Takeaways from Microsoft Convergence 2015

Over 12,000 customers, partners and employees attended Microsoft’s Annual Convergence in Atlanta on March 16 – 19, 2015.  The event, held at the Georgia World Congress Center, involved inspiring speeches, discussions and announcements from the Microsoft Team in addition to the many fun networking opportunities and activities.

Below are some of the takeaway points and video highlights from the week’s presentations.

• CRM Online Spring ’15 (Version 7.1) is almost here. The most prominent feature that will be included is a new navigation bar. You can watch the video online now.
• Skype for Business is coming in April. Satya Nadella, Microsoft CEO, presented on how he sees businesses transforming, specifically through the use of improved social tools. It was announced at Convergence that Skype for Business will be introduced in April and that the technical preview can now be accessed online.
• Power BI is becoming more powerful. The global availability of two new applications will take Power BI to the next level: Delve and Sway.
• Surface Hub is introduced. Also coming later this year is the Microsoft Surface Hub, the world’s first intuitive Windows interface designed for groups, which was exclusively demoed for the attendees.
• Mobile is more important than ever. Nadella addressed that Microsoft is not only committed to the mobile products we use, but to the mobile experience we get from them. There will be a richer user experience with Microsoft’s Enterprise Mobility Suite, as well as stronger data protection with Azure rights management on Windows, IOS and Android. There is also a Mobile Application for Smart Phones available for Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online 2015. Watch the overview now.
• There is movement to stop online harassment. Microsoft has set up an official Digital Crimes Unit to prevent cyber bullying crimes. David Finn, Executive Director of Microsoft’s Cybercrime Center, presented on how the Unit will be committed to identifying and disrupting cyber crime across the world.
• Outlook 2016 Update. Julia White announced that Office 2016 IT Pro and Developer Preview is now accessible, which gives IT pros and developers the chance to test the application before its release in the upcoming year.  Users are excited for the new attachment options and other various upgrades that will come with this version.

Clips from the Microsoft Convergence speakers are available to watch on YouTube now:

• Microsoft Convergence 2015 – Keynote Highlights 
• Reinventing Business Productivity to Maximize Customer Value: Julia White
• SMB Success in a Mobile-First, Cloud-First World: Wayne Morris
• Modern Marketing with Chris Capossela & Allison Watson
• Data will Change Your Business, It’s Up to You How Much: James Phillips

You can access full footage of all keynote speakers by registering or logging into Microsoft’s Convergence Video Library.

 "Have the discipline to invest your time where there is value, determine the value of the things you want to do, and then invest accordingly." –Chris Capossela

www.InterDynBMI.com

by  InterDyn BMI