Welcome to the October EX Newsletter Edition. This month is all about momentum. As Microsoft emphasized in their latest SharePoint Showcase, governance isn’t just a checkbox, it’s the foundation for trust and innovation.
With AI agents becoming part of everyday workflows, organizations need clear strategies to manage permissions, protect sensitive data, and ensure compliance without slowing down collaboration. In this edition, we’ll explore the latest tools, resources, and insights to help you strike that balance.
Microsoft’s new AI-powered agents are designed to work alongside you in Teams and SharePoint, acting as specialized teammates that streamline workflows, manage meetings, and surface insights.
From Facilitator for meetings to Knowledge Agent in SharePoint, these tools help reduce context switching and keep projects on track. They’re deeply integrated with Microsoft 365 Copilot, making collaboration more intuitive and efficient.
The result? Less time spent on manual tasks and more time for strategic work.
This summit brings together Microsoft 365 professionals, IT leaders, and digital workplace enthusiasts for a day of learning and networking. Expect deep dives into Copilot, Viva, and governance strategies, plus hands-on sessions to sharpen your skills.
It’s an opportunity to connect with peers and hear from experts shaping the future of employee experience. If you’re looking to elevate your Microsoft 365 game, this is the event to attend.
Microsoft has unveiled a bold redesign of its Microsoft 365 app logos, embracing fluid forms and vibrant colors to reflect a more connected, dynamic workplace.
This visual refresh isn’t just aesthetic, it signals Microsoft’s commitment to flexibility and creativity in the modern digital experience. Expect to see these new icons roll out across Teams, SharePoint, Outlook, and more, reinforcing a cohesive and modern brand identity.
Viva Engage is rolling out new features that make community engagement richer and more interactive. Expect improved analytics, enhanced moderation tools, and better integration with Viva Connections. These updates aim to foster stronger connections across your organization and make knowledge sharing seamless.
Communicators now have more control and flexibility with Viva Amplify’s latest updates. Features like advanced targeting, scheduling, and analytics empower you to deliver messages that resonate. These enhancements make it easier to manage campaigns and measure impact across multiple channels.
AI-powered agents are coming to Viva Engage, acting as community experts that answer questions, surface relevant content, and keep conversations flowing. This innovation helps reduce response times and ensures employees find the information they need quickly, boosting engagement and productivity.
As AI becomes embedded in SharePoint, governance and security take center stage. This article outlines best practices for managing permissions, securing sensitive data, and leveraging AI responsibly. It’s a timely guide for admins navigating the balance between innovation and compliance.
Microsoft announced the retirement of Lists mobile apps, signaling a shift toward integrated experiences within Teams and SharePoint. Users are encouraged to transition to these platforms for continued access to Lists functionality. Plan ahead to avoid disruptions and explore alternative workflows.
The new Knowledge Agent brings AI-driven expertise directly into SharePoint, helping users find answers, summarize documents, and connect related content. It’s designed to reduce search fatigue and make knowledge management more proactive and intelligent
This piece explores how communicators can champion AI adoption in their organizations. From setting the right tone to building trust, it offers practical steps for leading change in an era of intelligent collaboration.
Threads are now a core feature in Teams channels, making conversations more organized and easier to follow. Learn how to use thread summaries powered by Copilot to stay on top of discussions without the noise.
September’s updates include threaded conversations, Copilot-powered summaries, and the Facilitator agent for meetings. Other highlights: countdown timers, improved privacy controls, and ultra-low latency for town halls. These features aim to make Teams more collaborative, secure, and efficient.
Microsoft shares three scenarios to optimize call quality and reliability in Teams. From network tuning to device settings, these best practices help ensure smooth, high-quality communication experiences
Advanced analytics now provide deeper insights into page performance, including engagement metrics across multiple channels. This helps content owners refine their strategies and deliver more impactful experiences.
Facilitator is an AI-powered meeting assistant that keeps discussions on track, manages agendas, and captures key decisions in real time. It integrates with Loop, Planner, and Word, making meetings more productive and actionable.
Workflows v2 introduces a redesigned interface and natural language-to-flow capabilities, making automation in Teams and SharePoint simpler than ever. It’s a major step toward democratizing process automation for all users.
Content sprawl is one of the biggest challenges in modern digital workplaces. This toolkit provides practical strategies and governance templates to help you regain control of your SharePoint and Teams environments.
Learn how to implement lifecycle policies, manage permissions effectively, and leverage AI insights for smarter content management. It’s a must-have resource for organizations aiming to balance collaboration with compliance.
Governance isn’t just a theme for October, it’s the backbone of a secure, AI-driven workplace. As we embrace new agents, smarter workflows, and advanced analytics, the challenge is clear: innovate without compromising trust.
By putting governance at the heart of your strategy, you can unlock the full potential of these tools while keeping your organization safe and compliant.
Let’s make this the season of progress, with purpose.
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