Microsoft Mechanics Podcast

Microsoft Mechanics Podcast

Streamline your entire data workflow, from real-time change capture to querying across cloud and on-prem databases, without complex migrations or code changes using SQL Server 2025. This adds deep AI integration with built-in vector search and DiskANN optimizations, plus native support for large object JSON and new Change Event Streaming for live data updates. Join and analyze data faster with the Lakehouse shortcuts in Microsoft Fabric that unify multiple databases—across different SQL Server versions, clouds, and on-prem—into a single, logical schema without moving data. Build...

Microsoft Mechanics Podcast

Build and run your AI apps and agents at scale with Azure. Orchestrate multi-agent apps and high-scale inference solutions using open-source and proprietary models, no infrastructure management needed. With Azure, connect frameworks like Semantic Kernel to models from DeepSeek, Llama, OpenAI’s GPT-4o, and Sora, without provisioning GPUs or writing complex scheduling logic. Just submit your prompt and assets, and the models do the rest. Using Azure’s Model as a Service, access cutting-edge models, including brand-new releases like DeepSeek R1 and Sora, as managed APIs with autoscaling and...

Microsoft Mechanics Podcast

Create fine-tuned, task-specific models that write like you by teaching models using expert knowledge, tone, and structure - with reference information directly attached to the models themselves using Microsoft 365 Copilot Tuning. Fine-tuning adds new skills to foundational models, simulating experience in the tasks you teach the model to do. This complements Retrieval Augmented Generation, which in real-time uses search to find related information, then add that to your prompts for context. Fine-tuning helps ensure that responses meet your quality expectations for specific repeatable tasks,...

Microsoft Mechanics Podcast

Manage the rise of generative AI across your organization using the Copilot Control System in Microsoft 365. Control who can find, use, and create agents, define permissions, approve or block agent deployments, and configure billing models including pay-as-you-go or prepaid options. Get detailed visibility into how agents are used, which users and groups are driving consumption, and how much they’re costing you. With Microsoft Purview integration, monitor for sensitive data exposure, track compliance risks, and audit agent activity to stay secure and aligned with your organization’s data...

Microsoft Mechanics Podcast

Stay in control as GenAI adoption accelerates across your organization using Data Security Posture Management for AI in Microsoft Purview. With built-in visibility into how AI apps and agents interact with sensitive data—whether inside Microsoft 365 or across unmanaged consumer tools—you can detect risks early, take decisive action, and enforce the right protections without slowing innovation. Monitor usage trends, investigate prompts and responses, and respond to potential data oversharing or policy violations in real time. From compliance-ready audit logs to adaptive data protection,...

Microsoft Mechanics Podcast

Unify and secure your data—no matter where it lives—without sacrificing control using OneLake security, part of Microsoft Fabric. With granular permissions down to the row, column, and table level, you can confidently manage access across engines like Power BI, Spark, and T-SQL, all from one place. Discover, label, and govern your data with clarity using the integrated OneLake catalog that surfaces the right items fast. Aaron Merrill, Microsoft Fabric Principal Program Manager, shows how you can stay in control, from security to discoverability—owning, sharing, and protecting data on...

Microsoft Mechanics Podcast

Streamline your day with new, user-focused updates to Microsoft 365 Copilot. Jump into work faster with a redesigned layout that puts Chat, Search, and your agents front and center. New Copilot Search lets you yse natural language to find files, emails, and conversations—even if you don’t remember exact keywords—and get instant summaries and previews without switching apps. Create high-impact visuals, documents, and videos in seconds with the new Copilot Create experience, complete with support for brand templates. Tap into powerful agents like Researcher and Analyst to handle deep tasks...

Microsoft Mechanics Podcast

Stay in control with Microsoft Defender. You can identify which AI apps and cloud services are in use across your environment, evaluate their risk levels, and allow or block them as needed—all from one place. Whether it's a sanctioned tool or a shadow AI app, you're equipped to set the right policies and respond fast to emerging threats. Defender XDR gives you the visibility to track complex attack paths—linking signals across endpoints, identities, and cloud apps. Investigate real-time alerts, protect sensitive data from misuse in AI tools like Copilot, and enforce controls even for...

Microsoft Mechanics Podcast

Protect your Microsoft 365 data and stay in control with Microsoft 365 Backup —whether managing email, documents, or sites across Exchange, OneDrive, and SharePoint. Define exactly what you want to back up and restore precisely what you need to with speeds reaching 2TB per hour at scale. With flexible policies, dynamic rules, and recovery points up to 365 days back, you can stay resilient and ready. Jeremy Chapman, Director on the Microsoft 365 product team, shares how to minimize disruption and keep your organization moving forward with Microsoft 365 Backup. QUICK LINKS:  - Automate...

Microsoft Mechanics Podcast

Use Microsoft Purview and Microsoft 365 Copilot together to build a secure, enterprise-ready foundation for generative AI. Apply existing data protection and compliance controls, gain visibility into AI usage, and reduce risk from oversharing or insider threats. Classify, restrict, and monitor sensitive data used in Copilot interactions. Investigate risky behavior, enforce dynamic policies, and block inappropriate use—all from within your Microsoft 365 environment.  Erica Toelle, Microsoft Purview Senior Product Manager, shares how to implement these controls and proactively manage data...