Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing various industries by offering innovative solutions and enhancing efficiency. In a study with IDC, new insights were uncovered around business value and help guide organizations on their journey of Artificial Intelligence transformation. The study found that for every $1 that organizations invest in generative AI, they’re realizing an average of $3.70 in return.
As today’s platform shift continues to gain momentum, seeing real-world AI use cases helps companies understand how to apply these advanced technology solutions to their business. Continue reading to explore real-world examples and impressive results showcasing AI’s impact across various business departments.
Before learning about how to work with AI, you may be interested in learning how it works with us. Artificial Intelligence operates through a combination of machine learning, natural language processing and neural networks. Here’s a brief overview of these key components:
Now that you have some insight into how this technology works, let’s look at some real-world applications of Artificial Intelligence in business and examine some key AI statistics from leading research firms:
Artificial Intelligence powered chatbots and virtual assistants are transforming customer service by providing instant, 24/7 support. For example, Air India uses Azure AI to manage 4 million customer queries, with 97% of sessions fully automated.
These tools are designed to efficiently manage a variety of routine inquiries that customers may have. By automating responses to frequently asked questions, they can quickly provide information on topics such as product details, service availability, and account management. This not only streamlines the communication process but also ensures that customers receive timely answers to their queries.
Intelligent customer service tools effectively address routine inquiries and resolve issues during customer interactions. They guide users through troubleshooting, complex processes, and provide step-by-step assistance, enhancing confidence and satisfaction. By offering prompt responses and reducing wait times, the overall customer experience improves and allow businesses to focus on more complex issues. The results lead to higher customer satisfaction and fosters a positive relationship between customers and businesses.
AI is revolutionizing sales by automating administrative tasks and providing valuable insights. For instance, Microsoft Copilot helps sales teams at Sandvik Coromant respond to RFPs 50% faster, saving them four hours each week. This efficiency allows sales professionals to focus more on building relationships and closing deals.
Real-world examples like this demonstrate how AI can streamline sales workflows, boost efficiency, and ultimately increase revenue. In fact, a McKinsey study found that companies using AI in sales can increase leads and appointments by over 50%.
Moreover, internal data from Microsoft's sales team reveals that regular use of Copilot led to a 9.4% higher revenue per seller for one business group. This data, based on 687 sellers of Microsoft 365 Copilot from January to June 2024, underscores the significant impact of AI on sales performance.
In finance, AI is used for tasks like revenue prediction, anomaly detection, and invoice automation. Microsoft's finance team has reduced reconciliation times by 50% and expense report volumes by 70% using AI. These efficiencies lead to faster cash flow and reduced risk.
The financial sector is at the forefront of AI adoption, with the industry investing an estimated $35 billion in AI in 2023 alone. These tools process transactions 90% faster, improve customer service, and enable smarter trading strategies. By 2030, AI in finance is expected to generate over $1 trillion in global savings and revenue. Recent findings have also shown how Artificial Intelligence can reduce financial forecasting errors by 30-50%.
For a comprehensive understanding of how Microsoft Copilot can revolutionize financial operations, we invite you to watch our webinar recording on Copilot in Finance. This session provides a full walkthrough of the program's capabilities, showcasing how Microsoft Copilot can transform financial processes and drive significant business value.
AI enables personalized marketing by analyzing customer behavior and preferences. Coca-Cola uses Azure OpenAI Service to develop innovative marketing campaigns and improve workplace productivity. This leads to more targeted advertisements and enhanced customer engagement.
The impact of AI in marketing is substantial. According to Gartner, with the help of this technology, marketing can increase campaign ROI by up to 30%. Additionally, more than 80% of marketers worldwide integrate some form of AI into their online marketing activities. These tools help marketers personalize the customer journey across different channels, with 88% of marketers reporting improved personalization. Furthermore, 52% of U.S. marketers using AI tools in their projects cite improved speed and workflow efficiency as leading benefits.
These are just some of the statistics that highlight the transformative potential of AI in marketing, enabling businesses to create more effective and engaging campaigns. By leveraging AI, companies can not only enhance their marketing strategies but also drive significant growth and customer satisfaction.
Artificial Intelligence is revolutionizing HR by automating tasks like resume screening and employee onboarding. Microsoft HR has transformed its support for over 190,000 employees across 109 countries using Microsoft Copilot.
Despite having a robust technical setup, many processes were manual, relying on a fragmented ecosystem of tools. Anchored in People Vision 2030, Microsoft HR embarked on a journey to build a top-notch HR Tech ecosystem, leveraging AI to streamline functions and provide valuable insights.
Key use-cases include the AskHR Virtual Agent, which helps employees find answers on their own, advanced data analysis for faster report creation, and assisted candidate engagement to streamline hiring. The early results were promising: resolution times have dropped by 7%, job satisfaction for agents using Copilot has increased by 16%, and 27% of HR inquiries are now handled by the AskHR virtual agent, freeing up time for more complex tasks.
Additionally, Softchoice leverages the advanced capabilities of Microsoft Copilot to significantly enhance its content creation processes. By integrating this innovative tool into their workflow, Softchoice has been able to reduce the time spent on generating high-quality content by as much as 70%. This remarkable efficiency not only streamlines the content development phase but also accelerates the overall customer journey.
The use of Microsoft Copilot allows Softchoice to automate various aspects of content creation, such as drafting, editing, and formatting. This automation minimizes the manual effort required from team members, enabling them to focus on more strategic tasks that require human insight and creativity. As a result, the team can produce a larger volume of content in a shorter timeframe, ensuring that customers receive timely and relevant information.
Moreover, the speed at which content is created directly impacts the customer experience. With faster turnaround times, Softchoice can respond more quickly to customer inquiries, provide updated resources, and deliver tailored solutions that meet the evolving needs of their clients. This agility not only enhances customer satisfaction but also fosters stronger relationships, as clients feel valued and understood.
AI assists legal departments by automating routine tasks and improving efficiency. DLA Piper uses Microsoft Copilot to expedite contract reviews and provide quicker legal guidance. This helps legal teams manage growing workloads and complex regulatory landscapes.
Real-world examples like this show how AI can transform legal operations, reduce turnaround times, and improve accuracy. According to a report by Accenture, AI can reduce legal research time by up to 90%. In fact, the adoption of AI in the legal field is growing rapidly.
About 65% of law firms believe that adopting AI can make their tasks quicker, and 64% of lawyers think AI improves their efficiency at work. However, currently, only 26% of law firms use AI, though more than half (53%) plan to invest in AI technology in the future. AI-powered legal tech can help law firms reduce their costs by approximately 50%. Additionally, AI can help reduce the time lawyers spend on routine tasks by up to 20%.
Automation and Intelligent tools facilitate rapid responses and swift data retrieval during electronic discovery procedures, significantly increasing productivity. A Gartner survey reported that 30% of law firms noticed an increase in productivity since incorporating AI into their practices. By 2030, AI in the legal sector is expected to add significant value, with law firms benefiting from enhanced efficiency and reduced operational costs.
AI enhances IT operations by automating repetitive tasks and improving security. KPMG Australia is using Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service, Azure AI Search, and Microsoft 365 Copilot to perform advanced text analysis of dozens of client source documents. This allows them to identify full or partial compliance, or noncompliance, in a fraction of the time required for manual assessments.
Additionally, KPMG uses Microsoft 365 Copilot and GitHub Copilot to transform productivity and innovate in ways previously impossible. By leveraging these AI tools, IT departments can streamline operations, enhance security, and drive innovation.
Artificial Intelligence systems detect unusual patterns, flag potential security breaches, and automate responses to mitigate risks. By observing these use-cases, IT departments can understand how AI can enhance security, reduce manual workloads, and drive innovation.
The impact of AI in IT is significant. One study by IBM found that Artificial Intelligence can reduce the time to detect and respond to security breaches by up to 50%. AI can also play a crucial role in enhancing IT service management, with AI-powered tools improving incident management and reducing downtime by up to 60%.
AI can optimize IT asset management, leading to better resource utilization and cost savings. These stats highlight why so many IT Services providers like Managed Solution leverage AI to achieve greater efficiency and effectiveness for the organization’s they partner with.
AI is a game-changer that brings countless benefits across various industries. By leveraging the right Artificial Intelligence solutions, businesses can boost efficiency, make smarter decisions, and drive innovation. Real-world use cases, like those we've explored, provide valuable insights into how AI can be effectively applied, helping companies grasp its potential and implement it in their operations.
As these powerful tools continue to evolve, their applications to business will only continue to advance, offering even more opportunities for growth and transformation. Whether you're just starting to learn about AI or exploring how to implement it, Managed Solution is here to support your journey. Chat with and expert about unlocking the full potential of AI to drive your business forward.
We're wrapping up this year with a 2024 tech recap that presents a clear turning point in the digital landscape thanks to some remarkable new technology advancements. From AI breakthroughs to cybersecurity advancements, and significant changes in IT infrastructure, 2024 has reshaped how organizations innovate, protect, and optimize. Let’s dive into the key trends and developments that defined the best technology of 2024.
5. Future of Technology Roadmap
The Rise of Generative AI
2024 marked a pivotal year for AI, transitioning from a promising tool to a must-have asset across various industries. Generative AI solutions, such as Microsoft Copilot, significantly expanded their reach, enhancing productivity in workplaces by enabling:
Some of the new technology of 2024 included Microsoft Copilot Wave 2, which launched with features tailored for specific business functions, from HR to marketing, demonstrating AI's adaptability to various departmental needs. Companies adopting these tools reported a 30% increase in operational efficiency.
When comparing Microsoft Copilot and ChatGPT, it's essential to understand their unique strengths and use cases:
While both tools utilize advanced AI models, their primary differences lie in their integration and application. Microsoft Copilot is tailored for business environments, enhancing productivity within the Microsoft ecosystem. In contrast, ChatGPT offers broader conversational capabilities suitable for various contexts. Generative AI's impact was profound, reshaping industries and setting the stage for even greater advancements in the coming years.
Navigating an Evolving Threat Landscape
Cyber threats reached unprecedented levels this year, compelling organizations to adopt more proactive and robust cybersecurity measures. The increasing frequency and sophistication of attacks highlighted the need for a comprehensive approach to security. One of the most significant shifts was the widespread adoption of Zero Trust architecture, which became the gold standard for cybersecurity. This approach ensures that every access request is verified, regardless of its origin, thereby minimizing the risk of unauthorized access.
One of the most significant cybersecurity incidents of 2024 was the "Phantom Ransomware" attacks, which targeted the healthcare and finance sectors. These attacks underscored the critical need for robust incident response protocols. Organizations with AI-driven monitoring systems were able to respond to these attacks in minutes rather than days, significantly minimizing the damage. The rapid response was crucial in containing the ransomware and preventing widespread disruption.
The "Phantom Ransomware" attacks served as a wake-up call for many organizations, prompting them to reevaluate and strengthen their cybersecurity strategies. The incident highlighted the importance of having advanced monitoring and response capabilities to deal with the evolving threat landscape. In a 2024 report from TechCrunch, these attacks were among the most notable cyber incidents of the year, particularly impacting the healthcare and finance sectors.
Cloud and Edge Computing Took the Lead
In 2024, organizations continued to shift towards hybrid models, leveraging the scalability of the cloud and the real-time capabilities of edge computing. This strategic move allowed businesses to optimize their IT infrastructure, making it more efficient, flexible, and resilient. The emphasis was on several key areas:
A significant breakthrough in new technology for 2024 was the updates to Microsoft Azure, particularly the integration of Azure OpenAI. These updates enabled companies to build smarter applications that could process data more efficiently and provide real-time insights. The integration of AI capabilities reduced latency and operational costs, driving innovation across various industries.
Businesses could now harness the power of AI to automate processes, enhance decision-making, and deliver personalized experiences to their customers. The combination of cloud and edge computing, along with advancements like Azure OpenAI, marked a new era in IT Infrastructure Management. Organizations that embraced these technologies were able to create more intelligent, responsive, and sustainable systems, positioning themselves for success in an increasingly digital world.
Upskilling for a Tech-Driven World
As technology advanced, so did the skills gap. According to a 2024 report by Talent Groups, companies recognized the need to equip their workforce with the latest skills and knowledge to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving tech landscape and significantly increased their investment in upskilling IT and IT Infrastructure Management professionals to meet the demands of emerging technologies such as AI, cloud computing, and cybersecurity.
To address this, organizations launched comprehensive internal training programs and formed strategic partnerships with leading tech providers. These initiatives focused on several key areas:
The impact of these upskilling initiatives was profound. IT teams that embraced continuous learning and development reported higher employee satisfaction and engagement. They felt more confident and capable in their roles, which translated into better performance and innovation. Moreover, these teams were better equipped to handle the rapid pace of technological change, ensuring their organizations remained agile and resilient in the face of new challenges.
By investing in their workforce, companies not only bridged the skills gap but also fostered a culture of growth and adaptability. This proactive approach to upskilling will continue to be crucial as we move forward into an increasingly tech-driven world.
Looking Ahead: The Technology Trends for 2025
As we close this year out, the stage is set for even more transformative advancements in the tech world. Predictions for the coming year include:
In 2025, artificial intelligence (AI) will become more accessible than ever before. Tools and platforms that were once the domain of large corporations will be available to smaller businesses, leveling the playing field. This democratization of AI means that startups and small enterprises can leverage powerful AI-driven insights and automation to enhance their operations, improve customer experiences, and drive innovation.
With the increasing sophistication of cyber threats, technology advancements in 2025 will bring significant advancements in cybersecurity. One of the most anticipated breakthroughs is in quantum-safe encryption. As quantum computing becomes more viable, traditional encryption methods may become vulnerable. Quantum-safe encryption aims to protect data against the potential threats posed by quantum computers. This new wave of cybersecurity solutions will ensure that sensitive information remains secure, even in the face of evolving technological challenges.
The Internet of Things (IoT) and 5G technologies will continue to expand, driving innovation in smart cities and connected industries. The proliferation of IoT devices, combined with the ultra-fast, low-latency capabilities of 5G, will enable more efficient and intelligent urban infrastructure. Smart cities will benefit from improved traffic management, energy efficiency, and public safety systems. In industries such as manufacturing and logistics, IoT and 5G will facilitate real-time monitoring and automation, leading to increased productivity and reduced operational costs.
2024 has been a year of technological acceleration, with organizations reaping the benefits of AI, strengthening their defenses against cyber threats, and optimizing IT infrastructure to meet modern demands. As we move forward, staying informed and proactive will be critical to navigating the ever-evolving tech landscape. You can sign up for our free monthly newsletter below and be the first to access content on everything you need to know in tech & business.
Microsoft has announced new Microsoft Copilot pricing updates, introducing greater flexibility while reflecting a premium for monthly payment options. These updates, effective December 1, 2024, and April 1, 2025, are part of the company’s commitment to align AI solutions with diverse business needs. If you're planning your AI budget, here's a detailed look at how the latest changes in Microsoft Copilot pricing can impact your strategy.
Microsoft Copilot is a subscription-based AI solution integrated with Microsoft 365, offering businesses AI-driven tools to streamline operations and boost productivity. With the upcoming changes, organizations now have more flexibility to tailor their Copilot pricing plans to fit their operational and financial needs.
Until now, Microsoft Copilot pricing was structured around standard subscription models, which included:
New Commerce Experience Pricing or NCE Pricing, is a Microsoft initiative aimed at simplifying and standardizing the purchasing process for their cloud services. The NCE pricing changes refer to updates in the pricing structure for subscriptions under this model to ensure businesses can maintain flexibility while planning their IT budget.
These Microsoft Copilot updates reflect a shift towards balancing flexibility with cost-effectiveness:
Understanding how Microsoft Copilot pricing is changing in December 2024 and April 2025 can provide your business with the insights needed to evaluate and implement this cutting-edge AI technology. Here’s what you need to know:
Is Copilot Worth It for Your Business?The updates to Copilot pricing highlight an important question: Is Copilot worth it? For organizations looking to leverage AI tools like Microsoft Copilot, the answer often depends on their goals for collaboration, productivity, and cost management.
By choosing the right Copilot pricing plan, businesses can streamline operations, reduce manual workloads, and unlock new efficiencies. For example:
Investing in AI solutions that align with your AI budget can drive measurable outcomes, making the premium on flexible payment plans a worthwhile consideration.
Selecting the best Microsoft Copilot pricing plan requires a careful review of your goals. Here's some tips to help you decide:
By carefully evaluating these factors, you can choose a pricing plan that aligns with your business goals and financial strategy. If you need more personalized advice, feel free to reach out to a Microsoft partner or consultant.
At Managed Solution, we help businesses with AI technology implementation to ensure their IT investments deliver maximum ROI. Whether you're evaluating if Copilot is worth it for your business or planning your AI budget, our team is here to navigate the complexities and help you achieve your goals with confidence.
Looking to get started with Microsoft Copilot? Explore our exclusive Copilot Offers to unlock the full potential of AI and drive your business forward.
Contact us today to discuss how these pricing changes could impact your organization and how to optimize your AI budget for success in 2024 and beyond.
Microsoft Copilot for Finance is here to enhance efficiency and precision in business budgeting everywhere
In an era where accuracy and efficiency in finance are paramount, Microsoft has unveiled a revolutionary tool tailored for finance teams: Microsoft Copilot for Finance. This cutting-edge AI solution is poised to redefine financial operations, offering a suite of features that streamline tasks and enhance decision-making.
Microsoft Copilot for Finance is designed to empower finance professionals to handle complex tasks effortlessly. Utilizing advanced AI capabilities, this tool can analyze data sets for potential risks, generate comprehensive reports from raw data, and manage tasks typically outsourced. This not only saves time but also ensures greater accuracy and consistency in financial operations.
For instance, let’s say there’s a finance team at a multinational corporation using Microsoft Copilot for Finance to streamline their quarterly financial reporting process. Previously, this task required extensive manual data entry and cross-referencing across multiple departments, often leading to errors and delays.
With Copilot, however, the team is able to automate data aggregation and analysis, quickly identifying potential discrepancies and generating detailed reports within hours instead of days. This not only improved the accuracy of their financial statements but also freed up valuable time for the team to focus on strategic planning and decision-making.
This example illustrates just one of the many ways AI can revolutionize financial operations. The broader implications of AI in finance are even more significant. According to a report by McKinsey & Company, AI has the potential to generate an additional $1 trillion annually in the global banking industry. This underscores the profound impact AI can have on financial services, from improving risk management to enhancing customer experiences.
Microsoft's innovation journey doesn't end here. The company plans to extend its AI solutions to other business functions, including marketing and supply-chain management. This strategic expansion highlights the versatility of AI in addressing diverse business needs.
The launch of Microsoft Copilot Finance positions Microsoft as a formidable player in the competitive landscape of AI-driven business solutions. As companies increasingly adopt AI to streamline operations, tools like Copilot with Financial AI capabilities will become indispensable for maintaining a competitive edge.
In 2023, the financial services industry invested an estimated $35 billion in AI, with banking leading the charge, accounting for approximately $21 billion. A study by KPMG revealed that 62% of US companies are now using AI to a moderate or large degree in their finance functions.
This widespread adoption highlights the critical role AI plays in enhancing operational efficiency, reducing costs, and improving decision-making processes. As more organizations integrate AI into their financial operations, the demand for advanced tools like Microsoft Copilot Finance will continue to grow, solidifying Microsoft's position as a leader in the AI-driven finance sector.
In a recent demonstration, Microsoft showcased how Copilot Finance can assist users in generating emails and performing tasks by integrating with customer relationship management (CRM) systems. This capability minimizes the need for direct CRM interaction, allowing finance teams to focus on more strategic activities.
A study by Deloitte reveals that 56% of financial services firms are already implementing AI technologies, with another 35% planning to do so within the next two years. This trend highlights the growing reliance on AI to drive efficiency and innovation in the financial sector.
As AI tools like Microsoft Copilot Finance become more integrated into business operations, the underlying business models are likely to evolve. While CRM systems will continue to play a crucial role, their usage and support may change, driven by the efficiencies and capabilities of AI.
According to a report by NVIDIA, 43% of financial services organizations are already using generative AI to automate processes and improve customer service. Additionally, 46% are using large language models (LLMs) to analyze data and generate investment insights. As adoption continues to grow, tools like generative AI and large language models are poised to revolutionize everything from investment strategies to customer experiences.
AI's ability to process vast amounts of data quickly and accurately is transforming the finance industry. By automating routine tasks, finance teams can focus on strategic decision-making and long-term planning. This shift not only enhances operational efficiency but also drives better business outcomes.
For instance, AI-powered analytics can provide real-time insights into market trends, helping financial institutions make informed investment decisions. AI can also optimize resource allocation by predicting future financial needs and identifying areas for cost reduction.
To explore the full potential of Microsoft Copilot Finance and learn how to leverage AI for strategic budget planning, join Managed Solution's upcoming webinar, "Copilot Finance: Strategic Budget Planning for 2025."
This webinar will provide valuable insights into how AI can drive efficiency and innovation in your finance department. Don't miss this opportunity to stay ahead of the curve and prepare for the future of financial management.
The connection between a business's technology infrastructure and its ROI has never been stronger. For example, advanced analytics and automation tools are proving to save companies millions by optimizing operations and uncovering growth opportunities. This growing reliance on technology has made the partnership between Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) and Chief Information Officers (CIOs) vital. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is acting as a game-changer in this dynamic, fostering deeper collaboration and aligning financial goals with technological strategies. Here's how AI is revolutionizing the CFO-CIO relationship to drive business success:
AI provides leadership with advanced analytics and real-time data insights, enabling more informed decision-making. CFOs can use AI tools such as AI-driven financial forecasting and risk management tools offer precise predictions and scenario analyses. These tools can analyze vast amounts of financial data, identify trends, and provide actionable insights that help CFOs make better strategic decisions. For example, AI can predict cash flow issues before they arise, allowing CFOs to take proactive measures.
CIOs benefit from AI's ability to optimize IT operations and infrastructure. AI can monitor system performance, predict potential failures, and recommend maintenance schedules, ensuring that technology investments are both efficient and effective. This alignment of financial and technological insights ensures that both Chief Financial and Information Officers are working towards common goals.
AI automates routine tasks and processes, freeing up time for both Financial and Technology leaders to focus on strategic initiatives. For instance, AI-powered financial software can handle everything from invoice processing to compliance checks, reducing the burden on finance teams. This automation not only increases efficiency but also reduces the risk of human error, ensuring more accurate financial records.
Similarly, AI-driven IT management tools can automate network monitoring and cybersecurity measures. These tools can detect and respond to threats in real-time, reducing the risk of data breaches and ensuring the security of sensitive financial information. By automating these routine tasks, CIO AI integration enables greater innovation by supporting the implementation of new technologies that drive the organization's strategic objectives.
AI enhances FP&A by providing accurate and timely data, which is crucial for budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning. Financial Leaders can leverage AI to gain deeper insights into financial performance, identifying areas of strength and weakness. CFO AI tools can also help create more accurate budgets and forecasts by analyzing historical data and identifying patterns that may not be immediately apparent.
CIOs can use these insights to justify technology investments and demonstrate their impact on the bottom line. For example, AI can help CIOs identify which IT projects are delivering the highest return on investment, allowing them to allocate resources more effectively. This alignment ensures that both financial and technological strategies are in sync, supporting the overall goals of the organization.
FP&A is being transformed by Artificial Intelligence by delivering precise, timely insights that empower leaders to make data-driven decisions. To explore how these advancements can elevate your financial strategies, join us on December 12th at 9am PT for our webinar, "Copilot for Finance: Strategic Budget Planning for 2025." Discover how to harness Copilot Wave 2 for tasks like automated data insights, scenario planning, and more, enabling a comprehensive, agile budgeting approach. Gain tools to align financial and technological goals, ensuring your organization is positioned for success in the year ahead.
AI helps in identifying and mitigating risks more effectively. For CFOs, AI in finance use-cases can detect anomalies in financial transactions and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. AI-powered tools can monitor transactions in real-time, flagging any suspicious activity and reducing the risk of fraud. These tools can also help CFOs stay up to date with changing regulations, ensuring that the organization remains compliant.
For CIOs, AI enhances cybersecurity measures--protecting sensitive financial data from breaches. AI can identify potential vulnerabilities in the IT infrastructure and recommend measures to address them. This collaborative approach to risk management strengthens the overall security posture of the organization, ensuring that both financial and IT systems are protected.
AI fosters a culture of collaboration between CFOs and CIOs by aligning their goals and strategies. With AI-driven insights, both executives can work together to prioritize projects that deliver the highest value to the organization. For example, AI can help identify which technology investments will have the greatest impact on financial performance, allowing both leaders to make more informed decisions.
This strategic alignment ensures that technology investments are not only cost-effective but also drive business growth. By working together, CFOs and CIOs can ensure that their strategies are aligned, supporting the overall goals of the organization and driving long-term success.
AI tools facilitate better communication and transparency between CFOs and CIOs. Dashboards and reporting tools provide a unified view of financial and IT metrics, making it easier to track progress and identify areas for improvement. These tools can also help CFOs and CIOs communicate more effectively with other stakeholders, ensuring that everyone is on the same page.
This transparency fosters trust and ensures that both parties are on the same page. By providing a clear view of financial and IT performance, AI helps CFOs and CIOs work together more effectively, driving better outcomes for the organization.
The integration of AI is revolutionizing the way CFOs and CIOs collaborate, driving efficiency, innovation, and strategic alignment. By leveraging AI, these executives can transform their relationship from one of functional silos to a dynamic partnership that propels the organization forward. As AI continues to evolve, the CFO-CIO partnership will only grow stronger, paving the way for a more agile and resilient business.
In our recent webinar, we delved into the who, what, where, how, and why of Microsoft Copilot, exploring its relevance and potential across various sectors. Microsoft Copilot, particularly within the Microsoft Office 365 ecosystem, is transforming the corporate landscape. Dubbed the AI economy, this market is projected to reach nearly $8 trillion by 2028. The rapid growth of AI tools like OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot has propelled the tech industry from $10 trillion to $16 trillion in just two years, highlighting the immense opportunities for businesses and users alike.
One of the key takeaways from our discussion was the widespread adoption of AI tools by corporate leaders. A striking 73% of CEOs are not only learning these tools themselves but are also encouraging their teams to do the same.
This shift in attitude, particularly since November 2022, underscores the growing recognition of AI’s ROI. IT departments, once seen as cost centers, are now viewed as revenue generators, thanks to the efficiencies and insights provided by AI.
The versatility of this platform makes it a valuable asset across various job roles and industries. Whether you’re in finance, IT, or any other sector, Copilot enhances productivity by assisting with data analysis, narrative building in PowerPoint, and even organizing files in Copilot for OneDrive. As organizations begin to roll out AI, common questions arise about its functionality and application. Our webinar aimed to address these queries, demonstrating how Copilot can be integrated into different functional areas and industry scenarios.
A significant portion of our webinar focused on Microsoft Copilot benefits the finance sector through a variety of applications. We discussed how finance professionals can leverage Copilot to streamline data collection and analysis. For instance, a finance team tasked with preparing a comprehensive report for investors can use Copilot to condense months of data gathering into just a few days. By automating data aggregation and table creation, Copilot allows finance professionals to focus on analysis and presentation, significantly enhancing productivity.
To see how Microsoft Copilot can simplify finance tasks like data analysis and reporting live – access our on-demand webinar “Copilot for Finance: Strategic Budget Planning for 2025”.
Beyond Excel, Copilot’s capabilities extend to tools like PowerPoint. Finance professionals can seamlessly import data using the capabilities of Copilot in Excel into PowerPoint, creating polished presentations in minutes. This functionality not only saves time but also ensures that the findings are communicated effectively within the organization. With Microsoft Copilot in PowerPoint, users gain the ability to quickly generate and refine presentations makes Copilot an invaluable tool for business communication.
Another exciting feature we explored is the Copilot Studio Agent. This tool allows users to create intelligent agents within document libraries, such as SharePoint as well as Copilot for OneDrive. These agents can interact with data, providing insights and answering queries based on the information available. This functionality eliminates the need for manual data extraction and analysis, making it easier for teams to access and utilize critical information.
Microsoft Copilot’s benefits extend beyond finance to other departments like sales. For example, a customer selling golf carts can use Copilot to manage inventory, track parts, and oversee maintenance schedules. By consolidating all this information into a single database, Copilot for sales streamlines operations and enhances efficiency, allowing the sales team to focus on customer interactions and growth.
Additionally, Copilot can significantly save the sales team time by providing AI-powered recaps for meeting notes. Instead of manually sifting through lengthy meeting recordings or notes, Copilot automatically generates concise summaries, highlighting key points, action items, and follow-up tasks. This feature ensures that the sales team can quickly review important information and stay aligned on objectives, ultimately boosting productivity and allowing more time for strategic activities.
Satya Nadella, Microsoft’s CEO, emphasizes that “we think with Copilot and we collaborate with people.” This philosophy underscores the tool’s role in enhancing teamwork. For instance, if you miss a meeting, Copilot can provide a summary and highlight key tasks, ensuring you stay informed and productive. This capability is particularly valuable for field workers who need to stay updated without sifting through lengthy meeting recordings.
The AI economy is not just a buzzword; it’s a reality embraced by 90% of Fortune 500 companies. These industry giants are leveraging AI tools to boost productivity and innovation. This trend is trickling down to small and medium-sized businesses, which are beginning to see the value in adopting AI. The cost of AI tools, such as the $30 per user per month for Copilot, is quickly justified by the time savings and increased efficiency they provide.
While the initial investment in AI tools might seem significant, the return on investment is substantial. Many executives have reported that the benefits of Copilot far outweigh the costs, finding ROI with time savings and productivity gains becoming evident within the first week of use. The ability to quickly generate insights and streamline workflows makes Copilot a valuable asset for any organization.
During the webinar, we also showcased how Copilot integrates with Microsoft Planner Premium. By referencing a statement of work, Copilot can create detailed project plans, complete with tasks and timelines. This feature simplifies project management, allowing teams to focus on execution rather than planning. The ability to add boards, buckets, and other features through Copilot further enhances project efficiency.
One of the standout features of Copilot is its ability to adapt its behavior based on user preferences. For example, you can set Copilot to respond in a formal tone or switch to a more playful and humorous style. This flexibility allows users to tailor Copilot’s interactions to suit different contexts and audiences. During the webinar, we demonstrated how changing the behavior settings can make Copilot’s responses more engaging and relatable, such as referencing superheroes and adding a touch of humor.
When harnessing the power of Microsoft Copilot in PowerPoint, users are gifted with a feature called Narrative Builder. This tool helps users create compelling presentations. By selecting a template and providing a subject matter, Copilot can generate a structured narrative and organize the content logically. Users can reorder topics, insert new ones, and even reference external documents like white papers stored on SharePoint. This feature streamlines the presentation creation process, saving time and ensuring that all relevant information is included.
To wrap up the webinar, we conducted a lightning round covering the essential aspects of Copilot:
For those interested in exploring Copilot further, we recommend visiting this copilot.cloud.microsoft. This site serves as a comprehensive lab for Copilot, offering a wealth of ideas and prompts to help you make the most of the tool. Whether you’re in human resources, finance, or any other department, you’ll find scenarios and prompts tailored to your specific needs.
Navigating your learning journey can be challenging, if you aren’t exactly sure what to look for, you can gain a comprehensive understanding of the platform by accessing our expert-guided walkthroughs available in our on-demand webinars.
Effective prompting is key to getting the best results from Copilot. For example, a simple prompt like “write a blog post about sustainable practices in agriculture” will yield a response, but a more detailed prompt will provide richer, more relevant content. By specifying your expectations and excluding irrelevant information, you can guide Copilot to produce exactly what you need. This approach not only enhances the quality of the output but also saves time.
To support organizations in adopting Copilot, Managed Solution offers a comprehensive Microsoft Copilot for business adoption roadmap program. This 14-day program covers everything from general end-user prompting and adoption tactics to advanced capabilities like automation and chatbot development. Whether you need a full program or just specific modules, Managed Solution can tailor the training to meet your needs.
Our webinar highlighted the transformative potential of Microsoft Copilot benefits across various sectors. From enhancing data analysis in finance to streamlining business communication and project management, Copilot is proving to be an indispensable tool for modern businesses. As AI continues to evolve, investing in tools like Copilot will play a crucial role in driving efficiency, productivity, and innovation in the corporate world.
Many workers have concerns about job security with the rise of AI, contrary to these concerns research shows that embracing AI is primed to enhance roles, not replace them.
The rapid rise of AI in the workplace has prompted some understandable questions and concerns among employees. Will automation lead to fewer jobs? Are we on a path where artificial intelligence replaces human roles altogether?
The reality is quite different. New data and research show that AI is here to help, improve, and create new job opportunities. It is not meant to replace human workers.
To get a better understanding of this let's explore how AI tools, like Microsoft 365 Copilot (recently upgraded to Copilot Wave 2), are changing workplaces. These tools make work easier and create new chances for employees.
Concerns about AI and job security are prevalent, with many workers worried that automation could replace their roles. A Pew Research study found that 48% of U.S. workers fear that robots and computers will eventually perform most of the work currently done by humans, creating widespread job displacement. Similarly, a Gallup poll reported that 73% of workers believe AI will eliminate more jobs than it creates.
Despite these worries, data suggests a different outcome: the World Economic Forum projects that while 85 million jobs may be displaced by AI by 2025, 97 million new roles will emerge in areas like AI management, data science, and technology development.
As technology evolves, data indicates that that AI is poised to shift the workforce rather than shrink it, with new opportunities that require human creativity, empathy, and complex decision-making.
In fact, in PWC’s 2024 AI Business Predictions Report, experts claim that embracing AI technology in the workplace is critical for more reasons than staying competitive in the market:
“In 2024, AI will be an essential part of how your people interact with data, stakeholders and each other. Trust in AI will be critical — and that means more than just compliant, secure systems.
It means deploying the right solutions for the right situation with the right data, policies and oversight to achieve relevant, reliable results. That requires responsible AI, an enterprise-wide approach and set of practices. Responsible AI can help everyone who develops and uses AI do so with an eye toward building trust.” - PWC
Trust between employees and AI appears to be growing. AI is continuously proving itself to be a reliable helper at work. Freeing employees from repetitive tasks and allowing them to focus on more strategic, creative, and impactful work. Most developers create AI technology today specifically to improve the lives of workers.
With advanced AI solutions like Microsoft 365 Copilot, the platform’s AI agents work well with familiar office apps. They help employees automate routine tasks, organize data, and simplify workflows. Acting directly as assistants to the employee and enabling them to produce quality work with ease.
AI tools like Copilot’s AI agents do more than boost productivity. They aim to make jobs more enjoyable and collaborative.
For example, customer service representatives can use AI to get information quickly. This helps them answer questions in real-time. As a result, wait times go down, and customer satisfaction improves.
Marketing teams can leverage artificial intelligence solutions to analyze consumer behavior, crafting messages that resonate deeply with their audiences and fostering more impactful campaigns.
Industries such as healthcare, education, and finance also benefit from AI at work. Here, AI provides critical insights by processing data, leading to faster, more informed decision-making.
According to a study by PwC, 67% of global executives believe that artificial intelligence will help humans and machines work together as effective co-workers. By handling time-consuming tasks, AI allows employees to focus on important projects. This helps increase their value in the organization.
As more and more companies are integrating AI, the need for skilled workers to manage, train, and improve AI systems has grown. This has led to new job categories and areas of focus. These include expertise in data annotation, natural language processing, and machine learning.
AI training roles help connect technical AI processes with real-world applications. This allows companies to get the most efficiency from their AI investments.
By investing in AI training jobs, organizations help people grow in their careers. They also provide chances to develop skills. This ensures that AI systems stay accurate, reliable, and helpful.
Understanding AI in the workplace is important for both employees and employers. Training programs and upskilling opportunities are becoming more common. What we know for certain is that AI tools will keep evolving, and so will training roles. This will create a workforce that is skilled with technology and able to adapt to change.
The shift towards AI is not a signal of mass job displacement; rather, it’s a chance to make work more efficient and fulfilling. With artificial intelligence solutions like Microsoft 365 Copilot, organizations can foster a workplace culture that embraces technology without compromising the human element.
AI adoption allows employees to handle complex, rewarding work that pushes innovation forward and drives job satisfaction. For organizations, understanding AI in the workplace means recognizing the potential to elevate productivity, inspire creativity, and open up new career paths for employees.
AI’s impact on the workplace is not about replacement; it’s about collaboration and empowerment, bringing the best of human and machine intelligence together. As AI technology continues to shape the future of work, we can expect a workplace that thrives on innovation, enhances productivity, and supports both new and existing job roles. Far from replacing employees, AI is here to make work better for everyone.
Explore our on-demand webinar series to unlock everything you need to know about Microsoft 365 Copilot.
The role of the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) has evolved dramatically. Once focused mainly on cybersecurity and data privacy, today’s CISOs are now responsible not only for safeguarding data but also for taking a proactive approach to identifying and mitigating emerging threats. Their role has expanded to encompass the creation and execution of security strategies that span the entire organization, moving beyond just the IT department to ensure comprehensive protection.
As remote and hybrid work environments become the new standard, CISOs are navigating a sea of unprecedented challenges. Here are some of the most pressing issues keeping CISOs up at night and the strategies they can employ to safeguard their organizations and sleep a little easier.
1. Ransomware Attacks and the Value of Customer Data
3. Cloud Security Gaps and Misconfigurations
Transforming Challenges into Strategic Opportunities
For companies that handle a lot of customer data, ransomware attacks can be particularly devastating. The data these businesses collect—ranging from personal identification to financial details—has immense value on the dark web, making these organizations prime targets. Attackers constantly evolve their techniques, learning new ways to infiltrate software or exploit under trained employees.
For CISOs, the stakes are incredibly high: not only is intellectual property at risk, but also the sensitive information of customers, which, if compromised, can lead to identity theft and long-lasting reputational damage. Worse yet, a breach can disrupt an organization’s ability to operate, leading to costly downtime and a loss of customer trust.
In fact, the average cost of a data breach has risen significantly;
“In 2024, the average data breach cost soared to a staggering $4.88 million up from 4.45 million in 2023—the highest ever recorded in IBM’s annual report’s history.” – IBM, 2024 Cost of a Data Breach report.
This represents a notable increase from $4.45 million in 2023, highlighting a growing financial impact on businesses. breaches involving data stored across multiple environments contributed to a sharp rise in intellectual property theft, which increased by 27%.
The report underscores that to mitigate these risks, organizations should implement stronger data visibility and control mechanisms, particularly overshadow data and unmanaged sources. It also advocates for using AI to reduce detection and response times.
“Intellectual property theft spiked; More than one-third of breaches involved shadow data. Yet use of AI/Automation cut breach costs by $1.88 million.” - IBM Newsroom, 2024 Cost of Data Breach Report
This highlights the fact that proactive cybersecurity strategies, like incident response planning and threat detection, are essential for safeguarding sensitive IP and minimizing breach costs
Learn more about this with our upcoming webinar, Microsoft’s Best-Kept Security Secrets, covers Microsoft’s AI-Driven Cybersecurity tools in-depth, as well as how to implement them for automated protection of your organization from evolving threats.
Given that cyberattacks are becoming more sophisticated, avoiding them entirely is nearly impossible. However, CISOs can mitigate the risk by conducting regular vulnerability scans, implementing robust security protocols and staying ahead of vulnerabilities.
Another particularly vital strategy is employee training. Since human error is often the weakest link in an organization’s security chain, educating employees on the latest phishing schemes, social engineering tactics, and security best practices can dramatically reduce the likelihood of an attack.
To further enhance security, Microsoft has introduced integrated reporting buttons in Microsoft Outlook that allows employees to report suspicious emails quickly. This feature, now available in both the classic version of Outlook for Windows and the Outlook Web App, empowers users to flag potential phishing threats with ease. By enabling swift reporting, organizations can leverage employee vigilance as a first line of defense against cyber threats. While this won't eliminate ransomware risks entirely, it significantly reduces the chances of successful breaches
Insider threats, though less publicized, can be just as daunting for CISOs as external attacks. Employees—whether through negligence, ignorance, or malicious intent—can expose sensitive data and create significant security gaps.
In organizations managing vast amounts of customer information, such as financial institutions or healthcare providers, one compromised account can give attackers access to entire datasets, putting not only customer data but also intellectual property and operational integrity at risk. The complexity of insider threats arises from the fact that these threats come from within the organization, making them harder to detect and neutralize compared to external attacks.
Preventing insider threats requires a multi-layered approach combining technology and human-focused strategies. Tight access controls should be implemented to ensure employees only have access to the data necessary for their specific roles, minimizing the potential damage a compromised or negligent employee can cause. Regular reviews of access permissions are essential to prevent unauthorized or outdated access, especially after job role changes or employee terminations.
In addition, advanced user activity monitoring tools can detect unusual behaviors, such as attempts to access restricted areas or bulk data downloads, and alert security teams in real-time. By integrating machine learning and AI into these monitoring systems, organizations can identify subtle anomalies in employee behavior that may indicate insider threats before they escalate.
Equally important is cultivating a security-first culture through continuous employee education and awareness training. Employees must be trained to recognize phishing attacks, avoid social engineering traps, and follow strong password management practices. Regular security training reinforces the importance of individual responsibility in maintaining data security and can dramatically reduce the likelihood of human error.
A well-informed workforce, combined with strict technological safeguards, forms a solid first line of defense against insider threats. Should an insider threat arise, having a robust incident response plan in place ensures that the organization can act quickly, isolating affected systems and minimizing the damage before it spirals out of control.
As more businesses migrate to the cloud, CISOs must grapple with an increased risk of misconfigurations and security oversights. Misconfigured cloud services can lead to disastrous breaches, especially for companies with large amounts of sensitive customer data. Attackers can exploit these gaps to gain unauthorized access, exfiltrating valuable information without setting off immediate alarms.
To address these vulnerabilities, CISOs must adopt a multi-layered approach to cloud security. This includes employing automated tools to continuously scan for misconfigurations, encrypting sensitive data, and ensuring that multi-factor authentication is in place across all cloud services.
In addition, IT teams should be regularly trained to stay current with evolving cloud security practices, ensuring that systems remain as secure as possible. By integrating cloud monitoring with broader security operations, CISOs can maintain visibility into their cloud environments and respond more quickly to emerging threats.
Supply chain attacks are particularly insidious because they exploit the interconnected nature of modern businesses. Even if a company has robust internal security measures, the weakest link in the supply chain can provide attackers with a backdoor into its systems.
For example, compromised software updates from a trusted vendor can introduce malware into an organization’s network without detection, leading to widespread data breaches or operational disruption. As businesses increasingly rely on cloud-based services and third-party applications, these risks multiply, making supply chain security a top priority for CISOs.
To effectively mitigate supply chain threats, CISOs must adopt a proactive stance, building strong relationships with vendors and incorporating security into every stage of the procurement process. One way to achieve this is by requiring third parties to adhere to security frameworks like ISO 27001 or SOC 2, ensuring that they meet recognized security benchmarks.
Furthermore, organizations should establish contractual obligations around cybersecurity, requiring vendors to report breaches or vulnerabilities promptly. Beyond the initial vetting process, continuous monitoring and real-time threat intelligence sharing with vendors can help companies stay ahead of emerging risks. By incorporating supply chain security into their broader risk management strategy, CISOs can minimize the potential for indirect attacks and ensure the resilience of their entire ecosystem.
With the rise of privacy regulations like GDPR and CCPA, CISOs face mounting pressure to ensure that their organizations comply with an ever-growing number of legal frameworks. For businesses with substantial amounts of customer data, failure to comply can lead to severe financial penalties and reputational harm. Compliance is no longer just about avoiding fines; it’s integral to building customer trust and maintaining operational integrity.
In 2024, the compliance landscape has become even more complex. New regulations and updates, such as the September 2024 DOJ Corporate Compliance Program Updates, emphasize the need for businesses to manage risks associated with emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI). The DOJ’s revised guidance requires companies to demonstrate how they govern and manage AI systems, ensuring ethical use and compliance with legal standards.
Additionally, global compliance concerns have expanded to include issues like environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards, cryptocurrency regulations, and evolving fraud schemes. Compliance professionals must navigate these challenges while balancing the need for rapid service delivery and adherence to critical guidelines designed to protect consumers and financial institutions.
To manage this complexity, CISOs should adopt automated compliance management systems that track regulatory changes and ensure adherence to all necessary standards. By integrating these tools with broader security operations, organizations can streamline compliance efforts, reducing the risk of non-compliance while freeing up resources to focus on proactive security measures.
Moreover, the integration of compliance with enterprise risk management (ERM) is crucial. The latest guidance from regulatory bodies emphasizes that compliance should not exist in isolation but be part of a holistic risk management strategy. This approach ensures that compliance risks are managed alongside other business risks, creating a comprehensive view of the organization’s overall risk exposure.
By staying proactive and integrating compliance efforts with broader risk management strategies, organizations can better navigate the complex regulatory landscape, building trust and maintaining operational integrity.
In the face of these pressing challenges, CISOs have the opportunity to transform potential threats into strategic advantages. Rather than viewing each risk as a setback, today’s security leaders can harness these challenges to strengthen their overall security posture and drive business resilience.
By adopting proactive measures—such as advanced threat detection, continuous monitoring, and a deep integration of cybersecurity into the broader business strategy—CISOs can turn reactive defenses into a forward-thinking, robust security framework.
Automation, AI, and human-centered solutions like employee education are critical in addressing the modern complexities of cybersecurity. At the same time, embracing collaboration between IT and other departments helps build a security-aware culture that reduces insider risks, minimizes human error, and aligns security goals with business objectives.
Additionally, staying ahead of compliance changes not only avoids penalties but also creates an opportunity to build trust with customers and stakeholders by showcasing a commitment to data privacy and ethical operations.
Need expert guidance but lack a full-time CISO? Our virtual CISO (vCISO) services provide you with access to seasoned security professionals who can help you navigate complex cybersecurity challenges without the cost of a full-time executive. Whether you're looking to enhance your incident response plan, improve cloud security, or ensure compliance with the latest regulations, our vCISO team is here to provide the leadership and strategic oversight your organization needs.
Ultimately, transforming these challenges into strategic opportunities allows CISOs—and businesses partnering with vCISO services—to not just protect their organizations but to contribute to their growth, innovation, and long-term success. In today’s rapidly changing landscape, effective leadership in security isn’t just about reacting to threats—it’s about building a resilient, future-ready organization that thrives amid uncertainty. Reach out today to learn more about how our vCISO services can elevate your security strategy.
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