Learn Best Practices, Tips & Tricks at the Free Microsoft Virtual Summit

Register Today for the Free Microsoft Virtual Summit

Over the last few months, the GovLoop community has had some great posts on innovation in government. Now is the time for innovation in government – with increasing budgetary constrains, growing fiscal austerity and the prospects of deep budget cuts, the public sector is called to find new, innovative solutions to tackle complex problems. To address public sector challenges, employees need to be proficient in the tools that they are using at the office on a daily basis. Proficiency in these tools will help to drive efficiencies, cut costs and create employees who are innovators within their agency.

To help government employees become more proficient in the tools they use on a daily basis, this week Microsoft will be hosting a free two-day Virtual Summit to help you develop the skills you need to excel in your job and drive efficiencies at your agency. The sessions will not only help improve your skills, but will also provide information and resources how your agency can leverage Microsoft technology.

Day 1 of the Virtual Summit will provide insights how current and emerging cloud technologies can help to drive efficiencies and streamline processes within your agency. Topics include preparing for Windows 8, the power of IT in the cloud on your terms, using the cloud to build stronger links with citizens and across agencies, and how to support the consumerization of government IT. The sessions run 11 – 4 ET on April 26.

Day 2 will focus on a deep-dive in cloud technology. This day also allows you to pick and choose the sessions you would like to attend, focusing on Office 365 tips and best practices, SQL 2012 and business intelligence, and running a private cloud. The sessions will run from 11 – 5 ET on April 27.

There are some really interesting tracks lined up for the event. The first track that I wanted to highlight is the Microsoft Office 365 Tips and Tricks Series, which will occur on April 27. The series has dozens of End User Tips and Tricks on Office 365. Each session will have a live instructor to answer all your questions and help you maximize the Microsoft platform to drive efficiencies at your office.

The next session that I wanted to share is the Private Cloud Data Center/Private Cloud Management (1-2pm ET). The session abstract states:

Microsoft’s proven data center virtualization and management solutions, built on Windows Server 2008 R2 with Hyper-V and System Center, provide you with a familiar, supported, and cost-effective technology platform to help you improve data center operations, deliver reliable services, and lower costs. Learn how System Center helps you deliver agile and cost effective data center services with integrated, “single pane of glass” management across your physical, virtual, and cloud environments. Get a closer look at how common management across infrastructure, platform, and applications, offers you unparalleled flexibility and control.

You can find more details about each session by visiting the registration page.

I’m looking forward to the sessions and all the information and best practices that Microsoft will be sharing. The sessions will provide some valuable insights on how you can become more efficient in the tools you use everyday, and ways technology can help improve how you deliver services to citizens and leverage all the tools Microsoft offer.

Every day at Microsoft we are motivated and inspired by how our customers use our software to find creative solutions to business problems, develop breakthrough ideas, and stay connected to what’s most important to them. Check out their Microsoft Productivity for Government group on GovLoop as well as the Technology Sub-Community of which they are a council member.