The preview release of the Windows Azure Services Platform kicks off Microsoft's cloud computing era. Also in this issue: Microsoft, Citrix and VMware battle over the hypervisor cloud; IBM, Oracle and Microsoft get into social networking; Vista SP1 and Windows 7 reviews; and much more.
Cover Story: Hey You, Get onto My Cloud The preview release of the Windows Azure Services Platform kicks off Microsoft's cloud-computing era, which promises to dramatically change the computing strategies of IT shops. by Kathleen Richards and Ed Scannell full story Brewing Battle Microsoft, Citrix and VMware get ready to rumble over ownership of the hypervisor cloud. by Danielle Ruest and Nelson Ruest full story The Business of Being Social With IBM, Microsoft and Oracle jumping into the game, social-networking technologies are helping drive Enterprise 2.0. by Naomi Grossman full story First Look: Windows 7 Don't expect many core improvements from Windows Vista, but there are some around the edges. by Peter Varhol full story Windows Vista SP1 It's no secret that Microsoft's latest operating system hasn't taken the enterprise by storm. Service Pack 1 was supposed to convert some Vista skeptics -- but did it? We asked readers to weigh in on the first big update to the OS. by Lee Pender full story
Barney's Rubble
Copy Protection: Aaarrrrrgh
When it comes to licensing, some companies might make it seem like everyone's a pirate -- including you. by Doug Barney full story Mr. Roboto
PowerShell Pro Forma
Microsoft doesn't offer any sort of PowerShell forms editor -- but Sapien Technologies does. by Jeffery Hicks full story Security Advisor
You Can't Always Trust SSL
Don't be fooled by that lock icon in your browser. Outgoing SSL traffic can still give you something to worry about. by Joern Wettern full story Foley on Microsoft
5 Ways Redmond Can Fix Its Mobile Mess
Microsoft should learn a couple of things from its Vista missteps. by Mary Jo Foley full story