Editor’s Note: Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT)
Microsoft’s VDI deals make Windows Server cheapest desktop OS (Register)
Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT)’s licensing policies for virtual desktops (VDI) include two anomalies that make it cheaper to provide Windows Server to end users. Those hoping to adopt desktop-as-a-service (DaaS) have problems because hosting companies cannot rent out Windows licences and must serve desktops from dedicated hardware. Hosting companies The Reg has spoken to find this nonsensical, because the economics of hosting and managed services mean such service providers nearly always use multi-tenanted storage and hardware. The wonders of virtualisation make it easy to provision virtual machines to make this possible, while storage vendors pride themselves on the ability to provide large boxen that service providers can slice and dice as they see fit.
Microsoft launches Xbox Music on Web for free (Mid Columbia Tri City Herald)
Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) is making its Xbox Music streaming service available for free on the Web — even to those who don’t use Windows 8. The expansion beyond Windows 8 devices and Xbox game consoles starting Monday is intended to bring new customers into the software giant’s ecosystem of devices and services and could help it compete with other digital music offerings like Pandora, Spotify and iTunes. It’s also an acknowledgement that the music service hasn’t done much to drive sales of the Windows 8 operating system.
Microsoft Sharepoint enables collaboration and increases productivity at ALEC (Al-Bawaba)
Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) Gulf has launched a new central point of collaboration for UAE construction company, ALEC. Microsoft Sharepoint has been installed to help the company increase collaboration, productivity and efficiency for its business, both within its office and on its construction sites. The platform, entitled ALEC Central, brings together all company processes, procedures and relevant project data, as well as up-to-date news and information. In addition, employees will be able to communicate and collaborate through the platform no matter where they might be located, through a range of connected devices, including tablets and smartphones.
Microsoft preps a docking station for the next generation Surface Pro (Digital Trends)
Detailed by Paul Thurrott as well as Neowin, Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) is currently preparing a docking station for the Surface Pro line of tablets. Easily one of the most requested accessories for the Surface tablet, a docking station will allow users to easily connect additional USB devices like a full sized keyboard or a wireless mouse. Specifically, the Surface Pro Docking Station will offer three USB 2.0 ports as well as one USB 3.0 port for high speed data transfers. In addition, the Surface Pro Docking Station includes a mini DisplayPort port to output video to an external display device like a projector.
Microsoft lost ‘wow factor’: Pro (CNBC.com)
