Pedro Hernandez

Microsoft’s business intelligence and analytics product, Power BI, is already helping enterprises keep an eye on key business metrics by transforming big data into charts, tables and other visualizations. Now, Azure Stream Analytics customers can use the cloud-based tool to convert Internet of things (IoT) data into insights that update in real time. Capable of […]

Microsoft announced mixed third-quarter fiscal 2016 results April 21, but one figure is likely to stand out among IT watchers. The company revealed that its annual commercial cloud revenue has crossed the $10 billion mark, up from $9.4 billion the previous quarter. Microsoft follows Amazon in revealing that the cloud has lifted its fortunes beyond […]

Microsoft has ended production of the Xbox 360, Phil Spencer, head of the company’s Xbox division, announced yesterday. “Xbox 360 means a lot to everyone in Microsoft. And while we’ve had an amazing run, the realities of manufacturing a product over a decade old are starting to creep up on us,” wrote Spencer in a […]

The cloud’s transformative effects aren’t confined to the data center. IT career paths are also being rerouted as enterprises flock to the cloud. In response, Microsoft today unveiled two new programs aimed at helping IT professionals sharpen their skills on the software maker’s Azure cloud computing platform. “There is a significant opportunity for IT professionals […]

During the Build developer conference last month, Microsoft introduced Skype Bots that enable users to hold conversations with helper applications using the software’s text-based messaging capabilities (video and voice interaction modes are on the way). At the time, the bots were added to the latest versions of the Skype app for Windows, Android, iPhone and […]

With days to spare before Earth Day arrives this year on April 22, Microsoft has launched a new Website that showcases the progress the IT giant has made in lowering its environmental impact. Dubbed Microsoft Environment, the site treats visitors to facts and figures concerning the tech titan’s efforts to reduce its carbon footprint, procure […]

Microsoft’s cloud-based application container orchestration platform, Azure Container Service, is generally available, starting today, the Redmond, Wash., software giant announced. First unveiled during September’s AzureCon virtual event, Azure Container Service brings the Apache Mesos cluster management technology to Docker deployments on Azure. “Rather than building our own [container orchestration technology], we’re taking what is popular […]

Sway, Microsoft’s Web- and mobile-optimized presentation software, now puts users in control. A recent update allows users to select a viewing experience that suits their preferences, announced the company on April 14. A new set of controls in the viewing mode allows users to select new navigation layouts, allowing them to explore so-called Sways vertically […]

Windows 10 users can now make Skype calls from Microsoft Edge, no plug-in required. Microsoft announced a new preview of Skype video calling on its Microsoft Edge browser (version 10.0.10586 and up) on Friday that does away with plug-ins and other helper software. Making a break from Internet Explorer’s checkered past, Microsoft replaced IE with […]

Microsoft has added its Power BI business intelligence and analytics software to the growing list of cloud products that are compatible with the company’s security- and privacy-enhancing ExpressRoute service. Launched nearly two years ago, Microsoft Azure ExpressRoute provides organizations with a private link between the software giant’s cloud data centers and a customer’s own on-premises […]

Microsoft is gearing up for next week’s NAB Show, the National Association of Broadcasters’ signature event, in Las Vegas by announcing new cloud-based offerings for organizations that process and manage large volumes of video content. Currently in beta, Azure Media Analytics is a collection of new and existing tools intended to help organizations gather insights […]

Developers aren’t the only ones Microsoft has in mind for its upcoming Windows 10 Anniversary Update. Today, the company announced new features for the education market ahead of the 2016/2017 back-to-school season. “Our company mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. In education, it’s to empower every […]