MSFN Forum: Microsoft Pushes Dynamics CRM Online, Windows Server 8 at WPC

Microsoft's cloud initiatives range from a new Dynamics CRM Online in the fourth quarter of 2011, to the upcoming Windows Server 8, as announced at this week's WPC. Microsoft is using its Worldwide Partner Conference in Los Angeles to push the cloud as an ideal solution for businesses looking to boost their productivity and customer-relationship management.

Announcements during the company’s July 12 keynotes included the upcoming release of a System Center 2012 beta, which lets IT administrators manage machines and applications across a system of public and private clouds. An App Controller feature gives those pros an aggregated understanding of all their private clouds, along with services deployed on Windows Azure.

Microsoft executives also mentioned the next version of Windows Server, code-named Windows Server 8, which will apparently boost the ability to manage private-cloud infrastructure. However, the company is keeping a somewhat tight lid on details until September’s Build conference, where Windows 8 will make a fresh appearance.

In conjunction with the conference, Microsoft is also offering up SQL Server Code Name “Denali” Community Technology Preview 3 (or CTP3) and SQL Server 2008 R2 SP1, both of which are available via the Microsoft SQL Server Team Blog.

Microsoft also plans to make the next Dynamics CRM Online update available in the fourth quarter of 2011. In keeping with Microsoft’s increased focus on the cloud, data within the new offering can be ported across devices, including Windows Phones and Windows-powered tablets. In addition, enterprise customers will have the ability to bundle the platform along with Office 365, the company’s new cloud-productivity platform.

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