AI is quickly becoming a true productivity partner for organizations worldwide. Nearly three out of four respondents (71%) to a recent McKinsey Global Survey report leveraging AI for at least one business function, and this number only continues to climb as the technology permeates and inspires more applications.
Among those applications is the Microsoft 365 suite of tools that over two million companies rely on around the globe. Microsoft Copilot, a portfolio of generative AI agents, integrates with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, and more, providing real-time intelligent assistance to enhance productivity within everyday tasks and workflows.
Busy information technology (IT) teams are also embracing Microsoft Copilot to increase their productivity, and even bolster the security postures of the businesses they serve.
In this article, we will explore the top five benefits of Copilot for IT teams and highlight key areas where Copilot is improving efficiency and innovation. Like most IT initiatives, maximizing Copilot productivity gains demands a strategic approach. Let’s dig in.
Microsoft Copilot Benefits
Many companies are balancing increased IT investments to drive innovation with targeted cost-cutting measures to maintain financial health this year. As a result, their IT teams are often asked to do more with less.
The following benefits of Copilot can help make this possible:
1. Understanding Windows 11 Readiness
With the Windows 10 end-of-support date fast approaching on October 14th, organizations are transitioning to Windows 11, necessitating that IT teams ensure all devices meet the latest system requirements. This challenge is further compounded by the prevalence of remote and hybrid work models. Despite a reported uptick in employers issuing return-to-work mandates, Gallup data shows that work locations in the United States are 26% remote and 55% hybrid among remote-capable jobs, placing additional demands on IT teams and infrastructures.
The good news is that Copilot can help surface system compatibility issues across organizations’ device fleets, regardless of the devices’ physical locations. For example, Copilot with Intune can help IT administrators compare devices to see the similarities and differences between them, like the compliance policies, hardware, and configurations assigned to both devices. This makes Copilot pivotal for tracking Windows 10 end-of-life exposure and adding much-needed clarity to Windows 11 upgrade plans and timelines.
>> Is your business ready for Microsoft Copilot? Before you transform the way your teams work with AI-powered tools, first ensure your organization is ready. Take the Copilot Readiness Assessment now.
2. Accelerating Troubleshooting
Currently in preview, Copilot in Azure serves as an AI-powered assistant for diagnosing and resolving issues within Azure App Service and Azure Functions. By leveraging various troubleshooting tools, Copilot identifies and utilizes the most appropriate one based on the problem at hand, whether it is related to high central processing unit (CPU) usage, networking challenges, or memory dumps.
Additionally, Copilot in Azure aids in interpreting diagnostic information in the Azure portal, offering summaries and explanations for errors. When seeking assistance, Copilot automatically contextualizes the current conversation or the app in view, prompting for clarification if necessary.
3. Streamlining Licensing Strategy and Cost Oversight
To support organizations’ cost-saving initiatives, Copilot can be leveraged to help IT teams identify underused Microsoft 365 licenses, flag areas where spend doesn’t match usage, and then apply those insights to right-size license allocations.
Teams can do this by pulling Microsoft 365 usage data through Graph APIs. Graph access is available to a variety of Microsoft 365 usage reports. In turn, IT teams can make faster, data-backed decisions about license redistribution without manually auditing usage across departments.
4. Automating Routine Tasks and IT Documentation
Copilot in Power Automate enables users to create and manage cloud flows using natural language inputs. This conversational approach streamlines workflow automation, making it more intuitive and efficient — ultimately resulting in Copilot productivity gains. For time-and-resource-strapped IT help desks, these gains are especially welcome.
To integrate Copilot into help desk workflows, IT teams using Copilot for Service can extend, enhance, or edit via Copilot Studio the Copilot agents they have created. Custom Service agents are capable of automating tasks, accessing knowledge bases, and even opening tickets, while also enabling real-time user assistance in platforms like Customer Service workspace and Teams.
At the same time, Copilot can be used to generate knowledge base content and other IT documentation like standard operating procedures, help desk frequently asked questions, and policy guides.
>> Understand the full potential of Copilot with help from Copilot for Microsoft 365: One Tool to Unify Them All.
5. Amplifying Security
Security Copilot is designed to enhance IT teams’ ability to identify and mitigate security risks. By analyzing vast amounts of data, it detects anomalies and provides actionable insights to strengthen an organization’s security posture and streamline incident response.
From threat intelligence and vulnerability management to security operations, incident investigations, and identity and access management, Security Copilot enhances productivity by empowering IT teams to proactively address security challenges, optimize workflows, and bolster their organizations’ overarching security frameworks.
How Much Does Copilot Improve Efficiency?
Copilot is already helping IT teams work faster and smarter in real-world environments. Take script analysis, for example: Security Copilot can review and interpret hundreds of lines of code in plain language, reducing the time and effort typically required for these complex tasks.
In fact, Microsoft’s second Copilot for Security economic study reveals that experienced security analysts are:
- 22% faster with Copilot
- 7% more accurate across all tasks when using Copilot
- 97% more inclined to want to use Copilot the next time they do the same task
When the right AI tools are matched to the right use cases, the payoff is clear. That’s where a targeted strategy makes all the difference.
Maximizing the Return on Your Copilot Investment
While Copilot can do a lot, it’s up to IT teams to pinpoint the exact business scenarios in which it can provide the most value: Every organization’s infrastructure and needs are unique. That’s where Converge comes in. Our team of experts are ready to assist in planning, implementing and proving out the value of Copilot to your organization.
>> Reach out to our experts today to customize how you and your IT team use Copilot to increase productivity and security. Let’s talk.
