AI education, quantum computing, and more
Cloud Direct
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Did you know January didn't exist in Ancient Rome?
Well, now you do.
I'm back! The Memo's had a facelift, the decorations are down, and I think I've finally finished saying Happy New Year to everybody. January is well underway and there has been plenty going on to bring you up to speed with.
?? Microsoft doubles down on AI education
??? The UK government's AI vision
?? FabCon is back, and bigger than ever!
?? What's on at Cloud Direct
?? A look to the future
Well don't stop here... keep reading! ??
World-leading AI education ??
Two-thirds of leaders say they wouldn't hire someone who doesn't have AI skills. It feels like we blinked and the AI age was upon us, so how can we expect workforces to pivot and pick up the required skillsets at the drop of a hedgehog's hat?
We can't – and 微软 recognises that. To tackle the issue, it has partnered with the world's leading training firm, Pearson , to "provide employers, workers and learners with new AI-powered products and services to help prepare the current and future workforce across industries for the era of work in an AI-driven economy."
Additionally, the partnership aims to...
Microsoft and its partners (us included) have already put plenty of efforts into training the workforce, with more than 23 million people earning digital certifications throughout 2024. This partnership is about to supercharge those efforts... and I for one can't wait!
Here's everything you need to know.
The UK government is getting serious about AI ??
"We want Britain to step up; to shape the AI revolution rather than wait to see how it shapes us." Fighting talk from Peter Kyle, Secretary of State for Science, Technology and Innovation.
This week, he headed up the launch of the Government's AI Opportunities Action Plan, which documents how the nation can "shape the application of AI within a modern social market economy". The plan sets out three simple steps:
The full plan, which delves into the detail around datasets, domestic compute, and plenty more, is well worth a read with your afternoon cuppa. You can find it here.
Second Fabric Community Conference
In my fifth-ever Microsoft Memo, I brought you all the updates from the inaugural Fabric Community Conference in Las Vegas. Almost one year and 20 Memos later, it's back for more!
With nearly twice as many sessions and a whole host of workshops spread across six days at the MGM Grand Hotel, the second annual Fabric Community Conference will bring together thousands of data professionals to unveil new features, demo different products, and experience a data event like no other.
领英推荐
On the fence? Watch this.
I'm just looking into whether or not a little blue hedgehog like me can get to Las Vegas, so I might just see you there!
For more info, and to get signed up, head this way.
There's more where that came from ?
2024 was a brilliant year for me and the team. Okay, mostly the team, but this little hedgehog had a hell of a time too – from exhibitions to interviews, and all the foraging in between, it was a busy one... and 2025 is set to be bigger, and better than ever!
We've already got events on the docket for the next few weeks, and plenty more in the pipeline, including...
Unlocking agility with App Mod
Next week, Leon Godwin is joined by Microsoft's Tighe Brennan to discuss the amazing opportunities that are presented by application modernisation. You'll learn what's possible in Azure, how we can help you get there, and what your next steps will look like. Don't miss out on signing up!
The Security Lab is back in business
After a slightly extended Christmas break, the Security Lab is back for 2025 with Nicole Gujer joining us on 30 January to talk all things Zero Trust. This series is live on our LinkedIn page – you're already here! – so get registered to receive a reminder when we go live.
Everything you could want to learn about, in one place
The Learning Hub is the place to be to find out more about everything Microsoft has to offer. Keep an eye out for new articles that will explore use cases, provide real-world examples, and show you how technologies can transform your business. Here's just a few snippets...
I'll do my best to keep you up to date on everything we've got going on, but there will inevitably more than I can fit in this Memo, so make sure you're following along on LinkedIn.
Looking ahead... ??
So, what can we expect as we dive head-first into 2025? Last year was all about AI, and that's no flash in the pan, but according to Microsoft we're about to hear a whole lot more about quantum computing.
"The pace of quantum research and development is only going to accelerate, making this a critical and catalysing time for business leaders to act," said Mitra A. , Microsoft's COO of Strategic Missions and Technologies. "We’re seeing a growing need for business leaders to have the information and tools to understand better the depth of these amazing technical breakthroughs and the business applications and value they open up."
On the ball, as ever, Microsoft has subsequently launched its Quantum Ready programme, designed to address a number of challenges by providing business leaders with the insights and tools they need.
If you want to know more about quantum computing, head over to the Microsoft blog.
First edition of 2025? Completed it.
See you in a couple of weeks!
Eric ??