Since it started spreading exponentially earlier this year, the novel coronavirus has already claimed a number of large events as victims, including Google I/O and the in-person version of Microsoft's Build. Unfortunately, though, there are even more events that are likely to get canceled or shifted to virtual events, and that seems to be the case with Microsoft Inspire.
The website for Inspire has been updated, and it now includes a warning that the in-person variant of the event has been canceled due to the current state of affairs regarding the virus. Microsoft is not announcing a clear alternative to the usual format, but the company does say it's looking at other possibilities for how it can bring its partner community together.
Inspire is Microsoft's event dedicated to its many business partners, and it usually comes with a couple of interesting announcements. Last year, new features for Teams were announced ahead of the event, and in 2018, Inspire was where Microsoft announced the free tier of the service. This year, the event was scheduled for July 20 through 24.
New software features and products shouldn't be impacted too much by the lack of an in-person event, but those looking forward to attending Inspire this year will likely be disappointed.
