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Microsoft cloud computing & cloud services – So much more than just BPOS

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clip_image002“Cloud” – Now there’s a topic that I had multiple conversations with Microsoft partners about at Worldwide Partner Conference, as well as one that was covered in many presentations, communications, sessions, updates, etc. both at Worldwide Partner Conference but also since then. One thing that I have heard or seen several times, and why I am putting up this post, is a perception that at Microsoft, “cloud” = BPOS and BPOS = “cloud." Now don’t get me wrong, BPOS (Business Productivity Online Services) is a component of Microsoft cloud computing / Microsoft cloud services; however, it is not the holistic, all encompassing definition of Microsoft cloud computing / Microsoft cloud services, it is merely one offering available.

Let’s take a look in a little more depth at what Microsoft Cloud Computing / Microsoft Cloud Services is and offers…

First, let’s be clear on the timeline. I’ve heard some statements along the line of “Microsoft is new to offering cloud services.” I guess it depends on how you define “new.” Compared to how long the automobile has been on the road, sure 15 years could be considered “new,” but in terms of “new” as in “just getting into it,” then no, and I think this is something people forget. Here’s a quick look over time at Microsoft involvement in cloud services/offerings (including before “cloud computing” was being used as a term).

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The journey leading up to where we are today has been taking place for 15 years now, starting way back with Windows Live and Hotmail. Since then, the services and offerings served up online through cloud from Microsoft have continued and expanded. Today, there are a number of cloud based solutions available, enabling individuals and businesses around the world to do so much. Here’s a look at some of these, with links to more information about each and trials of these for you:

Hopefully in the information above, you can see that when it comes to Microsoft cloud computing and Microsoft cloud services, BPOS is just one aspect and offering available, but it goes far beyond just that. Whether you are a business or a partner, the opportunity that cloud computing/cloud services and Microsoft brings to you are very exciting and continue to expand each and every day. Please be sure to utilize the resources above to either begin or continue your journey into what Microsoft and cloud/online services can bring to light for you. Also, if you are a business looking to learn more about what Microsoft’s online/cloud solutions can do for your business, be sure to talk with a Microsoft partner near you to learn more.

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Thank you and have a wonderful day,

Eric Ligman – Follow me on TWITTER, LinkedIn, and RSS and see “What I’m thinking”
Global Partner Experience Lead
Microsoft Worldwide Partner Group
This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no rights

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Comments

  • Anonymous
    August 23, 2010
    I agree - Microsoft has a very robust set of cloud offerings (there are some in this list that I wasn't even familiar with.)  It's interesting, though, that there still seems to be a perception (I hear it from our clients and our students) that Microsoft is trailing in this area rather than leading. Smaller vendors or Google always seem to be the first companies people think of when talking about the "cloud."  While larger players, like Microsoft or SAP are being called late to the game, despite a robust set of offerings.   Joel

  • Anonymous
    August 26, 2010
    Awesome article ... A lot of things have been made clear in my mind now .. ! This article deserves to be tweeted ... ;) Regards, H.