[The articles below were posted between October 25, 2004 and November 29, 2004 and appear in the December hardcopy edition of Update.]

Server Platforms

Data Integration Improved in SQL Server 2005

SQL Server 2005 includes completely rewritten tools for data integration, transformation, and cleansing, which could strengthen SQL Server's position in data warehousing, reporting, and other business intelligence areas

Service Pack 1 for SMS 2003 Adds Features

SMS 2003 Service Pack 1 adds support for additional client platforms and improves SMS's patch management capabilities, performance, and security

Windows and Mobile

Windows Server Roadmap Clarified

Cooperation with Cisco on network protection technologies and the need to maintain the Windows Server release cycle is causing Microsoft to tweak the feature sets of upcoming releases

New Desktop Upgrade Push

To spur upgrades to the latest versions of the Windows client OS and Office, Microsoft has upgraded its Business Desktop Deployment Solution Accelerator and split it into two editions

Genuine Windows Pilot Expanding

With the initial Genuine Windows pilot exceeding its expectations, Microsoft is expanding both the coverage of the pilot and the offers to entice users to participate

NetWare Migration Discounts

Novell NetWare customers can get discounts of up to US$15,000 on partner-provided migration services under a new incentive program from Microsoft

Windows XP Embedded Tailored for Retail

A new embedded platform for retail point-of-sale devices based on Windows XP should help drive Windows adoption in the retail sector

Business Applications and Services

Small Business Accounting Fills Product Gap

Small Business Accounting (SBA), which will be bundled with a version of Office, fills an important gap in Microsoft's business software lineup and offers significant opportunities for development partners

Development Tools & Programs

Visual Studio Renews Pitch for Developers

VS 2005 contains significant improvements across the product, most of which are designed to address limitations that kept developers from switching from older Microsoft tools

ISV Programs Updated

Three partner programs should help ISVs work with Microsoft, embed Microsoft products with the ISV's products, and resolve problems with the ISVs' applications running on Windows

Consumer Products and Services

The Role of the Home Products and Services Division

Consumer desktop applications and hardware bring in a billion in annual revenues and provide bundling opportunities for OEMs

Comcast Deploys Microsoft TV

Comcast will deploy Microsoft TV Foundation Edition to approximately 500,000 customers in Washington State--the first production deployment of any Microsoft TV platform by a U.S. cable company

Free Slideshow Program Available

Photo Story, a program that converts digital photos into an audio-video slideshow, is now available as a free download for Genuine Windows

Sales & Support

Multiple Cores, Single License

To gain a competitive advantage and spur adoption of multiple-core processors, Microsoft will continue to base software licenses on the number of processors rather than the number of processor cores

Support, Licensing Web Sites Updated

Web sites for viewing information about volume licensing and for solving problems with Microsoft software have been upgraded and improved

Corporate News

Public Sector, Regional Sales Reorganized

The Dec. 2004 Directions on Microsoft OrgChart reflects notable changes to the teams responsible for public sector, regional, and product sales and marketing

Indemnification Policy Expanded

Indemnification benefits large customers that might face intellectual property lawsuits over Microsoft products, and helps Microsoft cast doubts on open source competitors

Record Profits Again in Q1'05

Strong revenue growth across all seven businesses and the absence of unusual expenses helped Microsoft post record-breaking profits for its second consecutive quarter

Novell, CCIA Highlight Legal News

Novell drops some antitrust claims but files a new lawsuit over WordPerfect; Microsoft joins an industry body best known for participating in government antitrust cases against the company