Virtual Marriage: MSDN Online, Site Builder Network

Posted March 30, 1999

So we did it. We're hitched.

MSDN Online and Site Builder Network have merged sites.

One essential Microsoft resource for developers, whether you code in DHTML, C++, or SQL
One customizable start page for all developers
One streamlined, simplified, faster source to search
One new membership program to connect developers to each other and to updates on Microsoft technology and tools

This is a work in progress, and merging two huge sites is quicker said than done. Saying goodbye to the name "Site Builder Network" is only the first challenge. Our two giant repositories of technical content -- the MSDN Library and Web Workshop -- will remain separate for a while. Access to the Library and Workshop remains free, of course, and you do not need to register for access to either of them.

So here's what we're doing:

(Already know this part because you tried the beta? Skip ahead to Gotchas, Issues, and Other Stuff You Need to Know about the merge of MSDN Online and SBN.)

Customization

MSDN Online's new developer start page , with its companion customization page , lets you choose which of dozens of technology specialties you'd like to get news about. We update the page regularly -- often several times daily. You can customize the page's appearance, launch a search, even get listings of developer events in your area (for now, this feature is U.S. only -- but worldwide event listings are coming soon).

Search MSDN

The Number One request we've heard from developers, over and over: A better and faster search function. Our improved search page is a first step. It has single-query search across almost all Microsoft developer sites (including Developer Support's Knowledge Base). Next in the works: restricted-scope search, saved queries, better subject tagging, and, yes, a faster, more powerful search engine.

Voices

MSDN Online Voices is a forum for expert Microsoft columnists. We started with most of the popular voices of Site Builder Network Magazine (such as Web Men Talking, DHTML Dude, Extreme XML, Scripting Clinic, More or Hess, Servin' It Up). Then we added MSDN Online's celebrated answer man, Dr. GUI, and the enterprising code jockeys behind MSDN's sample app, Duwamish Books, which steps you through migrating an application from classic desktop model to a Web-based enterprise system. Several new columns debut with the merged site, including Code Corner and Stone's Throw. The latter is a monthly insider's report on the lighter -- and darker -- side of life in the code trenches. More columns are in the works, including expert comment on working in C++ and Visual Basic.

Member Community

The new MSDN Online Member Community is the essential way for developers to keep in touch with one another and with Microsoft. Online Special Interest Groups (OSIGs) for all developer specialties link you to your peers, member-only downloads, support, and other benefits. It's a completely new program -- different from both the old MSDN Online membership and Site Builder Network Membership programs. It doesn't bother with membership levels, or requirements (such as putting logos on your Websites). As an MSDN Online member, all you need do is sign up -- for free, of course -- then start taking advantage of all your member benefits. Your new online profile will give you easier access to Microsoft Product Support Services (PSS) and the Microsoft Knowledge Base, as well as other sites across the Microsoft domain.

Training

Want to become an expert? Learn a new development tool? Or just brush up your skills? MSDN Online Training has have comprehensive information on training and certification resources -- everything from self-paced courses and tutorials to special discounts and instructor-led seminars.

Downloads

A new, one-stop MSDN Online Downloads area holds tools, samples, images, and sounds for your app or Web site.

Site Guide

Our sitewide navigation bar has easy links to lots of stuff that makes MSDN Online easier to use. Our MSDN Online Site Guide has the world's best site map, a chronology of content posted during the last three months, a comprehensive listing of Microsoft developer glossaries, and more.

Gotchas, Issues, and Other Stuff You Need to Know

If you're used to Site Builder Network:

What's happened to Site Builder Network?

Same thing that always happens with weddings and mergers: Names change. The name Site Builder Network is no more.

What's happened to the Site Builder Network Workshop?

It's been renamed MSDN Online Web Workshop , but its content and navigation are unchanged. We plan eventually to merge the Web Workshop with the MSDN Library -- a huge repository of technical information for desktop and enterprise developers -- but that's going to take us a while.

Everything else on the former SBN site -- such as Tools & Samples, with all the free downloads, and Training -- has moved to MSDN Online, too. And so have all the writers and editors and all the other folks who brought you the SBN site.

What happens to my Site Builder Network Membership? What about Levels 1, 2, or 3?

The new MSDN Online member program doesn't bother with membership levels, or requirements (such as putting logos on your Web sites). As an MSDN Online member, all you need do is sign up to take advantage of all the member benefits. Your new online profile will give you easier access to Developer Support in Microsoft Product Support Services (PSS) and the Microsoft Knowledge Base, as well as other sites across the Microsoft domain.

A separate MSDN Online certified membership program, for developers who are Microsoft Certified Professionals, offers additional benefits.

Where are the Web Men Talking and all the other SBN Magazine columnists?

In a new, expanded magazine, MSDN Online Voices.

Where are the downloadable doc versions of articles in the Web Workshop?

Our new design makes printing the Web page itself much easier, especially -- not to make too big a deal of it -- if you're using Internet Explorer 4 or 5.

I bookmarked a favorite page in Site Builder Network. How can I find its new location?

Go ahead and click the favorite stored in your browser. A customized 404 message should offer you a link to the correct new location. Cool, huh? Read more about how we did that in the debut of the monthly column Code Corner.

If you're used to MSDN Online:

What happened to the Buzz page?

We redesigned it for the merge, and made it a comprehensive developer start page. Now we offer more headlines, as well as the ability to filter the news that you see, by technology and product.

What happened to all your Features?

We've archived all the articles from these features in the MSDN Online Library.

Where are the big samples -- Duwamish Books and the HelpDesk?

The latest sample will be introduced in the new magazine MSDN Online Voices. You can find the Duwamish Books Sample there now. HelpDesk is now in the MSDN Online Library.

Where's Dr. GUI?

We often ask ourselves that. But you can find his most recent online column in MSDN Online Voices, along with an archive of past columns. The Ask Dr. GUI Q&A continues to appear in the bimonthly print newspaper MSDN News -- which you can also find posted online in Voices.

Where do I send questions about subscriptions?

See our Write Us page.

Is the Library free now?

It's always been free. But we've made it more available now -- you no longer have to register to see it.

What about MSDN Online Membership?

It's still free, of course, but we've beefed it up as part of our merger with Site Builder Network. There are more downloadable tools, more special offers, and easy, direct access to a peer community of developers who can help you with your toughest challenges. You no longer need to be a member to access the MSDN Library. Online Special Interest Groups (OSIGs) are technical-support communities interested in specific products and technologies. The new and improved Members Helping Members can put you in touch with people like you, who are solving day-to-day coding issues. It's all summarized in the MSDN Online Membership area.

How'd They DO That?

Our mission is documenting development, so -- in the spirit of no opportunity wasted -- tech writer Robert Carter is chronicling some of the cool stuff our dev team has created in building this new, merged MSDN Online site. They've faced their share of problems, too, solving such problems as database functionality and performance, dictionary objects, handling form elements, and XML grammar and schema. We'll update with periodic new installments as our dev work progresses. Visit MSDN Online to learn more about how we built our site.