Wednesday, July 2, 2014

Software : IBM upgrades Connections to include hybrid environment deployments

Software : IBM upgrades Connections to include hybrid environment deployments

IBM upgrades Connections to include hybrid environment deployments

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IBM upgrades Connections to include hybrid environment deployments

IBM has released an upgrade to its Connections cloud and on-premise software designed to aid organizations in internal and external collaboration. Connections 5 offers IBM clients an improved set of document sharing, analytics and content management tools.

The upgraded platform can be deployed on premises, via cloud or in a combination of the two. New features include file sync, document sharing and the ability to deploy connections in any environment across mobile, Web and desktop devices.

Connections 5 features an open architecture and APIs designed for developers to create business applications. By offering a hybrid environment, IBM will be able to offer tools to all organizations, regardless of their preferred method of deployment.

Collaboration on the brain

This isn't IBM's first foray into enhancing on-premise and cloud-based business partnerships. In May, it released the "Multi-Enterprise Relationship Management" (MRM) platform feature to enable organizations to manage shared processes across business communities.

It also released the "Sterling B2B Services Reporting and Analytics" feature, which at the time IBM said would build "a unified foundation to connect and collaborate across its partner ecosystem as well as reduce the time it takes to onboard new partners by 85%."

IBM lists Superior Group and HootSuite as Connections clients.

Microsoft wants you to beta test upcoming versions of Office

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Microsoft wants you to beta test upcoming versions of Office

If you've ever wanted a chance to dip your toes into the next versions of Microsoft's Office products and services before they hit the shelves, you're in luck.

The company is on the hunt for beta testers as part of a newly launched Pre-Release Program. In exchange for providing feedback on your experience, you'll snag pre-release versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, Vision, Access, Publisher and Outlook in all their naked, non-tested glory.

Additionally, business types will get the keys to early versions of the company's Exchange, SharePoint and Project Server products and cloud services.

To join, you'll have to sign up as a Home or Business user and fill out a questionnaire to provide Microsoft with a few details on why you want to take part, meaning participants are likely to be hand picked on their suitability to provide constructive criticism on incoming updates.

Gem in waiting

Microsoft's rumoured touch-friendly version of Office, called 'Gemini', is slated for a summer release and as such could feature in the company's Pre-Release Program plans, meaning you'd be one of the first to try out one of the most highly anticipated Office releases in recent times.

Microsoft recently launched a similar early access program for Office 365 called First Release, which allows business customers to get a peek at several months' worth of features and improvements heading to the cloud.

Google grabs mood music app Songza, hints at YouTube integration

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Google grabs mood music app Songza, hints at YouTube integration

Google has confirmed the acquisition of mobile music streaming app Songza and has announced plans to integrate it within YouTube and other Google music products.

The Songza app users powerful curation algorithms and DJ-created playlists in order to pull together radio stations based on the weather, moods, the time of day, activities and more.

Now it is in the hands of Google, although the terms of the deal remain undisclosed.

In its announcement the Google said it'd be built into its Play Music service, but also hinted Songza may have a place within the forthcoming YouTube music subscription service.

No immediate changes

"Exciting news today - we're thrilled to welcome Songza to Google," the firm wrote. "They've built a great service which uses contextual expert-curated playlists to give you the right music at the right time. We aren't planning any immediate changes to Songza, so it will continue to work like usual for existing users. Over the coming months, we'll explore ways to bring what you love about Songza to Google Play Music.

"We'll also look for opportunities to bring their great work to the music experience on YouTube and other Google products."

The takeover was originally rumoured last month by the New York Post, with the pager suggested a somewhat low price of $15m (around £9m, AU$16m).

The deal comes after Apple splashed out $3 billion (around £1.75, AU$3.1) on Beats, but it's rather unlikely Google forked over anywhere close to that.
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