News


Microsoft CEO Plays Down Google Threat

Microsoft Chief Executive Steve Ballmer, in Tokyo to launch new Windows Live services, played down the threat of Google on Thursday, denying the rival was ahead in any way but in online searches.

Microsoft Centro Redubbed Windows Essential Business Server

Microsoft's long-awaited mid-market server bundle now has a name: Windows Essential Business Server, which is slated to hit beta two in 30 to 60 days.

Electric Cloud, VMware Pact Fills Software Testing, Build Gaps

Electric Cloud's automated software development process offering will now integrate with VMWare's Lab Manager, the company said Wednesday.

Windows Live Emerges From Beta

After a trickle of updates and "betas" bearing the Windows Live moniker, Microsoft Corp. is ready to start promoting its official package of free desktop programs for e-mail, instant messaging, blogging and sharing photos.

Sun Microsystems Sees 1Q Profit

Once one of Silicon Valley's most bellicose technology companies, Sun Microsystems Inc. struck new alliances during the first quarter with two of its fiercest former foes, Microsoft Corp. and IBM Corp.

Microsoft Gives Away Search Server 2008

Microsoft said that it's giving away Search Server 2008 Express in release candidate form to anyone who wants it, just by downloading it directly from Microsoft's Web site.

Microsoft To Build Data Center in Ireland

Microsoft Corp. said Tuesday it will build a $500 million data center in Ireland to boost its services for tens of millions of customers, chiefly in Europe.

New Google-Microsoft Squabble Seen on Social Networking Front

Google's attempt to take a leading role in social networking has some pundits saying yet another Google vs. Microsoft battle scenario is playing out.

Microsoft Chief Information Exec Fired

Microsoft Corp. has fired its chief information officer, saying he violated company policies. A spokesman declined to give the exact reason for the dismissal.

Microsoft Officials Detail Visual Studio 2008 Rollout Plan

In announcing today that it will release to manufacturing Visual Studio 2008 this month, Microsoft is meeting the most optimistic forecasts for when the long anticipated upgrade to its flagship IDE would ship.

Dell To Pay $1.4B for EqualLogic

Computer maker Dell said Monday it has agreed to buy EqualLogic Inc., which makes storage network systems, for $1.4 billion in cash.

Visual Studio 2008 Available at End of November

The next version of Microsoft's development flagship product will include the latest version of the .NET Framework, iteration 3.5.

Microsoft Separates Sharepoint Services from Windows Server; Developers Shrug

Developers shrugged off Microsoft's decision this week to revert to a separate download deliverable of Windows Sharepoint Services.

ODF Split Shakes Up Document Battle

The ongoing file format battle between proponents of the OpenDocument Format (ODF) and Microsoft's Office Open XML (OOXML) took a surprising turn lthis week, when a key ODF proponent announced that it intended to abandon the ISO-approved specification.

Microsoft Separates Sharepoint Services from Windows Server

Developers shrugged off Microsoft's decision this week to revert to a separate download deliverable of Windows Sharepoint Services.

Google Seeks Social Networking High Ground

Google's attempt to grab moral high ground in the social networking development is a step in the right direction, according to industry analysts.

20 U.S. Resellers Sued in Microsoft Piracy Crackdown

Microsoft filed federal lawsuits against 20 companies allegedly distributing "counterfeit or infringing" software.

IBM Plans Major Security Initiative

IBM Corp. plans to announce Thursday that it will boost what it spends developing computer security products to $1.5 billion in 2008, reflecting an intensifying focus for the company.

Cisco Creates MSP Channel Program

Cisco Systems Inc. on Wednesday launched the Cisco Managed Services Channel Program, which it called one of the first channel programs for MSPs.

Sophos: 100 Percent Channel Play Paying Off

A security vendor's high-profile commitment to the channel sales model this year appears to be paying off.