ChannelLife New Zealand - Industry insider news for technology resellers

Vanessa Sorenson stories

Vanessa Sorenson, the writer behind these engaging columns, delves deeply into the dynamic world of technology, particularly focusing on Microsoft's influential presence in New Zealand and Australia. Her interests are vividly reflected through her exploration of various industry movements, including leadership changes, innovative service offerings, and strategic partnerships that aim to bolster technological prowess and security within the region.

A recurrent theme in Vanessa's writing is the integration of AI and cloud services, showcasing how these technologies are reshaping enterprise operations and security landscapes. Her articles also highlight Microsoft's commitment to enhancing digital skills, fostering diversity, and expanding data residency solutions, illustrating a keen interest in not only technological advancements but also in their broader social and economic impacts. Vanessa's work is a rich source of information for anyone interested in the intersection of technology implementation and business strategy within New Zealand and beyond.

New zealand government office digital transformation cloud network productivity

Unlocking the productivity dividend of digital government for New Zealand

Tue, 4th Nov 2025
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edge computing
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ai
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cybersecurity
New Zealand's digital government ranking slips from ninth to sixteenth; accelerating cloud adoption could save billions and boost AI productivity by 2035.
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Microsoft backs New Zealand's AI strategy for digital growth

Thu, 1st Aug 2024
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digital transformation
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copilots
Microsoft endorses New Zealand's new AI strategy, pledging support for innovation and economic growth through upcoming initiatives and a new cloud region.
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Microsoft recognises top ANZ partners in 2024 awards

Mon, 15th Jul 2024
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network infrastructure
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data analytics
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partner programmes
Microsoft has unveiled the top ANZ partners for its 2024 awards, spotlighting Arinco's AI innovations in Australia and Aware Group's data analytics prowess in New Zealand.
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Genesis Energy embraces AI utilisation in Microsoft's Early Access Program

Fri, 12th Apr 2024
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data protection
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power / energy
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genai
Genesis Energy, New Zealand's leading energy company, has partnered with Microsoft to utilise its AI tools towards combating data privacy and ROI challenges, empowering all employees to drive technological change.
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CCL unveils Copilot readiness workshop for Microsoft 365

Wed, 27th Mar 2024
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risk & compliance
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genai
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data privacy
CCL has launched a readiness workshop for Copilot, a Microsoft 365 service. Expected to empower private enterprises and public organisations with AI capabilities, it aims to boost productivity, creativity, and connectivity securely.
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AI can empower women & increase work-life balance, says Microsoft director

Mon, 11th Mar 2024
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genai
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ai
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healthtech
Artificial Intelligence (AI) could tackle female workplace challenges like burnout, and lack of professional development, according to Microsoft NZ's Emma Barrett.
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Findex expands reach with acquisition of FiveP's MBA practice

Thu, 29th Feb 2024
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data science
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genai
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ai
In a major digital expansion, Australasian advisory firm Findex has acquired the Microsoft Business Applications practice from FiveP.
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AvePoint partners with Microsoft to expand New Zealand data residency offerings

Tue, 19th Dec 2023
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agentic ai
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copilots
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microsoft
AvePoint joins hands with Microsoft to bolster New Zealand's data residency solutions, simplifying Copilot adoption for firms.
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UC teams up with Microsoft, a collaboration for innovation

Mon, 24th Jul 2023
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uc
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partner programmes
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ai
University of Canterbury partners with Microsoft to advance student experience, research capabilities, and employability.
Spark

Spark partners with Infosys and Microsoft on transformation project

Wed, 2nd Nov 2022
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migration
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digital transformation
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supply chain
Infosys and Microsoft have announced the successful migration of Spark's corporate functions to Microsoft Dynamics 365.
Fusion5

Fusion5 attains a new Microsoft Cloud Partner Certification

Tue, 11th Oct 2022
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ai
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microsoft
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fusion5
The Solutions Partner designation demonstrates that Fusion5 has the technical capabilities, experience, and ability to deliver successful customer outcomes.
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Microsoft and Auckland Transport announce Azure Cloud agreement

Thu, 6th Oct 2022
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hyperscale
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public cloud
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dc
Microsoft and Auckland Transport have partnered to shift data and computing to Microsoft Azure cloud, boosting agility and innovation in transport services.
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CCL launches Managed M365 offering for NZ work environments

Fri, 19th Aug 2022
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hybrid & remote work
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microsoft
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wfh
CCL, the cloud specialist, has launched its Managed M365 offering to manage and optimize the Microsoft 365 suite for enterprise organizations.
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EY launches cybersecurity centers in NZ amidst rising cyber threats

Wed, 27th Jul 2022
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cybersecurity
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microsoft
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ey
EY is launching two cyber security centers in New Zealand, with a potential third, to combat rising threats, including a partnership with Microsoft.
Fallback

Rachel Bondi ascends to VP of Microsoft Asia SMC

Fri, 15th Jul 2022
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microsoft
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linkedin
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job moves
Rachel Bondi becomes VP for Microsoft's SMC Asia team; Vanessa Sorenson appointed as ANZ global partner solutions director.
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Microsoft NZ and TupuToa to boost diversity in cybersecurity sector

Fri, 27th May 2022
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supply chain
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cybersecurity
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microsoft
Microsoft NZ partners with TupuToa to create a cybersecurity employment programme, aiming to increase diversity in the industry in New Zealand.
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Microsoft NZ announces initiative for local SaaS businesses

Fri, 27th May 2022
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saas
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microsoft
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investment
Microsoft has announced a new initiative, bringing together all of its tools to help local SaaS businesses build, sell and grow their companies at scale.
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Microsoft New Zealand appoints Hayley Horan as SaaS Partner Lead

Fri, 8th Apr 2022
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saas
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supply chain
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microsoft
Hayley Horan joins Microsoft as SaaS partner lead to drive growth for New Zealand's SaaS sector, connecting partners with capital and expertise.
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Datacom secures Microsoft Intelligent Security Association membership

Fri, 25th Feb 2022
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cybersecurity
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microsoft
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datacom
Following an assessment of security solutions, certifications and qualified practitioners, IT services company Datacom has secured MISA membership.
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ASB chooses Microsoft Azure as preferred cloud provider

Tue, 9th Nov 2021
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devops
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public cloud
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apm
ASB will now be using Microsoft Azure as its preferred cloud provider, a significant milestone in Microsoft's decades-long relationship with ASB.