'It's like automation on steroids' - Node4's Mark Skelton reveals Copilot AI plans
Node4 chief technology and strategy officer talks AI strategy, Copilot ROI, and industry challenges in exclusive interview with CRN
As AI is rapidly reshaping the IT services industry, UK-based MSP Node4 is making significant strides in AI adoption and integration.
In an exclusive interview with CRN, Mark Skelton, chief technology and strategy officer at Node4, reveals how the company is leveraging Microsoft's Copilot to drive productivity and transform its business operations.
The MSP recently announced a substantial investment in Copilot for Microsoft 365.
Last week, it revealed it had purchased over 1,100 seats of the next-generation AI assistant.
Working closely with Microsoft, Node4 has gained early access to resources and expertise, providing the teams with a real-world advantage in implementing AI both internally and for their clients.
Skelton tells CRN that the company has seen significant time savings across various roles, averaging about an hour per week per employee.
"We've built internal portals to track Copilot usage across the Microsoft suite," he explains.
"This allows us to calculate ROI and report it at the board level."
The impact of Copilot spans multiple departments, he adds. Content creation teams in marketing, tech consulting, and sales use it to craft client presentations and documentation.
"Developers leverage it for code research, while finance teams use it to spot trends in large datasets. "It's not just about the technology," Skelton emphasises.
"It's about driving an AI culture and changing behaviours to maximise its potential."
To ensure effective adoption, Node4 has implemented a comprehensive change management programme.
This includes workshops, a change champion process, and innovative "prompt-athons" to help employees learn how to interact effectively with AI tools.
Challenges and opportunities in AI integration
While the benefits are clear, Skelton acknowledges that integrating AI tools like Copilot comes with challenges, particularly around security and data management.
"You need to be very cautious about turning on AI in an organisation without the right frameworks and controls in place," he warns.
Looking ahead, Node4 is exploring ways to use Copilot for end-to-end automation in ERP systems.
"We're developing solutions using Copilot agents to automate activities that currently require human intervention," Skelton shares. "It's like automation on steroids."
When asked about the challenges facing MSPs in the coming years, Skelton highlights the increasing demand for AI readiness.
"Clients are looking to MSPs to help them prepare for this wave of change," he notes.
"There's pressure to adopt AI quickly, but also a need for foundational work and security measures."
Skelton also touches on the persistent skill shortage in the tech industry.
"It's a problem that's here to stay," he says.
"The education system is struggling to keep up with the pace of technological change."
Node4's approach includes investing heavily in early career programmes and apprenticeships to grow their own talent pool.
Vendor relationships and market dynamics
Node4 works with numerous vendors, with Microsoft being its primary strategic partner.
Skelton praises Microsoft's partner-led approach but notes that not all vendors are as mature in their channel strategies.
"Some vendors try to do deals directly and then think about partners afterward," he observes.
"There's room for improvement in how some vendors engage with the channel."
The recent Broadcom acquisition of VMware is also on his mind.
Skelton describes the significant disruption caused by changes to VMware's licensing model and partner ecosystem.
"It's caused a huge amount of running around for the UK market," he says.
While Node4 has benefited from being one of the selected MSP partners, Skelton expresses concern about the long-term impact on VMware's market position.
"Clients are questioning VMware's strategy and looking at alternatives," he notes.
As Node4 navigates the rapidly evolving tech landscape, their approach to AI adoption, particularly with tools like Microsoft's Copilot, offers valuable lessons for other MSPs and IT service providers.
By focusing on cultural change, comprehensive training, and strategic partnerships, the MSP is positioning itself at the forefront of the AI revolution in IT services.