WRAL Tech Wire

 Microsoft profit falls ahead of Windows 8 launch

Microsoft's net income fell 22 percent in the latest quarter as it deferred revenue from the sale of its upcoming Windows 8 operating system to PC makers - and as PC sales in general took a dive.

Microsoft

 Analysts, PC industry cool on Windows 8

While Microsoft is touting next week's launch of Windows 8 as the savior of the computer industry, PC makers and analysts are increasingly skeptical that the new OS will lure consumers away from tablets and smartphones.

 Gates praises new Windows: 'I'm very pleased with it'

"Hardware partners are doing great things to take advantage of the features," Bill Gates says. "It'll be a big deal."

 Intel CEO warns new Windows 8 isn't fully ready

Microsoft is eager to get Windows 8, the first version of its flagship software designed for touch tablets, into computers next month to help it vie with Apple Inc.'s iPad during the holiday shopping season. Releasing the operating system before it's fully baked is the right move, and Microsoft can make improvements after it ships, Intel's CEO said.

 Microsoft releases Windows Server 2012

Microsoft released the first major update to its server operating system since 2009 on Tuesday, a prelude to releasing Windows 8 to consumers next month.

 Microsoft unveils Office focusing on tablets, touch features

"We are taking bold steps at Microsoft," Chief Executive Officer Steve Ballmer says. "The new, modern Office will deliver unparalleled productivity and flexibility for both consumers and business customers. It is a cloud service and will fully light-up when paired with Windows 8."

 Microsoft Windows 8 will hit shelves in October

New versions of Windows typically come out every three years, but this update is the most widely anticipated overhaul of the software since 1995.

Screen shot of new Windows 8 start screen

 From Red Hat to rPath: Erik Troan shares story of road from Linux to Windows

Having crated version control for Linux-based systems, rPath's founders saw a Windows-based world waiting for the same tools.

 Analyst upgrade helps lift Red Hat to 52-week high

Research note says more customers are replacing Windows with Red Hat Linux for servers. Red Hat will announce latest quarterly earnings on Sept. 22.

 Microsoft has head in the ‘cloud,’ bank account on the ground

Analysis: After enduring three consecutive quarters of revenue declines during the recession, the seeds Microsoft sewed are bearing fruit, as Windows 7 and Office 2010 have generated significant growth despite the ongoing economic uncertainty.

 Microsoft strikes deal with Dell, HP, Fujitsu for ‘cloud’ appliances

The software giant is hoping the partnerships with expand use of its “Azure” cloud computing offering.

 Free Microsoft programs? Yes. It’s Word vs. Google Apps

In taking on Google Apps, Microsoft rolls out Office 2010 which is a milestone in its efforts to keep up with an industry shift from programs that are stored on PCs to free ones that can be accessed from any computer, over the Internet. Microsoft must be careful not to make the free apps so appealing as to undermine its lucrative desktop software business.

 Hot Off the Wire – Microsoft’s Outlook to add Facebook, MySpace; Privacy group complains about Google Buzz; MacSpeech is sold

 A blockbuster quarter for Microsoft, but clouds are on the horizon

Analysis: For a company constantly grappling with fear, uncertainty and doubt, the record revenue and operating profit should provide a brief respite. The introduction of Windows 7 is thus far a resounding success. However, Microsoft will not bask in the glory of its results for long, as the fundamental challenges facing the company’s business remain unchanged.

 CES 2010: Microsoft shows off tablet PCs, touts body motion software for video games

CEO Steve Ballmer shows off forthcoming HP tablet – or slate – at trade show. Meanwhile, Microsoft also talks about Xbox 360 game additions and new features.

Steve Ballmer demos HP's forthcoming tablet PC

 Microsoft unveils pricing, packages starting at $99 for Office 2010

 The Word is out – Court upholds anti-Word verdict against Microsoft

Chairman of Canadian company that sued Microsoft calls the victory a ‘war cry for talented inventors whose patents are infringed.’

 EU drops antitrust case after Microsoft offers browser choices

Beginning in March, Microsoft will provide a pop-up screen to all European users of its Windows operating system, asking them to choose one or more of five major browsers - including Microsoft's Internet Explorer, Mozilla's Firefox, Google Inc.'s Chrome and Apple Inc.'s Safari - and seven smaller rivals.

 Microsoft earnings send shares to 52-week high

 Red Hat, Microsoft enable joint operation of their software on virtualized servers