Cloud Computing


Microsoft Releases SkyDrive Pro as Standalone Product

Microsoft this week released a standalone sync client of SkyDrive Pro, its cloud-based storage and collaboration service for organizations.

Microsoft Exchange Dumped for Google Apps in Boston

The city of Boston is cutting ties with Microsoft Exchange and is moving its 75,000 employees and education users to Google Apps.

Windows Azure Sales Now Bringing Microsoft $1 Billion Annually

Windows Azure, Microsoft's cloud computing solution, is now a $1-billion-per-year business, according to an account by Bloomberg on Monday.

Microsoft Boosts Windows Azure with VPN Tweaks

Microsoft on Friday announced virtual private network (VPN) improvements to some Windows Azure components, making it easier for administrators to access virtual networks, either from behind a corporate firewall or remotely.

Microsoft Planning Faster Office 365 Update Schedule

Microsoft is disclosing more about its planned shift to a more accelerated update cadence for Office 365, according to a report by veteran Microsoft reporter Mary Jo Foley.

Google Apps Making Inroads Against Microsoft Office, Gartner Says

Microsoft Office's reign as the dominant productivity suite is under threat from Google Apps, according to analyst and consulting firm Gartner.

Windows Azure IaaS Hits GA, Pitting Microsoft Against Amazon

In a move that effectively positions itself against Amazon Web Services, Microsoft on Tuesday announced the general availability of new Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) offerings on Windows Azure.

Microsoft Partners Cannot Live by Fees Alone

Selling cloud service subscriptions isn't a bad strategy -- as long as you use them to set the stage for sales of your own suite of services.

Microsoft's MMS Demo Spree Includes System Center, Windows Azure Services

The message during the Microsoft Management Summit's opening keynote in Las Vegas was par for the course: Microsoft products run best with other Microsoft products.

Microsoft Gets Serious in the Cloud with Office 365 Open

With its Open Licensing move, Microsoft finally enlists all partners in the Office 365 effort.

Windows Azure Active Directory Hits General Availability

Windows Azure Active Directory (WAAD), Microsoft's cloud-based identity management solution, on Monday moved from a preview stage to "general availability" as a commercial service for use by organizations.

Microsoft Releases Windows Azure Backup as 'Paid Preview'

Microsoft announced the availability of a "public paid preview" of its Windows Azure Backup service on Monday, during the Microsoft Management Summit in Las Vegas.

IBM Gives OpenStack Ecosystem a Major Boost

IBM has thrown its weight behind the OpenStack project, joining the likes of heavyweights HP, Intel, Cisco and Dell.

Microsoft Scores Three Higher-Education Office 365 Contracts

Three universities recently inked Microsoft Office 365 contracts -- Sacramento State University, University of Miami and University of Colorado at Colorado Springs.

Microsoft Details Plans To Integrate Yammer with Office 365, SharePoint

Microsoft's plans for enterprise social networking will increasingly revolve around Yammer, with improvements rolling out this year, according to a Microsoft executive.

Tales of Partner Successes in Microsoft's 'Cloud OS'

The combination of Windows Server 2012, System Center 2012 SP1 and Windows Intune have given Microsoft partners new opportunities to expand their businesses into the cloud. Here are a few examples.

Microsoft Wants You To Become a Cloud Provider

You've heard the warnings before, but they're ringing true: If you're not able to provide value-added services, you're probably not going to profit from your relationship with Microsoft.

Microsoft Acquires Cloud Automation Startup MetricsHub

Microsoft has acquired Seattle-based cloud performance management company MetricsHub for an undisclosed amount, the two companies announced on Tuesday.

Microsoft Gives Windows Azure Active Directory Controls a Boost

Microsoft has made some management improvements to Windows Azure, on the heels of adding federation capabilities between Windows Azure and Windows Server.

Microsoft Joins Cloud Advocacy Organization as 'Contributor'

Microsoft has joined cloud computing advocacy group Open Data Center Alliance (ODCA) as a "contributor," the organization announced on Wednesday.