There is a high level of interest in Microsoft Copilot among major Australian organizations, many of which have signed up for Microsoft’s early access and pre-launch testing program. According to Microsoft, 70% of Copilot users have reported increased productivity, with a 29% improvement in task speed. Gartner has identified several potential challenges, or “gotchas,” that Australian organizations need to consider when implementing Copilot in order to maximize its benefits. These gotchas include issues related to administration, security, information governance, and user experience.
Gartner’s warnings encompass a range of potential pitfalls, from insufficient configuration settings to security risks associated with overshared information and new attack surfaces. Organizations must also consider how to prioritize content sources, manage content sprawl, and address retention and compliance challenges to fully leverage Copilot’s capabilities. Additionally, the need for effective change management efforts and careful planning for deployment are emphasized to ensure successful implementation and adoption of Copilot within organizations.
Australian organizations are recognizing Copilot as a valuable tool for improving productivity and enhancing cybersecurity capabilities. Microsoft has engaged with various businesses in Australia, with many reporting positive outcomes from using Copilot. However, the true test lies in whether organizations can effectively integrate Copilot into their operations and realize the anticipated benefits. By learning from past experiences with digital transformation initiatives, businesses can take a strategic approach to implementing and measuring the outcomes of their Copilot investments and avoid common pitfalls.
