Writing

Announcing our new Podcast, Ctrl+Alt+Azure - the first episode is out now!Curious about why we decided to launch a new tech podcast in such a crowded space? I’m excited to introduce Ctrl+Alt+Azure, a show I co-host with fellow Azure MVP Tobias Zimmergren that captures our insightful, informal conversations about Microsoft Azure challenges and solutions. You can dive into our first episode on Azure Key Vault right now and hear how our casual calls evolved into a dedicated platform for developers and IT pros.

azureOctober 23, 2019

Insights on planning, crafting, delivering and enjoying a keynoteIn this post, I share insights into the planning and delivery process of a co-keynote I recently gave with Maarten Eekels at SharePoint Saturday Brussels. I walk you through how we brainstormed topics, refined our concept around cloud security, and structured the content to effectively demonstrate securing Microsoft 365 and Azure environments.

microsoft 365October 19, 2019

A new Microsoft Flow whitepaper has been released, and it's interestingIf you are looking for strategic guidance on building enterprise-ready integrations with Microsoft Flow, this newly released whitepaper offers valuable insights. I had the privilege of serving as a technical contributor to this guide, authored by Jerry Weinstock, which details how to effectively create automation solutions for large organizations.

power automateOctober 15, 2019

Building a simple backup solution for Hyper-V-based virtual machines using OneDrive for Business and PowerShellIf you are struggling with reliable, cost-effective backups for your home Hyper-V setup, this post shares my experience transitioning from simple file-share copies to a more robust strategy. I explain why my current Windows 10 Pro for Workstations environment lacked the snapshot capabilities needed for consistent data protection and how I am exploring alternatives before committing to enterprise-grade solutions like Veeam.

homelabOctober 14, 2019

What's up?Catch up on my recent professional and personal milestones, including my final appearance at the Office 365 & SharePoint 2019 Connect event in Haarlem and passing the torch on the SharePoint Saturday Helsinki organizing team. I also share insights into my progress in the Executive MBA program, detailing my study routine and the ongoing challenge of finding the right digital tool for reading course materials.

azureOctober 11, 2019

Top 10 Windows 10 shortcuts you didn't know existedAs an experienced IT architect who prioritizes keyboard efficiency, I share ten lesser-known Windows 10 shortcuts designed to help you rely less on your mouse and streamline your workflow. From mastering the Cloud Clipboard to quickly accessing system trays, these practical tips can significantly enhance your daily productivity even if you are already comfortable with basic commands.

windowsOctober 7, 2019

TechDays Finland 2020 Call for Speakers is open - and you need to submit today!If you are interested in speaking at TechDays Finland 2020, I urge you to submit your session proposals immediately as the call just opened. As a member of the content team, I am excited to review submissions for the 40 selected speaker slots at this upcoming Helsinki event, with the deadline set for November 29th.

windowsOctober 4, 2019

How I prepare and (often) succeed with technical Microsoft certification examsDrawing on my experience of passing 89 Microsoft certification exams since 1997, I share my straightforward preparation strategy that focuses on efficient data gathering and effective reading. This post outlines how I choose between beta and regular exams and manage my study time to ensure confidence and success, even amidst a busy schedule.

certificationsSeptember 30, 2019

Passing the torch: New leadership for SharePoint Saturday HelsinkiReflecting on the success of our fourth annual SharePoint Saturday Helsinki, I share the event's history from its 2015 origins through its most recent celebration. I discuss the evolution of the conference and announce that, after five years of dedication, I am stepping down to pass leadership of the torch to others.

sharepointSeptember 29, 2019

Building a secure remote access solution using Azure Bastion HostFollowing up on my popular 2019 guide to remote access, I explore how the newly released Azure Bastion Host resolves many of the previous architectural challenges with a more secure and cost-effective PaaS solution. In this post, I break down exactly what Azure Bastion Host is and provide a detailed cost analysis to help you estimate expenses for your own deployment.

azureSeptember 26, 2019

Understanding and getting started with Azure SentinelWith Microsoft Azure Sentinel now Generally Available and production-ready, I break down what this cloud-based SIEM and SOAR solution actually offers beyond just log processing. I will walk you through the core features, getting started steps, and the updated pricing structure to help you decide if it’s the right security investment for your organization.

azureSeptember 24, 2019

Choosing a suitable device for reading articles, docs, and ebooksI explore the pros and cons of my current devices, comparing the Kindle Oasis’s superior battery life for text against the Surface Go’s struggles with lag and heavy PDFs. As I weigh the cost and utility of upgrading to either an iPad Pro or a Samsung Galaxy Tab S6, I aim to identify the lowest-friction tool for handling both standard ebooks and complex technical documents.

productivitySeptember 19, 2019

Insights: How I write and what I've learned on writing this yearIn this post, I share practical strategies for overcoming common writing obstacles like writer's block and deadline pressure, which may be particularly useful for aspiring bloggers or authors. Drawing from my experience writing a book and dozens of articles this year, I explain how dedicating focused four-hour blocks and maintaining a readily accessible list of ideas helps streamline my creative process and boost productivity.

productivitySeptember 16, 2019

Announcing my departure from the company I helped found and buildAfter spending over ten years building a successful company from the ground up, I am stepping away on my final day to pursue new challenges and personal growth. This post shares my reflections on the journey, the pride I feel in our collective achievements, and why I felt it was time to leave the comfort zone of my established role.

microsoft 365September 13, 2019

Turning on video during Microsoft Teams meetings - why, or why not?I explore whether cultural differences influence video usage in Microsoft Teams meetings by sharing my own experiences and the results of a Twitter poll I conducted. The data suggests that while some prefer audio-only, many are influenced by others’ behavior, leading me to reconsider my own habits regarding camera use.

microsoft teamsSeptember 11, 2019

Building an automated pipeline to keep my Amazon Kindle full of interesting contentDiscover how I plan to overcome reading slumps by leveraging the simple email-to-Kindle feature to prioritize articles and documents over books I’m struggling to finish. I’ll walk you through setting up your Kindle as a primary device and using email attachments to streamline content delivery, offering a practical solution for staying engaged with digital material even when motivation wanes.

productivitySeptember 9, 2019

Thoughts on entrepreneurship and building a companyI share my decade-long journey from founding a company with my brother to leading a team of over 100 employees, exploring the shift from naive enthusiasm to the sobering responsibilities of true business ownership. This post reflects on the Finnish mindset of understated pride and the pivotal moment when hiring staff transformed our venture from a side project into a serious commitment to providing livelihoods.

productivitySeptember 4, 2019

Challenging myself with Microsoft's Quantum Computing development tools and Q#After being inspired by a bedtime book on quantum computing, I decided to challenge myself by exploring Microsoft’s Q# development tools despite my lack of a physics background. This post details my initial forays into the Q# language, the different ways to run code using simulators, and my honest assessment of the steep learning curve involved in this complex field.

c#August 26, 2019

Building a custom Twitter Analytics tool using .NET Core, Azure Storage, and Power BII share my experience building a custom Twitter analytics tool because the platform's limited 28-day analytics window frustrated my desire for deeper historical insights. I detail my initial attempts to use Azure Logic Apps, highlighting the challenges posed by strict API rate limits that prevented successful data retrieval. This post explains why I pivoted away from Logic Apps and considered Azure Functions to overcome these technical hurdles.

azureAugust 23, 2019

I'm speaking at Microsoft Ignite 2019 in Orlando this November!I’m thrilled to share my upcoming speaking engagements at Microsoft Ignite 2019, where I’ll present on unique projects like building a connected summer cabin with Azure IoT Hub and creating a random number generator using Azure AI and a lava lamp. These sessions focus on tangible, hands-on solution building rather than just cloud deployment, offering a different perspective for attendees. I look forward to connecting with you in Orlando to discuss Azure, Microsoft 365, and the two new projects I plan to release around the event.

azureAugust 22, 2019