Posted: Nov. 19, 2007

[The articles below were posted between Oct. 29, 2007 and Nov. 19, 2007 and appear in the December 2007 hardcopy edition of Update.]

Windows & Mobile

Free! Windows Server 2008 Controls Network Access

Network Access Protection allows an organization to control which computers access its network, but its ultimate value will depend on the availability of health monitoring components

Windows Vista Service Pack 1 Previewed

Organizations that choose to wait for a first service pack before deploying a new Windows version may want to start evaluating Windows Vista SP1 now

Windows Server 2008 Protects Content

An update to Rights Management Services in Windows Server 2008 will simplify sharing of protected documents between organizations

Vista Enterprise Options Reduced

Virtualization on Blade PCs is all but prohibited, and the right to swap Vista Enterprise for Ultimate is curtailed

Windows CE Gets R2, Vista Embedded Delayed

Windows CE 6.0 R2 adds new components that make it easier for devices to connect with PCs and each other; an embedded Vista won't appear until 2009 or 2010

WSUS Installs Stealth Updates

Organizations may no longer be able to trust Windows Server Update Services to stop Microsoft from updating computers without approval

Sales, Marketing, and Services

Free! Solution Plans Define Enterprise Partner Relationships

Partner Solution Plans ensure that Microsoft and its enterprise partners are on the same page and outline clear commitments for which each party can be held accountable

Volume Discounts to 'Get Genuine'

New 'Get Genuine' solutions give volume customers a way to legalize their Windows software

Business Applications & Services

Search Server Updated, Free Version Added

A forthcoming update to Microsoft's enterprise search servers and lower prices could spark demand for the products and counter the penetration of Google's Search Appliance

Upgraded Support for Dynamics

Customers can purchase Premier support for the Dynamics line of business applications, which could simplify support for large customers, speed problem resolution, and help with upgrades

Duet Roadmap Tweaked Again

Plans for a second major version of Duet in 2008 have been canceled, which will delay several interesting features but should help Microsoft and SAP ship Duet 3.0 on time

Dynamics NAV, CRM Live Slip

A schedule slip delays updates to the technical foundation of the Dynamics NAV ERP application; new pricing for the forthcoming Dynamics CRM 4.0 could lower costs for Microsoft's hosting partners

Exchange 2007 SP1 Prepares for New OS

Exchange Server 2007 SP1 supports Windows Server 2008, delivers a new high availability feature, and restores capabilities that were missing from the initial 2007 release

Global Care Extends Health Reach

Global Care Solutions software, developed in Thailand, is a key acquisition in Microsoft's healthcare strategy

Application Platform

Messaging, Workflow Roadmap Announced

A project code-named Oslo will deliver updated messaging and workflow technologies in the next version of BizTalk Server and other products starting in 2009

VSTO Anchors Push for Office-Based Development

Visual Studio Tools for Office has emerged as the winner from among many competing and overlapping technologies for Office development

VS Source Code, Licensing Changes

Changes in the license terms for the Visual Studio IDE, along with read-only access to the source code, could help partners build add-ons

New Language Coming to Visual Studio

A future version of Visual Studio will include F#, a new .NET programming language that supports functional programming

Customer Service Platform Updated

The Customer Care Framework (CCF), Microsoft's specialized developer platform for customer service applications, has been updated to speed development and support the company's latest developer technology

Consumer and Small Business

Facebook Partnership Expanded

A US$240 million investment in fast-growing social networking site Facebook will increase Microsoft's advertising revenue while blocking competitors

New Xbox Bundle, Content Takes on Nintendo

An inexpensive bundle and new downloadable content geared toward younger users will help the Xbox 360 take on Nintendo's popular Wii

Small-Business Phone System Ships

The Microsoft-developed Response Point phone systems could interest small businesses, thanks to voice recognition features and ease of administration, but the first version does not integrate with Communications Server

Acquisition to Boost Mobile Music

The acquisition of Musiwave could help Microsoft increase the consumer appeal of its mobile phone platform

Corporate and Legal

Revenue Surge Propels Strong Q1'08

Strong sales in nations with emerging economies and a profitable quarter for the Xbox business helped Microsoft show 27% revenue growth and record operating and net income in Q1'08