Roundup of latest technology news around the world.
Windows 7 SP1 Released
Microsoft has released Windows 7 SP1 (beta) that includes the hotfix patches and new virtualization tools to help Windows Server 2008 R2 users prepare for cloud computing (via).
In order to download and install the Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1 Beta you must currently have a Release to Manufacturing (RTM) version of Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 already installed (source).
This patch is not for Home users.
Skype Blocks Fring
Skype has blocked Fring over ‘misuse’ of Skype software.
Fring was using Skype software in a way it wasn’t designed to be used – and in a way which is in breach of Skype’s API Terms of Use and End User License Agreement. We’ve been talking with Fring for some time to try to resolve this amicably.
However, over time, Fring’s mis-use of our software was increasingly damaging our brand and reputation with our customers. On Friday, for example, Fring withdrew support for video calls over Skype on iOS 4 without warning, again damaging our brand and disappointing our customers, who have high expectations of the Skype experience. – official Skype blog
Fring called this a ‘cowardly’ act
For 4 years we have led mobile communication innovation, most recently with video calling on any advanced Smartphone and network.
Now that fring expanded capacity to support the huge demand for video calling for all users, Skype has blocked us from doing so. They are afraid of open mobile communication. Cowards.
Needless to say, we are very disappointed that Skype, who once championed the cause of openness is now trying to muzzle competition, even at the expense of its own users. – official Fring blog
Windows Azure Platform
Microsoft unveiled its private cloud, Windows Azure Platform Appliance in a box today.
The Windows Azure platform appliance is the first turnkey cloud platform for large service providers and enterprises to deploy in their own datacenters. eBay will incorporate the Windows Azure platform appliance into two of its data centers to further optimize its platform and achieve greater strategic agility and datacenter efficiency.
The Windows Azure platform appliance consists of Windows Azure, Microsoft SQL Azure and a Microsoft-specified configuration of network, storage and server hardware. The appliance is optimized for scale out applications and data center efficiency across hundreds to tens of thousands of servers.
Check out this introduction video
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