We have started to do a lot of work with JQuery to simplify the development process. For those that have not come across JQuery before, it is  " a fast and concise JavaScript Library that simplifies HTML document traversing, event handling, animating, and Ajax interactions for rapid web development. jQuery is designed to change the way that you write JavaScript ". The ability to select multiple items on a page with a single line of script is great. For deployment, the library is simply a single  .js file that needs to be put onto the server and referenced on a page.

Aside from the core JQuery library, there are hundreds of plugins (additional script files) such as JQuery UI.

As a starting point, look at Jan Tielens article.

One of the exciting things for me about using this technology is the ability to use on hosted, or shared SharePoint servers (where as a developer you cannot add .dll files, features or solutions). To implement jQuery on a page in this scenario, we could upoad the library (jquery-1.3.2.js) into a document library, add a Content Editor Webpart onto a page then edit the webpart to reference the file and start using it. Imagine, with a Content Editor Web Part and a few script libraries, we could implement a tabbed style webpart, loading data from our lists :)

I'm planning on putting a short series of JQuery articles and links here over the coming weeks

In addition to the launches of SharePoint 2010 and Office 2010 I'm also looking forward to the new version of Infopath - which funnily enough will be called Infopath 2010.

Infopath is a great tool for designing and deploying feature rich forms which ehlp to automate business processes, particularly when integrated with SharePoint.

Infopath 2010 will be offering a range of new controls, improved rule handling, quick form publishing (yes!) and the ability to edit Sharepoint List forms.  For more detail have a look on the Infopath Team Blog here

Very much looking forward to being able to use Infopath 2010 as soon as possible!

The release of Sharepoint 2010 is on the horizon and the community are starting to get excited about the potetnial new functionality coming along.

Have a look here for some sneak peak information and videos of what is coming through

A previous post indicated about using search to aggregate data. Whilst an acceptable approach (though with some limitations?) another is to go down the route of providing a custom Data Source

Todd Baginski & Andrew Connell have presented and posted information on how to do this - the Content Monster Web Part. don't be put off by the name (those who have seen Todd present can appreciate the left field naming!)

The article has been posted on MSDN and the slide desk from TechEd also