Stories by Ken Mingis

The Takeaway: The war over H-1Bs heats up

Microsoft is among the companies supporting a bill in Congress that would, among other things, raise the limit on H-1B visas from 65,000 to 195,000 and eliminate a cap on people who get an advanced degree in science, technology, engineering or math (STEM). The company has also talked about a "skills gap" in the U.S. that makes raising the cap H-1B visa workers important.

Written by Ken Mingis14 July 15 04:29

The Takeaway: For Windows phones, it's all over but the shouting

While Microsoft is still making smartphones for its Windows 10 Mobile OS, the company has more or less given up on the mobile course set by former CEO Steve Ballmer and will likely be forced to discard the strategy entirely.

Written by Ken Mingis14 July 15 02:23

The Takeaway: Are IT shops getting a bad rap?

It's no surprise that IT departments have something of a reputation as naysayers when corporate users come calling with tech requests.

Written by Ken Mingis10 July 15 02:51

The Takeaway: Microsoft preps RTM milestone of Windows 10

Windows fans, take note: Microsoft is about to hit an important milestone in the run-up to the release of Windows 10 at the end of the month: Numerous reports have pegged this Thursday as the day the company will wrap work on Windows 10 and declare the OS is ready for "release to manufacturing" (RTM).

Written by Ken Mingis07 July 15 07:02

The Takeaway: How California plans to rein in H-1B visa use

With federal action on H-1B visas lacking, the state of California is stepping up to try and slow the use of foreign workers to replace their U.S.-based counterparts. Call it the Southern California Edison effect.

Written by Ken Mingis03 July 15 05:41

The Takeaway: Obama's trade win could affect H-1B reform efforts

Senate passage on Wednesday of fast-track trade authority for President Obama has H-1B visa reformers worried. They fear that the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) his administration is pushing could make it harder for them to make what they see as needed changes to the visa program.

Written by Ken Mingis30 June 15 04:34

The Takeaway: Why Apple will let iOS 9 delete apps

One of the tweaks Apple has made to its upcoming iOS 9 -- the mobile OS was released to developers earlier this month and goes into public beta in July -- should make it easier for iPhone and iPad users to install updates.

Written by Ken Mingis25 June 15 02:58

The Takeaway: BlackBerry looks to software for recovery

As BlackBerry struggles to regain its footing in the mobile market, it's finding that revenues from licensing its software and technology to companies are a rare bright spot in an overall moribund financial picture.

Written by Ken Mingis24 June 15 03:54

The Takeaway: Elop out as Nadella shakes up Microsoft's executive team

Microsoft has reshuffled its executive ranks, getting rid of former Nokia chief Stephen Elop and handing more responsibilities to Windows head Terry Myerson. The company also cut back on the number of major engineering divisions it has, moving from four to three.

Written by Ken Mingis18 June 15 23:38
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