Welcome to March’s edition of Azure News, collating the latest updates in the world of Azure. As always, if you need any further information on anything we share in this month’s newsletter, or if you have any Azure queries, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
TWO TECHNOLOGY TITANS JOIN FORCES
Microsoft announced that ChatGPT is now available in preview in Azure OpenAI Service. The integration allows developers to build AI experiences directly into applications, with functions around resolving customer queries, recapping call centre conversations and personalising online advert copy major focus areas.
AZURE HAILED THE BEST PLACE TO BUILD AI WORKLOADS
Azure’s Data team are comfortably leading the pack in helping customers leverage AI. In March, they revealed several enhancements to MLOps, Azure Arc and Azure Migrate, and a host of courses for those interested in building apps with generative AI.
AZURE OFFERS A SECURITY BOOST FOR SMES
SMEs are feeling the heat from cyberthreats, with 70% reporting increased risk their risk. In general, SMEs have fewer resources to protect against emerging threats. So, there’s a strong case for tailored security solutions. This month, Microsoft answered the call with Azure Firewall Basic, which balances simplicity and performance.
THE LATEST THINKING FOR WINDOWS SERVER ESTATES
As the foundation of many IT infrastructures, Windows Server estates must be impenetrable. But, keeping sprawling IT estates secure can be challenging without best practices to follow. To help secure Windows Server estates, Microsoft has outlined four new best practices – including accessing free optimisation tools.
INNOVATIONS REVEALED ON OPEN SOUrCE DAY
Azure kicked off its Open Source Days, created to share knowledge about how Open Source technologies can build smart apps faster. The days will reveal the latest innovations, including integrating large language models at scale and new ways to leverage Web3.
COST MANAGEMENT UPDATES FOLLOW THE FEEDBACK
Microsoft Cost Management has a simple ethos: help businesses know what they’re spending and where. In March, several updates were released including new pricing tiers and tag inheritance capabilities.
AI LANGUAGE LEARNING TAKES A MASSIVE LEAP FORWARD
Microsoft Azure Cognitive Speech Services’ new Pronunciation Assessment feature provides instant feedback on accuracy, fluency and prosody of speech. It’s poised to become a go-to tool for educators, service providers and students.
SIX WAYS TO IMPROVE ACCESSIBILITY WITH AZURE AI
Accessible technology plays a vital role in inclusive, equitable workplaces. Azure AI aims to bridge the disability divide by rethinking how accessibility, communication and interaction technology empowers underrepresented talent. In March, Azure shared six use cases for achieving just that.