Generative AI (GenAI) is set to have a transformative impact on everyday processes and workflows across organizations, unlike any technology we’ve seen in decades. One of the resounding messages we hear from our customers today is that they feel a sense of urgency to start using GenAI within their organizations but are unsure where to start.
Which use cases are the highest priority? Which tools and platforms should they use? What are the governance and security considerations? Perhaps the most important question they have is, how do they accelerate adoption of GenAI before their competitors beat them to it?
There are many choices for companies wanting to use GenAI. They can build their own solutions or buy custom systems and large language models. They can use open-source toolsets or connect to third-party services. Out of all these choices, Microsoft Copilot solutions are a great way to accelerate the benefit of GenAI tools across an organization rapidly, with purpose-built options that integrate seamlessly with existing platforms and workflows. This includes:
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- Copilot for Microsoft 365. Automates tasks and boosts productivity for a broad array of users across Microsoft 365 apps, including managers, content creators and knowledge workers.
- Copilot in Windows. Provides local assistance with Windows applications, settings and research (with secured prompts when enabled for Windows 11 Enterprise users).
- Copilot for Sales. Streamlines sales processes, automates data entry and customer updates and offers intelligent recommendations by integrating with CRM systems.
- Copilot for Security. Empowers IT and security professionals to defend rapidly with AI-powered, tailored security insights.
- GitHub Copilot. Leverages GitHub’s vast open-source repositories to contextually suggest code, automate testing and help developers focus on building software over lines of code.
While these solutions are built on a trusted framework and Microsoft’s responsible AI principles, you need a strategic approach to embrace them with reduced risk and enable the right users to fully adopt them to transform the way they work.
Planning and Readiness for Microsoft Copilot Solutions
While each of the Microsoft Copilot offerings cater to different use cases and business applications, there are common best practices. By leveraging a consistent approach adapted to the requirements of each solution, organizations can streamline adoption and accelerate productivity benefits. Here are some key steps for success:
Define Your Highest Value Use Cases and Scenarios
As with most new technology initiatives, driving adoption is crucial for success. However, for GenAI solutions, adoption alone does not necessarily equate to deriving value. Defining high-value use cases and scenarios, organized by user personas, will help organizations choose the right solutions to implement for end users and drive sustained productivity gains.
Often overlooked in Microsoft Copilot implementation plans, a lack of clear use case definitions can lead to disappointing productivity results and a rapid decline in utilization after the initial novelty wears off. By targeting role-based use cases and identifying the most impactful ways these solutions can be utilized, organizations can maximize returns and foster long-term success.
Ensure Your Technology Prerequisites Are Met
Before implementing any of the Microsoft Copilot solutions, it’s essential to check that all necessary requirements are met. These can vary in complexity depending on the specific Copilot solution. Some common prerequisite areas include:
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- Application requirements. Verify all required applications or software environments are installed and configured.
- Operating system platforms. Ensure compatibility with your organization’s operating system platform or version.
- Licensing. Confirm availability of any necessary licenses for related Microsoft products or services.
- Hardware and infrastructure. Assess minimum system specifications, network configurations, and integration requirements.
Dell Services for Microsoft Copilot solutions can help organizations understand and address the specific pre-requisites for each Copilot offering prior to implementation.
Prepare Business Data for Generative AI
The effectiveness of Microsoft Copilot solutions is significantly influenced by how well organizational data can be leveraged through retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) methods or other orchestration techniques that enable its large language model (LLM) to benefit from relevant data sources. This includes addressing:
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- Data permissions and security. Ensure organizational data is accessible while implementing appropriate access controls and permissions to prevent unauthorized or overly broad access.
- Data governance and quality. Identify and purge stale or outdated datasets that may introduce unwanted information into generative AI models.
- Additional data sources. Evaluate the benefits of integrating Copilot with data sources outside of the native Microsoft ecosystem such as ServiceNow, Splunk, CrowdStrike or other specialized systems.
Implement and Configure Microsoft Copilot Solutions
Once prerequisites are met and business data is ready, the implementation and configuration process can be relatively straightforward. However, it’s important to approach this phase methodically to ensure a smooth rollout and effective adoption, including:
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- Developing a rollout plan with timeline and phases.
- Assigning licenses and configuring access policies.
- Aligning settings, preferences and integrations with organizational needs.
- Conducting limited testing to identify issues and gather feedback.
- Making training materials and resources available to users.
- Implementing usage monitoring, auditing and incident response protocols.
- Preparing support teams to assist with Copilot-related issues.
- Encouraging feedback to refine implementation based on user experience.
However, you must also make sure your users are ready!
Drive Adoption and Enable Users
While all aspects of implementing Microsoft Copilot solutions are important, driving adoption and enabling users will be a critical lever for success. A comprehensive adoption and enablement strategy is important to ensure users are prepared to embrace and effectively utilize Copilot capabilities, including:
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- User communication. Develop a tailored, multi-modal communication plan with a strong leadership presence to reinforce Copilot’s value and drive adoption across roles and organizations.
- Training program. Implement a role-based training approach aligned with identified use cases and scenarios, utilizing interactive materials like workshops, modules and job aids.
- Establish a network of Copilot champions to foster peer-driven advocacy and knowledge sharing, and nurture success within teams and departments.
- Measurement. Define clear success metrics, including quantitative (usage, productivity) and qualitative (feedback, sentiment) measures to track adoption progress and impact.
Take Advantage of our Expertise in Microsoft and AI Technologies
With over 35 years in partnership with Microsoft and recognition as an AI leader, Dell Technologies provides unmatched expertise to maximize your investments in Microsoft Copilot solutions. As a part of the Dell AI Factory offerings, our specialists will guide you through every step of the journey—to mitigate risks and unlock the game-changing potential of Microsoft Copilot across your organization. Connect with us today to get started.
