Tag: #Microsoft

Microsoft launches new series of Dream Space TV

Microsoft has announced the launch of its latest Dream Space TV series, Code Green, aimed at providing teachers across Ireland with new STEM teaching resources to inspire young students to become sustainability champions in their schools and communities. The release of the Code Green series coincides with Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Week 2024, a Government of Ireland led initiative, taking place from September 20th to 29th.

Developed by Microsoft, in collaboration with Irelands Knowledge Centre for Carbon, Climate and Community Action (IKC3) at Munster Technological University and supported by RTÉ Learn, Code Green provides hands-on educational resources designed to help young people understand the role they can play in creating a more sustainable future. Furthermore, students are given the opportunity to develop their STEM skills and are challenged to apply those to advance sustainability in their school community.

Aligned to the EU Green Deal 2050, each of the six freely available on-demand Microsoft Dream Space TV Code Green episodes focus on a different aspect of sustainability, from building eco-friendly vehicles and coding energy-saving programs to using AI tools to monitor biodiversity and creating sustainability plans for schools. The series is being rolled out on RTÉ Learn over a six-week period from September 27th.

Upon completion of the six episodes schools will have the opportunity to enter the Code Green challenge and submit an entry to participate in the Code Green Showcase event, which will take place at Microsoft’s campus in Leopardstown, Dublin in June 2025.

The Code Green resources being unveiled today align fully with the Government’s Second National Strategy on Education for Sustainable Development and its priority of empowering and mobilising young people to upskill and take action for a more sustainable future. Each Code Green episode is designed for easy integration into the classroom, with detailed teacher guides, worksheets, and curriculum links to support the Irish primary curriculum.

Commenting on today’s announcement, James O’Connor, Microsoft Ireland Site Leader, and Corporate Vice-President of Microsoft Global Operations Service Centre, said: “We are delighted to be marking SDG Week 2024 by rolling out the new Microsoft Dream Space TV series – Code Green. With the help of the latest series available on RTE Learn, young people will have the opportunity to develop their STEM and AI skills and put them to the test to advance sustainability in their own school community.

“With digital technology transforming our lives, work, and education, it is crucial that every young person can engage in STEM and AI learning and think critically about the world around them. Through Microsoft Dream Space and its many initiatives, we are helping the next generation to develop the skills that are required amid the twin – digital and green – transitions.”

Dr. Helena McMahon, Director of Ireland’s Knowledge Centre for Carbon Climate and Community Action (IKC3), at Munster Technological University, said: “MTU is delighted to partner with Microsoft on the development and roll out of Code Green. The IKC3 and Microsoft Dream Space team collaboration has brought together the brightest of minds in programme design, sustainability, and STEM education. This new educational resource for teachers and students nationwide aligns with the EU Green Deal 2050 themes and supports our joint commitment to promote both STEM and sustainability education that build green and digital skills. We encourage every primary school throughout Munster and across the island of Ireland to join us in this exciting learning journey towards a more sustainable future.”

Speaking about the initiative, Suzanne Kelly, Group Head of Children’s & Young People’s Content at RTÉ, said: “RTÉ are thrilled to be once again teaming up with Microsoft Dream Space, this time to explore how technology can be a force for good in tackling climate change. The Dream Space team have developed engaging and free to use learning materials that will help students and schools to do just that and we’re proud to be helping to deliver these resources nationwide.”

This latest series of Microsoft Dream Space TV is the sixth to be produced and made freely available on RTÉ Learn, with previous episodes focusing on developing digital and AI skills through themes of inclusivity, sustainability, and health and wellbeing. Of the 300,000+ students that have already engaged in Microsoft Dream Space, more than 47,000 have done so by way of Microsoft Dream Space TV. Microsoft Dream Space TV is one of a number of initiatives that Microsoft is rolling out as it looks to provide every student across the island of Ireland – almost 1 million in total – with the opportunity to develop their STEM and AI skills.

The IKC3 Project at MTU is funded by the Higher Education Authority under the Human Capital Initiative.

To get started and learn more, visit aka.ms/CodeGreen or Code Green: The sustainability series from Dream Space TV (rte.ie).

Qualcom one of first Irish partners to achieve Microsoft Azure Infrastructure designation

Qualcom, a leading Irish provider of IT and cybersecurity services, today announces that it has achieved a Microsoft designation in Azure Infrastructure. Qualcom is one of a select number of Microsoft partners in Ireland to receive this designation.

Qualcom was recognised for its expertise in delivering innovative solutions built on Microsoft Azure technology which meet the evolving needs of customers and drive their growth. With this certification, customers will benefit from an enriched range of Azure capabilities including accelerated migration to the cloud and enhanced security and flexibility. Qualcom can leverage increased access to Microsoft resources and highly skilled technicians to continue to strengthen its Azure service portfolio.

Adding to its existing Microsoft Modern Work SME and Enterprise designations, this new recognition demonstrates Qualcom’s commitment to remaining at the forefront of technological advancement to deliver increased value to customers.

David Kinsella, Technical Director, Qualcom, said: “This designation helps to solidify our position as a leader in the market, and recognises the commitment of the entire team in providing cutting-edge Microsoft solutions to our customers. We remain dedicated to continuous improvement and innovation across our technology solutions to drive customers’ success. We look forward to continuing to work closely with the Microsoft team to enhance our capabilities.”

Fergal Quigley, Microsoft Azure Business Lead at MicroWarehouse, one of Ireland’s largest Microsoft distributors, said: “As one of a select group of partners in Ireland to have achieved this certification, this underscores Qualcom’s deep dedication to integrating Microsoft technology solutions that lead to customer growth. It gives customers the confidence to innovate, backed up by a team of highly skilled professionals and the highest quality of service and support.”

Incase to Re-Launch Microsoft PC Accessory Portfolio Worldwide in Q4 2024

 Incase, a leading global design-driven carry and protection brand, announced it will re-launch products from the Microsoft accessories portfolio in Q4 2024. Onward Brands, the parent company of Incase, has licensed rights and associated intellectual property from the Microsoft accessories portfolio. The deal includes manufacturing components of well-known Microsoft accessories, ensuring that the products stay true to the favorites that consumers enjoy and trust.
The strategic partnership allows Incase to leverage Microsoft’s world-class product design and proven technology. Under the terms of the agreement, Incase will manufacture and distribute a broad suite of Microsoft accessory products including Keyboards, Mice, Webcams, Headsets and Speakers.
Best-selling products such as the Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard, Modern Mobile Mouse, Wireless Desktop 850, and Modern Webcam will be marketed under the Incase brand as “Designed by Microsoft.” In addition to these existing products, Incase will debut a new ergonomic keyboard under the “Designed by Microsoft” designation.
“We are thrilled to license design and technology from the Microsoft accessory portfolio and to strategically expand our lineup of consumer tech solutions to include PC accessories,” said Marshall Clark, Onward General Manager, Productivity Business Unit. “Consumers can anticipate their favorite products back on shelves in 2024 under the Incase brand as we transition the portfolio.”
Onward Brands CEO Charlie Tebele added, “We look forward to building on the more than 30 years of outstanding product development that the Microsoft accessories business was well known for. With this product expansion, Onward will offer consumers the most comprehensive selection of accessories across our trusted brands.”
Brett Ostrum, CVP Microsoft Devices, commented, “Microsoft is excited to partner with Incase to bring Microsoft-designed PC accessories that our customers love to market.”
Incase products are available worldwide and at retailers including Amazon, and others, and online at www.incase.com. For additional information on Onward Brands, please visit www.onwardbrands.com.

Minister Dara Calleary joins Statkraft & Microsoft to turn sod on energy provider’s latest solar project

Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Digital and Company Regulation, Dara Calleary TD, joined Statkraft and Microsoft to turn the sod on Harlockstown Solar – Statkraft’s latest solar project in Ireland.

The 34MW solar project in Co. Meath, which could power the equivalent of almost 9,000 homes, is one of several renewable energy projects being delivered as part of a Corporate Power Purchase Agreement (CPPA) package with Microsoft which was signed last year. Under the multi-year deals, Statkraft Ireland will supply the technology firm with 366MW of clean energy from six of its wind and solar farms.

The CPPA establishes a Community Benefit Fund that will provide grants of approximately €1.3 million over the lifetime of the project to community-led clean energy and environmental justice initiatives to help create a brighter future, and make a difference in the communities that we operate in.

CPPAs enable corporations to procure renewable electricity directly from a renewable electricity generator and with these CPPAs, Microsoft is helping add additional clean energy capacity to the grid. The Government’s Climate Action Plan includes a target of 15% of electricity demand to be delivered from renewable energy CPPAs by 2030. This equates to approximately 6 terawatt hours of additional electricity generation.

Through its renewable energy contract with Statkraft and its other CPPAs announced in November 2023, Microsoft’s procurement will see the development of more than 900 MW of onshore wind and solar energy projects. The company is seeking to make a material contribution to accelerating the country’s journey to a net-zero future.

Speaking at the event, Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Digital and Company Regulation, Dara Calleary TD, said: “Our future is both green and digital, and how we manage data will be a crucial to our decarbonisation ambitions. Renewable energy has a really important role to play in our fight to protect the planet, and I want to congratulate Statkraft and Microsoft on this important initiative. This new solar project has capacity to power the equivalent of almost 9,000 homes – Corporate PPAs have a real role to play in supporting Ireland’s renewable energy and climate targets, and I believe can be an important mechanism to support the wider system changes necessary in the electricity sector to deliver lasting benefits to households, businesses, and local communities.”

Kevin O’Donovan, Senior VP for Statkraft, said: “There is a growing understanding among the public of the importance of solar power to meet the country’s energy needs and security of supply. Every single solar panel installed means importing less polluting and costly fossil fuel while at the same time, bolstering Ireland’s future energy security.

“There is no magic formula when it comes to climate action and meeting our 2030 targets. It will require a range of rapidly deployed technologies and solutions all working in harmony to decarbonise our electricity supply. For that reason, we are delighted today to be announcing the beginning of construction on Harlockstown Solar.”

Donal O’Sullivan, VP for Development and Offshore with Statkraft Ireland, added: “Between now and the end of the decade, we are going to have to use all the tools at our disposal to make the energy transition happen. Projects like Harlockstown contribute to Ireland’s ambition of delivering 15% of new renewable volumes via CPPA while showcasing Statkraft’s experience of sourcing alternative routes to market for its renewable energy projects.”

Eoin Doherty, Microsoft’s Cloud Operations + Innovation EMEA Regional Leader, said: “At Microsoft, we’re committed to becoming carbon negative by 2030. That’s why we’re proud to be partnering with Statkraft to bring additional renewable energy on stream and help the Irish Government to achieve its climate action ambitions. The development of the solar energy project at Harlockstown is one of many projects that are coming on stream as a result of 900MWs of renewable energy contracts that we announced last year, which is a significant contribution to Ireland’s renewable energy corporate power purchase agreement target. As the country works towards achieving a more sustainable future, Microsoft will continue to partner with the energy sector and Government to accelerate the growth of renewables on the energy grid.”

5 Things You Should Know About Microsoft’s New Commerce Experience

Microsoft’s New Commerce Experience, or NCE, has been around since 2019. Although it was previously only available for Microsoft Azure, it is now expanding also to include Power Platform, Dynamics 365, M365, and Windows 365.

This new product makes it easier to transact with Microsoft as a multi-phase investment that can improve business growth, make licensing more straightforward, and simplify purchase method preferences for customers. 

The primary benefit of NCE is to empower partners and customers to have more choices while also effectively optimizing costs.

Nevertheless, here’s what you should know about Microsoft’s New Commerce Experience.

How NCE Affects Partners

Microsoft NCE has a few significant benefits to offer partners that will enable them to improve customer service.

You can expect an increase in sales agility and customer loyalty. NCE pricing advantages for annual subscriptions will lock in pricing long-term. In addition to this, another benefit for partners is better operational efficiency and cost savings; NCE makes it a lot easier to manage subscriptions with renewal automation. 

NCE also offers more choices for customers with the introduction of monthly term subscriptions to cancel or reduce subscriptions more efficiently at a better price. At the same time, NCE also makes it easier to adopt new add-ons and products separately. 

The Impacts Of NCE On Customers

There are also a number of ways NCE offers customers more flexibility.

Customers can cancel on a monthly basis and manage subscriptions easier as a result. It’s also possible to combine monthly subscriptions with annual subscriptions to make it easier for customers to balance costs. 

Even so, NCE also offers customers more value for commitment by offering better pricing points for annual subscriptions. 

Canceling And Refunds

There is a cancellation policy for all NCE terms offerings; subscriptions must be canceled or downgraded within 72 hours of the first order or subscription renewal. 

A refund is available for cancellations. The refund amount is calculated daily for the 72-hour restriction. But after the 72-hour frame, the cancellations and refund offerings are no longer available. 

Moreover, suspending the subscription will prevent the user from accessing the account while billing continues. 

Reducing Seats During Subscription

You can reduce the seat number on an existing subscription or contract with the same process for cancellations. You will need to minimize seats within a period of 72 hours from the original order or renewal.

New Features

NCE offers a variety of new features like scheduling changes during subscription renewals, automatic seat assignments, auto-renewal options, and so much more. 

When it comes to most Microsoft products and system upgrades and improvements, users can expect improvements that provide benefits. But even so, it’s essential to know what to expect from new changes, mainly when changes include pricing differences and policy adjustments. While pricing increases aim to reflect more value for users, you’ll want to understand pricing plans, cancellation and refund policies, and all the other essential details to get the most out of Microsoft products and services. 

 

Jabra PanaCast video solution first to market with Microsoft device ecosystem platform

Jabra, a leader in professional audio and video solutions, will be the first to market with its PanaCast 50 Video Bar System leveraging the new Microsoft device ecosystem platform, as announced on the Microsoft blog today: What’s new in Teams Rooms and Devices at Enterprise Connect. Microsoft collaborated with Jabra to optimise the platform to leverage Microsoft Teams Room for Android as the first industry market solution. 

The Microsoft device ecosystem platform brings together the best of Microsoft and Android, tailored for shared spaces and optimised for Teams devices.  Built on the Android Open Source Project (AOSP), the platform delivers the security, reliability, management and deployment that Microsoft is known for, along with the diversity of hardware and software support that comes with Android. It is designed for innovation – with the extensibility and customisation that manufacturers need to deliver innovative products with both hardware and software extensions. 

 The Jabra PanaCast 50 Video Bar System is an integrated solution. It includes a Qualcomm Technologies Inc. state-of-the-art system-on-chip (SoC) for IoT running Android, which will be upgradable to the new Microsoft OS. It also includes other SoCs, as well, speakers, microphones, video cameras, with network and display interfaces for easy deployment. The solution comes with a 10.1” touch controller to manage the room experience. The system natively and securely runs Microsoft Teams Rooms on Android. 

Aurangzeb Khan, SVP for Intelligent Vision Systems at Jabra said, “We are delighted to have contributed to the development of this enterprise grade Android platform and to deliver it with the PanaCast 50 Video Bar System as the first video solution for this Microsoft ecosystem platform for Android. Together Jabra and Microsoft present a video solution that combines the Microsoft heritage in platforms, security, management, and scale with Jabra’s leading video technology, for the benefit of our customers.”  

With a hardware-based root of trust and attestation, built on Microsoft’s PKI cryptography and Qualcomm® Trusted Execution Environment, the platform delivers security and tamper resistance with attestation by enabling secure identification of the device and its configuration. This is built with the advantage of the Qualcomm® QC8250 SoC for IoT supporting multiple concurrent instances of VPU-based hardware offload, with up to 8K video encoding and decoding. The Qualcomm QCS8250 SoC also allows for up to 64-megapixel video capture for exceptional high-definition videos. 

“Qualcomm Technologies is proud to be a part of the collaboration to create the Jabra PanaCast 50 Video Bar System, featuring the premium Qualcomm QCS8250 SoC,” stated Dev Singh, Vice President, Business development, and Head of Euilding & enterprise, and Industrial Automation, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. “The PanaCast 50 Video Bar System utilises the SoC’s advanced security and video processing functions to bring to market this first-of-its-kind collaboration system.”  

“We are excited to partner with Jabra to bring the Microsoft device ecosystem platform to our customers and as its first adopter from the partner ecosystem building devices Certified for Microsoft Teams,” said Dave Kearney, General Manager of Program Management at Microsoft. “Security, reliability, management, and performance are critical for businesses globally and by building on the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) and partnering with Qualcomm we are pleased to offer a solution designed for shared spaces which brings the best Microsoft has to offer across those fronts while providing flexibility and diversity in the hardware and software offered.” 

Security is backed by Microsoft – with government-grade secure development environment, state of the art code analysis, threat detection, and software updates customers can depend on for shared meeting spaces. Matching this, the PanaCast 50 Video Bar System is designed to adapt to the evolving UC experiences and hybrid workplace needs with its AI-powered software-defined platform. It is easy to install, manage and use with everything needed for video meetings embedded in the PanaCast Control for a one-touch start/join without requiring any additional devices, allowing simple, secure, and scalable deployment and management in any small-medium sized rooms. 

For more on the Microsoft device ecosystem platform, please visit the Microsoft blog here: 

What’s new in Teams Rooms and Devices at Enterprise Connect 

More on the PanaCast 50 Video Bar System: Jabra PanaCast 50 Video Bar System    

Avanade Ireland creates 200 new jobs to meet Irish businesses’ digital transformation needs

Avanade, the leading Microsoft solutions provider, today announced ambitious growth plans in Ireland as it continues to see increasing demand for digital transformation technologies. During the past 18 months, the current Microsoft Partner of the Year for Ireland has doubled its workforce to over 150 people and now plans to more than double it again over the next 18 months.

In the four years since opening for business in Ireland, Avanade has grown exponentially as Irish businesses rush to invest in technologies that will enable them to better serve their customers and employees; improving engagement through data and AI, empowering their people to work flexibly and efficiently, and becoming more cost and price competitive.

Avanade is now seeking the very best talent, across a range of disciplines, to be part of its Irish success story. With over 25 different nationalities, and 45% female workforce, Avanade Ireland has proven its commitment to being an inclusive employer that that is leading by example in providing a better employee experience. The company was also ranked the number one Top Employer of the Year in Ireland in 2021, by the Top Employer Institute.

“It’s hard to believe we’re just four years old, and that much of that time has been dominated by the ongoing complexities of a global pandemic. The phenomenal – and growing – demand for our services is a testament to the talented people we have in our organisation and the close partnership we have with Microsoft. We’re proud to have created an environment that empowers our employees to flourish in their careers, while at the same time, looking after their wellbeing. In doing so, we continue to uphold Avanade’s long-standing reputation for being a great place to work and the go-to partner for clients looking for leading innovative solutions on the Microsoft ecosystem,” commented Adam Kelly, country manager, Avanade Ireland.

Microsoft Ireland General Manager Anne Sheehan said: “Partners, like Avanade, are essential to how Microsoft builds and delivers intelligent solutions and processes that empower people and organisations to achieve more. Our partnership with Avanade has gone from strength to strength due to the similarities in our values; enabling businesses to adopt a growth mindset and having a transformative impact on the organisations we work with. We’re excited to continue working closely with Avanade to accelerate this transformation using Microsoft innovations.”

“Avanade has been central to us getting to that position more quickly than we could have done before and there is no doubt we will continue to maintain our leadership position and serve our customers even better than we do today because of them,” said Graham Fagan Group Director of Technical and Operations, Allied Irish Bank.

“As businesses in Ireland start to scrutinise their expenditures even more closely, turning attention internally becomes ever more important. Facilitating slicker modern work practices and scrutinising the efficiency and effectiveness of your existing data and infrastructure should remain a top priority for business. We’ve set out ambitious growth plans already, but the potential is easily even greater,” added Kelly.

‘Ireland’s Future is MINE’: Microsoft & RTÉjr launch exciting new digital skills competition for primary schools.

Microsoft Ireland and RTÉjr today announced they are joining forces to launch an exciting new national digital skills competition which will challenge primary school students across the island of Ireland to use Minecraft: Education Edition to help shape Ireland’s sustainable future.

This week, every primary school in the Republic of Ireland will receive a unique code in the post so they can register for a Minecraft: Education Edition account to take part in this exciting initiative. Primary Schools in Northern Ireland will also be invited to participate and will be able to use their existing Minecraft: Education Edition accounts to compete in this first-of-its-kind competition.

Primary Schools are invited to tune into rte.ie/learn from 30th September where they will be able to watch Dream Space TV which features amazing Minecraft: Education Edition Lessons that will run for six weeks. Delivered by the teachers of Microsoft’s Dream Space, the lessons are designed to support teachers to deliver digital learning experiences in the classroom.

Throughout the six weekly online episodes, students will be learning how to use Minecraft: Education Edition through the medium of fun challenges! These challenges will be aligned to both the Republic and Northern Irish curriculums covering subjects from English, Maths, Science, Geography, SPHE and more. Microsoft’s Dream Space team will also provide each school with comprehensive teaching guides to ensure that participating schools are supported throughout the episodes and for their competition submission.

Microsoft Ireland and RTÉjr today announced they are joining forces to launch an exciting new national digital skills competition which will challenge primary school students across the island of Ireland to use Minecraft Education Edition to help shape Ireland’s sustainable future.
Pictured participating in a special Minecraft session in DCU were Amy Byrne and Conor Gannon from 5th class in Glenasmole National School participated in a special Minecraft session in DCU St. Patrick’s Campus. Full details can be found at http://www.rte.ie/learn. Pic:Naoise Culhane

With the necessary skills to participate in the competition developed during the first five episodes in the sixth and final episode details of the nationwide competition will be revealed. It is during this episode on November 11th that full details of the competition will be revealed, and students will be challenged to shape Ireland’s sustainable future through the medium of Minecraft. Schools will go head-to-head with the finals expected to take place in April 2022.

Speaking about the launch of the competition, James O’Connor, Vice President of Microsoft International Operations, said: “At Microsoft, we believe in the power of technology to inspire young people, ignite their imaginations and help them to see the world in a variety of new ways. Our Dream Space experience is one of the ways in which we make this possible. We’ve been delighted to work with the team at RTÉ to make Dream Space available to more students over the past year as the country navigated different stages of the Covid-19 emergency from home schooling and hybrid learning models. We’ve since reached over 40,000 students via our virtual offerings and at Microsoft we’ve been excited to see the impact that the experience has had on students and teachers right across the country.

 “We’re now growing this collaboration with RTÉjr through the launch of this nationwide competition for primary schools today. This inclusive competition will help ensure that young people across the country can experience how technology can shape their world and how the skills they develop can reshape Ireland’s future. I know the Dream Space team have an exciting series coming up which will introduce students to the amazing world of Minecraft: Education Edition and guide teachers on how to introduce this educational tool into the classroom. We hope all primary schools will avail of this opportunity and we look forward to supporting you all on this learning journey over the coming months.”

 Suzanne Kelly, Group Head of Children’s and Young Peoples’ Content said: “Today’s kids are Digital natives and its vital that their experience of the global online community is a positive one. When the opportunity arose for RTÉ to connect with every kid in Ireland and show them how to code through gaming, we jumped on it. Everyone in the school yard knows what Minecraft is and now thanks to Dream Space TV & Minecraft: Education Edition, we’re bringing it directly to every school in Ireland. It’s coding, innovation, creativity, and teamwork, all wrapped up in one incredibly exciting experience. There’s something for everyone here.

 “This competition will really challenge our school kids and give them a platform to amaze us.  It’s very exciting and it’s never been done before here in Ireland. We’re very proud to be able to play an equal part in this with our colleagues in Microsoft Dream Space.”

To participate in the competition schools will need a Minecraft: Education Edition account. Primary schools in Northern Ireland already have access to a Minecraft: Education Edition account but Microsoft will be making accounts freely available to participating primary schools in the Republic of Ireland for a nine-month period to allow pupils to take part. Minecraft: Education Edition is a game-based learning platform that allows teachers to deliver a variety of curriculum lessons to promote creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving. The learning platform offers teachers an alternative teaching and learning tool to engage pupils and ignite their passion for learning.

Using the code provided in the post, primary schools in the Republic of Ireland can register for their Minecraft: Education Edition accounts at www.irelandsfutureismine.com. The Microsoft Dream Space TV episodes and a full range of accompanying teacher guides containing direct links to specific curriculum areas, worksheets and extension tasks will be available at www.rte.ie/learn.

Anne Sheehan appointed General Manager of Microsoft Ireland

Microsoft today announced that Anne Sheehan has been appointed General Manager of Microsoft Ireland. She will assume the role at the beginning of October taking on responsibility for the sales, marketing and services business across the island of Ireland with a particular focus on delivering business transformation with Microsoft’s customers and partners within the public and private sectors.

Anne joins from Vodafone UK where she is currently the Enterprise Director with responsibility for sales, brand, product and solution design, services and government relations across multiple lines of business. Before assuming the UK responsibilities, Anne ran Vodafone Ireland’s enterprise business in Ireland for four years. Prior to that, Anne worked at IBM for 16 years in a number of senior positions including Vice President of Sales and Services for the Nordic Region, Sales and Services Director for IBM Ireland, Head of Channel, and Head of Infrastructure & Technology Services.

Commenting on the appointment, Cindy Rose, President, Microsoft Western Europe, said: “I’ve had the pleasure of working with Anne in the past, during my own time at Vodafone. I was always impressed by her high energy and pace, her growth mindset and customer obsession. I know she is passionate about partnering with businesses and the public sector, whatever their size, industry or ambitions, to help them find ways to use technology to drive success now and in the future. I also know her to be an empathetic and caring leader with deep commitment to building diverse and inclusive teams. I am confident that Anne will bring all of these qualities and more as she builds on the incredible foundation that the Microsoft Ireland team has established and to help accelerate the growth and transformation of Microsoft’s customers in Ireland.”

 Anne Sheehan commented: “I am delighted and honoured to join Microsoft. It is a company I have admired and worked in partnership with over recent years. Microsoft has been on a very exciting journey in Ireland.  I look forward to working with the team to take the business forward in a market that has huge opportunity. I am motivated by working with great teams, collaborating with our customers and winning in the market. I am passionate about fostering an environment where learning, being curious, bold and ambitious are core to achieving our goals. I feel incredibly privileged to be joining such a great team, and I look forward to us working to support our customers on their digital transformation journey together.”

 Anne’s appointment follows the decision by Cathriona Hallahan to retire from the company following more than 35 years of service in a wide variety of global and regional operations and sales roles.

Cindy Rose added: “I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Cathriona Hallahan for her exceptional contribution to Microsoft.  Not only did she drive strong commercial growth within the business but her passion for unlocking the power of technology to drive transformation and ensure inclusiveness across the economy and society was infectious. Certainly, her contribution will have an impact on generations to come.”

 Cathriona Hallahan concludes: “I would like to wish Anne well in her new role in what is an exciting time for Microsoft in Ireland. Leaving Microsoft is bittersweet for me. I have had such an amazing journey – literally and metaphorically – as I essentially grew up and matured in parallel with the company. I have truly had a fantastic time and appreciate all that the company has enabled me to do and to learn. I now look forward to my next chapter, which will see me take on new and exciting challenges and apply my experience and knowledge to support other organisations to transform and grow.”