The next version of Outlook, part of Office 15, is all about touch and unification with other Microsoft products including native Hotmail and social networking integration, a new feature called Peek, a Windows Phone-style "People" menu, and touch optimization. That's my takeaway from Paul Thurrott's look at the Outlook 15 preview, as part of the Windows-focused blogger's sneak peek at the next version of Microsoft Office. While Outlook 15 is still a traditional desktop app, several changes appear to be preparing the way for users to access the program on a touch tablet.

If you are in contact with a multitude of people on a regular basis due to work or other commitments and have trouble remembering where and how you know them (or why), Smartr Contacts is the ideal app for you.

As budgets are locked in for 2012 it's time to aggressively expand server virtualization, and for those who have been held back by cost, to consider virtual desktops.

The mobile user interface is set for a range of changes in the next 12-24 months, creating new modes for users to interact with their devices, and with other devices nearby and network-based services.

Microsoft has launched the public beta of the highly-anticipated Office 365. There is a lot to like about the cloud-based suite, but one of the most compelling features of the service might just be the price.

A new online distributor has opened for business, called BPOS Tools.

I can't say I'm an Outlook fan, but for better or worse, I'm stuck with it. Fortunately, I've found a few ways to make the most of it, like using it as an RSS reader for my Google Reader account.

In its bold march to become a credible collaboration and communication suite for businesses, Google Apps has encountered a frequent roadblock that has proven more vexing than expected to circumvent: good old Microsoft Outlook.