Business Computer Blog (UK)   IT Know-How for Business People

© Ed Yourdon

Skytap is a provider of cloud servers and automation software, which has recently launched new products to enable businesses to easily create virtual clouds. The new Skytap software offerings feature services like configuration routing and self-service cloud orchestration, which allows for the replication of in-house network environments in the cloud.

The new services utilize server resource sharing to lower costs and increase efficiency. The company offers shared server resources such as HP Application Life-cycle Management, MySQL database and Microsoft Team Foundation Server. These services and more have been designed to be easily configured and managed by end users without the need for IT support. Thanks to the streamlined configuration process, companies can now move their networks to the cloud more quickly and with less redundancy and cost. Configuration routing recreates a standard server hub/spoke model in the cloud.

© Herb

Microsoft has announced that it will patch a critical bug in its Windows software for servers, along with two other vulnerabilities in PowerPoint. Microsoft has classified the server software update shipping May 10 as "critical", which is the highest treat ranking in its four-step score.

The update will patch Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2008 and Windows Server 2008 R2, which are the three still-supported versions of its server OS. The vulnerability exists in the newest version Server 2008 R2 Service Pack 1, but Windows desktop OS including Windows XP, Vista and Windows 7 are not affected. It is not known which server component Microsoft will patch, but there is speculation it could be an Active Directory component or the DHCP component. Because the patch is for servers, it's likely that network administrators will require a day or two to test the fix before applying it.

© npslibrarian

There are many places to shop for laptops, but the challenge for many people is finding a reliable source for cheap laptop computers. In particular, businesses that require laptops for their everyday operations require discounted computers to save money without significant compromises on speed and performance. Now a new blog has been launched which specializes in selling cheap laptops, offering buyers a huge selection of laptops at the best prices. The blog is run by laptop experts who provide reviews on each of the laptops they sell.

They also provide links to the stores which sell each laptop for the lowest price. The blog makes it easy for visitors to compare laptop models and find the cheapest prices in one place, saving them considerable time and frustration. The goal of the blog is to offer the widest selection of cheap laptops online. With laptop technology and pricing changing so rapidly, a reliable source of information that tracks these changes can be very helpful.