Pedro Hernandez

Microsoft’s Azure Active Directory (AD) Premium, the software giant’s cloud-based user identity management platform, is on the lookout for leaked credentials that potentially could gain hackers a foothold in their networks and lead to a bigger security headache. David Howell, partner group program manager for the Identity and Security Services division at Microsoft, announced late […]

Microsoft is banking on Enterprise Mobility Suite (EMS) and its upcoming Windows 10 operating system to turn the company’s oft-repeated “mobile-first, cloud-first” vision into a reality for businesses. Ahead of the Windows 10 launch on July 29, the company is offering a glimpse of what it has in store for IT administrators charged with managing […]

While hinting at HoloLens’ entertainment capabilities, most early demonstrations of Microsoft’s Windows 10-powered augmented-reality headset addressed how the technology can enhance productivity or add a new dimension to real-world tasks like making repairs or conducting medical research. Late into today’s Xbox E3 briefing in Los Angeles, the company displayed another, more entertaining side of HoloLens. […]

LinkedIn recently updated its selling tool, Sales Manager, allowing organizations to embed its functionality directly into Microsoft’s CRM offering, Dynamics CRM. Emblematic of Microsoft’s new approach to breaking down barriers between software platforms—often including those of major rivals—in the name of improved productivity, the new integrations help employees streamline their workflows and maintain focus as […]

And then there was one. Microsoft is dropping the modern Skype app for Windows PCs, leaving only the desktop version, the company announced. “Starting on July 7, we’re updating PC users of the Windows modern application to the Windows desktop application, and retiring the modern application,” said Aga Guzik, head of Desktop Product Marketing at […]

In a big data push, the company announced this week that Azure will soon support MapR Hadoop clusters and that Power BI gained two new data sources. Building on Azure HDInsight, Microsoft’s cloud-based Hadoop-as-a-service offering, the company announced this week that it is expanding its support for other big data platforms. This summer, Hortonworks Data […]

Twitter CEO Dick Costolo, who took over in 2010 for Evan Williams during a major push to grow the social network’s advertising business, is stepping down from his position on July 1, the company announced today on its official Twitter accounts. “Dick Costolo to step down as CEO, will remain on Board, and Jack Dorsey […]

Microsoft snapped up BlueStripe Software, a provider of application management technology, for an undisclosed amount, the companies announced on June 10. The deal will help bolster Microsoft’s on-premises and cloud monitoring capabilities, said Mike Neil, general manager of the Redmond, Wash., software giant’s Enterprise Cloud division. “BlueStripe’s solution helps map, monitor and troubleshoot distributed applications […]

One of the biggest surprises at the Microsoft Windows 10 event on Jan. 21 was Surface Hub, a massive 84-inch, Windows-powered 4K touch-screen with video conferencing and whiteboard technology. Today, the company revealed when businesses can begin wall-mounting the device in their meeting rooms. Microsoft will begin taking orders on July 1, Mike Angiulo, corporate […]

Microsoft’s Cloud OS partner network is picking up steam and one of the first companies to launch a managed private cloud offering under the program is Chicago-based managed services provider Hostway. The small and midsize business (SMB) technology specialist today unveiled new virtual and dedicated private cloud services for businesses seeking “greater and granular control […]

Hewlett-Packard’s high-end Integrity Superdome X systems are primed to run Microsoft’s database, SQL Server 2014, the companies announced. The tech giants joined forces to produce a reference configuration for deploying the database platform on the business-critical server hardware from HP. Announced late last year, HP’s Integrity Superdome X (pictured) represents somewhat of a break from […]

Microsoft has released an update to its Office Web Apps, allowing users to carry on Skype for Business (formerly Lync) conversations without switching software. “You will now have the option to start an instant message, voice and/or video conversation with one or several of your colleagues right from the productivity of your inbox, OneDrive for […]