On the 2021 edition of Microsoft Inspire, the annual conference dedicated to the Microsoft partner ecosystem from July 14 to 15, Microsoft made several announcements.
Here are the ones to remember:
Windows 365
Windows 365 will allow users to stream all their personalized applications, tools, data, and settings from the cloud across any device (smartphones, Macs, iPads, Linux, and Android). Windows 365 will be offered in two cloud configurations: Windows 365 Business & Windows 365 Enterprise and will be available starting August 2, 2021. It will simplify the virtualization experience by managing all the details for you; it technically relies on “Azure Virtual Desktop” designed to deploy and administer fleets of virtual PCs in the Azure cloud. But, while “Azure Virtual Desktop” is billed according to the resources consumed, Windows 365 is billed with a fixed monthly subscription.
Windows 365
Windows 365 – Hybrid Windows for a Hybrid World
Microsoft 365 Lighthouse
Now in public preview, Microsoft 365 Lighthouse is a unified portal that helps you easily secure devices, data, and users for their Microsoft 365 Business Premium customers from one place. This makes it easy to secure your Microsoft 365 Business Premium customers’ devices, data, and users from one place at no additional cost.
Tech Community blog post
Access Dynamics 365 data within Teams
Microsoft Teams users will now have access to Dynamics 365 data in Teams at no additional cost, whether or not they have a Dynamics 365 license. Dynamics 365 users can now invite anyone in the company to view and collaborate on cases directly from a conversation or Teams channel, without having to navigate between different applications and data sources.
Ask the Experts: Empowering customers with the connected experience between Dynamics 365 and Microsoft Teams
Project Orland
Today in private preview, Project Orland was designed to support you in the development of your activities linked to cloud computing and to improve the management of your clients’ accounts by receiving specific recommendations such as, for example, the potential for conversion of customers who have benefited from a trial offer or those needing commercial follow-up.
Project “Orland” for Microsoft 365
New Pricing Option for Azure Virtual Desktop
A new pricing option will be available on January 1, 2020: a monthly per user access allowing organizations to use Azure Virtual Desktop to deliver cloud applications to external users. Free promotional access is available from now until December 31, 2021, to distribute proprietary or third-party applications to external users. (Organizations will continue to pay for the underlying Azure infrastructure).
Ask the Experts: New ways to grow your business with Azure Virtual Desktop
Azure Migration and Modernization Program (AMMP)
Formerly known as the Azure Migration Program, the AMMP now covers a wider range of migration and modernization offerings across applications, infrastructure, and data, including support for Azure Arc.
Accelerate your customers’ success with the latest Azure migration and modernization investments
Free extended security updates for 2008/R2 and 2012 servers – only on Azure
Customers have access to Extended Security Updates for Windows Server 2012 and 2012 R2 and SQL Server 2012, free only on Azure. Customers running 2012 versions of Windows Server and SQL Server on-premises will have the option to purchase Extended Security Updates. Additionally, customers who need more time to upgrade and modernize Windows Server and SQL Server 2008 / R2 will have access to an additional year of free Extended Security Updates only on Azure
New benefits for partners building Microsoft Teams or Microsoft Viva apps
For Independent Software Developers (ISVs) who want to build modern work apps in Microsoft Teams and Microsoft Viva, they will benefit from Microsoft technology support, planning training, one-on-one consultation, and marketing resources
Build apps for Microsoft 365
The Cloud Built for a New World of Work
Microsoft Viva
21 new integrations to Microsoft Viva will be available during the year including Workday, Qualtrics and ServiceNow. Microsoft Viva is an employee experience platform that helps create a work environment that supports people so they can deliver the best of themselves everywhere.
