

Microsoft Cloud IT Pro Podcast
Ben Stegink, Scott Hoag
Your Microsoft Cloud News from a couple of IT Pros
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 17, 2025 • 30min
Episode 393 – Microsoft Teams Meeting Room Solutions with Alex Mooney
Welcome to Episode 393 of the Microsoft Cloud IT Pro Podcast. In this episode, Ben is joined on the show by Alex Mooney from Logitech. The two of them discuss the integration of technology into meetings. They start out discussion AI for transcribing in-person meetings, highlighting some of their benefits and then shift into discussion various meeting room systems for Microsoft Teams. They discuss some of the offerings from Logitech including the Rally Bar Huddle, Rally Bar Mini, and Rally Bar and how they are certified for both Android and Windows to work in different scenarios for building out your Microsoft Teams Room system.
Like what you hear and want to support the show? Check out our membership options.
Show Notes
Microsoft Teams Room
Microsoft Teams Room Documentation
Plan Microsoft Teams Rooms
Microsoft Teams Room Devices
Logitech
Conference Room Systems
Request Logitech Demo
About Alex
With a leadership role at Logitech, Alex has had the exciting opportunity to shape the future of digital workspaces. He's directed major collaborations, including the impactful partnership between Logitech and Microsoft that's driving billions in revenue. These aren't just business deals, they're transformations—helping companies worldwide navigate the ever-changing terrain of technology.
Creating and implementing innovative solutions is part of Alex's DNA. Project Ghost, an immersive video conferencing experience, is just one of the many successful initiatives that he's been proud to lead.
He's often invited to share my insights on industry trends and strategies at key events and in publications. It's a role he relishes — helping others grasp the opportunities that this rapid era of technological change brings. His focus is always forward, on the potential of what can be achieved together in the fields of collaboration and efficiency.
Alex on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexm00ney/
About the sponsors
Would you like to become the irreplaceable Microsoft 365 resource for your organization? Let us know!

12 snips
Jan 3, 2025 • 31min
Episode 392 – Building Confidence In Your Microsoft Copilot Deployment with AvePoint CTO John Peluso
In this discussion, John Peluso, the CTO of AvePoint and a seasoned expert in product leadership, shares insights on effectively deploying Microsoft 365 Copilot. He highlights strategies for governing AI tools in organizations and measuring their adoption. Peluso emphasizes the importance of aligning executive support with grassroots efforts for successful integration. He also discusses challenges related to security, data management, and the need for customization to enhance user engagement and confidence in data ownership.

8 snips
Dec 19, 2024 • 24min
Episode 391 – Remote Desktop and Application Delivery with Kamal Srinivasan from Parallels
Kamal Srinivasan, Head of Product at Parallels and former Microsoft and Oracle Cloud expert, dives into the evolution of remote desktops and application delivery. He discusses the shift from on-premises to dynamic, cloud-based solutions. The conversation highlights optimizing app delivery through Azure Virtual Desktop and how IT admins must adapt to support a flexible workforce. Kamal emphasizes the importance of bridging legacy systems with modern technology and the growing user demand for customizable application experiences.

Dec 5, 2024 • 18min
Episode 390: Microsoft Ignite 2024: Windows 365 Link
In this engaging discussion, Melissa Grant, the Head of Product Marketing for Windows 11 Enterprise, Windows 365, and Azure Virtual Desktop, shares insights from her 14 years at Microsoft. She dives into the evolution of cloud-based Windows products, detailing the introduction of Windows 365 Link, a new endpoint device that simplifies access to cloud PCs. Melissa also highlights the improvements in video communication with Windows 365 Link, and how it enhances IT management by reducing complexity and bolstering security. Tune in for a glimpse into the future of cloud technology!

Nov 21, 2024 • 36min
Episode 389: Microsoft Ignite 2024: Redefining AI, Productivity, and Edge Computing
Exciting developments emerged from the Microsoft Ignite conference! The integration of advanced AI features, like Copilot, in Microsoft 365 tools aims to boost productivity by automating tasks and enhancing collaboration. Discover how new features like live translation in Teams can transform multilingual meetings, making communication seamless. Plus, custom AI agents for SharePoint promise to make workflows even more intuitive. Innovations in edge AI, blending Azure solutions with Windows 365, are set to redefine computing capabilities.

Nov 7, 2024 • 34min
Episode 388 – Getting Started with Azure Bicep: Infrastructure as Code with a Domain Specific Language
Welcome to Episode 388 of the Microsoft Cloud IT Pro Podcast. In this episode, we dive into Azure Bicep, Microsoft’s streamlined language for defining cloud infrastructure. If you’re new to Infrastructure as Code (IaC) or looking to simplify your Azure deployments, listen in to learn how easy it is to get started with Azure Bicep. We walk through the essentials, from setting up the necessary tools such as Visual Studio Code and the Azure Bicep extension, to exploring the intuitive features that make Bicep so powerful. Discover how Bicep’s functions, objects, and simplified syntax improve your workflow, offering a more readable and maintainable alternative to traditional ARM templates.
Whether you’re an Azure admin or a developer, this episode provides a clear path to building and managing Azure resources effectively with Bicep. Tune in and start coding your infrastructure with confidence!
Like what you hear and want to support the show? Check out our membership options.
Show Notes
Microsoft Ignite
What is Bicep?
Bicep functions
Quickstart: Create Bicep files with Visual Studio Code
Azure/azure-quickstart-templates
˚Decompiling ARM template JSON to Bicep
Learn modules for Bicep
About the sponsors
Would you like to become the irreplaceable Microsoft 365 resource for your organization? Let us know!

Oct 25, 2024 • 37min
Episode 387 – Windows on ARM: Physical Hardware vs Virtual Machines, App Compatibility, and Other Considerations
Dive into the fascinating world of Windows on ARM as the hosts explore Ben's new Surface Pro 11. Discover the battle of running Windows 11 natively versus virtualizing it on Apple Silicon. They debate app compatibility challenges, discuss the perks of using Parallels, and ponder when a remote desktop session might be the best route. Frustrations with macOS software and the push for seamless integration across devices add to the lively conversation. It's a techie showdown filled with insights and personal experiences!

Oct 10, 2024 • 38min
Episode 386 – Exploring DevOps Tools: Maester, Pester, and SCUBA
Discover the transformative power of three DevOps tools: Maester, Pester, and SCUBA. Learn how Maester enhances testing and security in PowerShell, while Pester simplifies unit testing for Microsoft Cloud management. Explore the seamless integration of these tools to streamline workflows, improve automation, and boost security practices. The podcast dives into practical setups, troubleshooting tips, and best practices that any IT professional can implement to enhance their infrastructure and fortify their operations.

Oct 2, 2024 • 35min
Episode 385 – Microsoft Sentinel: Deployment, Management, and Cost Optimization
Welcome to Episode 385 of the Microsoft Cloud IT Pro Podcast. In this episode, we dive into deploying, managing, and optimizing Microsoft’s leading cloud-native SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) solution. Whether you’re new to Microsoft Sentinel or looking to deepen your expertise, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you secure your Azure environment effectively.
Like what you hear and want to support the show? Check out our membership options.
Show Notes
What is Microsoft Sentinel?
Deployment guide for Microsoft Sentinel
Plan costs and understand Microsoft Sentinel pricing and billing
Log retention plans in Microsoft Sentinel
Prepare for multiple workspaces and tenants in Microsoft Sentinel
Centrally manage multiple Microsoft Sentinel workspaces with workspace manager (Preview)
Sentinel Content Packs
Free data sources
Automate threat response with playbooks in Microsoft Sentinel
About the sponsors
Would you like to become the irreplaceable Microsoft 365 resource for your organization? Let us know!

Sep 12, 2024 • 35min
Episode 384 – Securing Azure: Microsoft Defender for Cloud
Dive into the intricacies of securing Azure with Microsoft Defender for Cloud. Discover effective access control strategies and the importance of virtual machine agents. Learn how to tailor security measures across various cloud platforms like AWS and GCP. The conversation also highlights essential tools for monitoring and updating the Microsoft environment, including the significance of customizing Azure policies. Explore the integration of third-party security tools and get a sneak peek into future enhancements like Microsoft CoPilot.


