Trustmarque’s Microsoft monthly round-up – February 2023

Your monthly digest of Microsoft-related news and updates from the UK IT sector.

Trustmarque is a Microsoft Specialisation Partner and for over 35 years we have successfully delivered IT solutions in the NHS, public sector and private businesses across the UK.

Microsoft is constantly developing its range of business software to ensure that new technology can be utilised across the customer base to improve the user experience, as well as remaining competitive.

However, announcements can be missed or difficult to determine what the changes mean for your organisation. Here’s our round-up of what you need to know so far in January and February.

Implementation of consistent global pricing for Microsoft Cloud

Microsoft is taking several steps to align the pricing of our Microsoft Cloud products globally, meaning customers will have consistent pricing reflecting the exchange rate of the local currency to the US dollar (USD). Starting April 1, 2023, pricing for Microsoft Cloud products will be adjusted in the following currencies:

• GBP: +9%
• DKK, EUR and NOK: +11%
• SEK: +15%

In the future, Microsoft will assess pricing in local currency as part of a regular twice-a-year cadence, taking into consideration currency fluctuations relative to the USD. This will provide increased transparency and predictability for customers globally and move to a pricing model that is most common in our industry.

Trustmarque Acquires Livingstone Technologies, the Gartner Magic Quadrant Specialist in Software Asset Management

Last month we announced our acquisition of Livingstone, in a transaction accelerates Trustmarque’s strategic focus on optimisation and cloud services, bringing the management of the whole software lifecycle to its customers. We are confident that our strengthened combined capabilities will further support the cloud and digitalisation agenda of our key technology partners, particularly Microsoft.

Livingstone is trusted by some of the world’s largest companies and public sector organisations to control and optimise their investments in software and cloud services. With approximately 150 experts and its sophisticated digital intelligence platform, Livingstone is uniquely positioned as the only independent Software Asset Management (“SAM”) vendor in the Gartner Magic Quadrant.

Using Windows 10 at work will soon end for some users

Microsoft has confirmed that certain versions of its enterprise-destined Windows 10 operating system will reach end of service (EOS) by 09 May 2023.

These editions will no longer receive security updates after May 9, 2023. Customers who contact Microsoft Support after this date will be directed to update their device to the latest version of Windows 10 or upgrade to Windows 11 to remain supported.

Microsoft in the news

Reinventing search with a new AI-powered Microsoft Bing and Edge, your copilot for the web

Earlier this month, Microsoft launched an all new, AI-powered Bing search engine and Edge browser, available in preview now at Bing.com, to deliver better search, more complete answers, a new chat experience and the ability to generate content. Microsoft are calling these tools as an AI co-pilot for the web.

“AI will fundamentally change every software category, starting with the largest category of all – search,” said Satya Nadella, Chairman and CEO, Microsoft. “Today, we’re launching Bing and Edge powered by AI copilot and chat, to help people get more from search and the web.”

Learn what an AI-driven future means for cybersecurity at Microsoft Secure

As the threat surface increases with remote and hybrid work, security professionals are being asked to protect more with less. Tight budgets and timelines often leave little time to share knowledge, grow skills, or nurture the next generation of defenders.

Join Microsoft on March 28 at 16:30 GMT for a brand-new digital event, Microsoft Secure—a place for security professionals to learn and share comprehensive security strategies to protect everything.

Written by Julia Bluckert