Listen on Apple Podcast

In a bonus episode of The Business of Tech, I had the privilege of discussing AI trends, solutions, and predictions for the future. The conversation revolved around pressing questions about structured versus unstructured data, Azure AI versus Copilot, and how AI is reshaping industries.

AI’s Best Fits: Common Solutions and Use Cases I highlighted how AI is making the biggest impact in retail, financial services, manufacturing, and automation. Educating customers about their actual needs and whether AI is the right solution is a crucial part of my role. Chat capabilities, dynamic reporting, and DevOps automation were just some of the use cases we explored.

Effective Data Management Data is the foundation of successful AI implementation. I emphasized the importance of balancing structured and unstructured data for effective AI solutions. My recommendations included creating database views for structured data and establishing ELT/ETL pipelines for unstructured text. Security practices like read-only bot permissions, fine-tuned prompts, and access control are non-negotiables in my approach.

Azure AI vs. Copilot For businesses deciding between Azure AI and Copilot, I explained the distinction: Copilot is a ready-to-use assistant for predefined scenarios, while Azure AI empowers organizations to build bespoke solutions for specific, complex problems. Both offer unique strengths depending on the challenge at hand.

AI Predictions for the Next 24 Months Looking ahead, I foresee AI evolving into a more dynamic force. Multi-modal agents, task-specific agents, and agent libraries will redefine how businesses use AI. Additionally, improvements in token management and the arrival of ChatGPT’s next versions are developments I’m excited to witness.

This conversation delved deep into the practicalities and future of AI, offering insights for businesses and enthusiasts alike.