We’ll explore the most critical security solutions within Microsoft 365 that can help shield your organization from evolving threats.

Core security challenges in Microsoft 365

Before diving into the solutions, it’s important to understand the common threats businesses face when using Microsoft 365. These threats include:

• Phishing attacks: Cybercriminals often target Microsoft 365 users with phishing emails to steal login credentials.
• Ransomware: Attackers can exploit vulnerabilities to inject ransomware into your environment, leading to data loss or downtime.
• Insider threats: Employees, whether intentionally or accidentally, can expose sensitive data by sharing it with unauthorized individuals.

Without a well-structured security framework, organizations may leave critical gaps in their defenses, making them vulnerable to these types of attacks. Fortunately, Microsoft 365 offers a range of built-in solutions designed to address these security challenges.

Essential Microsoft 365 Security solutions

1. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

One of the easiest ways to enhance security in Microsoft 365 is to enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). With MFA, users must provide at least two forms of authentication—such as a password and a one-time code from an authenticator app—before they can access their account. This greatly reduces the risk of unauthorized access from stolen or compromised credentials.

How to implement MFA:

• Ensure MFA is mandatory for all admin and privileged accounts.
• Encourage users to use an authenticator app instead of SMS for greater security.

See also: Password-less Authentication: The Future of Secure Access

2. Identity and Access Management with Azure AD

Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) is Microsoft’s cloud-based identity and access management service. It helps organizations manage identities, enforce security policies, and control who can access certain resources. By leveraging Azure AD, you can ensure that users have the right level of access and that malicious actors are kept out.

Key Azure AD features for security:

• Conditional Access: Define security rules based on factors like user location, device compliance, or the risk level of sign-ins.
• Identity Protection: Automatically detect and remediate compromised identities through machine learning.

3. Advanced Threat Protection (ATP)

Microsoft 365’s Advanced Threat Protection (ATP) is designed to protect against sophisticated threats like phishing, malware, and zero-day vulnerabilities. ATP uses real-time threat intelligence and advanced analytics to detect and block malicious activity before it can harm your organization.

Key ATP features:

• Safe Links: Protects users from malicious URLs in emails by scanning links in real time.
• Safe Attachments: Prevents malicious files from entering your organization by analyzing and quarantining suspicious attachments.

4. Data Loss Prevention (DLP)

Data Loss Prevention (DLP) is a key feature for organizations that handle sensitive information such as financial records, personally identifiable information (PII), and intellectual property. DLP policies monitor data flows and prevent accidental or intentional sharing of sensitive information with unauthorized recipients.

Best practices for DLP:

• Set up DLP policies for email, SharePoint, OneDrive, and Teams to detect and block the sharing of confidential data.
• Customize policies to alert administrators or automatically block content that violates security rules.

4. Information Protection with Azure Information Protection (AIP)

Azure Information Protection (AIP) helps you classify, label, and protect data based on its sensitivity level. By tagging documents and emails with specific labels (such as “Confidential” or “Internal Use Only”), you can ensure that sensitive data is encrypted and handled appropriately.

Tips for using AIP:

• Define classification labels that align with your organization’s security policies.
• Automate data encryption for documents labeled as highly confidential.
• Combine AIP with DLP to ensure comprehensive data protection.

5. Microsoft Defender for Office 365

Microsoft Defender for Office 365 offers an additional layer of protection against threats like malware, ransomware, and phishing. With built-in AI and automation capabilities, it can detect and respond to suspicious activities before they escalate into major incidents.

Key features of Defender for Office 365:

• Automated investigations: Quickly identify and mitigate potential threats using AI-powered analysis.
• Threat intelligence: Stay informed about the latest attack vectors and trends with real-time threat data.

6. Conditional Access Policies

Conditional access policies allow you to control access to Microsoft 365 resources based on specific conditions, such as device type, user location, or risk level. This dynamic approach ensures that users accessing your environment are doing so from trusted devices and locations.

Best practices for conditional access:

• Block access from risky or unfamiliar locations.
• Enforce MFA for high-risk sign-ins.
• Restrict access to corporate data on non-compliant or jailbroken devices.

7. Mobile Device Management (MDM) and Application Management

With the growing trend of remote work and Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies, securing mobile access to Microsoft 365 is essential. Microsoft’s Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions enable organizations to control access to corporate data on personal devices.

How to implement MDM:

• Enforce encryption on all devices that access company data.
• Set policies to remotely wipe data from lost or stolen devices.
• Monitor device compliance and block access to devices that don’t meet security standards.

8. Microsoft 365 Security and Compliance Center

The Microsoft 365 Security and Compliance Center is a centralized hub for managing security policies, monitoring threats, and ensuring compliance with data protection regulations. It provides tools to help administrators detect and respond to security incidents in real time.

Key features of the Security and Compliance Center:

• Threat monitoring: Use built-in dashboards to monitor security incidents and respond to alerts.
• Compliance tools: Ensure regulatory compliance with features like audit logs, retention policies, and data governance settings.

See also: OP-ED: Microsoft Azure Stack, a Game Changer for Ugandan Businesses and Enterprises

Best practices for maximizing Microsoft 365 Security

• Regular Security Audits and Monitoring

Conducting regular security audits is critical for identifying potential vulnerabilities in your Microsoft 365 environment. Audit logs allow administrators to track user activity, changes to security configurations, and other key events that may signal a security breach.

Best practices:

• • Set up automated alerts for suspicious activities, such as unusual login locations or changes to admin accounts.
  • Regularly review audit logs to stay ahead of potential threats.
• Employee Security Awareness Training

Even with advanced security solutions in place, employees can still be the weakest link if they aren’t educated about cybersecurity best practices. Regular training helps ensure that employees know how to recognize phishing attempts, avoid sharing sensitive information, and follow security policies.

Key training topics:

• • How to identify phishing emails.
  • The importance of using strong passwords and enabling MFA.
  • Avoiding the use of public Wi-Fi for accessing corporate accounts.

Securing your Microsoft 365 environment requires a multi-layered approach that incorporates the latest security solutions and best practices. By implementing solutions, you can effectively shield your organization from a wide range of cyber threats. Regularly auditing your security configurations and training employees on security awareness will further bolster your defenses.

With the right strategies in place, your organization can enjoy the benefits of Microsoft 365 while ensuring that sensitive data and systems are fully protected.

See also: OP-ED: Building a Robust Cybersecurity Readiness For Africa’s Digital Future

The post Microsoft 365 Security Solutions: How to Shield Your Organization appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

Between October 1, 2014, and July 29, 2015, the Windows Insider Program released a whole bunch of preview builds, and every single one was big news.

Windows Phone was failing, Windows 8 was a flop, and no one was making new apps for Windows anymore despite the new touchscreen interface. Moreover, the end of life for Windows 7 was around the corner, and Microsoft was due to face the same issues with the Windows XP EOL — people weren’t likely to upgrade their existing PCs, which still worked fine.

Windows 10 was going to be a revolution. First of all, it would roll back the changes in Windows 8 while keeping some of the touch-friendly elements. That meant the Start Menu returned and full-screen apps were going away. Those Metro apps, which were succeeded by UWP, would run in Windows like any other app.

And UWP was a big change as well. Microsoft was going to leverage its strength in the desktop market by having developers convert their apps into “universal” apps, which would have a responsive design that scaled across different interfaces. In other words, a desktop app would work on phones too.

Bridges were another way to close the app gap. Windows 10 was going to be able to run Android apps, and iOS developers would be able to recompile their code to turn their iOS apps into Windows apps. The part about Android apps was called Project Astoria, and that was scrapped before the public release of Windows 10. It worked in Windows 10 Mobile previews though.

Windows 10 launched on July 29, 2015, as a free upgrade for anyone running Windows 7 or Windows 8.1. A free upgrade for Windows Phone 8.1 was promised to arrive later. It didn’t go too well.

First of all, Microsoft was pushing the free upgrade hard. After all, one of the goals was to stop competing with itself. It truly wanted all Windows users on the same platform.

There’s an endless supply of methods Microsoft used to get people to upgrade, from full-screen ads to the infamous ‘Get Windows 10’ app that sat in your system tray, to silently changing the default behavior of upgrade prompts so that you’d get upgraded if you clicked the message away.

There’s also an endless supply of user stories waking up one day to Windows 10 on their PCs without them ever realizing they might have opted in. On top of all of this, Windows 10 wasn’t ready. The OS was supposed to launch that fall, but OEMs wanted it pushed up, so we got an immature release.

The first feature update: The Windows 10 we were supposed to get

Windows 10 version 1511 (version numbers were the two-digit year and the two-digit month) was mostly a fit-and-finish style update. It did have some interesting new features, such as a trio of Skype apps for messaging, phone calls, and video calls. Indeed, Skype was to be integrated with the OS, an idea that was weirdly received as radical.

Microsoft started phasing these apps out by the next release. But since Windows 10 was supposed to launch that fall rather than in the summer, that’s when we got the ‘big bang’ hardware release.

At a November event, Microsoft announced the Surface Pro 4, Surface Book, Lumia 950 and 950 XL, Lumia 550, and Microsoft Band 2. In truth, when Panos Panay revealed that the screen could be detached from the Surface Book, that was his finest moment as a presenter. All of those products were riddled with problems. For Surface, Microsoft was the first to use Intel’s ‘Skylake’ chips, which had lots of power management issues.

The Windows 10 Mobile update for existing devices arrived on March 17, 2016, but there was a catch. Microsoft broke its promise of upgrading all Windows Phone 8.1 devices. It had a subset of phones that would get the update, which was pretty much anything that shipped with Windows Phone 8.1.

That wasn’t the only catch. In order to get Windows 10 Mobile, you had to download an app and opt into it. There was no prompt to do this either. You just had to know that this thing existed and know how to get it.

The Windows 10 Anniversary Update: Windows 10 matures

The only feature update that was released in 2016 was the Anniversary Update, which came out on August 2, 2016. It had interesting new features like Windows Ink, a platform of tools that was made for pen support.

Microsoft also introduced the new Skype UWP (Universal Windows Platform) app. Yes, this was in the first update after it introduced integrated Skype apps, which were being killed off at this point.

For Windows 10 Mobile, users got a Wallet app and wireless continuum. The Anniversary Update was pretty feature-packed for its day.

There was one other notable change that happened shortly before this. The Windows Insider Program, which was led by Gabe Aul, was transferred to Dona Sarkar. For the time, it was a big deal because the Program itself was a big deal. Gabe Aul had fans. Remember, interest in Windows 10 was huge, partly because it was such a radical change and partly because Microsoft was so open about it.

See also: How opatch can secure your Windows 10 after Microsoft ends support in 2025

The Creator era: 2017

Microsoft released two Windows 10 updates in 2017, the Creators Update and the Fall Creators Update. This is where Paint 3D comes into play, folks.

It felt like everything in Windows was going 3D at the time. When Microsoft launched the Surface Studio in 2016, it also announced Windows Mixed Reality, headsets that connected to Windows PCs that would only cost a few hundred dollars, while competitors were twice that much.

Of course, by the time Windows Mixed Reality headsets shipped, companies like Oculus were doing standalone VR and headsets that were tethered and much cheaper, but that’s neither here nor there. The point is that Microsoft was pushing Windows Mixed Reality. Everything was about 3D creation because Microsoft was betting big on VR.

2017 also marked the nail in the coffin for Windows 10 Mobile. The Fall Creators Update, or version 1709, came from the Redstone 3 branch on PCs, but for the first time, Windows 10 Mobile came from a different branch. It was called ‘feature2’, and it lacked any kind of features at all. This ended up being the final feature update for Microsoft’s phone OS.

This was the first year when Microsoft offered a spring and a fall update, a pattern that it formalized later. The fall update was always the one that focused on stability, and getting longer support for businesses.

It didn’t have the stability that year though. The Windows 10 version 1709 release was actually a disaster. You see, Microsoft had let go of most of its internal product testers when it launched the Windows Insider Program. Why pay people to test a product when you can have fans do it for free? The third branch of the Program was called Release Preview; it was designed for updates that were ready to be released.

Microsoft skipped the Release Preview ring with the Fall Creators Update. The company took the stage at its annual Surface launch event and said it was available for download immediately. It wasn’t long before some users found that their files had been deleted. Uh oh. The Windows 10 Fall Creators Update was pulled, and re-released in November.

2018 and beyond

From Steven Sinofsky’s dream of everyone moving to touchscreen PCs and 2-in-1s with Windows 8 to Terry Myerson at the helm with Windows 10, the goal was always to make Windows cool and modernize the platform. People use Windows as a tool. They get the things they need done and they put away their computer, but they’re on their phones all the time. How could Microsoft make Windows as pleasant as your phone?

It just never worked. The mixed reality pushes, the mobile apps in the store, the tablet PCs, and so on; it just seemed that Windows was destined to remain a utility, and Microsoft more or less resigned to that mindset. Terry Myerson left Microsoft in late 2018, and for a while, there wasn’t a face of Windows.

From there, feature updates didn’t have any exciting features, and Microsoft even got gun-shy about promising features. At Build 2017, Joe Belfiore said a bunch of things were coming in the Fall Creators Update, and some didn’t ship on time. But while most companies would simply say the feature got delayed and they’re working on it, Microsoft went out in true Microsoft fashion and deflected.

There was messaging along the lines that the features weren’t promised (again, it’s on video), and the Windows Insider Program was reformed so that no features in the preview were aligned with a feature release.

The Windows Insider Program got less exciting after that. The features weren’t as flashy, and some were being A/B tested in a program where you signed up to get the latest new features. It all just seemed messy and got harder to keep up with, which I suppose was the point.

Windows was essentially in maintenance mode, but then, something changed in 2020. A whole lot of people started working from home, and that meant a whole lot of people were buying Windows PCs. Suddenly, there was an opportunity in the ever-shrinking PC market again.

The last version of Windows

When the concept of Windows as a service was unveiled, the internal plan was that Windows 10 was going to be the last version of the OS. It was just going to be serviced forever. Sure, there might be UI overhauls and such, but it would always be called Windows 10. Remember, a key goal was that Microsoft didn’t want to compete with itself anymore.

The company never publicly said this. A developer evangelist named Jerry Nixon did, and the company just sort of didn’t correct him. You won’t find a Microsoft press release saying that Windows 10 was going to be the last version. The company just doesn’t do that. It likes to stay vague and not make promises.

And as we all know now, it didn’t end up being the last version. With the new PC boom, a new version of Windows would increase sales. Indeed, there’s a massive spike in Windows interest that comes with a new release.

Windows 11 was born.

Once again, Windows 11 was a free update, but this time, there wasn’t such a focus on upgrading old hardware. It requires an eighth-gen or newer Intel CPU, and similar AMD or Qualcomm specs. Even some hardware that shipped with Windows 10, like the original Surface Book, wasn’t eligible.

There was a TPU requirement as well, but that was pretty minor since there was a TPU requirement for new Windows 10 PCs before the required CPUs came out.

Support for Windows 10 ends in October 2025, and Microsoft will once again be competing with itself. One thing is for sure. Windows 10 laid the groundwork for the modern features that we enjoy today, despite the bumpy ride that it’s been.

And despite various challenges along the way, Microsoft adapted quickly. There’s always work to be done, but when you look at some of the stumbles with Windows 10 and how it didn’t take years to make changes from them, it’s impressive, happy 10th Anniversary Windows.

See also: Windows 11 compatibility check: how to know if your laptop or PC is eligible for upgrade

The post Windows 10 Memory Lane, Celebrating 10th Anniversary this October appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

See also: Windows 11 compatibility check: How to know if your laptop or PC is eligible for an upgrade

While the extended support ends in October 2025 for Windows 10 Home and Pro, Microsoft will still offer a paid option called Extended Security Updates (ESU). ESU will allow businesses to keep getting critical security updates for a limited time after the official end of the extended support. However, ESU can be expensive, with yearly fees starting at around USD$27 (approx. UGX100,000) per device. For companies with a lot of Windows 10 computers, this can add up quickly.

OPatch: An affordable security option

Luckily, there are other choices besides Microsoft’s ESU program. Security companies like 0patch offer solutions to fill the gap left when Microsoft stops supporting an operating system.

OPatch uses a new way of fixing security problems called “micro-patching.” Instead of giving you big updates with many fixes, they deliver small patches for just the specific vulnerabilities that need attention. This has several advantages including;

• Less chance of problems: Micropatches are smaller than traditional updates, so they’re less likely to cause new issues or make your computer unstable.
• Faster updates: Micropatches are small, so they can be delivered and installed quickly, with less downtime for your computer.
• Easier to manage: Micropatches are targeted, so you don’t have to deal with update fatigue from getting lots of big updates all the time.

OPatch has already used micro-patching to keep older versions of Windows and Office secure, even after Microsoft stopped supporting them. This suggests they’re likely to keep supporting Windows 10 even after October 2025.

One of the biggest benefits of using 0patch instead of Microsoft’s ESU program is the cost. Individual subscriptions from 0patch are much cheaper than the yearly fees for ESU. While prices can vary, estimates show that 0patch subscriptions can be as low as USD$61 (approx. UGX227,000) per device, compared to Microsoft’s USD$27 (approx. UGX100,000) annual fee.

This cost savings can be a big deal for companies with a lot of Windows 10 computers. The money saved can be used for other important IT needs.

See also: How to install an operating system on a PC (Windows, Mac, and Linux)

The post How Opatch Can Secure Your Windows 10 After Microsoft Ends Support in 2025 appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

Initially established in 2022, the partnership seeks to leverage the strengths of both companies to drive growth and digital transformation across the continent.

In his keynote speech, MTN Uganda’s Enterprise Business Unit, General Manager Ibrahim Senyonga emphasized the value of this partnership stating, “Our strategic alliance with Microsoft is a testament to our commitment to providing cutting-edge technology solutions that drive progress and innovation in Uganda.” He adds “This partnership will enhance our ability to deliver superior digital and cloud services, empowering businesses of all sizes to thrive in the digital era.”

Microsoft’s Senior Manager for Partnership and Development Damian Nelson emphasized the strategic vision of the alliance. “Our partnership with MTN Uganda is driven by a shared vision of enabling digital transformation across Africa,” he said. “By combining our resources and expertise, we can offer comprehensive solutions that address the unique needs of Ugandan businesses, fostering innovation and growth.”

Through this partnership, MTN Uganda will offer a wide range of Microsoft products, including Office 365, Azure cloud services, and Teams Operator Connect. These solutions enhance productivity, streamline communication, and support advanced cloud computing needs.

As a Microsoft Solutions Partner, MTN Uganda has technical capabilities, extensive experience, and a proven ability to deliver successful customer outcomes aligned with the Microsoft Cloud. With certifications in Modern Work, Infrastructure, Data & Artificial intelligence (AI), and Digital & App Innovation, MTN Uganda can provide cutting-edge solutions tailored to the specific needs of Ugandan businesses.

In addition to our enhanced product offerings, our partnership ensures local billing capabilities customized for the Ugandan market. This simplifies financial transactions and improves customer management, making technology investments more accessible and effective.

Moreover, MTN Uganda’s locally based support team is dedicated to delivering responsive assistance and expert guidance. “Our customers can expect prompt issue resolution and personalized support from our local dedicated team,” noted Senyonga. “We prioritize delivering maximum value from their Microsoft investments, ensuring a seamless experience.”

The post MTN Uganda, Microsoft Partner to Drive Digital Innovation appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

Developing strategies that optimize the multitude of Microsoft networks, which are so vast in technological resources, positions SFA to achieve greater effectiveness.

The purpose of my posting is to investigate the process of salesforce automation as provided by Salesforce with the Microsoft window. It will present the functions that it offers and benefits that it has as well as discuss how businesses can use the tools that we provide to enhance their sales.

What is Salesforce Automation?

Salesforce Automation refers to the implementation of technology to automate sales process functions such as lead management, sales forecasting, and customer relationship management (CRM). The core purpose of SFA is to refine sales processes and shift more sales activity into more central areas, like linking with the customers and closing the deals.

Salesforce has been integrated into the Microsoft ecosystem of business solutions resulting in seamless communication among all the applications. After joining this integration companies have a chance to set a target sales environment that maximizes the effectiveness and efficiency of the whole organization.

The benefits of salesforce automation with Microsoft

The integration of Salesforce Automation with Microsoft technology has many important advantages for business organizations of all varieties. Here are some of the most significant advantages:

1. Improved productivity

Through the use of automation, salesmen become able to redirect time to the activities that create revenue. Such high productivity levels not only lead to more sales but also improve the general vibe and mood of the sales team. Dynamics 365 and Power Automate from Microsoft are powerful tools that reduce the manual process, thus minimizing the possibility of human error.

2. Enhanced customer insights

CRM Automation with Microsoft helps businesses better understand customers’ behavior and preferences. Tools such as Power BI can analyze data to establish trends and patterns which in turn help sales teams to make more informed decisions. Through such knowledge, businesses can develop their sales plans to correspond to what clients need more efficiently.

3. Seamless integration with Microsoft products

The key advantage of Salesforce Automation with Microsoft is its ability to have easy integration with other Microsoft products. For example, Dynamics 365 integrates with Outlook, Teams, and SharePoint so that the sales teams can easily share ideas and access information from various sources. This integration lets the sales to have a fluent data flow between applications.

4. Better sales forecasting

With the help of MS automation in CRM sales forecasting becomes a matter of seconds and encompasses the relevant tools. By data analysis and predictive analytics, businesses can make sales forecasts that are detailed and accurate. This competency enables them to develop better plans for sales, develop more sophisticated operational processes, and channel their financial, technological, and other resources where such resources are in most demand.

5. Streamlined lead management

Lead management is an important component of sales success. Using Salesforce Automation, enterprises are capable of automating lead scoring, assignment, and nurturing. These automation tools, allow the proper tracking and follow-up on leads, thus maximizing opportunities to convert. Microsoft Dynamics 365 gives sales teams powerful lead management tools that help them be organized and attentive to customer requirements.

Microsoft Dynamics CRM development solutions

Microsoft Dynamics CRM is a top parcel for managing customer relations and sales processes. It is designed to be multifaceted to the specific requirements of companies. Dynamics CRM will help sales teams automate a lot of tasks, such as lead generation to customer follow-up, thus the sales process will be standardized and efficient.

CRM is highly adaptable to specific business needs, offering its users to build up their workflows and processes. This agility is especially important for businesses that require changes in response to a different market situation or field-related factors. A Salesforce Automation plan that is attuned to that of the company sales objectives can be created by the MS Dynamics CRM development solutions.

Best practices for implementing salesforce automation with Microsoft

Planning is extremely important once you begin with Salesforce Automation with Microsoft. Here are some best practices to help businesses get the most out of their SFA initiatives:

1. Define clear objectives

The objective definition is the primary step to be taken during the implementation of Salesforce Automation. Set the right goals establish the desired automation tasks, and then quantify the expected results of the automated tasks. This clarity will be the basis of a detailed implementation plan that will ensure our SFA strategy is closely linked to the business goal.

2. Train your sales team

Automation works just in case your staff is trained in the extended functions of those tools. Instruct the trainees in depth about Microsoft applications you will be using, such as Dynamics 365, Power Automate, and Power BI. Introduce your team to these tools and make sure that they develop their sales skills with the help of these tools.

3. Focus on integration

The Integration interface is a key part of Salesforce Automation and Microsoft. It is important to ensure that your customer is given one solution that is going to work seamlessly with other Microsoft products and with third-party apps that are essential to the company. Integration will lead to one sales environment which will be more productive.

4. Monitor and adjust

Salesforce Automation is not a matter of setting it up and forgetting about it. Monitor SFA processes regularly to make sure they are delivering the right results. Use analytics tools to track quantitative performance indicators and to find pitfalls. Ensure you stay flexible to rapidly adapt your approach to an ever-changing business environment.

5. Encourage collaboration

Collaboration between sales staff via Salesforce automation needs to have at the core, respect and collaboration. Challenge the staff to cooperate, teach each other, and use the advantages of the integrated solution provided by Microsoft. Collaboration can result in new sales strategies and wonderful relationships with clients.

In conclusion, salesforce automation with Microsoft provides a powerful platform for sales reps to achieve maximum results. Automating repetitive tasks, increasing customer insights, and integrating with other Microsoft products improve the quality of sales.

Creating Salesforce Automation with MS Dynamics CRM development solutions can result in more productivity, sales forecasts being more accurate, and hassle-free lead management. Implementing best practices in Salesforce implementation can free up maximum benefits by driving sales.

The post Maximizing Sales Potential: Salesforce Automation With Microsoft appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

The hybrid event which promises to inspire, and support startups to accelerate their journey to market with the right AI-powered tech solutions, will bring together startup founders, entrepreneurs, business decision-makers, engineers, and developers in the startup ecosystem across Africa. At the same event, Microsoft’s startup partners, and customers across Africa will share their success stories, and up to 10,000 startups will be given access to industry-specific expertise and insights on how best to take their business to the next level with the help of artificial intelligence.

The African Startups AI Fest aims to showcase the transformative power of AI and how startups can use this revolutionary technology to drive innovation and take their ideas from local markets to a global stage.

“From AI-enabled tech solutions to advanced digital skills, startups need to be given every opportunity to thrive in a highly competitive global market because they are the catalysts for job creation and economic growth in Africa,” said Lillian Barnard, Microsoft Africa President, at the launch of the inaugural event at GITEX Africa in Marrakech, Morocco.

Barnard adds, “Empowered with the right tech tools, startups can scale their solutions, enhance productivity, and drive growth. At Microsoft, we believe that technology, particularly the transformative power of artificial intelligence, holds the key to a more empowered future in Africa”

Over the years, Microsoft has supported African startups’ growth and development. These include Legal Interact, M-KOPA, Omnisient, Zen Dawa, Deepecho, and Terragon, to mention a few.

Legal Interact is an independent software vendor that has integrated Microsoft AI into its software and recently launched the first AI lawyer in South Africa. The solution automates tasks by providing quick answers to legal questions, freeing up time for attorneys to address more complex legal queries.

Thanks to IoT tools and AI-powered automation in the cloud, M-KOPA is providing inclusive financial services such as insurance and loans to people across East Africa. The fintech startup provides millions of families and entrepreneurs with the financial support they need to purchase solar systems, motorbikes, and smartphones.

Attendees of the inaugural African Startups AI Fest will be introduced to these and other startup success stories in Africa. In addition, Microsoft, its partners, and customers will introduce and demonstrate how entrepreneurs can leverage AI tools to give their businesses the extra edge in a competitive landscape.

Microsoft aims to reach over 10,000 startups and provide them with customized support through the Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub programs.

Founders and entrepreneurs will be primed for growth through industry-specific webinars designed to help startups scale, pitch coaching sessions that will help investors enhance their pitching skills & navigate common challenges, investor community sessions that will connect startups with top investors from the continental investor community to glean key insights on securing their first investments, integration with the Microsoft Independent Software Vendor program and insights on how to best use AI technologies to propel their businesses forward.

ALSO READ: OBUNTU FOUNDATION, MEDA TO EMPOWER EMERGING AFRICAN FUND MANAGERS

The post Microsoft Unveils ‘AI Fest’ to Help Startups Accelerate With AI Solutions appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

The Rise of Agile Tools in Project Management

Project management has seen a paradigm change toward agility in recent years. Due to the growing popularity of agile techniques, professionals are looking for solutions that follow these guidelines. Trello is a distinct alternative to Microsoft Project because it provides an easy-to-use visual interface that improves transparency and cooperation. Teams may use it to arrange work on boards and get a real-time picture of the status of their projects.

Juggling Tasks Effectively with Asana

Another excellent alternative to Microsoft Project that shines at task management is Asana. Asana’s intuitive UI facilitates dividing complex projects into smaller, more achievable team tasks. The platform’s collaborative capabilities make it easy to assign duties and guarantee that everyone is informed. This tool is a reliable partner for navigating the complexities of project management, not merely a substitute.

Kanban Boards and the Power of Visualisation

Using Kanban Boards to visualize workflow is becoming increasingly popular in project management. Kanban technologies, like Wrike, work well as an alternative to Microsoft Project since they use visual boards to illustrate the progress of individual tasks. Team members will be able to communicate more effectively and comprehend the project’s dynamics due to this openness.

Enhanced Collaboration through Slack Integration

Effective communication is essential in the era of remote work and international teamwork. Slack surpasses the constraints of conventional communication instruments. Slack is an alternative to Microsoft Projects that enables teams to easily include project updates in their communication channels. As a consequence, knowledge is shared freely, dismantling organizational silos and promoting teamwork in the workplace.

Project Management in the Cloud: Enter Zoho Projects

Comparing Zoho Projects to traditional on-premise project management systems is like taking a different approach. Using the power of the cloud, this Microsoft Project alternative creates a single repository for project-related data. Thanks to the collaboration capabilities, team members may collaborate easily, no matter where they are in the world.

Harnessing the Power of Automation with ClickUp

ClickUp is an exceptional alternative to Microsoft Project. Teams may concentrate on more strategically important areas of their projects by using automation tools, which simplify repetitive operations. ClickUp helps teams work more productively without compromising accuracy with job allocations and progress monitoring.

Microsoft Project Alternative: Smart sheet’s Dynamic Solution

Smartsheet is unique in that it is quite versatile. It combines strong project management capabilities with the well-known spreadsheet interface. Smartsheet transforms into a unified platform that facilitates team collaboration, project planning, and smooth project execution. Because of its adaptability, it’s a desirable option for professionals looking for something different that may meet their specific project management requirements.

Maximising Resource Allocation: A Crucial Aspect of Project Management

Effective resource allocation is essential to project management success. In the plethora of alternatives to Microsoft Project, Resource Guru stands out. Teams can precisely allocate resources to maximize efficiency thanks to this platform’s seamless integration into project procedures.

Project managers can see resource availability thanks to the user-friendly interface, which helps avoid bottlenecks and ensures that each team member’s abilities are used to their full potential. Resource Guru becomes a beneficial tool for anybody looking for all-inclusive Microsoft Project alternatives by taking care of this crucial component.

Seamless Integration: The Key to Holistic Project Management

In project management, attaining unity among tools is crucial. One flexible alternative to Microsoft Project, Monday.com, is excellent at facilitating seamless integration. Because of its connectivity with a wide range of platforms and applications, teams may easily combine their project-related tasks. From file-sharing services like Google Drive to communication systems like Slack, Monday.com is the focal point where all project components come together. This integrated method offers a comprehensive solution for efficient project management by streamlining processes and improving communication.

in conclusion, change is inevitable in project management, and flexibility is essential. Even if the Microsoft Project qualification has served many people well, looking into other options is a calculated step toward accepting the changing environment.

As stated in the article, several Microsoft Project alternatives are available on the market, each meeting various requirements and tastes. The alternatives are as varied as the projects they want to manage, whether it’s the visual appeal of Trello, the task-centric methodology of Asana, or the cloud-powered capabilities of Zoho Projects.

These options serve as helpful friends for experts navigating the challenging field of project management, fostering improved teamwork and communication as well as the project’s eventual success.

The post Alternatives to Foster Team Communication Beyond Microsoft Project appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

In partnership with Microsoft, the FAST Accelerator initiative combines business development, technology integration, funding opportunities, and community building to empower startup companies based in Africa and emerging markets to deliver sustainable solutions. It also provides dedicated venture funding and invaluable mentorship opportunities.

“FAST Accelerator represents our commitment to supporting ambitious entrepreneurs who are driving sustainable innovation across Africa and emerging markets,” said Dr. Dave Ojika, CEO of Flapmax, said in a press statement. “Through this comprehensive program, we are dedicated to connecting startup founders with a global community, industry-leading technology, and the essential startup funding necessary to forge the path towards local, sustainable, and AI-powered technological solutions of the future.”

Startup leaders are encouraged to apply (LINK OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS) to FAST Accelerator this July. To be eligible, startups must be based in Africa, prepared to scale or expand throughout the continent, and have demonstrated established product-market fit and revenue generation. The program is prioritizing business-to-business startups for this cohort, with the areas of healthcare, fintech, edutech, and industrials/agtech of particular interest. Sustainability and deep-tech startups are also encouraged to apply.

Program participants must be available and committed for the entire duration of the program, which includes a two-week virtual bootcamp in August 2023, followed by a five-week accelerator program in October in California, U.S. The journey will begin with an intensive virtual bootcamp designed to validate startup ideas, refine business models, and prepare founders for the next stage of growth.

The top ten (10) startups will be selected to join a five-week accelerator program which will be done physically in Silicon Valley, California to experience unparalleled acceleration, forge relationships with industry experts, network, and fundraising opportunities from potential investors while immersing themselves in the dynamic startup ecosystem of Silicon Valley.

Some of the alumni have praised the program for their startup’s success;

Lekan Omotosho, co-founder and CTO of Pade said they were delighted to have participated in the transformative FAST Accelerator program in 2022. “The technology and business masterclasses offered through Flapmax Learn were truly exceptional, and the invaluable network of mentors and advisors has played a significant role in our growth.”

Edwin Lubanga, co-founder and CTO of Snark Health said that the program helped them gain access to critical infrastructure that enabled them to deploy their services at scale. “Working in conjunction with Microsoft and Azure services and partnering with hospitals in Kenya, we are determined to deliver equitable and affordable healthcare to tens of thousands of SMEs and health centers across Africa, creating a lasting impact on the healthcare landscape.”

Innocent Orikiiriza, founder, and CEO of KaCyber Technologies said because of the FAST Accelerator, they have developed a comprehensive sustainability framework that now underpins their business operations, emphasizing the vital importance of sustainability in the public transport sector. “Our collaboration with FAST Accelerator has opened doors to an extraordinary opportunity, one that I fully endorse,” he remarks.

Applications are open (LINK OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS) until the end of this month. Interested startup founders can apply for this opportunity.

The post Microsoft-backed FAST Accelerator Open For Applications to Boost African Startups appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

Here’s a primer on what Windows’ new Advanced Color is and how it helps SDR displays maintain color fidelity, helping them catch up to higher-end, wider-gamut HDR alternatives.

The Importance of Color

Improvements to display color management are a crucial but often overlooked facet of computer design. The colors on our screens fundamentally change the experience of using a computer. Think of how many thousands of colors exist on-screen, often simultaneously.

Some of the most colorful websites are online casinos, which are becoming increasingly popular. Players interact with game hosts during casino games with live dealers but beyond the human component, games also show information to players through their colors, so getting them right is paramount. When the colors pop and everything is properly visible and color-coded, patrons have a better experience.

Developers and consumers alike rely on color not just as a delightful visual, but also because everything on-screen is color coded and serves a purpose. Think about how the X button to close an app window glows red when you hover over it, while other buttons don’t.

To achieve great color, you need a monitor with an appropriate color gamut and good color management capabilities.

What is Advanced Color?

Windows uses the term Advanced Color just as you’d expect — a color that has more fidelity than what you’d find on standard displays. This can be achieved through a wider color gamut, more precise 8+ bits per color channel, or a higher luminance through an extended nit range.

If your display supports Advanced Color, you can find ACM by following this path:

Start >> Settings >> Systems >> Display >> Advanced Display.

Once there, you should find “automatically manage color for apps” and turn that on.

What Changed?

In the past, Windows managed color through APIs called Image Color Management and Windows Color System. They collaborated with certain apps that wanted help, so not managed by the operating system, and most digital displays ran the sRGB color gamut. While still popular, there are more advanced color gamut displays taking sRGB’s place.

With ACM, all colors are enhanced and managed on supported displays. In most cases, the ACM makes a call between mapping apps in sRGB or mixing and matching between native/wide gamut and sRGB coloration. Put simply, it allows non-sRGB content the best of both worlds.

More Colors

The ACM improvement also means that apps can access a wider variety of colors without sacrificing accuracy or showing artifacts in gradients of color.

To ensure that colors are consistent across displays and gamut ranges, Windows users should make use of the calibrate display color function. While display resolution is standardized, with the current standard at 1080p, it’s a lot harder to get colors to look exactly the same. A display panel might stray from its intended coloration. Once calibrated (via Settings >> Display >> Calibrate display color) inaccuracies should be fixed.

Those are the main points to know about Window’s recent ACM improvements. For casual users worried about color fidelity, activate ACM (if necessary) and run a color calibration.

ALSO READ: HOW TO KNOW IF YOUR COMPUTER/PC IS ELIGIBLE FOR WINDOWS 11 UPGRADE

The post Advanced Color: Windows ACM And Color Gamut Improvements appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

The software-based company and its partner, OpenAI have put controls in place that aim to limit the generation of harmful or unsafe images. The system will detect a potentially harmful image that could be generated by a prompt, and it will automatically block the prompt and warns the user.

“To curb the potential misuse of Image creator, we are working together with our partner OpenAI to deliver an experience that encourages responsible use of Image Creator,” Microsoft wrote in a blog post. “We have ensured OpenAI’s safeguards, plus additional protections, have been incorporated into Image Creator.”

Bing Image Creator has been integrated into the Bing chat and will begin rolling out initially in Creative mode to Bing preview users on both desktop and mobile starting today.

“We’re rolling out Bing Image Creator in a phased approach by flighting with a set of preview users before expanding more broadly,” said Microsoft. “We will initially only include Image Creator in the Creative mode of Bing chat and our intention is to make it available in Balanced and Precise mode over time.”

For those not in the new Bing preview, the preview experience of Image Creator is now available at bing.com/create.

Microsoft has made the Bing Image Creator preview also available in Microsoft Edge, making it the first and only browser with an integrated AI-powered image generator. To use Bing Image Creator in Edge, click the Bing Image Creator icon in the sidebar to start creating your images.

The AI will allow you to generate both written and visual content within your chat. By typing in a description of an image, providing additional contexts like location or activity, and choosing an art style, the Bing Image Creator will generate an image from your own imagination.

All outputs are generated by AI and will have a Bing icon in the bottom left corner of each of the four images to help indicate that the image was created using the Bing Image Creator.

Bing Image Creator comes weeks after Microsoft introduced its AI-powered Bing, your copilot for the web – delivering better search, complete answers, a new chat experience, and the ability to create content. Microsoft reports that the chat is reinventing how people search with more than 100 million chats to date.

“We’ve seen people use chat in a variety of ways, from refining answers to complex questions to using it as a form of entertainment or for creative inspiration,” remarks Microsoft. “Today we’re taking the chat experience to the next level by making the new Bing more visual.”

ALSO READ: MICROSOFT’S AI-POWERED BING CHATBOT IS NOW AVAILABLE TO EVERYONE

The post Microsoft Adds an AI-powered Image Creator into Bing and Edge appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.