Microsoft Surface

Microsoft are gearing up for major warfare as an all-in-one provider for all things computer (OS, apps, cloud service and mobile hardware).  Both Google and Apple already offer this and Microsoft are going to have to pull out a stunner to compete with these behemoths (not that MS is any small fry mind).

Microsoft are readying to launch their new Windows Server 2012, and of course, this is a pretty vital piece of the puzzle.

In a very brief summary; Microsoft is rolling out the latest iteration of its cloud services, with particular emphasis on targeting large business (read Fortune 500 companies, such as ING Direct and Aflac who have both had access to a beta version).  Though there is no official release date, it’s almost a given it’ll be later this year, around when Windows 8 drops as it’s pretty much key to creating a cloud computing “environment” across all the multiple devices 8 will run on.

In order to ensure no freak-outs at launch, Microsoft are stress testing the server with all of their online programmes (Office, Xbox Live, Bing etc.).  For Bing alone, the server is handling over 300 petabytes a day, a truly staggering amount without even considering the demands data hungry services like Xbox Live will be demanding.  With the Xbox 720 almost certainly coming early next year, the server will be placed under even more strain as it is reported to have cloud functions of its own. 

This is all happening just as Microsoft have unveiled their debut entry into the world of tablets, the Surface.  The devices are set to be very impressive, with two variations, where the more advanced type running the full desktop version of 8.  No official word on prices yet, but expect just below Apple’s and entering into ultrabook territory for higher specs. The key to the tablet so far appears to be the 'magnetic keyboard attachment' which, coupled with the business usability, gives it a strong niche.   

Still, one must suspect Microsoft know what they’re up to (you don’t really get to an electronics giant otherwise...cough...Sony…), but can’t help but remember the ill-fated Zune.  With this almost wave-like set of releases (not even mentioning Smart Glass), we might well see another contender in the go-to-guys for all our computing needs.