Is there anything better than bringing passionate, driven entrepreneurs together during Global Entrepreneurship Week?
Yes, yes there is.
It's even cooler to bring passionate, driven entrepreneurs together during Global Entrepreneurship Week and add feed them waffles! And then, top off the day with an exclusive look at the brand new Windows 8 platform with Microsoft's startup evangelist Taylor Cowan. We think it's safe to say that Think Big had a pretty awesome day on Friday--and a lot of great entrepreneurs joined us in the celebration.
As a part of Kansas City's Global Entrepreneurship Week, Think Big Partners hosted two events, Startup Waffles and Windows 8 Kansas City Bootcamp on Friday, November 16. Many entrepreneurs came together not only to enjoy the sticky sweetness of waffles, but to network with other entrepreneurs, collect business cards and get educated on the Windows 8 platform.
A big thanks to all of the startups who made it out to Startup Waffles and the Windows 8 Bootcamp last week! And an even bigger thanks to KCSourceLink for being the true KC leader during Global Entrepreneurship Week.
WRITTEN BY BLAKE MILLER, PARTNER AT THINK BIG PARTNERS
Think Big Partners recently partnered with Microsoft on a number of fronts. It’s been incredibly exciting to get hands support from a company so dedicated to helping entrepreneurs, especially in the Accelerator space. One of the biggest perks of all has been the opportunity to dive into the new Windows 8 platform before (almost) anyone else in the country. With access to the Samsung Slate loaded with Windows 8 (which I now conveniently use as my laptop and can easily plug in to my desktop screen) as well as exposure to the Windows 8-loaded new Surface, I’ve gotten a glimpse at the new Microsoft products that are starting to rock the tech world.
I am most excited about the new Windows App Store. The creation of any new app store provides entrepreneurs and developers with even more opportunities. The new app store, as of now, has a low amount of noise, which gives entrepreneurs the chance to create unique apps and get them in front of users quite easily.
In addition, the Windows Store “rules” (I guess I should call them “unwritten rules”) haven’t been written yet. This new app store is intriguing in its ability to reset the way developers price their apps. In my opinion, every app needs to have a price tag. It’s important for entrepreneurs, developers and app builders to get out of the trap of free apps (plus, Windows lets you host a “trial” period for your app—allowing users to try it for free!). I think that the Windows Store could potentially create a new revenue stream and a “new normal” for the pricing of apps.
And although I am excited about the new Windows Store, I am absolutely blown away by the Microsoft hardware that Think Big Partners has received. Yes, the new Surface is killer—but I have been using the Samsung Slate for a few weeks now and cannot get over how quick and snappy everything feels. Not to mention, the ability to run it on a duel screen.
Currently, I have a ton of applications open on my Slate. And they’re not small either. I’m running Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Spotify, this Word Document, and of course, the Internet, all from one powerful, thin Slate. And guess what? It’s keeping up (and passing this developer’s speed expectations).
There’s no doubt about it—there are critics out there—people that don’t believe that Windows can keep up with iOS. I’m as shocked as the next person that I converted from a laptop to using a just a slate for my primary computing needs. But it works. And the reviews speak for themselves (and while you’re at it, check out this other Microsoft article too).
I adapt pretty quickly when it comes to new technology—but I am aware that others don’t. I’ll admit: Windows 8 is different. It definitely has a learning curve that new users may struggle with. Getting used to the Charms Bar, the corner-driven usability and the shortcuts did take me a few hours to get used to.
Think Big Partners is going to be hosting the Microsoft Windows 8 Kansas City Bootcamp—a one-day tech-focused bootcamp that will educate startups and developers on how to use Windows 8 (and it takes place during Global Entrepreneurship Week). Attendees can actually play around on the Slates and Surfaces (yes, I’ll even let you use mine...I guess...) and learn the ins-and-outs of Windows 8 and the Windows Store. Trust me, you’re going to need to know this stuff.
Interested in learning more about Windows 8? Register today for the event or sound-off with any questions you have in the Comments Section below.
This week, Think Big Partners and Microsoft hosted a 3-day event to introduce Kansas City developers, founders and entrepreneurs to the world of Windows 8 and Azure Cloud. The event, known as Azure Cloud & Windows 8 App Kickstarts, gave Midwest entrepreneurs a first-look some of Microsoft's newest products and services. According to attendees, the takeaways from the event were extremely beneficial...especially for those who want to learn how to develop on the new Windows 8 platform (there were even Apple fans raving about the new Windows 8!).
Check out some of the pictures from our Microsoft event!
The event kicked off with a Monday night Happy Hour.
On day 2, developers were welcomed into the world of Windows 8.
Midwestern developers & entrepreneurs learning the ins-and-outs of Windows 8.
Attendees were asked to bring laptops for an interactive experience.
Microsoft <3s Startups (and vice versa).
Azure Cloud & Windows 8 App Kickstarts will conclude today with private office hours with Taylor Cowan, Microsoft's director of startups. Attendees are invited to schedule a complimentary one-on-one question-and-answer session with Taylor to learn more about how Windows 8, Azure and BizSpark can maximize their businesses.
Awesome Kansas City developers, free booze, and a sneak peek at Windows 8. What's not to love about our upcoming event, Azure Cloud & Windows 8 App Kickstarts?
Think Big Partners has teamed up with Microsoft to create and host Azure Cloud and Windows 8 App Kickstarts to educate startups and developers how to effectively utilize and build on Microsoft Azure and Windows 8 platforms. The free event (tickets are limited) will take place at Think Big Partners’ coworking space, bizperc, on October 15-17, 2012. And trust us when we say that is a developer's dream event come true.
Learn all about Windows 8 before any one else in the world! Collaborate with other awesome Kansas City entrepreneurs, developers and founders! Learn how effectively utilize Azure Cloud! Drink some free booze at our pre-party on the 15th!
We're sure you've heard a lot of buzz about Windows 8. But is it really going to be that cool?
The short answer is yes.
Want us to prove it? Here are 8 reasons why Windows 8 will totally rock your world (plus, Kansas City, we're giving you the opportunity to build on Windows 8 before anyone else FOR FREE!).
The Charm Bar.
1. Geek Out with the Charm Bar
Looking for your home-base START button? You won't find it on Windows 8! Instead, you'll find something called the Charm Bar. The Charm Bar is a universal toolbar in Windows 8 that can be accessed from anywhere no matter what you are doing or what application you are running. It is similar to accessing background applications in Apple's iOS devices. The Charm Bar is made up of 5 main elements: Search, Share, Start, Devices and Settings.
2. Run Awesome Apps
Running apps on Windows 8 is a different experience than running them on Windows 7. For one, browsers will allow touch-based controls like pinching, zooming, copying, and pasting as well as sharing, searching and additional settings in the Charm Bar.
Apps can be run side-by-side. In other words, you can do more all at once. Watch a video and your news feed at the same time. IM your best friend and play a game almost simultaneously. Browse the web and write an email. Dock an app to one side of the screen and dock another app on the other.
3. Run Awesome Apps Faster
One of Windows 8's most beneficial features is its increased performance. Skeptics fear that the interface will actually bog Windows down due to more processes. Don't fear--Microsoft has addressed that fear. Windows 8 will have better performance than Windows 7, especially when it comes to boot times.
4. Dream within Your Desktop
The Windows 8 desktop.
It may not seem like it, but the desktop is one of the most important features of Windows 8. And it's also one of the most unique. Although the traditional desktop (i.e. what you would see in Windows 7) will still be alive and well, there will be some changes. For example, the taskbar will only show apps that you have pinned. Windows 8 will also feature an updated Control Panel, Task Manager and Windows Explorer.
5. Organize your Life with the Home Screen
The home screen on the new Windows 8 platform looks a lot like the home screen on a Windows Phone. Displayed is a set of tiles, each of which represents an application (as well as information that correspond with the app. For example, if you have 3 event notifications, the number 3 will pop up near your calendar tile). Rearrange the icons as you see fit just as you would do on any phone or tablet.
Windows Store.
6. Shop 'til you Drop in the Windows Store
The Windows Store looks a lot like the home screen, as tiles correspond to different categories and apps. The store contains touch-based apps for tablet interfaces as well as traditional desktop Windows apps that you may be more familiar with. No matter what interface you're using, there will be just one portal to conduct your discoveries.
Currently, the Windows Store is full of free apps from Microsoft and many other partners. Once Windows 8 is open to the public, more apps will be available for purchase. The biggest benefit of the Windows Store is the ability to try apps before you buy them! After you give an app a test-run, Windows allows you to download the full version without losing your place in the app or a re-installation.
7. Back Up on the Cloud
We all know that the cloud is a pretty big deal. That's why Microsoft has built a cloud platform to correspond with Windows 8. In Windows 8, your Microsoft account will drive all of the syncing--from address books to photos, from your data to third-party apps. Plus, you can access the cloud on any Windows 8 device--just log in!
8. Simplify Your Life!
Windows 8 is just plain nifty! With other awesome features like system-wide spell-checking (this writer's dream!), system-wide search features, "refresh your PC" buttons and extremely streamlined (and gorgeous) aesthetics, it's no wonder users everywhere are anxiously awaiting Windows 8.
Now that you know all of the reasons that Windows 8 rocks, how can you get it?
The bad news is, you can't...yet. Windows 8 will not be available to the public until October 26, 2012.
The good news is that Kansas City developers, entrepreneurs and startup founders have the opportunity to build on Windows 8 before anybody else! Think Big Partners and Microsoft will be hosting Azure Cloud and Windows 8 App Kickstarts, a 2-day event that will give Silicon Prairie developers a first-look at Windows 8 and Microsoft Azure. The event is completely free of charge and will take place October 16-17, 2012 at 1800 Baltimore, Kansas City, MO. To register for the free event, click here. Act fast! Space is limited and will fill up quickly!
Think Big Partners has teamed up with Microsoft to create and
host Azure Cloud and Windows 8 App Kickstarts to educate startups and
developers how to effectively utilize and build on Microsoft Azure and Windows 8 platforms. The free event (tickets are limited) will take place at Think Big
Partners’ coworking space, bizperc, on
October 15-17, 2012. And trust us when we say that is a developer's dream event come true.
These App Kickstartswill be
a key opportunity for developers, hackers, coders, entrepreneurs and startups
to learn how to build apps on Windows 8 and deploy to the Microsoft Azure Cloud
platform before the Windows 8 becomes generally available to the public on
October 26, 2012. With over 90% of the market
share, the Windows operating system has remained one of the top platforms for
development to date. This limited event
will provide attendees with a head start on building new, innovative
applications on one of the most powerful operating systems and cloud platforms
in the world, Windows 8 and Microsoft Azure.
On October 16, 2012, the first official day App Kickstarts, participants are invited to learn how to build, deploy
and manage applications across the Microsoft Azure platform. Attendees will be educated on how emerging
businesses can best leverage Azure through CMS systems, how to create and scale
customer websites in PHP and Node.js, how to deploy code updates using GIT, how
to run Azure Windows and Linux VM’s, how to store data in Azure, and how to use
Azure’s many platform services including Queues, Service Bus, and
Authentication. Microsoft engineers will
also be on hand to provide consulting, insight, and mentoring for
participants. Attendees must bring a
laptop and sign up for Azure prior to the event. Developers may sign up for the Azure 90 day free
trial. Startups and
entrepreneurs who qualify for BizSpark shouldsign up for
BizSparkand activate an Azure account prior
to the event.
Startups and entrepreneurs are also invited to learn about
the Microsoft BizSpark Program and how to use its 2,000 partners in order to
connect with incubators, investors, advisors, government agencies and hosters.
On the second day of App Kickstarts, participants will be
invited to learn how to build Windows 8 Metro style apps using HTML5, CSS3 and
JavaScript. Attendees will be educated
on Windows 8 navigation, user experience patterns, inherent async design and
integration. The day will be focused
around building new applications on the Windows 8 platform. Microsoft engineers will also be present at the
event to provide insight, mentorship and expertise in order to help
participants. Attendees must bring a
laptop and install the RTM version
of Windows 8 prior to the event.
Before the official event on October 16, attendees and the
Kansas City tech community are invited to attend a cocktail hour on Monday,
October 15, 2012 from 6:00-9:00pm. At
the cocktail hour, attendees will have access to technical evangelists and
representatives from Microsoft who will answer Windows 8, Azure and BizSpark
questions. Event attendees are also
encouraged to bring a laptop if assistance is needed loading the Azure or
Windows 8 trial platforms.
On October 18, 2012, attendees are also invited to
participate in a one-on-one question-and-answer session with Taylor Cowan,
Microsoft’s startup evangelist. Taylor
will be available to answer questions about Windows 8, Microsoft Azure,
Microsoft BizSpark and how to engineer a product over the multiple Microsoft
platforms.
“Given Microsoft’s rich history and technological power,
this event will truly give developers and hackers a leg up in the industry,”
said Blake Miller, local Kansas City developer at Think Big Partners. “In the startup world, things move pretty
fast. Having the opportunity to be one
of the first to develop on Windows 8 and Azure while being able to ask
questions and receive answers directly from the source will not only put the
startups we work with on the map, but all of Kansas City on the fast track to
success."
This free event offers the Midwest an opportunity to "get in front of" the technology curve, or at least keep pace with parts of the country like Silicon Valley, NY, Boston and Austin. According to Gartner & Morgan Stanley research, smart phone technology adoption moves very fast. "A few years ago, there was no real "smart phone" market - it was an iPhone market. Apple owned the space. Android changed all that. Today, there are legitimately 2 platforms for developers to roll out apps that get used by the world's consumers," said Herb Sih, Managing Partner of Think Big Partners. "We believe Microsoft will create the 3rd platform that will disrupt the app marketplace. There is room for another player, and I would not bet against them given their focus, talent and market presence in the world of today's consumer. Smart developers ultimately figure out that it matters what their customers think, what they do and where they go. That is what drives app revenue."
The Microsoft Azure Cloud and Windows 8 App Kickstarts will
take place October 15-17, 2012 at bizperc, located at 1800 Baltimore in Kansas
City, Missouri. This event is free to
register. Space is limited and we expect to have high demand. Entrepreneurs, startups, developers, and
hackers are invited to register for the free limited event at www.microsoftkickstart.eventbrite.com.
As a part of Kansas City's Global Entrepreneurship Week, Think Big Partners hosted two events, Startup Waffles and Windows 8 Kansas City Bootcamp on Friday, November 16. Many entrepreneurs came together not only to enjoy the sticky sweetness of waffles, but to network with other entrepreneurs, collect business cards and get educated on the Windows 8 platform.
