My Recap of Microsoft Envision Connection Event in Zurich, Switzerland, Thursday, December 07, 2023. (Part2)

Part 2/2

Introduction

I recently had the opportunity to attend the Microsoft Envision Connection event in Zurich, Switzerland, on December 7, 2023. It was an inspiring and eye-opening experience, packed with discussions on the latest and greatest in technology. The event covered four fascinating topics:

1. Responsible AI,
2. The AI-Powered Organization,
3. Accelerating Impact with AI-Powered Low Code Tools,
4. The New Security Landscape in the Era of AI.

I'm excited to share with you all that I learned. I've decided to split my takeaways into two articles. This way, I can dive deep into each topic and share the most interesting insights. In this second article, I’ll be talking about "Accelerating Impact with AI-Powered Low Code Tools" and "The New Security Landscape in the Era of AI".

3. Accelerating Impact with AI-Powered Low Code Tools

Embracing Modern Solutions in a Legacy Tech World

Harald, leading Microsoft's business in Western Europe, opened his talk at the Microsoft Envision Connection with a striking image: a matrix printer, a relic of technology, still in use today. This paradoxical scene set the stage for a discussion on the urgent need to revamp outdated business processes using modern AI tools, despite an ongoing reliance on legacy technologies.

The Imperative for Low Code in Today's Business Landscape

Harald highlighted a critical challenge facing businesses: the need for increased productivity and efficiency amidst a severe shortage of coding professionals. With an estimated shortfall of four million skilled coders in Europe alone, the traditional approach to software development is no longer feasible. This gap necessitates the adoption of low code solutions, enabling individuals without extensive coding knowledge to contribute to technological problem-solving.

The Shift to Business-Driven IT Solutions

Analyzing the current trend, Harald observed a significant shift in the technology landscape. The knowledge and expertise of business users are becoming increasingly vital in process development and improvement. This shift is leading to a collaborative environment where business and IT departments work together to create solutions. He illustrated this point with the example of HSBC, which implemented a low code solution in their lending process, resulting in significant time and cost savings.

The Power and Accessibility of Microsoft's Low Code Tools

The Microsoft Power Platform, as presented by Harald, stands as a testament to the accessibility and power of low code tools. These tools, including Power Automate, Power Apps, and Power Pages, are designed to simplify complex tasks like automation, app development, and website creation. Harald emphasized the integration of AI co-pilots in these tools, enhancing their utility and making them even more user-friendly.

Addressing the Skills Gap and Democratizing Technology

Harald stressed the importance of low code platforms in bridging the skills gap, democratizing technology creation, and empowering business users. By placing the power of technology development in the hands of those who best understand business processes, companies can drive more impactful and efficient outcomes.

Real-World Success Stories

To underscore the effectiveness of low code tools, Harald shared success stories from various industries. For instance, ExxonMobil used Excel for maintenance planning but faced limitations with scalability. By adopting a low code approach, they developed an application that significantly improved their process, saving time and resources. Similarly, Zurich Insurance and Syngenta Chemicals have leveraged low code platforms to enhance their operations, demonstrating the versatility and broad applicability of these tools.

The Future of Low Code and AI Integration

Harald concluded by reiterating Microsoft's commitment to embedding AI capabilities across all levels of professional tasks, from routine requests to complex development projects. He encouraged the audience to embrace low code solutions as a means to not only solve immediate challenges but also to future-proof their organizations in an ever-evolving technological landscape.

Closing Thoughts

As Harald wrapped up his session, he reinforced the idea that low code tools, powered by AI, are not just about technological advancement but also about enabling creativity, ensuring data security, and enhancing productivity across various business functions. The session effectively captured the essence of Microsoft's vision: empowering every individual and organization on the planet to achieve more through innovative, accessible technology.

4. The New Security Landscape in the Era of AI

Exploring AI's Role in Evolving Security Paradigms

Roger Halbheer, an expert with 25 years of experience in security, delved into the new security landscape shaped by AI at the Microsoft Envision Connection. He began by acknowledging the widespread, yet often unrecognized, use of AI in security tools like conditional access systems, endpoint security, and more. Roger emphasized the transformative impact of AI on security, particularly in addressing longstanding challenges faced by defenders.

Changing Dynamics in Cybersecurity

Roger reflected on the traditional disadvantages faced by cybersecurity defenders, who had to secure all vulnerabilities against attackers who only needed to exploit one. However, he expressed optimism that AI is tipping this balance in favor of defenders. By harnessing large volumes of data and applying AI, organizations can better anticipate and respond to security threats.

Leveraging Data for Enhanced Security

Roger stressed the potential of combining Microsoft's vast threat intelligence data with an organization's internal data to create more robust defenses. He argued that most organizations, even those with robust internal data, are not fully utilizing this resource for protective measures. The integration of AI can help make sense of this vast data, providing actionable insights for security teams.

AI's Dual Role in Security

Roger differentiated between 'AI for security' and 'security for AI', clarifying the applications and responsibilities in each domain. 'AI for security' involves using AI-powered tools for protecting environments, while 'security for AI' focuses on ensuring that AI applications themselves are secure and responsibly used.

The Advent of Security Co-Pilot

Roger introduced the concept of the Security Co-Pilot, a tool integrated into various Microsoft security technologies. This AI-driven assistant aids analysts in processing vast amounts of data and making faster, more informed decisions. He emphasized that despite the advanced capabilities of AI, human oversight remains crucial in the decision-making process.

Data Governance and AI

An interesting point raised by Holger was the impact of AI on data governance. He cautioned that as AI tools like the M365 Co-Pilot become more adept at accessing and analyzing data, organizations must ensure robust data governance to prevent unauthorized access and maintain compliance.

Future of Security with AI

Looking ahead, Roger envisions a security landscape where AI not only assists in immediate threat response but also provides strategic insights. He imagines scenarios where AI could advise on protecting critical assets or disrupt potential attack chains, thereby enhancing organizational resilience.

Conclusion

Roger concluded his session by highlighting the transformative potential of AI in security, from applications in everyday tools to more advanced defensive strategies. He urged organizations to embrace AI not just as a technological advancement but as a crucial ally in the ongoing battle against cyber threats. This evolution, he believes, marks a significant shift towards a more balanced and proactive approach to cybersecurity.