Writing

Setting up Microsoft Teams Shared Channels between three companies for frictionless communicationRead on to discover how I finally eliminated the friction of switching between multiple Microsoft 365 tenants by setting up Shared Channels across three distinct companies. I share my hands-on experience configuring Azure AD B2B Direct Connect and managing the necessary tenant settings to enable seamless collaboration without artificial barriers. This guide outlines the specific steps I took to restore the ease of communication I’ve missed since the early days of IRC.

microsoft teamsApril 26, 2022

Completing the Microsoft Certified Educator (MCE) certificationIf you are curious about the human side of ICT and how pedagogical frameworks intersect with technology, this post shares my recent experience earning the Microsoft Certified Educator certification. I discuss how this exam focuses on the 21st Century Learning Design model rather than technical features, offering insights into the unique challenges and study resources I encountered along the way.

certificationsApril 19, 2022

Do you need to know Finnish to be able to work in IT in Finland?Drawing from my experience as a business owner since 2009, I examine how the shift toward English in the Finnish IT sector has changed communication norms for both locals and expats. While I acknowledge that English is increasingly the lingua franca for professional interactions, I clarify that the answer to whether you need Finnish for an IT career is nuanced rather than a simple yes or no.

productivityApril 5, 2022

What happens with Windows 11 if I never close any apps and programs?Curious about Microsoft’s productivity claims for Windows 11, I conducted an experiment by refusing to close any applications during a work session on my high-spec machine. Within just three hours, the system began to misbehave with significant taskbar lag, suggesting that keeping apps open indefinitely severely degrades performance.

windowsMarch 28, 2022

An in-depth look at the Microsoft Partner program updates (2022 edition)If you are navigating the complex shifts in the Microsoft Partner program, this post breaks down the 2022 updates through my personal experience as a business owner. I explain how the traditional Gold competencies have been replaced by Solutions partner designations and what these sweeping changes mean for your strategy and bottom line.

azureMarch 23, 2022

Reflections on Microsoft Cloud entering FinlandAs Microsoft officially confirms its cloud expansion into Espoo and Kirkkonummi, I explore what this news really means for local businesses regarding latency and data residency. While single-digit latency and strict data sovereignty will now be achievable for specific sectors, I argue that many organizations will likely remain in West Europe until the new facilities mature.

azureMarch 20, 2022

Presenting in front of a live audience in 2022I share my recent experience delivering a keynote in Helsinki, where I relied more on storytelling than bullet points to discuss cloud strategies and sustainability. The session sparked lively discussions on multi-cloud approaches and cost management, reinforcing my belief that despite the rise of virtual events, live presentations remain the most rewarding experience.

cloud computingMarch 12, 2022

Another new adventure begins now - meet Not Bad Security!I’m excited to announce the launch of Not Bad Security, a new venture focused exclusively on Microsoft 365 and Azure security alongside my co-founder Antti Kujamäki. We are addressing complex cloud security challenges through five new remote workshops and a "Security Architect as a Service" subscription, designed to deliver tangible results without unnecessary upsells.

azureMarch 1, 2022

Building a backup Internet connection with the Unifi LTE Pro deviceI share my experience setting up a Unifi LTE Pro as a backup internet connection, detailing how I navigated the challenge of finding an affordable data plan suitable for infrequent use. This post offers practical insights into integrating the device with a Unifi Dream Machine and selecting a cost-effective SIM contract to ensure network resilience without incurring high monthly fees.

networkingFebruary 17, 2022

Review: Logitech MX Keys for a typistIf you are considering switching from a mechanical keyboard to a quieter, laptop-like typing experience for remote work, this review explains why I made the change. I share my experience with the Logitech MX Keys, highlighting its silent chiclet keys and wireless convenience while noting the trade-offs in build robustness and battery life compared to my previous Corsair K100.

macosFebruary 9, 2022

Detect anomalies in cloud spending using the new Cost Insight capability in AzureIf you are looking to proactively detect cost anomalies in your Azure environment, this post highlights the new Cost Insight feature that helps prevent unexpected spending spikes. I walk you through how to enable this free, machine learning-driven preview tool in the Azure Portal and demonstrate how it identifies deviations in your billing data over the last 60 days.

azureFebruary 2, 2022

My experience in renewing the Microsoft Azure Solutions Architect Expert certificationIf you are considering renewing your Microsoft Azure Solutions Architect Expert certification, you will find my positive experience with the streamlined renewal process particularly relevant. I completed the 26-question exam in just 25 minutes without prior preparation, leveraging my daily work with Azure to confirm that the renewal is a low-stress, efficient way to maintain certification validity.

azureJanuary 27, 2022

Backing up PostgreSQL databases in AzureIf you need to understand the non-trivial process of securing PostgreSQL backups in Azure, this post details my journey from testing environments to critical production systems. I walk you through the necessary components like Backup and Key Vaults, along with the specific permission scripts and credential storage steps required to execute reliable backups.

azureJanuary 19, 2022

Building the perfect recording and podcast audio setup with the dbx 286s mic preamp/processor and Shure SM7B dynamic microphoneI share my journey upgrading from a RØDE Procaster to a Shure SM7B and dbx 286s to create a durable, professional-grade podcasting setup that lasts. You will learn how this combination solves common gain issues with dynamic microphones, delivering warm, full audio without the distortion I experienced with my previous interface.

homelabJanuary 17, 2022

My plan to read more books in 2022I share my 2022 goal to build a more consistent reading habit, detailing my shift toward physical copies for business books and my current progress on *The Infinite Game*. I outline my upcoming reading list, including titles by Liz Wiseman and Simon Sinek, and explain my commitment to finishing books I previously abandoned, rather than setting arbitrary numerical targets.

productivityJanuary 13, 2022

Best Practice: Create a break-glass admin accountYou might find this post valuable if you want to ensure you never lose access to your Microsoft cloud tenants during a critical identity failure. I explain the urgent need for a dedicated, cloud-only break-glass admin account and outline the specific security configurations required to keep it resilient against infrastructure outages. By following these best practices, you can safeguard your emergency access while maintaining robust protection against unauthorized use.

azureJanuary 10, 2022

Building and using a Machine Learning model for Power Platform using LobeDiscover how the latest Lobe update simplifies deploying machine learning models directly into Power Platform by eliminating the need for complex TensorFlow integration. I walk you through creating a fruit detection model using Microsoft’s sample images, labeling them in Lobe, and preparing them for seamless publication to AI Builder.

power platformJanuary 1, 2022

After deactivating my Facebook account 3 years ago, I've now deleted itReaders interested in digital minimalism will find value in my journey from deactivating to finally deleting Facebook after three years. I explain how shifting to more controlled platforms like WhatsApp and Signal helped me reclaim my attention and data without losing essential connections.

cybersecurityDecember 28, 2021

Hello, 2022! And thanks 2021 - you were awesome!Discover how I used concrete metrics and reflection to process a challenging yet rewarding 2021 before setting my sights on 2022. I share key milestones from that year, including co-founding a boutique Microsoft consulting firm, expanding another business, navigating the frustrations of driving a Tesla in Finland, and achieving significant strength training goals.

azureDecember 28, 2021

Building a more secure remote access setup with Tailscale to access Vaultwarden and Synology remotelyI share how I enhanced my home network security by deploying a Tailscale solution that eliminates the need for firewall port forwarding and NAT rules. By leveraging a Raspberry Pi to expose my internal subnet and integrating Pi-Hole via Magic DNS, I achieved seamless, passwordless remote access to all my services as if they were on the same LAN.

homelabDecember 27, 2021