Microsoft 365 Copilot: The AI Assistant That’s Revolutionizing Productivity

Microsoft 365 Copilot for Powerpoint

Microsoft 365 Copilot is revolutionizing productivity and collaboration by integrating powerful AI into familiar Microsoft 365 apps. Critical features like Bing Chat Enterprise and Business Chat allow real-time assistance for entire documents and chat threads, providing relevant suggestions and automating repetitive tasks.

With natural language processing, Copilot understands user needs and assists with tasks like creating speaker notes, meeting agendas, and lengthy presentations. It simplifies and streamlines workflows, empowering users to focus on creative, high-value work.

By analyzing chat history, document contents, and public data, Copilot provides personalized recommendations for individual users. Its ability to categorize different data types through endpoint taxonomy delivers accurate insights.

Copilot shines in meetings by taking quick notes, prompting follow-ups, and creating complete presentations. Its generative AI capabilities elevate writing style and unlock creativity.

By seamlessly integrating with Microsoft 365 and Power Platform, Copilot becomes an indispensable AI assistant. It guides users through complex tasks, finds relevant content, summarizes documents, translates languages, and manages action items.

The next-generation AI transforms business operations and unlocks potential. Copilot leverages Azure Active Directory and security policies to assist with sensitive documents while respecting privacy.

As a true “copilot”, it understands context and needs to enhance productivity daily. Microsoft 365 Copilot is a game changer for enterprises, combining advanced AI with Microsoft’s trusted productivity tools.

We can get you started with Microsoft 365 Copilot today.

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Lessons to Learn in Light of Twitter’s API Breaches

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Back in December 2021, an API attack on Twitter took place. It left 5.4 million users with leaked data the following July. The data was put on sale via the black market and was once again put up for sale recently. This shows how disruptive these phishing attacks can be. Today we will discover what an API attack is and why you need to be aware of this advanced type of social engineering that could put your data at risk in the future.

What is an API?

API stands for application programming interface. This is what allows a program to communicate with another one in a standardized manner. APIs can be used to send money through a single shared application.  They can also control a smart appliance in your home via an app. They work in this way:

  1. A command is sent to an application with your mobile device. 
  2. The application will then connect to the Internet and share the command and the data associated with it. 
  3. A server will then receive the data and interpret it to carry out the requested actions.
  4. The device receives the data and shows it to the user.

APIs are generally standardized, which means they should usually remain secure as they only send the needed information. However, a phishing attack like this terrible Twitter hack could result in vulnerabilities in the system.

The Twitter API Hack

When one of Twitter’s APIs was exploited, it allowed the hackers who carried out the attack to identify who owned individual Twitter accounts. It used the API to submit phone numbers and email addresses, and the issue didn’t get fully resolved until January 2022. Millions of users were the victims of this attack, leaving their personal information out in the open and lowering trust in this popular social media site.

How Serious Are API Attacks?

While you might not think you need to worry about API attacks if you run a smaller website or system, they are something that everyone should be taking seriously. Twitter is not the only company to become a victim of data theft, as so many businesses use API functionality. APIs are built in a way that can build trust with the systems they connect to, allowing hackers full access to your company’s data if they perform an API attack. This can then be used for further social engineering attacks, causing havoc and disruption for your business and clients.

How Can You Prevent an API Attack?

The first step to preventing an API attack is to educate your team about them as much as you can. You should minimize access to sensitive accounts, protecting your passwords and account access with password management tools and two-factor authentication where possible. Try to teach your team about phishing attacks and the complex methods that scammers now use, so they can recognize the signs of these in the future.

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Our team is here to help support you and reduce the chance of API attacks in the future. Contact us today to discover your options or to discuss any questions you have on this topic.

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Artificial Intelligence in Wearable Health Devices and IT

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Creators of wearable health devices are researching ways to utilize artificial intelligence (AI) technology to monitor users’ health. Prior to the incorporation of AI technology, wearables were used to monitor heart rate, blood pressure, glucose levels, and body temperature. Through the use of artificial intelligence, wearable health devices will be able to accurately predict the user’s movements. This applies even if the wearable is removed from the person.

Health Monitors as Adhesive Patches

Assistant Professor Sihong Wang from the Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering at the University of Chicago is currently leading a team who is developing a chip that will collect data from biosensors. This chip will utilize machine learning to draw conclusions about the wearers’ health by sticking to the skin. 

If Professor Sihong Wang and his team’s development becomes a success, wearable biosensors can assist with the management of users’ health. Additionally, with keeping track of various vitals such as blood sugar and oxygen levels, movement, stress levels, and tracking heart rhythm. The advanced technology the team is using can even track electrocardiogram information.

Machine learning algorithms are already found in wearable heart monitors and various smartphone applications. This allows doctors to monitor heart conditions closely.

But, of course, as with any medical data like this, it can open up a whole other can of worms. One where privacy and security are of concern when integrated with various technology solutions.

Artificial intelligence will more than likely play a crucial role in healthcare systems over the next few years. Simply due to its unique ability to process large amounts of data in a productive and efficient manner.

Artificial Intelligence is Helpful in IT Too

Although the kind of chip that was described earlier may have limited functionality in an office environment, it serves as an example of how advanced AI technology has become. Through having the ability to automate tasks and data collection, as well as assist in workflow automation. With the use of proactive technological solutions, your systems can be automatically monitored for signs of security discrepancies or decline in the systems. Besides assisting in healthcare settings, artificial intelligence can also help businesses address any issues or complications with technology.

AI can be divided into five different technology parts. Machine learning, deep learning, natural language processing, image processing, and speech recognition. A central role in the IT industry includes machine learning and deep learning.

Machine learning focuses on how a computer program is able to examine data using specific algorithms. In other words, a computer is trained to analyze large amounts of data at one time. Then to learn how to perform those particular tasks. Deep learning is a subcategory of machine learning and is similar. In deep learning, a computer system is trained to perform specific tasks from sounds, texts, or images.

Artificial intelligence can also be used in service management. AI can be utilized with service automation, allowing companies to be more productive and effective, resulting in faster, cost-effective delivery services.

To learn more about what we at 4 Corner IT can do to help your business grow, please contact us today at 954.474.2204.

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Building a More Business Productivity with Technology

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Productivity is the measure of the efficiency of people in a business completing certain tasks. The tools provided and the employee’s ability to carry out these tasks result in the overall productivity of a company. The proper use of technology in your organization can significantly increase your business’ productivity.

Business Technology Tiers

If you are interested in incorporating additional technology into your company, it is generally because you want to make your business process more efficient. Doing so will improve your overall productivity. There are three tiers used in digital transformation:

  • Operational: incorporates business management applications, productivity, and communications
  • Supply Chain: data collection based on your business procurement, processing, and distribution processes is utilized 
  • Digital Platforms: implemented to promote and/or sell goods or services

Better Productivity with Operational Technology

Companies must provide the most efficient work tools to allow their employees to be the most productive they can be. Workplace tools generally involve technological advances as these can help maximize overall productivity. Customer relationship management (CRM) technology provides users with the ability to track progress, time, and interaction with clients to keep them updated on the progress of various projects. Communication tools can include Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), email, and video conferencing. Productivity tools such as Microsoft Office and Google Drive offer users the ability to be more productive. It allows for built-in collaboration with other members of your staff. These features give users access to the tools necessary to promote productivity while also incorporating communication with one another.

Better Productivity with Supply Chain Technology

The supply chain is fundamental to a company’s ability to generate the goods and services they offer to customers. Even service-oriented businesses must have an efficient supply chain in order to service their clients in a timely manner. Today’s technology offers transparent services by providing logistics information, management of inventory, and other processes to track and manage goods, fleets of vehicles, and Internet of Things devices. All these systems collect data that is required to fully understand how to maximize the efficiency of your company.

Better Productivity with Digital Platform Technology

In today’s day and age of doing business, it is crucial to have some type of online presence. This allows businesses to reach many people from various parts of the world. Many companies have elevated this idea of online presence in the form of applications that allow both their employees and clients to use them with quicker ease. While CRMs, file sharing platforms, and collaboration systems are technically called digital platforms, online digital platforms typically refer to a business’ webpage, social media, and stand-alone applications that can further assist a company’s relationship with its customers. The integration of these digital platforms and other workplace tools in place will give you a better understanding of how you can create a more productive and effective business. 

The utilization of technology in business is growing exponentially. If you would like to learn more about how the professionals at 4 Corner IT can help your company acquire the proper tools needed to build a more productive business, please contact us today at 954.474.2204.

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How the Technology Industry is (or is not) Affected by Inflation

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Many economic analysts report that inflation is currently on the rise in the United States. Inflation is the rate of increases in prices over a certain period of time. Inflation is normally a broadened term, like the overall increase in the cost of living in a country, but it can also be calculated more specifically, such as the increase in goods and services. With inflation, the value of the dollar also decreases. 

Unfortunately, inflation continues to negatively impact businesses across all industries. Consumers are spending less money in order to save more, resulting in companies adapting to diminished sales and resources. Many companies have turned to incorporate various strategies that allow them to receive the most out of their investments. There are several ways to maintain a decent IT budget without spending too much. Continue reading to learn more.

Investments in Technology Can Overturn Inflation

Investment management and financial services company, Morgan Stanley, recently issued a list of deflation enablers. Deflation enablers are companies that assist organizations in reducing costs, improving productivity, and optimizing overall performance. Automation platforms, such as Appian, Salesforce, ServiceNow, and UiPath, allow companies to be more efficient by saving time and labor costs. Creating manual processes ultimately eliminates the need for people to perform them. Supply chain efficiency software, such as C3.ai, Palantir, and Snowflake, utilizes cloud-based data warehousing allowing its clients to consolidate all of their data which employees can access.

Working Together to Combat this Economic Issue

Incorporating the necessary resources effectively can help withstand inflation. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, many businesses have adopted the strategies of remote operations and downsizing of the company. Due to a large amount of money being spent on real estate, organizations consider reinvesting that money elsewhere within the company, such as in IT solutions and sales. 

As mentioned previously, many IT providers are mentioned in Morgan Stanley’s list of deflation enablers. This is because automation and cloud-based platforms reduce costs and relieve employees of menial tasks, allowing them to focus on other opportunities that improve the productivity of the company.

4 Corner IT can assist you and your company with all things automation-related. We also can assist you in getting the most out of your technology solutions in other ways. Our managed IT services will give you and your business the support needed to succeed in a competitive and fast-paced business environment. To learn more, please contact us today at 954.474.2204.

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