Microsoft Partnering 101


New Exploit Targets Internet Explorer

Researcher in New Zealand discovered holes in Microsoft's Web Proxy Automatic Discovery (WPAD) program.

Microsoft Sparks Volta Test For Multi-Tier App Dev

Volta toolset, used with Visual Studio 2008, promises easier deployment of apps beyond the .NET world.

Sun Releases Virtualization Management Tool Under GPLv3

Sun Microsystems today announced the availability of the first component of its new virtualization platform, and laid out a roadmap for opening the platform's source code. The Santa Clara, Calif.-based systems company bills its xVM Ops Center virtualization management tool as a "highly scalable datacenter automation tool for complete management of heterogeneous global IT environments."

Dell Launches Formal Partner Program

Direct-sales stalwart Dell on Wednesday launched its formal global channel program, providing details and a U.S. launch of the partner program that Chairman and CEO Michael Dell first hinted at in May of this year.

Bidders Emerge in Wireless Auction

Internet giant Google Inc. and telecommunications carriers AT&T Inc. and Verizon Wireless are among those expected to bid in January in a government auction of the last remaining smidge of wireless airwaves.

New Windows 2008 Exam Betas Available

Microsoft beta tests three TS-level exams until Dec. 21.

Vista SP1 To Enhance Security, Block Piracy

Microsoft said that the first service pack for Windows Vista will fight off known exploits as well as kill off its "reduced functionality mode."

SAP Trots Out CRM 2007

SAP today showed off its latest CRM wares, recast as a good Web 2.0 citizen.

Dell Board OKs Share Repurchase Plan

Dell Inc. is reviving plans to buy back shares in the company and will begin to repurchase $10 billion in common stock this week, chairman and Chief Executive Officer Michael Dell said Tuesday.

Justices Turn Down Online Piracy Case

The Supreme Court on Monday refused to consider an appeal by an online publisher that claims credit-card companies are enabling the piracy of its pictures of nude models.

Google to Bid for Wireless Spectrum

Google Inc. confirmed its plans to bid for a prized piece of the airwaves in an upcoming government auction, further underscoring the Internet search leader's determination to shake up the wireless market and plumb more profits from mobile phones.

Open Source Limited in SMB Market, Report Finds

The viability of selling open source software (OSS) to the small and medium business (SMB) segment of the market may not be as big of an opportunity as previously thought, according to a report released by the 451 Group.

Microsoft Starts Talking Up UC Tools Strategy

Microsoft has talked a ton about why Unified Communications can be a big value to users.

Web the Perfect Medium for Ad Targeting

Golf club manufacturers have long placed ads in printed golf magazines. Movie studios tend to run television spots before a weekend rather than after. Targeting got even more precise as advertising moved to the Internet.

11 Deals that Changed the Channel in 2007

Channel partners saw a lot of upheaval in 2007 among their big vendor partners. Here's a recap of the year's most significant deals.