Author: Microsoft Stories

Microsoft is offering its Synnex partners a set of incentives and programs to help them get customers off outdated infrastructure and onto the cloud. With end-of-life for Windows Server 2003 less than three months away, Microsoft is offering solution providers a 10 percent subsidy for every Windows or SQL Server sold through Synnex, according to Cindy Bates, Microsoft’s vice president of US SMB and distribution.

Project Leadership Associates (PLA) announced that it has received the Microsoft Azure Award for Ebola Research to support a leading-edge cloud computing project focused on stopping the deadly impact of this infectious disease. Funded through a grant by Microsoft, the project will focus on developing a better information infrastructure focused on reducing the spread of the Ebola virus.

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella revealed he hopes to strike a number of “annuity relationships” with both consumers and businesses alike, asking them to pay subscriptions rather than one-time fees. “Overall I’m pleased with our business performance,” Nadella said on a conference call with analysts. “It’s clear we are well on our way to transforming businesses across Microsoft.”

In another dynamic venture, HP has collaborated with Microsoft to deliver solutions for the automotive, public sector and financial services industries and help organizations quickly deliver differentiated products and create new revenue through mobile, Web and social channels.

Microsoft will launch high-end mobile devices only when Windows 10 hits the market. Ajey Mehta, Managing Director, Microsoft Mobile Devices, said, “We believe we have to offer the best possible experience to the consumers. People are looking for signature experiences and it is very important for us to offer those signature experiences.”

Microsoft has released a new build of its Windows 10 Technical Preview version 10061. Users who are registered with the Windows Insider Program and are in the Fast Ring will be able to download the new build. The Windows 10 build 10061 brings new a Calendar and Mail app that Microsoft says will improve performance. It adds a three pane email swipe which allows users to toggle between their email and calendar easily. The update also includes a number of UI tweaks.

At the panel discussion ‘Accelerating the Digital transition’ organised at the Global Exhibition on Services 2015, Bhaskar Pramanik, Chairman, Microsoft India, called for the creation of a unified digital identity in India for availing central government services, state government services, municipal services and financial services among others. Pramanik predicted that government apps will be the killer apps of the future overtaking the current favourites on cricket and Bollywood.

Microsoft India announced the winners of the India leg of Imagine Cup 2015 at the conclusion of the National Finals held in Palwal, Haryana. Joseph Landes, General Manager, Developer Experience and Evangelism, Microsoft India, said, “It is rewarding to see this year’s talented young innovators develop ground-breaking technology solutions to address world challenges and create a bright future in a mobile-first, cloud-first era. From the initial online stage of this year’s competition to the India Finals, it has been amazing to see the passion and commitment.”