Announcements - Optimus Information

Optimus Information has earned the Infra and Database Migration to Microsoft Azure Specialization

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA, June 30, 2023/EINPresswire.com/ — Optimus Information Inc. today announced it has earned the Infra and Database Migration to Microsoft Azure Specialization, a validation of a solution partner’s deep knowledge, experience, and success in planning and migrating their customer’s infrastructure and database workloads to Azure. Microsoft Partners with this specialization demonstrate expertise across Windows Server and SQL Server and across Linux and Open-Source database migration.

This level distinguishes channel partners that have met the stringent criteria around customer success and staff development and training, as well as pass a third-party audit of their migration practices earning them this Azure specialization.

Increasingly more companies seek to modernize their applications and take full advantage of the benefits that cloud computing can deliver. The end-of-support for Windows Server 2008 R2, SQL Server 2008 R2, and the upcoming end-of-support for Windows Server 2012 R2 and SQL Server 2012 R2 in October 2023 will continue to increase the demand to find partners with skills to assess, plan and migrate their existing workloads to the cloud.

Pankaj Agarwal, Founder and Managing Partner at Optimus said, “We are proud to have achieved this advanced specialization in Infrastructure and Database Migration. This certification is a testament to our team’s dedication to delivering exceptional cloud solutions to meet the growing needs of our clients. With this specialization, we are even better equipped to help Canadian companies accelerate their digital transformation, enhance their agility, and achieve unparalleled operational efficiencies.”

Andrew Smith, General Manager, Partner Program Management at Microsoft added, “The Infra and Database Migration to Microsoft Azure Specialization highlights the partners who can be viewed as most capable when it comes to planning and migrating their customers’ infrastructure and database workloads to Microsoft Azure. Partners expertise across Windows Server, SQL Server and across Linux & Open-source database migration to Microsoft Azure applies. Optimus Information Inc. clearly demonstrated that they have both the skills and the experience to offer clients a path to successful migration so that they can start enjoying the benefits of being in the cloud.”

With this latest accomplishment, we continue to build deep technical expertise in the delivery of Azure-based solutions to our customers. This is our second Advanced Specialization, the first one is in Modernization of Web Applications with Microsoft Azure. In addition, we are also a designated solution partner for Microsoft for Infrastructure, Digital and App Innovation, and Data & AI.

To learn more about Optimus cloud services and how we can work together in transforming your business, please visit optimusinfo.com

About Optimus Information Inc.

Optimus Information is a premier Microsoft Cloud Partner offering a comprehensive suite of cloud solutions and services to businesses across Canada and US. With a team of highly skilled professionals and a client-centric approach, Optimus delivers innovative and tailored cloud solutions that drive digital transformation, enhance productivity, and empower organizations to achieve their strategic goals.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Shana Korotash
Optimus Information Inc.
shana.korotash@optimusinfo.com

July 4, 2023/by Nishit Patel

Power Platform Updates 2022

Announcements, Microsoft Tools

Introduction

Microsoft is well known for its constantly evolving products and their 2022 release wave 1 Plan which outlines Power Platform updates is a great way to get a look into what’s coming this year. There have been countless improvements to Power BI, Power Apps, Power Automate, and the newest addition to the Power Platform team, Power Pages, as well as a myriad of benefits that come along with using these products. We’re going to share how they can help your organization with digitization so keep reading to hear the most noteworthy Power Platform updates and what they can do for you.

Power BI

Power BI is a product that allows everyone to access data analysis tools, regardless of experience level, complementing Excel through a Microsoft Office type workspace. The most recent updates include benefits for individuals, teams as well as organizations as a whole. With more accessible work sharing and collaborating using OneDrive, Power BI is even more simple to use when joining forces with other team members. In teams, the new capabilities come with enhancements to integration with PowerPoint, allowing for a seamless transition between data analytics and presentations. Finally, organizations benefit from this round of updates, including increased visibility, greater data protection capabilities, and more.

Power Apps

Power Apps allows all levels of developers to create both web and mobile applications within the Power Platform. Its updates include new built-in collaboration features and large improvements to governance capabilities, helping with safer rollout and scalability. The most notable addition to their features is that organizations can now deliver flagship apps company wide in a safe and dependable manner.

Power Automate

Power Automate allows businesses to cut down on time sucking, repetitive tasks, by aiding in automation. With this wave of updates, Power Automate can be used on many more interfaces rather than just integration through interfaces such as Microsoft Teams or Windows 11. This makes it easier for organizations to manage user accounts as well as credentials. While sticking to an application-programming-interface (API) first approach, all the features are becoming more easily automated, which allows organizations more flexibility in how they choose to use this product.

A New Addition: Power Pages

Microsoft Power Pages is the new, 5th addition to the Microsoft Power arsenal. It allows anyone, regardless of technical background, skill, or experience in the industry, to create secure, data powered websites. With a low code design and aesthetic appeal, it still permits more experienced developers to expand the website further if desired. Power Pages includes a Design Studio, Learn Hub, and Templates Hub. The Design Studio and Templates Hub contain pre-made templates to form site designs with ease and the Learn Hub shows users just how to apply those templates for the maximum benefit. It’s already creating waves in the industry since its official launch in May 2022 (some of the features were already in use through the Power Apps portal).

Conclusion

This article covered most of the new Power Platform updates on all of their products from Power BI to the recently launched Power Pages; however, the products themselves are constantly evolving and growing to fit user and company needs, so there’s always more to learn about the newest features coming out. Microsoft’s blog is a great place to go for all the most recent updates and to learn how to make the most of them. What are your thoughts on the Power Platform products, and how does your organization leverage them? We’d love to hear, so let us know in the comments!

July 6, 2022/by Malika Agarwal

Optimus Information Selected as Azure Specialist for ISVs in Canada

Announcements

Optimus Information is thrilled to announce that they have been selected as 1 of 2 Microsoft Partners in Canada to earn the Azure Specialists for Independent Software Vendor (ISV) title. An Azure Specialist for ISVs is selected by Microsoft based on their proven expertise and ISV focused practice.

“We are honoured to be selected as an Azure Specialist for ISVs and be recognized for our cloud and software expertise. We thank Microsoft and our clients for continually putting their trust in us.”

– Pankaj Agarwal – Managing Partner & Founder of Optimus Information

We understand that migrating to Microsoft Azure and listing transactable offers in Microsoft’s Marketplace has several benefits but it’s not an easy task. This is why working with an experienced partner, like Optimus Information, is essential to migrate, optimize, and manage existing workloads to the cloud. We’ve helped a lot of SaaS companies, at different points on their cloud journey, save 10-15% of their operational costs or save 6 months on their innovation roadmap.

What does being an Azure Specialist for ISVs mean for our clients?

1. Receive expertise and knowledge on your infrastructure assessment and cloud migration roadmap.

As one of Microsoft Canada’s experienced Azure specialist partners, Optimus Information helps organizations migrate apps from on-premise to cloud keeping in mind scalability, security and with optimal performance.

2. Assistance with pilot and proof-of-concept (POC) migration to Azure leveraging free Azure Sponsorship credits.

Optimus can provide complimentary assessments and assistance with POCs to ensure a seamless cloud strategy and roadmap. We also leverage funding programs that help our clients save on their overall costs.

3. Onboarding support to get your application onto the Microsoft commercial marketplace

Optimus provides clients with guidance and an easy methodology for listing their transactable offers on Microsoft Azure Marketplace.

Unlike traditional technology consultants that take forever to understand your infrastructure – Optimus Information quickly provides guidance on how to start your migration, resources to accelerate, and expertise to overcome your challenges. We get you on the cloud faster and more cost-effectively so your team can focus on your core business.

Want to see how we can help you? Schedule a 20-min information call to discuss your cloud migration strategy at info@optimusinfo.com.

December 8, 2021/by Optimus Information

Optimus has Earned the Modernization of Web Apps to Microsoft Azure Advanced Specialization

Announcements

Optimus Information is pleased to announce that they have earned the Modernization of Web Apps to Microsoft Azure Advanced Specialization, a validation of a solution partner’s deep knowledge, extensive experience and proven expertise in migrating and modernizing production web application workloads, and managing app services in Azure.

Optimus Information is proud to be among the small group of Canadian Microsoft partners that have met the stringent criteria around customer success and staff skilling, as well as pass a third-party audit of their web workload deployment and management practices, including their ability to implement Azure App Service, are able to earn the Modernization of Web Apps in Microsoft Azure Advanced Specialization.

“We are thrilled to have earned this advanced specialization. It is reflective of the calibre of our global team, proven Azure experience, and continued partnership with Microsoft Canada.”

– Pankaj Agarwal – Managing Partner & Founder of Optimus Information

As companies look to modernize their applications and take full advantage of the benefits of the cloud, they are looking for a partner with advanced skills to assess, plan, and modernize the web app to the cloud.

To learn more about how Optimus can help you modernize your applications for the cloud, please contact us at info@optimusinfo.com

June 11, 2021/by Optimus Information

Microsoft Ignite Announcements 2021

Announcements, Microsoft Tools

Microsoft Ignite hosted their second virtual conference in 2021, and had so many exciting speakers and announcements, that we thought we should dedicate an article to some Microsoft Ignite announcements. Microsoft Ignite was started in 1993 and is an annual conference of developers and IT professionals. They gather to discuss new developments in cybersecurity, AI, and Azure innovation, as well as listen to brilliant keynote speakers. Microsoft Ignite 2021 took place from March 2-4 and we want to tell you some of the most exciting projects that were shared during the event.

Microsoft Teams Update

Microsoft Teams has undergone a plethora of updates, many of which are new video call features to increase ease of meetings and functionality. “Dynamic mode” is one of those new features. It automatically adjusts to the meeting experience based on the users and content, allowing for easy transitions based on the meeting itself. “Powerpoint Live” is another one to try out! The presenter can see what the others are viewing without switching screens. This allows for virtually seamless presentations without worrying whether the right presentations are being shared or the slide is correct. Along with Powerpoint Live, Microsoft Teams now has “Presenter Mode”, which has created more options for presenters to have polished and interactive presentations. Finally, Microsoft Teams addressed a cybersecurity concern by creating “invite only meeting controls”, making sure that only the relevant people are allowed into a call.

Microsoft Power Platforms Update

Some of the other exciting Microsoft Ignite announcements have to do with Microsoft Power Platforms. The popular low-code, development platform for experienced coders and business users alike has taken companies by storm. Some of the features that experienced upgrades in 2021 are Power Apps, Power Automate, and Power Virtual Agent. Power Apps, Microsoft’s low-code program that allows everyone to build and share apps, now has offline mobile capabilities, geospatial capabilities like maps, and more. Power Automate, Microsoft’s automation platform that allows for greater productivity and secure automation, has made shared desktop flows available across organizations. And finally, Power Virtual Agent, that allows users to create their own chatbots with ease, now includes data loss prevention options as well as new topic trigger management for the chatbots. For more information on Power Platforms Updates, click here.

Azure Arc Updates

For those who haven’t heard of Azure Arc, it’s a set of technologies that innovates Azure management and services to any platform. They have also undergone extensive updates this year. Firstly, they have made it possible to run machine learning everywhere. Microsoft shares, “By using Azure Arc to extend machine learning (ML) capabilities to hybrid and multicloud environments, customers can train ML models directly where the data lives using their existing infrastructure investments. This reduces data movement while meeting security and compliance requirements.” Next, they expanded on their program by allowing users to build cloud native applications at scale, anywhere. Azure Arc enabled Kubernetes is now generally available. To learn more, read the full article from Microsoft. And finally, in collaboration with Azure Stack HCI and Azure Arc, users are able to modernize their data centres with ease. It’s a cost-efficient hyperconverged infrastructure (HCI) solution, all managed through Azure. To learn more about Azure Stack HCI, click here.

Data and AI Announcements

Another exciting Microsoft Ignite announcement has to do with Azure Percept, Microsoft’s platform that simplifies the usage of Azure AI technologies on the edge. This includes Azure Cloud offerings such as AI model development, analytics, and more. The platform even includes a development kit, which comes with an intelligent camera: Azure Percept Vision. Want to learn more about this exciting product and how Microsoft is increasing accessibility? Read the full article from them here.

Additional Resources

We’ve touched on some of the updates and announcements that happened at the Microsoft Ignite Conference 2021, but we’ll share just a few more highlights in case you would like to check out additional resources.

Microsoft Virtual Training Days

If you’re interested in gaining more hard skills, taught by an experienced instructor in your language, check out Microsoft Virtual Training Days here.

Keynote Presentation by Satya Nadella

At the conference this year, Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft, gave a keynote speech on Microsoft’s vision for the future of Mixed Reality. You can watch the full presentation here to learn more.

Learn about Cybersecurity

And finally, learn more about cybersecurity, compliance, identity and management in this video from the conference.

We hope that you learned something from these Microsoft Ignite announcements, and feel free to reach out to us at info@optimusifo.com with any further questions.

March 29, 2021/by Malika Agarwal

Microsoft Makes a Significant Investment in Canadian Cloud

Announcements, Press Releases

Microsoft Cloud Services has been a core contributor to the growth and development of numerous Canadian organizations and is steadily making more investments in Canadian Cloud. Recently announcing their first Canadian Azure Availability Zone in the Azure Canada Central region and an Azure ExpressRoute in Vancouver, this expansion will provide Canadian businesses greater access to new innovations to accelerate their development.

An Availability Zone consists of one or more data centres equipped with independent power, cooling, and networking. Microsoft says it’s the only cloud provider in Canada to offer Availability Zones and disaster recovery with in-country data residency. In addition, this will be the largest expansion of its Canadian-based cloud computing infrastructure since the launch of the first data centre in Canada in 2016. According to Microsoft, this expansion will increase computing capacity by an incredible 1300%.

While Azure ExpressRoutes already exists in Toronto, Montreal, and Quebec City, this is an important investment for the West Coast. A service that primarily provides a private connection between an organization’s on-premises infrastructure and Microsoft Azure data centre, Azure ExpressRoutes provides more reliability, speed, and lower latency for users. Organizations in Vancouver will now have a secure network connection into Azure without having to cross the country.

The new Azure Availability Zones and ExpressRoute services are set to go live by the end of March.

For more information email us at info@optimusinfo.com or read more here:

Microsoft announces Canadian Azure Availability Zone, and Azure ExpressRoute in Vancouver (IT World Canada)

Microsoft Makes Significant Investments in Canadian Cloud to Fuel Innovation In Canada (Microsoft News Center Canada)

January 24, 2020/by Optimus Information