James Marshall is the Azure Success Manager at Microsoft UK. In this special bonus TubbTalk interview, he speaks to Richard at the Microsoft Ignite event to share what’s new and coming next with Microsoft.
An Interview with James Marshall
Why MSPs Should Attend Microsoft Ignite
While Microsoft hosts several large events every year, James says that Ignite is the one best aligned to most partners, particularly MSPs. Because unlike the others, it’s designed for professionals to talk about new technology as well as what’s already available.
The other good thing about Ignite, he says, it helps partners to see what topics and trends they need to be aware of. “These are the things to have on your roadmap for the next 12 months. It’s not just about Azure or 365 – it looks at everything.”
Microsoft’s Commitment to the Environment
As a hyperscale cloud provider with huge investments in data centres around the world, it’s inevitable that after a time they start to have an impact. And not just in terms of the energy they consume – James says their physical locations have caused damage.
“Historically, sustainability wasn’t something people thought about. But today we understand the long—term impact. So, I’m incredibly proud that Microsoft recognises what they did in the past, instead of only considering the future.
“They’re thinking about how to remove the impact of past behaviours. And I think that in the future, everything we and other companies design will have sustainability at the heart of it. And I think that’s the only right way to do things.”
The New Microsoft Co-Pilot AI Assistant
AI is everywhere. So Microsoft has been investing in relationships with organisations like Open AI, embedding it into their products and services. However, James says that they know simply building applications isn’t enough.
“Co-Pilot is a way for the end user to connect into the power of the technology. Let’s say you want to summarise meeting notes. So instead of taking handwritten notes or replaying the recording, Co-Pilot listens in, understands what was talked about and gives you a summary and action points.
“So for me, that’s magic, because I can then focus on adding value in the meeting and participating rather than constantly having to worry about taking notes. And if I have to create a presentation and I get stuck, Co-Pilot can generate images or copy that I can edit.
James adds that Co-Pilot Studio is a way for MSPs to move from trusted advisor to business problem-solver. Because by giving it very specific, tailored information, such as on a client’s HR department, you can create amazing use cases.
“So, it essentially allows MSPs to go from being the person who maintains Azure or 365 to really being able to support them with expert knowledge. It deepens client relationships and can really increase your margins.”
What Microsoft Loop is
James explains that Loop is a more flexible note-taking tool than some of the previous Microsoft offerings. Because while OneNote is good for taking notes, Loop allows you to have a workspace for multiple people to pull together their thoughts and ideas.
“But the components themselves are modular. So, I can use one for planning meetings, and another that lets participants collaborate on the agenda with a chat space. And you can add a Loop anywhere.”
How to Connect With James Marshall
- Microsoft
- Follow Microsoft on LinkedIn
- Follow James on Twitter
- Connect with James on LinkedIn
How to Connect With Me
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Mentioned in This Episode
- Event: Ignite
- Design events: Build
- Partner event: Inspire
- Online office tools: 365
- AI assistant: Co-Pilot
- AI tool: Chat GPT
- Video conferencing: Teams
- Email software: Outlook
- Collaboration tool: SharePoint
- Co-Pilot Studio
- Collaboration tool: Loop
- Cloud computing tool: Azure
- Online training: Ninja
- Note taking app: OneNote
- Business apps: Dynamics 365
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Richard Tubb is one of the best-known experts within the global IT Managed Service Provider (MSP) community. He launched and sold his own MSP business before creating a leading MSP media and consultancy practice. Richard helps IT business owner’s take back control by freeing up their time and building a business that can run without them. He’s the author of the book “The IT Business Owner’s Survival Guide” and writer of the award-winning blog www.tubblog.co.uk
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