Need to Know podcast–Episode 220

In this episode I speak with Leigh Wood from Node IT in the UK about what attending the Microsoft worldwide partner conference known as Inspire. Leigh gives us some great insights, experiences and the benefits of attending. A great episode for Microsoft partners to listen in to and learn from Leigh. We have our usual Microsoft Cloud updates from Brenton and myself. Stay tuned, stay up to date and listen along. Let us know what you think of this episode.

This episode was recorded using Microsoft Teams and produced with Camtasia 2019

Take a listen and let us know what you think – feedback@needtoknow.cloud

You can listen directly to this episode at:

https://ciaops.podbean.com/e/episode-220-leigh-wood/

Subscribe via iTunes at:

https://itunes.apple.com/au/podcast/ciaops-need-to-know-podcasts/id406891445?mt=2

The podcast is also available on Stitcher at:

http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/ciaops/need-to-know-podcast?refid=stpr

Don’t forget to give the show a rating as well as send us any feedback or suggestions you may have for the show.

Resources

@nodeIT

@contactbrenton

@directorcia

Microsoft submissions to Cyber 2020 strategy

Outlook on the web is becoming a progressive web app

Security defaults provides key security for free

Microsoft Partner Agreement

Azure Sentinel

Azure Sentinel is a great add on

MFA penetration in the Microsoft Cloud

Microsoft Norway now open

Azure cost management for partners

CIAOPS MS-900 Exam prep course now available

I’ve just taken the wraps off my latest online Microsoft exam prep training. This time it is for the Microsoft MS-900 Microsoft 365 Fundamentals exam. This exam isn’t as technical as others but is still a very good broad overview of the what Microsoft 365 is all about and I certainly recommend people look at doing this exam, especially as a starting port for their certifications.

I am a big believer in industry certifications as I have details previously here:

The benefits of certification

The major benefit is provide a good base of knowledge to move forward in today’s ever changing technology world. This is important today because so many new cloud services are dependent on technologies like Azure AD, Identity and so on. Also, certification exams force you to learn the breadth of the product, which then allows you to provider better solutions and security.

You can sign up for this new course here:

https://www.ciaopsacademy.com/p/microsoft-365-identity-and-services-ms-900-exam-preparation/

and look out for more courses coming soon from the CIAOPS.

Techwerks 10–Sydney 12th February 2020

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I am happy to announce that Techwerks 10 will be held in Sydney on Wednesday the 12th of February 2020. The course is limited to 20 people and you can sign up and reserve your place now! You reserve a place by completing this form:

http://bit.ly/ciaopsroi

or sending me an email (director@ciaops.com) expressing your interest. This training is just before the Microsoft Ignite the Tour in Sydney, so if you are in town for that you can hopefully also take advantage of this training.

The content of these all day face to face workshops is driven by the attendees. That means we cover exactly what people want to see and focus on doing hands on, real world scenarios. Attendees can vote on topics they’d like to see covered prior to the day and we continue to target exactly what the small group of attendees wants to see. Thus, this is an excellent way to get really deep into the technology and have all the questions you’ve been dying to know answered. Typically, the event produces a number of best practice take aways for each attendee. So far, the greatest votes are for deeper dives into the Microsoft Cloud including Microsoft 365, Azure, Intune, Defender ATP, security such as Azure Sentinel and PowerShell configuration and scripts, with a focus on enabling the technology in SMB businesses.

Recent testimonial – “I just wanted to say a big thank you to Robert for the Brisbane Techworks day. It is such a good format with each attendee asking what matters them and the whole interactive nature of the day. So much better than death by PowerPoint.” – Mike H.

The cost to attend is:

Gold Enterprise Patron = Free

Gold Patron = $33 inc GST

Silver Patron = $99 inc GST

Bronze Patron = $176 inc GST

Non Patron = $399 inc GST

I hope to see you there.

Techwerks 9–Melbourne 22nd November

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I am happy to announce that Techwerks 9 will be held in Melbourne on Friday the 22nd of November. The course is limited to 20 people and you can sign up and reserve your place now! You reserve a place by completing this form:

http://bit.ly/ciaopsroi

or sending me an email (director@ciaops.com) expressing your interest.

The content of these all day face to face workshops is driven by the attendees. That means we cover exactly what people want to see and focus on doing hands on, real world scenarios. Attendees can vote on topics they’d like to see covered prior to the day and we continue to target exactly what the small group of attendees wants to see. Thus, this is an excellent way to get really deep into the technology and have all the questions you’ve been dying to know answered. Typically, the event produces a number of best practice take aways for each attendee. So far, the greatest votes are for deeper dives into the Microsoft Cloud including Microsoft 365, Azure, Intune, security and PowerShell configuration and scripts, with a focus on enabling the technology in SMB businesses.

The cost to attend is:

Gold Enterprise Patron = Free

Gold Patron = $33 inc GST

Silver Patron = $99 inc GST

Bronze Patron = $176 inc GST

Non Patron = $399 inc GST

Due to demand for a business only focused event I’m announcing the very first CIAOPS Execwerks to also be held in the Melbourne the day before, on the 21st of November from 12pm – 8pm. This separate event is strictly limited to 15 people and will focus on the helping attendees develop the business side of their cloud practice. It will provide tactics, tips and techniques on improving your go to market approach using the Microsoft cloud. Importantly, you’ll also learn from others in this interactive session as to what works and what doesn’t work plus gain from others in the space.The aim of Execwerks is to take your business to the next level of profitability.

To be part of this inaugural event you’ll need to visit:

http://bit.ly/ciaopsroi

or sending me an email (director@ciaops.com) expressing your interest and to receive more details.

Both sessions are strictly limited in numbers, so make sure you sign up quickly as places always fill very fast.

I hope to see you there.

CIAOPS MS-100 online Certification training

I have just opened up the next round of the CIAOPS MS-100 online certification training.

The cost of the course is:

Patron Level	AU$ Price inc GST
Gold Enterprise	Free
Gold	$33
Silver	$99
Bronze	$176
Non patron	$399

The course will include:

Full access to the online training material at https://www.ciaopsacademy.com.au/p/microsoft-365-identity-and-services-ms-100-exam-preparation valued at US$250
A weekly recorded catch up group tutorial conducted via Teams
Ongoing progress assessment by submitting weekly progress reports
One dedicated 30 minute 1:1 coaching session
Access to a dedicated Microsoft Team for ongoing questions and support during the period.

The course will run over 4 weeks commencing on Monday the 12 of August and finish on Sunday the 15th of September.

The aim of this course is help you prepare to pass the MS-100 certification and should not be considered as a ‘general’ training course on Microsoft 365. I will ask you to commit to sitting the exam prior to the 1st of October 2019. If you pass the exam prior to this date you will be eligible for some special offers, however if you wish to take longer than that you can complete the exam at your leisure but with no additional benefits.

If you wish to be part of this program email me (director@ciaops.com) asap so I can reserve you place. Enrolment closes on Friday the 9th of August at 5pm.

You may want to read my thoughts on why I believe certification is becoming increasingly important with the cloud:

The benefits of certification

I hope you’ll sign up to become certified in Microsoft 365.

CIAOPS Techwerks 8–Adelaide October 24

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I am happy to announce that Techwerks 8 will be held in Adelaide on Thursday the 24th of October. The course is limited to 15 people and you can sign up and reserve your place now! You reserve a place by completing this form:

http://bit.ly/ciaopsroi

or sending me an email (director@ciaops.com) expressing your interest.

The content of these all day face to face workshops is driven by the attendees. That means we cover exactly what people want to see and focus on doing hands on, real world scenarios. Attendees can vote on topics they’d like to see covered prior to the day and we continue to target exactly what the small group of attendees wants to see. Thus, this is an excellent way to get really deep into the technology and have all the questions you’ve been dying to know answered. Typically, the event produces a number of best practice take aways for each attendee. A special part of this event will be sessions by MVP Amy Babinchak as well as some other surprise guests.

The cost to attend is:

Patron Level	Price Inc GST
Gold Enterprise	Free
Gold	$ 33
Silver	$ 99
Bronze	$ 176
Non Patron	$ 399

The CIAOPS Techwerks events are run regularly in major Australian capital cities, so if you can’t make this one or you aren’t in Adelaide on that date, stay tuned for more details and announcements soon. If you are interested in signing up please contact me via emails (director@ciaops.com) or complete the form:

http://bit.ly/ciaopsroi

and I can let you know all the details as well as answer any questions you may have about the event.

I hope to see you there.

MVP for 2019-20

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I’m proud to say that Microsoft has graciously awarded me as a Most Valued Professional (MVP) for 2019 in the Office Servers and Services category. This makes it now eight awards in a row for me, which is very special and honouring. I thank Microsoft for this special award and acknowledge the responsibilities it entails.

However, this award is not possible without members of the community out there who take the time to do things like read my blog, watch my YouTube channel, attend events where I speak and more. Thanks everyone.

I’m committed to continuing to provide more information and insight into the fantastic products and services Microsoft creates. I can’t wait each day to see what new stuff Microsoft has brought us and how it can be implemented for users. With the rapid development rate in the cloud I am always amazed at all the new stuff that becomes available but it is really great to have that challenge of staying current.

Having attended my first MVP Summit this year I’m looking forward to next year’s one so I can again visit Redmond and learn from Microsoft and fellow MVPs. Being an MVP is being part of a unique community of very dedicated and smart people who truly love to share their knowledge. I aim to live up to the example they set and continue to improve and grow. I congratulate all those who were also awarded for this year and look forward to seeing you at the MVP Summit in 2020.

But again, I thank Microsoft for this honour and will work hard to live up top the expectations it sets again for 2019-20 so I can make it nine years ins 2020!

CIAOPS Techwerks 7–Melbourne August 16

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I am happy to announce that Techwerks 7 will be held in Melbourne on Friday the 16th of August. The course is limited to 15 people and you can sign up and reserve your place now! You reserve a place by completing this form:

http://bit.ly/ciaopsroi

or sending me an email (director@ciaops.com) expressing your interest.

The content of these all day face to face workshops is driven by the attendees. That means we cover exactly what people want to see and focus on doing hands on, real world scenarios. Attendees can vote on topics they’d like to see covered prior to the day and we continue to target exactly what the small group of attendees wants to see. Thus, this is an excellent way to get really deep into the technology and have all the questions you’ve been dying to know answered. Typically, the event produces a number of best practice take aways for each attendee. So far, the greatest votes are for deeper dives into Intune, security and PowerShell configuration and scripts, however that isn’t finalised until the day.

The cost to attend is:

Patron Level	Price Inc GST
Gold Enterprise	Free
Gold	$ 33
Silver	$ 99
Bronze	$ 176
Non Patron	$ 399

The CIAOPS Techwerks events are run regularly in major Australian capital cities, so if you can’t make this one or you aren’t in Melbourne on that date, stay tuned for more details and announcements soon. If you are interested in signing up please contact me via emails (director@ciaops.com) or complete the form:

http://bit.ly/ciaopsroi

and I can let you know all the details as well as answer any questions you may have about the event.

I hope to see you there.