Microsoft is appealing the $1.3 billion fine imposed on it by the European Union for failing to honor a 2004 antitrust agreement, the company said Friday.

>> Microsoft to appeal $1.3 billion EU fine

Microsoft has released the MSDN Community Distribution CD for May 2008

"The MSDN Community Distribution CD ISO image containing MSDN articles, forums posts, webcasts and more.

Download our Community Distribution CDs as ISO images, burn and distribute them among your friends and colleagues."

>> MSDN Community Distribution CD (May 2008)

Microsoft has released a 32-bit version of the Microsoft Exchange Server 2007 Management Tools

"Exchange Server 2007 is a native 64-bit application that includes 64-bit management tools. You can use the management tools to administer your Exchange Server environment remotely. If the remote computer is running a 32-bit operating system, you will need to download the 32-bit management tools."

>> Exchange Server 2007 - Management Tools (32-Bit)

Microsoft has released Update Rollup 2 for Exchange Server 2007 Service Pack 1

"Update Rollup 2 for Exchange Server 2007 Service Pack 1 (SP1) resolves issues that were found in Exchange Server 2007 SP1 since the software was released. This update rollup is highly recommended for all Exchange Server 2007 SP1 customers.

For a list of changes that are included in this update rollup, see KB948016.

This update rollup does not apply to Exchange Server 2007 Release To Manufacturing (RTM). For a list of update rollups applicable to Exchange Server 2007 RTM, refer to the section Update rollups for Exchange Server 2007 RTM in the Knowledge Base article KB937052.

This is a cumulative update rollup and replaces the following:

KB945684 Update Rollup 1 for Exchange Server 2007 Service Pack 1 (KB945684)"

>> Update Rollup 2 for Exchange Server 2007 Service Pack 1 (KB948016)

Microsoft will increase its focus on making mobile phones part of its strategy to spread IT to people in developing nations, based partly on a prototype already developed for the purpose called Fone+

>> Microsoft to increase focus on handsets for poor

A software dealer who Microsoft charged with engaging in the sale of pirated software is vowing to fight back. Next week he plans to file a complaint with the European Commission alleging abuse of power and anti-trust violations.

>> RAccused software pirate denounces Microsoft

The software maker plans to show off some of its search improvements at its advertising conference this month. Improvements in overall relevance and shopping-related queries are expected.

>> Microsoft to show new search tech this month

Just when it seemed that their stormy relationship had ended, Yahoo and Microsoft may end up reconciling and coming to terms on a merger sooner rather than later.

>> Yahoo, Microsoft: Off again ... on again?

Microsoft has released a software add-in to help those who have difficulty reading printed documents to turn Word documents into audio files

>> Microsoft to help disabled access Office documents

Microsoft won't be pursuing tie-ups or takeovers to replace its failed Yahoo bid, Bill Gates said in Tokyo on Wednesday.

>> RMicrosoft won't pursue other partnerships, says Gates

Microsoft and the Hyundai Kia Automotive Group announced today an agreement to put Microsoft's Automotive Platform into Hyundai and Kia cars by 2010.

>> Kia and Hyundai cars to get Microsoft software

Microsoft continues to eat its own dog food to promote the adoption of its Silverlight technology.

>> Microsoft revamps Download Center using Silverlight

While Yahoo would have given Microsoft's Internet business an immediate boost, Microsoft has closed that chapter and is focused on moving forward, a Microsoft official said Tuesday.

>> Microsoft GM to Yahoo: Good-bye to you

Microsoft broke ground Tuesday for a new research and development center in Beijing that will house the company's growing Chinese operations.

>> Microsoft breaks ground on $280M Beijing R&D center

Microsoft has released Windows PowerShell V2 Community Technology Preview 2 (CTP2)

"Windows PowerShell V2 CTP2 introduces several significant features to Windows PowerShell 1.0 and Windows PowerShell V2 CTP that extends its use, improves its usability, and allows you to control and manage the Windows environment more easily and comprehensively."

>> Windows PowerShell V2 CTP2

Microsoft has released Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer 2.1 (for IT Professionals)

"The Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer provides a streamlined method of identifying common security misconfigurations. MBSA 2.1 adds Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 compatibility."

>> Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer 2.1 (for IT Professionals)

Microsoft has released Microsoft Identity Integration Server 2003 SP2 Update

"Microsoft Identity Integration Server 2003 SP2 Update, Enterprise Edition helps you synchronize identity information, easily provision and deprovision accounts and identity information and also provides password management capabilities."

>> Microsoft Identity Integration Server 2003 SP2 Update

Despite last minute talks amid an increased offer from Microsoft, the two sides could not strike a deal.

>> Microsoft pulls its Yahoo offer

Microsoft announced Thursday the release of its Expression 2 Studio design tools, which provide application design capabilities to complement application development capabilities of the company's Visual Studio toolset.

>> Microsoft ships Expression Studio 2 tools

Microsoft is gearing up for a hostile acquisition of Yahoo, with a formal announcement possible Friday, the Wall Street Journal reported.

>> Microsoft close to hostile bid for Yahoo