CBA Consult

When global lime and minerals producer Lhoist’s united its IT security and industrial automation teams with Microsoft Azure Defender for IoT, they saw powerful asset discovery, vulnerability management, and threat monitoring capabilities. As a result, they are building a safer, more resilient and more efficient operation. “OT and IT share the same goal of ensuring production availability, delivering for our customers, and maintaining the health and safety of our co-workers,” says Clément Herssens, CISO. Even Lhoist automation staff who weren’t focused on cybersecurity soon recognized the operational efficiency benefits from the wealth of monitoring information now available to them, now bringing major cost and time savings along with overall increase in ROI. Read More...

AI is transforming security for both defenders and attackers. While AI tools can strengthen cyber defenses, they also introduce new threats that require a modern security framework. This whitepaper showcases why you should embrace Zero Trust to stay protected. Download your copy to learn how to adapt your security model to mitigate AI-driven risks while maintaining agility. Contact CBA to discuss applying these insights to your business. View: AI security and Zero Trust

Many organizations move to the cloud to improve scalability and reduce costs, but that's just the beginning. This article explains how companies are achieving broader transformation goals by pairing cloud migration with smart modernization strategies. Read it to see the business impact of cloud done right, and contact CBA to talk about how your organization can align cloud investment with growth. Read More...

It's time to rethink how you protect and grow your business in today's digital world. Microsoft presents the Total Economic Impact™ Of Windows 11 Enterprise. By using Windows 11 Enterprise on Surface devices, organizations have witnessed over 280% ROI in just three years, with payback realized in under six months. Beyond the financial benefits, this upgrade significantly boosts productivity due to enhanced compatibility and minimizes downtime. More importantly, in times where cyber threats are increasing, it substantially enhances your security features, transforming your business's cyber resilience and providing the reaffirmation that your investment is sound. Discover how our technology reseller can provide you with the right support and help your business move forward in this digital evolution. Contact us today to order the latest Surface devices with Windows 11. Read More...

Start creating and get results quickly with Microsoft 365 and Copilot, your AI work assistant. Watch this video to learn what Copilot can do to help you land more sales, create innovative content and gain insights faster.

How can organizations minimize infrastructure costs, automate workflows and deliver new or improved services to customers? With the Microsoft Intelligent Data Platform (MIDP), your organization can benefit from a unified approach that delivers a projected ROI of 95% to 232%. The Forrester Report, New Technology: The Projected Total Economic Impact™ of Microsoft Intelligent Data Platform highlights key findings. Download your complimentary copy of the report to review quantified projected benefits to productivity, efficiency, cost savings, uptime and income. Contact Microsoft partner, CBA, to discuss how we can support your migration to MIDP. View: New Technology: The Projected Total Economic Impact™ of Microsoft Intelligent Data Platform

With the increasing prevalence of cyberattacks, it's crucial that businesses prioritize building a cyber-resilient infrastructure. Cyber resilience is all about efficient recovery and response to potential negative events, minimizing financial impact. How can you do this? Microsoft's Surface Endpoint Protection eBook provides valuable insights. It emphasizes that an essential measure is 'assuming compromise' which includes a significant shift from the traditional security mindset, acknowledging the inevitability of breaches and planning for it. Surface devices combined with Windows 11 and Microsoft 365 offer a Zero Trust approach ensuring end-to-end protection while maintaining productivity. These devices are designed, from firmware to cloud, for cyber resilience and they can limit upto 34% of security incidents. This is further bolstered with advanced features in Windows 11, and organizations using Microsoft's Intune admin center can achieve a staggering 278% retur...

When leadership at Del Monte Foods Inc. saw that their existing cloud infrastructure was leading to higher maintenance costs, limited scalability and performance bottlenecks, the company turned to Microsoft Azure as a solution. Read this revealing customer story highlighting how Del Monte reduced infrastructure costs and increased system uptime with the help of Azure and the Microsoft Defender security stack. Read More...

Copilot can help employees use Microsoft 365 productivity apps more efficiently!

Watch this interactive tour of MS Dynamics 365 Contact Center for a step-by step look at how Dynamics 365 enabled a modern outdoor apparel company to deliver frictionless experiences across channels, reduce call volume and hold times with intelligent chatbots and voicebots, and empower agents to deliver great service where a human touch is required. With a single view of truth across data and support channels, your contact center leaders will gain powerful insights that help drive efficiency at scale and reduce unnecessary costs. Reach out to to begin reimagining your customer service operations. Read More...

There's a strong need for a cloud solution capable of solving data fragmentation problems of the past and present. Find out why the Microsoft Intelligent Data Platform is the best answer in this informative blog pointing out how it can easily manage spikes in data, new workloads and the challenges of emerging technologies. Read More...

In an ever-changing threat landscape, most organisations are looking to understand their digital estate and modernise their IT security in response. Whilst this strengthens your security posture and reduces risk, IT security is still just one piece of the puzzle. The world of Operational Technology (OT) is often managed separately. Without integration and visibility across the entire estate, organisations are opening themselves up to increased vulnerabilities that can be exploited. In this webinar, we will discuss how organisations can be confident in their OT security. Join us to discover how IT and OT security can integrate to discover, secure, protect, detect and manage threats. Read More...

This video introduces the Microsoft Zero Trust Workshop, breaking down the pillars of a Zero Trust strategy and explaining how to apply them to build a more secure and resilient organization. Watch the video today to start strengthening your security posture, and reach out to CBA for guidance on implementing Zero Trust in your environment.

The gap between top and average sales teams is widening, and tech is the reason. This article from McKinsey outlines five actions B2B sales leaders can take to improve productivity and results using technology and AI. Read the article for insight into what top performers are doing, and contact CBA for help evaluating the tech strategies that could work best for your sales team. Read More...

Strategy and execution are only as strong as the insights that guide them. This article outlines how your company can use location intelligence to find operational efficiencies, drive customer engagement, and outmaneuver competitors. Read it for practical examples of what's possible when location is factored into the equation. Connect with CBA to discuss how a location-aware strategy could improve your results. Read More...

Uncertainty around AI agents is holding businesses back from using one of today's most promising workplace tools. This article addresses the five most common myths and explains what AI agents can actually deliver when deployed with strategy and intent. Read the article to cut through the noise and gain a clearer understanding of what's fact, what's fiction, and where AI agents might make sense in your business. Contact CBA to talk about where to start. Read More...

Meet Rosen Georgiev. As Security and Compliance Technical Specialist, he is on the frontline, building secure solutions that help organisations build trust. He talks about why he became a cybersecurity professionals, and what he thinks are key to building a trusted relationship between business and customer. Read More...

Staying ahead of privacy regulations can be complicated, but with Privacy Management for Microsoft 365, we can help you safeguard personal data and build a privacy-resilient workplace. Learn how to: -Identify critical privacy risks and conflicts with an aggregated view of their privacy posture, including the amount, category, and location of private data, and associated privacy risks and trends over time. -Automate privacy operations and response to subject rights requests. Deliver actionable insights that allow privacy administrators to automate privacy policies by using an out-of-box template or create a custom policy to meet an organisation’s specific needs. -Empower employees to make smart data handling decisions eliminating the need to choose between privacy and productivity. Plus, access partner solutions that will extend your capability beyond your Microsoft 365 environment, and leverage APIs to integrate your existing processes within Privacy Management to ensure you meet regul...

Shakespeare Martineau wanted greater agility and freedom with improved end-point security, flexible productivity and practicality. When they migrated to Surface devices, they got that and more. Improved morale, increased productivity, reduced downtime, an increase in billable hours and enhanced client satisfaction. “Microsoft Surface complimented our strategy and was the device of choice to support our Positive, Passionate, People. The product is very good – in style, different ways of working and real performance – and it gives our staff the agility and freedom to work in a way that suits their lives whilst maximising productivity and effectiveness,” says Dal Virdi, IT Director. Read More...

When Belfius, a prominent Belgian bank, started using AI and Machine Learning in operations, they struggled to synergize results for monitoring potential illegal activity. What did they do? Read this insightful customer story showing how by using Azure Machine Learning, Azure Synapse Analytics and Azure Databricks Belfius improved development time, increased efficiency and gained reliability. Read More...

Your security operations need to move as fast as threats evolve. This infographic highlights how the first generative AI security product empowers security and IT teams to protect at the speed and scale of AI. View the infographic to see how Security Copilot can transform your security protocols. For tailored advice, contact CBA to learn how to integrate this AI-driven security solution into your operations. View: Microsoft Security Copilot Coverage and Capabilities

Understanding how AI fits into your workforce strategy starts with defining what it can and can't do. This article explains how agentic AI differs from traditional AI agents, highlighting why this distinction matters for businesses trying to scale automation responsibly. Read it for perspective on what's next in intelligent systems and what it means for your team's productivity, oversight, and outcomes. Contact CBA to discuss how to align your strategy with the right kind of AI. Read More...

This tour of Microsoft Dynamics 365 Customer Service walks you through the service experience of a true-to-life customer who benefits from the solution's transformative, AI-fueled capabilities. Take the tour to see for yourself how Dynamics 365 Customer Service enables your service teams to respond more effectively and effortlessly and personalize experiences. Learn about optimizing workflows, increasing resolution rates and using predictive insights to proactively address customer needs. When you're ready for a more expansive tour, contact your trusted guide and Microsoft partner, . Read More...

Watch this short but informative video on how the latest Microsoft 365 Copilot App updates can make work much easier for teachers. Educators can easily create lesson plans, draft materials like quizzes and rubrics, and quickly make modifications like translation, adjusted reading levels, length, difficulty, alignment to relevant standards, and more. Contact us today to get started with Microsoft 365 Copilot--and to order the latest AI-enabled Surface devices for your school!

Wondering which cybersecurity compliance standard is right for your business? Explore GDPR, SOC 2, and ISO 27001 to see which aligns best with your ne Read More...

Collaboration tools are critical business enablers, but many organizations — and yours may be among them — now find themselves with multiple duplicative internal solutions, resulting in both money and work fragmentation. Read this Forrester report for a detailed cost-benefit analysis of Microsoft Teams' efforts to engage and empower employees across a broad array of hybrid workplace environments and the potential return on investment (ROI) your enterprise may realize by deploying Teams as a platform. Contact CBA for assistance getting started with Microsoft Teams. View: The Total Economic Impact of Microsoft Teams

What's the financial impact of using a comprehensive AI solution? If you've wondered about this, read this Forrester analyst report in which six decision makers at five customer organizations were interviewed regarding their experience with Microsoft Azure AI and how it benefited the bottom line. View: The Total Economic Impact of Microsoft Azure AI

The Aichi Prefectural Board of Education in Japan has chosen Microsoft Surface, leveraging the transformative power of AI PCs in their educational scenario. This hasn't just improved the efficiency of the teaching-learning process but also paved the way for a new era of workstyle reform. Whether it's enhancing the process of education or streamlining digital grading, Microsoft Surface provides an unparalleled experience. With the right tools, reimagining education becomes the new norm and Microsoft Surface is at the forefront of this transformation. Watch this informative video on the value of Surface devices for teachers and students and contact us today to order your new Surface devices.

Processing mathematical models of data to help a computer learn without direct instruction is how machine learning (ML) is defined. However, as you probably know already, there's so much more to ML. See this instructive website by Microsoft Azure explaining how ML works to solve problems, how it's used in modern industry and how ML learning algorithms are developed. Read More...

Watch this brief demo video to see how Microsoft's Copilot in Teams helps you run more effective meetings, get up to speed on the conversation, organize key discussion points, and summarize key actions so that the entire group knows what to do next. Ready to take the work out of working together. Contact CBA

A major provider of customized digital experiences for restaurant and convenience store guests was exploring the expansion of its services into global markets when it realized it needed a scalable platform that would grow with them. Read this illuminating customer story showing how Paytronix migrated to Microsoft Azure and has seen their platform become faster, more secure and cost efficient. Read More...

"The Total Economic Impact of Dynamics 365 Customer Service" report from Forrester Consulting examines the potential return on investment of Microsoft Dynamics 365 Customer Service. This infographic summarizes the findings from that study. View the infographic. Contact to start reaping the benefits of an investment in Dynamics 365 Customer Service. View: Total Economic Impact of Dynamics 365 Customer Service

Hybrid work has caused organisations to fluidly transition between work and personal activities. As a result, more personal data is being generated, retained, shared, and accessed across a multitude of devices and clouds, making the data susceptible to attacks. In fact, 58 percent of data breaches in 2020 involved personal data and there are growing concerns over trust in technologies and organisations that handle personal data and the data privacy regulation landscape is more complex than ever and staying ahead of it can feel impossible. But this work is critical— to safeguard people and the tools they use to stay connected, get work done, and thrive in today’s hybrid environment. In this digital event, Microsoft simplifies some of the complexity around data privacy. Explore Microsoft’s Privacy Management for Microsoft 365 and learn more on:  • Identifying critical privacy risks and conflicts • Automating privacy operations and responding to subject rights requests • Empowering employ...

As a CISO, you are tasked with navigating an increasingly complex threat landscape. This video showcases how AI-driven insights empower CISOs to respond faster, reduce risks, and strengthen their team's capabilities. Watch the video to learn how AI is transforming security operations. Ready to take the next step? Contact CBA for personalized advice on integrating AI-powered security solutions into your strategy.

Generative AI is delivering measurable growth for B2B companies, but only when it's deployed with purpose. This McKinsey article highlights how top-performing organizations are using Gen AI to sharpen go-to-market strategies, increase productivity, and boost margins. Read the article for a closer look at what works and why it matters. Contact CBA for help exploring Gen AI strategies that make sense for your goals. Read More...

The shift to multi-cloud and hybrid cloud is well underway — but what comes next? This article outlines 11 trends that will define cloud strategies in 2025, including advances in automation, AI integration, and workload portability. Read the article to prepare for what's ahead and contact CBA for help assessing your approach and identifying the right next steps. Read More...

In uncertain markets, retention matters more than acquisition. This article discusses five strategic ways enterprise leaders are strengthening the digital post-sale experience to reduce risk, stabilize revenue, and boost customer value. If your business is navigating volatility, this insight can help you shift from reactive support to proactive customer engagement. Read it now, then contact CBA to talk through ways to support your customers better post-purchase. Read More...

Meet Danielle Racher, Microsoft UK’s lead for Media and Telecoms Services in Enterprise Security. She shares her top tips of driving an effective security strategy and why she believes security is an enabler of innovation. Learn the foundations of security, why MFA is one of the most important layers of protection and how Microsoft solutions can enable organisations to achieve more. Read More...

Derby County Community Trust (DCCT) aims to improve people’s lives using the power of sports. With Microsoft 365 security and compliance technology, DCCT is now empowered to fully realise its security goals across its entire device estate. With a strong endpoint and identity-based zero trust approach, employees can now securely access their work from anywhere. Plus, by consolidating and unifying their security tools, they’re able to benefit from cost savings. “We wanted all employee devices, along with our entire device estate, to be compliant, secure, and centrally managed. DCCT handles a lot of information on behalf of schools, colleges, and other customers. It’s essential that information is classified appropriately and is kept secure, ” says Simon Carnall, Head of Community Read More...

Your security team needs to move faster than cyber threats — but traditional methods aren't enough. This customer story details how QNET improved its security efficiency by 60% with Microsoft Security Solutions, using AI-powered automation and advanced security analytics to stay ahead of evolving threats. Read the story to see how AI can help security teams respond faster and improve protection. Need guidance on implementing AI security in your organization? Contact CBA today. Read More...

Too many cloud transformations stall when strategy doesn't match business needs. This article explains how adopting a hybrid approach helps organizations modernize faster, cut costs, and stay agile across environments. Read the article to learn how to apply this thinking to your organization's cloud strategy. Contact CBA for guidance building the right plan for your business. Read More...

B2B buying decisions are no longer driven by one person — they're made by networks. This article lays out five actionable strategies that help businesses adapt their messaging to connect with multiple influencers across the buying journey. Read the article to see how leading firms are updating their approach, and contact CBA to see how you can refine your messaging to match the way decisions are made today. Read More...

In today's rapidly changing tech environment, being recognized by an organization as prestigious as Gartner® calls for a celebration. Read this inspiring blog about how Microsoft was named a Leader in the 2023 Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for Strategic Cloud Platform Services. The report showed that Microsoft had gone furthest in Completeness of Vision. Read More...

Sandvik Coromant's journey with Dynamics 365 started in 2016, when it piloted Dynamics 365 Sales in the United States. As its customer base expanded and diversified, the Sandvik team realized that to access the required deep knowledge of customer history they could no longer rely on multiple applications to manage daily business functions. Read Sandvik's story to learn why Sanika Bhagwat: Customer Interactions Process & Technology Manager said, "Dynamics 365 Customer Service is the thread that weaves [together] seamless experiences...enabling automation and AI possibilities for business growth and ultimate customer satisfaction." Ready to help your customers become more productive, profitable and energy efficient? can help you get started with Dynamics 365 Customer Service. Read More...

This video focuses on how Microsoft's Surface for Business devices are transforming the retail sector. Traditionally, technology solutions have been divided between those designed for customer-facing staff and those used by management. However, the Surface for Business cuts across these divides, offering powerful solutions that can be used by everyone. From frontline workers dealing with customers on a daily basis to store managers overseeing operations, everyone can benefit from the productivity-boosting features of these devices. The Surface for Business also plays a pivotal role in accelerating AI technology in retail, facilitating a host of advanced features expected in today's digital age. Transform the way you think about retail technology by watching this engaging video. Be sure to contact us today to learn more about offers on new Surface devices!

When it comes to hybrid meetings, many Teams users struggle to capture key meeting insights without efficient ways to track decisions and manage tasks. Fortunately, Microsoft has a solution that will put an end to those struggles. In this blog post, discover how Copilot, when paired with Teams Rooms devices, enables your employees to get smarter insights, tasks and decisions from your meetings, all in a Teams environment. Reach out to Microsoft Teams expert CBA for assistance getting started with Teams Rooms and Copilot. Read More...

There are many AI governance platforms in the marketplace, but only one has been recognized as a Leader in the inaugural IDC MarketScape Worldwide AI Governance Platforms 2023 Vendor Assessment. See why Microsoft was granted this honor in this blog post showing why organizations choose it to scale their AI innovations with confidence. Read More...

The Microsoft Brochure, 'Surface in Retail', showcases how Microsoft's versatile and secure Surface for Business portfolio can empower retail workers to deliver more engaging customer experiences. The brochure provides insights into how adoption of Surface has transformed customer interactions at MAGRABi Retail Group, improving efficiency and enhancing customer service. It discusses the potential benefits of adopting a cloud strategy along with a modern device strategy, including increased employee engagement, improved communication, and enhanced security. The brochure highlights the diversity in the Surface portfolio, focusing on how the combination of powerful processors, extended battery life, the versatility of 2-in-1 devices, and the usefulness of intuitive features such as touch, voice, and Surface Pen can enhance productivity. Furthermore, it elaborates on how integrating AI enhancements and emerging technologies could lead to increased efficiency and productivity. R...

What happens when a worldwide leader in insurance finds that its technology infrastructure is slowing down and preventing future innovation? Find out in this perceptive customer story about how Canopius migrated from dual data centers to the more agile, cost-effective environment of Microsoft Azure. Read More...

More than 85% of meeting spaces globally are not video enabled, with BYOD rooms accounting for many of these spaces. But no worries. Microsoft has a solution. Watch this video to learn how new AI-enhanced features in Microsoft Teams enable your employees to easily connect their PCs to A/V in the room to get Teams meetings up and running fast. Contact CBA to get plugged into a better, more inclusive hybrid working environment.

With the right solution, your organization can scale AI with confidence and turn responsible AI into a competitive advantage. Watch this instructive video outlining how Microsoft Azure AI tools are built with six responsible AI principles designed to help you safely build the next generation of applications for responsible AI.

The shift to hybrid work means organisations need new and more efficient ways to secure employee devices from anywhere. Microsoft Surface can help simplify device deployment and management, while driving productivity and security. In this webinar, join Microsoft Surface security experts to learn: • The latest tech to help set up and configure Surface devices right out of the box. • Real-world use cases of securing device deployment at scale and in the cloud. • The steps Surface engineers take towards firmware protection and device security. • Key resources to implement new, agile device provisioning and distribution methods. Read More...

In a world driven by relentless technological advancement, adopting an AI-fueled, customer-centric approach is imperative for staying competitive in today's market. Check out this latest blog article from Microsoft for insights into how generative AI and Copilot are enabling companies to optimize operational efficiency, build long-term loyalty while increasing value at every touchpoint. Ready to accelerate and elevate your customer service operations across the board? Let help you launch into the AI-era with Copilot. Read More...

Your security team is overwhelmed with threats, alerts, and the need for faster response times. AI is stepping in to help. Watch this video to learn how AI transforms security operations, reduces response times, and enhances threat detection. Have questions about integrating AI-driven security? Contact CBA for expert guidance.

Major firms are investing heavily in AI to drive new revenue streams. Is your business following suit? This article highlights the KPMG strategy to put $100 million toward building AI- and automation-powered services in a technology partnership with Google Cloud. Read the article to see what AI-driven transformation can look like, and reach out to CBA to discuss how to plan and implement a strategy for your business. Read More...

AI tools are only part of the equation — real transformation happens when culture evolves, too. This article breaks down what it actually means to build an AI-first culture, why it matters, and how organizations are making it actionable. Read it to understand the core of AI-first success, then contact CBA to talk about aligning culture and technology in your business. Read More...

As a part of the critical infrastructure in the UK, electricity generator Drax Group is a significant target for would-be attackers. To give them a single view over their security infrastructure, Drax began adopting a holistic security ecosystem based on Microsoft integrated threat protection. “What I came to understand is that using multiple solutions increases integration complexity between 400 and 500 percent and can also triple the costs of adoption,” says Martin Sloan, Security Director. By standardising on Microsoft integrated threat protection, Sloan was able to reduce the budget of Drax’s security transition by 75 percent in the same time frame. Drax considers the ever-evolving Microsoft security infrastructure as more than a series of products to adopt. “The key thing we wanted from a strategic partner in the security space is an organisation that’s dedicated to continuous improvement and also infuses that expertise into a familiar platform and interface,” says Sloan. “Microso...