Welcome to our news!
Have you ever wondered what it is Microsoft has been doing lately? If so, you're in the right place. We've carefully selected Microsoft's most significant updates over the last month, making sure you're always up to date.
As Microsoft eventually makes changes that directly impact your business, understanding the latest releases can give you a competitive edge.
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Microsoft Updates - [10/2024]
Microsoft Places will be generally available by the end of 2024
- Date of Announcement: October 25, 2024
- Effective Date: End of 2024
- Workspace: General
- Impacted Audience: Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) and Licensing Solution Provider (LSP) partners
Microsoft Places, an AI-powered workplace app for flexible work, is set to be generally available by the end of 2024.
This tool aims to modernize how employees connect and optimize space management by intelligently coordinating with coworkers.
Key features include:
- Core access for customers with a qualifying Microsoft 365 subscription.
- Enhanced features available for Teams Premium license holders.
Next Steps:
- Learn more about Microsoft Places and its benefits for flexible work.
- Prepare for onboarding by gathering workplace locations and floor plans.
HP Anyware for Windows 365 now generally available
- Date of Announcement: October 14, 2024
- Effective Date: October 14, 2024
- Workspace: General
- Impacted Audience: All partners transacting and managing Windows 365
HP Anyware for Windows 365 is now generally available, providing an integration that enhances the experience of using Cloud PCs with seamless deployment and management capabilities.
Next Steps:
- Read the HP Anyware announcement.
- Sign up for a guided onboarding experience.
Monthly update: Important actions partners need to take to secure the partner ecosystem
- Date of Announcement: October 14, 2024
- Effective Date: October 14, 2024
- Workspace: General
- Impacted Audience: Direct bill partners, indirect providers, and indirect resellers
Critical updates include:
MFA requirements for Azure portal:
- Enforced starting October 2024.
Removal of unused Azure subscriptions:
- Starting November 2024, subscriptions inactive for over 12 months will be blocked and subsequently deleted.
Next Steps:
- Review the Zero Trust journey map.
- Explore Microsoft cybersecurity tools and sign up for dedicated CSP technical training.
Partner Center AI assistant (preview) is now available in English
- Date of Announcement: October 10, 2024
- Effective Date: October 10, 2024
- Workspace: General
- Impacted Audience: All partners
The Partner Center AI assistant (preview) is now accessible to partners, providing tailored insights and optimizing daily workflows through generative AI.
Next Steps:
- Begin using the AI assistant to improve your Partner Center experience.
- Learn more about the AI assistant's capabilities.
October Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) Monthly Updates and Community Reminder
- Date of Announcement: October 8, 2024
- Workspace: General
- Impacted Audience: CSP direct bill partners and indirect providers
Monthly updates have been published for the Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) program, including:
Partner Launch Calendars:
- A consolidated view of all recent and active launches, including timelines and published resources.
CSP Bimonthly Update Newsletter:
- Aggregated CSP announcements, updates, events, and reminders in a downloadable format.
Partner Journey Maps:
- Detailed navigation to support partners along Microsoft’s highest priority transformations.
Licensing Webinars:
- Monthly CSP spotlight webinars to cover the latest licensing information.
CSP Community Q&A Reminder:
- Join the monthly CSP community Q&A session to learn more about changes affecting the program and ask questions directly. Register for upcoming calls to participate.
Next Steps:
- Review the Partner Launch Calendar, monthly newsletter, and register for upcoming community Q&A calls.
- For questions on CSP topics, visit the Partner Center support page.
Self-service purchase options available for Microsoft 365 Copilot
- Date of Announcement: October 7, 2024
- Effective Date: October 7, 2024
- Workspace: General
- Impacted Audience: All CSP partners and customers
Beginning October 7, self-service purchasing options for Microsoft 365 Copilot are now available for users with certain Microsoft 365 licenses. This allows end users to purchase licenses directly, streamlining the process.
Next Steps:
Learn more about managing self-service purchases through Microsoft's admin guide.
Self-service purchase options available for Microsoft 365 Copilot
- Date of Announcement: October 7, 2024
- Effective Date: October 7, 2024
- Workspace: General
- Impacted Audience: All CSP partners and customers
Beginning October 7, self-service purchasing options for Microsoft 365 Copilot are now available for users with certain Microsoft 365 licenses. This allows end users to purchase licenses directly, streamlining the process.
Next Steps:
Learn more about managing self-service purchases through Microsoft's admin guide.
Transactable Professional Services now generally available
- Date of Announcement: October 3, 2024
- Effective Date: October 3, 2024
- Workspace: Marketplace offers
- Impacted Audience: All partners transacting in the marketplace
Partners in eligible regions can now sell professional services through private offers in the marketplace.