As a leading provider of managed IT security services and cloud consulting, Retrac is actively engaged in tracking and sharing insights on developments that equip SME clients with better ways to futureproof their businesses.
One of these developments is the release of Microsoft’s “enterprise-ready AI” tools – Microsoft 365 Copilot and Security Copilot – which are set for release this year and will use machine learning and large language models to help users spot security risks and streamline a range of everyday operational processes.
By keeping a close eye on developments, Retrac is aiming to improve how it delivers managed IT security services to clients, helping them protect and optimise their businesses by incorporating the new tools.
If we first look at Microsoft Copilot, essentially it takes the suite of tools available in Office to the next level and is a game-changer that allows them to amplify Microsoft 365’s capabilities. In Microsoft’s words: “You can be more creative in Word, more analytical in Excel, more expressive in PowerPoint, more productive in Outlook and more collaborative in Teams.”
A better way to work
As for the application benefits, Microsoft 365 Copilot aims to give users the means of enhancing day-to-day productivity by making everyday tasks more efficient and reducing the time needed to complete them.
Similar to the way Siri works for Apple products, Copilot will allow a user to gather and format information in a more digestible way. This means that tasks that used to take a significant amount of time can now be accomplished much more quickly.
Examples include:
More robust security
It’s an unfortunate reality that the number and sophistication of cyber-attacks on SMEs have skyrocketed in recent years. This is often a result of limited resources, no cybersecurity IT partner or specialist within the SME, and a lack of robust security measures, making them attractive targets for attackers.
The consequences of these cyber attacks can be severe, ranging from financial losses and reputational damage to business disruption and erosion of customer trust. This has made it increasingly difficult for a range of businesses to stay ahead of the threat landscape.
By bundling Microsoft’s Copilot applications with its managed IT security services, Retrac can provide its clients with enhanced protection and a more comprehensive approach to IT security.
Security Co-Pilot represents a big step forward in tackling IT risk management challenges by bringing the advantage of quicker automated responses to potential threats.
Security Copilot is built on Open AI’s ChatGPT-4 but is complemented by a security-specific model designed by Microsoft’s own engineers. It can also integrate additional data and insights from other Microsoft security tools like Sentinel, Defender, and Intune for as part of a customised package.
Some of the capabilities include:
Microsoft explains that Security Copilot will provide a powerful cybersecurity tool guided by three principles:
Initially, large enterprise businesses will be the ones to take advantage of the new applications. This will be followed by a rollout among smaller businesses looking to benefit from more intuitive, seamless and cost-effective security and operational tools.
Additionally, Copilot offers an added layer of security by filling in the skills gaps within IT security teams. With its ability to analyse data and respond swiftly, it can surpass the capabilities of an average team member, delivering faster and more efficient threat detection and response. This gives businesses a significant edge when it comes to enhancing their security posture and staying ahead of potential risks.
When Copilot applications are released this year they will bring powerful AI capabilities directly to users’ fingertips, integrating seamlessly into Microsoft 365’s familiar environment.
You’ll be able to effortlessly access and leverage Copilot’s advanced language capabilities as part of your everyday tasks and use them to enhance security.
As for pricing, it’s likely that cost will be built in, especially with enterprise-level licensing (but don’t hold us to that). However, Microsoft will provide more information closer to the product release, allowing you to make well-informed decisions about incorporating Copilot into your Microsoft 365 subscription.
As a managed IT security services provider, Retrac is always focused on helping you get the most out of your IT and cloud environment and maximising the return on your IT investment. And naturally, we’ll be focused on ensuring you get the most value from Copilot as it becomes available.
The team at Retrac is excited about the benefits Copilot will bring to workplaces and is gearing up to incorporate Security Copilot as part of our managed IT security services, including our Security Bundle, PowerApps and BYOD solutions once it’s released.
The best way to prepare yourself for Copilot is by ensuring that you have Microsoft 365’s comprehensive solution which consolidates all the essential business functionality tools into a single, organised package. This means you’ll have everything you need to fully embrace the advantages of AI.
Retrac has a close and longstanding partnership with Microsoft and is a trusted provider of IT support and cloud computing services to businesses in Melbourne, regional Victoria, and beyond.
We’re excited to keep you in the loop as Copilot becomes available, which is likely to happen in the second half of 2023. Our team will also be available to assist with any onboarding and training needs.
In the meantime, if you have more questions about Copilot, ChatGPT or Retrac’s managed IT security services, don’t hesitate to get in touch.