Microsoft Looks to Push SQL Server Deeper into the Data Ware

Microsoft teams with Bull, Dell and HP to release a set of pretested reference architectures to make it easier to create data warehouses. The Microsoft SQL Server Fast Track Data Warehouse is part of Microsoft's continued efforts to expand its footprint in the higher end of the data warehousing space.Microsoft is pushing very hard to support multi-tens of terabytes and they are working with vendors such as Dell to make all this happen by appliance-sizing SQL-Server

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Microsoft Azure Offers Developers a Path to the Cloud: business models are changing for ISVs

Tech Analysis: Azure is Microsoft's entry into the cloud computing world, pitting it against the likes of Amazon.com and Google. Like Amazon.com, Microsoft has created a software system that runs on Microsoft's own distributed data centers.The change is huge for ISVs as the business models and the way infrastructure is perceived will change. ISVs need to be educated of what this means to them and how this will impact the ISVs, from cashflow to operations.

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You May Fear Packaged App Lock-In, But Your CEO Doesn't Care: Interesting findings from the field

It's not often that we get to hear business executives' unfiltered and honest perspectives on important technology topics. But for IT, that business exec perspective is, of course, the most important perspective to have, understand and keep in the back of your mind as you go about working with the business on their enterprise applications—such as ERP, CRM, BI and supply chain apps.

The 600 executives were asked: "Please rate each of the following sources which you might consider for addressing business needs in terms of how important are they to you today on a scale of 1 to 5." According to the execs, the primary source they'd consider (which received the highest rank) was packaged applications from traditional enterprise software vendors, such as Oracle and SAP. That received 33 percent of the executives' vote. The second-highest-rated source, at 24 percent, was business applications developed by IT staff.

The findings show clearly that organizations want to buy a solution "that does everything" and not "best of breed". I wonder how the management ignores possible vendor lock-in like in the case of SAP. Organizations rely SAP and similar to continue providing the best solutions forever.

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BlackBerry Phone Hits the Hotspot with VoIP: good news for international travellers.

By teaming up with T-Mobile, RIM's latest product helps to fill your budget gaps by providing flat-rate unlimited IP telephony from your home, office, airport, or any locale that hosts a T-Mobile Hotspot. VOIP and smartphones are here to stay.. and this is another example of RIM and T-Mobile trying to attract clients. I travel internationally and one of my requirements is to have VOIP from my phone.... and I think the quality is not yet there but will be soon.

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