Microsoft acquires integrated cloud storage vendor StorSimple for an undisclosed sum, a purchase Microsoft says will advance its "Cloud OS vision" while boosting hybrid cloud computing. 

StorSimple sells hybrid storage appliances combining traditional hardware with the storage of less accessed data on enterprise-class cloud-based archives. The service also includes encryption, backup and recovery tools. 

“Customers faced with explosive growth in data are looking to the cloud to help them store, manage and archive that data. But, to be effective, cl Read more...

More companies are buying into the cloud-- including 2nd biggest PC maker in the world (according to IDC) Lenovo, who acquires US-based cloud software maker Stoneware for an undisclosed sum. 

Stoneware is the first software-only Lenovo acquisition. It makes webNetwork, an enterprise cloud network hosting environment with a majority of education and government customers. 

Why would a hardware maker buy into the cloud? Lenovo says "we have a history of innovation and embracing new technologies, and the talented team at Stoneware will fit in perfectly Read more...

The European Commission (EC) prepares a new cloud computing strategy-- one with hopes to widen cloud services adoption in order to add nearly €600 billion into EU GDP in the 2015-2020 period. 

The chief aim of the strategy is to cut across what EC technology chief Neelie Kroes describes as the "jungle of standards" currently in place across the region. 

It also addresses the concerns many businesses show regarding data security and the moving of data between different cloud providers.  

The strategy has 4 chief aims: 

• Ensuring the movement of data Read more...

Dell expands its Cloud Services scheme to all European PartnerDirect members-- meaning Dell Desktop-as-a-Service (DaaS) offerings are now available in the UK, France, Germany and the Netherlands. 

The company also expands its channel certification program, making Cloud Services & Solutions competency certification available for European partners. Competency is divided in 3 specialist areas, namely Cloud Builder, Cloud Provider and Cloud Services Enabler. 

Dell and Dell Wyse channel partners can access the Dell Cloud Client Computing Partner Advisor-- Read more...