7/8/2008
Android Installer Fires Up Developers
The folks at Internet Tablet Talk have created an Android installer for the Nokia N810, allowing developers to sidestep what has been a tedious process to port Google's new open-source mobile operating system.
Guide To Cloud Computing
The market is getting crowded with Web-based software and storage offerings. Here's what you need to know about the cloud computing strategies of Amazon, Google, Salesforce, and five other leading vendors.
Microsoft Asks EU To Annul $1.35 Billion Antitrust Fine
In an action brought before the EU, Microsoft called the penalty "excessive and disproportionate," and said the European Commission made numerous errors when it levied the fine.
Microsoft backs Icahn's bid to oust Yahoo
Microsoft Corp. threw its weight behind investor Carl Icahn's effort to dump Yahoo Inc.'s board, saying Monday that a successful shareholder rebellion would encourage the software maker to renew its bid to buy Yahoo's Internet search engine or possibly the entire company.
Microsoft To Launch Windows Small Business Server 2008 On Nov. 12
Microsoft on Monday said it would launch in mid-November a series of products aimed at small businesses that need up-to-date computer technology but lack large IT staffs to handle installation and maintenance.
Microsoft to release new 'Essential' servers in November
Microsoft plans to release a new Windows server OS aimed at midsized businesses as well as the next version of its small-business server software worldwide on Nov. 12, the company said Monday.
Microsoft warns of “active, targeted” ActiveX control attacks
Microsoft has issued a pre-patch security advisory to warn about “active, targeted attacks” against an ActiveX control for the Snapshot Viewer for Microsoft Access.
Microsoft warns of new Access attack
Cybercriminals are exploiting a bug in software used by Microsoft's Access database program in a new online attack, Microsoft warned Monday.
7/7/2008
Microsoft, Sony and Nintendo set to shock and awe at E3
Micosoft has promised “fantastic surprises” in a very recent interview with MCV gaming website, where David Gosen, a former Nintendo employee and now a top marketing VP for Microsoft in Europe.
7/6/2008
Microsoft addresses XSS in Internet Explorer 8
Microsoft is planning to add a series of new security features to the next version of its Internet Explorer browser, including protection against cross-site scripting attacks.
Privacy advocates praise Google's new link
The company has made a minor change to its home page, adding a link to its copyright line that leads to its Privacy Center. Google's decision, noted Thursday afternoon in a corporate blog and a public policy blog, was an attempt to quell a controversy over the posting of its privacy policy.
7/5/2008
Microsoft SharePoint Popularity Comes with Issues
Users shouldn't feel compelled to abandon SharePoint, but they should be aware that custom work and additional software may be needed to bend SharePoint for specific needs.
Week in review: Microhoogle intrigue
The love-hate triangle we affectionately refer to as Microhoogle is heating up probes, proxies, and possible backroom politicking.
7/4/2008
Four Microsoft Patches Due Tuesday; Not Rated Critical
The Exchange and SQL flaws are "Elevation of Privilege" bugs, meaning that an attacker could theoretically exploit them to get administrative access to a PC.
'Important' Fixes To Come in July Patch Cycle
Microsoft will address a mix of exploit risks with the July patch, including two elevation-of-privilege vulnerabilities, one spoofing security risk and one remote code execution (RCE) exploit.
Microsoft touts trustworthy browsing with IE8
Microsoft has detailed a raft of security improvements due to appear in Internet Explorer 8, including a far more extensive set of security enhancements than previously expected, particularly in relation to blocking some classes of cross-site scripting attack.
7/3/2008
Can Google Apps move up market?Can Google Apps move up market?
Despite its enterprise forays, Google will be hard-pressed to dislodge Microsoft Office.
New Microsoft Office subscription bundle to hit in mid-July
Microsoft has given its new Office-based software-plus-service bundle a new name — “Equipt” — and a due date (mid-July), company officials said on July 2.
7/2/2008
Firefox vs. Microsoft: Browser war continues
Web-browser technology is taking on new importance as the gateway not only to the Internet, but also to the myriad applications that are shifting to becoming accessible online and away from being stored on a PC. The so-called browser war is therefore commencing a new, more nuanced phase.
Microsoft buys search startup Powerset
Powerset focuses on "natural-language search," a form of artificial intelligence that seeks to understand the meaning of both user queries and Web pages.
Microsoft SharePoint popularity comes with issues
Microsoft's SharePoint Server 2007 may be taking off in the enterprise, but the software doesn't come without holes, warts and a variety of other issues that need to be addressed in any corporate deployment.
Microsoft struggles with Windows Server update problems
Microsoft is investigating two-week-old reports from users unable to update client PCs using Windows Server Update Services (WSUS).
7/1/2008
It's not Vista: Windows Server 2008 gets nod from IT
A new Computerworld survey shows that 63% of the 403 respondents plan to adopt Microsoft's new server operating system. This contrasts with the intention of some IT organizations to skip Vista entirely and move directly to Windows 7 on the desktop.
Microsoft Aims at Office Interoperability
That was fast! We're only one day into the post-Bill Gates era, and already Microsoft is taking steps to improve interoperability between its Office suite of productivity applications and competing products, including open source alternatives such as OpenOffice.org.
Microsoft Internet Explorer Vulnerability Warning Issued
The flaw focuses on IE's inline frames, often used for serving ads, which typically come from a different domain than content that appears on the same Web page.
Microsoft Takes Additional Steps in Implementing Interoperability Principles
Microsoft Corp. today announced several new actions that deliver upon the commitments set in its Interoperability Principles to increase the openness of its products, drive greater interoperability, and provide increased opportunity and choice for developers, partners, customers and competitors.
6/30/2008
Microsoft seeks next big idea in Cambridge
Microsoft's Boston Concept Development Center is a first-of-its-kind research unit that's assembling dozens of engineers and designers and sniffing out technologies with the aim of incubating new Internet businesses within the company.
6/29/2008
Ballmer focusing on next big thing for Microsoft
In a corporate world where changes at the top can spiral into tumultuous power struggles, Bill Gates' gradual exit has been a case study deliberate succession planning.
Chrysler Vehicles to Offer Wi-Fi
Mopar, Chrysler LLC's original parts manufacturer and distributor, announced that it will launch a wireless Internet system for Chrysler vehicles in the U.S., a first for the industry as auto makers try to distinguish themselves in a bruising sales market.
6/28/2008
So Long, Bill Gates, and Thanks for the Monopoly
He's a merciless competitor, a shameless "fan" of other people's ideas and an unapologetic monopolist. And because of all that, Bill Gates has done more to create the thriving computer industry than anybody else.
6/27/2008
Yahoo Trumpets Reorganization
Embattled Yahoo on Thursday announced another reorganization, its latest attempt to snap out of its years-long technology and financial funk.
6/26/2008
Microsoft posts Vista SP1 reliability patches
Microsoft Corp. yesterday released a reliability update for Windows Vista Service Pack 1 (SP1) that fixes several bugs in the OS update, including one that threw off errors when users tried to run large applications, such as Microsoft's own Excel 2007 and Windows Media Player.
What's next for Gates? Anything he can dream up
As Bill Gates embarks on a new era of his life, the world isn't just his playground. It's his classroom, his science lab -- and maybe even his business school.
6/25/2008
Methanol fuel cell powers ruggedized computers
A California company has introduced a 25-watt mobile fuel cell system designed to power a ruggedized laptop computer for up to 14 hours at a time using a single 250cc cartridge.
Microsoft Pledges Windows XP Support Through 2014
In an unprecedented move, Microsoft (NSDQ: MSFT) has committed to providing support services for its soon to be retired Windows XP through 2014 -- a full 13 years after the operating system was originally released.
Mobile Alliances May Pressure Microsoft's Wireless OS
The partnerships and commitment to an open source model bring the promise of cheap, and even free, software that can power sophisticated new cellphones. Microsoft, which charges for the use of its software, could be pressured to lower its licensing fees to remain competitive.
Technology Leaders Favor Online ID Card Over Passwords
Microsoft, Google and PayPal, a unit of eBay, are among the founders of an industry organization that hopes to solve the problem of password overload among computer users.
6/24/2008
DOJ Has Windows 7, Why Not You?
Windows 7 already is being reviewed by U.S. government technical appointees, something many Microsoft executives probably couldn't have much imagined happening a year ago.
Microsoft in grid push
MICROSOFT has challenged Linux and other Unix-based software platforms for a share of Australia's high-performance grid computing market.
Microsoft's Golden Age: Going, going ... gone?
With Bill Gates giving up his day-to-day role at Microsoft, a big question is whether the company's best days are behind it.
No Bull Bill: Gates' blunt legacy
In his heyday at Microsoft, Gates had a huge internal influence on all aspects of the company. Among other things, his blunt approach would often force people to get quickly to the point.
6/23/2008
EquaTerra and Microsoft launch specialist outsourcing governance IT tool
It is estimated that the tool can reduce the cost to manage an outsourced relationship by 1% of the Annual Contract Value (ACV).
Microsoft's Golden Age: Going, going ... gone?
Microsoft's Golden Age: Going, going ... gone?
With Bill Gates giving up his day-to-day role at Microsoft, a big question is whether the company's best days are behind it.
Software update snafus block Microsoft patches
Microsoft Corp. scrambled last week to fix a flaw -- or multiple flaws -- in two of its patch-distribution tools after some systems administrators reported that they had been blocked from installing its latest batch of security updates on PCs.
6/21/2008
Microsoft To Combine Identity and Security Divisions
Microsoft this week unveiled plans to roll up its Access Security Division and Identity and Access Divisions into a single, unified group, in a move that will take effect at the start of Microsoft's fiscal year on July 1.
Ozzie Is Key to Microsoft's Success Against Google
As technology visionary and Gates' successor, Ozzie must serve as a thoughtful counterbalance to Ballmer's trademark bluster.
Week in review: Firefox's wildfire
After months of waiting and minutes of technical hurdles, Mozilla finally released Firefox 3, its open-source browser challenger to Microsoft's Internet Explorer crown.
Will Ozzie Era at Microsoft Signal a Revolution?
Ray Ozzie's ascension is the beginning of a revolution designed to transform the company's business model as well as redefine corporate IT infrastructures and how end users access, share and interact with applications and data.
6/20/2008
Nokia: Open source developers should play by our rules
Nokia got off to a great start by embracing open source for its mobile device business. But now, according to Jaaski, it's the open source developer community that needs to adapt to the ways of commercial software vendors, not the other way around.
6/19/2008
Deadline looms for demise of Windows XP
As of 30 June, large PC makers will no longer be able to sell Windows XP-based PCs, at least on mainstream notebooks and desktops.
Patch-blocking bug also stymies Microsoft's WSUS
Like the System Center Configuration Manager problem, this one is linked to Office 2003 SP1
SharePoint Skills Shortfall
There's not nearly enough experienced, SharePoint development talent to go around.
6/18/2008
China in anti-monopoly probe of Microsoft: state media
China has begun an anti-monopoly investigation into US software giant Microsoft and lawsuits by local companies could follow, state media reported on Wednesday.
Search, Social Networking Key in SharePoint
Over the next few years, Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) will continue to invest heavily in social computing and enterprise search on its Office SharePoint Server 2007 platform.
6/17/2008
BI Vendors Trying to Reach the Rank and File
Despite the billions of dollars being spent each year on BI (business intelligence) software, the tools remain largely the province of power users and business analysts who know how to wring useful results from them, but that's bound to change, an analyst said.
Microsoft Revamps MSDN and TechNet
Microsoft’s SQL Server 2008 and Hyper-V are the foundations for the newly revamped MSDN.
Microsoft To Add ODF to Office 2007 SP2
When Microsoft ships the next Office 2007 Service Pack, likely in the first half of 2009, it will include native read/write support for XML-based OpenDocument Format (ODF) files. The move is a significant change of course for the software giant, but one that could help placate both regulators and its critics.
SproutCore to spruce up Apple's Safari Web applications?
Apple may be looking at an open-source solution as a way to get around Adobe Systems' Flash technology.
6/16/2008
Firefox 3: Are We Heading Towards a New Browser War?
Tomorrow, Mozilla will release the latest version of its famous browser Firefox. After 34 months of work and several release candidates, Firefox 3 will be ready for prime time and Mozilla hopes to also achieve a world record for the most software downloaded in 24 hours.
Microsoft snafu blocks enterprise patching
Microsoft confirmed late Friday that enterprise administrators using one of its patch distribution tools have not been able to install last week's security updates.
Microsoft unveils optimised sat-nav OS
Microsoft has released Windows Embedded NavReady 2009, its first embedded operating system to be specifically optimised for manufacturers of portable navigation devices.
6/15/2008
Microsoft-Yahoo fallout makes Google stronger
Microsoft Corp.'s abandoned takeover bid for Yahoo Inc. appears to have culminated with a disheartening thud for those two companies but amounted to yet another coup for online search leader Google Inc.
One Laptop Meets Big Business
The big idea of giving PCs to poor children has been challenged by educators and business. Here, follow the misadventures of One Laptop per Child.
Opinion: Apple's Snow Leopard -- an OS without any new features?
To be exact, "no new features" isn't completely accurate. Apple has opened the trench coat a bit, putting up a page on its site about the client version of Snow Leopard that most of us will see and a page about the server version.
6/14/2008
Web Advertisers Say End Is Near For Yahoo Search Ad Platform
Yahoo Inc.'s decision to ink an ad pact with rival Google Inc. likely marks the beginning of the end for Yahoo's Panama search advertising platform, advertisers said Friday.
6/13/2008
Don’t get derailed by Office 2007 compatibility issues
Microsoft Office 2007 provides a lot of new features and functionality, but what about compatibility? Here are 10 tips for dealing with compatibility issues when you upgrade to the latest versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
Microsoft releases first Open XML SDK
The SDK includes an application programming interface (API) simplifying the creation of code for searching documents, creating documents, validating document parts, modifying data and other tasks, Microsoft said.
6/12/2008
Firefox and Opera launch new browsers to challenge Microsoft
Upgraded versions of Firefox and Opera are aiming to unseat Internet Explorer as the dominant web browser.
Google, Yahoo Strike Ad Deal
Just hours after saying it had ended talks over a possible investment from Microsoft, Yahoo announced a deal with Google to run some of Google's advertisements alongside Yahoo search results.
Microsoft Aims to Make IE8 IT-Friendly
The new features will include a function that enables administrators to slipstream IE8 into Windows Vista installations, new Group Policy settings to help them deal with application compatibility problems, and security modifications that let users install some browser add-ins without having to contact an administrator.
Microsoft Goes Facebook on Its Employees
Microsoft's Office Labs team, a testbed for ideas from company employees, is treating attendees of the Enterprise 2.0 conference to a sneak preview of a Facebook-like social network the company is working on to help employees keep tabs on each other.
Microsoft Releases Beta For Identity Management App
Microsoft is shipping the first public beta of Microsoft Identity Lifecycle Management 2, a planned major upgrade to Microsoft's software for identity and access management, Microsoft executives said Tuesday.
6/11/2008
BI Players Forge Roads into the Mid-Market
Is the industry delivering tools that make it easier for mid-market customers to take the BI plunge?
Looking for a startup idea and VC funding? Call Microsoft
Microsoft's IP Ventures program has just completed its third year of licensing patents and technology, and can also help startups get Microsoft software and technical expertise for little or no charge, as well as VC funding, in return for a 10% to 30% equity stake.
Microsoft highlights virtualization at Tech-Ed, week 2
Microsoft Corp.'s virtualization strategy is expected to take center stage during the second week of its Tech-Ed conference series in Orlando.
Microsoft testing prototype of Facebook-like social network
Office Labs testing TownSquare network sought by Office, SharePoint developers.
The iPhone Doesn't Ring With Business
Consumers may salivate for the new 3G iPhone from Apple but the phone remains a tough sell in the corporate world.
6/10/2008
iPhone promises more for less
One year after its much-hyped debut, Apple Inc.'s popular iPhone is getting a face lift and a major price cut.
6/9/2008
Apple tackles iPhone background app limits with push service
Addressing one of the most outstanding complaints regarding feature limitations in third-party iPhone applications, Apple on Monday said it has developed a push notification service that will feed programs with data even when technically shut down.
Enterprise 2.0 Preview: Collaborative Tools Gird Wachovia's Global Push
Wachovia is embracing Wikis, blogs, instant messaging, social networking sites, Microsoft's Sharepoint, and other collaborative tools to connect staff, cut costs, and retain and attract younger employees.
Microsoft Silverlight to back Ruby, Python in browser
Microsoft plans to enable the Python and Ruby languages to be used for client-side development of rich Internet applications that leverage the company's Silverlight browser plug-in technology.
Microsoft, other firms take aim at Enterprise 2.0 market with new tools
Microsoft Corp. and a slew of other companies will roll out new tools this week designed to help companies meld internal data with social networks, mashups or other tools like iGoogle that originated in the Web 2.0 world.
6/8/2008
Mark Lucovsky visits the Gillmor Gang
This week's Friday Gillmor Gang podcast featured Mark Lucovsky, currently head of Google's search APIs and formerly a top technologist at Microsoft (reportedly Steve Ballmer threw a chair across the room upon being informed that Lucovsky was getting hitched to Google). Lucovsky talked about making Google's APIs available to developers.
6/7/2008
Microsoft aims to offer best of both worlds
Microsoft is hoping to counter the challenge from online services by offering companies a platform that melds the ubiquity and flexibility of the cloud with client-based performance
Microsoft Releases Latest SharePoint Extensions and Improves Developer Experience
Microsoft recently announced the latest version of the Visual Studio Extensions for Windows SharePoint Services (v1.2). This announcement is significant in that, among specific improvements in and to "out-of-the-box" projects, Redmond has added support for Visual Studio 2008.
Microsoft Silverlight to back Ruby, Python in browser
Microsoft plans to enable the Python and Ruby languages to be used for client-side development of rich Internet applications that leverage the company's Silverlight browser plug-in technology.
Microsoft to aid developer teams with modeling
A new feature Microsoft plans to add to the next version of Visual Studio Team System, code-named Rosario, will allow developers to create a visual map of an application's architecture, and then compare that to the back-end code.
6/6/2008
Microsoft slates seven fixes for next week
Its plans include patches for Bluetooth, IE, DirectX and Active Directory -- three of them "critical."
Microsoft`s 'Oslo' Loses a Leader, Plows On
Despite losing a key strategist for its “Oslo” effort, Microsoft preps a preview release for October.
6/5/2008
Businesses Use Microsoft Robotics, But Not For Robots
Companies like MySpace and Tyco are using elements of the developer studio's Concurrency and Coordination Runtime to manage business processes and intranet services.
Gates Bids Adieu to Developers
It's fitting that Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates delivered his final publicly scheduled speech as a full-time Microsoft employee on Tuesday to a roomful of software developers.
Gates promises IE8 Beta 2 in August
Microsoft's chairman calls the upcoming browser a 'big milestone for us'
Microsoft Partners Yawn At Adobe's Services Play
Microsoft partners say the emergence of newcomer Adobe bears watching; most believe that Microsoft's superior breadth of online applications gives it the upper hand in the online services race.
Microsoft readies Oslo previews
Modeling-based apps platform advances with three primary components: a modeling tool, a repository, and a declarative programming language
Mining your data for gold
How can we make sure that we’re marketing the right products to the right customers?
6/4/2008
Microsoft Extends XP Deadline for Low-Cost PCs
At Computex it said it has now also extended the deadline for low-cost desktops. PC makers can now include Windows XP in those systems until 2010, the same as the deadline for low-cost laptops.
Microsoft linking Silverlight, Ruby on Rails
Microsoft Corp. plans to demonstrate integration Friday between its new Silverlight browser plug-in technology for rich Internet applications and the Ruby on Rails Web framework.
Microsoft releases its latest Dynamics for ERP
Microsoft today released Dynamics AX 2009, a major update that adds Role Centers, increased business intelligence, and myriad other new features to what many consider to be the best of Microsoft's four products in the ERP space.
Microsoft: Partner Services Aren't Going Away
Microsoft insists that channel partners are going to have plenty of chances to add value to its Online services portfolio, which includes Web-hosted versions of Exchange, SharePoint, Office Communications and Office Live Meeting.
6/2/2008
Adobe Declares War On Microsoft Live, Google Docs
Acrobat.com doesn't do everything that Microsoft or Google do with office productivity applications online. But it also goes where the two giants haven't yet ventured: wholesale integration of live, online communications and collaboration in a single, free, Web-based account.