Microsoft Newsletter November Edition

Welcome to this month Microsoft newsletter from the VCG Cloud team. This month we bring you important updates for Azure, Introducing Copilot wave 2. The announcement of System Centre 2025 and a new product release of Places.

We are delighted to announce the launch of two new services within VCG: Microsoft Backup 365 and Managed 365.

Backup 365 is our comprehensive backup service for Microsoft 365, keeping your data safe and secure. 

Managed 365 is our support and management service for Microsoft 365, ensuring your devices, apps, users and critical services are secured. 

Microsoft 365 Copilot Wave 2

Microsoft are launching the next wave of Copilot, announcing the launch of Copilot Pages. A space where you can easily put content you get from Copilot and then collaborate on it with your colleagues. Copilot Agents and the rebranding of Microsoft 365 apps are also new in wave 2.

Removal of Unused Azure Subscriptions

Microsoft will block and eventually delete unused Azure subscriptions, starting November 2024. A subscription is considered unused when there’s no activity or consumption for more than 12 months.  Account owner and service admins of the subscription will be notified 30 days before the block is applied. The subscription will be deleted 90 days after the block.

System Center 2025

System Center 2025 brings infrastructure modernisation and enhanced security to the datacentre, enabling simplified management of complex environments and allowing users to make the most of Windows Server 2025 features immediately.The previous release, System Center 2022, will continue to be available and supported. There will also be a price increase of 10% compared to the previous release (2022). 

Microsoft Places 

Microsoft Places, an AI-powered workplace app for flexible work, will be generally available by the end of 2024. Places reimagines flexible work with AI by intelligently coordinating with co-workers to make the most of in-office days, modernising how employees connect, and optimising space management. Customers with a qualifying Microsoft 365 subscription and Teams Premium license will have access to Microsoft Places.

Important changes happening to NCE agreements around pricing

Microsoft made an announcement yesterday regarding changes to the NCE agreement on the 1^st December 2024 and 1^st April 2025.