Plumbline Solutions - Software Consulting Services

Newsletter - March 2006

Microsoft Visual Basic 6.0 to Visual Basic 2005 Conversion

In early February Microsoft, with the help of Plumbline Solutions developers, hosted a Microsoft Visual Basic^Ž 6.0 to Visual Basic 2005 conversion workshop. The conversion toolkit, which was provided during the event, is loaded with excellent tools, guidelines, and suggestions that will help you have a successful experience moving your Visual Basic 6.0 applications to Visual Basic 2005.

Many patterns that are common to Tools for Visual Basic coding practices are identified in the user guide Visual Basic 2005 Conversion Toolkit for Microsoft Dynamics SL. The guide includes tested resolutions that are recommended by the Microsoft Dynamics™ SL research and development team. Here are a few additional tips we feel are critical to a successful conversion:

1. Make backups of all of your source code before attempting the conversion. This includes copies of your Microsoft Dynamics SL 6.x test database (preferably 6.5).

2. Start with a clean development environment.

3. Be sure that your program passes the Tools for Visual Basic Code Inspector before you attempt the conversion.

4. Is the original program functioning as expected? If it is not, fix the logic before attempting the conversion. This will eliminate unknowns and save you hours in the long run.

5. If your application uses third-party controls, research and identify possible .NET-compatible controls. Look for controls that are included with Microsoft Visual Studio^Ž.

6. The Task List feature in Visual Studio 2005 helps you pinpoint potential issues identified and flagged when the utility runs. Pay attention to the comments. They will be beneficial if you need to isolate potential problem areas.

Ask questions if you are stuck. It is likely we have already encountered the problem and can help you reach a resolution quicker. For general consulting assistance, contact Todd Michael at ToddMich@plumblinesolutions.com.

Looking for a third-party application or vertical solution that can be used with Microsoft Solomon or Microsoft Dynamics SL?

Take a look at Plumbline’s ISV Link Exchange for a list of add-on products. It is fast, friendly, and provides what you’re looking for.

If you would like us to add a link to your company’s Web site, contact Adam Lauth by phone at 419-421-0270, extension 119, or send an e-mail message to
marketing@plumblinesolutions.com.


Plumbline Solutions provides software engineering services for Microsoft^Ž Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) and Microsoft Dynamics™ Channel Partners. We offer software development, application support, and technology consulting, with a dedicated focus on delivering excellence and building lasting relationships.
Embracing Change: Conversion to .NET Change is one thing that is always certain. How we embrace it is an individual thing. Technology is always changing, forever moving forward and forcing us to make choices. When to embrace it? How to embrace? Why embrace it? The coming of Microsoft Dynamics SL Release 7.0 will change the underlying foundation of the code from Microsoft Visual Basic 6.0 to Visual Basic 2005, which is part of the Microsoft .NET Framework. This change reinforces the investment and commitment that Microsoft is making to you, the Microsoft Dynamics SL partners, customers, and ISVs. There are many reasons to embrace this change. Let’s take a look at some of them. ˇ Visual Basic 6.0 moved to extended support (limited support services) on March 31, 2005, whereas mainstream support is available for Visual Basic 2005. ˇ Developers are focusing on building their skills in .NET languages. ˇ You stay competitive and invest in your employees by expanding their skill sets to include .NET languages. ˇ Visual Basic 2005 gives you greater flexibility to integrate with other .NET-connected applications. ˇ It helps you proactively demonstrate your commitment to your Microsoft Dynamics SL customers. ˇ It provides a continuous upgrade path for existing Microsoft Dynamics SL customers, which generates revenue for you. Capture the moment! Embrace the change! Contact Plumbline Solutions for assistance today to help you accelerate your move from Visual Basic 6.0 to Visual Basic 2005. Use the time you gain by partnering with us to develop your next solution, enhance existing products, and prepare your customers for the upgrade. Together we can make this the most productive and profitable upgrade ever for you and your customers. For more information about how we can provide this custom solution, contact Sales toll free at 866-510-7826 or sales@plumblinesolutions.com.	Name: Todd Michael Team: Application Development Consulting (ADC) Role: Manager Background: I started working with the Solomon product line in August of 2000, working in the Distribution Support area. During my tenure, I have held various positions including, Solomon Support Engineer, Solution Analyst, and Project Manager working closely with Solomon Support, Development, and Customer Relations teams. I started my current role with Plumbline Solutions as manager of the Application Development Consulting team in September of 2004. Prior to joining Solomon, I held various positions relating to distribution and manufacturing (Operations Manager, Corporate Logistics, and Warehouse/Shipping/Receiving Manager). Likes best about consulting: What I like most about consulting is the interaction you have with numerous individuals every day and everyone's unique perspective to challenges they are faced with in the business world. It is always exciting to conceptually design, create, and implement a custom solution to solve someone's problem. For me, it’s all about helping others. I also like the fact that every day is different. One will never be bored! Hobbies: I enjoy showing my horses throughout the country at various sanctioned events in the western pleasure category. At Plumbline Solutions, we value hearing from you, the Partner. Are there specific Hints and Tips, Solutions of the Month, or other information you would like to see in our monthly newsletter? If so, please send your request to Adam Lauth at Marketing@plumblinesolutions.com and we will do our best to fulfill them. Click here to be removed from the mailing list. Please enter the word "Remove" in the subject line.