Microsoft has updated the SSMA (SQL Server Migration Assistant) family of products to include support for both Access and MySQL. This release makes it possible to move data directly and easily from local Microsoft Access databases or MySQL databases into SQL Azure. Microsoft refreshed the existing SSMA family of products for Oracle, Sybase and Access with this latest v4.2 release.
Announcing Windows SBS Codename Aurora Preview Availability
We are very pleased to announce that today the Preview of Windows Small Business Server Codename “Aurora†is available for download.
Windows Small Business Server Codename “Aurora†is part of the greatly anticipated next generation of our award winning Windows Small Business Server, and represents a significant departure from our traditional on premise version because Aurora will be Microsoft’s first server to deliver both on premises and cloud computing capabilities for small businesses.
New Vail Preview Build, come and get it!
Since releasing our first Vail beta we have received lots of great suggestions for "Vail" and quite a few interesting bugs. Thanks to all of you who are beta testing! We love having you part of our extended team and appreciate your help.
This new build has plenty of enhancements and improvements over the original build and can be downloaded from the downloads section of our connect site. If you are new to the beta, please go to http://connect.microsoft.com/windowshomeserver to sign up for the download. You can provide feedback about the new build through our Connect site and even log ideas or feature suggestions for future versions of Windows Home Server.
Microsoft delivers MySQL-to-SQL database migration tool
Microsoft has released its first SQL Server Migration Assistant (SSMA) for MySQL and refreshed its existing SSMA family of products for Oracle, Sybase and Access with the latest v4.2 release.
The SSMA is the latest of Microsoft’s free migration toolkits, already available for Oracle, Sybase and Access, and are designed to help IT teams overcome the manual challenges of migrating databases.
Microsoft readies Beta 2 of Windows Live Essentials 2011
Microsoft is preparing to deliver a second beta of the next version of its Windows Live Essentials suite next week.
That’s the word from blogger Francisco Martin Garcia, who posted about the coming beta on his blog on August 11. (Garcia’s had a good track record on predicting Microsoft delivery dates for various consumer wares.) Enthusiast site Neowin also is reporting the second beta will hit next week, naming Tuesday, August 18 as the likely delivery date. I am hearing the 18th is Microsoft’s target for the beta, as well.
Link – http://www.zdnet.com/blog/microsoft/microsoft-readies-beta-2-of-windows-live-essentials-2011/7069
Hotmail is gradually switching on Exchange ActiveSync for push mail
Microsoft is gradually enabling Hotmail push email support for a wide range of phones including the iPhone, Windows Phone devices and Android.
Microsoft is introducing the support using Exchange ActiveSync, available on nearly 300 million phones. With push email you can sychronize email between your phone and the web, and also synchronize calendar and contacts. Microsoft originally revealed its plans back in April this year.
Link – http://www.neowin.net/news/hotmail-is-gradually-switching-on-exchange-activesync-for-push-mail
Microsoft’s new Hotmail: Not a smooth transition for all
Microsoft rolled out to all of its Hotmail users the newest version of its Web-based e-mail program in early August. Since that time, a number of users have been reporting problems accessing and composing their mail when using the latest release.
“During the Windows Live Hotmail rollout, we discovered some customers are having issues. We are working quickly to resolve these issues and apologize for any inconvenience this may be causing our customers. If a customer is experiencing an issue, they should check the Windows Live Solution Center to report their issue and find potential solutions,†said a company spokesperson I contacted via e-mail.
Link – http://www.zdnet.com/blog/microsoft/microsofts-new-hotmail-not-a-smooth-transition-for-all/7046
Microsoft hits back at Apple with PC vs Mac page
Microsoft has put up a PC vs Mac page, with the software giant defending Windows PCs against Apple’s increasingly popular computers.
With Apple’s computer sales buoyant, Microsoft appears to have decided to throw down the gauntlet to its rival, despite the huge success of Windows 7.
A ‘Deciding between a PC and a Mac?’ page is already being widely discussed on social networking sites, with Microsoft not pulling its punches.
Link – http://www.techradar.com/news/computing/pc/microsoft-hits-back-at-apple-with-pc-vs-mac-page-708885
Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer 2.2
The Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer provides a streamlined method to identify missing security updates and common security misconfigurations. MBSA 2.2 is a minor upgrade correct minor issues and add optional catalog support.
HTML5, Modernized: Fourth IE9 Platform Preview Available for Developers
IE9 started from the premise that the modern web will deliver HTML5 experiences that feel more like native applications than sites. Building on hardware-accelerated SVG, canvas, video, audio, and text, developers will use the power of the whole PC to achieve great performance. On the modern web, developers will use the same markup across different HTML5 browsers.
The new Hotmail is now available to everyone!
Here at Hotmail, we’ve had quite a busy week! All of our customers are now upgraded. The majority of you got the new Hotmail just this past week, as we completed the rollout to over 350 million people in more than 220 countries around the world. Now, everyone can take advantage of a faster Hotmail experience with great new features like one-click filters, Sweep, Active Views and more.
Introducing Visual Studio LightSwitch
LightSwitch is the simplest way to build business applications for the cloud and the desktop.
Today, businesses move at the speed of light even as people balance the responsibility of more than one role within their organizations. As this shift becomes more pronounced, it’s become clear that a broader set of developers is building business applications and really expects a much simpler way to quickly accomplish their goals… and with this observation, a light went on and LightSwitch was born.
Link – http://blogs.msdn.com/b/somasegar/archive/2010/08/03/introducing-visual-studio-lightswitch.aspx
Windows 7 passes Vista in usage
In less than a year on the market, Windows 7 is now being used more than predecessor Windows Vista, according to market researcher Netmarketshare.
For July, Windows 7 was used on 14.46 percent of devices accessing the Internet, compared with Windows Vista’s 14.34 percent, marking the first time the newer version surpassed its predecessor. Microsoft has said that 175 million copies of Windows 7 have been purchased since the product was released last fall.
Link – http://news.cnet.com/8301-13860_3-20012347-56.html?tag=topTechContentWrap;editorPicks
Microsoft to launch Office 2011 for Mac in October
Microsoft is launching Office for Mac 2011 in October in three flavors, company officials said on August 2.
The three SKUs, or versions — Office for Mac Home & Student 2011, Office for Mac Home & Business 2011 and Office for Mac Academic 2011 — will be available at retail starting in late October. (The Academic version, for students and faculty, will be available via authorized academic stores.)
Link – http://www.zdnet.com/blog/microsoft/microsoft-to-launch-office-2011-for-mac-in-october/6966
Microsoft Internet Explorer 9 beta due in September
Microsoft is readying a beta of its Internet Explorer (IE) 9 browser that it will roll out in September, according to Microsoft Chief Operating Officer Kevin Turner.
Turner shared the beta date during his morning keynote at the annual Microsoft Financial Analyst Meeting (FAM) on July 29.
According to several recent leaks, Microsoft had been targeting August as its beta delivery target for IE 9. This beta is expected to be public (as the test previews have been), and to feature more of the user interface elements.
Link – http://www.zdnet.com/blog/microsoft/microsoft-internet-explorer-9-beta-due-in-september/6943
