Understanding Copilot For MSPs (EP 999)

This conversation with Brian Weiss starts with Copilot, but it quickly becomes an honest look at how unprepared most of us are for AI inside client environments. I talk about being just like my customers—dabbling in random AI tools—while Brian lays out what it actually takes to make Copilot useful: modern workplace, SharePoint/OneDrive, sane file structures, and real governance instead of “S: drive chaos.” We also get into the reality that Copilot isn’t just “another ChatGPT,” it’s an ecosystem of role-based copilots that only work as well as the data and structure we give them. We dig into Purview (including the fact that many of us already have basic capabilities in Business Premium and never turned them on), sensitivity labels, DLP, and why chain of custody should be every MSP’s go-to phrase with law firms and other regulated clients. Brian also shares how his team is going Microsoft‑first with Dynamics, Business Central, and custom agents so AI can sit on top of their PSA, finance, and security data instead of being yet another disconnected tool. It’s a real-world, practical roadmap for MSPs trying to move from “AI curiosity” to actual AI strategy. Chapters: 01:39 AI: The New Frontier 03:39 Copilot Adoption Challenges 05:46 Data Governance and AI 08:08 Document Management Dilemmas 09:35 The Leadership Gap 12:17 Understanding AI Readiness 14:14 Training and Adoption Failures 18:30 Security and Leadership Expectations 23:04 Client AI Implementation Strategies 25:06 Exploring Copilot Variants 27:36 The Role of AI in Security 34:02 Managing Data Sensitivity 37:28 The Strategic Advisor's Role 44:49 Upcoming AI Panel Discussion 49:09 Closing Thoughts and Episode 1000 Preview Guest: Brian Weiss, ITECH Solutions:  Website: https://www.itech-solutions.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianjweiss Shout-outs:  Carolyn Healey, (Copilot / AI strategist, independent): –https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolynhealey Bob Coppedge, Simplex-IT: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rlcoppedge/ Pinar Ormeci: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pinarormeci/ Companies / Vendors / Products Mentioned: TekStack: https://www.tekstack.com/ Pax8: https://www.pax8.com Lexful: https://www.lexful.com ChannelPro Network: https://www.channelpronetwork.com  MSSP Alert: https://www.msspalert.com  ChatGPT (OpenAI): https://chatgpt.com  Claude (Anthropic Claude): https://claude.ai  === SPONSORS:  Livestream Partner, ThreatLocker: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/threatlocker Technology Partner, NetAlly: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/netally/ Technology Partner: Bvoip: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/bvoip Travel Partner: TruGrid: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/trugrid Digital Partner, Designer Ready: http://itbusinesspodcast.com/designerready === SHOW MUSIC:  Item Title: Upbeat & Fun Sports Rock Logo  Item URL: https://elements.envato.com/upbeat-fun-sports-rock-logo-CSR3UET Author Username: AlexanderRufire  Item License Code: 7X9F52DNML === Connect with Uncle Marv🌐 Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/🎙 Host: Marvin Bee🛒 Uncle Marv’s Amazon Store (gear & tools I recommend): https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZ☕ Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcastIf you found value in this episode, share it with another MSP, IT provider, or tech entrepreneur. Your support helps keep practical, no-nonsense IT business conversations coming every week.