A team within a multinational technology company identified a need to establish processes and mechanisms to adhere to GDPR guidance, a complex data protection law created by the EU in 2016. This system would improve the companies’ security, compliance, storage and management of user data with transparent policies and practices. THE CHALLENGE Due to the creation of the GDPR, companies were required to implement standards across their organizations to adhere to its policies. As our client was a team under a relatively new division, this undertaking would require detailed understanding of the division layout, data structures currently in place, and organizational methods to ensure all guidance documentation was up to date. "RedCloud quickly grasped how the EU GDPR directive would impact our business and customers and quickly [put] a very effective plan in place, which provided more trust to our customers and ensured company compliance with a new global privacy law." -- Client Representative THE SOLUTION RedCloud and the client team worked to map a holistic view of the division’s ecosystem to verify all teams were compliant with existing regulations. Our team identified all teams that processed personal data across the client’s division, conducted focused interviews, and organized and inventoried all systems. The comprehensive understanding of the division and its teams allowed for the implementation of the new privacy requirements mandated by the GDPR. A plan was created and implemented based on knowledge of the division's operational functions and current data governance policies. RedCloud consultants created a v-team to guide other staff members through a step-by-step compliance process to ensure the division's teams were following all privacy regulations. As GDPR was a new and evolving regulation, our team studied the priority requirements and collaborated with cross divisions, including legal, marketing, and engineering teams. This information was then transferred to the v- team so the relevant processes or knowledge gaps could be highlighted. As the compliance process matured, our team then focused on developing a plan for certain future changes to privacy requirements and data governance. RedCloud worked with the client to install Privacy Management Software and continued to standardize their privacy review processes. This allowed for the team’s work to be centralized in one system and provided a standard approach to case work. RedCloud implemented a solution that resulted in a transparent digital compliance process, so that the client was fully prepared should regulators ever require an audit. Our team concluded the project by creating a roadmap for the division’s leadership to predict and prepare for what lies ahead in the changing privacy world. THE RESULTS Within a year after the help of the RedCloud team, the client’s division has gone from uncertain compliance understanding to a well-organized ecosystem with process-driven privacy reviews compliant with all privacy regulations, including GDPR. ​The division is prepared for new data protection laws due to the new software systems in place and comprehensive understanding of policy regulations by all members of the privacy team. The GDPR expertise that RedCloud developed can be leveraged in our clients' other divisions and across the industry.

RedCloud consultants leaned in to help a client in the technology sector build a new Sales Enablement strategy and content management process from the ground up. THE CHALLENGE After a challenging period within the sales enablement team the previous year in the middle of product launch, a global technology company's sales enablement processes were in disarray. RedCloud consultants worked with marketing leaders and cross-organization stakeholders to develop, deploy, and manage a modernized sales enablement program incorporating new approaches to content management, asset production, and partner/sales alignment. "[RedCloud Consultant] Daniel Tompkins is a invaluable asset on this team. His product knowledge astounds me. He is thoughtful, logical, and really invested in the work we do. Daniel always lends a hand when I need to talk through feedback and problem solve. Not only can he easily spot errors, but he also helps create the solution." -- Client Representative THE SOLUTION RedCloud consultants brought new sales enablement strategies and best practices to the Intel team, managing the rollout of a new sales enablement program with a modern, streamlined approach. First, the consultants analyzed existing sales enablement processes. They identified content and process gaps and documented workflow. Then they engaged with cross-organization stakeholders to present and implement a set of solutions designed to address their immediate business needs. Once those solutions were in place, the team developed, documented, and deployed a new sales enablement program for cross-organization stakeholders. They also provided ongoing insights into content and process effectiveness by leveraging Seismic, a best-in-class sales enablement content management and analytics tool. "The client team has prioritized making the customer central to everything they do. In particular, Product Marketing and Sales now engage more closely with the Sales Enablement team to ensure customer and sales assets align with the customer journey and messaging tailored to customer benefits, empowering channel, partner, and field sales to have meaningful business value conversations. The work is actionable, meaningful, and makes a difference. The role has been exciting and rewarding in that the work directly supports sales and as a result impacts revenue generation for the client.” -- Daniel Tompkins, RedCloud Consultant THE RESULTS The Sales Enablement team developed and produced content on a budget in excess of $2M and struggled with resource gaps and asset delivery delays. ​After engaging with RedCloud consultants, the team was able to deliver the same volume of content as the previous year (180+ collateral, video, and training assets) on time, and with a 20%-50% smaller budget. SUMMARY OF IMPROVEMENTS Optimized asset delivery times Completed prior launch deliverables Enabled Channel, Partner, and Field Sales team members to find what they need more easily Documented key processes (agency management, asset production, content management)

A medical device company needed a better system for managing sales leads. RedCloud delivered a customized Salesforce Customer Relationship Management (CRM) solution that improved efficiencies, resulting in a more effective growth strategy. THE CHALLENGE When the client came to RedCloud, they had an inadequate CRM software solution for supporting their fast-growing marketing and sales operations. Given the lengthy purchase cycle in health systems, reporting on lead conversion at each of the distinct sales stages was especially challenging. The Sales Lead spent long hours creating reports and dashboards to review sales progress and track leads throughout the sales cycle. "RedCloud understood our business needs and they were able to translate those into actionable tactics that immediately and easily filled gaps in our sales process.” -- Client Representative THE SOLUTION RedCloud dove deep into the existing sales process to pinpoint the client's needs across all levels of a complex healthcare sales system. We created an “as is” process flow diagram to understand existing points of weakness, and ultimately recommended the use of Salesforce as the appropriate CRM solution. ​By collaborating with the client to understand the specific reporting needs, we created customized dashboards, reports, and quoting templates that automated the CRM process, providing significant time savings for the client’s team. RedCloud’s architects implemented a phased Salesforce installation and migration of the software to its operational environment. This included robust, in-person team training, webinars, and customized training videos to ensure easy adoption. Set up in this way for maximum success, the client's team soon utilized and mastered the program. ACTIONS TAKEN Evaluation: We determined requirements and obstacles using a process flow diagram. Development: We customized dashboards, reports, and quoting templates to automate the CRM process. Implementation: We introduced a phased Salesforce installation and migration. Long-Term Success: We provided in-person team training, webinars, and customized tutorial videos. THE RESULTS Before the Salesforce implementation, the client’s sales leader had spent up to 20 hours a week gathering data from sales representatives and creating reports through an antiquated, inefficient program. After RedCloud’s custom migration and implementation, sales reports were generated with real-time data in just a click. Sales Representatives also had easy access to reports on personal dashboards, lead-tracking capabilities, and built-in reminders for follow-up activities, helping to ensure that no opportunities were missed.

A multinational technology company created a sales support program to address local country challenges for globally dispersed accounts. Our client quickly recognized that they were unable to manage the program while at the same time measure its effectiveness. THE CHALLENGE Simultaneously managing and measuring sales program effectiveness A multinational technology company’s leadership team evaluated its sales support program after realizing the challenge of managing the program while simultaneously measuring its effectiveness. An inability to do both threatened the program's ongoing funding. The company turned to RedCloud to help manage and measure the global inside account program. The goals were to increase time and resource efficiencies and also prove the value of this scalable, shared resource. ​The sales support program was capable of driving revenue by addressing challenges and cultivating sales opportunities that might otherwise be outside the scope of the accounts team. Our client needed to demonstrate the success of this program's approach with the use of key performance indicators and tangible metrics. "The potential for digital business transformation using the Microsoft Power Platform, is truly staggering in its scope and magnitude." -- Matt Little, Senior Consultant THE SOLUTION ​Transformation with the Power Platform Beginning with a detailed assessment of the client’s existing sales data capture and management processes, RedCloud identified issues within the data warehouses, queries, and subsequent reporting functions. We immediately set out to renormalize the database, enabling the full capture and automation of more than 20 data points related to the client’s sales process. In the past, our client had used a bulk data download, which made it difficult to identify specific points of failure. Any corrections caused a full re-run of the download, wasting valuable time and resources. So RedCloud developed a set of new programs, routines, and automated processes that pulled data from the improved central database to manage and track the sales process. Finally, RedCloud developed new data queries to enable real-time, visual reporting and metrics to provide improved sales pipeline management at the team level, and a clear view of program effectiveness at the management level. While automation created efficiencies, RedCloud also built a reporting system flexible enough to pull additional, highly-specific reports by region, product, personnel or other criteria, allowing management multiple avenues for evaluating ROI. "We needed this platform to streamline the process as simple as possible, so it’s easier to manage/refresh. We wanted automated decision documentation, and needed to make sure important elements are secure and that it was designed to have access by geo." -- Client Representative THE RESULTS ​ROI improved by streamlined reporting Upon implementation of the new data analytics practices and reporting functions, the client was able to produce daily reports of global sales and sales opportunity status for management. Going forward, the sales database was dramatically more scalable and easier to maintain. Troubleshooting technical issues was streamlined thanks to new analytics and reporting, and regular coordination between sales and tech support teams to ensure data consistency. ​The program was on track for a 50x return on investment, freeing up the sales team to focus on connecting with potential customers, rather than creating reports for their team and management.

Within a key division of a multinational software company, a dedicated team tracks and solves a real-time list of the largest and most systemic issues facing a suite of products. THE CHALLENGE ​Manual reporting processes and disparate data hinder decision-making. Monthly reports help the team’s leadership make critical decisions about how and when to resource against these fixes, but the reporting itself was bogged down by the creation process and lack of transparency across stakeholders. The team’s leadership came to RedCloud seeking assistance in utilizing a new, best-in-class business intelligence platform to organize, manage, and display key data related to their work. ​The client needed help streamlining the overall approach addressing these critical projects as well as improving visibility to stakeholders. The senior managers were spending countless hours at month-end manually pulling and compiling data into spreadsheets, presentation decks, and other summary documents. Sharing and updating these reports became both cumbersome and inefficient, as true evidence-based decisions were limited due to disparate data sets and report types. Ultimately, the company saw high-rate employees spending unsustainable amounts of their time creating reports that were not effective in prioritizing resources. "The potential for digital business transformation using the Microsoft Power Platform, is truly staggering in its scope and magnitude." -- Matt Little, Senior Consultant THE SOLUTION ​Transforming data management and reporting with the Power Platform RedCloud consultants began by unpacking and auditing the client’s existing data-management process. The team was able to identify and pull data from numerous software platforms across the business group, including sales, project management, and engineering. All the varied data points were then housed in a central database, from which a powerful business intelligence software platform could create custom, near real-time data visualizations. RedCloud worked alongside the client to understand their specific reporting needs and developed a solution that would enable highly-informed, rapid decision making. The team developed a custom Power Platform with real-time, customizable dashboards that provided high-level project status summaries, visual graphs, and a “hover-over” option to provide deeper insights into a project’s status. "I’ve received great feedback and kudos from internal and external stakeholders about the Power BI reporting. For example, a stakeholder reached out with praise and asked to leverage the template/format to create a modified version to use with his stakeholders." - Client Representative THE RESULTS ​Improved project visibility Upon implementation of the new business intelligence platform, RedCloud’s clients can now, with just a few clicks, create customized, real-time reports on projects addressing the division’s large, systemic issues facing the company. The leadership team no longer relies on the creation of a stagnant, point-in-time report. Each member now has access and transparency to each step of the project to better evaluate resources, barriers to success, and where revenues can ultimately be optimized.

TECHNICAL LEADERSHIP SUPPORT TO U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE RedCloud’s Data & AI practice is providing technical leadership support to a U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) aircraft maintenance program. Our Data & AI team is partnering to develop predictive analytics and reporting capabilities for DoD fleet maintenance and parts replacement, with the goal of improving availability of the right equipment at the right time, increasing aircraft readiness and improving planning efficiency. This work directly supports the DoD department which conducts maintenance, repair, and overhaul of the U.S. Navy aircraft, engines, components and support equipment in various locations around the world. ​ RedCloud is building technical capabilities applied to two different helicopter fleets flown by the U.S. Marine Corps, initially, with the plan to expand across additional areas in the future. “Working with a combination of data scientists and DoD maintenance subject matter experts, we’re developing a predictive analytics capability and interactive dashboard.  Our team is proud to be able to utilize expertise and custom applications we’ve developed and are applying in the private sector, to add value to such an important mission by the U.S. Marines.” -- Scott Eckman, Client Engagement Director PROJECT DETAILS Each year the DoD overhauls and repairs nearly 1,000 U.S. Navy and Marine aircraft, thousands of engines and several hundred thousand components valued at approximately $4 billion. RedCloud expects capabilities developed in this project could be leveraged across a wide range of operations, producing significant time and cost benefits for multiple branches of the DoD. Focusing on the automation and analysis of data, RedCloud’s Data & AI team will utilize industry-leading analytics applications including Power BI, Power Automate, and other components of the Microsoft technology stack to create predictive analytics and reporting dashboards. Engagement with the DoD will leverage a wide range of RedCloud's BS&I capabilities including ​Business Solution Strategy & Design, Workflow Automation, Business Applications​​, CRM Development, Business Intelligence, and Collaboration & Content.

With the New Year upon us like a breath of fresh air, many of us put together a list of resolutions to improve ourselves, our careers, our homes, or our relationships, etc.. The big question is always will those resolutions turn into solutions? ​At RedCloud, we have a list of our own resolutions for the firm and our approach to this dynamic consulting industry, beginning first and foremost with our continued support and empowerment of our consultants. Our people are the lifeblood of our success and the reason our clients come back with smiles, kudos and future projects. A Quick 2023 Review But before we look ahead, here’s our top highlights from 2023 that will guide us forward: Expanding Practices and Client Solutions: 2023 was a year spent keeping our eyes on the latest tech trends and tools, and further developing and expanding the solutions we offer, particularly in our Privacy, Data and Analytics, and Business Solutions and Intelligence practice areas. Our client roster flourished, our office footprint expanded, our geographical presence exploded, and our service offerings have diversified. These milestones are not just markers of success; they are reasons to celebrate! Appreciating our Diverse, Nimble Team of Professionals: We’re proud that we’ve maintained a diverse and talented workforce, and even prouder of the work. 2023 brought opportunities and changes to our business, but our consultants stayed nimble, adapting to the ever-evolving demands of our industry and our clients. RedCloud continues to prioritize relationships above all else and values people as individuals, each with their own unique story. Sustaining Sustainability: In the way we operate our business, interact with our clients and support our employees, RedCloud is committed to achieving environmental sustainability to address the impacts of climate change and support a successful future for our planet. 2023 saw us hone our carbon emissions tracking and reporting process and sustained our commitment to . . . well, sustainability. In 2024, we’ll make even greater progress against our goal to reduce our emissions by 55% in the next few years; now that’s a resolution we’ll be keeping. Our 2024 Outlook We’re seeing some trends and priorities emerge in 2024 that will help guide RedCloud’s work and vision for the consulting industry: Solutions Evolving Alongside New Technologies:  In the ever-evolving world of technology, staying ahead of the curve is not just a goal – it's a necessity. In 2024, RedCloud’s practices are positioned well to help our clients understand the impact and implement emerging technologies like AI to provide innovative solutions, helping them navigate and leverage these advancements. Investing in Our People: In 2024, we again recognize that our greatest asset is our people. We’ll continue to provide professional development initiatives to connect our consultants (even though they may be geographically spread), and give them the training and latest skills to ensure that our firm remains a leader in the industry. We understand that investing in our team's growth is synonymous with investing in the success of our clients. Investing in our Community: Our long-standing commitment to youth and education in the communities in which RedCloud operates will not waiver in 2024. We will continue to make time for our team to give back to the communities in which we live and work. This is embedded in our company culture. RedCloud's long-standing partnerships with local organizations such as Toys For Kids and Junior Achievement of Washington provide our team with a variety of opportunities to give back every year. ​As we step into 2024, the horizon looks bright for RedCloud. Embracing new technologies, maintaining a people-centric focus, investing in our local communities, and building a sustainable future are key pillars that will continue RedCloud’s upward trajectory, providing unique, rewarding opportunities for our team, and delivering excellence for our clients.

Meet Michelle Pudas, a 10-year veteran at RedCloud, currently an integral part of Microsoft's Security GTM team, juggling diverse responsibilities that include supporting solution play leads, managing core asset development for Microsoft's field sellers, and contributing to essential Microsoft security events. Beyond the thrilling projects, Michelle is proud of her work creating success for her clients at Microsoft, cherishing the connections she's fostered and the wealth of knowledge gained. Balancing work and personal life, she dedicates focused time each day and prioritizes activities like exercise. Read on to learn more about Michelle and her invaluable contributions to RedCloud and our clients. Describe your role and what you do in a nutshell. I am currently supporting three solution play leads on the Security GTM team at Microsoft.  I primarily project manage the development of core assets for the Microsoft field sellers that help them drive Microsoft’s security business with their customers. I am also responsible for managing monthly community calls with GTM managers worldwide and supporting the team’s efforts around key Microsoft security events like Ignite and Microsoft Secure. What do you enjoy most or find especially interesting about your current project? The people, for sure!  Aside from the amazing people I work with on my immediate team, I love that I get to work with such a wide variety of people from various groups around Microsoft. From product marketing managers for some of Microsoft’s most strategic security products to GTM managers worldwide who bring their different perspectives from around the world and the various people who manage and run all the programs for the solution plays and the field teams that ultimately drive the business. I have met some amazing, hard-working people, and they really make going to work each day enjoyable! What are you most proud of in your career so far? I am proud of the longevity I have had supporting our clients at Microsoft and the connections I have made along the way. I was an FTE at Microsoft for almost 20 years and have now been consulting at Microsoft for 14 years. I have met so many great people, have worked in so many different areas of Microsoft, and have learned so much. In my consulting roles now, I often help new Microsoft employees navigate the ins and outs of the company and help them get up to speed faster. How do you maintain a healthy work-life balance in your role? I set time on my calendar each day for ‘focus time’. This is a time when I don’t take meetings.  I use this time to get stuff done. So much time at Microsoft can be spent in meetings, making it hard to get the actual work done. This really helps keep me on track to complete tasks. I also block out time on my calendar for exercise or other personal time as needed. This all helps me keep a good balance between work and personal life. Tell us about something interesting you've learned recently. During the holidays, I discovered the design software Canva, and I used it to help create “experience gifts” and “gift certificates” for holiday gifts. I like being creative, but I’m not very artistic. This is the perfect tool for that. My family was very impressed 😉 What is something memorable you've accomplished as part of a team? Corporate events are always memorable. A long time ago, I worked with an amazing group of people to put together an offsite event for our team. We had many late nights and last-minute printing of hundreds of PowerPoint slides (we used to do that back in the day), and it seemed like we would never get it all done, but we did, and it turned out great! There was a lot of stress, but it was a great feeling of accomplishment when it was done. If you could suggest a book for the entire RC team to read, what would it be and why? Boys in the Boat. This is a story about hard work and the competitive spirit. I think that can appeal to a lot of different types of people and interests. Read the book before you see the movie 😊 What's a piece of obsolete technology you still have a soft spot for? Microsoft ActiMates!  I love those things (and I still have all of them – Barney, Arther, DW, and the Teletubbies). Microsoft released these in the late 90’s and when my kids were little in the early 2000’s, they played with them and loved them. I was fortunate enough to work in the retail organization at Microsoft when these were released and was able to attend Toy Fair in New York to meet with retailers and show them all the cool things these guys could do! It was incredible technology at the time and a unique and memorable experience for me in my career. What's one thing people don't know about you that they would be surprised to discover? Maybe the above 😊 or that I was on the TV show ‘Romper-Room’ when I was 5 years old. What, if anything, are you currently binge-watching? Or reading? I haven’t had much time for binge-watching, but when I do have time, I’d like to finish watching Ted Lasso. I’m currently planning a trip for our family to Europe in May after my daughter graduates from college, so I’m reading a lot about Europe right now.

In 2023, our "10 Minutes With" blog series has been a voyage full of insights, enlightenment, and even a few surprises. We’ve featured interviews with the brilliant minds (and talents) at the heartbeat of our team. From seasoned veterans and fresh faces to trailblazing visionaries and more, each dialogue delved deep into the distinctive viewpoints and journeys that make RedCloud who we are. So, if you're eager to uncover the insights, motivations, and expertise that power RedCloud, dive into some highlights from our 2023 "10 Minutes With" series. Prepare to be inspired, motivated, and intrigued by the stories and experiences that define our team. Senior Product Manager Bradley Millington Embark on a journey with Bradley Millington, an essential member of the RedCloud team. Discover his unique approach to mornings, the secrets to maintaining a healthy work-life balance, and insights into the distinctive company culture at RedCloud. Join Bradley for a glimpse into his vibrant life beyond the office walls. Read Bradley's Insights. Senior Consultant Alka Garg Meet Alka Garg, a seasoned professional shaping the realms of data privacy and tech consulting. In her recent interview, Alka shares insights into her role in developing and maturing RedCloud's Privacy and Security practice. Explore her journey, the seamless onboarding process at RedCloud, and the pillars of trust, integrity, and culture that set us apart. Discover Alka's Story. Alumni Chris Frost Join us for a special Q&A session as we catch up with Chris Frost, a valued member of the RedCloud alumni. Learn about his career path, updates since his time at RedCloud, and the qualities that made him a true friend to our team. Connect with Chris. Account Director Lou Hazim Lou Hazim, our Account Director for the Privacy & Security Practice, has rejoined RedCloud with over 20 years of consulting experience. Explore Lou's passion for enhancing Cyber Security Posture and his role in expanding the success of his practice area. Get to Know Lou. Intern Siqi Zhao Get to know our summer intern, Siqi Zhao, as we sit down for an insightful conversation. With a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering, Siqi brought tremendous self-driven ambition to the table. Meet Siqi. Senior Consultant Tugcem Kurbanzade Meet Tugcem Kurbanzade, a Senior Consultant leveraging her expertise in Microsoft Power Platform technologies to help our clients. Join us as we explore Tugcem's journey since joining RedCloud last year. Discover Tugcem's Expertise. Senior Associate Marco Gastelum Welcome back, Marco! Explore the journey of Marco Gastelum, a senior associate on our Business Solutions and Intelligence team. With deep consulting experience, Marco is set to contribute to the success of RedCloud. Connect with Marco. Production Designer Chris Munson Join us in celebrating Chris Munson's first anniversary with RedCloud. Discover how Chris quickly settled into his role as a vital member of our team after joining during a busy transition period. Explore Chris's Impact. We're continuously seeking enthusiastic individuals eager to embark on our path of innovation and distinction. If you feel you possess the qualities to contribute to our dynamic team, don't hesitate to get in touch! Be a part of sculpting the future of technology and innovation alongside us. The starting point for the next chapter of your career could be right here at RedCloud.

As we bid farewell to another remarkable year, it's time to reflect on the groundbreaking developments that have defined the landscape of Data & AI, and Digital Solutions - a high-growth practice area for our RedCloud team in 2023. From high-profile conferences to in-depth explorations of emerging technologies, our team dived deep into the evolution of Microsoft 365 and the Power Platform while delivering solutions for our clients that create time and resource efficiencies and allow companies to make smart, informed business decisions based on data. Let's revisit some of 2023’s standout moments from our Data & AI and Digital Solutions teams. AI, AI, and more AI: Microsoft 365 Conference Highlights Recap Day 1: Benny and Yusuf share exclusive insights from the Microsoft 365 Conference, highlighting the emphasis on AI integration into business applications and security measures. Read More Day 2 Highlights: Day 2 brought Copilot and Viva announcements to the forefront, unveiling Copilot's monumental impact on code development and its integration into Microsoft Teams for meeting summaries. Dive Deeper Day 3 Recap: Exploring the underutilized capabilities of Office Scripts in Excel, we highlight their potential in automation and integration with Power Automate for efficient report generation. Discover More Maximizing Value with AI Chatbots RedCloud Senior Associate Matt Little took center stage, delving into the technology and strategy behind AI chatbots. Focused on Power Virtual Agents (PVA), he highlights the growing significance of chatbots in enhancing user experiences. Organizations can explore PVA through a free 30-day trial, empowering them to embark on their chatbot journey. Get Insights Power Apps 2023 Release Wave 2 Highlights As we entered the second half of the year, anticipation surrounding the upcoming features in the Power Apps 2023 release Wave 2. Significant investments in Copilot, modernizing apps by default, and enabling enterprise scale demonstrated Power Apps' commitment to cutting-edge features and empowering users. Dive into the Highlights Power Automate: Process Mining with Next-Generation AI August 1st marked the general availability of Power Automate's Process Mining, infused with next-generation AI. We detail how organizations can gain a deep understanding of their business activities, optimize processes, and achieve continuous improvement through automation and low-code apps Explore Updates RedCloud at Microsoft Power Platform Conference 2023 Our team's experience at the Microsoft Power Platform Conference in Las Vegas took center stage in October. Key takeaways highlighted the conference's major focus, especially focusing on Copilot and AI-powered features. Furthermore, we offer insights into new use cases, the evolving role of Copilot as a user-facing virtual agent, and the groundbreaking integration with OpenAI's ChatGPT. Read Conference Highlights Create a Power App in 10 Minutes with Copilot To round off the year, Copilot in Power Apps became generally available for app makers. Yusuf provides a step-by-step guide on how to create a Canvas Power App and Dataverse table in just 10 minutes, showcasing the efficiency and guidance offered by Copilot in the app creation journey. Build Your App Power Automate Tools: Retrieving Date & Time of a Specific Change Addressing ad hoc needs that go beyond manual capabilities, our team dove into the power of Power Automate in capturing specific changes, such as capturing date and time in a SharePoint list. It highlights the efficiency gains achievable through automation, demonstrating the platform's versatility. Learn More As we close the chapter on 2023, we invite you to explore these highlights in detail. Check out the original blog posts to dive into the in-depth insights, learnings, and experiences that have shaped our understanding of business solutions and intelligence. Stay tuned for more in 2024, as we continue to unravel the latest in technology, insights, and updates. Cheers to a year of innovation and growth! - RedCloud’s Data & AI and Digital Solutions Teams

Meet Bradley Millington, an integral member of the RedCloud team, whose approach to mornings involves a silent rendezvous with coffee until his brain shifts into high gear. As a consultant, Bradley revels in the lower stress levels that come with his role, relishing the ability to balance between his client work and his personal pursuits and family. In our latest “10min With” Interview, Bradley sheds light on his surprising discoveries, the secrets to maintaining a healthy work-life balance, and the distinctive company culture at RedCloud. Discover the unique facets of Bradley Millington's professional journey and personal pursuits as he shares insights into his work at RedCloud and provides a glimpse into his vibrant life beyond the office walls. What's your morning routine like before starting your work day? To be honest, I've never been much of a morning person, which is why my morning routine consists of ingesting coffee in total silence until my brain activates enough to form complete sentences. I've also taken to a steady routine of oatmeal and blueberries for breakfast, which is my attempt to make a healthy dietary choice while keeping my cholesterol in check. Lastly, I always start the day by reading through the top stories in the New York Times. I gave up social media for this habit during the pandemic and never looked back! Have there been any surprising discoveries about yourself through your work at RedCloud? I've been pleasantly surprised by the lower stress levels I've experienced working as a consultant, rather than a full-time employee. After a full day on client work, I can turn my attention to my hobbies and family each evening, and I'm not on the hook to fill out that pesky performance review every 6 months! I can be satisfied knowing I deliver value to the client each day, without it completely taking over my life. How do you maintain a healthy work-life balance in your role? See above! I am also very lucky to be working for a team that values flexibility and gives me space for things like doctor's appointments and mid-day errands when necessary. There is a lot of trust among my colleagues that we will each do our part while also giving space to conduct our lives. On top of that, my team freely shares glimpses into their personal activities in chat or small talk at the beginning of meetings, which brings a healthy dose of humanity to the workplace. My colleagues have also included me in their social gatherings outside of the office. I recently competed in a 5k run with my extended organization and also participated in a backyard potluck BBQ with my immediate team. Building these social connections has made my time at work all the more relaxed, fun, and rewarding. How would you describe the company culture at RedCloud, and how does it impact your work at the client (MSFT in this case!)? I really appreciate how RedCloud welcomes consultants into their culture, inviting us to company gatherings, lunch-and-learns, and other company events. They could have reserved these for non-contract-based employees, but they don't, and it really makes a difference. Because of this, I feel more connected to RedCloud despite the fact that most of my time is spent immersed in my client's team culture. In my day-to-day work, I tell everyone (especially consultants from other companies) how great my company is and how supported we are. What's a piece of obsolete technology you still have a soft spot for? I'll admit that I still buy most things as physical media instead of their digital equivalents. I still have the cassette player I bought when I was 16 years old, right next to me in my home office. Believe it or not, many self-produced musicians are still making cassette releases because they are both cheap and nostalgic! I am not alone. What's one thing people don't know about you that they would be surprised to discover? I organize hardware-based electronic music events all over Seattle - sometimes 15 or more in a year. It's a personal passion, and I've met so many incredible artists and creatives in my community by doing this. My most recent event was "Sound of the Machine" on Oct 21 at the Georgetown Steam Plant, an immersive audio-visual experience consisting of 17 artists performing in a National Historic Landmark building. Last year, I produced "Velocity" - an all-day synthesizer festival consisting of educational seminars, workshops, a manufacturer trade show, and artist performances across three stages. I also host art shows at my studio in Fremont, outdoor performances in Seattle's parks, and a monthly open stage at Substation in Ballard. You can keep up with what I'm doing by following @modularseattle on Instagram! Speaking of work-life balance - this is what it looks like. ;-)

Cyber security refers to the aspect of protecting an organization, its employees, and its assets against a variety of cyber threats. As businesses become increasingly reliant on technology in today’s digital landscape, improving cyber security is of paramount importance in the face of constant threats from cybercriminals. Here are seven key reasons highlighting the significance of enhancing cyber security posture and where RedCloud can help: Protection of Digital Assets: Businesses accumulate a vast amount of valuable digital assets, including sensitive customer data, intellectual property, financial information, and operational data. Strengthening cyber security posture ensures the protection of these assets from unauthorized access, theft, or compromise. Mitigation of Financial Losses: Cybersecurity incidents can result in significant financial losses for organizations. Data breaches, ransomware attacks, or system disruptions can lead to financial damages, such as the cost of remediation, legal fees, regulatory penalties, customer compensation, and reputational damage. By improving cyber security posture, businesses can reduce the risk of financial losses associated with cyber incidents. Preservation of Reputation and Customer Trust: A data breach or security incident can severely damage a company's reputation and erode customer trust. Consumers are increasingly concerned about the privacy and security of their data, and they are more likely to patronize businesses with strong cyber security measures in place. By prioritizing cyber security, organizations can build and maintain trust with their customers, enhancing their reputation in the market. Compliance with Regulatory Requirements: Numerous industries are subject to specific data protection regulations and compliance standards. Organizations must adhere to these regulations, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) or the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), to avoid legal consequences and penalties. Improving cyber security posture ensures compliance with these regulations, protecting businesses from legal repercussions. Reduction of Downtime and Operational Disruptions: Cybersecurity incidents can lead to significant operational disruptions, including system downtime, loss of productivity, and interruption of critical business processes. By enhancing cyber security posture, organizations can proactively identify and mitigate vulnerabilities, reducing the likelihood of successful attacks and minimizing operational disruptions. Protection against Evolving Cyber Threats: Cyber threats are constantly evolving, with hackers developing new techniques and tools to exploit vulnerabilities. Improving cyber security posture involves staying updated with the latest threats and implementing robust security measures to counteract them. This proactive approach helps organizations stay ahead of cybercriminals and reduces their risk exposure. Safeguarding Business Continuity: A cyber incident can severely impact business continuity, leading to a loss of revenue, disruption of operations, and a negative impact on customer relationships. By improving cyber security posture, organizations can enhance their resilience to cyber threats, ensuring uninterrupted operations and minimizing the potential for business disruptions. The importance of improving cyber security posture cannot be overstated. It is crucial for businesses to prioritize and invest in robust cyber security measures to protect their digital assets, mitigate financial losses, preserve reputation and customer trust, comply with regulations, reduce downtime, stay ahead of evolving threats, and safeguard business continuity.