Ballmer bets Microsoft's future on the cloud ,

Seventy percent of the 40,000 people who work on software at Microsoft are in some way working in the cloud, CEO Steve Ballmer said Thursday at the University of Washington.

"A year from now, that will be 90 percent," he said.

In a wide-ranging talk to computer science students at the university, Ballmer explained why he thinks cloud computing is important and how Microsoft aims to take advantage of the trend toward hosted computing services.

"Our inspiration, our vision ... builds from this cloud base," he said. "This is the bet, if you will, for our company."

All Microsoft products including Windows, Office, Xbox, Azure, Bing, and Windows Phone are driven by the idea of being connected to the cloud, he said. While some recently introduced products like Windows 7 included a lot of work that is not cloud-based, the inspiration for the product starts with the cloud, he said.

Beyond software, Ballmer also described Microsoft's different strategies for creating devices that connect to cloud-based services. "The cloud wants smarter devices," he said.

He admitted mistakes in the way that Microsoft historically approached the mobile market, giving hardware makers a wide range of potential for form factors. "We didn't standardize enough. The cacophony of form factors for you, the user, was too high," he said.

Microsoft has unveiled a new version of its mobile software, Windows Phone 7, which has a much stricter set of hardware requirements. Still, it should have more options for hardware makers to innovate than some Microsoft competitors like Apple and Research In Motion where "you get what they choose to build for you," Ballmer said.

In the case of its Xbox gaming console, Microsoft uses that same strategy. But Ballmer hinted that there could be some variety with the Xbox. "You might have more form factors in the future for different price points and options," he said.

Ballmer also said that Microsoft wants to help foster the development of different cloud computing services, both private and public. "How does the cloud become something that not just Microsoft and four other companies run on the behalf of the whole planet? How do we give the cloud back to you?" he said. "You should be able to, if you want, run your own cloud."

In some cases Microsoft may be eager to help organizations run their own hosted environments because it doesn't make sense for the company to do so itself. For instance, a government might have regulations that hosted data be kept within the country's borders. But in a small country, Microsoft may not be interested in making the investment. "This company is not likely to build a public cloud in Slovenia any time soon," Ballmer said. Instead, Microsoft would like to sell a set of products built around its Azure cloud services that a country like Slovenia can buy and implement itself.

The potential benefits of cloud computing for companies and researchers are immense, Ballmer said. For instance, he talked about how bringing the world's poorest out of poverty will likely mean that those people will consume more energy. "We need to speed up the rate of scientific innovation" that can help solve climate change issues before that happens, he said. Researchers might be better able to run experiments quickly and analyze more data if they are able to access public cloud services, he said.

The cloud "will create opportunities for all the folks in this room to do important research and build important projects," Ballmer said.

The hosted computing model creates new possibilities for businesses too. "I think we are seeing and will continue to see where there are literally new software investments that create new business models, new opportunities to start and form businesses because of this commercial software infrastructure that's never existed before," he said.

For instance, a new company might only have the resources to offer a product to people in its local community. But if it can use hosted computing, it can offer the product to a wider audience, paying for the compute services as it uses them rather than investing in a data center up front.

Ballmer also suggested that the cloud might even make some open-source developers more interested in commercializing their developments. "With the advent of this new commercial infrastructure, some inventors can now ask, how can I monetize this, how can I get an economic value from the innovations that I get a chance to create," he said.

Cloud computing is here. Running applications on machines in an Internet-accessible data center can bring plenty of advantages. Yet wherever they run, applications are built on some kind of platform. For on-premises applications, this platform usually includes an operating system, some way to store data, and perhaps more. Applications running in the cloud need a similar foundation. The goal of Microsoft’s Windows Azure is to provide this. Part of the larger Azure Services Platform, Windows Azure is a platform for running Windows applications and storing data in the cloud.

 Cloud computing is a style of computing in which dynamically scalable and often virtualized resources are provided as a service over the Internet. To deploy a new solution, most of your time and energy is spent on defining the right infrastructure, hardware and software, to put together to create that solution, cloud computing allows people to share resources to solve new problems. Cloud computing users can avoid capital expenditure (CapEx) on hardware, software, and services when they pay a provider only for what they use.

Microsoft reportedly moves up Windows 7 SP1 release date

Analyst argues that Microsoft should delay SP1 to maintain momentum of fast-selling OS

Even though Microsoft has dropped a plan to wait nearly two years after Windows 7's launch to issue a first service pack, it won't deliver the update before the fourth quarter of this year, a site that has accurately predicted past Windows timetables said today.

Microsoft would be smart to reconsider and delay a service pack as long as possible, one analyst countered.

TechARP.com , a Malaysian Web site that has nailed previous service pack schedules for both Windows XP and Vista, said unnamed sources had originally pegged a 22-month development schedule for Windows 7 SP1 (Service Pack 1). But Microsoft has since changed its mind, reportedly to address an unknown number of "serious" performance bugs.

"The earliest Microsoft can realistically release Service Pack 1 for Windows 7 is in the last quarter of 2010," the site said.

That schedule would, in fact, fit with the timetable Microsoft used for the two desktop operating systems prior to Windows 7. The company issued Windows XP SP1 slightly more than 10 months after the release of XP in October 2001, and delivered the first service pack for Vista about 12 months after Vista's January 2007 retail launch.

"There's no required rule for a service pack," observed Michael Cherry, an analyst with Kirkland, Wash.-based Directions on Microsoft. "It's a psychological milestone. They've trained us to wait for SP1."

Microsoft would benefit by postponing Windows 7 SP1, Cherry argued. "Windows 7 has pretty good momentum right now, and that might slow down if they announce a service pack. Then, logically, that's when people will wait. It could put the dampers on [Windows 7's] good sales right now."

According to Peter Klein, Microsoft's chief financial officer, the company has sold 90 million licenses to Windows 7 since July 2009.

Microsoft declined to comment on TechARP's claims, or on a Windows 7 service pack in general. "Per Microsoft policy, we do not comment on rumors or speculation," a spokeswoman said today via e-mail. "We have nothing new to announce at this time."

"If Microsoft wants to break people of the habit of waiting for SP1, this would be the time to do it," said Cherry, citing the popularity of Windows 7 and the almost unanimous praise the operating system has received. "I'm not hearing any significant problems with Windows 7, so this time, waiting for SP1 you may be doing yourself a disservice."

Microsoft may also be leery of releasing a service pack because of those positive reviews of Windows 7, and the chance that a flawed service pack could poison the well. "You have a good success on your hands," said Cherry, "so the last thing you want is a bad service pack."

When Microsoft first released Vista in 2007, company executives argued that a service pack wouldn't be necessary because Windows Update could deliver fixes as they became available. Microsoft later backed away from that position. It hasn't made the same argument about Windows 7.

Cherry explained why a service pack was still necessary. "When a person buys a new computer and they go to Windows Update, and there's 50, 60, 70 updates waiting, at some point it becomes burdensome," he said.

Microsoft has issued several stability and reliability updates for Windows 7 since its late-October launch. The January stability update, however, caused some Windows 7 systems to randomly freeze or display the "Blue screen of death" error screen. Microsoft said the reports were not a "major problem."

By Gregg Keizer | Computerworld

Windows 7 is the next version of Windows client operating system from Microsoft built on the core fundamentals of Windows Vista. Windows 7 offers greater reliability and performance with an improvement in the Security features that were already available in Windows Vista. Windows 7 offers improved navigation, a new taskbar and a streamlined UI so that common tasks done in Windows are done easier and more quickly. These are some of the topics that will be demonstrated in the seminar: New Taskbar, Libraries, Ribbon, Background Processes-Services and Tasks, Multi-Touch.

PMP credentials also boost salaries and employment opportunities, IT job site finds

For high-tech workers, it pays to be certified, according to research conducted by Dice Learning that shows 10 IT certifications stand out for delivering higher salaries.

"Not all certifications are created equal in terms of paycheck impact. While nearly half of all technology professionals have at least one certification, a minority attributed pay increases to certification," said Evan Lesser, director of Dice Learning, which offers technical training and information about certifications and career advancement, in a statement. "When you combine in-demand skill sets and proven salary impact, specific certifications become valuable to individual technology professionals."

Dice Learning used responses from some 17,000 high-tech professionals to determine which technical skills and IT certifications deliver more compensation and helped workers command higher salaries. For instance, IT pros certified as a Project Management Professional could demand more pay on the job and unemployed workers might find more open positions. According to Dice Learning, there are currently 1,400 available jobs on Dice.com with PMP certification listed as a requirement.

"It's a particularly important job today, when companies are beginning to resurrect projects they'd shelved during the downturn, but want them completed as cost-efficiently and quickly as possible," according to a Dice Learning press release.

Other certifications helping IT pros increase their compensation are vendor specific. Microsoft Certified Systems Engineers (MCSE), Microsoft Certified Professionals (MCP) and Microsoft Certified Systems Administrators (MCSA) all landed on the list, showing that high-tech workers who can prove they are adept at Microsoft systems and associated skills will be in demand. For instance, Dice.com has 1,000 jobs listing a MSCE as a requirement.

"Sought by systems engineers, technical support engineers, systems analysts, network analysts and technical consultants, the MCSE is for professionals who spend their time maintaining the basic platforms on which so much business is conducted," Dice Learning states.

IT professionals trained as Cisco Certified Network Associates (CCNA) are also seeing bigger paychecks, according to this research. Having the "ability to install, configure, run and troubleshoot medium-sized routed and switched networks" is paying off for CCNAs, who by getting this IT certification also prove they can handle security and wireless technologies as well as a number of network protocols. Dice.com lists more than 650 available job opportunities requesting CCNA skills.

The Network + certification also landed on Dice Learning's list, which covers managing, maintaining, troubleshooting, installing and configuring basic network infrastructure. Offered by the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA), the Network + certification is also often included in programs by vendors such as Microsoft, Cisco, Novell and HP. The A + certification, also from CompTIA, is often associated with technical support professionals and shows an IT pro can install networks and conduct preventative maintenance, as well as secure and troubleshoot networks.

Security certifications such as Security + from CompTIA and Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) also deliver higher pay, according to Dice Learning, which states "security is a growing concern for businesses around the world." For CISSP holders, Dice.com currently lists 750 open positions.

Process skills could also mean more money, according to this research. ITIL certifications show IT professionals have studied the best practices and can apply them to an employer's IT service management efforts.

"The three-tier ITIL (IT Infrastructure Library) certification demonstrates the expertise of professionals in tech management. Public and private organizations use the ITIL as a compendium of IT operational best practices," according to Dice Learning.

Synergetics the “Leader” in “Software Developer training”, is a MICROSOFT PARTNER & an IBM Training Associate for University Relationship Programs. We carry an experience base of 15+ years of having extended our services to the likes of Accenture, Cap Gemini Consulting, Computer Sciences Corp., Cognizant, Covansys, Dell, HCL Tech, HP, IBM, Infosys, LTIL, Microsoft, Mindtree, NESS, Satyam, TCS, Verizon, Wipro, and such 100+ relationships across the country.

Microsoft And Amazon Ink Patent Cross-Licensing Deal

Microsoft and Amazon.com have signed a patent cross-licensing agreement that gives each company access to the other's patent portfolio.

The deal covers a broad range of products and technology, according to a Microsoft statement, including Amazon's Kindle e-reading device that uses a combination of proprietary and open source software.

The agreement also covers Amazon's use of Linux-based servers. Microsoft has signed a number of similar agreements with companies that sell Linux-based software or build Linux into their hardware products. In the past, Microsoft executives have maintained that components of Linux may violate Microsoft patents.

Microsoft said Amazon would pay Microsoft an undisclosed amount of money under the agreement. But specific terms of the deal were confidential.

"Microsoft's patent portfolio is the largest and strongest in the software industry, and this agreement demonstrates our mutual respect for intellectual property as well as our ability to reach pragmatic solutions to IP issues regardless of whether proprietary or open source software is involved," Horacio Gutierrez, Corporate Vice President and Deputy General Counsel, Intellectual Property and Licensing, Microsoft, said in a statement.

Microsoft said it has entered into more than 600 patent licensing agreements since it launched its IP licensing program in December 2003, including deals with Apple, Novell, Hewlett-Packard and Samsung.

By Rick Whiting, ChannelWeb, February 24, 2010

Synergetics the “Leader” in “Software Developer training”, is a MICROSOFT PARTNER & an IBM Training Associate for University Relationship Programs. We carry an experience base of 15+ years of having extended our services to the likes of Accenture, Cap Gemini Consulting, Computer Sciences Corp., Cognizant, Covansys, Dell, HCL Tech, HP, IBM, Infosys, LTIL, Microsoft, Mindtree, NESS, Satyam, TCS, Verizon, Wipro, and such 100+ relationships across the country.

Oracle-Sun Ends HDS Storage Agreement,

Oracle and storage vendor Hitachi Data Systems are ending the long-term reseller agreement HDS originally had with Sun in a move that could cause customer confusion but will probably mean channel opportunities.

The dissolution of the storage agreement between Oracle and HDS, the latest fallout from Oracle's acquisition in January of Sun, is also seen as the latest sign that vendor consolidation into a small number of companies looking to control their hardware and software stacks is continuing.

HDS told its solution providers via an e-mail that the reseller agreement it signed with Sun nine years ago will end on March 31.

In the e-mail, a copy of which was reviewed by CRN.com, HDS wrote that, with Oracle's acquisition of Sun Microsystems, HDS and Oracle agree the time is right for the relationship to evolve.

"We are jointly determining the positioning of the products and solutions based on Hitachi Data Systems that you have deployed with clients. We understand you and your customers have questions and concerns surrounding service obligations to the global install base moving forward," HDS wrote.

HDS also said it will provide "solid transition programs" to its partners to ensure its storage solutions continue to be available to partners and their customers under the Hitachi Data Systems brand name.

"A new chapter is here, and Hitachi Data Systems sees great opportunities for you that will materialize in the market," HDS wrote.

Solution providers agree that the split means opportunities for them.

When Greg Knieriemen, Vice President, Marketing, Chi, a US-based solution provider and HDS partner, first heard the news, his first concern was that Oracle-Sun customers receive continued support from the storage vendor.

"But this is also an opportunity, a golden opportunity, for HDS partners like Chi to go in and service Sun-HDS customers," Knieriemen said. "We'll be looking to take some business from Sun partners."

The abrupt nature of the break and the fact that HDS and not Oracle broke the news first are two interesting questions partners have, Knieriemen said. "Even if HDS broke the agreement off, you'd think Oracle would be scrambling to get in front of the news," he said.

John Varel, CEO, FusionStorm, a US-based solution provider and partner to Oracle, Sun, and Hewlett-Packard, which OEMs the same HDS products that Sun resells, said the Oracle-HDS break is one of the things that make this an exciting time to be in the channel.

"This means nothing but opportunity for partners with broad offerings," Varel said. "If a customer is upset with Sun-Oracle, we'll give them HP."

Varel said he is surprised the break didn't happen sooner.

"It was inevitable," he said. "It's a part of the consolidation in this industry. We're seeing a splitting of the righteous teaming of vendors as everybody wants to control everything. Look at HP and EDS, at Oracle and Sun, at Dell and Perot. It's a changing world, and it's disruptive."

Yet while the industry consolidates towards a handful of vendors trying to offer the complete hardware-software-services stack, Varel said it is easy to forget that customers still have alternatives, and that savvy solution providers still have the upper hand.

"We're holding higher margins on our product sales now than ever before because we bring customers broad solutions," he said. "Customers will go with the group, the manufacturers and solution providers combined, that provides them with the best ROI. We don't sit around asking customers, how much hardware did you buy last year? They don't care."

Knieriemen also sees the Oracle-HDS split as another part of the on-going vendor consolidation push.

"As you listen to (Oracle CEO) Larry Ellison lay out his vision of the future, it's based on a complete Oracle-Sun software-hardware stack," he said. "So this shouldn't be a shock. This is the tone Oracle is setting. They want a vertical stack, where everything is theirs."

The impact of the break is lessened because of the fact that the Hitachi product has been available from Hitachi's direct and indirect sales teams, from Sun under the reseller agreement, and from HP under an OEM agreement, said Dave Cerniglia, President, Consiliant Technologies, a US-based solution provider and storage partner with Hitachi and Sun.

"No matter whether customers buy it from Hitachi, Sun, or HP, they are buying the Hitachi name and reliability," Cerniglia said. "Customers who bought through Sun did so for convenience. They got volume discounts, or bundled the storage with servers. The Hitachi sales force looked at Sun as a value-added reseller."

In fact, Cerniglia said, there will probably be little impact in the part of the storage market HDS relies on the most: the enterprise.

"Hitachi still has a direct sales force, and a channel," he said. "And they are dealing in the enterprise where competition is much less than in the midrange. There are really only three enterprise storage players: EMC, IBM, and Hitachi."

Here is the text of the March 2 e-mail from HDS to its solution provider partners:

Dear Valued Partner,

Due to the recent acquisition of Sun Microsystems by Oracle Corporation, there has been much speculation as to the effect the merger will have on the market, product offerings and partnerships. As you are aware, Hitachi Data Systems and Sun Microsystems have enjoyed a successful business partnership. On March 31, 2010, the current distribution agreement that Hitachi Data Systems and Sun Microsystems have been jointly operating under for the past nine years will come to an end.

This relationship has given our partners access to industry-leading storage solutions built on Hitachi technology on which many of the world's top enterprises have come to rely. With the acquisition of Sun Microsystems, Hitachi Data Systems and Oracle agree that the time is right to evolve this relationship into one reflecting the priorities of the new company. We are jointly determining the positioning of the products and solutions based on Hitachi Data Systems that you have deployed with clients. We understand you and your customers have questions and concerns surrounding service obligations to the global install base moving forward.

Hitachi Data Systems will be answering all questions and concerns with solid transition programs and will focus on meeting the demands of the continued excitement in the marketplace around the Hitachi Data Systems technology and the unique leading edge solutions that the Hitachi Data Systems brand has, and will continue to bring to market. These solutions will continue to be made available to you and your customers under the Hitachi Data Systems brand name.

Details will be forthcoming on programs and processes that will help guide you and your customers, as we transition this business moving forward. A new chapter is here, and Hitachi Data Systems sees great opportunities for you that will materialize in the market. Protecting, developing and growing your business is our top priority.

Neither HDS nor Oracle were able to respond in time to questions about this story. However, a source close to Oracle said that the two companies were still negotiating their agreement.

By Joseph F Kovar, ChannelWeb, March 03, 2010, 1130 hrs

Synergetics IT services is a brand of Context Business Group which is a Holding Group Entity being formed leveraging the experience base of its founders who within themselves carry an experience base of over 40 years of success in the IT industry.

Microsoft to introduce new licensing scheme for Office 2010,

Microsoft is implementing a new sales strategy with the coming release of its Office 2010 it says should make it easier to sell and deploy for channel partners, but one that could take away their opportunities to sell upgrades.

With the launch of Microsoft Office 2010, expected on June 15, the vendor wants to pre-load a new Office image that includes all three versions of the application on between 80 percent and 100 percent of all new systems sold, said Vic Barakat, OEM distribution partner account manager at Microsoft.

That image will include the Home and Student edition, which will include licenses for use on up to three PCs, as well as the Home and Business and the Professionals editions, which will include licenses that allow it to be installed on one desktop PC and one portable PC used by the same user, Barakat said.

Microsoft, through its channel and retail partners, will also sell a new "product key card" or PKC that will allow customers to unlock their preferred version of the application. The PKC will include a code that causes the selected version to automatically turn on in minutes without the need for further installation, and customers can purchase keys at a later date to automatically upgrade to other versions, Barakat said.

Barakat unveiled the new licensing scheme during a presentation to solution providers and system builders at the D&H 2010 West Coast Technology Show, held in California.

The single image containing all three versions is aimed at simplifying the number of SKUs of the software that partners take to customers, and make it easier for them to sell the product, Barakat said.

"So instead of asking the customer, do you want Office with that, now you can ask, 'Which version do you want,'" he said.

Barakat said the PKCs will be available in blister packs for sale to customers in a variety of outlets, which means it is important for solution providers to make the Office 2010 sale with the PC.

In response to an audience member who asked about whether customers can purchase the PKCs from places like Office Depot or eBay, Barakat responded, "You should be able to compete."

Microsoft is also introducing an "Upgrade Anywhere" program whereby customers can upgrade the Home and Student edition or the Home and Business Edition to other editions. Such an upgrade is done by customers contacting Microsoft directly, and does not offer solution providers an opportunity to participate, Barakat said.

"We're trying to tell you right now, if there's a benefit to the customer for you to sell the Professional edition, you should sell them," he said.

Audience members responded immediately, asking why Microsoft is taking them out of the upgrade loop.

Barakat answered by saying that Microsoft does not have a retail system that would tie back into the solution provider's original sale.

"We think it's a good thing," he said, referring to the Upgrade Anywhere program. "We understand the implication for the channel. We apologize for that."

Microsoft on Friday also launched its Microsoft Technology Guarantee program under which customers who purchase Microsoft Office 2007 and activate it by September 30 get a free upgrade to Office 2010, as long as they activate the upgrade by October 31.

Barakat said that customers can download the Office 2010 upgrade starting in mid-June when it is scheduled to be released, or they can order a DVD with the software from Microsoft for $15.

Barakat also said that Office 2010 will be available for downloading by channel partners on about June 1, and that Microsoft plans a media blitz over the new software in July.

Patrick Rayne, IT specialist and CEO of Rayne Technology Solutions, Calif.-based solution provider, said he has been using the beta version of Office 2010 for six months.

Rayne said he likes the beta so much that he has been telling customers who wanted to buy Office 2007 to wait until they can get the upgrade under the Microsoft Technology Guarantee program.

Rayne also said he likes how Microsoft is simplifying the availability of Office 2010 with the PKC, thereby eliminating the need for disks and electronic distribution. Also, he said, it is nice to not have separate disks for different editions of the software.

However, Rayne said his is concerned about how Microsoft plans to handle upgrade requests from customers directly instead of going through partners.

"If a customer upgrades Office later, they pay Microsoft," he said. "I don't see what Microsoft doesn't handle it like it does Office 2007 and provide an upgrade key through its distributors.

John Vickers, president and CEO of Vickers Technology, a Calif.-based solution provider, said he also appreciates how Microsoft is moving all three versions of Office 2010 into a single image.

"I like how they're reducing the number of SKUs," Vickers said. "Even when customers use Microsoft's online tools to purchase Office, it's still confusing."

However, Vickers said, the fact that Microsoft is eliminating disks from the Office sales process except for those who order the DVD when upgrading from Office 2007 to Office 2010 could lead to problems later.

"People like disks," he said. "I like disks. Especially if a customer buys a computer from Best Buy, or from anywhere. How can they recover if their computer crashes? Microsoft will ask them for their product number, but the numbers are all on the system."

Michael Schwab, co-president of D&H, said that the new PKC is a much more natural way to sell and deploy Microsoft Office than in the past by offering a code that unlocks the application without having to go through the entire installation process.

However, whether upgrading Office via PKC or volume licensing is the better solution is one that solution providers can hash out with their distributors, Schwab said.

"At D&H, we present a single face for Microsoft," he said. "Solution providers can present OEM or packaged solutions or retail solutions. But behind D&H, there are different groups at Microsoft who don't see the whole picture. Our value is to present a unified voice for Microsoft solutions." 

By Joseph F. Kovar, ChannelWeb, March 8, 2010

  Synergetics India: IT consulting and Training services on .NET 4.0, SQL server 2008 BI. Awarded as the Best. NET Training Service Provider by Microsoft.

BANGALORE, INDIA: You already know the ups and downs of Windows Vista-now it's time to learn the ins and outs of Windows 7! Internationally recognized Windows experts, Microsoft insiders, and authors Paul Thurrott and Rafael Rivera cut through the hype to pull away the curtain and reveal useful information not found anywhere else.

Regardless of your level of knowledge, you'll discover little-known facts on how things work, what's new and different, and how you can modify Windows 7 to meet your own specific needs.

A witty, conversational tone tells you what you need to know to go from Windows user to Windows expert and doesn't waste time with basic computer topics while point-by-point comparisons demonstrate the difference between Windows 7 features and functionality to those in Windows XP and Vista.

• Windows 7 is the exciting update to Microsoft's operating system
• Authors are internationally known Windows experts and Microsoft insiders
• Exposes tips, tricks, and secrets on the new features and functionality of Windows 7
• Reveals best practices for customizing the system to work for you
• Investigates the differences between Windows 7 and previous versions of Windows

Windows 7 has been built on top of Windows Vista, which means if your application does not work or if it has some issues when running on Windows Vista, most probably it will have similar issues running on Windows 7. The seminar will also cover issues related to Application Compatibility in Windows 7 and how to address these.
Windows 7 is being designed to be a solid platform for developers so that they can enable next-generation solutions for Windows. Developers can be more productive and offer new capabilities to their applications utilizing new API's in Windows 7. This seminar introduces the new features giving a good understanding of the new platform for development.

USA: Virtual Global, provider of cloud-enabled enterprise solutions and the TeamHost online platform for creating SaaS applications, released its "Top ten cloud computing predictions for 2010".

"Cloud computing's time has come," said Cary Landis, CEO of Virtual Global.

Landis cites multiple factors driving the adoption of the cloud, including costs, entrepreneurship, telecommuting and the more collaborative workspace.

"In 2010, we'll see infrastructure prices fall, platforms become the norm, and big IT companies struggle for new identities," noted Landis. "Ultimately, the cloud is more than just a piece of technology. It's changing the way we do business, the way we work, and even the way we think."

Virtual Global calls cloud computing "the biggest shift in business since the Industrial Revolution." The top ten predictions include:

1.    Cloud infrastructure commoditizes, and prices fall. cloud computing already provides a price advantage. The underlying hardware prices are decreasing as data center competition is increasing. Prices will fall, making it easier for thousands of SaaS providers to enter the market.

2.    Open standards emerge as dominant in cloud platforms. As the Platform as a Service space gains acceptance, the proprietary shakeout will give way to more open platforms in the cloud. This will simplify development, allow for more customization, and address the question of what happens to a company's applications if a cloud provider goes out of business.

3.    Homesourcing becomes mainstream. The era of the cubicle is over. Because applications and data no longer need to reside on the computers in front of us, the physical office is quickly becoming redundant.

4.    Corporate processes become decentralized. Larger companies take advantage of the decentralization made possible by cloud computing. This leads to more of outsourcing, which in turn triggers the need for more small companies to fill the need for those outsourced services.

5.    A new wave of entrepreneurship emerges. Cloud computing ushers in the next great dotcom boom, only this time things are different. Cloud computing has lowered the barriers to entry so entrepreneurs won't need to be programming wizards or venture backed. They only need an idea, ambition and a credit card.

6.    Smart phones evolve with cloud apps. Smart phones continue to gain functionality, and their reach extends further with access to wireless broadband. This makes smart phones more attractive as an actual working machine, and a tool for accessing productivity apps over the cloud for corporate use.

7.    The days of multi-million dollar enterprise software projects dwindle. Enterprise-level cloud computing apps will gradually replace huge on-premises implementations. The Platform as a Service space will become the norm, rather than exception for new software projects. The days of multi-million IT projects will eventually fall by the wayside along with the fall of ground-up Web 2.0 engineering.

8.    Cloud computing penetrates all areas of business management. Cloud applications will evolve to accommodate more mission-critical needs, delivering full-fledged management systems to the largest government agencies and corporations in the world.

9.    Big-name companies will struggle for new identities. The emergence of new cloud offerings will drive competition in the cloud infrastructure arena. Several new brands will emerge, both from established players and newcomers to the market.

10. Social networking systems will give way to collaborative management systems. The future of collaboration will be more focused on the emerging needs of mangers who are coping with increased complexity and reporting demands. The future will be less focused on social needs.

Cloud computing is here. Running applications on machines in an Internet-accessible data center can bring plenty of advantages. Yet wherever they run, applications are built on some kind of platform. For on-premises applications, this platform usually includes an operating system, some way to store data, and perhaps more. Applications running in the cloud need a similar foundation. The goal of Microsoft’s Windows Azure is to provide this. Part of the larger Azure Services Platform, Windows Azure is a platform for running Windows applications and storing data in the cloud.

Cloud computing is a style of computing in which dynamically scalable and often virtualized resources are provided as a service over the Internet. To deploy a new solution, most of your time and energy is spent on defining the right infrastructure, hardware and software, to put together to create that solution, Cloud computing allows people to share resources to solve new problems. Cloud computing users can avoid capital expenditure (CapEx) on hardware, software, and services when they pay a provider only for what they use.

 

  Oracle buys SOA management vendor AmberPoint - on Inforworld.

Oracle on Monday fattened up its already burgeoning middleware stack, announcing Monday that it has purchased SOA (service oriented architecture) management vendor AmberPoint. Terms were not disclosed.

SOA refers to a systems design approach that eschews monolithic applications and instead designates various processes, such as running a credit check on a customer, as interoperable "services" that allow code to be flexibly reused.

AmberPoint's software is used to monitor the performance of SOA-driven applications and help users solve problems. It is "highly complementary" to Oracle's own SOA software and will "enable increased control and performance of critical applications across the enterprise," according to an FAQ document Oracle released Monday (PDF).

It is not clear how the deal will affect road maps for AmberPoint's products. A review is under way and more details will be forthcoming, Oracle said. Investment in the products is expected to increase, according to the FAQ.

"AmberPoint was one of a dwindling group of still-standing independents delivering runtime governance for SOA environments," analyst Tony Baer said on the OnStrategies Perspective blog.

The move "patches some gaps in its Enterprise Manager offering, not only in SOA runtime governance, but also with business transaction management -- and potentially -- better visibility to non-Oracle systems," he added.

The deal is expected to close in the first half of this year.

  Calendar 2010

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