Microsoft news – Page 189

Posted on June 5, 2019 by sick skills — Leave a comment

How AI is helping elephants, orcas and other species

Elephants used to wander freely across Asia. Today, they roam through a fraction of the landthey used to. As the human population grows, Asian elephant habitat continues to shrink. In Africa, the story isn’t much brighter: In addition to dwindling habitat, the African elephant contends with an illegal ivory trade that kills more than 20,000 elephants a year. Conservationists and researchers are doing all they can. But with fewer than 500,000 elephants left worldwide, time is running out.

That’s where programs like AI for Earth come in.

AI for Earth grants are awarded to projects that change the way people and organizations monitor, model and, ultimately, manage Earth’s natural systems.

More than 300 grants have been given to projects in 60 countries. That’s good news for elephants — and other animals, too. See how researchers, conservationists and scientists are using Microsoft’s cloud and AI tools to understand diverse species and safeguard vulnerable animals.

Elephants

Organizations like Conservation Metrics (with the Elephant Listening Project) use AI-enabled tools to help ensure a better future for the elephants. To monitor and predict poaching threats, Conservation Metrics and the Elephant Listening Project use acoustic surveys, and Save the Elephants relies on GPS tracking collars.  

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Posted on June 5, 2019 by sick skills — Leave a comment

Microsoft and Oracle to interconnect Microsoft Azure and Oracle Cloud

REDMOND, Wash., and REDWOOD SHORES, Calif. — June 5, 2019 — Microsoft Corp. and Oracle Corp. on Wednesday announced a cloud interoperability partnership enabling customers to migrate and run mission-critical enterprise workloads across Microsoft Azure and Oracle Cloud. Enterprises can now seamlessly connect Azure services, like Analytics and AI, to Oracle Cloud services, like Autonomous Database. By enabling customers to run one part of a workload within Azure and another part of the same workload within the Oracle Cloud, the partnership delivers a highly optimized, best-of-both-clouds experience. Taken together, Azure and Oracle Cloud offer customers a one-stop shop for all the cloud services and applications they need to run their entire business.

Connecting Azure and Oracle Cloud through network and identity interoperability makes lift-and-improve migrations seamless. This partnership delivers direct, fast and highly reliable network connectivity between two clouds, while continuing to provide first-class customer service and support that enterprises have come to expect from the two companies. In addition to providing interoperability for customers running Oracle software on Oracle Cloud and Microsoft software on Azure, it enables new and innovative scenarios like running Oracle E-Business Suite or Oracle JD Edwards on Azure against an Oracle Autonomous Database running on Exadata infrastructure in the Oracle Cloud.

“As the cloud of choice for the enterprise, with over 95% of the Fortune 500 using Azure, we have always been first and foremost focused on helping our customers thrive on their digital transformation journeys,” said Scott Guthrie, executive vice president of Microsoft’s Cloud and AI division. “With Oracle’s enterprise expertise, this alliance is a natural choice for us as we help our joint customers accelerate the migration of enterprise applications and databases to the public cloud.”

“The Oracle Cloud offers a complete suite of integrated applications for sales, service, marketing, human resources, finance, supply chain and manufacturing, plus highly automated and secure Generation 2 infrastructure featuring the Oracle Autonomous Database,” said Don Johnson, executive vice president, Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI). “Oracle and Microsoft have served enterprise customer needs for decades. With this partnership, our joint customers can migrate their entire set of existing applications to the cloud without having to re-architect anything, preserving the large investments they have already made.”

As a result of this expanded partnership, the companies are today making available a new set of capabilities:

Connect Azure and Oracle Cloud seamlessly, allowing customers to extend their on-premises datacenters to both clouds. This direct interconnect is available starting today in Ashburn (North America) and Azure US East, with plans to expand additional regions in the future.
Unified identity and access management, via a unified single sign-on experience and automated user provisioning, to manage resources across Azure and Oracle Cloud. Also available in early preview today, Oracle applications can use Azure Active Directory as the identity provider and for conditional access.
Supported deployment of custom applications and packaged Oracle applications (JD Edwards EnterpriseOne, E-Business Suite, PeopleSoft, Oracle Retail, Hyperion) on Azure with Oracle databases (RAC, Exadata, Autonomous Database) deployed in Oracle Cloud. The same Oracle applications will also be certified to run on Azure with Oracle databases in Oracle Cloud.
A collaborative support model to help IT organizations deploy these new capabilities while enabling them to leverage existing customer support relationships and processes.
Oracle Database will continue to be certified to run in Azure on various operating systems, including Windows Server and Oracle Linux.

“The alliance between Microsoft and Oracle is welcome news as we accelerate Albertsons’ digital transformation and leverage the full value of the public cloud,” said Anuj Dhanda, executive vice president and chief information officer at Albertsons Companies. “This will allow us to create cross-cloud solutions that optimize many of our current investments while maximizing the agility, scalability and efficiency of the public cloud.”

“As we look to bring our omnichannel experience closer together and transform the technology platform that powers the Gap Inc. brands, the collaboration between Oracle and Microsoft will make it easier for us to scale and deliver capabilities across channels,” said Sally Gilligan, chief information officer at Gap. “The interoperability between Azure and Oracle Cloud allows us to deploy Oracle or custom-built applications on Azure and Oracle databases on Oracle Cloud.”

“At Halliburton, we have a long history of running both Oracle and Microsoft technologies for our most critical applications. Our deep experience with these two strategic vendors has yielded consistently stable and performant application deployments,” said Ken Braud, senior vice president and CIO at Halliburton. “This alliance gives us the flexibility and ongoing support to continue leveraging our standard architectures, while allowing us to focus on generating business outcomes that maximize returns for our shareholders.”

Those wanting to learn more should visit https://aka.ms/OracleOnAzure or www.oracle.com/cloud/oci-azure.html.

About Oracle

The Oracle Cloud offers a complete suite of integrated applications for Sales, Service, Marketing, Human Resources, Finance, Supply Chain and Manufacturing, plus Highly Automated and Secure Generation 2 Infrastructure featuring the Oracle Autonomous Database. For more information about Oracle (NYSE: ORCL), please visit us at www.oracle.com.

Future Product Disclaimer

The preceding is intended to outline our general product direction. It is intended for information purposes only, and may not be incorporated into any contract. It is not a commitment to deliver any material, code or functionality, and should not be relied upon in making purchasing decisions. The development, release, timing and pricing of any features or functionality described for Oracle’s products may change and remains at the sole discretion of Oracle Corporation.

About Microsoft

Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT” @microsoft) enables digital transformation for the era of an intelligent cloud and an intelligent edge. Its mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more.

For more information, press only:

Microsoft Media Relations, WE Communications for Microsoft, (425) 638-7777, rrt@we-worldwide.com

Celina Bertallee, Oracle, (650) 506-6542, celina.bertallee@oracle.com

Note to editors: For more information, news and perspectives from Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft News Center at http://news.microsoft.com. Web links, telephone numbers and titles were correct at time of publication, but may have changed. For additional assistance, journalists and analysts may contact Microsoft’s Rapid Response Team or other appropriate contacts listed at http://news.microsoft.com/microsoft-public-relations-contacts.

Posted on June 4, 2019 by sick skills — Leave a comment

Registration now open for Girls Make Games summer camp

Launched in 2014, Girls Make Games provides a service that’s near and dear to our hearts here at Xbox: inspiring the next generation of designers, creators, and engineers to change the world. As an organization, Girls Make Games aims to increase gender diversity in the both the video game industry and in STEM fields. To that end, the team offers a series of summer camps, workshops and game jams that have reached over 6,000 girls in 52 cities worldwide, and they’re growing every year.

We are very proud to have been supporting them from the start, and we’re even more excited to share that we’ll be hosting another camp on the Xbox campus this summer. The camp will run from July 8 to July 26 and will allow girls 8-17 to learn about designing, programming, and pitching their own video games. The Girls Make Games team says the camp’s attendees “will work in teams to create fully functional games while meeting and interacting with video game industry professionals in the region.”

We’re also happy to announce that there will be scholarship and financial aid opportunities for summer camp participants. During the camp, attendees will learn about the many different roles that bring a video game to life, including Game Design, Game Art, Level Design, Narrative Design, Audio Engineering, and Game Music. We’ll also be partnering with our neighbors at Nintendo with shared activities for girls attending either the Xbox and Nintendo camps.

So, if your daughter, niece, neighbor, or friend is interested in attending the Girls Make Games summer camp here in Redmond or at any of the other camps nationwide, check out the Girls Make Games website to register or learn more information.

Posted on June 4, 2019 by sick skills — Leave a comment

Skype launches screen sharing on Android and iOS mobile devices

Skype has always been the easiest way to share your screen with others, and now we’re taking one of our most popular features on the go. Starting today, we’re launching screen sharing on Android and iOS—along with multiple improvements to our mobile calling experience.

Whether you have a last-minute meeting on the go, or your dad doesn’t know how to use his phone—screen sharing on Android and iOS lets you get it done from anywhere. Maybe you want to shop online with your best friends, or you need to collaborate with someone on the other side of the world from the comfort of your couch—no need to drag out the laptop! Simply start a Skype call, tap the brand new “…” menu, and start sharing your screen.

Speaking of brand new, Skype’s mobile calling redesign streamlines and simplifies the video call. A single tap will dismiss the call controls and let you fully experience the most essential Skype feature—a video call without any obstructions. Want to make it even cleaner? Try a double tap to remove it all. A single tap brings all the controls back, with everything you need the most at the front and center.

We added everything else into the newly redesigned “…” menu. This new menu allows you to access all our useful features, like screen sharing, call recording, and subtitles—all while keeping your video call simple and clutter free.

We’re proud to release these updates to our mobile calling experience, enabling everyone to get more done, from anywhere. Screen sharing on mobile is available on the latest version of Skype on Android and iOS devices running iOS 12 and up.

To learn more about screen sharing, and our new mobile redesign, read our support article. We also love to hear from you on the Skype Community, where millions of Skype users have registered to share their expertise, feedback, and Skype stories.

Posted on June 3, 2019 by sick skills — Leave a comment

See Minecraft Earth in action

Over the years, Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference has showcased plenty of creativity and innovative new technology. But has it ever played host to muddy pigs, chickens raining from the sky, or a very tiny Lydia Winters? The answer, of course, is a resounding “muddy-what-now?”, which is why we’re so excited about this year’s WWDC!

So what exactly happened today? We gave you the first-ever look at Minecraft Earth in action! This brand new mobile game, bringing the world of Minecraft into our own universe through the almost-magic of augmented reality, was announced on May 17. Since then, speculation about how it actually works has been running wild in the community. How can you interact with your builds? Will the game feature the fan-favourite, coarse dirt block? And if my real-life out-of-control dog runs right into my beautiful new Minecraft house, will it collapse?

Posted on June 3, 2019 by sick skills — Leave a comment

Microsoft unveils details of London flagship store

This first physical retail store for Microsoft in the U.K. will open to the general public on July 11, joining other world-class Microsoft Store locations all over the world, including flagships in New York and Sydney and stores across the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico and online in more than 190 countries.

This store is the latest step in our almost 40-year investment in the U.K., including recently doubling the size of Microsoft’s Azure regions to help more organizations digitally transform. We’re also committed to supporting the growth of digital skills in the U.K. in partnership with computing education and youth communities.

The flagship Microsoft Store in London will be located on Oxford Circus and covers 21,932 square feet over three floors. It will feature an Answer Desk, offering a dedicated area for customers to get tech support, trainings, repairs and advice from trusted advisors on Microsoft products and services, no matter where the device was purchased, the brand or operating system. A community theater, a space for tech, coding and STEM learning, will run free, year-round workshops and programs for customers. So if you are a business owner looking for the latest tech to grow your business, a gamer who wants to join a community or show your skills in a tournament, a student wanting to brush up on coding or a teacher looking to bring Minecraft alive in the classroom, customers of all ages and abilities will be able to learn and develop their digital skills.

Those who work, live, shop in or visit the U.K. will also be able to test and experience the latest technology, products and services from Microsoft and its partners. Interactive zones, surrounded by immersive video walls running throughout the store will make this the best place to get hands-on with Surface, Windows, Office, Xbox and PC gaming, HoloLens mixed-reality and more.

The site also adds to the growing list of innovative facilities Microsoft runs in the region, including three gaming studios, the start-up hub Reactor London and the global center of excellence for the development of artificial intelligence and other computing disciplines in the Microsoft Research Lab in Cambridge.

Designed to build connections with the local community, customers and businesses, this store represents a unique way to deliver on our mission to empower every person and organization on the planet to achieve more. A flagship store in London has long been part of our vision for our physical and digital store presence, and this opening represents another step in our journey to meet our customers – from consumers to businesses – wherever they are and deepen our connection with them. London is one of the world’s most exciting shopping destinations, and we look forward to empowering customers to explore all that is possible with Microsoft.

For more information and to keep up to date with the latest information on the U.K. store opening, please follow us @MicrosoftStoreUK on Instagram and Facebook and visit us online at www.microsoft.com.

Posted on June 3, 2019 by sick skills — Leave a comment

6 British artists throw the (Surface) Book at life’s everyday problems

According to the old English proverb, “necessity is the mother of invention”. This roughly means that some problems are so big and obvious that people will inevitably create solutions for them – the need to communicate resulted in phones, the desire to stay dry led to umbrellas, shoes prevented feet from getting sore.

But what about those everyday problems that don’t have clear solutions? How do you see over tall people at a concert? How do you know when to add more suntan lotion during those summer trips to the beach? How do you stop bumping into people in a busy street?

With the brightest minds in the world apparently stumped, Microsoft decided to take up the challenge and try to solve these everyday issues for the benefit of people everywhere.

The company enlisted the help of Dominic Wilcox, an inventor, artist and designer, and five creative experts, who were each given a Surface Book 2 and asked to create solutions to common problems.

Hattie Newman, a paper artist, wanted to help people spend time away from their mobile phones. She designed a small dog house for your phone that would block its signal, leaving the owner free to enjoy other hobbies without being disturbed by text messages, phone calls or social media updates.

<img data-attachment-id="74929" data-permalink="https://news.microsoft.com/en-gb/2019/06/03/six-british-inventors-throw-the-surface-book-at-lifes-everyday-problems/bri_20190417_1-0252-1/" data-orig-file="http://www.sickgaming.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/6-british-artists-throw-the-surface-book-at-lifes-everyday-problems.jpg" data-orig-size="3500,2333" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"Karl Bridgeman","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1556883154","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="BRI_20190417_1-0252 (1)" data-image-description="

Dominic Wilcox, inventor, works on a Surface Book 2 in his London studio

Dominic Wilcox

Twin sisters Eva and Marta Yarza, who run The Yarza Twins design studio, wanted to help people know when to apply more suntan lotion. The answer? Sun cream that changes colour – when it turns blue, it’s time to add more.

Tom O’Meara, an animator, tackled a problem that most people have faced – forgetting to water your plants. His idea was a plant pot with legs, which would run to find water when the plant was thirsty.

Finally, illustrator Gaurab Thakali thought of a unique way of blocking out background noise in the office and helping people to focus – a small privacy pod that sits on your desk and covers you and your laptop.

Speaking from his London workshop, Wilcox, who has been inventing things since he was a teenager and created the world’s first pair of GPS shoes, said having technology at the core of the designing and building stages can be the key to creating something that will change people’s lives.

“Technology is modern-day magic,” he said. “It can transform the everyday into something that can contain a superpower. The GPS shoes can tell you where you are and where to go. I see that as like giving someone a superpower.

<img data-attachment-id="74932" data-permalink="https://news.microsoft.com/en-gb/2019/06/03/six-british-inventors-throw-the-surface-book-at-lifes-everyday-problems/tom/" data-orig-file="http://www.sickgaming.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/6-british-artists-throw-the-surface-book-at-lifes-everyday-problems-1.jpg" data-orig-size="2904,1922" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"Karl Bridgeman","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1559130600","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"1"}" data-image-title="Tom" data-image-description="

Tom O’Meara, an animator, uses a Surface Book 2 in his studio

” data-medium-file=”http://www.sickgaming.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/6-british-artists-throw-the-surface-book-at-lifes-everyday-problems-9.jpg” data-large-file=”http://www.sickgaming.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/6-british-artists-throw-the-surface-book-at-lifes-everyday-problems-11.jpg” class=”size-full wp-image-74932″ src=”http://www.sickgaming.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/6-british-artists-throw-the-surface-book-at-lifes-everyday-problems-1.jpg” alt=”Tom O’Meara, an animator, uses a Surface Book 2 in his studio” width=”2904″ height=”1922″ srcset=”http://www.sickgaming.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/6-british-artists-throw-the-surface-book-at-lifes-everyday-problems-1.jpg 2904w, http://www.sickgaming.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/6-british-artists-throw-the-surface-book-at-lifes-everyday-problems-9.jpg 300w, http://www.sickgaming.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/6-british-artists-throw-the-surface-book-at-lifes-everyday-problems-10.jpg 768w, http://www.sickgaming.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/6-british-artists-throw-the-surface-book-at-lifes-everyday-problems-11.jpg 1600w” sizes=”(max-width: 2904px) 100vw, 2904px”>

Tom O’Meara and his plant pot invention

“I like to use technology in a subtle way, so it’s hidden in the background. The magic of technology is what it can enable you to do but you don’t necessarily need to see it.

“It’s nice to see the creators using technology to tackle real problems. Putting your phone in a box when you get home is a nice idea, it would be a moment of peace; while remembering to water my plants is definitely a problem for me as I regularly forget.”

As well as guiding and mentoring the five designers, Wilcox also used his Surface Book 2 device while “looking around for the little problems that we all have”. The two-in-one device became his sketchpad, and along with his pen and dial, he shaped his ideas for a coat that contained indicators and a pair of periscope glasses.

“When you’re walking along the pavement and someone’s walking towards you, you often don’t know which side to go to avoid them; and they don’t know which side to go, either. So, you both end up doing this little dance,” said Wilcox, who has a degree in graphic design and studied at the Royal College of Art. “I’ve made a jacket that has left and right indicators built into it, so you can press a button to make an arrow flash. It offers a bit more clarity without having to speak.

“I got another idea after going to a gig. I was standing and watching the music, and when I looked behind me I noticed a very small lady who couldn’t see anything on stage. I went home and created a wearable periscope that uses mirrors to help people see over things. It’s very lightweight and easy to use.”

<img data-attachment-id="74934" data-permalink="https://news.microsoft.com/en-gb/2019/06/03/six-british-inventors-throw-the-surface-book-at-lifes-everyday-problems/bri_20190429_1-0493/" data-orig-file="http://www.sickgaming.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/6-british-artists-throw-the-surface-book-at-lifes-everyday-problems-2.jpg" data-orig-size="3500,2333" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"Karl Bridgeman","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1556881924","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="BRI_20190429_1-0493" data-image-description="

Eva and Marta Yarza use a Surface Pen and Dial on their Surface Book 2

Eva and Marta Yarza

All the solutions were showcased on the Microsoft stand at the D&AD Festival, one of the leading design events in the world, which was held in London recently. Celebrating the best in craft, creativity and culture, speakers included director Danny Boyle, musician Professor Green and presenter Lauren Laverne, while attendees took part in workshops and masterclasses from the world of advertising, art, design, fashion, film and more.

The Xbox Adaptive Controller, which makes it easier for people with limited mobility to play videogames, was awarded the prestigious Black Pencil in the Product Design category on the final night of the festival.

The groundbreaking controller has been recognised for its ease of use and simple design – the aim of most inventors. Wilcox added that his Surface Book 2 was a great example of this, as well as a huge help during his work over the past few months, as it allowed him to make connection between the words and drawings that he placed on the screen.

“Anything that shortens the time from having an idea to visualizing it is better for any creative person,” he said. “I do a lot of drawing, and the fact that you can just draw straight onto the screen is very quick and handy. It means I can keep the flow of creativity going rather than it being stopped and started. The Surface Book is very instinctive, it’s an all-in-one package, which is useful when you just having a quick, convenient idea. You can type something, then draw something, then adjust that. You can get your ideas out of your mind and turn them into something visual very quickly.

“You can also take the Book with you wherever you go, and the screen is detachable, which is nice if you don’t want to take the whole thing with you. It’s also handy that the pen magnetises to the side on the Book, because I’m always losing pens.”

<img data-attachment-id="74931" data-permalink="https://news.microsoft.com/en-gb/2019/06/03/six-british-inventors-throw-the-surface-book-at-lifes-everyday-problems/dog/" data-orig-file="http://www.sickgaming.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/6-british-artists-throw-the-surface-book-at-lifes-everyday-problems-3.jpg" data-orig-size="4060,2312" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"Karl Bridgeman","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"1"}" data-image-title="Dog" data-image-description="

Hattie Newman, a paper artist, works with a Surface Book 2 in her studio

Hattie Newman and her mobile phone dog house invention

As the three-day D&AD Festival drew to a close for another year, Wilcox pondered the future of design, and how technology will play a major part in creativity. After all, the next generation is growing up surrounded by gadgets and digital information.

“One of my projects is working with young inventors,” he said. “When I look through their drawings, there is a lot of technology in there; probably more so than when I was growing up.

“However, I think humans will always want to sense the human touch in something, so I think there’s value in technology and craft coming together. You can see that today with 3D printers. There is this coming together of the two sides in order to help creative people make their ideas become reality.

“That will lead to an increase in the demand for bespoke and customised items. I think technology is going to enable us to have our own versions of things, something unique, and to be able to adapt and customise items in the way that we want to.

“For example, I designed a stained-glass driverless car. That was a combination of a very old tradition and new technology. The idea was that technology will enable us to be very safe, so there will be no vehicle collisions. If that’s the case, then cars can be made from any material; they could even be handcrafted.”

While the reality of wooden cars remains a way off yet, there are other, smaller problems that today’s technology is helping to solve. Wilcox, Newman, O’Meara, Thakali and the Yarza sisters may have just used Surface Book 2 to make many people’s lives a lot easier. Mobile phone dog house, anyone?

<img data-attachment-id="74933" data-permalink="https://news.microsoft.com/en-gb/2019/06/03/six-british-inventors-throw-the-surface-book-at-lifes-everyday-problems/tent/" data-orig-file="http://www.sickgaming.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/6-british-artists-throw-the-surface-book-at-lifes-everyday-problems-4.jpg" data-orig-size="4888,2108" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"Karl Bridgeman","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1556883491","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"1"}" data-image-title="Tent" data-image-description="

Illustrator Gaurab Thakali works on a Surface Book 2 in his home

” data-medium-file=”http://www.sickgaming.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/6-british-artists-throw-the-surface-book-at-lifes-everyday-problems-20.jpg” data-large-file=”http://www.sickgaming.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/6-british-artists-throw-the-surface-book-at-lifes-everyday-problems-4.jpg” class=”size-full wp-image-74933″ src=”http://www.sickgaming.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/6-british-artists-throw-the-surface-book-at-lifes-everyday-problems-4.jpg” alt=”Illustrator Gaurab Thakali works on a Surface Book 2 in his home” width=”4888″ height=”2108″ srcset=”http://www.sickgaming.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/6-british-artists-throw-the-surface-book-at-lifes-everyday-problems-4.jpg 4888w, http://www.sickgaming.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/6-british-artists-throw-the-surface-book-at-lifes-everyday-problems-20.jpg 300w, http://www.sickgaming.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/6-british-artists-throw-the-surface-book-at-lifes-everyday-problems-21.jpg 768w” sizes=”(max-width: 4888px) 100vw, 4888px”>

Gaurab Thakal and his privacy pod

Posted on June 3, 2019 by sick skills — Leave a comment

What you’ll see from Microsoft Education and partners at ISTE 2019

For four days in June, ISTE 2019 is the place where educator-tested strategies come together with proven resources for transforming learning and teaching. It’s the place for Microsoft to connect with the brightest EdTech leaders and organizations around the world. Microsoft is once again proud to be a Mission Sponsor for the largest annual education industry conference in the US!

Pre-Conference Microsoft Innovative Educator (MIE) Teacher & Trainer Academies

MIE Teacher Academy – Convention Center, Room 203A

Saturday, June 22 from 8:30 AM–3:30 PM

During this one-day teacher academy, you will have the opportunity to explore tools such as Office Online, OneNote Class Notebook, Microsoft Forms and Sway, with the goal of providing your students with learning experiences beyond the walls of your classroom.

MIE Minecraft Academy – Convention Center, Room 203A

Sunday, June 23 from 8:30 AM–3:30 PM

During this one-day teacher academy, you’ll be introduced to Minecraft: Education Edition, learn to play the game and create curriculum and classroom resources you can take back to your students and continue your journey.

MIE 2-Day Trainer Academy – Philadelphia Marriott Downtown, Meeting Rooms 302-304

Saturday, June 22 and Sunday, June 23 from 8:30 AM–3:30 PM

Learn more about Microsoft’s hottest tools and resources to empower your staff and students to achieve more! Take an immersive deep dive into Microsoft Teams in Office 365, including uses for staff, Professional Learning Communities and classes.

Microsoft Keynotes: Spotlight on Solutions Sessions – Convention Center, Room 201BC

Digital Transformation in Education

Monday, June 24 from 10:30 AM–11:30 AM
Speaker: Anthony Salcito, VP WW Education, Microsoft

Digital Transformation is not simply about technology. It requires that we re-imagine the future of education and embrace a way of bringing together people, data, and processes to build deeper relationships and create more valuable experiences for today’s students. Join us to learn how.

The Emotion of Data: A Roadmap to Student-Centered Learning

Tuesday, June 25 from 1:45 PM–2:45 PM
Speaker: Barbara Holzapfel, GM WW EDU Marketing

Personalized learning helps students develop future-ready social-emotional and academic skills, but what is the best path to personalized learning at scale? Join us as representatives from Florida’s St. Lucie school district and Microsoft Education leaders share how data analytics provides the model for success. (Presentation and panel discussion.)

Conference Breakout Sessions: Convention Center, Room 203B

Monday, June 24–Wednesday, June 26

During the conference, Microsoft will deliver several 50-minute, role-specific sessions focused on the biggest trends in EdTech.

Date	Time	Title	Primary Audience
Monday, 6/24	8:00 AM	Power in your pocket—three mobile apps that will empower	Educator
Monday, 6/24	9:00 AM	Meeting the diverse needs of learners	School Leader
Monday, 6/24	10:00 AM	Meeting the needs of Generation Z	Educator
Monday, 6/24	11:00 AM	Going rogue with Microsoft—complete with tips and tricks	Educator
Monday, 6/24	12:00 PM	Mixed reality: New places and spaces for learning	Educator
Monday, 6/24	1:00 PM	Organizational management using Teams for school, IT and district leaders	School Leader
Monday, 6/24	2:00 PM	OneNote for lesson planning, rubric design and organization	Educator
Monday, 6/24	3:00 PM	Tucson Unified SD transformed their security with Windows 10 and Office 365	School Leader
Monday, 6/24	4:00 PM	Building self-awareness through immersive digital experiences	Educator
Monday, 6/24	5:00 PM	How Microsoft Teams is transforming learning at the district-wide level	School Leader

Tuesday, 6/25	10:00 AM	Going rogue with Microsoft—complete with tips and tricks	Educator
Tuesday, 6/25	11:00 AM	How one teacher affected a district’s digital technology strategy	School Leader
Tuesday, 6/25	12:00 PM	Transforming Collier County Schools with Microsoft Teams	School Leader
Tuesday, 6/25	1:00 PM	Digital assessment with Forms	Educator
Tuesday, 6/25	2:00 PM	Organizational management using Teams for school, IT and district leaders	School Leader
Tuesday, 6/25	3:00 PM	Increasing accessibility and fostering inclusive classrooms	ALL
Tuesday, 6/25	4:00 PM	OneNote Class Notebook, a teacher’s best friend	Educator
Tuesday, 6/25	5:00 PM	Impacting student achievement by combining Microsoft Imagine Academy (MSIA) and industry certifications	Educator

Wednesday, 6/26	8:00 AM	Use Azure VDI and multi-user Windows 10 to equitably deliver STEAM software	Technology Leader
Wednesday, 6/26	9:00 AM	Easy school-wide data collection with Forms	Educator
Wednesday, 6/26	10:00 AM	Going rogue with Microsoft—complete with tips and tricks	Educator
Wednesday, 6/26	11:00 AM	Leading transformation: An administrator’s pathway to success with the education transformation framework	School Leader
Wednesday, 6/26	12:00 PM	Organizational management using Teams for school, IT and district leaders	School Leader
Wednesday, 6/26	1:00 PM	Microsoft accessibility tools and the special educator: a love story	Educator

Hands-on Learning Lab: Convention Center, Room 203A

Monday, June 24–Wednesday, June 26

Classroom learning with 50-minute interactive sessions where you will get hands-on experience leveraging technology to work on real-world scenarios (devices will be provided).

Date	Time	Title	Primary Audience
Monday, 6/24	8:00 AM–8:50 AM	How OneNote Class Notebook can personalize learning in the classroom	Educator
Monday, 6/24	9:00 AM–9:50 AM	Helping students grow through rich feedback with Assignments and Quizzes in Teams	Educator
Monday, 6/24	10:00 AM–10:50 AM	Create your own video with Windows 10 and share your ISTE experience	Educator
Monday, 6/24	11:00 AM–11:50 AM	Limitless learning with Minecraft: Education Edition	Educator
Monday, 6/24	12:00 PM–12:50 PM	Empathy in action: Build your collaborative project with Skype in the Classroom	Educator
Monday, 6/24	1:00 PM–1:50 PM	Pixel perfect: Student ideas come alive with Minecraft: Education Edition design activities	Educator
Monday, 6/24	2:00 PM–2:50 PM	Teams 101: Overview of Teams and how faculty, staff and students benefit	Educator
Monday, 6/24	3:00 PM–3:50 PM	Get your collab on with Office Web Apps!	Educator
Monday, 6/24	4:00 PM–4:50 PM	Coding with Minecraft: Education Edition	Educator
Monday, 6/24	5:00 PM–5:50 PM	Ready to rethink your classroom tech? Microsoft Surface is changing the game	Technology Leader

Tuesday, 6/25	10:00 AM–10:50 AM	Beginning coders can learn block-based to JavaScript with MakeCode Arcade	Educator
Tuesday, 6/25	11:00 AM–11:50 AM	Empowering student-centered learning with Microsoft Surface	School Leader
Tuesday, 6/25	12:00 PM–12:50 PM	App Smash with Teams: Maximizing your EdTech tools inside Teams	Educator
Tuesday, 6/25	1:00 PM–1:50 PM	Limitless learning with Minecraft: Education Edition	Educator
Tuesday, 6/25	2:00 PM–2:50 PM	Get your collab on with Office Web Apps!	Educator
Tuesday, 6/25	3:00 PM–4:50 PM	Leading forward into education transformation	School Leader
Tuesday, 6/25	5:00 PM–5:50 PM	Get hands-on with Microsoft’s Intune for Education	Technology Leader

Wednesday, 6/26	8:00 AM–8:50 AM	How Microsoft Teams supports district-wide collaboration	School Leader
Wednesday, 6/26	9:00 AM–9:50 AM	Limitless learning with Microsoft: Education Edition	Educator
Wednesday, 6/26	10:00 AM–10:50 AM	Coding with Minecraft: Education Edition	Educator
Wednesday, 6/26	11:00 AM–11:50 AM	How OneNote Class Notebook can personalize learning in the classroom	Educator
Wednesday, 6/26	12:00 PM–12:50 PM	Improve flipped learning and communications with video	Educator
Wednesday, 6/26	1:00 PM–1:50 PM	Global learning in the 21st century classroom with Skype, Flipgrid and OneNote	Educator

Live Learning Theater: Booth 2900

Monday, June 24–Wednesday, June 26

Visit us in booth 2900 to learn more about student-centered learning tools including 20-minute spotlight sessions featuring productivity and accessibility, hands-on STEM experiences, demos, and more!

Date	Time	Title	Primary Audience
Monday, 6/24	10:00 AM–10:20 AM	Communicating successfully with non-English speaking guardians and students using Microsoft Translator	Educator
Monday, 6/24	10:30 AM–10:50 AM	Digital citizenship and SEL with Minecraft: Education Edition	Educator
Monday, 6/24	11:00 AM–11:20 AM	What’s new with Skype in the Classroom	Educator
Monday, 6/24	11:30 AM–11:50 AM	Microsoft Teams templates for school principals building leadership	School Leader
Monday, 6/24	12:00 PM–12:20 PM	Start your day with Office.com	Educator
Monday, 6/24	12:30 PM–12:50 PM	Broadcast to students and teachers at scale with Teams, Stream and Yammer	Educator
Monday, 6/24	1:00 PM–1:20 PM	Build inclusive classrooms with Microsoft Education	Educator
Monday, 6/24	1:30 PM–1:50 PM	Sparking 21^st century learning in your classroom	School Leader
Monday, 6/24	2:00 PM–2:20 PM	Helping students achieve workforce readiness	Educator
Monday, 6/24	2:30 PM–2:50 PM	Expand your PLN and become an MIE	Educator
Monday, 6/24	3:00 PM–3:20 PM	Saving time and assessing better with Microsoft Forms	Educator
Monday, 6/24	3:30 PM–3:50 PM	Personalizing learning with the OneNote Class Notebook	Educator
Monday, 6/24	4:00 PM–4:20 PM	Get to know Minecraft: Education Edition with Code Builder	Educator
Monday, 6/24	4:30 PM–4:50 PM	Tucson Unified’s implementation of the MIE program for professional learning	School Leader
Monday, 6/24	5:00 PM–5:20 PM	Shift to Windows 10 with offers and deployment best practices	Technology Leader

Tuesday, 6/25	10:00 AM–10:20 AM	Amplifying each student’s unique voice within Teams	Educator
Tuesday, 6/25	10:30 AM–10:50 AM	Digital citizenship and SEL with Minecraft: Education Edition	Educator
Tuesday, 6/25	11:00 AM–11:20 AM	Empowering global voice with Flipgrid and Skype in the Classroom	Educator
Tuesday, 6/25	11:30 AM–11:50 AM	Professional development through the all-new Microsoft Educator Center	Technology Leader
Tuesday, 6/25	12:00 PM–12:20 PM	Develop student creative agency through the power of video	Educator
Tuesday, 6/25	12:30 PM–12:50 PM	Empowering students and educators to increase student discourse through Microsoft Teams	Educator
Tuesday, 6/25	1:00 PM–1:20 PM	Inclusive classroom in Teams: Managing instruction and assignments for different learning types	Educator
Tuesday, 6/25	1:30 PM–1:50 PM	Using Microsoft tools at Google schools	ALL
Tuesday, 6/25	2:00 PM–2:20 PM	Get to know Minecraft: Education Edition	Educator
Tuesday, 6/25	2:30 PM–2:50 PM	Personalizing learning with the OneNote Class Notebook	Educator
Tuesday, 6/25	3:00 PM–3:20 PM	OneNote, Open Up Resources and OER: Meeting the needs of all students	Educator
Tuesday, 6/25	3:30 PM–3:50 PM	Saving time and assessing better with Microsoft Forms	Educator
Tuesday, 6/25	4:00 PM–4:20 PM	The Microsoft I did not know about	Educator
Tuesday, 6/25	4:30 PM–4:50 PM	Managing iOS devices with Intune for Education	Technology Leader

Wednesday, 6/26	10:00 AM–10:20 AM	Delivering personalized learning for students with devices starting at $199	Technology Leader
Wednesday, 6/26	10:30 AM–10:50 AM	Drive greater engagement and professional development with your faculty using Teams	School Leader
Wednesday, 6/26	11:00 AM–11:20 AM	Personalizing learning with the OneNote Class Notebook	Educator
Wednesday, 6/26	11:30 AM–11:50 AM	The Microsoft I did not know about	Educator
Wednesday, 6/26	12:00 PM–12:20 PM	Cloud-connected Office 101	Educator
Wednesday, 6/26	12:30 PM–12:50 PM	Using Intune for Education to manage Windows devices	Technology Leader
Wednesday, 6/26	1:00 PM–1:20 PM	Expand your PLN and become and MIE	School Leader
Wednesday, 6/26	1:30 PM–1:50 PM	Get to know Minecraft: Education Edition with Code Builder	Educator
Wednesday, 6/26	2:00 PM–2:20 PM	Saving time and assessing better with Microsoft Forms	Educator

Additional Microsoft Sessions

eSports for Education: Everything you wanted to know – Philadelphia Marriott Downtown, Salon L*

Sunday, June 23 | Sessions at 8:30 AM–10:30 AM, 10:45 AM–12:45 PM and 1:00 PM–3:00 PM

Target Roles: Educators, Leaders

In this session, you will hear from educators who are using eSports as part of their curriculum, as part of a sports program or as part of a school club/competition. There will also be organizations that help drive eSports and you will witness a real-time eSports competition. If you’ve been curious about how eSports works and how it can enhance the educational experience, this session will give you the resources and insights you need to get started.

* Salon L is located on level 5 and can be accessed via the escalators.

MakeCode Day – Convention Center, Room 203B

Sunday, 6/23 from 9:00 AM–4:00 PM

Open to teachers, parent and students—Microsoft MakeCode is an open source platform for creating engaging computer science learning experiences that support a progression path into real-world programming. Microsoft will be bringing MakeCode to ISTE this year, so you can get hands-on and learn how to code in real time with no experience needed! As an educator, you will also see how some schools and educators are creating inclusive, engaging learning experiences with Microsoft MakeCode.

Pre-Day Partner Event – Philadelphia Marriott Downtown, Salon K*

Sunday, June 23 from 10:30 AM–3:00 PM

Microsoft is focused on driving innovation to improve learning outcomes, transform classroom time and enable affordable, easy to manage technology, and is empowering its partners to do the same. In this session, you’ll hear directly from partners who are leveraging the Microsoft Education Platform to:

Transform modern classroom through turn-key solutions that streamline delivery of technology and facilitate learning.
Deliver rich, immersive content for instruction, assignments and assessment.
Enable students to unleash their creativity and develop STEAM skills.

Come learn about the latest innovations in Microsoft Education and how our partners are leveraging the Microsoft Education Platform to achieve more.

* Salon K is located on level 5 and can be accessed via the escalators.

Focus on what matters

Monday, June 24-Wednesday, June 26 starting at 9:30 AM and running until the Expo Hall closes

Target Roles: Educators, Leaders

Every half hour, join us in the Building Skills area of our booth (#2900) as we uncover how Microsoft tools help support inclusive classrooms, build 21st century skills and amplify student voice.

Partner Solution Showcase – Philadelphia Marriott Downtown, Salon K*

Monday, June 24–Tuesday, June 25 from 9:30 AM–3:15 PM

Join Microsoft at our Solution Showcase sessions and hear about some of the most impactful examples of Digital Transformation in Education. These sessions are your opportunity to meet fellow practitioners and hear first-hand global experiences, trends and observations from the Microsoft Worldwide Education leadership team.

* Salon K is located on level 5 and can be accessed via the escalators.

Hack the Classroom

Tuesday, June 25 from 6:15 PM–7:30 PM

Target Roles: Educators, Leaders

Join us on Tuesday, starting at 6:15 PM, at aka.ms/hacktheclassroom

Microsoft in Education is bringing back its largest free online digital event for educators & school leaders worldwide to Hack the Classroom! Streamed live on Facebook, Hack the Classroom is devoted to the changemakers in education and the passionate innovators in student-centered learning. Join us and learn from the educators who are integrating technology in order to better connect with students, and to support them as they become active and engaged learners. These passionate educators will generously share their techniques and philosophies for creating better student outcomes during the event:

Jessica Tozzi, I Promise School (Ohio, US) shares how her school is empowering students through a focus social-emotional learning.
Samantha Skubal, J. Sterling Morton District (Illinois, US) shows how she is providing real-world future-ready experiences through their Technology Internship Program. 
Luis Oliveira. Middletown H.S. (Rhode Island, US) demonstrates how he is supporting autonomous learning for English Language Learners through Immersive Reader and Flipgrid
Jen Padernal, De La Salle University Night College (Philippines) provides her top tips for engaging students through a virtual classroom in Microsoft Teams. 
Toney Jackson, Nellie K. Parker Elementary School, (New Jersey, US) closes out the event again with another original work of poetry that will leave you inspired!

Become a Microsoft Innovative Educator

Receive an HTC participant badge and receive 500 points on our Educator Community. Once you’ve earned 1,000 points, you become a certified Microsoft Innovative Educator!

You can RSVP to the Facebook Live event here!

Posted on June 3, 2019 by sick skills — Leave a comment

Biggest Xbox deals of the year coming June 7 as E3 approaches

The big week is nearly upon us: E3 is almost here and we can’t wait to share a look at the future of Xbox with our fans. We’re also excited because E3 also marks the start of our greatest Xbox deals of the year, when gamers can upgrade their console, accessories, and games at deep discounts.

If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to buy an Xbox – that moment is now. In addition to great discounts on the Xbox One consoles you know and love, we’re happy to announce that there’s a new bundle joining the family. The new Xbox One S Fortnite Battle Royale Special Edition bundle includes a Special Edition purple 1TB Xbox One S, the Dark Vertex cosmetic set featuring Legendary Outfit, Epic Glider, and Rare Pickaxe (available in free Battle Royale and Creative modes only), 2000 v-bucks, and one month Xbox Live Gold subscription and Xbox Game Pass trial.

Starting on June 7, you’ll find discounts on hundreds of games, accessories, and console bundles. Offers include:

$100 off Xbox One X
$50 off the Xbox One S Fortnite Battle Royale Special Edition Bundle
$50 off Xbox One S bundles and the new Xbox One S All-Digital Edition
Up to 75% off select games including discounts on newly released titles such as Mortal Kombat 11, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, and Tom Clancy’s The Division 2
$10 off controllers

And this is just a sample of the savings! Whether you’re shopping in a physical store, online or through your Xbox console, make sure to check xbox.com, Microsoft Store, and participating retailers nationwide for more details on dates, availability, and pricing as deals may vary.

Up to $100 off select Xbox One bundles at Microsoft Store and participating retailers. If you haven’t upgraded to an Xbox One X yet now is the time, with $100 off from June 7 – June 17. Get deals on Xbox One X Enhanced titles like Sea of Thieves, FIFA 18, Assassin’s Creed Origins, and Forza Motorsport 7, and immerse yourself in stunning 4K ultra HD gaming with HDR. For the best value in games and entertainment, pickup our new Xbox One S Al- Digital Edition starting at $199 from June 7 – June 17.

Great savings on hundreds of titles. Get amazing deals on hundreds of games including those blockbusters you’ve been meaning to pick up like Mortal Kombat 11, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, Forza Horizon 4, World War Z, Tom Clancy’s The Division 2, Sea of Thieves, NBA 2K19, Anthem, and Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 Spectre Rising Edition. Full games are starting as low as $19.99, making it easy to add to your collection.

Accessorize with a new controller. Save $10 on black, white, special edition and limited-edition Xbox Wireless Controllers, all featuring a sleek, streamlined design and textured or rubberized grips, custom button-mapping and Windows 10-compatibility. Or, design your own controller by choosing from over a billion color combinations available with Xbox Design Lab, starting at $64.99 for a limited time only.

Upgrade your gaming PC. This year, we’ve also got some exciting sales from a wide range of PC gaming partners, including Asus, Razer, and MSI. You’ll be able to get up to $500 off a new gaming PC or gaming laptop, as well as FreeSync displays. If you’ve already got your gaming setup, we’ve got PC games galore on sale, including Forza Motorsport 7 Ultimate, Gears of War 4, Deep Rock Galactic, and more.

Plus save on officially licensed console and PC accessories from Astro, Seagate, Turtle Beach and Hyperkin.

Level up your look with Xbox Official Gear. Finally, it’s never been a better time to fly your Xbox colors with up to 60% off on Xbox Official Gear. From bomber jackets and hats to t-shirts and patches, there’s something for everyone.

Check with xbox.com, Microsoft Store and participating retailers nationwide for more details on availability and pricing as deals will vary between retailers.

Posted on May 31, 2019 by sick skills — Leave a comment

Measles and mumps? Data sharing on the cloud to improve public health

As once forgotten diseases start to reappear, state and local government agencies are looking to find new ways to ensure positive health outcomes for their citizens. I had a conversation with Steve and Claire Murchie at Envision Technology Partners. Their WebIZ immunization registry system is leveraging new technologies to help state and local government combat the recent outbreaks of diseases like mumps, measles, and other preventable illnesses.

Steve and Claire, recent measles outbreaks have reignited focus on the importance of immunizations so I’m hoping you can provide an update regarding what state and local governments are doing to ensure proper tracking of children’s vaccinations.

Yes, measles is a big issue – already in early April 2019 we have exceeded the number of cases nationwide for all of 2018. But it’s also mumps, pertussis and even hepatitis A, which has killed more than 40 people in one state alone. These are all vaccine-preventable diseases, which points the cause to less vaccine acceptance. The reasons for that are complex, but information is the best tool to combat vaccine hesitancy, and immunization information systems (IIS) are the primary tool used to track, measure and understand vaccination patterns at a public health level.

I understand health agencies in Delaware and Philadelphia are embarking on immunization data sharing that has the potential to improve immunization compliance and in turn diseases outbreak outcomes. Please tell us about that.

Due to various laws in the US, we don’t have a national registry of immunizations, so responsibility is passed to the state or local jurisdictions to run their own IIS. Until recently, there hasn’t been a clear legal and technology mechanism to facilitate sharing of data between two independent jurisdictions. For the past several years, though, there has been a project sponsored by the Office of the National Coordinator in the Department of Health and Human Services to kickstart this sharing of immunization data, allowing states to maintain a more comprehensive view of patient protection within their populations. ONC’s contribution has included both standardization of the data use agreements between jurisdictions, and they have also stood up a messaging hub which supports the actual data integration.

While the pilot has been open to all public health jurisdictions, the first to complete a production connection were the State of Delaware and the City of Philadelphia. Both happen to use our IIS platform – WebIZ – but we’re actively trying to include some other neighboring jurisdictions as well. The project is described in this March 2019 issue of AIRA’s (American Immunization Registry Association) SnapShots newsletter.

So, Envision’s WebIZ solution is the backbone of this data sharing success. Please tell us more about that solution and where it’s implemented.

WebIZ is used in twenty state, local and territorial jurisdictions overseen by the Centers for Disease Control. We’re a standardized, commercial-off-the-shelf solution that is highly configurable but managed as a single code base. As a result, we can deliver software quickly and reliably without a lot of site-specific customization. And our customers benefit by receiving all enhancements which are paid for by any other customer, which leverages their investment dollars. Like many state and local government agencies, public health has faced years of diminished budgets, so that is a real benefit to them.

Some of the WebIZ implementations are on the Azure Government Cloud. Why are governments choosing that option, and what are the benefits?

State IT budgets are also under pressure, so there is both a movement away from home-grown IIS applications to vendor-supplied solutions, as well as increased support for cloud-based solutions. We were an early adopter of the Azure Government Cloud and have transitioned most of our larger sites over to it. We include hosting as a requirement, and it actually makes our job a lot easier. IIS tend to have a lot of moving parts – web interface, messaging interface, flat file and vital records imports – so it helps if we can have unfettered access to help diagnose problems that may arise. Managing the application infrastructure – which is mostly IaaS today, but starting to take on more PaaS flavors – also means that we have more control over operational upgrades for performance, scalability and security.

Please tell us about innovations in the immunization registry market. With AI being the center of so much attention, is there anything you’re doing to utilize AI to improve immunization registration?

If there is any silver lining to the recent outbreaks, it’s that public health agencies are spending more time slicing and dicing their data in order to learn more about their populations. We’ve been receiving many requests for assistance creating data extracts, and we’ve been adding functionality to make it easier for customers to analyze their own data, but there is a lot of variability in the technical resources available to immunization programs. So, we’ve been looking at tools like Power BI to increase the options available to less-technical users, while expanding the power of more advanced analytics through machine learning and related features. Some of the machine learning features have potential in our ongoing challenges with patient-matching, which plagues most large-population, multi-contributor databases.

Get more information about WebIZ. You can also request a free trial of Microsoft Azure Government and learn more about Microsoft’s Health and Human Services Solutions.