In this first episode of Why IT Matters, Tyler Echols and Joshua Baker break down how artificial intelligence is impacting businesses across every industry, and what AI adoption actually means for IT operations, cybersecurity, and managed service providers. From AI tools like ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot to workplace automation and productivity gains, this conversation explains how AI is reshaping day-to-day business workflows and the new data security risks many companies overlook.

We dive into:

• How businesses are using AI tools at work to improve efficiency and productivity

• What ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot change for employees and IT teams

• Why AI adoption introduces new cybersecurity and data protection risks

• How managed IT service providers are adapting to AI-driven environments

• The difference between public AI tools vs enterprise AI solutions

• Why businesses need clear AI usage policies before scaling adoption

• How AI is changing the future of work for small and mid-sized companies

If you’re asking questions like “How does AI affect my business?”, “Is ChatGPT safe for work?”, “What are the cybersecurity risks of AI?”, “Should my company use Microsoft Copilot?”, or “How should IT teams manage AI tools?” This episode is for you.

00:00 Welcome to Why IT Matters

02:02 AI in Business: Fear and Reality

03:11 Data Security Concerns with Public AI Models

05:43 AI as a Business Tool: Efficiency and Productivity

06:10 AI Integration: Copilot and Microsoft 365

11:35 AI's Impact on Job Roles and Business Strategy

16:08 Practical AI Applications for Businesses

17:33 Maximizing ROI with AI: Real-World Examples

43:41 Security and Configuration of Microsoft 365 Copilot

46:04 Choosing the Right Microsoft 365 License

47:55 The Importance of Proper IT Configuration

58:20 Ensuring IT Provider Accountability

01:01:19 Closing and Final Tip