TrustedTech Presents The Microsoft Playbook

TrustedTech

TrustedTech is proud to announce our official recognition as a Microsoft Managed Partner, a prestigious status awarded to fewer than 1% of Microsoft’s global partner ecosystem based on market positioning, strategic planning, and scalable growth.  We are dedicated to providing insightful thought leadership about all things tech. As professional software resellers, we understand complex technologies and simplify things to enhance your knowledge. We are committed to providing you with relevant content for your most pressing IT concerns, and with a much-needed human touch. Subscribe today for cutting-edge IT industry news and information. Visit our site for more information https://www.trustedtechteam.com/

Episodes

  1. TrustedTech Presents The Microsoft Playbook - Azure Cost Optimization

    Apr 17

    TrustedTech Presents The Microsoft Playbook - Azure Cost Optimization

    Are you overspending in Azure without realizing it? In this episode of The Microsoft Playbook, we break down one of the most common (and costly) challenges in the cloud: Azure sprawl and how it silently drives up your monthly bill. Joined by Heath Madison, Senior Director of Professional Services, we explore real-world examples of cloud waste, including a case where a company reduced an Azure service from $125,000/month to just $800/month without sacrificing performance. You’ll learn why Azure costs spiral out of control, why native tools only tell part of the story, and how organizations consistently uncover 20–30% savings in annual Azure spend. Whether you're already in Azure or planning your cloud strategy, this episode will help you think more strategically about cost, governance, and long-term optimization. Chapters 00:00 – Intro 00:13 – What is Azure sprawl? 01:00 – How cloud convenience leads to overspending 02:07 – Real-world example: $125K vs $800 ExpressRoute 03:28 – Why optimization isn’t a one-time fix 03:59 – What Azure Cost Management tools provide 04:44 – The limits of automated recommendations 05:44 – Why strategy matters in rightsizing 06:08 – How Trusted Advisors help control costs 06:56 – Catching unexpected Azure spend spikes 07:11 – Typical savings: 20–30% in Azure spend 07:43 – Eliminating orphaned and unused resources 08:00 – Why security matters in cloud optimization 08:28 – Governance and operational excellence 08:42 – Why Microsoft relies on partners 09:23 – What makes TrustedTech different 10:27 – Outro #azure #azureservices #cloudcomputing #microsoftazure #cloudcosts #finops #cloudstrategy #itinfrastructure #techleadership #digitaltransformation

    11 min
  2. TrustedTech Presents The Microsoft Playbook - Solution Partner Designation: Support Services

    Feb 25

    TrustedTech Presents The Microsoft Playbook - Solution Partner Designation: Support Services

    In this episode of TrustedTech Presents: The Microsoft Playbook, we dive into the evolving Microsoft support landscape and what it means for customers today. Joined by Mark Claremont, Director of Cloud Services at TrustedTech, we break down Microsoft’s shift toward leveraging CSP partners for support delivery and why that’s creating major opportunities for organizations looking for faster, more responsive service. TrustedTech is proud to be one of the first companies globally to earn Microsoft’s new Solution Partner Designation for Support Services, launched in late 2025 and awarded in early 2026. This designation recognizes elite operational performance, including response times, escalation rates, and customer satisfaction. In this conversation, we cover: Why Microsoft is pushing more support responsibilities to partners How Microsoft measures partner support performance What it takes to earn the Support Services Solution Partner designation TrustedTech’s reactive and proactive support model Key performance metrics, including: Under 10-minute first response times 15% escalation rate to Microsoft Premier Support 99.2% customer satisfaction rate Whether you're transitioning from Unified Support, exploring CSP options, or simply looking to consolidate licensing and support under one trusted partner, this episode explains how TrustedTech delivers both competitive pricing and enterprise-grade support, reactive and proactive, all under one roof. Explore our various Microsoft Support offerings: https://www.trustedtechteam.com/pages/professional-services-overview https://www.trustedtechteam.com/pages/reactive-support https://www.trustedtechteam.com/blogs/news/microsoft-support-services-designation   Chapter List 00:00 – Introduction 00:15 – What’s Changing in the Microsoft Support Market? 00:49 – Why Microsoft Is Shifting Support to CSP Partners 01:16 – How Microsoft Measures Partner Support Performance 01:37 – New Solution Partner Designation for Support Services 02:01 – How TrustedTech Earned the Designation 02:34 – TrustedTech’s Support Promise & Performance Metrics 03:42 – Reactive vs. Proactive Support Explained 04:19 – Benefits of Partnering with TrustedTech 05:05 – How to Get Started with TrustedTech   #MicrosoftSupport, #MicrosoftCSP, #SolutionPartner, #TrustedTech, #CloudSupport, #ITSupport, #MicrosoftPartners, #UnifiedSupportAlternative, #CloudServices, #MicrosoftPlaybook

    6 min
  3. TrustedTech Presents The Microsoft Playbook - M365 Licensing Changes for 2026

    Jan 23

    TrustedTech Presents The Microsoft Playbook - M365 Licensing Changes for 2026

    Microsoft 365 licensing is changing, and if you’re not prepared, it could cost you. In this episode of The Microsoft Playbook, we sit down with Haley Alfonso, Account Executive Team Lead at TrustedTech, to break down the upcoming Microsoft M365 price increases taking effect July 1st and what organizations should do right now to get ahead of them.   We cover: ✅ What’s driving the 5–33% Microsoft price increase ✅ Which organizations are impacted (commercial, government, and nonprofit) ✅ New features being added to core M365 licenses, including Copilot Chat, Defender, Intune, and security enhancements ✅ How TrustedTech helps customers lock in savings, consolidate licensing, and avoid over- or under-licensing ✅ Why acting early with renewals and promotions can make a major financial difference   If you’re managing Microsoft 365 licensing, planning renewals, or trying to reduce IT spend in 2025 and beyond, this episode is a must-watch. 📈Check out our blog post on M365 Price Increases for 2026 https://www.trustedtechteam.com/blogs/news/microsoft-365-price-increases-2026-and-current-discounts 📞Talk to TrustedTech to get proactive, lock in pricing, and make sure your licensing aligns with your long-term IT strategy. Find out more about our M365 Solutions https://www.trustedtechteam.com/pages/microsoft-365-solutions   Chapter List 00:00 – Why TrustedTech takes a proactive approach to licensing 00:15 – Introduction to the Microsoft Playbook & today’s topic 00:44 – Microsoft’s upcoming M365 price increase (what & when) 01:05 – Who is impacted by the July 1st increase 01:17 – New features added to M365 licenses 01:25 – Copilot Chat, Intune, Defender & security enhancements explained 01:56 – What customers are most concerned about right now 02:04 – Promotions, bundles, and how to get ahead of renewals 02:30 – “Act now” strategy to lock in pricing 02:39 – What differentiates TrustedTech from other CSPs 03:31 – How TrustedTech’s licensing consultation works 03:54 – Inside the TrustedTech self-service licensing portal 04:42 – Licensing consultation vs. professional services assessments 05:13 – How to mitigate price increases before July 1st 05:29 – Closing thoughts & next steps   #Microsoft365, #M365, #MicrosoftLicensing, #MicrosoftCopilot, #ITCostOptimization, #CloudLicensing, #CSP, #MicrosoftSecurity,#TrustedTech, #MicrosoftPlaybook

    6 min
  4. TrustedTech Presents The Microsoft Playbook - Modern Phishing

    12/29/2025

    TrustedTech Presents The Microsoft Playbook - Modern Phishing

    In this episode of The Microsoft Playbook, we delve into the latest and most creative phishing threats. Joined by Andy Nolan, Director of Strategic Programs at TrustedTech, we unpack real-world phishing scenarios that go far beyond the classic “reset your password” email. From deceptive look-alike domains like rnicrosoft.com, to malicious PDFs to physical attacks involving infected USB drives, this conversation highlights how a single click or plug-in can lead to catastrophic security breaches. You’ll hear firsthand stories from Andy’s 15+ years in IT and security, including: How a simple phishing email led to a massive data exposure in the adult entertainment industry How nation-state attacks leveraged human curiosity with physical media Why Microsoft Defender’s layered protections are critical in stopping these threats before they escalate We also cover how Microsoft Defender works behind the scenes, URL detonation, sandboxing, domain reputation checks, USB controls, anomaly detection, and how TrustedTech’s Cloud Security Envisioning Workshop helps organizations identify gaps and strengthen their security posture before attackers do. Whether you’re an IT leader, security professional, or simply want to understand modern phishing, this episode equips you with the knowledge to recognize real-world threats, protect your organization, and apply expert-backed strategies for improved security.   Chapter List 00:13 – Welcome to the Microsoft Playbook: Modern phishing overview 01:05 – How phishing has evolved (AI, deepfakes, and tailored attacks) 01:26 – Real-world phishing breach in the adult entertainment industry 02:46 – Why “low-privilege” users still pose high risk 03:54 – The cascading impact of a single phishing email 05:02 – Full network compromise: what went wrong 05:39 – How Microsoft Defender could have prevented the breach 07:04 – Physical phishing: infected USB drives and human curiosity 08:09 – Nation-state attacks and the Iran centrifuge example 09:22 – Defender protections: USB control, behavior monitoring, anomaly detection 10:54 – Look-alike domains and the rn vs m phishing technique 13:01 – Domain reputation, URL verification, and Defender URL Defense 15:51 – How TrustedTech helps secure environments with Microsoft Defender 17:01 – Closing thoughts and final takeaways   #phishing #cybersecurity #phishingawareness #microsoftdefender #cloudsecurity #zerotrust #securityoperations #threatdetection #trustedtech #informationsecurity

    17 min
  5. TrustedTech Presents the Microsoft Playbook - Service Provider Licensing Agreement (SPLA) Changes

    12/05/2025

    TrustedTech Presents the Microsoft Playbook - Service Provider Licensing Agreement (SPLA) Changes

    Welcome back to another episode of The Microsoft Playbook! In this conversation, we sit down with Luan Tran our Lead Account Manager for Legacy Sales to break down everything you need to know about SPLA (Service Provider Licensing Agreement) — one of Microsoft’s most widely used licensing models for service providers. With major changes taking effect as of October 1, 2025, many organizations are unsure how these updates impact compliance, cloud usage, and their long-term licensing strategies. Luan walks us through: What SPLA is and who it’s designed for Why Microsoft is shifting away from SPLA usage in public cloud environments What organizations need to do to stay compliant The best alternative licensing models, including Pay-As-You-Go, BYOL (Bring Your Own License), Open Value, and MPSA The future of SPLA beyond 2025 If you’re a service provider, host, or IT leader trying to navigate Microsoft licensing changes, this episode is packed with clarity and guidance. Find out more on The End of Microsoft SPLA Licensing in Public Clouds https://www.trustedtechteam.com/blogs/news/the-end-of-microsoft-spla-licensing-in-public-clouds   Chapters 00:00 – Intro 00:18 – Welcome to the Microsoft Playbook 00:34 – What is SPLA and who uses it? 01:07 – What changed on October 1, 2025? 01:52 – Why Microsoft is making these SPLA changes 02:21 – How to know if your organization needs to transition 02:58 – What the shift means for service providers 03:22 – Alternative licensing models to consider 04:07 – How Luan advises customers on choosing a path 04:28 – What happens to SPLA after October 1? 05:21 – SPLA isn’t going away — just evolving 05:23 – Wrap-up and closing

    6 min

  6. 12/05/2025

    TrustedTech Presents the Microsoft Playbook - What's New in SQL Server 2025

    Get ready for the next big leap in database technology. In this episode of The Microsoft Playbook, Senior Director of Legacy Sales Johnny Lopez joins us to break down everything you need to know about SQL Server 2025; Microsoft’s most intelligent, secure, and future-ready database platform yet. From built-in AI and Copilot integration to enhanced security, compliance, and licensing models, SQL Server 2025 is designed to help organizations modernize efficiently and securely, regardless of the size of their business. Join us as we explore: The evolution of SQL Server and what makes the 2025 version a game-changer. Upgrading to SQL Server 2025: What to expect, what’s required, and how to do it right. The power of built-in AI and smarter performance tools that streamline your data workflows. Why security takes center stage in today’s hybrid and cloud environments. How Copilot can simplify management, performance tuning, and security best practices. The most common licensing challenges — and how to stay compliant while saving money. If you’re a DBA, IT manager, or business decision-maker looking to prepare your data infrastructure for the future, this is your complete guide to SQL Server 2025.   About TrustedTech: TrustedTech helps organizations simplify, secure, and modernize their Microsoft environments — from licensing and implementation to ongoing support. https://www.trustedtechteam.com/products/microsoft-sql-server-2025   Find out more about SQL 2025 The Future of Databases: AI-Powered Features in SQL Server 2025 https://www.trustedtechteam.com/blogs/sql-server/sql-server-2025-new-ai-features SQL Server 2025 AI Developer Tools https://www.trustedtechteam.com/blogs/sql-server/sql-server-2025-ai-developer-tools-copilot-langchain Query Smarter: How SQL Server 2025 Translates Complex Commands into Natural Language https://www.trustedtechteam.com/blogs/sql-server/sql-server-2025-complex-queries-to-natural-language When Will SQL Server 2025 Be Released? History and AI Help Us Forecast the Date https://www.trustedtechteam.com/blogs/sql-server/sql-server-2025-release-date SQL Server 2025 Preview: Top New Features Including AI Integration and Vector Search https://www.trustedtechteam.com/blogs/sql-server/sql-server-2025-preview-features   Chapters 00:00 – Intro: Welcome to The Microsoft Playbook 00:18 – The Evolution of SQL Server 01:15 – What’s New in SQL Server 2025 02:25 – Upgrading to SQL Server 2025: What to Expect 03:40 – Built-in AI and Smarter Performance 04:55 – Security Takes Center Stage 05:50 – Copilot Integration and Management Tools 06:45 – Understanding SQL Licensing Models 07:30 – How SQL Server 2025 Helps Organizations Modernize 08:10 – Final Thoughts & Wrap-Up

    7 min

  7. 10/28/2025

    TrustedTech Presents The Microsoft Playbook - Microsoft Defender: Protection from Cyber Threats

    Understanding Microsoft Defender | Protecting Your Organization from Modern Cyber Threats In this episode of The Microsoft Playbook, host Tipper sits down with Heath Madison, Senior Director of Professional Services at TrustedTech, to break down everything you need to know about Microsoft Defender — Microsoft’s powerful suite of security tools that protect your data, devices, and cloud environments. What You’ll Learn: What Microsoft Defender actually is (hint: it’s more than one product!) How Defender helps protect against phishing attacks and email threats How AI and machine learning power modern cybersecurity defenses The difference between Defender for Enterprise and Defender for Business How Defender stacks up against competitors like CrowdStrike and SentinelOne How Trusted Tech can help you implement and manage Defender effectively Whether you’re an IT professional, business leader, or just curious about how to strengthen your organization’s security posture, this video gives you practical insights straight from the experts. Chapters: 00:00 – Intro 00:20 – What Is Microsoft Defender? 01:00 – How Defender Protects Against Phishing 03:20 – Employee Training & Simulations 03:45 – AI and Machine Learning in Defender 04:47 – Defender vs. Competitors (CrowdStrike, SentinelOne) 06:09 – Defender for Business vs. Enterprise 07:16 – How Trusted Tech Can Help 08:00 – Closing Thoughts   About Trusted Tech: Trusted Tech helps organizations simplify, secure, and modernize their Microsoft environments — from licensing and implementation to ongoing support. https://www.trustedtechteam.com/   #MicrosoftDefender #CyberSecurity #Microsoft365 #TrustedTech #DefenderForBusiness #ITSecurity #CloudSecurity #MicrosoftPlaybook

    8 min

  8. 10/15/2025

    TrustedTech Presents The Microsoft Playbook - Copilot Readiness

    Microsoft 365 Copilot works alongside users in popular Apps such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, and more, providing real-time intelligent assistance to enhance creativity, productivity, and skills. Our Subject Matter Experts will ensure your IT team walks away with the knowledge and recommendations needed to make responsible AI decisions. https://www.trustedtechteam.com/pages/microsoft-copilot In this episode, TrustedTech sits down with Anton Ragan, Account Executive, to explain the benefits and precautions of adopting Microsoft Copilot. What’s Covered: ✅ The return on investment on a $30 monthly fee, per user, for Copilot. ✅ Digital debt and how to use Copilot to solve time management issues. ✅ The importance of our Copilot Readiness Assessment Program. ✅ Data governance and security precautions for utilizing A.I. ✅ The future trends in A.I. for enterprise offerings. If interested in getting your organization up to speed on Copilot, feel free to get in touch with us for a Readiness Assessment for Microsoft 365 Copilot.   #TechSupport #MicrosoftPartners #MicrosoftSupport #MicrosoftUnified #copilot #ai #chatgpt #microsoftcloud #TrustedTech #ITStrategy #CostOptimization #Microsoft365 #Azure #CSP #CloudComputing #ITSupport #TechOptimization #DigitalTransformation #ITManagement #CyberSecurity #ModernWorkplace #ITCostSavings #CloudServices

    11 min

  9. 10/07/2025

    TrustedTech Presents The Microsoft Playbook - Microsoft Support Changes

    Get access to TrustedTech certified support services and see how our experts can simplify your IT needs. https://www.trustedtechteam.com/pages/reactive-support In this episode, TrustedTech sits down with Jason Lu, Support Program Manager, to explain the upcoming changes to Microsoft’s support offerings and partner ecosystem. What’s Covered: ✅ The new, higher standards for becoming a Microsoft partner include increased revenue requirements and a focus on exclusivity and quality. ✅ How these changes are designed to ensure customers receive more proactive, “white glove” support from elite-level partners. ✅ The impact on end users: improved case management, enhanced support experiences, and greater value from Microsoft partners. ✅ Why Microsoft is encouraging partners to handle more issues internally, and how escalations to Microsoft now involve additional costs. ✅ Questions customers should ask when selecting a partner: in-house resolution rates, escalation procedures, SLAs, and proactive service offerings. ✅ The evolving role of AI in Microsoft support, and how the balance between automation and human expertise will influence the future of support over the next 3–5 years. ✅ How TrustedTech is adapting its support model to provide more transparent, ticket-based, and proactive services for clients. Whether you’re a Microsoft customer, partner, or simply interested in how support is evolving in the tech industry, this video will provide you with the insights needed to navigate the new landscape. #TechSupport #MicrosoftPartners #MicrosoftSupport #MicrosoftUnified #CloudSupport #TrustedTech #ITStrategy #CostOptimization #Microsoft365 #Azure #CSP #CloudComputing #ITSupport #TechOptimization #DigitalTransformation #ITManagement #CyberSecurity #ModernWorkplace #ITCostSavings #CloudServices

    18 min
  • 9 Episodes

About

TrustedTech is proud to announce our official recognition as a Microsoft Managed Partner, a prestigious status awarded to fewer than 1% of Microsoft’s global partner ecosystem based on market positioning, strategic planning, and scalable growth.  We are dedicated to providing insightful thought leadership about all things tech. As professional software resellers, we understand complex technologies and simplify things to enhance your knowledge. We are committed to providing you with relevant content for your most pressing IT concerns, and with a much-needed human touch. Subscribe today for cutting-edge IT industry news and information. Visit our site for more information https://www.trustedtechteam.com/

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