AI Adoption Faces Hurdles but Solutions Emerge
The rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) have encountered a realistic shift in expectation as organisations grapple with the costs and complexities of integrating this transformative technology into their operations. Once hailed as an imminent force to dramatically alter everyday life, AI has reached what is termed the "Trough of Disillusionment" by technology research firm Gartner. This phase represents a period where the initial hype has wavered and organisations are entwined in the practical challenges of implementation.
Despite the current climate, this period is seen as a critical learning phase for AI, similar to the growth curves experienced by previous transformative technologies. Steve Daly, Senior Vice President of Solutions in the Global Digital Transformation Group at New Era Technology, explains that while AI has been evolving for seven decades, recent developments have led to an explosion of high expectations and costly solutions. “The reality is that, at $30 per user/per seat Copilot for Microsoft 365, organisations find it attractive for proof of concepts, but they struggle to justify the investment on a larger scale,” Daly noted.
The scaling challenge goes beyond cost. Security and data management are significant concerns for many enterprises. Daly emphasises that New Era Technology’s robust data and security protocols have been pivotal in developing the Copilot Studio. This solution offers a more controlled environment for building generative AI (genAI) solutions, enabling organisations to limit and manage data exposure more effectively. “With Copilot Studio, control can be tightened to a single file, Sharepoint library, or website, justifying the investment with stronger security measures,” Daly added.
Projects Stagnate Amid Security Concerns
A significant portion of AI projects reportedly lose momentum, as organisations struggle with sub-par security and poor data management. About half of AI projects get stuck, according to industry estimates. Daly attributes this to the inherent uncertainties of pioneering new technology, saying, "It’s new, so you don’t know what you don’t know." The process of adapting AI into existing business models can be painstakingly slow as companies strive to balance innovation with operational realities.
Bridging this gap is the focus of New Era Technology’s copilot solutions, which aim to help organisations quantify progress and ensure investments in AI yield tangible results. Their Copilot for Microsoft 365 Intelligent Adoption Framework targets key areas of technical redesign, organisational readiness, and user readiness. The objective is to help businesses comprehend their current position in the AI adoption journey, enhance their corporate identity, and identify specific tasks where AI can deliver significant benefits.
Daly highlights the practical steps involved in AI adoption, stating, "It’s not just about consumption of the licence." He notes the introduction of packaged offers alongside training, to help organisations decide on deploying genAI chatbots and navigate the complex landscape of AI adoption. The support framework is designed to alleviate some burden off Chief Information Officers (CIOs) who face demands and pressure from stakeholders keen on witnessing progress and return on investment.
As AI continues to mature, tools like Copilot Studio are emerging as solutions to streamline and secure the adoption process, allowing organisations to leverage AI technologies whilst addressing the hurdles of security, cost, and effective implementation. This developmental stage showcases AI’s potential while reminding stakeholders of the ongoing work required to fully integrate such transformative capabilities.
Source: Noah Wire Services