Some organisations are already humming along having already migrated their entire fleet to Windows 11. Yet others are continuing to ignore the pending deadline, just beginning to weigh up a move, or perhaps aren’t even aware it’s coming. But it is! Windows 10 end-of-life is now fast approaching, which means no more updates, security patches, or support from Microsoft.

And here’s the rub – Windows 10 EOL is not like OS upgrades of the past. Organisations must migrate to its successor operating system, Windows 11, or there will be unavoidable consequences – from security vulnerabilities to unsupported systems.

Windows 11 delivers advanced security, smoother performance, and plenty of AI-powered tools. It’s an OS built to keep your organisation running efficiently and securely for years to come.

Let’s explore what makes this transition so different, and why so many of our customers are viewing it as a strategic opportunity to position their organisation for what’s coming next.

What you need to know about windows 10 end of life

Microsoft announced that support for its most successful operating system release ever, Windows 10, will officially end on 14 October 2025. Beyond this date – while devices running Windows 10 will continue to function – they’ll no longer receive essential monthly security patches or quality updates. This is significant – staying on Windows 10 post-support carries huge security risks and compliance concerns. It’s also worth noting that in their bid to nudge organisations towards the secure, up-to-date environment offered by Windows 11, Microsoft has also halted new sales of Windows 10 PCs. The clock is indeed ticking.

Don’t count on an extension

You may be hoping that Microsoft will extend the support deadline for Windows 10, but there’s no indication of this happening. Microsoft has been clear that support will end on the current deadline, and relying on a possible extension is a risky strategy – especially given Microsoft is actively pushing adoption of Windows 11.

Know the security and compliance implications of staying put

If you’re still on the fence about migrating or pushing timelines back, remember that Windows 10 end-of-life is more than just a routine update. When support ends, real security and compliance issues begin:

Preparing for a timely upgrade to Windows 11 is the safest way to avoid security vulnerabilities.

Reducing your technical debt with a Windows 11 migration

For security reasons alone, migrating to Windows 11 has to happen. But it’s actually an opportunity to rethink and refresh your entire setup. Windows 10 end-of-life is becoming the push many organisations need to address a backlog of outdated tech, rationalising technical debt and moving towards efficient, modern device management that will support teams well into the future. For many, it’s the start of a broader journey to upgrade systems, tools and devices.

Many organisations are still using on-premises Active Directory, legacy applications, and outdated deployment tools like Configuration Manager – tools that create barriers to implementing the more efficient, cloud-based solutions that today’s IT environments demand.

Moving to Windows 11 provides a clean slate to adopt a modern management approach that utilises tools like Microsoft Intune and Azure AD, and introduces capabilities like remote, cloud-based provisioning, streamlined updates, stronger security, and improved support for hybrid work – all aligned perfectly with the needs of a modern workforce.

Here’s just a few scenarios where we see this shift play out.

In both scenarios, the conversation around how devices are deployed, managed, and secured naturally leads to the bigger piece – moving to a modern management approach supported by a migration to Windows 11.

This shift in device management also impacts the overall device strategy. Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) options are being reconsidered (it is so easy now with Azure Virtual Desktop), and unrelated but still part of future-proofing strategies, the availability of ARM-based, AI-ready devices change how a fleet needs to be managed. This is about ensuring that the hardware and software invested in today can handle the AI-driven and cloud-based applications of tomorrow. Microsoft’s Copilot is of course a staple in this, and we expect it to play a much larger role in changing how we work and the associated productivity benefits.

The juggle – and the barrier – is that organisations have to rethink hardware investments, existing fleet compatibility, and application suitability, alongside their OS upgrade.

This is where proactive planning comes in – by assessing device compatibility early they can roll out Windows 11 across compatible hardware, while gradually replacing older devices. For more on how this shift can work for your organisation, read our in-depth device strategy blog.

The Windows 10 EOL opportunity is clear. We encourage customers to stop seeing it as just another deadline to meet, and instead consider it as a moment to set up a modern management strategy that’s truly built for the future.

Navigating a Windows 11 migration is easy with Data#3

Let Data#3 guide you through a seamless Windows 11 migration, tailored to fit your organisation’s needs. Our team of Microsoft experts can help with:

Every organisation deals with technical debt—the accumulation of outdated systems, legacy apps, and workarounds. It builds up as businesses grow and technology evolves, creating a backlog of issues that eventually need addressing. While it may start as a minor inconvenience, this debt becomes a real barrier to progress over time, adding risk, complexity and cost to every upgrade.

With Windows 10 support coming to an end, this technical debt is now front and centre for organisations aiming to transition to Windows 11. The new operating system (OS) makes it obvious where legacy hardware, older apps, or outdated security protocols hold you back. For many, Windows 11’s stricter system requirements mean that it’s a call to rethink outdated hardware and software, refresh ageing devices, and establish a solid transition strategy rather than simply kicking the problems further down the road.

Understanding tech debt and why it matters

Let’s start by explaining what we mean by technical debt in the Windows 11 context. In many organisations, tech debt manifests as legacy systems like on-premises file servers , older configuration management tools like Microsoft Configuration Manager (SCCM), and even unsupported operating systems.

Here’s a quick summary of the most common forms of tech debt we see impacting Windows 11 migration:

These large-scale hardware replacements carry budget and resource implications. IT teams will need to work closely with finance to plan for these costs and may need to stagger replacements to avoid significant outlay and workforce disruption. Managing device upgrades or retirements will also require logistical planning, including end-of-life disposal.

Once devices slated for retirement have been identified, selecting replacements will require more strategic thought than typical fleet refreshes. While all new Microsoft devices are Windows 11 compatible, considerations around specific use cases, such as the AI -power and features of ARM-based devices, adds a new dimension to these decisions.

Developing a roadmap for modernisation

Paying down tech debt solves more than just past problems. It also delivers tangible benefits, such as simplifying device management, boosting security, and building a foundation for future tech shifts without adding to the debt balance.

It requires a clear roadmap, however, that prioritises the most impactful areas, aligns with your Windows 11 migration timeline, and incorporates cloud-based solutions. Not all tech debt is the same. Some aspects directly impact business continuity and security, while others, like legacy applications, may not be as urgent but still require a plan. Starting with the issues that carry the most risk, such as outdated security protocols or unsupported operating systems, allows you to close the most critical gaps first.

Timing is another consideration. Aligning tech debt reduction with your Windows 11 migration timeline can streamline both processes, turning a potentially disruptive upgrade into a coordinated transformation effort. Simply put, it’s about prioritisation – keep what you can, update what you need, and replace when you must. This also helps keep users on track with minimal disruption, as they’re guided through phased upgrades that ultimately create a seamless transition to the new OS.

Finally, integrating cloud-based solutions like Microsoft Intune, Windows 365, and Azure Virtual Desktop will create a future-ready IT environment. Windows 11 is optimised for cloud-centric management, making this the perfect time to adopt solutions that support remote provisioning, secure remote access, and streamline policy enforcement across devices. By moving to the cloud, you’re preparing for a smoother Windows 11 experience and equipping your organisation with the scalability and flexibility needed to adapt to future demands.

Data#3’s approach to assessing tech debt

A successful Windows 11 migration begins with a clear ‘valuation’ of existing tech debt. Our approach provides a structured assessment to identify potential roadblocks and opportunities. Here’s how we approach it:

Data#3’s tech debt remediation services

Once we’ve assessed your tech debt, we deliver targeted remediation services to address specific challenges as we ready your organisation to transition to Windows 11. The focus is on building a modern, resilient IT environment that supports your business goals:

With a solid modernisation plan, it’s possible to reverse the cycle of tech debt growth. Data#3 is here to guide you through a full assessment, prioritisation, and remediation process so you have the support needed to address your existing investments and put your organisation on the path to a modernised setup.

Data#3 and Microsoft

A partnership that has been in existence since 1994, Data#3 holds the highest level of partner accreditations across the Microsoft ecosystem – from the network and cloud, to the datacentre and workforce. Our expert team can guide and advise on the best technologies for your business.

International Safety Systems switches to modern, secure Microsoft Azure environment

Download Customer Story

Objective

International Safety Systems wanted to modernise their IT infrastructure and migrate to the cloud.

Approach

As International Safety Systems infrastructure neared end of life, the business sought recommendations from a trusted consultant, and determined that a shift to Microsoft Azure was the right path forward. That advisor joined Data#3 and they recognised that the expertise and culture of their partnership would make a good match.

IT Outcome

• Scalable environment
• Exceptional availability
• Built-in backup and disaster recovery functionality
• Improved security
• Fast and cost-effective, making it easier to innovate

Business Outcome

• Customer’s data is cloud-hosted, residing in their chosen location
• Streamlined onboarding process
• Access to additional expertise
• Avoidance of capital expenditure (CapEx)

The most outstanding part of the project is the improved reliability. We have had no unscheduled downtime thanks to the way our Data#3 consultant designed the platform.

David RickwardCommercial Director, International Safety Systems

The Background

International Safety Systems (ISS) provides customised safety, quality and risk management solutions to customers around the world, helping them to meet compliance requirements while improving their business resilience.

ISS had been hosting its specialised apps in-house, using a thin client approach to distribute software. As available cloud options matured, ISS recognised the potential to work more efficiently and offer an enhanced service to customers.

The Challenge

The AIRS app from ISS is used to capture and manage safety and quality data for customers in stringently controlled industries, such as defence and aerospace. The small, very busy ISS team helps its customers meet all compliance obligations, reducing risk and operating more safely. Until recently, Commercial Director David Rickward said that managing infrastructure was a way of life.

“We had a traditional model, before Software as a Service was widely available. We hosted our software on our own hardware in a Sydney data centre. In addition to the hosting cost we had all the associated maintenance costs and then every five years, we would have to throw it away and start again, which meant incurring substantial capital costs and add-on services. Whilst it allowed us to distribute AIRS online it was a costly and labour-intensive model.”
That service model required effort from customers, and the cost was amplified by the need for extremely high availability to meet the service levels required by clients.

“We had backup redundancy and disaster recovery servers running. Overall, we were happy with the uptime – however, there were occasional unscheduled outages which required on-premises support, adding more cost,” explained Rickward.

As the time for renewal approached, with cloud options now offering greater maturity, ISS sought advice from a trusted cloud specialist, who learned about the ISS business model and made initial suggestions.

“He was experienced with Microsoft Azure. After we started discussions with him, he moved to Data#3. He provided a lot of really good ideas around platform design to make our operations more efficient. We had been working with him for several years and we wanted to continue that relationship.”

IT Outcome

After careful evaluation, ISS followed Data#3’s recommendation for a Microsoft Azure environment, first instating one instance of the ISS software, then provisioning more until the solution hosted all customers. Microsoft Azure backup and DR, as well as several Microsoft Azure security and management features were put to work to help the ISS team work efficiently.

“It was a reasonably quick transition by technology standards, taking six months from our first proof of concept discussions, through commitment and implementation. We canvassed our biggest clients to see if there were any issues for them to move to the new environment, especially in terms of security. Their primary concern was where their data would reside.

“We sandbox tested with a couple of our biggest clients, migrated some smaller clients, then lastly the bigger organisations over a period of eight months.”

The solution included expertise from a Data#3 cloud specialist, so that ISS would always be positioned to work proactively and able to get the most form the Microsoft Azure platform, while managing costs effectively.

“We’re leveraging our Data#3 cloud specialist as our platform manager. We monitor the day-to-day ourselves, and he does general housekeeping a couple of times a month to ensure updates are installed. He also talks us through new security features we might be interested in. This input is invaluable to us – we’re a small company and can handle tasks ourselves but can’t do everything in-house. This arrangement gives us access to the wider resources of Data#3 when we need it.”

Rickward has stated that the flexibility of the Microsoft Azure platform has already impressed ISS clients, given the speed and cost-effectiveness of rolling out the custom app that the company is known for. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.

“One client in the aviation industry initially wanted to run the app in-house. They went to their IT department, who quoted six figures for the new servers, and managing and monitoring those assets. We can spin up a dedicated host for them and provide continuous access to data. It was one fifth of the cost that their internal IT would have needed.

“They would have had to go through getting budget approval, which would have taken 12 months, but being a pay-as-you-go model, it was signed off within a week.”

Microsoft invests around $1 billion (USD) each year on Microsoft Azure security, with developers designing solutions for the modern threat landscape where organisations face an increasingly sophisticated barrage of attacks. Rickward said that this timely boost to security is “absolutely a plus”, with the shift to the secure online platform reducing risk for ISS and its clients.

“It is a valuable part of the solution without a shadow of a doubt. Before, every thin client had its own port, so there were multiple ports facing the world. By changing, customers now have web access through a firewall, with only one single point of entry. When you look at it from a security risk point of view, it is considerably better than before, and our customers stay safer.”

Business Outcome

The transition for customers went smoothly, causing no disruption and earning praise for the improved ISS offering after the shift to Microsoft Azure.

“Their lives got easier without having to run the thin client. The cutover was seamless, and the users had their familiar app, they weren’t seeing any difference except that they just had to use a hyperlink instead of clicking an icon on their desktop.”

As a technology business itself, ISS places considerable importance on finding solutions that keep its lead position in its competitive market.

“We can stay at the forefront of technology, always using the latest and greatest, as opposed to buying hardware that becomes obsolete in a month, which then becomes a patch job. Moving to the Microsoft Azure platform means we can stay at the front of the curve, in turn giving our customers the best outcomes,” described Rickward.

This progress is aided by sharing knowledge, with the Data#3 Azure expert helping the small ISS team to gain confidence in the new platform. Rickward is happy that the business has benefitted from someone with enormous depth of Azure experience.

“He has done quite a bit of work with our internal team on things like day-to-day monitoring and firewalls. He’s helped our team to completely understand what to look for, and how to achieve compliance.

“It has been a game-changer for us, and we look at it as a partnership arrangement. Given what the Data#3 Azure expert has delivered us, it is a lot more capability than we would otherwise have, and we’ve gained a lot more capability in-house with him there.”

That capability extends to helping ISS respond to requests for tenders. Rickward said that the ability to access expertise helps to show prospective corporate and government clients that ISS has the capability needed when providing such a critical service.

“The advantage of dealing with a technology company like Data#3 is that if we don’t have specific expertise in-house, we know we have it through them. When we’re bidding on some contracts, it gives us more credibility to have that support, especially in the government space. We do a lot of work for government and from a security point of view, if we’re working with an organisation that is already approved, it makes for a more seamless transition, and we don’t have to delay delivery getting approvals.”

For customers, the Microsoft Azure platform raises the bar for custom solutions. ISS can now offer shared platforms, where customers’ individual environments are logically separated, and where customers prefer, dedicated platforms can be quickly provided. The ability to store data in their own or an approved jurisdiction has proven to be essential.

“Microsoft Azure provides more flexibility, allowing us to do more for our clients with specific requirements. For example, for legal or regulatory reasons, clients may need to ensure their data is stored in a particular jurisdiction. With Microsoft Azure we know we can provide that assurance and have them covered.”

It has been a game-changer for us, and we look at it as a partnership arrangement. Given what the Data#3 Azure expert has delivered us, it is a lot more capability than we would otherwise have.

David RickwardCommercial Director, International Safety Systems

Conclusion

Although Rickward said that any major change in delivery method had the “potential to be traumatic”, he was clear that with the right team in place, it didn’t have to be.

“My advice is simple: find someone who totally understands what you do. Data#3 was very good in terms of what we were trying to achieve and that understanding meant we were able to map it out together – it was truly a collaborative experience. In terms of understanding the platform and how to manage disaster recovery, that was important.

“The transition itself should be made straightforward – taking the environment off the existing platform and moving it into the cloud. However, there are so many tricks to managing Microsoft Azure well with the right security around it, it’s essential to engage with an experienced consulting firm.

You might be tempted to do it yourself, but you will end up saving money and getting a better result with the right partner. When I filled out the customer satisfaction survey, I gave it a 10 out of 10. One hundred percent!”

Ultimately, the solution was measured by ISS against the benefits and service levels they were able to provide to their valued customers around the world. The switch to the Microsoft Azure platform has been deemed a success.

“The most outstanding part of the project is the improved reliability; we have had no unscheduled downtime because of the way the platform is set up. When we did have minor issues, we were able to failover to backup systems without service interruption. The service delivery has been outstanding,” concluded Rickward.

Download Customer Story Explore how Microsoft Azure can benefit your business

 

A new device without some variety of embedded AI barely qualifies as a product launch these days. At least the team behind Microsoft Surface thinks so because the latest Surface Copilot+ devices to hit the shelves come packed with AI-driven capabilities. But before we look at the devices themselves, we need to talk a little about the new processors.

The Surface AI Intergration story so far

First integrated into Surface devices with the release of Windows 11 in 2023, Copilot was part of Microsoft’s broader push to embed AI-powered tools directly into their ecosystem, starting with the Office suite and expanding into Windows.

But in the AI era, that’s old news. This latest round of Surface devices has AI capabilities right down to the core, or rather, in their new ARM-based processors and Neural Processing Units (NPUs). It’s what Microsoft calls “high-octane AI acceleration”.

The ARM chips powering these devices (Qualcomm Snapdragon®️ X Elite and Plus processors) represent a significant change from traditional Intel-based chips. Thanks to their Reduced Instruction Set Computing (RISC) design, ARM chips are faster and more energy-efficient than x86 processors from Intel and AMD.

This has led to around 99% of the premium smartphone market being powered by ARM*. However, compatibility issues with legacy software and hardware have prevented ARM from gaining widespread adoption in the desktop and laptop market. This gap is narrowing, though, as ARM-native applications and app-emulation tools advance. Microsoft is undoubtedly betting on ARM’s success, buoyed by Qualcomm’s benchmarks, which have surpassed the performance of both Apple’s M2 and Intel’s Core Ultra 7 chips, which leads us back to the launch of these two new devices.

A look at Surface Laptop 7th Edition and Surface Pro 11th Edition

Surface Laptop 7th Edition

A powerful combination of AI and processing power makes the Surface Laptop 7th Edition (available in 13.8-inch and 15-inch versions) an excellent choice for enterprises looking to boost productivity and enhance collaboration.

Processing power | Features robust on-device AI capabilities, thanks to the Snapdragon®️ X Elite and Plus processors (86% faster than Surface Laptop 5!) and integrated NPU.

Battery life and portability | The mind-boggling 22 hours of battery life on the 15-inch and 20 hours on the 13.8-inch (based on local video playback use) ensure uninterrupted performance, while fast charging ensures quick re-fuelling, so users stay in flow.

Connectivity | Featuring Wi-Fi 7 along with dual USB-C /USB 4 ports, allowing you to connect multiple peripherals or external displays.

Display | Near-edgeless 15-inch and 13.8-inch PixelSense Flow touchscreens feature adaptive colour, contrast, and HDR for a bright and responsive display under dim or bright lights.

Keyboard and touchpad | The laptop includes an improved silent keyboard experience with a dedicated Copilot key for quick access to AI-powered Copilot features. It also has a large haptic precision touchpad.

Camera | The HD 1080p Surface Studio Camera, combined with Windows Studio Effects driven by AI, gives virtual meetings a professional look and feel, while AI-driven features like background blur and voice clarity make communications clear.

Sustainability | Made from a minimum of 67.2% recycled materials, this device will appeal to environmentally conscious businesses.

Surface Pro 11th Edition

A versatile tablet-to-laptop ARM-based device with unbeatable upgrades in processing power, AI capabilities, and enterprise-ready features, including security and repairability.

Processing power | Features robust on-device AI capabilities, thanks to the Snapdragon®️ X Elite and Plus processors (86% faster than Surface Laptop 5!) and integrated NPU.

Battery life and portability | ARM processors consume less power, so it’s no surprise users can expect up to 14 hours of battery life for Wi-Fi-only models. This is fantastic news for employees who work remotely, in the field, or have travel-heavy roles. And if power runs low, there’s fast charging to get those bars up quickly.

Connectivity | With Wi-Fi 7 and 5G support, users get faster, more reliable connectivity along with NFC for secure authentication, which is essential for remote work, video conferencing, and accessing cloud apps. The dual USB-C / USB 4 allows multiple peripherals or external displays to be connected, allowing you to configure your workspace to best suit your needs.

Display: Optional 13″ OLED display with HDR technology, adaptive colour, and high contrast and brightness for a clear viewing experience in any light conditions.

Keyboard and Pen | Users will enjoy a satisfyingly silent typing experience with the Surface Pro Flex detachable keyboard with Precision Haptic touchpad and Surface Slim Pen – which handily charges right on the keyboard.

Camera | Video conferencing is a breeze with an ultrawide camera paired with AI-driven enhancements through Windows Studio Effects.

Sustainability | Align with your organisation’s environmental responsibility. Pro 11th Edition uses at least 72% recycled materials in the enclosure.

Features shared by both devices

On-device AI features | Beyond the handy Copilot key, both devices share a few notable on-device AI capabilities driven by the NPU.

Repairability | Like other Surface devices, both editions have Microsoft’s simplified repair process with replaceable components so they can be quickly repaired and returned to service.

Security | Advanced security measures like Windows Hello plus Microsoft Pluton technology which provides chip-to-cloud protection. The ability to manage risks directly from the device adds an extra layer of trust.

A few important considerations

1.    Targeted to niche roles in the enterprise

It’s important to note that these devices are not generational replacements for the respective Surface 6th and 10th editions; they are available in parallel. This is because they’re fundamentally consumer-focused devices, but their specs and affordability still make them suitable for specific roles in the enterprise. While features like the ability to transform simple sketches into refined designs add appeal, it is creative and AI-driven environments that will realise the device’s actual value, making them more suited for companies looking to develop specialised applications tailored to their needs rather than for general enterprise use.

2.   Copilot licensing

To fully unlock the AI-powered capabilities of these devices, it’s important to understand the difference between the free, public version of Copilot and the licensed enterprise version. The free version offers basic functionalities, like web searches, while the licensed enterprise version provides advanced features, such as internal resource searching within company documents and databases. You will need the licensed version to access these deeper, business-critical AI features and get the most out of these devices. Data#3’s Copilot for M365 Readiness Assessment helps you prepare for deployment so that you’re ready to leverage its full potential.

3. ARM Readiness

Another essential consideration is remembering that these are ARM-based devices, not Intel. This may have incompatibility repercussions for businesses that rely on specific networking, management and security software, device drivers and legacy applications built for intel-based devices.

Are you ARM-ready?

If you’re considering adding either of these devices to your fleet, you must assess your current infrastructure for compatibility. Our ARM readiness assessment evaluates your hardware, software and peripherals to determine whether your current systems can support ARM-based devices. For example, you will need Windows 11 as part of your SOE. Our assessment will give you a clear picture of the potential adjustments or upgrades required to integrate these ARM devices into your workflow fully.

Learn more about Data#3’s ARM readiness assessment >

The verdict

In this new Surface lineup, Microsoft is betting on the future of AI-accelerated computing with ARM, positioning these devices as forward-thinking choices for businesses that are going all-in on AI technologies.
 
But take note: these devices are primarily aimed at organisations that have already—or plan to—adopt AI-powered solutions and tools within their operations.
 
This makes these devices an ideal fit if:
Your users value the ability to perform on-device AI tasks without relying on the internet
You want to introduce and test devices that are able to support emerging AI trends
Your company wants to explore custom-built AI models tailored to specific tasks
 
However, businesses must assess their environment for compatibility, especially regarding device drivers and app readiness. You can also test drive these devices by requesting a trial unit, and experience their AI-powered features first hand.

Work with Microsoft’s largest Australian partner

With over 15 years’ experience improving device fulfilment and implementation for our clients Data#3 will help you end the frustrations associated with device sourcing, deployment and warranties. We even offer training and adoption services to upskill your people on their new devices, to ensure the greatest return from your investment.

We were also recently named Microsoft Surface PC Reseller Worldwide Partner of the Year, Microsoft Surface Reseller of the Year for Asia, and the Microsoft Surface+ Worldwide Partner of the Year.

At Kingsway Christian College, empowering students with the skills to excel in a digital world is a top priority. Enter Adobe Creative Suite, a set of industry-leading tools that help students create captivating images, graphics, presentations, videos, and digital experiences. Through Adobe Creative Suite, students can unleash their creativity, build essential technical skills, and prepare for success in an increasingly digital landscape.

“What’s really great is that you have multiple ways of getting to the same place. The way I do it is different from the students. When the students are excited about what they are doing, you’re going to get the best out of them,” said Lauren Clark, Teacher, Kingsway Christian College.

In this video, discover how Kingsway Christian College is empowering students to harness the power of Adobe Creative Suite to unlock their potential in modern media.

Are you ready to empower your school with Adobe Creative Suite?

As a Platinum Adobe Partner, Data#3 has extensive experience helping customers select and implement Adobe’s leading digital solutions. Let’s talk about how to:

The introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) into our professional lives is not just a technological upgrade – it’s a cultural revolution. Adoption of Copilot for Microsoft 365 (M365) is rapidly changing what the typical workday looks like. This change naturally brings about a lot of questions – including what exactly you should be asking your new AI tools for help with.

At Data#3, our Copilot for M365 Working Groups’ recent discussions have shed light on a pivotal shift in our work ethos. The group explored the concern that some individuals might feel reluctant to ask AI questions in areas where they believe they should already know the answers, or worry about how their inquiries might be perceived by their supervisors. After a lengthy discussion, the group concluded that asking even seemingly simple questions of AI should not only be acceptable – but encouraged.

The heart of this discussion revolved around the idea of a major cultural shift surrounding expertise, and what it means in the workplace.  Using AI is not about abandoning our expertise – it’s about augmenting it. The integration of AI into the workplace provides an opportunity to validate what we already know, learn new things and continue pushing the boundaries of what we can achieve.

Enhancing your daily workflow with Copilot for M365

In one of our recent Copilot for M365 Working Group workshops, the Data#3 team considered how asking AI questions they already know the answer to might help them become more adept at harnessing the power of AI.

Steve Bedwell, our technical maestro, might ask, ‘What are the latest advancements in Copilot Studio?’ While Steve is well-versed in this subject, his interaction with Copilot serves as a springboard for generating a nuanced technical narrative, enriched by his own expertise.

On the business front, James Creighton, Practice Manager at Data#3 could pose the question, ‘How can we leverage emerging markets for growth?’ Although he is familiar with this topic, Copilot’s insights could help him craft a business strategy that’s both innovative and grounded in data-driven analysis, and significantly less time consuming than doing so manually. In this example, AI provides articulate content that can be moulded to what he needs, rather than creating it from scratch.

Deborah-Ann Allan, Principal Consultant, known for her sharp insights, might inquire, “What are effective change management strategies when deploying cutting-edge technology?” Through Copilot’s insights, she can utilise ideas that can be tailored to resonate with organisational culture.

Our master trainer in Modern Work technologies, Alice Antonsen, might ask, “How can we enhance remote collaboration through training?” With Copilot, she can quickly and efficiently draft comprehensive training materials, which she can then refine through her deep understanding of the subject.

These are just some brief examples of how you might generate value by prompting Copilot for M365 with a question you already know the answer to. In practice, you’ll likely need to follow your initial prompts with additional ones to refine the output. By continuing to ask questions of your AI tools, you can craft your output to a stage where you’re relatively happy with a first draft. After that, you bring your know-how and experience, your thoughts and your heart to review and manually add the finishing touches.

Making the most of AI requires a cultural shift

That’s why it’s critical for organisations to make time for conversations like these. As we continue to navigate this cultural shift, it’s essential to recognise that asking AI for assistance is not a sign of incompetence – it’s a sign of strategic thinking. It’s also an acknowledgement that while we may know the answers, there’s always room for growth, refinement, and a fresh perspective.

As another example, we used Copilot for M365 to help draft this blog based on the transcript of an internal discussion. The initial draft made it easy to bring together several voices and provided a foundation to build on our team’s knowledge and language preferences—most importantly, in significantly less time. The ideas were ours, and the discussion took place between humans, but Copilot was able to create a well-structured blog once we provided clear directions on how to do so.

The journey we’re on at Data#3 is one of transformation, where AI becomes an integral part of our intellectual toolkit. It’s a journey that encourages curiosity, fosters innovation, and ultimately – we believe – leads to a more dynamic and empowered workforce. By embracing change with confidence, we can become more confident in using the power of our questions to unlock the full potential of AI in our workplace.

Take the next step with Copilot for M365

Interested in finding out more about how we can help you along your AI journey? Reach out to our team today.

Learn more about Copilot for M365

From pioneering PDF technology to industry-leading creative platforms, Data#3 and Adobe help organisations embrace digitalisation and transform the way that work gets done.

With a relationship spanning 20 years, Data#3 has become Adobe’s largest Australian partner. It means we’re uniquely positioned to simplify licensing and help customers maximise their software investment.

AI is a topic that prompts a lot of opinions beyond the realms of the IT industry. From mainstream and specialist media to politicians and business leaders, a lot of voices are weighing in. There are the scare stories and dire warnings, the hyperbole and promises and, somewhere in between, the truth.

It is with this backdrop that Adobe AI Assistant has entered the fray. True to their creative roots, Adobe has approached both the challenges and potential of AI with their customary blend of design genius and out-of-left-field thinking. For anyone using Adobe products – yes, from Acrobat Reader upwards – the working day might be about to get a lot better.

Partnership with Microsoft

Adobe’s strength lies in designing essential digital tools for anyone who wants to create, no matter if that’s pulling together a perfectly presented report or dreaming up an award-winning ad campaign. They opted to partner with Microsoft for the AI engine behind their offering, basing AI Assistant on Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service. It is both an acknowledgement that Microsoft is the best AI platform of the moment, and a choice to focus on delivering something uniquely Adobe that integrates beautifully into the world of their users.

There are some important differences to the way Adobe uses Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service compared to the Microsoft offering. This positions AI Assistant as complementary to Copilot for Microsoft 365 (M365), rather than in competition. When you query Copilot, it will source input from a vast ecosystem including M365 documents, the web, emails, and Teams chats. In contrast, AI Assistant sources information solely from files that you open in Acrobat. That information is not used to train AI Assistant or Microsoft, and what you create is only retained for 12 hours on the Adobe system.

Rapid introduction to AI

We know from experience that the way change is managed is usually the deciding factor between resounding success and underwhelming results. Given the extraordinary shift that AI promises, it is no surprise that most technology-progressive organisations are in a phase of assessment and preparation for Copilot. As one of just a handful of Australian businesses selected to be part of Microsoft’s Copilot Early Access Program (EAP), we’ve been fortunate to get hands-on experience of the phenomenal capabilities it brings.

At the centre of this is understanding risk and preparing a safe introduction. All this takes a bit of time. Copilot for M365 preparedness assessments and plans have been keeping our consultants busy as they help customers understand the implications to their data, the opportunities unique to their businesses, and the elements to making their rollout a success. Because Copilot may harvest source documents from across your ecosystem, the right rules must be put in place to protect sensitive information.

Adobe’s AI Assistant is a far quicker and simpler decision, making it very quick and easy to put in place. It is a great way to get users started on AI while you prepare for Copilot for M365. The primary reason for this speed is that users are working with sources they provided, meaning they can reasonably be expected to have permission to access that information. Their sources are not used to train Adobe’s model, so whatever data they’re working with goes no further than their own piece of work.

Working with Adobe AI Assistant

Adoption might be one of the quickest decisions you make but that certainly doesn’t mean the effect will be trivial. How? The way you use AI Assistant will depend on your industry, your role, and what you’re trying to achieve. We’re seeing individual users find interesting applications for AI Assistant that relate to their own workflows.

From a user perspective, it is very easy to get started. Say, for example, someone wants to create a report based on a lengthy document. They can open the document in Acrobat, and upfront get a summary of the key insights in next to no time. The individual or business can then engage with their documents using natural language to significantly accelerate their time to knowledge. The user might add documents – in Word, PDF, even PowerPoint – that can lend extra information on their topic. They effectively have a conversation with AI Assistant as it guides them through the process.

One of the very handy features of AI Assistant is that it includes citations to the exact source of every bit of information, so it is simple for the user to check accuracy. This is designed to make it quicker to understand and work with documents, not to replace the human element.

Another feature coming soon is that when the user is happy with the content they have created, they can choose a template and their own brand logo to make the report look professional. Because it is designed to integrate seamlessly with Adobe Creative Cloud, users can also extend to create professional web pages, eye-catching social posts or just about anything, ready to publish in seconds.

In education, an admin might use AI Assistant to review multiple lengthy policy documents to create a summary and build a perfectly presented report, saving themselves hours or days of reading to summarise the main points. The faster time to understanding will give a lot more time to dedicate to the million other tasks they are likely juggling.

For government, whose path to Copilot for M365 is likely to be among the most lengthy due to the nature of the data in their ecosystems, AI Assistant is a chance to dip their toes in the AI water. When proposing policy, for example, a government user may typically wade through numerous documents and data sources, where trying to find the most relevant information is like the proverbial needle in a haystack. AI Assistant puts in the hard yards of hunting down those gems, so the user can work faster and put more focus into interpreting key points and presenting them in the most effective way. It is in this collaboration between human and AI where the magic happens.

Getting started

Adobe has a few sample prompts you can play with if you want to get a quick look at what it can do. Just ask your Data#3 Account Manager, and that hundred-page report on your to-read list can be smashed out by lunchtime.

Interested in finding out more about how Data#3, in partnership with Adobe, can help your organisation make the most of the latest AI opportunities? If the answer is yes, get in touch with us today.

June 27, 2024; Brisbane, Australia: Leading Australian technology services and solutions provider, Data#3, is proud to announce that it has been named as the winner of the 2024 Worldwide Surface Reseller Partner of the Year Award, for the second consecutive year.

Data#3 today announced it has won Surface Reseller 2024 Microsoft Partner of the Year Award. The company was honoured among a global field of top Microsoft partners for demonstrating excellence in innovation and implementation of customer solutions based on Microsoft technology.

“Data#3 is thrilled to take home this highly esteemed global Microsoft recognition. This accolade reflects our deep commitment to delivering innovative, transformative customer solutions from Surface to cloud with Microsoft technology,” said Brad Colledge, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director at Data#3.

“Our close collaboration with Microsoft is evident through our significant investments in Microsoft capability, reflecting our longstanding relationship and aligned strategies. For example, our participation as a select few in the Early Access Program (EAP) for Microsoft 365 (M365) Copilot represents our ongoing commitment to ensuring our customers can utilise cutting-edge technology and insights to help deliver their digital future.”

Data#3 National Practice Manager for Microsoft, Scott Gosling, commented, “We are honoured to receive a global Surface accolade for the second year in a row. This is truly a testament to our collaborative efforts with Microsoft and our shared vision for the modern workplace.”

He added, “Our experience in the EAP positions Data#3 as a model for the modern workplace, enabling us to provide customers with informed advice and robust business cases for integrating Surface with AI. We’re already witnessing how the integration of Surface devices with AI is enhancing operations across various industries, including healthcare, education, and energy. As we celebrate this recognition, we’re excited to continue our collaboration with Microsoft, driving technological innovation and helping our customers achieve exceptional outcomes.”

The Microsoft Partner of the Year Awards recognise Microsoft partners that have developed and delivered outstanding Microsoft Cloud applications, services, devices, and AI innovation during the past year. Awards were classified in various categories, with honourees chosen from more than 4,700 nominations from more than 100 countries. Data#3 was recognised for providing outstanding solutions and services in Australia.

The Worldwide Microsoft Surface Reseller Partner of the Year Award recognised Data#3 for demonstrating outstanding leadership, and for providing superior Microsoft Surface solutions and services to customers.

“Congratulations to the winners and finalists of the 2024 Microsoft Partner of the Year Awards!” said Nicole Dezen, Chief Partner Officer and Corporate Vice President at Microsoft. “The momentum generated by numerous AI and Copilot announcements this year fuelled innovation from our partners, enabling groundbreaking services and solutions to customers. I am inspired by the capability and creativity in our partner ecosystem and this year’s winners beautifully demonstrate the best of what’s possible with AI and the Microsoft Cloud.”

The 2024 Microsoft Partner of the Year Awards are announced ahead of MCAPS Start for Partners, our digital event on July 10th and 11th. Partners will receive recognition at MCAPS Start for Partners ahead of in person celebrations during the week of Microsoft Ignite in November. Additional details on the 2024 awards are available on the Microsoft Partner blog: https://aka.ms/POTYA2024_announcement. The complete list of categories, winners and finalists can be found at https://aka.ms/2024POTYAWinnersFinalists.

With many years of experience providing devices to government and business customers, Data#3 has developed quality assured processes, ensures the best device turnaround so customers have the devices they need, when they need them. Its large team of supply chain and logistics specialists, working across three states, are dedicated to making sure customer devices arrive on-time and ready to just switch on and go.

Morgans empowers a future-ready workforce with IT managed services from Data#3

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Objective

Morgans needed to enhance its IT services to better support its people 24/7, by progressing to a hybrid working environment, and improving its procurement and management services.

Approach

The in-house team evaluated multiple providers and performed reviews in line with their policies to deliver a series of projects for digital transformation. Morgans selected Data#3 due to its previous relationship, demonstrable experience and shared culture.

IT Outcome

Business Outcome

We wanted the way we were interacting to feel like our partner was just an extension of our internal resources, and for it to feel organic as we moved to a partnership model for managed services, so Data#3 was a natural fit.

Matt NeubauerCIO, Morgans Financial Limited

The Background

Morgans is a full-service stockbroking and wealth management network, with over 500 authorised representatives and 950+ staff servicing more than 240,000 clients across Australia.

With technology playing an ever-growing role in the organisation, Morgans needed a true partner that would help them to harness their full potential. They wanted to work with someone they could trust to handle the day-to-day, while they focused on business growth activities.

The Challenge

From modernising and improving efficiency to providing new services, the IT team at Morgans is on a continuous quest to fulfil its role as a business enabler. For CIO, Matt Neubauer, it is important that while overcoming the everyday challenges of managing IT, that they could also see the big picture and recognise progress.

“When we first worked with Data#3 some five years ago, we were running Lotus Notes, we were developing systems in-house, we had a data centre four times the size we see today. It was very much an internal cloud environment, and cloud wasn’t a thing then.”

Rather than source technology partners for every individual project, something that would lack continuity and potentially drain time and attention, Neubauer was keen to develop a more enduring relationship. Although the right technical capability was a given, it was clear that an IT provider needed to be a strong cultural match, and to mesh well with Morgans.

“We were reliant on the skills, expertise and advice of our IT partner, and we needed them to play a role in guiding our direction from a technology perspective. Technology is a never-ending story: by the time you have finished one thing, you are already looking at something else, so it is a fast-moving space. You need to have access to trusted advice.”

As the role of IT grew and evolved in the business, and users’ needs went beyond the traditional 9-5 workday, the role of the in-house IT team adjusted to match. Rather than simply add out of hours support, Neubauer evaluated how to best use the strengths of his own team, while ensuring that the day-to-day operations were covered.

“When we were looking at our capability at that point, we decided as a business what was our strategic direction and where to invest our time, funds and resources. We decided that our internal focus should be where we can differentiate, and looked at the things we could do very well that were unique to Morgans.

“When it came to managing our data, network and servers, we looked at using a partner we could trust that not only had the capability, but also the flexibility to scale when needed.”

The IT skills shortage added weight to the decision to seek a managed services solution to fit the Morgans business environment. While 76 percent of Australian businesses are looking to hire skilled IT staff in 2024, half are finding themselves having to outsource overseas, with cyber security leading the hard-to-fill areas of expertise.

“We looked at the times we needed to cover, and we would have had to double our team to facilitate it, because we can’t cover both out of hours and business hours. We were not willing to compromise on keeping it onshore.

“We wanted all of the capabilities and resources to fit, we needed data sovereignty to remain in Australia, and we wanted company culture that matched ours. We wanted the way we were interacting to feel like our partner was just an extension of our internal resources, and for it to feel organic as we moved to a partnership model for managed services, so Data#3 was a natural fit,” explained Neubauer.

The Outcome

Morgans has significantly benefited from Data#3’s expertise across several business transformation projects, incorporating a suite of technology from Cisco, Microsoft, and Veritas to better support the hybrid workplace.

Leveraging the depth of knowledge and experience within this partnership, the strength and value of their relationship have become evidently invaluable. From migrating to Microsoft 365 and implementing Windows 10 to deployment of a Cisco Meraki SD-WAN and adoption of Microsoft Surface devices, the in-house IT team and Data#3 teams have worked shoulder to shoulder towards common goals.

“This gave us confidence when we were proposing a managed services partnership. We have similar values, and we are both Queensland based, so there is a lot of alignment there. The board felt very comfortable using Data#3 as a partner because they had already shown we would be in safe hands,” recalled Neubauer.

The transition to a managed services model was a process that Neubauer felt required experience and a well-designed process. As it was, the collaborative approach and tested Data#3 methodology meant that for most of the business, the managed services handover was a non-event.

“With each new development in our technology journey, it was as if the business didn’t know anything had changed. Someone working in one of the branches would be none the wiser. That was exactly what we hoped for – it is like when you turn on the tap and there is no hot water, you might curse the plumber, but you don’t thank them for every day it works perfectly. It is the same with IT, it is when something is wrong that you hear about it, so when it is quiet, we are happy.”

For the in-house IT team, though, Neubauer noted there were some more noticeable outcomes, including reduced stress and more time to focus on high value business enhancement activities.

“The biggest measurable difference was a reduction in incidents, especially those caused by patching limitations. These often crop up out of hours, and with the size of our team, we didn’t have people looking at patching on weekends and early mornings. Data#3 flags those things as they occur and by the time we walk in, most are already remediated.”

“It is great to avoid that Monday morning firefighting, because that sets the tone and used to consume time. Which also meant our people sometimes had to wait to access systems they needed to do their jobs.”

Amidst an increasingly complex cyber security landscape and facing ever more sophisticated threats, this important security measure was among the improvements that Neubauer was clear should not be underestimated. Central to the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) Essential Eight measures, prompt patching greatly reduces vulnerabilities and cuts the window of opportunity for cyber criminals.

“It is becoming critical really in terms of the breaches we are seeing in different vertices, and once again we are very comfortable with Data#3’s security posture and the investment they are making to protect their customers’ data.”

Procurement, too, is an area where the Morgans team has welcomed Data#3’s expertise. Having access to a wealth of specialists has helped to make sure that investments are well planned and that the financial business can get the best return for its technology spend.

“We do our own research and keep a finger on the pulse of what’s happening in the market, but it is so fast moving that we can’t be across it all. Another value that Data#3 has given is that they are a large business with specialists in different vertices, so we can engage and get them to do a market scan, or to do research on our behalf. We have done this a number of times when we have not known the solution but can articulate what we need to achieve,” said Neubauer.

“Then, when we have worked out the right outcome, they work with a range of vendors, and can negotiate to get us the best return on investment and manage our assets efficiently.”

For me, Data#3 is the epitome of the concept of a trusted partner. They are always someone we can call when we are looking at the next stage of growth, or when facing an emerging challenge. They will put Morgans first, give us sound advice, and recommend the appropriate path for us.

Matt NeubauerCIO, Morgans Financial Limited

Conclusion

To get the optimal outcome from an ongoing relationship, especially in a managed services scenario, Neubauer said that a true partnership is necessary. That, to him, means feeling that they want Morgans to achieve a successful outcome just as much as he does, and will place that above their short-term goals.

“For me, Data#3 is the epitome of the concept of a trusted partner. They are always someone we can call when we are looking at the next stage of growth, or when facing an emerging challenge. They will put Morgans first, give us sound advice, and recommend the appropriate path for us.”

On occasion, that approach has meant that Data#3 has sometimes chosen not to take on a project, instead connecting Morgans with their extensive network of technology partners.

“There have been some instances where we haven’t used them based on the advice they have given. For example, when we have been working on a technical solution that isn’t one of their strengths or in their wheelhouse, our account manager will call out that it isn’t one of their specialities and will recommend a partner with the right specialised skills for the project. There are a lot of vendors who are keen to get whatever business they can, even if outside their skillset, which leads to subpar results.

“If Data#3 is engaging on a project, they won’t accept anything below an excellent outcome, what they commit to achieving, they will make good on that commitment.”

The true test of a partnership, concluded Neubauer, is knowing that you have an extended team of resources that are every bit as much there for you in difficult moments as they are to share in your successes.

“Data#3’s strength boils down to the definition of a solid partner, someone that you can call when things don’t go well and they’ll pick up the phone, they’ll be in your corner to make things right with a mutually agreeable outcome. They will go to bat for you.”

“Our Data#3 Account Manager has been on some internal calls for Morgans looking out for Morgans’ interests even if they are not necessarily of benefit to Data#3. They are collaborative, transparent, and they tell things as they are,” concluded Neubauer.

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At Data#3, our core purpose is to enable customer success through a company-wide strategic approach to customer experience. By aligning with world-leading vendor partners like Cisco, we enhance our ability to guide customers confidently through their technology journey, establishing a solid foundation to future-proof their digital transformation.

In this video, John Tan (Data#3 Chief Customer Officer), David Impellizzeri (Data#3 Customer Success Team Lead), and Emma Crome (Cisco Success Programs Manager) sit down to discuss how our partnership with Cisco helps drive successful outcomes for our customers. 

At Data#3, our partnership with Cisco is built on a strong foundation, allowing us to deliver top-notch connectivity and security platforms that enhance user experiences. Cisco’s focus on forming enduring partnerships aligns seamlessly with our approach, enabling us to understand our customers’ needs and offer solutions that lead to their success.