Boost performance with NFS nconnect on Azure NetApp Files datastores for Azure VMware Solution
Azure VMware Solution now supports nconnect=4 with Azure NetApp Files datastores each ESXi host opens up to four parallel TCP connections to a single NFS datastore, raising throughput and lowering latency under load. Supported on both Gen 1 and Gen 2 private clouds, it makes Azure VMware Solution with Azure NetApp Files an even stronger home for databases and other storage‑intensive workloads.From Scale to Breakthrough: Azure NetApp Files Sets a New Cloud Benchmark for EDA Performance
This article spotlights the newest leap in Azure NetApp Files: large volume breakthrough mode performance – independently validated by SPECstorage® Solution 2020 benchmarks. Azure NetApp Files is setting a new record for enterprise-scale Electronic Design Automation (EDA) workloads in the cloud. Backed by benchmark results at enterprise scale, it further reduces the traditional tradeoff between massive scale and uncompromising storage performance. For EDA teams, this means storage can keep pace with design cycles – enabling faster iteration, supporting cloud-first workflows, and reducing time spent waiting on infrastructure.Secure, Keyless Application Access with Managed Identities - Now GA in Azure Files SMB
As enterprises modernize applications and strengthen their security posture, identity is central to how applications access shared storage. Traditional identity models relying on account keys, stored credentials, or domain‑joined infrastructure add operational overhead and introduce security risks such as credential leakage, lack of identity attribution, and excessive privilege if shared keys are compromised. Today, we are excited to announce the General Availability (GA) of Managed Identity support for Azure Files over SMB, enabling applications and virtual machines to securely access Azure Files without secrets, passwords, or key distribution. Managed Identity support enables customers to meet modern enterprise security standards without reliance on storage account keys, streamlining how organizations securely enable file‑based application access and reducing the operational overhead of filing internal exceptions. New storage accounts can support secure, identity‑based SMB access out of the box, while existing deployments can get secure by enabling Managed Identity authentication. From web application workloads such as WordPress, to databases on Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS), to CI/CD pipelines, applications require secure access. In a world where security is foundational, continued reliance on key-based access conflicts with Zero Trust principles and least privilege access. What’s New In GA AKS Workload Identity Support AKS Workload Identity (preview) extends the traditional managed identity model for Kubernetes by shifting the identity from the node to pods. Instead of inheriting the identity of the underlying cluster, each Kubernetes pod can use its own federated identity, mapped directly to a Microsoft Entra ID principal. This feature enables: Pod-level identity isolation, rather than cluster-level Least-privilege access with secure RBAC Seamless scaling and redeployment, without identity reconfiguration No secrets, no key rotation, no credential injection When combined with Azure Files over SMB, Workload Identity allows AKS workloads to access shared file storage securely and natively per pod, using the same identity-driven model as cluster level managed identities. Now available with AKS 1.35, for customers specifically in the financial services industries, AKS Workload Identity enables per‑application, least‑privilege access to Azure Files without credentials, improving isolation and auditability. This allows regulated, stateful workloads to run securely on AKS while meeting strict compliance and regulatory requirements. Co-existence of Application Identities and end-user identity access Azure Files now enables both Managed Identity and end‑user access on the same storage account, with users and applications independently authenticated via Entra ID and authorized through a shared permissions model. This unified access model eliminates the need for duplicate storage or credentials, enabling secure collaboration, troubleshooting, and automation on shared data without compromising governance or compliance. This supports scenarios such as: Developers accessing the same file share as an application for debugging Admins managing content used by automated workflows Hybrid environments with user-driven and app-driven access Simplified Storage Account enablement via the Azure portal We have now added a dedicated Managed Identity property that makes enabling identity‑based SMB access simple and transparent via the Azure portal for new as well as existing storage accounts. With a single configuration at the storage account level, customers can allow applications to authenticate to Azure Files using Managed Identities. This portal experience supports incremental adoption, making it easy to modernize authentication while maintaining compatibility with existing user access and governance models. Get Started with Managed Identities with SMB Azure Files Start using Managed Identities with Azure Files today at no additional cost. This feature is supported on HDD and SSD SMB shares across all billing models. Refer to our documentation for complete set-up guidance. Whether provisioning new storage or enhancing existing deployments, this capability provides secure, enterprise‑grade access with a streamlined configuration experience. For any questions, reach out to the team at azurefiles@microsoft.com.Microsoft Surface Platinum Partners: Empowering success through endpoint strategy
Choosing the right devices based on a clear endpoint strategy can transform productivity, collaboration, and security across your organization—especially in the age of AI. Surface devices fit the bill by helping employees work smarter with AI, stay engaged, and collaborate effortlessly, all while protecting sensitive business data. When your device choices align with your business goals, you build a foundation for agility and long-term success. The same thinking applies to choosing a reseller to source Surface devices. The right partner will help you maximize the impact of strategic device choice on your business. Working with a provider who understands your needs, offers expert guidance, and has the resources to support organizations like yours helps you accelerate transformation and get more from your investment. Working with a Microsoft Platinum Partner is one way to align your device strategy with your organization's business goals. They have the knowledge and resources to deploy and support Surface solutions at scale, supported by services and solutions to drive ROI. Microsoft Surface Platinum Partners ASI Solutions Since 1985, ASI Solutions has provided technology services across Australia and New Zealand. Their approach focuses on aligning IT solutions with organizational strategies, delivering Surface deployments that meet both current requirements and future growth objectives. Learn more: https://www.asi.com.au/ Bechtle Bechtle combines years of IT expertise with an extensive presence across Europe. Their strong relationship with Microsoft and deep knowledge of enterprise technology make them a trusted resource for implementing and managing Surface devices. Learn more: https://www.bechtle.com/ CDW CDW works with organizations to modernize workplaces through Surface devices and integrated IT solutions, including Microsoft 365 and Azure. Their enterprise-focused services simplify adoption and help businesses create more efficient and adaptable operations. Learn more: https://www.cdw.com/ Computacenter Computacenter provides Surface deployment and management services for large businesses and public organizations. Their focus on IT optimization and infrastructure alignment ensures that Surface devices integrate seamlessly into broader operational strategies. Learn more: https://www.computacenter.com/ Connection Connection specializes in helping businesses adopt Surface devices through practical, scalable services. Their ability to address both immediate technology needs and longer-term goals makes them a valuable partner in workplace modernization. Learn more: https://www.connection.com/ Data#3 Data#3 brings over 15 years of Microsoft expertise to their role as Surface deployment specialists in Australia. Their services include procurement, deployment, and training, helping businesses adopt technology efficiently while empowering employees to use it effectively. Learn more: https://www.data3.com/ Zones Zones delivers scalable IT solutions with a global footprint, enabling organizations to deploy Surface devices across diverse teams and locations. Their collaborative approach ensures businesses can implement solutions tailored to specific operational needs. Learn more: https://www.zones.com/ Insight Insight integrates Surface devices into workplace modernization projects, backed by decades of experience with Microsoft technologies. Their enterprise deployment capabilities allow businesses to implement secure, high-performing tools at scale. Learn more: https://www.insight.com/ SHI SHI’s experience with Surface spans over a decade, supporting global deployments with tools like AutoPilot for streamlined implementation. Their expertise helps businesses integrate Surface devices into complex IT ecosystems effectively and securely. Learn more: https://www.shi.com/ Otsuka Shokai Otsuka Shokai offers IT solutions in Japan that include Surface device deployments tailored to business needs. Their technical teams provide end-to-end support, ensuring that each implementation enhances efficiency and meets organizational goals. Learn more: https://www.otsuka-shokai.co.jp/ By collaborating with these Platinum Partners, enterprises can effectively integrate Surface devices into their IT infrastructure, ensuring that their device strategy supports and enhances their overall business objectives.Low reputation
I am an independent developer, and I've been unable to publish https://github.com/teamatica on the Microsoft Store for about https://teamatica.org/history-en.txt — it keeps getting rejected due to "10.2.10 Security": I realize this is because I'm not well-known, but how can I build a reputation when it’s impossible? Microsoft blocks the download: Microsoft even prevents it from being opened: Sure, I could provide a step-by-step guide on https://teamatica.org/check-digital-signature-dark-en.gif my app, but, as experience has shown, users don’t trust unfamiliar apps (and rightly so!), because Microsoft has conditioned them for years to avoid running unknown software: "Make sure you trust before you open it" and "Running this app might put your PC at risk". Don't get me wrong: as a regular user, I fully support these security measures because they truly work and help. But as an independent developer, I don’t know what to do :( My app doesn't engage in cryptojacking, doesn't initiate unauthorized network activity, and https://app.any.run/tasks/0faaf878-0f1f-49fc-a6a4-2c197bd9ac48 to users — it doesn't transmit any data to me and/or third parties, doesn't use telemetry and/or monitoring tools, doesn't track actions and/or location, doesn't have built-in diagnostics and/or analytics, doesn't request privilege escalation, doesn't collect statistics and doesn't learn from personal data. My app passes all the necessary https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/wdsi/filesubmission: And I can’t afford an https://ssl.com/faqs/which-code-signing-certificate-do-i-need-ev-ov/ since I’m an individual, not an organization: But my app gets blocked anyway. So... does anyone have any ideas on what I can do in my situation?
Extend Viva Connections with pre-built 3rd party Adaptive cards
Viva Connections is the gateway for the employee experience and provides an extensible platform through the dashboard, where employees can see a targeted list of actionable cards that can connect to Microsoft Teams apps, Viva apps and services, partner apps, and custom solutions using the SharePoint Framework (SPFx) framework, internal links, and external links.Partners cannot access Security and Compliance Center
Partners haven't been able to access the Security and Compliance center on behalf of their clients for almost 18 months now. Last we heard on this was from Scott Landry back in July of 2019, but it's been silence since then. Is anyone on the Security and Compliance team working with the Microsoft Partner Center team on this?? This is the one item that's keeping us from being able to exclusively work from our Delegated Admin accounts. As it stands now we still have to share a generic global admin account with all our employees just so they can manage certain aspects of our client's Office 365 subscription. https://office365.uservoice.com/forums/289138-office-365-security-compliance/suggestions/34423372-allow-partners-to-access-the-security-and-complianMicrosoft Security Product Reviews on Gartner Peer Insights: Give product feedback & get rewarded!
We love hearing more about our customers’ experience with our products! We’re currently working on growing our product reviews of Microsoft Security products on Gartner Peer Insights. We would love for you to participate and share your thoughts, feedback, and experiences using Microsoft Security products to help others in their buying process. To provide feedback on the capabilities of the Microsoft Security products, please click on the link below. You will need to first log in to your Gartner Peer Insights account or take 30 seconds to create a free account. Once you have completed your review, GPI will prompt you to choose a gift card option. Gift cards are valued at $25 USD, and they are available in multiple currencies worldwide. As soon as your review is approved, the card will be made available to you digitally. Microsoft Entra ID Microsoft Defender for Office 365 Microsoft Sentinel Microsoft Purview eDiscovery Each person is limited to one review per product on the above-mentioned site. Only Microsoft customers are eligible to participate. Microsoft partners and MVPs are not eligible. The offer is good only for those who submit a product review on Gartner Peer Insights as linked on this page. Any gift returned as non-deliverable will not be re-sent. Microsoft reserves the right to cancel, change, or suspend this offer at any time without notice. The offer is non-transferable and cannot be combined with any other offer. This offer runs through June 30, 2025, or while supplies last, and is not redeemable for cash. Taxes, if there are any, are the sole responsibility of the recipient. This offer does not apply to customers in Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Sudan, Syria, Region of Crimea, Russia, and China. Please see the below for more information Microsoft Privacy Statement Gartner’s Community Guidelines & Gartner Peer Insights Review Guide
