Copilot and the channel a year on: A CRN and Arrow roundtable

Earlier this month, a select group of channel professionals gathered at The Gherkin to discuss the current state of adoption of Copilot and generative AI solutions in the channel.

On the evening of December 4, CRN brought together a group of senior IT channel professionals at one of London’s most iconic venues, The Gherkin, for an invite-only roundtable dinner.

The intimate gathering provided a unique platform to discuss how the channel is navigating the opportunities and challenges presented by Microsoft's Copilot technology.

The discussion delved into two key themes: how companies are integrating Copilot into their internal operations and the innovative ways they are leveraging the technology to enhance client services.

With representatives from across the IT channel, the conversation offered a fascinating glimpse into real-world use cases and strategic plans shaping the adoption of generative AI tools.

The roundtable kicked off with attendees sharing insights into their in-house experiences. From automating routine administrative tasks to augmenting technical workflows, it was clear that Copilot is not only reshaping how teams work but also boosting efficiency and creativity.

Participants highlighted the benefits of using Copilot for coding assistance, document drafting, and providing employees with immediate answers to technical queries.

Attention then turned to client-facing applications, where Copilot is already making waves. Attendees shared examples of how the tool is being deployed to empower end customers—whether through streamlined support functions, enhanced data analysis capabilities, or as part of broader digital transformation projects.

These real-world applications underscored the role of Copilot in driving competitive differentiation for channel players.

As the evening progressed, the conversation broadened to discuss the ethical implications and potential pitfalls of deploying AI at scale.

From managing customer expectations to addressing concerns around data privacy and bias, attendees agreed that while Copilot offers significant promise, it also demands careful stewardship.

The roundtable dinner, expertly hosted by CRN and Arrow, not only facilitated lively debate but also showcased the IT channel’s appetite for embracing innovation.

With Copilot firmly on the agenda for 2025, this technology looks set to remain a hot topic as the channel continues to explore its vast potential.