Saudi Cloud Region
The latest Saudi Cloud Region coverage — news, analysis, and updates from the WindowsNews.AI desk.
How a 2017 Broadcom 100GbE Adapter Still Runs Modern Windows Server Networks
An in-depth look at why Broadcom's 2017 BCM57454 100GbE Ethernet controller remains a cornerstone of Windows Server data centers in 2025, from its feature set to driver support and practical tips for Hyper-V admins. The article explains the adapter's lasting value, offers upgrade and tuning advice, and examines the future of 100GbE networking.
Excel for the Web Usage Jumps 10x in Six Years—Here’s What That Means for Your Workflow
Microsoft reports that Excel for the web sessions have increased tenfold over six years, driven by remote work and continuous feature upgrades. For users, the web version now handles most spreadsheet tasks with real-time collaboration, while IT teams benefit from simplified deployment and built-in security. Power users still need the desktop for macros and large data, but the gap is narrowing as AI and scripting tools come to the browser.
Why the Next Big Cloud Outage Is Just Around the Corner—and How to Survive It
Repeated outages at major cloud providers over the past year prove that disruptions are inevitable. This analysis breaks down the impact on users and businesses, why these failures keep happening, and what practical steps you can take now to minimize damage when the next hyperscaler goes down.
Inside BMW's Pretoria IT Hub: 20 Years of 24/7 Global Software-Defined Operations Across 130 Countries
BMW’s Pretoria IT Hub, founded in 2006, has evolved into a 24/7 global command center supporting over 130 countries with software-defined manufacturing, connected vehicle services, and enterprise IT on a massive scale. The facility processes billions of factory sensor data points, manages more than 2,500 business applications, and runs a primarily Microsoft-centric tech stack that underscores Windows’ enduring role in the automotive software revolution. With 2,200 IT professionals, the hub has become a blueprint for how automakers can centralize mission-critical operations in talent-rich, cost-effective locations.
Microsoft Drops Azure Linux 4 ISO on GitHub for Local Testing, Preview Now Available
Microsoft has released a downloadable ISO image of Azure Linux 4 on GitHub, allowing administrators and developers to test the cloud-optimized OS locally for the first time. The preview ISO includes the hardened kernel, SELinux, cloud-init, and Azure tooling, enabling on-premises evaluation and CI/CD integration. This move marks a strategic shift toward community accessibility and pre-cloud workload validation.
Microsoft Previews Azure Monitor Alerts and Purview Audit for Universal Print Observability
Microsoft's June 2026 preview of Azure Monitor alerts and Purview Audit for Universal Print brings long-awaited observability to cloud print management. The integration enables real-time printer health monitoring, customizable dashboards, proactive alerts, and detailed audit trails for compliance. General availability is targeted for December 2026, giving IT teams a six-month window to test and prepare for these critical features.
Viva-Ready Organizational Data Comes to GCC-Moderate, Bringing Workforce Analytics to U.S. Government Cloud
Microsoft has launched Organizational Data in Microsoft 365 for GCC-Moderate tenants, enabling U.S. government agencies to upload HR data and power Viva Insights, Pulse, and Glint. The feature, now generally available in the admin center, brings workforce analytics to the compliant government cloud with the same privacy and security controls as the commercial offering.
Microsoft Releases Azure Linux 4.0 ISO for Local Testing on x86-64 and ARM64 Hardware
Microsoft has released Azure Linux 4.0 as a downloadable ISO for x86-64 and ARM64 hardware, allowing administrators to test Microsoft’s internal Linux distribution locally for the first time. The release bridges hybrid cloud and on-premises environments, empowering Windows admins to evaluate the security-hardened, minimal-footprint OS directly on their own hardware. The ISO marks a significant shift in Microsoft’s Linux strategy, providing greater transparency and flexibility for enterprise testing and compliance.
Cloud Takeoff: GOL Airlines Modernizes 84 Airport Endpoints with Intune and Autopilot
Brazil's GOL Airlines migrated airport device management across 84 locations to Microsoft Intune, Entra ID, and Windows Autopilot, reducing provisioning time from hours to minutes and boosting security. The cloud-native stack eliminates on-site IT intervention and centralizes control, providing a blueprint for transportation and distributed enterprises.
Dutch Water Utility Ditches Aging AX 2012 for MECOMS 365 in Digital Overhaul
Waterbedrijf Groningen, the Dutch drinking water utility, has successfully migrated from its legacy AX 2012 system to the cloud-based MECOMS 365 platform. The move enhances operational efficiency, customer service, and regulatory compliance while setting a template for other public-sector organizations adopting modern ERP.
Report: Kojima’s OD Defies the Odds, Survives Microsoft’s 100-Day Xbox Purge
Kojima Productions' cloud-native horror game OD is reportedly still in development as of July 2026, surviving a ruthless 100-day strategic review that saw multiple Xbox projects canceled. The game's survival highlights its importance as a showcase for Microsoft's cloud gaming ambitions and the enduring value of Hideo Kojima's creative partnership. Despite no release date, OD remains a key pillar in Xbox's post-reset strategy.
Azure Linux 4.0 Public Preview Arrives: Microsoft’s Fedora-Powered Cloud OS
Microsoft has launched Azure Linux 4.0 in public preview, marking a major shift to a Fedora-based foundation. The new release targets Azure VMs, AKS hosts, and container workloads, with a downloadable ISO for local testing available.
Kyndryl Taps Azure Local to Power Sovereign Cloud for Regulated Industries
Kyndryl and Microsoft have deepened their partnership to deliver a sovereign cloud solution that uses Azure Local for regulated industries. The offering combines Kyndryl’s managed services with Microsoft’s Sovereign Cloud and Microsoft 365 to keep data on-premises and under strict jurisdictional control. It targets government, healthcare, finance, and critical infrastructure organizations that face stringent compliance requirements.