Last week was a standout moment for our team as we attended the Microsoft 365 Community Conference. It was an eventful few days filled with insightful sessions, workshops, and plenty of opportunities to connect with others passionate about the Microsoft 365 ecosystem.

We had a great time engaging in deep discussions, picking up new knowledge and returning with renewed enthusiasm for the future of work. It’s clear that Microsoft 365 continues to push the boundaries – especially now with the takeoff of Copilot – and we’re excited to be part of this journey.

While interest in Copilot for Microsoft 365 was front and center, it was also marked with a sense of caution, particularly when it comes to scaling Copilot beyond pilot programs. Here are three key takeaways on the concerns raised and how to tackle them:

1. Data security first
   Before diving into the benefits of Copilot for Microsoft 365, it’s crucial to ensure your platform is secure and compliant. This involves a well-thought-out strategy for data management and governance. Our experience implementing and scaling Copilot for ourselves over the past year has equipped us to assist our clients in preparing their environments for Copilot. We’re here to help you evaluate your current setup, pinpoint any shortcomings and establish best practices for a seamless Copilot deployment.


2. Knowledge is power
   Introducing any new tech is often met with some level of uncertainty and skepticism. And Copilot for Microsoft 365 is no exception. That’s why it’s important to have a solid change management strategy in place – one that educates all employees (and that includes your legal team) on the advantages and limitations of Copilot, ensuring they can use it effectively in conjunction with their own skills and judgment. Employees should feel comfortable and confident in leveraging generative AI to enhance their work.


3. When it comes to Copilot adoption – don’t wing it
   Copilot for Microsoft 365 isn’t just another tool or feature to turn on; it’s an integral part of the Microsoft 365 suite. It’s designed to work in harmony with other applications like Teams, Viva, SharePoint and Windows, offering a unified experience. To make the most of Copilot, it’s essential to have your Microsoft 365 environment ready. This means optimizing your platforms, streamlining workflows and ensuring Copilot can access the necessary data and content in a safe and responsible way. We’re here to guide you through this process, ensuring Copilot is a natural extension of your daily operations.

Let’s continue the dialogue
The Microsoft 365 Community Conference may be over, but the conversation doesn’t have to end. Let’s keep sharing ideas and experiences as we all navigate the evolving landscape of Microsoft 365.

Accenture and Avanade have unrivaled industry and Microsoft expertise that can help your business reinvent the future of work with Copilot for Microsoft 365.

Learn more about how we can help you prepare and get in touch with us. We’d love to help you on your journey.