Custom CC.NET plugin and validation

I have developed a small custom publisher for CruiseControl.NET (it moves output files instead of copying them, cleans target folder before moving files and fixes a small issue in BuildPublisher).

Everything went well on the test server, but launching it on live build servers unexpectedly failed.
We are using "ccnet.exe --validate" to prevent crashing a server because of incorrect configuration, and new configuration file simply didn't pass validation. Though the configuration starts and works fine, just validation fails.

[Long unsuccessful searching story is omitted]

The solution: add a key "PluginLocation" into ccnet.exe.config file under AppSettings sections. Even if it points to the ccnet server folder, where, according to the documentation, ccnet server sees all assemblies by default.

Prestigious award for Sitecore Ukraine

The most popular IT development community portal in Ukraine, http://developers.org.ua, has presented Sitecore Ukraine with the Best IT Company Award in the “Mid-sized” category.

 For the first time in history, all IT people in all IT companies across the Ukraine have been asked to rate their employers, according to their job satisfaction and general view of their employer, and we’re so proud that we came out on top!

The selection for the inaugural award was based on anonymous questionnaires, which makes the win even more impressive.


There were 3 categories: - Small Companies (<50 engineers), Mid-sized Companies (50-200 engineers – including Sitecore) and Large Companies (>200 engineers). There were 8 companies nominated in “the Sitecore group”, and 3 of them were from Dnipropetrovsk


The winner IS Sitecore Ukraine!

http://www.developers.org.ua/archives/max/2010/10/26/rating-2010-summary/
(sorry, in Russian only so far)

Sitecore Ukraine is very proud of this recognition from our own employees. Following common Sitecore Corporation spirit and values we continuously try to build the best possible team. Each Sitecore employee should derive pleasure from working on an excellent team. Naturally, there’s always room for improvement, and we have _people_ who can do just that.

Big "thanks" goes to everyone in our team!

Everything is in our hands – everyone is important!

Sitecore Blogs moved to own website

It's interesting to note, that a few Sitecore bloggers have moved own blogs to Sitecore website. It definitely introduces some convenience: blogs are structured, gathered in one place and, one of the most important, - search through all Sitecore blogs, which is awesome.

Just look at the http://www.sitecore.net/en/Community.aspx

I will continue with this host so far.

Some management

Maybe an unexpected non-technical post. But my primary role is a manager, though I'm not dropping programming and do some tools or investigations from time to time.

Have no idea if it's my invention or usual practice. At least I haven't read any "clever" books (I'm sceptical about most of them, but that's another topic).

Let's see:
  - One day a person saw our ads and came to us.
  - Now (s)he has own opinion about the Sitecore.

It makes great sense to ask people say what attracted them in Sitecore ads and what they wouldn't like to see there. Indirect feedback except for just improving the ads, isn't it?

Proper feedback is a key for everything.

That's what I have just asked our senior developers to do.

You are welcome to express your opinion about the idea.

Web Content Management: get data easy!

Web Content Management: one of the difficulties I saw customers faced with were moving data from their existing sites, based on "old" engines or even static, to desired Web Content Management systems, like Sitecore CMS. Often they dropped an idea of upgrading just because didn't want or couldn't put efforts to just moving the existing content.

I've just seen the demo by Stephen Moore from Kapow - "Migrating Web content into Sitecore: 8 Minute Demo". Now moving data to Sitecore becomes easier. Interesting things that data can be taken even from front-end of the existing site. It worth seeing!

Russian backend (client) for Sitecore 6.2.0

It took longer than expected, but it's ready now.

Take Russian backend (client) for Sitecore 6.2.0 at Sitecore SDN site

Please report any issues (with screenshots) you might find to me.

Sitecore content management system knowledge sharing

US market is probably the market that grows most rapidly for Sitecore. Large number of partners, solutions and developers. Developers, Solution Architects, etc - i.e. people - are the biggest values always. And Sitecore understands that!


I'm happy to see that Sitecore US will conduct large event for all Sitecore-related people - Sitecore Partner and Developer Conference Dreamcore - in Boston.
I'm sure all people will have fun :), but I'm also sure in wide knowledge and experience (and ideas as well) sharing. I won't be able to come myself, but this is what I expect personally - get new ideas and hear more feedback on implementations.


That is a great idea from Sitecore!