Cloud Computing


SharePoint's Path to the Cloud Is Not a Straight Shot

Few dispute that SharePoint in the cloud is the future. The challenge for partners and customers is determining the best path to get there.

Microsoft Releases Windows Azure BizTalk Services, Other Offerings

Microsoft recently beefed up its Windows Azure offerings, making some services generally available and others available as "previews."

Reports: Microsoft Cloud Services Hit by Widespread Outage

Microsoft's Windows Azure, Office 365 and Outlook.com services suffered outages on Thursday, according to reports.

Microsoft's Windows Azure Update Includes Backup Service

Microsoft this month rolled out a slew of new services to Windows Azure as part of an update designed to integrate the cloud platform with Microsoft's latest flagship software offerings.

How Microsoft Missed the Cloud Forecast Under Ballmer

The outgoing Microsoft CEO gave his "all in" cloud mandate over three years ago, but entrenched players like Amazon Web Services and Google have left Microsoft fighting to secure a foothold for its own cloud services.

Sorgen Outlines Top 3 Priorities as Microsoft Channel Chief

Phil Sorgen this week gave an overview of his goals as the new leader of Microsoft's Worldwide Partner Group (WPG).

Microsoft To Issue Free Windows Azure AD Improvements

Microsoft is expected to release several no-cost enhancements to Windows Azure Active Directory (WAAD) by year's end.

Microsoft Delivers Multi-Factor Authentication to Windows Azure

Microsoft on Thursday launched its Windows Azure-based multi-factor authentication product, previously code-named "Active Authentication" in its preview phase.

Microsoft, Oracle Talk Up Cloud Partnership at OpenWorld

The keynote talk from Microsoft's Brad Anderson on Tuesday detailed the fruits of a partnership inked just this summer between the two software giants.

Windows Azure Helps Small Partner Score Huge Deal

How one small Microsoft partner in the U.K. leveraged the Windows Azure cloud service to win a huge contract against consortiums of IT giants -- enabling a more robust solution at a lower cost than traditional IT approaches could promise.

Microsoft's Cloud Partners Face Hard Questions After PRISM Scandal

The recent revelations about the depth of the NSA's surveillance program are dragging old questions about cloud privacy back to the forefront.

Microsoft, Google and Others Petition To Disclose Spy Request Details

Microsoft on Monday joined Google, Facebook and Yahoo in filing amended motions to disclose more details about customer data access requests from the U.S. Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court (FISC).

Latest Windows Azure Tweaks Include Cache Service Preview

Microsoft on Tuesday launched a preview of a new distributed cache service for Windows Azure-hosted applications as part of a set of improvements to the cloud platform.

Microsoft Releases Azure Rights Management Service Preview

A preview release of Microsoft's Windows Azure Rights Management Service (RMS), which provides organizational control over shared file access, is now available.

Microsoft Boosts Exchange Online and SkyDrive Pro Storage Space

Microsoft recently bumped up the storage capacities for two of its cloud-based storage services -- SkyDrive Pro and Exchange Online.

Windows Azure Clears Deloitte & Touche Security Compliance Audit

Microsoft recently became the first cloud service provider to pass a Service Organizations Control (SOC) 2 Type II audit conducted by Deloitte & Touche, a new security compliance audit recommended by the Cloud Security Alliance (CSA).

Microsoft Launches Windows Azure Hyper-V Recovery Manager Preview

Microsoft's Windows Azure-based disaster recovery solution for private clouds is now available as a limited public preview.

Microsoft To Launch New Cloud and Server Licensing Plan in Q4

For organizations heavily focused on its cloud, server and management technologies, Microsoft is planning to roll out a new Enterprise Agreement license option called "Server and Cloud Enrollment" (SCE).

Microsoft Rolls Out Set of Windows Azure Improvements

Microsoft on Monday unveiled five new improvements to its Windows Azure cloud platform, including SQL Server AlwaysOn support.

Microsoft To Make Office 365 Uptime Data Public

Microsoft will now publicly disclose the availability statistics for its cloud-based Office 365 service, the company announced on Thursday.