Microsoft Partnering 101


Windows Azure Becomes Generally Available in China

Microsoft on Wednesday launched its Windows Azure cloud platform in China, making it the first multinational company to offer public cloud services in the country.

CRM Tops List of Leading Tech Trends in 2014

A recent Computer Economics study identified six technology trends that are especially "low-risk/high-reward" for organizations, with customer relationship management (CRM) systems leading the way.

What Will Be the Straw that Breaks the Microsoft Channel's Back?

The next few months could prove to be the most trying for all but the largest of Microsoft's partners.

Windows Azure To Become 'Microsoft Azure' Next Month

Effective April 3, Microsoft's Windows Azure cloud platform will be officially be called "Microsoft Azure."

Microsoft-Nokia Deal Delayed over Regulatory Snag in Asia

Microsoft's $7 billion purchase of Nokia's devices arm, which was expected to close by the end of this month, will likely be finalized sometime in April instead.

What Gaps Does Microsoft Want Partners To Fill?

Understanding Microsoft's scorecard system is one way to figure out what partner deals Microsoft's sales reps currently value the most.

Microsoft Adding SQL Server 2014 Support to SharePoint 2013

Microsoft last week announced a few changes -- some good and others less so -- coming to SharePoint, in addition to the new collaboration features expected to come in the second half of this year to SharePoint Online.

Microsoft Changes E-Mail Investigation Policies After Arrest of Leaker

A former Microsoft employee was arrested this week for allegedly stealing trade secrets and leaking Windows 8 code to an unnamed French blogger while working for Microsoft.

Symantec Fires Second CEO in Two Years

Frustrated by growing competition from rivals, security software and data protection giant Symantec on Thursday ousted Steve Bennett from his roles as CEO and board member, less than two years after firing his predecessor, Enrique Salem.

NSA Testimony: Microsoft, Others Knew of Government Surveillance

An attorney for the U.S. National Security Agency said that contrary to their denials, service providers, including Microsoft, knew of the NSA's broad access to customer data.

Asus Reportedly Axes Windows-Android PC Plans

PC maker Asus is shelving its plans to release a dual-boot tablet PC that runs both Android and Windows, according to Digitimes.

Microsoft Releases VDI 'Starter Kit' as Preview

Microsoft on Wednesday released a preview version of a new tool, dubbed Virtual Desktop Infrastructure Starter Kit 1.0, which lets organizations test VDI scenarios using Remote Desktop Services (RDS) protocol.

SQL Server 2014 RTMs, Will Hit General Availability in April

SQL Server 2014 was released to manufacturers (RTM) on Tuesday, and will be commercially released on April 1, according to Microsoft.

Microsoft Launching Surface 2 with LTE on AT&T Tuesday

A version of Microsoft's consumer-focused Surface 2 tablet with mobile broadband support will become available on AT&T's 4G network on March 18, Microsoft announced Monday.

Firefox Dumps Windows 8's 'Metro' UI Over Lack of Use

Mozilla, the company behind Firefox, will no longer support its browser for Windows 8, citing low usage rates.