IT Expert Voice

Access to Microsoft’s cloud is strikingly similar to Microsoft’s Active Directory resources, Windows Live, and public-facing web resources – except that a Microsoft data center is likely to be hosting them. Microsoft’s Azure platform is a private cloud development and service platform that supports Microsoft’s user Software-As-A-Service (SaaS) applications (such as online Microsoft Office components) and applications built around various building blocks using Microsoft cloud version “back-end” products like SQL Server. READ MORE

Computing clouds come in different shapes for different purposes. Microsoft’s Azure transcends several types of typical cloud offerings, and the offerings are distinctly Microsoft in branding, use, and philosophy. READ MORE

Smartphones now rival notebook systems for power and productivity, yet these mobile devices are often unmanaged by IT. That’s changing, as more organizations use software tools to manage their smartphone fleets. READ MORE

Windows servers, especially Windows 2008, offer strong Certificate Servers for those occasions when you need to manage network certificates. Here are some tips on how to use Windows server certificates, and when third-party certificates might be better. READ MORE

Sharing printers is a great way for enterprises to save time and money. Although users have to walk a little further to pick up their printouts, printer costs can be spread over a number of users, and the enterprise eliminates individual printer support costs. While network printing has pitfalls, good design can conveniently accomplish a lot of work. READ MORE