Posted by Patrick
Facebook users can now search with Live Search through the search form on the top right portion of the site. Check out more details on the Live Search blog and Facebook blog.
Posted by Patrick
From the press release:
Today BroadSoft Inc., a leading provider of voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) application software, and Microsoft Corp. announced the general availability of a hosted unified communications service for business from BroadSoft, based on Microsoft software.
By providing the advantages of hosted software plus services, BroadSoft and Microsoft enable businesses of all sizes to decrease infrastructure costs, improve productivity, and enhance communications integrated with their applications and processes. Unified communications integrates communication options such as instant messaging, e-mail, phone and video. It also enhances business processes by integrating communications features with business process software, including customer relationship management, accounting and enterprise resource planning.
By providing the advantages of hosted software plus services, BroadSoft and Microsoft enable businesses of all sizes to decrease infrastructure costs, improve productivity, and enhance communications integrated with their applications and processes. Unified communications integrates communication options such as instant messaging, e-mail, phone and video. It also enhances business processes by integrating communications features with business process software, including customer relationship management, accounting and enterprise resource planning.
10/06: MicrosoftBlog.com Sold
Posted by Patrick
I launched MicrosoftBlog.com on August 11, 2005. Since then, I've blogged about Microsoft on a regular basis. It has been an interesting experience.
But, in recent times, I have found myself wanting to focus on other things. Not because I have changed my position on Microsoft or sold my stock, neither of those things are true, but because there are other projects that are pulling on my attention and I only have so much to go around.
Because of this, I have been seeking a qualified buyer for the site. Though I will miss it, I am happy to say that I have sold the site to someone whose coverage of the company I am a big fan of. I don't know if there is someone who has done a better job of covering the company over the past few years, since I started blogging here. I cannot reveal who it is, at this time, but suffice to say, I am happy to be able to pass the site onto him and I'm confident that he'll do great things with it, the same great things he's already well known for.
I wanted to be sure to announce this so that all of the readers of this site were aware of it. If you have any questions, you can always e-mail me at patrick@ifroggy.com. I appreciate everyone who has visited and supported this site. Thank you.
But, in recent times, I have found myself wanting to focus on other things. Not because I have changed my position on Microsoft or sold my stock, neither of those things are true, but because there are other projects that are pulling on my attention and I only have so much to go around.
Because of this, I have been seeking a qualified buyer for the site. Though I will miss it, I am happy to say that I have sold the site to someone whose coverage of the company I am a big fan of. I don't know if there is someone who has done a better job of covering the company over the past few years, since I started blogging here. I cannot reveal who it is, at this time, but suffice to say, I am happy to be able to pass the site onto him and I'm confident that he'll do great things with it, the same great things he's already well known for.
I wanted to be sure to announce this so that all of the readers of this site were aware of it. If you have any questions, you can always e-mail me at patrick@ifroggy.com. I appreciate everyone who has visited and supported this site. Thank you.
Posted by Patrick
Joe Tartakoff of the Seattle Post-Intelligencer reports on Microsoft's review of it's hiring plans.
"Microsoft will continue to grow and add thousands of new jobs this year, but given the current economic environment we are taking the prudent step of reviewing our hiring plans and will make some adjustments as appropriate," spokesman Lou Gellos said in a statement. "We are optimistic about our prospects for growth and will continue hiring the talent we need to ensure our ongoing success."
Gellos denied a Network World report earlier Friday that the company had instituted a hiring freeze.
Gellos denied a Network World report earlier Friday that the company had instituted a hiring freeze.
Posted by Patrick
Brad Smith, Microsoft's Senior Vice President and General Counsel, has issued a statement regarding the passage of the financial bailout plan by the U.S. House of Representatives. Here is the statement, in it's entirety:
Congressional passage of the financial recovery package is a critically important step to bringing back economic stability in the U.S. and around the globe. This crisis affects more than just the U.S. financial sector, it affects every corner of the world economy, and today’s vote will help re-instill confidence around the globe. Microsoft is pleased to see members of the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate come together to pass this important legislation. I particularly appreciate the support of the Members of the Washington State delegation who cast their vote today to help preserve jobs in all sectors of the economy of Washington state and across the U.S.
10/01: Live Search SearchPerks!
Posted by Patrick
Kip Kniskern of LiveSide reports on the launch of Live Search SearchPerks!, a new search incentive program where you can earn tickets that can be redeemed for various prizes.
Posted by Patrick
Dan Richman has an excerpt from the e-mail that Microsoft sent to the four members of congress, from Washington, that voted against the bailout plan.
Microsoft strongly urges members of the U.S. House of Representatives to reconsider and to support legislation that will re-instill confidence and stability in the financial markets. This legislation is vitally important to the health and preservation of jobs in all sectors of the economy of Washington State and the nation, and we urge Congress to act swiftly.
Posted by Patrick
Very shortly, Microsoft will be launching the SQL Server 2008 Experience website at sqlserverexperience.com.
On Monday, Sept. 29, Microsoft is launching the SQL Server 2008 Experience online at http://www.SQLServerExperience.com. With more than 500 short videos in 11 different languages, the SQL Server 2008 Experience is a Web site that helps Microsoft’s global customers and partners learn more about SQL Server 2008, Microsoft’s recently released data management and business intelligence platform. SQL Server 2008 provides a trusted, productive and intelligent data platform for business-critical applications. The launch of the SQL Server 2008 Experience kicks off a worldwide readiness outreach that will reach over 350,000 customers, partners and community members through in-person events over the next year.
Posted by Patrick
From the AP:
Microsoft Corp. does not have to pay $1.5 billion in damages to Alcatel-Lucent SA, a panel of federal appeals judges ruled Thursday, in what may be the last word on a long-running digital music patent lawsuit.
Posted by Patrick
Microsoft has launched the next phase of it's ad campaign with Crispin, Porter + Bogusky, with the launch of the "Life Without Walls" website and "I'm a PC" television and online ads. You can watch the ads on the site. They star Tony Parker, Eva Longoria, Pharrell, Bill Gates, Deepak Chopra and others.
Joe Wilcox has more, while Brandon LeBlanc has "Life Without Walls" wallpapers.
Along with the release of these, there have been reports that the ad series starring Bill Gates and Jerry Seinfeld had been cancelled. The Times says that the move away from these ads was planned. Meanwhile, Gizmodo reports, according to a source, that there is an unaired Gates/Seinfeld ad and that the series has not been cancelled, but halted - possibly forever, but at least for now.
Joe Wilcox has more, while Brandon LeBlanc has "Life Without Walls" wallpapers.
Along with the release of these, there have been reports that the ad series starring Bill Gates and Jerry Seinfeld had been cancelled. The Times says that the move away from these ads was planned. Meanwhile, Gizmodo reports, according to a source, that there is an unaired Gates/Seinfeld ad and that the series has not been cancelled, but halted - possibly forever, but at least for now.
