The most anticipated event of the year has arrived: Microsoft Ignite 2024! a meeting that celebrates innovation, bringing together the best of the technology world.
On this occasion our CEO, Carmen M. Martín López together with our CTO, MVP and Microsoft Regional Director David J. Rodríguez are in Chicago from November 18th to 22nd to live this incredible experience with more than 14,000 attendees and more than 200,000 virtual participants.
Microsoft Ignite: An Overview
What is Microsoft Ignite? It is the largest event of the year held by Microsoft designed to present the best solutions, innovations and products that empower the entire technology community, developers and partner network around the world through more than 800 sessions, demonstrations and workshops led by the best leaders and industry benchmarks.
David J. Rodriguez and Carmen M. Martin Lopez CTO and CEO of Intelequia at Ignite Chicago
News and Launches
This year, Microsoft Ignite announced the launch of 80 new products and features. These include new capabilities in Microsoft 365 Copilot, innovations in the Copilot + AI suite, and Copilot+ devices that are set to revolutionize our approach to everyday work.
AI As Central Axis and beyond
A recurring and deeply underscored theme by Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft, is that artificial intelligence (AI) is not simply a tool, but the heart of Microsoft's mission. The company is committed to training more than 23 million people in digital skills, demonstrating how these technologies are already transforming lives and how AI should be accessible and beneficial to all.
Microsoft Ignite: The Big Innovation Stage
At Microsoft Ignite, the future is written with artificial intelligence and security. This year, more than ever, the focus is on securing and controlling artificial intelligence. From interactive workshops to immersive labs and keynotes, it's the perfect time to learn from the best. In addition, this year has again been able to count on Satya Nadella and other stalwart Microsoft leaders, ensuring sessions packed with insights and news.
The Copilot Revolution
One of the big players is Microsoft 365 Copilot, which continues to gain ground in companies at an unstoppable pace. Almost 70% of Fortune 500 companies already have this tool in their arsenal. And why wouldn't they? With new features like Copilot Actions, (now in private preview version), you can automate everyday tasks with simple commands. This means receiving daily meeting summaries in Teams, weekly reports or even a daily email with what you missed in chats and emails.
In addition, the new agents in Microsoft 365 are ready to extend the reach and transform business processes. For example, the agent in SharePoint makes it easy to get quick answers from relevant content. Also the Interpreter agent in Teams promises to overcome language barriers with real-time voice interpretation, among others.
Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft at Ignite 2024
Azure AI Foundry: The Innovation Forge
The Azure AI Foundry is presented as a unified access to all AI services and tools in Azure. This includes the Azure AI Foundry SDK, now available in preview, which offers a toolchain for designing and managing AI applications and agents with full enterprise control.
On the other hand, the newly rebranded Azure AI Foundry Portal (formerly Azure AI Studio) comes to be a super-intuitive visual interface that helps developers explore AI models, services and tools. And as the icing on the cake, the Azure AI Agent Service, soon to be in preview, will allow developers to scale enterprise agents ready to automate business processes. Undoubtedly, a set of tools that will further empower developers to create truly innovative solutions.
Windows 365 Link and the Next Generation of Devices
But the surprises don't stop there. Microsoft is launching the Windows 365 Link, a lightweight, secure device designed to connect users directly to their cloud-based Windows desktop in seconds. Available for purchase in select markets beginning April 2025, this device promises to significantly improve shared workspaces and collaboration.
Windows 365 link
This is coupled with the incredible improvement in Copilot+ PCs, integrating the power of NPUs to deliver local AI and make features like Windows Search and the new Recall experience more efficient and accessible by simply describing what you're looking for.
Safety: A Permanent Commitment
In an ever-evolving threat landscape, Microsoft is one step ahead. One of the most exciting announcements is the Zero Day Quest, an initiative that will attract the world's best security talent to tackle today's biggest security challenges. With prizes totaling $20 million, Microsoft is betting big on advanced and effective cybersecurity.
In addition, the new Microsoft Security Exposure Management tool promises to transform cybersecurity with intelligent strategies based on data and AI. It enables visualization of attack paths before they occur, providing security teams with the information they need to stay ahead of malicious actors.
All Ignite announcements in detail:
With this year's edition, Microsoft Ignite 2024 has made it clear that innovation knows no bounds. From enhancements to Microsoft 365 Copilot to impressive new features in Azure AI Foundry and devices that revolutionize hybrid work, Microsoft continues to lead the way in digital transformation, and this is just the beginning. If you want to know all the announcements made during this edition, you can discover them in detail in its Book of News.