AI in the Workplace: Microsoft Report and Training Programs, Apple's Hybrid AI Strategy: On-Device and Cloud Integration

[00:00:02] It's Thursday, May 9th, 2024, and I'm Dave Solvill.

[00:00:05] Three things to note today.

[00:00:07] AI in the workplace, a Microsoft report underscores the need for structured training programs.

[00:00:13] Cross-platform AI integration takes center stage in a ServiceNow and Microsoft partnership,

[00:00:18] and Tim Cook details Apple's hybrid AI strategy on device and cloud integration.

[00:00:25] This is the Business of Tech.

[00:00:30] According to a report by Microsoft and LinkedIn, white-collar workers are increasingly using

[00:00:35] AI tools to cope with overwhelming workloads, even if their companies haven't provided

[00:00:41] training.

[00:00:42] The report shows that 75% of desk job workers already use AI, nearly doubling in the past

[00:00:49] six months.

[00:00:50] The report also highlights the need for companies to train workers in AI skills

[00:00:55] as most business leaders say they would only hire someone with those skills.

[00:00:59] However, less than 40% of workers using AI have received any training.

[00:01:05] The study highlights the positive effect of AI on productivity and efficiency, with

[00:01:10] power users saving more than 30 minutes a day.

[00:01:13] The report also discusses the trend of bring-your-own AI and its potential risks.

[00:01:18] Additionally, the study reveals that AI is influencing the job market, with more

[00:01:22] people adding AI skills to their profiles and a rise in job applications for posts

[00:01:28] mentioning AI.

[00:01:30] OpenAI is offering insights into the rules and guidelines that govern its conversational

[00:01:35] AI models, such as ChatGBT.

[00:01:37] The company has published its Model Summary, which outlines high-level rules and objectives

[00:01:42] for the models.

[00:01:44] These guidelines help define the AI's behavior and ensure it adheres to certain boundaries,

[00:01:49] such as refusing to generate false claims or discussing unapproved topics.

[00:01:55] Why do we care?

[00:01:57] Trickle all of this as an area of opportunity.

[00:02:00] Training, training, training for the win.

[00:02:03] Let's also note this idea of the trend toward bring-your-own AI, where employees

[00:02:07] bring and use their own AI tools at work, introducing additional complexities.

[00:02:13] While it showcases the initiatives of workers to improve their efficiency, it

[00:02:17] poses risks, including data security risks, lack of standardization and potential compliance

[00:02:23] issues.

[00:02:24] And I offer OpenAI's information as the kind of training providers will need on the

[00:02:28] difference in models.

[00:02:30] If you want to understand how these models work to explain them to customers, you

[00:02:34] now have some homework.

[00:02:39] Security presents a clear and unmistakable opportunity for MSPs, even surpassing core

[00:02:43] MSP services like RMM, BDR.

[00:02:47] And only 38% of partners are engaging customers on this opportunity.

[00:02:51] Why?

[00:02:53] Because it's tough to sell and tough to deliver.

[00:02:55] Many partners struggle with how to engage customers and start the security conversation.

[00:03:00] SkyKick built Security Navigator to address this, offering a proven blueprint to navigate

[00:03:06] engagement challenges and successfully execute with 100% of your M365 customers, allowing

[00:03:13] you to grow customer relevance, impact and revenue.

[00:03:17] Join their webinar May 15th with multiple time zone options to hear from three MSPs

[00:03:22] using the product and the SkyKick team on how you can leverage reports to get

[00:03:27] paid, generate personalized ready-to-use customer security reports and guide customers

[00:03:33] using that personalized data.

[00:03:36] Visit skykick.com slash MSPradio to sign up now.

[00:03:42] Microsoft is introducing new features for Copilot in Microsoft 365 to help users improve their

[00:03:48] prompts.

[00:03:49] These features include auto-complete prompts, rewriting prompts for more detailed instructions,

[00:03:55] chat interface for personal recommendations and prompt management.

[00:03:59] Microsoft is also adding a catch-up chat interface and the ability to create and

[00:04:04] manage tailored prompts in Copilot Lab.

[00:04:07] The announcement coincides with Microsoft's annual Work Trend Index, highlighting that

[00:04:11] increasing use of AI in the workplace.

[00:04:14] ServiceNow and Microsoft have announced their integration of Now Assist and Copilot,

[00:04:19] combining the power of two generative AI systems into one seamless experience.

[00:04:24] This partnership allows for the seamless exchange of information and data between

[00:04:28] the two platforms, providing employees with the help they need regardless of their

[00:04:32] platform.

[00:04:33] The integration is expected to be completed in the second half 2024.

[00:04:39] Adobe has launched Acrobat AI Assistant, an add-on subscription for all customers which

[00:04:44] uses generative AI to reduce time reading and searching for information.

[00:04:48] It generates insights, summaries and verifiable citations based on information in PDF and

[00:04:54] other documents.

[00:04:55] The AI Assistant supports various document types and can be quickly deployed in minutes.

[00:05:02] Ninja One has expanded its offerings to provide enhanced capabilities in endpoint

[00:05:06] management, patch management and backup solutions.

[00:05:09] This gives organizations crucial visibility and control over their endpoints, reducing

[00:05:13] the risk of security threats and combating ransomware.

[00:05:17] Ninja One's platform enables seamless collaboration between IT and security teams, streamlining

[00:05:21] security measures and enhancing incident response capabilities.

[00:05:26] Lion Guard has unveiled its managed ATT&CK Surface solution, combining its ASM platform

[00:05:31] with the expertise of its global managed IT service partner, Networx.

[00:05:36] The solution provides comprehensive visibility, protection and resources to combat cyber

[00:05:40] threats, offering continuous monitoring, actionable insights and the AI companion,

[00:05:45] Leo, to enhance cyber resilience.

[00:05:49] Barracuda Networks has announced that Neil Bradbury has been promoted to Chief

[00:05:53] Product Officer.

[00:05:54] Neil will lead the product engineering and advanced technology teams in this position

[00:05:58] to drive innovation and customer centric cybersecurity solutions.

[00:06:03] Why do we care?

[00:06:05] Congratulations to Neil, a vendor-founder who has successfully navigated the transition

[00:06:10] to a large firm post acquisition.

[00:06:12] Not all of us can do that.

[00:06:15] Assistant integrations is an area to watch.

[00:06:17] In the end, users will not want to have mastered dozens of assistants, and so

[00:06:21] the sooner integrations start, the better.

[00:06:24] The focus on integration, like that between ServiceNow and Microsoft, is to a future

[00:06:28] where cross-platform compatibility and user experience are priorities.

[00:06:35] Apple has introduced new iPads with M4 chips and a more powerful neural engine

[00:06:40] for artificial intelligence capabilities.

[00:06:43] The company heavily emphasized AI in its presentation earlier this week, announcing

[00:06:47] the new iPads.

[00:06:49] Apple's CEO, Tim Cook, revealed some insights into Apple's AI plans during

[00:06:54] their earnings call.

[00:06:55] Apple will continue to pursue a hybrid approach to AI combining on-device and cloud

[00:07:00] services.

[00:07:01] AI is seen as an opportunity across most of Apple's device lineup, not just the

[00:07:06] iPhone.

[00:07:08] Apple's research suggests that it is making significant advancements in AI, focusing

[00:07:13] on improving Siri.

[00:07:14] The company is focused on developing smaller, more efficient models and finding the right

[00:07:18] balance between model size and performance.

[00:07:21] Apple is also exploring ways to enhance Siri's capabilities, such as intuitive

[00:07:26] wake word detection, better understanding of user queries and improved back and

[00:07:31] forth communication.

[00:07:32] Additionally, Apple sees AI as a tool for health tracking, image editing and

[00:07:37] creative applications.

[00:07:39] The company's research indicates a potential overhaul of the iPhone and Siri and

[00:07:43] promises AI announcements at their worldwide development conference.

[00:07:48] Apple's CapEx expenditures suggest they may look at third-party partnerships for

[00:07:53] AI services.

[00:07:56] Why do we care?

[00:07:58] Apple's the dark horse, quiet on AI right now.

[00:08:01] But with their penetration in the smartphone market, we'll see it change and

[00:08:05] will notice it in all businesses.

[00:08:07] I'm anticipating WWDC this summer will bring a lot of news.

[00:08:11] Also note the lead-in to AI.

[00:08:14] We care to notice that they're sending smoke signals to Wall Street, as investors

[00:08:18] are looking to AI in any way possible.

[00:08:21] Your customers probably are too.

[00:08:23] For IT service providers, it signals a need to understand and align with Apple's

[00:08:27] AI integrations, provide services that are relevant and support businesses that

[00:08:31] rely on Apple products, which is the iPhone.

[00:08:35] Moreover, staying informed about Apple's AI capabilities is crucial for advising

[00:08:39] clients on technology strategies and ensuring they can fully leverage the

[00:08:43] potential of their investments in Apple's ecosystem.

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[00:09:25] Thanks for listening today, Lost Sock Memorial Day.

[00:09:29] So pour one out for the socks you've lost in the past.

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[00:09:59] The Business of Tech is written and produced by me, Dave Sobel.

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