Error running the selected code generator package restore failed.

I was getting this error in visual studio 2019 each time I tried to add the identity scaffolding to a Angular Web application which was causing me much annoyance.

In the end I noticed that there was a mismatch in the installed project assemblies – most were 5.0.3 but Microsoft.VisualStudio.Web.CodeGeneration.Design along with a few others were 5.0.2.

At this time, there was no nuget 5.0.3 so, I changed all the project assemblies to match and ‘hey presto’ I can add the identity scaffolding to my angular app!

Only problem is – I really wanted to use Vue;)!

Anyway, I hope this helps someone else out as it had previously led me back to using PoMVC!

Announcing Entabula …

Collaboration between inTHiNK and three outstanding independent solutions architects from the UK and Ireland has resulted in the launch of Entabula, an agile, structured approach to maximising the business value of IT investments.

Entabula builds on the strengths of existing Corporate Architecture and Service Modelling techniques to deliver new levels of insight into how IT can better serve businesses.

At the heart of Entabula is a capability-focused method for enterprise value mapping.  Capabilities rigorously separate what a business does from how it does it, which provides a durable canvas on which to shape business, systems and IT strategies away from the compromises, noise and inefficiencies of the current implementation mix of processes and platforms.

In too many organisations, the relationship between business and IT objectives has become strained and even broken.  inTHiNK and its partners, Structia and blueye are committed to developing effective tools and techniques to harmonise relations between business and IT at all levels of engagement.  The first targets are the elimination of structural waste and the development of powerful and relevant service-oriented architectures.

More information about Entabula will appear over the next few days, including the launch of a new website dedicated to the Entabula method.

inTHiNK become a Microsoft BizSpark Partner

inTHiNK is delighted to become the latest Microsoft BizSpark Partner to help support the development of a new social cloud service codenamed “horizon”.

We’re delighted at this news as it will allow us access to the full range of Microsoft technologies and cloud services to ensure that “horizon” is a first class resilient cloud service from day 1!

White papers from Matt Deacon

White Papers List of white papers that I’ve produced or contributed to over the past few years:

	Thinking beyond the Clouds: Supply, demand and service-centric IT, 2010. Produced by Freeform Dynamics in consultation with the Microsoft Architect Council, this report identified a number of trends that are having an impact on the supply, deployment and operation of corporate IT facilities. “Currently, the impact is being felt most directly within the IT supplier community, but over the coming years the fruits of their labours will more strongly influence the way companies source and integrate IT services. In this report we look at what’s driving the trends and ask how should end-user organisations prepare to make the most of how IT services are delivered?”
	Outlook: partly cloudy with sunny spells to follow, 2010. Report authored by Matt Deacon and Dan Scarfe, dotNet Solutions that discusses the benefits of taking a hybrid approach to cloud computing and describes a simple approach when considering cloud options.
	The Arc Magazine, 2008: A 4-part publication that discussed the Microsoft ‘Software + Services’ strategy from a business and architectural perspective: Software + Services a business perspective Defining the Architecture of S+S Principles of Privacy Reaching for the Sky
	IT on the front foot, 2008 Sourcing, architecture and the progressive IT organisation Produced by Freeform Dynamics in consultation with the Microsoft Architect Council, this report identified the characteristics of progressive IT organisations and what they are doing that sets them apart from the pack. There is indeed such a thing as the ‘progressive’ IT organisation Progressive IT organisations reveal a progressive approach to sourcing We can learn from the experiences of more progressive IT organisations Architecture and integration become key elements of progressive IT The goal is for IT to raise its game
	Four Reasons to go Green, White paper that spells out the four main arguments for use in convincing your organsiation that green is a good colour to be : The Environment The Customer The Government The Money
	SaaS as a Disruptive Technology, 2007 Investigation into the nature of Disruptive Technology and whether the phenomena known as Software as a Service (SaaS) has the propensity to be disruptive. Contains a useful model for considering products from a disruptive perspective.Published on MSDN in 2007 in Conjunction with Dr Steven Moxey, Manchester Business School. Register article Disruptive Technology Framework developed as part of the project:

How to handle the press (or your boss)!

I get to meet some great people in my line of work and there are none more interesting and fun than the GreyBeards!

GreyBeards is comprised of Martin Banks and David Tebbutt, both seasoned journalists and technology writers who offer a range of strategic consulting and training courses focused in part dealing with the media. I’ve had the good fortune to be on the receiving end of their wisdom, both in the class room but more often outside through our engagements at events and meetings. David, sent over a really useful graphic they use as an aid-memoire for those that engage readily with the press. However, as he pointed out, it’s really applicable to almost any circumstance where you have a message to convey which immediately made me think of the challenges we face as IT professionals in gaining the support and commitment from our peers.

Copyright GreyBeards Ltd. 2010
(Click here or on image to see a fully annotated version)

If you click on the picture it will send you to David’s version that is full annotated, just hover over any part of the diagram to get relevant information.

The “egg-timer” (triangles) demonstrates the need for preparation and in constructing, simplifying, refining, and I think, symbolised by the image, consolidating your key messages. This then flows into the bottom half which represents the expansion into the interview itself.

The “bridge” to me is central and key to your interview technique in my opinion as it is a reminder that where ever your conversation may start, you need to seek to get back to your key messages, the areas you are experienced and knowledgeable to talk about.

The “rat hole” is the place that needs to be avoided and the reason you need to use the “bridge” to link back to saver ground.

 

The“safety zone” is where you want to be to deliver your message and is amplified on the right hand side of the diagram. The circular nature of this reminds you that you can roam any where within the safety zone, but remember the closer you get to the boarders, the nearer you get to the rate holes so use the bridge to move to safer ground.

Getting across the river!

Another useful analogy I was shown sometime ago was to imagine that you need to cross a river.

You have a pile of rocks in your pocket that you can throw out into the river that will help you get across. These represent your key messages you wish to relay.

However, as with all stones in water, be aware that they become slipper when wet! Many are uneven and wobbly too.

You must avoid the water at all costs so you must try to balance on your stones. If not then the shark is sure to get you!

(Picture drawn using Expression Blend 4!)

Pivot: interacting with massive amounts of data

So I’ve seen all the flashy demo’s DeepZoom like the infamous Hard Rock Memorabilia site, but I must confess that I’ve often got stuck in the “nice technology, now where’s the problem” camp. Pivot from Microsoft Live Labs has fundamentally changed all that and it’s potential for business intelligence I think is fantastic.

The video below is a little twee but it makes the point.

 

What’s more is that Pivot is free and available Now!