Tag Archives: microsoft

CAN YOU PROVIDE MORE DETAILS ABOUT THE RECENT ADVANCEMENTS IN EXCEL FOR MICROSOFT 365

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Excel in Microsoft 365 has undergone significant enhancements and new features to improve productivity and drive better insights from data. Some of the biggest new additions and improvements include:

Microsoft introduced XLOOKUP, a new lookup and reference function that makes it easier to look up values and return matches from a table or range. XLOOKUP allows lookups from left to right or top to bottom. It also supports approximate matching, which returns the closest match if an exact match is not found. This is a powerful function that simplifies tasks that previously required more complex INDEX/MATCH formulas.

Pivotal tableau capabilities were added to Excel to make it easier for users to analyze and visualize their data. Tableaus let users interactively sort, filter, and analyze data in a pivot table style user interface directly from the Excel sheets. Users can now gain valuable insights through visualized pivot views of their data without leaving Excel.

Excel added dynamic arrays that allow for new in-memory calculations across entire ranges and tables of data at once, without the limitations of copying down formulas. Functions like SEQUENCE, GROWTH, FIND, etc. now return full column or row arrays instead of single values. This enables auto-filling of patterns and series as well as more powerful what-if analysis through scenarios.

Conditional formatting rules were updated to support dynamic arrays. Users can now apply conditional formats to entire tables and ranges based on array formulas, instead of having to copy down formats for each cell. This streamlines tasks like highlighting outliers, thresholds, and trends across large datasets.

To simplify working with external data, Query options were added to directly import data from the web without needing to write Data queries or depend on Power Query. queries can import live web pages as well as static data from URLs. Users can also refresh imported data on a schedule if needed.

A Data Navigator view was introduced to conveniently browse and manage imported Excel data. Users can see a visual representation of their imported data along with related sheets, views, and queries in one centralized window. This interface makes managing multiple imports, refreshes, and queries much more accessible.

Excel automatically created charts from imported data to give instant visual summaries. Users can interactively modify these charts directly to gain insights without needing to build visualizations from scratch each time. With dynamic data linked to the original queries, charts always reflect the latest data.

Excel’s formatting capabilities were expanded with new features like Text Adjust and Optical Character Recognition. Text Adjust automatically sizes and positions text to fill available space, while OCR copies scanned images or PDF text into editable cells for further analysis and manipulation as standard Excel data types.

Excel templates gained support for multiple pages per template file for things like invoices and reports that need sequenced, structured layouts. Page setup options were enhanced to control formatting across pages using sections, watermarks, headers/footers. Along with conditional formatting, this improves templating of multi-section documents within Excel.

To support building robust models and distributed workbooks, Excel added offline capabilities that allow syncing of shared workbooks even when a user is working offline or on a plane with no connectivity. Updates are securely synced when the device is back online to share the latest changes.

Machine learning capabilities with automation were introduced through features like Custom Functions, which allow developers to code own Excel functions that tap into powerful ML algorithms for predictive insights. Integrated text and sentiment analysis functions provide AI-driven analysis of narrative data within worksheets.

Collaboration tools were enhanced to streamline working together on spreadsheets in real-time. Chat-enabled coediting allows simultaneous updates from multiple editors. Activity feed tracks changes across versions with comments. Excel can also integrate with Teams and SharePoint for seamless sharing and discussion of live Excel documents within Office 365 work streams.

This covers many of the key areas where Excel for Microsoft 365 has evolved with powerful new tools for productivity, automation, analysis, visualization, collaboration and management of data. These intelligent features enable knowledge workers to identify deeper patterns, have more meaningful conversations through visualized insights directly from within Excel.

HOW DOES MICROSOFT SELECT THE UNIVERSITIES AND STUDENTS FOR THEIR CAPSTONE PROGRAM

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Microsoft’s capstone program partners with select universities around the world to provide students with a real-world software development experience. The goal of the program is to find passionate students who are interested in learning more about Microsoft’s technologies and culture. It also helps Microsoft identify top student talent that would be a good fit for potential future employment opportunities.

The university selection process is highly competitive. Microsoft is looking for top-tier schools that have strong computer science and engineering programs. They evaluate universities based on several key factors. This includes the overall reputation and rankings of the university’s technical programs, the caliber and accomplishments of the faculty, and past successes of graduates in the tech industry. Microsoft also considers how aligned the university’s curriculum is with critical skills needed in the industry like cloud computing, AI, and security.

Universities interested in the capstone program must apply through a formal process. They are required to provide details about their relevant academic programs, student projects and research, career outcomes, and industry partnerships. Microsoft will carefully review these applications and shortlist a select number of schools to participate each year. Consideration is given to ensuring representation from different regions worldwide.

Once partner universities are selected, they work closely with a dedicated Microsoft representative to plan the capstone project scope and identify potential student candidates. The university is responsible for promoting the program to current students and helping facilitate the application and selection process. Microsoft provides guidance on competencies and technologies that would be most valuable for the projects.

To apply for a capstone position, students must be enrolled in their final or next-to-final year of study in a relevant subject area like computer science, software engineering or data science. Strong academic performance is a prerequisite, with top students from the partner schools given priority in the selection process. Applicants need to submit their resumé/CV, transcripts, and a cover letter explaining their interest and qualifications.

As part of the application, students must describe a technical passion project they have worked on, either individually or as part of a team. This helps Microsoft evaluate skills that may not be apparent from formal coursework alone, such as self-learning abilities, creativity, and collaboration skills. Additional factors like leadership roles, open source contributions, relevant work or internship experience are also considered favorably.

Top student applications are then carefully reviewed by a panel consisting of Microsoft engineers and university faculty members. Candidates who move to the next round participate in phone interviews to assess their technical knowledge, communication skills, and cultural fit for the organization. Final selection decisions consider not only individual student strengths but also achieving a good overall balance within the entire capstone team in terms of skills, experiences and backgrounds.

Once students are selected, the 6 month capstone program kicks off with an orientation at Microsoft headquarters. Here they learn about the company, network with other capstone participants, and get exposure to modern software development practices through interactive workshops and mentoring sessions. Microsoft engineers guide the capstone teams and provide ongoing mentoring and code reviews as students work on their assigned projects throughout the program.

At the end, capstone teams present their work to Microsoft executives and are evaluated. Top performers are invited to apply for potential full-time opportunities. Even for students who do not receive job offers, the capstone provides invaluable real-world skills and experiences that significantly enhance their career prospects. It also enables Microsoft to build an early talent pipeline while strengthening academic partnerships critical to continued innovation.

Microsoft’s capstone program selection process is highly selective and competitive. It focuses on identifying the most motivated and talented students from top-ranked partner universities worldwide. A multi-stage evaluation of academics, experiences, skills and cultural fit ensures that chosen candidates are well-equipped to succeed and learn through this invaluable industry immersion experience. The mutual benefits for both students and Microsoft make this a very impactful program.

HOW DOES MICROSOFT ENSURE RESPONSIBLE DEVELOPMENT AND APPLICATION OF AI IN THE AI FOR GOOD PROGRAM

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Microsoft launched the AI for Good initiative in 2017 with the goal of using AI technology to help address some of humanity’s greatest challenges. As one of the leading developers of AI, Microsoft recognizes it has an important responsibility to ensure this powerful technology is developed and applied responsibly and for the benefit of all.

At the core of Microsoft’s approach is a commitment to developing AI using a human-centered design philosophy. This means all AI projects undertaken as part of AI for Good are guided by principles of transparency, fairness and accountability. Ethics reviews are integrated into the design, development and testing processes from the earliest stages to help identify and mitigate any risks or potential for harm, bias or unintended consequences.

A multi-disciplinary team of engineers, data scientists, sociologists and ethicists work closely together on all AI for Good initiatives. Their goal is to develop AI solutions that augment, rather than replace, human capabilities and decision making. Input from external experts and potential end users are also sought to shape the design of technology and address needs. For example, when developing AI for healthcare, Microsoft works with medical professionals, patients and advocacy groups to identify real challenges and ensure any tools developed are clinically valid and easy for non-technical people to understand and use safely.

Once an AI model or technology is developed, rigorous testing is conducted to evaluate its performance, accuracy, fairness and resilience. Data used to train models is also carefully analyzed to check for biases or gaps. Microsoft believes transparency into how its AI systems work is important for maintaining user trust. To help achieve this, explanations of model decisions are provided in non-technical language so users understand the rationale behind predictions or recommendations.

Microsoft further ensures responsible oversight of AI systems by integrating privacy and security measures from the start. Data use complies with regulations like GDPR and is only used for the specified purpose with user consent. Access to data and models is restricted and systems are designed to protect against attacks or attempts to manipulate outputs.

A cornerstone of Microsoft’s approach is ongoing monitoring of AI systems even after deployment. This allows Microsoft to continually evaluate performance for biases that may emerge over time due to changes in data or other factors. If issues are discovered, techniques like training data or model updates can be used to help address them. Microsoft is also investing in technology like Constitutional AI that can help evaluate systems for unfair treatment or harm, improving oversight capabilities over the long run.

Processes are in place for feedback mechanisms so end users, partners and oversight boards can report any concerns regarding an AI system to Microsoft for investigation. Concerns are taken seriously and dealt with transparently. If issues cannot be sufficiently addressed, systems may be taken offline until the problem is resolved.

To ensure AI for Good initiatives have measurable positive impact, key performance indicators are established during project planning. Regular progress reporting against goals keeps teams accountable. Microsoft also supports working with independent third parties to evaluate impact where appropriate using methods like randomized controlled trials.

Where possible, Microsoft aims to openly share learnings from AI for Good projects so others can benefit or build upon the work. Case studies, research papers and data are made available under open licenses when it does not compromise user privacy or intellectual property. Microsoft is also collaborating with partners across industry, civil society and government on issues like model card templates to help standardize ‘nutrition labels’ for AI and advance responsible innovation.

Microsoft brings a multi-faceted approach rooted in human-centric values to help ensure AI developed and applied through its AI for Good initiatives delivers real benefits to people and society in a way that is lawful, ethical and trustworthy. Through a focus on transparency, oversight, accountability and collaboration, Microsoft strives to serve as a leader in developing AI responsibility for the benefit of all. Ongoing efforts aim to help address important challenges through technology, while mitigating risk and avoiding potential downsides.