Building the future with Microsoft Azure AI

02/01/25 Wavenet
An analyst uses a computer and dashboard for data business analysis and Data Management System.

Siloed data, outdated systems and inefficient processes are compromising business performance. Businesses that fail to modernise their infrastructure will ultimately create a barrier to adopting modern technologies, which will lead to lack of innovation and scalability, and in some cases, a backward trajectory.

This ‘digital debt’ is costing businesses, with 64% of employees currently not having enough time or energy to do their job, according to the 2023 Work Trend Index – with 87% of organisations believing AI will help them overcome these challenges to give them a competitive edge. 


Microsoft Azure AI can help companies tap into this trend. Whether you’re looking for a way to build, integrate, deploy or manage your AI product, the Azure AI platform offers all the applications and tools to take your AI product to market.  And at a time where competition is rifer than ever, it’s crucial to success that businesses continue to develop their products and services in-line with customer need and technology advancement. With possibilities relating to the latter becoming almost limitless, AI will no doubt play a significant role in innovation for years to come. 


If you can see AI playing a pivotal role in the future of your organisation, then keep reading to find out how 53,000 businesses are already using the Azure AI platform to push the capabilities of their products and services, and how it can benefit your company. 

What is Azure AI? 

Across the business landscape, there’s been plenty of exploration into generative AI and its capabilities, with organisations using tools such as ChatGPT and Copilot to solve internal productivity challenges. However, the true potential of AI lies with companies having the ability to integrate it with their own business applications and systems.

Using the Azure AI platform, businesses can unlock this potential of generative AI, offering all the building blocks for developers to create and bring intelligent apps to market, in one place. Using its tools, companies will be able to create market-ready, responsible applications that leverage functionalities such as natural language processing, speech recognition and translation, as well as computer vision and decision making, which help unlock features like: 

  • Chatbots & virtual assistants 
  • Image analysis, captioning, visual search and facial recognition
  • Text analysis, summarisation and document classification 
  • Real-time speech recognition and translation, including speech-to-text transcription 
  • Personalisation and recommendation capabilities 
  • And much more…

Not only is Azure AI trusted by businesses around-the-world, but Microsoft have confirmed that all of its platforms and Copilots have been created using the same infrastructure and applications that they’ve made available to us with the release of AI, demonstrating their belief in the system and what’s possible when you leverage the tools at scale. 

What is the Azure AI stack? 

The Azure AI stack consists of the Azure AI studio, which includes all the applications and tools to leverage, build and deploy your own AI solutions. This includes:

  • Azure AI services which are pre-trained, pre-built, ready to use AI applications AI search & open AI service. 
  • Azure machine learning – full-lifecycle tools to build, train, deploy and manage the full lifecycle of generative AI. 
  • Model catalogue – a full catalogue of MaaS, GPT model family, small language models and open-source models that users can test and experiment with.

All of this is built within the Azure infrastructure, a state-of-the-art, secure system that’s been created to handle AI workloads. 

Unlock copilot assistance with Azure AI

Azure AI supports organisations in bringing copilot assistance to their own apps, using their first party owned data to drive performance, enabling quicker routes to markets and much greater user and customer experiences.

By taking advantage of the generative AI functionality that Azure AI offers, organisations can do things such as: 

  • Build Copilot extensions to improve productivity in Copilot Studio 
  • Use Visual Studio to build and integrate copilots and extensions with code 
  • Build custom models, orchestration, and AI tooling for your copilots and extensions
  • Use Azure OpenAI Studio to craft your chat experience and seamlessly integrate it into Teams

With all of this at a business’ disposal, teams will be able to innovate and overcome an array of challenges, including low productivity, lack of insight and building personalised customer experiences. 

Preparing for the future of AI with Azure

While innovation and exploration of AI continues, one thing we know for certain is that autonomous, agentic AI is only going to become more popular as businesses start to leverage its capabilities to support productivity. 

The Azure AI platform is a great way for businesses to take their first step towards personalised and autonomous AI. By accessing a library of models and pre-built templates, you can experiment, customise and integrate your own generative AI, learning as you go. 

To get started, get in touch with our specialist team, who can answer any of your questions and offer expert support as you integrate the platform into your IT team. 

Microsoft, AI, Azure, Microsoft Azure

Latest blogs

See all posts
sd-wan
SD-WAN benefits for education: enhance school, college and university networks

Online learning platforms, cloud-based applications, virtual classrooms, and bandwidth-heavy multimedia resources have become essential to modern education. As these demands grow, many institutions are turning to SD‑WAN (Software-Defined Wide Area Networking) to support their digital transformation.

Read more
it in education
Best IT support for schools: enhance education

The right IT support services help schools and colleges operate smoothly, prevent downtime, and enhance the overall learning experience. This guide breaks down the most effective IT solutions for educational institutions and explains how to choose the right IT partner. Why IT support is essential in modern education Schools and colleges depend on technologies such as cloud platforms, WiFi networks, learning management systems (LMS), and safeguarding tools. Without strong IT support, everyday learning can easily be disrupted. High‑quality IT support ensures: Consistent uptime for learning platforms Secure protection for student and staff data Smooth operation of classroom hardware Reliable connectivity across campus A strategic roadmap for future IT improvements Top IT support services for schools and colleges 1. Managed IT support Managed IT support gives schools access to a fully equipped technical team without needing an in‑house department. Typical features include: 24/7 help desk Device and server management Cyber security monitoring Backup and disaster recovery Software updates and patch management This approach reduces costs, increases system reliability, and frees educators to focus on learning—not technical issues. 2. Student technology support Students rely on devices and online platforms every day. Student tech support ensures they can access lessons without interruption. Common services include: Device troubleshooting (laptops, tablets, Chromebooks) Login and password resets Connectivity support Assistance with online learning platforms Safety filtering guidance This support is especially vital in hybrid or remote learning environments. 3. Classroom technology solutions Modern classrooms need fully supported and integrated digital tools. Classroom IT solutions typically include: Interactive whiteboards Projectors and AV systems Classroom management software WiFi optimisation Digital collaboration tools These technologies make lessons more engaging and interactive. 4. Microsoft education support Microsoft remains one of the most widely used platforms in schools. Supporting these tools effectively helps ensure seamless digital learning. Key areas include: Office 365 management Teams for Education Intune device management Azure cloud services Identity and access management 5. Microsoft education training Empower your teaching and facilitate innovative learning for your students with Microsoft education training. Key areas include: Microsoft 365 Education Tools Training Microsoft's Showcase School Programme How to choose the right IT support provider When evaluating IT support services, schools should consider: Budget and funding constraints Current IT infrastructure Scalability needs Security and compliance requirements Provider’s education-sector experience Availability of both remote and on‑site support Choosing a specialist with education experience ensures better safeguarding compliance, user-friendly solutions, and long‑term value. The benefits of outsourcing IT support Practical and operational benefits More schools now outsource IT due to benefits in security, performance, management and cost: Lower long‑term costs Access to specialist expertise Faster response and issue resolution Stronger cyber protection A strategic, future-proof technology plan Learning benefits Technology is enabling and facilitating better learning experiences and outcomes, empowering teachers, increasing pupil engagement and enriching the classroom experience: Personalised learning paths Instant access to learning resources Better collaboration among students Support for SEND and diverse learning needs Preparation for a digital workforce Schools that invest wisely in IT create stronger educational outcomes. The growing demand for IT skills in education As digital transformation accelerates, technology is playing a key role in enhancing learning and schools increasingly require IT professionals skilled in: Networking Cyber security Cloud infrastructure EdTech implementation Support and troubleshooting Online IT certification programmes are helping build the next generation of education‑sector IT specialists. Wavenet: A trusted IT partner for UK schools and the public sector For educational institutions seeking a reliable and experienced IT services provider, We are one of the UK’s leading education technology specialists. With over 30 years of experience delivering designed‑for‑schools solutions, we supports more than 4,000 education establishments nationwide across cloud platforms, cyber security, communications, safeguarding, and network services. We provide ICT services, broadband, WiFi, audio‑visual systems, remote support, and fully managed IT services - all delivered by DBS‑checked staff and supported with clear, transparent SLAs. By partnering with us, schools gain access to expert guidance, best‑practice ICT strategy, robust cybersecurity, and a long‑term technology roadmap - helping them create a connected, secure, and future‑ready educational environment.

Read more
managed security services provider
What is a Managed Security Services Provider (MSSP)?

Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs) offer outsourced monitoring, management, and protection of an organisation’s security infrastructure. Their services typically include managed threat detection, continuous security monitoring, incident response, and vulnerability management. By partnering with an MSSP, businesses can leverage specialist expertise and advanced technologies to safeguard their digital assets more effectively.

Read more
UK digital infrastructure connectivity
Higher ROI for firms investing in infrastructure

Digital infrastructure is now a national and commercial priority For UK C-suite leaders, the growth conversation has fundamentally shifted. The latest UK infrastructure analysis1. shows that 2026 marks a major shift from policy vision to project delivery, unlocking billions in digital infrastructure, fibre connectivity, grid upgrades, and modernisation programmes. This shift positions digital infrastructure as a core driver of competitiveness, innovation, and long-term business ROI.

Read more
Placeholder thumbnail
A pupil’s review of Bett by Billy H, year 5

I’m in Year 5 and this was my second time visiting Bett, and I think it might be one of the coolest places ever. There were loads of new gadgets, games, and learning tools to try out, and everything made school feel like it could be a massive adventure.

Read more