What tasks are you currently working on in Microsoft Azure?
Alexander: I mainly work on making our customers’ Microsoft Azure environments secure and reliable using Azure Security and Identity Management. This includes, for example, ensuring that the right people have access to the right data and that communication between different system functions runs smoothly. I also work on setting up and customizing the Dynamics 365 Finance & Operations business software, both in the cloud and directly on our clients’ premises.
Another part of my work involves automating processes in client systems to complete recurring tasks faster and without errors. To do this, I use scripts and interfaces to various Microsoft services – for example, PowerShell, the Microsoft Graph API, and other API integrations. I’m also responsible for the stable and secure operation of virtual Azure servers and our DevOps environments.
Which Azure projects have you been particularly excited about recently, and why?
Alexander: Projects that particularly excite me are those with high security and compliance requirements. For example, securing virtual servers with Azure Defender to detect potential threats early and grant access only when it is really necessary. This also includes developing processes for reliably building, testing, and deploying software. Here, I ensure that security checks are automated and that only authorized personnel have access.
Projects that connect Dynamics 365 Finance & Operations with other cloud services, such as Azure Blob Storage, are also very interesting. This allows data to be stored securely or processed automatically. With automated workflows (PowerShell and Microsoft Graph), I ensure processes run faster, more efficiently, and more reliably.
Where do you currently see the biggest challenges in Azure?
Alexander: I currently see the biggest challenges in the secure integration of hybrid systems (cloud and on-premises), the management of identities and access rights in complex environments, as well as the reliable automation while adhering to strict compliance and security requirements. Correctly handling legacy and new authentication and access models, such as SAS tokens versus account keys, is also an issue.
What Azure trends are you particularly looking forward to?
Alexander: I am particularly excited about the further development of Azure Arc and Azure Local for hybrid scenarios, improved security features for cloud and on-premises resources, improvements in automation with PowerShell and Microsoft Graph, and the integration of Power Platform/Dynamics 365 with Azure services to create efficient end-to-end solutions. I also find the use of AI in this area very exciting.
That was quite a lot of technical terms in a row (laughs). So, I am particularly looking forward to new developments that further connect cloud technology and local IT systems. This allows companies to decide flexibility where to run their applications – in the cloud, in their own data center, or in a mix of both. I also find new security functions that help to reliably protect data everywhere exciting.
I am also curious to see how automation will continue to evolve – for example, through improvements in PowerShell or through even closer integration with Microsoft services such as Graph. I also see great potential in linking applications such as Power Platform or Dynamics 365 even more closely with Azure to create smooth, efficient end-to-end solutions for our clients.
How do you work together as a team?
Alexander:
We work closely as a team, share best practices in security, automation, and operations, and support each other in troubleshooting complex Dynamics 365 FO and Azure integration issues. We also attend professional training events together.
You are looking for new colleagues for the Azure team. What can they look forward to in particular?
Alexander: New colleagues can look forward to exciting, diverse projects where they will dive deep into Microsoft Azure Security, Identity, and Networking. You will have the opportunity to implement modern automation with PowerShell, the Microsoft Graph API, and other web APIs in a practical way, work with Dynamics 365 Finance & Operations, and contribute to cloud and hybrid infrastructures in an experienced team.
At the same time, we encourage independent work. We trust everyone to bring their own strengths to the table and make decisions in the best interests of the project.
And because we shape our direction together, we regularly plan the strategic direction of our services and technologies as a team. We also attach great importance to security and compliance, which, in my view, makes the work particularly interesting and responsible.
