Microsoft is set to release the desktop version of Office 2021 as well as Windows 11 on October 5, 2021. The list of new features includes new Excel functions and support for OpenDocument format (ODF) 1.3 (file extensions .odt, .ods, and .odp).
Apple releases iPhone 13 models and iOS15
Apple announced the release of several new devices and operating systems at its September 2021 event:
Colorado Privacy Act (CPA)
The state of Colorado has passed the Colorado Privacy Act (CPA) in 2021, and it is scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2023. This act (SB21-190) is designed to protect the data privacy of Colorado residents.
eOne Solutions Event 2021
eOne Solutions is celebrating its 20th anniversary with special training events in 2021 for its software product line. The Customer event is free to attend online on September 14-15, 2021.
SQL Server 2012 extended support ends July 12th 2022
Microsoft will end Extended support for SQL Server 2012 on July 12, 2022. Extended Security Updates for SQL Server 2008 will end on July 12, 2022.
Azure Cosmos DB Jupyter Notebook vulnerability resolved
Microsoft disclosed a potential vulnerability in the Azure Cosmos DB Jupyter Notebook feature. The issue was resolved and no customer data was accessed. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) also released a statement regarding this database issue.
T-Mobile security incident in August 2021
T-Mobile has notified its customers that there was unauthorized access to some of its company data in August of 2021, and that the entry point for the intrusion was closed. The company is still researching this event.
Update: T-Mobile has released more details as well as recommendations for its customers, as well as former and prospective customers.
Windows 365 Cloud PC now available from Microsoft
Microsoft released Windows 365, a cloud-based PC service that runs Windows 10 or Windows 11, on August 2, 2021. This new service is based on Azure Virtual Desktop. More information is available at these links:
- Windows 365 Home page
- Windows 365 FAQ (Frequently asked questions)
- Wndows 365 Pricing
- Windows 365 User Dashboard
- Microsoft 365 Admin Center
- Windows 365 Configuration
- Microsoft 365 Admin Center Documentation and Setup
- #Windows365
CISA announces Joint Cyber Defense Collaborative (JCDC) with tech companies
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) announced the standup of the Joint Cyber Defense Collaborative (JCDC). This will be a cyber defense collaboration with major technology companies such as Amazon, Google, Microsoft, Verizon, etc. More information is available at www.cisa.gov/jcdc.
FCC launches new mobile broadband coverage map
The FCC has launched a new mobile broadband coverage map that shows the 4G LTE mobile coverage areas of the nation’s four largest mobile wireless carriers. This map was made available as a result of the Broadband Deployment Accuracy and Technological Availability (DATA) Act of 2020.