AI Copilot Podcast: DSWi’s AJ Ansari on the AI Security and Governance Imperative

Welcome to the AI Copilot Podcast, analyzing the latest AI Copilot and agent developments from Microsoft and its partners, delving into customer use cases, and exploring how AI plus the Cloud helps customers reimagine their business. In this episode, AJ Ansari, COO at DSWi and a Microsoft MVP, discusses the upcoming AI Copilot Summit with Tom Smith. Ansari is on the event programming committee.  

Highlights

Role in AI and the Microsoft Business Apps Community (01:22)

Ansari has been in the business apps ecosystem since 2007, focusing on Dynamics NAV and Dynamics 365 Business Central. Ansari’s personal interest in AI and copilots, influenced by the ChatGPT craze, led him to start using and evangelizing AI tools. He began conducting workshops and sessions on data governance and security, emphasizing the importance of proper preparation for AI implementation.

Most Compelling AI Projects (04:54)

Ansari describes helping users find information through conversational interfaces. He notes the shift in interest towards using AI alongside business systems, like ERP and CRM, for more proactive and autonomous behavior. Tools like Copilot Studio facilitate building conversational agents.

Excitement, Advice Around AI Copilot Summit (07:10)

Ansari expresses his eagerness to learn more about advanced AI topics and share his knowledge of building agents. He points out the importance of preparing data and security before implementing AI, which includes being proactive in setting up security and governance to avoid potential issues down the line.

2025 Copilot/Agent Outlook and Predictions (13:46)

He reflects on the rapid growth of AI and predicts significant advancements in the coming months and years. He discusses the evolution of AI tools to reason and communicate in new ways, moving beyond traditional interfaces. He envisions a future where AI becomes an essential part of every system, allowing for more autonomous and proactive decision-making in business applications.

AI Agent & Copilot Summit is an AI-first event to define opportunities, impact, and outcomes with Microsoft Copilot and agents. Building on its 2025 success, the 2026 event takes place March 17-19 in San Diego. Get more details.