AI Takes Center Stage in New Announcements at DattoCon

DattoCon happened this week, and I wanted to highlight Kaseya introducing AI-based automation functionality called Cooper Bots for its suite of RMM, PSA, backup, and other solutions. These bots use artificial intelligence to handle tasks like onboarding new users and rotating passwords, significantly improving productivity. Kaseya also announced a flexible payment plan for its backup solutions and a PCI compliance offering. The Cooper Bots will be available at no extra charge to Kaseya partners and can be used across various Kaseya solutions. The company aims to automate everyday tasks in Microsoft 365 and Microsoft Azure in the future.

Other significant announcements: Microsoft is introducing the third generation of OneDrive, featuring AI-powered Copilot integration, a Fluent design refresh, and improved file sharing and management for businesses. The web app has a new design that aligns with Windows 11 and File Explorer updates, and the search experience is enhanced with AI features. Integration with Microsoft Teams and Outlook is planned, and Copilot AI will provide daily digests of file updates and comments. The updates are rolling out gradually, with more to come in early 2024.

Google Assistant is getting an AI-powered update called Assistant with Bard. This new version combines Google Assistant and Bard to handle a broader range of questions and tasks. It can now provide more intelligent responses by leveraging generative AI technologies. The update allows Assistant with Bard to access Google apps like Gmail and Google Drive, offering personalized answers. Users can interact with Assistant with Bard through voice, typing queries, or using the camera with Google Lens integration. The functionality initially launches in limited markets and will later expand to iOS and Android users.

For context, according to Gartner’s research, more companies are entering the initial stages of generative AI adoption. Over 2 in 5 executives report piloting generative AI, while another 10% are in production. This marks a significant increase from earlier this year. Concerns such as security, cost, and infrastructure requirements have driven cautious adoption, but as vendors improve performance and safety, 78% of executives believe the benefits outweigh the risks. Enterprises are scaling generative AI across multiple business functions, with software development, marketing, and customer service being the most common areas for piloting.

There are two focuses for AI tools right now – those you use yourself and those you help your customers use.    It’s tempting to focus on the tools for yourself alone, which will undoubtedly increase capabilities and capacity.  Just remember that the focus for customers is the long-term differentiator. When you say “service provider,” you want to focus on the provide bit heavily to maximize revenue and profit.     

The uptake in generative AI adoption among businesses underscores the growing trust and reliance on AI-based solutions, and we, as service providers, should be the enablers and integrators of these powerful tools.