Cloud Computing


Microsoft Releases System Center 2012 SP1, Delivers Azure Updates

Service Pack 1 (SP1) of System Center 2012 is now generally available, as well as a new Windows Intune service update release and Windows Azure improvements.

Gartner's 2013 Predictions: Windows 8 Will Lag, Enterprise Social Will Boom

December always seems to signal a deluge of predictions about what technology trends organizations should expect in the next year.

Google Cutting Some Exchange ActiveSync Features

Google is dropping some features in its software-as-a-service applications that are associated with Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync, it announced last week.

Google No Longer Offering Business Apps Service for Free

Businesses signing up for Google Apps must now pay a fee, Google announced last week.

Microsoft Pushes 'Cloud-First' Approach with SharePoint 2013

Microsoft this month is releasing SharePoint 2013 to volume licensees, a move that sets the stage for partners to accelerate their customers' shift to the cloud.

Microsoft's 'Cloud OS' Era Means a Return to License Land

Microsoft threw another wrench in the effort to define cloud computing when it ushered in its Cloud OS era with Windows Server 2012. But for partners, the new definition means that for once, they won't have to change as much as they thought.

Windows 8 and Office 2013 Bring Skydrive to the Fore

The release of Windows 8 and the launch of Office 2013 early next year promise to play a key role in bringing cloud computing to the mainstream.

Microsoft Partner Rolls Out Dynamics Cloud for Government

Plano, Texas-based Microsoft hosting partner Layered Tech launched a cloud-based Microsoft Dynamics offering for U.S. government agencies earlier this month.

Microsoft Finalizes StorSimple Acquisition

Microsoft completed its acquisition of StorSimple, a provider of of cloud-integrated storage (CIS) appliances, on Thursday, one month after announcing the deal.

AT&T Begins Selling Office 365 to SMBs

Telecommunications giant AT&T is now offering Microsoft's Office 365 cloud productivity suite to small and midsize businesses (SMBs).

Microsoft Showcases SharePoint 2013, Aims To 'Supercharge' Enterprise Social Networking

Just as the launch of Windows 8 last month was Microsoft's effort to "reimagine" Windows, the company is taking a similar tack with SharePoint 2013.

HP Wins Contract To Move Dept. of Veterans Affairs to Office 365

Hewlett-Packard Co. has won a five-year, $36 million contract to transition the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to Office 365 for Government, Microsoft's cloud productivity suite for public-sector agencies.

Microsoft To Give Windows Azure High-Performance Computing Boost

Slated improvements to Windows Azure are designed for organizations engaged in high-performance computing (HPC) analyses, Microsoft announced Tuesday.

Office 365, SharePoint and SQL Server: Our Experts Weigh In

At the first Live! 360 conference, top experts will dive into an array of hot IT topics. Get a sneak preview here, as key presenters share their expertise with Redmond Channel Partner.

Microsoft Launching Office 365 University in Early 2013

A new subscription-only version of Office 365 for higher-education students will become available in the first quarter of 2013, Microsoft announced on Friday.

Why Microsoft Calls Windows Server 2012 a Cloud OS

There are four key reasons Microsoft is touting its latest server as the start of a new cloud era. But will they be enough to seriously challenge VMware or Amazon?

Windows Server 2012: The 24 Things Microsoft Partners Should Know

With an all-new model of computing, the next version of the Microsoft flagship server OS comes with new editions, licensing, product dependencies, features and partner opportunities.

Microsoft Doles Out Tier-Based Discounts for Windows Azure

Windows Azure subscribers will now receive discounts based on their monthly financial commitments, Microsoft announced on Thursday.

Microsoft Catches Flak over Pollution Charges at Wash. Datacenter

Microsoft's Quincy, Wash. datacenter is in the spotlight this week after The New York Times published a story on Monday depicting the pollution, power-wasting and political arm-twisting associated with the facility.

Microsoft Talks Cloud and Compliance at Exchange Conference

Microsoft on Monday kicked off the Microsoft Exchange Conference (MEC) in Orlando, Fla. by talking up the forthcoming Exchange 2013 and the next version of Exchange Online.