The tech experts at ANS are full of cutting-edge knowledge and innovative new solutions. This is exactly why Tech Comm was started — an annual event where ANS techies can showcase their work, share ideas, and get excited about the future of tech.
Tech Comm 2024 saw multiple departments demonstrate their expertise, focusing strongly on AI and emerging tech trends, as well as welcoming external speakers to share their insights.
Microsoft’s keynote on quantum computing & next-gen AI.
Nicholas McQuire, Executive Director of Incubation, AI and Quantum at Microsoft, gave a gripping keynote speech about quantum computing and the future of AI. The ANS technical staff saw insights into the future direction of cloud computing, Microsoft, and next-gen AI.
‘Guided AI’ was a big topic, with Nicholas explaining Microsoft’s plans to use AI for science to speed up research and development processes. He also discussed CoPilot in Azure Quantum, combining the power of CoPilot with high-performance computing (HPC) and cloud to improve research efficiency.
Cloud adoption & AI readiness.
To fully leverage tech advancements on the horizon, migrating data to the cloud is essential. Joe Parr (Customer Success Architect) focused on customer cloud adoption and discussed roadmaps to help customers adopt cloud services more efficiently while foreseeing many of the challenges faced with migration.
Speakers from HashiCorp discussed delivering cloud solutions faster, while Peter Richardson (Practice Lead, Cloud) gave insights into hybrid cloud solutions. Chris Henry (Cloud COE Lead Architect) Gavin Taylor (Tech Lead, Private Cloud) and Joe Parr outlined AI adoption and cloud, with Gavin also hosting his own session on eCloud VPC.
Chris Folkerd (Director of Core Infrastructure) and Matthew Gallagher (Technical Product Manager) shared their thoughts on the future of eCloud VPC — one of our key service offerings that helps customers to migrate their data to public cloud seamlessly.
Promptathon.
The two ‘Promptathon’ events gave ANS tech experts a chance to flex their AI-prompting muscles and learn more about generating prompts with CoPilot. Working in small teams, ANS tech staff were given tasks to complete using AI prompts, with prizes given to the winning teams for the most effective prompt.
Hosted by Vicki Holman (Ecosystem Architect), Dale Marshall (Chief Architect), Adam Mellor (Lead Data Engineer) and Callum Duncan (Tech Apprentice), the Promptathons contained numerous CoPilot insights and tips for experienced and new prompters alike.
CoPilot and Microsoft Dynamics 365.
Sharon Smith (D365 Solutions Architect) shared new developments on Microsoft Dynamics 365, a key ANS service offering. Improved processes, shifting UI/UX landscapes, and CoPilot integration were hot topics of the day, with different tech teams collaborating to share ideas and perspectives.
Vicki Holman expanded on CoPilot for M365 in her session, discussing ANS’s rollout of CoPilot and the success and challenges experienced as a result. Amy Hemingway (Project Manager) also discussed D365 in the context of Power Platform and project management — an area that is key to many of our customers.
Customer, culture, and code.
Ben Whitfield (Customer Tech Lead) discussed the importance of cultivating a positive culture within teams, diving into the ins and outs of key departments—customers, sales, product management, and development—each with their own set of obstacles.
Ben highlighted the “happy path” for project success, which involves understanding customer problems, building solutions, and ensuring satisfaction. He stressed the importance of team alignment, training, and ongoing improvement, as well as fostering an inclusive environment where team members feel valued and invested.
Change management.
Janet Robb, Director of Customer Enablement explained how effective change management relies on both technological and human factors. Janet emphasised that a staggering 70% of success depends on people.
The five key elements for change are: Awareness, Desire, Knowledge, Ability, and Reinforcement.
Janet discussed how change should be gradual and supported by continuous reinforcement and training, with a focus on personal motivation to ensure adoption and proficiency. Success hinges on addressing these factors to enable smooth transitions.
Cyber threat simulations.
Stephen Crow (Head of Information Security), Justin Young (Director of Managed Services Security Operations) and Doug Burrows (Service Assurance Manager) took participants through various ransomware scenarios in a mock boardroom setting to gauge their awareness of the threats and their detection skills. This allowed participants to understand the critical steps necessary to effectively respond to ransomware attacks.
By simulating real-life situations, the session aimed to enhance participants’ readiness and competency in handling such incidents. Overall, it was a fun yet eye-opening exercise that highlighted just how crucial it is to stay vigilant and prepared.
The evolution and future of eCloud .
Matt Gallagher (Technical Product Manager), Matthew Montague (Senior Infrastructure Operations Manager) and Chris Folkerd (Director of Core Infrastructure) discussed how eCloud plays a crucial role across infrastructure, customers, and end users, providing stability and strategic growth for the business.
They talked about how eCloud promises to stay ahead of customer needs, supporting indirect sales and growing the partner programme. eCloud remains at the forefront of innovation by continuously integrating cutting-edge new technologies and solutions to meet evolving customer demands.
Wrap up.
With TechComm 2024 done for another year, we’re left with a wealth of insights, inspiration, and connections that will undoubtedly shape how we deliver technology solutions for our customers. From a groundbreaking keynote to insightful sessions with industry leads, this conference has been a testament to the incredible breadth and depth of ANS’s collective expertise.
See you at TechComm 2025!
Keep your eyes peeled for the TechComm 2024 spotlight blogs!
