Free Consumer Security Offering By Microsoft
On November 18,2008 Microsoft has announced that, they are planning to offer a new consumer security offering focused on core anti-malware protection. This solution will be offer to consumers at no charge. Code-named “Morro,” this streamlined solution will be available in the second half of 2009 and will provide comprehensive protection from malware including viruses, spyware, rootkits and trojans. This new solution will be developed in such a way that it will use less computing resources and ideal for low-bandwidth scenarios. Microsoft also announced that it will discontinue retail sales of its Windows Live OneCare subscription service effective June 30, 2009.
On November 13, 2008 Lenovo announced ThinkPad USB Portable Secure Hard Drive. These new hard drives help mobile customers to protect their data in an easy to use manner. ThinkPad USB Portable Secure Hard Drives are available in 160GB and 320 GB versions connected with keyboard to allows hard drive users to enter their password to get access to data. ThinkPad USB Portable Secure Hard Drive meets the 128-bit advanced encryption security standard that make sure that your sensitive data is secure and real-time encryption means users don’t have to wait for the “lag time” that typically accompanies encrypted drives. The hard drive features full-disk encryption for up to ten unique user ID’s and one administrator, making it an ideal tool for ThinkPad notebook PC users on-the-go or collaborating at work. Additionally, the self-powered hard drive eliminates the hassle of keeping up with power cords, and a convenient built-in USB cable makes transferring data simple and stores in the hard drive’s housing when not in use.
On November 5,2008 Microsoft show it’s upcoming version of windows operating system that is windows 7 to it’s hardware partners at Windows Hardware Engineering Conference (WinHEC) 2008. Microsoft has showed some of the new improvements and innovations to hardware to partners to create a new experience of hardware for windows users. Microsoft has showed some of the new features in Windows 7 that optimize how customers interact with Windows PCs, manage devices, access broadband and engage with wireless experiences, providing new opportunities for partners to improve their customers’ experience. The following features in particular were highlighted:
Microsoft released to manufacture (RTM) Windows Embedded Standard 2009, the next generation of Windows XP Embedded, on October 7th, 2008. Windows Embedded Standard delivers the power, familiarity, and reliability of the Windows operating system in componentized form, helping device makers to easily create smart connected devices requiring rich applications, services, and end-user experiences. Featuring technologies that easily connect with many common industry standards plus several Microsoft desktop and server technologies leading to lower costs in application development, operating system deployment, servicing, and maintenance. With Windows Embedded Standard, developers get access to a mature technology portfolio of embedded specific tools that work in the familiar developer environment of Visual Studio allowing them to rapidly configure, build, and deploy devices with enhanced security reliability and manageability.
Amazon takes another big steps towards it’s EC2 services. Amazons is planning to include Windows Server and SQL Server to it’s EC2 cloud services. Currently Windows server on EC2 is in private beta. The big question is, Will Microsoft adopt a true utility pricing model for virtual computers running Windows, allowing Amazon to roll the operating system licensing cost into its hourly fee, or will the Windows licenses have to continue to be purchased separately.? The 32 and 64 bit versions of Windows Server will be available and will be able to use all existing EC2 features such as 
