Here are three copilot updates coming our way, and this is what to make of them

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Changes aimed at streamline workflows: As Microsoft continues to evolve its AI-powered productivity suite, three significant updates are rolling out across Microsoft 365 in June and July 2025. These changes are designed to streamline workflows, enhance research capabilities, and bring generative AI closer to users in their daily apps. Here is my summary of the three updates, and what you might want to be aware of. Access SharePoint agents in the Microsoft 365 Copilot app Some time ago, Microsoft introduced SharePoint Agents. These agents are integrated into the navigation, and users have to navigate to that specific site in order to access the agent. With this upcoming change, these agents can become available directly from the 365 Copilot App along other "recently used" agents list. This change will significantly reduce context-switching for users who rely on these agents for their daily tasks. Expect this rollout at the end of July . Researcher Agent Integrated into Copilot...

A bit dissapointed? (Not really!)

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#UC #Exchange #Hyper-v #FTMG

Well, here I am. Going to build me a new lab. There are several reasons for this, and I might come back to those (reasons) later.

As a UC guy, I need to test and understand "everything" when I am working for a customer. And to be a bit more prepared at some of the "other" stuff, I thought I should build a mini site with a few essential components. At the same time, I'm curious to what new functions and obstacles new releases might bring.

The complete LAB will be installed in Hyper-V on a Win2008 R2 server. To save some time and space, I have installed Win2008 R2 on a master drive which has been write protected. All servers I install use differentiating disks. This setup (don't forget to sysprep the master disk, and don't activate windows on it if you're going for a similar setup) allows for a really fast setup of new machines. It leaves only a few minor steps to complete when activating a new server. I am not sure how well this setup works in a production environment, so I'would reccomend a different strategy there (maybe: Create a master drive and run sysprep, then copy and rename each new instance)

So far, I have Installed:
2 FTMG servers (and creating a "DMZ" in between). Yes, FTMG is a RC only, but it looks promising and I need to know whats coming.
1 Server to act as AD/DNS/DHCP/CA and File/Print (Not best practice, but this is LAB is about functionallity, not BP)
1 Server running Exchange 2010.
** to be continued**

Now to my so called disappointment:
When installing Exchange 2007 on Win2008 and 2008 R", there have been "obstacles" standing in the way for a quick and easy installation of Exchange. I was looking forward to meet these new obstacles I expected when I sat down to install Exchange 2010. ** Disappointed** I followed the "howto" information on the web, and found it to be running smoothly and without a hitch...... Hats off to whoever made the installation as easy as it should be :)

You should though, be aware of the prerequisites and requirements of the server before running "install exchange". These are found on the web, not on the CD. Which of course might cause you a headache if the exchange server does not have http/s internet connectivity at the time of installation. Why don't the include a "prepare my computer" script in the setup program?

Next task? Install OCS 2007 R2 in the environment. I'll let you know how this turns out.