Cloud Computing


Microsoft Unveils New Annual Subscription Model for Office 365

Microsoft on Monday rolled out a new annual subscription model for its Office 365 productivity suite.

Microsoft Faces Major IaaS Battle Even with Windows Azure Revamp

A crowded field of IaaS providers that includes heavyweights Google, Amazon and HP will give Microsoft's new and improved public cloud a run for its money.

Analysis: Microsoft's Forefront Cuts May Signal Cloud Security Shift

Microsoft's recent decision to discontinue five of its Forefront enterprise security products may be a sign that the company is either exiting that market or venturing further into the cloud-based security space.

Don't Worry, the Cloud Won't Kill the Channel -- Just Change It

Doomsayers are blaming cloud computing for the theoretical demise of the channel, but from Howard's point of view, it's all FUD.

Microsoft Releases System Center 2012 SP1 Beta

The beta test version of System Center 2012 Service Pack 1, which promises to considerably broaden Microsoft's cloud product strategy, became available on Monday.

Office 365: Microsoft Partners Reset Their Plans Around Direct Billing

With the introduction of a mainstream partner billing option for Office 365, Microsoft overcame the biggest partner objection to its cloud productivity suite. Now happier partners are looking for ways to restart their efforts with new business-model options.

Microsoft, HP Embark on 'Private Cloud Initiative'

Hewlett-Packard on Wednesday announced it has partnered with Microsoft on a "joint private cloud initiative" centered on HP hardware and management solutions, Windows Server 2012 and System Center 2012 Service Pack 1.

Windows Server 2012 Hits General Availability, Marks Microsoft's 'Cloud OS' Era

After four years of development, Microsoft announced the general availability of Windows Server 2012 in a launch event on Tuesday.

Microsoft Releases BizTalk Server 2010 R2 CTP to Windows Azure

Microsoft on Wednesday issued a community technology preview (CTP) of its BizTalk Server 2010 R2 product, the company announced in a blog post.

Microsoft Speeds Up Office 2013 Installation, Launches 'Office on Demand'

Microsoft detailed its installation scheme for the next generation of Office software on Monday.

Microsoft SkyDrive Hits Android Phones

The SkyDrive 1.0 app is now available for Android smartphones at the Google Play Store, Microsoft announced on Tuesday.

SharePoint 2013 To Get New UI, SkyDrive Hooks

Microsoft on Tuesday gave a quick tour of some new SharePoint features found in the Office 365 previews.

Report: OnLive Sold, Staff Laid Off

OnLive, a pioneer in virtual desktop infrastructure-based services and cloud gaming, reportedly shed its staff members and was sold to an undisclosed buyer on Friday.

Can Microsoft Cloud Partners Compete with Windows Azure?

Microsoft's recent cloud moves threaten to push providers away from Redmond and toward virtualization juggernaut VMware.

SkyDrive Gets 'Modern' UI, Exits Beta

Microsoft's SkyDrive cloud storage solution for consumers has left the preview stage, the company announced this week.

What Microsoft's About-Face on Office 365 Billing Means

Despite snubbing its OEMs with the Surface, Microsoft's decision to allow direct billing with Office 365 shows that Redmond still has its partners' back.

For Top Partners, Microsoft Extends Invitation into 'Elite' Clubs

Microsoft is looking to add U.S. partners to special programs serving SMB customers both on-premise and in the cloud.

Microsoft Releases 'Customer Preview' of Next-Gen Office 365

Microsoft on Monday took the wraps off the next version of its Office 365 cloud suite that's based on Office 2013 (previously code-named "Office 15").

A Conversation with Microsoft's Channel Chief: BYOD, Cloud and Shifting Partner Roles

What does Microsoft's Jon Roskill think is driving the most profound change in the partner channel?

WPC 2012: Office 365 Partners To Get Direct Billing

Microsoft for the first time will allow its broad base of partners to handle customer billing for the Office 365 suite, addressing what has been the single biggest controversy in the Microsoft channel for the last few years.