To tackle the wide array of practice development challenges and the technology usability hurdle, Microsoft is actively studying and investing in integrated solutions that pivot on the needs of professional services firms.

FORBES: Practice Development In An Age Of Transformation: Part Two

Picking the right technology was the first hurdle.

FORBES: Good morning, HAL

But the biggest hurdle of all appears to be agreeing on the technology to underpin a common trading-platform.

ECONOMIST: Going nowhere?

That hurdle aside, cartilage may be the tissue most amenable to growing with the help of 3-D printing technology, he said.

WSJ: Scientists use 3-D printing to help grow an ear

Instant messaging, that rat-a-tat chat technology that is catching up toe-mail in popularity, still hasn't overcome a critical hurdle that e-mail cleared years ago: utter incompatibility among rival brands.

FORBES: Instant Headache