March, 2012

Cloud computing has rained a lot of benefits on Greater Boston, most visibly the dramatically lower IT costs that businesses are discovering when they reach for the cloud. A new study from Microsoft, however, predicts that not only will the cloud slash costs in Boston businesses, but it also will generate nearly 20,000 new jobs, funded by new revenue attributable to cloud computing. The cost benefits from the cloud have become clear. When businesses shift their information technology infrastructure and applications to cloud-based services, they are able to avoid the expenses entailed in buying...

This week, Microsoft partnered with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Boston (BGCB) to host the 8 th Annual Career Forum, “Pearls of Wisdom” event. The Career Forum is part of BGCB’s Life After the Club initiative, which provides members a chance to learn more about different careers and gives them the opportunity to pose questions to professionals in various fields. Craig Hodges, General Manager of Microsoft’s Northeast Sales District presented the keynote at the event, which included insights into his profession and career guidance for the teen audience. This is the third...

Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the last few months, you’ve probably heard of the Hunger Games, one of the most anticipated movies of 2012. Based on the best-selling novel, the sci-fi flick, which takes place in the future, hits theaters Friday, March 23. The movie’s biggest stars, including Jennifer Lawrence, Liam Hemsworth, Josh Hutcherson and others made appearances this month, at Microsoft stores throughout the country to meet with press and fans, sign autographs and participated in a Q&A event with their fans. In addition to meeting cast members of the hottest...

Just in this year alone, more than 13 million kids in the U.S. reported being bullied and each month 3 million-plus students have intentionally missed school because they felt unsafe. The shocking truth is that bullying affects millions of kids every single day. These startling statistics are the reason Lee Hirsch and The Weinstein Company created “Bully,” a documentary focused on getting parents, students, educators and advocates involved in the fight against bullying. And Microsoft is getting involved in this initiative. Bing recently announced its partnership with The Weinstein...

Last week, Microsoft's Northeast Sales Division held its annual DigiGirlz event at the Microsoft Technology Center in Waltham. DigiGirlz is a national diversity program sponsored by Microsoft throughout the United States aimed at introducing young women to careers in technology. Sixty high school girls were selected to attend the event from Boston Public Schools and many suburban-area high schools in Massachusetts. Laura Mulcahy, senior vice president of Business Solutions for TJX was the special guest keynote. Mulcahy kicked off career discussions with Microsoft women employees who explained their...

Recently, Microsoft teamed with an incredible organization called Stop Hunger Now to host a 90 Minute “Meal Packaging Event” at our headquarters in Waltham, MA. More than 100 Waltham-based employees volunteered their time, packing 22,300 meals to make a difference in the battle to end world hunger. About Stop Hunger Now: Established in 1998, Stop Hunger Now is an international hunger relief organization that coordinates the distribution of food and other life-saving aid around the world. The organization is driven by the vision of a world without hunger and a mission to end hunger...

Conquering productivity can be a challenge, especially in instances of inclement weather keeping you from driving or tending to a sick child home from school. Each year, extreme weather alone brings life to a grinding halt for millions of people. But with new technologies from Microsoft, nothing will stop you from accomplishing your task list. No one has a busier work schedule than Today Show’s host, Al Roker. As a weatherman, actor and author, how does he manage to stay productive? Check out his tips on how he works from anywhere at any time with the help of Microsoft Office: Are...