News & insights

Latest news, insights, and expert perspectives on cloud technology and digital transformation.

Showing 71 articles

AI insights

Alex van der Stam shares his personal experiences with AI-driven software development in a series of LinkedIn articles.

2026-10-20

Data processing agreement updated to version 2.1: new sub-processor for uBackup

For our new backup service uBackup, we have added a sub-processor to the data processing agreement. This is what changes, and what it means for you.

2026-10-17

ConnectWise Cloud Backup service interruption: backups temporarily paused

ConnectWise has shut off Cloud Backup (formerly SkyKick) as a precaution after unauthorized access to application identities. There are no indications that backup data has been compromised. Here is what this means for you.

2026-10-13

Cybersecurity Month: 7 things to sort out for your security this October

October is European Cybersecurity Month. This checklist of seven concrete measures makes your organisation considerably safer in a few weeks, from MFA and updates to backup and an incident plan.

2026-09-28

The new Copilot: Home, Code and Autopilot in one app

Microsoft brings Chat, Cowork, Office, Code and Autopilot (formerly Scout) together in one new Copilot. A fixed license for everyday use, pay-per-use for heavy agent work. What changes, and what should you watch out for?

2026-09-17

Watch out: hidden costs in Copilot Business from December 1

From December 1, 2026, pay-as-you-go Copilot Credits are on by default for new Copilot Business licenses. You no longer have to switch Cowork on deliberately, so without cost management the bill can come as a real surprise.

2026-09-15

Mijn Cyberweerbare Zaak 2026: up to €1,250 subsidy and the Provably Secure bundle for €150 per month

Until 30 November 2026 the Dutch government refunds half of your cybersecurity measures, up to €1,250. Universal adds an offer: Security as a Service plus uComply for €150 per month, and no subsidy means you cancel free of charge.

2026-09-07

Microsoft 365 Copilot Business: 15% off until 31 December 2026

Microsoft is offering 15% off Microsoft 365 Copilot Business until 31 December 2026. What the promotion covers, who it suits and how to take advantage of it through Universal Cloud.

2026-09-03

Where do you start with AI? With one work process, not one tool

Almost every organisation gets stuck on the same question: how and where do we start? Our answer is a short pilot on a single work process, with criteria agreed up front and a hard cap on cost.

2026-09-01

New data processing agreement as of 1 September 2026

Version 2.0 of our data processing agreement replaces the 2023 version. These are the changes and additions, from sub-processors and AI to ISO/IEC 27001:2022.

2026-08-28

AI agents in production: why authorization alone isn't enough

We let AI agents work against real, business-critical systems. The question I always get: how do you dare? This is my answer, and it isn't about permissions.

2026-08-26

Azure OpenAI Assistants API is retiring: your virtual assistant moves to uAnswer

Microsoft is retiring the Azure OpenAI Assistants API. We are moving every uWebChat virtual assistant to uAnswer, with no downtime and with management that now lives in the uWebChat portal.

2026-07-17

Meet uAnswer: your phone, answered by AI

uAnswer answers your incoming phone calls with natural speech — it knows your organisation, connects to your systems and emails a summary after every call. Available to customers from 1 September 2026.

2026-07-09

Copilot Cowork: an extra colleague, not an extra cost

Copilot Cowork bills per use via Copilot Credits — so the question isn't whether you use it, but whether it adds value instead of just cost.

2026-07-07

Your own AI app, our security, expertise & monitoring

With AI you now build the apps that fit your own processes. But they still need a safe place to land — with the security, continuity and monitoring Universal delivers.

2026-07-04

Microsoft Teams as your phone system: can Teams replace your PBX?

Can Microsoft Teams replace your phone system? See which PBX features Teams offers, how it compares to a traditional PBX and what it costs.

2026-06-25

Microsoft Scout is now Autopilot: the AI teammate in Copilot

Since September 25, 2026, Microsoft Scout is called Autopilot and is part of the new Copilot. From desktop app to cloud-hosted digital teammate: what it is, what has changed and how to prepare.

2026-06-22

Copilot Cowork is now generally available

Microsoft 365 Copilot Cowork is generally available: long-running, multi-step tasks that Copilot carries out for you autonomously, with your approval along the way.

2026-06-19

Cloud security for business: a complete guide and free check (2026)

What is cloud security and how do you protect your cloud applications and company data? A practical guide covering the biggest risks, 6 concrete measures and a 10-question cloud security check.

2026-06-13

Uh-oh, this is getting serious

A week with Claude Fable — the most powerful AI model yet — and what it meant when the US government switched it off overnight. On digital sovereignty and the European alternative.

2026-06-01

Surface Laptop Ultra: made for world makers

Microsoft announces the Surface Laptop Ultra: the most powerful Surface Laptop ever, with an NVIDIA Blackwell RTX GPU, up to 128GB of unified memory and 1 petaflop of AI compute to run large models locally.

2026-05-24

uWebChat Voice: manage Shifts queues entirely from the portal

We've redesigned the Shifts feature in uWebChat Voice. You now create and manage schedules entirely within the uWebChat Voice Portal — no more detour through Microsoft Shifts, with finer-grained planning down to the hour.

2026-05-21

Copilot call delegation: a personal assistant for your Teams calls

Microsoft 365 Copilot can now answer your incoming Teams calls, filter out spam, transfer urgent callers live and book follow-up appointments — with a summary after every call. Available through the Frontier program.

2026-04-17

Copilot Flex Routing is on by default — your data may leave the EU

Microsoft is enabling Flex Routing automatically for all EU tenants. This means Copilot requests can be processed outside the EU during peak load. Here's what it means for compliance and how to opt out.

2026-04-06

Teams contact center: compare the best solutions for 2026

Which contact center fits Microsoft Teams? Compare native Call Queues, Microsoft-certified solutions and uWebChat Voice — with pros, cons, features and pricing.

2026-04-04

Copilot Cowork: your AI execution layer in Microsoft 365

Copilot Cowork is now generally available — Microsoft 365 Copilot's execution layer that runs multi-step tasks across Outlook, Teams and Excel, billed via Copilot Credits.

2026-03-31

The new uWebChat Voice portal is live

The completely redesigned uWebChat Voice portal is live — with native dashboards, AI transcription, visual IVR editor and Teams Presence integration.

2026-03-16

Are laptop prices going up in 2026? Yes, and this is why

Business laptop prices are rising: the memory shortage and import tariffs push prices up and lead times out. See which brands are hit and how to order smart.

2026-03-12

Microsoft 365 E7: the new all-in-one suite for AI and productivity

Microsoft introduces Microsoft 365 E7 — a new suite combining E5, Copilot, Entra Suite and Agent 365. Available from May 1, 2026. What does this mean for your organization?

2026-03-06

uWebChat Voice Portal — sneak preview of new features

A first look at the new uWebChat Voice Portal: native dashboards, AI transcription, Teams integration, visual IVR editor and more.

2026-03-03

Teams call transcription & Copilot summaries: setup guide (2026)

Auto-transcribe every Teams phone call and let Copilot write the summary. Step-by-step: which license you need, how to enable transcription, and real examples of AI-generated action items.

2026-02-27

What is Microsoft Copilot? A complete guide for businesses

Microsoft Copilot is the AI assistant built into Microsoft 365. Learn what it does, how it works in Word, Excel, Teams and Outlook, what it costs, and how to get started.

2026-02-13

AI uptime SLA: why your business needs a multi-model fallback strategy

OpenAI had 4 major outages in 2025. If your app depends on one AI provider, you're one API failure from downtime. Learn why AI uptime belongs in your SLA policy and how a multi-model strategy keeps you running.

2026-02-10

Microsoft Teams calling 2026: Direct Routing vs Operator Connect vs Calling Plans

Which Teams phone option is cheapest? Direct Routing, Operator Connect and Calling Plans compared from €8/user/month, with a 25-user cost example.

2026-02-05

Your AI model choice is a security decision

While building an AI voice agent, we discovered that choosing an AI model isn't a technical decision — it's a security, compliance, and trust decision.

2026-01-26

CMS security vs static sites: which website is safer?

Why static sites are inherently more secure than CMS platforms like WordPress, the 5 biggest CMS security risks, and how to manage a static site without a traditional CMS.

2026-01-22

Shadow AI: Why 80% of Employees Bring Their Own AI Tools to Work

BYOAI (Bring Your Own AI) is the new reality. But without proper policies, your organization opens the door to data leaks and compliance risks.

2026-01-22

EMS E3 vs Business Premium: 5 security features you lose

EMS E3 adds risk-based Conditional Access, PIM, and document tracking that Business Premium lacks. Compare all 5 critical differences and the 2026 license changes.

2026-01-16

Microsoft 365 price increase July 2026: new prices per license

Microsoft 365 prices rise 1 July 2026 — E3 +8.3%, E5 +5.3%, Business Basic +16.7%. See the full before/after table and how to lock in current rates.

2026-01-13

Microsoft 365 price drop February 2026: EUR prices -7.4%

Microsoft lowers EUR cloud prices by 7.4% from February 1, 2026 — the largest FX correction since 2023. See which licenses are affected, the exact new prices, and when to renew for maximum savings.

2026-01-12

Universal Preferred Laptops: Our Selection of Business Devices

Discover our carefully curated selection of business laptops. Every device meets our strict standards for performance, security, and manageability.

2026-01-06

XPS Soon Returns – Rightfully Universal Preferred Again

Dell returns to its roots with the XPS line as a premium business device. A welcome comeback for professionals.

2026-01-05

Cloud solutions for SMBs: the complete guide for 2026

Discover how cloud solutions transform your business. From Microsoft Azure to Microsoft 365 - everything you need to know about modern cloud services for SMBs.

2026-01-05

New Microsoft 365 Pricelist: Instant License Cost Insights

Discover our redesigned interactive pricelist with search functionality, add-on badges, and comprehensive product information for all Microsoft 365 licenses.

2025-12-30

ConnectWise Cloud Backup now includes Entra ID protection

Protect your Microsoft 365 identity layer with comprehensive Entra ID backup - users, groups, roles, and policies now included.

2025-12-12

Rapid website development: your website live in 48 hours with uCompose

Universal Cloud builds modern, secure websites without CMS vulnerabilities in 48 hours. With uCompose you then keep the site up to date yourself, in plain language.

2025-12-11

Order Module in the Universal Customer Portal: Faster, More Flexible, More Powerful

The improved Order Module offers faster response through caching and new annual payment options for greater flexibility.

2025-11-24

Microsoft 365 Copilot Business: new licenses, bundles and promotions

Bringing powerful AI productivity tools to SMBs at a lower price point starting December 1.

2025-11-12

Universal welcomes interns Aleksandar and Nick

Nick joins software development, Aleksandar supports the support desk team.

2025-10-23

uWebChat Voice – improved uWallboard

uWallboard crucial for quick decision-making, reducing wait times and improving customer experience.

2025-10-08

Changes to Microsoft Enterprise Suites and Teams

Enterprise suites with Teams returns; customers must review licenses to ensure compliance.

2025-09-29

LinkedIn is using your personal data to train AI – should you opt out?

Understanding how LinkedIn uses your data for AI training and how to protect your privacy.

2025-09-25

Anthropic Claude in Microsoft 365 Copilot: models, features and admin controls

Which Anthropic models are in Microsoft 365 Copilot, where you use Claude (Researcher, Copilot Chat, Excel, Copilot Studio), what it costs and what admins need to configure for EU data processing.

2025-09-19

Vodafone update – new names and promotions

Red Pro plans renamed for intuitive market alignment with promotional offerings.

2025-09-16

Apple iOS 26 is here

Guidance on iOS 26 adoption or staying with iOS 18.17 for your organization.

2025-09-12

Universal hackathon: AI agents

Our team explores cutting-edge AI agent technologies to enhance our solutions.

2025-09-09

Save on your cybersecurity insurance with Universal Security as a Service

How comprehensive security solutions can reduce your cybersecurity insurance premiums.

2025-09-01

New Universal Customer Portal is now live

Major step forward in self-service, transparency, and direct communication with our platform.

2025-07-23

My Cyber Resilient Business subsidy

Dutch government initiative helping small businesses improve digital security and cyber resilience.

2025-07-16

Universal Cloud Preferred Devices – discount on Poly Teams Deskphones

Optimize business communications with advanced acoustic technology from Poly.

2025-07-10

Universal Cloud Preferred Devices – discounted Dell monitors

Curated hardware selection for modern workspace solutions with Dell displays.

2025-07-03

Analyst & Researcher now in Copilot

New capabilities enhance productivity and streamline workflows with AI-powered analysis.

2025-06-25

Rich Presence and chat agents in new uWebChat Voice

Major step unifying communication channels into a seamless solution for your team.

2025-06-20

What is Researcher in Microsoft 365 Copilot? A use case from practice

Researcher is the research agent in Microsoft 365 Copilot: it searches your Microsoft 365 content and the web, cross-references documents and writes a report with citations. See what that saves in practice.

2025-06-10

Universal use case – Analyst in Microsoft 365 Copilot

How AI-powered analysis capabilities enhance data-driven decision making.

2025-05-28

Count down to NIS2 in EU

Understanding the new EU cybersecurity directive and how it affects your organization.

2025-04-09

Universal Cloud Achieves Microsoft Azure Data & AI Partner Status

Demonstrates ability assisting customers manage and govern data effectively with Azure.

2025-03-10

Universal Cloud Achieves Azure Digital & App Innovation Partner Status

Recognition underscores commitment to cutting-edge cloud solutions and digital transformation.

2025-01-22

Secure and user-friendly password management can go hand in hand

Best practices for implementing secure password management with user-friendly solutions like Bitwarden.

2025-01-15

Successfully deploying AI – Start with Data Protection and Compliance

The key to successful use of AI lies in well-protected and compliant data management.

2024-12-03

Microsoft Teams unified communications: voice, chat and meetings in one platform

Microsoft Teams brings voice, chat, video meetings and customer contact together in one unified communications platform. Here is how to consolidate your tools.

2024-10-10

Get ready for NIS2 with Universal SECURE Cloud

Comprehensive security solutions to help you comply with NIS2 requirements.

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