Sharepoint, Biztalk, WCF, WPF

[Shimano105]

Think I'm gonna need to get stuck into learning some or all of the above (does this tulip never end?) if I can be arsed.

What would the panel recommend as the best way to gen up on this? In the past I've read ebooks, Googled installed acquired versions and played around (and the skills magically appeared on the CV).

Any better ideas? Courses are out as they are a rip off and for permies. But CBT? Real books?

[DimPrawn]

I wouldn't bother with BizTalk. It's not been embraced by the industry in the way I thought it would be. Probably because it's an utter croc.

Do the WCF, WPF and WWF (workflow) things. SharePoint is worth a go too.

[Weltchy]

BizTalk / SharePoint / WCF / WF is where I am at the moment. Give's me that warm feeling over you bog standard .Net monkeys.

So, in words of two syllables or less:-

Bugger off, this Gravy train is full!

However, to summarise how I got to where I am currently.

The Apress series of books for BizTalk are a good start. I was lucky, in that I got a contract alongside a mate of mine who was already heavily into BizTalk. The Sharepoint side of things just kind of nicely slots in. Two of us are off to Goa for some Sharepoint training shortly, with the MCTS exam thrown as well. The cost of the training over there is £700 compared to £2500 over here. So when you factor in 400 quid for flights, its still much cheaper, plus a break from the normal routine

[d000hg]

I'm an advocate of real books. Personally I find it easier to read from print, but also you're not tied to your PC then - you could read in a cafe or on the sofa.

[voodooflux]

I'm an advocate of real books.

WHS

Personally I find it easier to read from print, but also you're not tied to your PC then - you could read in a cafe or on the sofa.

bog

[Shimano105]

Generally I have no problem in getting to grips with things, just wondering a) how best to learn and b) how to transform acquired knowledge into experience into £££.

Always room for developers with plenty knowledgeness on the gravy train.

[Weltchy]

You might also be able to jump on the train, so to speak, as there is a new release of BizTalk coming shortly, alongside Oslo. Get the right skills in place and with a bit of luck, who knows.

[Scary]

Take a look at the MCTS self-paced training kits.