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- Microsoft Community Winter Tech Highlights
Hope you are enjoying your winter and keeping up with Microsoft updates. Thank you for taking the time to read this newsletter.
Microsoft Ignite 2025
Recently, at Microsoft Ignite 2025 in San Francisco, there were several major updates around AI. One of the highlights was the launch of a new platform called Microsoft Foundry. I was there, and it was amazing to reconnect with the community.
If you’d like to stay up to date with the latest news, check out the Book of News.https://news.microsoft.com/ignite-2025-book-of-news. I also recommend exploring the Ignite site to watch previous sessions or labs many of which you can complete at your own pace. https://ignite.microsoft.com/en-US
News and Recommendations
Introducing Anthropic’s models in Microsoft Foundry
We’re excited to share that Anthropic’s Claude models are now available in Microsoft Foundry. This integration opens new possibilities for developers and enterprises to experiment with cutting‑edge AI in a secure, scalable environment. Foundry now gives you access to Claude alongside other leading models—all under one roof.
Microsoft Agent Framework
The Microsoft Agent Framework simplifies how you design, deploy, and manage AI agents. With modular architecture, SDK support, and seamless integration into Azure, https://github.com/microsoft/agent-framework
Agentic CLI for Azure Kubernetes Service and AKS for MCP
Managing agents across cloud and local environments just got easier. The new Agentic CLI for AKS and MCP streamlines deployment, monitoring, and orchestration of agent workloads.
Managed Instance on Azure App Service
Currently in public preview, this feature helps organisations move their web applications to the cloud with just a few configuration changes. https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/appsonazureblog/building-ai-apps-and-agents-for-the-new-frontier/4470165
Upcoming events
FestiveTechCalender 2025
Celebrate the season with the Festive Tech Calendar 2025, a community‑driven initiative packed with daily tech content throughout December. It also raises donations for the Beatson Cancer Charity. https://festivetechcalendar.com.
Experts Live Denmark
Coming in February 2026, Experts Live Denmark will feature deep technical sessions and real‑world expertise. IT pros, developers, and cloud architects will share best practices, explore new technologies, and connect with peers across Europe. https://eldk26.expertslive.dk
MVP Summit 2026
The MVP Summit 2026 is the gathering for Microsoft MVPs across the globe. It’s a chance to engage directly with product teams and shape the future of Microsoft technologies. I cannot wait to attend again and see Redmond again, it will be my best week of the year.
Call for Speakers
Visual Studio Live! San Diego
A developer conference bringing together experts in .NET, Visual Studio, Azure, and modern software practices. Perfect for sharing your insights with a highly technical audience. https://sessionize.com/vslive_sandiego26
North America MCT Summit 2026
North America MCT Summit 2026: The flagship gathering for Microsoft Certified Trainers across North America. A chance to connect, share teaching strategies, and shape the future of Microsoft learning. https://sessionize.com/north-america-mct-summit-26
AgentCon
AgentCon speaker calls are happening worldwide—I highly recommend getting involved! https://globalai.community/events/agentcon-2025/ I will also be speaking at AgentCon Sofia next weekend, which should be fun.
Community Highlights
Vector Databases and Embeddings for Developers Course
Jamie Maguire has released this pluralsight course teach you the fundamentals of embedding and vector database. Check it out below https://www.pluralsight.com/courses/developers-vector-databases-embeddings
Microsoft Azure Community User Group - The next meetup will be on December 15th. Keep updates here https://www.meetup.com/microsoft-azure-community/
You can also watch other episode here: Click to watch it remotely.
Microsoft Community Insights Podcasts
Episode 43 featuring Thrush Matharasi discussing Microsoft Fabric
If you would like to come on my podcast, please remember to subscribe to my channel so you can get a reminder.
Courses and Resources
Career Tips and Advice
Embrace curiosity, adapt to change, and let innovation guide you.
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