Synopsis
Regular Microsoft Cloud information featuring Azure and Office365 with MVPs Marc Kean and Robert Crane - A mix of current Microsoft cloud news, analysis and industry expert chat.
Episodes
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Episode 363 - Hello Cowork
24/04/2026 Duration: 32minI reflect on the significance of the day before diving into the week’s major developments, including the arrival of the Microsoft AI Tour in Sydney. The episode covers both partner and public events, with a focus on enterprise-level AI advancements and networking opportunities. The podcast features a comprehensive weekly news roundup: The general availability of Copilot Agent capabilities in Microsoft 365 apps. New data security tools for AI in Microsoft Purview. Innovations in identity resilience and backup with Microsoft Entra. Microsoft’s $25 billion investment in Australian AI infrastructure and training. Practical security playbooks for tenant protection and device analytics. Updates on decluttering promotional mail with Microsoft Defender. Guidance on preventing oversharing in Copilot, deploying Defender, and enforcing data security with Purview. I also share my workflow for automating podcast production using Copilot Cowork, including narration scripts and link management. I discuss experimenting wit
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Episode 362 - AI first
08/04/2026 Duration: 26minIn this episode of the CIAOPS Need to Know podcast, we take an AI‑first look at what’s happening across the Microsoft Cloud and what it really means for small and medium businesses. Episode 362 cuts through the noise to focus on the practical, real‑world impact of artificial intelligence as Microsoft continues to embed AI across Microsoft 365, Azure, and everyday productivity tools. We discuss how an AI‑first mindset is changing the way SMBs should think about security, productivity, and operational efficiency, along with what partners and IT professionals need to pay attention to right now. Expect clear explanations, informed opinions, and actionable insights designed to help you make sense of rapid change without the hype. Resources CIAOPS Need to Know podcast - CIAOPS - Need to Know podcasts | CIAOPS X - https://www.twitter.com/directorcia director@ciaops.com CIAOPS Blog - CIAOPS – Information about SharePoint, Microsoft 365, Azure, Mobility and Productivity from the Computer Information Agency Join my T
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Episode 361 - Phil Meyer
17/02/2026 Duration: 01h57sIn this episode I speak with Phil Meyer about the current state and future of the technical community in SMB around the Microsoft products and services. Things are changing, demographics, technology as well as customers are impacting the concept of 'community'. Phil and I dive deep and share our opinions. Plenty of news and update from the Microsoft Cloud as well to dig into for you. Resources Explore the tools, communities, and content mentioned in this episode: CIAOPS Need to Know Podcast: https://ciaops.podbean.com/ CIAOPS Blog: https://blog.ciaops.com/ CIAOPS Labs: https://blog.ciaopslabs.com/ CIAOPS Brief: https://blog.ciaops.com/tag/cia-brief/ Join the Teams Shared Channel: https://blog.ciaops.com/2022/07/29/join-my-teams-shared-channel/ CIAOPS Merch Store: https://my-store-c5d877-2.creator-spring.com/ CIAOPS Publications: https://directorcia.gumroad.com Become a Patron: https://www.ciaopspatron.com/ Direct Support: https://ko-fi.com/ciaops Get Your M365 Questions Answered: https://blog.ciaop
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Episode 360 - Shervin Shaffie
04/02/2026 Duration: 51minIn this episode I'm joined by Shervin Shaffie from Microsoft to do a deep dive into Copilot Studio. That's the service from Microsoft that allows you to create agents in a 'low-code' manner right inside the M365 environment. Shervin has some great Youtube content I highly recommend and provides some great insights and tips and tricks in this episode when working with agents in Microsoft 365. I'll also brin you up to date with the latest Microsoft Cloud news. Listen along. Resources Explore the tools, communities, and content mentioned in this episode: CIAOPS Need to Know Podcast: https://ciaops.podbean.com/ CIAOPS Blog: https://blog.ciaops.com/ CIAOPS Labs: https://blog.ciaopslabs.com/ CIAOPS Brief: https://blog.ciaops.com/tag/cia-brief/ Join the Teams Shared Channel: https://blog.ciaops.com/2022/07/29/join-my-teams-shared-channel/ CIAOPS Merch Store: https://my-store-c5d877-2.creator-spring.com/ CIAOPS Publications: https://directorcia.gumroad.com Become a Patron: https://www.ciaopspatron.com/ Dir
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Episode 359 - Reinsurance
25/01/2026 Duration: 59minI am joined by Andrew and Tim from Sherpatech to discuss updates and new challenges in the insurance market. If you missed last year's episode you'll find it here Episode 338 - Ensure to Insure. We discuss what impact AI is likely to have and how the insurance market is shaping up for 2026. I also have a few interesting updates and information from the Microsoft cloud for this first episode of 2026. So listen along and enjoy! Resources Explore the tools, communities, and content mentioned in this episode: CIAOPS Need to Know Podcast: https://ciaops.podbean.com/ CIAOPS Blog: https://blog.ciaops.com/ CIAOPS Labs: https://blog.ciaopslabs.com/ CIAOPS Brief: https://blog.ciaops.com/tag/cia-brief/ Join the Teams Shared Channel: https://blog.ciaops.com/2022/07/29/join-my-teams-shared-channel/ CIAOPS Merch Store: https://my-store-c5d877-2.creator-spring.com/ CIAOPS Publications: https://directorcia.gumroad.com Become a Patron: https://www.ciaopspatron.com/ Direct Support: https://ko-fi.com/ciaops Get Your
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Episode 357 - Less is more
16/12/2025 Duration: 37minWelcome to another podcast episode where I aim to bring you up to date with the latest in the Microsoft Cloud as well as share my knowledge and insights. In this episode I dig into how you need to focus and avoid distractions as well as building your knowledge with products and automations you already have. Resources Explore the tools, communities, and content mentioned in this episode: CIAOPS Need to Know Podcast: https://ciaops.podbean.com/ CIAOPS Blog: https://blog.ciaops.com/ CIAOPS Labs: https://blog.ciaopslabs.com/ CIAOPS Brief: https://blog.ciaops.com/tag/cia-brief/ Join the Teams Shared Channel: https://blog.ciaops.com/2022/07/29/join-my-teams-shared-channel/ CIAOPS Merch Store: https://my-store-c5d877-2.creator-spring.com/ Become a Patron: https://www.ciaopspatron.com/ Direct Support: https://ko-fi.com/ciaops Get Your M365 Questions Answered: https://blog.ciaops.com/2025/06/11/get-your-m365-questions-answered-via-email-2/ Test Your Microsoft 365 Speed: https://blog.ciaops.com/2025/07/21/
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Episode 356 - PhilMe is back
30/11/2025 Duration: 49minI am joined once again by Phil Meyer to review the most important and relevant announcements from Microsoft Ignite. Plenty around AI but also a few other gems you may have overlooked, so sit back and listen in as we focus on what you should be paying attention to. Resources Explore the tools, communities, and content mentioned in this episode: CIAOPS Need to Know Podcast: https://ciaops.podbean.com/ CIAOPS Blog: https://blog.ciaops.com/ CIAOPS Labs: https://blog.ciaopslabs.com/ CIAOPS Brief: https://blog.ciaops.com/tag/cia-brief/ Join the Teams Shared Channel: https://blog.ciaops.com/2022/07/29/join-my-teams-shared-channel/ CIAOPS Merch Store: https://my-store-c5d877-2.creator-spring.com/ Become a Patron: https://www.ciaopspatron.com/ Direct Support: https://ko-fi.com/ciaops Get Your M365 Questions Answered: https://blog.ciaops.com/2025/06/11/get-your-m365-questions-answered-via-email-2/ Test Your Microsoft 365 Speed: https://blog.ciaops.com/2025/07/21/test-your-microsoft-365-speed-in-seconds-for-fr
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Episode 355 - Learning reboot
16/11/2025 Duration: 39minIn this episode of the Need to Know Podcast, we explore the evolving landscape of learning in the Microsoft Cloud ecosystem, with a spotlight on the SMB market. From the latest in Microsoft 365 Copilot innovations to critical cybersecurity updates and the end of CIAOPS Academy, this episode delivers essential insights for IT professionals and business leaders navigating the modern digital workplace. Resources Explore the tools, communities, and content mentioned in this episode: CIAOPS Need to Know Podcast: https://ciaops.podbean.com/ CIAOPS Blog: https://blog.ciaops.com/ CIAOPS Labs: https://blog.ciaopslabs.com/ CIAOPS Brief: https://blog.ciaops.com/tag/cia-brief/ Join the Teams Shared Channel: https://blog.ciaops.com/2022/07/29/join-my-teams-shared-channel/ CIAOPS Merch Store: https://my-store-c5d877-2.creator-spring.com/ Become a Patron: https://www.ciaopspatron.com/ Direct Support: https://ko-fi.com/ciaops Get Your M365 Questions Answered: https://blog.ciaops.com/2025/06/11/get-your-m365-question
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Episode 354 - Phil Meyer
06/10/2025 Duration: 01h09minIn Episode 354 of the CIAOPS "Need to Know" podcast, host Robert Crane sits down with Philip Meyer, a seasoned Microsoft veteran, to explore the seismic shifts in the IT landscape driven by artificial intelligence. From reflections on decades of industry evolution to practical advice for SMBs and partners, this episode delivers a rich blend of insights, personal stories, and actionable strategies. Topics include AI's impact on employment, cybersecurity challenges, digital labor, and the future of partner enablement. Resources Explore the tools, communities, and content mentioned in this episode: CIAOPS Need to Know Podcast: https://ciaops.podbean.com/ CIAOPS Blog: https://blog.ciaops.com/ CIAOPS Labs: https://blog.ciaopslabs.com/ CIAOPS Brief: https://blog.ciaops.com/tag/cia-brief/ Join the Teams Shared Channel: https://blog.ciaops.com/2022/07/29/join-my-teams-shared-channel/ CIAOPS Merch Store: https://my-store-c5d877-2.creator-spring.com/ Become a Patron: https://www.ciaopspatron.com/ Direct Suppor
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Episode 353 - AI services analysis
08/09/2025 Duration: 19minIn this episode I talk about a recent series of blog posts I wrote about some analysis I did on various AI services available today as well as my thoughts on these. I also cover off the latest news and information in the Microsoft Cloud for you. Listen along. Resources CIAOPS Need to Know podcast - CIAOPS - Need to Know podcasts | CIAOPS X - https://www.twitter.com/directorcia Join my Teams shared channel - Join my Teams Shared Channel – CIAOPS CIAOPS Merch store - CIAOPS Become a CIAOPS Patron - CIAOPS Patron CIAOPS Blog - CIAOPS – Information about SharePoint, Microsoft 365, Azure, Mobility and Productivity from the Computer Information Agency CIAOPS Brief - CIA Brief – CIAOPS CIAOPS Labs - CIAOPS Labs – The Special Activities Division of the CIAOPS Support CIAOPS - https://ko-fi.com/ciaops Get your M365 questions answered via email Welcome to the Microsoft Incident Response Ninja Hub – https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoftsecurityexperts/welcome-to-the-microsoft-incident… Listen to an audio
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Episode 352 - Agents to the Rescue
19/08/2025 Duration: 26minIn this episode of the CIAOPS "Need to Know" podcast, we dive into the latest updates across Microsoft 365, GitHub Copilot, and SMB-focused strategies for scaling IT services. From new Teams features to deep dives into DLP alerts and co-partnering models for MSPs, this episode is packed with insights for IT professionals and small business tech leaders looking to stay ahead of the curve. I also take a look at building an agent to help you work with frameworks like the ASD Blueprint for Secure Cloud. Resources CIAOPS Need to Know podcast - CIAOPS - Need to Know podcasts | CIAOPS X - https://www.twitter.com/directorcia Join my Teams shared channel - Join my Teams Shared Channel – CIAOPS CIAOPS Merch store - CIAOPS Become a CIAOPS Patron - CIAOPS Patron CIAOPS Blog - CIAOPS – Information about SharePoint, Microsoft 365, Azure, Mobility and Productivity from the Computer Information Agency CIAOPS Brief - CIA Brief – CIAOPS CIAOPS Labs - CIAOPS Labs – The Special Activities Division of the CIAOPS Support CIAOPS -
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Episode 351 - Learning is a superpower
03/08/2025 Duration: 27minIn Episode 351 of the CIAOPS “Need to Know” podcast, we explore how small MSPs can scale through shared knowledge. From peer collaboration and co-partnering strategies to AI-driven security frameworks and Microsoft 365 innovations, this episode delivers actionable insights for SMB IT professionals looking to grow smarter, not harder. Resources CIAOPS Need to Know podcast - CIAOPS - Need to Know podcasts | CIAOPS X - https://www.twitter.com/directorcia Join my Teams shared channel - Join my Teams Shared Channel – CIAOPS CIAOPS Merch store - CIAOPS Become a CIAOPS Patron - CIAOPS Patron CIAOPS Blog - CIAOPS – Information about SharePoint, Microsoft 365, Azure, Mobility and Productivity from the Computer Information Agency CIAOPS Brief - CIA Brief – CIAOPS CIAOPS Labs - CIAOPS Labs – The Special Activities Division of the CIAOPS Support CIAOPS - https://ko-fi.com/ciaops Get your M365 questions answered via email Security & Threat Intelligence Secret Blizzard AiTM Campaign: Microsoft uncovers a phishing ca
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Episode 350 - Power Up
21/07/2025 Duration: 24minIn Episode 350 of the CIAOPS “Need to Know” podcast, along with the latest news from the Microsoft Cloud, we explore how Microsoft Power Pages is revolutionising web development for SMBs. Learn how this low-code platform enables businesses to build secure, scalable portals—without needing full-stack developers. From customer support portals to partner onboarding, discover real-world use cases, a step-by-step guide to building your first portal, and how Managed Service Providers (MSPs) can offer Power Pages as a service. This episode is a must-listen for IT professionals, MSPs, and business leaders driving digital transformation. Resources CIAOPS Need to Know podcast - CIAOPS - Need to Know podcasts | CIAOPS X - https://www.twitter.com/directorcia Join my Teams shared channel - Join my Teams Shared Channel – CIAOPS CIAOPS Merch store - CIAOPS Become a CIAOPS Patron - CIAOPS Patron CIAOPS Blog - CIAOPS – Information about SharePoint, Microsoft 365, Azure, Mobility and Productivity from the Computer Information
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Episode 349 - MCP is for me
06/07/2025 Duration: 23minExplore the future of AI integration, Microsoft Cloud updates, and security innovations tailored for the SMB market. In this episode, we dive into the transformative role of AI MCP servers, the latest Microsoft 365 and Teams updates, and practical security and compliance strategies. Whether you're an IT pro, business leader, or tech enthusiast, this episode delivers actionable insights and resources to stay ahead in the Microsoft ecosystem. Resources CIAOPS Need to Know podcast - CIAOPS - Need to Know podcasts | CIAOPS X - https://www.twitter.com/directorcia Join my Teams shared channel - Join my Teams Shared Channel – CIAOPS CIAOPS Merch store - CIAOPS Become a CIAOPS Patron - CIAOPS Patron CIAOPS Blog - CIAOPS – Information about SharePoint, Microsoft 365, Azure, Mobility and Productivity from the Computer Information Agency CIAOPS Brief - CIA Brief – CIAOPS CIAOPS Labs - CIAOPS Labs – The Special Activities Division of the CIAOPS Support CIAOPS - https://ko-fi.com/ciaops Get your M365 questions answere
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Episode 348 - Email my agent
22/06/2025 Duration: 19minWelcome to Episode 348 of the CIAOPS Need to Know podcast — your regular dose of insights, updates, and practical guidance on Microsoft technologies, cybersecurity, and the evolving digital workplace with a special focus on what's best for SMB. Resources CIAOPS Need to Know podcast - CIAOPS - Need to Know podcasts | CIAOPS X - https://www.twitter.com/directorcia Join my Teams shared channel - Join my Teams Shared Channel – CIAOPS CIAOPS Merch store - CIAOPS Become a CIAOPS Patron - CIAOPS Patron CIAOPS Blog - CIAOPS – Information about SharePoint, Microsoft 365, Azure, Mobility and Productivity from the Computer Information Agency CIAOPS Brief - CIA Brief – CIAOPS CIAOPS Labs - CIAOPS Labs – The Special Activities Division of the CIAOPS Support CIAOPS - https://ko-fi.com/ciaops Microsoft Defender & Security Case management now supports multiple tenants – Enhances multi-tenant visibility in Microsoft Defender. Best Practices for Investigating Phishing Incidents – Guidance for handling phishing in Def
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Episode 347 - Right to Left
06/06/2025 Duration: 32minIn this episode I take a look at some of the latest announcements from Microsoft Build as well as recent changes to the Microsoft 365 home page. As expected Build gave us lots of new and enhanced capabilities coming to services like Copilot Studio and provide a raft of enhanced ways to better use AI across tenant information. There are still plenty of security updates to be across so listen along for all the details. Brought to you by www.ciaopspatron.com Resources @directorcia Join my shared channel CIAOPS merch store Become a CIAOPS Patron CIAOPS Blog CIAOPS Brief CIAOPSLabs Support CIAOPS Build 2025 Book of news Microsoft Build Introducing Microsoft 365 Copilot Tuning Multi-agent orchestration, maker controls, and more: Microsoft Copilot Studio announcements at Microsoft Build 2025 The Microsoft 365 Copilot app: Built for the new way of working What’s new in Microsoft 365 Copilot | May 2025 Automating Phishing Email Triage with Microsoft Security Copilot Defending against evolving identity attack technique
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Episode 346 - It's better when you add on
18/05/2025 Duration: 30minIn this episode I have a chat about the E5 security add on for Microsoft 365 Business premium and what additions it provides for security. Microsoft Build is also this week so we expect plenty of news and update there. Stay tuned for that but for now listen along get up to date with the Microsoft Cloud. Brought to you by www.ciaopspatron.com Resources @directorcia Join my shared channel CIAOPS merch store Become a CIAOPS Patron CIAOPS Blog CIAOPS Brief CIAOPSLabs Support CIAOPS Microsoft 365 Business Premium and Office 365 E1 grant discontinuation Simple, Smart, and Secure: The next step in sharing files in Microsoft 365 Introducing all-new Surface Copilot+ PCs: The Surface Pro, 12-inch and Surface Laptop, 13-inch Copilot on Windows: “Hey, Copilot!” begins rolling out to Windows Insiders Start, Fresh — Redesigning the Windows Start menu for you SharePoint in the Era of AI: Spring 2025 Updates Empowering multi-agent apps with the open Agent2Agent (A2A) protocol Managing and migrating Macs with Microsoft Int
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Episode 345 - It's all about the data
05/05/2025 Duration: 22minJoin me for the latest news an updates from the Microsoft Cloud just on eve of Microsoft Build. Microsoft 365 Copilot Wave 2 is upon u and I provide some thoughts and information on what to expect as well as some thoughts around why data is the important thing to consider with AI rather than which model might currently be better. Listen along and let me know your thoughts. Brought to you by www.ciaopspatron.com Resources @directorcia Join my shared channel CIAOPS merch store Become a CIAOPS Patron CIAOPS Blog CIAOPS Brief CIAOPSLabs Support CIAOPS Microsoft 365 Copilot Wave 2 Spring updates Microsoft 365 Copilot: Built for the era of human–agent collaboration 2025 release wave 1 brings hundreds of updates to Microsoft Dynamics 365 and Power Platform What’s new in Copilot Studio: April 2025 Researcher agent in Microsoft 365 Copilot Analyst agent in Microsoft 365 Copilot What's new in the Microsoft 365 Copilot app - April 2025 Announcing Public Preview of DLP for M365 Copilot in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint Expl
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Episode 344 - SharePoint Agents
21/04/2025 Duration: 28minJoin me to hear about the latest news and update from the Microsoft cloud as well as a deep dive into SharePoint agents. Plenty of AI news is again coming your way in this episode as Copilot spreads its wings and continues to grow across the stack. List in for more details. Brought to you by www.ciaopspatron.com Resources @directorcia Join my shared channel CIAOPS merch store Become a CIAOPS Patron CIAOPS Blog CIAOPS Brief CIAOPSLabs Support CIAOPS Widespread Microsoft Entra lockouts tied to new security feature rollout FYAI: How agents will transform business and daily work Announcing new computer use in Microsoft Copilot Studio for UI automation Introducing agent flows: Transforming automation with AI-first workflows Five things for IT administrators to know about SharePoint agent management How to deploy Microsoft Purview DSPM for AI to secure your AI apps Transforming security with Microsoft Security Exposure Management initiatives Microsoft Purview: New data security controls for the browser & netw
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Episode 343 - AI will eat the world
06/04/2025 Duration: 32minCelebrate the 50 year anniversary of Microsoft. Like them or not you have to admire what they have been able to achieve and opportunities they have provided my business with their products and services. Unsurprisingly, AI was also part of that celebration with a raft of updates worth noting. Purview is big! If you haven't yet dived in then maybe it's time you did. Lots of things to learn in this episode. Brought to you by www.ciaopspatron.com Resources @directorcia Join my shared channel CIAOPS merch store Become a CIAOPS Patron CIAOPS Blog CIAOPS Brief CIAOPSLabs Support CIAOPS MS turn 50 50 Years of Microsoft | Our future is you Satya Nadella recreates Microsoft's first product Microsoft 50th anniversary + Copilot event Cheers to 50 years The origin story of Microsoft Source code - Bill Gates AI Your AI Companion Introducing Copilot Search in Bing Create pages with Copilot in SharePoint Security Strengthen data security posture in the era of AI with Microsoft Purview Microsoft Purview – Data Security Postu