Microsoft Ignite is undoubtedly one of the biggest technology events on the planet and it began today, with UC today in attendance to bring you all the latest news.
One of Microsoft’s premier global events, Ignite, takes place over a whole week, every year, and includes a multitude of different formats including keynotes, practical sessions and an exhibition. This year Microsoft Ignite 2018 will welcome a staggering 30,000 delegates, from over 5000 organisations, representing over 100 different countries with participants flocking in from around the globe.
A main ‘vision’ keynote’ to clarify Microsoft’s strategy for the year to come, is supported by various other technical keynotes focusing on different aspects of the Microsoft portfolio. As well as the main keynotes there are also 1,000+ sessions and 60+ workshops available to the attendees to make sure they are up to date with all the latest from the world of Microsoft.
The event began with the ‘Vision’ keynote from Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella. Nadella, who joined Microsoft all the way back in 1992, has progressed through the organisation to CEO after heading up various different divisions over the years, including the Cloud and Enterprise Group and Server and Tools Division, some of Microsoft’s most valuable business sectors.
During his ‘Vision’ keynote Nadella was keen to welcome the huge number of delegates who have joined him and Microsoft for Ignite. He explained that Microsoft believe that we are entering a critical new age of technology and computing. The wide availability of computing resource across every facet of our lives and how we can leverage that using new intelligent cloud driven technologies will be revolutionary.
Some of the of particular areas of focus for Microsoft, highlighted during the day one keynotes, were addressing cybersecurity, examining how data and AI will transform the intelligent enterprise, expanding Microsoft’s AI for Good initiative as well as further exploring the value available from IoT and edge computing. Nadella also mentioned various cases studies for customers who are utilising solutions that are at the forefront of Microsoft’s technology portfolio.
Adobe and SAP were also welcomed on stage to launch the ‘Open Data Initiative’. This new initiative which will see the three giant organisations collaborate together to jointly share data to offer customers greater insights into trends all aimed at improving analysis. The other main focus for Microsoft will be cyber security.
Finally in his keynote, Nadella, took the opportunity to launch ‘AI for Humanitarian Action’ where Microsoft will work with partners around the world to utilise AI technologies for good. They used the example of AI and ML tools being able to predict where future famines might occur, in order to help prevent them.
We’ll be at Ignite to bring you all the latest news on the world of Microsoft communication and collaboration with Microsoft Teams and Skype for Business.
