4 hot Microsoft technologies coming in 2012

By J. Peter Bruzzese

Source: InfoWorld

The year 2012 brings with it prophecies (of doom, unfortunately -- thanks, Mayans), predictions, and promises in every industry. While I'm no seer of the future, there are four tools and toys I'm particularly anticipating from Microsoft this new year, after 2011's relative dearth of tools and toys from the company.

Microsoft to enable Linux on its Windows Azure cloud in 2012

By: Mary Jo Foley

Summary: Microsoft is preparing to launch a new persistent virtual machine feature on its Azure cloud platform, enabling customers to host Linux, SharePoint and SQL Server there.