Purview insight, security syncs and more
Cloud Direct
Cloud Direct is one of the UK's leading Microsoft partners. We help our customers achieve fearless growth.
Did you know that the world's first submarine was unveiled on this day, 400 years ago?
Well now you do.
Naval technology has come a long way in that time – as has all technology, in fact. I won't sum up the past four centuries of information technology in this newsletter, but I will focus on the past fortnight. Don't worry, there's still plenty to get through, including...
?? Purview enters general availability
?? Azure consumption set to skyrocket
?? Microsoft's secret security meeting
?? The Cloud Direct events calendar
Lots to get through, as always. So, let's set sail!
Purview for the masses ???
On 1 September 2024, Microsoft's all-encompassing AI-powered data governance platform was released into general availability. In an age where data is more powerful, more prolific, and more prominent than ever before, Purview is the silver bullet in an increasingly complex world of data governance.
To summarise, it's an all-in-one solution for data governance, security, risk and compliance, and enables data transformation that can fuel innovation. Purview helps organisations comprehensively manage their data assets and is made up of a wide range of features that allow for the discovery, classification, and management of data across on-premises systems, multi-cloud environments, and SaaS platforms.
There's far more to it than I can cover off in a newsletter, but the team has you covered with our Microsoft Purview 101. You'll learn loads more about Purview on our Learning Hub, and that'll only continue if you start a conversation with us... our Data and AI Practice Lead, Dr Victoria Holt FBCS , is the UK's only Microsoft MVP for Purview and Data Governance.
Azure's meteoric rise continues ??
Microsoft Azure is the home of business innovation. It offers a cloud environment that empowers your organisation's people and processes, and opens up a whole host of opportunities. I bet you've never seen a hedgehog on drums before, but I've been banging this one for years.
It's been 10 years since former Azure chief Satya Nadella took the helm at Microsoft, and the growth of the platform has been impressive ever since – its current revenue sits at around $62 billion annually. Over the next four years, it's set to skyrocket to $200 billion.
With 85 per cent of the Fortune 500 running on Azure, more and more companies are set to follow their lead as they look to tap into the wider innovation ecosystem at Microsoft – including everything from its security suite and modern work platforms, to Fabric, Purview, and Copilot.
If you're not already running on Azure, or you fear you're not making the most of it, then reach out to the team at Cloud Direct. They're there to teach you about what you're missing out on, and to help you grow better.
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Microsoft discusses next steps in security ??
Two months on from the IT outage that shook the world, Microsoft has gathered its leading cybersecurity vendors at its Redmond headquarters to make sure that a similar event – which affected 8.5 million devices around the world, shutting banks, grounding planes, and delaying medical procedures – doesn't happen again.
It's unlikely we'll found out too much about the talk. It's an invite-only summit, with no press or visiting organisations allowed – I tried to sneak my way in through the redwoods, but even I was denied access.
But as it works with CrowdStrike and other vendors, rather than against them following the cybersecurity catastrophe, all Microsoft customers stand to benefit. Mistakes are there to be learned from, and it seems as though Microsoft is intent on doing just that, alongside its vendors.
What's on at Cloud Direct? ??
The kids are back in school, there's a chill in the air, and some supermarkets are already stocking the Christmas biscuits... ridiculous, isn't it? The summer break is well and truly behind us, and just before I head into hibernation the team have filled out my calendar with plenty of events to show my face at.
There's plenty planned over the coming months – and you're invited! From today's migration in-a-morning and next week's FSI Breakfast Briefing at The Gherkin, to the Bath Azure User Group and a trip to London Zoo to discuss igniting innovation in October, our calendar is filling out nicely and the team are ready to share their expertise far and wide.
Don't just take my word for it though...
"I found the session very informative and beneficial," said one attendee. "It provided a comprehensive understanding of both the potential opportunities and risks, whereas many organisations may rush into using AI tools like Copilot without fully understanding the risks around data security and management."
Whether you're in the buying process or you just want to learn a little bit more, it's well worth coming along. There's usually some food on offer too, which never goes amiss!
Roll with it... ??
Did you spot all of the Oasis song titles in my last edition of the Microsoft Memo? Following the band's reunion announcement, I snuck in 10 titles for you to sniff out – and nobody's found all 10 yet!
Got to go, the leaves are just starting to turn and there's still so much to do!
Catch you soon,
Eric ??