Join me as I unpack the most impactful Microsoft Build 2026 announcements for SMBs, including Work IQ’s general availability, new autopilot and Scout agent features, enhanced agent security with Microsoft Execution Containers, and the latest MAI models for code, image, and voice. Discover how upcoming Work IQ APIs, OpenClaw integration with Windows, and the shift toward hybrid AI solutions are shaping the future of business technology, with practical insights on cost control, disaster recovery, and agentic security. Don’t miss this episode for actionable takeaways and expert analysis on the evolving AI landscape.
A special thanks to the CIAOPS Patron community for making this podcast possible. You can find the benefits of a subscription to the community and become a member at https://www.ciaopspatron.com
In this episode, we dig into Cowork Skills and why they represent a genuine shift from “AI as a novelty” to “AI as part of how work actually gets done.” Not more prompts. Not more tools. But fewer decisions, less friction, and more consistency across the business. If you’ve ever thought “Copilot is interesting, but it’s not really embedded yet”, this episode is for you.
A special thanks to the CIAOPS Patron community for making this podcast possible. You can find the benefits of a subscription to the community and become a member at https://www.ciaopspatron.com CIAOPS MSP Skills
A weekly roundup of Microsoft Cloud news with a focus on SMBs. Key topics include Microsoft’s internal testing of an always-on AI assistant, major security threats such as Russian state-sponsored router hijacking and advanced phishing attacks, updates to Microsoft Teams, and a retrospective on SharePoint’s evolution. Robert also discusses the challenges and strategies for adopting AI in business, emphasizing the need for a unified, collaborative approach to AI usage within organizations.
A special thanks to the CIAOPS Patron community for making this podcast possible. You can find the benefits of a subscription to the community and become a member at https://www.ciaopspatron.com
I reflect on the significance of the day before diving into the week’s major developments, including the arrival of the Microsoft AI Tour in Sydney. The episode covers both partner and public events, with a focus on enterprise-level AI advancements and networking opportunities.
The podcast features a comprehensive weekly news roundup:
The general availability of Copilot Agent capabilities in Microsoft 365 apps.
New data security tools for AI in Microsoft Purview.
Innovations in identity resilience and backup with Microsoft Entra.
Microsoft’s $25 billion investment in Australian AI infrastructure and training.
Practical security playbooks for tenant protection and device analytics.
Updates on decluttering promotional mail with Microsoft Defender.
Guidance on preventing oversharing in Copilot, deploying Defender, and enforcing data security with Purview.
I also share my workflow for automating podcast production using Copilot Cowork, including narration scripts and link management. I discuss experimenting with AI-driven voice narration and invites listener feedback on pacing and voice options.
The episode concludes with reflections on the Microsoft AI Tour’s enterprise focus, the importance of networking, and the challenges SMBs face in accessing relevant content. Listeners are encouraged to reach out with questions or feedback and to stay tuned for upcoming events like Microsoft Build and Ignite.
A special thanks to the CIAOPS Patron community for making this podcast possible. You can find the benefits of a subscription to the community and become a member at https://www.ciaopspatron.com
In this episode of the CIAOPS Need to Know podcast, we take an AI‑first look at what’s happening across the Microsoft Cloud and what it really means for small and medium businesses. Episode 362 cuts through the noise to focus on the practical, real‑world impact of artificial intelligence as Microsoft continues to embed AI across Microsoft 365, Azure, and everyday productivity tools.
We discuss how an AI‑first mindset is changing the way SMBs should think about security, productivity, and operational efficiency, along with what partners and IT professionals need to pay attention to right now. Expect clear explanations, informed opinions, and actionable insights designed to help you make sense of rapid change without the hype.
A special thanks to the CIAOPS Patron community for making this podcast possible. You can find the benefits of a subscription to the community and become a member at https://www.ciaopspatron.com
In this episode I speak with Phil Meyer about the current state and future of the technical community in SMB around the Microsoft products and services. Things are changing, demographics, technology as well as customers are impacting the concept of ‘community’. Phil and I dive deep and share our opinions. Plenty of news and update from the Microsoft Cloud as well to dig into for you.
In this episode I’m joined by Shervin Shaffie from Microsoft to do a deep dive into Copilot Studio. That’s the service from Microsoft that allows you to create agents in a ‘low-code’ manner right inside the M365 environment. Shervin has some great Youtube content I highly recommend and provides some great insights and tips and tricks in this episode when working with agents in Microsoft 365. I’ll also brin you up to date with the latest Microsoft Cloud news. Listen along.
I am joined by Andrew and Tim from Sherpatech to discuss updates and new challenges in the insurance market. If you missed last year’s episode you’ll find it here Episode 338 – Ensure to Insure. We discuss what impact AI is likely to have and how the insurance market is shaping up for 2026. I also have a few interesting updates and information from the Microsoft cloud for this first episode of 2026. So listen along and enjoy!
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