Office

Vote for the Next Book

Sat, 18 May 2013 23:06:00 +0000

Getting a bit ahead of myself, but what the heck

With the end finally in sight for Windows Phone Book, I’ve started thinking a bit about what comes next. Sure, I’ve got a lot of work to do on the current book, on both the writing and publishing sides, but I want to keep moving forward. And since I’m hoping to charge for the next book, I’m curious which topics are of the most interest to actual readers.

Office 365 Tip: Enable Offline Access for Outlook Web App

Thu, 16 May 2013 16:43:00 +0000

Access your Outlook data from the web browser when you're offline

While Microsoft doesn’t seem too interested in adding offline support for the Office Web Apps—the web-based versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote—it does in fact support this capability in Outlook Web App, the web-based email, contacts, calendar, and tasks management solution in the business versions of Office 365. Here’s how to enable it and how it works.

City of Boston Drops Microsoft for Google

Tue, 14 May 2013 20:40:00 +0000

Last week, the City of Boston announced that it was making "a move to the cloud" by adopting Google Apps for all city workers and schools. Google Apps will replace "multiple aging on-premises email systems currently in use"—read: "Exchange Server"—and will even save the city money each year, it's claimed. This is disappointing, and I think that the City of Boston is making a huge mistake.

Open In New Window: No

Microsoft Names New CFO

Thu, 09 May 2013 13:19:00 +0000

Microsoft this week named Amy Hood as its next Chief Financial Officer, replacing outgoing CFO Peter Klein. Hood formerly served as CFO of the Microsoft Business Division, which is responsible for Office, Microsoft’s largest business.

Open In New Window: No

The Office 365 Upgrade: From Small Business to Small Business Premium

Wed, 08 May 2013 15:15:00 +0000

It's not a one-click upgrade, but you can move users between different Office 365 subscription plans pretty easily

With my Office 365 upgrade complete, I started reevaluating my subscription choice: I’ve had a Small Business account since Office 365 first opened its virtual doors a few years back, but since then Microsoft has added some additional subscription offerings. And now I’d like to upgrade my account to Office 365 Small Business Premium.

Office Web Apps to Improve with Android Editing and Real-Time Coauthoring

Wed, 08 May 2013 15:07:00 +0000

Office on the web keeps getting better

In keeping with its vow to regularly update its various Office offerings, Microsoft this week announced some major changes coming soon to the Office Web Apps, the free web-based versions of four key Office applications. Among the changes, the Office Web Apps will be extended to support document editing from Android Tablets and real time co-authoring.

Office 365 to Go: The Android Experience

Wed, 01 May 2013 21:03:00 +0000

Configuring Android for Office 365 is a bit more complicated than with Windows devices

This next look at configuring Office 365 for businesses on mobile devices focuses on the most popular mobile platforms, Google Android. Unfortunately, getting Office 365 up and running via Exchange ActiveSync (EAS) on Android is a bit more complicated than with Windows devices.

Microsoft's Billion-Dollar Businesses, Past and Future

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 17:36:00 +0000

People like to compare Microsoft and Apple, but the truth is, they couldn't be more different. Microsoft's businesses are more diverse than Apple's and are of course far more business oriented. A quick examination of Microsoft's billion-dollar businesses shows where the company makes all its money today. How that will change in the coming years?

Open In New Window: No

OneNote App for Windows 8/RT Improved for Touch

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 14:50:00 +0000

OneNote MX finally takes advantage of the touch screen in your tablet

The OneNote mobile app for Windows 8 and RT has received a major update this week that should be of interest to tablet fans: It now natively supports touch in addition to a pen or stylus. This means you can use your finger to paint or draw on the screen.

A Rare Peek into the Reimagining of Microsoft’s Products and Brands

Sun, 28 Apr 2013 14:39:00 +0000

A video highlights a previously secret collaboration between Microsoft and an external marketing firm

You’ve heard the term “reimagining” applied to Windows 8, of course, but it’s also something that Microsoft has applied to other products and services, and even to its own brand. This week, in what I believe to be a fairly unprecedented though very quiet revelation, Microsoft trotted out two of the people, Albert Shum and Todd Simmons, who have spearheaded this amazing change. And what the reveal is fascinating indeed.