In November, Microsoft hosted the biggest event of the year: Microsoft Ignite. During our live event, we generally covered the most important developments coming our way. On December 11 we organized an in-depth session on Security as a follow-up to our live event around Microsoft Ignite. In this session, our colleagues Allard Beerthuizen and Eric Liket discussed developments in the field of Modern Work, such as Copilot, AI, Windows 365, license changes and more. In this article we outline the developments. Missed session? No problem. You can use the hyperlinks at the bottom of the page to watch the presentation and recording of the event.

Recap Microsoft Ignite 2024: AI in the spotlight

Allard and Eric kicked off with a recap of Microsoft Ignite 2024. Eric, who was physically present in Chicago, shared his experiences from the event. He talked about the impressive attendance, valuable sessions and the evolution of AI products such as Microsoft 365 Copilot and Windows 365. In addition, the upcoming changes in licensing were discussed in detail.

Demonstration: Microsoft Copilot and the power of AI

Eric gave a live demonstration of Microsoft Copilot in PowerPoint and Excel. He showed how this tool can generate presentations and make data analysis easier. The use of AI in daily workflows was positioned as a key to increased productivity.

Getting started with Copilot

For organizations looking to start Copilot, Eric gave practical advice:

• Start small by forming a working group.
• Measure impact with Copilot Analytics.
• Ensure proper data protection and governance. This approach helps organizations gain phased experience and maximize the benefits of Copilot.

Windows 365 and Azure Virtual Desktop: new capabilities

Allard elaborated on the latest features and scenarios of Windows 365 and Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD), including:

• The introduction of Frontline Shared for shared access.
• Announcing the Windows 365 Thin PC, designed for cost-effective workstations. These solutions offer flexibility for organizations with diverse needs.

License changes and optimization

Eric discussed recent and upcoming changes to Microsoft 365 licensing, including promotions and price increases. He advised organizations to strategically choose licensing options that can save costs and improve functionality.

Improvements in security and AI in Windows 11

Allard explained some of the new security features, such as:

• Administrative Protection to secure administrator accounts.
• Windows Protected Print for secure printing options.
• He also presented the latest AI features in Windows 11, including Federated Semantic Search and Recall, available exclusively on Copilot Plus systems. These tools increase productivity and improve search functionality.