News


Microsoft Updates Outlook Web App with New UIs, Architecture

Microsoft last week detailed the recent changes to Outlook Web App (OWA), the browser-based version of the Outlook e-mail client.

Report: Microsoft To Dump 'Metro' Name for Windows 8 UI (UPDATED)

Microsoft indicated on Thursday that it may soon drop the "Metro" term that is associated with the design style and user interface (UI) found in Windows 8 and Windows Phone.

Windows Server 2012 Hits RTM; General Availability Set for Sept. 4

Windows Server 2012 hit the release-to-manufacturing (RTM) stage on Wednesday, close on the heels of the Windows 8 client's RTM milestone.

Windows 8 Hits RTM, Will Become Available to Partners Aug. 16

Windows 8 hit the release-to-manufacturing (RTM) stage on Wednesday, meaning bits of the operating system are now finalized and ready for Microsoft equipment manufacturers to start imaging the OS onto new hardware, including PCs and tablets.

Analysis: Microsoft's SMB Partners Grapple with Changing IT Landscape

SMBs are clinging to outdated Microsoft products but also adopting new and unfamiliar technologies, according to partner attendees at the IT Pro Conference 2012.

Microsoft Accuses Google of Using 'Diversionary Tactics' in IP Fight

Microsoft on Tuesday fired another volley against Google in the fight over intellectual property (IP) associated with the Android mobile operating system and other software technologies.

Microsoft: MED-V Not a Cure for Windows XP End-of-Life

Microsoft warned organizations this week that its Microsoft Enterprise Desktop Virtualization (MED-V) product won't help them escape Windows XP's expiring lifecycle support.

For Top Partners, Microsoft Extends Invitation into 'Elite' Clubs

Microsoft is looking to add U.S. partners to special programs serving SMB customers both on-premise and in the cloud.

Motorola Phones Using Microsoft IP Banned in Germany

A German court has banned the sale of Android-based Motorola Mobility smartphones that use a file-name management technology owned by Microsoft.

Microsoft: Surface Tablets May Cause OEMs To Abandon Windows

Microsoft acknowledged on Thursday that its forthcoming Surface tablet could strain relationships with its hardware partners.

SQL Server 2008 R2 SP2 Released

Service Pack 2 (SP2) of SQL Server 2008 R2 is now available for download, Microsoft announced Thursday.

Microsoft Details Exchange 2013 Preview's Management Perks

Microsoft shed more light on the management improvements in the Exchange 2013 preview beta, which was released last week.

Windows MultiPoint Server 2012 Beta Released

Microsoft announced the availability of the Windows MultiPoint Server 2012 beta last week.

VMware Inks Largest Acquisition with $1.26 Billion Nicira Buy

Virtualization giant VMware has agreed to purchase Nicira Inc., a provider of software defined networking (SDN) virtualization technology, for $1.26 billion -- the largest and perhaps most significant acquisition by VMware to date.

SharePoint 2013, Excel 2013 Previews Get BI Boost

Microsoft on Monday outlined some finer points for organizations wanting to test the business intelligence (BI) capabilities available in the SharePoint 2013 and Excel 2013 previews released last week.

Price Hike Coming for MPN Gold Competency

Microsoft will raise the gold competency membership fee in the Microsoft Partner Network by an undisclosed amount later this year.

Office 365 Metro Apps Missing from Microsoft Demo

The Metro user interface for the service-enabled version of Office was missing during last week's Microsoft San Francisco event.

Office 2013, SharePoint 2013 and Exchange 2013 Previews Released

On the heels of Monday's "customer preview" release of the next version of Office 365, Microsoft this week announced the availability of preview trials of other 2013-branded products, including SharePoint, Exchange, Lync, Office Web Apps Server, Project, Visio and Office Professional Plus.

'Soft PC Sales' Bring Down Microsoft Q4 Earnings

Microsoft's fiscal fourth quarter report reflected mostly positive news across divisions, although the Windows and Online Services divisions slipped again.

Microsoft Finalizes Yammer Acquisition

Yammer is now part of Microsoft's Office Division, Microsoft said on Thursday.