MSPmentor has compiled a list of the top cloud computing stories that managed service providers (MSPs) need to know about for the week of Oct. 30.

This week’s edition features cloud computing news from Microsoft (MSFT), SkyKick, Softchoice, Skyhigh Networks and Synergy Research Group.

Cloud Lifts Microsoft First-Quarter Earnings, Layoffs Continue

Microsoft reported its cloud computing revenue in FY16 Q1 rose 8 percent to $5.9 billion. However, Microsoft also recorded $20.38 billion in total revenue, which represented a 12 percent year-over-year decrease.

Microsoft, SkyKick Provide Partners with Free Cloud Backup

Cloud management software provider SkyKick is providing its Cloud Backup application for free within Microsoft’s Internal Use Rights program. SkyKick said the promotion enables Microsoft Action Pack, Silver and Gold Competency partners to back up their cloud data using SkyKick technology and store that data on Azure for free.

Softchoice Works with Dell and Microsoft on Hybrid Cloud Offering

MSPmentor 501 honoree Softchoice is now offering the Dell Hybrid Cloud System for Microsoft CPS. The new system is designed to simplify and accelerate cloud adoption, Softchoice said, because it allows organizations “to realize the scalability and elasticity of cloud and enable IT to better deliver against business objectives.”

Skyhigh: Employees Continue to Place Sensitive Info in Cloud Services

Skyhigh has found that roughly 28 percent of employees have uploaded a file containing sensitive data to the cloud. The cloud security and enablement company also noted that the average organization experiences 2.4 cloud-enabled data exfiltration events each month, and 92 percent of companies have cloud credentials for sale on the Darknet.

Synergy Research: Quarterly Cloud Service Revenue Exceeds $6 Billion

A new Synergy Research study revealed cloud infrastructure service revenues topped $6 billion in the third quarter of 2015. In addition, the study showed that cloud infrastructure service revenues over the last four quarters exceeded $21 billion. 

What do you think of this week’s cloud stories for MSPs? Share your thoughts about this story in the Comments section below, via Twitter @dkobialka or email me at [email protected].