News


Microsoft Confirms Windows 8.1 Start Button, Boot-to-Desktop Features

Microsoft on Thursday shared more details about the forthcoming Windows 8.1, characterizing some changes as a response to customer feedback.

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 Takes Wraps Off Lync-to-Skype Connectivity

It is now possible to have audio calls and instant message exchanges between Lync and Skype users, Microsoft announced on Wednesday.

Tablet Market Continues Upswing, Will Pass PCs by 2015

Shipments of traditional desktop and portable PCs will drop by 7.8 percent this year instead of the previously projected 1.3 percent, according to an updated IDC forecast released Tuesday.

Microsoft Wins Xbox Patent Infringement Case Against Motorola Mobility

The U.S. International Trade Commission has struck down Motorola Mobility's patent infringement claim against Microsoft involving patented technology in Microsoft's Xbox gaming consoles.

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.

Report: Windows Server 2012 Adoption Slow To Take Off

Most enterprises -- particularly those with fewer than 1,000 employees -- have yet to deploy Windows Server 2012 eight months after its release, according to a new report this week from Symantec.

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.

Citrix Talks Up New Partner Program at Summit Conference

Citrix spotlighted its revamped solution advisor partner program during its Citrix Summit conference, which took place this week in Anaheim, Calif.

Report: 'Migration Fatigue' Keeping Windows 8 Enterprise Adoption Low

With many organizations just now making the move from Windows XP to Windows 7, Microsoft's latest OS will continue to go largely ignored by enterprises, according to a new report by research firm Forrester.

Windows 'Blue' Is Officially Windows 8.1, Will Be Free Update

The forthcoming Windows 8 update code-named Windows "Blue" is now officially called Windows 8.1, confirmed Microsoft's Tami Reller on Tuesday.

Windows Phone Share Stagnates as New Flagship Device Launches

Microsoft's share of the worldwide smartphone market has not budged from quarter to quarter, according to the latest figures from research firm Gartner.

Microsoft Explains 'Update Rollups' for Windows 8, Windows Server 2012

Microsoft this week detailed the difference between "cumulative updates " and the monthly "update rollup" system it uses for Windows 8 and Windows Server 2012.

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.

Microsoft Axes Lync Online's 'Hybrid Voice' Feature

Microsoft's Lync Online service will no longer have a "hybrid voice" feature, the company said on Monday.

Report: Microsoft Considering $1 Billion Nook Acquisition

Microsoft may be pursuing Nook Media LLC, the Barnes & Noble subsidiary that was set up to handle the company's consumer and college electronic media businesses.

Yammer Update Coming Summer with Office 365 Integration

Microsoft is currently working on content, identity and messaging aspects of Yammer for use with Office 365, Microsoft's cloud-based bundle of services, the company announced this week.

Microsoft Opens Up About Windows 'Blue,' Plans Beta for June

The final release of Windows "Blue," the code name for Microsoft's ill-defined operating system update, will arrive in time for this year's holiday shopping season, according to a press account.

Office Web Apps To Get Android Support, Other Improvements

Microsoft's plans to improve Office Web Apps include added support for Google's Chrome browser for Android-based devices, as well as better collaboration capabilities, the company said on Tuesday.

Microsoft Names New CFO To Replace Peter Klein

Amy Hood, most recently the chief financial officer of Microsoft's Business Division, will become the company's overall CFO, effective immediately.