| | | Taking refuge in the cloud Dear Subscriber,
It has become clear that by marrying the advantages of Internet services and client or server software, we can deliver new capabilities and offer new levels of utility, convenience, and flexibility. It's not just about reducing costs, but also realizing increased agility by freeing up infrastructure resources.
Microsoft is helping midsize businesses and others to take advantage of this approach by uniting multiple industry phenomena, including software-as-a-service, service-oriented development, and the Web 2.0 user experience, under a common umbrella: Software-plus-Services. That combines Internet services with client and server software to deliver more compelling opportunities and solutions. Microsoft Online Services now includes Exchange Online, SharePoint Online and Office Communications Online to complement the Microsoft Office system and provide flexible on-premise and online solutions for midsize companies.
Read this issue for more about those services, as well as how hosted CRM is changing the way companies do business. Plus, learn about new developments for creating next generation Web sites.
Best regards,
Christoph Wilfert
General Manager
US Midmarket Business
Microsoft
| Featured articles | | Microsoft insiders offer suggestions and advice to help midsize IT departments maximize the power of desktop and enterprise search. | Technology at work | | The latest version of Microsoft's collaboration and content management suite supports advanced business intelligence features that are easy for anyone to use. | | | The Microsoft Web Platform can help companies meet consumer expectations for online experiences. | Spotlight  On track for green careers By Vicki Powers When Barbara Parks found herself in the midst of 50,000 zealous "green" folks at the 2004 Green Festival in San Francisco, she realized she was on the cusp of a new movement. In her 50s, and having endured a series of challenges-getting fired from her job at a career counseling agency, losing her marriage, and her mom dying of cancer-Parks was ready for a drastic change. Green became her new industry. With Green Career Tracks, Parks focused on green career counseling for college graduates, first-time job seekers, and mid-career changers. With this sustainable movement, she recognized that many career and work opportunities would emerge, especially with developments in alternative energy technology and the adoption of green building principles. The growth potential is phenomenal. According to a September 2008 U.N. Environment Programme report, alternative energy and environmental services should create more than 20 million jobs worldwide by 2030, including 6.3 million in solar energy and more than 2 million in wind energy. "I do believe the growing green economy is going to turn around our ailing economy and weak job market," says Parks. "I am privileged to hear repeated stories from individuals whose interest and passion is to be part of a more sustainable world through their careers." Parks says Microsoft applications play a critical role in running her thriving coaching practice. She regularly uses Office 2004 for Mac applications, including Entourage, Excel, and PowerPoint. Parks says there is no aspect of her business that doesn't involve a document created with one of these Microsoft applications, whether it's client files, e-mail, spreadsheets, presentations, or workshop materials. Parks said she had no idea four years ago how much time and effort she would invest in researching, networking, and proving herself as a green career maven. "I'm busy and more dedicated than ever to my work," she says. "I made a good decision to grow my career coaching in a direction that called to me-and I haven't looked back." Vicki Powers is a regular contributor to Momentum, the midsize business center newsletter. Additional information | | | | Signup for events | | This event is designed exclusively for IT and Business Executives that want to understand the business value that can be derived from the latest technology solutions. During this event, we will discuss how to simplify infrastructure management, improve security and enhance productivity throughout your organization. Also, at October and November events, stay for lunch and celebrate the launch of Microsoft's Business Productivity Online Services. Register now at http://www.msmmevents.com/newsletters | |  | Signup for webcasts | | Thursday, October 02, 2008 5:00 PM Pacific Time (this webcast is now on demand)
Microsoft is excited to announce the latest version of the Microsoft Virtual Earth platform, which can now deliver the Virtual Earth mapping experience on the desktop, on mobile devices, and via broadcast. The new release features mobile support, expanded international mapping, richer imagery, a broader range of data, and improved functionality. | | | Tuesday, October 14, 2008 11:00 AM Pacific Time (this webcast is now on demand)
Join us for this informative webcast and learn how Microsoft integrated technologies for data center management, secure messaging and collaboration, and information protection and access can help you. Microsoft System Center and Microsoft Forefront can help you reduce costs, improve security and availability, and increase agility. | | | Thursday, October 23, 2008 11:00 AM Pacific Time
This webcast builds on the Hewlett-Packard (HP) Closed Loop Lifecycle Planning methodology to create a technology refresh plan for HP-based Microsoft solutions that embrace innovation and take advantage of cost reduction, cost avoidance, and service-level improvement strategies. | | |
| |  | Volume 65 October 17, 2008 | |
