RunAs Radio

Paul Thurrott, a tech journalist celebrated for his insights into Microsoft, joins to mark a podcast milestone. They dive into the evolution of Windows, reflecting on its relevance amidst emerging technologies. The conversation covers the transition to ARM architecture, the shift to cloud computing, and the transforming nature of IT roles influenced by AI. Paul also discusses the importance of continuous learning and adapting to new technologies. A nostalgic journey through tech innovations and the impact of AI on jobs makes this a lively discussion.

Scott Sauber, a Microsoft MVP and Director of Engineering at Lean Techniques, shares key insights into common Azure mistakes. He emphasizes the importance of proper account management, from credential structure to naming conventions. Security is another focal point, as he discusses modern TLS protocols and passwordless authentication methods. Cost management strategies are crucial, with Sauber advocating for setting budgets and alerts to avoid overspending. Tune in for a wealth of practical tips to enhance reliability and efficiency in Azure!

How do you secure your organization's data to let AI technologies work safely? Richard chats with Martina Grom about her experiences helping sysadmins responsibly bring the power of Microsoft M365 Copilot into their organizations. Martina discusses setting up security and monitoring with tools like Microsoft Purview, enabling visibility into where copilots are working and who is using them. Once the measuring tools are in place, you can begin to establish limitations for the AI without compromising regular employee workflows. Check the show links for a list of great tools you can use to get M365 Copilot working for your organization safely!LinksGovernance Toolkit 365EU AI ActData, Privacy, and Security for Microsoft 365 CopilotTranslating with CopilotConfiguring SharePoint with Entra IDMicrosoft PurviewData Loss PreventionMicrosoft Purview Compliance ManagerData Security Posture Management for AISharePoint Advanced ManagementCopilot in Microsoft 365 Admin CentersRecorded July 16, 2025

Tony Redmond, a Microsoft MVP for Microsoft 365 and a consultant, discusses the power of Microsoft Graph and its pivotal role for sysadmins managing M365 tenants. He explains how understanding Graph can unlock valuable organizational insights and improve data management. Redmond also shares insights from his extensive experience with tools like PowerShell and highlights the challenges of coordinating updates across Microsoft's ecosystem. His expertise is underlined by his authorship of the 'Office 365 for IT Pros' book, which is crucial in navigating the complexities of modern tech.

In this discussion, Christina Wheeler, a Senior Solution Engineer at Microsoft, delves into the world of Copilot adoption in financial services. She emphasizes the critical role of data security and governance using tools like Microsoft Purview. Christina highlights the transition from traditional systems to Dataverse for better compliance and scalability. The chat also explores how AI tools enhance productivity and customer interactions, showcasing the potential of Copilot to streamline workflows and improve efficiency in the financial sector.

In this engaging discussion, Steven Bucher, Product Manager for Azure Resource Manager at Microsoft, dives into the world of AI and automation in cloud deployment. He explains the transformation from ClickOps to DevOps, emphasizing the importance of tools like Azure CLI and Terraform. Steven also highlights how GitHub Copilot can streamline coding in Visual Studio, making Infrastructure as Code more accessible. He shares insights on fostering productivity while maintaining work-life balance, demonstrating how strategic use of AI enhances both development workflows and team dynamics.

April Dunnam, a Principal Cloud Advocate at Microsoft and MVP alumni, shares her expertise on integrating AI into organizations. She discusses Copilot Studio's role in creating generative AI agents, emphasizing low-code solutions that enhance productivity. The conversation highlights the differences between agentic AI and traditional automation, the importance of user-friendly tools, and the challenges of scaling. April also touches on optimizing costs with Microsoft's token model and the significance of thorough testing for effective AI implementation.

In this engaging discussion, Arun Ulag, who leads product management for Azure Data, dives into the exciting advancements of Fabric as it evolves into a comprehensive data solution. He highlights its expansion into real-time intelligence and how it's designed to streamline data management for AI workloads. Arun also showcases the power of conversational interfaces that enable quicker access to data insights, helping organizations make informed decisions swiftly. The conversation underscores the importance of integrating tools like Power BI for enhanced analytics and collaboration.

Luise Freese, a software solution architect and blogger at m365princess.com, dives into the transformation of PowerApps into full-fledged applications. She shares insights on managing the application lifecycle, emphasizing the importance of requirement engineering and governance. Luise discusses the pitfalls of using free data sources like SharePoint, which can hurt performance. Collaborative strategies between developers and business users are highlighted, showcasing how structured onboarding processes improve security and reliability in software development.

In this discussion, Mark Russinovich, the Chief Technology Officer of Microsoft Azure, dives into the latest advancements in cloud computing and AI. He reveals innovative collaborations with hardware manufacturers to optimize server performance for various workloads. The conversation shifts to the rise of AI in coding, discussing tools like GitHub Copilot. Mark also explores the future of quantum computing and its integration into Azure, showcasing breakthroughs in generative AI. This vibrant chat intertwines technology and the evolving landscape of cloud solutions.