Microsoft’s annual Ignite partner conference often brings about big changes and announcements from across the Microsoft ecosystem. While the focus this year remained on artificial intelligence (AI), there was a host of fascinating developments from across the business.
In the latest episode of The Technology Boardroom, “Ignite reaction: Advania’s take on Microsoft’s annual tech conference”, our hosts bring you insightful discussions, expert opinions and a detailed analysis of the key announcements from this year’s Microsoft Ignite.
Meet the Boardroom
Peter Wilson and Dan Coleby return to The Technology Boardroom, joined by new host Kate Johnson-Lee, each of them sharing their unique perspectives and expertise. Together, they dissect the major themes of Ignite 2024, from AI and Copilot advancements to hardware innovations and the impact on various industries.
- Peter Wilson: As Director of Sales Expertise, Pete is a seasoned professional within Advania. He has recently transitioned to overseeing cross-sell capabilities within the group. With a rich background in client engagement, Peter shares his thoughts on the latest technological advancements and their practical applications across different sectors.
- Dan Coleby: Our Director of Client Technology Value at Advania, Dan has a keen eye for identifying how technological investments can yield significant returns for clients. His analytical approach provides a strategic viewpoint on the innovations presented at Ignite 2024.
- Kate Johnson-Lee: Kate, a Solutions Consultant at Advania, attended Ignite 2024 in person. Her first hand experience and enthusiasm for new technologies, especially those related to digital transformation and employee experience, offer valuable insights into the event’s highlights.
Touching down at Microsoft Ignite
The podcast episode kicks off with a lively discussion about the overall experience at Ignite 2024. Kate shares her excitement about attending the conference in Chicago, describing “big flashy lights and exciting announcements”. Her enthusiasm sets the stage for a deep dive into the major themes of the conference.
One of the central themes of Ignite 2024 was undoubtedly AI, with a particular focus on Copilot and its transformative potential. Pete even questions, “was anything other than AI talked about?” This sets the tone for a comprehensive exploration of how AI is being integrated into various Microsoft products and services.
AI and Copilot: the game changers
AI and Copilot were at the forefront of discussions throughout Ignite 2024. Kate highlights the introduction of Copilot Studio and Agents, which she describes as “sort of mind-blowing.” She explains how these tools allow users to create AI-powered agents in SharePoint sites or Teams, making it accessible for front-end users to perform tasks with natural language commands.
Dan elaborates on the significance of these advancements, comparing Copilot to “your brainy mate who comes to the pub with you on a Friday evening”. He emphasises how the ability to train AI on specific data sets and behaviours will enhance the accuracy and reliability of its responses, making Copilot an indispensable tool for businesses.
Hardware Innovations: Azure Local and Windows 365 Link
Shifting gears, Peter discusses the intriguing announcement of Azure Local. He explains how this development allows organisations to spin up a local copy of Azure, providing centralised management within the Azure ecosystem. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for companies with specific geographical or compliance requirements. “For me, that’s a huge game-changer,” Pete says, highlighting the potential for cost-effective and scalable solutions.
The conversation also touches on the Windows 365 Link, a thin client device pre-configured to join a Windows 365 environment. Dan, who has a personal connection to the launch of Windows 365, provides insights into how this device can simplify IT infrastructure and enhance user experience, especially in environments like manufacturing and retail.
Security and practical applications
Security concerns are a significant topic in the AI conversation. Kate reassures listeners by explaining the robust security measures in place, including the ability to limit AI responses to specific content sets. She recounts how demonstrations at Ignite showcased the enterprise-level security of these tools, ensuring that sensitive information remains protected.
Dan adds that the ability to ground AI in particular content sets is crucial, especially for businesses handling sensitive data. He emphasises the importance of understanding both the capabilities and limitations of AI to make informed decisions about its implementation.
Personal reflections and takeaways
With Kate joining a team of Advania colleagues on the ground in Chicago, the podcast is a great opportunity for her to share experiences and observations from attending Ignite in person. She humorously recalls the novelty of not having to wait in line for the women’s restroom, a rare occurrence at tech conferences. Her reflections offer a glimpse into the human side of attending such a large-scale event.
Peter and Dan, who attended remotely, express their appreciation for the detailed insights Kate brought back. They round off with a discussion on the practical implications of the announcements and how they plan to incorporate these new technologies into their work at Advania.
