Cloud Computing


New Azure Improvements Include 'Key Vault' Service

Microsoft this week rolled out multiple improvements to its Azure cloud platform, including a preview of a new cloud-enabled security management service called "Azure Key Vault."

Cloud Now Makes Up a Third of All IT Infrastructure Spending

Cloud computing is becoming increasingly entrenched in datacenters, judging from recent figures from analyst firm International Data Corporation (IDC).

Microsoft Adds Windows Client Support to Azure Backup

Microsoft's Azure Backup service is now capable of backing up data from Windows 7 Service Pack 1, Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 machines, thanks to an update released this week.

Salesforce.com Bridges Gap with SharePoint and OneDrive Files

Salesforce.com on Wednesday unveiled its new Salesforce Files Connect product, which is designed to bridge its cloud-based CRM services with file repositories from other companies, including Microsoft.

Microsoft Releases Public Preview of Azure AD Connect

Microsoft this week launched a public preview of its Azure Active Directory (AD) Connect tool and announced plans to discontinue its other sync tools.

Microsoft Rolls Out Multiple Azure Services

Microsoft released a number of improvements to its sprawling Azure cloud platform last week, some of them in preview and some in general availability.

How Cloud Partners Can Identify (and Plug) Datacenter Security Holes

Most of the top cloud vendors provide basic datacenter security controls, but for partners looking to launch cloud-based services with third-party vendors, "basic" isn't enough. Where are the security holes in a cloud datacenter, and how can partners fill in those gaps for their customers?

Microsoft Updates Government-Focused Cloud Offerings

Microsoft on Tuesday announced several milestones for its roster of cloud services aimed at public sector agencies.

Microsoft, Accenture Collaborate on Hybrid Cloud Platform

Microsoft is partnering with IT consulting giant Accenture on a hybrid cloud platform aimed at promoting and supporting cloud use among enterprises.

Azure RemoteApp Reaching General Availability Next Week

Microsoft's new Azure RemoteApp service will be available for purchase starting Dec. 11, Microsoft announced Thursday.

The Case for Bringing Your Own Encryption to Microsoft's Cloud

The public cloud and third-party encryption offerings from Microsoft provide partners a key opportunity to do their customers a real service.

Microsoft Gives Its Cloud-in-a-Box Vision a Second Try

The first Azure appliance debuted to much fanfare at the 2010 Worldwide Partner Conference, only to fade from the spotlight almost immediately after. Four years later, Microsoft is reviving its earlier plans with the new Cloud Platform System.

Microsoft: Unknown Flaw Caused Hours-Long Azure Outage

Microsoft on Thursday issued a preliminary explanation for the widespread outages that hit its Azure cloud service on Tuesday evening.

AWS Partner Program Makes Room for MSPs, SaaS Providers

Amazon Web Services (AWS) Inc. recently announced several enhancements to its partner network, including an expansion of partner resources and the addition of programs aimed at managed services providers and SaaS-focused partners.

Microsoft Azure Recovering from Widespread Outages

Widespread "partial disruptions" affecting Microsoft's' Azure cloud computing services Tuesday night are now "mitigated," according to Microsoft.

OneDrive Coming to Office 365 ProPlus in January

The rollout of Microsoft's OneDrive for Business service Office 365 ProPlus users will be completed "before the end of January 2015," Microsoft announced on Monday.

Microsoft Gives Azure AD Security Boost with Aorato Buy

Microsoft on Thursday acquired Israel-based identity and access management firm Aorato Ltd. for an undisclosed amount.

Rackspace Joins Microsoft Cloud OS Partner Network

Rackspace announced during its third quarter earnings report on Monday that it is joining Microsoft's Cloud OS Network, an elite hosting program that aims to provide Microsoft Azure-compatible third-party cloud services.

Study: Despite Rising Adoption, Cloud Still Poses Obstacles

Over 90 percent of businesses have, at some level, adopted cloud computing practices, according to a recent study by CompTIA Inc.

Microsoft Partners with Dropbox on Office Integration

Microsoft on Tuesday announced a strategic partnership with Dropbox that will bring better integration between its Office product and the Dropbox cloud storage service.