[The articles below were posted between Oct. 24, 2005 and Nov. 14, 2005 and appear in the December 2005 hardcopy edition of Update.]

Windows & Mobile

Malicious Software Removal Tools Roadmap

Although Microsoft has begun laying out a roadmap for its malicious software removal tools, release dates and licensing are still unknown, and Microsoft faces significant challenges

Microsoft Positioned for Smart-Phone Growth

Nobody is yet certain how big the market for smart phones will grow, but Microsoft thinks it has a strategy for winning a large slice of it

Media Center Updated

An update to Windows XP Media Center Edition adds support for streaming content, including high-definition video, to an Xbox 360, as well as bug fixes and minor new features

Windows XP Security Guide Updated

The 219-page Windows XP Security Guide will help IT departments securely configure Windows XP client machines for corporate environments

Nov. 2005 Security Updates

Nov. 2005's 'Patch Tuesday' included one critical patch for vulnerabilities in the Windows graphics rendering engine, and an advisory was issued for an Oct. 2005 update

Server Platforms

SQL Server 2005 Improves Management, Enterprise Features

Manageability improvements in SQL Server 2005 could further solidify the product's position in the database midmarket; furthermore, new high-availability capabilities could help it gain traction in the enterprise market

Exchange SP for Devices, Security

Exchange Server 2003 SP2 includes many new features, many of which will also require new Windows Mobile phones

Swiss VoIP Startup Acquired

Microsoft has acquired Media-streams.com, a developer of software that gives Outlook VoIP capabilities

Development Tools & Programs

Vista Communications Layer Targets Web Services

The Windows Communication Foundation (WCF) aims to simplify Web services, but interoperability will depend on key Web service standards and customers' ability to adapt to a new style of programming

Integrated Query Next on VB, C# Roadmaps

Language Integrated Query (LINQ) could make it easier for VB and C# developers to create applications that access data in a variety of formats, but it isn't due until the 'Orcas' release of Visual Studio in 2007

Web Services Toolkit Updated

A new version of the Web Services Enhancement (WSE) toolkit offers updated protocol support and new GUI tools, but developers must choose between it and the upcoming Windows Communication Framework

Business Applications & Services

Portal, E-Mail Hooks for Access

Access 12 will deliver new features for accessing data in portals and e-mail, as Microsoft continues to promote the product for collaborative applications

Business Framework Folds

The Microsoft Business Framework has been dissolved and its development team reorganized; some of the team's work will make its way into Microsoft products but other work has been scrapped

SharePoint Portal for Navision

A service pack for Navision moves that product's portal technology to Windows SharePoint Services and offers a .NET wrapper for Navision's data access programming interfaces

Business Scorecard Manager Ships

The Business Scorecard Manager 2005 Web server application tracks business performance using key performance indicators calculated from business data

Consumer Products & Services

Services Emerge Under 'Live' Brand

Windows Live consumer services and Office Live small business services are the first steps in a revamped strategy to capture more revenue from online services

Casual Games Could Boost 360

Simple, inexpensive, downloadable games are an increasingly important component of Microsoft's consumer strategy, particularly to broaden the appeal of the Xbox 360

Sales & Support

The Role of the Communications Sector Group

New challenges face Microsoft's Communications Sector group, which is dedicated to marketing Microsoft products to the telecommunications and media industries

Shared Source Licensing Simplified

New licenses for companies that want to view or use Microsoft source code bring the company closer to open-source licenses and simplify licensing for commercial use or viewing of source code

Testing, Support for SQL Server ISVs

ISVs that quickly develop applications running on SQL Server 2005 are eligible for free application testing, technical support, and other benefits

Corporate News

Q1'06 Results Meet Expectations

Profit was up 24%, thanks to strong SQL Server and OEM sales, but Microsoft's consumer businesses missed expectations in Q1'06

Muglia to Lead Server and Tools

The effects of Microsoft's major Oct. 2005 reorganization are beginning to trickle down, as Bob Muglia takes over as head of Server and Tools

U.S. Privacy Law Sought

Microsoft is calling for strong U.S. legislation that will create a consistent framework for managing private data and rebuild consumer confidence in online commerce

Small Business, Partner Groups Linked

Small business marketing and the Microsoft Partner Program have been combined under Vice President Allison Watson