SharePoint

Even as Microsoft preps SQL Server 2012 for release, signs point to a too-late entry into the big data sector.

YouSendIt got its start as a service for people who had to send large files to one another. It's evolved to become a leading business solution for file transfers, online storage, and other content-collaboration services. Its latest entry, Workstream, launched this week as a document-management and file-sharing tool, custom-tailored to the needs of businesses.

Salesforce.com launches Do.com to take on Microsoft Project and SharePoint. Apple introduces new cloud services to take on Google. Forget browsers and operating systems. The next war will be in software as a service.

In any business organization, the need to effectively communicate and collaborate in a timely manner is very important. Contending with mobile workers and shifting schedules, many businesses look toward enterprise content management (ECM) systems such as Microsoft's SharePoint. Their purpose is to allow users within organizations to collaborate and share work inside of a commonly accessed website framework.

How's this for a challenge? The CEO dies suddenly and you're tabbed to take his place -- on the heels of your network infrastructure company entering into a major new strategic partnership and in the midst of the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression. Oh, did I mention your competition includes some companies named Cisco Systems, Hewlett-Packard and Juniper Networks, among others? That's life for Chris Crowell, CEO of Enterasys Networks, who took over in 2009 shortly after predecessor Mike Fabiaschi's untimely death.

Despite the effectiveness and variety of techniques Google uses to ID malware, sites that can cloak their malware and intentions continue to flummox A/V and Save Browsing scanners.

Microsoft debuts the revamped version of its cloud-based office suite, Office 365, tomorrow, with better admin/management tools than Google and a price that keeps Microsoft in the game.

Complexity and lowish ROI compared to other forms of virtual computing holds virtual desktops back; Citrix keeps trying to make it simple and cheap

Microsoft waited two days to discuss the reason for BPOS outages; users complained it seemed less like an enterprise provider than a company "that can't support its own software."

When you are a company with 500 offices and 15,000 employees, it's easy for people to lose each other, or never meet at all.

Avnet's M&A playbook allows it to bring acquired companies -- and their IT systems -- into the fold with 'deliberate speed' -- usually within 90 days.

IT managers implementing collaborative software such as SharePoint have been warned that simply installing applications out of the box will put strain on relationships throughout the business.