The leap to AI should be taken one step at a time

In the Azure “Here’s how” Series we dive into the ins and outs of migrating business applications to the Azure cloud. Certified partners, Microsoft experts, and clients share their insights, best practices, and use cases to help you set up a successful migration trajectory. This time we are in conversation with Martijn van Schie and Michel Heijman, Solution Architect and Head of Technology at Macaw.

In conversation with Macaw about the power of cloud migration and AI

AI is everywhere. People and organizations want to hop on the bandwagon to reap all the AI-related benefits the world keeps raving about. At Macaw, a Microsoft Solutions Partner Cloud, they see a steep increase in clients’ interest in AI. “Clients often say that they’ve heard about AI and want to get started with it as soon as possible”, says Martijn van Schie, Solution Architect at Macaw. “Or they say that competitors are already using it, and they are scared to fall behind”, he continues. But what is the best way to start using AI as an organization?

Back to your basics

It all starts with securing a solid foundation. “When clients want to start leveraging the capabilities of AI, we always start with the basics”, says Martijn. Think about questions such as: Where does my data come from? What do my data estate and infrastructure look like? And how is my data governance organized? The foundation must be right, before organizations can start thinking about successfully implementing AI. Martijn adds: “Being innovation-driven is a prerequisite for success, and some degree of civil disobedience can be an advantage. However, whichever form of AI you choose, you must first need to have your data in order before you can unlock AI’s true potential.”

Another key part of this foundation is identifying the current location of your applications. Do your apps already run on the cloud or are they still run on local data centers? If the latter is true, consider cloud migration as an intermediate step to AI success. After all, your applications need to be on the cloud before you can start infusing them with AI capabilities.

The pivotal role of cloud migration

Migrating all your applications to the cloud ensures that all your data is in the right place to start innovating, scaling, and implementing AI. However, organizations can be unaware of the possibilities of these power platforms and cloud solutions. “This could be one of the main barriers as to why organizations are hesitant to migrate to the cloud; they simply do not understand all it can do for them. In that case, it is important that we help them understand”, Martijn says.

A cloud migration journey could start with migrating non-critical applications first, so an organization can experiment and test the new environment. This increases trust in the cloud and helps to overcome the barrier. This renewed trust can then be the starting point for conversations about migrating mission-critical applications. Regardless of the type of IT project or applications, close collaboration between the client and supplier is indispensable. Martijn agrees: “As a supplier you can have all the knowledge, but the client needs to understand the cloud and its business value as well. This is why we always break up the whole migration journey in smaller, digestible steps to guide our clients to success”.

Another deciding factor in determining a cloud migration strategy is understanding an organization’s initial motivation to migrate to the cloud. “If the motivation is to only run applications on the cloud, you could simply pick up the application, put it in a virtual machine, and place it on the cloud. In that case, you have not changed anything, only its location. If your goal is to innovate and scale, you would need a completely different strategy,” says Michel, Head of Technology. To unleash innovation and scalability, you could consider rebuilding the application to an Azure native application. Michel adds: “This is why it also important to understand the basis of your applications. What does it look like? What is its business value? This helps us determine the best suitable solution for the client”.

Everyone on board with the right incentive

The most successful cloud migration projects are always driven from both the business and IT side. “If only one side of the organization is driving the project, the project is bound to face resistance along the way”, says Martijn. He continues to add: “If a client only wants to do it, because competitors are doing it, they also miss out on its full potential. To really use the cloud and AI to your benefit, you need to be inherently motivated and committed to the project”.

With your data in order, the right people on board and full commitment, cloud migration and AI infusion can really transform a business. Azure OpenAI Service is an example of a generative AI solution that adds business value. Michel illustrates: “Take the creation of marketing materials or your customer contact center as two examples. With Azure OpenAI, you do not just make these processes more effective, but you will even have the ability to add your organization’s brand identity, or tone-of-voice to your AI-infused solutions.”

Looking ahead

The AI landscape is evolving at a rapid pace. The time to start thinking about what AI or OpenAI could mean to your business is now. Microsoft and partners can help you in your AI adoption journey; from envisioning workshops with business owners to design sessions, roadmapping, tech validation and developing an MVP. In some cases, we will have to go back to building a solid cloud foundation. In other cases, we can unlock value from your data right away. At Microsoft partner Macaw, they are already looking into the major boardroom topics for the coming year. In the next phase of AI, we might see that generative AI is automating work in an even more dynamic way, automatically incorporating changing processes, customer wishes and legislation. One thing is certain: the way we work today is about to undergo a complete transformation. Martijn adds: “Technology can make our work more efficient, but we will always need humans to make up the work and add creativity.”

About Macaw

Macaw has over 25 years of expertise, making them a Microsoft Solutions Partner Cloud, the highest-accredited independent provider of Microsoft technical support. Thanks to their broad range of services, Macaw contributes to the success of organizations, from implementing and maintaining technology to strategic planning, design, adoption, development, and optimization. Macaw works with clients such as Heineken, ABN AMRO, BMW, ANWB, L’Oréal, De Heus, Unica, and Healthcare Institute of the Netherlands.

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