Cloud Computing


Microsoft Releases Windows Azure BizTalk Services Preview

A preview version of Microsoft's Windows Azure BizTalk Services solution became available last week through the Windows Azure portal.

Microsoft Ready for Cloud Battle with Amazon

Nearly a year after disclosing plans to take on Amazon Web Services in the cloud, Microsoft Windows Azure Infrastructure Services is now available.

Microsoft's Cloud OS Workshop: Faster Updates and the 'Three Clouds'

Microsoft gave an early look at what themes to expect from this year's TechEd at its "Microsoft Cloud OS Workshop," held in mid-May at its Redmond, Wash. campus.

Microsoft Details Next-Gen Server Releases, Unveils 'Windows Azure Pack'

Microsoft announced a slew of upcoming product updates during Monday's opening TechEd conference keynote in New Orleans.

Microsoft Exec Talks Windows 8 Device Hurdles, Cloud Plans

Microsoft Chief Operating Officer Kevin Turner detailed his company's market positions, cloud growth prospects and other business matters at the Sanford C. Bernstein Conference in New York City last week.

Microsoft Touts Businesses' Cloud Use, Office 365 Adoption

Most businesses will turn to the cloud over the next two years, according to the findings of a Microsoft-backed study.

Microsoft Expands Windows Azure's Coverage in Asia-Pacific

In an investment of "hundreds of millions of dollars," Microsoft on Thursday said it is opening its Windows Azure service to China, Japan and Australia.

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.