2019 Top Microsoft Game Changing Technology For Construction

Over the past year, I have tried to post on LinkedIn, Microsoft technology articles that I believe will have a major impact on construction.  Why Microsoft specific articles? We started Lydon Solutions over 10 years ago, with the goal of providing construction services and solutions built-in, and around, the Microsoft Technology Stack.  Microsoft programs, like Bizspark, and the technologies they provide access to, have been instrumental in building our company, and we are extremely grateful to Microsoft.  If you want to know where businesses technology is headed, you follow Microsoft, period.  Right now, Microsoft is on a hot streak, they are the Darlings of Wall Street, and are delivering leading edge technology on an almost a daily basis. So, without further ado, here’s my 2019 Top Microsoft Game Changing Technology For Construction posts (in no particular order). 

Click on the titles to read the full article. Enjoy! 

Project Cortex: Using Microsoft Azure Cognitive Services and Graph, search can now reach across all your applications and be delivered in varying formats. Search can use image and text recognition, can automatically generate its own taxonomy, and allow you to build data models. For construction, think of single search across everything and the ability to find exactly what you are looking for. 

AT&T integrates 5G with Microsoft Cloud: AT&T and Microsoft are teaming up to deliver 5G cloud and Edge computing solutions in Azure. 5G will change businesses by reducing latency when connecting from devices. For construction, this will allow for game changing advancements in real time data streaming for drones and augmented reality devices like HoloLens, as well as for vehicles. 

ARM based PCs like the New Surface Pro X: While the new Surface Pro X is receiving mixed reviews, there is a much bigger story in the making. Microsoft is supporting ARM based processors that emulate X86 architecture.  They are also working on a more lightweight Windows Operating System (OS).  For construction, this means many more form factor computer devices that will fit the need of the user and the tasks at hand. These devices will turn on instant instantly, use less power, and always be connected so whether in the field or in the office you’re covered.

Announcement of Surface Neo and Duo: Following in the ARM based technology and new Windows OS, Microsoft is delivering 2 new Surface products in 2020. The Surface Neo is a foldable tablet using the newly developed Windows X Operating system. The Microsoft Surface Duo is a smaller phone like foldable device that uses the Android operating system. For construction, this means ultimate portability of devices for field and/or office. Also having the dual screens with inking technology will be huge for taking notes in the field.

Fluid Framework: Ever wish you had one Office product instead of separate applications for Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.? Microsoft is bringing these products together so that there is a need for only one file type. For construction, better document management capabilities with less files to search through, less training on new software, consistent file formats, and standard software applications among team members.  

Azure Arc: Ability to run Azure’s services and tools inside on-premise data centers and/or other cloud platforms. It opens the door to multi cloud strategies for companies to host their applications and data as well as hybrid solutions. For construction, software solutions can be delivered on multiple cloud platforms and consistently managed. 

Edge Chromium Browser: Microsoft is building a new Edge modern Chromium browser which will be better suited for mobile and will provide more support for web apps (like progressive web apps), as well as continued support for legacy applications reliant on older browsers like IE.  For construction, browser-based construction software will be much faster, more secure, work across devices, and support technologies built on older tech.

Office Progressive Web Apps: Microsoft is moving the entire Office suite to Progressive Web Apps (PWAs). PWAs are the future of applications both desktop and the web. PWAs provide desktop like experiences in the browser, allow offline capabilities using service workers, do not require an application to be installed on the device, and just happens to be the technology that we used to build Construction Viz. For construction, enterprise applications can be deployed via any modern browser which makes deployment faster, more robust capabilities, consistent experiences, and the ability to go offline with the entire application.

See how these Microsoft technologies and others will be implemented for construction in 2020 and beyond at LydonSolutions.com.  Also, for our latest product updates check out ConstructionViz.com. 

Have a very Happy and Prosperous 2020!