Microsoft AI: Is it Worth the Hype?

Microsoft AI: Is it Worth the Hype? A Personal View from a Veteran Consultant

Welcome, everyone! Today, I want to share my thoughts on Microsoft's AI strategy. Having been in the IT field for quite some time, I’ve seen a plethora of advancements, from the growth of personal computers to the rise of cloud computing. But amidst these advancements, a few technologies, like speech recognition software and virtual reality headsets, promised much but have yet to see widespread adoption. So, what about Microsoft's foray into AI? Is it just hype, or does it hold substantial promise?

The AI Boom: Microsoft’s Big Bet

Microsoft has been investing heavily in AI, with billions already spent and more to come. AI is now a central part of their growth strategy for the upcoming financial year. Their significant investment in OpenAI, the developer of ChatGPT, and the integration of this chatbot into Bing, showcases Microsoft's ambition. They've poured $11 billion into OpenAI, on top of their internal AI development costs.

Justified Hype?

So, is the hype around AI justified? In my view, yes. AI has the potential to revolutionise our interaction with technology, offering a notable return on investment for Microsoft in the long run. Here are three key areas where I see AI making a significant impact:

1. Revolutionising Information Retrieval

Traditional search engines like Google have us sifting through websites to find the information we need. Bing’s AI-powered chatbot changes the game by directly providing well-organised, referenced information. Though it’s a bit hit-or-miss now, I believe it will become more accurate with further development. This innovation could help Bing gain more market share from Google, especially with rumours of Samsung considering Bing for internet searches.

2. AI-as-a-Service

Developing AI applications requires significant processing power, data storage, and extensive training. Microsoft aims to capitalise on this by offering AI capabilities through an AI version of its Azure cloud services. This model lowers access costs, making AI more accessible to companies and driving revenue growth for Microsoft.

3. Copilot for Productivity

Microsoft’s 365 Copilot aims to enhance productivity in Office apps, Teams, and other products. For instance, Copilot in Excel can suggest formulas, highlight data insights, and create PivotTables, allowing users to focus on data analysis rather than calculations. I’ve used AI features in Teams Premium, like Intelligent Recap, which summarises meetings and suggests action items. Initially sceptical, I’ve been impressed with the results.

Proceed with Caution

While I’m a proponent of AI, there are essential factors to consider before diving in, particularly with Modern Workplace technology:

• Data Security: Ensure proper classification and restriction of information AI can access.
• Effective Prompts: Train users on how to interact effectively with AI to get optimal results.
• User Enablement: Adoption and change management are crucial. Overcoming resistance to AI and training people to use it effectively is vital for success.

In conclusion, while AI is not without its challenges, Microsoft’s strategic investment and development in this area seem poised to make a significant impact. As someone who has seen many technological waves come and go, I believe AI holds real promise and potential for transformative change in how we interact with technology. What are your thoughts? Do you think AI will live up to the hype? Let’s discuss!