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Trump Announces Tariffs: What It Means for Consultants

The recent wave of proposed tariffs imposed by the United States on Canadian and Mexican imports has ignited concerns across multiple industries. While much of the focus has been on manufacturers, supply chain disruptions, and trade negotiations, one crucial sector that often gets overlooked in these discussions is professional services, including consulting.

Unlike physical goods, which can be taxed at the border, professional services remain largely unaffected by tariffs. However, the ripple effects of these economic policies can significantly alter the landscape in which consultants operate. So, what do these tariffs mean for consulting firms and independent professionals?

Understanding the New Tariffs

On February 1, 2025, the U.S. administration announced fresh tariffs on imports from Canada, Mexico, and China. For Canada, this meant a 25% tariff on most goods and a 10% tariff on energy products. However, following negotiations, these tariffs have been temporarily paused for Canada and Mexico, delaying their implementation until March 4, 2025. This delay was agreed upon after discussions with Canadian and Mexican leaders, during which both countries committed to enhancing border security and addressing concerns related to illegal immigration and drug trafficking.

While professional services, such as consulting, are not subject to these tariffs, the broader economic impact cannot be ignored. Consultants advising clients in industries directly affected by tariffs must quickly adapt to the shifting financial realities of their clients.

Why Professional Services Are Exempt

The nature of consulting and other professional services makes them difficult to tariff. Unlike goods that physically cross borders and can be taxed at customs, consulting is largely intangible. There is no clear mechanism for tracking or taxing a service that is performed remotely or delivered digitally.

Additionally, international agreements, such as those under the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement), encourage the free flow of services between countries. Imposing tariffs on services would likely conflict with these agreements, leading to further complications in trade relations.

The Indirect Impact on Consultants

Even though consulting services themselves are not tariffed, the industries that consultants serve are often directly affected. Here are a few key ways consultants might feel the impact:

1. Increased Client Costs and Budget Constraints

With the cost of imported goods rising, businesses that rely on cross-border trade will see their expenses increase. This can lead to tighter budgets, making companies more cautious about hiring external consultants. Some firms may delay or cancel projects, opting to handle business strategy and process improvements in-house rather than outsourcing them to experts.

2. Demand for Trade and Supply Chain Consulting

Conversely, some consultants may see a surge in demand for their expertise. Companies facing supply chain disruptions or exploring alternative sourcing options will need guidance on restructuring their operations. Consultants with experience in logistics, procurement, and trade compliance will be in high demand as businesses look for ways to mitigate the financial impact of tariffs.

3. Regulatory and Compliance Changes

New trade policies mean new compliance challenges. Businesses must ensure they are adhering to the latest regulations, which could lead to an increased demand for consultants specializing in regulatory affairs and international trade law. Companies will need guidance on how to adapt to evolving tariff structures, ensuring they remain compliant while optimizing their financial strategies.

4. Cross-Border Consulting Challenges

For Canadian consultants serving U.S. clients, shifting economic policies could impact how business is conducted. While professional services are not subject to tariffs, firms working closely with tariffed industries may experience changes in contract terms, pricing negotiations, and even the willingness of U.S. companies to engage with Canadian consultants.

The Future of Tariffs and Professional Services

Despite the current focus on taxing goods, there is an ongoing global discussion around digital service taxes and other mechanisms that could eventually impact consulting services. However, as of now, services remain largely outside the scope of tariff regulations.

That said, consultants must stay informed about trade developments, not only to advise their clients effectively but also to understand the potential long-term risks to their own businesses. The ability to navigate economic shifts and provide strategic insights will separate successful consulting firms from those struggling to adapt.

Final Thoughts

While the direct impact of tariffs on consulting is minimal, the indirect effects can be substantial. Consultants working with affected industries must be proactive in understanding how trade barriers reshape business strategies. Those who position themselves as trusted advisors in navigating these changes will find new opportunities amid the challenges.

As the U.S.-Canada tariff situation continues to evolve, professionals across industries must remain agile. For consultants, this means being at the forefront of changeoffering solutions, mitigating risks, and helping businesses adapt to a rapidly shifting economic landscape.

Biggest Changes in Fortinet FortiOS 7.2.1

Exploring the Changes

Fortinets FortiOS 7.2.1 brings a host of updates that redefine network security, management, and performance. These enhancements aim to improve functionality across various facets of network operations, ensuring organizations stay secure and efficient. Lets explore the biggest changes introduced in this release.

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1. FortiClient EMS Integration

This update streamlines endpoint management with predefined connectors for up to five FortiClient EMS instances. Administrators can now configure status, names, and display tenant IDs, providing greater flexibility and clarity in managing endpoints. Learn more here.


2. Procend 180-T DSL Transceiver Support

FortiGate devices now support the management of Procend 180-T DSL transceivers connected via SFP ports. Administrators can program physical layer attributes, retrieve status, monitor statistics, perform firmware upgrades, and reset modules. Supported VDSL profiles include 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d, 12a, 12b, 17a, and 30a. Supported models include FG-80F, FG-81F, FG-80F-BP, FGR-60F, and FGR-60F_3G4G. More details here.


3. FortiView Internal Hubs Monitor

A new FortiView page now displays internal host connections based on NetFlow data from managed switches. This feature provides insights into device connections and traffic patterns. The FortiLink interface can be configured as a NetFlow collector to enable this functionality. Find out more.


4. IPv6 Support in Cisco ACI SDN Connectors

FortiGate now supports IPv6 dynamic addresses retrieved from Cisco ACI SDN connectors. These addresses can be integrated into dynamic address objects for firewall policies, enhancing IPv6 capabilities. Note that this requires Fortinet SDN Connector VM version 1.1.10 or later. Read more here.


5. Internet Service Database (ISDB) Enhancements

IPv6 addresses are now supported in ISDB via the CLI, allowing for expanded IPv6 configuration in firewall policies. This improvement bolsters FortiGates IPv6 capabilities. More information available here.


6. FortiNAC Integration via REST API

A new REST API enables FortiNAC to send user logon/logoff information to FortiGate. This introduces a dynamic firewall address type (FortiNAC tag) to store device IPs, firewall tags, and group information. Note that the FortiNAC tags connector under Security Fabric > Fabric Connectors has been deprecated. Details here.


7. Security Rating PSIRT Vulnerability Support

FortiGate devices with a valid Security Rating license now include a separate Security Rating package from FortiGuard, adding support for PSIRT vulnerabilities. Critical vulnerabilities trigger warning messages in the GUI header and notifications, encouraging timely updates for affected devices. Learn more.


8. ZTNA Service Discovery for FortiClient

FortiClients can now discover available ZTNA services via the FortiGate ZTNA portal. Supported services include HTTP/HTTPS web services, TCP forwarding services, and web portals. This discovery occurs through DoT or DoH tunnels, with service mappings retrieved in JSON format. More on this here.


9. RADIUS Accounting Message Delimiter Option

Administrators can now configure the RADIUS accounting message group delimiter to a comma (,) instead of the default plus sign (+) when using RSSO. This added flexibility enhances compatibility with different systems. Further details here.


10. Internet Service Database Size Options

FortiOS 7.2.1 introduces three sizes for internet service databasesfull, standard, and mini. The mini size is configurable on FortiGate 30 and 50 series models, allowing database optimization based on device capabilities. Explore more.


11. Enhanced IP Address Management (IPAM)

The GUI and CLI now support multiple IPAM pools, enabling administrators to assign these pools to different interfaces based on name and/or role using IPAM rules. This update improves IP address management flexibility and efficiency. Details here.


12. YAML Configuration Backup/Restore

YAML can now be selected as a file format for configuration backup and restoration. This provides an alternative to traditional formats, catering to organizations that prefer YAML for its readability and versatility. Learn more here.


Conclusion

The updates in FortiOS 7.2.1 showcase Fortinets commitment to innovation in network security and management. From enhanced endpoint and IP address management to expanded IPv6 support and streamlined vulnerability tracking, these features empower organizations to strengthen their security posture while improving operational efficiency. Explore these updates further to ensure your network remains ahead of evolving cyber threats.

Interested in leaning more? Contact us today to see how BALANCED+ can help implement Fortinet into your security infrastructure

Understanding Agile Methodology: Core Pillars, Frameworks, and How It Stands Apart

Agile methodology has emerged as a leading framework, enabling teams to deliver high-quality products swiftly while adapting to changing requirements.

This comprehensive guide delves into what Agile methodology is, its core pillars, various Agile frameworks like Scrum and Kanban, and how it differs from traditional project management methodologies.

Whether you’re a seasoned project manager or new to Agile, this blog will provide valuable insights to optimize your project workflows and enhance team collaboration.

Table of Contents

  1. What is Agile Methodology?
  2. Core Pillars of Agile
  3. Popular Agile Frameworks
  4. How Agile Differs from Traditional Methodologies
  5. Benefits of Adopting Agile
  6. Conclusion
  7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Agile Methodology?

Agile methodology is a way to manage projects that emphasizes flexibility, collaboration, and customer satisfaction. Instead of following a strict, step-by-step plan from start to finish, Agile breaks projects down into smaller, manageable parts called iterations or sprints. This allows teams to regularly assess their progress, make adjustments, and incorporate feedback from stakeholders and customers.

Key Characteristics of Agile:

  • Iterative Development: Projects are divided into small, manageable units called iterations or sprints, allowing for incremental progress and frequent reassessment.
  • Collaboration: Emphasizes close cooperation among cross-functional teams, including developers, designers, and stakeholders.
  • Customer-Centric: Focuses on delivering value to customers by incorporating their feedback and adapting to their evolving needs.
  • Flexibility: Allows for changes in project scope and requirements even late in the development process.

Agile methodology originated in the software development industry but has since been adopted across various sectors, including marketing, manufacturing, and healthcare, due to its effectiveness in managing complex and uncertain projects.

Core Pillars of Agile

Agile methodology is built upon foundational principles that guide its practices and frameworks. Understanding these core pillars is essential for successfully implementing Agile in any organization.

1. Individuals and Interactions Over Processes and Tools

Agile prioritizes the human aspect of project management. It values effective communication and collaboration among team members over strict adherence to processes or reliance on specific tools. By fostering a culture of trust and teamwork, Agile teams can respond more effectively to challenges and changes.

2. Working Software Over Comprehensive Documentation

While documentation is important, Agile emphasizes the delivery of functional products over extensive paperwork. This approach ensures that teams focus on creating tangible value and allows for quicker adjustments based on real-world feedback.

3. Customer Collaboration Over Contract Negotiation

Agile encourages ongoing collaboration with customers throughout the project lifecycle. Instead of rigid contracts, Agile teams engage stakeholders in continuous dialogue, ensuring that the final product aligns closely with customer expectations and needs.

4. Responding to Change Over Following a Plan

Agile embraces change as a natural part of project development. Rather than sticking to a fixed plan, Agile teams remain adaptable, making informed adjustments based on new insights, feedback, or shifting market conditions.

5. Continuous Improvement

Agile promotes a mindset of relentless improvement. Teams regularly reflect on their processes and outcomes, seeking ways to enhance efficiency, quality, and collaboration.

6. Sustainable Development

Agile methodologies advocate for sustainable work practices, ensuring that teams maintain a consistent pace without burnout. This focus on long-term productivity helps deliver high-quality results over the project’s duration.

Popular Agile Frameworks

Agile is not a one-size-fits-all methodology; it encompasses various frameworks that cater to different project needs and team dynamics. Below, we explore some of the most widely adopted Agile frameworks.

1. Scrum

Overview

Scrum is one of the most popular Agile frameworks, particularly favored in software development. It structures work into fixed-length iterations known as sprints, typically lasting two to four weeks. Scrum emphasizes iterative progress, regular reassessment, and adaptability to changing project requirements.

Use Cases

  • Complex Projects: Ideal for projects with intricate requirements that may evolve over time.
  • Dynamic Environments: Suitable for teams needing flexibility to respond to frequent changes and stakeholder feedback.
  • Cross-Functional Teams: Best for organizations with diverse skill sets that can collaborate effectively within short cycles.
  • Product Development: Excellent for developing products where continuous improvement and incremental delivery are essential.

Benefits

  • Enhanced Flexibility: Allows teams to adapt to changes quickly, ensuring that the project remains aligned with stakeholder needs.
  • Improved Transparency: Regular reviews and updates keep all team members and stakeholders informed about progress and potential obstacles.
  • Faster Delivery: Incremental releases enable quicker delivery of functional components, providing value to customers sooner.
  • Continuous Improvement: Iterative cycles promote ongoing evaluation and refinement of processes and products.

2. Kanban

Overview

Kanban is a visual-based Agile framework that focuses on managing and improving the flow of work. Originating from manufacturing, Kanban has been adapted for various industries, including software development. It emphasizes continuous delivery without the rigid time-boxed iterations characteristic of Scrum.

Use Cases

  • Maintenance and Support: Ideal for teams handling ongoing tasks and support requests with varying priorities.
  • Continuous Delivery Environments: Suitable for projects requiring a steady flow of updates and releases.
  • Flexible Workflows: Best for teams needing the ability to reprioritize tasks dynamically based on real-time demands.
  • Process Optimization: Effective for organizations aiming to streamline workflows and reduce bottlenecks.

Benefits

  • Increased Visibility: The Kanban board provides a clear, visual representation of the workflow, making it easy to track progress and identify bottlenecks.
  • Flexibility: No fixed iterations allow teams to adapt to changes seamlessly, accommodating new priorities as they arise.
  • Improved Efficiency: Work-In-Progress (WIP) limits help prevent overloading team members, ensuring a balanced and manageable workload.
  • Enhanced Flow: Focus on continuous delivery optimizes the workflow, reducing cycle times and increasing overall productivity.

Lean

Overview

Lean is an Agile framework inspired by lean manufacturing principles, primarily focused on maximizing value while minimizing waste. It emphasizes efficiency, quality, and delivering customer value through optimized processes and resource utilization.

Use Cases

  • Process Optimization: Ideal for organizations seeking to streamline operations and eliminate inefficiencies.
  • Value-Driven Projects: Suitable for projects where maximizing customer value is paramount.
  • Resource-Constrained Environments: Best for teams needing to achieve more with limited resources by reducing waste.
  • Manufacturing and Beyond: Effective not only in manufacturing but also in sectors like healthcare, finance, and software development.

Benefits

  • Waste Reduction: Identifies and eliminates non-value-adding activities, ensuring resources are focused on what truly matters to the customer.
  • Enhanced Efficiency: Streamlined processes lead to faster delivery times and reduced costs.
  • Higher Quality: Emphasis on continuous improvement and quality control ensures superior product outcomes.
  • Increased Customer Satisfaction: By focusing on delivering maximum value, Lean ensures that the end product meets or exceeds customer expectations.
  • Sustainable Growth: Continuous refinement and optimization foster long-term efficiency and scalability.

Extreme Programming (XP)

Overview

Extreme Programming (XP) is an Agile framework that concentrates on improving software quality and responsiveness to changing customer requirements. XP emphasizes technical excellence and incorporates practices that enhance collaboration, flexibility, and continuous improvement.

Use Cases

  • High-Stakes Software Development: Ideal for projects where software quality and reliability are critical.
  • Dynamic Requirements: Best for environments where project requirements frequently change based on user feedback and market demands.
  • Small to Medium-Sized Teams: Best for teams that can maintain close collaboration and communication.
  • Innovative Projects: Effective for projects requiring rapid development and frequent iterations to incorporate new ideas and technologies.

Benefits

  • Superior Code Quality: Practices like Test-Driven Development (TDD) and continuous integration ensure that the codebase remains clean, reliable, and maintainable.
  • Enhanced Flexibility: Ability to adapt swiftly to changing requirements without compromising on quality or timelines.
  • Faster Time-to-Market: Continuous integration and frequent releases enable quicker delivery of functional software increments.
  • Increased Collaboration: Emphasizes teamwork and communication, fostering a cohesive and motivated development team.
  • Reduced Risk: Early detection and resolution of defects through rigorous testing practices minimize the risk of major issues down the line.

How Agile Differs from Traditional Methodologies

Understanding the distinctions between Agile and traditional project management methodologies like Waterfall is crucial for organizations considering a shift to Agile. Here’s a comparative overview highlighting the key differences:

1. Approach to Project Phases

  • Agile: Utilizes an iterative approach where projects are broken down into smaller increments. Each iteration involves planning, development, testing, and review, allowing for continuous improvement and adaptation.
  • Traditional (Waterfall): Follows a linear and sequential approach with distinct phases: requirement gathering, design, implementation, testing, deployment, and maintenance. Each phase must be completed before moving to the next, with limited flexibility for changes once a phase is completed.

2. Flexibility and Adaptability

  • Agile: Highly flexible, accommodating changes even late in the development process. This adaptability ensures that the final product aligns closely with evolving customer needs and market conditions.
  • Traditional: Rigid structure with limited scope for changes once the project is underway. Changes often require revisiting and revising earlier phases, leading to delays and increased costs.

3. Customer Involvement

  • Agile: Encourages continuous customer involvement through regular feedback, reviews, and iterations. This close collaboration ensures that the product meets customer expectations and delivers maximum value.
  • Traditional: Customer involvement is typically limited to the initial requirements phase and final delivery. Limited engagement can result in a product that doesn’t fully align with customer needs.

4. Delivery and Time-to-Market

  • Agile: Emphasizes incremental delivery, allowing teams to release functional components quickly and frequently. This approach reduces time-to-market and enables early value realization.
  • Traditional: Focuses on delivering the complete product at the end of the project lifecycle. This can result in longer time-to-market and delayed value delivery.

5. Risk Management

  • Agile: Identifies and mitigates risks early through continuous testing and iterative development. Regular feedback loops allow for timely adjustments to address potential issues.
  • Traditional: Risks are typically identified and addressed during specific phases, which can lead to late detection and resolution of issues, increasing project risk.

6. Team Structure and Communication

  • Agile: Promotes cross-functional, self-organizing teams with open communication and collaboration. This structure fosters innovation and rapid problem-solving.
  • Traditional: Often involves specialized roles with hierarchical communication channels. This can slow down decision-making and limit collaborative problem-solving.

7. Focus on Documentation

  • Agile: Values working software over comprehensive documentation. While documentation is maintained, it is kept lightweight and relevant to the current iteration.
  • Traditional: Prioritizes detailed documentation at each phase, which can be time-consuming and may become outdated as the project progresses.

Benefits of Adopting Agile

Implementing Agile methodology can transform how organizations manage projects, leading to numerous advantages:

1. Enhanced Flexibility and Adaptability

Agile’s iterative approach allows teams to respond swiftly to changes, ensuring that the project remains aligned with evolving business needs and market conditions.

2. Improved Customer Satisfaction

Continuous customer involvement and frequent delivery of functional increments ensure that the final product meets customer expectations and delivers tangible value.

3. Faster Time-to-Market

Agile’s emphasis on incremental delivery enables organizations to release products or features quickly, gaining a competitive edge and responding to market demands promptly.

4. Increased Team Collaboration and Morale

Agile fosters a collaborative environment where team members communicate openly and work together towards common goals, enhancing morale and productivity.

5. Higher Quality Deliverables

Regular testing and continuous integration practices in Agile frameworks ensure that issues are identified and resolved early, resulting in higher quality products.

6. Risk Mitigation

Early and frequent testing, coupled with continuous feedback, helps in identifying and mitigating risks promptly, reducing the likelihood of major issues at later stages.

7. Greater Transparency and Visibility

Agile practices provide clear visibility into project progress through tools like Kanban boards and Scrum boards, ensuring that stakeholders are always informed about the project’s status.

Conclusion

Agile methodology offers a transformative approach to project management, emphasizing flexibility, collaboration, and customer-centricity. By understanding its core pillars, exploring various Agile frameworks like Scrum and Kanban, and recognizing how it differs from traditional methodologies, organizations can effectively implement Agile to enhance project outcomes and drive sustained growth.

Embracing Agile empowers teams to navigate the complexities of modern projects with confidence, delivering high-quality products that meet and exceed customer expectations. Whether you’re transitioning from a traditional methodology or fine-tuning your existing Agile practices, the principles and frameworks discussed in this guide provide a solid foundation for achieving project success.

Copilot Prompts To Streamline Your Business

  • Use this prompt to ensure your

    Unlocking Business Potential with Copilot Pro

    Copilot Pro is a versatile tool designed to empower businesses of all sizes and industries. By automating tasks, improving efficiency, and offering valuable insights, Copilot Pro can transform the way you work. In this tutorial, we’ll guide you through specific prompts and use cases that showcase the full capabilities of Copilot Pro. By leveraging these insights, you can streamline your business operations and achieve new levels of success.

    In this tutorial, we’ll provide you with:

    • Specific prompts: Learn how to craft effective prompts to get the most out of Copilot Pro.
    • Best practices: Discover proven techniques to maximize the benefits of your Copilot Pro subscription.
    • Real-world use cases: Explore practical examples of how Copilot Pro can be applied to various business scenarios.

    By the end of this tutorial, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge and skills to harness the full power of Copilot Pro and drive your business forward.

    Tips and Tricks Copilot in Office 365

    Using Prompts in Microsoft Teams

    Microsoft Teams has become the central hub where companies collaborate, communicate, and innovate. From quick chats to virtual meetings, Teams is where work gets done. But with the sheer volume of conversations and information flowing through Teams, it can be challenging to stay organized and on top of everything.

    That’s where these Microsoft Teams prompts come in. By leveraging the power of AI, these prompts can help you get the most out of your Teams conversations, streamline your workflow, and make collaboration more efficient.


    1.”Summarize the last meeting”

    Purpose: Quickly get a summary of the key points and decisions made in the last meeting. This helps you catch up on what was discussed and ensures you’re up-to-date with the latest information.

    How to Use:

    • Open Microsoft Teams and navigate to the meeting chat or notes.
    • Use the prompt “Summarize the last meeting” to generate a concise summary of the key points and decisions.
    • Review the summary to ensure it captures the essential information.

    Tips and Tricks:

    • Use this prompt when you have missed a meeting or need a quick refresher on what was discussed.
    • Combine this with other prompts like “Create a to-do list based on this meeting” to streamline your meeting follow-up process.

    2.”Create an agenda for the [meeting]”

    Purpose: Generate a detailed agenda for your upcoming meeting. Specify the topics you want to cover to ensure your meetings are well-organized and focused.

    How to Use:

    • Open Microsoft Teams and navigate to the meeting chat or calendar.
    • Use the prompt “Create an agenda for the next meeting” and specify the topics you want to cover.
    • Review and edit the generated agenda to ensure it includes all necessary points.

    Tips and Tricks:

    • Use this prompt to ensure your meetings are structured and productive.
    • Share the agenda with attendees in advance to give them time to prepare.

    3.Recap the last 7 Days of Messages

    Purpose: Generate a high-level view of the messages youve received in the last 7 days in teams. Ensure you didnt miss important messages 

    How to use:

    • Open teams and navigate to the copilot icon
    • Use the prompt: Generate chat highlights for the last 7 days
    • Either specify specific associates using the / function or get a general recap from everybody

    Tips and Tricks:

    • Use this prompt if you havent been active on teams or youve missed many chats because youve been out of office
    • Use this to catch up with conversations and respond to associates you havent had the time to respond to.

    4.What do I have Coming up this week?

    Purpose: Get a high-level view of what meetings, events, and tasks you must focus on for the week

    How to use:

    • Open teams and navigate to the copilot icon
    • Use the prompt: What do i have coming up this week
    • Either specify specific associates using the / function or get a general recap from everybody

    Tips and Tricks:

    • Share insights with relevant parties to ensure theyre prepared for shared events and due dates

    5.”Find recent updates on [project name]”

    Purpose: Gather the latest information and updates on a specific project to stay informed and prepare for project-related discussions.

    How to Use:

    • Open Microsoft Teams and navigate to the project chat or channel.
    • Use the prompt “Find recent updates on [project name]” to gather the latest information.
    • Review the updates to stay informed about the project’s progress.

    Tips and Tricks:

    • Use this prompt to quickly get up-to-date information on ongoing projects.
    • Combine this with other prompts like “Summarize the last meeting” to get a comprehensive understanding of the project’s status.

    6.”Create a to-do list based on this meeting”

    Purpose: Generate a to-do list from the action items discussed in a meeting to keep track of tasks and deadlines.

    How to Use:

    • Open Microsoft Teams and navigate to the meeting chat or notes.
    • Use the prompt “Create a to-do list based on this meeting” to generate a list of tasks.
    • Review and organize the to-do list to prioritize your tasks.

    Tips and Tricks:

    • Use this prompt to stay organized and ensure you don’t miss any important tasks discussed in meetings.
    • Combine this with calendar reminders to keep track of deadlines and follow-ups.

    7.”Prepare presentation slides for [topic]”

    Purpose: Assist in creating presentation slides for a specific topic, saving you time and ensuring your presentation is visually appealing.

    How to Use:

    • Open Microsoft Teams and navigate to the relevant chat or channel.
    • Use the prompt “Prepare presentation slides for [topic]” and specify the key points you want to include.
    • Review and edit the generated slides to ensure they meet your needs.

    Tips and Tricks:

    • Specify who agreed in the meeting agreed with the decisions to get a broken down view of the key associates and their thoughts on the decisions made. Maybe only 75% agreed and youre interested in what the other 25% had to say

    8.”Set a reminder for [task]”

    Purpose: Set reminders for specific tasks or deadlines discussed in a meeting to help you stay organized and on top of your responsibilities.

    How to Use:

    • Open Microsoft Teams and navigate to the meeting chat or notes.
    • Use the prompt “Set a reminder for [task]” and specify the date and time for the reminder.
    • Review and confirm the reminder to ensure it’s set correctly.

    Tips and Tricks:

    • Use this prompt to stay on top of important tasks and deadlines discussed in meetings.
    • Combine this with to-do lists and calendar events to keep your schedule organized.

    9.”What Decisions Were Made”

    Purpose: Missed a meeting? No Problem, this prompt will get you up to speed on critical decisions made during meetings you may have missed

    How to Use:

    • Open Microsoft Teams and navigate to the meeting chat or notes.
    • Use the prompt “What decisions were made at /[meeting]
    • Review and confirm the reminder to ensure it’s set correctly.

    Tips and Tricks:

    • Use this prompt to stay on top of important tasks and deadlines discussed in meetings.
    • Combine this with to-do lists and calendar events to keep your schedule organized.

    10.”Get Action Items from [Meeting]”

    Purpose: If you didnt take notes during meeting, or forget some of the action items, organize your to-do list by creating an to-do list from a specific meeting

    How to Use:

    • Open Microsoft Teams and navigate to the meeting chat or notes.
    • Use the prompt “Get action items from /[meeting]
    • Review and confirm the reminder to ensure it’s set correctly.

    Tips and Tricks:

    • Ensure youre specifying the meeting from which you want the action items created
    • Use the / to specify both meeting or associate.

    By using these prompts effectively, you can enhance your productivity and streamline your meeting management process in Microsoft Teams. If you have any specific tasks or areas you’d like more tips on, feel free to let me know!

    These prompts cover the majority of the useful prompts you can use in Microsoft teams, lets move onto to outlook. 

    For a full list of prompts recommended by Microsoft you can visit Microsoft guide to for copilot for teams

    Using Prompts in Microsoft Outlook

    Outlook has become an indispensable tool for communication and collaboration. However, the sheer volume of emails we receive can often lead to overwhelm and inefficiency. Thankfully, AI-powered prompts within Microsoft Outlook are here to revolutionize the way we interact with our inboxes. By automating mundane tasks and extracting key information, these prompts empower us to reclaim control over our emails and focus on what truly matters.

    1.”Summarize this email thread”

    Purpose: Quickly get a summary of the key points and decisions made in an email thread. This is useful for catching up on long email conversations and ensuring you’re up-to-date with the latest information.

    How to Use:

    • Open the email thread you want to summarize.
    • Use the prompt “Summarize this email thread” to generate a concise summary of the key points and decisions.
    • Review the summary to ensure it captures the essential information.

    Tips and Tricks:

    • Use this prompt when you have a lengthy email thread and need to quickly understand the main points.
    • Combine this with other prompts like “Draft a response to this email” to streamline your email management process.

    2. “Draft a response to this email”

    Purpose: Generate a professional response to an email. You can specify the tone and key points you want to include, and it will help you craft a clear and effective reply.

    How to Use:

    • Open the email you need to respond to.
    • Use the prompt “Draft a response to this email” and specify the tone (e.g., professional, friendly) and key points you want to include.
    • Review and edit the generated response to ensure it meets your needs.

    Tips and Tricks:

    • Use this prompt to save time when responding to emails, especially when you need to maintain a professional tone.
    • Customize the response by adding any specific details or personal touches to make it more relevant.

    3. “Schedule a meeting with [person’s name]”

    Purpose: Quickly set up a meeting with a specific person. This helps you find a suitable time and send out the meeting invite, saving you time and effort.

    How to Use:

    • Identify the person you need to schedule a meeting with.
    • Use the prompt “Schedule a meeting with [person’s name]” and specify the preferred date and time.
    • Review the suggested meeting times and send out the invite.

    Tips and Tricks:

    • Use this prompt to streamline the process of scheduling meetings, especially when coordinating with multiple people.
    • Include any relevant details or agenda items in the meeting invite to ensure everyone is prepared.

    4. “Create a to-do list from this email”

    Purpose: Generate a to-do list based on the action items mentioned in an email. This helps you keep track of tasks and deadlines, ensuring nothing is overlooked.

    How to Use:

    • Open the email containing the action items.
    • Use the prompt “Create a to-do list from this email” to generate a list of tasks.
    • Review and organize the to-do list to prioritize your tasks.

    Tips and Tricks:

    • Use this prompt to stay organized and ensure you don’t miss any important tasks mentioned in emails.
    • Combine this with calendar reminders to keep track of deadlines and follow-ups.

    5. “Find emails related to [topic]”

    Purpose: Search for emails related to a specific topic. This is useful for gathering information and staying informed about ongoing projects or discussions.

    How to Use:

    • Identify the topic you want to search for.
    • Use the prompt “Find emails related to [topic]” to search your inbox for relevant emails.
    • Review the search results to gather the information you need.

    Tips and Tricks:

    • Use this prompt to quickly find related emails and stay informed about specific topics or projects.
    • Combine this with other prompts like “Summarize this email thread” to get a comprehensive understanding of the information.

    6. “Draft a follow-up email for [meeting]”

    Purpose: After a meeting, draft a follow-up email summarizing the key points and action items discussed. This ensures everyone is on the same page and knows their responsibilities.

    How to Use:

    • Identify the meeting you need to follow up on.
    • Use the prompt “Draft a follow-up email for [meeting]” and specify the key points and action items.
    • Review and edit the generated follow-up email to ensure it captures all the necessary information.

    Tips and Tricks:

    • Use this prompt to ensure clear communication and accountability after meetings.
    • Include any relevant attachments or links to additional resources in the follow-up email.

    7. “Set a reminder for [task]”

    Purpose: Set reminders for specific tasks or deadlines mentioned in an email. This helps you stay organized and on top of your responsibilities.

    How to Use:

    • Identify the task or deadline you need to set a reminder for.
    • Use the prompt “Set a reminder for [task]” and specify the date and time for the reminder.
    • Review and confirm the reminder to ensure it’s set correctly.

    Tips and Tricks:

    • Use this prompt to stay on top of important tasks and deadlines mentioned in emails.
    • Combine this with to-do lists and calendar events to keep your schedule organized.

    Prompts for Office 365

    Microsoft 365 has become the cornerstone of productivity, offering a suite of powerful tools to streamline tasks and enhance collaboration. Now, imagine harnessing the capabilities of AI prompts to turbocharge your efficiency even further.

    From Word and Excel to PowerPoint and SharePoint, these prompts act as your intelligent assistants, helping you summarize documents, analyze data, create compelling presentations, and organize information seamlessly.

    Let’s delve into how these AI prompts can revolutionize the way you work across the Microsoft 365 ecosystem.


    Microsoft Word

    1.”Summarize this document”

    Purpose: Quickly get a summary of the key points and sections in a document.

    How to Use:

    • Open the document in Microsoft Word. Use the prompt “Summarize this document” to generate a concise summary of the key points and sections.

    Tips and Tricks:

    • Use this prompt when you need a quick overview of a lengthy document. Combine this with other prompts like “Create a report on [topic]” to streamline your document management process.

    2.”Generate a table of contents”

    Purpose: Automatically create a table of contents based on the headings in your document.

    How to Use:

    • Open the document in Microsoft Word. Use the prompt “Generate a table of contents” to automatically create a table of contents based on the headings.

    Tips and Tricks:

    • Use this prompt to ensure your document is well-organized and easy to navigate. Update the table of contents as you add or modify headings.

    3.”Rewrite this paragraph for clarity”

    Purpose: Improve the clarity and readability of a specific paragraph.

    How to Use:

    • Highlight the paragraph you want to improve. Use the prompt “Rewrite this paragraph for clarity” to generate a clearer version.

    Tips and Tricks

    • Use this prompt to enhance the readability of your document. Combine this with other prompts like

    4.Format this document according to company guidelines”

    Purpose: Apply your company’s formatting guidelines to the entire document.

    How to Use:

    • Open the document in Microsoft Word. Use the prompt “Format this document according to company guidelines” to apply the formatting guidelines.

    Tips and Tricks:

    • Use this prompt to ensure your

How to close loopholes in Dynamics 365.

Introduction

Have you ever considered what it would be like to have a team of capable developers in your company and use Microsoft Dynamics as a back-office platform? 

When you talk to consultants and Dynamics CRM developers, they will say the platform is pretty safe because of its detailed security roles and data classification measures. They should feel secure about the data integrity. Based on their company’s business logic and the way they request a developer to set up security measures, most clients and users of Microsoft Dynamics feel safe and confident while using the platform. 

But we are not talking about a regular company. Our company has developers who know their way around data and software. Even when they have not used Microsoft Dynamics CRM, they can figure out ways to manipulate data even though they might not have a high-security role. 

Real World Scenario

Imagine this scenario: In the company that uses the Dynamics CRM platform, you have created a customized model-driven application that captures your co-workers’ check-in and check-out in the office. You carefully assign security roles and lock the time fields so that they can only see their records and cannot change the fields or even deactivate the record so that it would be displayed as a read-only record! 

But that won’t stop your developers from exploring around, is it? 

We have a co-worker who is always late. The boss has given him the ultimatum that being late is no longer tolerable. Your friend is late again and can’t tell the Dynamics administrator to alter his time sheet. 

How to Fix Loophole

So what should your friend do? He/she cannot change the record within Dynamics CRM! So, the only option left is from outside Dynamics CRM. What better way to access a listening endpoint than Postman? (assuming they are not aware of the LEVEL-UP browser extension for Dynamics 365/Power Apps) 

All your friend needs to do is figure out the logical names of your field, such as the Check-in field, State code, Status code, and the record ID, which all of these data are accessible from your browser! 

PSCookies are also accessible to you so that a random person cannot do the same thing. 

So something like this is created :  


https://YOUR_ORG.crm#.dynamics.com/api/data/v9.0/YOUR_APP 

--header 'Cookie: ARRAffinity=9715e5db89620c78116c45eb916a60e0ca-Something 

--header 'Content-Type: application/json' \ 

--data-raw '{ 

  "YOUR_RECORD@odata.bind": "/RECORD(GUID)", 

  " YOUR_RECORD @OData.Community.Display.V1.FormattedValue": "NAME", 

  "statuscode": 1, 

  "statecode": 0, 

  "Check-In-Time" :  2024-08-22T08:30:00.000Z, 

  "ownerid@odata.bind": "/systemusers(GUID)", 

  "ownerid@OData.Community.Display.V1.FormattedValue": "JOHN WICK" 

}' 


And presto manifesto, the request is sent, and the data is changed without anyone noticing! 

Now, the part for the Consultant/Developer:  

To prevent this breach, you will need to fully understand the goal and logic of your app so that you can prevent these methods of data manipulation. 

How? Well, you need to figure out which part of your data, under which circumstances, you don’t want it to change and create a specific C# plugin, for that matter. 

For example, as a Consultant/Developer, I wouldn’t want the Check-In time to be changed while the record is in an Inactive state, so I’ll just register a plugin that triggers on change of that field, and say if you are trying to change this data, if the state code is equal to 1, then throw an invalid plugin exception! easy, right? Now, when other people send similar requests to our similar scenario, they receive the exception you put in, and your data remains safe from developers. 

Conclusion

Figure out all other scenarios in which something similar might happen and think ahead by preventing all of this.
That’s how you become a well-established Consultant/Developer!

BALANCED+ Inc. Announces Award of TBIPS Supply Arrangement to Deliver IT Professional Services to the Canadian Government

BALANCED+ Inc., a renowned provider of innovative IT solutions, proudly announces its latest achievement – being awarded the Task-Based Informatics Professional Services (TBIPS) Supply Arrangement by the Government of Canada. This significant accomplishment underscores BALANCED+ Inc.s commitment to excellence and its capability to supply professional services to the public sector.

As a key player in the TBIPS program, BALANCED+ Inc. is set to offer a comprehensive suite of informatics professional services, ensuring a robust contribution to the IT framework of the public sector. The services include:

Application Services:

  • Software Architecture and Development
  • Quality Assurance and Testing
  • Web Design and Development, including Graphics

Cyber Protection Services:

  • Security Consultancy and Planning
  • Methodology, Policy, and Procedures Analysis
  • Threat, Risk Assessment, and Certification
  • Network Security and Research
  • Forensic Computing Specialization

With a solid history of industry success, BALANCED+ Inc. brings to the table a seasoned team dedicated to fostering innovation and operational excellence. Our unwavering dedication to delivering value-driven solutions solidifies our role as a frontrunner in professional services.

The BALANCED+ team eagerly anticipates a fruitful partnership with the Government of Canada, aiming to significantly contribute to the success of pivotal projects and to reinforce the IT infrastructure that serves the Canadian public.

MAXIMIZER CRM RELEASE

Maximizer, a top-rated integrated customer relationship solution, has just released version 2023.1.  It features a fresh new look that includes updated Dashboards, additional customization features, a new Interactions feature that helps you manage customer communications, enhancements to lead management, along with the ability to customize your own campaign.

For more information about Maximizer CRM or this release please contact us at info@balanced.plus.

Learn more about our MaximizerCRM services here

FORTINET RELEASES FortiOS 7.4

Owners of Fortinet, industry-leading Next Generation Firewalls will be pleased to hear that the recently released FortiOS comes with a long list of new features including an updated Dashboard, and FortiView. There are also updates to Networking, SSL-VPN Portal, SD-WAN, and ZTNA feature sets.

While not a major release, .x releases provide enhancements rather than fixes which are typical in a .x.y release.  

More information can be found at https://docs.fortinet.com/product/fortigate/7.4

Please be sure your FortiGate is supported by checking this list: https://docs.fortinet.com/document/fortigate/7.4.0/fortios-release-notes/760203/introduction-and-supported-models

As always, a BALANCED+ cyber security professional can advise you if this release is right for your organization at this time. 

CANADIAN TIRE SELECTS BALANCED+ TO IMPLEMENT MICROSOFT TEAMS

Canadian Tire Corporation operates in the automotive, hardware, sports, leisure, and housewares sectors. Its Canadian operations include Canadian Tire, Mark’s, FGL Sports, PartSource, and Party City.

BALANCED+ was chosen by Microsoft and the client to implement Microsoft Teams as a proof of concept at one of its stores. This store was using a traditional PBX phone system that was proving unreliable and costly to maintain. It was desirable to migrate to Microsoft Teams for its IP-based collaboration, video, and team communication needs.

BALANCED+ has been a Microsoft Sliver Partner since 2018 with specialization in a number of Microsoft applications and tools including the .NET Framework, Visual Studio, SharePoint, Microsoft Azure Stack, Microsoft Web API, and Office 365.

BALANCED+ successfully implemented Microsoft 365 services for the Canadian Tire store including Teams Telephony, Instant Messaging,Shifts, Tasks, Walkie-Talkie, and Meetings.

The proof of concept was successful, and the client now has efficient and reliable store communications complimented by the full suite of Microsoft Teams business tools to keep its operation running at optimum capacity.

Contact

Artemy Kirnichansky

Phone: +1 (416) 621-6611

Email: Artemy.Kirnichansky@balanced.plus

BALANCED+ CHOSEN AS PARTNER FOR BC PORT AUTHORITY

Toronto, ON The Prince Rupert Port Authority selected BALANCED+ to build a standalone software application to process security clearances for access to the Port. The Port is in Prince Rupert Harbour in the North Coast Regional District of British Columbia. It is the third busiest seaport in Canada by container volume and cargo tonnage with assets of close to half a billion dollars.

BALANCED+ was chosen as the best candidate for this project based on our expertise with building robust applications on time and under budget.

The Port Authority was administering port passes using a paper-based system that was proving to be inefficient and unable to keep up with the demands of the port. An Online Port Pass system was developed by BALANCED+ to provide a standardized platform for port pass applications and administration, improving the user experience, and increasing the efficiency of the pass application process.

The client was very satisfied with the final product and the software is now fully integrated into PRPAs online platform.

Contact

Artemy Kirnichansky

Phone: +1 (416) 621-6611

Email: Artemy.Kirnichansky@balanced.plus