The Future of Business: Integrating IT Consulting, Managed Services, and AI for Optimal Efficiency

Many have heard talk of the AI revolution as more and more businesses embrace the power of artificial intelligence, but some may not realize how profoundly AI has already influenced the world of business. From generative AI to automation, advanced data analytics, and natural language processing, the use cases for AI systems are wide-reaching and profoundly impactful. 

Reports state that 40% of global companies already use AI, and approximately half plan to incorporate AI into their processes this year. These statistics make it clear that businesses must embrace this new paradigm of AI or get left behind.

It's understandable why so many businesses have gotten caught up in the AI landscape. A report by Tech.co found that 72% of respondents who used AI extensively report "high organizational productivity." Regardless of a business's industry, it's clear that artificial intelligence is a powerful tool that can help workers be more efficient and productive. 

However, anyone who has worked with artificial intelligence knows that its adoption is not as simple as "plug and play." Without an official policy, businesses risk the widespread use of "shadow AI" by their employees. Shadow AI refers to the unauthorized use of publicly available AI apps that may put company assets and sensitive information at risk.

For most businesses, this adoption will be gradual and strategic, beginning with a pilot group of users learning specific use cases and developing a clear plan for embracing AI on a wider scale.

How AI consulting services can help your company use AI

Businesses can enlist the help of a managed IT services provider to approach the adoption of artificial intelligence as efficiently as possible. Some providers not only deliver the technology that businesses need but also the support to implement it and manage day-to-day operations with a new arsenal of technology. 

"Managed IT services providers can serve as a full-stack technology partner," explains Eric  Sugar, President of ProServeIT, a technology and AI consulting company with over 20 years of experience helping clients harness the power of technological innovations — including artificial intelligence. "We make sure you have the technology you need and that once you've purchased it, you are getting the maximum ROI for your investment. Plus, we put a security lens on everything, so you can rest assured that we're keeping your data and environment safe."

Given the popularity of generative AI, it is one of the tools in the highest demand for managed IT service providers like ProServeIT. ProServeIT's AI consulting services center around the "AI roadmap" — an AI strategy devised by business leaders in combination with ProServeIT's AI experts on how AI technologies can be implemented into an organization's processes. 

"Think of us as your guiding light through the fog," says Sugar. "Generative AI is an emerging technology and is transforming itself rapidly. We help you understand what adopting generative AI means to your particular business. AI is most useful when it enables your business goals."

ProServeIT’s unique AI approach

The AI consultants at ProServeIT develop an AI strategy that divides their clients' AI adoption journey into four major steps:

1. AI Roadmap: "Recognizing the disruptive potential of AI is the first step," explains Sugar. "We help you quantify the risk, identify your starting point, and draft a strategic roadmap to give you clear guidelines on how to succeed with your first AI implementation."

2. Prepare: "Second, we help you make your data AI-ready, establish governance frameworks, and address licensing requirements. This is an important step that all organizations have to go through if they are to adopt AI widely," Sugar continues.
   
3. Launch: He adds, "Then, you implement a communication strategy, execute change management, and offer comprehensive training to ensure a smooth AI adoption process. AI is only useful when it is embraced by your employees and used the way it is intended."
   
4. Iterate: Finally, "with AI’s value proven internally, it’s time to expand its capabilities across your enterprise, optimizing all areas of your technology roadmap," he concludes. 

Through these steps, the team at ProServeIT helps their clients achieve favorable business outcomes through seamless, secure, and cost-effective AI implementation into their business flow.

Microsoft Copilot: A top AI tool for business

One tool that has particularly exciting potential for businesses is Copilot for Microsoft 365. Copilot seamlessly integrates into a business's pre-existing Microsoft 365 applications such as Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, OneDrive, and Teams, allowing it to provide real-time suggestions and streamline complex tasks directly in the workflow. According to Microsoft's research, 70% of Copilot users reported being more productive, with benefits including reduced email processing time, faster creation of a good first draft, reduced time catching up on missed meetings, and more.

ProServeIT has helped many businesses leverage AI tools like Copilot for Microsoft 365 into their business processes, regardless of their size. Adopting a transformative new tool like Copilot can be a daunting task for any business, and ProServeIT has the resources and expertise to help guide businesses through their journey to embracing AI and reaping its potentially massive benefits. 

With the help of a managed IT services provider like ProServeIT, businesses can better prepare to implement AI with guidance for licenses, workshop offerings, AI roadmap services, and even entire technology launches.

Why artificial intelligence consulting is a powerful resource for businesses

The transformative impact of AI has already helped numerous businesses improve their productivity and efficiency. Although some business owners may understandably be hesitant to embrace such an emerging, disruptive technology, this disruption will, by and large, lead to more efficient processes and growth.

With the help of a skilled managed IT services provider specializing in AI consulting, businesses can be well on their way to reaping the power of AI.

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The following article includes several mentions of Microsoft and Copilot for Microsoft 365 that are promotional in nature and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this publication. Always consult with an accredited and certified IT professional before purchasing or implementing any technology or software that may impact the performance of your organization, its clients, or other stakeholders.

This post was authored by an external contributor and does not represent Benzinga’s opinions and has not been edited for content. The information contained above is provided for informational and educational purposes only, and nothing contained herein should be construed as investment advice. Benzinga does not make any recommendation to buy or sell any security or any representation about the financial condition of any company.