Welcome to the AI Agent & Copilot Podcast, analyzing the latest AI Copilot and agent developments from Microsoft and its partners, delving into customer use cases, and exploring how AI plus the Cloud helps customers reimagine their business.
In this episode, Bryan Goode, Corporate Vice President, Business Applications at Microsoft, discusses his keynote at the upcoming AI Agent & Copilot Summit with Tom Smith. His topic: along with Cloud Wars founder Bob Evans: “How Agents and Copilots are the Business and Industry Reimagination Machine.”
Highlights
Goode’s Role, AI Transformation Focus (01:22)
Goode leads the business applications and agent marketing team at Microsoft; he expresses enthusiasm for the transformative potential of AI. In fact, his keynote will emphasize three key points: transforming business operations, the interaction between Copilots and agents, and the critical role of partners in guiding customers through this transformation. He notes that trusted partners help customers navigate the journey with expertise and knowledge tailored to their specific needs.
AI Agent & Copilot Summit NA is an AI-first event to define opportunities, impact, and outcomes with Microsoft Copilot and agents for mid-market and enterprise companies. It takes place March 17-19 in San Diego, CA. Register now to attend.
Customer Transformation and AI Adoption (05:05)
The discussion turns to the evolution of AI adoption, moving beyond personal productivity tools to broader business applications. Goode highlights the constant focus on business value, with customers seeking AI solutions to grow their top line and reduce costs. The concept of a Copilot for every employee and agents for business processes is introduced, with Goode noting the increasing interest and adoption from customers. He goes on to explain the integration of Copilots and agents, emphasizing the need for a user interface for AI to facilitate human interaction with business processes.
Managing AI Complexity and Enterprise Agent Platforms (06:58)
Smith inquires about managing the complexity of multiple agents and the need for a unified management system. Goode suggests customers should look for an enterprise agent platform to standardize agent creation, customization, and management across different functions. The importance of securing data and managing connections to various line-of-business systems is crucial for effective AI deployment. There are strong potential opportunities for partners in advising customers on these platforms and coordinating different processes and systems.
Best Practices and Future Outlook (09:46)
Referencing best practices for AI deployment, Goode advises a function-by-function approach, starting with specific functions like customer service before expanding to other areas like sales and finance. He shares Microsoft’s success in various functions using AI, including customer service, sales, and HR. Goode predicts a significant inflection point for AI adoption and transformation in 2025.
Industry-Specific Applications and Customization (14:03)
Goode notes that he sees both functional capabilities that work across multiple industries and bespoke solutions tailored to specific industries. He highlights healthcare and education as industries at the forefront of AI adoption, with different adoption patterns expected across various sectors. He also points to the need for customization in AI solutions, whether built by customers or delivered by companies like Microsoft, to meet the unique needs of different businesses.
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