Microsoft is shifting Copilot Cowork to usage-based pricing to manage costs as usage soars, and the company is considering a Microsoft-hosted version of DeepSeek as a cheaper alternative to current models from Anthropic and OpenAI. "We have users who do hundreds of tasks a week, which is great -- they're way productive -- but the consequence is the costs can go very high," says Charles Lamanna, executive vice president for Copilot, agents and platform.

Microsoft has announced plans to release a location tracking feature for Teams via Wi-Fi, despite concerns about employee privacy. The feature, which is intended to replace physical workplace check-in devices, will show users' locations when they connect to the office network.

Companies are seeking ways to reduce costs associated with generative AI as token use surges, with some strategies including switching to lower-cost models, improving prompt efficiency and using local AI hardware. Companies such as DevRev and NetBrains are also exploring innovative solutions to manage token consumption effectively.

Continuous security management has become essential in the fight against zero-day vulnerabilities. Traditional, periodic patching and audit cycles are no longer sufficient as threats evolve rapidly and unpredictably. Experts on the Forbes Technology Council recommend integrating threat intelligence, vulnerability management, and patching into an ongoing process to maintain security posture. Continuous monitoring, real-time behavioral analysis, and rapid detection across systems are also critical for catching silent compromises and minimizing exposure. By adopting a continuous security model, organizations can respond faster to emerging threats and maintain resilience.

Tech workers from Amazon, Google and Nike emphasize the importance of communication skills in securing jobs, saying that while networking helps land interviews, preparation and effective communication turn those opportunities into job offers. They explained that being able to articulate technical decisions, explain complex topics to non-technical stakeholders, and collaborate across disciplines set them apart from other candidates. Even in highly technical interviews, the ability to clearly express reasoning and engage productively was viewed as a critical differentiator for hiring managers.

AI is reshaping workplace training by enabling more personalized and adaptive learning experiences. Companies like KPMG are moving away from traditional, static training models, instead using AI to create dynamic, people-focused programs that respond to the rapidly changing demands of the modern workplace. By collaborating with partners such as Google, Anthropic and Microsoft, KPMG can design and deliver innovative training solutions at unprecedented speed, helping employees continuously update their skills in an AI-driven environment.

Demand for AI skills has surged more than 200% in the past decade, but workforce readiness efforts are lagging, writes Cyber Innovation Center President Kevin Nolten. He argues that AI literacy should be introduced as early as K-12 to build a strong foundation, Nolten argues, with emphasis on critical thinking and responsible technology use.