Microsoft released a fresh Build of the software development kit for its forthcoming modeling platform at the end of the past week. Microsoft "Oslo" SDK - January 2009 CTP went live on January 30, 2009, and brings to the table the latest versions of the tools and documentation for the Redmond company's M language. According to Microsoft, the January 2009 Community Technology Preview of the Oslo SDK offers new Token Actions for MGrammar, but also introduces support for MGraph syntax in MGrammar RHS, and implements M Collection members. Oslo SDK - January 2009 CTP is designed to integrate with Windows Server 2008 and SQL Server 2008, but also with Windows XP SP2, Windows Server 2003 R2, Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008.

“The bulk of the changes in this release involve increasing test coverage, improving test quality, and resolving code defects. However, there are some notable differences. Token Actions for MGrammar - any production in a token can now have a code action or a graph action (formerly known as term construction)! You can now specify a return type for a token definition in the case of code actions, similar to a syntax definition. MGraph syntax supported in MGrammar RHS the following is now supported: syntax A = b:BSyntax c:CSyntax d:DSyntax => A { B = b, C = c, D = d }. Additional M Collection Members Are Now Implemented the following members are available on all collections: Count, Choose, Distinct. The following members are now available on collections of type Logical* : All, Exists.”

Microsoft unveiled codename Oslo back in 2007, when the company made public its vision to streamline service-oriented architecture (SOA) while also advancing its software-plus-services strategy. Jeff Raikes, president of Microsoft Business Division, promised at that time that Microsoft's S+S in combination with Oslo would be able to provide business customers with the necessary technology to deliver high-impact business solutions.

“To optimize the experience, we strongly recommend that you install the latest updates and patches from Microsoft Update before you begin installing the SDK. Install the following prerequisites: Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 SP1 is required to run any executables; Microsoft Visual Studio 2008 is required to compile and execute code samples; and Microsoft Excel 2007 with .NET Programmability Support enabled is required to install and run the "M" Add-In for Excel.”

Oslo SDK - January 2009 CTP is available for download here.