Latest news from Microsoft

As a MCSE and active member on the IT Advisory Counsil, I get sneak peaks into things that other developers usually find out weeks, if not months after. So you’re lucky I’m delivering these news hot off the press.

Some of you may know, Microsoft follows their schedules religiously (ie. Update Tuesdays ) And this month is no exception, September is the beginning of the new research year for Microsoft. The ITAC has been busy coming up with new ideas and projects for 2009. One exciting element is that project “Ramp Up” is in beta stages. What this means is that new security patches, severice packs and etc will soon reach you to help Vista run … better. Check out the Mojave experiment if you haven’t already (http://www.mojaveexperiment.com/?fbid=X9qiOX7bMg7).

Finally, for you hardcore developers out there, Zermatt is finally released. Microsoft Code Name: “Zermatt” is a .NET developer framework and SDK that helps developers build claims-aware applications to address today’s application security requirements. “Zermat” uses a simplified model that is open and extensible, can improve security, and boosts productivity for developers. Developers can then build externalized authentication (authN) capabilities for “relying party” applications and build custom “identity providers,” often referred to as Security Token Services (STS).

Sorry if you’re bored out of your mind from this post, but if you’ve been following the recent developments of Microsoft, this is exciting news.