Microsoft 365 – MicroTechPoint

Microsoft Renaming Azure AD (AAD) to Entra ID

July 18, 2023July 18, 2023Brian Alderman

Microsoft has announced the renaming of Azure AD (AAD) to Entra ID in their attempt to reflect the progression of modern multicloud identity security, eventually simplify secure access for all Microsoft 365 users, and to provide naming consistency for identity and access solutions. First thoughts by many experts in the industry is; why? Why rename Azure AD (AAD) if they aren’t providing any enhancements, new features, or even deprecating features in Azure AD. Well, it appears the reason is to integrate the Entra ID product name into the already existing Microsoft Entra product family which includes: Microsoft Entra ID Microsoft Entra ID Protection Microsoft Entra ID Governance Microsoft Entra External… Read More

What’s Changed or Missing in the Preview Release of Microsoft Teams

May 15, 2023July 17, 2023Brian Alderman

At the end of March 2023, Microsoft released the New Teams desktop app in preview mode and it’s receiving great reviews. Microsoft pretty much rebuilt Teams from the ground up and by doing so it has several enhancements making it faster, simpler, smarter, and even more flexible than the classic Teams desktop app. But as with all new releases, especially those in Preview mode, there are some current known issues, and missing features and functionality with the new Teams Preview release. So, before you push that button to enable preview mode in your production environment be sure to view my article that lists and describes What’s Changed or Missing in… Read More

Microsoft new Teams Desktop app now available in Preview

May 1, 2023July 17, 2023Brian Alderman

Effective March 27th, Microsoft’s New Teams desktop app was released in preview mode and it is receiving great reviews. Microsoft pretty much rebuilt Teams from ground up and by doing so it has several enhancements making it faster, simpler, smarter, and even more flexible than the classic Teams desktop app. The new Microsoft Teams is now 2 to 3 times faster, depending on what you’re doing with the app, and if that wasn’t enticing enough, it also consumes up to 50% less resources. The new Teams has several end-use enhancements, as well as enhancements for the IT Pro who is responsible for installing, updating, and uninstalling Teams. For more details… Read More

What’s New in Microsoft Teams Q1 – 2023

April 10, 2023July 18, 2023Brian Alderman

Microsoft Teams is an ever-evolving service that has become the primary desktop application for users to collaborate and communicate in throughout the day. With that in mind, Microsoft is investing a lot of resources, both financially and physically to ensure the product continues to evolve. With there being so many changes, it is important to keep abreast of the updates and new features to ensure your organization is taking full advantage of this powerful service. This 2023 Q1 post on Microsoft Teams will be useful for understanding the highlights of the new features and updates, specific to the Microsoft Teams desktop app and Teams on the web. Please view my… Read More

Introducing Microsoft 365 AI Copilot

March 24, 2023March 29, 2023Brian Alderman

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has taken the technology industry by storm lately, and Microsoft who is always on the cutting edge of new technology is certainly dipping their feet in the AI water, with their announcement of Microsoft 365 Copilot. Copilot integrates Large Language Models (LLMs) with data in Microsoft Graph, and Microsoft apps. At this point this integration is two-fold; Embedded in Microsoft 365 apps (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, etc.) Business Chat (calendar, emails, chats, documents, meetings, and contacts) By saying a command similar to ‘tell me about today’s meetings topics’, it will generate outcome based on your days meetings, emails, and chat threads. After it presents its findings,… Read More

TekkiGurus Announces Website Launch for the Microsoft Community

March 15, 2023July 8, 2023Brian Alderman

Community site for experts, users and solution providers using Microsoft technology Las Vegas, NV — March 15, 2023 — TekkiGurus.com, the online platform for Microsoft technology enthusiasts, has launched today to over 300,000 members of the Microsoft community. The website aims to provide a comprehensive resource for tech enthusiasts of all levels, from beginners to advanced users, with information, insights and the latest news on all things Microsoft tech. TekkiGurus.com will feature an extensive library of technology-related articles, tutorials, product reviews and how-to guides contributed from an extensive network of Microsoft MVPs, Microsoft Certified Trainers and other industry experts and thought leaders who make their living helping companies understand and… Read More

Microsoft Teams Premium is Released

February 20, 2023July 18, 2023Brian Alderman

Microsoft recently announced that Microsoft Teams Premium is generally available. Microsoft Teams Premium is an add-on per-user license used to enhance the Teams experience. This latest release of Teams includes the integration of OpenAI’s GPT-3.5 making one-on-one meetings, large meetings, virtual appointments, and webinars more intelligent, personalized, and secure. Some of these features are already available as individual add-ons, but when you start adding up the total cost of these add-ons, it can get a bit pricey on a per-user basis. Microsoft includes all of these individual add-ons in Microsoft Teams Premium for one low per-user price. Please view my article Microsoft Teams Premium on TekkiGurus.com for more information on… Read More

Managing Microsoft 365 using PowerShell

February 2, 2023April 25, 2023Brian Alderman

Microsoft’s PowerShell provides administrators the capability to automate routine tasks using a command-line shell that’s associated with a powerful scripting language. This command line utility is structured, intuitive, provides consistency, and is available across all Microsoft products, making it easier for an administrator to transition their PowerShell knowledge and experience from one product to another. Managing Microsoft 365 using PowerShell is an efficient way for your M365 administrators to manage users, groups, and many other M365 components in bulk. As an example, using PowerShell, you can easily add hundreds of users, or modify properties on these users, or groups located in Microsoft 365. It is a tool that every… Read More

SharePoint Server 2013 End of Support

January 21, 2023March 29, 2023Brian Alderman

The ever-so-popular SharePoint Server 2013 is in the End of Support category at Microsoft. This doesn’t mean your SharePoint servers are going to crash and stop working but it does mean no more updates, free support, and potentially leaving your SharePoint environment exposed to security threats, and the evil malware and hackers. This means you have to make a choice; Accept the risk and remain on SharePoint Server 2013 Upgrade to a later version of SharePoint Server on-premises Migrate to SharePoint Online Obviously the easier one is to remain on SharePoint Server 2013, but it isn’t the safest one. Upgrading to a later version requires you to decide what version,… Read More

What’s new in Microsoft Teams Q4 – 2022

January 12, 2023July 17, 2023Brian Alderman

Microsoft Teams is an ever-evolving service that has become the primary desktop application for users to collaborate and communicate in. With that in mind, Microsoft is investing a lot of resources, both financially and physically to ensure the product continues to evolve. With there being so many changes, it is important to keep abreast of the updates and new features to ensure your organization is taking full advantage of this powerful app. This quarterly post on Microsoft Teams will be useful for understanding the highlights of the new features and updates, specific to the Microsoft Teams desktop app and Teams on the web. Calls … Read More