Microsoft Cancels MEDC (Mobile & Embedded Developer's Conference)

[Jason Dunn]

http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&articleId=9057318

"Microsoft Corp. has canceled its annual conference for developers of mobile and embedded devices and applications, and instead is steering would-be attendees toward two alternative shows -- one run by the software vendor, the other by a third party. In previous years, the Mobile and Embedded DevCon probably has been the most important event for Microsoft's Entertainment & Devices division. A total of about 8,500 people attended the MEDC last year, either at the main conference in the U.S. or at overseas versions of the show. This year's U.S. conference was scheduled for May in Las Vegas. But Microsoft sent an e-mail to previous attendees this month notifying them of the cancelation, according to multiple blog postings by Microsoft employees."

If you're a Windows Mobile developer that has enjoyed MEDC in the past, unfortunately those days are over - Microsoft is killing MEDC as a concept. Not being a developer myself, I really have no opinion as to whether or not their explanation makes sense - developers, or anyone that has attended MEDC in the past, speak up: how does this decision sit with you?

[Jason Dunn]

http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&articleId=9057318

"Microsoft Corp. has canceled its annual conference for developers of mobile and embedded devices and applications, and instead is steering would-be attendees toward two alternative shows -- one run by the software vendor, the other by a third party. In previous years, the Mobile and Embedded DevCon probably has been the most important event for Microsoft's Entertainment & Devices division. A total of about 8,500 people attended the MEDC last year, either at the main conference in the U.S. or at overseas versions of the show. This year's U.S. conference was scheduled for May in Las Vegas. But Microsoft sent an e-mail to previous attendees this month notifying them of the cancelation, according to multiple blog postings by Microsoft employees."

If you're a Windows Mobile developer that has enjoyed MEDC in the past, unfortunately those days are over - Microsoft is killing MEDC as a concept. Not being a developer myself, I really have no opinion as to whether or not their explanation makes sense - developers, or anyone that has attended MEDC in the past, speak up: how does this decision sit with you?

[ajwalker]

I don't get the feeling this is a good thing.

Isn't Microsoft supposed to be shipping/showing off the new and improved Windows Mobile 6 around this (or that) time? They flew all those journalist and bloggers over there, made them sign an NDA and everyone came back saying Windows Mobile will have great things in the first part of this year.

No mention, not even a sneak peek, at CES and now they are cancelling the main gathering in North America for Windows Mobile developers?

Seems strange to me.