Blog Layout

Akins IT is Microsoft Customer Immersion Experience Certified!

Chris Nicholas • Nov 30, 2017

I spent a week in LA, away from the regular hustle and bustle at Akins IT to get Microsoft Customer Immersion Experience [CIE] certified. I'm happy I did. My major take away wasn't around any particular feature, but rather the style and delivery methods that can be used to showcase the ideas behind the new modern workplace in Microsoft 365.


It's one thing to talk about stuff like Teams, Skype, OneDrive, transitioning between apps, co-authoring, etc. and another thing entirely to actually take someone through it in live fashion.


What this means is that Microsoft can now provide Akins IT with kits of Surface Books, Surface Pros and additional devices so that we can give our customers and prospects a hands-on live look at what Microsoft 365 can do in a well-configured environment. This isn't my peers and I walking you through a PowerPoint deck. You get a Windows machine, a persona for the day and access to a rich, live environment where you can be trigger happy and nothing will break.


The CIE is a great tool for those who:

  • Want to see Microsoft 365 in action, fully adopted
  • Build excitement in their own company about Windows 10, Office and modern collaboration
  • Allow key decision makers access to the platform for Executive sponsorship
  • Host a platform vs platform discussion where Microsoft is one of the candidate solutions [why wouldn't t it be???]
  • Are looking to maximize their own use of the platform, are already customers and need to push adoption
  • Want to get their hands on the new Microsoft devices


For our friends in education, both K12 and Higher Ed - there is a specially catered version of this hands-on experience which showcases some the key classroom concepts. We are hosting an EDU session in January. Details soon on this.


If you are looking at Microsoft licensing, renewing an EA, looking for a Microsoft partner or just plain curious - we can help. Another big perk with this certification is that Microsoft is letting us book their local and regional offices to host these sessions.


Feel free to contact us to setup a private CIE for your company, or stay tuned to learn about the sessions we will host at the Microsoft campuses in Irvine and LA and at Akins IT HQ, also in Irvine. In the meantime - I am including a link to the hands-on Security labs we are already running. See below.


Big thanks to Chris Mandarano, our trainer for the week who never deviated from his commitment to imparting the important skillset required to deliver these sessions. Thank you Chris!

CONTACT US TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS TOPIC OR TO SCHEDULE A CALL

Navigating the Future of Work with Microsoft 365 Copilot Prompts

By Shawn Akins • 15 Apr, 2024
In the ever-evolving landscape of the digital workplace, Microsoft 365 Copilot stands as a beacon of innovation, guiding users through the complexities of their daily tasks with ease and efficiency. As we embrace this new era of work, understanding the capabilities and utilization of Copilot prompts becomes essential. What are Copilot Prompts? Copilot prompts are intelligent cues that empower users to harness the full potential of Microsoft 365. They are designed to understand the context of your work and provide suggestions that are not only relevant but also tailored to enhance productivity.  The Power of Contextual Understanding At the heart of Copilot prompts is the advanced AI that meticulously analyzes the content you're working on. Whether it's an email, a document, or a spreadsheet, Copilot grasps the essence of your task and offers prompts that propel you forward. Streamlining Collaboration Collaboration is the cornerstone of modern work, and Copilot prompts are the perfect ally. They facilitate seamless communication by suggesting replies in emails, aiding in the co-authoring of documents, and ensuring that your team stays on the same page. Enhancing Creativity Beyond the realms of productivity, Copilot prompts also serve as a muse for your creativity. They can assist in drafting compelling narratives, generating ideas, or even crafting personalized messages that resonate with your audience. Learning and Growing with Copilot As you interact with Copilot prompts, they learn and adapt to your unique style and preferences. This continuous learning process ensures that the assistance you receive is always improving, making your experience with Microsoft 365 increasingly intuitive. Conclusion Microsoft 365 Copilot prompts are more than just a feature; they are your partner in navigating the future of work. By understanding their functionality and integrating them into your workflow, you can unlock new levels of efficiency, collaboration, and creativity.

Case Study: Rapid Response to Security Breach

By Shawn Akins • 15 Apr, 2024
Sky at Chandler Airpark

Case Study: Management Support Server Upgrade

By Leislee Mamba • 18 Jan, 2024
Akins IT assists Management Support in migrating their physical server infrastructure to new hardware and enhancing their backup process for improved disaster recovery.
More Posts
Share by: