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Microsoft launches new tools and features for developers to accelerate AI innovation at Build 2024; announces updates of Microsoft Copilot stack

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Microsoft is empowering developer communities across the region to create and deliver the next generation of differentiated Artificial Intelligence (AI) experiences with a host of new product launches and feature updates to its portfolio of AI solutions announced at the Build 2024 conference.

New updates across Microsoft’s Azure AI Services include Azure AI Studio now being generally available as a key component of the Microsoft Copilot stack. In addition, GPT-4o, OpenAI’s latest flagship model, is now available in Azure AI Studio and as an API. This groundbreaking multimodal model integrates text, images, and audio processing to set a new standard for generative and conversational AI experiences. Also, Phi-3-vision, a new multimodal model in the Phi-3 family of AI small language models (SLMs) developed by Microsoft, is now available in preview in Azure.

Microsoft is also empowering developers to get the most of their data and make more informed decision through updates in Microsoft Fabric. Real-Time Intelligence, currently in preview, within Microsoft Fabric is designed to empower everyday analysts with simple low-code/no-code experiences, as well as pro developers with code-rich user interfaces to act on high volume, time-sensitive and highly granular data in a proactive and timely fashion. Also in preview is the Microsoft Fabric Workload Development Kit, a set of tools designed to extend applications within Fabric, creating a unified user experience for developers and independent software vendors (ISVs).

As part of Microsoft’s mission to support professionals to spend less time on mundane and repetitive tasks and instead focus on more strategic and fulfilling work, the company has also unveiled a series of updates and features to its Copilot stack, starting with Team Copilot. The solution expands Copilot for Microsoft 365 from a behind-the-scenes personal AI assistant to work on behalf of a team, greatly improving collaboration and project management. New capabilities in Microsoft Copilot Studio have also been introduced to support developers in building custom copilots that act as agents which can respond proactively to specific data and events. GitHub is also introducing the first set of GitHub Copilot extensions, developed by Microsoft and third-party partners, in private preview to allow developers to customize their GitHub Copilot experience with their preferred services like Azure, Docker, Sentry and more directly within GitHub Copilot Chat.

Frank X. Shaw, Chief Communications Officer at Microsoft, said: “Since it was first released, Copilot has emerged as a game-changer for many people and organizations across industries, empowering them to improve their efficiency, enhance customer experiences, and tackle complex tasks. Over the past year, we’ve built Microsoft Copilot and released more than 150 updates to it, and we’ve developed the Copilot stack, which takes everything we’ve learned so far and lets developers build their own copilots. And now, as we enter a new phase of innovation where Copilot begins to take more action on behalf of individuals and teams, we are introducing a number of expansions and capabilities to further empower developers to create highly intelligent Copilots that are tailored to their unique and individual needs.”

To ensure that developers are able to run demanding AI and high-performance computing (HPC) workloads like Azure OpenAI Service, a new Cobalt 100 Arm-based virtual machine (VM), based on Microsoft’s custom silicon series announced in November 2023, is now in preview, and the new Azure ND MI300X v5 VM is now generally available. These announcements build on Microsoft’s earlier launch of Copilot+ PCs, a new category of intelligent Windows PCs designed exclusively for AI. With powerful new silicon capable of 40+ trillion operations per second (TOPS), all–day battery life, and access to the large language models (LLMs) running in Microsoft Azure Cloud in concert with small language models (SLMs), Copilot+ PCs are able to achieve a level of performance never seen before.

Copilot+ PCs also unlock a new set of experiences for users such as instantly finding what they have seen or done on their PC with Recall, generating and refining AI images in near real-time directly on the device using Cocreator, bridging language barriers with Live Captions, and translating audio from 40+ languages into English. These experiences come to life on a set of thin and light devices from Microsoft Surface and our OEM partners Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP, Lenovo and Samsung. Pre-orders for the devices, which start from $999, are open, with general availability starting on June 18, 2024. Together with the latest features announced at Build 2024, the devices will be at the forefront of making Windows the most open platform for AI and the best place for developers.

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Delinea Brings Runtime Control for AI Agents to GISEC Global 2026

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Delinea, the identity security platform that governs what humans, machines and AI agents do once they have access, today announced its participation at GISEC Global 2026. Under the theme, “From Access to Action: Governing AI at Runtime,” the company will spotlight the growing need for organisations to govern the actions autonomous AI agents take after access has been granted.

Following its release of new runtime authorisation capabilities for AI agents this summer, Delinea will use GISEC to advance the conversation around runtime authorisation, an approach designed to enforce policy on an agent’s actions within a session, at the time those actions are executed.

As AI agents take on increasingly autonomous roles across databases, cloud environments, infrastructure and business systems, the security challenge is shifting beyond authentication. While an agent may have legitimate access to a system, it can still take an action that exceeds its intended task or creates operational risk. Delinea’s runtime authorisation capabilities enable organisations to apply policy at the point of action — allowing, blocking or escalating activity before it executes.

“AI adoption is moving the identity-security conversation beyond the moment of authentication,” said Mortada Ayad, VP Sales at Delinea. “The question for organisations is no longer simply whether an AI agent can access a critical system. It is whether they can govern what that agent does once it is inside. At GISEC, we want to put that challenge, and the need for runtime control, at the centre of the regional conversation.”

Delinea has strategically adopted a channel-led presence at this year’s show, reflecting its focus on bringing these capabilities to market through the regional partners enterprises rely on to deploy, manage and operationalise complex security programmes. Through its presence at the stands of regional distributor, Shifra, and integrator partner, Defa3, the company will deepen engagement with existing partners, recruit new partners and build the specialist capabilities needed to support secure AI adoption across the region.

The approach builds on the Delinea Partner Advantage Program, launched in July 2026. The program provides partners with clearer rules of engagement, deal protection, tiered incentives and AI-driven enablement, helping them build profitable identity-security practices, while delivering stronger outcomes for customers. It is designed to support selling partners today, with expanding roles planned for managed service providers, global systems integrators, advisory partners and technology partners.

“For a capability this consequential, technology alone is not enough,” Ayad added. “Customers need partners who understand their environment, their risk and how to translate security policy into practical control. Our focus at GISEC is to equip and grow that ecosystem, so organisations can move forward with AI, knowing that authorised access does not become unchecked action.”

Delinea’s runtime authorisation for AI agents enables organisations to govern activity across the systems agents use, including databases, SSH hosts, Kubernetes clusters and cloud consoles. Through just-in-time, task-scoped access, and real-time policy enforcement, organisations can reduce reliance on standing credentials, while maintaining a defensible record of AI-driven activity.

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Tech First Gulf Strengthens its presence in Africa with the appointment of Mustapha Rafiki as General Manager – Maghreb & Francophone Africa

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Tech First Gulf (TFG), a leading value-added technology distributor across the Middle East and Africa, is pleased to announce the appointment of Mustapha Rafiki as General Manager – Maghreb & Francophone Africa. This strategic appointment marks another significant milestone in TFG’s continued regional expansion and reinforces the company’s commitment to strengthening its footprint across Africa.

With over 19 years of experience in the information technology industry, Mustapha brings extensive expertise in business development, channel management, sales leadership, and operational excellence. Throughout his career, he has successfully built and managed high-performing partner ecosystems while driving sustainable business growth across North, West, East, and Central Africa.

Before joining Tech First Gulf, Mustapha served as Head of B2B Africa at Logitech, where he led business operations across multiple African markets, developing strategic go-to-market initiatives and strengthening channel partnerships. Prior to Logitech, he held the position of Country Manager at Canon, where he played a pivotal role in expanding the company’s presence, developing strategic alliances, and accelerating growth across key enterprise and commercial segments.

As TFG continues to expand its operations throughout Africa, Mustapha’s appointment reflects the company’s vision of investing in experienced leadership to unlock new opportunities, deepen vendor and partner relationships, and deliver greater value to customers across the markets.

Under his leadership, TFG aims to accelerate regional growth by strengthening its distribution network, expanding strategic technology alliances, enabling channel partners, and introducing innovative solutions that address the evolving needs of enterprises and public sector organizations across the region. His deep understanding of African markets, combined with his proven leadership, will play a vital role in driving TFG’s next phase of growth.

“We are pleased to welcome Mustapha to Tech First Gulf as we continue our expansion across the region. The markets under his leadership offer tremendous opportunities for growth and innovation, and we remain committed to investing in their future through strong leadership and long-term partnerships. Mustapha’s proven track record, strategic vision, and extensive regional expertise make him the ideal leader to accelerate our growth, strengthen our market presence, and deliver lasting value to our partners and customers,” said Mr. Akashdeep (Sky), Chief Strategy Officer, Tech First Gulf

Commenting on his appointment, Mustapha Rafiki said:

“I am excited to join Tech First Gulf at such an important stage of its growth journey. TFG has built a strong reputation for delivering innovative technology solutions and empowering its partner ecosystem. I look forward to working closely with our vendors, partners, and customers to accelerate growth, expand our market presence, and create lasting value across the region.”

As Tech First Gulf continues its regional expansion strategy, the company remains focused on empowering businesses through world-class technology solutions, strengthening strategic partnerships, and building a future-ready digital ecosystem across India, Middle East and Africa.

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Turnitin Expands AI Writing Detection to Support Arabic Language Submissions

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Turnitin recently announced the launch of its AI writing detection capabilities for Arabic language submissions, marking a significant step in supporting educators and students worldwide. This expansion helps equip Arabic-speaking educators with the tools necessary to safeguard academic integrity and nurture original thinking in the classroom.

As AI adoption among students becomes nearly universal, educators require solutions that promote transparency, rather than surveillance. Turnitin goes beyond simply verifying authorship, its tools support the broader learning journey, and help equip students with the critical skills demanded by today’s workforce.

“By providing Arabic-speaking educators with tools that uphold learning integrity, we ensure that they have solutions designed to support original thought and critical thinking, rather than having LLMs replace it,” said James Thorley, Vice President of APAC and EMEA at Turnitin. “While there is no substitute for knowing a student’s writing style, educational background, and institutional AI policies, this tool gives educators insights into areas where AI may have been used. Ultimately, it opens the door to meaningful, informed conversations about the responsible use of AI.”

AI writing detection for Arabic is now available through Turnitin Originality and as an add-on for iThenticate customers. Like the English, Spanish, and Japanese versions, the feature provides educators with an overall percentage of likely AI-generated content, alongside:

Detection capabilities for the leading large language models, reporting designed with educators in mind and seamless integration into existing customer workflows.

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