Advancing agentic AI with Microsoft databases across a unified data estate

By Dustin Ward

This week, we are excited to kick off SQLCon 2026 alongside FabCon in Atlanta. Bringing these SQL and Fabric communities together creates a unique opportunity to learn, connect, and share what’s next across the Microsoft databases portfolio. This year is especially meaningful, as it marks the return of a Microsoft‑led SQL community event, while also…

FabCon and SQLCon 2026: Unifying databases and Fabric on a single data platform

By Dustin Ward

In this article Introducing the Database Hub in Microsoft Fabric Getting your data estate ready for AI with Fabric Unifying your data estate with Microsoft OneLake Processing and harmonizing data with Fabric analytics Creating semantic meaning with Fabric IQ Empowering agents to act with Fabric data and operations agents Building mission-critical applications with developer experiences…

Microsoft Sovereign Cloud adds governance, productivity, and support for large AI models securely running even when completely disconnected

By Dustin Ward

As digital sovereignty becomes a strategic requirement, organizations are rethinking how they deploy critical infrastructure and AI capabilities under tighter regulatory expectations and higher risk conditions. Microsoft’s approach to sovereignty is grounded in enabling enterprises, public sectors, and regulated industries to participate in the digital economy securely, independently, and on their own terms. The Microsoft…

Introducing Budget Bytes: Build powerful AI apps for under $25

By Dustin Ward

When developers hear “cloud” and “AI,” their first thought is often about cost. “How much will this cost me to learn? Can I build something meaningful without racking up a surprise bill?” Budget Bytes is a new series is designed to inspire developers to build affordable, production-quality AI applications on Azure with a budget of…

Azure reliability, resiliency, and recoverability: Build continuity by design

By Dustin Ward

Modern cloud systems are expected to deliver more than uptime. Customers expect consistent performance, the ability to withstand disruption, and confidence that recovery is predictable and intentional. In Azure, these expectations map the three distinct concepts: reliability, resiliency, and recoverability. Explore technical methodologies with Azure Essentials Reliability describes the degree to which a service or workload…