone, a few weeks later Magenic’s Code Mastery event comes to Chicago.  There is an opening session by Ted Krueger discussing query tuning for developers and admins alike.  Then, a full track will be offered on a variety of BI topics.  The speakers include your truly, James Phillips ( T ), and Aaron Lowe.

SQL Saturday #156 (Providence, September 15, 2012)

Join James Phillips at this event as well.  If you see him at Code Mastery in Chicago then at SQL Saturday in Providence let him know.  I am sure we all would be interested in how and why you traveled the country to hear him.  He will be speaking on SSIS 2012 and loading data warehouses.

SQL Saturday #149 (Minneapolis, September 28-29, 2012)

We are loaded to bear for this event.  Steve Hughes and Ted Krueger will be conducting preconference sessions.  Beyond that, a number of Magenicons have submitted sessions.  We expect the final list before the end of the week and I will update this post when they list is finalized.  Magenic is also a Gold Sponsor for this event.  Oh, and this year the precons are on Friday with the full event on Saturday.  Thought we would try something new this year.

8/15/2012 UPDATE:  Magenic speakers announced:  Ted Krueger, Aaron Lowe, Jeff Prom and I have sessions at this event.

Code Mastery (Minneapolis, October 2, 2012)

This event is still being finalized, but hold the date!  We have a BI track that includes implementing BI with SharePoint.  Our speakers include Jeff Prom ( B ), Josh Owens ( T ), Curtis Smith and Greg Moser ( T ).  Look for more details coming soon.

Minnesota SQL Server User Group (Minneapolis, October 14, 2012)

Magenic is the sponsor for October’s user group meeting and Jeff Prom will be speaking on Data Quality Services. 

PASS Summit (Seattle, November 6-9, 2012)

And the Summit wraps up a busy fall season.  I have two sessions at this conference.  Ted will be a part of Ask the Experts and Birds of a Feather.  A number of other Magenicon’s will also be in attendance.  We will look forward to wrapping up a this fall’s data and BI community events at the Summit.

Join Magenic’s data pro’s at any of these conferences or meetings.  Magenic is a huge promoter of business intelligence and data related education within the SQL Server community.  We look forward to seeing you at any of these events.

How I Got Started in Software Development-A Tribute to Ed

A tribute is an expression of gratitude or praise.  As I head into this holiday season I wanted to express thanks to those individuals who have impacted my career through the years.  What got me thinking about this was the fact that my father-in-law passed away two years ago in mid-December.  I wanted to honor his memory.  I have chosen to do this by starting an annual blog entry where I recognize an individual that has directly impacted what I am doing today.  As a result, this first tribute will recognize my father-in-law, Ed Jankowski’s influence on my career.

Ed Jankowski, My Father-in-Law

I would have to say that Ed was most directly involved with my transition to the field of software development.  I had no prior experience working on computers before I met Ed.  During my employment at Bethany House Publishers, I saw a need to “automate” the book used to track inventory.  At the time, Ed worked at the parent organization, Bethany Fellowship, as the primary IT guy.  (Quick background note, Ed left HP to work at Bethany as a ministry and a job.  He had extensive experience in electronic engineering, network systems, and related technical troubleshooting and support skills.)

After identifying the need, I approached my boss with my idea.  He noted we likely could not get this done through our divisions IT.  I talked with Ed about the idea and he and my manager worked out a deal.  If I was able to create a program to manage the warehouse inventory, I would then be loaned back to Ed to do something similar for him with the phone system for billing.  In return, Ed would provide hardware, software, and office space so I could figure it out.

Yes, I picked Microsoft Access as my development platform.  Ironically, my wife, Sheila, taught me the basics of Access so I could get started.  I created my first database, THEN learned about relational database theory – normalization.  So, I rewrote the app.  In the end, I created a decent application that would eventually support RF devices and save the company a lot of money because of the efficiencies related to these changes.

After a few years, I went to work for Magenic and moved from application development into database development and then into business intelligence.  But more about that later.  Without Ed’s support in his son-in-law, who knew nothing about software development and very little about computers at that time, I would not be where I am today.  I know Ed was proud of how far I had come and I still miss his input and influence in my work and life to this day.  Thanks Ed.

Why I Blog – #Meme15

A fellow blogger and SQL guy, Jason Strate (@stratesql) started a meme on Social Networking as a result of a Social Networking session we participated in at SQL Saturday #99 in Minnesota. (http://www.jasonstrate.com/2011/12/the-meme15-on-social-networking/)

The questions for this month are:

1. Why did you start blogging?
2. Why do you currently blog?

Let the reflection begin

Why Did I Start?

I have “started” blogging at least three times that I can remember.  In each case, I had great aspirations about passing along cool stuff I had learned.  Interestingly, it was neither easy nor “fun” for me to blog.  Each of those times I failed because I could not find enough unique topics to write about.  After all, who would want to read a blog about something someone else had written?

So, I gave it another try.  With guidance from the likes of Jason Strate (@stratesql) and Dan English (@denglishbi), I realized that a blog was a way to communicate what I had learned and what was exciting to me.  I fired up my old blog and have been blogging on what interested me and in particular when I had to work to resolve an issue.  Now, I was really a “blogger” and it was cool.

Why Do I Continue?

I still work hard to get blogs written.  I am much more comfortable presenting on a topic as opposed to writing blogs.  However, I have discovered that some of the stuff I write actually interests other people.

I write more now to get out information on topics that I enjoy and to discuss problems I have had to solve.  I do wish I had more time to blog, but I will blog when I can.  It is more fun than it used to be for me and I will keep on blogging.

What’s up with the name?

What is behind DataOnWheels?  Well, on of the attempts I started was while I was working at Xata (www.xata.com) which is a transportation management company.  I really enjoyed working there and the data work was really cool.  I thought DataOnWheels was unique and represented my interest in both data and transportation.  Well, I have since returned to Magenic (www.magenic.com) where I still work with data, but not so much with transportation.  However, a brand is a brand.  I like the uniqueness of the name and I guess I could change my tag to “Have data, will travel” or maybe not.  I just like the name.

In conclusion, if you are interested in blogging yourself I encourage you to give it a try.  There are a couple of free blogging sites out there like WordPress which I use and Google’s Blogspot which my daughter has used.  My final advice is you should write when you want to and don’t feel bad when you have to wait a while.  Do it for yourself first, who knows who will find you when they need that info.

March Presentations Uploaded on SkyDrive

I presented at three events in the past 10 days. 

• Magenic Lunch & Learn – SSRS Training – Overview of SQL Server Reporting Services functionality.
• Minnesota SQL Server User Group – SQL Azure – a good discussion on SQL Azure, it’s capabilities, and cost effectiveness for our solutions.
• Techfuse 2011 – Performance Monitoring and Tuning with SSAS – a look at the query execution workflow and the tools to monitor and tune Analysis Services.

I hope these provide value to you.  Feel free to comment here with questions related to any of these presentations.

Minnesota gets a Microsoft Technology Center

Last week, I got a look at the new Microsoft Technology Center in Minneapolis.  Very cool place.  I am glad to see one here that we will be able to use to help our customers with their POCs.  They have a training room, a number of POC areas, and server farm you can leverage for your POCs. 

The Grand Opening for the MTC is Tuesday, April 5.  If you are able take time to check this out as it as cool new facility I encourage you to do so.  You can find out more at http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/mtc/locations/minneapolis.aspx.

January PASSMN (Minnesota SQL Server User Group) Meeting

Update and Notes: Not only sponsoring this month’s meeting, but also offering a 10% discount to all PASSMN members to the class “SQL Server 2008 Architecture, Internals and Tuning“, is:  Benchmark Learning

Please click here for meeting details and to RSVP

Again, note the non-standard location, date and time.
Meeting Info:
Note: We will be meeting in the 8000 building this month Please click here for meeting details and to RSVP

Location:	8000 Norman Center Drive, 2nd Floor, Bloomington, MN  55437
Date:	January 25th, 2011
Time:	5:00 – 7:00

Error Logs and Deadlocks, Oh My!
Jason Strate, Digineer

Tired of turning to the SQL Server error log to find out what’s happened?  Would you rather just know about a deadlock when it’s occurred rather than later in the day when the manager as you why HRs bonus distribution application failed?  Find out how to get this information and more delivered to your inbox so that you can head off issues instead of drowning in them.  In this session we’ll look at Event Notifications and find out how to stop having to monitor SQL Server error logs today.

Seeking SQL Server Secrets
Kalen Delaney, SQLearning

Many experienced DBAs are aware that there are many undocumented commands and traceflags in SQL Server, and some DBAs may even keep track of all references to such options whenever they read about them in an article or blog posts, or hear about them at a conference. In this session, I’ll not only tell you about some of my favorite undocumented features, I’ll also tell you some of my tricks for discovering more undocumented secrets.

Training:  f you are looking for some training on SQL Server architecture, internals and tuning in January, then check out Kalen Delaney’s upcoming class at Benchmark Learning.  In her class she’ll talk about SQL Server architecture, the storage structures, index design and tuning, and much more.  There are still a few spots left for the class and it’s a great opportunity to get some instruction from one of the most knowledgeable trainers around.  Benchmark is now offering a 10% discount to this class for PASSMN members!

http://www.benchmarklearning.com/Courses/CrsDetail.aspx?C=NHSQLPerTun08