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Boosting Small Business Productivity with Microsoft Copilot

Boosting Small Business Productivity with Microsoft Copilot

In today’s fast-paced business world, small business owners wear many hats. They’re often juggling multiple responsibilities, from attending meetings and writing documents to staying updated on the latest industry trends. With the advent of Microsoft Copilot, a groundbreaking AI-powered assistant, small business owners now have a game-changing tool at their disposal to enhance productivity, streamline tasks, and make work more manageable.

Embrace the AI Revolution

Copilot represents a new way of working. It’s like having a trusty co-pilot by your side, assisting you as you navigate the challenges of modern business. Here’s how Copilot can revolutionise the way small business owners operate:

Faster Document Creation

Whether it’s writing proposals, createing marketing materials, or organising reports, these tasks can be time-consuming. Copilot in Microsoft Word is like having a writing assistant that can suggest improvements, rephrase sentences, and help you find the right words quickly.

Smarter Meeting Transcriptions

Copilot integrated into Microsoft Teams transforms the way you manage meetings. It transcribes discussions, helping you keep a record of what was said and decisions made. No need to scribble notes frantically; Copilot has you covered.

Streamlined Communication

Copilot in Outlook is your ally in crafting better email communications. It can help you summarise lengthy discussions, write more clearly, and even suggest action items to keep your inbox organised.

Learning on the Go

Small business owners often need to learn new skills and stay informed about their industry. Copilot can help you find relevant information, summarise articles, and even generate conceptual art that can aid your learning process.

Personalised Assistance

Copilot adapts to your needs. It understands your writing style, your preferences, and your workflow, making it a truly personal assistant. It even suggests improvements while respecting your voice.

The Importance of Fact-Checking

While Copilot is a remarkable tool, it’s essential to remember that AI-generated content may not always be 100% accurate. So, always double-check facts, especially for critical documents or communications. Copilot is a helpful assistant, but the final responsibility lies with you.

Transforming Meetings with Copilot in Teams

Meetings are a staple in the business world, but they can be unproductive if not managed well. Copilot in Microsoft Teams is a game-changer for small business owners:

Transcriptions

Never miss a detail. Copilot accurately transcribes meetings, giving you a record of what was discussed.

Organisation

It helps structure ideas, understand context, and brings collaboration to the next level.

Actionable Insights

Easily identify what decisions were made and your specific action items, ensuring that you leave each meeting with a clear plan.

Elevating Document Creation with Copilot in Word & Excel

Microsoft Word and Excel are vital tools for any small business. Copilot takes these applications to the next level:

Efficient Writing

Copilot assists in writing more effectively. It’s like having a professional editor on standby.

Data Analysis

In Excel, Copilot can assist in analysing data, making complex calculations simpler.

A New Way of Working

Microsoft Copilot is not autopilot; it’s a co-pilot, there to support you and enhance your capabilities. It’s a transformative tool, helping users to work smarter, faster, and more efficiently. Embrace the power of AI, and explore what’s possible with Copilot. With Copilot by your side, you’re in the driver’s seat, leading the way to greater productivity and ease in your business journey.

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Microsoft’s Bing Chat Enterprise

Microsoft’s Bing Chat Enterprise

An AI Solution Ensuring Data Protection

As the use of AI tools increase in businesses, data privacy and security have also emerged as critical concerns. Companies are cautious about using generative AI tools due to the risk of confidential information leaks. This week Microsoft introduced a preview of Bing Chat Enterprise, a revolutionary AI-powered chat tool that prioritises data protection. This article explores Bing Chat Enterprise’s features and its ability to address data privacy concerns associated with AI.

Bing Logo

Enhanced Data Protection for Businesses

Recently launched in preview mode, Bing Chat Enterprise will be available in selected Microsoft 365 plans at no extra cost. Designed for companies hesitant about generative AI, it ensures users’ chat data is not saved or used for AI model training. This protection sets it apart from OpenAI’s ChatGPT as well as other AI tools including the AI powered Bing which utilise user prompts for training unless they opt out.

Bing Logo

Eliminating Fear of Data Leaks

Bing Chat Enterprise alleviates concerns about accidental sharing of confidential information. Its secure service prevents potential leaks, complemented by manual and automated reviews that monitor inappropriate behaviour, ensuring ethical business communication.
Bing Logo

Built on Trustworthy Technology

Microsoft confirmed to The Telegraph that Microsoft cannot view your company data, adding that the service offers “commercial data protection.” Bing Chat Enterprise utilises OpenAI’s GPT-4 model with both automated and manual reviews, ensuring proprietary and confidential data remains protected.
Bing Logo

Microsoft's Commitment to Privacy and Security

Microsoft’s launch of Bing Chat Enterprise reflects its dedication to developing AI-powered tools with the utmost privacy and security for businesses. The tool’s introduction indicates a growing demand for AI solutions in the business world, with data protection at the forefront.
Bing Logo

A Glimpse into the Future of AI-Powered Tools

Bing Chat Enterprise offers more than data protection; it provides a glimpse into the future of AI-powered tools. To foster trust between businesses and AI developers, addressing privacy and security concerns becomes paramount as AI tools become more widespread. Bing Chat Enterprise is a promising opportunity for businesses seeking secure AI solutions for communication needs, without the fear of data leaks.
Bing Logo

Insights from an interview between Yusuf Mehdi and Fox Business

In an interview with Fox Business yesterday, Yusuf Mehdi revealed that Bing Chat Enterprise unlocks AI for everyone in the workplace, prioritising data protection. Additionally, Microsoft’s M365 Co-Pilot aims to facilitate real-time meeting summaries and seamless integration with Teams & PowerPoint, expanding AI use cases in workplaces.

Microsoft’s Bing Chat Enterprise marks a groundbreaking step in AI-powered tools for businesses. By ensuring data privacy and security, this chat tool empowers companies to leverage AI confidently. With Bing Chat Enterprise, millions of users can harness AI’s potential in various use cases, fostering a new era of AI-powered collaboration and productivity. As AI becomes an integral part of the workplace, Microsoft sets a positive example for the industry by prioritising data protection.

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Mobile Device & App Management

Mobile Device & App Management

Empowering Efficient Workflows On & Off-Site

In today’s business landscape, where mobility is increasingly important, Mobile Device Management (MDM) and Mobile Application Management (MAM) solutions have become indispensable tools for businesses of all sizes.

MDM and MAM offer comprehensive security strategies, enabling businesses to effectively manage and secure their mobile devices and applications. They also provide numerous benefits, including enhanced productivity, increased control, improved cost savings, and a seamless user experience.

In this post, we will explore why MDM and MAM are crucial for businesses and how they can help businesses achieve their objectives.

What is MDM and MAM and how do they differ?

Mobile Device Management (MDM) involves managing and securing mobile devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops, across a business. It allows businesses to remotely manage and configure devices, enforce security policies, and ensure compliance with corporate standards. MDM solutions typically include features such as device inventory and tracking, remote wiping of devices, and the ability to enforce password policies.

On the other hand, Mobile Application Management (MAM) focuses on managing and securing mobile applications used by employees in the business. MAM solutions provide IT departments with the ability to control and manage the access, distribution, and security of enterprise mobile applications. MAM solutions often include features such as app wrapping, which involves adding a layer of security around an application to protect it from unauthorised access or data leakage, and app management, which allows businesses to distribute and manage apps across a range of devices.

The main difference between MDM and MAM is that MDM focuses on managing the devices themselves, while MAM focuses on managing the applications that run on those devices. However, both MDM and MAM are important components of a comprehensive mobile management strategy and can be used together to provide a holistic approach to mobile security and management.

How can MDM & MAM help businesses?

MDM solutions enhance a business’s security measures by allowing them to effectively manage and secure their mobile devices. This can include remotely wiping data from lost or stolen devices, setting up security policies to protect sensitive data, and preventing unauthorised access to company resources. MDM solutions can also simplify device management by providing a centralised console for managing mobile devices, which can help IT teams deploy updates and software remotely, saving time and resources.

MDM enables employees to work from anywhere and anytime, which can increase productivity and allow employees to be more responsive to their customers’ needs. Additionally, MDM solutions can help businesses save money by automating device and application management tasks, freeing up resources to focus on other critical business tasks. Finally, MDM solutions can ensure compliance with industry regulations and policies governing the use of mobile devices, providing businesses with peace of mind while avoiding costly penalties for non-compliance.

By implementing a MAM solution, businesses can benefit from streamlined application management and improved productivity. These solutions provide IT teams with a console for deploying, configuring, and updating applications on employee devices. A MAM solution secures access to company data at an application level with its built-in robust mobile security protocols protecting against potential breaches. MAM is a key tool for any business looking to enhance workplace efficiency without compromising company resources!

MDM and MAM solutions are essential tools for businesses that rely heavily on mobile devices and applications. These solutions offer numerous benefits, including reducing the risk of errors and downtime, providing employees the flexibility to access their work remotely, enhanced security and increased control, improved productivity, and cost savings. By adopting MDM and MAM solutions, businesses can focus on what matters most – their business.

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Get ready for the IE11 retirement. Switch to Microsoft Edge today

Get ready for the IE11 retirement. Switch to Microsoft Edge today

Microsoft has recently announced that it is permanently disabling Internet Explorer 11 (IE11) on certain versions of Windows 10 from February 14, 2023. This update will be rolling out to the Microsoft Edge Stable channel over the next week via a progressive rollout process.

Microsoft Edge Browser

The purpose of the update is to redirect users from IE11 to Microsoft Edge. Once the update is installed, users will be informed that IE has been retired and is no longer supported. Selecting “Continue” will start the redirection process from Internet Explorer 11 to Microsoft Edge. As part of the update, the Microsoft Edge icon will replace all IE icons in the start menu and taskbar.

What if I need IE for certain websites?

If any website you visit is incompatible with Microsoft Edge and requires IE, you can reload it with IE mode in Microsoft Edge once redirected. To enable IE mode, click the Ellipsis (three horizontal dots) in the top, right-hand corner of Microsoft Edge. Then select “Reload in Internet Explorer Mode” from the options.

Will I lose IE browser data such as favourites and passwords?

All data that was saved in your IE browser, including your favourites, history, cookies and passwords, will be brought over to Microsoft Edge so you can seamlessly continue browsing.

Preparing your Business for the Update

It is essential to prepare your business for this update by taking the necessary steps beforehand. In order to plan an effective transition strategy for this update, it is important to consider how your business uses IE11 and which websites need it to function.

Proactive steps to ensure that you are prepared

Ensure all staff members understand which sites they need to access and if any require training to help them become familiar with using Microsoft Edge as a substitute browser. Consider this update and its effects on your day-to-day operations. If you have already transitioned from IE11 to Microsoft Edge, the update will not impact you.

Will Legacy Applications continue to function?

Businesses that rely heavily on legacy applications should pay close attention as these applications may no longer work correctly after the upgrade if not properly configured in advance. If not checked prior to the update, there could be significant disruptions to the overall productivity of those affected. Special attention should also be on assessing whether or not these legacy applications need updating or replacing prior to implementing the update from Internet Explorer 11 to Microsoft Edge across your systems.

After over a decade, it is time to bid farewell to Internet Explorer 11. It is essential for IT managers and small business owners alike to take initiative-taking steps ahead of time to ensure a smooth transition away from IE11 and towards using Microsoft Edge. Proper planning and preparation will also ensure your business is equipped with the necessary tools and resources during this transition.

How to set up Internet Explorer

Transforming the Search Experience: Microsoft Bing and Edge Unveil AI-Powered Upgrade

Transforming the Search Experience: Microsoft Bing and Edge Unveil AI-Powered Upgrade

“AI will fundamentally change every software category, starting with the largest category of all – search,” stated Satya Nadella, Chairman and CEO, Microsoft. “Today, we’re launching Bing and Edge powered by AI co-pilot and chat, to help people get more from search and the web.”

Yusuf Medhi unveiling the new Bing

Since the launch of ChatGPT on the web in November 2022, interest in AI-powered text generation has skyrocketed, leading Microsoft, which has a close partnership with ChatGPT creator OpenAI, to integrate the technology into its suite of office software. Microsoft has upgraded its search engine Bing, to use the same AI technology that underpins chatbot ChatGPT to bring a new, enhanced version of Bing.

The upgrade promises to bring new AI-enhanced features for its Edge browser, which will work together to provide a more immersive and personalised experience for browsing the web and finding information online.

Yusuf Medhi presents a few examples

In demonstrations, Microsoft executive,  Yusuf Medhi unveiled “the new Bing”, in action with various examples. One demonstration shows traditional search results side by side with indexed AI annotations and another mode that allows users to talk directly to the Bing chatbot, like ChatGPT’s interface. The new Bing can retrieve current news and events, unlike ChatGPT, which has a knowledge cut-off of 2021.

Some of the scenarios that were demonstrated included asking for recipes, travel advice, and furniture shopping. In one demonstration, the chatbot was asked to plan a 5-day trip to Mexico City. It delivered a comprehensive itinerary, complete with links to supplementary information sources, impressing those in attendance.

Yusuf Medhi Travel Itinerary example

A ‘limited preview’ of the new Bing is live today for desktop users to try. However, currently, users are limited to asking pre-set queries and receiving the same answers. A waitlist is also available for those who wish to gain full access in the future. Try the new Bing here.

Along with the new Bing search engine, Microsoft is introducing two new AI-powered features for its Edge browser: “Chat” and “Compose.” These features will be integrated into the Edge browser’s sidebar. “Chat” will provide users with a summary of the webpage or document and allow them to ask questions about the content. “Compose” serves as a writing assistant that generates text, including emails and social media posts, based on initial prompts.

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How to Protect Your Data in the Cloud

How to Protect Your Data in the Cloud

Before the pandemic, many businesses took measured steps to transition to cloud technology. The global pandemic forced many companies to make rapid changes to allow their employees to work from home. Although there were security implications associated with such drastic measures, it has resulted in massive gains in cybersecurity.

The cloud has revolutionised the way businesses store and manage data. Thanks to major vendors investing in top-tier security measures, businesses of all sizes can rely on a high level of protection for their confidential information, along with regular updates as more features are added daily.

Despite the advances in cybersecurity technology, businesses still experience security breaches. Often, these breaches can be avoided when the right policies and configurations are in place.

To ensure your business is adequately protected without breaking the bank, let’s look at a few simple yet effective measures that are included with Microsoft 365.

Microsoft 365

Use Microsoft 365 Business Premium

All Microsoft 365 plans include security features, but Premium provides far more features specifically designed for business environments.

Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

When every user is authenticated correctly, the risk of security breaches drastically decreases. Furthermore, this powerful security feature can be executed speedily, taking a few minutes per account.

The two most secure MFA methods include the Security key method (which involves using a separate security key that you can insert into a PC or mobile device to authenticate the login) and the use of an authentication app. If you use voice and SMS-based MFA please do so with caution. SMS and Voice MFA do not use encryption, making it easy for hackers to intercept them.

Data Security in the cloud

Admin Account Protection

No user should have admin rights on their primary account because even admins can make mistakes when checking email or casually browsing. Users should only have the access they need for the time they need it. Implement a limited access policy to cut the chances of any violations.

Disable Anonymous Sharing

Anonymous sharing is enabled by default, allowing you to share documents with anyone. Meaning, a document could accidentally get sent to the wrong person. By disabling this feature, you will have more control over where your business data is shared.

SharePoint

Monitor SharePoint for Changes and Access Events

SharePoint is a practical way to keep your team informed. You can receive alerts for suspicious activity and notifications when someone deletes more than five files or copies a large amount of data. This can help prevent data loss accidents as well as malicious acts.

Implement Device Policies and Management

Your workforce may use various devices to carry out tasks. Each device is a potential path into your protected environment, so it is essential to have strong policies in place. You can create policies that require complex passwords and insist that Windows updates are performed promptly. Endpoints are now the most prominent threat, so use the free device protection in your Microsoft Business Premium subscription to boost security.

Block Client Forwarding Rules

Enabling email forwarding might breach your workplace policies and also put your business at risk. Suppose a hacker managed to gain access to an account, they could forward emails to an address of their choice, allowing them access to leak sensitive business information and wreak havoc.

The importance of online data security

Data Loss Prevention (DLP) Policies

In Microsoft 365 Business Premium, you can designate rules around your data, such as restricting certain document types from being emailed. You can use these rules to prevent sensitive information, such as credit cards, Medicare, and licence numbers, from being emailed, cutting a critical risk. If your business must share sensitive data, we recommend uploading documents to a secure file storage platform such as OneDrive or Google Drive and then generating a secure link to share with relevant individuals/teams.

Improve Your Microsoft Secure Score

Microsoft 365 includes a handy tool that evaluates your security posture and provides a score based on system configurations, user behaviour, and other measurements. In addition, the tool offers you a prioritised list of recommendations to support you in raising your security level.

Backup Your Cloud Data

A common misconception is that someone, somewhere, is backing everything up for you in the cloud, but that isn’t entirely true. Understand what your data loss acceptance level looks like and find a data backup solution you are satisfied with.

The best online data security protection is prevention through training

Training

Regarding cybersecurity, it is no surprise that human error is the most common cause of security breaches. Regardless of all the possible precautions you take to minimise the risk of cybercrime, all it can take is a link click, download, missed update or misconfiguration to lead to a big problem.

The best way to avoid human error is to enforce cyber security guidelines and provide online and in-person training and testing.

Testing should include a targeted phishing campaign to see who clicks – this can help you to identify who requires training.

As part of any cyber security audit, we look at physical security; you’d be surprised how many people still put their password on a post-it note by their monitor and how many visitors are left unsupervised around sensitive information!

Most of the actions in this post require little or no help to set up and will immediately reduce your risk of a breach. While it is worth investing in a cyber security review and the assistance of a data security specialist, there is plenty that you can do yourself to become less of a target to hackers.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions about data protection.

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