Microsoft recently announced a collaboration with Hewlett Packard that will benefit its corporate customers, as well as plans to upgrade a key cloud software suite of programs.  Now, the two companies are expanding that partnership to build options based on the new Windows 10 operating system for their corporate clients.

HP Helion Cloud Service

HP announced plans in October to slowly wind down the Helion Public Cloud, its cloud-based service that provided power for computing.  However, the company still offers online access to applications by working with Microsoft to supply Office 365.  This collaboration, which has been successful in the past, allows HP to offer cloud-based service without committing to provide the cloud servers itself. The new collaboration will offer SaaS or Software as a Service by utilizing Windows to offer automated management of updates to the operating system, allowing HP customers to manage their software via the cloud rather than physically loading updates or new software on computers or servers.

New Products, New Services

Microsoft and HP have also been working to develop applications for specific industries, such as automotive, retain, energy and transportation.  Microsoft is also changing its Dynamics suite of business programs to make it more competitive in the enterprise resource planning field.  ERP software manages business tasks such as human resources, accounting and inventory control.  Microsoft entered the ERP field in 2001 with the purchase of Great Plains Software Inc. and in 2002 with the purchase of Navision AS.  Now, those product lines have evolved into Dynamics AX, which is web-based through Microsoft's Azure cloud service and offers features to support mobile devices and to analyze business data. These services are part of the overall philosophy of "One Microsoft" which works toward integrating all software, apps and other services into one seamless system.  As businesses embrace these products, they often find that they can streamline their computer software and processes, making it easy to use these programs across a number of devices and in any location. If you are interested in learning how Microsoft's systems can help your business, C3IT can help.  As an authorized consultant, we understand these software programs and how they can best be utilized for your particular business.  Call us today to set up a consultation and learn more about how we can help you integrate the right software and apps into your work systems to get the most productivity.