From Nutanix Multicloud expansion to the latest Microsoft 365 Copilot enhancements, this month’s roundup delivers key updates across hybrid data centers, security, collaboration, and AI-powered productivity tools.
Hot Topics:
–Sign Up For Our Upcoming 3-Day Microsoft Virtual Roadshow
Be sure to check out our upcoming 3-Day Microsoft Virtual Roadshow where we’ll cover how to build an exceptional end-user experience that seamlessly blends top-tier security with next-level productivity. Sign up for 1, 2, or all 3 Days to gain insider knowledge and expertise on Azure, Microsoft 365, and the latest Data & AI solutions– all designed with Security in mind.
— Day One: Data & AI
— Day Two: Azure
— Day Three: Microsoft 365
–Microsoft Teams Phone Major Update On The Horizon
Major firmware updates begin May 15, 2025. Click the link above to learn how to migrate Teams phones, rooms, and panels from Android Device Administrator to AOSP with best practices for Intune compliance and Conditional Access.
What’s New in the Hybrid Data Center?
Nutanix
Multicloud Expansion
Nutanix Cloud Clusters (NC2) now support Google Cloud, reinforcing Nutanix’s hybrid cloud strategy by enhancing workload portability and simplifying licensing.
Key Releases
- AOS 6.10.1.5 / AHV 20230302.103014: Critical CVE patch resolves rare VM deletion during DR failback.
- AOS 7.0.1 / AHV 10.0.1: Adds support for AMD Turin-based nodes (e.g., Nutanix G10 platforms).
View full Nutanix update
End of Maintenance Reminder
The following NX G7 platforms will reach EOM in September: 3170, 3155G, 1065, 8155, 8170, 8035.
Industry Insight
Nutanix’s 2025 predictions remain relevant, particularly Predictions #2, #3, and #4, which continue influencing decision makers.
Pure Storage
New Preview: Pure Storage Cloud for AVS
Now in public preview, this fully managed Storage-as-a-Service solution offers an alternative to Cloud Block Store for Azure VMware Solution (AVS).
Product Launch: FlashArray RC20
Designed for SMBs and remote offices, RC20 uses factory-renewed controllers to reduce cost and promote sustainability.
Cohesity
New Support: Nutanix Database Service (NDB)
Cohesity is the first vendor to protect NDB, expanding backup capabilities for mission-critical databases.
View full Cohesity update
Release: Patch 7.1.2_u3
Includes numerous product and security enhancements—highly recommended update.
Entra ID Integration
DataProtect as a Service now supports fast backup and instant recovery for Microsoft Entra ID data, with ransomware resilience in a unified console.
Rubrik
End-of-Sale: R6000 Series
Sales will end September 2025; hardware support continues through 2030. Customers will receive direct notifications.
View full Rubrik update
Launch: R7000 Series
Replaces R6000 with higher capacity and performance for on-premises CDM environments.
Rubrik Cloud Vault (RCV) on AWS
Organizations can now back up data to air-gapped AWS tenants for enhanced offsite protection.
VMware
ESXi Returns
Broadcom has reinstated free downloads of VMware ESXi 8.0 U3e (login required).
- Note: This version includes an embedded license and limitations, such as lacking vCenter management, DRS, and other advanced features.
What’s New in Microsoft Cloud?
Azure
Azure: Hyperscale & Copilot Disk Insights
- SQL Hyperscale Conversion: Now supports enhanced reporting and explicit cutover control.
- Copilot for Disk Performance: General Availability release enables Copilot to analyze VM/disk metrics and resolve issues.
Microsoft 365 Copilot
Microsoft 365 Copilot: New Features & Rollouts (April–May)
- Inbox Prioritization (April): New feature for Outlook on Windows/web.
- SafeLinks Integration: Native URL protection + removal of redacted hyperlinks (May).
- Context IQ in BizChat: Third-party Graph Connectors now supported.
- On-Brand PowerPoint Templates: Starter templates + organizational asset library support.
- PDF Support in PowerPoint: Use PDFs as Copilot references.
- Agent Discovery: Browse all Copilot agents across Teams, Outlook, and Microsoft 365—even without Copilot licenses.
- Image Generation: Available in mobile Teams and Outlook apps.
- Follow-Up Suggestions: Copilot will suggest follow-up prompts during meetings.
- AI Admin Role: Delegated management of Copilot agents.
- Transcript Privacy Controls: Option to block transcript access for agents created in Copilot Studio.
- Multiple Account Access: Copilot supports personal and work accounts simultaneously.
- Document Referencing in Forms: Users can reference existing content when building forms (with label restrictions).
- Mobile Browser Redirect: Mobile access to m365.cloud.microsoft now redirects to app downloads.
Defender for Cloud Apps
Defender for Cloud Apps: Firewall & Alert Updates
- IP Updates Required (by April 21st): Allow outbound traffic to new ranges listed here.
- Alert Source Field Update (May): Improves accuracy across XDR and API systems.
Defender for Office 365
Defender for Office: Security Bundle + Data Platform
- New Security Add-On: Microsoft 365 Security Bundle is available for Business Premium.
- Threat Classification Reports: Added to Threat Protection/Mail Flow summaries (May).
- Platform Migration (by June): Enhances data consistency, scalability, and performance.
Defender XDR
Exposure Management Update: Recommendations now align with CIS benchmarks for secure admin sign-in policies.
Entra ID
Entra ID: PowerShell & Licensing Changes
- New PowerShell Module: Improves scripting + automation.
- Migration Wizard: Assists with moving authorization methods.
- Retirement Notice: MSOnline PowerShell ends soon—switch to Graph SDK.
- End of Sale: External Identities P2 ends May 1st; full B2C retirement by March 2026.
Excel
Python in Excel: Expands to web apps under Microsoft 365 commercial licenses. Optional add-on for compute speed.
Exchange Online
New EWS Usage Reports (April): Available in Microsoft 365 Admin Center, includes third-party app usage.
Intune
Intune: Android + Apple Policy Changes
- Android BYOD Changes (2025–2026): Migration to web-based AM API begins this year.
- Apple T&Cs Update: Accept new terms to ensure continued device sync.
- CDN Endpoint Changes (by April 30): Update proxy settings if using strict outbound rules.
M365 Apps Admin Center
Network Connectivity Test: Now General Availability. Helps validate Copilot readiness.
OneDrive
Known Folder Move (KFM): Desktop apps now prompt users to enroll and select folders.
Outlook Mobile
Outlook Mobile: Recall & MailTips Updates
- Recall Support: Available in iOS/Android.
- MailTips Improvement: Better offline accuracy.
Outlook (New)
Outlook (New): Pronunciations & Offline Access
- Name Pronunciation Support (April): Users can record and listen to name pronunciations. Admins can enable this via Microsoft Graph.
- Offline Attachment Access
- Updated Admin Policies: Separate settings for web vs. native Outlook apps. The CASMailbox-`OWAEnabled` parameter will only block Outlook for the web, while the CASMailbox-`OneWinNativeOutlookEnabled` policy will manage the new Outlook for Windows.
Planner
Recent Tab Change (April 18): Project-created plans will no longer appear in Planner Recent tab.
Purview
Purview: DLP for Fabric + AI Prompt Protection
- On-Demand File Classification: PAYG feature scans historical OneDrive/SharePoint files.
- DLP for Fabric: Now supports lakehouses; coming soon for KQL/mirrored databases.
- Browser DLP Enhancements: Blocks AI prompts (e.g., ChatGPT) with sensitive data.
- Restricted App Access in Edge: Visual policy enforcement for blocked apps.
SharePoint
SharePoint: Quick Steps & Card Animations
- Quick Steps: Automate routine tasks via the Automate menu.
- Card Animations: Coming to Pages, News, and Viva Amplify.
Teams
Teams — Calendar Update + App Blocking Notices
- Client Versions
- Old Teams clients (>90 days) will be blocked. Warnings start 60 days prior.
- Calendar Enhancements
- New Outlook/Teams-integrated calendar with Copilot features coming May 2025.
Teams Chat — “Shared” Tab + Facilitator Agent
- “Files” tab renamed to “Shared” for clarity.
- Facilitator Agent now summarizes meetings (requires Microsoft 365 Copilot).
Teams Meetings — Recap + Background Blur on iOS
- New control for viewing chats while screen sharing.
- iOS users can now blur/change backgrounds while recording.
- Transcripts are now stored in OneDrive with IT retention policy support.
- Town hall recaps are available via Copilot or Teams Premium.
Teams Phone — Call Summary & Policy Changes
- Call Summaries via Copilot in transfer panels.
- Improved noise suppression for distant mic input.
- New location privacy prompts for iOS/Android. (Also: Read about new location sharing settings for emergency calls here.)
- Legacy phones >5 months old will stop working in June 2025. If your older phones cannot upgrade to 1449/1.0.94.2025020301, they will just stop working.
Teams Admin Center — App Security Visibility
- App detail pages now include security/compliance info for admins. Admins will be notified of this feature and can access a tutorial and live count of certified apps. Rollout starts late February 2025 and completes by early April 2025, with no admin action needed.
Windows
Windows: Kerberos Patch
Kerberos Vulnerability Fix (Action Required)
Microsoft released security updates on April 8, 2025 addressing a Kerberos authentication vulnerability. Follow these steps to ensure full protection:
- Update
- Apply Windows updates released on or after April 8th to all Domain Controllers.
- Monitor
- Watch for new event logs on Domain Controllers to identify Certificate Authorities (CAs) not in the NTAuth store.
- Enable Enforcement
- Once you’ve confirmed no certificates are issued by unauthorized CAs, enable Enforcement Mode to block vulnerable authentication attempts.
Remote Desktop Deprecation
Remote Desktop Client Retirement (Plan Now)
The Remote Desktop client for Windows (MSRDC) will reach end of support on March 27, 2026. To avoid disruptions:
- Action Required: Transition to the new Windows App before the deadline.
- This affects access to:
- Windows 365
- Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD)
- Microsoft Dev Box
- MSTSC (Remote Desktop Connection) remains unaffected.
