News


Surface Pro Availability Set for Feb. 9

Originally expected to become available this month, the x86-based Surface Pro tablet PCs running Windows 8 will hit retail shelves on Feb. 9 in the United States and Canada, Microsoft confirmed on Tuesday.

Despite Problems, HP Says It Will Not Sell Autonomy and EDS

Hewlett-Packard this week denied reports that it is planning to sell its Autonomy and Electronic Data Services (EDS) units.

Microsoft Offers Explanation for December Windows Azure Outage

Customers of Microsoft's Windows Azure Storage service who were affected by December's two-day disruption received a detailed apology and explanation from Microsoft on Wednesday.

Report: Dell in Buyout Talks with TPG, Silver Lake

Dell may be considering leveraged buyout proposals from private equity firms, according to a Bloomberg report on Monday.

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.

Microsoft Courts Retailers with Windows Embedded 8, Dynamics AX for Retail

At this week's National Retail Federation (NRF) Convention and Expo in New York City, Microsoft is trying to coax nervous retailers into adopting touch-based Windows Embedded 8 solutions.

Study: Windows Server 2012 Gets High Marks for Storage

Windows Server 2012 is a "no brainer" for businesses to deploy in terms of storage efficiency and agility, according to the Enterprise Strategy Group (ESG).

Analyst Dials Down Microsoft Stock Forecast Amid 'Flat' Market

Due to sluggish PC demand, an analyst with financial services company Morgan Stanley has downgraded expectations for Microsoft's stock in the near term.

Feds Weigh In on Standards-Essential Patents in Wake of IP Lawsuits

Two federal agencies this week got more vocal about standards-essential patents (SEPs) in response to ongoing legal disputes involving Microsoft, Google and Apple over mobile device intellectual property.

Windows Phone 8 Gets Enterprise Assist from Avanade, Nokia

Nokia and Avanade, a major Microsoft partner and IT consulting firm, are partnering on an initiative aimed at encouraging enterprise adoption of Nokia's Windows Phone 8 devices.

Microsoft: 60 Million Windows 8 Licenses Have Been Sold

Microsoft has sold 60 million Windows 8 licenses to date, according to Tami Reller, Redmond's chief financial officer and Windows chief marketing officer.

Ballmer Makes CES Appearance To Plug Windows 8, Windows Phone 8

Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer took the stage for a brief 10 minutes at this year's Computer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, which kicked off on Monday.

Google Settles Patent and Search Disputes with FTC

After a year-and-a-half review, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced two settlements it made last week with Google concerning the company's alleged patent and search advertising violations.

Microsoft Research Chief Mundie To Retire in 2014, Takes Advisory Role

Craig Mundie, who for the past six years has served as Microsoft's chief research and strategy officer and head of Microsoft Research, is moving into an advisory role within the company until he retires next year.

Dynamics GP 2013 Hits General Availability

As promised, Microsoft rolled out Dynamics GP 2013 this week, one of three Dynamics products expected to be released this month.

Ex-Windows Chief Sinofsky To Teach at Harvard Business School

Just over a month after his unexpected departure from Microsoft, former Windows Division President Steven Sinofsky announced he is accepting a teaching position at Harvard Business School.

RCP's 2012 Wrap-Up: The 10 Most Popular News Stories of the Year

Here are the most-read news articles of 2012, from major product milestones to the death of Windows Small Business Server and more.

Ballmer's Five Predictions for Microsoft in 2013

At this year's Annual Shareholders Meeting, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer told shareholders that Microsoft is now a "devices and services company" and added a few predictions for the coming year.

RCP's 2012 Wrap-Up: The 10 Most Popular Features of the Year

From Apple's enterprise ascendance to the "most competent" Microsoft partners, here are the most-read in-depth articles on RCPmag.com in 2012.

Windows 8 or Windows RT: Microsoft Gives Businesses Purchasing Advice

Microsoft recently offered businesses a few guidelines for how to decide which Windows RT or Windows 8 devices to purchase.