Insights from Microsoft Ignite 2023 | Copilot

This year wasn’t only about software; hardware also took the spotlight. Microsoft revealed its move into the CPU market with Azure Cobalt and unveiled its AI chip, Azure Maia. These advancements address the surging demand for AI computing power, both in the cloud and on-premises.

As Microsoft moves into the AI computing power arena, it recognizes the significant role played by NVIDIA, the current leading GPU provider for AI applications. In a strategic move, Microsoft and NVIDIA have announced a multi-year partnership to build one of the world's most powerful AI supercomputers. This supercomputer will leverage Microsoft Azure infrastructure and NVIDIA's GPUs, network, and AI software.

Meet your new Copilot 

The introduction of Microsoft’s own processor line aligns closely with the many AI-related innovations presented during Ignite. Microsoft envisions generative AI as a revolutionary force surpassing previous milestones, such as the introduction of personal computers and smartphones. Positioned as a leader in this revolution, Microsoft aims to deliver everything from silicon to service.

The common thread throughout the event was Copilot, your everyday AI companion, enhancing various aspects of your workday. Multiple Copilots were unveiled during Ignite, each serving specific purposes. For instance:

• Copilot for Microsoft 365: Streamlines your daily workflow by integrating the power of Large Language Models into everyday applications like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams.
• Security Copilot: Protects your data and devices from cyber threats by using AI to detect and prevent attacks and provide recommendations for best practices.
• Sales Copilot: Boosts your sales performance by using AI to generate leads, optimize pricing, and personalize offers.
• Service Copilot: Enhances your customer service by using AI to automate responses, resolve issues, and provide feedback. 
• Microsoft Copilot for Azure: Simplifies your cloud management by using AI to optimize resources, monitor performance, and troubleshoot problems. 
• Copilot for Dynamics 365: Improves your business processes by using AI to automate workflows, analyze data, and provide insights. 
• And more: Copilot will soon extend its capabilities to Power Automate, Power BI, and Power Apps. 

You can explore the functionalities of Copilot and share experiences with other users on the intuitive Copilot Lab platform. You can also monitor the adoption of Copilot for Microsoft 365 in your organization through the Copilot Dashboard.

Security

AI is changing the world, but it also brings new challenges and risks. Microsoft knows that threats have evolved, and that defenders need new technologies. That’s why Microsoft is introducing the first Unified Security Operations Platform, which combines Microsoft Sentinel and Microsoft Defender XDR. This platform has Security Copilot experiences, which use AI to protect threats and aid defenders.

Microsoft is also expanding Security Copilot within Intune, Purview and Entra to help IT, compliance and identity teams. In Entra, you can troubleshoot identity access. In Purview, you get rich context for data security alerts. In Intune, you can use “what if” analysis for governance and compliance.

They will help you manage and secure your AI data on any platform. They are part of Microsoft’s vision of strengthening defenses in the era of AI.

Azure Boost

The final keynote of Ignite 2023 was delivered by Mark Russinovich, the CTO of Microsoft Azure. He shared how Microsoft is working hard to make its data centers more efficient and eco-friendlier, while also boosting the performance of the Azure infrastructure with Azure Boost. This new feature will enable you to run your applications faster than ever on Azure.