3 Stark Takeaways from Our Microsoft Fabric Forum 

Last week, we had the pleasure of hosting a gathering of industry experts, developers, and business leaders at the Microsoft headquarters in Burlington, MA. Our discussions concerned the latest trends and advancements in AI, data governance, and security. 

We delved into various use cases for modern data platforms like Microsoft Fabric, highlighting their benefits and the potential challenges new adopters might face. We also discussed how BrainSell is helping lead the charge for growth-focused businesses looking to modernize their data initiatives. 

Additionally, we surveyed attendees to gauge their progress on their AI journey and how modern data platforms are being integrated within their organizations. We distilled three key takeaways from these rich discussions that stood out prominently. Read on to learn more! 

1) The Majority of Businesses Are Just Starting Their AI Journey 

After surveying our attendees, we discovered that most businesses are not fully equipped to implement AI projects. This signals a blue ocean for growth-focused businesses when many feel a lull in their growth.  

Although 83% of participants acknowledged that AI is moderately or very important to their operations, only 8% are actively pursuing AI initiatives. Additionally, many are just beginning their AI journey, while few remain in the initial planning phase. 

This data underscores the need for enhanced education and support for businesses aiming to harness the power of AI. 

2) Data Governance is Critical for Successful Implementation 

A common thread throughout our discussions was the importance of data governance in successful AI implementations.  

42% of the attendees surveyed are actively addressing their data governance and security initiatives. Another 42% are just beginning to address their data governance needs. Roughly 16% said they are in the initial planning stages of their data governance efforts. 

With modern data platforms like Microsoft Fabric, businesses have access to vast amounts of valuable data, but without proper governance protocols, it could lead to data privacy and security risks. Garbage in, garbage out; implementing proper data governance processes is crucial for successful AI initiatives. 

3) Modern Data Platforms Offer Scalability and Flexibility 

A key highlight of our forum was delving into the capabilities of Microsoft Fabric and its potential impact on businesses. Attendees shared their experiences with the platform, revealing that scalability is one of its most robust features.  

Every company surveyed said they are currently addressing its modern data platform initiatives. Of these, 63% are just beginning, 20% are in the initial planning and testing stages, and 17% already have active modern data platform projects underway. 

At the end of the forum, it was clear that AI and modern data platforms are rapidly evolving, and businesses need to stay updated to remain competitive in today’s market. 

What’s Stopping You from Your Competitive Edge? 

Our Microsoft Fabric Forum highlighted significant trends and challenges in today’s data-driven landscape. While many businesses recognize the critical importance of AI, considerable work remains to be done to prepare to utilize these technologies fully.  

Data governance remains a cornerstone for successful AI implementation, ensuring that valuable data is managed securely and efficiently. Additionally, the scalability and flexibility offered by modern data platforms like Microsoft Fabric present vast opportunities for growth and innovation.  

Moving forward, organizations must focus on education, proper governance, and the strategic application of modern data solutions to maintain a competitive edge in their respective industries. And that’s where BrainSell comes in. Talk with us today about how we can help you on your AI journey, as we have already helped many companies modernize their data efforts. Chat with a BrainSell expert today!