Discover Microsoft MVPs’ top picks including the Azure Well-Architected Framework for cloud efficiency, Visual Studio Code’s AI-powered coding, Jamf Pro with Intune for secure Apple device management, and Azure SQL Database’s new Optimized Locking feature boosting performance and concurrency. Unique :

MVPs Share Their Top Picks: Azure, VS Code, Jamf Pro & More
Every month, Microsoft MVPs highlight their favorite tech content. This time, they focus on Azure Well-Architected Framework, Visual Studio Code, Jamf Pro with Intune, and Azure SQL Database’s new Optimized Locking feature. If you’re deep into cloud, coding, or device management, these insights are gold.
What’s New: Azure Well-Architected Framework
Christian Forjahn, Azure MVP from Germany, emphasizes the importance of Microsoft’s Azure Well-Architected Framework (WAF). It’s built around five pillars: cost optimization, operational excellence, performance efficiency, reliability, and security.
He explains,
“A solid foundation ensures your Azure setup remains standardized, compliant, and secure.”Combining WAF with Infrastructure as Code (IaC) allows teams to automate deployments and scale effortlessly.
This approach not only cuts costs but also boosts security and performance. Christian’s advice is clear: adopting these best practices today prepares your cloud environment for long-term success.
Major Update: Visual Studio Code Gets Smarter
Sonu Kapoor, Developer Technologies MVP from Canada, swears by Visual Studio Code (VS Code). He highlights its vast extension ecosystem and AI-powered autocomplete as game changers.
According to Sonu,
“The intelligent code suggestions significantly speed up development, reduce errors, and improve efficiency.”This makes VS Code indispensable for modern web developers, especially when writing unit tests.
Whether you’re customizing your IDE or relying on AI to boost productivity, VS Code continues to redefine code editing.
Important to Know: Jamf Pro Meets Microsoft Intune
Somesh Pathak, Security MVP from the Netherlands, points out a powerful integration between Jamf Pro and Microsoft Intune. This combo enforces compliance on Apple devices using Conditional Access policies.
It ensures only compliant devices access company resources, enhancing security and streamlining workflows. Organizations gain better visibility into device states and consistent policy enforcement.
Why this matters:
- Improved device compliance
- Stronger security posture
- Simplified management across platforms
Game-Changer: Optimized Locking in Azure SQL Database
Sergio Govoni, Data Platform MVP from Italy, introduces Optimized Locking — a new feature in Azure SQL Database. It dramatically improves concurrency and performance without sacrificing data consistency.
He describes it as having
“a magical ring to it”because it redefines how locks are managed in high-demand environments.
This innovation is a big deal for developers who need scalable, high-performing databases in cloud-native apps.
Wrap-Up
From cloud architecture and smarter coding to device compliance and database performance, these MVP-recommended topics cover critical areas for tech pros. Dive into these updates to stay ahead in your Azure and developer journeys.
Keep an eye on Microsoft Learn and MVP blogs for more deep dives and practical tips.
From the New blog articles in Microsoft Community Hub