Skype + Microsoft? Why a deal could make sense … for Skype

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Microsoft’s name emerged this weekend as a potential suitor of Skype, following a report last week that Facebook and Google were talking with the iconic Internet communications company about a partnership or acquisition. Om Malik today quotes anonymous sources saying that “Microsoft has entered the mix and is interested in either partnering with, acquiring or… Read More…

Microsoft profits climb as Xbox, Office trump PC slump

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Microsoft’s Xbox, Office and Windows Server businesses helped the company overcome a down quarter for the Windows PC market. The company just posted revenue of $16.43 billion for the quarter ended March 31 (up 13%), and profits of 61 cents per share (up 36%) — topping Wall Street’s expectations on both counts. The company also… Read More…

Microsoft brings Clippy back … for Office training game

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Hi, it looks like you’re playing a game! Would you like some help? OK, so thankfully that’s not what happens in Microsoft’s newly released “Ribbon Hero 2” — the sequel to its surprisingly popular training game for its Office programs. But the game does, in fact, feature none other than Clippy, the former Microsoft Office… Read More…

Microsoft opens Office subscriptions to masses, with app store — er, ‘marketplace’

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Microsoft this morning launched the public beta of “Office 365″ — a new subscription service that lets small businesses pay a monthly fee, rather than buy an up-front license, for programs including Office Web Apps, Exchange Online, SharePoint Online, and the Lync Online communications service. As part of the announcement, the company also rolled out… Read More…

Meet Microsoft’s new marketing boss: Chris Capossela

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The guy who previously headed marketing for Microsoft’s Office products is now taking on that role for the entire company. Microsoft this morning named veteran executive Chris Capossela its new senior vice president in charge of an expanded “Consumer Channels and Central Marketing Group,” replacing Microsoft veteran Mich Mathews, who recently announced plans to leave…. Read More…

Google Apps grows up with new ‘scheduled release’ option

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What, you didn’t want that amazing new Gmail feature rolled out to your 5,000 employees without warning? Google, doing its best to avoid situations like that — and to lure big companies away from Microsoft Office — this morning announced a new “scheduled release” option for IT departments that want some time to prepare for… Read More…