Microsoft credits, tighter supplies and changing licences..... plus security, AI and the week ahead.
IF YOU READ ONE THING..... / Microsoft / Business continuity
An approved Exchange outage claim gives you a credit against eligible service fees. It does not repay lost revenue or automatically cover the whole Microsoft 365 bill. Preserve each customer’s evidence now..... Microsoft must receive November’s complete claim by 31 December 2026.
THREE QUESTIONS FOR THE BUSINESS
ALSO IN THE EDITION
Hardware
Supply pressure is spreading to printed circuit boards, with some orders reportedly stretching to 30 months. Plan known requirements, confirm delivery allocations and budget for further increases..... the minimum recommendation for a new corporate PC remains 32GB of memory.
Microsoft / Licensing / Security
Included does not mean unlimited! E3 and E5 cover the basics, but premium features and repeated monitoring checks can need more capacity. Even E7 has limits..... use the worked examples and calculator to check what the tenant actually needs.
Cloud & AI / Microsoft
The commercial prize is becoming the workspace you open first..... and have fewer reasons to leave. AI may gather information, build the files and draft the follow-up, while you review and approve. Integration, permissions, reliable data and cost still need proper attention.
Microsoft / Education / Licensing
Unchanged staff list prices can still produce a much bigger education bill. Discounts end at eligible renewals from May 2027; free benefits and storage change from January 2028. The worked example moves a school from about 105TB to 15TB..... check the full renewal before budgeting.
Microsoft / Events
Ignite runs from 17–20 November, with a free digital pass. The opening keynote starts on Tuesday at 20:00 South African time. Plan the sessions you need..... some are only available in person and some will not be recorded.
Security
A convincing new order can hide a Word attachment that installs XLoader malware. Verify unexpected orders through a known contact and keep Office patched..... especially when the order seems just what the business needs.
Security / Microsoft Teams
An unexpected email looks suspicious; the same request in Teams can feel routine. Criminals exploit that trust with fake support, invoices and meeting messages. Check external access and phishing protection..... and keep practical staff training current.
Cloud & AI
Faster output, lower developer rates and stronger coding scores are welcome. They do not make the biggest model the right choice for every task. Start with the business process, test the result and total cost..... and control what the AI can read and change.
SPONSORED MESSAGE · BUI
BUI continuously monitors ransomware attacks and hacker signals. Their report is a dated snapshot of the live dashboard.
Snapshot: 15 November 2026 at 13:44
Open the #193 DarkWeb report (opens a new tab)SPONSORED MESSAGE · FIRSTMARKETPLACE
OpenVPN, Miro, Certiport join their vendor range. Explore the vendors and this edition’s marketplace update.
Read the #193 marketplace update →SOUTH AFRICAN CINEMA · #193
Barry’s featured films, trailers and the four-week outlook for this edition.
Questions, corrections or a topic that deserves a closer look? Contact Barry directly.