Cloud Archives

Tech Optimizer

June 21, 2025

EDB enhances PostgreSQL analytics with open source add-ons

EDB has enhanced its data platform, EDB Postgres AI, to integrate transactional, analytical, and AI workloads. The new engine for PostgreSQL offers independent scalability from cloud storage and is optimized for columnar formats like Iceberg and Delta Lake. It utilizes Apache DataFusion for efficient query execution, achieving speeds up to 30 times faster than traditional PostgreSQL and providing 18 times greater cost efficiency for cold transactional data storage. The analytics accelerator allows analytical queries to be processed by Apache DataFusion within PostgreSQL. EDB claims a total cost of ownership that is six times more favorable and transactional performance that is 30 percent faster than SQL Server. PostgreSQL is evolving to support analytics alongside its traditional transactional capabilities, with EDB's goal being to provide tools for seamless analytics within the PostgreSQL framework without redefining it as an analytics database.

Winsage

June 20, 2025

Old apps and third-party providers blocked: Major Microsoft 365 security impact

Microsoft is implementing default blocks on legacy protocols and third-party applications for Microsoft 365 to enhance security. This includes deactivating the RPS protocol for SharePoint and OneDrive, as well as blocking the FPRPC protocol. Administrators will now need to give explicit approval for third-party applications to access files and pages, limiting user consent. These changes will begin in mid-July 2025 and are expected to be completed by August. Additionally, new security settings for Windows 365 will disable clipboard, storage, USB device, and printer linking by default on newly set up cloud PCs, with VBS, Credential Guard, and HVCI activated by default for those using a Windows 11 Gallery image. These updates for Windows 365 are planned for the latter half of 2025.

Winsage

June 20, 2025

Microsoft boosts default security of Windows 365 Cloud PCs

Microsoft is enhancing its Windows 365 Cloud PCs with new security features starting in May 2025. All newly provisioned and reprovisioned Cloud PCs using a Windows 11 gallery image will have Virtualization-Based Security (VBS), Credential Guard, and Hypervisor-Protected Code Integrity (HVCI) enabled by default. VBS creates a secure environment to protect system processes, Credential Guard secures authentication credentials, and HVCI ensures only verified code runs at the kernel level. Additionally, beginning in the latter half of 2025, clipboard, drive, USB, and printer redirections will be disabled by default on newly provisioned and reprovisioned Cloud PCs to mitigate security risks, although IT administrators can re-enable these features if needed.

Winsage

June 20, 2025

Windows 10 is dying as scams skyrocket. We asked a security expert for advice

In this week's episode of The Full Nerd, hosts Adam Patrick Murray, Alaina Yee, Will Smith, and guest Mike Danseglio discuss the end of Windows 10 and its security implications, the rise of scams, and various online security concerns. They explore user transitions to Windows 11, Linux, and vulnerabilities in communication methods. A recent vulnerability allows hackers to steal encryption keys from AMD Ryzen CPUs, prompting firmware updates for users of the Ryzen 3000 series or newer. Asus Armoury Crate users are advised to update due to a critical flaw that could grant hackers administrative rights. Cloud gaming is gaining traction among gamers under 40, provided latency issues are resolved. DDR4 memory prices are rising, indicating a decline of AMD’s AM4 platform. Anker has recalled older power banks due to fire hazards, and Framework has launched a new 2-in-1 DIY laptop. AMD has shared promising benchmarks for its upcoming Ryzen Threadripper 9000 series.

Winsage

June 20, 2025

Microsoft to remove legacy drivers from Windows Update for security boost

Microsoft is removing legacy drivers from the Windows Update catalog to enhance security and compatibility within its Windows ecosystem. The initiative aims to provide users with the most optimal drivers for various hardware devices. The cleanup process will begin with expiring drivers that have newer replacements, making them unavailable for any Windows system. Partners can republish removed drivers if they present a valid business rationale. Microsoft plans to expand the cleanup to include additional categories that may pose security risks. The company is also implementing changes to pre-production driver signing and has introduced new security defaults for Windows 365 Cloud PCs and updated security protocols for Microsoft 365 tenants.

Winsage

June 20, 2025

Microsoft announces Windows 365 Reserve: Backup cloud PCs for the enterprise

The service allows administrators to pre-stage a cloud PC with company policies, applications, and security controls for quick delivery to users experiencing device failures. It enables users to access a familiar desktop rapidly, even in challenging situations like a malfunctioning laptop at a client site. Intune manages these virtual devices, simplifying the process for IT teams. The Reserve service offers organizations a low-risk way to explore virtual desktops, aiming to provide faster recovery options for lost, stolen, or damaged devices. However, practical implementation concerns remain, including user support access, the decision between physical replacements or temporary solutions, and the selection of applications and policies for the Reserve image. IT departments need a comprehensive operational playbook to effectively utilize this service.

AppWizard

June 20, 2025

Devil May Cry 4 Special Edition Joins GOG PC Preservation Program

GOG has added Devil May Cry 4 Special Edition to its Preservation Program catalog for PC. The standalone game is priced at .99, while a bundle with the HD Collection of the first three games is available for .99. During a promotional sale until July 2, 2025, the standalone game is offered at .49, and the bundle at .84. The game features Nero as the main character and includes additional characters and modes. The GOG version is DRM-free, compatible with Windows 10 and 11, supports Cloud Saves, and includes all downloadable content. A trailer for the game is available. GOG has previously collaborated with Capcom on titles like Breath of Fire IV and the Dino Crisis series. Devil May Cry 4 is available on multiple platforms, while the Special Edition is specifically for PS4, Xbox One, and PC.

Winsage

June 20, 2025

Microsoft testing physical-to-cloud PC failover

Microsoft has introduced a preview of "Windows 365 Reserve," which offers pre-configured cloud PCs for users when their primary devices are unavailable. The service includes essential Microsoft 365 applications, user-specific security policies, and customizations. Users can access a Cloud PC for up to 10 days per year, with the option to use the time all at once or in shorter sessions. Key features include data synchronization via OneDrive, pre-loaded corporate applications, and management through Microsoft Intune. Enhanced security measures involve disabling certain redirections and implementing virtualization-based security. Additionally, Microsoft is conducting a private preview of Windows 365 Cloud Apps for secure access to individual applications without needing a dedicated Cloud PC. Improvements to Windows 365 Link include a new "Connection Center" for selecting multiple Cloud PCs, enhanced multi-monitor support, and NFC card login capabilities.

Winsage

June 20, 2025

Microsoft has a brand-new service aimed at saving all your files from disastrous cloud drop-out

Microsoft has introduced Windows 365 Reserve, a web-based service that provides temporary, pre-configured Cloud PCs for users during device disruptions. Users can access these Cloud PCs from any device, and they come equipped with Microsoft 365 applications, corporate settings, and security protocols. The service can be utilized for up to 10 days each year. Pricing details are not yet announced, and a preview is expected to launch soon. There is speculation about a possible subscription-based model, and an online application process will be available for early access. Additionally, a 20% discount for first-time customers has been announced for the existing Windows 365 platform.

Winsage

June 20, 2025

How Uniphore achieved 30% cost savings by modernizing Windows servers on AWS

Uniphore is an AI innovation company that faced challenges with its legacy Windows Server infrastructure, which was costly and raised security concerns due to its end-of-support status. To modernize, Uniphore utilized Amazon Web Services (AWS) for containerization and cloud-native solutions, achieving a 30% reduction in costs and improved operational capabilities. The migration involved transitioning from 50 bare-metal Windows Server 2008 R2 instances to a Linux environment on AWS, optimizing call-center analytics workloads and enabling better training of large language models. The modernization strategy included three key areas: application modernization through refactoring and containerization, a custom data migration solution using Type 2 hypervisor technology, and a cloud infrastructure setup with Amazon EC2, Amazon EKS, Amazon EFS, and Amazon S3. The migration was executed in three phases: deploying the hypervisor and DataSync agent, secure data migration and validation, and production cutover with application deployment. Best practices adopted during the process included Infrastructure as Code (IaC) with Terraform, CI/CD pipelines using GitLab, comprehensive monitoring with DATADOG and CloudWatch, and enforcement of AWS Backup policies. The modernization resulted in benefits such as improved scalability and performance, flexibility and portability of applications, enhanced security and compliance, efficient data management, reduced operational overhead, and significant cost savings.