News


Microsoft BizTalk Server 2013 Hits Beta

The beta test version of Microsoft's BizTalk Server 2013 became available on Thursday.

Microsoft Releases SQL Server 2012 SP1, Talks Self-Service BI

The first new service pack for SQL Server 2012 is now available, Microsoft announced on Wednesday at the annual PASS summit event being held this week in Seattle.

Skype Launches Networking Platform for SMBs

Microsoft's Skype team opened its online networking platform for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) to the public on Thursday.

Microsoft Scraps Messenger, Replaces It with Skype

Microsoft is shuttering its Messenger instant-messaging service in favor of Skype's voice-over-IP service, the company announced on Monday.

Next Dynamics CRM Online Update To Feature Yammer, Skype Integration

The Q4 service update to Dynamics CRM Online will be rolled out in mid-December, Microsoft announced on Thursday.

Windows Server 2012 Essentials Available for Download, Hardware Lagging

Microsoft made Windows Server 2012 Essentials, its new server for small businesses and home office users, generally available as a software download on Thursday, but the hardware is still to come.

Microsoft Replaces 'Metro' Name with 'Windows Store App'

Microsoft appears to have officially changed the "Metro" term for the user interface (UI) and app style for Windows 8 to a new "Windows Store app."

Office 2013, SharePoint 2013, Exchange 2013 Released to Volume Licensees

Volume licensing customers can now access Microsoft Office 2013, plus various application servers with the "2013" branding, according to a report by ZDNet's Mary Jo Foley.

Windows Phone 8 To Include 'New Office' Version for Mobile

"The new Office" will be arriving preinstalled on all Windows Phone 8 devices, Microsoft announced on Monday.

Microsoft Stumps for Windows 8, Windows Phone 8 at Build

Microsoft executives pulled out all the stops at Monday's Build 2012 conference kickoff in an effort to lure developers to Windows 8, Surface RT and Windows Phone 8.

Microsoft To Consolidate MPN Competencies in November (CHART)

Microsoft is reducing the number of competencies in the Microsoft Partner Network this month from 29 to 25.

Microsoft Launches Windows Phone 8; Devices To Roll Out in Nov.

Microsoft put in place the last piece of its evolving Windows 8 picture Monday with the official launch of Windows Phone 8 at an event in San Francisco.

SharePoint Costs More than Organizations Realize, Study Finds

SharePoint incurs greater costs and requires more personnel than organizations expect, according to a recent survey sponsored by Microsoft national systems integrator (NSI) partner Azaleos Corp and conducted by Osterman Research.

Ballmer: Business Users Will 'Love' Windows 8 and RT Tablets

Despite tepid enthusiasm among businesses for Microsoft's new tablet-oriented Windows 8 and RT operating system launched last week, the software giant is confident they will move to the new platform.

Windows 8 and Surface RT Hit Retail Shelves

Microsoft's new Windows 8 client operating system and the Windows RT-based Surface tablet both hit the general availability milestone on Friday.

Windows 8 and Surface Launch Microsoft into New Era

Microsoft on Thursday began a crucial new era in its history as it launched its first-ever computer, the Surface -- a slick new system that functions as both a tablet device and notebook PC.

Microsoft OEMs Share Surface's Limelight with Windows 8/RT Devices

The Surface RT isn't the only game in town when it comes to Windows 8/RT devices. Key OEM partners are launching a new class of devices based on the most significant revamp of Windows in more than two decades.

Office 2013, SharePoint 2013, Exchange 2013 Released to TechNet and MSDN

The release-to-manufacturing (RTM) versions of Office 2013, Exchange Server 2013, SharePoint Server 2013 and Lync Server 2013 are now available to Microsoft's MSDN and TechNet subscribers.

VMware Snags CFO of Microsoft's Skype Division

VMware Inc. named Jonathan Chadwick its new chief financial officer during its quarterly earnings call on Tuesday.

Dynamics AX 2012 R2 Set for December Release

Release 2 of Microsoft's Dynamics AX 2012 enterprise resource planning (ERP) product will become generally available on Dec. 1.