I have a pre-construction schedule and I want the job info section to change color based on where it is in the pre-construction schedule. So in my document I have a lot more info but it is arranged into columns. When the building permit is applied for, a date will be entered. Same for the pre-construction meeting cells. Ideally, once the BP is applied for and a value is entered, I want cells B1:B3 to turn blue. Once a pre-con meeting date is scheduled, I want those same 3 cells to turn yellow. And once the meeting has occurred, the last date would trigger green. Please let me know if this is do-able or if I’m wasting time. Thank you!

Name

Sally SueCountyRadfordJob #48990  Permit applied3/24/2024Pre-construction meeting scheduled Pre-construction meeting took place 

​I have a pre-construction schedule and I want the job info section to change color based on where it is in the pre-construction schedule. So in my document I have a lot more info but it is arranged into columns. When the building permit is applied for, a date will be entered. Same for the pre-construction meeting cells. Ideally, once the BP is applied for and a value is entered, I want cells B1:B3 to turn blue. Once a pre-con meeting date is scheduled, I want those same 3 cells to turn yellow. And once the meeting has occurred, the last date would trigger green. Please let me know if this is do-able or if I’m wasting time. Thank you!NameSally SueCountyRadfordJob #48990  Permit applied3/24/2024Pre-construction meeting scheduled Pre-construction meeting took place   Read More

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Help Me – Contact List 

I need help with auto-populating my contact list. I have tabs for master consultants and trades lists. Then, a tab for the working project list. I am trying to auto-populate fields on the working project list.

The problem lies where I have multiple contacts in a specific field, such as electrical engineer or flooring company. With the formula that I am using currently, it will only auto-populate the first person on the list. I’d like the option of being able to choose from the multiple company choices I have, but only when necessary. I like that I can auto-populate “architect” with a single button, as there is only one architect that we work with. But I don’t necessarily want to add dependent drop down lists to every row if I don’t have to. I hope that makes sense.

I am really new to excel, and searching Google and Youtube is failing me at this point, please help me! Thanks.

​Help Me – Contact List  I need help with auto-populating my contact list. I have tabs for master consultants and trades lists. Then, a tab for the working project list. I am trying to auto-populate fields on the working project list. The problem lies where I have multiple contacts in a specific field, such as electrical engineer or flooring company. With the formula that I am using currently, it will only auto-populate the first person on the list. I’d like the option of being able to choose from the multiple company choices I have, but only when necessary. I like that I can auto-populate “architect” with a single button, as there is only one architect that we work with. But I don’t necessarily want to add dependent drop down lists to every row if I don’t have to. I hope that makes sense. I am really new to excel, and searching Google and Youtube is failing me at this point, please help me! Thanks.    Read More

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We are excited to announce the addition of Apache AGE extension in Azure Database for PostgreSQL, a significant advancement that provides graph processing capabilities within the PostgreSQL ecosystem. This new extension brings a powerful toolset for developers looking to leverage a graph database with the robust enterprise features of Azure Database for PostgreSQL. AGE allows teams to move beyond traditional RAG application patterns to GraphRAG powered by Azure Database for PostgreSQL.

What is Apache AGE?

Apache Graph Extension (AGE) is a PostgreSQL extension developed under the Apache Incubator project. AGE is designed to provide graph database functionality, enabling users to store and query graph data efficiently within PostgreSQL. It supports the openCypher query language, which allows for intuitive and expressive graph queries. With AGE, you can manage and analyze complex relationships within your data, uncovering insights that traditional relational databases and even semantic search might miss.

Key Features of AGE

Graph and Relational Data Integration: AGE allows seamless integration of graph data with existing relational data in PostgreSQL. This hybrid approach enables you to benefit from both graph and relational models simultaneously.
openCypher Query Language: AGE incorporates openCypher, a powerful and user-friendly query language specifically designed for graph databases. This feature simplifies the process of writing and executing graph queries.
High Performance: AGE is optimized for performance, ensuring efficient storage and retrieval of graph data thanks to support for indexing of graph properties using GIN indices.
Scalability: Built on PostgreSQL’s proven architecture, AGE inherits its scalability and reliability, allowing it to handle growing datasets and increasing workloads.

Benefits of Using AGE in Azure Database for PostgreSQL

The integration of AGE in Azure Database for PostgreSQL brings numerous benefits to developers and businesses looking to leverage graph processing capabilities:

Simplified Data Management: AGE’s ability to integrate graph and relational data simplifies data management tasks, reducing the need for separate graph database solutions.
Enhanced Data Analysis: With AGE, you can perform complex graph analyses directly within your PostgreSQL database, gaining deeper insights into relationships and patterns in your data.
Cost Efficiency: By utilizing AGE within Azure Database for PostgreSQL, you can consolidate your database infrastructure, lowering overall costs and reducing the complexity of your data architecture.
Security and Compliance: Leverage Azure’s industry-leading security and compliance features, ensuring your graph data is protected and meets regulatory requirements.

Using AGE in Azure Database for PostgreSQL

To get started with Apache Graph Extension in Azure Database for PostgreSQL, follow these simple steps:

1. Create an Azure Database for PostgreSQL Instance

Begin by setting up a new instance of Azure Database for PostgreSQL through the Azure portal or using Azure CLI. Quickstart: Create with Azure portal – Azure Database for PostgreSQL – Flexible Server | Microsoft Learn

2. Enable & Install the AGE Extension

Note: At this time, the AGE extension will only be available for newly created Azure Database for PostgreSQL Flexible Server instances running at least PG13 up to PG16.
Once your PostgreSQL instance is up and running, you can install the AGE extension by enabling the extension in the Server Parameters section of the Azure Database for PostgreSQL blade in the Azure Portal and then executing the following SQL command:

CREATE EXTENSION IF NOT EXISTS age CASCADE;

3. Create and Query Graph Data

With AGE installed, you can start creating and querying graph data using openCypher.  

In this example we’ll be using OpenCypher and AGE to determine the connections or relationships between the actor Kevin Bacon and other actors and directors.

To accomplish this, we’ll need to create a set of nodes (vertices) and relationships (edges):

Note: You will need to set the ag_catalog schema in your path to utilize cypher or you will need to specify it directly in the query as I’ve done in the following examples.

SET search_path = ag_catalog, “$user”, public;

Or

ag_catalog.cypher(query)

Create nodes for Kevin Bacon, other actors, and directors:
SELECT * FROM ag_catalog.cypher(‘graph_name’, $$
CREATE (kb:Actor {name: ‘Kevin Bacon’}),
(a1:Actor {name: ‘Actor 1’}),
(a2:Actor {name: ‘Actor 2’}),
(d1:Director {name: ‘Director 1’}),
(d2:Director {name: ‘Director 2’})
$$) as (a agtype);​

Create movie nodes:

SELECT * FROM ag_catalog.cypher(‘graph_name’, $$
CREATE (m1:Movie {title: ‘Movie 1’}),
(m2:Movie {title: ‘Movie 2’})
$$) as (a agtype);​

Create relationships indicating Kevin Bacon acted in movies:

SELECT * FROM ag_catalog.cypher(‘graph_name’, $$
MATCH (kb:Actor {name: ‘Kevin Bacon’}), (m1:Movie {title: ‘Movie 1’})
CREATE (kb)-[:ACTED_IN]->(m1)
$$) as (a agtype);

SELECT * FROM ag_catalog.cypher(‘graph_name’, $$
MATCH (kb:Actor {name: ‘Kevin Bacon’}), (m2:Movie {title: ‘Movie 2’})
CREATE (kb)-[:ACTED_IN]->(m2)
$$) as (a agtype);​

Create relationships indicating other actors acted in the same movies:
SELECT * FROM ag_catalog.cypher(‘graph_name’, $$
MATCH (a1:Actor {name: ‘Actor 1’}), (m1:Movie {title: ‘Movie 1’})
CREATE (a1)-[:ACTED_IN]->(m1)
$$) as (a agtype);

SELECT * FROM ag_catalog.cypher(‘graph_name’, $$
MATCH (a2:Actor {name: ‘Actor 2’}), (m2:Movie {title: ‘Movie 2’})
CREATE (a2)-[:ACTED_IN]->(m2)
$$) as (a agtype);​

Create relationships indicating directors directed the movies:

SELECT * FROM ag_catalog.cypher(‘graph_name’, $$
MATCH (d1:Director {name: ‘Director 1’}), (m1:Movie {title: ‘Movie 1’})
CREATE (d1)-[:DIRECTED]->(m1)
$$) as (a agtype);

SELECT * FROM ag_catalog.cypher(‘graph_name’, $$
MATCH (d2:Director {name: ‘Director 2’}), (m2:Movie {title: ‘Movie 2’})
CREATE (d2)-[:DIRECTED]->(m2)
$$) as (a agtype);​

Now that we have a populated graph, we can use cypher queries to demonstrate these relationships.

Find all actors who have acted with Kevin Bacon:
SELECT * FROM ag_catalog.cypher(‘graph_name’, $$
MATCH (kb:Actor {name: ‘Kevin Bacon’})-[:ACTED_IN]->(m:Movie)<-[:ACTED_IN]-(coactor:Actor)
RETURN coactor.name AS CoActor
$$) as (CoActor agtype);​

Find all directors who have directed Kevin Bacon:
SELECT * FROM ag_catalog.cypher(‘graph_name’, $$
MATCH (kb:Actor {name: ‘Kevin Bacon’})-[:ACTED_IN]->(m:Movie)<-[:DIRECTED]-(d:Director)
RETURN d.name AS Director
$$) as (Director agtype);​

Find all movies where Kevin Bacon and another specific actor have acted together:
SELECT * FROM ag_catalog.cypher(‘graph_name’, $$
MATCH (kb:Actor {name: ‘Kevin Bacon’})-[:ACTED_IN]->(m:Movie)<-[:ACTED_IN]-(coactor:Actor {name: ‘Actor 1’})
RETURN m.title AS Movie
$$) as (Movie agtype);​

Find all directors who have directed movies with Kevin Bacon and another specific actor:
SELECT * FROM ag_catalog.cypher(‘graph_name’, $$
MATCH (kb:Actor {name: ‘Kevin Bacon’})-[:ACTED_IN]->(m:Movie)<-[:ACTED_IN]-(coactor:Actor {name: ‘Actor 1’})
MATCH (d:Director)-[:DIRECTED]->(m)
RETURN d.name AS Director
$$) as (Director agtype);​

These queries will help you explore the relationships between Kevin Bacon, other actors, and directors in your graph database. Remember to replace ‘graph_name’ with the actual name of your graph – perhaps 6degrees_graph.

Ready to dive in?

Get started for free with an Azure free account

Azure Database for PostgreSQL | Microsoft Azure

QuickStart: Create with Azure portal – Azure Database for PostgreSQL – Flexible Server | Microsoft Learn

IMBDB Movie Dataset

Stay tuned for more updates and tutorials on how to make the most of AGE in Azure Database for PostgreSQL. Happy graph querying!

Learn More

Graphs — Apache AGE master documentation

Apache AGE’s documentation — Apache AGE master documentation

Using Cypher in a CTE Expression — Apache AGE master documentation

GraphRAG: Unlocking LLM discovery on narrative private data – Microsoft Research

​Microsoft Tech Community – Latest Blogs –Read More 

Hey all,

a customer wants to stick with his current internet provider who also does the email thing.

The typical IMAP-SMTP stack.

I tried to setup this on Outlook for Android and had some problems.
The email address (sender address) is in the form of “email address removed for privacy reasons”, the SMTP and IMAP username is in form of “<random characters>@company.de”.

This is not that big problem – I’m able to configure this.

–

Now I have the problem, that my customer has a Microsoft tenant (only for MS Teams and some Azure things).

Now I have the problem that users who have a Microsoft account are automatically forced to log in via Microsoft -> of course this does not work.

The customer does not want to use Exchange Online or something similar but still wants Outlook for Android because he also uses Outlook on the desktop.

Have you had similar cases and how did you proceed?

–

The alternative what would work is logging in with “<random characters>@company.de” as username, but now the sender address is “<random characters>@company.de” and I do not find an option to change this.

Best regards
Robin

​Hey all,a customer wants to stick with his current internet provider who also does the email thing.The typical IMAP-SMTP stack.I tried to setup this on Outlook for Android and had some problems.The email address (sender address) is in the form of “email address removed for privacy reasons”, the SMTP and IMAP username is in form of “<random characters>@company.de”.This is not that big problem – I’m able to configure this. -Now I have the problem, that my customer has a Microsoft tenant (only for MS Teams and some Azure things).Now I have the problem that users who have a Microsoft account are automatically forced to log in via Microsoft -> of course this does not work.The customer does not want to use Exchange Online or something similar but still wants Outlook for Android because he also uses Outlook on the desktop.Have you had similar cases and how did you proceed?-The alternative what would work is logging in with “<random characters>@company.de” as username, but now the sender address is “<random characters>@company.de” and I do not find an option to change this.Best regardsRobin  Read More

​

Two Train the Trainer events have been scheduled for the following dates:

Oct 30 Fabric Analyst in a Day TTT – Americas
Dec 13 Fabric Analyst in a Day TTT – EMEA

These sessions will be delivered by Pragmatic Works Training. 

Whether you are a new partner that wants to learn more about FAIAD, have additional trainers that you’d like to ramp up on FAIAD, or if you’re an existing partner that wants a refresher, we encourage you to sign up today! Please note that all registrations start out in pending, and you should expect a confirmation within a few days. 

Thank you! 

​Two Train the Trainer events have been scheduled for the following dates:

Oct 30 Fabric Analyst in a Day TTT – Americas
Dec 13 Fabric Analyst in a Day TTT – EMEA

These sessions will be delivered by Pragmatic Works Training. 
 
Whether you are a new partner that wants to learn more about FAIAD, have additional trainers that you’d like to ramp up on FAIAD, or if you’re an existing partner that wants a refresher, we encourage you to sign up today! Please note that all registrations start out in pending, and you should expect a confirmation within a few days. 
 
Thank you!   Read More

​

​    Read More

​

Hi,

Could someone please help me with integrating the SharePoint files into ADF and then exporting it back to SharePoint?

​Hi,Could someone please help me with integrating the SharePoint files into ADF and then exporting it back to SharePoint?  Read More

​

In my organization, a user can wear different hats at the same time (e.g. Vice President on Administrative side, and Lieutenant on firefighting side). When acting as VP, he needs to send/receive emails using the VP email address (e.g. email address removed for privacy reasons), whereas when acting as Lieutenant, he should use that email address (email address removed for privacy reasons). And all members of our organization have their own individual email addresses (e.g. for above: email address removed for privacy reasons). Over time, an individual might get promoted on the firematic side or the administrative side and so may use different emails. 

Is there a (simple) way to associate an email address with the user’s role(s) rather than with  a user directly?

This way we could, for example, add or remove that role from a user (e.g. remove lieutenant from their role(s), and add the captain role after a promotion) so that that user automatically gains access to that email address (for company correspondence) AND all emails sent/received from the previous captain (in their position) and remains in that “pseudo-role-account?”

Right now, I’ve set it up so that everyone has their own email addresses (e.g. email address removed for privacy reasons) and then add aliases to each as needed (e.g. email address removed for privacy reasons). Then re-assign these “role-based” aliases as needed (e.g. when folks leave, get promoted). This feels quite cumbersome and inefficient.

Is there a best-practice method for this?

​In my organization, a user can wear different hats at the same time (e.g. Vice President on Administrative side, and Lieutenant on firefighting side). When acting as VP, he needs to send/receive emails using the VP email address (e.g. email address removed for privacy reasons), whereas when acting as Lieutenant, he should use that email address (email address removed for privacy reasons). And all members of our organization have their own individual email addresses (e.g. for above: email address removed for privacy reasons). Over time, an individual might get promoted on the firematic side or the administrative side and so may use different emails.  Is there a (simple) way to associate an email address with the user’s role(s) rather than with  a user directly? This way we could, for example, add or remove that role from a user (e.g. remove lieutenant from their role(s), and add the captain role after a promotion) so that that user automatically gains access to that email address (for company correspondence) AND all emails sent/received from the previous captain (in their position) and remains in that “pseudo-role-account?” Right now, I’ve set it up so that everyone has their own email addresses (e.g. email address removed for privacy reasons) and then add aliases to each as needed (e.g. email address removed for privacy reasons). Then re-assign these “role-based” aliases as needed (e.g. when folks leave, get promoted). This feels quite cumbersome and inefficient. Is there a best-practice method for this?    Read More

​

During the past five years, IT ExchangeNet has seen an average of 60 percent cash at close and an average multiple of 6.33x adjusted EBITDA on traditional Microsoft businesses. High recurring revenue, focus on Azure, and reasonable customer concentration often drive multiples higher.

We analyzed other key factors aligning Microsoft partners to beat the average cash at close and trading multiples. Our team found companies doing so in the Microsoft ecosystem have niche specializations with strong demand, established market presence, innovative/proprietary solutions that integrate, and long-term customer relationships. Let’s look at how to use these value drivers inside your practice.

Strong customer relationships:

Cultivating strong customer relationships with clients and focusing on delivering your value and services is likely an internal goal of yours. As you develop/maintain a loyal and diversified customer base your company will become more attractive.

Buyers seek relationships along with contracts that will continue these relationships past the point of sale. The relationships and contracts that comprise this aspect of your business will help foster a recurring revenue model. The recurring revenue model is what makes SaaS businesses trade on multiples of revenue vs adjusted EBITDA.

We often see relationships and the contracts behind relationships stressed during a process when business has carried on through a single point of contact. If an owner holds most business development responsibility but wants to retire upon exit, it is essential to have contracts with current clients.

Specialization:

Specialization in high-demand services, such as Azure, cloud migrations, cybersecurity, or advanced data analytics, sets you apart from competitors and positions you as a market leader. Companies that demonstrate deep expertise in these critical areas can command premium valuations, as buyers often seek businesses that can offer specialized, high-margin services. Concentrating on these niche markets can lead to sustainable growth and a stronger foothold in the industry.

Specializations can also attract unique buyers who are seeking your specific niche, customer, or offering. Often a “perfect fit” business will see a premium attached to their offer.

Market:

A well-known brand with a solid reputation, proven track record, and robust client portfolio significantly enhances the perceived value of your business. Buyers are looking for companies with a recognized presence that can provide a stable revenue base and reduce post-acquisition risks. A strong market position indicates not only stability but also the potential for continued growth, making your business an appealing investment for buyers seeking a firm foothold in your specific sector.

Innovative/Proprietary Solutions with Integrated Capabilities:

Developing innovative or proprietary solutions, particularly those that integrate seamlessly with existing Microsoft technologies, can create a significant competitive advantage. These unique solutions enhance your value proposition by offering differentiated services that address specific customer needs more effectively. Businesses with proprietary tools or platforms that integrate well into broader IT environments are particularly attractive to buyers, as they provide opportunities for cross-selling, upselling, and expansion. By focusing on innovation and integration capabilities, you build a compelling narrative around growth potential and market differentiation.

Additional Point: The Power of Revenue Synergies

Revenue synergy potential is a powerful value enhancer during an acquisition. When a firm acquires a business, the ability to cross-integrate offerings into new markets and client bases can significantly expand revenue streams. Buyers often look for acquisition targets that complement their existing product or service lines, allowing them to introduce their own offerings to the newly acquired firm’s customers. At the same time, they can leverage the acquired company’s solutions to their existing clients. This two-way cross-selling creates multiple growth avenues, increases customer lifetime value, and maximizes the return on investment for the acquiring firm. A business with a well-defined, cross-sellable product or service portfolio is strategically valuable, making it a highly attractive target in the M&A landscape.

Conclusion:

Understanding these value drivers will position you and your company ahead of the market averages. If you are considering a sale or want to better understand how these value drivers can be implemented schedule a confidential meeting with our team today. Visit our calendar to find your meeting time.

Consider these tools to assist your utilization of value drivers:

Microsoft Learning Paths & Certifications
Microsoft’s Customer Success offering
Participate in Microsoft Events
Microsoft opportunities (ex. co-marketing, market development funds, and joint webinars)
Microsoft Incentive Programs (ex. Solution Assessments)
Advanced Specializations and Certifications
Azure Marketplace/AppSource

To learn more, visit the IAMCP Marketplace at IAMCP M&A Marketplace | IT ExchangeNet 

**Don’t forget to subscribe to our IAMCP Discussion Board!**

​Microsoft Tech Community – Latest Blogs –Read More 

​Hello. I’m investigating how we might best roll-out MS Defender for Endpoint to our small organization of about 30 people. Environment:30 users with O365(A3) and MDE(P2) licensesdistributed, unmanaged, self-supported, mixed OS (Win, Mac) machines – effectively BYOD using Word, Outlook, Sharepoint, etc.no Azure/Entra Premium nor Intune licenses (devices are all “registered” or “joined” in Entra, but cannot create dynamic device groups) After much reading, it sounds as though if we do not have an Azure/Entra P1/P2 license we cannot take advantage of automated MDE onboarding through Intune. It seems as though the only practical way of deploying MDE in our current, unstructured, mixed environment is by using the manual, locally-installed, onboarding script, which is not recommended for more than 10 machines. To sum up the issue, our users have O365 for the productivity tools, but their machines are not actively organized or managed using the MS domain/AD infrastructure. I’d like make their machines more secure and have more visibility into what’s happening from a security point-of-view using MDE. Any thoughts on the best way forward for our small organization (with an even smaller IT department)? Should we get Azure/Entra license and build some more AD/Domain structure? Should we not bother with MDE if we’re not going to move to managed machines for everyone? Are there better MDE onboarding options for small orgs? I’ve done a lot of searching for documentation on similar scenarios, but haven’t found much. Any pointers to docs/case studies would be much appreciated! Thanks! Dave  Read More

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