Powering Up: The Dynamics of a Strong Microsoft Partnership

Stijn and Luc, you both primarily work within the Microsoft ecosystem. What makes this partnership so special?

Stijn Geeroms: We’re both specialists in implementing and supporting Microsoft solutions. In my case [i.e. Cegeka Business Solutions] we focus on Microsoft Dynamics, while Luc’s division deals with the digital workplace. We collaborate with Microsoft in all areas: comarketing, co-selling, readiness, innovation, developing industry-specific solutions, and projects.

This collaboration is seen as extremely valuable. We’re included in several Early Access programs, giving us
first access to the latest Microsoft technologies. Cegeka Business Solutions is a Western European Partner of
the Year 2023 and has been in the Inner Circle for six years running. It’s not just a win for us; it reassures our
customers that they’re working with a top-tier partner trusted by Microsoft and always updated on the latest
developments.

"Our customers are working with a top-tier partner trusted by Microsoft."

In 2023, Microsoft introduced AI into its solutions with
Copilot. What impact has this had?

Luc Dedroog: Microsoft Copilot for Office is a complete game-changer when it comes to individual productivity. Because let’s be honest: since its introduction in 1990, the Office suite has evolved in small steps, with bells and whistles added here and there over the years. Microsoft Copilot for Office is a quantum leap by comparison: every Office user gets their own copilot – the name is spot on by Microsoft.

Stijn Geeroms: Agreed. Microsoft Copilot takes personal productivity to a whole new level. As such, it synergizes seamlessly with Dynamics ERP and CRM, which are all about optimizing organizational workflows. In today’s economic climate, integrating AI and robust automation spells good news for businesses. It means they can get more done with the same team.

Is Microsoft Copilot already making waves?

Stijn Geeroms: It’s still early days, but there’s huge interest. 2023 was the year of AI, and 2024 is the year
where it will all gradually land. In Copilot’s case, it’s all about ‘explore’, ‘adopt’, ‘embrace.’ It’s our job to implement it correctly for our customers, in line with security and privacy regulations. Because Microsoft Copilot is not a plug-and-play solution.

Luc Dedroog: No, it’s not. There are technical requirements, and you also need to configure your environment, including sorting out your permission structure and data classification to ensure people don’t
have access to data they shouldn’t when they enter a prompt. That’s why we’ve developed a full range of
services around Copilot, from technical readiness to user adoption.

Can companies keep up with all these technological
leaps and bounds?

Stijn Geeroms: The pace of technological change is picking up speed. While many companies are still
grappling with the first wave of digitalization, a second wave is already on the horizon, with AI leading the
charge. This rapid evolution presents a challenge for our customers, and yes, also for us. That’s why our close partnership with Microsoft is invaluable. Microsoft is a trailblazer when it comes to innovation, which means we’re at the forefront of cutting-edge technology.

"We’re all about separating the hype from what’s truly relevant for businesses."

Luc Dedroog: We see ourselves as a trusted partner in turbulent times, helping customers make sense of
the avalanche of technological innovation. It’s about implementing the right technology at the right time.
Above all, it’s about separating the hype from what’s truly relevant for businesses. We focus on delivering
added value. Because you can do a lot of things, and a lot of fun things, but at the end of the day, it needs to
yield a return.

You both work with Microsoft solutions. What additional
layer do you add on top of that?

Stijn Geeroms: At Business Solutions, we put a strong emphasis on industry-specific solutions. This goes
beyond just a technical and functional layer; it also includes processes, methodology, and people. We
specifically focus on the process industry in general, with a specialization in food, pharma, and chemicals, followed by manufacturing, and finally projects and services.

Luc Dedroog: With digital workplaces, we don’t have an extra industry focus. Any large company with whitecollar needs is a potential customer for us. We do offer an entire range of solutions and services related to the workplace, from readiness to adoption. On top of that, we also have a strong Service Desk proposition, which we’ll be expanding with ITSM services in 2024.

Stijn Geeroms: With Luc’s team, we share the ambition to become a leader in the Microsoft Power Platform.
This platform empowers our customers to create custom apps and automate workflows with low-code
simplicity. At Cegeka, we guide customers in leveraging its capabilities while maintaining robust governance
practices. You don’t want Power Platform to be a springboard for Shadow IT.

Where do you see growth in 2024?

Stijn Geeroms: We aim to expand our industry specific Dynamics expertise to all the countries where Cegeka
operates. We’ve already started in Denmark in 2023, and more countries are in our sights. For regions where we’re not yet present, we rely on our network of top Dynamics partners, the DynamicsPact Alliance, to serve our global customers effectively.

Luc Dedroog: Similarly, the digital workplace sector is witnessing global growth. We already help enterprise
customers worldwide, from the US to Asia and the Middle East. Just like the Business Solutions team, we
collaborate with local partners in each region. Because that is what ‘In Close Cooperation’ means.