Microsoft going to discontinue Encarta encyclopedia

Microsoft has announced that its Encarta encyclopedia is to be discontinued this year. You have got few months more until October 31, 2009 to enjoy it.

If you are fond of it, Do take its DVD as it is going to be history soon.

IBM open cloud manifesto: Microsoft, Amazon, Salesforce.com and Google dodging "The Boss Factor"

The Open Cloud Manifesto headed by IBM landed without big names. Microsoft, Amazon, Google and Salesforce.com were not there to support a document that claims to be a “call to action for the worldwide cloud community”. However, It was backed by names like VMware, Sun Microsystems, Red Hat, Cisco and Novell.

Steven Martin leaked details about the project last week, and complained about being “disappointed by the lack of openness in the development of the Cloud Manifesto”.

Amazon has issued a similar negative statements like.
“Like other ideas on standards and practices, we’ll review this one, too. Ideas on openness and standards have been talked about for years in web services. And, we do believe standards will continue to evolve in the cloud computing space”

In reality, IBM is vigorously trying to beat Microsoft by asking the software giant to sign up a document of dedicated belief that the cloud should be open. Similarly, Amazon, Google and Salesforce.com seem reluctant in accepting IBM’s believes and ideas.

Many of the manifesto's supporters are expected to be there to talk about shaping cloud standards for the future. And, interestingly, even though Microsoft has made the loudest noises about why it has no intention of signing on the dotted line, the company still plans to attend the event.

Microsoft gesture recognition methods in Windows 7

Do you want to know the difference between drag, a scroll, and a sweeping selection in Windows 7. Windows 7 design team is trying hard at standardizing its touch and gesture recognition methods.

Several updates revealed that scrolling a page is most likely a motion that begins off-surface, and went on-surface like plan's takeoff and land motion. On the other hand, drag starts with a landing of the finger on the surface itself, and a dead stop. Drag continues in the direction of hand; but what will happen when it happens to be up or down, the system will easily distinguish it as a drag because it began with a dead stop.

Another Scoop in a bowl – SUN into IBM

You might be amazed but I like to confirm you that IBM-SUN merger is going to happen soon. If this will happen, IBM certainly becomes clear leader of JAVA and a prime competitor of Microsoft too. MySQL and NetBeans/Eclipse can be unified to confront Microsoft Visual studio – A strong revenue base of Microsoft. This move is certainly another way to strengthen the foundation of IBM business but it also signifies IBM commitment toward better solution for customers.

I must say that if this is going to happen then it is better for developers to focus on IBM products from today as IBM might be your next choice.