Microsoft
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195 topics in this forum
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Embracing continuous innovation: How Microsoft is helping customers overcome challenges to transform business and industries
by Guest Judson Althoff- 0 replies
- 622 views
Photo credit: Hiroshi Watanabe/Getty Images As countries have begun to ease travel restrictions, I’ve had increasing opportunities to meet customers face to face. During my visits, customers shared how they are bringing to life digital optimism to overcome business challenges, especially during the pandemic. Customers are increasingly capitalizing on the value of the Microsoft Cloud to enable continuous innovation. What’s more, they are recognizing the advantages of digital transformation go well beyond a simple cost-benefit analysis. With the Microsoft Cloud, customers are getting integrated solutions that meet their unique needs, including powerful collaboration to…
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Microsoft Cloud at Ignite 2021: Metaverse, AI and hyperconnectivity in a hybrid world
by Guest Frank X. Shaw- 0 replies
- 518 views
The last 18 months have resulted in a sea change throughout every industry – from the adoption of telehealth in healthcare to digital wallets in financial services to curbside pickup and contactless shopping in retail – and digital technology has been at the forefront of this seismic shift. My own habits have changed as well, to the point I can’t imagine going back to a world lacking technological flexibility and digital dexterity. In other words, thank goodness I can get away with sometimes forgetting my wallet at home. Digital technology is now more necessary than ever, for every organization in every sector, as we move into an era in which people expect their digita…
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America faces a cybersecurity skills crisis: Microsoft launches national campaign to help community colleges expand the cybersecurity workforce
by Guest Brad Smith- 0 replies
- 458 views
The last year has brought unrelenting headlines about cybersecurity attacks. Foreign governments have tampered with the software supply chain, targeted on-premise servers, and hacked into sensitive government files. Criminal ransomware groups have attacked schools, penetrated hospitals and shut down a critical national pipeline. As we documented in the recent Microsoft Digital Defense Report, these attacks are growing and becoming more sophisticated. We’ve entered a new international era that falls short of war but with constant foreign cybersecurity attacks that threaten not only our businesses, but our students, healthcare and daily lives. We recognize that no one ha…
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Microsoft and Unity partner to empower digital creators, 3D artists and game developers everywhere through the power of Azure
by Guest Sarah Bond, CVP of Game Creator Experiences and- 0 replies
- 451 views
[HEADING=3]Unity selects Azure as its cloud partner; companies will work together to enable creators to reach their audiences on Xbox and PC[/HEADING] At Microsoft, we have a profound commitment to empowering creators. Throughout the history of Windows, we’ve nurtured developers and fostered their creative innovations. We do the same on our Xbox-branded platforms, supporting developers large and small in more than 90 countries around the world. And our Azure cloud assures developers that they can unleash their imaginations and trust that their work is secure and scalable. Our commitment to creators is something we share with our longtime partner, Unity, a global leade…
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Leading change: How industries are partnering with Microsoft to empower their teams and serve customers through uncertainty
by Guest Judson Althoff- 0 replies
- 446 views
Photo credit: lupengyu/Getty Images This past quarter was shaped by global events and has renewed our focus on how the cloud enables organizations to manage risk while supporting growth. In my conversations with customers, building more resilient and adaptable supply chains is top of mind. Organizations across industries are using cloud-powered technologies to help predict supplier constraints and deliver on their customer promises. Customers have also shared how the cloud enables them to achieve more with less and better track, measure and report progress toward their sustainability goals. By deploying AI-based solutions, data sensors and predictive analytics, among o…
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Empowering resilient communities and accelerating our collective impact with #BuildFor2030
by Guest Rodney Clark- 0 replies
- 417 views
Recently, the United Nations General Assembly met for their 76th session to realize their vision of building resilience with hope: helping the world to recover from COVID-19, rebuild sustainably, respond to the needs of the planet, respect the rights of people and revitalize the U.N. As a partner to the U.N., Microsoft deeply supports this vision. We’ve been driving for progress on several fronts, notably by: Investing in our global skills initiative, recently expanded with skilling resources for small- to medium-size businesses, to help drive an inclusive skills-based economy. Doubling down on accessibility to close the disability divide and scale accessible tech…
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From resilience to digital perseverance: How organizations are using digital technology to turn the corner in unprecedented times
by Guest Judson Althoff- 0 replies
- 414 views
Photo credit: Weiquan Lin/Getty Images Our annual partner conference, Microsoft Inspire, just concluded. The conversations I had with Microsoft’s partner community echo those I have had recently with leaders from both established organizations and earlier-stage enterprises. Leaders across industries share a commitment to innovation as the only path forward through uncertainty in global markets, especially as they continue to strengthen their security posture, reduce their carbon footprint, inject more visibility into their supply chains, and promote more inclusive prosperity in the communities where they operate. I see this shared commitment as part of a trend I cal…
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Digital optimism: Customers drive cloud and industry innovation with Microsoft technology
by Guest Judson Althoff- 0 replies
- 406 views
Among the prominent trends highlighted at Microsoft Inspire, our annual partner conference, was “digital optimism,” where the Microsoft cloud is playing an outsized role in many key areas defining the future of global business, including hybrid work, resilient global supply chains, inclusive economic development, global sustainability and cybersecurity. This optimism reflects how customers are increasingly seeking ways to innovate and future-proof their business models with the cloud. It also underscores how Microsoft and our global partner community are co-developing digital solutions that help these customers create lasting value amid pandemic-related market shifts, des…
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Microsoft’s 2021 Diversity & Inclusion report: Demonstrating progress and remaining accountable to our commitments
by Guest Lindsay-Rae McIntyre- 0 replies
- 395 views
Today, I am sharing Microsoft’s 2021 Diversity and Inclusion report, our third annual report and our eighth year of releasing our global workforce demographic data publicly. This past year was a challenging time for so many people, communities and organizations. Ongoing acts of hate and violence in the U.S. and around the world have continued to move racial injustice to the forefront of social consciousness, while the global pandemic has exacerbated inequities and upended our lives. In the face of these realities, the sense of urgency to solve some of the biggest systemic problems of equality and inclusion is palpable. This report is an opportunity for us to quantify t…
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Advancing a net zero future: Ahead of COP26, new carbon accounting tools available with the Microsoft Cloud for Sustainability, now in public preview
by Guest Brad Smith, President, and Judson Althoff- 0 replies
- 395 views
Today, we are announcing the availability of the Microsoft Cloud for Sustainability public preview. It is an important moment. The work to reduce carbon emissions has become a global priority that requires focused and urgent action by all of us individually and collectively. We believe this new offering can make an important contribution to this effort, helping customers move toward more sustainable operations. Around the world, governments and companies – Microsoft included – have stepped forward the past two years with important carbon reduction pledges. But as the world heads to the 26th Conference of the Parties in Glasgow – or COP26 – to share net zero ambitions, …
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Applications open for new National Association of Black Journalists and Microsoft Storytelling Fellowship Program
by Guest Frank X. Shaw- 0 replies
- 388 views
Attendees at a recent National Association of Black Journalists event. Photo courtesy of Jason M. Johnson/NABJ In our jobs as storytellers for Microsoft, we’re called to improve our storytelling every day, and the best way I’ve found to do this is to look at great stories – whatever the form – and learn from them. That’s why I’m especially excited to team up with the National Association of Black Journalists on the NABJ-Microsoft Storytelling Fellowship Program designed to develop emerging storytellers, offer a platform to amplify their voices and share learnings along the way. Starting today, the NABJ-Microsoft Storytelling Fellowship Program is accepting applicati…
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An update on Microsoft’s sustainability commitments: Building a foundation for 2030
by Guest Brad Smith, President and Vice Chair, and Lucas- 0 replies
- 386 views
Today Microsoft released its annual sustainability report, offering a comprehensive look at our progress in 2021 to becoming a carbon negative, water positive, zero waste company by 2030. When we announced our climate commitments in January 2020, we also committed to transparency in sharing our learnings. This year’s report includes several important lessons, and our goals remain consistent: we aspire to build a world better than the one we found, and to help our customers and partners do the same. Progress is not linear We made progress on a number of our goals. We saw overall reduction in our Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions of about 17% year over year, throug…
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Microsoft acquires Two Hat to collaborate on online safety and digital wellness solutions for online communities
by Guest Dave McCarthy- 0 replies
- 386 views
Today, we are excited to announce that Microsoft has acquired Two Hat, a leading content moderation solution provider offering protection measures for online communities with a vision to build better experiences for everyone. Globally, growing amounts of harmful content shared online have increased the need for effective and proactive content moderation. For any online community to thrive, content moderation is a critical investment to ensure positive user experiences and maintain engagement over time. Microsoft and Two Hat share a vision for using advancements in moderation technology to nurture and protect diverse, global online communities. This acquisition is an im…
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Supporting our customers on the path to net zero: The Microsoft cloud and decarbonization
by Guest Noelle Walsh- 0 replies
- 376 views
Demand for data and digital services is expected to continue its exponential growth over the coming years, with global internet traffic projected to double by 2022. The Microsoft cloud is the trusted cloud for everyday digital experiences at work and at home – from critical applications for life and safety services, education institutions and governments to advancing scientific research surrounding the world’s most pressing challenges – like climate change. Underpinning the cloud are physical datacenters, networking and fiber connected to the world’s energy grids. Customers already benefit from the cloud’s ability to provide massive efficiency that reduces the collective …
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Introducing Viva Sales, a modern way of selling that brings together any CRM, Microsoft 365 and Teams
by Guest Judson Althoff- 0 replies
- 370 views
Today we’re introducing Viva Sales, a new seller experience application that brings together any customer relationship management technology (CRM), Microsoft 365 and Teams to provide a more streamlined and AI-powered selling experience. The past two years have changed the way we work. Employees are demanding more from their employers in today’s hybrid world – from the tools they use to the hours and the places that they work. For sellers, the hybrid work environment means spending more time in video conferences, chats, email and documents to connect with customers and close deals. Salespeople also need to access their CRM system – as well as multiple applications and d…
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Microsoft and LinkedIn share latest data and innovation for hybrid work
by Guest Jared Spataro- 0 replies
- 367 views
This morning Satya Nadella and Ryan Roslansky, the CEO of LinkedIn, sat down to talk about the key secular trends they’re seeing as people and organizations everywhere adjust to hybrid work. Their conversation is part of an effort between Microsoft and LinkedIn to help leaders and their teams navigate this new world of work, and here I’ll share more about the trends we’re seeing, the data behind them and the product updates we’re announcing today across Microsoft Teams, Microsoft Viva and LinkedIn. As Satya and Ryan mentioned, the evolving Delta variant is compelling many of us to adjust plans for reopening worksites. It’s a stark reminder that this is the new normal…
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Closing the cybersecurity skills gap – Microsoft expands efforts to 23 countries
by Guest Kate Behncken- 0 replies
- 359 views
Cybersecurity continues to be a significant threat for governments, businesses and individuals around the world. From supply chain disruptions to ransomware attacks, cybercriminals have become increasingly sophisticated and the threat landscape more diverse. These cybersecurity challenges are compounded by a workforce shortage; there simply aren’t enough people with the cybersecurity skills needed to fill open jobs. This is a global problem. By 2025, there will be 3.5 million cybersecurity jobs open globally, representing a 350% increase over an eight-year period. We recently announced a national skilling campaign in the United States, where for every two jobs in cyber…
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From awareness to allyship: Reflections for International Day of Persons with Disabilities
by Guest Jacky Wright - Corporate Vice President and Chief- 0 replies
- 354 views
For many of us, childhood is pivotal in the formation of our world view. We learn who we are, what we can be and how to relate to others and the world around us through interactions with our family, friends and community. It is in those environments where we learn a sense of right and wrong, justice and injustice, and how to be good neighbors to all people. As we recognize the disability community at Microsoft throughout December along with International Day of Persons with Disabilities on Dec. 3, I want to reflect on my personal journey of moving from awareness to allyship for people with disabilities. My journey started when I was a child growing up in London. My nex…
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Accelerate sustainability progress and business growth with Microsoft Cloud for Sustainability — starting June 1
by Guest Alysa Taylor, Corporate Vice President, Industry- 0 replies
- 353 views
It’s a moment we’ve been building toward — new capabilities from Microsoft Cloud for Sustainability that will enable faster, broader transformation for organizations at varying stages of their sustainability journey. We are pleased to announce the general availability of Cloud for Sustainability on June 1. Now, a growing set of ESG (environmental, social and governance) capabilities from Microsoft and our global ecosystem of partners will give organizations the opportunity to accelerate their progress and business growth. Watch the video. [HEADING=2]Turning sustainability commitments into action with better data intelligence[/HEADING] To stabilize our future a…
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Microsoft donation to the Smithsonian Latino Center celebrates and supports community history and culture
by Guest Rodrigo Kede Lima- 0 replies
- 353 views
Rendering of the Molina Family Latino Gallery Digital Plaza. Courtesy of the Smithsonian Latino Center. Today, Microsoft is honored to announce a $1 million donation to the Smithsonian Latino Center to support the new National Museum of the American Latino and the development of the Molina Family Latino Gallery. The National Museum of the American Latino is the Smithsonian’s first museum space dedicated to celebrating the U.S. Hispanic and Latinx community experience. While the larger museum is being built, our contributions will support the development of the Molina Family Latino Gallery in the National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C. The new museum …
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With workers with disabilities being able to be paid as little as $2 an hour in 42 states, National Disability Employment Awareness Month is a time to
by Guest Jenny Lay-Flurrie- 0 replies
- 348 views
More than 40 million people in the United States have a disability, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. COVID-19 has disproportionately impacted people with disabilities, exacerbating what the World Health Organization termed the Disability Divide. Disability is a growing demographic, it was pre-pandemic, but even more so post, with “Long Covid” recently designated a disability. This year’s National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) theme, “America’s Recovery: Powered by Inclusion,” hit at the center of what people with disabilities face given the pandemic and gives voice to what we too believe at Microsoft. We consider disability a strength. By ensuring t…
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Honoring role models and raising our ‘voz’ this Hispanic Heritage Month
by Guest Yusuf Mehdi- 0 replies
- 345 views
Maria de Lourdes Sotomayor Mehdi teaching in Mexico Photo courtesy of Yusuf Mehdi. Today kicks off National Hispanic Heritage Month, a time of the year where we recognize the customs, legacies and achievements of the Hispanic and Latinx community in the U.S. This year it is an incredible honor for me to be an executive sponsor of the HOLA employee resource group at Microsoft, an amazing community of more than 4,000 members who are seeking to drive change inside and outside the company. There are so many people of Hispanic and Latinx descent whose significant achievements are worthy of celebrating, such as Supreme Court Associate Justice Sonia Sotomayor; astronaut El…
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Microsoft acquires Ally.io to improve employee experience by aligning people’s work with team goals and company mission
by Guest Kirk Koenigsbauer- 0 replies
- 343 views
We are pleased to announce that Microsoft has acquired Ally.io to help revolutionize how organizations use technology to bring deeper connection to work, purpose and results in the hybrid world. Ally.io, a leading OKR (objectives and key results) company, will join the Microsoft Viva family as part of our employee experience platform (EXP) designed to help companies embrace the new digital work life. Aligning employee work to the company’s strategic mission and core priorities is top of mind for every organization. To do this, leaders need to invest in tools that communicate transparency around big company bets and create ways to cascade aspirational goals and report r…
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Building resiliency and spurring innovation: customers are using the Microsoft Cloud to advance industries and keep business moving forward
by Guest Judson Althoff- 0 replies
- 343 views
Since the start of the pandemic, organizations representing a cross-section of industries have mobilized to adopt digital technologies to gain insights from their data and unlock cloud-based innovation. With the Microsoft Cloud, customers are reimagining ways to deliver patient care and provide access to critical services, secure their digital environments to scale and maintain business operations, extend frontline worker productivity, enhance employee experiences, and encourage new forms of business engagement and interaction. At Microsoft Ignite, customers shared how accelerating their digital transformation with us as their partner has enabled them to better navigat…
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Empowering 2 billion global frontline workers
by Guest Jared Spataro- 0 replies
- 333 views
The past two years have been challenging for everyone, especially frontline workers tasked with keeping the proverbial lights on throughout the pandemic. From healthcare to hospitality, the manufacturing floor to the retail sales floor, these workers have weathered health risks, labor shortages, supply chain issues and more. So, it’s not surprising to hear they’re ready for change. They want help prioritizing culture and well-being and, despite their essential roles, feel underserved by technology and training. Those are some of the key findings from our latest Work Trend Index report, which focuses on the experiences of the global frontline workforce. Just as the pand…