We believe that building AI applications should be intuitive, flexible, and integrated. To help simplify the AI development lifecycle, we are thrilled to announce the latest updates to the Azure AI model inference API, enhancing its capabilities and broadening its utility for a code-first experience that brings the power of Azure AI directly within the environments and the tools developers prefer. The Azure AI model inference API provides developers with a single, consistent API and endpoint URL, enabling seamless interaction with a wide variety of foundation models, including those from Azure OpenAI Service, Mistral, Meta, Cohere, and Microsoft Research.

This announcement focuses on integrating model access via GitHub, introducing inference SDKs, expanding support for self-hosted models, integrating with Azure API Management, and enhancing retrieval augmented generation (RAG) systems with LlamaIndex.

Key features in this announcement:

1. Single Common API for Model Access via GitHub: With the GitHub Models announcement last week, developers can now access models from the Azure AI model catalog directly through GitHub using a single API and experiment with different AI models in the playground with their GitHub account. This integration allows for seamless interaction with various models, including GPT-4o, Llama 3, Mistral Large, Command R+, and Phi-3. By unifying model access, we simplify the AI development process and enable more efficient workflows.

The integration with GitHub is particularly significant for application developers. GitHub is a central hub for coding, collaboration, and version control. By bringing Azure AI capabilities directly into GitHub, we ensure that developers can remain in their preferred development environment to experiment with multiple models, reducing context switching and streamlining the AI development process.

2. Inference SDKs for Multiple Languages: To support diverse development environments, we are introducing inference SDKs for Python, JavaScript, and C#. These SDKs allow developers to effortlessly integrate AI models into their applications using inference clients in the language of their choice, making it easier to build and scale AI solutions across different platforms. These SDKs can be integrated with LLM App development tools such as prompt flow, LangChain, and Semantic Kernel.

Inference SDKs for C#, JavaScript, and Python

3. Model inference API Expansion to Managed Compute: At Microsoft Build 2024, we introduced the Azure AI model inference API for models deployed as serverless API endpoints and Azure OpenAI Service, enabling developers to consume predictions from a diverse set of models in a consistent way and easily switch between models to compare the performance.

The model inference API now includes inference support for open source models deployed to our self-hosted managed online endpoints, providing enhanced flexibility and control over model deployment and inferencing. This feature allows you to leverage the full potential of AI models, including Mistral, Llama 3, and Phi-3 tailored to specific use cases, optimizing both performance and cost-efficiency.

4. Integration with Azure API Management: We are also expanding the GenAI Gateway capabilities in Azure API Management to support a wider range of large language models through the Azure AI model inference API, in addition to the support for Azure OpenAI Service. New policies, such as the LLM Token Limit Policy, LLM Emit Token Metric Policy, and LLM Semantic Caching Policy, provide detailed insights and control over token resources, ensuring efficient and cost-effective use of models. These policies allow for real-time monitoring, cost management, and improved efficiency by caching responses based on the semantic content of prompts. Read this blog to learn more about integration.

5. Take RAG to the next level with LlamaIndex: Lastly, we are happy to announce the integration of the Azure AI model inference API into the LlamaIndex ecosystem. Now developers can elevate their RAG systems built with LlamaIndex by leveraging the extensive power of the Azure AI model catalog.

Two new packages have been introduced to the LlamaIndex ecosystem:

llama-index-embeddings-azure-inference
llama-index-llms-azure-inference

These packages enable the seamless incorporation of Azure AI models into the LlamaIndex framework, allowing users to select the optimal model for each task.

Getting Started: To begin using the Azure AI model inference API, visit our documentation page for detailed instructions and examples. Whether you’re building chatbots, data analytics tools, or sophisticated AI-driven applications, the Azure AI model inference API and SDKs provide the foundation you need to succeed.

While this announcement focuses on the GitHub integration and inference API/SDKs, we are working on bringing additional features in subsequent phases. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to enhance the Azure AI model inference API to meet all your development needs.

​Microsoft Tech Community – Latest Blogs –Read More 

Microsoft Teams version 24193.1805.3040.8975

Does anyone have similar symptom? Thank you.

​Microsoft Teams version 24193.1805.3040.8975Does anyone have similar symptom? Thank you.  Read More

​

On June 13, an exciting and collaborative event unfolded in Berlin Microsoft Most Valuable Professionals (MVPs), Microsoft Learn Student Ambassadors, and Microsoft employees (FTEs). The event was a significant part of the Microsoft Student Community Tour, which we initiated last year alongside MVPs, Student Ambassadors, and local Microsoft teams in various cities, including Karlsruhe, Stuttgart, Hamburg, Zürich, and Munich. 

Engaging Content and Community Building 

The event was designed to educate and inspire, focusing on key technology trends and community engagement strategies. One of the highlights was the session led by Pablo Veramendi, Director of Audience Evangelism at Microsoft, who introduced the Student Ambassador Program. This segment emphasized the importance of connecting with the local student community and provided participants with actionable insights into leveraging Microsoft’s resources for their personal and professional growth. 

Participants left the event equipped with new knowledge and a reinforced sense of community. They were inspired to apply what they had learned, fostering their skills and connections to the next level. The day’s success was a testament to the collaborative efforts of MVPs, MLSAs, and Microsoft employees, showcasing the immense potential of teamwork and innovative thinking. 

A Unified Effort 

The event in Berlin was a testament to the power of collaboration. Our MVPs, including Zaid Zaim, Alexander Wachtel, and Michael Greth, teamed up with Student Ambassador, Sandro Speth and Microsoft employees to craft a compelling agenda. This collaboration ensured that the topics were not only relevant but also inspiring for local students. Together, they handpicked speakers, designed engaging presentations, and executed a well-coordinated outreach to the student community in Berlin. 

The MVPs played an instrumental role in this event. They diligently prepared their sessions, sharing expertise on cutting-edge topics such as mixed reality, Microsoft Mesh, and community building. Their involvement went beyond presentation; they provided on-site support, ensuring a seamless experience for all attendees. Their contributions exemplified how MVPs can significantly enhance the quality and impact of such events. 

Looking Ahead 

As we reflect on the success of the Berlin event, we express our gratitude to our MVPs, Student Ambassadors, and Microsoft colleagues. Their tireless efforts and passion were key to creating a memorable experience for all attendees. We eagerly anticipate more opportunities to engage with and support our vibrant student communities, continuing to foster growth, innovation, and a spirit of collaboration. 

The Microsoft Student Community Tour in Berlin not only highlighted the power of collaboration but also showcased the profound impact MVPs can have in such initiatives. Together, we are paving the way for a future where technology and community intersect, driving positive change and empowering the next generation of innovators. 

​Microsoft Tech Community – Latest Blogs –Read More 

I have a PowerShell script that’s extracting cell values from a table that’s synced to a Microsoft Form. However, when I run the script in the morning it’s extracting the cell values before the forms is 100% synced so I’m not getting all of the data from the day before.

I can sleep the script for maybe 20 seconds but is there a way to suspend execution of the script until the forms is 100% synced then immediately continue execution because sometimes it’s already synced and other times it’s not?

# create excel instance
$excel = new-object -comobject excel.application

# open excel workbook
try {
$workbook = $excel.Workbooks.Open($filePath, $true)
} catch {
throw “microsoft excel cannot access file -> please run the script again”
}

# set excel worksheet
$worksheet = $workbook.Sheets.Item(1)

# set excel table
$table = $worksheet.ListObjects.Item(“Form”)

# extract cell values
$values = @()
for ($i = 9; $i -le 15; $i++) {
foreach ($cell in $table.Range.Columns.Item($i).SpecialCells(12).Cells) {
$values += $cell.Value2 | Where-Object { $_ -match “^d” }
}
}

​I have a PowerShell script that’s extracting cell values from a table that’s synced to a Microsoft Form. However, when I run the script in the morning it’s extracting the cell values before the forms is 100% synced so I’m not getting all of the data from the day before. I can sleep the script for maybe 20 seconds but is there a way to suspend execution of the script until the forms is 100% synced then immediately continue execution because sometimes it’s already synced and other times it’s not?   # create excel instance
$excel = new-object -comobject excel.application

# open excel workbook
try {
$workbook = $excel.Workbooks.Open($filePath, $true)
} catch {
throw “microsoft excel cannot access file -> please run the script again”
}

# set excel worksheet
$worksheet = $workbook.Sheets.Item(1)

# set excel table
$table = $worksheet.ListObjects.Item(“Form”)

# extract cell values
$values = @()
for ($i = 9; $i -le 15; $i++) {
foreach ($cell in $table.Range.Columns.Item($i).SpecialCells(12).Cells) {
$values += $cell.Value2 | Where-Object { $_ -match “^d” }
}
}    Read More

​

We continue to expand the Microsoft AppSource ecosystem. For this volume, 135 new offers successfully met the onboarding criteria and went live. See details of the new offers below:

Get it now in our marketplace

Awssome White Label: Awssome White Label is a joint offer from Awssome and WeTransact that assists independent software vendors and simplifies the process for them to list on multiple cloud marketplaces. With a simplified user interface, Awssome White Label makes publishing quick and easy. Offers can go live in just days.

DataStax HCD (Hyperconverged Database): DataStax HCD is a cloud-native data infrastructure for AI data clouds, designed for enterprises investing in datacenter modernization and hyperconverged infrastructure. Built on open-source Apache Cassandra, it’s ideal for enterprise operators and architects driving initiatives for on-premises enterprise data.

DocuSign for Dynamics 365 Business Central: DocuSign’s eSignature add-on for Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central streamlines the process of sending and tracking documents for signature without leaving the app. It allows for up to two signature recipients, status tracking, and voiding of signatures. Users can send signatures from their individual DocuSign accounts or a centralized one.

Flowchart Maker for Excel: This flowchart maker from Uniform Software Limited integrates with Microsoft Excel, allowing you to define your flowchart in plain text within an Excel table. It offers a library of 28 standard shapes and provides user-friendly tools for making adjustments.

Formula and Name Manager for Excel: This app from Uniform Software Limited adds a “Formula Manager” command to the ribbon of Microsoft Excel, allowing users to easily find, filter, update, and analyze formulas and names in a workbook. Note: This app is not compatible with the web edition of Excel.

Limitless Digital Workplace for Frontline Workers: IT-Dev sp. z o.o.’s Limitless Digital Workplace for Frontline Workers customizes various communication functions from Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, and Viva to cater to the needs of the manufacturing industry. The solution aims to simplify the organizational framework and promote clear understanding.

Mendel Hypercube: Hypercube from Mendel AI is an AI copilot suite that uses hypergraph technology to transform clinical analytics workflows for healthcare organizations. It includes features such as Hypercube Cohort for rapid patient cohort creation, Hypercube Charts for a comprehensive understanding of patient journeys, Hypercube Analyst for in-depth analysis, and Hypercube Redact for data privacy and compliance.

Mind Map Maker for Excel: Uniform Software Limited’s Mind Map Maker for Microsoft Excel helps users visually organize ideas and information by generating diagrams from a structured node list in plain text. It features automatic layout control and exports to PDF and image formats.

PDF Creator: Uniform Software Limited’s PDF Creator app for Microsoft Excel exports large charts to PDF, avoiding distortion caused by scaling. It uses the Microsoft Print to PDF virtual printer for the underlying PDF generation work. This printer supports only standard paper sizes, like Letter or A4.

Quality Point IT Consultancy: QPay from Quality Point IT Consultancy is a human resources and payroll management suite that is integrated with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central and localized to meet the requirements of the United Arab Emirates. Use it to streamline HR processes, ensure regulatory compliance, facilitate data management, provide audit trails, and manage costs.

Timesheet App: The Timesheet app from Appetite for Business tracks and records time spent on tasks, projects, and activities, helping you manage payroll, client billing, and resource utilization. Analyze productivity and easily integrate with Microsoft Power BI.

Total Rewards Statement: Total Rewards Statement from Engagy P.S.A. is a tool for tracking and analyzing salaries, benefits, and rewards data. It features a user-friendly interface, customizable visuals, and interactive data filtering. Total Rewards Statement is suitable for various sectors, including finance, human resources, and project management.

UDS Call Center: UDS Call Center from Virtual Cable SLU is a virtualization solution for call centers, enabling secure access anytime to apps from any location. It integrates desktop and application virtualization for both Windows and Linux in a single console, with deployment options including on-premises, public, private, hybrid, or multi-cloud environments. Automatic load balancing helps optimize performance and efficiency.

UDS Corporate: UDS Corporate from Virtual Cable SLU is a workplace virtualization solution for large enterprises that provides secure access anytime to apps from any location and device. It unifies Windows and Linux desktop and application virtualization, along with remote access to physical devices, all within a single console. It can be deployed on-premises or in public, private, hybrid, or multi-cloud environments, ensuring business continuity at all times.

UDS Education: UDS Education from Virtual Cable SLU is a digital workspace solution for the education sector that provides secure access anytime to apps and software. It integrates with Moodle and other learning management systems, ensuring unified access to all teaching tools from a single portal. It can be deployed on-premises or in public, private, hybrid, or multi-cloud environments.

UDS Government: UDS Government from Virtual Cable SLU is a virtualization solution for public administrations that provides secure access anytime to apps from any location. It integrates desktop and application virtualization for both Windows and Linux in a single console, as well as remote access to physical devices. UDS Government simplifies the deployment of new digital workspaces in high availability, customized for each user profile.

UDS Health: UDS Health from Virtual Cable SLU is a virtualization solution for the healthcare sector that provides secure access anytime to apps used in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and primary care centers. It integrates desktop and application virtualization for both Windows and Linux in a single console, as well as remote access to physical devices. It can be deployed on-premises or in public, private, hybrid, or multi-cloud environments.

UDS SMB: UDS SMB from Virtual Cable SLU is a workplace virtualization solution for small and medium-sized businesses, providing secure access anytime to apps and software. It integrates Windows and Linux desktop and application virtualization in a single console, and it can be deployed on-premises or in public, private, hybrid, or multi-cloud environments.

Velrada vForms: vForms is a form builder designed for field teams and front-line workers. It allows business users to create and manage custom forms without the need for coding. Information is securely stored within the Microsoft Dataverse environment. vForms also provides the ability to manage custom forms without building custom data tables.

Video Social Listening for Brands: Video Insights Co-Pilot from SocialVoice.ai extracts detailed intelligence from video content at scale, providing structured data or an API for on-demand querying and integration with existing technology stacks. Use cases include brand safety, market intelligence, social listening, alpha data, affiliate and sponsorship analysis, video indexing, content discovery, metadata improvement, and video content enhancement.

Go further with workshops, proofs of concept, and implementations

1-Day Power Platform Governance Workshop: Avo Consulting AS will guide you through important aspects of good governance in AI development using Microsoft Power Platform, sharing experiences and focusing on defining action points. Workshops will be customized for your business needs and preferences. This service is available only in Norwegian.

CI/CD Configuration Accelerator: 3-Week Implementation: OnActuate offers an accelerator to automate code management, reduce manual tasks, and streamline workflows through continuous integration and deployment. The process includes establishing an approach for code branch structure, environment mapping, and creating repositories and automated release pipelines.

Copilot Boost: Enhanced Implementation of Copilot for Microsoft 365: Copilot can help you address security, governance, and compliance requirements across your Microsoft 365 landscape. In this engagement, Ravanty will conduct a holistic Microsoft 365 Secure Score analysis, help you maximize the return on your Microsoft investments, and complete a production pilot for five users.

Copilot Explore: Copilot for Microsoft 365 Adoption Immersion Experience: This workshop from Ravanty will explore the capabilities of Copilot for Microsoft 365. Hands-on activities, guided simulations of Copilot features, and interactive tours are included, along with adoption strategy.

Copilot Launch: Kick-Start Implementation of Copilot for Microsoft 365: Copilot can help your organization address security, governance, and compliance issues. In this service, Ravanty will roll out Copilot for Microsoft 365 across a production pilot group to empower users with core adoption and change management mechanisms.

Dynamics 365 Business Central: 10-Week Implementation: Dynamics Quality Services Consulting Group S.L. will implement Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central so your organization can modernize finances, improve operations, manage complex supply chains, and provide added value to customers. This offer is available only in Spanish.

Dynamics 365 Field Service: 8-Week Implementation: Advaiya Solutions offers a customized implementation of Microsoft Dynamics 365 Field Service to optimize operations and improve customer satisfaction. The process includes discovery, planning, system configuration, integration, training, go-live preparation, and post-implementation support.

eVri Copilot Angels: Copilot Extensions: Copilot Angels by eVri is a service that helps companies optimize their use of Microsoft AI tools. With customized extensions provided by 2commit, an IT competence center within eVri, users can query all their company data rather than just the Microsoft 365 ecosystem. 2commit’s Discovery Offering will involve building a proof of concept for a specific Copilot use case.

HTG Overwatch – Security Managed Service: HTG’s service helps businesses secure, protect, and recover their IT infrastructure. The managed service includes remote monitoring, data protection, and air-gapped backups for critical data. HTG endeavors to optimize hybrid work practices, protect against cyber threats, and manage costs effectively.

Microsoft 365 Copilot and AI Accelerator: 6-Week Proof of Concept: This accelerator from DQA will allow your business to identify and measure the opportunities of generative AI. DQA will configure Microsoft 365 Copilot, provide daily summaries to key stakeholders, and track return on investment. DQA has extensive experience across government agencies and highly regulated industries.

Microsoft 365 Copilot and AI Accelerator: 6-Week Implementation: DQA will embed Copilot for Microsoft 365 across your organization. DQA will furnish you with an AI safety policy that summarizes government and industry guidance and takes into account your particular situation. Training and program guidance will be supplied on the matters of organizational change and community engagement.

Microsoft 365 Enablement and Managed Service: Altron Digital Business offers comprehensive monitoring and management of Microsoft 365 identities, applications, and devices through a centralized dashboard in the Microsoft Defender portal. The service focuses on identity and access management, endpoint and device management, data protection and governance, and support and maintenance.

Microsoft 365 Tenant-to-Tenant Migration: 1-Day Workshop: Valto will handle all aspects of your Microsoft 365 tenant-to-tenant migration, including domain merging, email migration, file transfer, intranet setup, and Power Apps migration. Through testing and coordination, Valto will ensure a seamless transition and verify data integrity and system functionality.

Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps Implementation: 2-Week Consulting Service: IT Partner will implement Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps to provide an advanced security framework, fortifying SaaS application security and shielding against evolving threats in modern cloud environments.

Orlox Endpoint Security 6-Day Workshop: Are you confident in your current endpoint security measures? Can you respond swiftly to an outbreak? This workshop from Orlox aims to elevate the security posture of your endpoints using Microsoft 365 Defender.

Orlox’s Accelerator for Microsoft XDR: Orlox’s accelerator will help you plan, design, deploy, and configure a pilot of Microsoft Defender XDR, with the option for a full production deployment. Orlox’s cyber experts will enhance your defense capabilities and furnish you with an operations guide, a design guide, and a comprehensive document detailing the deployment and configuration process.

Power Pages Implementation: 5-Week Proof of Concept: Hexaware’s expert consultants will assess your business needs and devise a strategic plan for implementing Microsoft Power Pages. Hexaware can help you create branded experiences, customize UI, or personalize content delivery to drive meaningful interactions. Training and documentation will be included.

Contact our partners

3PL Processing and Billing

73 Strings for Microsoft Excel

Addresser: Address Lookup and Validation

Arrow AI

Australia/New Zealand Accelerator for Banking

CalcMenu for Food Service Professionals

CareOps365

Casepoint

Celebrations Spotlight for SharePoint

ChangePilot: Message Center and Road Map Management Tool

CLARC for Excel

CLARC for Outlook

CloudMonitor FinOps Bot

Copilot for Microsoft 365 Readiness Assessment

Copilot for Microsoft 365: 2-Hour Briefing

Copilot for Microsoft 365: 4-Week Readiness Assessment

Copilot Consulting Offer: 1-Day Proof of Concept

CorpSync: 5-User License

CS Data Security 360°: 2-Wk Assessment

Digital Consultant

DISARM Content Security for Email

Duonut

Dynamics 365 Business Central Catalyst: Evaluation in 3 Weeks

E-Despatch Package

E-Invoice Package

E-Ledger Package

Execute Projects with CIBER IT

Eviden’s Vyze School Safety Solution

factro

First Alert: News and Risk Management

FK&A Project Data Foundation and Dashboard Pack

Flow Finder

Fusion5 Purchase Line Approval

Galax HR Roster

Galax Purchase Requisition

Georgian Bank Integration

Go4TMS – Export Accounting

Go4TMS – Secure Container Release

Hanako App

HexaSync Ecwid Connector

Iban Validator for Microsoft Excel

Innover Gen AI Bot SaaS

IntegraLynx SaaS

Jet Analytics for Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central

Jet Reports for Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central

Joor Integration with Dynamics 365: BURQ iPaaS

KrispCall

kurdi.krd: Kurdish Spell-Checker for Microsoft Word

LeanMail

Maintenance Solution for Biogas Facilities

Market Monitor Visualization Tool for Microsoft Power BI

Meeting Minutes

Microsoft 365 Copilot & AI Accelerator: 4-Week Assessment

Microsoft 365 Copilot Readiness Assessment: 1-Week Assessment

Microsoft 365 Copilot: 2-Week Strategy Accelerator

Microsoft 365 Managed Support

Microsoft 365 Security Assessment- 1-Week Assessment

Microsoft Copilot Readiness Assessment

Microsoft Dynamics NAV to Dynamics 365 Business Central: 4-Hour Assessment

MiEngineeringServices by Metisc

Migration Manager

ModaSuite 365 Subcontracting

OnePact – Renewable Energy Management Software

OpenAPI Interface

Orlox Assessment of Microsoft Entra Identity and Access Management

Outlook to zipBoard Integration

Partners App: Risk Management Solution

PICO Supply Chain Monitoring and Error Proofing Platform

PowerLunch88

Procore Integration to Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central

Prodware AI User Insights for Microsoft Dynamics 365 Apps

RELion System Application

RIB Mailchimp Connector

Salesforce to Power BI Connector

Samvaad – Discover Wisdom in Your Data

Saudi e-Invoicing/ZATCA Integration

Security Role IIT AccessFlow for Dynamics 365

smartContractAI Copilot for Outlook

SSH’s CFDI Fiel: Associate Documents

Stepchart

Sumday

TCOG LS Central General Functions

TCOG LS Central General Functions BE

The Economist: Independent Journalism Delivered on Microsoft Teams

TransitionManager Rapid Assessment

Turkish Localization Package

TVision Table Dimensions

Virto Time Blocking

VYRE for Cloud

WakeSMART Software from Raptor Technical

Wise Template Pro

Wisefish Export

Wisefish Export Connector

Workgrid

XA dms for Office

XA dms for Outlook

Xero to Power BI Connector

Zoho Books to Power BI Connector

This content was generated by Microsoft Azure OpenAI and then revised by human editors.

​Microsoft Tech Community – Latest Blogs –Read More 

Hi, this is probably pretty simple but I’m not very versed in Excel. In Sheet 2 (2nd screenshot) I have a list of games and then 2 columns with criteria. I’d like to have a “selector” that populates a list in Sheet 1 Column D based on the 2 dropdowns I choose in Sheet 1 Column B (screenshot 1). Thank you!

​Hi, this is probably pretty simple but I’m not very versed in Excel. In Sheet 2 (2nd screenshot) I have a list of games and then 2 columns with criteria. I’d like to have a “selector” that populates a list in Sheet 1 Column D based on the 2 dropdowns I choose in Sheet 1 Column B (screenshot 1). Thank you!     Read More

​