Here is the weekly IT news:
Windows 7 passes new threshold. Microsoft last Friday announced it had sold more than 350 million copies of Windows 7 in 18 months, equal to 450 copies every minute.
Windows 8 facial recognition moves closer to reality. Microsoft is reportedly building facial recognition technology into Windows 8, potentially offering a more secure way for customers to log into their computers.
Microsoft opens up Office 365 Marketplace beta. Without a lot of fanfare, Microsoft last week launched the Beta of the Office 365 Marketplace, its online app store for Office 365.
Microsoft brings Xbox Kinect to Windows PCs. In an effort to breathe new life into the faltering PC market, Microsoft plans to release software that will enable developers to create Kinect-compatible apps that can run on Windows-based desktops and laptops.
Cloud market predicted to top $241 billion by 2010. The global market for cloud computing will grow from $40.7 billion in 2011 to more than $241 billion in 2020, according to a report from analyst firm Forrester titled Sizing the Cloud.
Amazon EC2 outage crashes websites. A major outage at Amazon's servers last week affected the services of numerous online companies that used Amazon's cloud computing services, known as Amazon EC2.
VMware adds presentations to its suite of cloud services. VMware has acquired SlideRocket, a San Francisco-based startup whose flagship product is a SaaS application for building business presentations that are stored online.
HP expands thin client lineup. HP has expanded its thin client product line with the addition of the HP t5740e, its first thin client to use the Windows Embedded Standard 7 Service Pack.
Facebook tests social-buying program. Facebook began offering a deals program on Tuesday similar to the online bargains made popular by Groupon, LivingSocial and other companies.
Google is firm on its stance on China. Google's new CEO won't change stance on China. Speaking at a business forum in Beijing, John Liu, Google's vice president for sales and operations in greater China said Google's stance on doing business in China isn't going to change because Larry Page has replaced Eric Schm