Exciting updates from Microsoft Ignite 2024

From Tuesday 19 to Thursday 21 November, Softcat attended Microsoft Ignite 2024 in Chicago.  

It was a busy event showcasing the latest innovations, product updates, and breakthroughs across the Microsoft ecosystem. This year's event brought together over 200,000 attendees, both in-person and virtually, to explore the future of technology and its impact on businesses and individuals.  

Key announcements and highlights 

Microsoft 365 Copilot 

One of the most anticipated announcements at Ignite 2024 was the introduction of new capabilities in Microsoft 365 Copilot. Nearly 70% of Fortune 500 companies are already using Microsoft 365 Copilot, and the momentum continues to grow. Companies are seeing significant benefits, including time savings and improved efficiency. Microsoft is also bringing new value to Copilot to address users' biggest pain points at work, with the addition of agents built into Copilot Studio. The future is “A copilot for every employee, and agent for every action”! 

Copilot + AI Stack 

Another major highlight was the unveiling of the Copilot + AI Stack. This stack empowers users to build more ambitious products by leveraging advanced technology at each layer. The newly announced Azure AI Foundry allows organisations to design, customise, and manage the next generation of AI apps and agents at scale. Integrated with popular developer tools like GitHub, Visual Studio, and Copilot Studio, Azure AI Foundry brings together a wide collection of foundation, open, industry, and task models, AI tooling, safety, and monitoring solutions into a single experience. 

Copilot + devices 

In addition to these announcements, Microsoft introduced new Copilot+ devices. These devices are purpose-built to connect securely to Windows 365 in seconds, enhancing security and flexibility for those organisations moving more workloads to the cloud. Announcements include Windows 365 Link, Windows Copilot Runtime updates, and new Windows security and resiliency features.  

Providing a secure and resilient platform 

Security was also a major focus at Ignite 2024. Microsoft shared new advances in AI and posture management, an unprecedented bug bounty programme, and updates on the Secure Future Initiative (SFI). These advancements underscore Microsoft's commitment to providing its customers a secure and resilient platform.  

Empowering partners and driving innovation 

Microsoft reiterated its commitment to being a company that prioritises customer choice. The evolution of the enterprise commerce strategy positions the Microsoft Customer Agreement for enterprise (MCA-E) as the recommended option for enterprise customers. CSP or MCA-E remains recommended for small and mid-size customers (SMC). Cloud Solution Providers (CSP) remain a vital pillar in meeting customer needs, and partners are the trusted advisors who unlock business outcomes for these important customers.  

Looking ahead 

As we look forward to the future, Microsoft Ignite 2024 has set the stage for continued innovation and growth. The event has provided valuable insights and resources to help businesses and individuals harness the power of AI and other advanced technologies. We are in a new wave of copilot. Wave 1 was all about individual productivity – time-saving, employee satisfaction and increased productivity. We are now in the next wave, where we can utilise the extended benefits and capabilities of Copilot to drive innovation across an organisation, whether that is to support team meetings, take away mundane tasks or solve a business need. 

Find out more about Softcat's partnership with Microsoft and how it can benefit and support your organisation.