Microsoft's Director of Industry Executive (Manufacturing), Michael Walton, talks to Media 7 about their mission of empowering people

Michael Walton, Director, Industry Executive (Manufacturing) at Microsoft, takes us through his inspiring, passion-driven professional journey into the world of Information Sciences. In this interview, he sheds light on Microsoft's mission to empower every global citizen through solutions and applications that are accessible and inclusively designed. Read on to know more about the exciting event - Microsoft's Ignite, and all the innovations in store!

Many companies simply are not willing to change or think they are done once they make a change. But the truth is technology, consumer demands, the way we work, human needs and much more are constantly changing.

MEDIA 7: You have had a remarkable professional journey of over 34 years, would you please like to give us a peek into it?
MICHAEL WALTON:
Growing up my family was very poor, but very close in many ways. I wasn’t sure where to start my career but was certain I wanted to do something in Information Sciences. I pulled a computer from the apartment complex trash can one day and was able to get it working – I was inspired!  I stayed home from school the next day and learned how to do simple code and wrote my first video game. It was basic, but I knew this was the industry I wanted to be in. Additionally, my father was a World War II veteran, and our family was very patriotic. I knew I wanted to serve in the military and others. I have lived my life doing exactly what I wanted to do… served in the military, served others, and worked in Information Sciences.


M7: Microsoft’s mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. Could you please share how does Microsoft execute this?
MW:
Microsoft takes this mission to heart. It is at the core of all we do. Microsoft invests every day pushing our solutions and creating new ones to empower every person and every organization to be more productive. I see this in the manufacturers I work with where they leverage Microsoft Power BI, Dynamics Business Apps, TEAMS, Azure, and Machine Learning/AI to collect and analyze data for insights and predictions to better run their plants, supply chain, finance, and more. I witness them automating so many processes that historically were very manual, resulting in much greater efficiency. I am bearing witness to the Citizen Developer global community creating insights and efficiencies that used to take an army of consultants. Last but not least, the collaboration with TEAMS and other Microsoft tools has been so empowering for people during the pandemic. It is a truly exciting time!


I advocate business leaders get to know more about what AI can do and then leverage AI in proofs of concept.



M7: Could you please give our readers an insight into the upcoming event ‘Microsoft Ignite’ and what does it hold for the attendees?
MW:
Microsoft Ignite is a chance to “Thrive in times of change by embracing opportunities to hone technical skills, create connections, and learn new ways to innovate.”  It is November 3 and 4 this year. Anyone can attend from anywhere if they have a connection and it’s free! It is a first-class event to learn, explore, and network. Many great topics will be discussed such as Augmented Reality, Automation, Collaboration, tech skills classes & challenges, a special learning zone… all digital!  Many of our great partners will be there as well. My personal favorite aspect of Ignite is NETWORKING! You get to meet and socialize with the very best of Microsoft Engineering, Product Teams, and Partners. You can connect with them on LinkedIn and collaborate potentially in the future with them. How cool is that! You can register here - Microsoft Ignite.


M7: Would you like to tell us about the latest innovative products offered by Microsoft?
MW:
As I mentioned earlier, our mission is at the core of all we do at Microsoft. However, so is ‘accessibility and inclusive design’. This is absolutely key. I cannot share any unannounced innovations coming, but I would keep an eye out for many new hardware and cloud innovation announcements at Ignite. Many many exciting things are coming that are simply jaw-dropping!


To truly empower businesses with AI/technology business leaders must put it in the hands of everyone, not just developers and scientists, and it must be human-centric.



M7: What do you think is essential to stay competitive in a market that is going through constant digital transformation?
MW:
A couple of things: the first is the willingness to constantly change. Many companies simply are not willing to change or think they are done once they make a change. But the truth is technology, consumer demands, the way we work, human needs and much more are constantly changing. We must meet or exceed this head-on. That requires constant change. That leads me to the second: Digital technology is so empowering on so many fronts, but for it to be empowering it must be for everyone. We must allow everyone to participate and have the opportunity to ‘achieve more.’ You probably thought I was going to say something about using AI, Machine Learning, Cloud, and more, but no - being able to create a culture that is willing to deal with constant change and empowering everyone with technology to deal with it, is my answer.


M7: How do you prepare for an AI-centric world as a business leader?
MW:
AI and its use are advancing at an unprecedented pace! I absolutely adore AI. There is no question AI is making an astounding difference in businesses. I have seen it solve many big and difficult problems. AI is having a profound impact regarding evolving business models. In order to prepare for this, I advocate business leaders get to know more about what AI can do and then leverage AI in proofs of concept. This will aid a business and its business leadership to further their understanding of AI and get a feel for how their company responds. There is a great resource Microsoft created called AI Business School to provide guidance on strategy, culture, responsibility, and other critical topics for key decision-makers across industries. As business leaders work through the AI Business School and in customer relationships, we’ve seen a few companies who set the bar for what an AI-powered organization can be.


Additionally, Microsoft created the Best of Business AI 2021: to showcase customers who have shown us what it looks like to have a comprehensive strategy and execute it across the organization to create business value and momentum with digital transformation. I learn best through anecdotal and factual based evidence. The Best of Business AI 2021 builds on the frameworks from AI Business School and features 10 customers who are accelerating their AI journey by connecting a strong leadership approach to their business goals and technical capabilities. As I stated earlier, to truly empower businesses with AI/technology business leaders must put it in the hands of everyone, not just developers and scientists and it must be human-centric. At Microsoft, we have ethical AI reviews to ensure the AI being created is responsible. Here is a link to learn more about Responsible AI principles from Microsoft.

ABOUT MICROSOFT

Microsoft enables digital transformation for the era of an intelligent cloud and an intelligent edge. Its mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. It believes that technology can and should be a force for good and that meaningful innovation can and will contribute to a brighter world in big and small ways. It thrives on diverse voices and engage its employees’ and customers’ experiences, strengths, and different points of view to inform, challenge, and stretch our thinking.

It believes that technology is a powerful force for good and are working to foster a sustainable future where everyone has access to the benefits and opportunities created by technology. It believes that, when designed with people at the center, AI can extend your capabilities, free you up for more creative and strategic endeavors, and help you or your organization achieve more. It delivers secure, private, and reliable computing experiences based on sound business practices.

More THOUGHT LEADERS

‘I officially rename CRM to stand for “Consumers Really Matter”.’ says Peter Weedfald, SVP Sales & Marketing Sharp Home Electronics Company of America

Media 7 | August 26, 2022

Peter Weedfald, Senior Vice President Sales & Marketing Sharp Home Electronics Company of America talks about brand, product, advertising measurements, research, customer centricity, and sales channel. Read more to know about multi-modal sales....

Read More

Q&A with Matt Mong, VP Market Innovation and Project Business Evangelist at Adeaca

Media 7 | July 22, 2021

Matt Mong, VP Market Innovation and Project Business Evangelist at Adeaca, builds strong marketing functions for entrepreneurial SaaS/tech companies. From strategy, vision and value proposition to go-to-market and demand generation programs to the mechanics of a finely-automated marketing operations engine, he drives results through hands-on leadership....

Read More

Q&A with John Hayes, Director of Sales at BALYO

Media 7 | July 20, 2021

John Hayes, Director of Sales at BALYO, began his professional career when he was 13 years old. In the USMC, he was exposed to the world of Avionics and eventually, built his career in AGV and AMR. With this, he developed an elaborate history in working with sales in various positions beginning as a salesperson to become the Director of Sales at Balyo. He is a well-respected and experienced thought-leader in the industry, today. ...

Read More

‘I officially rename CRM to stand for “Consumers Really Matter”.’ says Peter Weedfald, SVP Sales & Marketing Sharp Home Electronics Company of America

Media 7 | August 26, 2022

Peter Weedfald, Senior Vice President Sales & Marketing Sharp Home Electronics Company of America talks about brand, product, advertising measurements, research, customer centricity, and sales channel. Read more to know about multi-modal sales....

Read More

Q&A with Matt Mong, VP Market Innovation and Project Business Evangelist at Adeaca

Media 7 | July 22, 2021

Matt Mong, VP Market Innovation and Project Business Evangelist at Adeaca, builds strong marketing functions for entrepreneurial SaaS/tech companies. From strategy, vision and value proposition to go-to-market and demand generation programs to the mechanics of a finely-automated marketing operations engine, he drives results through hands-on leadership....

Read More

Q&A with John Hayes, Director of Sales at BALYO

Media 7 | July 20, 2021

John Hayes, Director of Sales at BALYO, began his professional career when he was 13 years old. In the USMC, he was exposed to the world of Avionics and eventually, built his career in AGV and AMR. With this, he developed an elaborate history in working with sales in various positions beginning as a salesperson to become the Director of Sales at Balyo. He is a well-respected and experienced thought-leader in the industry, today. ...

Read More

Related News

Robotics and Automation

Kardex and Addverb start partnership in the area of intralogistics software

Kardex | January 25, 2024

Kardex has agreed a strategic partnership with Addverb in the area of intralogistics software. Addverb is a leading global robotics and warehouse automation company based in India. The cooperation combines Kardex's expertise in the area of compact storage systems with Addverb's outstanding warehouse management technology. Addverb's highly innovative warehouse management system is based on a modern microservices architecture and fully operable in the cloud. The partnership between Kardex and Addverb enables an integrated and efficient solution package with the latest technologies in the area of warehouse management and automation. The overall package of Addverb software and Kardex storage systems offers seamlessly integrated and optimized storage processes for companies of all sizes in all industries. Addverb's warehouse management solution is based on a microservices architecture that makes it seamlessly scalable and extremely flexible. In addition to which it features a user-friendly interface that eases the implementation and administration. With its algorithms optimizing the handling of resources and materials, the Addverb system ensures optimized workflows and greater productivity. The cloud-based architecture meanwhile guarantees global access and real-time data for optimal decision-making with the highest possible security standards. The partnership between Kardex and Addverb is an important step forward in the advancement and innovation of warehouse management technologies. Both companies are convinced that their joint effort will contribute to boosting the efficiency and agility of companies worldwide. "Thanks to the partnership with Addverb, we are able to offer our clients one of the most advanced warehouse management solutions for highly efficient storage. The combination of our technologies will set new standards in the integration of logistics systems" emphasizes Dr. Volker Jungbluth, Head of Corporate Technology at Kardex. The strategic partnership enables extensive synergies between the two companies. "Together with Kardex, we will be able to offer our clients first-class solutions that will revolutionize their warehousing processes and make them more competitive", says Pieter Feenstra, CEO Addverb EMEA.

Read More

Manufacturing Technology

MaxLinear Launches Product Design Kit for Active Electrical Cables Using Keystone PAM4 DSP

MaxLinear | February 02, 2024

MaxLinear, Inc. a leading provider of high-speed interconnect ICs enabling data center, metro, and wireless transport networks, announced the availability of a comprehensive product design kit (PDK) to optimize performance and accelerate the time to market for high-speed Active Electrical Cables (AEC) using MaxLinear’s 5nm PAM4 DSP, Keystone. The PDK is a cost-cutting and time-saving tool for cable manufacturers who want to quickly integrate Keystone into their active electrical cables. MaxLinear’s Keystone PAM4 DSP offers a significant power advantage in AEC applications, which is increasingly becoming a critical factor for hyperscale data centers. The use of 5nm CMOS technology enables designers and manufacturers to build high-speed cables that meet the need for low power, highly integrated, high performance interconnect solutions that will drive the next generation of hyperscale cloud networks. Manufacturers taking advantage of MaxLinear’s PDK to optimize cable designs using Keystone PAM4 DSP will gain a distinct advantage over competitor solutions when trying to maximize reach and minimize power consumption. The PDK makes Keystone easy to integrate with strong applications support, multiple tools to optimize and monitor performance, and reference designs (SW and HW) to accelerate integration. Sophisticated software allows for quick design optimization for the lowest possible power consumption and maximizing cable reach. Cable designers can constantly monitor performance, route signals from any port to any port, and take advantage of hitless firmware upgrades. “MaxLinear is focused on providing not only industry-leading interconnect technologies but also a comprehensive suite of tools to support our manufacturing and design partners,” said Drew Guckenberger, Vice President of High Speed Interconnect at MaxLinear. “Our development kit for our Keystone products provides them with a path to take products to market more quickly and more cost-effectively.” Active electrical cables (AECs) are revolutionizing data center connections. Unlike passive cables, they actively boost signals, allowing for longer distances (up to 7 meters for 400G), higher bandwidth, and thinner, lighter cables. This makes them ideal for high-speed applications like top-of-rack connections (connecting switches to servers within the same rack); direct digital control (enabling flexible interconnectivity within racks and across rows); and breakout solutions (splitting high-speed connections into multiple lower-speed channels). The high-speed interconnect market – which includes active optical cables, active electrical cables, direct attach copper cables, and others – is expected to grow to $17.1B by 2028, up from $10.7B in 2021 according to a market forecast report from The Insight Partners. The Keystone Family The Keystone 5nm DSP family caters to 400G and 800G applications, featuring a groundbreaking 106.25Gbps host side electrical I/O, aligning with the line side interface rate. Available variants support single-mode optics (EML and SiPh), multimode optics and Active Electrical Cables (AECs), offering comprehensive solutions with companion TIAs. Host side interfaces cover ethernet rates of 25G, 50G, and 100G per lane over C2M, MR, and LR host channels. The line side interfaces, tailored for 100G/λ DR, FR, and LR applications, also support these rates. These devices boast extensive DSP functionality, encompassing line-side transmitter DPD, TX FIR, receiver FFE, and DFE. With exceptional performance and signal integrity, these DSPs occupy a compact footprint (12mm x 13mm), ideal for next-gen module form-factors like QSFP-DD800 and OSFP800. Additionally, they are available as Known Good Die (KGD) for denser applications, such as OSFP-XD. About MaxLinear, Inc. MaxLinear, Inc. is a leading provider of radio frequency (RF), analog, digital, and mixed-signal integrated circuits for access and connectivity, wired and wireless infrastructure, and industrial and multimarket applications. MaxLinear is headquartered in Carlsbad, California. MaxLinear, the MaxLinear logo, any other MaxLinear trademarks are all property of MaxLinear, Inc. or one of MaxLinear's subsidiaries in the U.S.A. and other countries. All rights reserved.

Read More

Additive Manufacturing

Teledyne Relays Unveils Innovative Multi-Function Timer Series

Teledyne Relays, Inc. | January 29, 2024

Teledyne Relays, a leading provider of cutting-edge relay solutions, introduces its new Multi-Function Timer product series, showcasing the company's commitment to delivering advanced, reliable, and versatile solutions for the industrial automation sector. Teledyne Relays Multi-Function Timer MFT series is a state-of-the-art solution designed for a wide variety of applications that demand precise timing control. The user-friendly design features three potentiometers for easy selection of timing functions and ranges, while the LEDs provide at-a-glance feedback of timing and relay status. The MFT series also features 7 selectable timing functions for a wide variety of applications Timing ranges from 0.1 seconds up to 100 hours Compact 17.5mm housing preserves valuable panel space Supply Voltages: 24VDC & 24-240VAC OR 12-240VAC/DC 5A SPDT output relay Engineered with the needs of electrical engineers, panel builders, and automation engineers in mind, these timers find application in various industries, including but not limited to Industrial Automation Manufacturing Process Control Systems HVAC and Refrigeration Agriculture and Irrigation Power Distribution “With the new Multi-Function Timer series, Teledyne Relays continues to lead in providing reliable and versatile solutions for industrial automation, ensuring precise timing control,” said Michael Palakian, Vice President of Global Sales and Marketing at Teledyne Relays. The Multi-Function Timer series from Teledyne Relays ensures precise timing control, offering unparalleled reliability across diverse applications and is available for ordering from Teledyne Relays or an authorized distributor. About Teledyne Relays Teledyne Relays is a world leader in high-performance coaxial switches, electromechanical, and solid-state relays, offering a wide range of solutions for various applications in the aerospace and defense, telecommunications, test and measurement, and industrial markets. With over 60 years of experience, Teledyne Relay has established a reputation for quality, reliability, and customer service excellence. About Teledyne Defense Electronics Serving Defense, Space and Commercial sectors worldwide, Teledyne Defense Electronics offers a comprehensive portfolio of highly engineered solutions that meet your most demanding requirements in the harshest environments. Manufacturing both custom and off-the-shelf product offerings, our diverse product lines meet emerging needs for key applications for avionics, energetics, electronic warfare, missiles, radar, satcom, space and test and measurement.

Read More

Robotics and Automation

Kardex and Addverb start partnership in the area of intralogistics software

Kardex | January 25, 2024

Kardex has agreed a strategic partnership with Addverb in the area of intralogistics software. Addverb is a leading global robotics and warehouse automation company based in India. The cooperation combines Kardex's expertise in the area of compact storage systems with Addverb's outstanding warehouse management technology. Addverb's highly innovative warehouse management system is based on a modern microservices architecture and fully operable in the cloud. The partnership between Kardex and Addverb enables an integrated and efficient solution package with the latest technologies in the area of warehouse management and automation. The overall package of Addverb software and Kardex storage systems offers seamlessly integrated and optimized storage processes for companies of all sizes in all industries. Addverb's warehouse management solution is based on a microservices architecture that makes it seamlessly scalable and extremely flexible. In addition to which it features a user-friendly interface that eases the implementation and administration. With its algorithms optimizing the handling of resources and materials, the Addverb system ensures optimized workflows and greater productivity. The cloud-based architecture meanwhile guarantees global access and real-time data for optimal decision-making with the highest possible security standards. The partnership between Kardex and Addverb is an important step forward in the advancement and innovation of warehouse management technologies. Both companies are convinced that their joint effort will contribute to boosting the efficiency and agility of companies worldwide. "Thanks to the partnership with Addverb, we are able to offer our clients one of the most advanced warehouse management solutions for highly efficient storage. The combination of our technologies will set new standards in the integration of logistics systems" emphasizes Dr. Volker Jungbluth, Head of Corporate Technology at Kardex. The strategic partnership enables extensive synergies between the two companies. "Together with Kardex, we will be able to offer our clients first-class solutions that will revolutionize their warehousing processes and make them more competitive", says Pieter Feenstra, CEO Addverb EMEA.

Read More

Manufacturing Technology

MaxLinear Launches Product Design Kit for Active Electrical Cables Using Keystone PAM4 DSP

MaxLinear | February 02, 2024

MaxLinear, Inc. a leading provider of high-speed interconnect ICs enabling data center, metro, and wireless transport networks, announced the availability of a comprehensive product design kit (PDK) to optimize performance and accelerate the time to market for high-speed Active Electrical Cables (AEC) using MaxLinear’s 5nm PAM4 DSP, Keystone. The PDK is a cost-cutting and time-saving tool for cable manufacturers who want to quickly integrate Keystone into their active electrical cables. MaxLinear’s Keystone PAM4 DSP offers a significant power advantage in AEC applications, which is increasingly becoming a critical factor for hyperscale data centers. The use of 5nm CMOS technology enables designers and manufacturers to build high-speed cables that meet the need for low power, highly integrated, high performance interconnect solutions that will drive the next generation of hyperscale cloud networks. Manufacturers taking advantage of MaxLinear’s PDK to optimize cable designs using Keystone PAM4 DSP will gain a distinct advantage over competitor solutions when trying to maximize reach and minimize power consumption. The PDK makes Keystone easy to integrate with strong applications support, multiple tools to optimize and monitor performance, and reference designs (SW and HW) to accelerate integration. Sophisticated software allows for quick design optimization for the lowest possible power consumption and maximizing cable reach. Cable designers can constantly monitor performance, route signals from any port to any port, and take advantage of hitless firmware upgrades. “MaxLinear is focused on providing not only industry-leading interconnect technologies but also a comprehensive suite of tools to support our manufacturing and design partners,” said Drew Guckenberger, Vice President of High Speed Interconnect at MaxLinear. “Our development kit for our Keystone products provides them with a path to take products to market more quickly and more cost-effectively.” Active electrical cables (AECs) are revolutionizing data center connections. Unlike passive cables, they actively boost signals, allowing for longer distances (up to 7 meters for 400G), higher bandwidth, and thinner, lighter cables. This makes them ideal for high-speed applications like top-of-rack connections (connecting switches to servers within the same rack); direct digital control (enabling flexible interconnectivity within racks and across rows); and breakout solutions (splitting high-speed connections into multiple lower-speed channels). The high-speed interconnect market – which includes active optical cables, active electrical cables, direct attach copper cables, and others – is expected to grow to $17.1B by 2028, up from $10.7B in 2021 according to a market forecast report from The Insight Partners. The Keystone Family The Keystone 5nm DSP family caters to 400G and 800G applications, featuring a groundbreaking 106.25Gbps host side electrical I/O, aligning with the line side interface rate. Available variants support single-mode optics (EML and SiPh), multimode optics and Active Electrical Cables (AECs), offering comprehensive solutions with companion TIAs. Host side interfaces cover ethernet rates of 25G, 50G, and 100G per lane over C2M, MR, and LR host channels. The line side interfaces, tailored for 100G/λ DR, FR, and LR applications, also support these rates. These devices boast extensive DSP functionality, encompassing line-side transmitter DPD, TX FIR, receiver FFE, and DFE. With exceptional performance and signal integrity, these DSPs occupy a compact footprint (12mm x 13mm), ideal for next-gen module form-factors like QSFP-DD800 and OSFP800. Additionally, they are available as Known Good Die (KGD) for denser applications, such as OSFP-XD. About MaxLinear, Inc. MaxLinear, Inc. is a leading provider of radio frequency (RF), analog, digital, and mixed-signal integrated circuits for access and connectivity, wired and wireless infrastructure, and industrial and multimarket applications. MaxLinear is headquartered in Carlsbad, California. MaxLinear, the MaxLinear logo, any other MaxLinear trademarks are all property of MaxLinear, Inc. or one of MaxLinear's subsidiaries in the U.S.A. and other countries. All rights reserved.

Read More

Additive Manufacturing

Teledyne Relays Unveils Innovative Multi-Function Timer Series

Teledyne Relays, Inc. | January 29, 2024

Teledyne Relays, a leading provider of cutting-edge relay solutions, introduces its new Multi-Function Timer product series, showcasing the company's commitment to delivering advanced, reliable, and versatile solutions for the industrial automation sector. Teledyne Relays Multi-Function Timer MFT series is a state-of-the-art solution designed for a wide variety of applications that demand precise timing control. The user-friendly design features three potentiometers for easy selection of timing functions and ranges, while the LEDs provide at-a-glance feedback of timing and relay status. The MFT series also features 7 selectable timing functions for a wide variety of applications Timing ranges from 0.1 seconds up to 100 hours Compact 17.5mm housing preserves valuable panel space Supply Voltages: 24VDC & 24-240VAC OR 12-240VAC/DC 5A SPDT output relay Engineered with the needs of electrical engineers, panel builders, and automation engineers in mind, these timers find application in various industries, including but not limited to Industrial Automation Manufacturing Process Control Systems HVAC and Refrigeration Agriculture and Irrigation Power Distribution “With the new Multi-Function Timer series, Teledyne Relays continues to lead in providing reliable and versatile solutions for industrial automation, ensuring precise timing control,” said Michael Palakian, Vice President of Global Sales and Marketing at Teledyne Relays. The Multi-Function Timer series from Teledyne Relays ensures precise timing control, offering unparalleled reliability across diverse applications and is available for ordering from Teledyne Relays or an authorized distributor. About Teledyne Relays Teledyne Relays is a world leader in high-performance coaxial switches, electromechanical, and solid-state relays, offering a wide range of solutions for various applications in the aerospace and defense, telecommunications, test and measurement, and industrial markets. With over 60 years of experience, Teledyne Relay has established a reputation for quality, reliability, and customer service excellence. About Teledyne Defense Electronics Serving Defense, Space and Commercial sectors worldwide, Teledyne Defense Electronics offers a comprehensive portfolio of highly engineered solutions that meet your most demanding requirements in the harshest environments. Manufacturing both custom and off-the-shelf product offerings, our diverse product lines meet emerging needs for key applications for avionics, energetics, electronic warfare, missiles, radar, satcom, space and test and measurement.

Read More

Spotlight

Microsoft Corp

Microsoft enables digital transformation for the era of an intelligent cloud and an intelligent edge. Its mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. It believes that technology can and should be a force for good and that meaningful innovation can and wil...

Events

Resources