News


Microsoft Talks Up Security in Windows 10 'Creators Update'

The upcoming Windows 10 "Creators Update" will deliver several enterprise-grade security improvements, Microsoft said this week.

Analysis: The Shame of Ransomware

Ransomware attacks are booming, according to FBI data and a recent survey of MSPs. The problem is unlikely to diminish, but tools and methods for countering the digital extortion schemes are pretty well established.

Box CEO Talks Office 365 Integration, Microsoft Partnership

Despite competing against Microsoft in cloud-based enterprise file sharing and collaboration, Box is strengthening its integration with Office 365.

AWS Launches Raft of New Cloud Features at re:Invent

At last week's re:Invent conference in Las Vegas, Amazon Web Services (AWS) executives threw down the gauntlet at Microsoft, Oracle and others that are looking to challenge its cloud dominance.

Windows 10 Security Falls Short Without EMET, Says CERT

Microsoft's claim that Windows 10 doesn't require the Enhanced Mitigation Experience Toolkit (EMET) for security is getting push-back from software security research firm CERT.

Microsoft Adds Collaboration Tools to PowerPoint, Outlook

The latest round of feature improvements to Office 365 includes enhancements to PowerPoint's and Outlook's collaboration capabilities.

Windows 10 'Anniversary Update' Now the Current Branch for Business

Version 1607 of Windows 10, also known as the "Anniversary Update," is now ready for deployment in production environments, Microsoft announced Tuesday.

At Partner Event, AWS Rewards Specialization

Cloud leader Amazon Web Services (AWS) announced a few updates to its partner program on Tuesday that benefit partners that have developed specialized technical practices and focus areas.

After 6 Years, Microsoft Shutters Azure DataMarket

Azure DataMarket, Microsoft's app marketplace where developers could access data services to power apps and analytic projects, will be shut down on March 2017.

Microsoft Advances SCCM Current Branch to 1610

Microsoft has released System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM) Update 1610, the newest "current branch" of the client and server management system.

Microsoft's Azure Data Lake Service Hits General Availability

Azure Data Lake, Microsoft's service for "Big Data" massively parallel types of analyses, is now production-ready, Microsoft announced this week.

Some Microsoft Partners Fear LinkedIn Deal, Others Predict Growth

Many of Microsoft's partners are eager to learn how its pending $26.2 billion acquisition of LinkedIn will affect their businesses, though some worry it will only help the company undercut their own offerings.

Microsoft Joins Linux Foundation, Tightening Open Source Ties

Microsoft took its ongoing courtship of open source a step further on Wednesday, announcing that it has joined the Linux Foundation as a Platinum member.

SQL Server 2016 Service Pack 1 Released

Microsoft announced the first service pack (SP1) of its SQL Server 2016 product on Wednesday at its Connect() developer conference, taking place this week in New York.

Microsoft Extends AI Push with OpenAI Deal, Azure Enhancements

Microsoft on Tuesday took steps toward its goal to "democratize" artificial intelligence, partnering with nonprofit research organization OpenAI and announcing several Azure milestones aimed at helping developers tap into the platform's new compute capabilities.

Office 365 Business Users Get 'Customer Manager' Tool

Small-business users of Microsoft's Office 365 Business Premium offering will soon have access to a new customer relationship feature.

Microsoft To Support Windows Azure Pack Through 2027

Microsoft's Windows Azure Pack solution is "far from being dead," Microsoft said this week after updating the product's lifecycle support information.

Windows Server 2016's Update Model Explained

Microsoft recently detailed its update model for Windows Server 2016, which became generally available in mid-October.

System Center Operations Manager Assessment Preview Released

Microsoft announced the preview of a new tool today that will check how well System Center Operations Manager 2012 products are performing, compared with Microsoft's best practices recommendations.

Surface Pro 3's Faulty Battery Problems Get Another Attempted Fix

Yet another possible solution for Surface Pro 3's battery problems was released by Microsoft this week.