In a revealing, interview with ERP Today’s Mark Vigoroso during SAP Sapphire 2025, Kask peeled back the curtain on how SAP is building, scaling, and operationalizing AI at enterprise scale—not just as a technology trend, but as a competitive moat. “Even I have trouble keeping track of all the announcements and use cases,” he admitted with a laugh. “But make no mistake—this has been years in the making.”

In a landscape flooded with AI hype, SAP’s strategy stands out for its depth, rigor, and customer-first pragmatism. As Kask summed it up: “You want assets that are hard to replicate, and an organization that can exploit them. That’s how you lead—not just this year, but for the next ten.”

For all its technical firepower, SAP’s AI strategy begins with ethics. “We design for human empowerment, not displacement,” said Kask, referencing SAP’s published AI Ethics Policy—one of only six companies to earn a perfect score in the World Benchmarking Alliance’s ethics evaluation.

Listen in to learn more about SAP’s latest AI-driven strategy and how SAP’s go-to-market approach prioritizes controlled experimentation.

The post SAP Designs for Human Empowerment: Sean Kask appeared first on ERP Today.

In a revealing, freewheeling interview with ERP Today, Kask peeled back the curtain on how SAP is building, scaling, and operationalizing AI at enterprise scale—not just as a technology trend, but as a competitive moat. “Even I have trouble keeping track of all the announcements and use cases,” he admitted with a laugh. “But make no mistake—this has been years in the making.”

In a landscape flooded with AI hype, SAP’s strategy stands out for its depth, rigor, and customer-first pragmatism. As Kask summed it up: “You want assets that are hard to replicate, and an organization that can exploit them. That’s how you lead—not just this year, but for the next ten.”

Building a Platform, Not Just a Product

Kask’s 13-year journey with SAP began in cloud transformation and matured through the company’s AI evolution, particularly since joining SAP’s machine learning and AI unit eight years ago. Today, he reports directly under CEO Christian Klein as part of a growth area that behaves more like a startup-within-a-giant.

SAP’s approach to AI is intentionally pluralistic, avoiding the common trap of model monoculture. “We realized early that no ERP company is going to sink $200 million into training foundational models at the pace hyperscalers do,” Kask explained. “These models commoditize fast, and performance improves every few weeks. So our strategy is to partner broadly with curated models—OpenAI, Google Gemini, AWS Nova, Meta, Mistral, NVIDIA, even niche ERP-specialized models like Zora.”

But SAP doesn’t just “plug and play” with LLMs. The company layers a sophisticated AI foundation atop its Business Technology Platform (BTP), using tools like retrieval augmented generation (RAG), knowledge graphs, output validation, and a new “Prompt Optimizer” developed with a Silicon Valley startup. This optimizer automatically rewrites prompts when switching models—cutting what used to be weeks of effort down to near zero.

“It’s behind-the-scenes magic,” said Kask, “but it’s the kind of infrastructure that allows us to deliver AI that’s not just impressive in the lab, but reliable and explainable in a real-world enterprise.”

Embedded, Ethical, and Explainable

For all its technical firepower, SAP’s AI strategy begins with ethics. “We design for human empowerment, not displacement,” said Kask, referencing SAP’s published AI Ethics Policy—one of only six companies to earn a perfect score in the World Benchmarking Alliance’s ethics evaluation.

This philosophy translates into every product decision. Before AI takes an action in a system, it requires human verification. Outputs are transparent and traceable, showing what data was used, where it was pulled from, and what the system “thought” step-by-step. “Think of our agents like very fast interns,” Kask quipped. “They’re helpful, but you still want to double-check their work.”

Even SAP’s go-to-market approach prioritizes controlled experimentation. Early adopter programs—like the rollout of “Joule” to thousands of internal and partner consultants—enable rigorous feedback loops before mass deployment. And yes, Kask said, adoption is accelerating. “It reminds me of the early days of cloud. There’s a learning curve for legal, compliance, and security teams. But once the first use case lands, the floodgates open.”

Joule, Agentic AI, and the Rise of the Autonomous ERP

Nowhere is this more evident than in Joule, SAP’s AI assistant, which recently surpassed 1,600 “skills” and is moving from task automation toward what Kask calls “native agenticness.”

“Most people think of agents as standalone bots you have to manage. With Joule, it’s different. The system itself becomes the agent,” he said. “If you ask it to ‘give a spot award to my five top-performing employees and send a personalized email,’ it can plan and execute that multi-step process autonomously, because those skills are already natively embedded.”

That’s a far cry from a glorified chatbot—and it’s underpinned by some serious architectural muscle. SAP has constructed a proprietary knowledge graph across its massive ERP landscape—452,000 ABAP tables and over 7 million fields—giving context that generic LLMs can’t hope to replicate. “When you extract ERP data into hyperscaler data lakes, you lose context,” said Kask. “You can try to rebuild it, but you’ll never match the depth we have.”

This knowledge graph now enables foundation models on tabular data—distinct from LLMs—to predict regressions, match invoices, and improve accuracy on narrow AI tasks. It’s a clear example of SAP’s strategy: use general-purpose models where appropriate, but rely on proprietary assets for true differentiation.

Commercializing AI, Carefully

With AI capabilities embedded into its product suite—and often activated via subscription—SAP is seeing strong commercial traction. “Christian [Klein] has said that 40–50% of new deals now have AI attached,” Kask noted. “There’s a commercial model, and yes, the models can be expensive to run. But customers see the value.”

SAP now mandates AI discovery workshops post-sale and tracks adoption closely. “Our success metric is not just building it, but getting it live. That’s why we published the AI feature catalog. That’s why we have dashboards. It’s all about real use.”

Still, the company isn’t inflating its numbers for Wall Street. “Some vendors are touting their AI revenue, but we’re skeptical. There’s a lot of fuzzy math—direct vs. indirect. We’re playing the long game.”

Owning the Integration Layer

As the AI arms race heats up, so too does the question of ecosystem positioning. Where does SAP fit in a world where hyperscalers, competitors like ServiceNow, and even niche ERP players are all building agents and automation?

“We’re not trying to be everything,” Kask clarified. “But we are laser-focused on integration. Our agents don’t just wrap around processes—they live inside them. With tools like Signavio, LeanIX, and WalkMe, we can see, map, and optimize entire process flows across applications.”

That includes embedding AI into transformation tools like enterprise architecture (via LeanIX) and UI-level interactions (via WalkMe). “We want to own the transformation stack. Not just the database. Not just the UI. The intelligence in between.”

What this means for ERP Insiders

AI adoption is the new differentiator—but requires intentional design. CIOs and COOs should treat AI adoption not as a standalone innovation track but as a core KPI. SAP’s Joule, for example, has demonstrated measurable time savings—up to 1.5 hours per day per consultant. By embedding AI in business processes via tools like BTP, enterprises can reduce friction, accelerate time-to-value, and gain strategic advantage. Begin with AI discovery workshops, leverage SAP’s AI feature catalog, and use internal pilot programs to refine before scaling.

Proprietary context beats generic models—invest in knowledge graphs. One of SAP’s most defensible innovations is its domain-specific knowledge graph. For SAP customers, this means far lower hallucination risk, more accurate agent outputs, and better integration between structured and unstructured data. Tech leaders should evaluate vendors on their ability to preserve context—especially for agent-based use cases—and consider building their own knowledge layers on top of vendor platforms to enable AI-powered autonomy with precision.

Ethics, transparency, and governance will define winners. AI success isn’t just about speed or scale—it’s about trust. SAP’s top-tier ethics score from the World Benchmarking Alliance underscores a crucial shift: regulatory scrutiny is coming, and enterprises that can demonstrate auditable, human-in-the-loop processes will be favored. ERP buyers should demand full transparency from vendors: where models run, what data they access, how decisions are made, and what governance layers exist. Design for explainability from day one.

The post From SAP Sapphire 2025: Sean Kask, Chief AI Strategy Officer, Opens SAP’s AI Playbook, Covers Agentic Intelligence, Strategic Differentiation, and the Race to Real Adoption appeared first on ERP Today.

Leveraging Platform-Based Strategy

With an ambitious yet focused approach, Inetum is leveraging its platform-based strategy, deep client intimacy, and differentiated delivery model to create meaningful business outcomes across Europe and growing markets. Quashie emphasizes, “From public sector modernization to AI-enabled service innovation, Inetum is positioning itself as a scalable and trusted partner.

“Digital” is a term that’s lost much of its punch through overuse. For Inetum, however, digital transformation isn’t a nebulous aspiration — it’s a defined, data-driven strategy anchored in three principles: cloud-first, data-first, and AI-first.

“When we speak of transformation, it’s about harmonizing technology with business—not just implementing software,” explains Lamba. “We take a platform-centric view, integrating best-in-class solutions like ServiceNow, SAP, Salesforce and Microsoft, and across the value chain. That’s where real impact begins.”

This strategy emphasizes seamless integration—from customer acquisition and internal employee experience to backend supply chain and compliance. What sets Inetum apart is its dedication not only to the mid-market and public sector but also to verticalization. We develop industry-specific use cases in areas such as e-health, Industry 4.0, utilities, smart cities, retail, and telecom. This approach ensures that transformation initiatives are not only technical but intimately aligned with industry needs.

Embedding GenAI and Agentic AI

With GenAI and Agentic AI reshaping enterprise value propositions, Inetum has taken a decisive step toward embedding these technologies into its core offerings.

“Innovation is in our DNA,” says Lamba, who also oversees the group’s innovation labs. “We don’t just experiment with GenAI — we’ve built an internal GenAI Hub that is LLM-agnostic and designed to scale. From training to deployment, we help our clients be AI-ready, not just AI-curious.”

The company’s “AI readiness” model begins with robust data foundations, followed by cloud optimization and platform alignment. It’s a pragmatic model that rejects “proof-of-concept fatigue” — a trap many organizations fall into when AI projects stall after initial tests.

“When we speak of transformation, it’s about harmonizing technology with business—not just implementing software. We take a platform-centric view, integrating best-in-class solutions across the value chain.” – Hemant Lamba, CEO of Inetum Solutions

Inetum’s enterprise AI solutions range from predictive analytics and workflow automation to Agentic AI that enables autonomous decision-making within defined business constraints. Its early selection by ServiceNow as one of the top 10 partners to pilot its Agentic AI use cases further underscores Inetum’s credentials.

Focused Market Strategy

Inetum focuses squarely on markets where it can build depth, not just breadth. Nearly 100% of its business is concentrated in Europe, particularly in mid-market enterprises and the public sector.

“We’ve worked closely with regional governments and public institutions,” Quashie notes. “We speak the languages, understand the regulations, and build intimacy at a regional level.”

This intimacy fuels trust—an asset Inetum cultivates deliberately. Its best-shore strategy, a hybrid of nearshore, offshore, and on-site delivery, reflects this client-centric ethos. Whether it’s leveraging SAP expertise from Portugal or deploying ServiceNow talent from Bulgaria and India, the company offers flexibility without compromising cultural relevance or quality.

Culture as a Competitive Differentiator

To Quashie and Lamba, culture is more than a corporate cliché—it’s a competitive differentiator. Both have gathered leadership across geographies to co-create trust-focused team norms, emphasizing trust, accountability, and excellence.

“In a high-trust environment, people are empowered to innovate and take responsibility,” Lamba explains. “Culture isn’t taught—it’s experienced.”

Quashie echoes this sentiment, pointing to Inetum’s strategic bet on the UK and Ireland (UKI) as a proving ground for cultural and operational cohesion. With Inetum’s acquisition of ServiceNow specialist Unifii, the UKI market has become a launchpad for its broader strategy of organic growth in the growing markets.

Disciplined Expansion

Despite operating in a competitive landscape, Inetum’s growth strategy avoids the pitfalls of undisciplined expansion. Instead, it targets high-potential regions like the UK and Ireland, combining local acquisitions with innovation labs and deep partner ecosystems.

Their success in public sector IT has been bolstered by the UK government’s BOS2 framework (RM6285), G-Cloud 14 and DOS 6, giving Inetum direct access to public sector procurement for cloud and hybrid SaaS solutions. These strategic footholds are part of a deliberate plan to replicate their proven European model in newer markets.

“Focus is our superpower,” Quashie notes. “We’re not trying to be everything to everyone. We’re solving real problems in sectors we understand deeply.”

With over 7,000 experts in its Solutions unit and a goal to double its team size in the coming years, Inetum places massive emphasis on capability building. Its 2025 certification strategy aims to ensure 100% of consultants are certified across its four core platforms— ServiceNow, SAP, Salesforce and Microsoft.

Centers of Excellence

Regional hubs such as Bulgaria (ServiceNow), Portugal (SAP), and Belgium (Microsoft) are not only delivery centers but also Centers of Excellence. These hubs enable Inetum to execute at scale while retaining regional specificity, a balance few competitors manage well.

“Focus is our superpower. We’re not trying to be everything to everyone. We’re solving real problems in sectors we understand deeply.” – Kathy Quashie, EVP and CEO of Inetum Growing Markets

Moreover, each hub operates with internal academies and innovation labs. We have seven GenAI Hubs across Europe to accelerate learning and product development in tandem.

Overcoming AI Fatigue

Lamba acknowledges the industry-wide fatigue around AI. “There’s too much ‘death by POC,’” he quips. “Everyone is experimenting, but few are scaling. Our approach is grounded—we ask: What is the business case? Are you AI-ready? If not, we get you there.”

Inetum’s GenAI Factory is a cornerstone of this effort, offering enterprises a structured way to develop, deploy, and scale generative and agentic AI solutions across their platforms. This includes industry-specific applications already live in ServiceNow’s marketplace.

Enterprise-First AI Approach

Lamba stresses, “Crucially, Inetum’s AI approach is enterprise-first. Inetum helps clients bridge structured and unstructured data environments, a key hurdle in most GenAI implementations. Whether dealing with legacy databases or real-time cloud services, the goal is to unify and extract value seamlessly”. Security is also paramount. As AI expands, so do the risks. Inetum’s AI roadmap includes a strong focus on zero-trust frameworks and cybersecurity, integrating safety protocols from day one.

Bold Ambitions and Repeatable Playbook

Inetum’s ambitions are bold: to be the uncontested leader in digital transformation for Europe’s upper mid-market and public sector. Yet, it’s the clarity of execution that’s winning clients. Its playbook is repeatable: start with client intimacy, build on trusted platforms, layer in AI and data, and deliver through a blended nearshore/onshore model. It’s a strategy grounded in execution, not hype.

As Lamba puts it, “We’re not interested in being the loudest voice—we want to be the most dependable one.”

Inetum’s story is not one of radical reinvention but one of focused excellence. For C-level leaders navigating a complex landscape of AI promises, hybrid cloud realities, and digital fatigue, Inetum offers a model worth emulating: pragmatic innovation, deeply local engagement, and an uncompromising focus on results. At a time when many digital transformation narratives are fraying under scrutiny, Inetum’s is just beginning to unfold—with clarity, credibility, and a roadmap built not just for growth, but for trust.

What This Means for ERP Insiders

Focus on industry-specific solutions and deep platform integration. Inetum’s competitive advantage lies in its verticalization strategy (developing industry-specific use cases) and its platform-centric approach, integrating best-in-class solutions like ServiceNow, SAP, Salesforce and Microsoft. The company focuses on understanding the unique needs of specific industries like smart cities, e-health or utilities, for example, and ensuring seamless integration of ERP systems within a broader digital ecosystem. As Quashie aptly summarized, “Thus, seeking partners, like Inetum, who not only implement ERP but also possess deep industry knowledge and a proven track record for delivering tangible business outcomes.”

Emphasize client intimacy and a trust-focused culture for true success. Deep client intimacy, particularly within the European mid-market and public sector, leveraging regional understanding and a blended delivery model are some of the hallmarks that have made Inetum successful. As Quashie and Lamba point out, their internal culture emphasizes trust, accountability, and excellence. This underscores the value of prioritizing strong, long-term relationships, understanding regional context and regulations, and fostering a collaborative and trustworthy engagement. All these factors can result in more tailored ERP implementations and ongoing support that aligns with an organization’s specific needs and cultural nuances.

Focus on AI readiness and scalability for pragmatic innovation. Inetum’s approach to innovation, particularly with AI, emphasizes practical application and scalability rather than just experimentation. Their “AI readiness” model, starting with data foundations and cloud optimization, aims to avoid “proof-of-concept fatigue.” This highlights the fact that when organizations seek implementation partners, they must look for one that can guide them through a structured AI adoption journey, ensuring their data and infrastructure are prepared for AI integration. The partner should help the organization focus on solutions that can be scaled for real business impact within their ERP landscape and beyond. This is what Inetum’s mission is all about – to help our customers transform potential into performance.

The post Unlocking Digital Impact: Inetum Redefines Transformation Through Platform Ecosystems and AI Innovation appeared first on ERP Today.

In 2019, Lifetime made a pivotal move: replacing its outdated ERP with Microsoft Dynamics 365. This wasn’t merely a software upgrade. It marked a strategic shift designed to enhance customer experience, empower employees, and strengthen competitiveness in a demanding market. 

Breaking Down Legacy Barriers 

Prior to the transformation, Lifetime struggled with an aging ERP system that limited data access and operational agility. “The initial driver was getting accurate business intelligence,” said John Bowden, CIO at Lifetime Products. Siloed data and limited visibility into operations hindered informed decision-making and restricted the company’s ability to act with speed and precision. 

Bowden also emphasized that professional development for employees was a key metric for success: “One of our major deployment ROI initiatives was to ensure professional growth for our employees.” Legacy systems, with their clunky interfaces and disconnected workflows, had been holding staff back. The move to Dynamics 365 represented a chance to remove those obstacles. 

A Collaborative Transformation 

Lifetime’s implementation of Dynamics 365 wasn’t a solo act. Partnering with Microsoft’s FastTrack for Dynamics 365 team, the company focused on a business-first approach that put people and process at the center of the deployment. The goal was to create a unified platform that could support not only current operations but future innovations in automation and AI. 

“Dynamics 365 was working so well, we felt that we could rebalance to optimize employee opportunity,” said Sinahi Lopez, Global IT Functional Manager at Lifetime. “Using AI and autonomous agents is just the next level for us.” 

Autonomous Agents in Action 

With a stable ERP foundation in place, Lifetime quickly moved to introduce autonomous agents within Dynamics 365 Finance and Supply Chain Management. These agents tackled tedious, repetitive tasks—such as account reconciliation and e-commerce order processing—freeing employees for more strategic work. 

The results were dramatic. In one division, automating order processes led to a 95 percent efficiency improvement within two months. Manual tasks were eliminated, order fulfillment accelerated, and customers reaped the benefits. 

“With autonomous agents in Dynamics 365, we’re giving our people the tools they need to make an impact,” said Ted Esplin, COO. “I’m proud of that.” 

A New Workforce Strategy: Rebalancing 

Instead of framing automation as a job-reducing force, Lifetime adopted a more holistic approach they call “rebalancing.” The concept focuses on maximizing existing labor—redistributing time saved through automation to higher-value activities across the business. 

This collaborative, incremental approach helped ease fears around job displacement. Lifetime estimates it can ultimately rebalance 20 percent of its knowledge workforce—freeing employees to take on more creative and strategic roles. For example, in its Mexico division, automating accounts receivable tasks enabled the sales team to focus more on marketing and strategic initiatives. 

Leading Cultural Change Through Learning 

Implementing automation isn’t always smooth sailing. “Sometimes they’re pretty tough conversations,” Bowden admitted. But a longstanding culture of operational efficiency made it easier to introduce new technologies with employee buy-in. 

A commitment to continuous learning also played a key role. Lifetime actively encourages Microsoft certifications and technical upskilling. “Exploring the technology deeply and deploying autonomous agents has elevated my team,” said Lopez. “It’s rewarding to see how much people appreciate the time we save them.” 

What’s Next: A Roadmap of Intelligent Automation 

Lifetime is continuing its automation journey with the planned rollout of a Supplier Communications Agent to proactively reduce delays in its supply chain. And the potential doesn’t stop there. “The agents and automations get better over time,” Bowden explained. “You can revisit an area and get a second wave of rebalancing.” 

That iterative model—introducing one automation wave, learning, and then optimizing further—has become central to Lifetime’s transformation strategy. 

Advice for CIOs: Think Business First 

For peers embarking on similar journeys, Bowden is clear: “These aren’t IT projects. They’re business-driven initiatives.” He emphasized that he and his team spend more time working alongside business leaders than in the IT department. Understanding the needs of business units is critical to identifying and implementing the right solutions. 

Maintaining a strong relationship with HR is just as essential. “When you get to the rebalancing area, you need a lot of support from HR,” he noted. That partnership is key to managing transitions, addressing employee concerns, and aligning workforce planning with automation gains. 

Bowden also encourages leaders to take advantage of available resources, pointing to Microsoft case studies as valuable blueprints for successful transformation. 

A Blueprint for Modern ERP Success 

Lifetime Products’ journey with Dynamics 365 and autonomous agents is a compelling example of how ERP modernization can drive meaningful organizational change. By aligning technology with workforce strategy, prioritizing employee development, and maintaining close collaboration between IT, business, and HR, the company has created a model for intelligent transformation—one that’s as focused on people as it is on process. 

What This Means for ERP Insiders 

Rebalancing the workforce through automation drives efficiency and resilience. Lifetime Products used Dynamics 365 to strategically rebalance 20% of its knowledge workforce, not by cutting jobs, but by automating routine tasks and reallocating employees to higher-value roles. This approach reflects a broader trend: McKinsey reports that organizations using automation and reskilling to redeploy labor can reduce workforce costs by 20% to 30% while improving productivity. With Dynamics 365’s AI-first architecture and agent-based automation capabilities, companies can unlock similar efficiencies—provided they align technology deployment with clear workforce strategies and robust change management. 

Cross-functional collaboration and governance are essential for sustainable transformation. Lifetime’s success with automation was rooted in tight coordination between IT, business leadership, and HR. This ensured that automation served business priorities and employee development alike. Deloitte research shows that companies with strong cross-functional collaboration are three times more likely to achieve their transformation goals. However, the technical architecture of Dynamics 365—while highly extensible through Power Platform and Azure—also introduces complexity. To avoid overcustomization and technical debt, organizations must establish clear governance, adopt a composable architecture, and maintain disciplined change management across teams. 

Upskilling and AI readiness will define tomorrow’s competitive edge. Lifetime’s culture of “aggressive learning,” backed by Microsoft certification programs, prepared its workforce to actively embrace automation and AI. This aligns with PwC’s Global Workforce Survey, where 77% of employees expressed willingness to retrain to stay competitive. As cloud ERP adoption grows at a projected 14% CAGR through 2030, and AI becomes central to enterprise software value, Dynamics 365’s native AI integration and predictive analytics will drive operational intelligence. But realizing this potential requires more than deployment—it demands that companies invest in data quality, modular processes, and employee readiness to sustain digital momentum and capitalize on autonomous orchestration. 

The post Leveling Up with Automation: How Lifetime Products Empowered its Workforce with Microsoft Dynamics 365 appeared first on ERP Today.

“Practicality is the new aspiration,” Glantschnig says. “ERP can no longer just support a business process. It needs to run it.” 

At a glance, that might sound like yet another AI-era platitude. But under the surface, Microsoft is staking out a radically different ERP future—one powered by agentic AI, consumption-based economics, and a design philosophy that favors human adaptability over system rigidity. 

For decades, ERP platforms have remained largely consistent in one critical way: users input data into forms, and systems output reports. That model, Glantschnig says, is crumbling. 

“We’re moving into an AI-first architecture,” he explains, “where agents—not just users—interact with ERP systems.” 

These agents are not just assistive bots. They are increasingly autonomous actors capable of executing tasks on behalf of departments, customers, and even entire business units. Think demand forecasting, invoice reconciliation, or workforce scheduling—without human initiation. 

Microsoft’s roadmap includes a three-tier framework: 

• Exposing granular services like invoicing or order-taking via APIs for agent communication 

• Creating an agent development platform, enabling Microsoft, partners, and customers to build their own 

• Redesigning the user experience, so people interact primarily with agents rather than systems. 

In other words, the ERP of tomorrow is less like a cockpit and more like a team of autonomous copilots. For Microsoft, this isn’t just a tech evolution. It’s a business model transformation. The traditional user-based licensing structure begins to break down when agents replace users in core workflows. That opens the door to consumption-based and outcome-based pricing—a model already familiar to Azure customers, but new to ERP. 

At the same time, Glantschnig is quick to differentiate Microsoft from rivals that merely retrofit AI into legacy software. 

“Some ERP vendors just took their on-prem stack and hosted it in the cloud. That’s not cloud-native—and it’s definitely not AI-native,” he says. “We’ve reimagined how software is delivered, tested, maintained, and even monetized.” 

That reimagination is also reflected in Microsoft’s “Power of One” stack—a cohesive suite of cloud infrastructure (Azure), low-code extensibility (Power Platform), data fabrics (Microsoft Fabric), and productivity tools (Office, Teams). For Dynamics 365 customers, that ecosystem delivers modularity without fragmentation. 

“Everything works together, but it’s also composable. You can choose what you need without sacrificing integration,” Glantsching says. 

But autonomy requires trust—and in ERP, trust is hard-earned. Customers want control, visibility, and assurance that AI won’t take their processes off the rails. Glantschnig says Microsoft is meeting that demand with features like: 

• Explainability and audit trails 

• Human-in-the-loop control 

• Governance for agent creation and management 

“It’s like when GPS first came out,” he analogizes. “We all kept paper maps in the glove compartment. Now, we trust the system. ERP will follow that same trajectory.” 

Value realization used to mean successful deployment. Not anymore. 

“Success isn’t go-live. It’s continuous business value,” says Glantschnig. “And that value has to be shared between Microsoft, our partners, and the customer.” 

This mindset is shaping new programs like FastTrack, which helps customers implement, monitor, and extract value from Dynamics 365 continuously. It also informs Microsoft’s future pricing evolution: as agents shoulder more of the workload, licensing may shift from user-based to outcome- or consumption-based. 

Looking two to three years ahead, Glantschnig’s vision is simple—but transformative: “ERP should adapt to the user—not the other way around.” 

That means no more training manuals. No more endless customizations. Just a system that evolves by observing how it’s used—and anticipates what comes next. If Microsoft succeeds in delivering this vision, Dynamics 365 won’t just be the practical choice—it will be the preferred one. And for the first time in a generation, ERP may actually live up to its promise: not just managing the business, but making it smarter, faster, and more human. 

What this means for ERP Insiders 

ERP is evolving toward intelligence—are you ready? Some reports say that by 2026, 75% of ERP implementations will include embedded AI features to support autonomous decision-making. Microsoft Dynamics 365 is betting on this shift, enabling ERP systems to not just assist, but execute operational tasks—such as forecasting, invoicing, and workforce scheduling—without human initiation. This evolution from system-of-record to system-of-action transforms what IT leaders must prioritize: not just integrations, but agent orchestration, governance, and explainability. Dynamics 365’s agentic AI framework supports autonomous workflows while maintaining human-in-the-loop control. Companies like Majans (a CPG manufacturer) have already reported double-digit improvements in operational efficiency using AI-enabled Dynamics modules. Business leaders should assess their readiness not just for implementation, but for a future where ERP decisions are made by algorithms, not analysts. To capture this value, organizations need to invest in data quality, trust frameworks, and AI literacy across finance, supply chain, and operations. 

ERP licensing is moving from users to outcomes. Traditional ERP licensing has revolved around users and modules. But as Dynamics 365 evolves into an AI-first, agent-driven platform, Microsoft is paving the way for consumption-based and outcome-based pricing models—a shift already familiar to Azure customers. This has major implications for procurement, budgeting, and value realization strategies. Leaders must begin forecasting value not just by the number of seats, but by measurable operational outcomes, such as cycle-time reduction, forecasting accuracy, or invoice throughput. Microsoft’s FastTrack program helps customers track these metrics, enabling continuous value assessment post-deployment. One global electronics manufacturer reported a 30% reduction in manual journal entries within six months of deploying Dynamics 365 Finance with Copilot. CIOs should challenge vendors on how licensing aligns to business value and ensures that future ERP roadmaps include flexibility for automation-led workflows that no longer fit legacy pricing models. Ignoring this shift could lead to overpayment—or underutilized innovation. 

Consider the full-stack advantage of Microsoft. By operating Dynamics 365, Power Platform, Office 365, and Azure as a cohesive suite, organizations benefit from deep native integration across business applications, infrastructure, and collaboration tools. Microsoft’s Common Data Model (CDM) and Dataverse enable consistent data definitions across services, reducing time spent on mapping, reconciling, or synchronizing data between siloed systems. This streamlines enterprise architecture and reduces total integration cost (TIC) by up to 40%. Microsoft’s full-stack approach uses a single identity and access model (via Azure Active Directory), enabling centralized role-based access control (RBAC), multifactor authentication (MFA), and compliance enforcement across data, apps, and infrastructure. Organizations benefit from 360-degree threat protection via Microsoft Defender, Purview (compliance & data governance), and Sentinel (SIEM). This reduces security management complexity and improves audit readiness across ERP, productivity, and custom apps—all governed in a unified compliance portal. And Microsoft’s full stack enables composability: organizations can modernize incrementally—adopting Dynamics 365 Sales or Finance modules without overhauling everything at once. Through Power Platform connectors, Azure Logic Apps, and REST APIs, enterprises can extend or integrate with best-of-breed or legacy systems while maintaining governance. 

The post Your Next ERP Will Think for Itself: Microsoft’s Bold Vision for Autonomous ERP appeared first on ERP Today.

The days of being tied to outdated legacy systems are over and the landscape of ERP for SMEs in 2025 is dynamic, with a strong emphasis on cloud-first, AI-ready, and scalable solutions. If you’re wondering which ERP can help your organization scale while keeping operations smooth, read on.

What SMEs Need from an ERP in 2025

For SMEs eyeing growth and efficiency in 2025, their ERP system needs to be a true partner. Here’s what NTT DATA Business Solutions recommends as must-haves on your checklist:

• Quick to Go Live: In the fast-paced world of SMEs, you can’t afford to wait forever to see value. Look for solutions designed for rapid implementation, often featuring pre-configured options that get you up and running and realizing benefits sooner rather than later.
• Grows With You: Your ERP needs the flexibility to handle increasing transaction volumes, more users, and new business units as the organization expands, ensuring the system supports your growth every step of the way.
• Intelligent Insights on Demand: A modern ERP provides immediate access to critical data and incorporates embedded analytics and AI to help you understand current performance and anticipate future trends, empowering smarter, faster decisions.
• Clear Costs, No Surprises: The ideal ERP comes with straightforward, transparent pricing models that eliminate hidden fees and unexpected expenses, allowing you to manage your finances with confidence.
• Industry-Tailored Workflows: The best ERPs for SMEs often include built-in best practices specific to various industries, streamlining operations right out of the box and reducing the need for complex customization.

Top ERP Solutions for SMEs

Several leading ERP solutions are well-suited for the needs of growing businesses in 2025. While the specific “best” system depends on individual business requirements, examining popular options like GROW with SAP, Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, and Oracle NetSuite provides valuable insight.

• GROW with SAP: Designed with high-growth SMEs in mind, GROW with SAP offers a comprehensive cloud ERP that emphasizes speed and simplicity. It includes preconfigured best-practice processes and embedded AI, aiming for faster time-to-value. Its subscription model provides transparent pricing, and its foundation is built for scalability. NTT DATA Business Solutions offers tailored solutions and expertise to help businesses confidently adopt GROW with SAP, providing accelerators and services for a smooth transition and ongoing support.
• Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central: A versatile option, Dynamics 365 Business Central provides a flexible, modular ERP solution that integrates seamlessly with other Microsoft products like Microsoft 365 and Power BI. This makes it a strong contender for businesses already invested in the Microsoft ecosystem. It offers broad functionality covering finance, operations, sales, and more, with flexible deployment options.
• Oracle NetSuite: A mature, cloud-native ERP, Oracle NetSuite is known for its strong financial management capabilities and scalability. It’s a unified platform covering various business functions and is well-suited for companies needing robust international functionality. Its comprehensive feature set and ability to handle complex financial processes make it a solid choice for finance-centric or rapidly scaling SMEs.

Finally, selecting and implementing an ERP system is a significant undertaking. With the right system and a knowledgeable partner, SMEs can confidently embrace the opportunities of 2025 and beyond, turning growth ambitions into concrete achievements.

What This Means for ERP Insiders

Mid-sized market trends point to cloud, speed, and intelligence. The shift to cloud ERP in the mid-sized market is undeniable, with reports showing significant adoption rates with over 80% of SMBs with less than $50 million in revenue using ERPs. Cloud adoption continues to rise, reaching around 78% of organizations in 2024. This move is driven by the need for agility and real-time data. Furthermore, AI is no longer just for large enterprises; a significant majority of small businesses have a positive outlook on AI and report increased productivity from its use.

Implementation matters. Choose expertise. Bringing a new ERP system online can feel daunting. Look for partners with proven methodologies that reduce risk and provide cost and time certainty. NTT DATA Business Solutions, for instance, emphasizes a fixed-time, fixed-cost approach for cloud ERP adoption and leverages methodologies like SAP Activate+ to ensure a smooth, predictable implementation process tailored to your industry.

Real-world success stories offer confidence. The best indicator of a partner’s capability is their track record. NTT DATA Business Solutions has helped diverse companies through various implementations that include complex SAP ECC separation, SAP migration post-acquisition, and SAP S/4HANA Cloud for performance. Through these the companies have achieved significant operational improvements and successful transformations.

The post Finding the Right ERP Systems for Small Businesses in 2025 appeared first on ERP Today.

Aligning Strategic Consulting with Microsoft’s Technology Stack 

The Microsoft Practice will combine IBM’s deep consulting expertise with Microsoft’s technology portfolio, including Copilot, Azure OpenAI, Azure Cloud, Microsoft Fabric, and Sentinel. The goal: provide business leaders with a unified approach to driving growth, reducing operational costs, and building long-term competitive advantage. 

“IBM Consulting is committed to our clients’ successes and we’re proud to offer them the opportunity of working with an ecosystem of global industry leaders with proven track records of innovation and delivery excellence,” said Mohamad Ali, Senior Vice President and Head of IBM Consulting. “Establishing a dedicated Microsoft Practice is needed to drive meaningful business outcomes for our clients and I look forward to what we will be able to achieve together.” 

The practice will mobilize more than 33,000 Microsoft-certified professionals across IBM’s global footprint. This extensive network will support clients with supercharged innovation spanning cloud, AI, data, and cybersecurity, coupled with enterprise-grade security controls. It also marks the expansion of IBM and Microsoft Experience Zones, where clients can explore solutions hands-on, from initial strategy through to full-scale implementation and optimization. 

Driving Governed AI Adoption Through IBM Consulting Advantage 

A key innovation is the integration of Microsoft’s technology ecosystem into IBM Consulting Advantage, IBM’s proprietary AI-powered delivery platform. Through advanced Copilot integrations, clients can now deploy tailored AI solutions for diverse business needs while maintaining critical enterprise governance and security standards. 

“IBM’s launch of a Microsoft Practice is a pivotal step in our shared mission to empower customers through cloud and AI technologies,” said Nicole Dezen, Chief Partner Officer at Microsoft. “This collaboration unites experts to deliver tailored solutions that will drive innovation and operational excellence, to help businesses unlock new growth opportunities and accelerate business transformation.” 

The Microsoft Practice will also focus on building sector-specific solutions across industries such as retail, consumer packaged goods, government, financial services, and supply chain. It builds on joint successes like IBM Copilot Runway and IBM Consulting Azure OpenAI Services, which are already helping clients operationalize generative AI to unlock new business value and enhance operational efficiency. 

For example, the State of Arizona Department of Child Safety cited IBM Consulting’s support in deploying Microsoft generative AI solutions to streamline case management workflows. “The IBM team helped us implement key Microsoft generative AI solutions that have significantly improved the efficiency of caseworkers, enabling them to focus on what really matters—helping families,” said Frank Sweeney, Chief Information Officer of the department. 

To date, IBM has delivered over 14,000 Microsoft projects globally and offers more than 30 IBM Software products running natively on Microsoft Azure—giving clients seamless access to integrated automation and AI capabilities tailored to their specific needs. 

What this means for ERP Insiders 

Unifying AI and cloud expertise accelerates enterprise transformation. The creation of IBM’s Microsoft Practice reflects a growing demand for integrated AI and cloud services. According to IDC, global spending on AI-centric systems is expected to surpass $300 billion by 2026, while Gartner forecasts that 75% of enterprises will have adopted a digital transformation model built on cloud by 2027. Business leaders should assess how combining IBM’s consulting depth with Microsoft’s AI and cloud capabilities can help streamline transformation strategies and reduce time to value. 

Industry-specific solutions are key to scalable innovation. The new practice will deliver tailored offerings across sectors like government, retail, and financial services—industries where legacy systems and regulatory pressures often slow progress. Research from Accenture shows that 91% of executives believe industry-specific AI solutions will create competitive advantage in the next two years. Decision-makers should prioritize consulting partners who understand both the technological landscape and the nuances of their sector. 

Enterprise-ready AI integration improves operational efficiency. By embedding Microsoft Copilot and Azure OpenAI tools into IBM’s AI-powered delivery platform, the practice offers secure, governed AI deployments at scale. McKinsey estimates that generative AI could add up to $4.4 trillion in global productivity gains annually. Leaders should take advantage of pre-integrated, enterprise-grade platforms like IBM Consulting Advantage to safely accelerate AI adoption and drive efficiency gains across core business operations. 

The post IBM Launches Dedicated Microsoft Practice to Accelerate AI and Cloud-driven Business Transformation appeared first on ERP Today.

Under a multi-year agreement, Lloyds will migrate critical databases powering its banking and business services to Oracle Database@Azure, an offering that allows Oracle databases to run on Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) inside Microsoft Azure data centers. This landmark decision reflects a forward-thinking multicloud strategy, positioning Lloyds as a trailblazer among European financial institutions embracing the agility of cloud-native services.

To further support its operational resilience and performance requirements, Lloyds will also deploy Oracle Exadata Cloud@Customer to run select Oracle databases within its own data centers. This hybrid configuration—powered by Oracle’s distributed cloud—provides the same high-performance, scalable infrastructure whether used on-premises or in the public cloud, enabling seamless and consistent experiences.

“As we focus on growth and diversifying our business, maximizing our use of data across the Group becomes critical so that we can innovate and deliver new services faster for our customers,” said Joe Soule, CIO, Enabling Services at Lloyds Banking Group. “The ability to flexibly deploy Oracle databases on-premises or in the public cloud, in combination with Microsoft Azure through a multicloud approach, enables us to accelerate the pace at which we adopt digital technologies.”

The announcement marks a significant milestone in Lloyds’ technology transformation journey—one that is centered around customer experience, operational agility, and intelligent innovation. With Oracle’s cloud solutions, Lloyds gains faster access to mission-critical data, improved application performance, and the freedom to scale dynamically across multiple environments.

This agility is essential in a sector where speed to market and data integrity are crucial. By integrating OCI’s high-performance database services with the flexibility of Azure, Lloyds can reduce infrastructure complexity, maintain regulatory compliance, and build cloud-native applications that deliver greater value to customers.

“Few sectors are evolving as rapidly as the financial services industry when it comes to cloud adoption,” noted Richard Smith, EVP and GM, EMEA Cloud Infrastructure at Oracle. “Lloyds is one of the companies at the forefront of this transition. By taking advantage of the industry’s most comprehensive and flexible approach to the cloud, Lloyds can streamline its migration and enable more innovation for its customers.”

The Oracle Database@Azure offering—now available in 14 global regions, with 18 more planned in the next 12 months—brings together Oracle’s enterprise-grade database services and Azure’s cloud-native capabilities. It enables enterprises like Lloyds to migrate databases without refactoring, while building new low-latency, AI-enabled applications that bridge OCI and Azure’s ecosystems.

Oracle’s Distributed Cloud Strategy plays a key role in this collaboration. With options spanning public, dedicated, hybrid, and multicloud environments, Oracle empowers organizations to meet data residency requirements, maintain sovereignty, and ensure business continuity—all without sacrificing the advantages of cloud scalability and automation.

For Lloyds, this translates to greater resilience, security, and future-proofed infrastructure—a competitive edge in a rapidly evolving market. With this expanded alliance, Lloyds Banking Group sets a compelling example for legacy financial institutions charting a course toward cloud modernization. By seamlessly bridging on-premises systems with public cloud innovation, the bank is positioning itself for faster product development, more personalized customer experiences, and stronger digital leadership.

What this means for ERP insiders

Oracle Database@Azure promises two-fer of performance and flexibility. This multicloud option offers Oracle-grade performance (e.g., Exadata) with the ecosystem familiarity and integration of Azure, and it enables organizations to modernize infrastructure without abandoning existing Microsoft investments (e.g., Azure Active Directory, Power BI, Teams). Companies choosing this route can lift-and-shift Oracle databases directly into Azure—no need to refactor applications or re-engineer code, which speeds up migration, reduces cost, and minimizes disruption to business operations. The solution is powered by Oracle Interconnect for Azure, which provides low-latency, high-throughput connectivity between OCI and Azure, and it enables hybrid application stacks: for example, use Oracle DB on OCI with front-end apps on Azure App Services. Multinational customers can deploy Oracle databases within local Azure data centers, addressing data residency and compliance needs. Customers get Exadata performance and scalability inside Azure—ideal for mission-critical workloads with high availability and throughput needs, and full compatibility with Oracle features (e.g., RAC, Data Guard, Partitioning). And Azure customers can access Oracle Database@Azure via the Azure Marketplace, with unified billing and Microsoft support options. Best fit companies for Oracle Database@Azure are large enterprises with existing Oracle database workloads looking to modernize without re-engineering, organizations with Azure-first strategies that need Oracle database performance, companies in regulated sectors requiring data residency and high availability, and enterprises seeking to develop hybrid apps using both OCI and Azure services (e.g., AI in Azure, transactional DB in Oracle).

Look at all angles of current and future fit with Oracle Database@Azure. It’s still a relative new offering. Enterprise adoption is growing, but some customers may encounter early-stage integration friction. Also, customers should carefully evaluate Oracle licensing options (BYOL vs. subscription), especially if migrating from on-prem or non-Oracle clouds. Oracle Support Rewards and Azure Hybrid Benefit may help offset costs but require planning. Try to avoid vendor lock-in. Although this is a multicloud solution, you’re still heavily tied to Oracle’s database technology. Consider long-term architectural flexibility and exit strategies. Managing Oracle workloads inside Azure with OCI’s operational model may require additional training for DBAs and cloud architects. And if your infrastructure spans AWS, Google Cloud, or other providers, integrating Oracle@Azure into that landscape may require additional network and governance complexity.

Oracle Database@Azure could be boon to ERP modernization. ERPs require high availability (HA), fault tolerance, and performance—especially for core finance, manufacturing, and HR processes. Oracle Exadata inside Azure ensures ultra-fast IOPS and throughput. Built-in RAC (Real Application Clusters) and Data Guard provide robust HA and disaster recovery (DR). For highly regulated industries (e.g., financial services, government), data residency and compliance are major blockers to cloud ERP. These regulatory hurdles can be handled by deploying Oracle Database@Azure in regional Azure data centers, maintaining compliance with GDPR, UK/EU financial regs, or industry-specific mandates. Existing customers of Oracle E-Business Suite or JD Edwards now have an option to move to Azure without code rewrite. SAP, Infor, or other third-party ERPs running on Oracle databases, with Microsoft-centric IT ecosystems now have a path forward. The Oracle Database@Azure offering also should appeal to large enterprises with data gravity in Azure looking for tight latency and identity integration. Any ERP modernization project aiming for high performance with compliance-grade cloud deployment should have a look at this multicloud option.

The post Lloyds Banking Group Deepens Strategic Cloud Partnership with Oracle to Drive Innovation and Agility appeared first on ERP Today.

Best of Both Worlds

What sets Codestone apart in the ERP landscape is their long-standing partnerships and heritage with both SAP and Microsoft. As a trusted partner, Codestone brings comprehensive knowledge that helps clients select and implement the right ERP and analytics platform for their specific business requirements.

“Our extensive experience across multiple platforms give us a unique perspective,” says Darryl Sackett, CEO of Codestone. “We evaluate every client’s needs objectively and can recommend the most appropriate solution based on what will truly deliver the best business outcomes.”

This expertise spans the entire SAP portfolio, including Business One for small businesses, Grow with SAP and S/4HANA Cloud (Public Edition) for mid-market to larger enterprises. In parallel, Codestone offers deep expertise with Microsoft Business Central, creating a comprehensive set of options for organizations of all sizes, across various industries, prioritised by impact.

Enabling Business Transformation Through Intelligence

Last year, Codestone bolstered their AI capability across its business lines with a specific mission: to help clients understand and realize the practical benefits of AI within their ERP and other financial management systems. Rather than promoting AI as a theoretical concept, Codestone focuses on identifying specific business challenges and use cases where AI-enhanced platforms can deliver measurable outcomes.

“Many organizations are struggling to move beyond the AI hype cycle,” continues Sackett. “Our approach is to start with the business challenge, not the technology. We ask, ‘What specific operational levers or bottlenecks can be addressed through better use of data, intelligence and automations within your organizational platforms?'”

This pragmatic approach has enabled Codestone to help clients achieve tangible results from both their SAP and Microsoft investments. For instance, one UK-based distribution client using SAP S/4HANA Cloud was able to improve inventory forecasting accuracy by better utilizing SAP’s predictive analytics, while a Microsoft Business Central client saw improvements in optimization of manufacturing batteries with Microsoft’s analytical capabilities.

A Platform-Agnostic, Value Based Methodology

Where Codestone truly differentiates itself is in its value-based approach, which applies consistently despite platforms or ecosystems of choice. Rather than focusing solely on technical setup, Codestone employs a business-outcome-driven methodology that identifies high-value processes for improvement, ensures data quality, designs optimal user experiences, and establishes clear metrics for success.

This approach was exemplified in a recent award-winning program in a leading UK vape company. The program earned Codestone the ERP Today Award for Transformation Project of the Year, delivering significant improvements in operational efficiency and reducing month-end closing times.

“Our methodology transcends the specific technology,” notes Jonathan Davies, Head of ERP Consulting at Codestone. “Whether we’re implementing SAP or Microsoft solutions, our focus on business outcomes remains constant. The key is understanding the client’s business objectives first, then applying the right technology and implementation approach to achieve those objectives.”

What This Means for ERP Insiders

Codestone’s implementations help clients leverage AI-assisted capabilities across both platforms. For Business Central users, this means maximizing Microsoft Copilot’s capabilities, while for SAP users, it means leveraging SAP’s growing portfolio of AI Business Services, including SAP Joule. “Both platforms are moving toward more intuitive, conversational interfaces,” says Joanna Rathbone, Director of Transformation at Codestone. “Our ability to integrate intelligence across both SAP and Microsoft platforms ensures a consistent experience for users, regardless of which platform they’re working in.”

Leverage AI to reap business benefits. Looking ahead, Codestone is focused on helping clients evolve their architecture, data and use of AI to take advantage of evolving capabilities. This includes preparing data infrastructures for advanced AI use cases and developing governance frameworks for responsible adoption. “With our established expertise across multiple platforms and ecosystems, Codestone is uniquely positioned to help clients navigate the future of intelligent, high-value, business solutions,” explains Sackett. “Having a robust portfolio of solutions allows us to engage clients at any stage of their growth journey and adapt with their needs.”

Realize the full potential of your technology investments with the right partner. By focusing on business outcomes and user adoption, rather than technology deployment, Codestone is helping organizations realize the true potential of their technology investments in an ever increasingly complex technology world.

The post Transforming Business Operations: Codestone’s Strategic Approach to Digital Transformation appeared first on ERP Today.

“Organizations modernizing their IT strategies to support emerging workloads, like AI, need solutions that help them innovate faster, control costs and protect data across multi-cloud environments,” said Arthur Lewis, president, Infrastructure Solutions Group, Dell Technologies.

“Our storage software, data protection and services advancements help customers in Microsoft environments accelerate their transformation efforts quickly and securely.”

Dell APEX File Storage for Microsoft Azure now offers a Dell-managed option for organizations seeking simplified deployment and management experience. Customers can easily meet the needs of AI workloads in multi-cloud environments using the enterprise-class performance, scalability and data services of Dell PowerScale, and enterprise file storage from the industry’s #1 NAS company. The service delivers:

• Burst capacity for performance-intensive AI workloads with an architecture designed to deliver superior performance density and scale.
• Reduced management complexity with seamless data mobility and operational consistency across on-premises and cloud environments.
• Faster time to data-driven insights through native integration with Microsoft AI tools.

Dell has also introduced new services designed to help organizations simplify AI adoption and create custom AI solutions. They include:

• Accelerator Services for Copilot+ PCs to enhance productivity and efficiency with expert guidance on new features, implementation plans, best practices and more.
• Services for Microsoft Copilot Studio and Azure AI Studio to assist with the development and implementation of Copilot agents and AI solutions tailored to specific business needs.
• Implementation Services for Microsoft Azure AI Service to help customers support new business opportunities through AI application development on-premises with Azure AI services on Dell solutions for Azure Local.

Additionally, Dell APEX Protection Services for Microsoft Azure will deliver Dell-managed, AI-powered cloud data protection and cyber resiliency across edge locations, remote offices and data centers. The service improves operational efficiency and resource usage, while ensuring robust data protection using advanced data reduction capabilities. Now, organizations can:

• Enhance cyber resilience with zero trust security including immutability, encryption, multi-factor authentication and role-based access controls.
• Protect against ransomware and cyberthreats with efficient recovery options for traditional and modern workloads.
• Accelerate cyber recovery with AIpowered CyberSense threat intelligence that results in up to 80% less time spent on recovery.

Microsoft customers stand to gain from improved AI development in Copilot and Azure AI Studios.

Dell’s new security services for Microsoft environments consist of two key features:

• Advisory Services for Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) to help customers align their cybersecurity posture with CMMC guidelines through specific recommendations for Microsoft solutions.
• Managed Detection and Response with Microsoft that allows customers to focus on their core business while Dell experts monitor, detect, investigate and respond to threats 24/7 across their IT environment.

“Our customers are looking for ways to modernize their IT infrastructure and adopt hybrid cloud services safely and securely,” said Aung Oo, VP of Azure Storage, Microsoft. “Dell Technologies is enabling their customers to bring their existing knowledge, trusted platforms, and enterprise data to Azure to speed the adoption of critical technologies including Azure AI Services.”

Availability

Dell-managed Dell APEX File Storage for Microsoft Azure is available in public preview this first half of 2025. However, its Accelerator Services for Copilot+ PCs, Services for Microsoft Copilot Studio, Services for Microsoft Azure AI Studio, and Implementation Services for Microsoft Azure AI Service are available now. In its Security Suite, Dell APEX Protection Services for Microsoft Azure will be available beginning in the first half of 2025, while Advisory Services for Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) for Microsoft and Managed Detection and Response with Microsoft services are available now.

Organizations can enhance cyber resilience with zero-trust security

What this means for ERP Insiders

Microsoft customers will gain from improved AI development in Copilot and Azure AI Studios. Dell assists with setting up and configuring Copilot Studio and Azure AI Studio environments. Customers can rapidly prototype and launch Copilot agents without needing extensive in-house AI expertise. Prebuilt workflows and templates provided by Dell further reduce time-to-market. Dell’s services focus on building Copilot agents that align with an organization’s unique processes, whether in finance, customer service, or supply chain management. Dell helps customers integrate Azure AI Studio’s data analytics capabilities with their existing systems, providing real-time insights. Customers can seamlessly integrate Copilot agents and AI models into their current Microsoft 365, Dynamics 365, or other Azure-based platforms. And Dell ensures that AI agents communicate effectively with existing applications, leveraging APIs and connectors provided by Microsoft.

Microsoft customers can develop and run AI applications locally while leveraging Azure AI services. Dell’s implementation services for Microsoft Azure AI Service enable organizations to meet data sovereignty and compliance requirements in industries like healthcare, finance, and government. They provide low-latency performance for AI applications that require real-time data processing, such as manufacturing control systems or retail point-of-sale analytics. Dell’s implementation services reduce the time required to set up and optimize Azure AI services on local systems. And customers gain access to Azure AI models, tools, and libraries on-premises, eliminating the need for significant in-house expertise. Dell’s solutions support a hybrid model where customers can process less sensitive data in the cloud and sensitive workloads on-premises.

These services reduce operational costs associated with moving large datasets to the cloud. Processing data locally eliminates the need for expensive bandwidth and reduces cloud storage costs. Organizations pay for Azure services on a consumption basis while benefiting from the cost-effectiveness of on-premises Dell hardware.

Dell helps users customize Azure AI tools for unique use cases, such as predictive maintenance, fraud detection, or personalized customer experiences. Localized deployment allows for flexibility in integrating AI with other on-premises systems, such as ERP, CRM, or IoT platforms.

Dell APEX File Storage for Microsoft Azure will streamline enterprise file storage. The Dell managed service on tap for 2025 will reduce the complexity of setting up and maintaining file storage systems. Dell will handle the provisioning, configuration, and ongoing management of the file storage solution, while end users can focus on accessing and utilizing storage resources without needing deep expertise in infrastructure setup or maintenance. Also, the service will include easy integration with Azure cloud services, enabling unified workflows. Users can leverage Azure-native tools, analytics, and applications while accessing file storage managed by Dell. Data stored on Dell APEX integrates directly with services like Azure AI, Azure Analytics, and Azure DevOps, streamlining operations. Additionally, end users can scale up or down as needed without worrying about provisioning additional hardware or reconfiguring systems. This flexibility is ideal for organizations with fluctuating storage demands like seasonal data spikes or growing datasets. Finally, the service supports hybrid and multi-cloud strategies, by combining Dell’s on-premises file storage expertise with Azure cloud integration, offering a consistent experience across environments. Users will be able to move data seamlessly between on-premises Dell systems and Azure cloud resources for operational agility.

The post Dell Strengthens Cybersecurity for Microsoft Customers appeared first on ERP Today.