HoloLens Development Edition Updates

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HoloLens Development Edition Updates

By Alex Kipman as written on blogs.windows.com
In the four months since we began shipping Microsoft HoloLens to our developer and commercial partners, we’ve been absolutely amazed at the innovation shown by the creative people and companies building real solutions using HoloLens. From training aircraft mechanics and flight crews, to helping golf pros and fans get more out of their game, I’m inspired by the experiences you are creating.
In May, we announced the first major software update to Windows Holographic, and today, I’m excited to share our second major update: the Windows 10 Anniversary Update. This is our fastest and most reliable version yet. Some exciting changes are on tap with this release, as well as some new policies making it easier than ever for more developers to create the future of holographic computing.
We’ve also heard that companies are looking for a solution they can confidently pilot and deploy in their enterprises, so today we are introducing the Microsoft HoloLens Commercial Suite, which includes the Development Edition hardware as well as enterprise features for added security and device management.  Check out this video to learn more about the HoloLens Commercial Suite:

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Some of the Microsoft HoloLens Commercial Suite features include:

  • Kiosk mode. With HoloLens kiosk mode, you can limit which apps to run to enable demo or showcase experiences.
  • Mobile Device Management (MDM) for HoloLens. Your IT department can manage multiple HoloLens devices simultaneously using solutions like Microsoft InTune. You will be able to manage settings, select apps to install and set security configurations tailored to your organization’s need.
  • Identity. Azure Active Directory & next generation credentials with pin unlock.
  • Windows Update for Business. Controlled operating system updates to devices and support for long term servicing branch.
  • Data security. BitLocker data encryption and secure boot is enabled on HoloLens to provide the same level of security protection as any other Windows device.
  • Work access. Anyone in your organization can remotely connect to the corporate network through a virtual private network on a HoloLens. HoloLens can also access Wi-Fi networks that require credentials.
  • Windows Store for Business. Your IT department can also set up an enterprise private store, containing only your company’s apps for your specific HoloLens usage. Securely distribute your enterprise software to selected group of enterprise users.
Check out our documentation page for the full list of things we’ve been working on to make HoloLens even better for you.

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Microsoft obtains new cloud-centric ISO 27017 certification

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By Alice Rison as written on azure.microsoft.com
We are happy to announce Microsoft Azure obtained the ISO/IEC 27017:2015 certification, an international standard that aligns with and complements the ISO/IEC 27002:2013 with an emphasis on cloud-specific threats and risks.
This certification provides guidance on 37 controls in ISO/IEC 27002 and features seven new controls not addressed in ISO/IEC 27002. Both cloud service providers and cloud service customers can leverage this guidance to effectively design and implement cloud computing information security controls. Customers can download the ISO/IEC 27017 certificate which demonstrates Microsoft’s continuous commitment to providing a secure and compliant cloud environment for our customers.
Microsoft Azure helps customers meet their compliance requirements across a broad range of regulated industries and markets including financial services, healthcare, life sciences, media and entertainment, worldwide public sector, and US federal, state and local government.

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Turning business process into business advantage for organizations everywhere

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Turning business process into business advantage for organizations everywhere

By Takeshi Numoto as written on blogs.microsoft.com
Today, we are taking the first step to bring our customers new, modern, enterprise-ready intelligent business apps with the introduction of Microsoft Dynamics 365 and Microsoft AppSource.
Technology is transforming our personal lives with apps and services that are simple and intuitive, and deliver helpful assistance to improve our lives.
In contrast the apps and services we use to drive business process are often difficult to use, try and deploy.  Some even make you pay extra for capabilities like visualization, workflow automation and predictive insights.
We imagine a better world for business users everywhere. One where you can track leads, automate field service, drive sales and improve operations using modern, mobile, enterprise-ready intelligent business apps from the cloud that are as easy to use as the consumer apps that help us all get rides, book rooms, listen to music and take actions to improve our health.

Helping customers transform with a new approach to business process

Available this fall, Microsoft Dynamics 365 evolves our current CRM and ERP cloud solutions into one cloud service with new purpose-built apps to help manage specific business functions, including: Financials, Field Service, Sales, Operations, Marketing, Project Service Automation and Customer Service.
Dynamics 365 apps are designed so they can be easily and independently deployed. That means you can start small and pay only for what you need. Yet they work together seamlessly so, as your business demands, you can grow into additional capabilities with ease. They include built-in insights, predictive intelligence and workflow optimization, all of which will be delivered through simple, easy-to-use, mobile experiences with offline capabilities.
Power BI and Cortana Intelligence will be natively embedded to help customers achieve their business goals with predictive insights, prescriptive advice and actionable next steps.
Deep integration between Dynamics 365 and Office 365 will connect the structured workflow of business apps with the unstructured work of collaboration and productivity.

Adapt and innovate in real-time with a common data model and extensible business application platform.  Dynamics 365 apps will:

Use a common data model, shared with Office 365, to simplify data management and integration across apps and business processes.

A place to find new apps and better ways to get things done

We are also introducing Microsoft AppSource – Microsoft’s new destination for business users to find and try out line-of-business SaaS apps from Microsoft and our partners. At launch AppSource contains more than 200 business SaaS apps, add-ins and content packs, including exclusive new industry-specific business apps from:

Managed Solution is a full-service technology firm that empowers business by delivering, maintaining and forecasting the technologies they’ll need to stay competitive in their market place. Founded in 2002, the company quickly grew into a market leader and is recognized as one of the fastest growing IT Companies in Southern California.

We specialize in providing full Microsoft Solutions to businesses of every size, industry, and need.

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For More Information on Microsoft and other Cloud Solutions, Contact Us at 800-208-4037

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Yammer updates—from new user experiences to new IT controls

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Yammer updates—from new user experiences to new IT controls

By Jeremy Chapman as written on blogs.office.com
The Yammer team is continually delivering new capabilities for users and admins as well as deeper integration with Office 365. Today, we take a detailed hands-on look at updates to Yammer for enterprise social—from enhanced security and compliance to greater team productivity. Angus Florance, from the Yammer team, joins me to demonstrate new integrated experiences, including Office 365 Video and Delve. And for admins, we’ll show you new controls for merging networks, managing users and tracking usage.

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If you’ve been using Yammer, you would have noticed constantly improving integration with Office 365. It not only shares common sign-in backed by Azure Active Directory and ability to get to Yammer experiences via the Office 365 app launcher, but Yammer also meets the same compliance standards as other Office 365 services.
Along with the work to update and integrate Yammer’s underpinnings, the team has also been advancing user experiences; it’s easier now to navigate conversations and move between unread messages across groups. Real-time notifications, which help you stay on top of activities and mobile experiences are now more robust. On the show, Angus highlights these points in a comprehensive demonstration then shows how external collaboration has been developed with clear indications of internal and external members—such as integrating Office experiences like co-authoring, and sharing content in Delve or Office 365 Video with your Yammer groups.
If you are an Office 365 administrator, there are now more controls. The previous global switch to either enable or disable Yammer is now more granular. You can enforce Office 365 sign-on and control access to Yammer services by user. There are also new controls to merge Yammer networks and new reports to track usage.

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Happy Flag Day! Love our flag - Love our Power BI

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Love our flag - Love our Business Intelligence: Power BI

By Kelly Cronin
The U.S. flag celebrates America's strength, honor, and liberty.  From hanging on the walls of our bedroom to flying high outside the white house, flags are everywhere.  On June 14th, we celebrate Flag Day, in honor of the adoption of the U.S. flag in 1777.  As our flag has changed from a circle of stars to adding rows and columns of stars, so has our country, our lifestyles, and our technology.

What else been changing lately? Power BI.

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Power BI now has an all new notification center, where you can be notified of significant things that happen in your Power BI.  For example, you can get a notification if a new dashboard was added to your group space, or if a coworker shared a dashboard with you.

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Regardless of whether you use Power BI on the web or on your mobile device, Power BI will push notifications to all of your platforms.  If you're always on the go, you no longer have to worry about constantly rechecking your Power BI app.  Instead, if something important is happening, the app will let you know for you.  No matter where you are or what you are using, your notifications will keep you in the know.

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When you log in to Power BI, any new notifications that were sent to you while you were offline are added to your feed.  If you have new notifications, Power BI displays a yellow bubble with the number of new items. Open your Notification Center to see notifications displayed with the most-recent on top and unread messages highlighted.  Notifications are retained for 90 days, unless you delete them sooner or reach the maximum limit of 100.
Power BI makes it easy to keep all of your notifications in one place. Missed something? Not anymore.  New notifications that were sent to you while you were offline are added to your feed.  If you have new notifications, Power BI displays a yellow bubble with the number of new items. Open your Notification Center to see notifications displayed with the most-recent on top and unread messages highlighted.  Notifications are retained for 90 days, unless you delete them sooner or reach the maximum limit of 100.

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Stay tuned for more exciting Power BI updates to come!

Happy Flag Day!

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Sources: powerbi.microsoft.com and managedsolution.com

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Windows Holographic on Windows 10

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Windows Holographic on Windows 10

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We just released some exciting news about Windows Holographic – the platform included with Windows 10 – which powers the amazing mixed reality experiences available on Microsoft HoloLens.
Starting soon, Windows Holographic will be coming to devices of all shapes and sizes – from fully immersive virtual reality to fully untethered holographic computing.
Imagine wearing a VR device and seeing your physical hands as you manipulate an object, working on the scanned 3D image of a real object, or bringing the holographic representation of another person into your virtual world so you can collaborate. This is what we mean by mixed reality – where we break down the barriers between virtual and physical reality.
We are dramatically expanding the potential of these mixed reality experiences on Windows 10 by inviting our partners to build PCs, displays, accessories and mixed reality devices with the Windows Holographic platform.
Source: blogs.office.com

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SQL Server 2016 is here!

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SQL Server 10% Cash Back partner incentive ends June 30, 2016

Just a few weeks left to take advantage of the cashback incentive for sales of SQL Server Standard and SQL Server Premium Open licenses to SMB Commercial customers that runs from March 1, 2016 through June 30, 2016. Incentives will only be paid on sales that occur after you successfully register and is limited to the first 400 partners to apply. So ensure you register before the sale and don't leave money on the table. WW Open Premier partners are not eligible for this incentive.

Key dates to be aware of:

March 1, 2016: Incentive start date and portal live date for registration
June 30, 2016: Incentive end date
August 2016: Approximately two months post end of promotion payouts will begin

MAX PAYOUTS ON FUNDING DOLLARS
SPRINT TO THE FINISH TO GET THE MOST MICROSOFT FUNDING BEFORE THE DEADLINE

Review eligibility for offers - we are ready to help you through the technical stages necessary to execute & ensure the service is set-up successfully.


 

Managed Solution is a full-service technology firm that empowers business by delivering, maintaining and forecasting the technologies they’ll need to stay competitive in their market place. Founded in 2002, the company quickly grew into a market leader and is recognized as one of the fastest growing IT Companies in Southern California.

We specialize in providing full Microsoft Solutions to businesses of every size, industry, and need.

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Microsoft tries its hand at a news bot with Rowe

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Microsoft tries its hand at a news bot with Rowe

By Sarah Perez as written on techcrunch.com
Like everyone else these days, Microsoft sure loves its bots. Now, the company has rolled out its own news-finding bot called “Rowe,” which lives inside the latest version of Microsoft’s Bing-powered personalized news reading app, News Pro. Rowe is an experiment with helping you keep up with the news that matches your current interests. You can ask the bot to show you news by typing in a topic, view today’s headlines, ask for other personalized suggestions or read the stories the bot has surfaced for you already.
Rowe, however, seems more like an assistive search engine, rather than a true AI-like bot, as its “personalized” suggestions are not as good as its ability to return articles on a given subject. And even then, its results are a bit limited. For example, if you type in a popular, but broad, subject like “U.S. Elections,” the bot returns just three top stories, one of which currently appears to be more of an op-ed/thought piece rather than hard news. That’s not a great experience.
Below its recommended stories, buttons appear that let you pull up more news articles on the subject, like those focused on “election predictions” or “polls,” in this case.

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Meanwhile, if you type a news topic that’s a bit more specific, the selection of stories may improve. For instance, asking Rowe about “Twitter 140” — a reference to Twitter’s plans to distance itself from its strict 140-character count rule — the bot returns popular stories from well-known sites like Yahoo, CNET and PCMag.
Rowe has one other weird and not entirely practical trick, too — if you upload a picture of yourself, it will surface news articles where the person in the story looks like you. Why? Uh, because it can? (Oh, and prepare to be either very flattered or very insulted by its results.)
The bot — initially spotted by the blog MSPoweruser.com following Microsoft’s announcement — is the latest development from Microsoft’s News Pro app, which first debuted this January. A sort of standard news-gathering app, News Pro is Microsoft’s own take on something like Apple News, or the third-party app Smart News, perhaps.

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The app offers users a customized experience by connecting to your Facebook and LinkedIn in order to better understand your interests.
In practice, News Pro doesn’t do a great job at personalization yet, I’ve found. While it accurately suggests stories from areas like “computer hardware” and the “Internet” for me, it misses a number of possible suggestions that could be easily pulled from my ever-growing set of Facebook likes.

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Similarly, the bot feels rough around the edges, too. But this is not an “official” Microsoft product, we should point out — it’s an app from the company’s internal R&D incubator, Microsoft Garage.
Microsoft is hardly the only company experimenting with new ways to deliver the news via bots, however. Other efforts in the space include those running on Facebook Messenger’s bot platform, like bots from CNN, The WSJ, Business Insider or even yours truly; Telegram’s news bots; or independent efforts like Quartz’s app, and many more.
The updated app also introduces other features, including groups for discussing the news with others, for example.
Rowe is available in the updated News Pro app on iTunes here.

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