The Dell PowerEdge R720xd is one of the first offerings in Dell's new, 12th-generation PowerEdge server lineup. It's basically an expanded version of the PowerEdge 720 and oriented toward fast, well-managed file, virtualization, and storage workloads. That means the box has a distinguished pedigree to live up to, and after putting the R720xd through its paces, I'm sure its lineage won't be disappointed.

InfoWorld gives you the full scoop on the state of the cloud in 2012, including key trends in the cloud's technology and its job opportunities, as well as what you have to know about the cloud before developing for it.

Hailed as one of Microsoft's broadest, deepest releases, Windows Server 8 will replace the current version of the OS, Windows Server 2008, in 2012 about the same time the new companion desktop OS, Windows 8, is released. Microsoft has a broad set of goals to reach with this release, such as cloud compatibility and automation of routine tasks across multiple machines. The new release also benefits from Microsoft's work building out its own Azure cloud service. Many technologies developed for the server were tested in the cloud, and many technologies developed for Azure were then imported back to the server.

Business users in Asia-Pacific are expected to continue the uptake of iPhones to the tune of 455,000 units in 2016, according to analyst firm, Ovum.

Systems management company, Numara, has announced plans to develop its channel strategy by appointing new channel partners.

Software giant, Microsoft, has revamped its Partner Network program, which comes into effect this month.

Hewlett-Packard has updated its Network Node Manager software, released Monday, to include performance management and virtualization support.

Microsoft is beta testing a PC management service aimed at supporting midsized businesses, the company announced Monday.