The Record

The best of enterprise technology on the Microsoft Platform

Spring 2017

Editor: Lindsay James
Publication manager: Andy Clayton-Smith

The Spring 2017 issue of The Record is out now, providing you with everything you need to know about enterprise technology on the Microsoft platform.

The volume of data available to businesses is doubling in size every two years, according to IDC. What’s more, by 2020 the digital universe will reach 44 zettabytes, or 44 trillion gigabytes. Those enterprises that are taking advantage of the immense opportunities that access to this information brings, are reaping significant rewards. This is something that we explore in the cover story for this issue, where we find out how companies like Rolls Royce, Meijer, RAC and JustGiving are using data to great effect.

The theme continues throughout the magazine. In the communications and media section, Microsoft’s Dario Scacciati explains how data is providing broadcasters with actionable insight that directly impacts advertising revenue, yield optimisation, scheduling, planning, content creation and content acquisition. And in the financial services section, Katie DeGraaf from Willis Towers Watson tells us how insurance companies are leveraging analytics in their telematics programmes.

Elsewhere in this issue, our bumper manufacturing section covers many of the biggest developments impacting the industry today, including the internet of things, Industry 4.0, product lifecycle management and the cloud. And in our upfront section you can read about how Microsoft’s Women in Business and Technology initiative is helping female professionals reach their full potential in the IT industry, plus why GCI is comparing many enterprises’ reluctance to change network providers or technology partners, to staying in an unhappy marriage.

We also have the usual mix of executive interviews, thought leadership, case studies and news.

There’s plenty more too – enjoy the issue!

Magazine highlights

The data revolution has begun

How advances in data analytics and machine learning are changing the way companies operate

Marketwatch

The latest news from Microsoft and its partners

Championing women in technology

Dawn Conner explains Microsoft’s Women in Business and Technology initiative

Opening the door to vendor efficiency

The benefits of integrated electronic invoicing processes, according to Alyssa Putzer from Metafile Information Systems

The business risks of an unhappy marriage

Mike Constantine from GCI discusses the reluctance from businesses to change network providers

Effective collaboration requires a plan

Ian McNeice from Morgan & Wolfe explains how to get the most out of an Office 365 collaboration strategy

Turn technical objectives into business value

Unified communications in the cloud

Jon Seddon from GCI outlines the benefits of the cloud

The growing need for security intelligence

Data modernisation: all in the mind?

Ed Airey from Micro Focus asks whether businesses are under-using something they already have

Industry highlights

Communications and Media

Exponential technology advances, greater consumer power and increased competition are putting huge pressure on traditional comms and media companies who are having to adapt and change at a phenomenal rate to guarantee their survival.

In this issue, Rikke Helms tells us about the pioneers in the telco industry who are adopting Microsoft Office 365 to help them transform into digital service providers. Meanwhile, Dario Scacciati explains how the Microsoft Cortana Analytics Suite can help broadcasters to better reap the rewards of their digital vision. Plus, don’t miss our in depth look at how Warner Brothers leveraged Microsoft solutions to ensure a hitch-free premiere of the Batman v Superman movie

Download a PDF of the Communications and Media services section of the Spring 2017 issue of The Record magazine.

Know your audience

Microsoft’s Dario Scacciati explains how the Microsoft Cortana Analytics Suite is benefitting broadcasters

The telco transformation

Microsoft’s Rikke Helms discusses telco providers’ need to go digitale

Financial Services

I’m proud of how much Microsoft has achieved with its digital transformation vision. This has been especially the case in the financial services sector, where pioneers are leading the way using innovative technologies to deliver new client value and connected experiences, helping them to thrive in the digital age.

I provide more insight into the digital transformation that is happening in the sector in the following pages. Elsewhere in this section, you can also find out how insurers are harnessing the power of analytics; discover how Microsoft and Temenos are taking advantage of the cloud to deliver a more effective and cost-efficient screening solution; and more.

Download a PDF of the Financial Services services section of the Spring 2017 issue of The Record magazine.

Transforming financial services

We learn from Satya Nadella and Karen Cone about the impact that Microsoft’s digital transformation strategy is having on banks and insurers

Driving digital transformation

Wim Geukens from Veripark discusses the next wave of developments in financial services

Staying safe in the cloud

Barracuda’s Chris Hill says security is more important than ever

Manufacturing and Resources

The impact of new technologies on the manufacturing industry is quite phenomenal, and this is especially the case in the automotive sector. Here, leading carmakers are ploughing their efforts into a new connected car vision – and for good reason: Gartner expects one in five vehicles to have some sort of wireless network connection by 2020. And Accenture’s 2016 Connected Vehicle Survey found that over 14,000 consumers across five continents are now looking for new models with connected technologies integrated as standard.

Find out more about Microsoft’s involvement in the connected car movement in the following pages. You’ll also find a wide variety of case studies, viewpoints, interviews and more tackling the biggest issues in manufacturing today.

Download a PDF of the manufacturing section of the Spring 2017 issue of The Record magazine.

Shift and engage

Microsoft’s Rohit Bhargava and Vijitha Chekuri discuss the connected car

The modern field engineer

Observations from HPE ES’s Keith Hudgell and Jacques Spee

Analyse to prioritise

Chris Braisby and Martin Clothier of Columbus discuss how analytics can make a difference

Public Sector

Potential security breaches are an essential consideration for any organisation rolling out innovative new digital services, and the public sector must lead by example. Unfortunately, however, traditional security measures, built using boundaries that relied solely on firewalls and reactive auditing, are now obsolete.

In the following pages, Kris Teutsch tells us how Microsoft is helping its public safety and national security customers tackle cybercrime and Anthony Salcito explains how technology is enabling the educators of tomorrow. We also look back at the recent Smart City Expo in Barcelona and find out what attendees can expect from the upcomingSmart Cities event in New York.

Download a PDF of the Public Sector services section of the Spring 2017 issue of The Record magazine.

Stay safe, stay secure

Kris Teutsch discusses how Microsoft is helping clients fight cybersecurity threats

Empowering educators

Microsoft’s Anthony Salcito explains how educators must embrace technology

Smart City Expo World Congress

What to expect from the upcoming event

Retail and Hospitality

As shopping habits have evolved, so has the need for modern point of sale (POS) systems. These systems must support multiple payment methods and the omnichannel system that connects retailers’ digital and physical channels. In this issue, Brendan O’Meara tells us how Microsoft is empowering retailers across the globe, enabling them to deliver a friction-free, end-to-end shopping experience that delights the customer with relevant and personal engagement.

Also in this issue, we find out what to expect from the upcoming RBTE event and also discover how Microsoft Azure, Office 365 and Windows 10 are helping Mars to mobilise employees and foster real-time collaboration among its 80,000 employees worldwide.

Download a PDF of the Retail and Hospitality services section of the Spring 2017 issue of The Record magazine.