A two-week Microsoft TechEd? Oh, my

Speaking of Microsoft TechEd — I was surprised to learn this morning that Microsoft has split it into two separate events.

That’s right, there’s a “Developers TechEd 2008” from June 3-6, and an “IT Professionals TechEd 2008” from June 10-13. Both are in Orlando. Bill Gates is keynoting the former, and Bob Muglia is kicking off the latter.

(Okay, this isn’t really news: Microsoft revealed this decision in November. Somehow, I missed it. My bad.)

That’s a real nuisance, of course, for anyone whose interests span both domains. Microsoft says that there will be some IT stuff at the developer event, and developer stuff at the IT event, to benefit such attendees. Doesn’t that make you think about Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups?

I had intended to attend TechEd to cover it for both SD Times and our new launch, Systems Management News. But which TechEd? Not both, that’s for sure. Two weeks in Orlando is overkill… not only for me, of course, but for companies that sell products and services into the Microsoft ecosystem. However, many in the industry are going to have to spend big $$$ to have a presence at both events.

This year, other must-attend Microsoft developer events include Mix (March 5-7 in Las Vegas) and the Professional Developers Conference (October 27-30 in Los Angeles).

That’s a lot for any developer to handle.