Microsoft Ignite 2024: A round up
The vibrant city of Chicago played host to Microsoft Ignite 2024 this November, bringing together industry leaders, tech enthusiasts, and Microsoft Partners from around the world. This year’s event not only showcased the latest advancements in technology but also provided a platform for dynamic discussions and networking.
Four of our in-house experts attended Microsoft Ignite to explore the latest advancements and uncover innovative ways to bring even more value to our customers. Here’s what they discovered.
1. Copilot Pages
One of the standout announcements at Ignite 2024 was Copilot Pages. These pre-configured templates have been designed to streamline user tasks and enhance productivity with ready-to-use layouts and functionalities tailored to specific needs.
Copilot Pages are set to empower users to accomplish their goals more efficiently, whether for project management, content creation, or data analysis.
2. Copilot Actions
Also revealed was Copilot Actions, an innovative new capability in Microsoft Copilot that enables users to automate routine tasks and workflows. By leveraging advanced AI technology, Copilot Actions can execute repetitive actions quickly and with greater accuracy, reducing the time and effort required to manually complete these tasks. While the feature enhances productivity, it can also support professionals to focus on more strategic and creative tasks to drive greater value.
3. Copilot Facilitator
Microsoft also unveiled Copilot Facilitator, a digital assistant. This tool aids in project management and team collaboration by offering real-time suggestions, reminders, and support. Designed to keep projects on track and team members aligned, Copilot Facilitator ensures deadlines are met and communication is always clear.
4. Speech-to-speech translations in Copilot
Another groundbreaking function for Copilot is speech-to-speech translations. This feature provides real-time translation of spoken languages, breaking down communication barriers to encourage inclusivity in any business. By using advanced AI algorithms, it can accurately interpret and translate conversations across a variety of different languages, making it an invaluable tool for global teams and international collaborations.
5. Azure AI Foundry
Microsoft Ignite 2024 didn’t just concentrate on Copilot; Azure AI Foundry was also announced. This platform has been designed for developing, training, and deploying AI models, providing organisations with the tools to integrate advanced AI capabilities into their operations. Optimising processes, improving decision-making, and complex problem solving are just some of the benefits businesses can look forward to with this platform.
6. Windows 365 Link
Enabling smooth data transfer and unified user experiences across multiple platforms, Windows 365 Link marks a significant stride in enhancing connectivity and interoperability. The hardware device from Microsoft allows different systems to communicate effortlessly, breaking down barriers and enabling users to enjoy an integrated technological ecosystem.
7. Industry out-the-box solutions
Microsoft Ignite 2024 saw the announcement of Industry out-the-box solutions. These innovative ready-made solutions are tailored to specific industries and designed to accelerate deployment processes and reduce customisation time.
8. Azure Local
Microsoft also announced the latest iteration of its private cloud service offering, formally known as Azure Stack. The newly named Azure Local streamlines the management of public and private hosted workloads to leverage the capabilities of Azure Arc.
As a provider of private cloud services, this latest version gives Nasstar the opportunity to standardise services with a universal toolkit and reduce the cost and complexity required to service hybrid workloads.
Microsoft said in a blog this week: "In many industries, new demands for distributed computing are emerging. Many retailers are using in-store AI inferencing to transform the shopping experience. Manufacturers are locating their critical apps in the factory to improve uptime and overall efficiency. And in regulated industries like finance, energy, and government, customers are looking for ways to leverage the cloud while keeping data and control local."
We are investigating this technology with the view of migrating away from our VMWare estate.
9. Microsoft Fabric
Microsoft continues to invest in its data capabilities with enhancement and additions to Microsoft Fabric. At Ignite, Microsoft announced that SQL is now native to Fabric, adding another option to its SaaS workloads. This, the built-in security and governance, and its seamless integrations to third-party data sources through shortcuts make it a perfect platform for unified data and AI enablement.
The SaaS model makes it easy for customers to deploy an enterprise-ready data platform while starting small and scaling as needed. This keeps deployment and running costs low. With Microsoft handling the platform and workloads, support and maintenance are simplified, allowing customers to focus on achieving their business goals.
What do the Ignite 2024 announcements mean for our customers?
Ignite was filled with innovative announcements and new features for some of the technology solutions our customers already love. Here are some highlights on what the key announcements mean for our customers:
Gradual AI integration – Many of the announcements concentrated on AI advancements but stressed that organisations do not need to migrate everything right away to reap the benefits. With many of the solutions announced, businesses can gradually integrate AI into their existing systems, minimising disruption and allowing for a much smoother transition. This approach will help businesses see the benefits of AI without the need for a large upfront investment.
Industry-specific solutions – By tailoring solutions and features to specific industries, businesses will benefit from a rapid deployment of various processes, reducing the time and effort needed for customisation. This allows businesses to quickly leverage new technologies and stay competitive in their respective markets.
What did our experts think about Microsoft Ignite 2024?
Overall, our attendees found their time at the event extremely valuable. Their key takeaways included having time away from ‘business as usual’ to discuss strategy with one another, especially with 2025 on the horizon. They also felt inspired by the industry announcements, enabling them to consider how they could be leveraged at Nasstar for our customers. The ability to speak with Microsoft SMEs to dissect new announcements and better understand how Nasstar can support them as Partners was also a key highlight.
Alice Sullivan, Microsoft Partner Marketing Manager at Nasstar, said: "I thoroughly enjoyed Ignite 2024 as it provided a wealth of inspiration and valuable insights that I can apply to our FY25 plan. The event has equipped us with the knowledge to stay ahead of the curve with emerging technology solutions and has given us the opportunity to harmonise our go-to-market strategy with Microsoft."
Sean Morris, Chief Technology Officer at Nasstar, said: “A week has passed since the commencement of Ignite 2024, and amidst the exciting announcements and updates, what resonates with me the most is the rapid pace at which technology is advancing. It's become abundantly clear that staying abreast of these technological strides is crucial, not only for our own growth but also for the advantage it brings to our customers.”
Wayne Crocker, Senior Sales Director for New Business at Nasstar, said: “What was important for me was how we could help our customers accelerate the value and adoption of AI in their businesses. What was very apparent is that the accessibility and maturity of the Microsoft offerings has accelerated rapidly for our customers and partners, like Nasstar. This means there is a huge opportunity for Nasstar to help our customers use AI as a business advantage against those who choose not to.”
Andrew Hasnip, Senior Sales Director for Industry at Nasstar, said: “Attending Microsoft Ignite underscored how AI is transforming the business landscape at an unprecedented pace. Innovations in Copilot, Copilot for Devices, and Copilot for AI Stack are making once-complex technologies accessible to everyone, from streamlining data analysis to creating AI agents as easily as building a spreadsheet. These tools don't just enhance productivity—they are designed to empower organisations and individuals alike, and I particularly like how they are improving the experiences for those with accessibility needs.
“The remarkable thing about this AI revolution is the speed of change and the opportunity it creates. With scalable solutions and intuitive interfaces, it's easier than ever for businesses to harness AI to reduce repetitive tasks, improve processes, and even innovate in areas like real-time translation and accessibility. The advancements showcased at Ignite serve as a reminder: by embracing AI, we can not only achieve business success but also build systems that are more inclusive and impactful for everyone.”
More from Nasstar and Microsoft
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