Azure Blockchain As A Service
The latest Azure Blockchain As A Service coverage — news, analysis, and updates from the WindowsNews.AI desk.
AZ-900 in 2026: What Microsoft’s Cloud Fundamentals Exam Actually Delivers (and What It Won’t)
Microsoft's refreshed AZ-900 exam in 2026 sharpens its focus on governance, identity, and cost management, making it a practical cloud primer for IT newcomers, business professionals, and Windows admins. The credential teaches foundational fluency rather than hands-on admin skills, and its real value is educational—preparing candidates for smarter cloud decisions and further study.
Amazon Integrates Luna Cloud Gaming Into Prime Video on Fire TV, With More Devices to Come
Amazon has integrated its Luna cloud gaming service into the Prime Video app on Fire TV, adding a Games tab that lets U.S. and U.K. Prime members play select titles instantly without a separate app. The move follows Amazon’s decision to shut down the Luna store and shift to a subscription-only model. While Windows users can still access Luna via browser, the integration could expand to other devices in the coming months.
Tesla Locks In 140 MW of Solar Power for Texas Operations, But It Won't Arrive Until 2029
Tesla has signed a 140 MW solar PPA with Zelestra for the Lumen Farm project in Texas, but the electricity won't be delivered until 2029. The deal extends an existing partnership and signals Tesla's strategy to secure clean power for its expanding operations. For IT professionals, the move underscores the importance of long-term energy procurement for data centers and cloud services.
AWS's New SQL Server Storage Mandate: Keep Data, Logs, and TempDB Apart for Faster Recovery
AWS's July 30, 2026 guidance for SQL Server on FSx for NetApp ONTAP mandates separating data, log, and TempDB files onto dedicated volumes and LUNs to improve performance and enable granular snapshot recovery. The 1.35x SSD sizing rule, tiering policies for archive data, and explicit TempDB recommendations offer a practical blueprint for Windows database teams.
Microsoft's Private Cloud Partner Badge: What US Signal's Win Means for Windows Shops
US Signal earned the Microsoft Solutions Partner for Private Cloud designation on July 30, validating its expertise in hybrid architectures with Azure Local and Azure Arc. For Windows admins and IT buyers, this badge signals a qualified partner but doesn’t replace due diligence on implementation. The announcement reflects growing demand for Azure-adjacent private cloud as AI and compliance reshape infrastructure.
Cisco Abandons Azure Local Bundles After Microsoft Kills ‘Validated Nodes’
Cisco will end sales of its Azure Local server bundles on October 24, 2026, after Microsoft dropped support for the 'Validated Nodes' hardware category the bundles relied on. Existing customers retain support under active contracts, but expansion opportunities vanish. Buyers must shift to alternative Azure Local vendors or other HCI solutions before the cutoff.
Microsoft Cancels Purview Power Automate Workflow in GCC High and DoD Clouds
Microsoft cancelled a long-planned integration that would have let GCC High and DoD tenants trigger Power Automate workflows from Purview Communication Compliance alerts. The cancellation affects only government clouds; the commercial integration remains. Affected organizations need to audit their dependencies, redesign automation using approved tools, and maintain manual compliance procedures where necessary.
Microsoft Draws Final Deadline for Legacy Dynamics ERP: 2031 for NAV and GP, 2030 for SL
Microsoft has set hard deadlines for legacy Dynamics ERP products: NAV and GP face commercial cutoff on April 30, 2031, while SL must move by January 15, 2030. Organizations must start migration planning now to avoid last-minute disruption. This article details the key dates, impacts, and a practical 5-step migration roadmap.
Pidilite Slashes Provisioning Time 30% in Cloud Exit: 5 Lessons for Windows IT Teams
Pidilite Industries completed a non-ERP workload migration to Google Cloud with Kyndryl, achieving a 30% reduction in provisioning time and 20% better service response. The move off on-premises infrastructure and into a managed cloud model offers practical lessons for Windows-centric IT teams on scoping migrations, governance, and operational metrics.
Azure Marketplace Gets a COVID-Era Safety Suite: What IT Teams Can Learn from Beabloo’s Interaction Care Rollout
Beabloo's Interaction Care solution, now available via Azure Marketplace, combines digital signage, thermal cameras, and occupancy sensors to help businesses manage COVID-19 safety in physical venues. Beyond the product, the rollout highlights how IT teams must integrate cloud, IoT, privacy, and facilities planning to avoid costly silos and governance gaps when deploying smart-space technology.
Windows 11 Insider Builds Test Cloud Recovery and Movable Taskbar — What It Means for Your PC
Microsoft is testing a suite of practical Windows 11 improvements in Insider builds, including a movable taskbar, cloud\-based system recovery, a customizable Start menu, refined touchpad controls, and a screen tint feature. The changes signal a shift toward user\-driven design and could appear in a future stable release, promising a more personal and resilient Windows experience.
Windows 11 Migration: Why Microsoft’s Cloud-Only Approach Won’t Save All Your Files
Microsoft's modern PC migration relies on Windows Backup and OneDrive, but the cloud-only approach can leave behind critical settings, apps, and hidden files. We break down the best transfer methods for every scenario, explain what Windows Backup actually saves, and deliver a verification checklist to ensure no data is lost.
Deel’s Microsoft Marketplace Debut Turns Payroll Spend into Azure Commitment Fuel
Deel has listed its global payroll and employer-of-record services on the Microsoft commercial marketplace with three offers, including a metered billing option. The most significant feature is MACC eligibility, allowing qualifying purchases to count toward Azure consumption commitments. Enterprise buyers gain a simplified procurement path but must carefully verify offer eligibility, metered billing metrics, and integration details before treating Deel spend as cloud budget utilization.