WITX Learning Exchanges - Wilmington Information Technology eXchange

Microsoft Practice Director and Principal Architect
Opkalla
Cory@LinkedIn

Bio: As a Microsoft Cloud Architect and technical trainer with over 20 years of experience, I help businesses and individuals leverage the power and potential of Microsoft Cloud technologies. I hold multiple architect level certifications that demonstrate my technical proficiency and expertise.

In my most recent role, I was the Owner & Principal Architect of Cloudaeris, where I led a team of cloud consultants and architects in delivering innovative and customized cloud solutions for clients across various industries and sectors. From massive undertakings of enterprise mergers and acquisitions and private equity plays all the way through SMB and SMC requirements, my team consistently delivered exceptional results for our clients.

Today, I am the Microsoft Practice Director at Opkalla, where we provide cost-effective, easy to understand cloud solutions, and technical training in an increasingly digital world. With a team of passionate, focused, and experienced tech talent, we drive business impact through our solutions and ensure organizations fully realize their investment for maximum return.

This session explores how Cloud Computing has revolutionized business operations, transitioning from the costly and inflexible on-premises infrastructure of 2005 to today’s scalable, efficient, and innovative Cloud-based solutions. It examines the challenges businesses once faced with high capital expenses, limited scalability, and complex IT management, and highlights how the adoption of Cloud technologies has enabled agility, collaboration, and rapid innovation. By showcasing the transformative impact of Cloud Computing over the past two decades, attendees will gain a clear perspective on how it has become the standard for modern business success and a glimpse into the opportunities it presents for the future.

This session explores the advanced capabilities of Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Azure Active Directory) in securing modern IT environments through robust Identity and Access Management (IAM). It highlights how businesses can leverage features like Conditional Access to enforce intelligent access policies and Privileged Access Management (PAM) to secure administrative roles with just-in-time access, approval workflows, and comprehensive auditing. Attendees will learn how Entra ID supports Zero Trust principles, integrates seamlessly with other security tools, and addresses identity-related threats, empowering organizations to enhance security, simplify access, and mitigate risks effectively in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Learning eXchange Track: Cloud Computing