This is the first in a new series of pages devoted to breaking news and updates from Microsoft. We'll summarise announcements from Microsoft and add links to our own comments. So, if you need to keep on top of relevant IT announcements from Microsoft, you can do so by regularly visiting this page. The page will be replaced each month with a new page and the previous pages archived at the foot.
25 October - The new MSN
In a conversation with PressPass, Microsoft group vice president Rick Belluzzo discusses MSN’s new software and integrated services that give users a more satisfying Web experience.
25 October - MSN Search
One-Click Access to Music, Video and Breaking News Makes Web Searching More Convenient. New search tabs and interpretive search technology provide more relevant and effective query results, giving users the information they really want.
25 October - MCP Program
Microsoft Certified Partner Program: Enhanced Offerings, Strong Focus on Customer Satisfaction. Microsoft today announced the new Microsoft Certified Partner Program, which revitalizes the existing Microsoft Certified Solution Provider (MCSP) Program by bringing in additional categories of partners, expanding program benefits and creating a higher certification level - Microsoft Gold Certified.
25 October - Bridging the digital divide
This month's Silicon Valley Speaker Series panel discussion addresses the need for businesses, governments and non-profit organizations to work together to bridge the 'digital divide'.
24 October - Savvy uses for smart cards
In a conversation with PressPass, Philippe Goetschel, director of Microsoft's Smart Card division, talks about the growing demand for embedded technology and how people will benefit from smart cards.
19 October 2000 - New IP Standard
Microsoft Helps Drive Completion and Implementation of a New IP Standard. The company is preparing the Windows development community for the new IPv6 protocol, releasing an updated technical preview and sharing ongoing, timely information via MSDN.
18 October - SQL Servier 2000 technology
Microsoft Research Adds Data Mining and Self-tuning Technology to SQL Server 2000. Newest version of data management software allows users to analyze more data faster - and discover patterns and relationships deep within databases.
18 October - The Digital Divide
In a keynote to leaders from various business, government and environmental agencies at the Digital Dividends Conference, Microsoft chairman Bill Gates emphasized the importance of continuing society's efforts to bridge the digital divide.
18 October - Literary award to e-book
World’s Second Highest Literary Award is presented to an eBook. eBooks technology continues to make strides, as the world's largest international trade fair for publishing awards top prize of $100,000 to a book first published in eBook format.
