£24.00 PLUS: The new meeting room technologies that are delivering immersive hybrid experiences Richard Acreman of Reply explains how AI can make a positive social impact Cisco’s new devices for modern workspaces and mobile environments Kim Custeau of AVEVA outlines digital solutions for global mega-challenges Microsoft’s Dayan Rodriguez discusses the future of manufacturing ISSUE 40: SPRING 2026 Mind the gap AI agents introduce new questions about enterprise security. They may help with the answers, too
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5 While applications of generative and agentic AI proliferate among enterprise organisations, data security continues to be a major priority for commercial and civic leaders. More than four of every five Fortune 500 companies already use AI agents that access corporate data and act across business systems, according to Microsoft Copilot Studio data. This introduces new security concerns, from data oversharing to the possibility that agents with too much access may become a vulnerability that those with malicious intent could seek to exploit. While AI agents pose a potential risk to security, they can also be part of the response. Microsoft’s 2026 Data Security Index indicates that 82 per cent of organisations have developed plans to embed generative AI into their data security operations, up from 64 per cent the previous year. The answer to AI risk may lie in a proven strategy: zero trust. According to Microsoft’s vice president of data and AI security Herain Oberoi: “Zero trust means designing systems where nothing is trusted by default, AI behaviour is continuously verified, and observability and risk-based conditional access are implemented from the start.” You can hear more from Herain, and Vasu Jakkal, corporate vice president of Microsoft Security, in our cover story, which begins on page 38. We also find out about the important role that Microsoft partners including Barco, Cisco and Intermedia are playing to protect enterprises from AI risks. If you are heading to the annual Hannover Messe gathering of manufacturers in Germany this April, you may be interested in our look at operational technology security, on page 78. We also speak with Microsoft’s corporate vice president of global manufacturing and mobility, Dayan Rodriguez, about the way ahead for Microsoft, its partners, and their manufacturing customers, on page 30. As always, there’s much more over the following pages too, from new hybrid meeting technology to improved healthcare outcomes. I hope you enjoy the read. ANDY CLAYTON-SMITH: EXECUTIVE EDITOR The A to Z of risk and response WELCOME: SPRING 2026
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7 CONTENTS 38 MIND THE GAP As organisations accelerate deployment of AI agents, appropriate security and governance is required to avoid leaving critical systems and data exposed. We spoke with Microsoft’s Vasu Jakkal and Herain Oberoi to find out more 14 MARKETWATCH The latest news from Microsoft and its partners, including the new Anthropic AI tools added to Microsoft’s Frontier Suite 48 J ames Pearse from Iomart believes zero trust for AI provides a practical foundation for operating securely, at a time when trusting anything digital is becoming increasingly difficult 50 Mishal Makshood highlights the partnership between Microsoft and the Center for Internet Security and how it protects businesses and governments from cyberthreats 52 I ntermedia’s Jonathan McCormick discusses how the company delivers integrated cloud communications, contact centre, compliance and AI capabilities to simplify operations and enhance customer experience 56 Microsoft’s Albert Kooijman and Barco’s Jan van Houtte discuss Barco’s ClickShare Hub and Sennheiser TeamConnect Bar bundles 58 G lobalSign’s Martin Lowry explains how firms can manage identity, risk and regulation 59 Modern working is driving demand for intelligent tools capable of adapting seamlessly to any environment, says Cisco’s Snorre Kjesbu 60 Shure’s Tyler Troutman shares how organisations can deliver reliable, immersive hybrid experiences with automated device monitoring, AI video features and audio solutions 62 Crestron’s intelligent AV and collaboration tools ensure meeting participants stay connected and productivity flows organically 64 Reply’s Richard Acreman shares real-world examples of how AI can make a meaningful difference when grounded in execution and trust 66 Cisco’s Espen Løberg discusses how intuitive, secure technology keeps people connected in modern workspaces and mobile environments 67 Leighton Searle of Cloud Direct is turning AI-driven transformation into practical, deliverable outcomes for businesses ISSUE 40: SPRING 2026
CONTENTS 30 EXECUTIVE INTERVIEW Microsoft’s Dayan Rodriguez shares insights on how AI is shaping the future of manufacturing, and what’s next for the industry 9
10 CONTENTS PUBLIC SECTOR 100 Improving healthcare outcomes with AI Microsoft’s David Rhew discusses how AI technology can help with everything from expediting diagnoses to increasing operational efficiencies 105 Sean Griffin explains how PRATUS can enable public and private sector agencies to work faster together to manage major events FINANCIAL SERVICES INDUSTRIALS & MANUFACTURING 78 From blind spots to boardroom confidence Microsoft’s Indranil Sircar believes OT security will continue to expand as manufacturers adopt more advanced digital technologies, including AI 68 Insurance’s digital colleagues Microsoft’s Jeffery Williams discusses the AI agents reshaping underwriting, claims and actuarial functions, and the impact it has on building continuous insight, human-agent collaboration and trust 74 T he LSEG and Microsoft partnership is focused on transforming workflows, improving compliance and driving innovation across global capital markets 76 S ynergy Technical’s Billy Templeton shares how Microsoft Purview is helping financial institutions strengthen their security and compliance 83 AVEVA’s Rob McGreevy explains how the convergence of IoT, AI and cloud platforms is empowering companies to respond dynamically to shocks 86 A mature operational platform is essential to the success of AI-enabled assets, says Cumulocity’s Juergen Kraemer 88 AVEVA’s Kim Custeau believes organisations can use existing digital solutions to tackle the numerous mega-challenges facing them in 2026
11 RETAIL & CG 106 Accelerating innovation to the shelf Microsoft’s Felice Miller explores how agentic AI is enabling retailers and consumer goods organisations to respond faster to market demand MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS 90 Moving beyond the hype Microsoft’s Simon Crownshaw explains how AI in media is moving beyond pilots to deliver measurable impact 94 Multinational telecommunications company BT Group has transformed meeting spaces with scalable solutions from Huddly 96 AVIXA’s Jenn Heinold looks ahead to InfoComm 2026, where enterprises can explore the technologies and strategies transforming the way organisations work together FEATURED PARTNERS 111 A selection of Microsoft partners operating across all business sectors 116 THE LAST WORD Colin Masson of ARC Advisory Group tells us that manufacturers are no longer experimenting with AI; they are now deploying agentic operations powered by data platforms and sustainable computing
ISSUE 40: SPRING 2026 Executive editor Andy Clayton-Smith Head of editorial Rebecca Gibson Editorial team Alice Chambers, Kasturi Datta, Jacqui Griffiths, Richard Humphreys, Laura Hyde, Alex Smith Production manager Stuart Fairbrother Design Bruce Graham, Libby Sidebotham, Dhanika Vansia Website development Chris Jackson Publication manager Ricky Popat Partner managers James Luscombe, Simon Thompson, Daniel Thurlow, Thomas Wills, Paul Zmija Subscriptions For subscription enquiries, please contact Tudor Rose on subscribe@tudor-rose.co.uk or visit the website www.technologyrecord.com/subscribe Circulation Sophia Brinkley Publisher Toby Ingleton Photography courtesy of contributors, www.istockphoto.com, www.stock.adobe.com, www.unsplash.com and www.pexels.com Business management Rachael Heggs, Richard Pepperman Published by Tudor Rose Tudor House, 6 Friar Lane, Leicester LE1 5RA Tel: +44 116 222 9900 www.tudor-rose.co.uk Technology Record is a quarterly magazine about technology solutions for enterprise organisations, published by Tudor Rose in collaboration with Microsoft. For further information and to subscribe, please visit: www.technologyrecord.com/subscribe Visit www.technologyrecord.com for up-to-date news and articles about Microsoft technology for enterprise businesses, a comprehensive directory of Microsoft partners that provide solutions for enterprise businesses, and to find out more about our printed publications. ISSN 2754-3277 (Print) and 2754-3285 (Online). Printed in Great Britain by Micropress. © 2026 Tudor Rose Holdings Ltd. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be stored or transmitted or reproduced in any form or by any means, including whether by photocopying, scanning, downloading onto computer or otherwise without the prior written permission from Tudor Rose Holdings Ltd. The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners. Views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of Microsoft or the publishers. Acceptance of advertisements does not imply official endorsement of the products or services concerned. While every care has been taken to ensure accuracy of content, no responsibility can be taken for any errors and/or omissions. Readers should take appropriate professional advice before acting on any issue raised herein. The publisher reserves the right to accept or reject advertising material and editorial contributions. The publisher assumes no liability for the return or safety of unsolicited art, photography or manuscripts. Follow Technology Record: ANALYSTS AND INDUSTRY ORGANISATIONS PUBLISHED IN COLLABORATION WITH Microsoft is the world leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realise their full potential.
13 PUBLISHING PARTNERS LSEG (London Stock Exchange Group) is a leading global financial markets infrastructure and data provider, and plays a vital social and economic role in the world’s financial system. Reply specialises in the design and implementation of solutions based on new communication channels and digital media. AVEVA creates industrial software that inspires people to shape the future, by delivering solutions across the asset and operations life cycles. AVIXA is the international trade association for the audiovisual industry, producer of InfoComm trade shows around the world, and co-owner of Integrated Systems Europe. Barco is a global company focused on visualisation, networking and collaboration technology. Its solutions drive advancements in the healthcare, enterprise and entertainment markets. Cisco is revolutionising the way organisations connect and protect in the AI era. For more than 40 years, Cisco has securely connected the world. Cumulocity is a cloud-native artificial intelligence of things platform providing out-of-the-box device connectivity, lifecycle management, and low-code analytics, designed to simplify edge-tocloud integration and accelerate industrial digital transformation. 602X100 Intermedia delivers intelligent cloud communications through an AI-powered unified platform – voice, video, chat, contact centre and more – trusted by more than 150,000 businesses and 7,500 partners worldwide. SPONSORS
14 MARKETWATCH Microsoft has added Anthropic AI technology to the third wave of its Microsoft 365 Copilot products, which include Copilot Cowork – built on top of Anthropic’s AI model Claude – and a new business productivity software bundle called Microsoft 365 E7: The Frontier Suite. The move aims to help organisations run agents in existing workflows giving them a single point from which to govern and secure their AI agents. Copilot Cowork is a new feature within Microsoft 365 Copilot, built in collaboration with Anthropic to help users manage complex, multistep projects by accessing relevant information through Work IQ, which finds patterns and insights from a user’s emails, files, documents, meetings and chats. Copilot Cowork aims to move enterprises beyond prompt-based assistance toward task orchestration. For example, an AI agent could analyse meeting transcripts, draft follow-up documents, compile data from Microsoft Excel files and distribute updates through Microsoft Teams or Outlook without requiring multiple manual prompts. Copilot Cowork is is currently being piloted with select customers. Anthropic’s Claude model is also available across the full Copilot Chat experience, expanding beyond its previous availability in Microsoft’s Researcher and Excel features. This marks Microsoft’s shift to a more flexible approach to powering Copilot, having initially built the platform on OpenAI’s GPT models. The integration of Claude demonstrates Microsoft’s growing commitment to a multi-model AI ecosystem within Copilot. “Working closely with Anthropic, we have integrated the technology behind Claude Cowork into Microsoft 365 Copilot,” said Charles Lamanna, president of business applications and agents at Microsoft. “It is this multimodel advantage that makes Copilot different. Your work is not limited by one brand of models. Copilot hosts the best innovation from across the industry and chooses the right model Microsoft adds AI tech from Anthropic to Microsoft 365 Copilot Tools within Microsoft’s new Frontier Suite provide access to a diverse range of models and solutions
15 for the job regardless of who built it. This is a pattern of work that will only become more powerful as new models and ways of working emerge.” As well as Copilot Cowork, the Frontier Suite combines Microsoft 365 E5, Copilot tools and Agent 365 into one unified solution to help organisations drive productivity and growth with new agentic capabilities. Microsoft 365 E5 provides the latest versions of Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Word, so users can build their own agents with enhanced Copilot chat features and real time AI insights. Meanwhile, Agent 365 gives IT and security teams visibility across the entirety of an organisation from a single point so the activity of agents can be governed as they expand their reach. This builds on Microsoft’s existing security and compliance portfolio and will be generally available from 1 May 2026. Microsoft is keen to expand AI implementation opportunities for its partner ecosystem, many of whom are increasingly positioning agentbased automation as the next step beyond productivity-focused Copilot deployments. “Microsoft is not just imagining the future of AI, we are empowering organisations across industries and around the world to build it,” said Judson Althoff, CEO of commercial business at Microsoft. By combining Copilot, third-party models and agent governance tools in a single suite, Microsoft has positioned Microsoft 365 as a central hub for AI operations, as the race to embed agentdriven AI capabilities into productivity and collaboration platforms continues. “We look forward to the general availability of Microsoft 365 E7 and Microsoft Agent 365,” wrote Nicole Dezen, chief partner officer and corporate vice president global channel partner sales at Microsoft, on LinkedIn. “Every AI journey is unique; customers start from different places, with different goals in mind. Our partners bring deep industry and segment expertise to meet customers where they are, from secure implementation to company-wide agentic capabilities. The Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program is designed to support partners in today’s AI-driven market, equipping them with the tools they need to differentiate themselves with customers and Microsoft sellers.” The new Copilot Cowork feature in Microsoft 365 Copilot is built on Anthropic’s AI model Claude “ Our partners bring deep industry and segment expertise to meet customers where they are, from secure implementation to company-wide agentic capabilities” NICOLE DEZEN, MICROSOFT
16 MARKETWATCH Utimaco ehances data sovereignty with Azure Utimaco’s Enterprise Key Manager as a Service (EKMaaS) is designed for public sector organisations and enterprises carrying out the bring your own key (BYOK) approach to protect their cloud environments. Its integration with Microsoft Azure supports the growing need for organisations using Microsoft to maintain control and more direct ownership over their cryptographic keys. By leveraging enhanced BYOK functionalities, customers can generate, manage and use their own encryption keys within Microsoft’s cloud services. The solution also provides a single, centralised platform for sovereign key management, auditing logs and assisting customers with industry regulation compliance. ESKMaaS is part of Utimaco’s Trust as a Service portfolio, a platform providing access to Utimaco’s cloud-based solutions offering flexible deployment, easy scalability, and a lower total cost of ownership. Utimaco is a key component of the Microsoft Sovereign Cloud Initiative and has been one of Microsoft’s key partners since June 2025 for the provision of external key management solutions to ensure a high level of data sovereignty, security and compliance for highly regulated customers. Atech strengthens Amfresh’s global security with Microsoft 365 and Sentinel Atech, part of the Iomart Group, partnered with global fresh food provider Amfresh to strengthen its security posture across international operations. By enhancing Microsoft 365 security controls and implementing Microsoft Sentinel for 24/7 threat detection and response, Atech delivered centralised visibility and proactive protection at scale. The solution aligned zero-trust principles with intelligent security operations, enabling faster threat identification, improved compliance confidence and a resilient cloud foundation to support continued growth across the business. Watch the full case study: bit.ly/4lzQVfG Photo: Microsoft Photo: Adi Goldstein Built on TSMC’s 3mn Process, Microsoft’s second in-house AI chip Maia 200 delivers 30 per cent more performance per dollar than previous models and outcompetes Amazon and Google’s AI chips with up to three times better performance delivery.
17 Appspace integration with Microsoft Places makes workplace spaces easier to find and book Appspace has expanded its integration with Microsoft Places to help organisations make workplace information easier to access and use. Wayfinding tools and space reservation features help employees to navigate offices, reserve desks and book rooms. Visitor management capabilities enable organisations to track when guests check in and out, and workplace insights provide data on how spaces are being used. “Microsoft Places helps organisations understand and coordinate how physical spaces are used,” said Brennan McReynolds, strategy and partnerships lead for Microsoft Places. “Working with partners like Appspace extends that information into shared environments, making it easier for people to access workplace details as they move through offices and campuses.” CIS adds over 75 Microsoft integrations to its Hardened Images portfolio The Center for Internet Security (CIS) has expanded its CIS Hardened Images portfolio, adding more than 75 new images aligned with the Microsoft Intelligent Security Association to support secure deployments on Microsoft Azure. The expansion deepens CIS’s integration with Microsoft security solutions, giving organisations faster access to secure virtual machine images aligned to the CIS Benchmarks and designed to protect cloud workloads from day one. Available through Azure Marketplace, CIS Hardened Images help reduce configuration drift, streamline compliance efforts and accelerate secure cloud adoption across a wide range of operating systems. It is designed to help organisations protect critical workloads at scale. Learn more at: cisecurity/org/cis-hardenedimages Photo: iStock/ jacoblund Q-SYS expands its portfolio of certified Teams solutions Specialists in audio, video and control solutions, Q-SYS has added the Q-SYS Core 24F Processor and Q-SYS VisionSuite VSA-100 AI accelerator to its portfolio of solutions certified for Teams. Core 24F combines network input/ output (I/O) capability with onboard I/O and robust processing to support organisations in running highperformance workplaces. Core 24F is designed to support advanced audio and video applications – including spatial audio – and control workflows across Microsoft Teams Rooms. VSA-100 combines computer visionbased scene analysis with audio-based camera switching to deliver automatic presenter tracking during meetings. The result is a more inclusive and engaging environment for in-room and remote participants. “We are proud to add these latest Q-SYS innovations to our certified for Teams portfolio, giving end users more flexibility and choice as they design high-performance workplaces,” says Nathan Glotfelty, senior director of alliances for QSC and Acuity Intelligent Spaces.
19 Barco sets new benchmark with Teams-certified wireless room system bundles Barco has reached a strategic milestone with the launch of its first wireless ClickShare Hub room system bundles, developed in partnership with Sennheiser and certified for Microsoft Teams. As one of the first wireless room systems built on the Microsoft Device Ecosystem Platform (MDEP), the ClickShare Hub Core pairs with Sennheiser TeamConnect Bar S – for small rooms – and the ClickShare Hub Pro with TeamConnect Bar M for medium-sized rooms. The Teams certification positions ClickShare as a trusted and secure solution for meeting spaces. Concentrix launches D365 Contact Center performance programme Concentrix has introduced the D365 Contact Center Performance Program to help enterprises close the gap between technology investment and real operational impact. Built on Dynamics 365 Contact Center, the programme unifies platform modernisation, AI embedded operations and disciplined runtime governance to deliver performance at scale. Designed for complex, regulated environments, the programme replaces fragmented legacy architectures with a Microsoft native foundation purpose-built for AI enabled execution. Through agentic workflows, operational observability and enterprise grade managed services, organisations can reduce risk, accelerate time to value and confidently scale automation. The result is predictable performance, resilient operations and measurable outcomes that sustain value as service demands and AI adoption continue to grow. The D365 Contact Center Performance Program is available now. Shure’s new all-in-one IntelliMix Bar Pro simplifies meetings for medium to large spaces by combining audio and video in a single device. Built on MDEP, the bar features four 4K cameras with AI-powered face framing, multiple Microflex microphones that reduce background noise and isolate voices, and stereo speakers for clear, immersive sound. High-quality audio supports precise transcriptions for AI tools like Microsoft Copilot in Teams, while an onboard computer system makes setup simple for IT teams. Find out more from Shure’s Tyler Troutman on page 60 Shure launches all-in-one meeting bar for smarter collaboration It’s been 25 years since Microsoft launched SharePoint, in March 2001. The collaborative platform has transformed how organisations connect on a global scale and more than 1 billion people now rely on it to store work and turn ideas into impact. DID YOU KNOW? Photo: Shure Photo: Barco MARKETWATCH
20 MARKETWATCH Crestron has launched five new products to simplify meeting room technology, enhance user experiences and support AI at the edge. Here’s a closer look: AutoMeasure uses computer vision to speed up multi-camera system setup prior to meetings. Collab Compute tackles hybrid meeting challenges like inconsistent experiences and limited peripheral support and improves meeting quality. 80 Series Touch Screens unify scheduling, communications and room control. The 1 Beyond i12D camera provides professional-grade video without multi-camera complexity. DM NAX Intelligent Audio ensures consistent, AI-ready audio across room types. Five new Crestron solutions for smarter meeting rooms 1 2 3 5 4 Read more about these products and how they help to deliver smarter, more reliable meeting spaces on page 62 University of Manchester rolls out Microsoft 356 Copilot to students and staff As part of an initiative to equip students with the skills needed to succeed in an AI-driven society, University of Manchester will deploy Microsoft’s Copilot suite of tools across the entirety of the institution, making it the first in the world to do so. This deployment will help the university reach beyond improved teaching and learning and support its researchers as well, building on the university’s existing AI applications including advancing breast cancer treatment, transforming crop productivity and improving menopause care. Trusted Tech Alliance formed to strengthen global digital infrastructure An alliance between Microsoft and 14 other technology firms from across the globe was formed at the Munich Security Conference on 13 February 2026, with the shared goal of putting principles in place for the delivery of secure and reliable technology for customers and governments amidst growing geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions. The alliance has brought together key players in connectivity, cloud and AI. The founding members are Microsoft, Anthropic, Amazon Web Services, Cassava Technologies, Cohere, Ericsson, Google Cloud, Hanwha, Jio Platforms, Nokia, Nscale, NTT, Rapidus, Saab and SAP. “It is critical that like-minded companies work together to protect security and advance high global standards to preserve trust in technology across borders,” said Brad Smith, vice chair and president of Microsoft.
21 Post-quantum encryption could strain global internet traffic, warns GlobalSign The shift to post-quantum cryptography could pose major challenges for any organisation with a website. Only around 60 per cent of internet traffic is currently encrypted using the cryptographic protocol Transport Layer Security (TLS), according to Arvid Vermote, chief information security officer at GlobalSign. Future quantumsafe encryption will rely on TLS 3, which is designed to support quantum-resistant encryption and key exchange. The catch with post-quantum certificates is their size. Today’s standard certificates range from 500 bytes to 2 kilobytes (KB), but post-quantum certificates start at 17KB. Multiplied across billions of daily web sessions, this could dramatically increase global internet traffic. Vermote warns that new algorithms must be approved and standardised to let websites adopt quantum-safe encryption without compromising speed or security. Learn more from Vermote on this topic in his episode ‘How is Q-Day Already Rewriting the Rules to Digital Trust?’ on GlobalSign’s Trust. ID Talk podcast: bit.ly/40q7cdp Photo: Microsoft Microsoft has recognised Synergy Technical’s expertise in deploying Microsoft 365 Copilot for its customers with the Copilot Advanced Specialization award. The designation validates Synergy Technical’s ability to help organisations adopt AI securely, align Copilot deployments with governance and compliance requirements, and integrate AI into everyday business workflows. Earning this specialisation places Synergy Technical among a select group of Microsoft partners with proven technical capability and customer success in enterprise AI adoption, reinforcing its role as a trusted advisor for firms navigating AI transformation. Synergy Technical recognised for enterprise AI expertise Cumulocity strengthens Microsoft collaboration for cyber resilience Cumulocity has strengthened its collaboration with Microsoft to help manufacturers develop secure connected products and prepare for the European Union’s Cyber Resilience Act (CRA). The companies are extending the integration between Cumulocity’s Artificial Intelligence of Things platform and Microsoft technologies to support device security, vulnerability management and global regulatory compliance for connected product fleets. The collaboration includes a reference design, pre-integrated solution components and a CRA readiness assessment service that provides manufacturers with a compliance roadmap, helping them identify risks, secure devices and modernise connected product infrastructure. Photo: ThisisEngineering
23 MARKETWATCH Huddly has developed a complete multicamera system which utilises AI-driven video and audio, enabling organisations to deliver effective, engaging and seamless collaboration experiences. Flexible and modular, Huddly C1 Crew pairs the Huddly C1 videobar with two Huddly Crew Add-On Cameras to offer both multi-camera and single-camera framing in one system. C1 Crew, which is available now, works out of the box with Microsoft Teams and other mainstream collaboration platforms. Existing C1 users can expand with a software update and the addition of Crew Add-On Cameras. Reply, in collaboration with Microsoft and the International Tennis Federation (ITF), developed Match Insights, a real-time analytics solution powered by Microsoft Azure Data and AI for the Billie Jean King Cup by Gainbridge. The platform processes live match data from high-speed cameras and on-court systems to deliver actionable insights for coaches and players in real time without causing delays. Supporting prematch preparation, in-game tactical decisions and post-match analysis, the solution enhances performance through data-driven intelligence. Integration with Microsoft Copilot enables natural language queries, making advanced analytics more accessible and impactful throughout the tournament. Reply and Microsoft serve real-time analytics for Billie Jean King Cup Intermedia brings smarter communications to dealerships with Reynolds & Reynolds integration Intermedia Intelligent Communications has expanded its Auto Dealership Communications Solution with a new integration that connects directly to dealership software provider Reynolds & Reynolds’ dealership management and customer relationship management systems. The integration enables dealerships to link every call, message and interaction to customer and vehicle data, giving sales and service teams instant access to the information they need. Staff can respond faster to enquiries, offer personalised service and track interactions across the customer journey, helping dealerships improve both efficiency and customer satisfaction. The solution is delivered through Intermedia Unite, the company’s unified communications platform with built-in contact centre capabilities, or through Intermedia Contact Centre as a standalone offering. Huddly C1 Crew brings multi-camera to medium-sized meeting rooms Photo: Adobe Stock/RomanR
24 MARKETWATCH The Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 team will use Azure’s AI-powered tools to analyse speed, design and performance data while ensuring all car developments meet F1’s sporting and technical rules. “This partnership puts Microsoft’s cloud and enterprise AI technologies at the heart of racing performance, where milliseconds matter and data determined outcomes,” said Judson Althoff, CEO of Microsoft commercial business. Each car carries more than 400 sensors and generates over 1.1 million data points per second on tyre wear, aerodynamics and track conditions. With Microsoft’s technology, the team can monitor and record large amounts of data more effectively and make quicker data-driven decisions, especially during races when choices often need to be made within a fraction of a second. Microsoft to provide cloud and AI for Mercedes F1 Photo: Microsoft Photo: Microsoft The National Health Service (NHS) in the UK has implemented a new AI clinical assistant designed to accurately capture conversions, enabling doctors to spend more time listening to patients and less time carrying out administrative tasks. Microsoft Dragon Copilot records patient-doctor consultations, creating a detailed transcript that includes important details doctors might not otherwise have had the typing speed to note down during the conversation. It then generates clinical summaries and drafts the necessary documents and letters for clinicians to review, edit and sign off. Dr Rachel Hilton, a consultant nephrologist (kidney specialist) at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust in London estimates Dragon Copilot is saving about two hours a week in admin, time she can now spend offering her patients and the hospital better quality of service. The technology, which is fully compliant with NHS England Ambient Voice Technology standards, is also encouraging doctors and clinicians to be more precise and thorough in their consultations, saying things out loud that might otherwise remain unsaid for the benefit of the recording. “Dragon Copilot could and should be used by all healthcare professionals – this includes all doctors, not just consultants but nurse practitioners and allied health professionals such as speech therapists, physiotherapists and occupational therapists,” said Dr Simon Wallace, chief clinical information officer at Microsoft UK & Ireland. “We started by using the quill, then the pen, then typing hunched over a keyboard. Now clinicians are being liberated to use their voice as the ‘smart’ tool to record patient interactions and engage with the electronic patient record.” AI assistant gives UK doctors more time to listen to patients
25 The United States Coast Guard has selected PRATUS Enterprise, a cloud-based, all-hazards platform built within the Microsoft 365 ecosystem, to modernise incident action planning and operational coordination. Powered by Microsoft Azure Government and Commercial clouds, PRATUS is designed to support government and public sector organisations, critical infrastructure operators, energy providers and global enterprises operating in complex, high-risk environments. The platform is scalable, supporting both day-to-day operations and largescale emergency response across incidents of varying size and scope. Natively integrated into Microsoft Teams, PRATUS enables users to bring personnel, data and decisionmaking into a single shared operational view. This allows teams to coordinate within a familiar interface while maintaining a secure and authoritative source of information. The platform is designed to be input-agnostic, drawing data from more than 1,000 authoritative sources, including live feeds, historical records and organisational documents. It processes these datasets into incidentspecific intelligence, with the aim of reducing data silos and delivering actionable insight. By combining artificial intelligence with human input, PRATUS supports earlier risk identification, readiness assessment and operational decision-making. PRATUS also provides real-time situational awareness through geospatial visualisation powered by Esri. Operational data, including weather conditions, infrastructure status, resource locations and ongoing activities, is displayed on an interactive map, enabling users to assess and manage incidents within a single interface. Layered map views allow teams to evaluate evolving conditions and coordinate resources geographically, while shared displays ensure that internal and external stakeholders are working from the same information. “By combining AI driven insights with geospatial intelligence, PRATUS helps teams see what matters most, when it matters most, supporting faster, more confident decisions in complex scenarios,” said Roger Coleman, president and co-founder of PRATUS. PRATUS Enterprise is available through the Microsoft Commercial Marketplace, allowing organisations to deploy operational awareness and coordination capabilities within existing cloud environments. As an all-hazards platform with native Microsoft Teams integration, it is designed to unify preparedness, response and training within a single operational system. U.S. Coast Guard selects PRATUS all-hazards platform
26 MARKETWATCH: EVENTS Hannover Messe will take place under the theme ‘Think tech forward’ to focus on how digital technologies are reshaping industrial production at scale. The show will explore how AI, cloud, data and automation are moving from strategy plans into real-world industrial applications. Brazil, the partner country for 2026, will showcase its growing role in digitalisation, innovation and sustainability, highlighting how emerging markets are using technology to drive industrial competitiveness. “This partnership represents a historic opportunity for the Brazilian industry to present to the world its innovative, sustainable and competitive potential,” said Jorge Viana, president of the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency. The event’s Center Stage programme will bring together 80 speakers from across industry, academia and politics to explore the technologies shaping the future of manufacturing. Confirmed speakers include Cedrik Neike, executive board member and CEO of Digital Industries at Siemens, who will demonstrate how AI is already delivering measurable gains in competitiveness, sustainability and resilience; Amy Webb, futurologist and CEO of the Future Today Institute, who will examine how AI, new data economies and global risk dynamics will influence industry over the next decade; and Julie Sweet, chair and CEO of Accenture, who will focus on why technologies such as AI, cloud and data only deliver lasting value when paired with innovation-led cultures and strong talent strategies. Hannover Messe will also debut a new thematic and site concept, designed to make it easier for visitors to navigate the technologies driving industrial transformation. Three core exhibition areas – automation and digitalisation, energy and industrial infrastructure, and research and technology transfer – will connect solutions across the industrial value chain. Plus, a new Defense Production Area will provide a dedicated platform for manufacturers and suppliers involved in securityrelevant production, reflecting growing demand for resilient and scalable industrial capabilities. More than 1,600 organisations will exhibit at the event, spanning mechanical engineering, electrical engineering and energy. Microsoft will be among the exhibitors, alongside key partners including Accenture, AVEVA, Dell Technologies, Infosys, Nvidia, Schneider Electric and Siemens, offering attendees insight into how the Microsoft partner ecosystem is supporting industrial innovation through cloud, AI and data platforms. 20-24 April | Hanover, Germany Hannover Messe 2026: delivering energy efficiency, lower emissions and strong economic results
28 - 29 May 2026 La Llotja de Mar, Barcelona A destination event designed for insurance leaders who want depth, clarity, and real connection The Art of Innovation Where creativity meets capability PAN-EUROPEAN INSURTECH IN ONE PLACE Meet carriers, startups, investors, MGAs, brokers, and global tech leaders shaping Europe’s insurance ecosystem. INNOVATIVE FORMATS. ICONIC BARCELONA. Startup competitions, labs, workshops, and roundtables, all in an inspiring setting built for collaboration. DIRECT ACCESS TO SENIOR LEADERS A curated, executive-level audience designed for meaningful connections, not crowded halls. WHY ATTEND? World-class speakers 60+ Industry leaders from across Europe 650+ Meetings expected 3,254 • Strategy & Leadership • Operating Models & Execution • Regulation • Risk & Resilience • Technology & Data Distribution • Brand, Customer, Startup & Venture Innovation 6 KEY THEMES Visit our website to find out more about the event and see ticket information europe.insuretechconnect.com By registering now you will secure the best discount available, as prices will increase as we approach the event.
28 MARKETWATCH: EVENTS DATES FOR YOUR DIARY NAB Show 18-21 April 2026 Las Vegas, Nevada, USA www.nabshow.com ARC Europe Forum 4-6 May 2026 Barcelona, Spain www.arcweb-europe.com TechEx North America 18-19 May 2026 San Jose, California, USA techexevent.com/northamerica 5-7 May | Cologne, Germany European Collaboration Summit 2026: the world’s largest Microsoft 365 conference The European Collaboration Summit will focus on modern work solutions. Event organisers expect to host more than 3,000 attendees, over 40 Microsoft executives, and more than 90 sponsors and exhibitors. The conference will offer more than 150 sessions – including panel discussions and oneto-one sessions – delivered by over 120 speakers from Microsoft and other businesses. Key topics will include Microsoft 365 Copilot and AI agents, SharePoint and Viva, advanced Teams features, and Microsoft 365 security, compliance and governance. InfoComm 2026: exploring how the AV industry is driving modern connectivity InfoComm will focus on the evolution of applied audiovisual (AV) integration in both professional and creative environments, and provide attendees with access to new technology and the manufacturers behind it. With over 30,000 AV professionals from 95 countries, attendees can choose from several expert-led sessions including ‘Live Event Video Production Best Practices’, ‘Enterprise AV Deployment at Scale’, ‘Reimagining Video Editing Workflows with AI Tools’ and ‘Remote Production: Essential Tools and Techniques’. More than 750 exhibiting companies, such as Huddly, Q-SYS, Sennheiser and Shure, will present their solutions across AV industry sectors such as digital signage, broadcast AV, conferencing and collaboration. Guests can also participate in Certified Technology Specialist courses led by AV industry specialists. There are several courses available to choose from including ‘Applied Monitoring for AV Systems’, ‘Networking Technology for AV Professionals’, ‘AI in the AV Industry: Foundations’ and ‘Applications and Impact and Digital Signage’. 13-19 June | Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
Q-SYS Full Stack AV Platform Changing the Game ©2025 QSC, LLC all rights reserved. Q-SYS is part of QSC, LLC. QSC, LLC’s trademarks include but are not limited to Q-SYS™, Q-SYS logo, and all trademarks are listed under www.qsys.com/trademarks, some of which are registered in the U.S. and/or other countries. The Q-SYS Full Stack AV Platform empowers your organization to create high-performance workplaces by delivering data-driven experiences across the enterprise. Its unified architecture enables organizations to adapt technology as needs evolve, ensuring reliability and scalability across diverse environments. With intelligent processing, seamless device integration, and advanced cloud management, Q-SYS delivers flexible solutions that enhance communication, engagement, and operational efficiency—making every corner of the workplace smarter and more connected. Reshape Workplace Experiences
30 Challenging the status quo Microsoft’s Dayan Rodriguez outlines how AI is shaping the future of manufacturing Nearly three in every four enterprise businesses are planning to deploy agentic AI within the next two years, according to Deloitte’s 2026 The State of AI in the Enterprise report. Adoption of physical AI is expected to reach 80 per cent in the same timeframe, with manufacturing, logistics and defence leading the way. At the Hannover Messe 2026 event, more than 4,000 companies will highlight how cloud and AI is driving measurable performance across factories, supply chains and mobility networks. For Dayan Rodriguez, corporate vice president of global manufacturing and mobility at Microsoft, this is the moment to move from traditional methods to AI-driven, scalable and autonomous operations. We spoke with him to find out more. Tell us about your professional background and what drew you to Microsoft. I began my career with degrees in engineering and programming, working on systems that had to perform on factory floors under pressure. Over time I moved into product management, general management, and profit and loss leadership. At Rockwell Automation, I led global businesses across the industrial internet of things (IIoT), cloud, cybersecurity, and the convergence of IT and operational technology. Later, I served as global vice president and general manager within Honeywell Industrial Automation, accountable for growth, operational execution and financial performance. What shaped me most was spending time in factories with operators and plant managers who expected technology to improve safety, quality, throughput and cost. In industrial automation, ideas only matter if they deliver measurable impact on a production line. That grounding has stayed with me throughout my career. Today, I lead AI transformation with customers and partners. As a sales leader on the industry side at Microsoft, my focus is on advancing agentic AI, robotics capabilities and autonomous driving technologies across manufacturing and mobility sectors, which have customers and partners with a range of priorities on innovation. I came to Microsoft in 2024 because it combines global scale, a secure cloud platform and advanced AI in a way that can accelerate industry transformation at a pace we have not seen before. I’m privileged and honoured to work with a talented team who thrive on innovating, collaborating and challenging the status quo. How does your background in industrial automation help drive value for Microsoft in manufacturing? My experience allows me to connect strategy to operational execution. At Rockwell Automation and Honeywell, I carried responsibility for margins, delivery and growth. I understand how technology decisions affect both financial outcomes and operational performance. This unlock has been key for my professional development. In my current role, I push our teams and our customers to deliver AI impact through return on investment (ROI) within six months. That means moving quickly from use case prioritisation to tangible results. We focus on AI and cloud capabilities to fuel BY ANDY CLAYTON-SMITH EXECUTIVE INTERVIEW
“ Agentic AI becomes powerful when leaders clearly define intent and constraints” 31
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agentic AI, robotics and autonomous driving solutions that reduce downtime, improve asset utilisation, strengthen cybersecurity and unlock new revenue streams. Manufacturers measure success in overall equipment effectiveness, safety metrics and profitability. Our strategy has to show progress in those areas within a defined period. Our mobility capabilities with AI have changed the game with automakers and it’s exhilarating to see value unlocked. What separates leaders who turn disruption into advantage, from those who fall behind? Leaders who succeed stay curious and decisive. They remain close to their teams and customers, and they test new technologies against operational data instead of protecting legacy systems. During the Industry 4.0 shift at Rockwell Automation and the digital acceleration at Honeywell, and now at Microsoft, I’ve witnessed leaders create advantage by linking innovation directly to financial and operational goals. They were willing to act before everything was perfectly defined, and they created clarity around priorities so teams could move with confidence. Those who waited for complete certainty often lost momentum. The same dynamic is playing out with agentic AI that soon evolves to physical AI, as we recently experienced this year at CES in Las Vegas, USA, and soon at Hannover Messe in Germany. Leaders who align technology adoption to measurable outcomes will move ahead, and quickly. As AI gets deployed, what mindset do executives need to truly unlock business value? Executives need to treat AI as an operational capability embedded in daily workflows. In manufacturing and mobility at Microsoft, we start with defined outcomes such as safer EXECUTIVE INTERVIEW “ The mindset shift is from exploring possibilities to executing against clear business objectives” Wayve has used Microsoft Azure to build an AI-powered driver that can be installed into any new car 33
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operations, higher quality, faster cycle times and lower maintenance costs. Agentic AI becomes powerful when leaders clearly define intent and constraints, and the system executes with speed and consistency. Robotics and autonomous driving technologies follow the same pattern. When AI is integrated into scheduling, maintenance, logistics and mobility operations, it shifts from an interesting technology to a performance driver. The mindset shift is from exploring possibilities to executing against clear business objectives. What are the most promising and practical AI applications in manufacturing today? The strongest use cases link digital intelligence directly to physical systems. For example, computer vision can guide robotic systems and detect defects instantly, while agentic AI optimises production schedules across multiple facilities. Autonomous driving technologies enhance safety and efficiency in industrial yards and fleet operations, and AI systems capture the expertise of experienced technicians, scaling knowledge across the workforce. Because I have led IIoT and cybersecurity portfolios, I understand the complexity of legacy infrastructure and fragmented data environments. At Microsoft, we bring together cloud, AI and security to unify those systems and enable co-ordinated decision-making across plants and fleets. That integration reduces cost, increases resilience and creates new service opportunities. The opportunity is to convert top AI use cases into ROI efficiently and effectively. How would you describe the partner community in industrials and manufacturing, and where is it adding the most value? Industrial transformation depends on collaboration. From my experience, the strongest results come from co-ordinated ecosystems of original equipment manufacturers, system integrators and technology innovators. The future favours Rodriguez (centre) with Bosch’s Tanya Rueckert (left) and Paul Thomas at CES 2026, announcing their joint work on agentic AI for production 35 EXECUTIVE INTERVIEW
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