On January 20th, Microsoft announced the release of an open source project which is an SDK for Windows Phone for Amazon’s Web Services (AWS). The SDK essentially gives developers, ”…a speed dial that lets them quickly connect and integrate Windows Phone applications with AWS (S3, SimpleDB, and SQS Cloud Services).

Amazon’s own Terry Wise spoke about the new offering for Windows Phone and its benefits to customers:

“Our approach with AWS is to provide developers with choice and flexibility to build applications the way they want and give them unlimited storage, bandwidth and computing resources, while paying only for what they use. We welcome Windows Phone developers to the AWS community and look forward to providing customers with new ways to build and deploy Windows Phone applications,” he says.

The SDK will allow developers to have more choice as to which cloud services they use when developing their mobile applications for Windows Phone. Being a cloud-friendly platform it is important for Microsoft to leverage as many cloud services as possible, even if it is a competing service to Microsoft’s own SkyDrive, like Amazon’s Cloud Drive.

You can find the SDK here.

Source: MSDN Blog

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What is Azure? It is a data center, the end point to a Cloud service. What is Amazon Cloud? It is a data center, the end point to a cloud service. What is iCloud? Well it is not a data center. But it is Apple’s foray into the cloud services. That’s the issue. Because the interest in Apple’s iCloud service (never mind the lawsuit that was just filed about the name iCloud.)

So what is iCloud? Apple feels that it must get its network momentum on track. So the iCloud service, in which network customers store their data or run applications off the web instead of locally.  The cloud is supposed to be the next step in Internet operations, and if you have seen examples of Microsoft’s Data Center, you would see that it is a massive building that incorporates thousands of servers.

Amazon also has cloud operations and they also have data centers located at different parts of the country. Their operation is similar to Microsoft’s where customers use the installed server system to operate applications, do backups, disaster recovery operations, run databases, and perform many tasks that would need the modern processing power of servers to run effectively and efficiently. The upshot is that customers who cannot afford the latest technology, either software or hardware, only have to connect to the data center and have the services performed there.

Apples iCloud

However, is that what Apple is doing with its cloud services? Perhaps not; instead people believe that Apple does not have its own data center. This conclusion developed because after Apple launched the beta of its iCloud iMessage service, several blog sites, the Infinite Apple site and a few others, analyzed the traffic patterns and found that Apple appeared to be using both Azure and Amazon Web Services for hosting purposes only. That means that according the iCloud service does not store actual content. Rather, it simply manages links to uploaded content.

So while much attention is placed on Apple for this development. It is not clear yet what it fully entails.

Azure-Data Center

Source: Zdnet

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In tandem with our sister site Windows 7 News & Tips we are giving away over $9000 this December.  Yes, everyday between Dec 1st and Dec 24th we are giving away prizes worth over $300!!

Entry is free and you can enter as many times as you want.  All you have to do is visit our Christmas Giveaway and start bidding for free on the prizes you want to win.  It’s a reverse auction so the lowest unique bid wins.

Auctions will run from 24 hours each day starting at 8PM PST – keep checking the site for details of the new prizes added daily that you can win!

Start bidding now!!

Also visit ghacks where Martin is also giving away thousands of dollars in prizes!!

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We had some teething problems with the auction site yesterday that are now resolved and day 2 winners of our $9K Christmas Giveaway have now been notified.  Yesterday we gave away:

• Free utilities and performance software from UNIBLUE - Worth $100!!
• Free Unlimited Online Backup Account from Mozy - Worth $55!!
• More software from UNIBLUE - Worth $30!!
• Free Copy of MediaMonkey Gold - Worth $40!!
• Free copy of RecoverMyFiles - Worth $100!!

Day 3 Christmas Giveaway – $300 in Amazon Vouchers!!

Today in our Christmas Giveaway we are giving away $300 in Amazon vouchers in addition to another copy of  A-Squared Anti-Malware 4.5 worth $40!! To play all you have to do is visit our Christmas Giveaway auction site and start bidding in our reverse auction- all bids are free!  To read more and how to play click here.

Auctions will run from 24 hours each day starting at 8PM PST- keep checking the site each day for details of the new prizes you can win!

Start bidding now!!

Also visit ghacks where Martin is also giving away thousands of dollars in prizes!!

a-Squared Anti-Malware 4.5  - Worth $40!!

a-squared Anti-Malware 4.5 provides comprehensive PC protection against trojans, viruses, spyware, adware, worms, bots, keyloggers, rootkits and dialers.

2 cleaning scanners in 1: Anti-Virus + Anti-Spyware

• Not just any scanners, but a combination of two world class products – the a-squared Anti-Spyware, and the Ikarus Anti-Virus engine. Latest tests approve that both are cutting edge in Malware detection
• No doubling of the scan duration as would be the case with two separate scanning programs. Considerable performance improvement is possible thanks to the integration of the two engines on the lowest level
• No double price – two top security products for the price of one.

2 guards against new infections: signature scan + behavior analysis

• When a Malware infection is detected, the scanner puts the found objects under quarantine or deletes them finally
• Anti-Malware holds plenty of advanced options for experts to detect and delete Malware manually. For this purpose the integrated system analysis tool HiJackFree is included, and helps you to have all processes, services, auto-runs, open ports, browser plug-ins, LSPs and host entries under your control
• For tough problems our helpful Malware experts are at your disposal for free. With their help, any infection, no matter how resistant it is, can be purged – guaranteed

Protect your PC and start bidding now! If you don’t win then you can still try a-squared Anti-Malware 4.5 free for 30 days!

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Microsoft will be over joyed to hear the news today that Windows 7, their new operating system has managed yet another incredible achievement. Their new OS is clearly popular among consumers and it has managed to break the record for the most number of pre-orders ever sold on Amazon.co.uk.

Today Amazon announced that Windows 7 has managed to beat the Nintendo Wii and Harry Potter novels to claim the number one spot.

The launch of Windows 7 has superseded everyone’s expectations, storming ahead of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows as the biggest grossing pre-order product of all-time at Amazon.co.uk, and demand is still going strong,

Managing Director of Amazon.co.uk, Brian McBride said earlier today.

Amazon is one of the biggest online retailers and to break any records with them is no easy feat. Apparently only Dan Browns, The Lost Symbol has managed to out sell Windows 7 in the past 3 months, but that has been out since September. Windows 7 isn’t available until tomorrow, and it’s incredible that a software product has managed to sell so many copies. Windows 7 broke the record that was previously held by J.K Rowlings Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

Windows 7 has managed to sell more pre-order copies in the first 8 hours than Windows Vista was able to sell in its entire pre-order period. Just goes to show how interested people are in Windows 7 and want to upgrade to Microsoft’s latest OS to get away from Vista. Amazon say that demand for Windows 7 is still strong and isn’t showing any signs of slowing down.

If your one of the few who haven’t ordered a copy of Windows 7 for yourself you may consider it here.

Were you one of these people who pre-ordered Windows 7? Or are you waiting until tomorrow when it’s released? Let us know in the comments?

Sources:

Techradar

V3

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The Register has today reported that Curry’s and PC World have already shipped some pre-ordered copies of Windows 7 in a move to head off this Thursday’s postal strike and keep customers happy.  This means some customers have got Windows 7 three days ahead of the official launch.

In a statement, Microsoft said “Microsoft is aware of the planned postal strike and has taken action to minimise impact on those customers who pre-ordered their copies of Windows 7. As a result, some customers may receive their copy of Windows 7 a day or two early.”

The Register reported…

“Just received through my letterbox a brand spanker of new Windows 7 DVD Home Premium courtesy of PC World. Nice and fast before all of the official release dates,” one Register reader told us.

Others similarly confirmed that they too had been sent their copies early, having pre-ordered various flavours of the operating system in July via Currys and PC world, which are both owned by retail giant DSGi.

DSGi said in a statement “We have taken a customers-first approach, and given the threat of Royal Mail strike action, we have consulted with Microsoft and authorised the early release of a first batch of Windows 7”

Amazone have also said that they are “doing everything we can to ensure that Amazon customer orders are not disrupted including routing orders through our other carrier partners”

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The Windows 7 pre-order phase has been quite messy especially in Europe. The bargain offers that Microsoft promised did not cut it for most users as they were never able to grab a Windows 7 copy at the reduced prices. The UK seems to be an exception to the rule as Amazon is currently running yet another tempting offer for all Windows 7 editions that are on sale at the shop. Amazon UK has dropped the prices for Windows 7 full editions to a price that can only be described as a bargain. But look for yourself:

Windows 7 Home Premium full: £64.68 instead of £149.99
Windows 7 Professional full: £148.00 instead of £219.99
Windows 7 Ultimate full: £159.98 instead of £229.99

Especially the price for the Home Premium version is more than tempting. Something that users from other European countries should take into account as well as they can order at the UK website of Amazon without problems or the fear of paying taxes for the purchase.

The upgrade editions of Windows 7 have also been reduced in price although not by such a large margin:

Windows 7 Home Premium upgrade: £64.99 instead of £79.99
Windows 7 Professional upgrade: £149.98 instead of £189.99
Windows 7 Ultimate upgrade: £157.16 instead of £199.99

This makes the Windows 7 Home Premium and Professional full editions cheaper than the upgrade editions. The prices are surely not going to stay that low forever. Users who have missed previous bargains might want to consider ordering those versions before the offer expires.

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There’s no doubt, at least in my mind, that Windows 7 is a very worthwhile upgrade from XP or Vista.  But, as October 22nd approaches, we should start thinking seriously about when we should get it and how much we should be paying for it.

The early adopter

If you are an early adopter and don’t already have a copy of Windows 7 through a volume licensing program such as the action pack, then let’s face it you’re used to paying over the odds.  But if you’ve been lucky or savvy you’ve already bought your copy on Amazon or another website offering the, since expired, pre-order price of £50 per copy.  This in my mind offers great value for money.

If you haven’t done this then you can still get a decent deal.  Amazon UK is offering Windows 7 Home Premium for under £65 which is, frankly, close to the maximum I’d consider paying for it.

Families and Friends

If you have more than one PC in your home then it’s worth waiting for the launch of the family pack.  This will give you three licences to Windows 7 Home Premium for £50 ($50) each.  Excellent value for money and, let’s face it, most households will have more than one PC.  You might consider buying a family pack with friends to save money there too.

Students

If you’re a student and have a .ac email address then, frankly, you’d be an idiot not to take full advantage of Microsoft’s student offer on Windows 7.  You can buy a full copy of Windows 7 Home Premium or Windows 7 Professional for only £30 ($30).  This offer runs until January 2010.

Buying a new PC in the next year?

If you plan to replace your PC in the next twelve months, then, honestly, I’d wait and get Windows 7 then.  There’s no point whatsoever in forking out money now for something you’ll only get, essentially for free, later on.

Everyone else

If you don’t fit into any of the above categories you’ll still be able to buy Windows 7 cheaply, but you may have to wait until 2010.  Websites such as Dabs usually sell OEM copies of Windows cheaply, usually about £80 but you won’t get any product support from Microsoft, which, let’s face it, you probably won’t miss.

Another way to get a cheap copy of Windows 7, and again you’ll probably have to wait for a while, is your local computer fair.  These are a great place to find cheap software and hardware.

Finally, and if there’s still any left, Microsoft are offering 90-day trial versions of Windows 7 Enterprise.  This is long-enough to tide you over until you can get a copy from elsewhere.

So there’s plenty of places you can get Windows 7 without paying over the odds for it.  As always I’d advise avoiding illegal (cracked) copies.  Microsoft are all over piracy and you can be certain that one day soon, and just you when you least want it to, Windows Genuine Advantage will render your PC unusable until you pay £180 for a full copy.

Don’t have nightmares 

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I’m not sure how long this is going to persist, but copies of Windows 7 Home Premium are selling on sites like Amazon in the UK for £65 ($107), whereas in the US a copy will set you back $200.  The situation isn’t as pronounced for Windows 7 Professional, with a full version costing £150 ($248) in the UK and $300 in the US.

I live in London, and for once it’s nice to get better pricing than the US.  If you live in the US, then maybe it’s worthwhile trying to work out who you know who lives in the UK who can post a copy to you.  Postage is only going to cost $8 tops, so you’ll still save $80.

More: Windows 7 Pre-order options.

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I’m been asking myself today, what was the point of the Windows 7 Pre-Order Offer?  Although, the pre-order Windows 7 offer ran for a decent number of weeks in the US and Canada, the allocated number of copies ran out in Japan in just two days and the European offer didn’t even last that long, with the German offer selling out within 15 minutes and the UK offer within hours.  In France, I couldn’t even tell you if the offer even went live as no prices ever appeared on the Amazon France site.

Amazon UK reported that they sold more copies of Windows 7 in the first eight hours of the offer, than they took in 17 weeks of pre-orders for Windows 7.  I was one of the lucky buyers in the UK and I managed to snag myself a copy of Windows 7 Professional.  I was doubly lucky because I was so busy at work I’d forgotten the offer had started, and if Martin hadn’t pinged me on Skype complaining about lack of availability in Germany, I would have forgotten to order my copy and I would have missed out.  All I’m hoping now is that Amazon deliver on launch day.

With so few copies of Windows 7 available, I’m struggling to understand Microsoft’s motivations.  Was their intention to just create a buzz around Windows 7, by making people fight for the limited copies available?  Windows 7 is already one of the most talked about and anticipated launches, and if this was their goal, I feel all they’ve done is annoyed potential evangelists and retailers.

Did they under-estimate demand?  If so, then why didn’t they increase the number of units available in Japan and Europe?  The US and Canadian offers ran their course, so why couldn’t they extend the offer in other countries or make more copies available?  Doing so would have allowed them to still create positive PR e.g. ‘Demand is so great we sold xx weeks of stock in one day.  In response to the amazing demand for the #1 product of 2009,we are…blah blah blah’

If Microsoft’s aim was to bring in a bit of quick cash then what I personally would have done is offer Windows 7 Ultimate as the only pre-order offer version, as only real diehards with more money than sense would buy this product at full price, given the limited number of additional features.

Were you left disappointed by the Windows 7 Pre-Order offer, or did you manage to reserve your copy?

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Yesterday, Windows 7 E Home Premium and Professional went on sale on Amazon.co.uk.  Or did they?  Take a look at this screen shot which shows that from this morning the product is still not available for sale.

Amazon have so far said nothing about the delay, even though this web page states Windows 7 E will be available from 00:00 BST on 15th July 2009.

I do know some people who are very keen to pre-order this, even though they know they might later get screwed by family pack licensing.  So come on Amazon, what’s the hold up?  After all, it’s not as though you need the stock in today.

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Amazon must have had one of their busiest weeks ever.  Not only have they virtually sold out of every Michael Jackson album, but the Windows 7 Pre-orders have shot to the top of the bestsellers charts.  Orders for  other Windows 7 editions are also doing well.

Since Friday, users from the United States, Canada and Japan have been able to pre-order Windows 7.  Users from Great Britain, France and Germany will have to wait until mid July before they can start pre-ordering the operating system.  Interested users from the three countries can currently purchase Windows 7 Home Premium for $49.99 instead of $119.99 and Windows 7 Professional for $99.99 instead of $199.99.

Microsoft has made the decision to not offer a pre-ordering discount for Windows 7 Ultimate which is something that caused some concern with users who would like to purchase this edition of the upcoming operating system.

Here are the links to the pre-order pages at Amazon in case you would like to place a pre-order.  Microsoft said the offer will end once a certain number of units are sold, so given the success so far, if you haven’t ordered yet you might need to hurry up:

• United States
  • Pre-Order Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium Upgrade
  • Pre-Order Microsoft Windows 7 Professional Upgrade

• Canada
  • Pre-Order Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium Upgrade
  • Pre-Order Microsoft Windows 7 Professional Upgrade

• Japan
  • Pre-order Windows7 Home Premium
  • Pre-Order Windows 7 Professional

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