Microsoft Learn launches AI training resources to empower developers

Microsoft’s latest initiative on Microsoft Learn is dedicated to empowering developers in the AI era. Through new, AI-focused training resources, developers can gain essential skills for integrating AI responsibly and securely within their workflows. By leveraging tools like Azure AI services and GitHub Copilot, Microsoft aims to streamline development processes, enhance productivity, and support developers in building secure, ethical AI solutions.

Microsoft Learn helps:

• Stay current with technology: Tackle new challenges, from mastering the latest tech updates to addressing complex integrations and navigating security and ethical concerns.

• Boost efficiency with AI: Discover how tools like GitHub Copilot can automate repetitive tasks and accelerate app development.

• Build secure AI-powered applications: Gain hands-on experience to build, test, and deploy robust AI-driven applications using GitHub and Azure.

• Optimize software delivery cycle: Learn how to implement, configure, and secure every stage of software delivery process—from code to cloud.

Access the training resources here.

Microsoft transforms HR functions with AI-powered Copilot Studio agents

HR professionals are tasked with critical functions like recruitment, onboarding, and managing the employee lifecycle—a workload that often stretches resources thin. Microsoft’s Copilot Studio steps in to ease these challenges, providing AI-driven agents that help organizations streamline and automate their HR processes for greater efficiency and productivity.

Discover how AI-powered agents with Copilot can help transform HR functions:

• Leave Management Agent: Easily manage absence requests, view history summaries, and access time-off policies—all in one place.

• Wellness Check Agent: Encourage employees to incorporate healthy habits into their day-to-day routines through Microsoft Teams.

• Awards & Recognition Agent: Simplify the process of nominating and recognizing employees for their contributions and achievements.

• Inclusivity Agent: Enhance workplace culture with tools to foster inclusivity and respectful interactions.

• Job Craft Agent: Streamline recruitment tasks by generating job descriptions, interview questions, and role requirements.

Microsoft releases hundreds of AI capabilities in its 2024 wave 2 updates

Microsoft has unveiled hundreds of new Copilot features in its 2024 Release Wave 2, transforming Microsoft Dynamics 365, Microsoft Power Platform, and role-based Microsoft Copilot offerings. Spanning from October 2024 through March 2025, these updates are set to enhance productivity and empower users across business roles with AI-driven insights and automation.

Benefits of using AI capabilities:

• Future-ready AI solutions: From simple prompt-response systems to fully autonomous agents, Copilot and agents are redefining what’s possible for business automation.

• Enhanced customer engagement: Boost customer experiences with multilingual bots, Copilot-generated prompts, in-line email functionality, and much more.

• Streamlined efficiency: Enhance organizational efficiency with five autonomous agents tailored for Dynamics 365, designed to simplify processes and drive productivity.

• Rapid solution development: Unlock faster solution-building across your organization with cutting-edge AI features integrated into the Power Platform.

• Enhanced user experiences: Automate routine tasks and deliver actionable insights effortlessly with the power of Copilot and autonomous agents.

Microsoft makes AI more accessible for enterprises with Azure OpenAI Service expansion

As AI adoption accelerates across industries, businesses need more than just advanced models—they require adaptable, reliable, and scalable solutions. Microsoft is stepping up to this challenge by expanding its Azure OpenAI Service, making enterprise-grade AI more accessible and tailored for scale, security, and seamless integration into business workflows.

Discover how AI can be broadly available and enterprise-ready with Azure OpenAI Service Provisioned offering:

• AI workload scalability: Meet regional data residency requirements with the new Azure OpenAI Service Data Zones, now available across the EU and US.

• Enhanced token generation: Boost efficiency with 99% latency service level, speeding up token generation for smoother operations.

• Cost reduction: Starting November 1, 2024, enjoy lower hourly rates for both Provisioned Global and Provisioned Data Zone deployments.

• Accelerated deployment: Experience faster deployment times when transitioning from Standard to Provision to meet business needs promptly.

• Optimized API performance: Leverage Prompt Caching for more economical and rapid responses in repetitive API requests.
  

Microsoft shares six essential Copilot learning opportunities for everyone

Microsoft has unveiled six essential learning resources aimed at helping users leverage Copilot's AI capabilities, making it easier for everyone from beginners to seasoned pros to harness the power of artificial intelligence in their workflows. These free resources cover various aspects of Copilot technology, including foundational concepts, productivity tips, and hands-on experiences with AI-powered tools. With a strong focus on accessibility and practical knowledge, these courses are part of Microsoft’s ongoing commitment to democratize AI education and empower users to integrate these advanced tools seamlessly into their daily tasks.

Check these tailored learning opportunities:

• Craft effective prompts for Microsoft 365 Copilot: Learn to write clear, concise prompts that drive precise results across your go-to Microsoft 365 apps.

• Master prompt engineering techniques: Refine Copilot’s output with techniques for building and adjusting prompts effectively.

• Microsoft 365 Copilot use cases: Discover how Copilot can empower specific tasks in your role, helping you work smarter, not harder.

• Data, privacy, and security essentials: Gain insights into privacy, compliance, and GDPR standards for Copilot, ensuring a secure user experience.

• Maximize Copilot across platforms: Get the most out of Copilot with dedicated learning for Microsoft 365, MS Teams, Dynamics 365, and more.

• Advance your skills in prompt engineering: Upgrade your proficiency with Copilot by diving into advanced prompt engineering strategies.

Find the learning opportunities links here.

Microsoft ends new registrations for Azure DevOps OAuth apps

Starting February 3, 2025, Microsoft will no longer accept new registrations for Azure DevOps OAuth apps. marking the first step in its plan to end the Azure DevOps OAuth platform. This marks the first step in Microsoft’s plan to gradually phase out the Azure DevOps OAuth platform, urging developers to transition to the more modern and secure Entra OAuth solution.

Here’s what developers need to know:

• Transition to Microsoft Identity: Microsoft recommends migrating to the Microsoft Identity platform via a new Entra app.

• Existing apps supported: Current Azure DevOps OAuth apps will function until the official end-of-life.

• Final security updates: Expect multiple client secrets, a secret rotation API, and a default secret lifespan of 60 days.

• Prepare for change: Developers are encouraged to start transitioning their apps to accept Entra tokens for continued functionality and improved security.

Microsoft releases October 2024 update of Power Automate for desktop

Microsoft's October 2024 update for Power Automate for Desktop brings significant enhancements aimed at boosting productivity and streamlining automation. Key upgrades include improved enhanced connectors, new data extraction actions, and an optimized work queue experience. These features make it easier for users to build efficient workflows, integrating automation seamlessly into daily business tasks.

Quick overview of what’s new in Power Automate for desktop:

• Expanded connectors: Discover a wider selection of connectors for desktop flows in preview with the new Connectors tab.

• Enhanced web automation: Now supports Citrix and RDP sessions, allowing you to create seamless flows even in remote machine environments.

• Efficient data extraction: The new Extract Data from Table feature makes it easy to extract tables and data grids from your target applications.

• Improved work queue actions: Two new actions—Add Multiple Work Queue Items and Get Work Queue Items by Filter—make processing tasks faster and more flexible.

Download the latest Power Automate for desktop here.

Microsoft releases new certification for Microsoft Fabric engineers

Microsoft has introduced a new certification for data engineers specializing in Microsoft Fabric. The Microsoft Certified: Fabric Data Engineer Associate validates expertise in data loading patterns, architectures, and orchestration processes, with a beta exam currently available at a discounted rate for a limited time​.

New certification exam key info:

• Audience: Experts in data loading patterns, architectures, and orchestration processes.

• Exam: DP-700 - Implementing Data Engineering Solutions Using Microsoft Fabric.

• Focus areas: Ingesting and transforming data, securing and managing analytics solutions, and optimizing performance.

• Skills needed: Proficiency in SQL, PySpark, KQL, and collaboration with analytics teams.

• Offer: First 300 test-takers before November 12, 2024 get an 80% discount.

Get the certification here.

Microsoft brings AI-first business process to organizations with autonomous agents

Microsoft's latest announcement introduces autonomous agents for Dynamics 365, designed to streamline business processes. These AI-driven agents enable organizations to automate tasks, reduce inefficiencies, and improve decision-making. By embedding these agents into daily workflows, businesses can accelerate operations and focus on strategic goals. This new integration highlights Microsoft’s continued innovation in business automation, offering users more control and productivity across sectors.

Autonomous agents’ features and capabilities:

• Autonomous agents seamlessly execute and orchestrate tasks on behalf of individuals, teams, or entire functions.

• 10 new autonomous agents in Microsoft Dynamics 365 are designed to boost capacity across sales, service, finance, and supply chain teams.

• Sales: Sales Qualification Agent prioritizes leads and crafts personalized sales emails, allowing sellers to focus on higher-value activities.

• Operations: Supplier Communications Agent autonomously handles supplier collaborations and proactively manages potential delays.

• Service: Customer Knowledge Management Agent continuously updates knowledge articles by analyzing case insights and ensuring teams have the latest information.

Microsoft makes Power BI Admin Monitoring Workspace available to key government cloud platforms

Microsoft made Power BI Admin Monitoring Workspace available to several U.S. government cloud environments, including Government Cloud Community (GCC), GCC High, Department of Defense (DoD), US National Security (USNAT, USSEC), and Mooncake. These platforms are part of the specialized Power BI service available under Microsoft 365 Government plans, distinct from the commercial version. This new feature strengthens data oversight and governance for agencies using these secure government cloud infrastructures.

Power BI Admin Monitoring Workspace features:

• Gain access to pre-built Power BI reports and semantic models for tracking tenant-level inventory and audit activities over the past 30 days.

• Seamlessly access metadata and audit logs, empowering Tenant Admins to make more informed administrative decisions.

• Leverage the built-in semantic models to customize reports tailored to organization's needs.

• Manage access to key content within the Admin Monitoring Workspace, including workspaces, reports, and semantic models.