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.
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.
Our new get started with copilot webinar series is tailored to help you understand how Copilot can be your digital co-pilot, providing intelligent assistance across a variety of tasks.
At the heart of Copilot lies a suite of tools and features engineered to boost productivity across the Microsoft 365 ecosystem. Whether you are crafting documents, creating presentations, managing emails, or working with spreadsheets, Copilot is there to assist you. It offers intelligent suggestions, customizable templates, insightful analytics, and industry best practices, ensuring that your work is efficient and effective.
Document Creation
With intelligent suggestions and customizable templates, Copilot helps you create professional and polished documents quickly and easily.
No more staring at a blank page—Copilot offers prompts and layout options tailored to your needs.
Presentation Design
Copilot assists in crafting engaging presentations by providing design recommendations, content suggestions, and even slide transitions, making your presentations stand out.
Email Management
Managing a flood of emails can be daunting, but Copilot streamlines this process by categorizing, prioritizing, and even drafting responses, ensuring you stay on top of your inbox.
Data Handling in Spreadsheets
Copilot's advanced analytics and data visualization tools transform raw data into actionable insights. Whether you're creating complex formulas or generating reports, Copilot is your go-to assistant.
Our recorded webinar series is your gateway to unlocking the full potential of Copilot for Microsoft 365. Each session is packed with insights, practical tips, and real-world applications, specifically designed to meet the unique needs of your business.
How to leverage Copilot's intelligent features to streamline your daily tasks.
Practical tips for integrating Copilot into your existing workflows.
Real-world examples of how Copilot solves industry-specific challenges.
Strategies to maximize the benefits of Microsoft 365 with Copilot.
With eight sessions to choose from, covering a wide range of industries and use cases, you'll find the guidance you need to transform your business processes. Each session is tailored to address specific challenges and showcase how Copilot can be effectively utilized in different scenarios.
Session Highlights:
In this in-depth guide for purchasing Copilot you'll learn about every licensing option available in detail, along with the demographics each option best suits to choose the perfect plan for you.
“The company discovered there were different “types” of Copilot users. One segment includes creators, researchers, and programmers who want rapid access to the latest generative AI tools.
Another segment includes Microsoft 365 customers who want to leverage Copilot in their apps for personal use. Plus, there are Copilot users who need access to the complete capabilities of Copilot, alongside enterprise data protection, Microsoft Graph grounding, and Copilot in Teams.
As a result, there are now different “Copilot plans” available for each type of user, starting with the introduction of Microsoft Copilot Pro”. -- Android Authority
Freelancers and Hobbyists: Copilot’s Free version is the perfect fit for freelancers and hobbyists who work on projects intermittently. This option allows individuals to access Copilot's capabilities without committing to a fixed monthly subscription, making it cost-effective and highly accessible for users who don’t yet have the need for Copilots complete suite of services.
Small to Medium-Sized Businesses (SMBs): SMBs with Microsoft 365 Business Standard or Business Premium subscription and small to medium-sized development teams can benefit from Copilot Pro or Microsoft Copilot for Microsoft 365.
With its predictable monthly subscription fee per user, Copilot Pro offers unlimited access to Copilot's features, enabling teams to collaborate effectively and increase productivity without worrying about variable costs.
If the organization is working heavily with Microsoft 365, then Copilot for Microsoft 365 is the best option to reap all of Copilots benefits within their existing M365 platform.
Large Enterprises: Large enterprises with Microsoft 365 E3 or E5 and complex development environments and stringent security requirements can leverage Copilot for Microsoft 365.
Customizable pricing and features, along with advanced security controls and dedicated support, make Copilot for Microsoft 365 ideal for organizations seeking enterprise-grade solutions tailored to their specific needs.
The "free" Copilot experience for individuals grants access to foundational capabilities, web grounding, and commercial data protection. However, users do not have access to Copilot features within tools like Word, PowerPoint, or Teams.
Free users can utilize Copilot in specific solutions, such as Bing Chat and Bing Chat Enterprise.
Considering upgrading from the free version of Copilot to the monthly Copilot Pro subscription for $20? If you're a casual Copilot user and satisfied with the performance and features of the free version, there's no pressing need to upgrade.
However, if you frequently use Microsoft Office applications, the decision becomes more nuanced. Copilot Pro unlocks AI features within Office, particularly in apps like PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook, which can be truly transformative.
The ability to command Copilot to assist in creating a PowerPoint presentation based on a Word document or email is remarkable and can significantly save time.
If such capabilities align with your needs and preferences, then opting for a Copilot Pro subscription is advisable. While $20 per month may seem steep, we anticipate that Copilot Pro will continue to evolve with additional features over time, potentially increasing its value in the future.
The Copilot Free Plan is particularly beneficial for individuals and small teams who have occasional or moderate needs for AI-driven assistance in software development but do not require access to advanced features or integration with Microsoft Office applications.
Specifically, the following demographics would benefit the most from Copilot's Free Plan:
Freelancers and Hobbyists: Individuals who work on coding projects independently or as a hobby can benefit from the Copilot Free Plan as it provides foundational AI capabilities without the need for a paid subscription.
Students: Students learning to code or working on coding projects for academic purposes can leverage the Copilot Free Plan to access AI-powered coding assistance at no cost.
Small Development Teams: Small teams with limited resources or budgets can utilize the Copilot Free Plan to enhance their coding productivity without incurring additional expenses.
Startups and Bootstrapped Companies: Startups and bootstrapped companies in their early stages of development may find the Copilot Free Plan advantageous as it offers basic AI assistance without requiring a financial commitment.
Overall, the Copilot Free Plan caters to individuals and organizations looking to explore AI-driven coding assistance without the need for advanced features or integration with Microsoft Office applications.
The Copilot Pro Plan is best suited for users and organizations with more extensive needs, particularly those who rely heavily on Microsoft Office applications for their work.
The following demographics would benefit the most from Copilot's Pro Plan:
Professional Developers: Experienced developers and software engineers who work on complex projects and require advanced AI-driven assistance, such as code suggestions, refactoring, and bug fixing, would benefit greatly from the Copilot Pro Plan.
Microsoft Office Users: Individuals and teams who heavily utilize Microsoft Office applications like Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook in their workflow can unlock the full potential of Copilot's integration with Office applications with the Pro Plan. This includes features such as generating PowerPoint presentations based on Word documents or emails, which can significantly save time and enhance productivity.
Companies with Compliance and Security Needs: Enterprises with strict compliance and security requirements can benefit from the advanced security controls and dedicated support offered by the Copilot Pro Plan, ensuring that their coding activities remain secure and compliant with industry standards.
Teams Requiring Priority Support and Collaboration Tools: Organizations that require priority support and advanced collaboration tools, such as centralized billing and management, can take advantage of the Copilot Pro Plan to enhance team collaboration and productivity.
For users wanting to incorporate Copilot into their Microsoft 365 infrastructure, there are many different options to explore which we have broken down below:
For individuals or families subscribed to Microsoft 365 Personal or Family, Copilot Essentials provides access to essential AI-powered features within select Microsoft 365 apps.
With Copilot Essentials, users can enjoy priority access to Copilot and experience faster performance. Additionally, Copilot Essentials accelerates image creation with Designer, making it an ideal choice for personal or household use.
Individuals or families seeking enhanced productivity within select Microsoft 365 apps.
Casual users who do not require extensive AI capabilities but value improved performance and image creation features.
Designed for customers with a Microsoft 365 Business Standard or Business Premium subscription, Copilot for Microsoft 365 Business Essentials offers a comprehensive set of AI-powered tools tailored for small to medium-sized businesses.
Users gain access to AI-powered chat with secure access to organizational graphs, enabling efficient communication and collaboration. Additionally, Copilot is seamlessly integrated into Microsoft 365 apps such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams, enhancing productivity across the organization.
With the ability to customize and extend Copilot using Microsoft Copilot Studio Preview, businesses can adapt the AI assistant to meet their unique needs. Furthermore, Copilot for Microsoft 365 Business Essentials provides enterprise-grade security, privacy, and compliance features, ensuring data protection and regulatory compliance.
Small to medium-sized businesses requiring AI-powered tools for improved communication, collaboration, and productivity.
Organizations seeking enterprise-grade security and compliance features within their AI assistant.
For customers with a Microsoft 365 E3 or E5 subscription, Copilot for Microsoft 365 Enterprise Solutions offers advanced AI capabilities tailored for large enterprises.
In addition to AI-powered chat and access to Copilot in Microsoft 365 apps, enterprise users benefit from customizable AI solutions through Microsoft Copilot Studio Preview.
With enterprise-grade security, privacy, and compliance features, Copilot for Microsoft 365 Enterprise Solutions ensures data protection and regulatory compliance at scale.
Large enterprises with complex workflows and extensive AI requirements.
Organizations seeking highly customizable AI solutions with robust security and compliance features.
On March 1st of 2024, Microsoft released the following additional licensing options for Copilot. These licenses for Copilot Sales and Copilot Service will be available for CSP.
Read the graph below to learn more or contact our procurement team at quotes@managedsolution.com.
Choosing the right Copilot pricing plan depends on your specific needs and the Microsoft 365 subscription you currently hold. Whether you're an individual user, a small business, or a large enterprise, there's a Copilot plan tailored to enhance your productivity, collaboration, and security within the Microsoft 365 ecosystem.
We hope this guide for purchasing copilot will help you evaluate your requirements carefully and select the Copilot plan that best aligns with your goals and priorities.
If you're ready to unlock the full potential of AI-driven productivity tools within Microsoft 365, reach out to our procurement team at quotes@managedsolution.com to learn more, and explore the Copilot pricing plans today with one of our experts.
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