More details on the event itself at the end of this post. We'll have a big presence there and would love to see you - either on the Advania stand, at our headline breakout session, or both!

Our talk - "Case Study: A Frontier Firm and Partner in Motion"

Our session is a real case study on becoming a “frontier firm” with AI – what worked, what didn’t, and what surprised us along the way. Whether you like Microsoft's new label of "frontier" firm or not (personally, I'm mixed on it to be honest), it does signify how organisations getting real returns from AI today have approached it.

We’ll cover themes like:

• Copilot beyond individual productivity
• Agents vs. SaaS (and why that conversation is heating up)
• The importance of tailoring AI to your people, data and workflows
• Why expertise and coherence matter more than the latest model release

As the title conveys, this is actually two case studies in one - our work to drive real transformation and ROI in one of clients with fairly holistic AI (not just one tool or approach), and how we've transformed some of our processes at Advania with agents.

To bring things to life, we'll demo some of the high value AI agents and solutions we've built and explain the measurable returns they're driving.

If you’re wrestling with AI strategy, adoption, ROI, or scaling responsibly, it should be a useful conversation.

We'd love to see you there! See our earlier post with how to attend:

https://community.advania.co.uk/events/28-join-advania-at-the-microsoft-ai-tour

As a final word, here's the official session abstract for our talk if you want to understand more of our key messages:

Bold organisations succeed with a clear view of AI value creation and a team delivering holistically – which could span Microsoft 365 Copilot to transform productivity, targeted agents for high‑value processes, and bespoke solutions on Microsoft Foundry for complex data. With real-world demos and compelling data, we share how – in different ways - Microsoft AI is transforming a global law firm (including an RFP agent saving 400 days per year) and the partner delivering it.

Last year, we were one of just six solutions to earn ClearBox's "Intranet Choices" award. This year, their 2026 report has highlighted Fresh as one of the highest-performing SharePoint-native platforms, with particular strengths in communications management, AI capabilities, and platform control.

For those who aren't familiar with ClearBox, they're genuinely independent experts who spend their days evaluating digital workplace platforms (with no vendor money influences their findings).

Why this matters

Two years of recognition from the same independent source? That means something.

Not because we need another badge for the website (though it does look nice, to be fair) but because it suggests we're consistently solving real problems for real people. That's what we care about.

The ClearBox Report is properly comprehensive. This year they evaluated 37 platforms across eight different business scenarios - everything from how well you can communicate with employees to whether the search actually finds things.

For organisations trying to wade through the intranet market, it's genuinely helpful. Which is why we're making both the full 900+ page report and our dedicated 37-page review available for you to download.

What ClearBox said about us

Here's what stood out in their evaluation:

On our overall approach:

"Fresh is a compelling choice for organisations seeking a powerful intranet in-a-box solution that addresses the common complaints and limitations of a standard SharePoint experience."

On our communications tools:

"Fresh provides a comprehensive suite of tools that significantly enhance SharePoint's default capabilities at every stage of the communication publishing lifecycle."

The bit that really made our day

ClearBox collected loads of customer feedback as part of their evaluation. They talked to people who actually use Fresh day-to-day, and here's what stood out:

They noted zero negative comments about working with us. Not one. And that matters more to us than any score ever could.

Here's what some of you told them:

"Fresh allowed us to start over with a fresh adoption of SharePoint and staff don't feel or know that they're still using SharePoint!"

This is the dream, really. Making SharePoint so pleasant to use that people forget it's SharePoint.

"When content production is not technically difficult, energy can be devoted to higher-quality content."

"There is real care in helping you get the most from Fresh and that is so helpful in the often resource poor world of intranet / knowledge management at most firms."

"I truly love the Fresh team."

Right back at you. ❤️

What's been recognised this year

ClearBox highlighted several areas where Fresh performs particularly well:

Communications management

Our Editorial Calendar, Content Creation Wizard, and built-in Newsletter capabilities. Basically, the tools we've built to make internal comms teams' lives less chaotic. ClearBox noted these scored highly, which is brilliant because they've taken ages to get right.

Platform management

The ability to manage templates, navigation, and branding centrally across multiple sites - solving what ClearBox called "the site-by-site problem that has frustrated SharePoint users for years."

FreshMind AI

Our AI assistant earned high marks for natural language search and people finding. But here's the thing: we didn't build FreshMind to jump on the AI bandwagon. We built it to solve specific problems:

• Finding the person who actually knows about that thing
• Getting answers from official documents (not random emails)
• Helping publishers create content without the faff
• Keeping everything secure and controlled

ClearBox put it nicely: FreshMind provides "a controlled AI experience focused on authoritative content."

We reckon that just means it's useful AI, not just AI for the sake of it.

Content management

Comprehensive metadata management, Topic Explorer, and content lifecycle tools. The slightly boring but absolutely essential stuff that helps you actually stay on top of your intranet content.

The two-year Journey

So what's changed between 2025 and 2026? Quite a bit, actually.

In 2025, ClearBox recognised us for beautiful design, intuitive navigation, and smart search. We were made up.

In 2026, they're highlighting our communications tools, platform management, and how FreshMind has evolved. Even better.

Between those two points, we've:

• Launched the Content Creation Wizard (publishers actually enjoy using it - who knew?)
• Beefed up the Editorial Calendar (comms teams needed proper oversight)
• Made FreshMind even more useful (whilst keeping it sensible)
• Fixed loads of the things that annoyed people (you told us, we listened)
• Added features we didn't even know we needed until customers asked for them

What hasn't changed? Our approach: solve real problems, listen to customers, don't overcomplicate things, be honest about limitations.

Who Fresh is actually for

ClearBox's analysis is pretty clear on this, and we'd agree with them:

Fresh works best for medium to large organisations (typically 1,000+ employees) who:

• Are committed to Microsoft 365 and want to get more value from it
• Need to manage multiple sites, brands, or languages
• Have proper internal communications requirements
• Care about knowledge management and search
• Work in regulated sectors where governance matters

We're trusted by organisations like Brown & Brown, Metropolitan Police, TD Bank, KPMG, Bristol Airport, McCann WorldGroup, M&G, and DLA Piper. Over a 1.5 million employees across 26 countries use Fresh every day.

But here's the honest bit: we're not right for everyone. If you're a small team, or you need something super simple, or you're not on Microsoft 365 - there are probably better options for you.

What comes next

This recognition from ClearBox isn't a finish line. It's confirmation we're heading in the right direction.

Our plans for the year ahead include:

• Enhanced AI capabilities that build on FreshMind's foundation
• Deeper analytics to help content owners and communicators measure impact
• Continued innovation in mobile, integrations, and content management
• Tighter Microsoft 365 integration as Microsoft keeps evolving their platform

But mostly, we'll keep doing what's worked so far: listening to customers, solving real problems, and making SharePoint intranets better.

Take a proper look

We've made the complete Fresh section of the ClearBox 2026 Report available for download. It's 37 pages and includes:

• Detailed analysis of all eight evaluation scenarios
• Loads of screenshots showing Fresh capabilities
• Direct customer testimonials (including the lovely ones above)
• Technical specifications and company details
• How we compare to other solutions
• ClearBox's expert take on when Fresh is the right choice

You can also download the full 900+ page ClearBox report if you want to see how everyone else fared. We think that's only fair.

Thank you

To our customers: thank you for your partnership, your feedback, and your trust. This recognition reflects not just what we've built, but how we've worked together to make your intranets successful. And thanks especially to those who took the time to speak with ClearBox, your words mean the world to us.

To those evaluating options: we hope this independent validation helps your decision-making. If you'd like to see Fresh in action, we'd be delighted to show you around. No pressure.

View a Fresh Intranet demo

To everyone in the Fresh community: here's to continuing to build something good together. Cheers. 💟

Our focus: Algorithm vs Message

We're sponsoring the event with a campaign that's sparking conversation: Algorithm vs Message.

As AI agents increasingly become the interface between your content and your employees, we're asking: what happens to internal communications when discovery is mediated by algorithms rather than channels? When employees interact with AI assistants instead of navigating your carefully structured intranet?

These aren't hypothetical questions, they're challenges that internal comms and digital workplace teams are starting to face right now.

Leadership roundtable: The Employee Attention Recession

Fresh Product Director David Bowman will be hosting a roundtable for senior IC leaders exploring what he's calling "The Employee Attention Recession" – examining how attention scarcity, AI-mediated content consumption, and changing workplace dynamics are reshaping internal communications.

Topics include where traditional channel strategies break down, where human judgment still matters most, and what content can (or should) be mediated by AI versus what needs to remain explicit and structured.

Why this matters

At Fresh, we're constantly thinking about how intranets need to evolve – not just to keep pace with technology, but to genuinely serve the needs of internal communicators and the employees they're trying to reach.

If these topics resonate with challenges you're facing in your organisation, we'd love to hear from you. What's your take on algorithm vs message?

In this post, we break down the key announcements around Windows 365, explore practical use cases, and explain why these innovations matter for IT leaders and businesses worldwide.

1. Windows 365 Reserve – Temporary Cloud PCs for Agile IT

What’s New?
Windows 365 Reserve is now generally available, enabling IT teams to provision time-bound Cloud PCs quickly and securely via Microsoft Intune. Once the set duration expires, access is automatically revoked—eliminating orphaned endpoints and strengthening compliance.

Highlights:

• Bulk deployment and revocation through automation workflows.
• Customisable notifications for IT and end users.
• Usage analytics for resource optimisation.

Use Cases:

• Rapid onboarding for contractors and seasonal staff.
• Business continuity during device loss or ransomware incidents.
• Short-term projects requiring isolated, policy-controlled environments.

Why It Matters:
Windows 365 Reserve delivers agility and compliance, reducing operational overhead while ensuring secure, policy-driven access.

2. Windows 365 Cloud Apps – Application Streaming Without the Desktop Overhead

What’s New?
Stream individual apps—rather than full desktops—from Windows 365 Frontline Cloud PCs. This granular approach simplifies management and optimises resource use.

Highlights:

• Support for legacy and modern apps.
• App-level security controls and conditional access.
• Optimised performance for high-concurrency environments.

Use Cases:

• Secure access to specialist apps on unmanaged devices.
• Cost-effective support for task-based workers.
• BYOD enablement with isolated app streaming.

Why It Matters:
Cloud Apps meet users where they are, delivering essential tools securely and efficiently.

3. User Experience Sync – Consistency Across Shared Cloud PCs

What’s New?
Preserve user-specific settings across sessions and devices in shared environments. From desktop backgrounds to accessibility preferences, personalisation now follows the user.

Highlights:

• Automatic sync of layouts and language settings.
• Seamless roaming across global offices.
• Reduced IT support burden.

Use Cases:

• Hot-desking in retail, healthcare, and manufacturing.
• Consistent environments for students in labs.
• Frontline workers and global mobility scenarios.

Why It Matters:
Personalisation drives productivity and satisfaction, even in shared device scenarios.

4. Windows 365 for Agents – A Platform for AI-Powered Automation

What’s New?
A secure foundation for deploying AI agents within Windows and Linux Cloud PCs, integrated with Microsoft Copilot Studio.

Highlights:

• Custom agent development and deployment.
• Isolation of sensitive workloads for compliance.
• Advanced monitoring and analytics.

Use Cases:

• Automating repetitive tasks like ticket triage.
• Secure data processing and testing.
• Developer enablement for AI prototypes.
• Conversational AI for customer service.

Why It Matters:
Windows 365 for Agents accelerates AI adoption while maintaining governance and security.

5. AI-Enabled Cloud PCs – Intelligence Embedded at the Core

What’s New?
AI features such as Semantic Windows Search and Click to Do bring intuitive, context-aware interactions to the desktop.

Highlights:

• Real-time suggestions and insights.
• Adaptive interfaces tailored to user behaviour.
• Accessibility enhancements powered by AI.

Use Cases:

• Faster document discovery for knowledge workers.
• Simplified workflows for data-intensive roles.
• Inclusive experiences for diverse user needs.

Why It Matters:
Embedding AI at the desktop level transforms productivity and accessibility.

6. Security and Sustainability Enhancements – Building for a Safer, Greener Future

What’s New?
Microsoft introduced updates that strengthen security and advance sustainability goals.

Highlights:

• External identity support for secure B2B collaboration.
• Windows Cloud I/O Protection (Preview) against advanced threats.
• Sustainability gains validated by WSP USA studies.

Use Cases:

• Secure partner access without increasing risk.
• Compliance with industry mandates.
• ESG alignment through reduced carbon footprint.

Why It Matters:
Security and sustainability are business imperatives. Windows 365 addresses both with robust controls and measurable environmental impact.

Conclusion

From on-demand Cloud PCs and slimline app delivery to AI-powered automation and sustainability gains, Windows 365 is no longer just a virtual desktop solution—it’s a strategic platform for secure, adaptive, and intelligent workplaces.

Windows 365 Frontline updates and Cloud Apps general availability - Windows IT Pro Blog
Windows 365 Link - What's new for the first Cloud PC device -Windows IT Pro Blog
What is Windows 365 Reserve? | Microsoft Learn
Experience next-gen productivity with Windows 365 AI-enabled Cloud PCs - Windows IT Pro Blog
Windows 365 for Agents unlocks secured, scalable AI automation - Windows IT Pro Blog

• How TD Bank rebuilt their intranet for 95,000 employees
  Abby Webster shares how they transformed a 150,000-page mess into a streamlined, social, and loved platform.
• Storytelling at scale with DLA Piper
  Alex Peers reveals how turning corporate comms into human stories boosted engagement across 7,000 employees.
• The evolution of SharePoint with Mark Kashman
  From Microsoft insider to independent consultant, Mark breaks down how SharePoint became the backbone of modern collaboration—and what’s next.
• Mission: Possible! Intranets with Daniel Amaro
  Klarinet’s Daniel Amaro shares 27 years of lessons on what makes intranet projects succeed (hint: it’s not just the tech).

Why listen?

• Real stories from real organisations using Fresh + SharePoint
• Honest conversations with intranet pros and Microsoft veterans
• Practical takeaways for anyone building or managing digital workplaces
• A few laughs and behind-the-scenes moments with our hosts David Bowman and Jarbas Horst

Where to tune in

You can find Fresh Perspectives on your favourite podcast app: Spotify, Apple Podcasts or YouTube.

Whether you’re deep in SharePoint or just curious about what makes a people-first intranet work, these episodes are worth a listen.

Take a listen and let us know what you think!