February was a busy month for Microsoft as they announced upcoming changes and updated many of their most popular products. Microsoft Dynamics CRM, Skype, Internet Explorer, Windows and the Microsoft Office platform all announced changes last week.
iPad and Yammer get Support for Microsoft Dynamics CRM
On February 27th Microsoft released a product update for its Dynamics CRM Online users that adds iPad and Yammer support. The update allows users to log into the CRM Online app through Safari on the iPad and access “most” functionality. Via this same optional update, Dynamics CRM Online customers also can begin making use of Yammer, the enterprise social-networking technology that became part of Microsoft in June 2012. Because the move Activity Feed to Yammer is permanent, make sure you confer with your Microsoft Partner before making the change. The Microsoft’s statement can be found here.
Microsoft delivers final version of IE 10 for Windows 7
Microsoft released the final (non-test) build of Internet Explorer 10 for Windows 7 on February 26. IE 10 is the latest version of IE and the one that is bundled with Windows 8 and Windows RT. download here.
Microsoft launches updated Office 365 for business users
Microsoft is launching service components of its ‘new Office’ for business on February 27. Here’s what new and existing users can expect.
Microsoft has added three new packages to its Office 365 line-up for businesses: Office 365 ProPlus, Office 365 Midsize and Office 365 Small Business Premium. These complement the existing Office 365 Small Business and Enterprise offerings, which Microsoft is updating with many of the latest new features and functions that it introduced late last year for the on-premises complements of the products in the suite. For a more detailed look as to the changes, read this article.
Microsoft to tighten further its Yammer-Office ties this summer
Microsoft’s SkyDrive Pro and Office Web Apps technologies will be tied more tightly into its Yammer enterprise-social-networking offering as of summer 2013. Microsoft and Yammer officials also said late last year that in the “immediate future,” the Yammer and SharePoint product families will be unified via a single ID/sign-on, shared document-management capabilities and feed aggregation. To learn more about the Yammer acquisition by Microsoft follow this link.
Microsoft to begin connecting Skype and Lync by June 2013
Microsoft’s mission to connect its consumer and business communications services is running later than many expected, according to the latest Lync roadmap. Voice and instant messaging capabilities will be available by June, but the video capabilities could take up until 2014 for the two programs to be integrated and available for customers.
Windows 7 users: Move to SP1 to continue receiving Microsoft support
The end of support date for Windows 7 without Service Pack 1 installed is April 9, 2013. If you wish to continue getting support from Microsoft you will have to update to Service Pack 1 mainstream (free); which will keep your system supported until January 13, 2015. For more information on changes in support and differences between programs follow this link.