Microsoft is starting 2025 with a double dose of transformation. On one side, the Americas Partner Skilling News: February 2025 Issue—a comprehensive roundup of partner training opportunities, upcoming events, and learning paths—is making waves. On the other, a major hardware shift comes to Windows 11 with the release of version 24H2, which bids farewell to Intel 8th–10th Gen CPUs. In this article, we’ll break down these updates, explore their wider implications, and offer insights for both Windows users and IT professionals.
Summary: Microsoft’s partner skilling initiative, packed with interactive sessions and targeted training paths, is designed to bridge skills gaps and enable a modern, agile workforce.
Consider a mid-sized enterprise that recently upgraded its hardware portfolio—transitioning from older Intel CPUs to modern processors. Parallelly, the IT team enrolled in LevelUp training modules and certification paths such as the GitHub Copilot Certification. The result? A boost in both operational efficiency and security posture, enabling a smoother implementation of innovative applications across the organization.
Summary: Microsoft is synchronizing its hardware and training strategies, ensuring that innovations in Windows 11 are complemented by equally robust partner capabilities.
Feel free to join the discussion on our forum and share your thoughts on these major updates. Whether planning a hardware upgrade or signing up for a training session, your proactive engagement is what drives the future of Windows.
Happy updating and learning!
Source: Microsoft https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/americas-partner-blog/2025/02/18/americas-partner-skilling-news-february-2025-issue/
Section 1: A Closer Look at the Americas Partner Skilling News
Microsoft’s February 2025 partner update is a must-read for anyone invested in staying ahead in today’s digital landscape. The official blog post from Microsoft outlines a host of training opportunities and new learning services, all designed to strengthen partners’ technological and sales prowess. Here are some of the key highlights:What’s on Offer?
- Office Hours for Skilling Updates:
Join live sessions on the second Wednesday of every month to dive into the Partner Skilling Playbook and review the events calendar. Sessions are structured to cater to various time zones: - February 12, 2025: Asia at 1:00 PM IST, EMEA at 9:30 AM GMT, Americas at 10:00 AM PST
- March 12, 2025: Same timings with regional adjustments (note the change to PDT for Americas)
- April 9, 2025: Continued sessions ensuring seamless global participation
- LevelUp for Partners:
This on-demand, self-paced Learning Management System (LMS) is geared towards building technical and sales readiness. With a robust catalog of labs and courses, partner organizations have the flexibility to purchase additional seats as needed. - GPS Consumption Led Skilling Program:
Particularly valuable for delivery teams, this program deploys just-in-time, live private instructor-led training that provides hands-on lab experiences for a range of technical solution plays. - Specialized Certification Opportunities:
- GitHub Copilot Certification: Now generally available, this certification aims to validate skills in leveraging GitHub Copilot’s capabilities for development.
- Copilot Sales Champion Program: Designed to refine sales acumen around Microsoft Copilot solutions, available on a “first come, first served” basis.
- Industry-Focused Webinars and Bootcamps:
Whether you’re in retail, manufacturing, healthcare, or financial services, there are tailored webinars and envisions sessions to understand how AI and cloud integration are transforming industries.
Why It Matters
These training and skilling opportunities reflect Microsoft’s commitment to not just updating its technology but also ensuring that the workforce is ready to use it efficiently. As digital transformation continues to reshape industries, these programs empower partners to adopt new tools, improve security, and drive innovation in their customer engagements.Summary: Microsoft’s partner skilling initiative, packed with interactive sessions and targeted training paths, is designed to bridge skills gaps and enable a modern, agile workforce.
Section 2: Windows 11 24H2 – A New Era for Hardware Compatibility
In a separate—but equally significant—move for Windows users, Microsoft’s upcoming Windows 11 update (version 24H2) will see the end of support for Intel’s 8th, 9th, and 10th generation CPUs. This update has already sparked discussions across the community, including the detailed analysis in our https://windowsforum.com/threads/352615.Key Points of the Update
- Dropping Legacy Support:
With Windows 11 24H2, Microsoft is officially discontinuing OEM support for Intel 8th–10th Gen processors. This move is part of a drive to optimize the operating system for more robust security and performance enhancements found in newer hardware generations. - Modernization and Security:
The update is seen as a necessary step to streamline Windows 11’s performance by leveraging modern CPU architectures that offer better speed, energy efficiency, and advanced security features. This ensures that the operating system can harness the full power of contemporary hardware technologies. - Impact on PC Users and OEMs:
While the removal of support might make some legacy devices obsolete for Windows 11 upgrades, it also pushes manufacturers and end-users toward investing in newer, safer platforms. The decision reflects a trade-off between maintaining legacy compatibility and embracing the latest innovations.
Industry Reaction and Considerations
- For End Users:
If your PC runs on an Intel 8th, 9th, or 10th Gen processor, it might be time to consider planning an upgrade. The promise of enhanced security and better performance in Windows 11 24H2 is designed to bring a smoother user experience, albeit at the cost of legacy hardware support. - For IT Professionals and OEMs:
This update calls for proactive planning. Ensure that deployment strategies account for the hardware limitations and that staff are prepared for any necessary transitions. Keeping an eye on these changes can help avoid compatibility pitfalls and secure a seamless migration.
Section 3: Bridging the Gap – Training and Hardware Evolution in Tandem
At first glance, partner skilling initiatives and hardware updates might seem like unrelated news. However, they are both integral parts of Microsoft’s broader strategy to drive digital transformation:- Embracing New Technology:
The hardware update underlines the necessity to adopt modern processors, which not only offer superior performance but also enable advanced functionalities like AI-driven features. Simultaneously, targeted training programs ensure that the workforce is well-prepared to leverage these new capabilities. - Security as a Cornerstone:
Both updates emphasize enhanced security—from removing older hardware that may not support contemporary security features to training partners on the latest cybersecurity practices and product innovations. - A Call to Action for IT Leaders:
The dual updates are a clarion call for IT professionals: remain agile, invest in modern hardware, and ensure your teams are skilled in using the latest tools. This integrated approach is key to staying competitive in today’s fast-paced technological landscape.
Consider a mid-sized enterprise that recently upgraded its hardware portfolio—transitioning from older Intel CPUs to modern processors. Parallelly, the IT team enrolled in LevelUp training modules and certification paths such as the GitHub Copilot Certification. The result? A boost in both operational efficiency and security posture, enabling a smoother implementation of innovative applications across the organization.
Summary: Microsoft is synchronizing its hardware and training strategies, ensuring that innovations in Windows 11 are complemented by equally robust partner capabilities.
Section 4: Taking Action – What Should You Do Next?
Whether you’re a seasoned IT professional or a Windows user curious about the latest update, these developments offer both challenges and opportunities. Here’s a quick action plan:- Review Hardware Compatibility:
- If your device runs on Intel 8th–10th Gen processors, evaluate your upgrade timeline.
- Keep an eye on the official Windows 11 24H2 release notes for further details on hardware requirements.
- Engage with Partner Skilling Opportunities:
- Register for the upcoming Office Hours and training sessions outlined in the Americas Partner Skilling News.
- Explore on-demand learning platforms like LevelUp for continuous professional development.
- Stay Informed:
- For detailed discussions on the Windows 11 update, check out our forum thread “https://windowsforum.com/threads/352615.”
- Join community discussions to share your experiences and get tips on managing these changes.
Conclusion
Microsoft’s February 2025 updates highlight an important trend: continuous improvement through modernization and education. While Windows 11 24H2’s hardware changes push the envelope on security and performance, the comprehensive skilling news ensures that partners are not left behind in this digital transformation journey. As always, staying informed and agile is key to harnessing the full potential of these innovations.Feel free to join the discussion on our forum and share your thoughts on these major updates. Whether planning a hardware upgrade or signing up for a training session, your proactive engagement is what drives the future of Windows.
Happy updating and learning!
Source: Microsoft https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/americas-partner-blog/2025/02/18/americas-partner-skilling-news-february-2025-issue/