Recent News

July 8, 2013
Partners: Want higher profits and faster growth? Sell cloud solutions, new IDC study says

Today from the Worldwide Partner Conference in Houston, Microsoft released a new study from IDC that shows partners selling cloud-based solutions benefit from higher gross profit, more new customers, higher revenue per employee and faster overall business growth. The study also revealed customer buying preferences that highlight the importance of the role of partners in the overall industry cloud transition.

July 5, 2013
BizSpark European Summit showcases how Microsoft helps startups

The BizSpark European Summit in Berlin, which took place Thursday, has proven to be an ideal showcase for startups from all over the continent as they compete in front of a live audience and a panel of judges. They’ve already made it through a rigorous selection process, and all 12 finalists reap the rewards of getting that far.

July 5, 2013
Microsoft – HP Modern Infrastructure program will bring new opportunities for partners

Industry shifts such as the cloud, bring your own device (BYOD), big data, and mission critical computing have transformed datacenter computing. Some of these shifts are emerging, some not. Either way, many businesses are just starting to address them and need complete solutions. Microsoft and HP announced on Wednesday a set of market-ready solutions that Microsoft partners can begin offering their customers later this year.

July 5, 2013
The Next Big Thing collection of top new games from indie developers updated for summer

The latest round-up of games from our favorite independent developers is now available at The Next Big Thing collection for Windows Phone. This eclectic selection of seven games runs the gamut of environments: “Mini Dash,” “Royal Revolt,” “Zombie HQ,” “Rufus and the Magic Mushrooms,” “Sparkle 2,” “Eyez,” and “Nun Attack.”

July 5, 2013
Skype video messages have you covered when an IM just isn’t enough

With Skype for Windows desktop 6.5, Microsoft added a new way to stay in touch with your friends and loved ones using video. You can now record video messages to send to them, which they can then play and re-play whenever they like. Riffing off of that new feature, Skype Tips & Tricks blogger Matthew de Beer breaks down four ways to use Skype video messages when IM just won’t do.

July 5, 2013
Sign up for the 2013 Xbox Live Update Xbox 360 Public Beta

Xbox Live members can now weigh in on the 2013 Xbox Live Update for Xbox 360 Public Beta. Major Nelson reports it will include updates to improve overall performance and the ability to conduct transactions with local currency, which is important since Microsoft Points will go away later this year.

July 5, 2013
Business Reimagined: Why work isn’t working and what you can do about it

The trends of flexible working, social business and how employees and managers need to change the way they operate to take advantage of them, are all explored in a recently-published book written by Microsoft U.K.’s Dave Coplin. Reimagining business is about waking up to a new environment, based on collaborative and flexible working, on technology that, used correctly, liberates rather than constrains. The future of work must be based on being open, on focusing on results, not process, and on empowerment, rather than hierarchy.