Writing

Building my own RSS feed generator using .NET Core and the new System.Text.Json assemblyI wanted to solve the missing RSS feed issue in my static WordPress site by building a custom tool rather than relying on plugins. I decided to leverage the WordPress REST API to fetch post data as JSON, avoiding the complexities of parsing static HTML files, to generate a proper XML feed for my readers.

azureAugust 21, 2019

A look at Azure costs based on a real solutionDrawing on my decade of experience with Microsoft Azure, I reveal the actual monthly costs of a personal solution that tracks AKA.MS URLs from Twitter, which averages around €26 despite my efforts to minimize expenses. I break down how the Azure SQL database accounts for over 80% of the bill after an upgrade was necessary to handle growing data volumes, emphasizing why relying on initial estimates rather than active monitoring leads to unexpected spending.

azureAugust 20, 2019

Everything is subscription-based - so how much am I paying for the services I use every month?After closing my Dropbox account, I decided to audit my other monthly subscriptions to see how much I’ve really spent over the years. In this post, I break down the costs of services like Netflix, Spotify, and local news to help you evaluate whether your recurring expenses are truly worth it.

productivityAugust 19, 2019

Getting started with Windows TerminalI explore the newly announced Windows Terminal, highlighting how it serves as a powerful, versatile alternative to the traditional Command Prompt and PowerShell. I walk you through the installation process using the Microsoft Store or Chocolatey, and introduce the basic usage features of this preview version.

windowsAugust 13, 2019

Saying goodbye to DropboxAfter a decade of loyal use, I explain why I’m finally migrating away from Dropbox due to growing concerns over data privacy, vague storage locations, and the lack of client-side encryption options. I share my journey in finding a suitable alternative that meets my requirements for EU-based storage, sufficient capacity, and reliable mobile accessibility.

cloud computingAugust 12, 2019

Building a command-line utility using .NET Core and C# to track my carI’ll show you how I built a command-line utility using .NET Core and C# to track my Tesla by leveraging a reverse-engineered REST API. This project lets you authenticate via OAuth2 and retrieve real-time vehicle data like location and velocity, even without official SDK support.

c#August 9, 2019

Upgrading Synology DS412+ RAM to 4 GBIf you are experiencing sluggish performance on your Synology DS412+, you will find my guide to upgrading it to 4 GB of RAM both practical and cost-effective. I detail my step-by-step process of opening the case, cleaning out years of accumulated dust, and installing the new memory module to revitalize this seven-year-old device.

homelabAugust 8, 2019

SharePoint Saturday HELsinki 2019 tickets are now available!If you are interested in attending a premier community event, I am excited to announce that tickets for SharePoint Saturday HELsinki 2019 are now available. Join Jussi Mori and me on September 28 for a free day featuring a stellar lineup of speakers.

sharepointAugust 6, 2019

Thoughts from Microsoft Inspire 2019 announcementsIf you are a Microsoft Partner looking to understand the real-world impact of the Inspire 2019 announcements, this post offers a deeper analysis beyond the surface-level news. I examine how the new security and specialization competencies, along with changes to partner incentives, might challenge your business, particularly regarding the demanding customer performance metrics required for certification.

azureJuly 24, 2019

Becoming passwordless in Microsoft 365 using Surface Go and a FIDO2 keyDiscover how I leveraged my underutilized Surface Go to experiment with Microsoft 365’s new passwordless preview, replacing traditional passwords with a more secure FIDO2 security key. This post details my practical approach to setting up this modern authentication method on a Windows 10 Pro device, demonstrating how to transition away from password-based logins using hardware tokens like YubiKey.

microsoft 365July 16, 2019

Azure Lighthouse - managing customer Azure tenants as a Service ProviderIf you are a managed service provider struggling to scale access across multiple customer Azure tenants, this post explains how Azure Lighthouse simplifies that process through delegated access. I walk you through the service's key benefits, such as unified management and enhanced visibility, while illustrating how it eliminates the need for cumbersome guest account invitations or separate account management.

azureJuly 12, 2019

Building a Raspberry Pi 4-based weather monitoring solution using Ruuvitag sensors, Azure IoT Hub and Azure FunctionsI share my journey of combining a new Raspberry Pi 4 with a RuuviTag beacon to automatically collect and store home weather data in the cloud. After discovering that my initial Azure Functions prototype was too cumbersome, I pivot to using the free tier of Azure IoT Hub for a more scalable and manageable solution.

homelabJuly 9, 2019

Running a static site in Microsoft Azure using WordPress for content managementI explore my frustrating journey of migrating this blog from a native Azure PaaS setup plagued by severe performance issues to a more efficient static site architecture. By sharing my decision to abandon the unreliable WordPress-in-Azure configuration in favor of using WordPress solely for content management while serving static files, I offer a practical solution for achieving better speed and reliability on Microsoft’s cloud platform.

azureJuly 3, 2019

I'm renewed as a Microsoft MVP!I am sharing the news of my sixth consecutive year as a Microsoft MVP, highlighting my transition to the Azure category and detailing my recent community contributions like authoring a book and creating GitHub repositories. I also discuss how I balance these commitments with family life by prioritizing activities and cutting back on distractions, while teasing upcoming Azure content and future announcements.

azureJuly 1, 2019

Doing sales as a techie: Efficient strategies for salesIf you are a technical professional looking to improve your sales interactions, I share how my background as a techie has helped me succeed by focusing on empathy and emotional intelligence rather than just technical specs. I discuss the importance of acting as a trusted advisor who aligns with the customer’s needs, even if it means recommending alternative solutions, and explain why physically closing your laptop is crucial for building genuine connections.

productivityJune 26, 2019

Learning quickly as a consultant: Efficient learning strategiesStruggling to master new technologies quickly under the pressure of tight consulting deadlines? I share my personal strategy for efficiently balancing diverse client demands by leveraging curated online resources and rapid learning techniques. This approach allows me to deliver high-quality services across multiple domains without getting overwhelmed by the sheer volume of unknown topics.

microsoft teamsJune 20, 2019

Building a simple and secure DNS updater for Azure DNS using Raspberry Pi and Azure FunctionsI revisit my previous PowerShell-based Azure DNS updater to present a lighter, more efficient solution using a Raspberry Pi and Windows 10 IoT Core. By replacing the need for a dedicated PC with a low-power device running scheduled tasks, I demonstrate how to automate dynamic IP updates while significantly reducing hardware overhead.

azureJune 17, 2019

What's up?Read on to see how I balanced a demanding EMBA program with speaking engagements at major tech conferences like Microsoft Build and the European Collaboration Summit. I share highlights from my travels, the release of my new book on Microsoft Azure, and my plans for the rest of the year.

azureJune 5, 2019

Five indispensable gadgets I use in my home officeIf you’re curious about the essential tech that powers my home office workflow, I’m sharing the specific gadgets that have proven their worth over time. I’ll walk you through my top picks, including a high-performance Bluetooth headset and a versatile data hub, explaining why these investments truly spark joy and improve my daily productivity.

microsoft teamsMay 23, 2019

I'm renewed as Microsoft Regional DirectorI share the exciting news of my renewal as a Microsoft Regional Director for the 2019-2021 term, clarifying that this is a non-paid, strategic advisory role distinct from being a Microsoft employee. Reflecting on my first term, I discuss how this position has driven my personal growth, including pursuing an Executive MBA and enhancing my leadership and business skills.

certificationsMay 21, 2019