Microsoft Partnering 101


Tales of Partner Successes in Microsoft's 'Cloud OS'

The combination of Windows Server 2012, System Center 2012 SP1 and Windows Intune have given Microsoft partners new opportunities to expand their businesses into the cloud. Here are a few examples.

Windows Phone 8 Support Ending July 2014

Mainstream support for Microsoft's Windows Phone 8 smartphone platform, including security updates, will end on July 8, 2014.

BizTalk Server 2013 May Arrive April with New Licensing Model

A Microsoft partner is reporting that BizTalk Server 2013 will be released next month with a new per-core licensing model.

Gartner to Orgs: Skip SharePoint, Go with Yammer for Enterprise Social

Organizations that are "Microsoft shops" and trying to decide between Yammer or SharePoint for social networking should choose Yammer, research firm Gartner advised in a webinar Thursday.

Microsoft Wants You To Become a Cloud Provider

You've heard the warnings before, but they're ringing true: If you're not able to provide value-added services, you're probably not going to profit from your relationship with Microsoft.

Google's Android Chief Steps Down

Google's Android mobile operating system team has undergone an executive shuffle, the company announced on Wednesday.

Windows Tablet Market Share To Stay in Single Digits Through 2017

Despite market share gains throughout the next five years, Windows 8 and Windows RT tablets will remain a distant third behind Android- and iOS-based devices, according to research firm IDC.

Microsoft Opens Door to Flash on Windows 8, Internet Explorer 10

After a one-day advance notice on Monday, Microsoft this week enabled the Adobe Flash Player "to run by default" in Internet Explorer 10.

Slow Windows 8 Adoption Prompts Microsoft To Cut OEM Costs

Microsoft has lowered the cost of licensing Windows 8 for its original equipment manufacturing (OEM) partners in response to less-than-robust uptake of devices running the new operating system.

Microsoft Releases Lync 2013 App for Windows Phone 8; iOS Apps Due this Week

The Lync 2013 client app for Windows Phone 8 is now available, with clients for Apple's iPad and iPhone due to arrive later this week, Microsoft announced on Monday.

IT Communities: A Primer for Microsoft Partners

WEB EXCLUSIVE: Channel communities are key for partners who want to network, shore up resources and bolster their access to the larger organizations they are partners with. But given their wide variety, it can be a challenge for partners to know which communities suit them best. In this primer, Howard runs down the different types of partner communities to help you find the best fit for your partner company.

Microsoft Fined 561 Million Euros over Lack of Browser Choice

The European Commission (EC) on Wednesday levied a €561-million (about $728 million) fine against Microsoft after the company failed to fully comply with the European Union's (EU's) competition law and follow some binding legal commitments.

Microsoft Backtracks on Office 2013, Restores PC Transfer Rights

Microsoft on Wednesday announced a revised policy that would lift the transfer restriction on Office 2013 retail perpetual licenses.

Microsoft Makes System Center Advisor Free

Microsoft is now offering its System Center Advisor product free of charge and without the Software Assurance coverage requirement, the company announced on Wednesday.

PC Market To Continue Downslide Amid 'Limited' Windows 8 Uptake

Global PC shipments will contract in 2013 for the second straight year, according to market research firm IDC.