# OZ Digital, LLC > Global Digital Technology Consultancy & Software Delivery Partner > Generated by All in One SEO Pro v5.0.3, this is an llms-full.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site. ## Posts ### [Combating Insurance Fraud in the Age of Big Data](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/combating-insurance-fraud-in-the-age-of-big-data/) **Published:** October 6, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** Every carrier wants to deliver an exceptional [claims experience](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/claims-transformation-automating-the-moment-of-truth/). It’s a pivotal moment, often the only one, where carriers engage directly with their customers. To make this experience count, carriers must settle the claim quickly and accurately. But at the same time, ensure only legitimate claims are processed and paid. This step, while crucial, can create unnecessary friction, slowing down the process. Nevertheless, carriers cannot afford to overlook this, as fraudulent claims cost the insurance industry billions in losses. Consider this: - According to the Coalition Against Insurance Fraud (CAIF), the U.S. insurance industry loses $309 billion annually to insurance fraud - About 10% of all insurance claims in the U.S. are fraudulent, which impacts the loss ratio - In Property and Casualty insurance alone, fraudulent claims account for 5-10% of all claims with losses amounting to ~$34 billion every year Carriers often wrestle with identifying fraudulent claims in real-time, challenging their efficiency and, ultimately, contributing to higher expenses. Giving insurance professionals real-time insights into the claims they’re handling and how fast they need to be investigated can help reduce this friction. [AI-driven automation and analytics](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/7-simple-steps-for-ai-success/) can help fix that — these newer technologies make fraud detection a seamless part of the claims process, mitigating risk and enabling exceptional customer experiences. Unlike manual checks, AI-driven automation can process large claims volumes, allowing carriers to validate an applicant’s details at the quote stage, cross-referencing multiple data sets such as claims history, names and addresses, credit information, social media data, watch list data and public databases. Plus, carriers can draw on many more sources to verify claims, gathering and filtering data that would otherwise be hard to access in real-time. AI-generated alerts provide claims professionals with key fraud indicators and actionable next steps for further investigation, empowering them to make more informed, data-driven decisions. ### **Three Types of Insurance Claims Fraud** All P&C carriers grapple with fraudulent claims. But tackling this fraud costs carriers time, money, and resources. Before we dive into how newer technologies can assist insurers in detecting fraud, let’s take a look at the three types of insurance fraud: **Exaggerated claims:** The insured inflates the claim value claiming far more than the actual value **False claims:** The insured makes up a story of an incident that never occurred, such as an accident or theft. Examples include false or inflated property damage, burglary or theft reports, arson, intentional damage claims, staged accidents, auto shop scams, falsifying the date or details of an accident, and so on. **Duplicate claims:** The insured person raises more than one claim from the same insurance provider for the same event/incident ### **Challenges with Traditional Fraud Detection** The traditional approach to fraud detection relies on developing heuristics around fraud indicators, in one of two ways: 1. Pre-defined rules determine if the case needs further investigation 2. Other times, a checklist is prepared with scores for various fraud indicators. These scores and the claim value will indicate if the case needs to be investigated further. The problem with these methods is they rely heavily on manual intervention and have the following limitations: - Constrained to a limited set of known parameters based on heuristics, even though other variables/attributes can influence the decisions - Inability to understand context-specific relationships between parameters (geography, customer segment, insurance sales process) that might not provide the complete picture - Recalibration of the model requires frequent reevaluation to reflect changing behavior and ensure the model adapts to investigation feedback. ### **How do AI-Driven Automation and Data Analytics Help Detect Fraud?** [AI-driven automation](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Trqid_1-Iuc) analyzes the data collected from various sources to identify patterns, anomalies, and trends that may indicate fraud. The **automated fraud detection systems typically analyze the following data types to flag fraud:** - **Transaction data:** Tracking unusual patterns in spending, transfers, and withdrawals that may indicate fraud - **Document data:** Scanning loan applications, tax forms, and other documents for signs of tampering, inconsistencies, or anomalies - **Customer data**: Comparing new activity against a customer’s historical transaction patterns and demographic information ### **Key benefits of fraud detection automation include:** - **Speed:** Automated systems can analyze transactions and documents at scale, flagging suspicious activity in real-time - **Accuracy**: AI and machine learning algorithms continuously learn, becoming more accurate at detecting patterns indicating fraud - **Consistency**: Automated systems consistently apply the same logic and thresholds, eliminating human bias and variability - **Scale:** Carriers can monitor a much larger volume of transactions and documents for potential fraud - **Revenue:** Preventing, detecting, and flagging fraud early translates into lower premiums for the customer and a reduced Loss Ratio for the carrier, driving profitability While automation cannot replace human judgment entirely, it can improve fraud detection by flagging suspicious activity for further review. This allows carriers to focus their resources elsewhere and operate more efficiently. With AI enabling more accurate fraud detection and fewer false positives, carriers can substantially reduce their financial losses while mitigating risks. Moreover, by automating repetitive processes like fraud detection, carriers can scale their operations without increasing headcount or costs. Yet, the true beneficiaries of these advancements are the customers themselves. They need no longer bear the brunt of higher premiums to offset the losses from insurance fraud. And that’s a win-win for everyone, signaling a future where the insurance landscape is more equitable, efficient, and customer-centric. [Contact us](https://followoz.com/contact-us/) *if you’d like to discuss how you can automate with AI. Learn more by* [**downloading the** **e-Book**](https://followoz.com/beyond-the-bot-how-ai-is-ushering-in-the-next-wave-of-automation/) ***– Beyond the Bot: How AI Is Ushering in the Next Wave of Automation*** **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Insurance, Tech Services --- ### [How AI is Revolutionizing the Way We Explore the World](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/how-ai-is-revolutionizing-the-way-we-explore-the-world/) **Published:** October 10, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ***By Paul J. Bailo**, Chief Transformation Officer* Travel has always been synonymous with adventure—but in today’s digital age, artificial intelligence (AI) is injecting a new level of excitement into our voyages. From planning and booking to the [travel experience itself](https://followoz.com/industries/hospitality/), read on to learn how AI is revolutionizing the way we explore the world. - **Personalized Adventures.** One of the most fundamental ways AI is reshaping travel is through personalization. AI algorithms are akin to expert travel advisors, learning your preferences, past travel experiences, and online behavior to curate dreamy itineraries that cater to your unique tastes. Imagine receiving an email with a list of hidden gems in a destination you’ve never considered before, all based on your interests. AI can make it happen. - **Chatbots: Your Travel Companions**. The integration of AI-driven chatbots and virtual assistants has turned travel planning into a deeper conversation. These friendly digital companions can answer your questions, suggest destinations, and help you find the best deals, making the whole process as enjoyable as chatting with a knowledgeable friend. Whether you’re looking for vegan-friendly restaurants in Tokyo or wondering about visa requirements for a spontaneous trip to Bali, AI-powered chatbots have you covered. - **Enhanced Experiences with AR**. Once you’re on your journey, AI continues to make travel more enjoyable. Augmented reality (AR) applications, fueled by AI, provide real-time information about landmarks, historical sites, and local culture. As you explore, simply point your smartphone or AR glasses at a monument, and AI will overlay interesting facts, stories, and even interactive experiences, transforming your sightseeing into a thrilling adventure. - **Smoother Travels**. AI’s predictive powers also work behind the scenes to ensure your trip is as smooth as possible. By analyzing vast amounts of data, AI can anticipate flight delays and suggest alternative routes or activities. No more frustrating layovers or wasted hours in the airport—AI ensures your travel plans remain enjoyable from start to finish. AI and the travel industry are the ultimate dream team for wanderlust enthusiasts, making every step of the journey more fun and memorable. So, embrace the AI revolution and let your next adventure be a thrilling, AI-assisted escapade! ### **Your Next Steps** OZ believes CX is the [cornerstone of travel and hospitality](https://followoz.com/industries/hospitality/). From predictive analytics, AI, and RFID tracking to application integrations, cloud services, and beyond, our technology and expertise will be the ultimate differentiator as you seek competitive advantage in an industry where customer experience is paramount. Download our free eBook *Unlocking the Power & Promise of Today’s Modern Applications* [here](https://followoz.com/overcoming-the-3-major-challenges-to-unlocking-the-power-promise-of-todays-modern-applications/) or reach out to [schedule a consultation today](https://followoz.com/contact-us/). **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Hospitality, Tech Services, Travel and Hospitality --- ### [OZ Digital Consulting Takes Lead in Azure Cloud Ops with New SVP Hire](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/oz-digital-consulting-takes-lead-in-azure-cloud-ops-with-new-svp-hire/) **Published:** October 17, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Sept. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — OZ Digital Consulting, a South Florida-based company leveraging modern technologies that empower businesses to digitally transform and accelerate growth globally, has announced [Jason Milgram](https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonmilgram/) as its first Senior Vice President responsible for the Azure Cloud Ops practice. “For more than a quarter century, OZ has been about innovating from our core principles,” OZ CEO Amjad Shamim says. “Which is to say, we evolve constantly, focus on outcomes, and pursue and celebrate success as a team. In this, Jason is a kindred spirit. From successfully leading the launch of SaaS, PaaS, B2B, and B2C solutions in complex global, hybrid, multi-cloud, and edge environments to earning recognition from industry leaders such as Microsoft—where he received the Microsoft Azure MVP award thirteen times and co-authored the Azure Strategy and Implementation Guide—Jason lives those OZ core values. I am very excited to see the future we build together.” In his new role as SVP, Azure Leader, Milgram will, in partnership with the OZ R&D team, establish the Azure Technical Architecture vision, define architectural standards, and collaborate with technology practices to deliver cutting-edge solutions for clients, alongside an Azure Cloud Operations technology practice. The goal: Fully leveraging current and emerging technology products by Microsoft—and channeling those capabilities into even more innovative products and services. “I first met OZ Founder and CEO Amjad Shamim fifteen years ago while we both were speaking at the same conference,” Milgram says. “It’s amazing to finally be working together—and in such an exciting role. I’m very much looking forward to placing the technical skillset I’ve been honing since I bought a Timex/Sinclair 1000 in sixth grade and taught myself basic programming at the disposal of OZ, a company I’ve long admired on the forefront of the digital transformation revolution.” “This is a pivotal role as OZ continues to seek the leading edge of innovation—and Jason is the perfect fit,” OZ Chief Solutions Officer Manny Ramos adds. “With over 25 years of industry experience, Jason brings not only a wealth of knowledge and a future-focused mindset to our practice but also a real track record of transformative leadership.” As an Industry Chief Technology Officer at Hitachi Solutions America, Milgram most recently spearheaded pre-sales and delivery strategies for the financial services industry. His role encompassed innovation, marketing, and security/compliance for Azure, Dynamics 365, Microsoft 365, and Power Platform. Milgram’s expertise extends to federal projects as well, having served as the Chief Architect for the U.S. Department of Interior – Inspectors General, where he conceptualized and implemented a cloud data analytics platform for auditing federal funding. His leadership roles at Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC), City National Bank of Florida, and Champion Solutions Group have further demonstrated his ability to drive strategic change, architect solutions, and foster partnerships. Milgram is a prolific speaker, mentor, and author, with numerous publications on cloud strategy and implementation. To learn more about the OZ partnership with Microsoft, click [here](https://followoz.com/partners/oz-microsoft/). Take a look at the [PRNewswire Release here.](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/oz-digital-consulting-takes-lead-in-azure-cloud-ops-with-new-svp-hire-301926680.html) **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Press Releases --- ### [How to Leverage AI Creatively – While Staying on the Right Side of the Law](https://followoz.com/resources/forbes/how-to-leverage-ai-creatively-while-staying-on-the-right-side-of-the-law/) **Published:** October 18, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** “Generative AI is a marvel, spinning out content that’s so humanlike that it can be hard to tell the difference,” OZ Chief Solutions Officer Emmanuel Ramos wrote in a recent [*Forbes* article](https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2023/10/10/navigating-the-generative-ai-intellectual-property-landscape/?sh=660582ab51cf). “But with this capability comes questions and legal dilemmas.” The good news? This uncharted area of Intellectual Property law will be a whole lot less murky for you after reading Ramos’ comprehensive-yet-concise primer. Check it out and then download the free OZ eBook, [*Beyond the Bot: How AI is Ushering in the Next Wave of Automation*](https://followoz.com/beyond-the-bot-how-ai-is-ushering-in-the-next-wave-of-automation/) or click [here](https://followoz.com/services/enterprise-applications-integration/) to learn more about OZ’s strategic offerings. ### **INNOVATION SEPARATES LEADERS FROM FOLLOWERS** OZ is a global digital technology consultancy and software delivery & development partner founded to enable business acceleration by leveraging modern technologies I.e., Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Data Analytics, Business Intelligence, Micro Services, Cloud, RPA & Intelligent Automation, Web 2.0/3.0, Azure, AWS, and many more. Our certified consultants bring a diverse array of backgrounds and skill sets to the table, leveraging the latest outcome-driven technologies and methodologies to address the unique, constantly evolving challenges modern businesses face. We accomplish this by supporting the digital innovation goals of our clients, keeping them ahead of the competition, optimizing profitable growth, and strategically aligning business outcomes with the technologies that drive them – all underpinned by decades of mission-critical experience and a shared culture of continuous modernization. OZ will work side by side with you to fully leverage our relationships with the world’s leading technology companies so you can reap the benefits of best-in-class implementation, integration, and automation—making the most of your technology investments and powering next-gen innovation. Deliver game-changing digital transformation and technology consulting services for our clients by leveraging over twenty-five years of experience and partnerships with the world’s leading technology companies. OZ has the talent and extraordinary commitment to be the best choice for digital consulting for clients who want to create exceptional customer experiences, enabled by disruptive digital technologies and innovation. When we say “customer experience”, that customer can be an actual customer, consumer, user, employee, partner or B2B. **Categories:** OZ in Forbes **Tags:** Forbes --- ### [OZ Digital Consulting's Dynamic New SVP of Digital Solutions is Focused on Future](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/oz-digital-consultings-dynamic-new-svp-of-digital-solutions-is-focused-on-future/) **Published:** October 19, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Oct. 19, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — OZ Digital Consulting, a South Florida-based company leveraging modern technologies that empower businesses to digitally transform and accelerate growth globally, announces [Steve Bakanov](https://www.linkedin.com/in/sbakanov/) as Senior Vice President of Digital Solutions. “It’s very exciting to introduce such a dynamic talent to the OZ leadership team,” OZ Chief Solutions Officer Emmanuel Ramos said. “Steve brings a wealth of experience in strategic technology leadership and business growth, with a focus on driving digital transformation. His journey has seen him excel in impactful roles, contributing significantly to his teams and organizations.” Throughout more than a quarter century working in technology and digital engagement strategy, Bakanov has built a skillset encompassing a broad spectrum of domains—cloud, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), data analytics, business intelligence—and industries ranging from financial services, pharmaceutical, and insurance to healthcare, manufacturing, and government. Bakanov’s leadership positions have included Global Technology, Strategy, and Applications Leader at Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Global Senior Applications, Automation, and DevOps Leader at Deloitte. Further, working with Fortune 500 companies, including Pfizer, Aflac, SAP, IBM, Microsoft, Cigna, ABB, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, CareFirst, USA Mutual Insurance, Liberty Mutual, Hartford, Deloitte, and AWS, Bakanov drove digital transformation and deliver innovative solutions to address complex business challenges. Bakanov holds a bachelor’s degree in economics, both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in computer science, and a PhD in business administration. “I am thrilled to join OZ because of the company’s unwavering commitment to innovation and excellence,” Bakanov says. “OZ’s core philosophy—which emphasizes a culture of creativity, disciplined approaches, and a ‘can do’ attitude—aligns perfectly with my own values and professional aspirations.” To learn more about the wide range of digital consulting services, visit our [website](https://followoz.com). **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Press Releases --- ### [Harnessing the Power of APIs for Next-Level Agility and Competitive Advantage](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/harnessing-the-power-of-apis-for-next-level-agility-and-competitive-advantage/) **Published:** November 2, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ***By Marriam Nisar,** Integration Developer* In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, businesses increasingly rely on Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) to connect and streamline systems, enabling them to stay competitive and agile. But how to best craft robust and future-proof integrations? Enter the “design-first” approach. ### **What is a Design-First Approach?** Traditionally, API development followed a “code-first” approach, in which developers would begin by writing code and then generate documentation. While this approach works, it too often leads to inconsistencies, inefficiencies, and difficulties in maintaining and evolving APIs over time. The “design-first” approach, on the other hand, flips this process on its head by prioritizing the design of the API’s structure, contract, and documentation before writing any code. This means that developers and stakeholders collaborate to define the API’s purpose, endpoints, data structures, and expected behaviors upfront. ### **The MuleSoft Advantage** [MuleSoft](https://followoz.com/partners/oz-mulesoft/), a leading integration platform, empowers organizations to create, manage, and deploy APIs efficiently. Benefits of a “design-first” approach in MuleSoft include… - **Improved Collaboration.** The Design-First approach encourages cross-functional collaboration between developers, architects, and business stakeholders. This ensures that everyone is on the same page regarding the API’s objectives and functionality. - **Clear Documentation.** With the API contract defined from the start, you automatically generate clear and accurate documentation. This documentation becomes a valuable resource for developers who consume the API. - **Radical Rework.** By focusing on design before coding, you can identify potential issues early in the process. This reduces the chances of having to rework the API later, saving time and resources. - **Enhanced Security.** Designing security features and access controls from the outset helps create more secure APIs. This is critical in today’s environment where data privacy and security are paramount. - **API Governance.** A Design-First approach promotes API governance by enforcing standards and best practices right from the beginning. This ensures consistency across all APIs in the organization. - **Faster Development.** Surprisingly, taking the time to design the API upfront often leads to faster development in the long run. Developers can focus on implementing the agreed-upon design, leading to quicker time-to-market. ### **Implementing a “Design-First” Approach in MuleSoft** To implement a Design-First approach in MuleSoft, start by gathering your project’s stakeholders, including business analysts, architects, and developers. Use a tool such as RESTful API Modelling Language (RAML) and OpenAPI Specification (OAS) to collaboratively design the API. Ensure that the design includes the API’s purpose, endpoints, data models, request/response structures, and security requirements. Once the design is complete and approved, developers can use it as a blueprint to start coding the API using MuleSoft’s Anypoint Platform. With the contract defined, the development process becomes smoother, and the resulting API is more fully aligned with the organization’s needs. ### **Your Next Steps** The Design-First approach is a game-changer in MuleSoft integration. It fosters collaboration, reduces development time, enhances security, and ensures API governance. By putting design at the forefront of the development process, organizations can create APIs that are not just functional but also maintainable and adaptable to future changes. When you’re ready to make APIs work for you, leverage the [OZ partnership with MuleSoft](https://followoz.com/partners/oz-mulesoft/) to unify your data, automate business processes, and build next-level connected experiences. **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Tech Services --- ### [How to Align Business Decisions With a Noble Cause](https://followoz.com/resources/forbes/how-to-align-business-decisions-with-a-noble-cause/) **Published:** November 6, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** Values matter. That is the overarching message of this [recent *Forbes* article](https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2023/10/10/mind-on-the-mission-a-guide-to-purpose-driven-leadership/?sh=6d41d31231da) on purpose-driven leadership by OZ Chief Solutions Officer [Emmanuel Ramos](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mannyramos/). > “The shift to purpose-driven leadership isn’t merely semantic; it brings tangible benefits and competitive advantage,” Ramos writes. “For one thing, purpose-driven leaders are characterized by their commitment to values—and research shows that [integrating personal values helps build stronger bonds within teams](https://www.forbes.com/sites/brentgleeson/2021/03/30/why-core-values-matter-and-how-to-get-your-team-excited-about-them/?sh=6a95d5ca4afd). Employees report higher job satisfaction in [workplaces that prioritize authenticity](https://insight.kellogg.northwestern.edu/article/being-more-authentic-work), and they perform better as a result.” Ready to align your business decisions with a noble cause? Ramos lays out your game plan [in detail](https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2023/10/10/mind-on-the-mission-a-guide-to-purpose-driven-leadership/?sh=6d41d31231da). Check it out and then download the free OZ eBook, [*Beyond the Bot: How AI is Ushering in the Next Wave of Automation*](https://followoz.com/beyond-the-bot-how-ai-is-ushering-in-the-next-wave-of-automation/), or click [here](https://followoz.com/services/) to learn more about OZ’s strategic offerings. **Categories:** OZ in Forbes **Tags:** Forbes --- ### [Maximize Your Most Valuable Resource, Your Data](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/make-the-most-of-your-most-valuable-resource-your-data/) **Published:** November 7, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ***By Matias Cristofaro,** Data Engineer* In the Information Age, [data is the most valuable resource](https://followoz.com/services/data-analytics-ai/). The ability to collect and analyze data has become essential for informed decision-making in various fields, from business to scientific research. However, data is not enough; it is equally important to [be able to understand it](https://followoz.com/unlock-the-potential-of-data-analytics-and-ai/). This is where [visual analytics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visual_analytics)—a discipline that goes beyond the simple presentation of data toward effectively telling a compelling story through interactive data—comes into play. Visual analytics is about harnessing advanced tools and techniques to explore, understand, and effectively communicate valuable information. While traditional dashboards offer static representations of data, visual analytics enables interaction, in-depth analysis, and pattern identification. Users can filter data, zoom into charts, highlight areas of interest, and explore different scenarios, leading to more informed and agile decision-making. For example, in sales analysis, an executive can use visual analytics to see how sales of a specific product correlate with seasonal trends. in financial data analysis, it enables directors to identify trends and patterns that can influence investment strategies or risk management. In marketing and sales, data can be explored to optimize campaigns and sales strategies. ### **Best Practices in Visual Analytics** Though there is obviously a lot of evolutionary flux in the visual analytics arena, there are some proven fundamentals to which those who seek to leverage this approach can adhere now: - **Know Your Audience**. Before creating visualizations, understand who the end users will be and what information is critical to them. This ensures that your visual analytics approach aligns with the needs and expectations of your audience. - **Clean and Effective Design.** Use a clear and clean design in your visualizations. Avoid excessive graphical elements that can confuse or distract. Visualizations should effectively communicate information and be easy to understand. - **Strategic Interactivity.** Harness interactivity but do so strategically. Do not overload your visualizations with unnecessary interactive features. Instead, ensure that interaction provides value, such as allowing users to explore data in detail or compare multiple datasets. ### **Steps to Generate Effective Visual Analytics** Generating effective visual analytics involves following a set of key steps: - **Define the Goals and Target Audience.** Before you begin, it’s essential to understand the objective of your visual analytics and who the end users will be. Do you aim to identify sales patterns in your company or communicate medical research findings to colleagues and patients? Clarity in the objective will guide you in choosing the metrics and how you’ll present the data. - **Collect and Clean Data.** Gather the necessary data for your analysis. It’s essential that this data is clean and well-organized. Data cleaning involves removing outliers, resolving missing values, and ensuring data accuracy. - **Choose the Right Visual Analytics Tool.** Select a visual analytics tool that suits your needs and skills. Options include Tableau, Power BI, QlikView, D3.js, and many others. Make sure you are familiar with the chosen tool. - **Design the Visualization.** This is the heart of your visual analytics. Design visualizations must be clear, effective, and appealing. Choose charts and visual elements that support your objective and facilitate data understanding. Avoid unnecessary elements and maintain a clean design. - **Add Strategic Interactivity.** Interactivity is a powerful feature of visual analytics. Use interactive features strategically to enable users to explore data in-depth. This can include filters, scrolling, zooming, and selection tools. - **Validate and Refine.** Before presenting your visualizations, perform validation and refinement. Ensure data accuracy and that visualizations align with the objectives. Get feedback from colleagues or subject matter experts and make adjustments as necessary. - **Communicate Findings and Suggested Actions.** When presenting your visualizations, effectively communicate findings and suggested actions. Use clear titles, labels, and annotations to guide users through the data story. - **Continuous Maintenance.** Visual analytics is not a one-time project. You must keep your visualizations updated as data evolves, and objectives change. Visual analytics is a dynamic tool that must adapt to changing needs. - **Education and Training.** Invest in the education and training of your team. Ensure that the people working with visualizations have the necessary skills to interpret and use data effectively. - **Continuous Evaluation and Improvement.** Regularly evaluate the impact of your visual analytics on decision-making and goal achievement. Learn from successes and challenges and seek ways to continually improve your visualizations and processes. ### **Your Next Steps** As the volume of data continues to grow, visual analytics becomes pivotal for informed decision-making, strategy, and future success. For more than a quarter century, OZ has helped companies big and small harness and leverage their data in game-changing ways. To learn more, download our [free e-Book](https://followoz.com/unlock-the-potential-of-data-analytics-and-ai/) on top trends in data analytics or reach out and [schedule a consultation today](https://followoz.com/contact-us/). **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Tech Services --- ### [Maximize Your Most Valuable Resource, Your Data](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/make-the-most-of-your-most-valuable-resource-your-data-2/) **Published:** November 7, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ***By Matias Cristofaro,** Data Engineer* In the Information Age, [data is the most valuable resource](https://followoz.com/services/data-analytics-ai/). The ability to collect and analyze data has become essential for informed decision-making in various fields, from business to scientific research. However, data is not enough; it is equally important to [be able to understand it](https://followoz.com/unlock-the-potential-of-data-analytics-and-ai/). This is where [visual analytics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visual_analytics)—a discipline that goes beyond the simple presentation of data toward effectively telling a compelling story through interactive data—comes into play. Visual analytics is about harnessing advanced tools and techniques to explore, understand, and effectively communicate valuable information. While traditional dashboards offer static representations of data, visual analytics enables interaction, in-depth analysis, and pattern identification. Users can filter data, zoom into charts, highlight areas of interest, and explore different scenarios, leading to more informed and agile decision-making. For example, in sales analysis, an executive can use visual analytics to see how sales of a specific product correlate with seasonal trends. in financial data analysis, it enables directors to identify trends and patterns that can influence investment strategies or risk management. In marketing and sales, data can be explored to optimize campaigns and sales strategies. ### **Best Practices in Visual Analytics** Though there is obviously a lot of evolutionary flux in the visual analytics arena, there are some proven fundamentals to which those who seek to leverage this approach can adhere now: - **Know Your Audience**. Before creating visualizations, understand who the end users will be and what information is critical to them. This ensures that your visual analytics approach aligns with the needs and expectations of your audience. - **Clean and Effective Design.** Use a clear and clean design in your visualizations. Avoid excessive graphical elements that can confuse or distract. Visualizations should effectively communicate information and be easy to understand. - **Strategic Interactivity.** Harness interactivity but do so strategically. Do not overload your visualizations with unnecessary interactive features. Instead, ensure that interaction provides value, such as allowing users to explore data in detail or compare multiple datasets. ### **Steps to Generate Effective Visual Analytics** Generating effective visual analytics involves following a set of key steps: - **Define the Goals and Target Audience.** Before you begin, it’s essential to understand the objective of your visual analytics and who the end users will be. Do you aim to identify sales patterns in your company or communicate medical research findings to colleagues and patients? Clarity in the objective will guide you in choosing the metrics and how you’ll present the data. - **Collect and Clean Data.** Gather the necessary data for your analysis. It’s essential that this data is clean and well-organized. Data cleaning involves removing outliers, resolving missing values, and ensuring data accuracy. - **Choose the Right Visual Analytics Tool.** Select a visual analytics tool that suits your needs and skills. Options include Tableau, Power BI, QlikView, D3.js, and many others. Make sure you are familiar with the chosen tool. - **Design the Visualization.** This is the heart of your visual analytics. Design visualizations must be clear, effective, and appealing. Choose charts and visual elements that support your objective and facilitate data understanding. Avoid unnecessary elements and maintain a clean design. - **Add Strategic Interactivity.** Interactivity is a powerful feature of visual analytics. Use interactive features strategically to enable users to explore data in-depth. This can include filters, scrolling, zooming, and selection tools. - **Validate and Refine.** Before presenting your visualizations, perform validation and refinement. Ensure data accuracy and that visualizations align with the objectives. Get feedback from colleagues or subject matter experts and make adjustments as necessary. - **Communicate Findings and Suggested Actions.** When presenting your visualizations, effectively communicate findings and suggested actions. Use clear titles, labels, and annotations to guide users through the data story. - **Continuous Maintenance.** Visual analytics is not a one-time project. You must keep your visualizations updated as data evolves, and objectives change. Visual analytics is a dynamic tool that must adapt to changing needs. - **Education and Training.** Invest in the education and training of your team. Ensure that the people working with visualizations have the necessary skills to interpret and use data effectively. - **Continuous Evaluation and Improvement.** Regularly evaluate the impact of your visual analytics on decision-making and goal achievement. Learn from successes and challenges and seek ways to continually improve your visualizations and processes. ### **Your Next Steps** As the volume of data continues to grow, visual analytics becomes pivotal for informed decision-making, strategy, and future success. For more than a quarter century, OZ has helped companies big and small harness and leverage their data in game-changing ways. To learn more, download our [free e-Book](https://followoz.com/unlock-the-potential-of-data-analytics-and-ai/) on top trends in data analytics or reach out and [schedule a consultation today](https://followoz.com/contact-us/). **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Tech Services --- ### [How OZ Application Innovation Experts Help Foster Community](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/how-oz-application-innovation-experts-help-foster-community/) **Published:** November 8, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** In mid-2020, at the height of the pandemic, Jason R. Hill—founder of [Client Focused Advisors](https://clientfocusedadvisors.com/) and host of the [Boca Raton Shrimp Tank](https://www.shrimptankpodcast.com/boca-raton) business podcast—alone in his car, was struck with a disquieting epiphany. “I realized I could only listen to music, a podcast, or an audiobook,” Hill tells *CIO Tech World* in a [fascinating and inspiring interview](https://ciotechworld.com/an-entrepreneurial-journey-to-break-connection-barriers/). “If I glanced at my phone and its extensive contacts list, I couldn’t just call anyone spontaneously. It seemed odd that with so many contacts, there was no easy way to initiate a conversation. People were craving connections and conversations, especially during a time of limited human interaction due to the pandemic. “Around the same period, we witnessed a surge in the popularity of podcasts, indicating a growing need for meaningful discussions,” he continued. “However, there was no platform facilitating impromptu conversations among like-minded individuals.” Enter [Owwll](https://owwll.com/), a revolutionary new “social networking platform that connects people instantly through private 1-on-1 audio calls.” Though the entire interview is well worth your time, the following section detailing how [OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/) helped make the Owwll [web application a reality](https://followoz.com/services/application-development/) is a tale we proudly excerpt below: “I reached out to Oz Digital Consulting and proposed the idea: could they develop a specific technology?” Hill explained. “Amjad Shamim, the CEO, and his son Sam Jafri, the Client Advisor at OZ Digital Consulting appeared on my podcast, Boca Raton Shrimp Tank. Knowing their background in app development and that they were working on a COVID app at the time, I shared my concept with them. “Sam had this unique idea: to build an app allowing people to make in-app calls on demand without revealing their phone numbers. Privacy in conversations was a key aspect. “The pivotal moment happened in August 2020. We engaged in a rigorous 3-4-week Minimum Viable Product (MVP) session with OZ Digital Consulting. Daily, we brainstormed and created different elements, envisioning what Owwll is today. “At the end of this immersive experience, we had an extensive 100-page document outlining Owwll’s potential, complete with various wireframes. A significant decision lay ahead. I had invested a few thousand dollars in the MVP. I could have compiled this into a PDF PowerPoint and tried to secure funding, or explored other options, getting competitive quotes. “So, I got multiple quotes to better understand the potential costs and what others thought of the project. After evaluating all options, I was impressed with what OZ had to offer. Around 2-3 months after the original MVP was completed, we reached a business agreement in November. Legalities were settled in November and December, and development commenced in January 2021. We made it happen.” To learn more about how OZ can help accelerate your digital transformation, [visit our website](https://followoz.com/), download the free e-book [*Unlocking the Power & Promise of Today’s Modern Applications*](https://followoz.com/resources/ebooks/overcoming-the-3-major-challenges-to-unlocking-the-power-promise-of-todays-modern-applications/), or [schedule a consultation](https://followoz.com/contact-us/) today. **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Tech Services --- ### [Introducing: Under the Hood — Unlocking the Hidden Value in Insurance Data [Part 1]](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/introducing-under-the-hood-unlocking-the-hidden-value-in-insurance-data-part-1/) **Published:** November 9, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ***— Murray Izenwasser,*** *SVP, Digital Strategy* *We’re excited to launch the blog series, “Under the Hood: Unlocking the Hidden Value in Insurance Data,” a deep dive into the world of insurance data.” We’ve all heard — since Clive Humby, the British mathematician, coined the phrase in 2006 — that data is the new oil. But what value is oil if we cannot refract it into gasoline or many of the other products we use daily? Like oil, data’s fundamental value lies in our ability to extract and use it. In this blog series, we’ll explore how carriers can get the most value out of data by extracting insights and integrating them into every step of the decision-making lifecycle — ultimately optimizing efficiency, offering a better customer experience, and turning this unexcavated data into a goldmine of opportunities.* *This is part 1 of a 10-part series where we examine one of the foremost* [*data challenges*](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tRAnnhZg2RE) *carriers face today— and how it hinders them from realizing data’s full value.* ### **Data Is Everything. Everything Is Data.** In a world where “Data is everything, and everything is data,” carriers need to leverage data better than ever before. Every day, a staggering 2.5 quintillion bytes of data are being generated, collected, and harnessed worldwide. And 90 percent of this data, according to [Forbes](https://www.forbes.com/sites/bernardmarr/2018/05/21/how-much-data-do-we-create-every-day-the-mind-blowing-stats-everyone-should-read/#2d70ad360ba9), has materialized in just the past two years. Meanwhile, the global insurance data market, valued at USD 16862.62 million, is experiencing rapid growth and is expected to reach USD 30151.24 million by 2028. \* Hidden within this data are customer insights and business opportunities. But for this data to be valuable, you must be able to find the data you want when you need it. Then, turn this data into information and information into action. But that’s becoming increasingly harder due to the sheer volume and nature of data. Different kinds of data — transactional data from core business systems and the data collected through other sources (imagery, sensors, warning systems, telematics) — can be scattered throughout a business, making it challenging to marshal in a concerted way. So, while data is everywhere, the question is how do we bring it all together? How do we [analyze and extract insights](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/introducing-under-the-hood-unlocking-the-hidden-value-in-insurance-data-part-1/) at scale to improve decision-making, create efficiencies, and provide better customer experiences? As AI’s influence grows, data will continue to play an outsize role, especially in insurance, where customer data has long been the lifeblood of insurance operations. AI can help carriers analyze vast amounts of claims data, credit scores, and unstructured social media activity, enabling them to offer personalized coverage to customers, evaluate risk, and price policies more accurately. ### **What Hinders Carriers from Unlocking Data’s Full Potential?** There is no Artificial Intelligence without data. Or, for that matter, Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing, or any emerging technologies that hold tremendous promise for the future of business. Data is the key to unlocking insights and patterns buried in databases and applications. For the insurance industry — with its vast troves of customers and other historical data — this presents a huge opportunity. Yet, for this data to be truly useful, carriers must transform all this data into insights that drive action and value. However, [Property and Casualty (P&C) carriers](https://followoz.com/industries/property-casualty-insurance-in-intelligent-automation/) encounter several challenges that prevent them from getting the most out of their data. ### **Siloed Data** We all know that within almost all organizations (and especially in the insurance industry), not all data is accessible to everyone. Finance, marketing, underwriting, and claims departments have different roles and tend to store their data in different locations or information silos. Over time, as each department collects and stores its data, it creates its own silo mirroring the organizational structure. ### **The Pain It Brings** - Data silos limit the view of the data. Without a comprehensive view, analyzing the data for customer insights becomes difficult. And when decision-makers can’t access crucial customer insights, they miss out on opportunities to strategize, improve customer experiences, and drive competitive advantage. - Silos prevent relevant data from being shared across the organization, limiting collaboration, stifling innovation, and creating conflict, while negatively impacting productivity. - Without an enterprise-wide view of the data, it becomes hard to spot inefficiencies and find opportunities for improvement, resulting in dissatisfied customers and loss of revenue owing to poor operational efficiency. - Siloed databases/applications impact customer service and prevent carriers from moving to digitized underwriting. The manual data intake limits the underwriter’s ability to analyze large volumes of data and identify patterns and trends, which can lead to suboptimal risk assessment and pricing decisions. - Data silos threaten data integrity. When the same information gets stored across different databases, it can lead to data inconsistencies and poor business decisions. ### **Breaking Down Data Silos** An organization that digitizes without breaking down data silos won’t access the full benefits of digital transformation. By tearing down barriers between data silos and making data more shareable, carriers can unlock data’s true potential. The first step to breaking down departmental silos is to identify where the data currently sits, how it is collected, and how relevant it is. Once the data has been gathered and audited, and individual teams have identified the challenges with their existing data management system(s), the business can zero in on the platform they will use as their single source of truth, including the systems that will be integrated into it. Once the data is centralized, everyone will have an up-to-date, holistic view of the information that will help them improve the experience they deliver. **Customer Service:** Service agents reacting to complaints will be able to quickly recognize customers, past interactions, previous purchases, and which marketing initiatives they were part of. **Personalization:** Marketers can deliver a unique and personalized experience to each customer across their journey by producing the right content on the right channel at the right time, thus increasing customer loyalty and retention. **Sales:** Sales agents can use existing data to forecast trends as well as target new prospects similar to and based on their existing customers. **Product Innovation:** Product teams can use data insights to understand which products work within each market, where customers are reporting most issues, and identify where to invest. **Decision-making:** Giving everyone access to the same platform to view the latest data (appropriately) in underwriting, claims, product development, and marketing. It eliminates siloed versions and delayed decisions caused by different definitions or filters of the same data, for example on quote and sale volumes This wraps up part one! Stay tuned for our blog post on legacy systems and how they lock away valuable data and insights next week. In the meantime, [contact us](https://followoz.com/contact-us/) if you’d like to connect with our data experts and discuss how you can leverage [data and analytics](https://followoz.com/services/data-analytics-ai/) to move your business forward. Source: \* Global Insurance Data Industry Research Report, In-depth Analysis of Current Status and Outlook of Key Countries 2023-2028 **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Insurance --- ### [Gain Actionable Insights and Strategic Direction with OZ's Deep-Dive and Leading-Edge Analysis](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/gain-actionable-insights-and-strategic-direction-with-ozs-deep-dive-and-leading-edge-analysis/) **Published:** November 14, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ***By Jason Milgram,** SVP, Azure Leader* In the digital era, [cloud computing](https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/resources/cloud-computing-dictionary/what-is-cloud-computing) has emerged as the [backbone of modern business infrastructure](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/the-next-great-leap-forward-for-your-company-is-here/), offering unparalleled flexibility, scalability, and efficiency. At the forefront of this revolution stands [Microsoft Azure](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_Azure), a comprehensive set of cloud services that supports a wide array of business functions from computing power and database storage to analytics and artificial intelligence. The versatility and robustness of Azure make it a critical component in the IT strategy of any forward-thinking business. However, the rapid evolution of technology and the complexity of cloud environments demand meticulous assessment and management to harness their full potential. Enter [OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/). Recognized for our expertise in optimizing cloud environments, OZ Digital offers a [comprehensive Azure environment assessment service](https://followoz.com/services/cloud-services/) meticulously designed to meet the nuanced needs of contemporary businesses. This service is not just an examination of the current infrastructure but a deep-dive analysis, providing actionable insights and strategic direction. So how can business decision-makers best leverage an OZ Azure assessment to grasp their current cloud utilization and infrastructure while identifying and implementing strategies that enhance efficiency, security, profitability, and competitive advantage? Read on to find out… ### **Understanding the Importance of Azure Environment Assessment** Cloud environments have grown in complexity and significance. Even as Azure’s evolving suite of services and capabilities offers unparalleled opportunities for innovation and scalability, it also brings forth a labyrinth of management challenges. The ever-changing landscape of cloud technology means what worked yesterday might not be the best solution today. This dynamic nature underscores the critical need for a comprehensive understanding of cloud infrastructure. The increasing intricacies within cloud environments mandate regular assessments. Such evaluations are pivotal for maintaining the status quo and pushing the boundaries of what your technology can achieve. Regular Azure environment assessments by expert service providers like OZ Digital ensure businesses run and thrive by utilizing Azure’s full spectrum of features and services. These assessments delve deep into… - **Optimal Performance**. In the competitive marketplace, a lag in system performance or application downtime can have immediate business impacts. An Azure environment assessment thoroughly analyzes the performance metrics, identifying potential bottlenecks and areas for enhancement ensuring that the infrastructure meets current and future demands. - **Robust Security.** With cyber threats becoming more sophisticated, securing cloud environments is more crucial than ever. Regular assessments help identify vulnerabilities and strengthen the security posture, safeguarding sensitive data and applications. - **Cost Efficiency.** Cloud spending can spiral quickly if not monitored and managed effectively. An Azure assessment gives a detailed view of resource utilization, helping identify and eliminate wastages, leading to more streamlined and cost-effective operations. Beyond these immediate benefits, understanding your Azure setup through regular assessments feeds into long-term strategic planning. It empowers businesses to make informed decisions about technology investments, architectural changes, and innovation opportunities. It aligns IT infrastructure with business goals, thus facilitating growth and adaptation in a rapidly changing digital landscape. This strategic alignment saves time and resources and opens new avenues for business agility and success. Regular Azure environment assessments are not just a technical checkup but a strategic necessity. They provide the insights and direction required to harness the full power of Azure, ensuring that businesses remain agile, secure, and ahead of the curve. ### **Critical Components of OZ Digital’s Azure Assessment** OZ Digital’s comprehensive Azure environment assessment is broken down into three essential components to fully grasp the potential and maximize the benefits of Microsoft Azure. Each component is crafted to provide strategic insights and actionable recommendations, catering to the nuanced needs of your business’s cloud infrastructure. These are… - **Current State Report.** This foundational assessment element provides a detailed snapshot of your current Azure environment. It encompasses a wide range of critical data, including usage statistics, performance metrics, and an analysis of the security posture. This report offers a panoramic view of your cloud operations, pinpointing the strengths and areas requiring attention.For business leaders and decision-makers, the Current State Report is instrumental. It lays out a clear understanding of the existing infrastructure and highlights underutilized resources and inefficiencies. This insight is crucial for identifying immediate opportunities for cost optimization and resource management, allowing leaders to make informed decisions aligning with financial and operational goals. - **Recommendation Report.** Building on the findings of the Current State Report, the Recommendation Report offers bespoke advice tailored to your specific environment and business needs. This document goes beyond general guidance, providing specific suggestions for improvements, enhancements, and innovations.Recognizing the importance of knowledge and skill in leveraging Azure to its fullest, this report includes links to relevant training documentation. This feature is particularly beneficial, ensuring your team understands the recommendations and is equipped to implement them effectively.By including a Recommendation Report decision-makers are empowered to prioritize upgrades, enhance security measures, and strategically deploy new features. It serves as a blueprint for informed decision-making, ensuring that every action contributes positively to the broader business objectives. - **Implementation Roadmap.** The Implementation Roadmap is a tactical, step-by-step guide specifically prioritized based on business impact and feasibility. It takes the insights and recommendations from the previous reports and translates them into a practical, chronological action plan.This Roadmap is not just about short-term gains but is intricately aligned with your long-term business goals and growth strategies. It provides a clear path for scaling operations, enhancing capabilities, and achieving strategic milestones while considering the pace and rhythm of your business evolution.The comprehensive nature of OZ Digital’s Azure Assessment, encompassing the Current State Report, Recommendation Report, and Implementation Roadmap, offers a holistic approach to understanding, optimizing, and advancing your Azure environment. This three-pronged methodology ensures that your Azure infrastructure is not just meeting current demands but is strategically poised to drive future business growth and innovation. ### **Benefits of Assessing Your Azure Environment with OZ Digital** Choosing OZ Digital for an Azure environment assessment unlocks many benefits, paving the way for enhanced performance, security, and strategic business alignment. Each assessment facet—from the in-depth analysis to tailored recommendations—arms decision-makers with the knowledge and tools necessary for transformative outcomes. More specifically, benefits include… - **Strategic Insights.** The assessment provides a comprehensive and transparent view of your current Azure infrastructure. This clarity is crucial for understanding the full scope of your IT operations, including areas often overlooked or underutilized.Strategic insights from the assessment enable businesses to plan more effectively for the long term. With a deep understanding of the IT environment, companies can anticipate future needs, adapt to market changes more agilely, and make investments that drive sustained growth. - **Enhanced Security and Compliance.** A thorough review of your Azure environment’s security setup highlights existing strengths and uncovers potential vulnerabilities, offering a detailed understanding of the current security posture.An OZ assessment goes beyond identifying issues; it provides robust recommendations to enhance security measures. This proactive approach ensures adherence to evolving industry standards and regulations, safeguarding your business from emerging threats and compliance risks. - **Cost Optimization.** One of the most immediate benefits of the assessment is identifying ways to reduce unnecessary expenditures within the Azure environment. This process includes optimizing resource allocation, effectively scaling services, and trimming wasteful spending.Cost optimization directly contributes to the financial health of a company. An efficiently managed Azure environment results in immediate savings and sets the stage for more financially sustainable cloud management practices. - **Improved Performance and Efficiency.** The assessment helps pinpoint areas where performance can be enhanced, identifying bottlenecks that might impede optimal operation.By addressing these performance issues, organizations can streamline processes, reduce downtime, and ensure their Azure services run as efficiently as possible, improving overall productivity. - **Empowered Decision Making.** The detailed reports and implementation roadmap provided in the assessment equip decision-makers with the necessary insights to make informed, strategic decisions. This guidance helps in prioritizing initiatives and allocating resources effectively.By including training documentation, OZ Digital ensures that your team is aware of what needs to be done and capable of executing these strategies. This empowers teams to manage the Azure environment better, fostering a culture of knowledge and competence.An Azure environment assessment by OZ Digital offers far-reaching benefits. From strategic planning and cost management to security enhancements and operational efficiency, this service empowers businesses to confidently navigate their cloud journey, ensuring they are well-positioned to capitalize on new opportunities and drive future success. ### **Your Next Steps** The digital landscape is evolving at an unprecedented pace, making it crucial for business leaders to stay ahead of the curve. OZ Digital’s Azure environment assessment is more than just a review; it is a critical step in your organization’s digital transformation journey. This assessment does not merely fine-tune your current setup; it unlocks the potential to innovate, grow, and outpace competition. To learn more about OZ cloud services click [here](https://followoz.com/services/cloud-services/) or [schedule a consultation today](https://followoz.com/contact-us/). **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Tech Services --- ### [6 Tech Trends Set to Define Business in 2024](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/6-tech-trends-set-to-define-business-in-2024/) **Published:** November 15, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** Today’s digital space is quite dynamic and rapidly evolving—but that doesn’t mean you can’t get ahead of the curve with the right partner. Here are six trends currently on the leading-edge of digital solutions and transformation: 1. **Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML).** From healthcare and finance to insurance, manufacturing, and beyond, AI and ML are becoming increasingly integrated into various industries to automate tasks, improve decision-making, and create new products and services. For example, AI is helping to develop self-driving cars, chatbots, and virtual assistants while ML is employed to personalize recommendations, detect fraud, and predict future outcomes. 2. **Internet of Things (IoT).** The IoT—a network of physical objects connected to the internet that can collect and exchange data—is expanding, creating a web of interconnected devices and systems, from smart homes to industrial applications, providing data-driven insights, and automation opportunities. This, in turn, is having a major impact on industries such as manufacturing, transportation, and healthcare. For example, IoT sensors can be used to monitor machines in a factory, track the location of vehicles, and monitor patient vital signs. 3. **Edge Computing.** Edge computing aims to process data closer to the source, reducing latency and enabling real-time decision-making. This is critical for applications like autonomous vehicles and remote healthcare monitoring. 4. **Cybersecurity.** As digital solutions evolved, so did the need for robust cybersecurity. Innovations in cybersecurity included AI-powered threat detection, zero-trust architectures, and blockchain for secure transactions. 5. **Sustainability and Green Tech.** Digital transformation extended to the sustainability sector, with technologies like renewable energy solutions, smart grids, and energy-efficient building management systems. 6. **Data Analytics and Big Data.** Advanced analytics and big data solutions are still being used to derive valuable insights and drive data-driven decision-making in various sectors. In addition to these specific technologies, there are several other trends that are shaping the leading edge of digital solutions and transformation. These include: - **Focus on CX.** Businesses are increasingly focusing on creating a seamless and personalized experience for their customers. This is leading to the development of new digital solutions, such as chatbots, virtual assistants, and augmented reality apps. - **Data-Driven Decision-Making.** Businesses are collecting and analyzing more data than ever before. This data is being used to make better decisions about everything from product development to marketing campaigns. - **A Culture of Innovation.** Businesses are creating a culture of innovation where employees are encouraged to experiment and try new things. This is leading to the development of new and innovative digital solutions. ### **Your Next Steps** Leveraging a quarter century of experience, OZ offers a wide-ranging, powerful menu of services and solutions. To find out more, [download our free e-Book 3 Digital Integration Trends Reshaping the Business Landscape](https://followoz.com/resources/ebooks/integration-services/), or [schedule a consultation](https://followoz.com/contact-us/) today. **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Tech Services --- ### [The New Normal Demands a New Insurance Distribution Strategy](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/the-new-normal-demands-a-new-insurance-distribution-strategy/) **Published:** November 21, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** If there was a silver lining to the pandemic, it is this: it compelled carriers to change and actively pursue [digital transformation](https://followoz.com). As the old saying goes, “When fishermen can’t go out to fish, they mend their nets and repair their boats.” According to a McKinsey report, until January 2020, about 90 percent of insurance agents’ interactions and nearly 70 percent of their ongoing client conversations occurred in person. However, the pandemic necessitated a rapid shift from in-person to digital interactions for critical processes like claims processing, policy issuance, and distribution. Even customers who were less engaged online swiftly migrated to digital platforms. Yet, this crisis becomes a wasted opportunity if P&C carriers do not revise their distribution strategy, where they’ve lagged behind their insurtech counterparts in providing customer-centric, digital convenience. ### **Distribution — The Old Model No Longer Works** Customers today want and expect a mix of digital and remote interaction models and tools. They want to shop for insurance on their own terms — sometimes outside standard business hours. They want clear, transparent information and smooth, hassle-free interactions. Today, on average, the share of digitally active customers has increased by more than 60% since 2020. If carriers are to engage with potential customers, they must meet them on their preferred digital and social channels. As carriers digitize their channel distribution, they must also [transition from legacy processes](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/modernize-your-legacy-system-into-a-future-proof-tech-stack/) that require offline execution — such as physical signatures — to the digital self-service tools most modern customers prefer. To stay ahead in this changing landscape, carriers must focus their efforts across three key areas: customers, agents, and enablers. 1. ***Embrace a Culture of Customer-Centric, Tech-Driven Convenience:*** Customers spend 15-20 seconds on a website before deciding to stay or leave (Nielsen Norman Group). This is a setback for most carriers, who typically ask for loads of personal information before giving the customer a simple quote.When faced with complex decisions, consumers seek answers and information online. Yet many carriers still lack the capabilities to carry the customer experience online. To bridge this gap, carriers must create delightful digital experiences, providing quick access to relevant information. Ensuring seamless online interactions is pivotal, as frustrated customers might switch providers if their needs are not met. 2. ***Invest in a Remote and Hybrid Distribution Force:*** In recent years, there’s been a rise in remote and hybrid sales forces. These forces offer several advantages, including broader customer reach and lower commission costs per sale. For carriers, it means they can manage their sales messages more directly.Hybrid agents, adept in both in-person and digital channels, offer a transitional path for carriers seeking remote capabilities. Embracing this shift enables carriers to adapt to evolving customer preferences effectively. 3. ***Data*** **— The Enabler in** ***Digital Distribution:*** Another important enabler in digital distribution is [data](https://followoz.com/services/data-analytics-ai/). Insurance companies typically have vast troves of [data locked in legacy systems](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/modernize-your-legacy-system-into-a-future-proof-tech-stack/). Efficiently [mining this data](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/how-data-ready-are-you/) will help carriers identify trends faster, segment customers better, and optimize lead generation.Currently, only 20 percent of agents attribute an increase in leads to their insurance companies. This is a massive opportunity for carriers to invest in data to drive more leads. [To tap into the value of the data](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tRAnnhZg2RE), carriers can build [advanced analytics](https://followoz.com/services/data-analytics-ai/) models to pinpoint high-value customers, predict churn, and identify cross-selling or upselling opportunities. The data can then be integrated into call lists to help agents focus their attention on the highest-value leads. [Read the e-book](https://followoz.com/unlocking-the-hidden-value-in-insurance-data/) — Under the Hood: Unlocking the Hidden Value in Insurance Data ### **Be a Digital Front Runner** In-person agent interactions will remain an essential part of distribution, particularly in large and commercial insurance products. However, the digital shift demands a tailored approach. Identifying gaps in the ideal customer and agent journeys is foundational. Developing agile strategies, fortified with digital prospecting tools that initiate trust-building interactions, is crucial. While implementing these changes to the distribution operating model might require time and capability building, the carriers leading the charge today will emerge as distribution trailblazers tomorrow. [Contact us ](https://followoz.com/contact-us/)*if you want to learn more about improving the customer experience and expanding your reach with the right strategy, data and analytics.* **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Insurance --- ### [Staying Safe Online is Not a Spectator Sport](https://followoz.com/resources/forbes/staying-safe-online-is-not-a-spectator-sport/) **Published:** November 22, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** As our lives further online, are we being lulled into a sense of false security? The verdict of the recent *Forbes* symposium [20 Tech Pros Share Red Flags to Watch For Before Sharing Personal Data](https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2023/10/31/20-tech-pros-share-red-flags-to-watch-for-before-sharing-personal-data/?sh=58e926eb7712)—which includes a contribution from OZ Chief Solutions Officer and [Forbes Technology Council ](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/oz-chief-solutions-officer-emmanuel-ramos-joins-forbes-technology-council/)member [Emmanuel Ramos](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mannyramos/)—is a definitive, “Yes.” The good news, however, is that with proactive habits and policies, it does not have to be this way. Here is what Ramos had to say: > “There are many red flags to watch for. If a website lacks a secure connection—the address doesn’t begin with *https://* —it’s a sign that the company may not prioritize data security. Also, watch for an unusual URL, and be cautious if the company’s website URL doesn’t match its official brand name. Further, always be wary of requests for sensitive information via email; legitimate companies typically won’t ask for sensitive data, such as your Social Security number, via email.” What else is on the list? Click [here](https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2023/10/31/20-tech-pros-share-red-flags-to-watch-for-before-sharing-personal-data/?sh=58e926eb7712) to find out. *OZ Digital Consulting is here to provide the best solutions and advice for your business needs. From data analytics & AI, enterprise integration and intelligent automation, web/mobile applications, Cloud and IT services—we have the expertise to make sure that your transition is seamless. Let us be your guide in this digital journey–-*[*contact us*](https://followoz.com/contact-us/) *today for a consultation!* **Categories:** OZ in Forbes **Tags:** Forbes --- ### [From Data Wasteland to Wonderland: The Data Modernization Journey [Part 2]](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/from-data-wasteland-to-wonderland-the-data-modernization-journey-part-2/) **Published:** November 27, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ***By: Murray Izenwasser****, SVP, Digital Strategy* *This post is part two of the blog series, Under the Hood: Unlocking the Hidden Value in Insurance Data, where we dive into the many ways legacy systems create fragmented data, fractured customer experiences, and inefficiencies in insurance operations. Over time, these legacy systems create a technology trap that becomes harder to undo, locking away valuable data and insights.* ### **Why Data Modernization Matters** The insurance landscape has changed. Technology has changed. The competition has changed. Customers have changed. And yet, many carriers still cling to decades-old legacy systems that cannot be integrated with newer digital applications. The result? The data remains isolated and incompatible with other data processing systems, paving the way for disconnected data and experiences. Despite the three eras of [insurance innovation](https://followoz.com/) — digital disruption, digital transformation, and the digital acceleration era — carriers have been slow to embrace change. If they haven’t seized the opportunities to adapt, innovate, and thrive digitally, here’s why they should. ### **Data Locked in Legacy Systems** Before [big data and the cloud](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/every-insurer-wants-to-predict-and-prevent-heres-how-you-can/) revolutionized business, it was common for different departments to create and manage their own data. Each department created its own policies, procedures, and goals and developed discrete ways of working with data. Most [legacy systems](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/modernize-your-legacy-system-into-a-future-proof-tech-stack/) were also implemented to operate in isolation paving the way for [data silos](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/introducing-under-the-hood-unlocking-the-hidden-value-in-insurance-data-part-1/). ### **The Operational and Technology Trap Legacy Systems Create** Since legacy systems are not designed to share data across departments, it often leads to delays and lost opportunities. Compare the standard approval process to a digital model, which allows customers to lodge a claim from anywhere, upload photographs or details of the damage from their smartphone, and where automated underwriting processes can approve the claim almost immediately. The latter is faster, more efficient, and provides a seamless experience for the policyholder. Yet, carriers are caught in a legacy trap — the consequence of the “tech debt” accumulated by existing IT infrastructure that’s too old to scale reliably and meet modern-day demands. This trap, which carriers grapple with worldwide, reduces operational efficiency and makes them less competitive with customers, brokers, and other stakeholders in the insurance ecosystem. Alongside other challenges posed by legacy systems: - Legacy technology contains multiple systems of record, frequently causing process duplication, with key business capabilities serviced in different ways on different platforms. - Applications are poorly understood because platforms are old, or complex or only a handful of application experts are familiar with them. - Applications utilize obsolete technologies or are out of step with business needs and use cases, and modern user experiences. - Integration mechanisms are ad-hoc, lack consistency, or are poorly understood. - The organization is unable to adapt to customer expectations which have changed with the emergence of digital channels. Although carriers may want to digitize their distribution channels, their legacy systems are ill-equipped to support the “new normal.” - Regulatory and operational risks persist as the systems are intractable in the face of new regulatory needs. ### **Modernizing the Data Foundation** There’s been a massive shift in focus from policy to customer, from process to experience, from static to dynamic pricing, point-in-time underwriting to continuous underwriting, from a historical view of data to predictive and prescriptive data, and from traditional products to new, innovative products. Legacy systems can no longer keep up with this changing insurance landscape fueled by data. Modern data needs modern data ecosystems. A carrier’s success lies in its ability to create an interconnected, modernized data foundation that will deliver both growth and customer relationship opportunities. Here are some of the ways insurance companies can benefit from data modernization: - **Faster Time to Value:** By embracing data modernization, carriers can deliver superior customer experiences, streamline operations, manage risks effectively, and ensure regulatory compliance while fostering innovation and driving competitive advantage. - **Greater Flexibility:** More flexible and tightly integrated data systems allow for more streamlined insurance operations. Flexible processes help carriers digitize products faster and increase gross written premiums while reducing customer churn. - **Fewer errors:** Data must be manually entered into legacy systems, costing your team time and productivity. And there’s a higher chance of error, which means carriers must build substantial quality control procedures around data entry. - **Increased Revenue:** The industry is moving towards alternate revenue models —marketplace aggregators, channel partners, one-in-a-segment, and insurance as a service. Newer revenue models are only possible with a modular architecture that supports APIs and microservices. - **Hyper-personalization:** With data modernization and compatibility with advanced technologies such as [artificial intelligence, machine learning, and predictive analytics](https://followoz.com/services/data-analytics-ai/), carriers can hyper-personalize the customer experience — the fastest way to acquire customers by offering the right product through the right channel at the right time. - **Data Monetization:** Carriers can adopt data monetization using in-house data, enriched through open data platforms and customer-centric analytics that generate insights, analyze behavior, and understand buyer triggers. - **Open Insurance:** Data modernization enables open insurance where open APIs can be used to streamline the access and sharing of data between carriers and other entities, allowing for the creation of new products, services, applications, and innovative business models (such as direct to consumer). Insurance core systems are not built to support APIs and microservices – key components of modern customer experiences. - **Interoperability:** Most legacy applications are incompatible with new technology, which means important data — including policy and claims information — can end up trapped within systems that cannot communicate with one another, impeding operations. By modernizing legacy applications, insurers can support seamless data integration and interoperability between business-critical systems. - **Seamless Data Flow:** Integrated systems allow data to flow freely and securely between systems across all operating units, regardless of lines of business, resulting in better reporting and decision-making across the company. - **Efficient Underwriting:** Legacy applications often rely on manual underwriting processes, making it difficult for insurance organizations to meet demand and acquire new business. Data modernization with automation in the mix streamlines underwriting and claims, and enhances efficiency, making the entire quoting experience more convenient for policyholders. According to an [Accenture study](https://insuranceblog.accenture.com/tech-improving-underwriting), tech-enabled underwriters can produce quotes faster, rate and risk price better, and get more done with ease. - **Claims Optimization:** Modernizing data capabilities speeds up claims intake, allocation, assessment, validation, and fraud detection significantly, reducing the average cost per claim and time to settle the claim. This wraps up part two! Stay tuned for our next blog post on why carriers must work from a single source of truth (SSOT) for everything from underwriting and claims to customer service data, sales and marketing conversion rates. *In the meantime, if you have any questions, please* [*contact us*](https://followoz.com/contact-us/)*. We’d love to connect with you.* **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Insurance --- ### [Agility and Security in Virtualization are Not Just Advantages, but Necessities](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/agility-and-security-in-virtualization-are-not-just-advantages-but-necessities/) **Published:** November 30, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ***By Jason Milgram**, SVP Practice Leader, OZ Digital Consulting* As organizations grow and evolve, their needs for flexible, secure, and cost-effective remote desktop services (RDS) become increasingly paramount. Microsoft’s Remote Desktop Services are the backbone of many organizations’ virtual desktop infrastructure. Now, however, with the advent of [cloud computing](https://followoz.com/services/cloud-services/), [Azure Virtual Desktop](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/overview) (AVD) has emerged as a powerful successor, offering a more agile and secure virtualization solution. Let’s [explore the possibilities](https://followoz.com/partners/oz-microsoft/)… ### **What is Azure Virtual Desktop?** Azure Virtual Desktop is Microsoft’s desktop and app virtualization service on the cloud. Unlike the traditional on-premises RDS, which requires significant infrastructure and hands-on management, AVD is hosted on Azure, Microsoft’s expansive cloud platform. AVD delivers a virtual desktop experience and remote apps to any device, marrying the scale, security, and cost benefits of Azure cloud services with the familiarity and compatibility of Windows. Critical benefits of AVD over Microsoft RDS include… - **Enhanced Scalability**. AVD stands out with its ability to scale on demand without upfront capital expenditure on physical servers. Businesses can quickly adjust their AVD usage based on user demand, ensuring that they have the resources they need when they need them without overinvesting in server capacity that may go unused. - **Improved Security Features**. Security in AVD is bolstered by Azure’s built-in protections, including Azure Firewall, Azure Security Center, Azure Sentinel, and Microsoft Defender for Endpoint. These integrated tools provide a robust defense against threats, reducing the risk of data breaches and ensuring secure connections for remote workforces. - **Cost-Effectiveness**. With AVD, organizations only pay for their virtual desktop infrastructure, shifting from a CapEx to an OpEx model. This pay-as-you-go pricing can lead to significant savings, especially when combined with the ability to use existing Windows licenses and reduce the overhead associated with physical hardware maintenance. - **Better Performance Metrics**. AVD leverages Azure’s global infrastructure to provide users with high-performance virtual desktops, regardless of location. The service is optimized for Office 365 and Microsoft Teams, ensuring high productivity and a smooth user experience even with high-demand applications. - **Built-in Compliance Protocols**. Compliance is a critical concern for businesses, and AVD is designed to meet global and industry-specific compliance standards. With Azure’s compliance offerings, businesses can stay up to date with regulatory requirements, simplify audits, and reduce compliance-related expenses. - **Seamless Integration with Other Azure Services**. AVD’s integration with Azure services extends its capabilities beyond traditional RDS. This includes streamlined deployment with Azure Active Directory, automated updates and backups with Azure Backup service, and advanced analytics with Azure Monitor. Such integration not only simplifies management but also enriches the functionality and resilience of virtual desktops. ### **Planning Your Migration: The POC Approach** Migration to a new virtualization platform is a significant strategic decision for any organization, laden with opportunity and risk. A Proof-of-Concept (POC) is a critical preliminary step in the migration process, providing a structured pathway for businesses to assess the feasibility and benefits of shifting to Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) from Microsoft Remote Desktop Services (RDS). This POC approach enables decision-makers to gain firsthand insights into the impact of migration on their operations, workforce, and bottom line. This section introduces the POC strategy and outlines how it is a fundamental tool for risk mitigation and efficient resource allocation. So, what precisely does that entail? A POC strategy is a targeted approach to validate the technical and business case for migrating to AVD. It involves creating a miniature, controlled version of the AVD setup to run parallel with existing RDS deployments. The POC strategy is designed to test specific scenarios and workloads, providing an evidence-based assessment of how AVD performs under real-world conditions. ### **POC as a Risk Mitigation Tool** By its nature, a POC serves as a risk mitigation tool, allowing organizations to: - Test AVD’s compatibility with existing applications and workloads. - Evaluate the user experience without disrupting current operations. - Identify potential challenges and technical constraints early in the process. - Train IT staff on AVD management in a non-critical setting. It ensures that potential issues can be addressed before a full-scale rollout, thus safeguarding the organization from the more significant risks associated with a wholesale, untested migration. ### **The Strategic Importance of POC in Resource Allocation** Implementing a POC has strategic implications for resource allocation: It clarifies the type and amount of Azure resources required, enabling more precise budgeting and forecasting. Which is to say… - Decision-makers can assess the actual cost versus projected cost savings, ensuring that the migration delivers on its promise of cost-effectiveness. - The organization gains valuable insights into the skills and training their IT team will need, allowing for targeted development and efficient use of human resources. The POC thus acts as a blueprint for allocating financial, technical, and human resources effectively, ensuring the organization is well-prepared for a successful migration to AVD. In the subsequent section, we will explore how to plan and execute a POC, ensuring that your migration to Azure Virtual Desktop is strategically sound and practically viable. ### **The POC Phases for AVD Migration** A well-structured Proof-of-Concept (POC) is the cornerstone of any successful migration to Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD). The process of a POC is broken down into distinct phases, each with its objectives and deliverables that help shape the eventual decision-making and execution of a full migration. Through these phases, organizations can systematically uncover the intricacies involved in the transition, ensuring a thorough understanding and preparation for the shift to AVD. Let OZ guide you, the business decision-makers, through each critical phase of a POC, from initial planning to post-POC assessment: - **Pre-POC Phase: Defining Objectives and Scope.** The Pre-POC phase is foundational, setting the stage for a successful trial. During this phase, clear objectives for the POC must be outlined, including technical goals, business outcomes, and specific success criteria. The scope of the POC also needs to be defined, determining which applications, processes, and user groups will be included in the test.This phase ensures that the POC aligns with the organization’s strategic goals and sets clear expectations for what it intends to achieve. - **Execution Phase: Setup, Configuration, and Deployment.** The execution phase is comprised essentially of three elements. First, a **technical setup**, which involves creating the AVD environment within Azure, provisioning virtual machines, and configuring network connections. It is a phase where IT teams get hands-on with the technology, setting up the necessary infrastructure to support the desktops and applications that will be part of the POC. Next comes **user experience testing**, assessing how end-users interact with the AVD. Factors such as application responsiveness, desktop load time, and ease of access are evaluated to ensure the system meets the end-users’ needs and expectations. Finally, we have **security testing**, which is crucial, particularly when dealing with data and access across the cloud. This step involves verifying that all security measures are functioning as intended, including identity management, data protection, and threat mitigation capabilities. - **Review Phase.** Once the execution phase is complete, the review phase begins. This involves collecting and analyzing data on how well the AVD performed against the POC’s objectives. Feedback from end-users, IT administrators, and security teams is gathered to gain a comprehensive view of the platform’s performance and identify any improvement areas. - **Post-POC Phase: Evaluation and Readiness for Full Scale-Up.** The final phase is the post-POC evaluation, which is critical in determining the readiness for a broader rollout. It involves thoroughly analyzing the POC results, comparing them against the defined success criteria, and assessing the organization’s ability to support AVD at scale. Learnings from the POC are used to refine the migration strategy and to develop a clear, detailed roadmap for the full implementation of Azure Virtual Desktop. Throughout these phases, the organization can build confidence in its migration decision, backed by solid evidence and a well-tested plan. The following section will provide business leaders with a blueprint of the deliverables and outcomes of the POC. ### **POC Deliverables and Expected Outcomes** Transitioning to a new IT infrastructure is a journey paved with careful planning, evaluation, and strategic decision-making. A Proof-of-Concept (POC) for Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) is no exception and is critical for validating the decision to migrate. The deliverables and outcomes of a POC provide tangible evidence and actionable insights, guiding business leaders through the final decision-making process. These deliverables are the hard data and qualitative feedback necessary for informed decision-making. This section outlines the essential POC deliverables that decision-makers can expect to gather and how to interpret these outcomes to map out a migration strategy that aligns with business objectives. Detailed performance reports—providing quantitative data on AVD’s operation, including load times, latency figures, resource utilization, and application performance metrics—are crucial for understanding how well AVD meets the technical demands of the organization. These may include… - **Security Assessment**. A comprehensive security assessment will reveal the security posture of the AVD setup, detailing how well it integrates with existing security protocols and where enhancements may be needed. - **User Satisfaction Surveys**. End-user feedback is essential to gauge the practicality and usability of the AVD solution. Surveys and interviews can provide invaluable insights into the user experience, indicating areas for improvement and overall satisfaction with the virtual environment. - **Cost-Benefit Analysis**. A cost-benefit analysis compares the financial investment required for AVD against the expected returns. This includes analyzing savings from reduced hardware, operational efficiencies gained, and potential productivity increases. So, how can understating POC outcomes benefit your organization? - **Better Decision-Making Data Points**. The data collected during the POC phase serve as a critical input for decision-making. These data points cover performance, user experience, security, and cost, providing a 360-degree view of the migration’s feasibility. - **Identifying Potential Roadblocks**. A POC can uncover technical and operational challenges that might not have been anticipated. Identifying these roadblocks early allows for contingency planning and informed decision-making. - **Recommendations for Full Deployment**. Based on the POC findings, the final report will include tailored recommendations for deploying AVD across the organization. This can range from technical adjustments to training needs for IT staff and users. ### **Crafting a Migration Roadmap Post-POC** Armed with the knowledge gained from the POC, businesses can develop a comprehensive migration roadmap. This roadmap will outline the steps for a full-scale rollout, informed by the POC’s deliverables, and will include: - A timeline for deployment, considering business cycles and peak periods. - Resource allocation for both the migration process and ongoing operations. - Training programs for users and IT staff. - A communication plan to manage change within the organization. The deliverables from the POC are not merely endpoints but are the critical drivers for a successful digital transformation with AVD at its core. ### **Your Next Steps** As the adage goes, “The end is only the beginning.” The conclusion of a Proof-of-Concept (POC) for transitioning to Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) marks the start of an organization’s journey toward a more agile, secure, and efficient future. It’s time to place the [cutting-edge tools and processes at your disposal](https://followoz.com/partners/oz-microsoft/) that will unlock the true power of your data, drive smarter decisions that improve customer experiences, enhance process efficiency, and skyrocket enterprise innovation. Learn more [here](https://followoz.com/) or reach out to [schedule a consultation](https://followoz.com/contact-us/) today. **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Microsoft, Tech Services --- ### [How to Ensure Your Business Thrives in the AI Future](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/how-to-ensure-your-business-thrives-in-the-ai-future/) **Published:** December 6, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** In the not-so-distant future, AI is set to be an indispensable collaborator in our workplaces. It is not here to steal our jobs, but rather, to empower us in performing our tasks more efficiently. AI brings with it the promise of automation, enhancing our ability to focus on creative and strategic endeavors. We should know: At [OZ](https://followoz.com/), our [team of certified analysts and data scientists](https://followoz.com/services/oz-talent-studio/) [leverage](https://followoz.com/services/data-analytics-ai/) Automated Machine Learning (AutoML), Explainable AI (XAI), Connected Governance, Data Democratization, and Context-Enriched Analysis to deliver strategic insights into the big-picture trends and potential solutions that can bring value to your organization. Think of AI and OZ as perfect dance partners—complementing your moves and stepping in when needed, without missing a beat. AI excels in automating repetitive, data-driven tasks. It can process vast amounts of information in a fraction of the time it would take a human. This frees up employees to concentrate on the aspects of their jobs that require creativity, emotional intelligence, and decision-making. It’s not about eliminating human jobs but evolving them into something more meaningful and fulfilling. As AI handles the mundane, the human workforce is discovering a wealth of new opportunities and roles. Jobs such as AI trainers, ethics consultants, and data interpreters are on the rise. AI needs humans to teach it, guide it, and ensure its ethical use. This exciting shift in employment landscapes promises a plethora of career options. With the rapid advancement of AI, the future of work will require us to be lifelong learners. Continuous adaptation and upskilling will be the norm. Think of it as learning a new dance move to stay in sync with a changing partner. This dynamic environment encourages personal growth, and organizations are increasingly investing in training and development. AI’s role in the workforce also brings the promise of improved work-life balance. Automation and efficiency can lead to shorter work hours and reduced stress. Humans can reclaim more quality time for leisure, family, and personal pursuits. This dance with AI can enrich not only our professional lives but our personal ones as well. As with any dance, there are ethical considerations. How we deploy AI and the values we instill in its algorithms are paramount. Striking the right balance between efficiency and ethics will be crucial. The harmony between humans and AI should be guided by principles of fairness, transparency, and inclusivity. The future of work, with AI as our partner, holds a world of potential: It’s a dance that promises efficiency, innovation, and new horizons. Remember, though: This isn’t a solo performance; it’s a duet. Together, humans and AI can create a future that’s not just productive but also enjoyable, meaningful, and filled with new opportunities. So put on your dancing shoes—and let’s tango into the future of work! ### **Your Next Steps** From maximizing current technology assets and keeping on top of the latest cybersecurity developments to facilitating cloud migration and integrating new technologies, holistic IT planning and management are critical to ensuring your hardware, software, and human resources are optimized and effective. With over a quarter-century of experience, OZ is uniquely positioned to empower you to get the most out of your digital transformation journey. Don’t hesitate: [Schedule a consultation today](https://followoz.com/contact-us/). And don’t forget to download our free e-Book covering these topics, [“3 Digital Integration Trends Reshaping the Business Landscape”](https://followoz.com/services/enterprise-applications-integration/) **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Tech Services --- ### [Single Source of Truth: All Your Data, All in One Place](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/single-source-of-truth-all-your-data-all-in-one-place/) **Published:** December 6, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ***— Murray Izenwasser,*** *SVP, Digital Strategy* *Welcome to the third edition of our blog series, “Under the Hood: Unlocking the Hidden Value in Insurance Data.” This blog post explores the importance of a centralized data source for insurers. Despite having a wealth of customer and other historical data, accessibility remains an issue within insurance organizations. The data isn’t always available to everyone across the organization. When it is, the data isn’t necessarily all from the same source, raising the question: how dependable is the data?* ### **Can You Trust Your Data?** Data resides in various systems across an organization. Before [big data and the cloud](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/every-insurer-wants-to-predict-and-prevent-heres-how-you-can/) revolutionized business, it was common for different departments to create and manage their data. Each department created its own policies, procedures, and goals and developed discrete ways of working with data. Most legacy systems were also implemented to operate in isolation paving the way for [data silos](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/introducing-under-the-hood-unlocking-the-hidden-value-in-insurance-data-part-1/). These silos made it harder for insurers looking to make data-driven decisions, as not everyone in the organization was operating off of the same data. However, having one location for all of this data — one trusted source of operating information — ensures everyone has access to the same information. ### **Build a Single Source of Truth (SSOT)** To get the most value out of the data, carriers must ensure they work from a single source of truth for everything from underwriting and claims to customer service data, sales, and marketing conversion rates. Those who do can make better data-driven decisions based on the data from the business as a whole rather than from any one department. When data is organized and combined into one data source, stakeholders can analyze information faster and get the insights they need to bring ideas to market quickly. A robust [data infrastructure](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/from-data-wasteland-to-wonderland-the-data-modernization-journey-part-2/) that runs on a SSOT: – Eliminates duplicate data entries, saving time and increasing productivity – Reduces time spent on verifying data accuracy, improving quality, and freeing up time for other tasks – Improves data intelligence capabilities, driving a competitive edge – Enhances decision-making, allowing insurance companies to respond to changes in the market quickly and effectively. Read our customer story here. ### **Bring All Your Data (and Insights) Together** If carriers must get all the data in one place, they must first tear down data silos and make data more shareable. It involves identifying where the data currently sits, how it is collected, and how relevant it is. Once the data has been gathered and audited, and individual teams have identified the challenges with their existing data management system(s), the business can zero in on the platform they will use as their single source of truth, including the systems that will be integrated into it. ### **The Conflict Disparate Data Sources Create** - Without a single source of truth (SSOT), various departments find themselves with competing data sources. Each department operates as a black box. - A lot of time is spent debating conflicting sources and delaying decisions. - Too many data sources create data sprawl across the organization’s systems. Without a centralized system to make sense of the most critical information, decision-making is impacted. - Data inconsistencies and errors in non-integrated systems can impact reporting. Inaccurate or incomplete reporting hinders decision-making and the carrier’s ability to identify trends, track performance, and seize opportunities. ### **Bridge the Gap Between Different Teams and Disparate Data Sources** A single source of truth empowers insurance leaders with a holistic 360-degree view of their company, systems, and processes. With more trust in the data, carriers can better separate the strategic signal from the operational noise, prevent subpar decisions, and guide the organization in the right direction. If you’d like to learn more about how to unify your data and work from a single source of truth (SSOT), [get in touch with us](https://followoz.com/contact-us/). **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Insurance, Tech Services --- ### [A Quick, Simple Guide to Getting Software Security Right](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/a-quick-simple-guide-to-getting-software-security-right/) **Published:** December 8, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ***By Muhammad Zubair***, *Integration and Automation Developer* Security is a top priority for any [software development process](https://followoz.com/services/application-development/). Software vulnerabilities can be exploited to steal data, corrupt systems, and cause other [serious consequences](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/combating-insurance-fraud-in-the-age-of-big-data/). So how can you ensure that your software is secure? In the following primer, we will explore two primary types of security testing: Static Application Security Testing (SAST) and Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST). ### **Static Application Security Testing (SAST):** SAST is a form of security testing that is performed on the source code of the application without executing it. The primary objective of SAST is to detect security vulnerabilities in the code that can be exploited by attackers. SAST tools scan the source code of the application and analyze it for known security flaws, such as buffer overflows, SQL injection, and cross-site scripting (XSS). One of the significant benefits of SAST is that it can detect vulnerabilities early in the development process, making it easier and cheaper to fix them. SAST provides a comprehensive analysis of the application’s source code, including third-party libraries. Moreover, SAST tools can be easily integrated into the development process, making it simpler to perform security testing. On the other hand, SAST tools may generate false positives or miss some vulnerabilities, and it does not test the application’s behavior in a real-world environment. Additionally, SAST tools require access to the source code, which may not be available in some cases, particularly when the application is proprietary software. ### **Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST):** DAST is a form of security testing that is performed on the running application. DAST tools simulate attacks on the application to detect vulnerabilities. Unlike SAST, DAST tools test the application’s behavior in a real-world environment. One of the significant advantages of DAST is that it can detect vulnerabilities that SAST tools may miss. Additionally, DAST tests the application in a real-world environment, which provides a more accurate assessment of its security. Moreover, DAST can be used to test applications that have already been deployed. That said, DAST testing can be time-consuming and expensive, and it may cause disruptions to the application being tested. ### **Which Option is Best for You?** Both SAST and DAST are essential components of a comprehensive security testing strategy. However, there are significant differences: SAST is a form of white-box testing that focuses on the source code, while DAST is a form of black-box testing that focuses on the application’s behavior. SAST is performed early in the development process, while DAST is performed on a deployed application. Further… - SAST can detect vulnerabilities before the code is compiled or deployed, while DAST can detect vulnerabilities that are introduced after the code is deployed. - SAST is automated and can be integrated into the development process, while DAST requires more manual effort and may cause disruptions to the application being tested. - SAST can detect vulnerabilities in third-party libraries, while DAST may miss them. ### **Your Next Steps** Software engineers at OZ know their way around back-end languages (Java, .NET, and Ruby), front-end languages (JavaScript, CSS, and HTML), and database management systems (Microsoft SQL, MySQL)—and have a track record of delivering innovative solutions for complex projects. To learn more about our development services click [here](https://followoz.com/services/application-development/) or [schedule a consultation](https://followoz.com/contact-us/) today. **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Tech Services --- ### [How to Build Effective Data Pipelines with Azure Data Factory](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/how-to-build-effective-data-pipelines-with-azure-data-factory/) **Published:** December 12, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ***By*** ***Sal Cardozo**, Senior Vice President, Data Analytics & AI* Data drives modern businesses. But what drives data? How does data housed in various places flow from one system to another and land at its destination? The short answer: data pipelines. Think of data pipelines as the nerves of the data ecosystem transporting data around. Building them up — and building them right — ensures your data flows freely through various filters, apps, and [APIs](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/apis-vs-microservices-key-differences-every-developer-and-business-should-know/), ultimately settling at its final destination in a form you can use. That is why data pipelines are critical: they eliminate most manual steps, automate, and simplify data flow. ### **Benefits of Data Pipelines:** - Centralized data collection and storage - Improved [reporting and analytics](https://followoz.com/services/data-analytics-ai/) - Reduced load on backend systems - Enhanced data quality and compliance ### **Building Data Pipelines: Best Practices** **1. Consider Five Key Elements** Five critical elements go into building data pipelines. Don’t overlook them. **Data sources** Data comes from sources, including any system or software that generates data for your business. Common data sources include [application APIs](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/a-practical-guide-to-building-a-successful-api-strategy/), the cloud, relational databases, and NoSQL. **Acquisition** Also known as ingestion, this stage integrates the data from multiple sources into the pipeline. Depending on your platform, you can design pipelines that support both batch and streaming pipelines. In batch ingestion, data is periodically collected and stored based on predetermined schedules set by developers and analysts. Stream processing is another method where the pipeline collects, transforms, and loads data quickly in real-time. **Processing** Once the data is ingested, it must be transformed into actionable information. At this stage of the pipeline, you would validate, clean up, normalize, and transform your data into insights. There are two standard data integration methods to choose from: Extract, Transform, Load (ETL) and ELT Extract, Load, Transform (ELT). The integration method you choose will determine your data pipeline architecture. **Destination** After the data is processed, it arrives at a centralized location that houses all the modified and cleaned data. Typically, a data warehouse, a data lake, or a data lakehouse where the data is either stored in on-premises systems or the cloud. From here, the data is consumed for reporting, business intelligence, or other purposes. **Workflow** Your workflow outlines the structure of tasks and processes within the data pipeline, including dependencies. A workflow orchestration tool like Azure Data Factory can make all the difference. ### **2. Define Your Pipeline Architecture** **What framework should you choose?** Before diving into implementation, it’s crucial to define the architecture of your data pipeline. It’s important to ask yourself if you will choose the ETL or ELT framework for data integration. What you choose, ETL or ELT, changes your entire data pipeline design since the two major processes — loading and transformation — get interchanged. Let’s examine the pros and cons of both frameworks. **ETL** In the ETL process, data is extracted and transformed before it’s loaded into storage. Most businesses depend on ETL for: - - **Faster analysis:** Since the data is transformed and structured before being loaded, the data queries are handled more efficiently, allowing for faster data analysis. - - **Better compliance:** Organizations can comply with privacy regulations by masking and encrypting data before it’s loaded into storage. - - **Cloud and on-premise environments:** ETL can be implemented in data pipelines that rely on cloud-based and on-premise systems. Despite its merits, companies are moving away from ETL because of its slow loading speeds and the constant modifications to accommodate schema changes, new queries, and analyses. It’s not suited for large volumes of data and data sources but is ideal for smaller data sets that require complex transformation or in-depth analysis. **ELT** In the ELT process, the data is extracted and loaded into data lakes before it’s transformed. Ideal for: - - **Automation:** Teams can standardize data models and automate them - **Faster loading:** The ELT framework loads data and provides instant access to the information - - **Flexible data format:** It supports structured and unstructured data and can ingest data in any format - - **High data availability:** If you’re using business intelligence platforms or analytic tools that don’t require structured data, they can instantly collect and act on data from the data lake - - **Easy implementation:** It can work with existing cloud services or warehouse resources, easing implementation roadblocks and saving money - - **Scalability:** Since most ELT pipelines are [cloud-based](https://followoz.com/services/cloud-services/), you can easily scale your data management systems. Modifying pipelines on the cloud is faster, cheaper, and less labor-intensive than the physical on-premise changes required to scale an ETL pipeline Perhaps the only downside of using ELT is that analysis with ETL might be slower when handling large volumes of data since the transformations are applied after all the data is loaded. ### **3. Orchestrate Data with Azure Data Factory** Enterprises have different types of data located in disparate sources — on-premise, in the cloud, structured, unstructured, and semi-structured — all arriving at different intervals and speeds. The first step in building an information production system is to connect to all the required sources of data and processing, such as software-as-a-service (SaaS) services, databases, file shares, and FTP web services. Then, move the data to a centralized location for processing. [Azure Data Factory](https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/products/data-factory), a cloud service for orchestrating events in a logical progression using “pipelines,” lets you move data, call events, send notifications, look up data, and even call other pipelines. It can all be done in sequence, loops, or parallel, depending on actions within the pipeline. Without Azure Data Factory, enterprises must build custom data movement components or write custom services to integrate these data sources and processing, which is expensive and complicated to integrate and maintain. Moreover, they lack the enterprise-grade monitoring, alerting, and controls a fully managed service can offer. **![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Azure-Data-Factory-1.png) Benefits of Pipelines in Azure Data Factory** There are many benefits of using Azure Data Factory for a cloud-based data repository: - Integration with the Azure platform provides a direct link to Data Fabric, Databricks Lakehouse, SQL Server, and Synapse Lake database - Pipeline triggers, either by schedule or a file being updated - Parallel execution using Azure Data Factory’s powerful “for-each loop” features - Scalability and extensibility to data sets of all sizes - Alerts and logging sent to Azure Log Analytics for operational management - Deployments via Azure’s DevOps platform ### **4. Document and Test** Document and test your data pipeline thoroughly. Outline your data pipeline design, assumptions, dependencies, limitations, and performance clearly and concisely. You should also test your data pipeline at different levels, such as unit testing for individual components, integration testing for the whole pipeline, and end-to-end testing for the final output. Automate the testing wherever you can to reduce time and effort and get the best results. ### **5. Monitor and Manage Pipelines** Lastly, monitoring and managing data pipelines ensures their reliability and performance. After successfully building and deploying your data integration pipeline, monitor the pipelines. Azure Data Factory has built-in support for pipeline monitoring via Azure Monitor, API, PowerShell, Azure Monitor logs, and health panels on the Azure portal. Building efficient data pipelines on Azure requires careful planning, architecture design, and the right set of services. How effectively data pipelines move data depends on how they’re engineered. Less efficient pipelines will increase your data stack costs *and* require data engineers to do more work. By following the best practices above, you can increase the value of your data assets, and stay focused on what matters most: delivering insights and business value. *If you’d like to build an effective data pipeline with Azure Data Factory, [get in touch with us](https://followoz.com/contact-us/). We can help simplify your data and its management, reduce cost and complexity, and accelerate business value.* **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Tech Services --- ### [The Hidden Costs of Bad Data — 5 Ways Carriers Can Overcome Them](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/the-hidden-costs-of-bad-data-5-ways-carriers-can-overcome-them/) **Published:** December 13, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ***By Murray Izenwasser,*** *SVP, Digital Strategy* *Welcome to the fourth edition of the blog series “Under the Hood: Unlocking the Hidden Value in Insurance Data.” Ever considered the long-term costs (and risks) carriers incur due to poor-quality data? In Property & Casualty (P&C) insurance — where risk assessment hinges heavily on data accuracy — having the right data at the right time is crucial to price risk, identify exposure, and reduce costs. This blog post explores how you can avoid the pitfalls of poor data before it becomes a significant problem.* **The Hidden Costs of Bad Data** The costs of bad data add up quickly. In fact, poor data quality can cost as much as 15-25% of total revenue, according to a [study conducted by MIT Sloan](https://sloanreview.mit.edu/article/seizing-opportunity-in-data-quality/). Poor data quality increases costs associated with the re-execution of a process due to data errors, correction efforts, and accruing out of lost or missed revenues. Conversely, according to the Sirius Group, quality data can lead to a 70% increase in revenue. With the right tools, carriers can turn the mountain of data they possess into a goldmine of opportunity. But first, what do we mean by data quality? Data quality is the measure of how well a dataset meets the criteria for accuracy, completeness, validity, and consistency — crucial to data governance within an organization. Good data helps organizations make better decisions. If data issues, such as duplicate data, missing values, and outliers aren’t properly addressed, carriers increase their risk leading to less-than-optimal outcomes. According to a [Gartner report](https://www.gartner.com/smarterwithgartner/how-to-improve-your-data-quality), poor data quality costs organizations an average of USD 12.9 million each year. ### **Is the Data You Have the Data You Want?** In the insurance industry, data accuracy is everything. The efficiency of the claims process is contingent upon the adjuster’s ability to verify a claim, which is based on having accurate data. The foundation of [claims automation](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/claims-transformation-automating-the-moment-of-truth/) is also accurate data, both structured data from the system and unstructured data from the filing, to determine the appropriate course of action for each claim. The [automation](https://followoz.com/services/intelligent-automation/) system continually reassesses its previous decisions as new information is added. Attempting this process with inconsistent or “dirty” data can lead to erroneous decisions and a poor customer experience. Carriers wrestle with poor data quality because of the vast amounts of unstructured data that are stored in disparate systems. Many of these are legacy systems, while others are desktop-based actuarial applications. The problem is compounded by newer applications that have been added to the legacy systems, creating multi-layered, redundant IT architectures. **The Pitfalls of Bad Data** - Insurance underwriters depend on accurate data for [risk assessment](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/every-insurer-wants-to-predict-and-prevent-heres-how-you-can/), which can influence premiums, policy terms, and profitability - Poor data quality increases costs associated with the re-execution of a process due to data errors, correction efforts, and lost or missed revenues. - Inaccurate, inconsistent data leads to less-than-optimal decisions. For instance, when underwriting and pricing property insurance, carriers often rely on the insured or their agent to provide Construction, Occupancy, Protection, and Exposure (COPE) details about the property. These details enable the carrier to evaluate the potential loss associated with the property and price it accordingly. However, the insured may not always provide accurate information, leading to policy underpricing and increased losses. - [Lack of trust in data](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/single-source-of-truth-all-your-data-all-in-one-place/) prevents insurance leaders from making the right decisions — sometimes leading to regulatory non-compliance. - Carriers must comply with strict regulations around data accuracy, completeness, and appropriateness; failure to do so may result in huge fines and penalties. - Many carriers grapple with inaccurate underwriting data, necessitating requests for additional information from agents and customers, leading to longer underwriting turnaround times and lost business. ### **How to Avoid Them** **1. Automate Repetitive Tasks:** Data collection and processing is a repetitive, tedious task prone to human error. These errors could range from incorrectly understood instructions, typos, mismatched names and emails, duplicate records, or simply overlooking certain entries. These errors and an overwhelming amount of incorrect and incomplete data can accumulate and become significant inconsistencies over time. By [automating these manual, time-consuming tasks](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/claims-transformation-automating-the-moment-of-truth/), carriers can reduce error, cut costs, and provide a better customer experience while freeing up employee time for higher-value work. **2. Standardize Processes:** In lieu of standardized protocols for data collection, different teams might adopt different methodologies for the same data. This inconsistency can cause discrepancies when data is combined or compared. **3. Integrate Your Data and Systems:** P&C carriers operate in different regions around the world. With a large global footprint, local and overseas business units tend to have various systems to manage policy and claims data, financial information, and marketing and sales data. However, if this data is not integrated into a common platform and view, it could hamper decision-making over time. Here’s how a global P&C carrier consolidated its data sources with [intelligent automation](https://followoz.com/services/intelligent-automation/) and reaped the benefits of a standardized platform. Read the full story. **4. Modernize Legacy Systems:** Legacy systems are not equipped to handle newer data types and large volumes or share data across departments, leading to delays and lost opportunities. Compare the standard insurance approval process to a digital model, which allows customers to lodge a claim from anywhere, upload photographs or details of the damage from their smartphone, and where automated underwriting processes can approve the claim almost immediately. The latter is faster, more efficient, and provides a seamless experience for the policyholder. Besides, older systems might lack the safeguards or validation checks present in more modern solutions. **5. Perform Data Quality Checks:** Carriers must perform periodic reviews and cleaning of databases to maintain data quality. If these checks are not carried out regularly, inaccuracies can persist and compound, leading to a deterioration in data quality. Bad data in all its forms costs the insurance industry more than you realize, from the more easily recognized financial and productivity effects to impacts on customer experience. While investing in comprehensive data integration may seem like a costly pursuit, what carriers truly cannot afford is bad data. *Looking to integrate data from multiple sources so that you can get a complete picture of your business?* [Contact us.](https://followoz.com/contact-us/) **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Insurance, Tech Services --- ### [Leveraging Azure Stack: Cloud Scalability, Cost Management, and Digital Transformation](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/leveraging-azure-stack-cloud-scalability-cost-management-and-digital-transformation/) **Published:** December 15, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ***By Jason Milgram**, SVP Azure Leader, OZ Digital* In an era during which cloud computing heralds the [next wave of business innovation](https://followoz.com/), [Azure Stack](https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/products/azure-stack/) stands out as a beacon for organizations looking to harness the power of the cloud while navigating the complexities of data sovereignty, compliance, and edge computing. Azure Stack is not simply Microsoft’s extension of its cloud services into on-premises environments; it is a transformative platform that offers the agility of the cloud with the control of local data management. (Find out more about the OZ-Microsoft partnership [here](https://followoz.com/partners/oz-microsoft/).) This unique combination empowers businesses to scale and innovate with unprecedented flexibility. Here’s why Azure Stack should be on your radar in 2024 and beyond: - **Extension of Azure to On-Premises.** Azure Stack is a revolutionary offering that brings the vast capabilities of Azure into a company’s on-premises environment. This hybrid flexibility means businesses can scale resources up or down based on demand without being hindered by the physical constraints of their data centers. By creating a seamless environment encompassing cloud and on-premises resources, Azure Stack enables agility and scalability to keep pace with market demands and business growth. Moreover, Azure Stack addresses a critical concern for many organizations: the need to keep sensitive data within their control. By allowing data to reside on-premises, companies can meet strict regulatory compliance and security standards while benefiting from cloud technologies. - **Innovative Edge Solutions.** The edge is where the digital world meets the physical, and Azure Stack is an essential player in this space. By bringing cloud services to the edge, Azure Stack enables real-time data processing and provides immediate insights that can facilitate smarter business decisions. Azure Stack can be a game-changer for industries that rely on quick data turnaround, such as manufacturing, retail, and healthcare. - **Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery.** Downtime is not an option in today’s always-on business landscape. Azure Stack ensures operational resilience by providing robust disaster recovery and business continuity capabilities. With Azure Stack, businesses can replicate applications and data across on-premises environments and Azure’s cloud, ensuring they stay online even during a site outage. - **Cost Management and Optimization.** Finally, Azure Stack aids in streamlining cost management and optimization. Traditional on-premises solutions often involve significant capital expenditure and can be costly to scale. In contrast, Azure Stack allows organizations to utilize a consumption-based pricing model akin to public cloud services, bringing predictability to financial planning. This on-premises cloud service provides the economic flexibility needed to control costs and optimize investments in technology. Azure Stack is not just a bridge between on-premises and cloud—it is a platform that enables businesses to operate with greater efficiency, security, and foresight. Adopting Azure Stack is a step towards a more resilient, flexible, and cost-effective future for business decision-makers. ### **Your Next Steps** It’s time to place the [cutting-edge tools and processes at your disposal](https://followoz.com/partners/oz-microsoft/) that will unlock the true power of your data, drive smarter decisions that improve customer experiences, enhance process efficiency, and skyrocket enterprise innovation. As a [certified Microsoft partner](https://followoz.com/partners/oz-microsoft/) with more than a [quarter century of experience](https://followoz.com/about/), OZ is uniquely positioned to help you do just that. Learn more [here](https://followoz.com/) or reach out to [schedule a consultation](https://followoz.com/contact-us/) today. **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Microsoft, Tech Services --- ### [Optimize Your Data Estate with Microsoft Fabric’s Advanced Analytics and Business Intelligence](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/optimize-your-data-estate-with-microsoft-fabrics-advanced-analytics-and-business-intelligence/) **Published:** December 18, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** **By Sal Cardozo**, Senior Vice President, Data Analytics & AI The age of AI has begun — and data is one of the most powerful drivers of this change. Just as data is the backbone of AI, AI has the power to redefine what’s possible with data. Together, AI and data can be a force multiplier for businesses. And an opportunity for IT leaders to start thinking about how to connect AI and data. To use AI-powered data effectively, businesses need to start by examining their data estate. A data estate allows you to unlock the full potential of data right from the first time you receive it through analytics and actionable business intelligence. Because a data estate is fundamental to how organizations get their insights, it’s essential to design and implement one that’s right for you. ### **The Modern Data Estate for Modern-Day Businesses** Most organizations today store their data in multiple locations — virtually and geographically, including operational databases, data warehouses, and data lakes — creating a digital whirlwind of information. Most of it is stored in data warehouses and data lakes. Data warehouses provide critical insights into the business. Data lakes uncover important signals about customers, products, employees, and processes. Both are important yet often operate independently of one another, leading to siloed data. Applying [advanced analytics and machine learning](https://followoz.com/services/data-analytics-ai/) to such disparate data can be challenging, putting actionable insights out of reach. That’s why you need to unify your data from across the business to make finding, tracking, and sharing it easier. In the age of AI, you can no longer depend on hacked-together solutions that don’t work seamlessly across the organization. Instead, you need a comprehensive data analytics solution that integrates and transforms data into insights. Enter Microsoft Fabric. ### **Microsoft Fabric: Data Analytics for the Era of AI** [Microsoft Fabric](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-fabric) is an all-in-one analytics solution for everything from data movement to data science, real-time analytics, and business intelligence. It provides a comprehensive suite of services, including data lake, data engineering, and data integration — all in one place. You don’t need to put together different services from different vendors with Fabric. Instead, you can enjoy a highly integrated, end-to-end solution that’s simple to use. Plus, integration becomes much easier with a Software as a Service (SaaS) platform. ### **Benefits of Migrating Your Data Estate to Microsoft Fabric** Here are five key benefits of migrating your data estate to Microsoft Fabric: **1) Real-time Insights from Everywhere — Every Time** With an extensive suite of services — including data connectors, engineering tools, data science, and analytics workflows — Microsoft Fabric allows you to access and explore data from any source. The Data Factory workload provides over 150 connectors to various data sources, supporting extensive connectivity through data flows and pipelines. In addition, Microsoft Fabric integrates Azure OpenAI Service at every layer, enabling enterprises to use AI and GPT-powered CoPilot for [creating data pipelines](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/how-to-build-effective-data-pipelines-with-azure-data-factory/), generating code, and building models using natural language. **2) Centralized Governance and Access Through OneLake** The data lake is the foundation for all Fabric services. Microsoft Fabric Lake — also known as [OneLake](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/fabric/onelake/onelake-overview) — provides a unified location for all your data, allowing it to be shared between users and applications. For example, with Fabric, you can directly access OneLake data with Excel, and analyze and generate a PowerBI report with one click. Microsoft Fabric ensures data is secure, compliant, and consistent across the enterprise, allowing you to define and enforce policies for data access, quality, and privacy and monitor and audit data usage and performance. **3)** **AI Workflows That Scale** Microsoft Fabric enables you to build, deploy, and manage AI models using various tools and frameworks. Instead of spending inordinate amounts of time collecting and cleansing data before building models and solutions, you can now use Synapse Data Science. It offers built-in machine-learning capabilities. The Azure ML-powered MLFlow model and the SynapseML Spark library help accelerate the data science workflow significantly. **4) Pre-Built Workloads** Microsoft Fabric offers several built-in solutions and tools for specific business scenarios, and seven workloads, ranging from Data Factory and [Synapse Data Science](https://blog.fabric.microsoft.com/en-us/blog/introducing-synapse-data-science-in-microsoft-fabric) to Synapse Data Engineering, Warehousing, Analytics, and Power BI. Each caters to different users within the data enterprise and works with each other using OneLake as a centralized data source. It also integrates deeply with Microsoft Purview to ensure data security and compliance. **5) Cost Management** Microsoft Fabric empowers businesses to optimize their data and AI investments through flexible pricing, pay-as-you-go models, and consumption-based billing. It helps businesses preparing for the era of AI transformation envision an efficient and impactful data estate. Adopting Microsoft Fabric early lays the foundation for successfully transitioning to a data-driven and AI-enabled culture. ### **An Experienced Partner You Can Trust** [Contact us](https://followoz.com/contact-us/) if you’d like to unleash your data’s potential with a unified analytics solution like Microsoft Fabric. We can help you simplify data management, reduce cost and complexity, and accelerate business value. **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Microsoft, Tech Services --- ### [Leverage Technology & Experience to Thrive in the Coming Year](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/leverage-technology-experience-to-thrive-in-the-coming-year/) **Published:** December 19, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ***By Steve Bakanov,** SVP, Digital Solutions* Building a [successful digital strategy](https://followoz.com/) requires a holistic approach that considers various aspects of both business *and* technology. The good news? There are five concrete steps you—and your [technology partners](https://followoz.com/about/)—can take in the coming year to ensure your business will thrive in the digital age. - **Put the Customer First.** Many businesses are focused on building digital solutions that are efficient and cost-effective but neglect to consider how these solutions will impact [the customer experience](https://followoz.com/industries/hospitality/). It is important to design digital solutions that are easy to use, accessible, and meet the needs of your customers. When designing and implementing digital solutions, always keep the customer in mind. Ask yourself how these solutions will make the customer experience better. - **Use Data to Make Better Decisions.** Businesses are collecting more data than ever before, but many are not using this data to make better decisions. It is important to invest in data analytics and develop a culture of [data-driven decision-making](https://followoz.com/services/data-analytics-ai/). Collect and analyze data to make better decisions about everything from product development to marketing campaigns. - **Create a Culture of Innovation.** Many businesses are struggling to keep up with the pace of innovation in the digital world. It is important to create a culture of innovation where employees are encouraged to experiment and try new things. Encourage employees to experiment and try new things. Reward failure as a learning opportunity. - **Embrace Digital Transformation.** Digital transformation is not just about implementing new technologies. It is about changing the way your business operates to take advantage of digital opportunities. Many businesses fail to address the organizational and cultural changes necessary for digital transformation to be successful. Don’t just implement new technologies. Think about how you can [change the way your business operates](https://followoz.com/services/enterprise-applications-integration/) to take advantage of digital opportunities. - **Invest in Cybersecurity.** As businesses become more digitized, they become more vulnerable to cyberattacks. It is important to invest in cybersecurity measures to protect your data and systems. Protect your data and systems from cyberattacks by investing in cybersecurity measures. In addition to these general areas, there are specific technologies and trends that businesses and leaders are neglecting. For example, many businesses are not using artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to their [full potential](https://followoz.com/services/intelligent-automation/)—i.e., to automate tasks, improve decision-making, and create new products and services. ### **Your Next Steps** Don’t be left behind. Leveraging a quarter century of experience, OZ offers a wide-ranging, powerful menu of services and solutions that will empower you to shrink costs while expanding your competitive advantage. To find out more, [download our free e-Book 3 Digital Integration Trends Reshaping the Business Landscape](https://followoz.com/services/enterprise-applications-integration/), or [schedule a consultation](https://followoz.com/contact-us/) today. **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Digital Strategy, Tech Services --- ### [How FHIR Puts Patients in Charge of Their Health Records](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/how-fhir-puts-patients-in-charge-of-their-health-records/) **Published:** December 22, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** **By Muhammad Saeed**, Senior Manager, Automation and EAI Patient data has remained buried in the most complex care delivery systems for far too long. On the one hand, we have access to the best therapies and advanced treatments. On the other hand, we must navigate a maze of fragmented data, a patchwork of providers, loosely knit-together clinical systems (laboratory services, radiology, etc.), and a checkerboard of non-interoperable technology systems to access our health records. Most [patients recall less than half of the recommendations](https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0191940#abstract0) given by their providers just one week after a clinical visit. To add to this, patients can’t reach their physicians easily, nor can physicians provide the information they need when needed. The absence of seamless data exchange between patients and providers has long been the bane of the healthcare industry. That’s why we’re excited for FHIR or (fast healthcare interoperability resources – pronounced “fire”), introduced by Health Level Seven (HL7) as an interoperability standard to help the free exchange and flow of data between all stakeholders — patients, providers, and payers. This proposed standard could be a giant leap for the healthcare industry as it helps synthesize patient data and *support them continuously.* ### **FHIR: Helps patients with their health data** FHIR is built on well-established web standards already in use in the digital world — JSON and REST APIs — and standardizes how data is accessed and shared from any device. Here are all the ways FHIR creates a single source of patient data: - Unlike the old standard C-CDA (consolidated clinical document architecture), which only transfers entire documents, FHIR technology can share specific data based on modern, open-web protocols like those used by search engine browsers. For example, let’s say a physician needs a single immunization record. FHIR can process and return precisely what’s required instead of providing an entire case file consisting of hundreds of pages. Physicians often need help locating the data in CCDAs, which are often lengthy, complex documents. And when they do find it, they may have to copy the information into their EHRs. - Developers can leverage FHIR to create technology apps for patients — for example, a [health app](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/what-you-can-learn-about-optimizing-your-data-from-apples-foray-into-healthcare/) to read a patient’s blood glucose levels. The data from the app can be sent to a personal health record, to a physician, and to a pharmacy to adjust insulin levels for a refill prescription, which the patient can pick up in minutes. The [Apple Health Records app](https://www.apple.com/healthcare/health-records/) uses FHIR to help people download health information from multiple providers and combine it into a single health record on their iPhones. - FHIR can sync different files housed in other systems, creating a single source of patient data. It can aggregate multiple provider records, test results, wearable device data, and prescription details into one medical record. ### **Facilitates Seamless Health Data Exchange Between Health Systems** In the past, exchanging health data involved sending documents by fax or mail. Clinics and hospitals would often receive lab results without accompanying patient history summaries. Sometimes, information would have to be rekeyed to make it suitable for Electronic Health Records (EHR). Many interoperability standards have since evolved to address these discrepancies, though most of them fell short of what they delivered. For the first time, healthcare practitioners are seeing a silver lining in FHIR technology, and with good reason: - FHIR allows the creation of apps that circumvent legacy systems and feed information directly into EHR systems and clinical workflows using familiar technologies. - Medical devices from different manufacturers can send data to EHRs in clinics and hospitals. Even information residing in data silos can be easily shared. - FHIR “resources” or “data modules” can be brought together and combined into clinical and administrative applications, saving time and money. These resources can be streamlined into systems designed to solve real-world clinical and administrative problems at a fraction of the cost of existing alternatives. #### **Is FHIR worth the hype?** FHIR technology is a hot topic in the [healthcare IT industry](https://followoz.com/industries/health-sciences/) and rightfully. But is it the game-changer it’s portrayed to be? Its rapid adoption speaks for itself. Today, almost all healthcare software is built with FHIR technology. Because it is based on a simple [API design](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/apis-vs-microservices-key-differences-every-developer-and-business-should-know/), developers can create plug-and-play applications that can interface with any EHR (electronic health record) and feed information directly into the provider workflow. It eliminates all the gaps in a typical document-based exchange. That’s not all. Other advantages include: - **Compatibility with legacy standards** Derived from HL7 Version 2 messaging and HL7 Version 3 Clinical Document Architecture (HL7 CDA), FHIR can be employed with HL7v2 and HL7 CDA. The FHIR API further enables seamless integration of third-party apps with existing systems. - **Decipherable and valuable data** Since the HTTPS protocol is the foundation for FHIR, you can retrieve and analyze FHIR resources to support [machine learning, AI, and other forms of data analytics](https://followoz.com/services/data-analytics-ai/). These capabilities help you gain a deeper understanding of your healthcare data. - **Efficient data exchange** FHIR’s resource-based approach streamlines data exchange, improving efficiency and accuracy. By employing a standardized format for health information, FHIR lets you build custom templates from shared base resources, eliminating discrepancies in data templates. This approach improves the accuracy and readability of data exchanged across health systems. With FHIR, you do not have to individually modify the data template of every health IT system, as data is exchanged as resources. Patients, admissions, and medications are exposed as *services, allowing* consumer mobile apps to use GET and POST requests for retrieving and manipulating only the relevant data. ##### **The FHIR Manifesto** Although the widely cited “FHIR Manifesto” did not exist during the inception of FHIR, significant efforts led to the creation of an official document called the Fundamental Principles of FHIR. 1. FHIR prioritizes implementation 2. FHIR provides a flexible framework for interoperability 3. FHIR keeps complexity where it belongs 4. FHIR supports but does not mandate tight specifications 5. FHIR leverages open-source development principles 6. FHIR is free to use 7. FHIR supports multiple exchange paradigms/architectures 8. FHIR leverages standard web technologies 9. FHIR is forward and backward compatible 10. Tooling requirements are mainstream and minimal ###### **Final Thoughts** Having timely access to the right information is table stakes in the healthcare industry and is not limited to patient care delivery. Whether at the point of care or the billing office, we know there’s enormous potential for improvement. Healthcare data should be easier to access, understand, and navigate for everyone — patients, providers, and payers — every time. FHIR marks a new beginning in the era of healthcare, and this time, there’s no looking back. Ready to learn more? [Contact us](https://followoz.com/contact-us/). **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Healthcare --- ### [Actionable Steps to Achieve Greater Agility, Innovation, and Competitive Advantage](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/actionable-steps-to-achieve-greater-agility-innovation-and-competitive-advantage/) **Published:** December 22, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ***By Jason Milgram,** SVP Azure Leader* For business decision-makers, an [Azure Stack](https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/products/azure-stack/) proof-of-concept (POC) is an investment in certainty. It provides a sandbox to validate the [business impact of Azure Stack](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/leveraging-azure-stack-cloud-scalability-cost-management-and-digital-transformation/), test theories, and evaluate performance without the commitment of a full-scale deployment. Through POCs, decision-makers can see the potential of Azure Stack in action and assess how it aligns with their business objectives and technical prerequisites. As such, a well-executed POC is not just a technical exercise; it is a strategic business initiative that can define a company’s trajectory of [digital transformation journey](https://followoz.com/). Ready to learn how a POC can serve as a gateway to achieving operational excellence and a competitive edge? Read on… ### **Roadmap for a Successful Azure Stack POC Engagement** Here are five essential checkpoints on your Azure Stack POC journey… - **Initial Assessment and Goal Setting.** The first step in a POC is to conduct a thorough initial assessment. This means understanding the specific business objectives that Azure Stack can help achieve. It involves a deep dive into the current IT landscape and analyzing the technical requirements that align with the company’s broader business strategy. This stage is about setting clear, measurable goals and determining the scope of the POC to ensure that it is designed to effectively test hypotheses in a real-world scenario. - **Designing the POC.** This is where strategic planning meets technical design. In this phase, decision-makers and IT teams collaborate to tailor the POC to address the business challenges identified in the assessment phase. The design must be robust enough to provide a meaningful test of Azure Stack’s capabilities and flexible enough to adapt to initial findings. This bespoke approach ensures that the POC will provide relevant insights and resolve any uncertainties with tangible evidence. - **Execution Phase.** With a design in place, the execution phase involves setting up the Azure Stack environment and initiating the deployment. This phase is the heart of the POC, where teams can get hands-on experience with Azure Stack’s integration into their current systems. It is a time for IT staff to learn about the nuances of managing and operating Azure Stack and for decision-makers to start seeing the potential impacts of the technology on their operations. - **Evaluation and Analysis.** Evaluation and analysis are critical to understanding the outcomes of the POC. Throughout the execution phase, monitoring tools and evaluation protocols collect data on Azure Stack’s performance and usage. This data serves as the backbone for assessing whether the POC meets the goals set out in the initial phase and provides insights into any areas needing refinement. - **Feedback and Iteration.** A POC is not a one-and-done process; it is iterative. After the evaluation phase, feedback from all stakeholders is crucial. This feedback is used to iterate on the POC, adjust configurations, scale resources up or down, or re-evaluate user scenarios. This continuous loop of feedback and iteration helps fine-tune the system until the desired outcomes are achieved, ensuring that the final deployment of Azure Stack is optimized for the organization’s specific needs. By following these structured steps, businesses can turn the POC into a powerful tool for decision-making and innovation. ### **Deliverables of a POC** Here is what stakeholders can expect to receive from a POC… - **Customized Use Cases.** The heart of the POC’s value lies in its customized use cases. These demonstrate Azure Stack’s capabilities tailored to the business-specific needs identified in the assessment phase. They provide a concrete look at how Azure Stack can be applied in real-world scenarios the business faces daily. This deliverable gives life to theoretical benefits, highlighting practical applications and solutions that meet the organization’s unique challenges. - **Performance Benchmarks.** Objective, [data-driven performance benchmarks](https://followoz.com/services/data-analytics-ai/) form the backbone of the POC’s evaluative process. These reports cover vital metrics such as speed, efficiency, and scalability. They provide a quantitative foundation for understanding how Azure Stack performs under various loads and how it can handle the organization’s demands. This information is vital for IT teams to ensure the system can sustain the business’s operational pace and growth trajectory. - **Security and Compliance Assessments.** With ever-tightening data security and privacy regulations, the POC must deliver thorough security and compliance assessments. These evaluations analyze how well Azure Stack can protect sensitive data and adhere to industry-specific regulatory standards. The findings help reinforce the confidence of stakeholders in Azure Stack’s ability to mitigate risks and maintain compliance within the company’s regulatory framework. - **Cost-Benefit Analysis.** A detailed cost-benefit analysis compares the investment in Azure Stack against the expected returns. This analysis looks at the financial implications of deploying Azure Stack and projects the return on investment (ROI) over time. It considers direct costs, like hardware and licensing fees, and indirect costs, such as increased productivity and operational efficiencies. The goal is to provide a clear financial picture to justify the investment. The value of a proof-of-concept (PoC) cannot be overstated. It is a litmus test for Azure Stack’s practicality, efficiency, and impact within your unique business environment. The insights gained from this experiential journey provide a factual basis for decision-making and dispelling doubts with hard data and user experiences. The benchmarks set, the use cases validated, and the assessments conducted during the PoC phase offer a vivid picture of Azure Stack’s transformative potential. The path forward is clear for those who have found success in their PoC. The evidence and understanding accrued argue powerfully for Azure Stack’s full-scale implementation. With the groundwork laid and a strategic deployment roadmap, businesses can transition smoothly from a testing phase to company-wide adoption. ### **Your Next Steps** The journey to integrating Azure Stack into your operations is a step into a realm of greater agility, innovation, and competitive advantage. It is an investment in the future of your business, promising to unlock new horizons and drive transformative business solutions. As a [certified Microsoft partner](https://followoz.com/partners/oz-microsoft/) with more than a [quarter century of experience](https://followoz.com/about/), OZ is uniquely positioned to help you do just that. Learn more [here](https://followoz.com/) or reach out to [schedule a consultation](https://followoz.com/contact-us/) today. **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Microsoft, Tech Services --- ### [Finding & Establishing Your Niche Among 6 Billion Smartphone Users](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/finding-establishing-your-niche-among-6-billion-smartphone-users/) **Published:** December 28, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** Two quick facts all businesses need to know: 1. There were 275 *billion* mobile app downloads last year. 2. That number is projected to grow exponentially. How can you [prepare yourself](https://followoz.com/services/application-development/)? Well, a good start would be to read the recent primer courtesy [OZ](https://followoz.com/) Chief Solutions Officer Emmanuel Ramos in CIO Tech World entitled, [“Emerging Trends in Mobile Device App Development.”](https://ciotechworld.com/emerging-trends-in-mobile-device-app-development/) A quick excerpt: “The future course of the mobile app development industry is largely shaped by emerging technologies such as AI, IoT, and AR/VR among others. These technological advancements aren’t just altering how apps are developed but also their functionality once installed on a device. “Apart from technology adoption, another trend steering the industry forward is cross-platform application development trends like React Native or Flutter that allow developers to write code once and then deploy it across multiple platforms (Android & iOS). This not only saves time and resources but ensures consistency across different OS systems too.” Read the entire piece [here](https://ciotechworld.com/emerging-trends-in-mobile-device-app-development/). For more information, download our free e-Book, [“Future App: Overcoming the 3 Major Challenges to Unlocking the Power & Promise of Today’s Modern Applications”](https://followoz.com/resources/ebooks/overcoming-the-3-major-challenges-to-unlocking-the-power-promise-of-todays-modern-applications/) or [schedule a consultation](https://followoz.com/contact-us/) today. **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Forbes --- ### [Data Alone Is Not Enough — Why Carriers Must Lead With Insight](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/data-alone-is-not-enough-why-carriers-must-lead-with-insight/) **Published:** December 22, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ***By Murray Izenwasser,*** *SVP, Digital Strategy* *Welcome to the fifth edition of the blog series “Under the Hood: Unlocking the Hidden Value in Insurance Data.” Every carrier will agree that data is no longer just nice to have. It’s a must-have in our all-digital, multi-channel world. But in the clamor to be data-driven, insurance organizations tend to forget that having access to data is no longer enough. Today, insight is the new data. Data by itself is useless unless we transform the data into information and that information into insight — and action. This blog post explores how carriers, leveraging powerful, new analytics technology, can put data to work in ways previously not considered.* ### **Insight Is The New Data** Data drives the insurance business. Be it customer data, data from real-time weather feeds and current policy forms, policy renewals or terminations, and publicly available government data such as criminal records, bankruptcies, and foreclosures, carriers have historically collected a wealth of data. But despite this, why do carriers struggle to become data-driven organizations where data drives business decisions? Few have found a way to put data to work. Or have the right analytics tools to harness data’s potential to manage risk and streamline pricing and underwriting. For data to be truly useful, carriers must find ways to turn this data into information and that information into insight *—* and action. Data without insights is meaningless, and insights without action are pointless. ### **Data and Insights: Good Decisions Need Both** *“In God we trust. All others must bring data,”* said [W. Edwards Deming](https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/34849-in-god-we-trust-all-others-bring-data), emphasizing the importance of data measurement and analysis when doing business. Data analysis plays a crucial role in insurance, like any other business. Analytics helps carriers assess and quantify risks, detect fraud, unearth new insights, and use data in ways they had previously not considered. Unfortunately, despite carriers having access to a wealth of data, they have lagged behind other industries in investing and adopting [data analytics](https://followoz.com/services/data-analytics-ai/) and [intelligent automation](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/intelligent-automation-opportunities-pc-carriers-can-seize/). ### **The Risks of Ignoring Data Analytics** Without robust reporting, carriers will be unable to: - Spot trends and identify risk factors - Assess, quantify, and price risk accurately - Detect anomalies that flag potential fraud - Analyze data related to property maintenance, customer behavior, and safety and make recommendations to [predict and prevent risk.](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/every-insurer-wants-to-predict-and-prevent-heres-how-you-can/) ### **Leveraging Data and Analytics** While carriers have access to mountains of data — everything from disaster models to historic perils, real-time weather feeds, and current policy information — not every carrier integrates big data and analytics into their operations. Those that do effectively reduce friction throughout the customer journey — from requests for coverage to claims — while mitigating risk and cutting costs. And they are reaping the dividends in the following ways: - **Risk-based Pricing:** Even without face-to-face customer interactions, you can build accurate customer profiles by [aggregating data from various sources](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/single-source-of-truth-all-your-data-all-in-one-place/) — and scoring this based on demographics, social media, and public-facing data — to create more personalized products and risk-based pricing. Carriers can price dynamically based on changing risk profiles — all enabled by granular behavioral data and advanced modeling. - **Intelligent Risk Assessment:** Commercial risk assessment is data intensive. A fixed data set is traditionally used to perform a risk assessment, which can be limiting. But when carriers [integrate real-time data](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/how-data-ready-are-you/) from external sources — more granular and up-to-date than you would typically find — it helps them better assess the property submission before the policy is accepted. - **Fraud Detection and Prevention:** Insurance companies lose over $40 billion a year to fraud. Predictive analytics, including text analytics and sentiment analysis, sifts through unstructured data — which wasn’t possible earlier — to proactively identify patterns and [detect fraud](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/combating-insurance-fraud-in-the-age-of-big-data/). - **Improved Customer Experience:** Many insurers consider each customer touchpoint— from visiting the website to calling an agent, or from quote submission through a claimant experience—as a set of discrete events. But customers experience those events as part of a journey. So, when carriers create a [unified data ecosystem](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/how-data-ready-are-you/) and connect the data to better understand the customer journey, they can improve systems and processes to create exceptional customer experiences. - **Claims Management:** By integrating all their data sources, carriers can have a single, more granular view of their organizational claims summary, loss ratio by product, line of business, and claims overtime report against the premium. They can drill down into the number of claims by channel, product, state and so on, including the average time/number of days it takes to settle a claim. - **Distribution:** Data will help carriers [reduce the cost of distribution](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/the-new-normal-demands-a-new-insurance-distribution-strategy/), which gets passed on to customers over time. It’s time carriers treat data insights as a strategic asset they can monetize. The hidden insights present within the ever-expanding volume of data provide opportunities to grow revenue, optimize operations, drive frictionless customer experiences — and ultimately, competitive advantage. By investing in analytics and [cognitive automation technologies](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/intelligent-automation-opportunities-pc-carriers-can-seize/), carriers can not only improve efficiency but become truly data-driven. As a [certified Microsoft partner](https://followoz.com/partners/oz-microsoft/) with over a [quarter century of experience](https://followoz.com/about/), OZ can help you reap the benefits of data analytics and AI. Learn more [here ](https://followoz.com/services/data-analytics-ai/)or reach out to [schedule a consultation](https://followoz.com/contact-us/) today. **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Insurance, Tech Services --- ### [In Today’s Business Landscape Building a Knowledge Culture is a Necessity – Not a Luxury](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/in-todays-business-landscape-building-a-knowledge-culture-is-a-necessity-not-a-luxury/) **Published:** January 2, 2024 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** The coming yet promises – yet again – to be one of unprecedented change and technological Business evolution. To ensure you and your enterprise are prepared, [OZ](https://followoz.com/) has collected seven of our most popular and forward-thinking blogs from 2023 below to get you positioned to leverage your strengths, minimize any weaknesses, overcome challenges, and make all your short- and long-term goals a reality. Of course, for more specific questions and needs you can always [schedule a consultation](https://followoz.com/contact-us/). 1. **Harnessing the Power of Web 3.0** “Looking ahead, Web 3.0 will continue to evolve as new technologies emerge that further enhance its capabilities,” OZ Chief Solutions Officer Manny Ramos [writes](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/the-web-3-0-revolution-has-arrived/). “It is important for businesses to understand how they can leverage these advancements now to stay competitive in today’s rapidly changing landscape. OZ offers a range of services designed specifically for this purpose—from enterprise integration solutions utilizing AI-driven analytics tools through cloud computing infrastructure development—enabling organizations across industries to unlock their full potential using cutting-edge web technologies like never before.” 2. **How to Leverage Intelligent Workflow Automation** “Intelligent Workflow Automation (IWA) is a process that utilizes software and algorithms to automate complex tasks that would otherwise require manual labor or human intervention. It enables businesses to streamline operations, reduce costs, and improve efficiency by automating repetitive processes such as data entry, customer service inquiries, or billing. IWA can be used for both simple and complex workflows across multiple departments within an organization.” Learn more about getting started [here](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/unlocking-the-secrets-of-intelligent-workflow-automation/). 3. **Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Data Sharing…But Were Afraid to Ask** OZ SVP Sal Cardozo [reveals the benefits of data sharing](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/how-to-accelerate-access-to-advanced-technologies-strategic-data-reuse-while-driving-innovation/): - **The ability to generate new revenue streams.** With data sharing, organizations can generate new revenue streams by offering data products or data services to their end consumers. - **Greater collaboration with existing partners.**In today’s highly digital economy, successful enterprises are those that advance their business objectives through partnerships. Data sharing helps cement existing partnerships and establish new ones. - **Ease of producing new products, services, or business models.**Product teams can leverage both first-party data and third-party data to refine their products and services and expand their product/service catalog. - **Greater efficiency of internal operations.**Teams across the enterprise can meet their business goals far more quickly when they don’t have to spend time figuring out how to free data from silos. When teams have access to live data, there’s no lag time between the need for data and the connection with the appropriate data source. 4. **Powerful Strategic Frameworks: Empower Your Team for Success** “Almost ironically, a framework needs to incorporate not only the overall ethos of the organization unflinchingly but also flexibility—which is actually key,” OZ SVP Murray Izenwasser [writes](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/empowering-your-teams-for-success-crafting-a-cohesive-strategic-framework/). “Flexibility needs to be incorporated into the model and the process. The framework needs to be adaptable, to reflect changes to the organization (such as an acquisition), changes to the strategic focus (pursuing new strategic directives or deciding to not pursue one that was previously part of the strategic plan), and changes to the industry (new technologies or competitors). And then to allow those changes to be quickly incorporated into the framework, allowing strategic initiatives to be re-evaluated against this new reality. This allows quick and objective re-evaluation of existing and new opportunities, and the possible redistribution of resources and change in direction across initiatives.” 5. **How the** [**RPA Revolution**](https://followoz.com/services/intelligent-automation/) **is Transforming Healthcare** Think of the Robotic Process Automation (RPA) revolution as the rise of “software robots.” These robots can not only reboot, mimic, and learn, but also perform rule-based processes and tasks. Oh, and did we mention they perform these processes and tasks with more accuracy than people usually do, working around the clock and with one hundred percent precision? [It’s true](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/find-out-how-bots-are-changing-the-game-in-doctor-offices-labs-and-hospitals-across-the-globe/). 6. **Why Innovation Fails (And How You Will Succeed)** While most companies want to innovate, only a few know how to innovate — in a systemic way. A culture of continuous innovation requires a steady stream of ideas. Ideas you can filter, test, and implement quickly and efficiently. However, in the real world, innovation is often treated like a project, not a process. Often the ideas originate from a small group of people — usually senior leaders or the C-suite — and cascade down to the rest of the organization. Many leaders believe their employees will automatically rally behind the idea, do whatever it takes, and push it over the finish line. But it just doesn’t happen that way. Here’s how to [thread the innovation needle](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/three-keys-to-innovation-success/). 7. **APIs vs Microservices: Key Differences Every Developer (and Business) Should Know** “We’re connected to the world — and each other — like never before,” OZ Vice President of Automation & Enterprise Integration Imran Sabir [writes](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/apis-vs-microservices-key-differences-every-developer-and-business-should-know/). “But have you stopped to ask what makes it possible? What goes on behind the scenes, allowing us to do many things simultaneously? How do we book a flight, check-in online, and arrive at our destination with just a few clicks?” So, how does data travel, and how do all these different devices and applications connect with each other? The Application Programming Interface or API is what makes this connectivity — we take for granted — happen. In this business environment it’s important to break down what APIs and Microservices are, why they’re different, and how they play a central part in everything we do — from shopping online to hailing a cab in the dead of night. Find out [now](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/apis-vs-microservices-key-differences-every-developer-and-business-should-know/). **Your Next Steps** For more information, please visit our [constantly updated blog](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/), check out our [collection of case studies](https://followoz.com/resources/case-studies/), or visit our [library of free e-Books](https://followoz.com/resources/ebooks/). **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Digital Strategy, Tech Services --- ### [OZ’s Pulse – How People Bring Life and Excellence to Technology](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/how-people-bring-life-and-excellence-to-technology/) **Published:** January 8, 2024 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** For more than a quarter century, OZ has served as a beacon of tech-driven progress and client-centered, leading-edge solutions which stretch out across nearly four hundred clients, eleven-hundred-plus projects, and more than five million service hours. The story of how OZ continues to thrive and grow in a volatile, ever-evolving tech and business landscape is, in part, of course, the tale of a willingness to adapt to the challenges of the moment by constantly honing and adapting our collective technological skillsets. But the truth is, the secret to our longevity and success is more foundational than that: It a culture built upon a set of core values—evolve constantly, focus on outcome, success as a team, be positive, empathize—and the belief that together, in the fullness of our diversity, we can achieve more. As such, our team of engineers, designers, and technology professionals collaborates closely, leveraging their unique skills and backgrounds to find innovative solutions to complex challenges—a blend of perspectives and expertise that shapes an environment of respect, partnership, and flourishing ideas that ensures every contribution a vital part of our coordinated creation journey. Our culture extends its roots deeply into empathy, positivity, and a relentless pursuit of outcomes, thriving on the energy of constant evolution. As OZ CEO Amjad Shamim says, “Our mission and core values are more than words. They are the very foundation of OZ. Not a day goes by that we do not use them to frame a decision, develop a strategy or guide us in other ways. These are meant to be lived and acted upon by everyone in the company.” Joining OZ is more than just a career move; it’s stepping into a world where your journey intertwines with ours, enhancing a culture that embodies mentorship, collaboration, and innovation. These ideals are tangible and woven into the fabric of our daily work life. Your voice strengthens the chorus of innovation; your ideas amplify our efforts along with the short- and long-term goals of our game-changing clients. Are you ready to answer the call? **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Events --- ### [Leveraging AI During This Transformative Moment in the Digital Age](https://followoz.com/resources/forbes/leveraging-ai-during-this-transformative-moment-in-the-digital-age/) **Published:** January 10, 2024 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** We have arrived at yet another inflexion point in the Digital Age—but the changes coming from artificial intelligence (AI) promise to be among the most consequential we have experienced in an era of already profound transformative change. Luckily, you have OZ Chief Solutions Officer and [Forbes Technology Council ](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/oz-chief-solutions-officer-emmanuel-ramos-joins-forbes-technology-council/)member [Emmanuel Ramos](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mannyramos/) to guide you through it. “Ever felt like you’re spinning plates when trying to keep up with the relentless pace of technology?” Ramos [writes in *Forbes*](https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2023/12/26/how-augmented-intelligence-is-reshaping-the-future-of-work/). “The digital age has been a whirlwind of progress and disruption, but we might be on the cusp of something transformative that can help to counteract this struggle. Augmented intelligence, a trend that uses AI to empower workers rather than replace them, offers an opportunity to streamline some of the frustrations of digital transformation.” Read the whole piece [here](https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2023/12/26/how-augmented-intelligence-is-reshaping-the-future-of-work/). And remember OZ Digital Consulting is here to provide the best solutions and advice for your business needs. From data analytics, enterprise integration and intelligent automation, web/mobile applications, Cloud and IT services—we have the expertise to make sure that your transition is seamless. Let us be your guide in this digital journey–-[contact us](https://followoz.com/contact-us/) today for a free consultation! **Categories:** Blog, OZ in Forbes **Tags:** Forbes --- ### [Enhance Your Operational Efficiency & Stability Today](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/enhance-your-operational-efficiency-stability-today/) **Published:** January 10, 2024 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ***By Jason Milgram***, SVP Azure Leader, OZ Digital In today’s business technology landscape, agility and efficiency in application development and deployment are more than operational benefits—they are essential to staying competitive. This is where Kubernetes and Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS) step into the spotlight. Kubernetes –- the open-source platform for managing containerized applications –- has become synonymous with cloud-native development, allowing businesses to automate and scale their operations seamlessly. AKS is a managed container orchestration service that simplifies Kubernetes deployment, management, and operations. It provides a hosted environment on Azure, making it easier to deploy, manage, and scale applications using Kubernetes. But what can it do for you? Read on to find out… **Benefits of AKS for Businesses** The integration of Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS) into business operations epitomizes the transformative power of cloud computing, offering many benefits that cater to the fundamental needs of modern enterprises. Here are five reasons AKS is an exemplary tool for businesses aiming to modernize their infrastructure and accelerate digital innovation… - **Scalability and Flexibility**. Central to AKS’s value proposition is its ability to support dynamic scaling, adapting to workload demands in real-time, thus ensuring that applications remain efficient and cost-effective under varying loads. The flexibility in resource management that AKS offers allows businesses to deploy applications without the overhead of managing underlying infrastructure, freeing them to focus on innovation and growth. - **Cost Efficiency**. Transitioning to AKS can result in significant cost savings compared to traditional infrastructure. By only paying for the resources used, businesses can optimize their expenditure while benefiting from the scale of Azure’s infrastructure. - **Speed and Agility** – The speed with which companies can deploy and update applications using AKS is unparalleled. This section will provide insights into how deployment speed improvements empower businesses to react swiftly to market changes and customer needs, fostering an environment ripe for continuous innovation and rapid go-to-market strategies. - **Reliability and High Availability** – AKS’s architecture is designed for high availability and reliability, ensuring that services are consistently accessible, and downtime is minimized. By examining the structural benefits of AKS, we will highlight how various businesses have exploited these features to sustain uninterrupted operations and maintain a reliable service delivery model. - **Security and Compliance** – Security is a cornerstone of AKS, with built-in features that safeguard applications and comply with a broad set of international and industry-specific standards. We will outline the comprehensive security measures and compliance certifications integral to AKS, elucidating how it meets rigorous security requirements and adheres to stringent regulatory frameworks. **Your Next Steps** AKS enhances operational efficiency and stability and acts as a catalyst for enterprise innovation, driving businesses toward a future where agility, scalability, and security are harmoniously balanced. As a [certified Microsoft partner](https://followoz.com/partners/oz-microsoft/) with more than a [quarter century of experience](https://followoz.com/about/), OZ is uniquely positioned to help you bring the power of AKS to bear for your own enterprise. Learn more [here](https://followoz.com/) or reach out to [schedule a consultation](https://followoz.com/contact-us/) today. **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Microsoft --- ### [Keep Your Data Lake From Becoming a Data Swamp](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/keep-your-data-lake-from-becoming-a-data-swamp/) **Published:** January 12, 2024 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ***By Sal Cardozo,** Senior Vice President, Data Analytics & AI* More data is not always better data. For decades, businesses were urged to collect as much data as they could on their customers, competitors, and products. We’ve gone from collecting 700 terabytes of data in 2000 to collecting around 79 zettabytes. Most of this data, according to McKinsey, is worth $11.3T in unexploited value. And with the emergence of large language models (LLMs), the data we store will only increase. So where does all this data go? Data of all types typically stream into a data lake. Data lakes contain a massive amount of data stored in its raw, native format. They arose in response to data silos providing an efficient way to store unstructured, semi-structured, and structured data. But a data lake can quickly become a swamp without governance, quality, and security. Which is why it’s no longer enough just to store the data. We need to ask: Why are we collecting the data? How should we handle the data? How can we put the data to good use? If not, you could risk turning your data lake into a data swamp. To know whether your data lake is in danger of becoming one, probe further: 1. Do you need help getting data out? 2. Is it hard to correlate different data points or types of data? 3. Is the data quality and continuity bad? Are there lots of missing fields? If you checked “yes” to the above, you’re likely stuck in a swamp — or a swamp in the making. Here are the steps our data expert, [Sal Cardozo, SVP Data Analytics and AI](https://followoz.com/about-old/leadership/), recommends to prevent data pollution from ruining your data lake. ### **1. Stop the Data Dump** Most companies want to store all their data, but remember, not all data is equal. Choose to keep only what’s delivering broader business value — driving efficiencies, improving the customer experience, and informing product development. Once you have the most important data, get buy-in from your stakeholders. If not, you create more of a problem than a valuable data store. ### **2. Plan Your Data Lake** Want to get the best out of big data? Focus less on the technology surrounding it but more on the architecture that can bring out the best in the data. When you plan a data lake, always consider its architecture, governance, and security. Group consumers and producers according to their data access needs. Many factors influence each data lake’s structure and organization: - The type of data stored - How its data is transformed - Who accesses its data - What are its typical access patterns If your data lake contains hundreds of data assets, you may want to consider cloud-based data storage like [Microsoft Azure Data Lake](https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/products/storage/data-lake-storage). Because the sheer volume of big data — particularly the unfiltered data of a data lake — makes on-premises data storage challenging to scale. And a strong data foundation makes it easy to run large-scale [analytics workloads](https://followoz.com/services/data-analytics-ai/). With Azure Data Lake, you can run multiple levels of analysis. Instead of moving the data to where the intelligence lives, it brings the algorithms to the data and operates where the data resides, saving you the cost of data movement. ### ****3. Migrate to a Cloud Data Lake**** The bigger your data needs, the more you’ll benefit from cloud-based data storage like [Microsoft Azure Data Lake](https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/products/storage/data-lake-storage). Here’s why: - Secure storage with greater protection across data access, encryption, and network-level control - Single storage platform for ingestion, processing, and visualization that supports most analytics frameworks - Cost optimization via independent scaling of storage and compute, lifecycle policy management, and object-level tiering ### **4. Collect Metadata** So, you’ve picked the most business-critical data and the right data management solution; what’s next? Knowing your data — how is it created? Where is it entered? How is it being maintained? Take stock of where your company’s important data comes from and how it’s entered into your systems. Ensure the data you’re storing is accurate: regular cleansing will modify data that is incorrect, incomplete, irrelevant, or improperly formatted. One of the reasons many organizations struggle to manage their [data estates](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/optimize-your-data-estate-with-microsoft-fabrics-advanced-analytics-and-business-intelligence/) is that they don’t collect enough metadata. Metadata is the key to unlocking the value within big data. IDC calls the lack of metadata in our big data lake the “Big Data Gap”. Most data ingested into the data lake are raw data files we know little about. Azure data lakes, on the other hand, come with built-in metadata management tools and include metadata such as: - Data source - Date of creation - Data format - Data schema (if applicable) - Data class - Version - Ingestion time - Other common internal identifiers like device ID, user ID, and company ID It oversees data across the entire lifecycle, covering four primary areas: data analysis, data value, data governance, risk, and compliance. ### **5. Establish strong data governance** Governance is often seen as slow and limiting. But in reality, it helps assign control over data assets so that data is consistent and can be used across an organization. Azure data lakes provide robust security features to protect data. Access controls, encryption, and auditing capabilities keep your data secure and compliant. Automated data quality checks at the point of ingestion into the data lake test for data consistency, completeness, and accuracy. #### **Partner with the Cloud Experts** We have [over 25 years of experience](https://followoz.com/about/) running global [cloud](https://followoz.com/services/cloud-services/), data processing, and analytics projects. Azure Data Lake solves many of the productivity and scalability challenges that prevent companies from maximizing the value of their data assets. As a [certified Microsoft partner](https://followoz.com/partners/oz-microsoft/), we can help you migrate to the Azure Data Lake to meet your current and future business needs. [Contact us](https://followoz.com/contact-us/) today. **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Tech Services --- ### [Azure Data Quality Services: Find (and Fix) Data Errors — Before It’s Too Late](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/azure-data-quality-services-find-and-fix-data-errors-before-its-too-late/) **Published:** January 12, 2024 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ***By Sal Cardozo,** Senior Vice President, Data Analytics & AI* There’s an abundance of data. But quality data still remains elusive. According to a joint study by IBM and Carnegie Mellon University, about 90% of data in an organization is[ never used for any strategic purpose](https://www.ibm.com/topics/dark-data). To get more value, data, like any asset, should be strategically managed. Identifying data issues early on is a strategy that will save you time and money down the road. But to be able to weed out data inaccuracies and clean it up, you must first “know your data.” A process more commonly known as “**data profiling**.” What [Kirk Boone from DataPrime](https://medium.com/codex/data-profiling-having-that-first-date-with-your-data-2e05de50fca7) calls “having a first date with your data.” Where you get to understand the characteristics of your dataset better. ### **Profiling and Analyzing Data** Before you analyze any dataset, you must first profile it. Data profiling is the process of reviewing the data for accuracy, consistency, uniqueness, correctness and completeness. It helps you assess and generate statistics, giving you a better understanding of the availability and quality of your data. At this stage, you will learn more about your data stores — such as rows, columns, average values, and more. The more you know, the easier it is to check for red flags: - Is your data missing values? - Are there incomplete records within datasets? - Are there duplicate values or records residing within the data? - Do you need to add metadata to information to put it in a data lake? - Do you need to migrate data from one system to another? ### **Why You Should Care** Incorrect data hampers your ability to make good decisions and provide: - Better customer experiences - Increase revenue - Improve operational efficiency - Create new products and services Automated systems often do not work with incorrect data, which can interfere with data analysis, reporting, data mining, and warehousing. That’s why data profiling is such a crucial step in data quality helping you: 1. **Identify Data Quality Issues** Detect anomalies, inconsistencies, and inaccuracies within your datasets. Then fix and develop data quality rules and standards and provide ongoing monitoring. When you begin to see the patterns associated with quality data, you can establish benchmarks to reference in the future. 2. **Understand the Data** Profiling reveals relationships and dependencies among data elements or tables. Examining key relationships or column dependencies exposes data integrity issues such as orphaned records or missing references. Fix them through data cleansing, restructuring, or setting up appropriate governance. 3. **Locate Data Anomalies and Outliers** Data profiling techniques — statistical measures, data distributions, or data visualization —detects outliers or unusual patterns within a dataset. Based on the findings, investigate further, validate, or filter processes. 4. **Optimize Data Integration** Understanding the nuances of data matter when integrating datasets from diverse sources. Profiling helps identify commonalities and differences, ensuring a seamless integration process. 5. **Assess Data Consistency** Check for consistency faster across columns or related datasets. By assessing relationships, dependencies, and referential integrity, identify inconsistencies and conflicts within the data. Remedying these issues may involve data transformation, standardization, or establishing proper integration processes. ### **Where to Start: Azure Data Quality Services** Recognizing the importance of quality data, Microsoft built [Azure Data Quality Services (DQS)](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/sql/data-quality-services/data-quality-services?view=sql-server-ver16). A robust data management tool that lets you profile and analyze data, pinpoint potential issues, and ensure that your data continues to generate insights for your business. It allows you to proactively address quality issues before they impact critical decisions. ### **Leveraging Azure DQS for Data Profiling** Azure DQS simplifies data profiling with a simple, intuitive interface and a range of functionalities that give you a 360˚ view of your data. Here’s how: 1. **Data Quality Projects** Azure DQS organizes data profiling activities into projects, allowing users to group related tasks. This project-centric approach improves collaboration and ensures a systematic approach to data quality management. 2. **Domain Management** Central to profiling is the concept of domains — representations of data attributes. Azure DQS supports the creation of domains with a framework for defining data elements and their characteristics. 3. **Knowledge Bases** Knowledge bases in Azure DQS store the rules and policies for data profiling and quality improvement. These customizable knowledge bases help you tailor them to specific business requirements. 4. **Reference Data Services** Azure DQS integrates with reference data services, allowing you to compare and validate data against external datasets. It ensures your data aligns with industry standards and regulatory requirements. 5. **Comprehensive Statistics** Get all the details you want about your data’s distribution, patterns, and quality, including information on data completeness, uniqueness, and the frequency of values within each domain. 6. **Interactive Profiling** Interactive profiling enables you to analyze data in real time. It helps you iterate and make decisions at once. ### **Best Practices for Effective Data Profiling with Azure DQS** To reap the full benefits of Azure DQS, consider implementing these best practices. 1. **Define Clear Objectives** Outline your project objectives. Ask yourself what data issues you are trying to solve and what outcomes you hope to achieve. 2. **Collaborate Across Teams** Data quality is a collaborative effort. While profiling the data, involve stakeholders from across teams—data scientists, analysts, and business users. 3. **Update Knowledge Bases** Keep your knowledge bases current. Update changes to business rules, data standards, and regulatory requirements frequently. 4. **Iterative Profiling** Data profiling is not a one-time activity. Take an iterative approach. Revisit your profiling while integrating new data sources or as your business evolves. #### **What’s Next?** As data proliferates, so will the need for data profiling. According to [Statista](https://www.statista.com/statistics/871513/worldwide-data-created/), the volume of data generated, captured, copied, and consumed worldwide will top [181 zettabytes](https://www.statista.com/statistics/871513/worldwide-data-created/). The good news? You can automate profiling with robust data management solutions like Azure DQS and get on top of data quality issues before they become problems. More importantly, good data is the precursor to good decisions, giving businesses more confidence in their insights and strategies. As a [certified Microsoft partner](https://followoz.com/partners/oz-microsoft/) with over a [quarter century of experience](https://followoz.com/about/), OZ can help you build that competitive edge. Ready to learn more? [Contact us](https://followoz.com/contact-us/). **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Tech Services --- ### [AI Integration: How Smart Companies Get It Right](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/ai-integration-how-smart-companies-get-it-right/) **Published:** January 17, 2024 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ***By Murray Izenwasser,** Senior Vice President, Digital Strategy* [Innovative companies](https://followoz.com/) know that transitioning to AI isn’t only about adding new technology. It’s about rethinking how an organization operates from the ground up. It’s not just about the tech team; it involves everyone from the boardroom to the front lines. While there isn’t a one-size-fits-all model, there are key areas to think about as you integrate AI into your organization. These areas range from how you handle data and your tech infrastructure to upskilling your team and measuring success. It’s about making sure AI works not only in theory but in day-to-day operations as well. By exploring these five stages of growth and development, you can reflect on how deeply AI is entrenched in your processes and decision-making. These stages will help you gauge your progress and plan your next steps. ### **Navigating the 5 Stages in AI Integration** As you integrate AI, view the process as a series of growth stages. Each stage can help you identify where you are, what to focus on, and how to prepare for the next steps. 1. **Awareness and Exploration**: In this initial stage, your organization is just starting to understand the potential of AI. You might conduct small-scale experiments or discuss how AI can fit into your operations. The focus here is on learning and exploring what AI can do and thinking about how it might benefit your organization. 2. **Foundation Building**: Once you’ve got a basic understanding of AI, it’s time to start building the foundations. This stage involves setting up the necessary infrastructure, policies, and strategies. You’ll be looking at your data, ensuring it’s clean and accessible, and assembling the right team with the necessary skills. It’s about laying the groundwork for more advanced AI initiatives. 3. **Systematic Implementation**: With the foundations in place, you can start implementing AI in a more structured and systematic way. Start to scale up your AI initiatives, integrate AI into more processes, and begin to see more tangible benefits. The focus is on making AI a regular part of your organization’s operations, with clear procedures and standards. 4. **Strategic Integration**: AI is becoming a critical part of your strategy at this stage. It’s not just an add-on; it’s a key driver of innovation and efficiency. You’ll be looking at how AI can support your broader business goals, integrating it deeply into your operations and ensuring it’s governed effectively. 5. **Continual Evolution**: The final stage concerns continuous improvement and staying ahead of the curve. Your organization is not just using AI; it’s continually enhancing and updating its AI capabilities to keep up with the latest developments. You’re pushing boundaries, experimenting with new ideas, and ensuring your AI initiatives remain effective and ethical. Navigating these stages isn’t necessarily a linear process; it’s more about ongoing growth and development. Each stage brings new challenges and opportunities, and the key is approaching them with a growth mindset. ### **AI Integration: What Stage Are You At?** No two companies are at the same stage of AI adoption. While some are at the forefront of AI adoption, others are just beginning their journey. The distribution across the stages varies widely by industry, region, and individual organizations. Many, if not most, organizations are likely to find themselves in the earlier stages of AI integration. But as AI technology becomes more accessible and its benefits more widely recognized, it’s likely that more and more organizations will quickly move into the higher stages of integration. 1. **Awareness and Exploration**: In this stage, many organizations are becoming aware of AI’s potential and are still in the early phases of exploration. They’re just starting to understand how AI might affect them and are conducting preliminary research or small-scale experiments. 2. **Foundation Building**: Many organizations are actively working on laying the foundational elements for AI integration. They’re gathering and organizing data, building the necessary technological infrastructure, and beginning to develop the skills and teams needed for future AI projects. This stage is likely where many businesses find themselves, recognizing the potential of AI but still working on the prerequisites for more advanced applications. 3. **Systematic Implementation**: Few organizations, particularly those in sectors like finance, technology, and telecommunications, are here. They’ve moved beyond the foundational stage and are systematically implementing AI solutions. They’re starting to see the benefits of AI in their processes and decision-making and are focusing on scaling and optimizing these solutions. 4. **Strategic Integration**: Few organizations have reached this level, where AI is a core part of their strategic initiatives. They are industry leaders and early adopters who have integrated AI into their operations and use it to drive innovation and gain a competitive edge. 5. **Continual Evolution**: This is the most advanced stage and likely where only a few organizations operate. These are typically tech giants and highly innovative companies continuously pushing the boundaries of what AI can do. They’re not just adapting to changes in AI technology; they’re often part of driving those changes. While the earlier stages of organizational AI focus on the technology itself, it’s not just about the technology as organizations progress beyond those initial experiments. Or, at least, it shouldn’t be just about the technology. ### **Ten Focus Areas for Effective AI Integration** The journey of integrating AI into your organization can be transformational, but to navigate this path successfully, you have to focus on several critical areas. These focus areas will guide your AI initiatives, ensuring they’re technologically sound, strategically aligned, and ethically grounded. Below are the ten critical areas to set the stage for a successful and responsible AI integration journey. 1. **Data Governance and Strategy**: The [foundation of any AI is data](https://followoz.com/services/data-analytics-ai/). Ensuring your data is clean, well-organized, and easily accessible is crucial. Establish robust governance processes to maintain [data quality and security](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/how-data-ready-are-you/). A clear data strategy will help you leverage this asset effectively for AI-driven insights and decisions. 2. **Technology Infrastructure**: AI demands a robust and flexible technological backbone. Be sure your infrastructure is scalable, secure, and capable of handling the unique demands of AI workloads. This might involve investing in new hardware, [cloud services](https://followoz.com/services/cloud-services/), or other technologies that facilitate rapid data processing and model deployment. 3. **AI Expertise and Skills**: Building or acquiring the right talent is essential. You’ll need a team with a mix of skills, from data scientists and AI researchers to software engineers and business analysts who understand AI’s implications. Ongoing training and development are crucial as AI technology continues to evolve. 4. **Ethical AI and Trustworthiness**: As AI becomes more integrated into your operations, ensuring its ethical application is paramount. Develop and adhere to ethical guidelines and practices that promote transparency, fairness, and accountability. Building trustworthy AI will not only align with core values but also foster public and consumer trust. 5. **Operational Integration**: AI should not exist in a silo. Work towards seamlessly integrating AI into your existing processes and workflows. This means understanding and reworking your operations where necessary to accommodate AI tools and techniques effectively. 6. **Strategic Alignment**: Ensure your AI initiatives are in sync with your broader business goals and strategies. AI should be a tool that supports your organization’s objectives, whether that’s improving customer service, increasing process efficiency, or driving decision making and innovation. 7. **Innovation Ecosystem**: Cultivate an environment that encourages exploration and continuous learning. This includes providing space for experimentation, encouraging [cross-functional collaboration](https://followoz.com/collaborate-ideate-innovate-repeat/), and staying connected with the broader AI and technology community for insights and partnerships. 8. **Regulatory Compliance and Risk Management**: As the regulatory landscape around AI continues to evolve, staying informed and compliant is crucial. Understand the regulations that apply to your industry and AI applications, and implement processes to manage risks effectively, protecting your organization and your customers. 9. **Stakeholder Engagement**: AI transformation affects everyone in your ecosystem, from employees to customers to partners. Engage these stakeholders early and often, gathering their insights, addressing concerns, and ensuring that the benefits of AI are understood and shared. 10. **Performance Measurement and Management**: Finally, establish clear metrics and benchmarks to measure the performance and impact of your AI initiatives. Regularly assessing these will help you understand the value AI is bringing, inform your strategy, and guide future investments. By focusing on these ten areas, your organization can approach AI integration thoughtfully and strategically, ensuring that the technology serves your needs and values and lays a solid foundation for growth and innovation. ### **The Rising Importance of AI Ethics and Bias** As organizations increasingly rely on AI systems, understanding the ethical implications and the various forms of bias that can inadvertently be introduced is crucial. Ethics and bias in AI are not peripheral concerns but central to the responsible development and deployment of these technologies. **Understanding AI Ethics:** It’s about ensuring AI systems operate in ways that reflect our values and societal norms. It includes issues like: - **Transparency**: Can users understand how the AI makes decisions? - **Accountability**: If something goes wrong, is there a clear line of responsibility? - **Fairness**: Does the AI treat all users and affected parties equitably? - **Privacy**: Are individuals’ data and personal information protected? **Recognizing Different Kinds of Bias:** AI systems learn from data, and if that data reflects historical inequalities or biases, the AI can perpetuate or even exacerbate them. Some types of bias to be aware of include: - **Sample Bias**: Occurs when the data used to train the AI does not accurately represent the broader population. - **Prejudice Bias**: Arises when the training data includes prejudicial assumptions, leading to discriminatory outcomes. - **Measurement Bias**: Happens when the data collected does not accurately measure the real-world variables it’s supposed to represent. **Why It Matters:** 1. **Trust and Reputation**: Ethical missteps or biased outcomes can significantly damage your organization’s trust and reputation. Users and customers are increasingly aware and concerned about these issues. 2. **Legal and Regulatory Compliance**: Regulations regarding data protection, privacy, and AI are becoming more stringent. Ethical AI practices are not just moral but also legal necessities. 3. **Effectiveness and Reliability**: Biased or unethical AI systems can produce flawed results, leading to poor decisions and outcomes. Ensuring ethics and minimizing bias is key to the effectiveness of your AI initiatives. **What Organizations Can Do:** - **Diverse Teams**: Include team members from diverse backgrounds and disciplines when designing and deploying AI systems. This diversity can provide a broader perspective and help identify potential ethical and bias issues early on. - **Ethical Frameworks**: Develop and adhere to a clear set of ethical guidelines for AI development and use. This might involve internal policies or aligning with external standards and principles. - **Continuous Monitoring**: Regularly review and audit AI systems to detect and address biases or unethical outcomes. This should be an ongoing process, as models can drift over time and as societal norms evolve. - **Stakeholder Engagement**: Involve a wide range of stakeholders, including those who might be affected by the AI, in discussions about its design and deployment. This can help identify potential issues and build trust. By proactively engaging with these topics, organizations can not only avoid pitfalls but also build AI systems that are trustworthy, fair, and effective, reflecting the best of what technology and humanity can achieve together. ### **AI Integration by Industry** While the core principles of AI integration apply broadly, each industry faces unique challenges and opportunities regarding AI adoption. Understanding these nuances is crucial for tailoring AI strategies effectively. Here’s how different sectors might approach AI integration, keeping in mind their specific contexts: 1. **Insurance:** For the [insurance industry](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/pc-insurance-enters-the-era-of-intelligent-automation/), AI offers potent tools for risk assessment, fraud detection, and personalized policy offerings. However, ensuring the accuracy and fairness of these assessments is vital to avoid discriminatory practices. Insurers must also navigate complex regulatory landscapes and manage sensitive personal data with the utmost care. Transparency in how AI is used in decision-making processes can help maintain customer trust and comply with regulations like GDPR. 2. **Travel and Hospitality:** In the [travel and hospitality sector](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/demystifying-customer-behavior-with-ai-in-the-hospitality-industry/), AI can enhance customer experiences through personalized recommendations, dynamic pricing, and improved customer service through chatbots and virtual assistants. However, considerations include managing the vast amount of data generated, ensuring unbiased recommendations, and respecting privacy. Finding the right balance between automated efficiency and personal service is critical in a sector where the human touch is often valued. 3. **Healthcare**: In healthcare, the accuracy and privacy of AI systems are paramount. [AI can revolutionize diagnostics](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/leveraging-the-legacy-of-prognosis-with-ai/), treatment personalization, and patient care management, but it must comply with strict regulatory standards like HIPAA in the US. Balancing innovation with ethical considerations and patient confidentiality is crucial. 4. **Financial:** Security and regulatory compliance are top concerns for the financial sector. AI can enhance [fraud detection](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/combating-insurance-fraud-in-the-age-of-big-data/), risk management, and customer service, but it must also adhere to financial regulations and protect sensitive data. Transparency in AI decision-making processes is also critical to maintaining trust and accountability. 5. **Manufacturing**: In manufacturing, AI can optimize production lines, predict maintenance needs, and improve supply chain management. The focus here is often on improving efficiency and reducing downtime. Considerations include the integration of AI with existing hardware and the upskilling of workers to operate in an increasingly automated environment. 6. **Retail**: Retailers can use AI for personalized marketing, inventory management, and customer service enhancements. The challenge is to leverage consumer data for personalization while respecting privacy and avoiding bias in recommendation systems. 7. **Education**: AI in education can personalize learning and automate administrative tasks. However, ensuring that AI tools are accessible and do not reinforce existing educational inequalities is vital. Data privacy for students and teachers is also a significant consideration. 8. **Transportation and Logistics**: AI can optimize routing, enhance safety features, and streamline logistics operations. In this sector, the reliability and safety of AI systems are crucial, especially as we move towards autonomous vehicles. Regulatory compliance and public safety are also significant considerations. 9. **Energy and Utilities**: For energy sectors, AI can help in predictive maintenance, energy optimization, and grid management. The main considerations include ensuring the reliability of AI predictions and integrating AI into existing infrastructure, often in highly regulated environments. 10. **Telecommunications**: AI can enhance network optimization, customer service, and fraud detection in telecommunications. Considerations include handling large volumes of data and ensuring the security and privacy of communications. 11. **Public Sector**: [Governments and public services](https://followoz.com/industries/public-sector/) can use AI for everything from traffic management to public health. Transparency, fairness, and accountability in AI systems are crucial to maintain public trust. Ensuring that AI does not perpetuate existing biases or inequalities is also essential. #### **Moving Forward:** The journey to AI integration is as much about people, strategy, and ethics as it is about technology. It’s about building a culture that embraces change, values learning, and understands the profound implications of AI. The future of AI is not just about what the technology can do; it’s about what you can do with the technology. Embrace this journey with confidence, responsibility, and a forward-thinking mindset, and watch as AI transforms your organization in ways you can only begin to imagine. Ready to dive into AI? [Contact us](https://followoz.com/contact-us/). **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Tech Services --- ### [Experienced Guidance and Actionable Business Advice for the Current AI Moment](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/experienced-guidance-and-actionable-business-advice-for-the-current-ai-moment/) **Published:** January 17, 2024 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ***By Murray Izenwasser**, OZ SVP, Digital Strategy* **“**[Artificial Intelligence (AI)](https://www.britannica.com/technology/artificial-intelligence) is more than just a buzzword; it’s a game-changer that’s reshaping how we work and live.” So begins a recent [insightful and enlightening essay](https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/intelligent-organization-mastering-ai-integration-murray-izenwasser-izcze%3FtrackingId=k%252BY0l%252F%252FaTsafDRFVBxbpWA%253D%253D/?trackingId=k%2BY0l%2F%2FaTsafDRFVBxbpWA%3D%3D) by OZ SVP of Digital Strategy [Murray Izenwasser](https://www.linkedin.com/in/murrayiz/). But Izenwasser doesn’t stop there: He provides a succinct-yet-comprehensive snapshot of the current AI moment along with an exploration of both the “5 stages of growth and development \[reflecting\] how deeply AI is embedded in your processes and decision-making” and “10 vital areas you should focus on or, at a minimum consider as you plan to implement production level AI solutions.” “The [shift toward AI](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/ai/) is a significant move that touches every part of an organization,” he writes. “It’s not just about the tech team; it involves everyone from the boardroom to the front lines. As such, understanding where your organization stands and where it wants to go is crucial. While there isn’t a one-size-fits-all model, there are considerations and key areas you need to think about as you integrate AI into your organization.” Read the whole thing [here](https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/intelligent-organization-mastering-ai-integration-murray-izenwasser-izcze%3FtrackingId=k%252BY0l%252F%252FaTsafDRFVBxbpWA%253D%253D/?trackingId=k%2BY0l%2F%2FaTsafDRFVBxbpWA%3D%3D). And to learn more about how OZ can empower you to accelerate your success by leveraging leading edge technologies, visit our [AI](https://followoz.com/services/data-analytics-ai/) and [Intelligent Automation](https://followoz.com/services/intelligent-automation/) pages. Or simply reach out to [schedule a free consultation](https://followoz.com/contact-us/) today. **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Tech Services --- ### [How to Leverage the Next Major Milestone on Humanity’s AI Journey](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/how-to-leverage-the-next-major-milestone-on-humanitys-ai-journey/) **Published:** January 18, 2024 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** [Microsoft Copilot Pro](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/copilot-pro) is a major milestone on humanity’s [Artificial Intelligence (AI)](https://followoz.com/services/data-analytics-ai/) journey. Of course, as a [certified Microsoft solution partner](https://followoz.com/partners/oz-microsoft/), you’d expect OZ to take this position. (Contact us for a [free consultation](https://followoz.com/contact-us/) on how we can help you fully integrate and utilize Microsoft’s vast array of tools today.) But the news that Microsoft would be expanding access to its powerful AI tool created a buzz that spanned publications ranging from [CNBC](https://www.cnbc.com/2024/01/15/microsoft-brings-copilot-to-small-businesses-launches-copilot-pro.html), [FOX News](https://www.foxbusiness.com/technology/microsoft-launches-subscription-based-chatbot-ai-copilot-pro-20-dollars-month), [Axios](https://www.axios.com/2024/01/15/microsoft-copilot-subscriptions-small-business), and [Barron’s](https://www.barrons.com/articles/microsoft-ai-copilot-pro-stock-cc28be36) to [GeekWire](https://www.geekwire.com/2024/copilot-pro-vs-chatgpt-plus-microsofts-new-20-month-service-offers-alternative-to-openai-subscription/), [PC Mag](https://www.pcmag.com/news/microsoft-debuts-copilot-pro-a-more-powerful-ai-assistant-for-20-per-month), [TechCrunch](https://techcrunch.com/2024/01/15/microsoft-launches-a-pro-plan-for-copilot/), and [The Verge](https://www.theverge.com/2024/1/15/24038711/microsoft-copilot-pro-office-ai-apps). “Our goal,” Microsoft Executive Vice President Yusuf Mehdi [writes](https://blogs.microsoft.com/blog/2024/01/15/bringing-the-full-power-of-copilot-to-more-people-and-businesses/), “is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more by bringing Copilot, the everyday AI companion, to millions of people around the world.” Our own Senior Vice President of Digital Strategy ***Murray Izenwasser***—who has [written extensively](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/ai-integration-how-smart-companies-get-it-right/) on [AI and strategy](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/experienced-guidance-and-actionable-business-advice-for-the-current-ai-moment/)—offers the follow context and guidance: “Microsoft is redefining the integration of generative AI in our daily work and life with the launch of CoPilot Pro and the expansion of CoPilot for Microsoft 365 to businesses of all sizes. This marks a significant step in making AI more accessible and customizable for everyone. “Considering Microsoft’s installed user base across their products, this launch signifies a massive democratization of AI tools, potentially revolutionizing how businesses, regardless of their size, approach productivity, creativity, and data management. “OpenAI’s ChatGPT growth was astronomical during 2023. With Microsoft’s commitment to integrating it into everyday scenarios, and their long history of incremental improvements over time of their products to get them to best in class and market, we’re stepping into a new era where technology is not just a tool but a partner in everyone’s professional journey.” To learn more about how OZ can empower you to accelerate your success by leveraging leading-edge technologies, visit our [AI](https://followoz.com/services/data-analytics-ai/) and [Intelligent Automation](https://followoz.com/services/intelligent-automation/) pages. Or simply reach out to [schedule a free consultation](https://followoz.com/contact-us/) today. **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Microsoft --- ### [In Today’s Digital Business Landscape, Agility Is a Necessity Not a Luxury](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/in-todays-digital-business-landscape-agility-is-a-necessity-not-a-luxury/) **Published:** January 18, 2024 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ***By Jason Milgram**, SVP Practice Leader, OZ Digital* Last week, we explored [five major benefits of leveraging Azure Kubernetes Services (AKS) for business innovation.](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/enhance-your-operational-efficiency-stability-today/) Today, let’s get into the actionable details of creating a proof-of-concept (PoC) to serve as a bridge between speculative technology solutions and tangible, business-boosting results. (Remember, OZ is a [certified Microsoft solutions partner](https://followoz.com/partners/oz-microsoft/)—click [here](https://followoz.com/contact-us/) to schedule a consultation and take your business to the next level today.) Embarking on a proof-of-concept (PoC) for [AKS](https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/products/kubernetes-service/) is a strategic endeavor that necessitates a clear blueprint to navigate the complex landscape of technology implementation. Conceptualizing and executing an AKS PoC that aligns with business objectives and maximizes the potential for success will include… - **Strategic Planning.** Strategic planning is the foundation of a successful AKS PoC. This stage involves a thorough analysis to align the PoC with core business objectives and define the technical requirements needed to achieve them. Establishing clear, measurable goals at the outset ensures that the PoC has direction and purpose, providing a benchmark against which success can be measured. - **Resource and Skill Assessment.** A successful AKS deployment hinges on having the right mix of skills and resources. This involves candidly assessing current in-house capabilities and the infrastructure available to support the PoC. For gaps in expertise or resources, we will discuss strategies for leveraging external talent and technology partnerships to bolster the PoC’s prospects for success. - **Implementation Timeline.** A meticulously crafted timeline is vital to managing the PoC effectively. We will address how to construct a feasible timeline that includes key milestones and review checkpoints, ensuring that the project stays on track and promptly addresses any issues. This schedule will serve as a project management tool, guiding all phases of the PoC from initiation to conclusion. - **Stakeholder Engagement.** Stakeholder engagement is crucial throughout the PoC process. This section will explore strategies for involving internal and external stakeholders, ensuring their input and feedback are integrated into the PoC. We will also examine effective communication plans that keep all parties informed and engaged, fostering a collaborative environment conducive to the PoC’s success. By addressing these critical areas, businesses can devise a robust framework for their AKS PoC, calibrated for evaluation, learning, and decision-making. This initiative-taking approach lays the groundwork for a PoC that assesses the technical viability of AKS and its strategic fit within the organization’s broader operational ecosystem. **Deliverables of an AKS Proof-of-Concept** A proof-of-concept (PoC) serves not just to validate the technical feasibility of Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS) but also to forecast its impact on business processes, cost, and overall strategic performance. The output of a PoC is a collection of comprehensive deliverables that document every aspect of the trial, from technical specifics to business implications. Essential deliverables that will provide a holistic view of AKS PoC outcomes include… - **Technical Evaluation.** The technical evaluation is a cornerstone deliverable, encapsulating all AKS deployment and performance facets. This report will cover the configuration specifics, the performance benchmarks achieved, integration points, and any challenges encountered during the PoC. It serves as a reference document for understanding the technical dynamics of the AKS environment in a real-world setting. - **Business Impact Analysis.** A PoC must translate technical capability into business value. The business impact analysis report provides a quantitative and qualitative assessment of AKS’s potential effects on business operations. It includes an analysis of return on investment (ROI), cost-benefit analysis, and the potential for operational improvement, offering decision-makers a clear view of the financial and strategic benefits. - **Risk Assessment Document.** Mitigating risks is pivotal for any innovative technology adoption. This document outlines identified risks, potential impacts, and recommended mitigation strategies based on the findings from the PoC. It guides addressing uncertainties and planning for contingencies as organizations consider transitioning to a full-scale AKS deployment. - **Future Roadmap.** Post-PoC, businesses need a strategic plan for scaling and fully integrating AKS into their operations. The future roadmap deliverable provides this, recommending the next steps for implementation, including scaling strategies, necessary training for staff, and a transition plan to move from PoC to full deployment. - **PoC Summary Presentation.** A high-level summary presentation synthesizes all findings into a digestible format for executive review. This presentation highlights critical results, strategic insights, and a proposed action plan, allowing decision-makers to grasp the PoC’s outcomes quickly and make informed decisions about the future use of AKS. Together, these deliverables form a comprehensive package offering a 360-degree view of the AKS PoC, guiding businesses toward informed decisions and successfully implementing Kubernetes technology. **Your Next Steps** As we conclude our exploration of the Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS) Proof-of-Concept (PoC), it is imperative to encapsulate the insights garnered and the foresight gained into how AKS can serve as a transformative agent for businesses. In the rapidly shifting terrain of digital business, the agility provided by AKS is not merely advantageous but essential. The strategic importance of AKS lies in its power to streamline current operations and provide a scalable foundation for future growth and adaptability. As a [certified Microsoft partner](https://followoz.com/partners/oz-microsoft/) with more than a [quarter century of experience](https://followoz.com/about/), OZ is uniquely positioned to help you bring the power of AKS to bear for your own enterprise. Learn more [here](https://followoz.com/) or reach out to [schedule a consultation](https://followoz.com/contact-us/) today. **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Microsoft, Digital Strategy, Tech Services --- ### [Why 85% of AI and ML Projects Fail — How to Ensure Yours Succeeds](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/why-85-of-ai-and-ml-projects-fail-how-to-ensure-yours-succeeds/) **Published:** February 16, 2024 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** **By Sal Cardozo,** *Senior Vice President, Data Analytics & AI* Traditional AI has been around for decades, but the recent launch of ChatGPT has put the spotlight back on AI. From out-of-the-box copilot experiences to custom generative AI solutions built within [Azure AI Studio](https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/products/ai-studio), every organization is looking to [integrate AI](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/ai-integration-how-smart-companies-get-it-right/) into their operations. Companies have invested heavily in AI and machine learning (ML). Yet, despite the hype and record levels of investment, most AI and machine learning (ML) projects struggle to get off the ground. Unrealistic expectations are partly to blame — organizations often view AI as a magic bullet that can solve everything, even when [AI](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/how-ai-will-redefine-business-strategy-in-2024/) may not be the best solution for every business challenge. More often than not, it’s not a failure on the part of the technology but rather the expectation of what people believe AI can (or cannot) do. Here are several other factors that impede AI projects: ### **6 Reasons Why AI/ML Initiatives Fail** ##### 1: Data Access The more data AI can ingest, the higher the accuracy. But often, [insufficient and poor quality data](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/azure-data-quality-services-find-and-fix-data-errors-before-its-too-late/) hinders data scientists from developing robust AI solutions. Data scientists require full access to modeling data. However, the lack of governance around deployed workloads and misconfigured access policies pose significant data security risks and inefficient use of resources. As a result, data scientists have to rely on smaller, less usable snapshots of the data instead of the entire [data lake](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/heres-why-i-would-choose-microsoft-fabric-as-my-data-management-tool/), which impacts model accuracy. Next is the difficulty of obtaining sufficiently large data sets for training. For example, let’s say you’re trying to predict the high and low day temperatures on a given day in the United States. You provide all the data collected from all over the country but fail to give the day of the year, including the latitude and longitude where each sample was collected. This data might provide some general predictions, but the range would make the data less valuable because the temperature may have been recorded in the dead of winter or the peak of summer, in the extreme south or extreme north. The best a data scientist can do is give you the average high and low temperatures for a year across the entire country. Data like humidity, precipitation, wind speed, etc., would help them do better, but more is needed to pinpoint the exact location. The precise timing of sunrise and sunset might help you determine the time of year so that the AI might infer some seasons. But since there isn’t enough information, explicitly given or inferentially available, you may not achieve accuracy for a given day and location. AI projects fail when the inputs contain insufficient information to produce the desired outputs with a useful level of predictive accuracy. Even where sufficient data exists, it might not be available in a format that is quick to ingest. The lack of usable data has long been a problem for AI and ML projects. To save time and costs in the long term, companies must first ask: do we have the data to begin? Do we have the necessary permissions? Is it accessible? Is it in the format we want? Is it usable? ##### 2: Model Development and Deployment Several factors go into turning a pilot into a scalable deployment. A whole suite of skills and resources is needed to make it happen. You may need to streamline code, bring in new technologies, push your AI or ML to the edge versus having one data repository, employ new teams, and set up a data labeling factory. And you have to iterate frequently and fail fast. To do that, you require an MLOps infrastructure, which [cloud service providers](https://followoz.com/services/cloud-services/) ##### 3: Service Complexity Building a modern AI/ML platform from the ground up means acquiring the right technologies for production, integrating them into your stack, and testing them to ensure they work well together and at scale—all of which are time-consuming and resource-intensive. This leads to significant wait times for data science teams who build and manage complex environments. But when you use platforms like [Microsoft’s Azure Machine Learning](https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/products/machine-learning#overview) (as a service) with their built-in AI infrastructure, you accelerate time to value. Industry-leading machine learning operations (MLOps), open-source interoperability, and integrated tools let you build, train, and deploy models faster — and with confidence. [Azure ML](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/start-seeing-around-corners-with-azure-machine-learning/) supports many types of machine learning projects — classic ML, unsupervised algorithms, and deep learning — including the tools you need to move from development to deployment. ##### 4: Data Governance The [foundation of any AI is data](https://followoz.com/services/data-analytics-ai/). A clear [data strategy](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/how-data-ready-are-you/) will help you leverage the data for AI. However, because AI technology has developed so quickly in the past few years, there are no robust data governance frameworks to ensure data is clean, well-organized, and secure. **Here are some major challenges that impede data governance and security:** - **Lack of visibility:** Enterprise data today often lives in unstructured formats, scattered across emails, [cloud applications](https://followoz.com/services/application-development/), and databases. Locating and organizing this data is arduous. Organizations must also identify sensitive information within this vast ocean of data to ensure it’s adequately protected. - **Data quality and lineage concerns:** 45% of [Google Bard’s](https://blog.google/technology/ai/code-with-bard/) (their AI copilot) training data is from unverified sources, making you question AI’s veracity. Tracking the origin and lifecycle of data for verification becomes an additional challenge in data governance. - **Data classification:** Another challenge is categorizing the data correctly to improve governance and security so you can implement better controls. For data governance to be successful, you must differentiate the signal from the noise surrounding data. However, the available unstructured data can make it feel near impossible. - **Data mapping:** Manual processes, complexity, and [data silos](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/single-source-of-truth-all-your-data-all-in-one-place/) typically complicate data mapping. Now, it’s more complex with the evolution of [AI and ML](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/start-seeing-around-corners-with-azure-machine-learning/). ##### 5: Rising Costs When organizations set up pilot projects in tightly controlled environments, it’s easy to underestimate the costs associated with the project once it’s deployed. For example, if AI is deployed via the cloud, then the cost of every [API](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/apis-vs-microservices-key-differences-every-developer-and-business-should-know/) adds up, and it becomes hard to predict usage. Then, there are costs associated with transitioning to the new technology, especially if the transition takes longer than expected. Then, the size of the data sets. You must pay for the storage and calls to it. For [applications](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/ai-integration-how-smart-companies-get-it-right/) that have multi-deployed storage worldwide, you must pay for backups too. ##### 6: AI Bias As organizations increasingly rely on AI systems, understanding the ethical implications and the various forms of bias that can inadvertently creep in when [integrating AI](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/ai-integration-how-smart-companies-get-it-right/) is crucial. We have to understand how the processes used to collect training data can influence AI models. Instances of unintended biases may arise when the training dataset fails to accurately reflect the broader population to which an AI model is deployed. Thus, facial recognition models trained on a dataset representing the demographics of AI developers may encounter difficulties when applied to individuals with more varied characteristics. **It includes issues like:** - **Transparency**: Can users understand how the AI makes decisions? - **Accountability**: Is there a clear line of responsibility if something goes wrong? - **Fairness**: Does the AI treat all users and affected parties equitably? - **Privacy**: Are individuals’ data and personal information protected? **AI systems learn from data, and if that data reflects historical inequalities or biases, the AI can perpetuate or even exacerbate them. Some types of bias include:** - **Sample Bias**: Occurs when the data used to train the AI does not accurately represent the broader population. - **Prejudice Bias**: Arises when the training data includes prejudicial assumptions, leading to discriminatory outcomes. - **Measurement Bias**: Occurs when the data collected does not accurately measure the real-world variables it’s supposed to represent. ### **Why It Matters:** 1. **Trust and Reputation**: Ethical missteps or biased outcomes can significantly damage your organization’s trust and reputation. Users and customers are increasingly aware of and concerned about these issues. 2. **Legal and Regulatory Compliance**: Data protection, privacy, and AI regulations are becoming more stringent. Ethical AI practices are not just moral but also legal necessities. 3. **Effectiveness and Reliability**: Biased or unethical AI systems can produce flawed results, leading to poor decisions and outcomes. Ensuring ethics and minimizing bias is critical to the effectiveness of your AI initiatives. ### **Blend “First Mile” and “Last Mile” Efforts** Companies will need to consider “first mile” efforts, that is, how to acquire and organize data and actions, as well as the “last mile,” or how to integrate the output of AI models into frontline workflows. The AI models are only as effective as a company’s ability to execute against them and deliver value. Understanding which use cases have the most potential to drive value as well as which AI and analytical techniques need to be deployed is paramount. AI’s success is driven less by the technology itself but more by a company’s skills, capabilities, and data. Future success is not just about what the technology can do; it’s about what you can do with it. ### **Next Steps** Embrace the AI journey with confidence, responsibility, and a forward-thinking mindset, and watch as it transforms your organization in ways you can only begin to imagine. Ready to dive into AI? With [over 25 years of experience in Microsoft technologies](https://followoz.com/partners/oz-microsoft/), we can support you from the ground up to make [AI and ML an integral part](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/how-ai-will-redefine-business-strategy-in-2024/) of your [advanced analytics strategy](https://followoz.com/services/data-analytics-ai/). [Contact us today](https://followoz.com/blog-contact-us/) to get started. **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Microsoft, Tech Services --- ### [A six-point manifesto for navigating the AI present—and future](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/a-six-point-manifesto-for-navigating-the-ai-present-and-future/) **Published:** January 19, 2024 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** As [Artificial Intelligence (AI)](https://www.nist.gov/artificial-intelligence) quickly shifts from decades of theoretical discussion to viable reality, we suddenly find ourselves in dire need of sharp, incisive commentary to help us make sense of its impact and opportunity. Enter [Shlomi Ron](https://www.linkedin.com/in/shlomiron), CEO of the Miami-based [Visual Storytelling Institute](https://www.visualstorytell.com/), whose [official newsletter](https://newsletter.visualstorytell.com/) has become a must-read for those seeking context and insight into our current [AI moment](https://www.ibm.com/topics/artificial-intelligence)—optimistic without slipping into Pollyannish evangelism and full of thought-provoking nuggets and actionable advice. (Subscribe [here](https://newsletter.visualstorytell.com/).) In light of all this, OZ recently asked Ron if he could provide our clients and readers with a concise rundown of what it will take to thrive in the [Age of AI](https://followoz.com/services/data-analytics-ai/). (Download OZ’s free e-Book, *Beyond the Bot: How AI is Ushering in the Next Wave of Automation* [here](https://followoz.com/beyond-the-bot-how-ai-is-ushering-in-the-next-wave-of-automation/).) Ron—who advises an [impressive and diverse array of clients](https://www.visualstorytell.com/) on how to “empower people to see themselves mirrored in visual stories that matter”—kindly replied with the following six-point mini-manifesto… 1. Identify areas where you can implement AI within your organization. This may include… - **Marketing:** Leverage AI for tasks such as research, copy editing, summarizing, and crafting visual mockups. - **Customer Experience:** Utilize AI for creating custom knowledge bases, providing personalized recommendations, and designing chatbots and virtual assistants. - **Optimization:** Improve cost and efficiency of business workflows with the aid of AI-driven strategies. - **Decision Making:** Let AI analyze vast databases, offering valuable recommendations and predictions. Additionally, explore other high-priority domains in your organization. 2. While AI is transformative, it isn’t always accurate. Always cross-check any AI-generated content before incorporating it into your final product. 3. Handling corporate sensitive data with AI demands utmost caution. Ensure robust measures are in place to avert privacy breaches, data misuse, and unintended biases. 4. When leveraging AI for content, don’t merely copy and paste its output, be it text or visuals. This can risk copyright issues—and also rob your content of your unique human voice. Remember, AI should augment, not replace. 5. Set up an AI oversight body or council within your organization. This will help in framing an AI usage policy and crafting guidelines that ensure ethical and efficient AI deployment. 6. The AI wave is undeniable. As posited by Goldman Sachs, AI has the potential to displace 300 million jobs globally. On the flip side, it could augment annual GDP by 7% in the next decade. Stay abreast of the latest in AI—it’s an ever-evolving field. Embracing AI offers vast potential, but it’s imperative to do so thoughtfully and responsibly. Ready to learn how AI can accelerate your business, reduce your downside, and boost opportunities? Check out the OZ menu of [Data Analytics and AI offerings](https://followoz.com/services/data-analytics-ai/) or [reach out today](https://followoz.com/contact-us/). **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Tech Services --- ### [Embracing the Future of App Development](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/embracing-the-future-of-app-development/) **Published:** January 22, 2024 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ***By Steve Bakanov**, SVP Digital Solutions* Let’s get you up to speed… Traditional methods of software development are being challenged by the innovative approach of low-code and no-code development. [Microsoft](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/), a pioneer in technological innovation, recognizes this shift and is at the forefront of offering low-code/no-code solutions. ([OZ](https://followoz.com/) is a certified Microsoft Solutions Partner. To learn more about how we can help you leverage leading-edge tools and accelerate your success, click [here](https://followoz.com/partners/oz-microsoft/).) These platforms are not just for professional developers but also empower “citizen developers” or non-professionals to create complex applications swiftly and efficiently. Let’s explore how… **The Intuitive Magic of Low-Code Development** Imagine designing an application with the simplicity of Lego blocks. *That* is what low-code development offers. With user-friendly interfaces and drag-and-drop features, even individuals with minimal coding knowledge can build a variety of web and mobile applications. This democratization of software development is a game-changer. For professional developers, it translates to faster build times and reduced maintenance burdens. Low-code platforms bridge the gap between IT and business professionals, allowing them to collaborate using visual tools rather than just code. **Six Transformative Benefits of Low-Code/No-Code Platforms** Time Efficiency.** Low-code development speeds up the app development process. By enabling various team members to contribute, organizations no longer need to solely rely on their coding experts. This accelerates project timelines significantly. 1. **Boosted Productivity.** These platforms streamline app development, making teams more efficient. Developers might trade a bit of programming flexibility for increased efficiency, but the trade-off is worth it as they can focus on more complex coding tasks. 2. **Cost Reduction.** Using low-code platforms can significantly cut down costs. Businesses can leverage their existing staff, including citizen developers, avoiding the need for hiring new talent or outsourcing. 3. **Flexibility and Maintenance.** Low-code platforms simplify maintenance and updates, making it easier for non-developers to implement changes. This flexibility is crucial in today’s dynamic business environment. 4. **Bridging Talent Gaps.** As businesses evolve, low-code platforms enable non-technical employees to contribute to app development, helping to fill talent gaps and bringing diverse perspectives into the development process. 5. **Accelerating Digital Transformation.** Low-code development aligns perfectly with the need for rapid digital transformation. It reduces the traditional burden of app development, allowing businesses to quickly adapt to market changes and consumer demands. **The No-Code Revolution** Beyond low-code is the world of no-code development. Here, even those with zero coding experience can build functional web and mobile apps. No-code platforms use visual building blocks and intuitive interfaces, allowing for quick development and deployment—especially beneficial for small businesses seeking a competitive edge in the market. Key advantages of this approach include… - **Speed and Efficiency**. No-code platforms enable rapid transition from idea to launch, minimizing the time and resources needed. - **Increased Productivity**. These platforms allow employees to focus on their areas of expertise while still contributing to app development. - **Cost-Effectiveness**. They reduce the need for external developers or extensive internal coding resources. - **Flexibility in Design**. Changes and updates can be made easily, without the complexities of coding. **Real-World Impact** Let’s consider a small business, Bella’s Boutique. With no in-house developers, their digital presence was limited. However, by adopting a no-code platform, they were able to develop an e-commerce app within weeks, integrating it seamlessly with their existing systems. This not only boosted their sales but also empowered their team, who had no prior coding experience, to contribute to the app’s evolution. Similarly, a larger enterprise, Tech Global, utilized a low-code platform to develop a customized project management tool. This tool was tailored to their specific workflows and was developed in a fraction of the time it would have taken with traditional coding, significantly improving their project management efficiency. **Your Next Steps** Microsoft’s low-code/no-code solutions, integrated within its vast ecosystem, offer a powerful toolkit for businesses to thrive in the digital age. As a [certified Microsoft Solutions Partner](https://followoz.com/partners/oz-microsoft/), OZ can empower you to unlock the power of your data and drive smarter decisions that improve customer experiences, enhance process efficiency, and skyrocket enterprise innovation by leveraging the breadth of our Microsoft partnership. Click [here](https://followoz.com/contact-us/) to schedule a free consultation. **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Microsoft --- ### [Here’s Why I Would Choose Microsoft Fabric as my Data Management Tool](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/heres-why-i-would-choose-microsoft-fabric-as-my-data-management-tool/) **Published:** January 24, 2024 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ***By Jason Milgram,*** *Senior Vice President, Azure Leader* There’s been a lot of buzz around Microsoft Fabric since its launch last year. Over 25000 customers are using Fabric today, including [67% of Fortune 500 companies](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DNO-nkB0kVU). Microsoft Chairman and CEO Satya Nadella even declared Fabric the company’s most significant data product since SQL Server. \[Watch the full [Satya Nadella keynote](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FZhbJZEgKQ4) here\] If you haven’t caught up yet on [Microsoft Fabric](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zrM36hfzkVE), now’s the time: Microsoft Fabric is an AI-powered analytics and data management platform that brings together the capabilities of [Power BI](https://www.techtarget.com/searchbusinessanalytics/news/252512715/Microsoft-steadily-adding-to-Power-BI-analytics-platform), [Data Factory](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/how-to-build-effective-data-pipelines-with-azure-data-factory/), and [Azure Synapse Analytics](https://www.techtarget.com/searchbusinessanalytics/news/252493131/Microsofts-Azure-Synapse-Analytics-now-generally-available). Its popularity with the data community isn’t only because it unifies three formerly separate platforms. Its success has more to do with all the data store options it provides. By creating a whole new environment for data integration, data management, and analytics, Fabric will change the way you think about architecture, scalability, and value. I’ve worked with many data management platforms, but here’s why I would choose [Microsoft Fabric](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/optimize-your-data-estate-with-microsoft-fabrics-advanced-analytics-and-business-intelligence/) — and you should, too. **Microsoft Fabric Lakehouse: The Best of Data Lakes and Data Warehouses** First, there was the data warehouse, a data storage architecture that allowed structured data to be archived for specific business purposes. Then came Big Data. As unstructured data began to increase, a different type of architecture known as the [data lake](https://bernardmarr.com/what-is-a-data-lake-a-super-simple-explanation-for-anyone/) emerged — where unstructured information is stored in its raw, native format. The downside of a data lake is that, while it offers flexibility, it can easily become a data swamp without proper governance. A platform like Microsoft Fabric provides you with an entirely new way to store your data, bringing the best of both worlds — from the data warehouse and data lake models — into one **“data lakehouse.”** So, what is a data lakehouse? It’s a hybrid architecture that lets you store all your data in a data lake and run AI and BI on that data directly — at scale. It has the SQL and performance capabilities (indexing, caching, MPP processing) to make BI work fast on data lakes. It also has direct file access and direct native support for Python, data science, and AI frameworks without ever forcing it through a SQL-based data warehouse. **What That Means for You** Provisioning a data lakehouse in Microsoft Fabric means you only need one data repository instead of both warehouse and lake infrastructure. With a data lakehouse, you can streamline your overall data management process and break down data silos — all in one unified platform. This integration creates a more efficient end-to-end process with several benefits: - **Better data governance:** Data lakehouses improve governance by consolidating data sources. A standardized open schema allows greater control over security, metrics, role-based access, and management. - **Simplified standards:** Localized schema standards were often created within organizations using data warehouses. Today, open schema standards exist for many types of data, and data lakehouses make the most of them by ingesting multiple data sources with an overlapping standardized schema to simplify processes. - **Cost-effectiveness:** The data lakehouse infrastructure separates compute and storage, which makes it easy to add storage without having to add compute power. **Key Advantages:** Combining data lakes and data warehouses into data lakehouses allows your data teams to work quickly as they don’t have to access multiple systems for the data. That’s not all. There’s a slew of other advantages like: - **Real-time data processing:**Process streaming data in real-time for immediate analysis and action. - **Data integration:**Unify your data in a single system to enable collaboration and a single source of truth for your organization. - **Schema evolution:**Modify data schema with time without disrupting existing data pipelines. - **Data transformation:** Bring speed, scalability, and reliability to your data with Apache Spark and Delta Lake. - **Data analysis and reporting:**Run complex analytical queries with an engine optimized for data warehousing workloads. - **Machine learning and AI:**Apply [advanced analytics](https://followoz.com/services/data-analytics-ai/) techniques to all of your data, while using ML to enrich your data and support other workloads. - **Data versioning and lineage:**Maintain version history for datasets and track lineage to ensure data provenance and traceability. - **Data governance:**Use a single, unified system to control access to your data and perform audits. - **Data sharing:**Enables collaboration by sharing curated data sets, reports, and insights across teams. - **Operational analytics:**Monitor data quality metrics, model quality metrics, and drift by applying machine learning to lakehouse monitoring data. - **No code low code architecture:** Facilitates the creation of a lakehouse with just a few clicks, without the need for extensive coding. - **Streamlined data ingestion:**Offers many ways to ingest data into the lakehouse. Whether building from the ground up or having existing data pipelines, **the platform provides intuitive tools for better data ingestion.** - **Data landing and storage flexibility:**The platform provides flexibility in how data lands in the lakehouse. You can land data as a file copy, retaining its original format with a simple upload or drag and drop, or allow the platform to structure the data in a Delta format using tables. - **Shortcuts:**One of the standout features is **shortcuts**, which allow users to reference data internally within Fabric via [Onelake ](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/fabric/onelake/onelake-overview)and externally, such as in ADLs Gen 2 or Amazon S3. This means that data doesn’t need to be copied over; instead, a reference link is created, avoiding data duplication. **Data Storage at Scale** With multi-cloud capabilities, the lakehouse architecture improves collaboration and streamlines data management, while providing uniform security across the organization​​. Get more value from your data with these key features: - **Data Referencing:**Instead of copying data, the Lakehouse architecture promotes referencing, ensuring the data remains in its original location (e.g., ADLs account) while still being accessible for analysis in the Lakehouse. An approach that optimizes performance and reduces redundancy. - **Optimizing data management for speed and efficiency:**The architecture ensures that while data feels integrated within the Lakehouse for analysis and management purposes, it’s efficiently referenced, ensuring optimal performance and scalability. **Partner with the Experts** The Microsoft Fabric Lakehouse offers unparalleled advantages, giving you the tools and frameworks you need to handle and analyze large volumes of data. With over 25 years of technology experience, OZ can guide and help you scale your data storage with Microsoft Fabric. [Contact us](https://followoz.com/contact-us/) today and get started. **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Microsoft --- ### [How Empowering Citizen Developers Can Increase Innovation Within Your Organization](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/how-empowering-citizen-developers-can-increase-innovation-within-your-organization/) **Published:** January 24, 2024 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** Low-code and no-code platforms bridge the gap between IT and business-oriented departments, enhancing collaboration while reducing software creation costs—and their popularity reflects that. In fact, 77 percent of companies worldwide now use these apps to some degree. So, how can you position your company to not only maintain competitive advantage in the low-code/no-code future, but also to leverage these platforms to win? Encourage a culture of experimentation, [OZ](https://followoz.com/) Chief Solutions Officer Emmanuel Ramos writes in a CIO Tech World recent article entitled, [“Business Executives’ Guide to Low-Code/No-Code Platforms.”](https://ciotechworld.com/emmanuel-ramos-business-executives-guide-to-low-code-no-code-platforms/) A quick excerpt: “Creating a data-driven enterprise, where employees are encouraged to test new ideas using LCNC platforms, can lead to significant improvements in productivity, customer satisfaction, and overall business growth. Embracing this approach allows companies to stay agile amidst rapidly changing market conditions. “By empowering citizen developers, organizations can take advantage of cost-effective solutions and benefit from faster time to market. By reducing development costs and shortening the time-to-market, businesses can experiment with various marketing strategies such as website builders or online forms for lead generation.” Read the entire piece [here](https://ciotechworld.com/emmanuel-ramos-business-executives-guide-to-low-code-no-code-platforms/). **Your Next Steps** For further reading on the topic, check out our recent blog [The Power of Low-Code/No-Code Solutions in the Microsoft Ecosystem](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/embracing-the-future-of-app-development/). Microsoft’s low-code/no-code solutions, integrated within its vast ecosystem, offer a powerful toolkit for businesses to thrive in the digital age. As a [certified Microsoft Solutions Partner](https://followoz.com/partners/oz-microsoft/), OZ can empower you to unlock the power of your data and drive smarter decisions that improve customer experiences, enhance process efficiency, and skyrocket enterprise innovation by leveraging the breadth of our Microsoft partnership. Click [here](https://followoz.com/contact-us/) to schedule a free consultation. **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Tech Services, Forbes --- ### [How AI Will Redefine Business Strategy in 2024](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/how-ai-will-redefine-business-strategy-in-2024/) **Published:** January 25, 2024 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ***By Jason Milgram,** Senior Vice President, Azure Leader* The concept of sentient machines—robots, cyborgs, artificial intelligence—has been around since the 20th century. However, the recent leaps in artificial intelligence (AI), fueled by advances in computational power, data availability, and advanced algorithms, have catapulted it into the limelight. Now, with the explosion of AI offerings, AI is no longer an adjunct tool but a central pillar in business planning. There’s no industry today that AI hasn’t touched. AI is transforming businesses and will continue to play a strategic role in their digital transformation. From predicting market trends to optimizing supply chains, AI’s role in business and strategic planning will only deepen in 2024. ### **The** **Role of AI in Modern Business** Initially focused on basic tasks and pattern recognition, AI has advanced to complex problem-solving and predictive analytics, even mimicking human conversation and decision-making processes, transitioning from a theoretical exploration to a practical and indispensable business tool. It’s not just a tech trend anymore but a fundamental component in driving business growth and maintaining competitive advantage in the 21st century. For business leaders who want to harness AI’s potential, understanding the technology and what it does is the first step. Let’s begin by examining the various subfields that make up AI: 1. **Machine Learning (ML):** Gets computers to act without being explicitly programmed. ML uses algorithms to parse data, learn from it, and then decide or predict something. 2. **Natural Language Processing (NLP):** It’s the ability of computers to understand and process human language. This technology powers chatbots, translation services, and voice assistants. 3. **Deep Learning:** A subset of ML, deep learning uses neural networks with many layers (hence ‘deep’) to analyze various factors in data. It is a key technology behind advanced image recognition, speech recognition, and natural language processing. 4. **Robotic Process Automation (RPA):** [RPA uses AI](https://followoz.com/beyond-the-bot-how-ai-is-ushering-in-the-next-wave-of-automation/) to automate routine and repetitive tasks, allowing for more efficient and error-free business processes. Key Advancements in AI** The advancement of AI technology has been rapid and remarkable. Key developments include: 1. **Increased Computational Power:** Enhanced processing capabilities allow more complex calculations at greater speeds, enabling more advanced AI functionalities. 2. [**Big Data Analytics**](https://followoz.com/services/data-analytics-ai/)**:** The ability to process and analyze vast amounts of data has been crucial in training AI systems, making them more accurate and efficient. 3. **Advancements in Machine Learning Algorithms:** Innovations in ML algorithms, especially in deep learning, have significantly improved the performance of AI systems in tasks like pattern recognition and predictive analytics. 4. **Improvements in Natural Language Understanding:** NLP has seen significant progress, allowing machines to understand and respond to human language more accurately. ### **How AI Will Transform Business Strategy** As AI advances, its impact on business operations and decision-making processes becomes increasingly significant. According to McKinsey, [40% of C-suite executives](https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/quantumblack/our-insights/the-state-of-ai-in-2023-generative-ais-breakout-year) anticipate spending more on AI in the coming years. That’s because businesses recognize the need to begin integrating AI into their business strategies. In this section, we explore how AI is revolutionizing various aspects of business strategy, offering enhanced data-driven insights, automating operations for greater efficiency, customizing customer experiences, and fostering innovation in product development. 1. **Improved Decision Making with Data-Driven Insights AI’s ability to process and analyze large volumes of data has transformed decision-making processes in businesses: - - **Predictive Analytics:** AI algorithms can predict trends and outcomes based on historical data, allowing businesses to make proactive decisions. - [**Risk Assessment**](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/every-insurer-wants-to-predict-and-prevent-heres-how-you-can/)**:** By analyzing patterns and correlations, AI aids in identifying potential risks and devising mitigation strategies. - **Real-Time Decision Making:** AI systems can process information in real time, enabling businesses to respond rapidly to market changes and customer needs. 2. **Automating Operations for Greater Efficiency and Lower Costs** AI is reshaping operational efficiencies through automation: - - [**Process Automation**](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/claims-transformation-automating-the-moment-of-truth/)**:** Routine and repetitive tasks are automated, increasing efficiency and reducing human error. - **Cost Savings:** Automation reduces labor and operational expenses, creating a more streamlined and cost-effective business model. - **Resource Allocation:** AI enables smarter allocation of resources, freeing up human talent to focus on more complex and strategic tasks. 3. **Customizing Customer Experiences through AI Analytics** AI plays a crucial role in enhancing customer experience: - - **Personalized Recommendations:** AI analyzes customer data to provide personalized product or service recommendations, improving customer satisfaction. - **Customer Interaction Analysis:** By analyzing customer feedback and interactions, AI helps businesses understand customer preferences and improve their offerings. - **Enhanced Customer Support:** AI-driven chatbots and virtual assistants provide timely and personalized customer support, improving customer engagement and loyalty. 4. **AI in Product Development and Innovation** AI’s role in product development and innovation is pivotal: - - **Accelerating R&D:** AI can significantly reduce the time and cost of research and development, bringing innovative products to market faster. - **Enhancing Product Design:** By analyzing market trends and consumer preferences, AI aids in designing products that better meet customer needs. - **Quality Control:** AI algorithms can detect defects and ensure quality control in manufacturing, resulting in higher-quality products. 5. **AI in Competitive Strategy** Businesses that adopt AI will have a competitive advantage, whereas companies that wait to adopt AI may never catch up with those that don’t. AI technology offers businesses several avenues to surpass their competition: - - **Efficiency and Productivity:** AI enhances operational efficiency, enabling businesses to achieve more with less, thus reducing costs and increasing productivity. - **Data-Driven Insights:** AI’s ability to analyze vast datasets provides businesses with insights that inform strategy, drive innovation, and identify new market opportunities. - **Customer Engagement:** AI tools improve customer engagement by personalizing experiences, thus fostering loyalty and increasing customer lifetime value. Risks and Challenges of Not Integrating AI into Business Strategy The reluctance to adopt AI can pose significant risks to businesses: - **Losing Competitive Edge:** Companies that fail to incorporate AI risk falling behind competitors utilizing AI to optimize their operations and strategies. - **Inefficiency in Operations:** Without AI, businesses may struggle with inefficiencies and higher operational costs, which can impact their profitability and market position. - **Missed Opportunities in Market Insights:** Lacking AI-driven insights can lead to missed opportunities and poor strategic decisions, as businesses cannot leverage the full potential of their data. Integrating AI into business strategies is no longer optional but crucial for maintaining competitiveness in today’s market. Companies that effectively leverage AI stand to gain, while those who ignore its potential face the risk of being outpaced by more innovative rivals. ### **Preparing for an AI-Driven Future** As AI reshapes business, how you prepare for an AI-driven future will determine how far you go. Here are ways to acquire essential skills and knowledge, implement strategies for integrating AI into existing business models, and foster collaboration between human intelligence and AI systems. **To effectively lead in an AI-driven world, you must arm yourself with specific skills and knowledge:** 1. **Understanding of AI Technologies:** Leaders should understand AI technologies, their capabilities, and their limitations. 2. [**Data Literacy**](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/how-data-ready-are-you/)**:** Understanding and interpreting data is crucial, as AI-driven decisions rely heavily on data analysis. 3. **Strategic Thinking:** Leaders must develop skills in strategic thinking to leverage AI for long-term business growth and innovation. 4. **Change Management:** Navigating the changes brought about by AI integration requires strong change management skills. Strategies for Integrating AI into Existing Business Models** **Integrating AI into a business model requires a strategic approach:** 1. **Assessing AI Readiness:** Businesses should [assess their current processes and systems](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/ai-integration-how-smart-companies-get-it-right/) to identify where AI can add the most value. 2. **Investing in AI Infrastructure:** Allocating resources for AI infrastructure, including hardware, software, and talent, is crucial. 3. **Pilot Projects:** Starting with small-scale pilot projects will help you understand the potential impact and tweak strategies accordingly. 4. **Ongoing Training and Development:** Investing in training and development ensures the workforce is prepared and skilled in AI-related technologies. Collaboration between Human Intelligence and AI** **Balancing human intelligence with AI is essential for maximizing the benefits of AI:** 1. **Augmenting Human Capabilities:** AI will augment human capabilities, not replace them. 2. **Cultivating a Collaborative Culture:** Fostering a culture where AI and human employees can work collaboratively is essential. 3. **Ethical Considerations and Governance:** Establishing ethical guidelines and governance ensures AI is used responsibly. 4. **Leveraging AI for Creative Problem Solving:** Encouraging teams to use AI for creative problem-solving can lead to innovative solutions and business models. Preparing for an AI-driven future involves a holistic approach to technology adoption. It includes upskilling leaders, integrating AI into business processes, and fostering synergy between human intelligence and artificial systems. This proactive approach will position businesses to capitalize on the opportunities presented by AI while navigating its challenges. ### **The Future** As AI’s applications expand, businesses have more avenues to optimize their operations, understand customers better, and innovate. In the future, AI’s role in business will become more integral and far-reaching. Integrating AI into your business strategy is no longer an option but a competitive necessity. Business leaders must embrace AI as a strategic planning tool, invest in AI infrastructure, upskilling teams, and foster innovation. Success in the future belongs to those who harness the power of AI, aligning it with strategic goals to create more agile, efficient, and forward-thinking organizations. As a [certified Microsoft Solutions Partner](https://followoz.com/partners/oz-microsoft/), OZ can future-proof your organization through [successful AI integration](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/ai-integration-how-smart-companies-get-it-right/). [Contact us](https://followoz.com/contact-us/) to schedule a free consultation. **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Microsoft, Tech Services --- ### [Four Simple Steps to Fully Leveraging Generative AI](https://followoz.com/resources/technical-guides/four-simple-steps-to-fully-leveraging-generative-ai/) **Published:** January 26, 2024 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ***By Raza Ali**, OZ R&D* OpenAI’s GPT-3 (Generative Pre-trained Transformer 3) model is a state-of-the-art language processing model that has been pre-trained on a massive amount of text data to generate natural language responses to given prompts. But how can this powerful tool be fine-tuned to accelerate your own digital transformation and business success? In the case of GPT-3, fine-tuning involves training the model on a specific task or domain-specific dataset, such as language translation, question-answering, or sentiment analysis. Fine-tuning the GPT-3 model can enable it to generate more accurate and contextually appropriate responses for the specific task, thereby improving its performance. Let’s take the process step by step… ## Four Steps to Fine-Tune GPT-3 1. **Collect the Data.** To fine-tune a GPT-3 model, you need to determine the type of data you need, gather the data through web scraping, downloading datasets or using APIs, clean and preprocess the data, organize it into a format suitable for fine-tuning, and then fine-tune the GPT-3 model by feeding the organized data into the model and adjusting its parameters to improve its performance on the specific type of text you are working with. 2. **Prepare Training Data.** Preparing data for fine-tuning using GPT-3 involves selecting a dataset that is relevant to the specific task you want to fine-tune the model for. The data should also be formatted in a way that is compatible with the input requirements of the GPT-3 model, which typically involves tokenizing the text and converting it into a numerical representation. JSONL format is used for storing and transmitting large datasets, especially in machine learning and natural language processing. Each line in a JSONL file represents a single JSON object separated by newline characters. If you try to input a dataset that is not in the expected format, it is likely that you will receive an error message. To avoid this, you can use a tool or library like “jsonlines” in Python to write JSON objects to a file in JSONL format. Once the dataset has been prepared, the next step is to split it into training, validation, and testing sets. The training set is used to fine-tune the GPT-3 model, while the validation set is used to monitor the model’s performance during training and to make decisions about when to stop training. The testing set is used to evaluate the final performance of the model after training. The “prompt” field contains the text that will be used to start the generation or completion process, while the “completion” field contains the expected output for the model. The model can be trained on the dataset by feeding it the prompt and then generating a completion based on the prompt. The generated completion is then compared to the expected output in the “completion” field to evaluate the model’s performance. {“prompt”: “I went to the store and bought”, “completion”: ” some milk and eggs.”}{“prompt”: “The sun was setting over the”, “completion”: ” horizon, casting a warm glow over the landscape.”}{“prompt”: “In a dark and spooky forest, a”, “completion”: ” lone wolf howled in the distance.”} 3. **Fine-Tuning.** To fine-tune an OpenAI language model with your own dataset, you need to create an account on OpenAI’s platform and create an Organization ID. Then, you generate a SECRET KEY token to authenticate your API requests. Configure this token and ID in the header of an API request to OpenAI’s API and use the API endpoint POST: ‘https://api.openai.com/v1/files’ to upload your dataset file to OpenAI. Once uploaded, you can use a pre-trained OpenAI language model and the preprocessed dataset to fine-tune the model and improve its performance on your specific task. **Response of an API:** { “id”: “file-XjGxS3KTG0uNmNOK362iJua3”, “object”: “file”, “bytes”: 140, “created\_at”: 1613779121, “filename”: “mydata.jsonl”, “purpose”: “fine-tune”} Further using file ID “id”: “file-XjGxS3KTG0uNmNOK362iJua3”, that uploaded on OpenAI storage, fine-tune a model by passing parameters model type and model name as suffix. OpenAI provide API for Fine-tuning the model that is POST: ‘https://api.openai.com/v1/fine-tunes.’ After successfully training model will upload on user OpenAI account for use. 4. **Integration with Applications** Integrating OpenAI GPT-3 Model with an app using OpenAI libraries. - Create config file to set Organization ID and token ID for header request and use Completion API POST‘https://api.openai.com/v1/completions’ to use the fine-tuned model. - Next, you need to set up an API client in your app to interact with the GPT-3 API. You can use one of the available client libraries or build your own client. - Defining Inputs and Outputs: You need to define the inputs and outputs for your app’s integration with GPT-3. For example, if you are building a chatbot, you need to define the input format for user queries and the output format for the bot’s responses. - Testing and Deployment: After setting up the integration, you need to thoroughly test your app’s interactions with the GPT-3 API to ensure that it works as expected. Once you are satisfied with the integration, you can deploy your app for use by your users. #### Your Next Steps OpenAI model fine-tuning can be used for various applications, such as developing chatbots and virtual assistants that generate more human-like responses, content creation and curation, language translation, sentiment analysis, text summarization, speech recognition, and generation. Other applications can also benefit from OpenAI model fine-tuning, and developers are continually exploring new ways to leverage the power of language models to solve real-world problems. Scaling AI in your organization isn’t just about adopting new technology. It’s about transforming your entire way of doing things. To learn more about how OZ can accelerate your business into the AI future, click [here](https://followoz.com/) or [schedule a consultation today](https://followoz.com/contact-us/). **Categories:** Blog, Technical Guides **Tags:** Tech Services --- ### [Start Seeing Around Corners with Azure Machine Learning](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/start-seeing-around-corners-with-azure-machine-learning/) **Published:** January 31, 2024 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ***By Sal Cardozo,** Senior Vice President, Data Analytics & AI* What if you could foresee when your server might crash and proactively take corrective action? What if you could identify emerging trends and capture unmet demand in a highly profitable way, all while minimizing risk? What if you could anticipate natural disasters like earthquakes before they strike? The good news: you can. Turn what ifs into what’s next through predictive analytics and the power of Machine Learning (ML). Machine learning recognizes patterns that are too complex for us to observe. And can forecast future events far more accurately than we ever will. It can mine the most crucial information embedded in business databases, apply insights to improve products, and provide better customer experiences. How? By taking all the data points and turning them into spot-on predictions. When you integrate ML into your business operations, one key factor to consider though is the technology and the strategy you build around such predictions. In a recent Microsoft commissioned Forrester Consulting Total Economic Impact™ (TEI) study, Forrester found that organizations who invested in [Azure Machine Learning](https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/blog/increase-roi-and-business-impact-with-azure-machine-learning/) experienced many efficiencies in their ability to execute machine learning projects, drive greater revenue, and lower operating costs. ### **Forrester Consulting Total Economic Impact™ (TEI) Study: Key Findings** **According to the study, here are some of the benefits** of using Azure Machine Learning: - A three-year projected ROI from 189 percent to 335 percent. - Improved data scientist productivity by up to 25 percent and data engineering productivity by up to 40 percent. - Up to 40 percent less time to onboard new data scientists resulting in reduced costs. - Increased operational efficiency by streamlining model development, training, validation, deployment, and monitoring. - Higher time-to-value and model accuracy resulting in increased revenue and cost savings. ### **Azure Machine Learning: Forecasting at Scale** [Azure ML](https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/products/machine-learning), Microsoft’s machine learning solution lets you build machine learning models, train them at scale, and deploy them to the [cloud](https://followoz.com/services/cloud-services/). It supports many types of machine learning projects — classic ML, unsupervised algorithms, and deep learning — including the tools you need to move from development to deployment: - **ML Designer** creates experiments and deploys pipelines with drag-and-drop modules - **Jupyter Notebooks** create notebooks and run machine learning algorithms using the Python SDK - **Visual Studio** lets you develop models for Azure ML directly in the IDE environment - **CLI** easy command line interface lets you manipulate, manage and deploy ML models - **One Centralized Solution** enables managing and operating up to hundreds or thousands of models in a single ecosystem. - **ML frameworks** directly integrate with common frameworks like scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch, and Ray RLlib for reinforced learning. Azure ML comprises the following components: - An SDK that plugs into any Python-based IDE, notebook or CLI - A compute environment that offers scale up and scale out capabilities with the flexibility of auto-scaling and the agility of CPU or GPU-based infrastructure for training - A centralized model registry to keep track of models and experiments, no matter where and how they’re created - Managed container service integrations with Azure Container Instance, Azure Kubernetes Service and Azure IoT Hub for containerized deployment of models to the cloud and the IoT edge - A monitoring service to track metrics from models registered and deployed via Azure ML ### **Key Advantages of Azure ML** Several advances to Azure Machine Learning empower developers and data scientists of varying skill levels to build, train, deploy, and manage models at scale. Here are the top five ways Azure ML creates the ideal environment for data scientists to collaborate with several tools in one place. 1. **Infrastructure Setup** Setting up all the infrastructure manually to train machine learning models can be overwhelming. But with Azure ML, you can leave the heavy lifting of infrastructure setup and licensing to Azure. Azure has many useful features that simplify setting up the machine learning workflow and environment: - On-demand compute that you can customize based on the workload. - A data ingestion engine that accepts many sources. - Simple workflow orchestration. - Exclusive machine learning model management if you like evaluating multiple models before selecting the final one. - Metrics and logs of all the model training activities and services you use are readily available on the platform. - Model deployment in real time. 2. **No Code ML Models Azure ML offers Machine Learning Studio Services, fully integrated with the Azure ML SDK, that automate ML and provide [no-code, low-code](https://ciotechworld.com/emmanuel-ramos-business-executives-guide-to-low-code-no-code-platforms/)options for creating machine learning models. Beyond creating new models, Studio lets you train and deploy the models and manage datasets and training results. Studio provides several ways to author and manage ML models depending on the type of project and level of experience: - **Azure ML Designer** no-code option lets you drag and drop data sets to create an entire ML pipeline. - **An automated machine learning** interface helps you create an automated machine learning process. - **Data labeling** provides an interface to review and label data for training and model evaluation. 3. **MLOps: Centralized, End-to-End Lifecycle Management** Creating the machine learning model is often much easier than deploying and managing the model at scale. Azure ML lets you integrate ML pipelines with other parts of the Azure cloud, including open source services —like Azure App Services and Azure IoT Edge — to leverage web, mobile, and IoT inside the Azure ML framework. Azure ML provides pipelines, or automated machine learning processes that: - Define a series of actions to run at various stages of a model lifecycle - Reuse code and components to avoid repeating steps - Add different Azure compute resources at every step - Perform model scoring in batches 4. **Data Stores** Azure ML provides data stores to securely link data from [Azure Storage](https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/storage/common/storage-introduction)services to your workspace so you can access your storage without hardcoding the connection information into your scripts. Once data is secured, you can read data from the data lake into Azure ML notebooks through the data store. 5. **Interactive Designer GUI** Create machine learning models through an interactive GUI with the help of the Azure ML [Designer](https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/machine-learning/concept-designer)feature. Designer supports several pre-built modules — like “select columns,” “clean missing data,” “split data,” “two-class decision forest,” and “evaluate model” — for model development. You can further deploy the modules as a pipeline using a compute cluster. The model results that are created when the “evaluate model” module is executed in the pipeline can then be visualized via a dashboard. Azure ML’s advanced model development, training, deployment, and management capabilities help make your data a strategic advantage. By providing a unified platform to create low-code ML solutions, Azure ML accelerates your journey from data to insights to action, positioning you to stay at the forefront of data-driven excellence. ### **Questions?** We’re excited about all [Azure Machine Learning](https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/services/machine-learning/) can do for organizations looking to build, deploy, and manage thousands of models at scale. With [over 25 years of experience](https://followoz.com/services/cloud-services/) in Microsoft technologies, we can support you from the ground up to make it an integral part of your [advanced analytics strategy](https://followoz.com/services/data-analytics-ai/). [Contact us today](https://3cloudsolutions.com/get-started) to get started. **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Microsoft --- ### [Azure IoT: Business Innovation Starts Here](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/azure-iot-business-innovation-starts-here/) **Published:** February 12, 2024 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** **By Jason Milgram,** S*enior Vice President, Azure Leader* IoT refers to a network of physical devices interconnected and exchanging data, from simple sensors to smartphones and wearables. This technology has revolutionized how businesses operate, offering unprecedented data collection, real-time analytics, and process automation. In today’s competitive business environment, IoT is a cornerstone technology that drives efficiency, enhances customer experiences, and opens new revenue streams, making it an essential tool for business growth and adaptation. Azure IoT, a suite of services Microsoft provides, offers a comprehensive platform for businesses to implement and manage their IoT solutions. By combining cloud storage, analytics, and networking capabilities, Azure IoT provides a reliable and scalable framework that enables businesses to gather, process, and analyze vast amounts of data generated by their IoT devices. This platform’s significance lies in its ability to facilitate seamless integration, robust security, and insightful data analytics, which are crucial for businesses to make informed decisions. The primary goal of this article is to guide business leaders in understanding the potential of Azure IoT in transforming their operations. We aim to provide a clear and comprehensive overview of how Azure IoT functions, its benefits, and practical applications in various industries. By the end of this article, decision-makers will be equipped with the knowledge to assess how Azure IoT can be integrated into their strategic planning to drive innovation, efficiency, and growth in their organizations. ### **The Evolution of IoT in Business** The journey of IoT in the business world began with RFID tags and basic sensors, which opened up new pathways for data collection and automation. Initially, its application was limited to tracking and managing inventory. However, as technology evolved, so did the scope of IoT. Businesses started incorporating more sophisticated IoT devices, enhancing connectivity and data exchange across various operations. This evolution marked a transition from basic [automation](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/webinar-creating-an-automation-strategy-and-roadmap/) to [advanced analytics](https://followoz.com/services/data-analytics-ai/) and real-time decision-making, redefining how businesses interacted with their physical environment. Today, IoT is at the forefront of technological innovation. Current trends include the [integration of AI](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/ai-integration-how-smart-companies-get-it-right/) and [machine learning](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/start-seeing-around-corners-with-azure-machine-learning/) with IoT devices, enhancing the capability to analyze and derive meaningful insights from vast datasets. Another significant trend is the development of edge computing, which processes data closer to where it is generated, reducing latency and bandwidth use. IoT has expanded into more sectors, including smart cities, healthcare, and industrial automation, offering more comprehensive and customized solutions. The focus on security has intensified, with robust protocols being developed to safeguard the intricate networks of IoT devices. Azure IoT is pivotal in shaping the future landscape of business operations. Its cloud-based platform offers scalability and flexibility, allowing businesses to adapt swiftly to changing demands. Azure IoT also integrates seamlessly with other Microsoft services like [AI and Machine Learning](https://followoz.com/services/data-analytics-ai/), providing businesses with powerful tools to analyze and act on data more efficiently. Looking ahead, Azure IoT is set to play a crucial role in developing smart infrastructures and autonomous systems, marking a new chapter in the digital transformation journey. By offering advanced security features and compliance protocols, Azure IoT ensures that businesses can harness the power of IoT innovation while maintaining data integrity and trust. ### **Understanding Azure IoT** Azure IoT offers a robust suite of services and solutions designed to cater to various business needs in the IoT landscape. At its core, Azure IoT provides IoT Hub, a central message hub for bi-directional communication between IoT applications and the devices they manage. Azure IoT Edge extends cloud intelligence and analytics to edge devices. Azure IoT Central, a fully managed SaaS solution, offers user-friendly interfaces and tools for device management and monitoring. Additionally, Azure IoT includes solutions like Azure Sphere for secure IoT device development and Azure Digital Twins to create digital representations of real-world environments. **Key Features of Azure IoT** 1. **Security** – Azure IoT prioritizes security at every layer offering comprehensive features like secure boot, BitLocker encryption, and a defense-in-depth approach to safeguard against various threats. 2. **Scalability** – With Azure’s global infrastructure, Azure IoT can scale to accommodate the growing number of IoT devices and the data they generate, ensuring consistent performance regardless of load. 3. **Integration Capabilities** – Azure IoT excels in its ability to integrate with other Azure services like Azure AI and Analytics and external applications, enabling businesses to build and tailor comprehensive IoT solutions that align with their specific needs. Compared to other IoT platforms, Azure IoT stands out for its seamless integration with a broad range of [Microsoft products and services](https://followoz.com/partners/oz-microsoft/), which can be a significant advantage for businesses already using the Microsoft ecosystem. While platforms like AWS IoT and Google Cloud IoT also offer powerful features and scalability, Azure IoT distinguishes itself with its strong emphasis on enterprise-grade security and compliance standards, crucial for businesses handling sensitive data. Additionally, Azure’s global reach and extensive network of data centers provide a competitive edge regarding reliability and data residency options, making it a compelling choice for international operations. ### **Business Benefits of Azure IoT** Azure IoT enables businesses to enhance their operational efficiency and productivity significantly. By leveraging IoT devices and sensors, companies can automate routine tasks, monitor real-time equipment performance, and predict maintenance needs. This proactive approach minimizes downtime and extends the lifespan of equipment. Additionally, integrating Azure IoT with existing business systems streamlines processes, reduces manual workload, and allows employees to focus on more strategic tasks, thus boosting overall productivity. One of the most significant advantages of Azure IoT is its capacity to support [data-driven decision-making](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/data-alone-is-not-enough-why-carriers-must-lead-with-insight/). The platform’s advanced analytics tools process large volumes of data generated by IoT devices, transforming it into actionable insights. Businesses can use these insights to optimize operations, reduce costs, and identify new market opportunities. Azure IoT’s [predictive analytics](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/start-seeing-around-corners-with-azure-machine-learning/) capabilities also enable companies to anticipate market trends and customer needs, ensuring they stay ahead of the competition. Azure IoT plays a crucial role in enhancing customer experiences and engagement. By collecting and analyzing data from various touchpoints, businesses can better understand customer behavior and preferences. This knowledge allows for creating personalized experiences, targeted marketing campaigns, and improved product offerings. IoT technology also enables real-time customer interaction, fostering a sense of connection and responsiveness that enhances customer satisfaction and loyalty. ### **Case Studies: Successful Azure IoT Implementations in Various Industries** 1. **Manufacturing** – A leading automotive manufacturer used Azure IoT to create a connected factory. This implementation resulted in a 30% reduction in downtime and a 25% increase in production efficiency. 2. **Retail** – A global retail chain implemented Azure IoT for inventory management and customer behavior analysis. The result was a 20% increase in inventory accuracy and a 15% growth in sales due to targeted marketing strategies. 3. **Healthcare** – A [healthcare](https://followoz.com/industries/health-sciences/) provider utilized Azure IoT for remote [patient monitoring and predictive healthcare analytics](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/leveraging-the-legacy-of-prognosis-with-ai/). This led to a 40% decrease in emergency room visits and significantly improved patient outcomes. 4. **Agriculture** – An agricultural company adopted Azure IoT for precision farming, using sensors for soil moisture and nutrient monitoring. This resulted in a 20% increase in crop yield and a 10% reduction in water usage. These case studies demonstrate the versatile application and substantial benefits of Azure IoT across different sectors, highlighting its potential to revolutionize business operations and drive innovation. ### **Implementing Azure IoT in Your Business** The first step in implementing Azure IoT is identifying specific business needs and potential applications for IoT technology. Companies should evaluate their operations to pinpoint areas where IoT can bring the most value, such as process automation, real-time data analysis, or customer experience enhancement. This assessment should also include identifying key performance indicators (KPIs) that IoT solutions can impact. Engaging with stakeholders across different departments can provide a comprehensive view of where IoT can be most effectively utilized. Once the areas of potential IoT application have been identified, the next step is to plan and strategize for its integration. This involves: 1. **Defining Objectives** – Clearly outline what you want to achieve with IoT technology, such as reducing operational costs, improving product quality, or enhancing customer satisfaction. 2. **Technology Assessment** – Evaluate existing IT infrastructure and determine the upgrades needed to support IoT solutions. 3. **Risk Management** – Identify potential risks and challenges associated with IoT implementation, including security concerns, data privacy issues, and ensure compliance with relevant regulations. 4. **Roadmap Development** – Create a phased implementation roadmap outlining the IoT project’s timeline, budget, and resource allocation. Using Azure IoT and working with [a partner on your business implementation](https://followoz.com) offers numerous services and support options: 1. **Consultation and Planning Support** – Partner organizations provide expert consultation to help businesses plan and design their IoT solutions effectively. 2. **Technical Support and Training** – [Microsoft and partner organizations](https://followoz.com/partners/oz-microsoft/) offer technical support and training resources to ensure your team is well-equipped to manage and maintain IoT solutions. 3. **Customizable Solutions** – Azure IoT services are highly customizable, allowing businesses to tailor solutions to their specific needs and objectives. 4. **Security and Compliance Assistance** – Azure provides robust security measures and compliance support to ensure your IoT solutions meet industry standards and regulations. 5. **Scalability and Flexibility** – Azure IoT solutions are scalable and flexible, ensuring they can grow and adapt to your business needs. 6. **Analytics and Insights Services** – Leverage Azure’s advanced analytics capabilities to gain insights from your IoT data, helping you make informed business decisions. By following these steps and utilizing the services and support offered by Microsoft and partner organizations, businesses can effectively implement IoT solutions that drive innovation and create a competitive edge in their respective industries. ### **Overcoming Challenges and Mitigating Risks** Security is a paramount concern in IoT deployments due to the increased vulnerability of a vast network of connected devices. To address these concerns, businesses should adopt a multi-layered security approach. This includes securing the devices, the data they transmit, and the networks they connect to. Utilizing Azure IoT’s built-in security features like secure boot, bi-directional authentication, and regular security patches is essential. Additionally, regular security audits and updating the latest security protocols can significantly reduce vulnerabilities. Data privacy and compliance are critical, especially with regulations like GDPR and HIPAA. Businesses must ensure that their IoT solutions comply with these regulations. This involves implementing strict data governance policies ensuring data is collected, stored, and used in compliance with legal standards. Azure IoT provides tools and guidelines to help businesses manage data effectively while adhering to privacy laws. Regular employee training on data handling best practices and privacy policies is also crucial in maintaining compliance. Implementing IoT solutions often involves overcoming technical and organizational challenges. Ensuring interoperability between IoT devices and existing IT infrastructure is crucial. This requires a thorough evaluation of the current IT landscape and the selection of compatible IoT technologies. Azure IoT offers a range of solutions that can be integrated with various platforms, aiding in this process. Organizationally, fostering a culture that embraces change and innovation is essential. This can be achieved through continuous training and involvement of all stakeholders in the IoT implementation process. Clear communication of the benefits and strategic objectives of IoT initiatives can also aid in overcoming resistance and ensuring a smooth transition. By effectively addressing these challenges and mitigating risks, businesses can ensure a secure, compliant, and successful implementation of Azure IoT solutions, unlocking new opportunities for innovation and growth. ### **Conclusion** As explored throughout this article, Azure IoT is a pivotal technology for modern businesses, across sectors with the ability to enhance operational efficiency, enable data-driven decision-making, and improve customer engagement. The diverse range of Azure IoT services and solutions, coupled with its robust security and scalability features, positions it uniquely to address the dynamic needs of contemporary business environments. Embracing IoT, particularly Azure IoT, is not just about adopting new technology; it’s about embracing a strategic tool for business growth and innovation. Integrating IoT into business operations opens avenues for enhanced productivity, streamlined processes, and deeper insights into customer behaviors and market trends. As the business landscape evolves, IoT is critical to staying competitive and relevant. For business decision-makers looking to embark on the Azure IoT journey, the first step is to clearly understand your organization’s specific needs and how IoT can address them. Engage with key stakeholders to align IoT initiatives with broader business objectives. Next, consider partnering with Azure experts to gain insights into the best IoT solutions for your business. Utilize the wealth of resources and support offered by Azure IoT to navigate the initial stages of implementation. Finally, prioritize security, compliance, and staff training to ensure a successful and sustainable IoT deployment. Integrating Azure IoT into your business strategy is a technological upgrade and a strategic move towards future-proofing your organization. By taking proactive steps today, you can position your business to reap the substantial benefits of IoT in the evolving digital landscape. Ready to learn more? [Contact us](https://followoz.com/blog-contact-us/) today. *References:* “The Azure IoT Handbook” by Dan Clark** is an essential resource for those looking to deepen their understanding of IoT systems, particularly those deployed on Azure. The book offers a comprehensive introduction, covering the basics of IoT, common Use Cases, and the components of an IoT system. It addresses the complexities of IoT deployment’s device and cloud sides, emphasizing the importance of security. With real-world examples and practical guidance, it’s an invaluable guide for developers and architects working with Azure IoT solutions. More information about the book can be found on Packt’s website: <https://packt.link/5cwJ8> **Microsoft documentation** – IoT concepts and Azure IoT Hub [https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/iot-hub/iot-concepts-and-iot-hub/?WT.mc\_id=AZ-MVP-4029307](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/iot-hub/iot-concepts-and-iot-hub/?WT.mc_id=AZ-MVP-4029307) – What is Azure IoT Central? [https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/iot-central/core/overview-iot-central/?WT.mc\_id=AZ-MVP-4029307](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/iot-central/core/overview-iot-central/?WT.mc_id=AZ-MVP-4029307) – Evaluate your IoT Scenario by using Azure IoT Central [https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/training/paths/evaluate-iot-scenario-with-iot-central/?WT.mc\_id=AZ-MVP-4029307](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/training/paths/evaluate-iot-scenario-with-iot-central/?WT.mc_id=AZ-MVP-4029307) **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Microsoft --- ### [Tracing the Genius Behind Microsoft’s Latest, Greatest AI-Driven Success](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/tracing-the-genius-behind-microsofts-latest-greatest-ai-driven-success/) **Published:** February 12, 2024 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** [Microsoft](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/), rising above $3 trillion in market capitalization late last month, is once again, as *Forbes* [notes](https://www.forbes.com/sites/dereksaul/2024/01/30/microsoft-earnings-record-sales-for-5th-straight-quarter-amid-ai-wave/?sh=815bbea328e5), “the most valuable company in the world.” (To learn how [OZ](https://followoz.com/), a certified Microsoft Solutions Partner with more than a quarter century of proven experience, can empower you to fully leverage Microsoft tools and services, click [here](https://followoz.com/partners/oz-microsoft/).) Combine this news with the fact that last quarter was the company’s [“best-ever quarterly revenue for its fifth quarter in a row,”](https://www.forbes.com/sites/dereksaul/2024/01/30/microsoft-earnings-record-sales-for-5th-straight-quarter-amid-ai-wave/?sh=815bbea328e5) and it’s a remarkable story of the triumph of vision, perseverance, and a willingness to be out on the leading-edge of technology. (To this last point, Microsoft reported [30% year-over-year revenue growth](https://siliconangle.com/2024/01/30/microsoft-blows-away-earnings-estimates-ais-contribution-grows/) in its AI-driven Azure/[intelligent cloud service area](https://followoz.com/services/cloud-services/).) As this *Washington Post* article makes clear, however, this success was hardly a foregone conclusion: “In the early 2010s, conversations among Microsoft’s top executives had become bleak. The [smartphone revolution](https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/magazine/when-apple-introduced-the-iphone/2017/06/20/7f2e968a-3cde-11e7-9e48-c4f199710b69_story.html) was in full swing, and Google and Apple were charging ahead, while Microsoft’s efforts to build a mobile business were floundering. “Employees were leaving the company in droves to go work at competitors, and Microsoft had trouble recruiting from colleges. “‘Are we at risk of becoming irrelevant?’ was the question hanging over the company, said Sivaramakrishnan Somasegar, an investor at Madrona Venture Group in Seattle, who at the time was a senior Microsoft executive.” So, what’s the secret to this monumental success? *OZ SVP of Digital Solutions **Steve Bakanov*** breaks it down… “The resurgence of Microsoft as a technological giant is a testament to the company’s strategic foresight, adaptability, and its profound impact on the [AI revolution](https://followoz.com/services/data-analytics-ai/). Under the leadership of CEO Satya Nadella, Microsoft has adeptly navigated the complex landscape of artificial intelligence, leveraging its partnership with OpenAI to reposition itself at the forefront of innovation. This collaboration has not only fueled Microsoft’s growth but has also set a benchmark for how traditional tech companies can pivot towards emergent technologies to maintain relevance and drive industry leadership. “Microsoft’s early investment in OpenAI and the integration of AI into its product suite underscores a visionary approach to embracing next-generation technologies. This move has not only revitalized its product offerings but has also significantly enhanced its market valuation, making it one of the most valuable companies in the world. Such achievements speak volumes about the importance of strategic investment in technology and the potential of AI to redefine the competitive landscape. “The resumption of its dominant position in the tech world illustrates the critical role of leadership in identifying and capitalizing on [new technological trends](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/embracing-the-future-of-app-development/)—as well as a compelling example of transformative power of AI and strategic partnerships. “As a certified Microsoft Solutions Partner, OZ strives to set a prime example of this visionary approach. Our expert consultants are dedicated to empowering clients, enabling them to fully leverage Azure and other Microsoft analytical tools.” **Your Next Steps** To learn more about how OZ can empower you to accelerate your success by leveraging [Microsoft leading-edge technologies](https://followoz.com/partners/oz-microsoft/), reach out to [schedule a free consultation](https://followoz.com/contact-us/) today. **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Microsoft --- ### [How Leading Industries Bridge the Proof-of-Concept to Production Gap with Azure Machine Learning](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/how-leading-industries-bridge-the-proof-of-concept-to-production-gap-with-azure-machine-learning/) **Published:** February 19, 2024 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** **By Sal Cardozo,** *Senior Vice President, Data Analytics & AI* The AI era is upon us. Most organizations acknowledge that artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) will have a profound impact on their business. Not surprisingly, they’re ramping up investment in AI/ML to harness the full power of their data. Analysts estimate that the global potential [impact of AI/ML](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/how-ai-will-redefine-business-strategy-in-2024/) will be $15T, which is 15% of global GDP. But despite the record investment in AI/ML across industries, many initiatives struggle to take off, hampered by data, scale, and deployment challenges. As Hillary Ashton, Chief Product Officer at [Teradata](https://www.teradata.com/), points out, “With [only half of AI/ML projects making it into production](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/ai-integration-how-smart-companies-get-it-right/), it’s become clear that organizations are not able to fully scale their advanced analytics initiatives and maximize their investments.” According to a recent Gartner study, only [54% of AI projects](https://www.gartner.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2020-10-19-gartner-identifies-the-top-strategic-technology-trends-for-2021) make it from pilot to production.” ## So, what ails these projects, and what prevents their moving from pilot to production? - **Data Access** The more data AI can ingest, the higher the accuracy. But often, insufficient data hinders data scientists from developing robust AI and ML solutions. Creating or obtaining data sets large enough for training can be difficult. So, data scientists often have to contend with smaller, less usable snapshots of the data instead of the entire [data lake](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/keep-your-data-lake-from-becoming-a-data-swamp/), which can impact model accuracy. - **Model Development and Deployment** Several things go into turning a pilot into a scalable deployment. You may have to streamline code, introduce technologies, expand your data repository, hire teams, and set up a [data labeling factory](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/how-to-build-effective-data-pipelines-with-azure-data-factory/). And you have to iterate frequently and fast. To do that, you require an MLOps infrastructure, which only [cloud service providers](https://followoz.com/services/cloud-services/) offer. - **Service Complexity** Building a modern ML/AI platform from the ground up means acquiring and integrating the right technologies for production and testing continuously — tasks that are time-consuming and resource-intensive. Enter [Azure Machine Learning](https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/products/machine-learning). ### **Azure Machine Learning: Beat the Proof-of-Concept to Production Gap** [Azure Machine Learning](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/start-seeing-around-corners-with-azure-machine-learning/) allows you to execute complex [analytics and AI/ML](https://followoz.com/services/data-analytics-ai/) on massive data sets, simplifying and accelerating the ML lifecycle. So, you can unlock the full value of your data, even in the most complex and demanding environments. It empowers ML professionals, data scientists, and engineers to train and deploy models faster and accelerate time to value by leveraging the massive data sets that Azure ML ingests. With Azure ML, organizations across industries are realizing the benefits from the following use cases and much more: ## **Azure Machine Learning — Use Cases by Industry** ### **Retail** 1. **Predictive Maintenance:** One of the most popular use cases for Azure Machine Learning in business is [predictive maintenance](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/ai-driven-predictive-maintenance-for-mid-sized-businesses/). By collecting and analyzing data from sensors and other sources and applying machine learning models, retailers can predict if equipment will fail — and take preventive action. 2. **Inventory optimization:** Through SKU assortment and machine learning, retailers ensure shelves are stocked and best-selling products are always available. 3. **Fraud Detection:** Azure Machine Learning excels at [detecting fraud](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/combating-insurance-fraud-in-the-age-of-big-data/)in financial transactions. It can flag anomalies and unusual data spikes indicating fraudulent activity, alerting businesses to potential issues. 4. **Customer Service:** Azure Machine Learning transforms customer data into actionable insights, helping you provide [personalized offers](https://azure.microsoft.com/solutions/architecture/personalized-offers/?WT.mc_id=mlrcg-acomblog-martydon)and improve the customer experience. 5. **Customer Churn Prediction:** [Customer Churn Prediction](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/shows/azure/customer-churn-prediction-by-azure-machine-learning)improves decision-making regarding customer engagement and lifetime value. Using a data set, the classification model within Azure Machine Learning, such as logistic regression or random forest, can accurately predict customer churn. Azure ML also provides tools for cleaning missing data to help you replace values or remove outliers. It supports the division of data for training and testing the model, offering a comprehensive solution for churn analysis. 6. **Sentiment Analysis:**Customers are everywhere engaging with your brand on their preferred social and online channels. [Sentiment analysis](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/ai-services/language-service/sentiment-opinion-mining/overview?tabs=prebuilt), or opinion mining, lets you tap into these conversations and get real-time insights. Based on a confidence score, it labels customer sentiment as “negative,” “neutral,” or “positive,” helping brands flag negative sentiment and take corrective action before it devolves into a PR crisis. 7. **Recommendation Engine:** A product [recommendation engine](https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/blog/building-recommender-systems-with-azure-machine-learning-service/)— using Azure Machine Learning and AI — analyzes customer data to learn what products and services interest customers. Based on this search behavior, retailers can serve relevant, predictive offers, deals, and discounts tailored to each customer. An effective recommendation engine will even use the results to create individualized customer profiles — and drive sales. 8. **Demand Forecasting by Pricing Optimization**: Traditional retail demand planning systems take a fixed, rule-based approach to forecasting and replenishment order management. It works well for stable and predictable product categories but can be limiting otherwise. [On the other hand, demand forecasting by pricing optimization](https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/solutions/architecture/demand-forecasting-price-optimization-marketing/?WT.mc_id=blogs-azure-mazoroto) meets customer demand through forecasts based on variable pricing and business constraints. ### **Healthcare** 1. **Disease Prevention and Diagnostics:** ML algorithms can analyze vast troves of medical data — patient records, imaging, and genetic information — to identify patterns and predict potential disease risks. This helps in [early detection and diagnosis](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/leveraging-the-legacy-of-prognosis-with-ai/). Anomaly identification, a process that takes radiologists hours to uncover through scans, [takes AI just minutes](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/how-artificial-intelligence-ai-is-reshaping-healthcare/) to pinpoint. 2. **Image and Signal Analysis:** ML algorithms excel at image and signal analysis and can accurately distinguish medical images (e.g., X-rays, MRIs) from signals (e.g., ECGs). Earlier, the radiologist would produce several scans and manually go over each scan to trace the outline of the tumor. But now, using ML, radiologists can automatically trace the shape of a tumor and render a 3D composite in minutes. 3. **Personalized Treatment Plans:** Machine learning analyzes patient data to produce individualized treatment plans, including predicting how patients respond to medication or therapies. 4. **Health Monitoring and Predictive Analytics:** Wearable devices and health monitoring systems powered by machine learning can track and [analyze real-time health data](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/healthcares-digital-assist-using-ai-to-predict-patient-flow-and-streamline-care/) providing timely insights. That’s not all. Hospitals using ML and AI can also [forecast the patient’s duration of stay](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/healthcares-digital-assist-using-ai-to-predict-patient-flow-and-streamline-care/). 5. **Drug Discovery and Development:** In clinical trials, AI/ML systems accurately screen potential patients by evaluating their disease state, deciphering complex biological data, and forecasting outcomes, leading to more efficient trials, reduced costs, and better success rates. ### **Insurance** 1. **Lapse Management:** Azure ML identifies policies likely to lapse so insurers can contact the insured about next steps. 2. **Recommendation Engine:** By mapping similar customers, [Azure ML](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/how-to-build-effective-data-pipelines-with-azure-data-factory/) pinpoints excessively or underinsured customers. Insurers can then proactively reach out to them so they may have the right insurance. 3. **Assessor Assistant:** Once a vehicle gets towed to a body shop, computer vision helps the assessor identify issues that need fixing, speeding up the assessment and informing customers of any repairs. 4. **Fraud Detection:** Predictive analytics, including text analytics and sentiment analysis, sifts through [unstructured data](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/how-data-ready-are-you/)— something that wasn’t possible earlier — to proactively identify patterns and [detect fraud](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/combating-insurance-fraud-in-the-age-of-big-data/). 5. **Personalized Offers:** Improve the customer experience by offering relevant information about the coverage the insured may need based on life events, such as the birth of a child or the purchase of a home or car. 6. **Experience Analyses:** Uses unsupervised machine learning to discover predictors in claims activity. This information helps make assumptions and feed into pricing models, [risk analyses](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/every-insurer-wants-to-predict-and-prevent-heres-how-you-can/), and other actuarial analyses. 7. **Scaled Training:** Use Azure ML to train your models using GPUs or thousands of CPU cores. ### **Get Started with Azure Machine Learning** Microsoft Azure Machine Learning empowers data scientists and developers to build, deploy, and manage high-quality models at scale. It gives them the confidence and support they need to ramp up their AI/ML initiatives to drive business impact. With over [25 years of Microsoft technology experience](https://followoz.com), OZ can help you accelerate time to value with Azure Machine Learning, including providing support from the ground up for security, compliance, and responsible AI. Want to learn more about how Azure ML can fit into your advanced analytics strategy? [Contact us today](https://followoz.com/blog-contact-us/). **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Microsoft --- ### [Transform Raw Data into Knowledge and Tools Capable of Solving a Problem](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/transform-raw-data-into-knowledge-and-tools-capable-of-solving-a-problem/) **Published:** February 26, 2024 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** When developing an AI algorithm, you may try to improve results by working on the model or perhaps by collecting more data. And this is as it should be. But there is also a third powerful option available: Applying **feature engineering techniques** which transform raw data into knowledge and tools capable of solving a problem. **These include…** - **Feature Generation.** Generate relevant variables. - **Data Transformation.** Modify the scale or distribution of the values. - **Data Cleaning.** Identify and correct errors in the data. - **Feature Selection.** Identify the most relevant input variables for the task. - **Dimension Reduction.** Create compact projections of the data. This is neither a trivial nor easy task. After all, you must evaluate what actions must be applied to the data to gain a holistic understanding of the problem. Defining the data pipeline for the application of the feature engineering techniques is close to 90 percent of the effort in machine learning applications. “Coming up with features is difficult, time-consuming, requires expert knowledge,” AI pioneer [Andrew Ng](https://www.andrewng.org/) once noted. “‘Applied machine learning’ is basically feature engineering.” ### Feature Engineering in Supervised Learning Models When undertaking feature engineering, several types of variables may be encountered. Each type of variable has distinct characteristics and may require different preprocessing techniques. **Here are some common types of variables you may find:** 1. **Numerical Variables.** - These variables can take any real value within a given range. Examples include age, income, and temperature. Continuous variables are often scaled or normalized to ensure uniformity in their ranges. - Discrete numerical variables take on specific, distinct values, typically integers. Examples include the number of children in a family or the count of items in a shopping cart. 2. **Categorical Variables.** - Nominal categorical variables represent categories or labels with no inherent order or ranking. Examples include colors, product categories, or types of fruits. - Ordinal categorical variables have categories with a meaningful order or ranking. Examples include education levels (e.g., high school, bachelor’s, master’s) or customer satisfaction ratings (e.g., poor, fair, good, excellent). Ordinal variables may be encoded with integer values or custom rank values. 3. **Time-Related Variables:** These can include date and time features, such as timestamps, days of the week, months, or years. These variables may be extracted from datetime data and used to capture temporal patterns. - Once there is a good grasp on the specific nature of the problem, choosing the right tools for the solution requires knowledge of both probabilities and math to choose. **Elements that should be checked include…** - Missing data. - Categorical variables. Cardinality and rare labels. - Compliance with linearity assumptions. - Distribution of independent variable values. - Magnitude/scale. #### Missing data *Missing data* refers to the absence or lack of values in one or more variables within a dataset. Dealing with missing data is a crucial aspect of preparing data for a supervised learning model—and it can have significant effects on the model’s performance and results. **The three long-accepted categories of missing data are…** - **Missing Completely at Random (MCAR).** Data is missing randomly, and there is no systematic pattern. (The probability of missing values is the same for all observations.) In this case, the missing values are unlikely to bias the model. - **Missing at Random (MAR).** The probability of data being missing depends on other observed variables. While there is a pattern, it can be accounted for using information from other variables. (In a study for a new treatment, for example, some subjects withdraw when they start experiencing side effects). - **Missing Not at Random (MNAR).** The probability of data being missing depends on unobserved or missing values themselves. This type is more challenging to handle and can introduce bias. **Some negative effects on the model could include…** 1. **Reduced Sample Size.** Missing data can lead to a reduced sample size, which may affect the model’s ability to learn patterns and make accurate predictions. This reduction in sample size can be especially problematic if the missing data is not missing completely at random. 2. **Bias and Inaccuracy.** If the missing data is not handled appropriately, it can introduce bias into the model. For example, if certain groups are more likely to have missing values, the model may not generalize well to those groups. 3. **Loss of Information.** Missing data can result in the loss of potentially valuable information, especially if the missing variables are important predictors of the target variable. This loss of information can lead to suboptimal model performance. #### Imputation of Missing Data Imputation is the act of replacing missing data with statistical estimates of the absent values. The goal of any imputation technique is to produce a complete dataset that allows training a machine learning model. **These techniques can be grouped into two categories:** - When imputation is done independently for each input variable, without considering other variables. - When the imputed value for each variable is a function of two or more variables. Some univariate imputation techniques include… 1. **Numeric Variables** - Mean/Median Imputation. - Arbitrary Value Imputation. - End of Tail Imputation. 2. **Categorical Variables** - Mode Imputation. - Adding a “MISSING” Category. 3. **Both Numeric and Categorical Variables** - Complete Case Analysis. - Adding a “MISSING” Indicator. - Random Sampling Imputation. #### Complete Case Analysis (CCA) *Complete Case Analysis* consists of discarding all observations in which any of the variables are missing. Therefore, only observations with complete data are analyzed. CCA is most appropriate when the missing data mechanism is believed to be missing completely at random (MCAR) or when the proportion of missing data is very small and does not significantly affect the sample size. It is also suitable when the goal is to maintain the simplicity of the analysis, and the loss of information is acceptable. However, if the missing data mechanism is believed to be missing at random (MAR) or missing not at random (MNAR), other imputation methods that account for these mechanisms may be more appropriate to avoid bias in the analysis. The advantages of CCA are the simplicity since it does not involve any assumptions about the missing data, and it preserves the distribution of the variables since it does not introduce any bias or imputation errors. This method has limitations and considerations. One significant drawback is that it can lead to a substantial reduction in the sample size and smaller sample sizes can reduce the power of statistical tests and may limit the generalizability of results. Also, if the assumption of MCAR is not met, the loss of data may impact the representativeness of the remaining sample. In conclusion, as norm the CCA should be implemented if the MCAR assumption is met and if the instance with missing data is not higher than the 5% of the total dataset. **Imputation by Mean or Median** *Imputation by mean or median* is a simple technique used to handle missing data by replacing missing values with the mean (average) or median value of the available data within the same variable. This method is widely used in data preprocessing when dealing with numerical or continuous variables. If the variable is normally distributed, the mean and median are similar. On the other hand, if the distribution is skewed, the median is a better representation of the missing data. **When using this technique, the following assumptions should be checked:** - The missing data should be MCAR or MAR. - The missing observations resemble the majority. The advantages of this method are the simplicity, and it preserves the variable distribution. **However, there are some limitations and considerations that should be aware of:** - It distorts the original distribution, the more missing data there is, the greater the distortion. - It distorts the original variance. - It distorts the covariance with the remaining variables. Imputation by mean or median is most appropriate when the missing data mechanism is believed to be MCAR or MAR and the proportion of missing data is relatively small. It is a quick and simple method to handle missing data, but it should be used cautiously and with an awareness of its limitations. **As a rule, we will apply this technique when…** - …the missing data is missing completely at random (MCAR) or missing at random (MAR), and the assumptions for using mean or median imputation are met. - …the percentage of missing data is relatively low, typically not exceeding 5% of the total dataset. - …we want a relatively simple imputation method that does not introduce excessive bias or distortion into the data. #### Arbitrary Value Imputation (Numeric)/Adding a “MISSING” Category (Categoric) **This approach consists of replacing occurrences of missing values (NA) with a variable of an arbitrary value. The more common values used in this technique are:** - For numeric distributions: 0, 999, -999, or -1 (for positive distributions). - For categorical variables: “MISSING”. This method works under the assumption that the missing data is MNAR, in this case there should be a reason why the values are missing, in this case the mean and the median are not representative. Its advantages are that is easy to implement, a quick method to obtain complete dataset and most important it captures the importance of the “missing” data, if there are. Despite its advantages, this technique has several limitations, it distorts the original distribution of the data, it distorts the variance and the covariance with the remaining variables. If the arbitrary value is at the end of the distribution, it can introduce outliers, also care should be taken not to choose an arbitrary value too similar to the median or mean value. #### End of Tail Imputation This approach is equivalent to arbitrary value imputation, but in this case, arbitrary values are automatically selected from the end of the distribution, and it is applicable only to numeric data types. If the variable has a normal distribution, you can use the mean ± 3 times the standard deviation. If the variable has a skewed distribution, you can use the IQR proximity rule. ##### Imputation By Frequent Category or Mode This approach consists of replacing the missing values with the most frequent category or mode of the variable. It is used for categorical variables and has the advantage that it is a simple and straightforward imputation method. This method works under the assumption that the missing data is MCAR or MAR. It is particularly useful when dealing with categorical data with a dominant category and it preserves the original distribution of the categorical variable. The main disadvantages of this technique are that it distorts the relationship between the most frequent label and other variables in the dataset, also it can exaggerate the presence of the most frequent label if the number of missing values is high. The greater the number of missing values, the greater the distortion. This technique should be applied only when the assumption of the missing data is MCAR or MAR and the percentage of missing data is relatively low, typically not exceeding 5% of the total dataset. ###### Multivariable Imputation Often referred to as multiple imputation, multivariable imputation is an advanced technique employed in handling missing data within a dataset. Unlike simpler univariate imputation methods that handle missing values for one variable at a time, multivariable imputation considers the complex interplay and relationships between multiple variables when imputing missing data. Two common methods used for multivariable imputation are “Multiple Imputation by Chained Equations (MICE)” and “K-Nearest Neighbors (K-NN) Imputation.” - Multiple Imputation by Chained Equations (MICE) is an iterative imputation method that models each variable with missing data as a function of the other variables. It sequentially imputes missing values for each variable, updating the imputed values in each iteration based on the imputed values from other variables. This method is highly versatile and can handle various types of variables, including numeric and categorical variables. MICE provides a way to capture complex relationships between variables, making it suitable for datasets with dependencies and interactions. - K-Nearest Neighbors (K-NN) Imputation is primarily used for numeric or continuous variables. It involves finding the k-nearest data points with complete information (i.e., non-missing values) to the observation with the missing value. The missing value is then imputed based on the values of its nearest neighbors. K-NN imputation can be sensitive to the choice of the distance metric used to determine similarity between data points. In summary, multivariable imputation is a powerful technique for handling missing data by considering the complex relationships between variables. It provides a more comprehensive and flexible approach compared to univariate imputation methods, ensuring that the imputed data aligns with the structure of the original dataset. MICE and K-NN are two notable methods within multivariable imputation, each with its strengths and applicability depending on the nature of the data and the missing data mechanism. ###### Your Next Steps Scaling AI in your organization isn’t just about adopting new technology. It’s about transforming your entire way of doing things. To learn more about how OZ can accelerate your business into the [data analytics future](https://followoz.com/services/data-analytics-ai/), click [here](https://followoz.com/) or [schedule a consultation today](https://followoz.com/contact-us/). **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Tech Services --- ### [The strategic utilization of data is a critical factor for sustained success today](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/the-strategic-utilization-of-data-is-a-critical-factor-for-sustained-success-today/) **Published:** February 26, 2024 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ***By Muhammad Ali,** Integration Developer* Data analytics is undergoing a revolutionary transformation. As Microsoft Power Platforms, Azure Cognitive Search, Azure Machine Learning, Microsoft Power BI, and other tools bridge the gap between [Artificial Intelligence (AI) capabilities and business strategies](https://followoz.com/services/data-analytics-ai/), companies worldwide are now harnessing the power of AI to understand the data better and to gain a competitive edge. ## Are you ready to join those ranks? As Florida’s [premier Microsoft partner](https://followoz.com/partners/oz-microsoft/), OZ is here to help with the following concise, actionable primer on how to empower businesses to decipher the complex language of data and make informed, strategic decisions. ## The Transformative Impact of AI AI applications extend from predictive analytics to pattern recognition, offering businesses a diverse toolkit for navigating the complexities of data. By harnessing these capabilities, organizations can move beyond traditional decision-making approaches and embrace a more data-driven paradigm. Today many organizations are understanding the worth of better utilization of data and [Microsoft](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/) is no exception, with tools that are laser focused on how data is collected and how decisions are made using it. **The end goal?** To remove limitations that have existed for decades in enterprise systems either by improving them or by building something new. The days of manually sifting through vast volumes of data are behind us. AI automates the analysis process, providing businesses with actionable insights at unprecedented speeds. This empowerment not only saves time but also translates into a tangible competitive advantage in an ever-evolving market. AI can forecast trends and potential outcomes, aiding businesses in proactive decision-making. #### Great! But How Can My Business Best Navigate the AI Landscape? AI serves as a linguistic bridge between raw data and understandable insights. Delving into the nuances of this language is crucial for unlocking the full potential of AI. Companies that take the time to figure out and make sense of the way AI talks can discover a goldmine of information. This lays the groundwork for smarter choices in running the business. [Natural Language Processing (NLP)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natural_language_processing) is all about connecting the dots between how people talk and how computers understand. This superpower helps businesses use loads of information to make decisions based on comprehensive insights. ### AI’s Dynamic Applications AI’s versatility is a key aspect of its appeal. Whether applied to customer behaviour analysis, market trends, or operational efficiencies, AI adapts to the specific needs of businesses. It offers tailored solutions, enhancing its relevance and impact across a spectrum of industries. Businesses empowered by AI-driven insights can help gain massive improvements in the workflow as well as automate repetitive tasks. AI uses different machine learning algorithms. These include regression, neural networks, and decision trees, which help sharpen predictions and forecasts. #### Aiding—Not Replacing—Human Decision-Makers Contrary to the misconception that AI replaces human decision-making, it serves as a powerful tool. AI algorithms augment human capabilities by presenting data-driven insights, reducing the margin of error in decision-making processes—this collaboration between AI and human intelligence results in more informed, strategic decisions that drive business success. When decision-making is smooth and efficient, it results in an improved quality of services or products. This data-driven approach allows businesses to use a proactive approach to various dynamics of the business and achieve better customer engagement and partner productivity. #### Meaningful Insights with Data Visualization & Analytics Organizations keen on progressing with time must capitalize on the big data revolution to reap its benefits. To achieve this, they require a robust business intelligence (BI) tool capable of interpreting and analyzing data, generating reports, and conducting comprehensive data analysis. Among the major contenders in the market are Microsoft Power Platforms, Oracle BI, Microsoft Power BI, and others. One of the paramount features of tools like Microsoft Power Business Intelligence tool is its capacity to translate data into actionable insights. Data visualization holds immense significance as it provides a visual depiction of datasets across various visualization formats, offering avenues for in-depth exploration and the extraction of meaningful insights. ##### Strategic Planning with AI AI is not merely a tool for decoding the past; it’s a visionary asset for the future. Businesses can leverage AI for strategic planning and forecasting, anticipating market shifts and positioning themselves ahead of the curve. The ability to proactively adapt to changing landscapes becomes a key differentiator in the pursuit of sustained success. For instance, one approach employed by many retailers involves leveraging predictive analytics to identify products that may experience high demand during certain events. This enables companies to make strategic decisions beforehand strategically. By relying on data-driven insights, businesses can swiftly respond to events, ensuring continuous and reliable access to services. ###### Your Next Steps The art of intelligent decision-making is a prerequisite for staying competitive. AI acts as a crucial step for change in that dynamic To learn more about how OZ can accelerate your success by leveraging AI and [Microsoft leading-edge technologies](https://followoz.com/partners/oz-microsoft/), reach out to [schedule a free consultation](https://followoz.com/contact-us/) today. **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Digital Strategy, Tech Services --- ### [Why Insurers Rely on Real-Time Data in the Real World](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/why-insurers-rely-on-real-time-data-in-the-real-world/) **Published:** February 29, 2024 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ***By Murray Izenwasser ,** SVP Digital Strategy* *Welcome to the sixth edition of our blog series, “Under the Hood: Unlocking the Hidden Value in Insurance Data.” In this blog post, we explore how real-time data integration keeps insurers in lockstep with evolving customer needs and expectations. Learn how sharing in real time helps insurers make informed decisions faster and take action swiftly.* The explosion in customer data means insurers have more data to work with than ever. Data, as you know, is the lifeblood of insurance. It’s the key to [processing claims accurately](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/claims-transformation-automating-the-moment-of-truth/). It’s the key to assessing risk. It’s the key to [identifying fraud](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/combating-insurance-fraud-in-the-age-of-big-data/). There is almost no insurance function that won’t benefit from more data. However, having data alone is no longer enough. Insurers need data—NOW, in real time, not days later. In the past, insurers could afford the luxury of time. They would take their time to study the data, create models, crunch numbers—and turn that data into viable business strategies. That just isn’t feasible anymore. Given today’s environment, where natural disasters are having a huge impact on the P&C industry, time is money. And real-time data is gold. Property insurers must get their data and analytics working as events unfold, if it’s to work at all. According to the latest [NOAA report](https://www.axios.com/2023/09/12/disasters-weather-climate-record-2023-noaa), 2023 was the worst year for weather and climate catastrophes in the U.S., with 23 events surpassing all previous records. “These events caused 253 direct and indirect fatalities and produced more than $57.6 billion in damages (Consumer Price Index (CPI)-adjusted),” per NOAA’s report. Real-time data is a silver lining for insurers, provided they know where to apply the data. ### **How Real-Time Data and Analytics is Shaping the Future of Insurance** [Emerging technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT)](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/azure-iot-business-innovation-starts-here/), modern apps, sensors, and black boxes are changing the way insurers interact with customers. According to Bain Consulting Group (BCG), there are [30 billion connected devices in the world](https://www.bcg.com/publications/2021/commercial-insurance-should-start-testing-the-power-of-the-internet-of-things), which is expected to increase to 41 billion devices. Roughly 34% of North American and European businesses use IoT devices, with another 12% planning to integrate IoT within the next year. Commercial properties, in particular, are transforming into “smart” buildings, through real-time connected devices integrated with Building Management Systems (BMS). These systems facilitate monitoring, [prediction, and prevention of various risks](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/every-insurer-wants-to-predict-and-prevent-heres-how-you-can/), including water leaks and fire hazards. In addition, sensors play a role in assessing external risks, such as adverse weather, providing insurers with a comprehensive view of risk in real time. Loss control inspection isn’t far behind when it comes to the use of digital technologies. Adjusters nowadays use video to capture images and data and glean other information about properties to assess risk. In many instances, insurers are developing chatbots and information retrieval systems — powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI) — to personalize the customer experience with the aim of creating a claims process that can be completed without customers ever having to pick up a phone. Customers themselves are changing too. They are no longer confined to traditional channels —interacting with agents, brokers, or carriers for their insurance needs — instead, they’re seeking out insurance products on their preferred social and digital channels. This break from the past and shift to real-time data streams — also known as “data in motion” — which relies on a continuous flow of information that is simultaneously processed and delivered as they’re collected makes it all the more important that insurers prioritize [real-time data integration](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/single-source-of-truth-all-your-data-all-in-one-place/). If insurers are to meet customers where they are, they must engage with them on their channel of choice in real time to better understand their needs and gain a competitive advantage in the market. ### **The Real Opportunities in Real-Time Data** - Insurance companies have always relied on historical data to assess risk and determine coverage. But in a rapidly changing world, historical data may no longer be enough. Carriers are moving away from “detect and repair” to a “predict and prevent” model to identify risks earlier, price policies smarter, and operate more efficiently. - To price risk accurately, underwriters need real-time data on various risk factors, such as location, property type, and past claims, to calculate the likelihood of a claim and set premiums accordingly. In lieu of this data, it becomes harder to set premiums that are competitive yet sufficient to cover potential losses. - Unlike traditional methods, advanced analytics and machine learning models can analyze petabytes of data and [detect fraudulent claims](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/combating-insurance-fraud-in-the-age-of-big-data/), mitigate risk in real time, create highly personalized customer experiences, uncover revenue opportunities, and develop competitive premium pricing models. - Without real-time [data and analysis](https://followoz.com/services/data-analytics-ai/), carriers may struggle to offer recommendations — in real time — on risk mitigation that can help policyholders prevent loss and reduce their overall risk. - A potential customer looking for [insurance solutions](https://followoz.com/industries/property-casualty-insurance-in-intelligent-automation/) can now visit a website, fill out a form, and immediately receive a list of options and quotes. Then, when the customer is ready to purchase, they can buy the policy through the website, even though the policy may be underwritten by a separate insurance provider. - Smart home devices will continue to expand the market for IoT. Nearly 50% of US households will own a smart home by 2025. This gives insurers the opportunity to use the data for personalized risk assessments and [underwriting](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/the-future-of-insurance-underwriting/). - Microsoft technologies like [Azure ML](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/start-seeing-around-corners-with-azure-machine-learning/) can help insurers identify policies likely to lapse so insurers can contact the insured about next steps. - Predictive analytics, including text analytics and sentiment analysis, with the ability to sift through [unstructured data](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/how-data-ready-are-you/)—something that wasn’t possible earlier—will proactively identify patterns and [detect fraud](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/combating-insurance-fraud-in-the-age-of-big-data/). ### **Next Steps** Only insurers who use data to guide their decisions will gain a competitive edge. The data-powered insurer will benefit from using leading [Microsoft data and analytics technologies.](https://followoz.com/industries/property-casualty-insurance-in-intelligent-automation/). By harnessing the [insights hidden within the data](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/introducing-under-the-hood-unlocking-the-hidden-value-in-insurance-data-part-1/) to make decisions, they’re proving how data in real time can be an insurer’s best bet. As a [certified Microsoft partner](https://followoz.com/partners/oz-microsoft/) with over a [quarter century of experience](https://followoz.com/about/), OZ can get you where you need to be. *In the meantime, if you have any questions, please* [*contact us*](https://followoz.com/blog-contact-us/)*. We’d love to connect with you.* *Read our* [**e-book — Under the Hood: Unlocking the Hidden Value in Insurance Data**](https://followoz.com/unlocking-the-hidden-value-in-insurance-data/)*, for all the ways you can reach your digital transformation goals with stronger data.* **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Insurance --- ### [What People Get Wrong About Hyperautomation](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/what-people-get-wrong-about-hyperautomation/) **Published:** March 8, 2024 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** **— *By Imran Sabir,*** *Vice President, Automation and EAI* Hyperautomation is a term [Gartner](https://www.gartner.com/en/information-technology/glossary/hyperautomation) coined. Today, hyperautomation goes by many names and definitions. Forrester refers to it as “digital process automation.” IBM defines it as “the automation of everything in an organization that can be automated,” while others call it “intelligent process automation.” Its wide-ranging definitions have led to several misconceptions about its scope and capabilities. But at its core, according to Gartner, “hyperautomation is a business-driven, disciplined approach that organizations use to rapidly identify, vet, and automate as many business and IT processes as possible.” It is a strategy for end-to-end automation built around [intelligent automation](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/intelligent-automation-opportunities-pc-carriers-can-seize/) and other cognitive technologies like intelligent business process management (iBPM), [intelligent document processing](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/top-8-ways-intelligent-document-processing-transforms-pc-insurance-operations/) (IDP), natural language processing (NLP), optical character recognition (OCR), chatbots, [APIs](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/apis-vs-microservices-key-differences-every-developer-and-business-should-know/), and low code. In this blog, let’s debunk some of the most common myths surrounding hyperautomation. ### **Myth #1: Hyperautomation is only for large enterprises** ### **Fact:** **Hyperautomation benefits all businesses—big and small** Hyperautomation is as relevant for small- and medium-sized organizations as it is for global enterprises because the goal of trying to automate as much as possible applies universally. While large enterprises often have the resources to adopt hyperautomation more readily, it’s not exclusive to them. Smaller businesses can also benefit from implementing hyperautomation for specific tasks or processes with a more targeted approach. In fact, smaller businesses may have more to gain. 88% of SMBs say [“automation allows them to compete with larger companies](https://zapier.com/blog/state-of-business-automation-2021/) by allowing them to move faster, close leads quickly, spend less time on busywork, reduce errors and offer better customer service.” With hyper-automation, the potential to realize those benefits increases rapidly. [Gartner expects organizations](https://www.gartner.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2021-04-28-gartner-forecasts-worldwide-hyperautomation-enabling-software-market-to-reach-nearly-600-billion-by-2022) by the end of this year to lower operational costs by 30% through hyperautomation technologies and redesigned operational processes. ### **Myth #2: Hyperautomation eliminates all jobs** ### **Fact: While hyperautomation automates tasks, it doesn’t eliminate all jobs.** While hyperautomation automates tasks, it doesn’t necessarily eliminate all jobs. Instead, it often shifts your staff’s focus from routine tasks to more strategic work. For example, in the [insurance industry](https://followoz.com/industries/property-casualty-insurance-in-intelligent-automation/), the manual [underwriting process](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/the-future-of-insurance-underwriting/) can sometimes feel overwhelming: complex, highly repetitive, and time-consuming, impacting profitability and customer satisfaction. Through end-to-end automation, underwriters can evolve into what Deloitte calls [the exponential underwriter](https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/insights/industry/financial-services/future-of-insurance-underwriting.html)—“a multi-skilled professional leveraging new data sources and emerging technologies to be more efficient and proactive in defining future organizational processes.” Hyperautomation empowers underwriters to become “exponential”— adding more value than ever. So, far from eradicating jobs, hyperautomation redefines work, empowering individuals to contribute meaningfully to organizational growth and their advancement. ### **Myth #3: Hyperautomation is a one-off project** ### **Fact: Rather than a singular isolated project, hyperautomation is an ongoing, iterative process requiring constant optimization.** Hyperautomation is not a one-and-done process. It’s an ongoing continuous improvement process requiring maintenance, monitoring, and updating [automation technologies](https://followoz.com/services/intelligent-automation/) to ensure they operate effectively. As business processes evolve and priorities change, automation technologies must also change. Newer technologies may also emerge, which means you must continuously evaluate and improve your current systems to current and aligned with your organization’s changing needs. ### **Myth #4: Hyperautomation is a software tool.** **Fact: Hyperautomation is a strategy for end-to-end automation that uses a range of software technologies** Hyperautomation is not a software tool or a strategy relegated only to IT departments. It’s a process that uses a range of technologies to automate business processes traditionally reserved for humans, benefitting every line of business across your organization. Marketing, sales, finance, and other departments can fully automate all their workflows to improve efficiency if they choose. The range of tools falling under the hyperautomation umbrella includes: - [AI and machine learning (ML)](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/how-leading-industries-bridge-the-proof-of-concept-to-production-gap-with-azure-machine-learning/) for analyzing data and identifying automation opportunities. - [Low-code application platforms](https://ciotechworld.com/emmanuel-ramos-business-executives-guide-to-low-code-no-code-platforms/) (LCAP) for non-technical staff to develop applications to automate business processes. - [Robotic process automation (RPA)](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/intelligent-automation-opportunities-pc-carriers-can-seize/) for building, deploying, and managing processes or bots. However, these technologies are of little significance if they’re not integrated effectively. Best practices involve auditing and documenting business processes to determine whether automation is feasible. Subsequently, appropriate technologies can be introduced to create seamless data flow between all your systems, applications, and devices for smarter operations. ### **Myth #5: Hyperautomation is solely about cost reduction.** ### **Fact: Hyperautomation has broader implications.** While cost reduction is a potential benefit, hyperautomation offers broader advantages such as accuracy, consistency, and better customer experiences. It empowers organizations to become more data-driven, helping them stay competitive. As hyperautomation takes hold in businesses, organizations are seeing benefits in several areas. - **Speed:** This strategy employs existing operating data and IT infrastructure to achieve business outcomes at lower costs and greater speed and accuracy. - **Accuracy:** Processes vast troves of data quickly and accurately without missing details or introducing errors into their systems. - **Process improvement:** Provides more consistent and predictable results in a business process. By using AI to analyze operations and gaps, you can make informed business decisions and more thoughtful process improvements. - **Customer service:** Through self-service tools, conversational AI, and chatbots, organizations can better serve their customers by providing faster and more accurate resolutions. Next Steps** The potential of hyperautomation is huge. There’s more to it than streamlining tasks. When viewed as a business strategy rather than a technology approach, it encourages rapid product development and experimentation at lower operational costs, better operational efficiency, and more profitable growth. Hyperautomation shows you the easy ways of doing hard things that weren’t possible before. [Contact us today](https://followoz.com/blog-contact-us/) to learn more about how hyperautomation can help your business drive innovative solutions. [Download our e-book](https://followoz.com/beyond-the-bot-how-ai-is-ushering-in-the-next-wave-of-automation/): Beyond the Bot: How AI is Powering the Next Wave of Automation for a more in-depth analysis. **Categories:** Blog --- ### [A New Path Toward Unlocking Seamless Data Transformation](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/a-new-path-toward-unlocking-seamless-data-transformation/) **Published:** March 12, 2024 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ***By Azhar Mehmood,** R&D* Before diving into [Azure Data Factory](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/data-factory/introduction) (ADF), let’s ponder a fundamental question: ## What is ETL? And why is it necessary? ETL stands for [extract, transform, and load](https://www.ibm.com/topics/etl)—a data integration process that combines data from multiple data sources into a single, consistent data store that is loaded into a data warehouse or other target system. ETL helps businesses and organizations [make sense of their data](https://followoz.com/services/data-analytics-ai/). It takes data from various sources, cleans it up, transforms it into a more useful format, and loads it into a place where it can be analysed to make informed decisions, ensuring data compliance with industry regulations as well as facilitating auditing and traceability for regulatory purposes Azure Data Factory is a fully managed, serverless data integration solution for ingesting, preparing, and transforming all your data at scale. (To learn more about how OZ, a certified Microsoft Solutions Partner, can help you leverage Azure and other leading-edge Microsoft tools, click [here](https://followoz.com/partners/oz-microsoft/).) It enables every organization in every industry to use it for a rich variety of use cases, from data engineering, migrating on-premises SSIS packages to Azure, and operational data integration to analytics, ingesting data into data warehouses, and more. To design a data flow in Azure Data Factory, you first specify the data sources that you want to draw data from, and then apply a rich set of transformation on the data, before writing it to a data store. Underneath the hood, Azure Data Factory runs these data flows for you at scale using a [Spark cluster](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/hdinsight/spark/apache-spark-overview). Whether it is working with megabytes of data (MB) to terabytes of data (TB), Azure Data Factory runs the data transformation at spark scale, without you having to set up a Spark cluster, or tune it. In many ways, the data transformation just works. ### Understand Azure Data Factory Core Concepts Let’s explore some essential concepts to better grasp the landscape of Azure Data Factory - In Azure Data Factory a pipeline is like a series of connected and automated steps that allow us to move and transform data from one place to another. It’s like a virtual assembly line for your data. Linked services act as bridges that connect Azure Data Factory to external data sources. They are configurations that define the connection information needed to connect to data stores, databases, or even applications. Picture them as the key connectors that enable our pipeline to reach out to various data locations, providing the necessary link between the factory and the raw data. - These represent the structured containers that hold your data. These can be files, tables, or even blobs—essentially, the raw data waiting to be processed. Datasets define the structure and format of your data, ensuring a standardized approach to handling information within the pipeline. *Activities* are the individual tasks or operations that make up our pipeline. These could range from copying files and transforming data to running custom scripts. Triggers determine when a pipeline should be executed, whether on a schedule, in response to an event, or even manually triggered. - Triggers add an element of automation. Integration Runtime is the engine that powers data movement and transformation. It provides the compute infrastructure that executes the activities within your pipeline. Whether in the cloud or on-premises. - **Integration Runtime.** This ensures that your data flows seamlessly from source to destination. #### Connection and workflow of ADF The image below is an example of an ADF copy workflow and the components and services used to orchestrate the task. Let’s go through the flow and learn each part involved in an ADF transformation job. This example activity uses two datasets as input source and output destination (sink) and these datasets are connected using Linked services. Linked services are used to connect the actual storage location of data on both the source end and destination end. Integration Runtime binds this complete workflow and to automate or perform this task with single click, you will create a Pipeline. Azure Data Factory enables any developer to use it as part of a continuous integration and delivery (CI/CD) process. CI/CD with Azure Data Factory enables a developer to move Data Factory assets (pipelines, data flows, linked services, and more) from one environment (development, test, production) to another. Out of the box, Azure Data Factory provides native integration with Azure DevOps and [GitHub](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GitHub). ##### Monitor and manage Azure Data Factory Azure Data Factory also provides a way to monitor and manage pipelines. To launch the Monitor and Management app, click the Monitor & Manage tile on the Data Factory blade for your data factory. - The first tab (Pipeline runs) is selected by default. We will see the following options to monitor the executed pipeline in Triggered Mode or if pipeline execute in debug mode that click on Debug to monitor that pipeline. - Trigger runs can also be seen from the left menu. - In the notifications menu we can set up alerts to monitor our pipeline. **Read also:** [Harnessing the Power of Azure IoT for Business Innovation](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/azure-iot-business-innovation-starts-here/). ##### Security Considerations Imagine we are connecting with Azure SQL database. The default approach is to connect with database server using the database credentials. But to increase security we should create Azure Key Vault to store that database credential then we will access those credentials using that Azure key vault linked services. Managed identities help eliminate the need for storing and managing credentials—such as usernames and passwords—which can be vulnerable to security threats like unauthorized access or credential leakage. Be sure to use managed identity when connecting to blob storages, Azure Data Lake Storage Gen 2, etcetera. To take it to the next level, use a private end point to move our data from source to destination. Azure Data Factory provides more than one-hundred connectors to connect with source data. So, for example, let’s say we have requirement for moving and transforming that data from Google Cloud Storage to Azure Blob Storage. We can do this seamlessly with Azure Data Factory. We just need to create the Copy Activity and Transform Activity based on requirements. Azure data factory gives us the option to move and transform our data from cloud to cloud and from Prem to cloud. ###### Data migration activities with Azure Data Facto With Microsoft Azure Data Factory, data migration occurs between two cloud data stores and between an on-premises data store and a cloud data store. *Copy Activity* in Azure Data Factory copies data from a source data store to a sink data store. Azure supports various data stores such as source or sink data stores like Azure Blob storage, Azure Cosmos DB (Document DB API), Azure Data Lake Store, Oracle, Cassandra, etc. Azure Data Factory supports transformation activities such as Hive, MapReduce, Spark, etc. that can be added to pipelines either individually or chained with other activities. Transform data in Azure Data Factory. If we want to move data to/from a data store that *Copy Activity* doesn’t support, we can use a .NET custom activity in Azure Data Factory with our own logic for copying/moving data. ###### Your Next Steps Azure Data Factory can be the all-in-one solution that makes everything work together seamlessly—if you have the right partner in your corner. As Florida’s premier Microsoft Solutions Partner, OZ can put more than a quarter century of experience and expertise at your disposal, empowering you to accelerate your success by leveraging [Microsoft leading-edge technologies](https://followoz.com/partners/oz-microsoft/). **Ready to get started?** Reach out to [schedule a free consultation](https://followoz.com/contact-us/) today **Categories:** Blog --- ### [Every Data Leader’s Dream—a Unified Data Stack](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/every-data-leaders-dream-a-unified-data-stack/) **Published:** March 12, 2024 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ***By Jason Milgram, S**enior Vice President, Azure Leader* Data leaders everywhere can now breathe a sigh of relief as they finally have access to Microsoft Fabric — and a unified data stack. This latest offering from Microsoft brings all your data together in one place on one platform. But before delving into how [Microsoft Fabric](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-fabric) could be a boon for data leaders, let’s first explore why it has sparked excitement within the data community. With the spotlight on [artificial intelligence (AI)](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/how-ai-will-redefine-business-strategy-in-2024/), organizations across the board are eager to leverage its potential. 87% of organizations believe that AI will give them a competitive edge. For data leaders, this translates to a growing pressure to expedite AI projects across their organizations. But, as they prepare for an AI future, they must also ensure they have [clean data](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/azure-data-quality-services-find-and-fix-data-errors-before-its-too-late/) to make AI work. ### Is Your Data Ready for AI? Only [4% of the world’s data](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YB9ZrlSS7EM) is ready for AI, according to Gartner. AI innovation requires a [well-orchestrated data estate](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/how-to-build-effective-data-pipelines-with-azure-data-factory/) that can support a spectrum of AI projects, from specialized initiatives to scalable solutions across the entire company. For many organizations whose data environments have evolved organically over time, resulting in a patchwork of specialized and disjointed solutions, it could pose a significant challenge. Data is often stored in myriad locations—virtual and geographical—including operational databases, data warehouses, and [data lakes](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/keep-your-data-lake-from-becoming-a-data-swamp/), leading to silos and chaos where disparate systems operate independently of one another. The consequences of such a [complex data estate](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/optimize-your-data-estate-with-microsoft-fabrics-advanced-analytics-and-business-intelligence/) are manifold: data sprawl, duplication, infrastructure inefficiencies, limited [interoperability](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/how-fhir-puts-patients-in-charge-of-their-health-records/), and greater data exposure risks, altogether hindering [AI integration](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/ai-integration-how-smart-companies-get-it-right/). Applying [advanced analytics and machine learning](https://followoz.com/services/data-analytics-ai/) to such disparate data can be equally challenging, putting valuable insights out of reach. In the age of AI, fragmented solutions that don’t seamlessly integrate across the organization are no longer tenable. Instead, what you need is a comprehensive [data analytics solution](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/optimize-your-data-estate-with-microsoft-fabrics-advanced-analytics-and-business-intelligence/) that integrates and transforms data into actionable insights. This task often falls on data leaders who must sift through a myriad of [data and AI](https://followoz.com/services/data-analytics-ai/) offerings, identifying the right set of services, integrating them effectively, and [ensuring scalability and flexibility](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/why-85-of-ai-and-ml-projects-fail-how-to-ensure-yours-succeeds/) over time. However, most data leaders would rather focus on the outcomes of their tools rather than spend all their time integrating specialized solutions and maintaining their data estate. This is precisely where [Microsoft Fabric](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-fabric) comes into play. Microsoft decided a complete overhaul was long due. [To paraphrase their statement to the press,](https://techcrunch.com/2023/05/23/microsoft-launches-fabric-a-new-end-to-end-data-and-analytics-platform/) there’s a goldmine of opportunity in modern data stacks, except they’re too disorganized to benefit from it: “Over the last five to 10 years, there has been a pretty massive level of innovation — which is great, and that’s awesome because there’s lots of new technologies out there — but it’s also caused a lot of fragmentation of the modern data stack,” says [Arun Ulag, Microsoft’s corporate VP for Azure Data.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KswXd7tnJko) “There’s literally hundreds—if not thousands—of products and open source technologies and solutions that customers have to make sense of.” He also noted that a lot of the data and analytics products tend to keep their data in silos. With Microsoft Fabric, he adds, “There’s a unified compute infrastructure; there’s a unified data lake. There’s a unified product experience for all your data professionals so that they can really collaborate deeply. \[There’s\] unified governance so that IT can manage this and create sources of truth that everybody can trust, and really a unified platform that both IT and business share — and the unified business model. There’s literally just one thing to buy, and it allows customers to save a lot of costs, which, especially in today’s environment, is really important.” Fabric’s feature list is impressive, but here’s what we think makes it sing: 1. **Integrates Data Management** Microsoft Fabric represents a drastic shift in how data is managed, consolidating all data and analytics tools into a single, integrated experience. Moving away from disparate services to a unified stack, Fabric streamlines operations by transitioning from multiple databases to a unified data lake, from generative AI bolted on to generative AI built in. 2. **Connects Data from Any Cloud or Database** With Fabric, teams can use shortcuts and mirroring to connect data from any cloud or database directly into Fabric’s data lake, [OneLake](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/fabric/onelake/onelake-overview), often without duplication or migration. Once within OneLake, you can access and work with a single copy of the data across multiple engines and data formats. For instance, Fabric enables direct access to OneLake data through Excel, facilitating analysis and report generation with a single click. 3. **Brings Together the Best of Data Lakes and Data Warehouses A platform like Microsoft Fabric provides you with an entirely new way to store your data, bringing the best of both worlds — from the data warehouse and data lake models — into one **“data lakehouse.”** So, what is a [data lakehouse](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/heres-why-i-would-choose-microsoft-fabric-as-my-data-management-tool/)? It’s a hybrid architecture that lets you store all your data in a data lake and run AI and BI on that data directly — at scale. It has the SQL and performance capabilities (indexing, caching, MPP processing) to make BI work fast on data lakes. It also has direct file access and direct native support for Python, data science, and AI frameworks without ever forcing it through a SQL-based data warehouse. Provisioning a data lakehouse in Microsoft Fabric means you only need one data repository instead of both warehouse and lake infrastructure. With a data lakehouse, you can streamline your overall [data management process](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/heres-why-i-would-choose-microsoft-fabric-as-my-data-management-tool/) and break down data silos — all in one unified platform. This integration creates a more efficient end-to-end process with several benefits: - **Better data governance:** Data lakehouses improve governance by consolidating data sources. A standardized open schema allows greater control over security, metrics, role-based access, and management. - **Simplified standards:** Localized schema standards were often created within organizations using data warehouses. Today, open schema standards exist for many types of data, and data lakehouses make the most of them by ingesting multiple data sources with an overlapping standardized schema to simplify processes. - **Cost-effectiveness:** The data lakehouse infrastructure separates compute and storage, making it easy to add storage without adding compute power. - **Better data governance:** Data lakehouses improve governance by consolidating data sources. A standardized open schema allows greater control over security, metrics, role-based access, and management. ### Allows You to Explore Data from Any Source Featuring an extensive suite of services encompassing data connectors, engineering tools, data science, and analytics workflows, Microsoft Fabric lets you access and explore data from any source effortlessly. The Data Factory workload alone offers over 150 connectors to diverse data sources, facilitating extensive connectivity through [data flows and pipelines](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/how-to-build-effective-data-pipelines-with-azure-data-factory/). Moreover, Fabric seamlessly integrates Azure OpenAI Service at every layer, allowing enterprises to channel the power of AI and GPT-powered CoPilot for tasks such as creating data pipelines, generating code, and building models using natural language. ### **Prepares Your Data for AI** AI-powered features like Copilot enhance productivity across the board, whether creating dataflows and pipelines, crafting SQL statements, or generating reports. Microsoft Fabric helps you build, deploy, and manage AI models through various tools and frameworks. Rather than spending excessive time collecting and cleansing data before building models, you can use Synapse Data Science, which offers built-in machine-learning capabilities. The [Azure ML](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/start-seeing-around-corners-with-azure-machine-learning/)-powered MLFlow model and the SynapseML Spark library further accelerate the data science workflow, significantly boosting efficiency. With Copilot in Microsoft Fabric, you can create dataflows and data pipelines, generate code and entire functions, [build machine learning models](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/start-seeing-around-corners-with-azure-machine-learning/), or visualize results. By combining Azure OpenAI Service models and your data, you can create and use plug-ins for various use cases. ### **Reduces Costs** By consolidating all necessary tools within a unified Software as a Service (SaaS) experience, Microsoft Fabric streamlines integration efforts, reducing costs, and minimizing the complexity of managing diverse data environments. The insights you uncover flow securely into the Microsoft 365 applications your teams use every day, improving decision making and driving meaningful impact. In essence, Microsoft Fabric represents a massive leap forward in data management and analytics, helping organizations get more value out of their data assets while driving innovation and profitable growth in the age of AI. With a range of built-in solutions and tools tailored for specific business scenarios, Microsoft Fabric caters to diverse set of users within the data enterprise, all while utilizing OneLake as a centralized data source. Fabric shows us that the dream of a modular *and* integrated data stack is possible. ### **How to get started with Microsoft Fabric** If you’d like to unleash your data’s potential, simplify data management, reduce costs, and complexity with a unified analytics solution like Microsoft Fabric, [contact us](https://followoz.com/contact-us/). ### **Explore additional resources to learn about Microsoft Fabric** If you want to learn more about Microsoft Fabric, consider: - Reading more blogs on Microsoft Fabric [here](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/optimize-your-data-estate-with-microsoft-fabrics-advanced-analytics-and-business-intelligence/). - Connect with our [Microsoft Fabric expert](https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonmilgram/). - Joining the [Fabric community](https://aka.ms/fabric-community). **Categories:** Blog --- ### [Powerful Strategic Frameworks: Laying the Foundation](https://followoz.com/resources/ebooks/powerful-strategic-frameworks/) **Published:** March 17, 2024 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ## Download e-Book ##### Powerful Strategic Frameworks: Laying the Foundation (Part I) It’s time to leverage the framework that has defined success and sustained growth for over a quarter century. Dive into Part 1 of Powerful Strategic Frameworks: Laying the Foundation–a practical guide on developing goal-driven, objective, adaptable strategies that tie directly to your company’s mission and vision. Ready to change your trajectory toward meteoric growth? ![Oz Digital Consulting murray Powerful Strategic Frameworks](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/murray-1.png)### Murray Izenwasser At OZ, Murray plays a pivotal role in understanding our clients’ businesses and then determining the best strategies and customer experiences to drive their business forward using all of the real-world digital, marketing, and technology tools. Prior to OZ, Murray held senior positions at some of the world’s largest digital agencies, including Razorfish and Sapient. **Categories:** e-books --- ### [3 Digital Integration Trends Reshaping the Business Landscape](https://followoz.com/resources/ebooks/integration-services/) **Published:** March 17, 2024 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ## Download e-Book 3 Digital Integration Trends Reshaping the Business Landscape From Supply chain management and Customer Relationship Management to Business Intelligence and Enterprise Resource Planning, OZ Integration Services can empower your business to reconcile internal and external applications, optimize systems, boost ROI, and free up precious resources for higher value tasks. In this complimentary E-book, you’ll learn about the integration trends reshaping the business landscape in 2023 and how to best leverage our twenty-five years of experience for your own digital-first transformation. ![Oz Digital Consulting imran Integration Services](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/imran1-1.png)### Imran Sabir Imran has over 25+ years of experience architecting, designing, and building enterprise-level applications. He has delivered several successful projects to many Fortune 500 companies and has been instrumental in leading client-facing Integration, RPA, and IA projects at OZ. He strives to deliver the best work and believes in providing the best value to clients regardless of project size. **Categories:** e-books --- ### [The Secret to Understanding & Leveraging Data Democratization](https://followoz.com/resources/ebooks/understanding-leveraging-data-democratization/) **Published:** March 17, 2024 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ## Download e-Book ##### The Secret to Understanding & Leveraging Data Democratization In today’s tech-driven, ever-evolving business landscape, data is less a spreadsheet to be read than an ocean to be navigated—a challenge that can sometimes leave us feeling as if we’ve run aground on the “easier said than done” section of the map. Well, get ready to unfurl those sails and chart a course for success: In the latest complimentary e-book from the experts in the OZ Data Analytics department, you will learn how to transform your enterprise into an information-savvy vessel, unlock meaningful insights, unleash the revolutionary power of Intelligent Automation, and begin the fight for the future on the best footing possible. ![Oz Digital Consulting sal Unlock the Potential of Data Analytics and AI](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/sal-1.png)### Sal Cardozo Sal is a Senior Vice President of Data Analytics & AI with over 20 years of experience in strategy, global delivery, and business transformation. He’s held data analytics leadership positions at leading companies like ADT and Ryder. In addition, his experience includes Accenture, Cambridge Technology Partners, and Capgemini where he drove strategy for top companies and government agencies in over eight countries. A data expert, Sal is committed to helping clients drive value through data and competitive differentiation. **Categories:** e-books --- ### [Unlock the Potential of Data Analytics and AI](https://followoz.com/resources/ebooks/unlock-the-potential-of-data-analytics-and-ai/) **Published:** March 17, 2024 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ## e-Book # Unlock the Potential of Data Analytics and AI ## Download e-Book - Learn the current trends in data analytics and AI reshaping global industries. - Uncover the key challenges in implementing and integrating data analytics and AI. - Discover effective strategies for sustainable and secure data management, harnessing AI potential, and driving business value. - Gain insights from Senior Vice President of Data Analytics & AI Sal Cardozo, who brings years of global consulting expertise to the table. ![Oz Digital Consulting sal Unlock the Potential of Data Analytics and AI](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/sal-1.png)### Sal Cardozo Sal is a Senior Vice President of Data Analytics & AI with over 20 years of experience in strategy, global delivery, and business transformation. He’s held data analytics leadership positions at leading companies like ADT and Ryder. In addition, his experience includes Accenture, Cambridge Technology Partners, and Capgemini where he drove strategy for top companies and government agencies in over eight countries. A data expert, Sal is committed to helping clients drive value through data and competitive differentiation. **Categories:** e-books --- ### [Overcoming the 3 Major Challenges to Unlocking the Power & Promise of Today’s Modern Applications](https://followoz.com/resources/ebooks/overcoming-the-3-major-challenges-to-unlocking-the-power-promise-of-todays-modern-applications/) **Published:** March 17, 2024 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ## Download e-Book - Gain a better understanding of current trends in modern applications reshaping the business landscape. - Learn how to overcome 3 major challenges in building and deploying leading-edge applications. - Discover the ways OZ’s quarter century of experience and holistic approach can help you update and optimize legacy apps and platforms for an economical and efficient “best of both worlds” approach. - Gain insights from OZ Chief Solutions Officer Emmanuel Ramos, who brings 30+ years of experience empowering business operations, P&Ls, and professional services in a diverse range of industries to the table. ![Oz Digital Consulting Manny Overcoming the 3 Major Challenges to Unlocking the Power & Promise of Today’s Modern Applications](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Manny.webp)### Emmanuel Ramos Emmanuel Ramos is a senior executive with 30+ years of experience empowering business operations, P&Ls, and professional services in a diverse range of industries. At OZ, Emmanuel leads the Global Digital Technology Consulting practices, providing guidance, strategic direction, and leading-edge solutions to clients even as he develops and manages relationships with key technology partners. **Categories:** e-books --- ### [Beyond the Bot: How AI Is Ushering in the Next Wave of Automation](https://followoz.com/resources/ebooks/beyond-the-bot-how-ai-is-ushering-in-the-next-wave-of-automation/) **Published:** March 17, 2024 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ## Download e-Book ##### Discover how intelligent automation is revolutionizing the way businesses automate processes While Robotic Process Automation (RPA) creates efficiencies, it can only automate pre-defined, rules-based templates. However, when combined with AI and machine learning, it can automate all processes, including non-repetitive tasks, which previously were considered impossible. In this comprehensive e-Book, we explore how: - Intelligent automation (RPA + AI) can deliver the best customer experiences, greater productivity and efficiency - An end-to-end automation solution helps you scale faster and get products to market quickly - You can free up your workforce to focus on work that truly matters ![Oz Digital Consulting imran Integration Services](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/imran1-1.png)### Imran Sabir Imran has 25+ years of experience architecting, designing, and building enterprise-level applications. He has delivered several successful projects to many Fortune 500 companies and has been instrumental in leading client-facing Integration, RPA, and IA projects at OZ. He strives to deliver the best work and believes in providing the best value to clients regardless of project size. **Categories:** e-books --- ### [Under the Hood: Unlocking the Hidden Value in Insurance Data](https://followoz.com/resources/ebooks/unlocking-the-hidden-value-in-insurance-data/) **Published:** March 17, 2024 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ## Learn how you can harness the full value of data to transform insurance operations ##### Download e-Book Data is foundational to Artificial Intelligence, Natural Language Processing, Machine Learning, and every other emerging technology that holds tremendous promise for the future. For the insurance industry — with its vast troves of customer and other historical data — this presents a huge opportunity. Yet, for this data to be useful, carriers must transform all this data into insights that drive action and value. In this e-book, we explore how carriers can: - Overcome the most common data challenges - Harness the data they have, share and leverage information internally and externally - Integrate real-time data and insights into every step of the decision-making lifecycle - Overcome the most common data challenges **Categories:** e-books --- ### [OpenAI vs. Azure Open AI—Is There a Difference?](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/openai-vs-azure-open-ai-is-there-a-difference/) **Published:** April 8, 2024 **Author:** ozadmindanish **Content:** *— **By Jason Milgram,** Senior Vice President, Azure Leader* We already know that OpenAI’s bots can pass the [bar exam](https://law.stanford.edu/2023/04/19/gpt-4-passes-the-bar-exam-what-that-means-for-artificial-intelligence-tools-in-the-legal-industry/) without going to law school, ace AP Biology, and [tell kids bedtime stories](https://www.wired.co.uk/article/bluey-gpts-bedtime-stories-artificial-intelligence-copyright) they want to hear. But did you know you can now do more with OpenAI—integrate [AI-driven insights](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/start-seeing-around-corners-with-azure-machine-learning/), [automation](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/combating-insurance-fraud-in-the-age-of-big-data/), and conversational capabilities into your [applications](https://ciotechworld.com/emerging-trends-in-mobile-device-app-development/), products, and services—through Microsoft’s Azure Cloud platform? This powerful partnership opens up new possibilities for your business. Before we dive into what this means for you, let’s clear the confusion around this partnership. On online forums such as Reddit and Quora discussion boards abound around topics like “Azure ChatGPT vs. Azure OpenAI,” where people are asking: “Is the Azure OpenAI Service completely separate from OpenAI (the company)?” “Azure ChatGPT vs. Azure OpenAI: Are they the same?” “Is Azure ChatGPT a ChatGPT application hosted on Azure that I can go to instead of chat.openai.com, or is it the same as the chat playground in Azure?” While OpenAI and Azure OpenAI may sound the same, they’re distinctly different. Let’s examine the differences. By the end of this, you’ll have a better understanding of how they work together. ### What is OpenAI? [OpenAI](https://openai.com), the creator of [ChatGPT](https://openai.com/gpt-4), is one of the world’s leading artificial intelligence (AI) companies. Founded in 2015 as a non-profit, OpenAI has been developing AI solutions since. In 2016, it launched OpenAI Gym—a set of simulation environments for developing machine learning—and subsequently OpenAI Five in 2017, where AI agents working in teams of five played humans in the computer game DOTA 2. In 2018, the Generative Pre-Trained Transformer (GPT) language models, called large language models (LLMs), burst onto the scene, catapulting generative AI into the spotlight. These LLMs, GPT-3 in 2020 and ChatGPT in 2022, became so popular they ignited the current AI gold rush. Other OpenAI models include Whisper, an automatic speech recognition system; [DALL-E](https://openai.com/dall-e-3), an image generation model; [CLIP](https://openai.com/research/clip), a neural network that learns visual concepts from natural language supervision; and [Jukebox](https://openai.com/research/jukebox), an AI model that generates music with lyrics. ### What is Microsoft Azure? [Microsoft Azure](https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/resources/cloud-computing-dictionary/what-is-azure), formerly known as Windows Azure, is Microsoft’s public cloud offering. It offers up to 200 products and cloud services—including compute, [analytics](https://followoz.com/services/data-analytics-ai/), [storage](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/azure-data-quality-services-find-and-fix-data-errors-before-its-too-late/), and networking—to build, run, or scale new or existing applications in the public cloud. It supports all industries with four different forms of cloud computing: infrastructure as a service (IaaS), platform as a service (PaaS), software as a service (SaaS), and serverless functions. Microsoft charges for Azure on a [pay-as-you-go (PAYG)](https://www.techtarget.com/searchstorage/definition/pay-as-you-go-cloud-computing-PAYG-cloud-computing) basis, meaning subscribers only get charged for the specific resources and services they use. Third-party vendors could also make software directly available through Azure. Now that we’ve examined what Open AI and Microsoft Azure are (and aren’t), where does Azure OpenAI fit in? It’s tempting to think they’re the same. **Here’s more to the story.** ### What is Azure OpenAI? [AI](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/ai-integration-how-smart-companies-get-it-right/) research costs money—and training large AI models requires massive amounts of computing, huge data sets, and specialized AI expertise. Take OpenAI’s ChatGPT as an example. According to [Wired](https://wired.me/technology/here-comes-the-worlds-fastest-ai-supercomputer/), “The latest known GPT model is built on 175 billion parameters and is one of the largest and most powerful yet built. It used 10,000 Nvidia GPUs just for training, with likely more to support actual queries.” Although Microsoft and AWS provided at least $800,000 worth of cloud services for free to OpenAI in the early years, donations were not enough to keep OpenAI afloat. In 2018, OpenAI needed to raise [30 million dollars for cloud computing](https://techcrunch.com/2023/05/17/elon-musk-used-to-say-he-put-100m-in-openai-but-now-its-50m-here-are-the-receipts/). In 2019, the company dropped its not-for-profit status and made the strategic decision to accept Microsoft’s investment of $1 billion. Since then, OpenAI’s systems have been running on high-performance computing machines in Azure. Microsoft exclusively licensed the GPT-3 models in 2020, and a year later, launched Azure OpenAI, a service that makes these models available to Azure customers. In 2023, [Microsoft announced further investments in OpenAI ](https://blogs.microsoft.com/de/blog/2023/01/23/microsoftandopenaiextendpartnership/)and, in return, would fully integrate OpenAI’s models into its products. Azure OpenAI is a managed service that exposes some of the most successful and well-trained models from Open AI as REST API, allowing Azure developers to consume models like GPT-3 and Codex through simple API calls. Enterprise customers running hybrid workloads in Azure within VPCs can gain private and secure access to OpenAI service without using the public Internet to make API calls. Microsoft extended the SLA for Azure Cognitive Services to OpenAI. Within Azure AI, [Microsoft’s cloud portfolio](https://aajtechonline-my.sharepoint.com/personal/zena_pinto_followoz_com/Documents/Documents/Technology/BLOGS/March%202024/Azure%20OpenAI%20blog%20post%20v1.0.docx) for AI applications, this is done with the Azure OpenAI service, which has been generally available since early 2023. Azure customers can use the capabilities of the latest OpenAI models, including ChatGPT and GPT-4, directly through their Azure subscription. ### **A Groundbreaking Collaboration** Azure OpenAI, a service born of the [partnership between Microsoft and OpenAI](https://openai.com/blog/openai-and-microsoft), draws on each other’s inherent strengths—Microsoft’s powerful cloud computing and OpenAI’s extensive AI research and capabilities. This partnership gives you access to OpenAI’s wide range of AI models—including natural language processing, computer vision, and more—through the Azure cloud platform. “We’re working with Microsoft to start running most of our large-scale experiments on Azure. This will make Azure the primary cloud platform that OpenAI uses for deep learning and AI and will let us conduct more research and share the results with the world,” OpenAI declared about its partnership with Microsoft.* **There are three ways Azure OpenAI operates:** - **Fine-Tuned Models:**Azure OpenAI customizes models based on your training data, also known as creating a fine-tuned or custom model. All you have to do is upload the training data stored in Azure Storage, encrypted by Microsoft Managed keys and isolated using the customer’s Azure subscription and API credentials. - **Text Prompt Processing:**Refine the OpenAI models using your uploaded training data. The resulting fine-tuned models are securely stored in Azure Storage, encrypted, and logically isolated with your subscription and credentials. You could have them deleted later as well. - **Prompt Examination:**Azure OpenAI, in collaboration with Microsoft, examines prompts to flag instances of abuse, misuse, or the creation of harmful content. Azure OpenAI usually stores these prompts for up to 30 days with your approval. ### Advantages 1. **Simplified Integration** The partnership brings many advantages, chief among them is the seamless integration with Azure Cognitive Services. You can easily integrate your AI applications with other Microsoft Azure services, like [Azure Data Lake](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/keep-your-data-lake-from-becoming-a-data-swamp/) storage. This gives you more flexibility and control over [data processing and analysis](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/azure-data-quality-services-find-and-fix-data-errors-before-its-too-late/), making it easier to build [intelligent applications](https://followoz.com/services/application-development/) that can process large amounts of data. 2. **Data Security** With Azure OpenAI, your data is your own and not a part of a wider knowledge pool. That means your data is safe, and you need not worry about sensitive information getting leaked out. The data you submit to Azure OpenAI stays within Microsoft Azure and does not get passed on to OpenAI (the company) for model predictions. Azure has sole control of the data and protects it by having Azure OpenAI automatically encrypt, train data and fine-tune models. Learn more about how Azure OpenAI meets stringent data governance and security protocols [here](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/cognitive-services/openai/encrypt-data-at-rest). 3. **Pre-trained models** Already fine-tuned on [vast amounts of data](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/every-data-leaders-dream-a-unified-data-stack/), pre-trained models make it easier for developers to tap into the power of AI without having to train their own models from scratch. 4. **Customization** Developers can fine-tune the existing pre-trained models with their own data with little to no coding, enabling more personalized AI applications. 5. **Scalability and Reliability** Hosted on [Microsoft Azure](https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us), the service provides robust scalability and reliability. Developers can deploy their [AI applications](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/how-leading-industries-bridge-the-proof-of-concept-to-production-gap-with-azure-machine-learning/) confidently without agonizing over the underlying infrastructure. 6. **Responsible AI** Microsoft is committed to ensuring that customers adhere to its [Responsible AI](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/ai/responsible-ai) policies and practices. Microsoft’s Responsible AI Standards is a framework for building AI systems based on six principles: fairness, reliability and safety, privacy and security, inclusiveness, transparency, and accountability. ### How to get started with ***Azure OpenAI*** Interested in joining the organizations—from startups to Fortune 500—putting Azure OpenAI to work and driving revenue growth? [Contact us](https://followoz.com/contact-us/). **Explore additional resources to learn about Azure OpenAI:** - Get started with [GPT-4 in Azure OpenAI Service](https://aka.ms/oai/docs/gpt-4) in Microsoft Learn. - Learn more about [Microsoft Azure](https://followoz.com/services/cloud-services/). - Read more about [Azure OpenAI Service](https://learn.microsoft.com/azure/cognitive-services/openai/overview) and the [latest enhancements](https://learn.microsoft.com/azure/cognitive-services/openai/whats-new). **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Microsoft --- ### [Learn How to Use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to Enhance User Experience and Boost Engagement](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/learn-how-to-use-artificial-intelligence-ai-to-enhance-user-experience-and-boost-engagement/) **Published:** April 12, 2024 **Author:** ozadmindanish **Content:** In the vast digital landscape—where information overload is the norm—recommendation systems have emerged as guiding beacons, providing users with personalized suggestions tailored to their preferences and behaviors. These intelligent systems, powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI), play a pivotal role in enhancing user experience, boosting engagement, and facilitating the discovery of relevant content or products. ## Understanding Recommendation Systems At its core, a recommendation system is a sophisticated software application designed to analyze user interactions within a platform. These interactions, ranging from movie ratings to product reviews, serve as the foundation for generating personalized recommendations. **There are two prevalent approaches guide these systems:** - **Collaborative Filtering.** Recommend items based on the preferences and behaviors of users who share similarities with the target user. (Grouping users based on similar movie preferences and suggesting unseen movies liked by their counterparts, for example.) - **Content-Based Filtering.** Recommends items similar to those the user has previously shown interest in, based on item characteristics or features. (Suggesting movies with similar genres, directors, or release years to those the user has enjoyed, for example.) ### Requirements for Implementing AI-Driven Recommendation Systems **Implementing an effective recommendation system involves navigating several crucial steps:** 1. **Data Collection.** Gathering user and item data is the foundation. Understanding user preferences and item characteristics is essential for accurate recommendations. 2. **Algorithm selection.** Choosing the right recommendation algorithm based on the characteristics of the data. Whether it’s collaborative filtering, content-based filtering, or a hybrid approach depends on the use case. 3. **Data preprocessing.** Cleaning and organizing the collected data, handling missing values, and converting categorical variables into numerical representations. 4. **Feature Engineering.** Creating new features that enhance the predictive power of the model, such as user profiles or item attributes. 5. **Model Training.** Training the recommendation model using the selected algorithm and preprocessed data. 6. **Evaluation.** Assessing the model’s performance on unseen data, ensuring its ability to generalize. 7. **Scalability.** Ensuring the recommendation system can scale with a growing number of users and items. 8. **Integration.** Seamlessly integrating the trained model into the application or platform. 9. **Feedback Loop.** Implementing a feedback loop for continuous improvement based on user feedback and changing preferences. #### Introduction to Artificial Intelligence (AI) AI, or Artificial Intelligence, mimics human intelligence in machines, enabling them to learn and perform tasks like humans. It includes systems capable of learning, reasoning, problem-solving, understanding language, recognizing speech, and perceiving visuals. **There are two main types of AI:** - **Narrow AI (Weak AI).** Specialized for specific tasks, lacking broad human cognitive abilities. Examples include virtual assistants and image recognition software. - **General AI (Strong AI).** A system with human-like intelligence across various tasks. Achieving this is a significant challenge and is yet to be fully realized. AI technologies encompass machine learning, natural language processing, computer vision, and robotics. Machine learning involves algorithms allowing computers to learn patterns and make data-based decisions. AI finds applications in healthcare, finance, education, automotive, and more. Ongoing research aims to enhance AI capabilities while addressing associated challenges and ethical considerations. #### Machine Learning Machine Learning (ML) is a subset of Artificial Intelligence (AI) that focuses on the development of algorithms and models that enable computers to learn from data. Instead of being explicitly programmed to perform a specific task, machine learning systems use data to improve their performance over time. In traditional programming, a developer writes explicit instructions for a computer to follow. In machine learning, the emphasis is on creating models that can learn patterns and make predictions or decisions without being explicitly programmed for every possible scenario. **Key concepts in machine learning include:** - **Training Data.** The dataset used to train the machine learning model. It consists of input-output pairs that help the model learn patterns and relationships. - **Features.** The input variables or attributes used by the model to make predictions. - **Labels or Targets.** The output variable the model is trying to predict. - **Algorithm.** The set of rules or statistical techniques used by the model to learn from the training data and make predictions on new, unseen data. - **Training.** The process of using the training data to teach the model to make accurate predictions. - **Testing or Evaluation.** Assessing the model’s performance on new, unseen data to ensure its ability to generalize. **Machine learning can be categorized into three main types:** 1. **Supervised Learning.** The model is trained on a labeled dataset, where each example in the training data has a corresponding label. The goal is to learn mapping from inputs to outputs. 2. **Unsupervised Learning.** The model is given data without explicit labels, and it must find patterns and relationships within the data on its own. Clustering and dimensionality reduction are common tasks in unsupervised learning. 3. **Reinforcement Learning.** The model learns by interacting with an environment and receiving feedback in the form of rewards or penalties. The goal is for the model to learn the optimal actions to take in different situations. #### Algorithm selection Algorithm selection is a critical step in both supervised and unsupervised learning, which involves choosing the appropriate algorithm or method to solve a specific problem based on the characteristics of the data and the goals of the task. **Algorithm selection criteria includes…** - **Data Characteristics.** Choose algorithms that align with the distribution, size, and nature of your dataset. - **Problem Type.** Different algorithms are suitable for regression, classification, clustering, or association rule mining tasks. - **Interpretability.** Consider the interpretability of the model, especially in situations where understanding the model’s decisions is crucial. - **Computational Complexity.** Assess the computational requirements of the algorithms, especially for large datasets. - **Scalability.** Consider the scalability of the algorithm with respect to the size of the dataset. - **Scalability.** Understand the assumptions made by different algorithms and ensure they align with the characteristics of your data. - **Model Performance.** Evaluate the performance of different algorithms using appropriate metrics and choose the one that best meets your performance criteria. #### Algorithm Selection in Supervised and Unsupervised Learning Selecting the right algorithm is crucial for the success of a machine learning task. In **supervised learning**, where data comes with explicit labels, algorithms such as Linear Regression, Logistic Regression, Decision Trees, and Neural Networks find their applications based on the problem type. Each algorithm has unique strengths, making it suitable for specific tasks, such as predicting movie ratings or classifying user preferences. In **unsupervised learning**, where the model explores unlabeled data, algorithms like K-Means Clustering, Hierarchical Clustering, Principal Component Analysis (PCA), and Collaborative Filtering take center stage. These algorithms unravel patterns, group similar items, and recommend unseen items based on user behaviors. The selection criteria for algorithms encompass data characteristics, problem type, interpretability, computational complexity, scalability, assumptions, and model performance. Assessing these criteria guides the choice of an algorithm that aligns with the specific requirements of the task at hand. ##### Algorithm Selection for Supervised learning **Linear Regression.** Use Case: Predicting a numeric value (regression task), such as predicting movie ratings. Example: If you want to predict user ratings for movies based on features like genre, director, and release year. **Logistic Regression.** Use Case: Binary classification problems, like predicting whether a user will like or dislike a movie. Example: Classifying movies as liked (1) or not liked (0) based on user interactions. **Decision Trees and Random Forests.** Use Case: Handling non-linear relationships and feature interactions. Example: Predicting movie preferences based on various user characteristics. **Support Vector Machines (SVM).** Use Case: Binary classification or regression tasks with complex decision boundaries. Example: Classifying movies into genres or predicting box office success. **Neural Networks.** Use Case: Complex tasks with large amounts of data and intricate patterns. Example: Deep learning for image recognition within movie scenes. **Consider a dataset with the following columns:** user\_id: User identifier movie\_id: Movie identifier rating: User’s rating for a movie In supervised learning, the goal might be to predict a user’s rating for a movie based on certain features (like genre, director, etc.). The rating column serves as the output label, and the other columns are input features. The model is trained using this labeled dataset, and after training, it can predict ratings for unseen movies for a given user. In unsupervised learning, you have an unlabeled dataset, and the model’s goal is to find patterns, relationships, or structures within the data without predefined output labels. ##### Algorithm Selection for Unsupervised learning **K-Means Clustering.** Use Case: Grouping similar items or users together. Example: Clustering users based on their movie preferences. **Hierarchical Clustering.** Use Case: Identifying hierarchical relationships in the data. Example: Understanding the hierarchical structure in movie genres. **Principal Component Analysis (PCA).** Use Case: Reducing dimensionality while retaining important information. Example: Analyzing the most important features contributing to user preferences. **Association Rule Mining (Apriori, Eclat).** Use Case: Discovering associations between items or user preferences. Example: Finding associations between movies that are often watched together. **Collaborative Filtering.** Use Case: Making automatic predictions about the preferences of a user. Example: Recommending movies based on the preferences of similar users. **Density-Based Spatial Clustering (DBSCAN).** Use Case: Identifying clusters of varying shapes and densities. Example: Detecting groups of users with distinct movie preferences. Consider a dataset with only user-movie interactions, without explicit ratings. In unsupervised learning, you might use techniques like collaborative filtering or clustering to identify patterns. Collaborative filtering would group users or movies based on their interactions, while clustering might group similar users or movies together. After training, the model can make predictions about user preferences or suggest movies a user might like based on similarities between users or items. ###### Conclusion To sum it up, when we combine AI with recommendation systems, it’s like creating a powerful team that transforms the way we experience the digital world. This partnership uses smart decision-making (algorithms) and advanced learning (machine learning) to offer users personalized and meaningful experiences. Looking ahead, it’s crucial to use these systems responsibly and ethically. Ongoing improvements and new ideas will continue to shape a world where users enjoy a tailored and insightful journey through the vast world of digital content and products. To learn more about how OZ can transform your Artificial Intelligence journey, click [here](https://followoz.com/services/artificial-intelligence/). **Categories:** Blog --- ### [How to Make SaaS Architecture as Straightforward as Planning Your Next Meeting](https://followoz.com/resources/forbes/how-to-make-saas-architecture-as-straightforward-as-planning-your-next-meeting/) **Published:** April 22, 2024 **Author:** ozadmindanish **Content:** “Today’s competitive edge doesn’t come from keeping pace,” *OZ Chief Solutions Officer* and [Forbes Technology Council ](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/oz-chief-solutions-officer-emmanuel-ramos-joins-forbes-technology-council/)member **[Emmanuel Ramos](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mannyramos/)** [writes](https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2024/04/05/saas-architecture-simplified-for-non-technical-executives/?utm_content=288537909&utm_medium=social&utm_source=linkedin&hss_channel=lcp-11075183&sh=12e78379560d) in *Forbes*. “It comes from leading the charge into tomorrow’s possibilities.” And today he’s walking you through a good place to start: “Imagine a world where your favorite software isn’t something you need to install, update or worry about losing data from,” Ramos encourages. “That’s the magic of SaaS architecture.” Ready to get started? Read the comprehensive-yet-concise guide [here](https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2024/04/05/saas-architecture-simplified-for-non-technical-executives/). As Florida’s premier Microsoft Solutions Partner for more than 25 years, OZ Digital Consulting has the expertise to ensure your digital infrastructure and strategy is aligned with your goals and team. Check out [our website](https://followoz.com/) to learn more or [contact us](https://followoz.com/contact-us/) today for a free consultation! **Categories:** OZ in Forbes --- ### [The OZ Quick Guide to 21st Century Cybersecurity](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/the-oz-quick-guide-to-21st-century-cybersecurity/) **Published:** May 6, 2024 **Author:** ozadmindanish **Content:** By Hassan Zaheer In our digital age, ransomware attacks—which place businesses of every size and industry at risk—are a top cybersecurity concern. These insidious attacks encrypt valuable data and demand ransom payments, wreaking havoc on operations and finances. The good news? These risks can be mitigated. Here are eight steps your company can take today to fortify its defenses and combat these malicious incursions effectively. 1. **Assess Your Current Security Status.** Begin by conducting a comprehensive assessment of your organization’s current security posture. Identify vulnerabilities in your systems, networks, and processes that could potentially be exploited by ransomware attackers. This proactive approach lays the foundation for implementing targeted security measures to shore up weaknesses and enhance resilience. 2. **Utilize Software.** Reputable antivirus and anti-malware software can detect and prevent ransomware infections before they cause harm. Deploy robust security solutions and regularly update them to defend against evolving threats. 3. **Power-Up Your Passwords.** Weak passwords are a common entry point for ransomware attacks. Encourage employees to use strong, unique passwords for all accounts and implement password management tools to securely store and manage credentials. 4. **Engage Employees.** One of the most potent defenses against ransomware attacks is a well-informed and vigilant workforce. Provide regular cybersecurity training to employees, educating them on the latest ransomware threats, common attack vectors, and best practices for mitigating risk. Empower employees to recognize phishing emails, suspicious links, and other potential red flags, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to thwart ransomware attacks before they infiltrate the organization’s defenses. 5. **Embrace Layers.** Adopt a multi-layered approach to cybersecurity, leveraging a combination of preventive, detective, and responsive security controls to fortify your defenses against ransomware attacks. Deploy robust antivirus and anti-malware solutions to detect and block malicious software, implement firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor network traffic for signs of suspicious activity, and enforce stringent access controls to limit the exposure of sensitive data to unauthorized users. 6. **Backup Regularly.** Protect your organization’s critical data from ransomware encryption by implementing regular backup procedures. Establish automated backup schedules to ensure that important files and information are routinely backed up to secure offsite locations. Test your backup and recovery processes regularly to verify their effectiveness and reliability, enabling swift data restoration in the event of a ransomware attack. 7. **Keep Up to Date.** Maintain the security and integrity of your organization’s systems and software by applying timely security patches and updates. Regularly monitor vendor security advisories and alerts for vulnerabilities and exploits that could be leveraged by ransomware attackers. Promptly apply patches and updates to mitigate known security risks and minimize the likelihood of successful ransomware attacks targeting unpatched systems. 8. **Create an Incident Response Plan.** Prepare for the possibility of a ransomware attack by developing and testing an incident response plan. Define clear roles and responsibilities for key stakeholders within the organization, establish communication protocols for reporting and escalating security incidents, and outline step-by-step procedures for containing, mitigating, and recovering from ransomware attacks. Conduct regular tabletop exercises and simulations to validate the effectiveness of your incident response plan and ensure that your organization is well-equipped to respond swiftly and decisively to ransomware threats. The bottom line: Ransomware attacks continue to pose a significant and evolving threat to organizations worldwide. By assessing your organization’s current security posture as well as educating and empowering employees in the steps above, you can safeguard your digital assets from exploitation. As Florida’s premier Microsoft Solutions Partner, OZ Digital Consulting is here to help you build the safest, most effective business infrastructure possible. To learn more about our offerings, visit [our homepage](https://followoz.com/) or [schedule a consultation](https://followoz.com/contact-us/) today. **Categories:** Blog --- ### [Learn to More Effectively Drive Actionable Insights and Strategic Decisions](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/learn-to-more-effectively-drive-actionable-insights-and-strategic-decisions/) **Published:** May 9, 2024 **Author:** ozadmindanish **Content:** From customer feedback to market trends, across today’s fast-paced digital landscape [data reigns supreme](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_data). (Read our free e-book, *The Secret to Understanding & Leveraging Data Democratization* [here](https://followoz.com/resources/ebooks/understanding-leveraging-data-democratization/).) The question is, how can we harness this data effectively to drive actionable insights and strategic decisions? Enter [Natural Language Processing (NLP)](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/training/paths/explore-natural-language-processing/), which is now revolutionizing the realm of Business Intelligence (BI) tools. Below are a few of the [Artificial Intelligence (AI)](https://www.britannica.com/technology/artificial-intelligence) features recently introduced: ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Screenshot-2024-05-09-105023-300x166.png) ##### **The Rise of Natural Language Processing (NLP) in Business Intelligence (BI)** As we navigate through the complexities of the modern and digital age, the demand for advanced analytics and data-driven decision-making technology has never been greater. Traditional BI tools, while generally effective, often struggle to interpret unstructured data, such as text or speech. This is where NLP emerges as a game-changer, enabling businesses to unlock valuable insights hidden within vast amounts of unstructured data. At its core, NLP is a branch of artificial intelligence technology that focuses on the interaction between computers and human languages. By leveraging algorithms and computational linguistics, NLP enables machines to understand, interpret, and generate human language data in a meaningful way. The role of NLP in BI encompasses… - **Data Interpretation and Analysis.** NLP empowers BI tools to analyze and interpret unstructured data sources, such as customer reviews, social media conversations, and textual documents. By extracting key insights from text, businesses can gain a comprehensive understanding of customer sentiments, market trends, and emerging opportunities. - **Conversational Analytics.** With the rise of conversational AI, powered by NLP, businesses can engage in natural language conversations with their BI tools. Chatbots and virtual assistants equipped with NLP capabilities enable users to interact with data intuitively, posing queries and receiving actionable insights in real time. - **Sentiment Analysis.** NLP algorithms can analyze the sentiment expressed in textual data, allowing businesses to gauge customer satisfaction, identify potential issues, and tailor their strategies accordingly. By understanding the emotional undertones of customer feedback, organizations can enhance their products, services, and brand reputation. - **Text Mining and Summarization.** NLP facilitates text mining and summarization, enabling BI tools to sift through large volumes of textual data and extract relevant information efficiently. From summarizing lengthy reports to identifying key trends, NLP streamlines the data analysis process, saving time and resources. ##### Real-World Applications of NLP in Business Intelligence You might leverage NLP for… - **Customer Experience Optimization.** By analyzing customer feedback from various sources, including social media, emails, and surveys, businesses can identify pain points, preferences, and trends. NLP-powered sentiment analysis enables organizations to prioritize areas for improvement and deliver personalized experiences that resonate with their audience. - **Market Intelligence and Competitive Analysis.** NLP enables businesses to monitor competitor activities, analyze market trends, and identify emerging opportunities. By processing news articles, industry reports, and social media discussions, BI tools equipped with NLP capabilities provide actionable insights that drive strategic decision-making. - **Predictive Analytics and Forecasting.** Leveraging historical data and predictive models, NLP-powered BI tools can forecast future trends, anticipate customer behaviour, and mitigate risks. By analyzing textual data from diverse sources, businesses can identify patterns, anomalies, and emerging trends, enabling proactive decision-making and strategic planning. ##### Challenges and Opportunities Ahead As NLP technologies continue to evolve, the opportunities for businesses to extract value from unstructured data will only grow. Are you ready to seize those opportunities? As Florida’s premiere Microsoft Solutions Partner, OZ is uniquely positioned to help you leverage [Artificial Intelligence](https://followoz.com/services/artificial-intelligence/), [Intelligent Automation](https://followoz.com/services/intelligent-automation/), and [much more](https://followoz.com/) to expand the scope and success of your business. Click here to [schedule a free consultation](https://followoz.com/contact-us/) today. **Categories:** Blog --- ### [Is The Data Warehouse Dead? Yes And No.](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/is-the-data-warehouse-dead-yes-and-no/) **Published:** June 12, 2024 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** It all started simply enough until everything became data. With the rise and rise—and rise of data, data warehouses proliferated, too. Almost every business has one (sometimes up to five or six). But do we need one? Before we argue its merits, what is a data warehouse even? Defining a data warehouse is like trying to define a sandwich, as Benn Stancil, Co-founder and Chief Analytics Officer of [Mode](https://mode.com/) points out: “Every attempt has weird and unacceptable exceptions. A sandwich is meat between bread? A PB&J isn’t a sandwich, and a hot dog is. A sandwich must have two separate pieces of bread? Most cheesesteaks aren’t sandwiches, and tiramisu is. A sandwich is food surrounded by leavened bread? Ice cream sandwiches aren’t sandwiches, and soup in a bread bowl is. By two pieces of leavened bread?” Defining data warehouses can be just as confusing. As it stands, a data warehouse is like a menu. It’s not any one thing but a series of things—a collection of myriad data, processes, and activities. ## How Did We Get Here Traditionally, a data warehouse has meant collecting data from disparate sources in on-premises infrastructure. A data warehouse is where data extracted through passive [pipelines](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/how-to-build-effective-data-pipelines-with-azure-data-factory/) (the “E” in ETL) got processed and stored. Later, this data would be transformed for specific purposes such as [analytics](https://followoz.com/services/data-analytics-ai/), [machine learning](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/start-seeing-around-corners-with-azure-machine-learning/), or [integration](https://followoz.com/services/enterprise-applications-integration/) with other systems like [Salesforce](https://www.salesforce.com/data/), aided by technologies for data observability, governance, and cataloging. Early on, the original [ETL](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/a-new-path-toward-unlocking-seamless-data-transformation/) (extract, transform, load) process involved extracting data from the source and transforming it before it entered the data warehouse. Many businesses still operate this way today, particularly large enterprises that prioritize [data quality](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/azure-data-quality-services-find-and-fix-data-errors-before-its-too-late/). However, tech giants like Google abandoned this process, choosing instead to dump everything in the data lake. Fast-growing startups followed suit as the ROI of logically organizing the data didn’t quite add up. And loading (the “L” in ELT) data in the cloud had become much easier. Leading transformation tools, modular code, and reduced runtimes made transforming data in the warehouse easier than ever. As a result, many of these [transformation tools](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/6-tech-trends-set-to-define-business-in-2024/) moved downstream from data engineers to data scientists and analysts. It seemed like we had found a new best practice and were on our way to [data integration](https://followoz.com/services/enterprise-applications-integration/) and standardization. Except, there are several issues with an architecture that is monolithic and inflexible, chief among them: ### Offers No Support for Machine Learning and AI The term “big data” is so frequently used it feels like a cliché, but the reality is the world’s data has increased fivefold since 2018. And with the emergence of [AI](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/ai-integration-how-smart-companies-get-it-right/), we’re going to need even more data in a variety of formats: “[Internet of Things](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/azure-iot-business-innovation-starts-here/)” sensors, web, social media, [mobile apps](https://followoz.com/services/application-development/), and more. As the volume of data grows and the demand for AI-powered insights increases, legacy data warehouses will struggle to keep pace. Let’s face it: it will no longer be enough for data warehousing to be of value to a handful of business use cases but will have to support how businesses will be run in the future. And that future is already unfolding, shaped by automation, AI, and machine learning. If data warehousing is to succeed, it must be modernized to support this future. ### Difficult to Scale Traditional data warehouses are typically less flexible compared to modern cloud-based solutions. Since they were conceived as monolithic architectures with all components tightly integrated (compute, storage, and network), scaling these systems often requires scaling all components together. It may also include hardware provisioning, database tuning, and migration of data, which can be both time-consuming and error-prone. The inflexibility makes it hard to scale resources up or down based on workload demands, leading to inefficient utilization and higher costs. ### Expensive to Maintain As the data increases, structuring becomes difficult, slowing down the ETL process while running up high costs. These typically complex and outdated architectures weren’t designed for the exponential data growth we’re experiencing. They’re underperforming—while the cost of owning and operating them is mounting. In a world that’s becoming more AI-first, they don’t support advanced analytics capabilities and real-time insights either, differentiators businesses need to succeed. When an organization’s data needs can’t be met, it often leads to shadow IT as business teams turn to a variety of disparate and incompatible solutions, creating even bigger data silos. ## Evolve Your Data Warehouse Contrary to the original vision of a single data warehouse serving a [single version of the truth](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/single-source-of-truth-all-your-data-all-in-one-place/), most organizations have multiple data warehouses. What we need to do is step back and reexamine the purpose of a data warehouse. The primary objective is to integrate and reconcile internal enterprise data, collecting historical snapshots for analysis. From an architecture standpoint, that does not mean it has to reside on-premises in relational databases or rely entirely on SQL. Those are relics of data warehousing in the ’90s. We should consider [cloud migration](https://followoz.com/services/cloud-services/)—taking advantage of [Azure ](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/architecture/guide/hadoop/overview) or [Microsoft Fabric](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/optimize-your-data-estate-with-microsoft-fabrics-advanced-analytics-and-business-intelligence/) for fast data transformation—and [accelerating ETL](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/a-new-path-toward-unlocking-seamless-data-transformation/) and NoSQL for offloading infrequently accessed data so you can improve performance for frequently accessed data by reducing table and database sizes. Read: [Why I Would Choose Microsoft Fabric as My Data Management Tool](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/heres-why-i-would-choose-microsoft-fabric-as-my-data-management-tool/) ### Migrate to a Cloud-Based Data Warehouse Cloud-based data warehouses based on platforms like [Microsoft Fabric](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-fabric), in contrast, are more scalable. They decouple storage and compute, leverage distributed computing, and offer automatic scaling, which allows for more efficient handling of large and growing datasets. With a cloud-based warehouse, you don’t have to throw all your existing ETL and BI tools away. You should be able to bring semi-structured data in and give the same TLC you give relational data. The cloud offers massive amounts of cheap storage and unlimited scalability, enabling you to offer processing power when needed. And just as important, not apply when it’s not needed. Performance and flexibility are also built in. ## What’s Next? On a scale of dying to thriving, the traditional data warehouse exists as “struggling.” Many of today’s data warehouses could be considered legacy systems, yet people still depend on them. The idea of data warehousing will endure, even if a physical data store called a data warehouse does not. To make it work in the era of AI, we ought to rethink the data warehouse in the context of: ### Data Virtualization: - Are there cases where the data warehouse is trying to deliver real-time or low-latency data without needing extensive historical records? Would these scenarios be better handled with a [data virtualization](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/agility-and-security-in-virtualization-are-not-just-advantages-but-necessities/) model? - Should some functions currently managed by legacy data warehouses be moved to a data lake, allowing the data warehouse to focus on what it does best—handling integrated, structured, and relational data? ### Data Integration: - How are we moving data into the data warehouse and thinking about [integration](https://followoz.com/services/enterprise-applications-integration/)? Typically, data warehouses have a separate staging area. Does it make more sense for the data lake to be the landing zone for all incoming data and also serve as the staging area for data before it enters the warehouse? ### Data Transformation Models: - Is the traditional ETL process still the best approach, or should we consider using extract, load, transform (ELT) in some cases? What about bulk loads? - Should we process data streams directly into the warehouse? If so, should these streams first land in the data lake and then be filtered for relevant events to be pulled into the warehouse? There are many ways to modernize the data warehouse. However, we must first address these questions and redefine our entire [data management](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/heres-why-i-would-choose-microsoft-fabric-as-my-data-management-tool/) architecture, not just data warehousing architecture. This includes understanding the roles of data warehouses, [data lakes](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/keep-your-data-lake-from-becoming-a-data-swamp/), analytic sandboxes, and master data management within the data ecosystem. If you’re grappling with these questions, schedule a free consultation with [our Microsoft-certified experts](https://followoz.com/contact-us/). And give your data a second life. **Categories:** Blog --- ### [Microsoft MVP Pablo Piovano Named Director of AI at OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/microsoft-mvp-pablo-piovano-named-director-of-ai-at-oz-digital-consulting/) **Published:** June 18, 2024 **Author:** ozadmindanish **Content:** We are announcing [**Pablo Piovano**](https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=4188229-1&h=1247072759&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fin%2Fppiova%2F&a=Pablo+Piovano "https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=4188229-1&h=1247072759&u=https%3a%2f%2fwww.linkedin.com%2fin%2fppiova%2f&a=pablo+piovano") as our Director of Artificial Intelligence. In 2022, Piovano earned the title of Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP) in the AI category, giving him early access to Microsoft products, a direct line of communication with their product teams, and enables him to serve as an ambassador at Microsoft-related events. Pablo Piovano’s addition to the OZ technical leadership team further strengthens the company’s ability to harness the power of AI in client projects. Our CEO Amjad Shamim, shared, “I am excited to announce Pablo as our company’s Director of AI. His expertise in artificial intelligence technologies will elevate our clients’ abilities to unlock new growth opportunities and foster greater innovation.” Shamim continued, “I am fully confident in Pablo’s commitment to delivering advanced, responsible, and impactful AI solutions.” Pablo Piovano is a computer engineer with more than 15 years of experience in web and mobile application software development, primarily using .NET, Azure, and Microsoft technologies. Piovano shares his expertise by writing publications and participating in webinars on AI, Generative AI, Azure AI Services, and Power Platform. In his new role, Piovano leads the strategic development and implementation of artificial intelligence solutions in OZ’s operations and client offerings. Piovano is responsible for initiatives that allow OZ clients to utilize AI in their organizations immediately, such as improving customer experience and operational workflows. “It is a pleasure to drive the AI service offering for OZ Digital Consulting,” says Piovano. “Witnessing the recent upward trend of AI and the expectations placed on companies to adapt has been quite a long time coming. There’s nothing more rewarding than implementing new technology for a client and seeing the impact on their business. I am thankful for the chance to be a part of this global organization.” **Categories:** Blog --- ### [Moving from Hybrid to Adaptive Cloud? Think Three-Layer Cake.](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/moving-from-hybrid-to-adaptive-cloud-think-three-layer-cake/) **Published:** June 25, 2024 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** The rate of change in the world is going up. We see it all around us—products and services that are revolutionary today risk becoming obsolete in two years if they don’t respond to changes in the market fast enough. Product life cycles have shrunk. Change cycles have compressed. If earlier, it took IT a year to roll out a technology, today, that might look like 45 days. Nowhere is the clock speed of change more evident than in business. But this race to keep up and get ahead of competitors comes with unique challenges. Companies, in their rush to innovate, tend to kick-start new initiatives across different departments. These solo projects each creates its own ecosystems with different approaches, tech stacks, and resources. Over time, it produces too many systems spread across too many places, trapping valuable data and insights. Businesses stuck with these challenges could use help in one (or all) of these three areas: - **Too many systems:** Companies struggle to manage the many servers, devices, and cloud services. Simple tasks like patching and securing get harder with each new addition. - **Siloed teams:** Each part of the business is innovating, but usually without talking to each other. IT, development, and operations often work independently, leading to wasted efforts and higher costs and risks. These silos keep talent entrenched in their projects and prevent them from sharing their learnings with other teams. Sometimes, it could also lead to duplicated efforts that benefit no one. - **Technical debt:** Short-term fixes without long-term planning lead to systems not working in tandem, concealing valuable data and insights. So when Microsoft introduced the [adaptive cloud approach](https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/blog/advancing-hybrid-cloud-to-adaptive-cloud-with-azure/) at its recent annual conference, [Microsoft Ignite](https://www.google.com/search?q=adaptive+cloud+for+the+first+time&rlz=1C1RXQR_enUS1051US1051&oq=adaptive+cloud+for+the+first+time&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOTIHCAEQIRigATIHCAIQIRigATIHCAMQIRigATIHCAQQIRigATIHCAUQIRirAtIBCTcyMDNqMGoxNagCCLACAQ&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#fpstate=ive&vld=cid:5b05f42e,vid:3N7QHqEnhRs,st:0), the excitement was unmistakable. With the adaptive cloud, Microsoft’s investments in [Azure solutions](https://followoz.com/services/cloud-services/), specifically [Azure Arc](https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/products/azure-arc), to solve these challenges have come to fruition. It’s the unified approach businesses have long needed. The adaptive cloud approach “unifies siloed teams, distributed sites, and sprawling systems into single operations, security, application, and data model,” said Leo Kamrath, Microsoft’s Principal Program Manager. “It lets you use cloud-native tech and AI simultaneously across hybrid, multi-cloud, edge, distributed computing, and IoT.” By building resilience into operational models, the adaptive cloud helps you use resources better and mitigate risks faster. By bringing together agility and intelligence, businesses can now predict and respond ahead of time to market trends, customer needs, and technology advancements. ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Diagrame-01.png) ## Adaptive Cloud—Think Three-Layer Cake When you think about the adaptive cloud, don’t think of it as a single product—but a portfolio of products under one umbrella, like a three-layer cake: **Layer 1:** rational aspect, which includes management and infrastructure. Here’s where the operational teams focus their efforts. It’s about managing a distributed estate with a [centralized management plan](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/heres-why-i-would-choose-microsoft-fabric-as-my-data-management-tool/). **Layer 2:** The second layer is all about application deployment. How do you ensure the [applications](https://followoz.com/services/application-development/) are adaptive enough to be seamlessly deployed across both cloud and edge environments? **Layer 3:** The third layer is all about the data. This layer is important because the insights derived from [data analytics](https://followoz.com/services/data-analytics-ai/) are essential to run a business efficiently. ### Three-Layer Adaptive Cloud Approach ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Diagram-02_111-1024x492.jpg) ## Azure Arc Is the Bridge [Azure Arc](https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/products/azure-arc) is the bridge that lets you cross over from hybrid, multi-cloud, edge, or [IoT](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/azure-iot-business-innovation-starts-here/) to the next level of modularity, [enterprise integration](https://followoz.com/services/enterprise-applications-integration/), and simplicity, or in short, “the adaptive cloud approach.” Azure Arc has many services, implementations, and features that, in the context of adaptive cloud, specifically Kubernetes, allow you to expand your distributed cloud or edge locations. It brings Azure services and different implementations to [Kubernetes containers](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/enhance-your-operational-efficiency-stability-today/) that were previously siloed. With its application management focus and “wherever they are” principle, [Azure Arc](https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/services/azure-arc/) allows you to manage and deploy your applications to Kubernetes clusters from anywhere in the world. Being infrastructure agnostic, it also lets you manage your physical servers and virtual machines outside Azure, on your corporate network, or other cloud provider. Azure Arc enables you to project hybrid, multi-cloud, edge, and [IoT](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/azure-iot-business-innovation-starts-here/) resources to Azure Resource Manager with Azure Arc. Not only does this create a single source of truth, but it also allows you to apply cloud services across your globally distributed digital estate. For example, observability tools in Azure, like [Azure Monitor](https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/products/monitor), give you visibility across thousands of assets in one place. Security features, like [Microsoft Defender for Cloud](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/business/cloud-security/microsoft-defender-cloud), [Microsoft Sentinel](https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/products/microsoft-sentinel), or Azure Policy for security, enhances your security posture. “My favorite aspect of Microsoft Azure Arc is its integrated management approach that simplifies operations and improves accessibility,” says [Jason Milgram](https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonmilgram/), Senior Vice President, Azure Leader. ### Key Features - **Resource Management**: Centralize management of resources across on-premises, edge, and multi-cloud - **Azure Policy and Governance**: Apply Azure policies for compliance and governance - **Security**: Unify security management with Azure Security Center and Azure Sentinel - **DevOps Integration**: Integrate seamlessly with CI/CD pipelines using Azure DevOps and GitHub - **Kubernetes Management**: Manage [Kubernetes clusters](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/enhance-your-operational-efficiency-stability-today/) and deploy applications consistently - **Data Services**: Run [Azure data services](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/azure-data-quality-services-find-and-fix-data-errors-before-its-too-late/) anywhere, ensuring data consistency and availability - **Scalability:** Deploy cloud servers with [intelligent automation](https://followoz.com/services/intelligent-automation/) in minutes - **Cost:** Only pay for the resources used ## Adaptive Cloud? Start Here If you’re looking to unify your infrastructure and applications across [various environments](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/gain-actionable-insights-and-strategic-direction-with-ozs-deep-dive-and-leading-edge-analysis/) in one integrated environment, then the adaptive cloud approach is for you. With over 25 years of experience implementing Azure solutions, our technology experts can help you deploy Azure Arc and extend [Azure solutions](https://followoz.com/services/cloud-services/) to your preferred environment, ensuring your data workloads can benefit from Azure’s scalability, availability, and managed services, regardless of location. [Contact us](https://followoz.com/contact-us/) today. **Categories:** Blog --- ### [5 Exciting Technologies That Are Not AI](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/5-exciting-technologies-that-are-not-ai/) **Published:** June 28, 2024 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** AI has taken up all the oxygen in the room lately, particularly after ChatGPT caught everyone’s imagination. [AI](https://followoz.com/services/artificial-intelligence/) has dominated every headline and conversation since. While its impact is undeniable, we mustn’t forget other “unsung” technologies that are as transformative. These technologies keep businesses humming, help core IT do their jobs, and work behind the scenes to stabilize our IT environment. However, they’ve been relegated to the sidelines, in the wake of AI. So, we decided it was time to pull back the curtain and give these “IT workhorses” their due. We spoke with [Jason Milgram](https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonmilgram/), Senior Vice President and thirteen-time Microsoft MVP, to get his views on the technologies he thinks are indispensable. According to Jason, here are the five technologies to watch: ### 5. Azure Functions [Serverless architecture](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/the-8-secrets-to-building-your-cloud-management-skillset/) isn’t spoken of in the same breath as AI. Still, any pro dev will tell you how serverless architecture and tools like [Azure Functions](https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/products/functions) have revolutionized how [applications and services are built](https://followoz.com/services/application-development/) and run. While applications are still run on servers, developers no longer have to manage the digital infrastructure; the servers are managed by the cloud service provider. For the business, it means they can instantly scale back to zero, reduce DevOps, and go to market faster; harness its elasticity and cost-effectiveness, and bring in that infusion for their emerging workloads to build new and modernize their existing with AI, all while focusing on code. ##### The bottom line Azure Functions is a developer’s dream because developers can now build and manage applications without worrying about managing and operating servers or runtimes, either in the cloud or on-premises. Devs can now reclaim their time and focus instead on developing great products at scale. ###### Features you’ll love - **Azure Functions’ multiple scenarios** range from hosting simple server and web APIs to the most advanced event-driven app situations. - **Azure Functions on Azure Container Apps** lets developers use the Azure Container Apps environment to deploy multi-type services to a cloud-native solution designed for centralized management and serverless scale. - **Dapr extension for Azure Functions** enables developers to use Dapr’s powerful cloud-native building block APIs and a wide array of ecosystem components in the native and friendly Azure Functions triggers and bindings programming model. The extension is available to run on [Azure Kubernetes Service](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/in-todays-digital-business-landscape-agility-is-a-necessity-not-a-luxury/) and Azure Container Apps. - **A Flex Consumption plan** will give customers more flexibility and customization without compromising on available features to run serverless apps. Stay tuned as this feature will go into public preview soon. - **Extension for Microsoft** **Azure OpenAI** **Service** enables customers to infuse AI in their apps easily. Customers can use this extension to build new AI-led apps like retrieval-augmented generation, text completion and chat assistants. - **Visual Studio Code for the Web** will provide a browser-based developer experience, making it easier to get started with Azure Functions. This Flex Consumption hosting plan feature is available for Python, Node and PowerShell apps. ### 4. Power Platform The rise of [low-code/no-code platforms](https://ciotechworld.com/emmanuel-ramos-business-executives-guide-to-low-code-no-code-platforms/) has had an unintended effect—it’s democratized technology for everyone, fundamentally changing how we design technology. It has opened the gates to more inclusive, user-friendly development methodologies. The trend shows no signs of slowing down, with more tech companies—including Google, Microsoft, and Apple—embracing more accessible and intuitive technology development tools. A prime example of this shift is [Microsoft’s Power Platform](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/power-platform), a[no-code tool ](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/embracing-the-future-of-app-development/)that enables non-developers to create software applications. Recognized as a leader in [Robotic Process Automation (RPA)](https://followoz.com/resources/ebooks/beyond-the-bot-how-ai-is-ushering-in-the-next-wave-of-automation/) by Gartner and Forrester, [Power Platform](https://followoz.com/services/power-platform/) meets the needs of both small businesses and large enterprises. Its versatility makes it suitable for [enterprise-level RPA](https://followoz.com/services/intelligent-automation/), supporting thousands of users and large amounts of data. Plus, its templates and pre-built connectors integrate easily with apps like Microsoft Office 365, SharePoint, Dynamics 365, and more, allowing you to automate processes across many platforms even without knowing how to code. ##### The bottom line: The growing trend toward [no-code and low-code platforms](how-empowering-citizen-developers-can-increase-innovation-within-your-organization/) focuses on user-friendly and inclusive development methodologies. These platforms, [according to Forrester](https://www.forrester.com/blogs/the-low-code-market-could-approach-50-billion-by-2028/), have grown at a rate of 21% since 2019. Tech leaders must commit to democratizing technology for a broader audience and embrace platforms like Power Platform to nurture a more inclusive digital future. ###### Features you’ll love - **The New Security Hub Feature** in the Microsoft Power Platform admin is a game-changer. Administrators can now quickly assess a tenant’s security posture, identify and act on the most impactful recommendations to improve it, and proactively set policies to safeguard against vulnerabilities and risks. - **A rich set of tools and security capabilities** help you gain visibility and detect threats effectively. - **Microsoft Azure Virtual Network support for Power Platform** in the Security Hub will enable you to integrate Power Platform with resources inside your virtual networks without exposing them over the public internet. Additionally, Microsoft EntraID Privileged Identity Management support for Power Platform enables you to temporarily grant admin permissions to specific Power Platform environments, thereby improving security posture. These new features are in preview. ### 3. Azure Cosmos DB From ordering your favorite Starbucks coffee to picking up groceries, booking movie tickets, and shopping online, did you know [Azure Cosmos DB](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V90nttn7Des) powers the apps you rely on every day? Azure Cosmos DB works tirelessly behind the scenes, ensuring our modern lives—built around modern apps—run smoothly. We expect today’s apps to be lightning-fast and always available, even during peak usage. Apps, therefore, need to be able to handle vast amounts of data and provide it to us in milliseconds. To achieve this, they must be deployed in datacenters close to their users, ensuring low latency and high availability. The rise of AI-powered apps has only added to the complexity, as these apps often integrate multiple data stores. Enter [Azure Cosmos DB](https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/products/cosmos-db). With a fully managed NoSQL, relational, and vector database, Azure Cosmos DB is a developer’s godsend. It offers single-digit millisecond response times, instant scalability, and unparalleled speed—at scale. It’s a major advance for [app development](https://followoz.com/services/application-development/), making the process faster and more productive. Here’s why developers love Azure Cosmos DB: - **Global Data Distribution:** Easily distribute data across multiple regions worldwide with turnkey multi-region support. - **Open Source APIs:** Leverage open-source APIs to build and scale applications seamlessly. - **SDKs for Popular Languages:** Utilize SDKs designed for the most popular programming languages, simplifying development. - **[AI Integration](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/ai-integration-how-smart-companies-get-it-right/):** Benefit from AI database functionalities, including an integrated vector database and seamless integration with [Azure AI Services](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/openai-vs-azure-open-ai-is-there-a-difference/) for Retrieval Augmented Generation. - **Query Copilot:** Generate NoSQL queries effortlessly using natural language prompts ##### The bottom line: As a fully managed service, Azure Cosmos DB takes database administration off your hands with automatic management, updates, and patching. It also handles capacity management with cost-effective serverless and automatic scaling options that respond to application needs to match capacity with demand. Azure Cosmos DB is the unsung hero that keeps your favorite apps running smoothly, ensuring data is available instantly and reliably, no matter where you are. ###### Features you’ll love - **Built-in vector database capabilities**: Azure Cosmos DB for NoSQL will feature built-in vector indexing and vector similarity search, enabling data and vectors to be stored together and to stay in sync. This will eliminate the need to use and maintain a separate vector database. Powered by DiskANN and available in June, Azure Cosmos DB for NoSQL will provide highly performant and highly accurate vector search at any scale. This feature is now in preview. - **Serverless to provisioned account migration:** Users can transition their serverless Azure Cosmos DB accounts to provisioned capacity mode. This new feature allows a seamless transition through the Azure portal or command-line interface (CLI). During this migration process, the account will undergo changes in place, and users will retain full access to Azure Cosmos DB containers for data read and write operations. This feature is now in preview. - **Cross-region disaster recovery:** With disaster recovery in vCore-based Azure Cosmos DB for MongoDB, a cluster replica can be created in another region. This cluster replica will be continuously updated with the data written in the primary region. In a rare outage in the primary region and primary cluster unavailability, this replica can be promoted to become the new read-write cluster in another region. Connection string is preserved after such a promotion, so that apps can continue to read and write to the database in another region using the same connection string. This feature is now in preview. - **Azure Cosmos DB Vercel integration**: Developers building apps using Vercel can now connect easily to an existing Azure Cosmos DB database or create new Azure Try Cosmos DB accounts on the fly and integrate them into their Vercel projects. This integration improves productivity by creating apps easily with a backend database already configured. This also helps developers onboard to Azure Cosmos DB faster. This feature is now generally available. - **Go SDK for Azure Cosmos DB:** The Go SDK allows customers to connect to an Azure Cosmos DB for a NoSQL account and perform operations on databases, containers and items. This release brings critical Azure Cosmos DB features for multi-region support and high availability to Go, such as the ability to set preferred regions, cross-region retries, and improved request diagnostics. This feature is now generally available. ### 2. Microsoft Dev Box [Microsoft Dev Box](https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/products/dev-box), as the name suggests, gives developers self-service access to ready-to-code cloud workstations called *dev boxes*. How does this transform the developer experience? This means you can configure dev boxes with tools, source code, and pre-built binaries specific to a project and access them from anywhere. The best part? You can get to work at once. You no longer have to wait for IT to set up new machines or deal with configuration headaches. [Integration](https://followoz.com/services/enterprise-applications-integration/) with Microsoft tools like Visual Studio and GitHub streamlines day-to-day workflows, making coding, testing, and deployment seamless. Plus, its robust security features ensure your code and data stay protected. ##### The bottom line: Many developers are still constrained by the tools they use due to complex setups or a lack of scalability. For example, onboarding a developer requires coordination with the infrastructure team. Configuring a proper workstation and granting access can sometimes take several weeks. Plus, this manual process is prone to errors and can cause more delays. Developers usually work on multiple projects simultaneously and managing dependencies for all these projects (different programming languages or versions) can slow them down. Using only one physical device also means developers can’t switch between tasks as their device is limited by its static compute resources and lacks scalability. Microsoft Dev Box changes all that. Developers can hit the ground running as soon as the Dev Box deploys. Regardless of where the Dev Boxes are running, IT admins and infrastructure teams can track their usage for security, compliance, and cost efficiency. ###### Features you’ll love **New ready-to-code features like:** - **Team customizations** and **images**, in private preview, and **project-based catalogs**, in preview, offer developer leads and platform engineers new ways to create customized development environments for their teams. - **Dev Box in Windows App**, in preview, will offer an improved connection experience in the Windows App with quick access to Dev Box in the taskbar and the ability to seamlessly transition between Dev Box and Windows devices, whether on-premises or in the cloud. - **Dev Box connection telemetry**, now generally available through Azure Monitor, provides telemetry data into performance and system events, enhancing observability and troubleshooting capabilities for admins. - **Hibernation on disconnect** lets dev boxes hibernate if there is no active remote desktop protocol session, which will help organizations optimize costs. This feature is now in preview. - **Windows 11 Enterprise image can be published into Azure Marketplace for use with Dev Box**. Developer tool vendors can now create and publish Dev Box-compatible custom images with third-party tools via the “Windows client for developers” image in the Azure Marketplace. This feature is now generally available. - **Dev boxes can now be deployed** in Southeast Asia, South Africa North, Germany West Central, Italy North, Brazil South, Switzerland North, and, starting June 1, Sweden Central, improving connectivity performance and latency for developers in these regions. ### 1. Microsoft Fabric There’s been a lot of buzz around [Microsoft Fabric](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/optimize-your-data-estate-with-microsoft-fabrics-advanced-analytics-and-business-intelligence/) since its launch last year—and with good reason. While there’s a lot to like about Microsoft Fabric, considering it brings together [Power BI](https://www.techtarget.com/searchbusinessanalytics/news/252512715/Microsoft-steadily-adding-to-Power-BI-analytics-platform), [Data Factory](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/how-to-build-effective-data-pipelines-with-azure-data-factory/), and [Azure Synapse Analytics](https://www.techtarget.com/searchbusinessanalytics/news/252493131/Microsofts-Azure-Synapse-Analytics-now-generally-available) into one platform, Jason loves it for its Real-Time Intelligence feature. In preview still, “Real-Time Intelligence lets you act on high-volume, time-sensitive, and highly granular data, helping both analysts with its low-code/no-code experiences and pro developers with code-rich user interfaces,” says [Jason Milgram](https://followoz.com/about/leadership/). Real-Time Intelligence brings a complete set of capabilities for streaming data to [Microsoft Fabric](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/heres-why-i-would-choose-microsoft-fabric-as-my-data-management-tool/), making it easy to implement world-class real-time data solutions in the era of AI. Real-Time Intelligence leverages the no-code, self-service experiences of Real-Time Analytics, Data Activator, and Power BI. Internally, it builds on top of the proven scale and reliability of [Microsoft Azure](https://followoz.com/services/cloud-services/) streaming and big data platforms, such as Azure Event Hubs, Azure Stream Analytics, and Azure Data Explorer. ##### The bottom line: At its heart lies a central place to discover, manage, and consume event data across your entire organization with a rich, governed experience. You can bring in data from Microsoft sources across clouds with various out-of-the-box connectors. Route the correct data to the right destination in Fabric using a simple drag-and-drop experience. Explore insights on petabytes of streaming data with just a few clicks. Elevate your analysis by harnessing Copilot’s intelligence using simple natural language. Make efficient business decisions in the moment with real-time actionable insights and respond to changing landscapes proactively. Allow users to monitor the data they care about, detect changing patterns, and set alerts or actions that drive business value. ###### Features you’ll love - **Real-Time Hub** provides a single place to ingest, process and route events in Fabric as a central point for managing events from diverse sources across the organization. All events that flow through Real-Time Hub will be easily transformed and routed to any Fabric data stores. - **Event streams** will provide out-of-the-box streaming connectors to cross-cloud sources while content-based routing removes the complexity of ingesting streaming data from external sources. - **Event house and real-time dashboards** helps you get insights from terabytes of streaming data without having to write code. - **Data Activator** will integrate with the Real-Time Hub, event streams, real-time dashboards, and KQL query sets to trigger any patterns or changes in real-time data. - **AI-powered insights**, **a game-changer in the Fabric experience,** now come with an integrated Microsoft Copilot for generating queries in preview and a one-click anomaly detection experience. This feature helps you detect the unknowns with high granularity in high-volume data, enhancing their [data analysis](https://followoz.com/services/data-analytics-ai/) capabilities. - **Event-driven Fabric** will allow users to respond to system events within Fabric and trigger Fabric actions, such as running [data pipelines](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/how-to-build-effective-data-pipelines-with-azure-data-factory/). ### What’s Next As you’ve seen, not everything—that can solve your most pressing business problems—is AI. Large-scale AI implementations are not the *only* way forward. The technologies above also solve a litany of business challenges, bringing efficiency, speed, and productivity to your business operations. You may already be using some (or all of them), but if you need practical guidance and tips on how to maximize their value, reach out to Jason Milgram, SVP and thirteen-time Microsoft MVP, for a [free assessment](https://followoz.com/contact-us/) today. **Categories:** Blog --- ### [Robyn Cooper Brings People-First Approach to Florida's Premier Microsoft Solutions Partner](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/robyn-cooper-brings-people-first-approach-to-floridas-premier-microsoft-solutions-partner/) **Published:** June 6, 2024 **Author:** ozadmindanish **Content:** Today, we announce [**Robyn Cooper**](https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=4184552-1&h=1291834614&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fin%2Frobyn-cooper-bb5a8b7%2F&a=Robyn+Cooper "https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=4184552-1&h=1291834614&u=https%3a%2f%2fwww.linkedin.com%2fin%2frobyn-cooper-bb5a8b7%2f&a=robyn+cooper") as our Vice President of Global Human Resources. This addition to our leadership team strengthens the company’s initiative to foster employee growth by offering an environment where teams can leverage their strengths and differences to be more cohesive and achieve the highest results possible. Amjad Shamim, our CEO, expressed his excitement about the new addition to the organization, “I am delighted to announce that Robyn Cooper has joined our leadership team. Her wealth of knowledge in HR, change management, and project management for a boutique Microsoft Partner focused on consulting engagements makes her an invaluable addition to our leadership.” In her new role as VP of Global Human Resources, Cooper leads the execution of HR-related policies, programs, organizational culture and employee engagement. Robyn Cooper brings over 25 years of People/HR leadership experience that spans the technology, healthcare, higher education, hospitality, sports, and entertainment industries, coinciding with our clientele. “I am thrilled and humbled to be joining a team that operates harmoniously from 3 locations worldwide,” Cooper shared. “The diverse backgrounds of the personnel in the company create a unique environment for innovation and problem-solving, two qualities the organization approaches each client project with.” Cooper further expressed, “I am eager to apply my expertise in human resources, team and leadership development, and change management to continue nurturing a culture of excellence here at OZ.” Cooper has spearheaded numerous initiatives in previous roles, leading to accolades such as Great Places to Work certifications and recognition as a finalist for the People First Award by the Tampa Bay Business Journal. “Robyn has demonstrated a strong commitment to excellence throughout her career, leading HR Operations, Talent Acquisition, and Talent Development teams,” Shamim highlights. “She embodies the values of integrity, innovation, and continuous improvement, making her a perfect fit for OZ Digital Consulting. Her extensive expertise and leadership skills will undoubtedly contribute to the company’s continued success and growth.” Robyn’s journey reflects a dedication to cultivating employee engagement, retention, and development. She has implemented and operated various HRIS and HCM/LMS systems, ensuring streamlined processes and efficient operations. Read the press release [here](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/robyn-cooper-brings-people-first-approach-to-floridas-premier-microsoft-solutions-partner-302165525.html "https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/robyn-cooper-brings-people-first-approach-to-floridas-premier-microsoft-solutions-partner-302165525.html")! **Categories:** Blog --- ### [RPA and AI—Even Better Together](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/rpa-and-ai-even-better-together/) **Published:** July 29, 2024 **Author:** ozadmindanish **Content:** Automation has always existed. Humans have been inventing and refining tools to take the work out of their workloads for centuries. The early Mayans automated water transportation via aqueducts; Henry Ford invented the Model T, the moving assembly line, to replace the mechanical assembly line; in the 1780s, Oliver Evans designed a type of automated flour mill to move wheat from the ground to the top of the mill. In the last five decades, various industries, from manufacturing to [travel & hospitality](https://followoz.com/industries/travel-and-hospitality/), [retail](https://followoz.com/industries/retail/), [insurance](https://followoz.com/industries/property-casualty-insurance-in-intelligent-automation/), and [healthcare](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/find-out-how-bots-are-changing-the-game-in-doctor-offices-labs-and-hospitals-across-the-globe/), have been automating too. There’s no industry today that hasn’t been touched by [Robotic Process Automation (RPA)](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/demystifying-rpa/). Businesses are using [Azure-powered](https://followoz.com/services/power-platform/) [RPA solutions for several processes](https://followoz.com/case-studies/health-insurance-amerigroup/) from invoice to leave and [claims processing](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/claims-transformation-automating-the-moment-of-truth/), scheduling and billing to creating service tickets, automatic credit approval, and automated email promotions… the list is endless. So if RPA is doing what we want it to, then why are we turning to [artificial intelligence (AI)](https://followoz.com/services/artificial-intelligence/) to make it smarter? ### **RPA Is Transformative (but It Has Its Challenges)** However, while RPA is incredibly efficient, “*it does only what it’s programmed to do. AI on the other hand, learns from experience, adapts, and improves—and can even teach itself,” says* [Imran Sabir, VP, Automation and EAI](https://www.linkedin.com/in/imran-sabir-b9b64968/)*. **“**Even t*hough RPA [automates](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/low-code-is-not-low-quality-4-hard-facts-about-microsoft-power-platform/) rules-based, repetitive tasks successfully, there are tasks where it gets bogged down with [data and analysis](https://followoz.com/services/data-analytics-ai/),” he says. Non-repetitive tasks still need human intervention with RPA as the technology cannot handle unstructured information. #### **Limitations of RPA-Based Task-Based Automation:** No doubt, RPA comes with many benefits, allowing companies to streamline operations, improve customer service and ultimately, deliver better customer experiences. But there’s no solution that’s one-hundred-percent perfect and RPA is no exception. Here are some limitations with RPA: - A chatbot offers automated responses but cannot recognize or reference the customer’s order history - A meal kit service that cannot interact with the logistics provider and hence cannot tell you why your box didn’t get delivered - An automated HR system that operates separately from the company’s employee system - Handwritten postal change-of-address cards, bank checks, car insurance claims, and many other kinds of handwritten documents cannot be deciphered by RPA alone - Cloud telephony platforms and other RPA applications. Most [RPA solutions](https://followoz.com/services/power-platform/) focus on recording how a process works and then automating it. Where there’s a lack of standardization, high variability, inconsistent structure and documentation, RPA bots struggle to make sense and take appropriate action. Or, if there’s an exception in a process — as there often is — with RPA, you risk solving the problem by putting a bot between the customer and the person who will resolve it. While task-based automation can help with routine tasks, it lacks context and cognitive sophistication that businesses need to truly serve their customers better. Here’s where AI can help. ### **RPA + AI: A Perfect Match** When you augment RPA bots with AI capabilities (Natural Language Processing, [machine learning (ML)](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/start-seeing-around-corners-with-azure-machine-learning/), intelligent OCR, and deep learning), you can solve each of the challenges mentioned above. AI capabilities expand the scope of tasks that you can automate. With AI, the RPA bots can mimic a wide range of human decision-making and problem-solving — such as judgment and sensing emotion — once considered impossible to automate. The rise of [Intelligent Automation](https://followoz.com/services/intelligent-automation/) (IA) or the use of AI and machine learning in conjunction with RPA, has helped businesses move beyond basic robotics to intelligent interactions. Adding AI to basic automation processes not only changes the speed at which work gets done but changes the scale at which work gets managed. Unlike RPA, [intelligent automation](https://followoz.com/services/intelligent-automation/) can automate all processes, including non-repetitive tasks, which previously were unthinkable without human intervention. ### ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Screenshot-1-1.png) **Intelligent Automation Brings the Smarts to Task-Based Automation** Azure-powered [intelligent automation](https://followoz.com/case-studies/insurance-payer-amerigroup/) can take on many forms: - It can be as simple as a spam filter or as complex as an algorithm that autonomously drives your car. - It allows robots to accurately determine the results of advanced, unpredictable equations. Like valuing a property, assessing the risk of a loan default, and forecasting inventory. - It automates processes that have too many variables. For example, you can match resumes against job postings despite differences in skillsets and experiences of job applicants. - It can automatically process unstructured information at scale. Powered by the [Azure AI](https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/solutions/ai) platform, the robots can learn to recognize patterns in unstructured documents, then accurately process the data. But whatever the case, intelligent automation is a game-changer for business and the future of efficiency. ### **Scope of Intelligent Automation** - AI-driven processes can scan millions of documents in a fraction of the time a human can. • Operational processes using AI — instance-specific or aggregated into intelligent systems — bring “smarts” to the automated activities and are inexhaustible. • AI allows robots to accurately determine the results of advanced, unpredictable equations. Like valuing a property, assessing the risk of a loan default, and forecasting inventory • When speaking to a customer, with the help of AI, a customer service agent can access all the customer conversations across 30+ social channels in real time and better serve the customer. • By automating everything in your organization that can be automated with AI, machine learning, and RPA, you can achieve [hyperautomation](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/what-people-get-wrong-about-hyperautomation/) — and the highest levels of efficiency and productivity. ### **How to Move from Task Automation to Intelligent Automation** When RPA bots and AI insights come together— your business transforms, productivity skyrockets, and outcomes improve. According to [Forbes](https://www.forbes.com/sites/kpmg/2017/09/21/how-much-is-intelligent-automation-saving-you/), “Intelligent Automation typically results in cost savings of 40 percent to 75 percent, with the payback ranging from several months to several years.” Cognitive automation, while more difficult to integrate into a company, also takes the most time to translate into real savings. However, it provides the biggest payback with insights and continuous improvement as the software continuously learns and improves. An end-to-end automation platform such as [Microsoft Power Platform](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/power-platform) also helps a company scale faster and get products to market quickly by accelerating production, testing, and reiteration. Intelligent automation complements human intelligence, empowering companies to make better, more informed decisions based on data analyzed by automation systems. We can all agree that [a new wave of automation](https://followoz.com/resources/ebooks/beyond-the-bot-how-ai-is-ushering-in-the-next-wave-of-automation/) is upon us. And while only time will reveal the winners and laggards, organizations that invest in intelligent automation today will be well-positioned to succeed in the future. ### **Where Do You Begin?** Before you set out to automate any business process with (or without AI), we suggest you take advantage of our [free automation-maturity assessment](https://followoz.com/contact-us/) to get a complete and unbiased overview of whether you need automation, and what processes might be ripe for automation. Plus, if your business is ready for it. We bring over [25 years of Microsoft technology consulting experience](https://followoz.com/about/), delivering process automation, [integration](https://followoz.com/services/enterprise-applications-integration/), and [intelligent automation](https://followoz.com/case-studies/horne-invoicing/) solutions to clients in [insurance](https://followoz.com/case-studies/insurance-payer-amerigroup/), [travel and hospitality](https://followoz.com/case-studies/red-lobster/), and [healthcare](https://followoz.com/case-studies/oncohealth/). Our Azure automation experts will guide you in choosing the best solution tailored to your business needs. ### **Explore More Resources to Learn About Azure-Powered Intelligent Automation:** - READ CASE STUDY: [Amerigroup Achieves 100% Claims Accuracy with Intelligent Automated Queuing](https://followoz.com/case-studies/insurance-payer-amerigroup/) - WATCH WEBINAR: [Creating an Automation Roadmap and Strategy](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/webinar-creating-an-automation-strategy-and-roadmap/) - READ BLOG: [4 Hard Facts About Microsoft Power Platform](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/low-code-is-not-low-quality-4-hard-facts-about-microsoft-power-platform/) - READ BLOG: [What People Get Wrong About Hyperautomation](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/what-people-get-wrong-about-hyperautomation/) If you want a more in-depth look into intelligent automation, download our e-book on the topic. [![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Screenshot-2-150x33.png)](https://followoz.com/resources/ebooks/beyond-the-bot-how-ai-is-ushering-in-the-next-wave-of-automation/) **Categories:** Blog --- ### [3 Reasons Private AI Is In Your Future](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/3-reasons-private-ai-is-in-your-future/) **Published:** July 30, 2024 **Author:** ozadmindanish **Content:** By now, we all know there’s no AI without data—good, clean data. AI works only when the data it’s fed works. As more companies adopt [AI](https://followoz.com/services/artificial-intelligence/), data transparency and privacy will take center stage. But here’s the paradox: if AI is to take off, it needs to be useful. And to be useful, it needs our data. For example, what use would an AI-powered recommendation be if it did not know our preferences? However, customers are not always willing to share their data. Neither are businesses. Businesses need to protect their data for several reasons, so they’re reluctant to trust sensitive data to a public service provider. Without clear privacy laws, their data could be used for training the AI algorithms of public cloud providers. These genuine concerns are driving private AI, a promising yet contentious trend. That means enterprises are creating their own AI trained on their own datasets. ### **Private AI is Not Like Private Cloud** The idea behind private AI is privacy. It ensures your customers’ intellectual property, data, and access to that data are all private, protected, and walled off. Private AI reduces data exposure and unauthorized data sharing, ensuring sensitive information stays confidential. At the [Microsoft Research Faculty Summit](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/research/video/private-ai/), Kristin Lauter, Mathematician and Research Group Manager, used an interesting analogy to explain private AI. Imagine you had some gold that you want to turn into jewelry (an analogy for doing computation with the data you have). You don’t necessarily trust your jeweler, so you lock your gold in a box and hand over the whole block of gold. Your jeweler works on the gold through a glove box, never getting to open the box or getting the key. Once the jewelry is made, it’s left in the box for you to unlock. Private AI is similar: it processes the data in the cloud and returns an encrypted result to you. It’s a trend that shows no signs of abating as more organizations integrate AI into their operations. Here’s why: ### **1. Data Privacy** AI is only as good as the data, but here’s the thing: the data is yours. As Appian Founder and CEO Matt Calkins emphasizes in his [CEO keynote](https://appian.com/learn/events/event-videos/appian-world-2023/keynotes/appian-world-ceo-keynote), “We say you should keep your data. The value that made AI possible is in fact yours. You should keep that value.” Data privacy continues to be a hot-button issue, and despite privacy laws like GDPR and SOX, it’s still largely unregulated. With organizations becoming more data-driven and AI-led, “data privacy and cloud sovereignty are top concerns,” says [Jason Milgram](https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonmilgram/), SVP and Azure Leader at OZ Digital Consulting. So, organizations are understandably hesitant to share their data with public cloud AI providers who might use it to train their models. Private AI, therefore, is an attractive option for companies who want to reap the benefits of AI while having greater autonomy over their data. Private AI does not expose user data to the model owner and trains models across several private datasets that can be shared only in encrypted form. The rise of Generative AI—which uses data models derived from the entire internet— has set off concerns around the security and protection of corporate IP, confidential information, and company trade secrets. As more employees use generative AI to draft a work email or summarize meeting notes, organizations worry that confidential information may inadvertently leak out. In fact, some companies, like JPMorgan Chase, have [clamped down on employees’ use](https://www.cnn.com/2023/02/22/tech/jpmorgan-chatgpt-employees/index.html) of ChatGPT. With private AI, businesses can run Generative AI with hybrid models, using public and private data that’s secure behind their corporate firewall. It allows you to build your own stack, choose your LLM, and fine-tune it based on your proprietary data. Then, deploy your large aggregate model for inferencing and eventually allow your employees to use it. ### **2. Security and Compliance** Many industries that handle sensitive client information—such as financial services and healthcare—are under stringent regulatory scrutiny and must be extra careful when dealing with customer data. With private AI, they don’t have to fear that future regulations will derail their AI initiatives due to ambiguous data privacy practices from providers. Even if you anonymize your data when using public AI, you still risk losing ownership and control. Private AI mitigates these threats. By controlling where data is stored and how it’s used, organizations can comply with privacy laws such as HIPAA, CCPA, and GDPR. Enterprises can design their models and data architectures to have greater control over their data. ### **3. Flexibility and Greater Control** With private AI, you can design your AI models and data architectures for the results you want, train on the data you have, and perform the behaviors you want—and all the while, your data never escapes your control. Your models stay unique, and you ensure your data is benefiting your business and customers, not your competitors or a public cloud provider. Private AI puts you in charge of how your data is used, how it’s accessed, and who accesses it. You could specify what equipment is used to store and move the data, including the physical locations for [data storage](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/heres-why-i-would-choose-microsoft-fabric-as-my-data-management-tool/). You won’t need to outsource compliance responsibilities to third parties, as would be necessary with public AI models. Instead of sending internal data into public models with the potential for exposure, organizations can take control of their data and provide guardrails wherever and whenever needed. ### **What’s the Infrastructure You Need to Build Private AI?** Adopting private AI does not mean an organization must build its foundational LLMs from scratch. By using retrieval-augmented generation or RAG, you can use private AI architecture which restricts queries and requests to a company’s internal database, SharePoint, API, or other private sources. It works by, instead of querying public data sets, an AI model first queries a company’s internal databases, document libraries, and other system information—like the company’s intranet. After the AI retrieves those results, the AI appends them to the query and sends it to the public model. With RAG, organizations can secure their data and keep it from being used publicly while also receiving robust responses from complex public LLMs. Just because your AI environment is private doesn’t mean you should disconnect from public clouds entirely. The key is in being able to connect to public clouds on your own terms. This means building a cloud-adjacent data architecture, where you have control over your data while also being able to move it to the cloud on demand via dedicated, private network connections. ### **Next Steps** Building your own private AI infrastructure doesn’t mean you have to build it alone. With the right partner and expertise, you can deploy the necessary network and cloud services to scale your AI infrastructure quickly and adapt to changing business needs. Partner with us to set up the AI infrastructure you need in the locations you want without the complexity and high costs of setting it up yourself. With [over 25 years of experience](https://followoz.com/about/) providing technology solutions to clients in [healthcare](https://followoz.com/industries/health-sciences/), [travel & hospitality](https://followoz.com/industries/travel-and-hospitality/), [retail](https://followoz.com/industries/retail/), [insurance](https://followoz.com/industries/property-casualty-insurance-in-intelligent-automation/), and [government](https://followoz.com/industries/public-sector/), we can help you balance the business gains of AI with your organization’s privacy and compliance needs. [Contact us](https://followoz.com/contact-us/) today for a free consultation. **Categories:** Blog --- ### [6 Ways to Build Data Trust](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/5-ways-to-build-data-trust/) **Published:** August 26, 2024 **Author:** ozadmindanish **Content:** Data in the real world is like the children’s game of “telephone.” In the game, a message gets passed on from one person to the next until the last person says what they heard. In the end, what’s relayed is often completely different. You see how information changes naturally through so many hand-offs. It’s the same with business data. As it passes through many systems, devices, and teams, the chances of it becoming “dirty” are higher. As organizations look to adopt [AI](https://followoz.com/services/artificial-intelligence/) technologies—such as [intelligent automation](https://followoz.com/services/intelligent-automation/), machine learning, [natural language processing (NLP)](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/learn-to-more-effectively-drive-actionable-insights-and-strategic-decisions/), and the [Internet of Things](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/azure-iot-business-innovation-starts-here/)—their success will depend on whether they can turn raw information into trusted business data. As [Murray Izenwasser, SVP of Digital Strategy](https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/quality-data-powerful-ai-laying-groundwork-solutions-izenwasser-2hmrf/?trackingId=7Q%2FuH6qnTviS9H8xaK%2FbbA%3D%3D) at OZ Digital Consulting says, “The importance of high-quality data cannot be overstated.” ### **Six Dimensions of Data Quality** At its core, high-quality data is: 1. **Accurate:** It correctly represents the real world it’s meant to capture, free from errors or inconsistencies 2. **Complete:** It contains all necessary information without gaps or missing values 3. **Consistent:** It’s uniform across different sources and time periods 4. **Timely:** It’s up-to-date and relevant to the current context 5. **Valid:** It’s in the expected format and follows business rules 6. **Unique:** It has no duplicate values ### **How Does Data Quality Suffer?** Before we dive in, let’s examine what [data quality](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/azure-data-quality-services-find-and-fix-data-errors-before-its-too-late/) means because it’s easy to get lost in numbers and metrics. In a nutshell, data quality is: “the term you use to describe data that gives you an accurate picture of the real world in a usable form.” In an organization, data streams in from many different sources. Data rarely sits around. It’s moved, transformed, and sometimes consolidated into one 360-degree business and customer view. It’s all done in several stages across multiple systems and teams, internal and external. While doing so, one team might change the data format to suit their system; another might discard irrelevant data altogether. But no matter how the data is used, its quality must remain unchanged, which isn’t always the case. ### **How You Can Fix It** One of the things you can do to ensure you’re working with the right data is to streamline the entire data management lifecycle. You want to avoid the [data mess](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/keep-your-data-lake-from-becoming-a-data-swamp/) so your data can efficiently serve downstream [analytics](https://followoz.com/services/data-analytics-ai/), data science, and [AI](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/ai-integration-how-smart-companies-get-it-right/). By adhering to sound ﷟HYPERLINK “https://followoz.com/resources/blog/heres-why-i-would-choose-microsoft-fabric-as-my-data-management-tool/”data management best practices, which include collecting, processing, governing, sharing and analyzing data, you can turn your data into your most valuable asset. In this foundational blog post, let’s explore the thumb rules of data management: , which include collecting, processing, governing, sharing and analyzing data, you can turn your data into your most valuable asset. In this foundational blog post, let’s explore the thumb rules of data management: ### **Data Quality Management: Five Best Practices** **1. Data Collection** Before collecting data, consider what data you need for the task at hand. Decide what variables you’re analyzing and what sources you have available. Then, get into the details such as their formatting and what data may be lacking. The typical data estate for most businesses spans multiple clouds, accounts, databases, domains, and engines with many vendors and services. [Microsoft Fabric](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-fabric)’s [OneLake](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/fabric/onelake/onelake-overview), the unified, multi-cloud [data lake](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/keep-your-data-lake-from-becoming-a-data-swamp/) built for the needs of an entire organization, can help you connect your data from across your [data estate](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/optimize-your-data-estate-with-microsoft-fabrics-advanced-analytics-and-business-intelligence/) to reduce data duplication and sprawl. With Microsoft Fabric, you can establish a trusted data foundation for your analytics. Coupled with regular audits, you can ensure data accuracy and address errors as they crop up quickly. **2. Data Ingestion** With all the technology available today, you would think it helps remove data silos. On the contrary, it’s led to more fragmentation across various on-premises application systems, databases, data warehouses, and SaaS applications. Many IT teams are now looking to centralize all their data with a [lakehouse architecture](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/does-your-data-need-a-data-lakehouse/) built on top of a data lake. But moving the data from various systems into the lakehouse is often a challenge. Microsoft Fabric offers a way out: it lets you [ingest data](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/how-to-build-effective-data-pipelines-with-azure-data-factory/) into the lakehouse and implement its architecture by combining: - The flexible and scalable storage of a data lake - The ability to query and analyze data from a [data warehouse](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/is-the-data-warehouse-dead-yes-and-no/) - The scalability of a data store for files and tables you can query using SQL. \[Read the blog: [Here’s Why I Would Choose Microsoft Fabric as my Data Management Tool](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/heres-why-i-would-choose-microsoft-fabric-as-my-data-management-tool/)\] 3\. Data Validation and Monitoring** Verify that the data conforms to established expectations and standards. Ensure all entries have consistent formatting and have no duplicates. For instance, let’s imagine a scenario where you’re analyzing the success of a marketing campaign. One person on the team says the campaign was ineffective while another points to evidence of growth. Who’s right? If you calculate the percentage using the actual sales amount down to the dollar, the yield is 3.45%, whereas if you round it up, it’s 0% | | **Q2** | **Q3** | **Growth** | |---|---|---|---| | **Sales** (rounded to 100,000) | 145,000 | 150,000 | 0% | | **Sales (actual)** | 145,000 | 150,000 | 3.45% | Although the data is error-free, the reporting format is inconsistent. Having robust analytics and reporting tools like [PowerBI](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/low-code-is-not-low-quality-4-hard-facts-about-microsoft-power-platform/) can help fix this. The **Data Flow** and **Data Wrangling** services within Microsoft Fabric can help you clean and standardize the data to ensure all your information is accurate and consistent. It unifies date formats and removes duplicate entries, making the data reliable and usable. The platform’s advanced monitoring features also allow for real-time tracking of data flows and alerts you of anomalies. **4. Data Standardization** As organizations stand up lakehouse architectures, the supply and demand of clean and trusted data doesn’t end with analytics and machine learning. Many IT leaders realize they must share data across the organization—with customers, partners, and suppliers—to get meaningful insights. However, they fail at data sharing due to a lack of standards, collaboration challenges, and risk when working with large data sets across a vast ecosystem of systems or tools. Microsoft Fabric’s [external data sharing feature](https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/analytics-on-azure-blog/external-data-sharing-with-microsoft-fabric/ba-p/4154006#:~:text=Organizations%20leveraging%20Microsoft%20Fabric%20can,and%20no%20data%20is%20moved.) is the answer to cross-functional data sharing by letting users from another Microsoft Fabric tenant access their data. The data stays in the provider’s OneLake storage location, and no data is moved. What makes the external sharing solution so seamless is that many organizations already use [PowerBI](https://followoz.com/services/power-platform/). Which means you don’t need to stand up any new products and solutions; you just have to continue using what you have been using and take advantage of this new feature. **5. Data Cleaning Moving data into the lakehouse is an important step in making data usable for analysts or data scientists. Outdated data causes inaccuracies and a distrust in insights. Data engineers struggle with cleansing diverse data and transforming it into a format suitable for analysis, reporting, or machine learning. It requires a deep understanding of data infrastructure systems and expertise in building complex queries across languages. Microsoft Fabric reduces the complexity by helping data engineering teams prep their data with [Data Wrangler](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/fabric/data-science/data-wrangler), a feature that combines a grid-like data display with dynamic summary stats, built-in visualizations, and a library of data-cleaning operations. Each operation updates the data in real time and generates code in pandas or PySpark, which can be saved as reusable functions. **6. Data Governance** Organizations often prioritize building data lakes for analytics and machine learning at the expense of data governance. With the rise of lakehouse architectures and data becoming more democratized, more people now have access to it. Traditionally, administrators have managed data lakes using cloud-vendor-specific security controls like IAM roles or RBAC. However, these technical security measures don’t fully meet the needs of data governance, which dictates who has authority over data assets and how they may be used. Increased data access raises the risk of oversharing or unintended use of sensitive data. With Microsoft Fabric, you have complete visibility into your tenant, including insights into usage and adoption and key capabilities to secure your data end to end. Powered by [Microsoft Purview](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/purview/), Fabric integrates enterprise-grade governance and compliance capabilities directly into its platform. This includes persistent sensitivity labels, automatic detection of sensitive data via data loss prevention policies, and comprehensive auditing. The integration with Purview simplifies user experience and reduces administrative overheads by eliminating the need for additional Purview RBAC configuration. Users can annotate and curate Fabric data assets within the Purview data catalog, enriching data with descriptions, terms, tags, and metadata. This enhances data understanding, fosters collaboration, and improves overall data governance practices within an organization. ### **Your Trusted Data Journey Starts Here** To mitigate business risks and set the stage for [AI](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/3-reasons-private-ai-is-in-your-future/) success, organizations must prioritize data management as a strategy. It must include strong data governance frameworks and investments in data quality tools and processes that recognize data as an asset. With over [25 years of experience](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/purview/) in data strategy and data management, we can help you manage your data from ingestion to analytics by unifying your data analytics and AI with purpose-built Microsoft-powered tools and technologies. [Contact us](https://followoz.com/blog-contact-us/) today to learn more. **Categories:** Blog --- ### [Five Reasons You Should be at AI Future Summit 2024](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/five-reasons-you-should-be-at-ai-future-summit-2024/) **Published:** October 3, 2024 **Author:** ozadmindanish **Content:** [![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/new-bg-reg.png)](https://followoz.com/ai-future-summit-south-florida/) We’re living in the midst of an AI frenzy—and it’s easy to get lost in the hype. So, we decided it was time to cut through the noise and focus on what really matters—to your business, your organization, and your industry—with an exclusive event that brings the best and the brightest AI minds together in one place. We’re gathering in South Florida to not only discuss the future of AI but share insights on how we can leverage this technology in the here and now. To help you get a feel for what you’ll experience on-site, we thought we’d give you a quick tour of what you can expect at the summit—our “top highlights,” including practical insights and learnings you can take back with you. So, let’s get started. ### **First Up—It’s More Than a Summit** It might be tempting to see this as just another AI conference. But it’s so much more. It’s your opportunity to be at the forefront of one of the biggest technology shifts of our time. Hear all you need to know about AI from the people shaping it: at their companies, in their communities, for their customers. While you may be aware of AI’s potential, these visionaries will show you how you can make it better with practical use cases, hands-on demos, and tangible results. ### **Why Attend** ### **1. Join Microsoft’s Top AI Experts** Yes, that’s right. Speak to the people at the cutting edge of AI innovation. Interact one-on-one with the experts from Microsoft and learn how their products are solving everyday business problems. They’ll be showcasing what it means to transform with AI, not just through presentation decks (though we’ll have those too) but by giving you a tour of the Microsoft AI products they’ve built and brought to market, helping several businesses transform their operations along the way. If you like looking under the hood to see how things work, these live demos are for you. ### **2. Learn How Leading Organizations Lead with AI** It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the pace of AI and the speed at which it’s infusing everything we do. The experts championing AI at their own organizations—Microsoft, Hard Rock, Horne, and SBA Communications—will show you how AI can turn great ideas into real-world solutions faster than ever. Learn how businesses like theirs use AI to solve daily challenges, operational and otherwise. Whether that’s handling thousands of detailed claims efficiently or automating claims processing, turning overwhelming paperwork into actionable insights, managing complex data, or getting timely answers from vast knowledge bases, these businesses are embedding AI in everything they do. We’re still waiting to let everything out of the bag but prepare to get a first look at an AI-powered chatbot we built for a financial services client, integrating it with their knowledge base to help answer critical questions in real time. Proof that AI can provide a clear, measurable impact on your daily operations. ### **3. Preview What’s Next for AI Transformation** The future of [artificial intelligence](https://followoz.com/services/artificial-intelligence/) isn’t light years away—it’s a future that’s unfolding right now. Join the pundits as they share strategic advice, practical tips, and best practices on how to build—or expand—your AI practice to increase productivity and accelerate innovation. There’s a lineup of sessions you’ll want to attend featuring groundbreaking Microsoft AI innovations, AI integration, and early adopter stories. Find the answers to your most pressing questions in several live panels with AI and data wizards. Get the latest on AI innovations and trends, opportunities and challenges—and apply what you learn back at your workplace. Whether you’re looking to understand AI from a business perspective, use AI to improve organizational efficiency, unlock new revenue streams, or transform customer experiences, the summit shines a light on how you can bring not only your technology but your people and processes up to the task. Explore the [full agenda here](https://followoz.com/ai-future-summit-south-florida/). ### **4. Hear from the Brains Behind Artificial Intelligence** Hear directly from the AI experts and practitioners on what lies ahead for AI and the future of business. Watch AI luminary and bestselling author [Eric Siegel](https://www.linkedin.com/in/predictiveanalytics/) take the stage and share his take on the hottest tech story today—AI: how it’s evolving, where we’re headed, and how we can play catch up, even get ahead. He recently wrote the book *The AI Playbook: Mastering the Rare Art of Machine Learning Deployment and Predictive Analytics: The Power to Predict Who Will Click, Buy, Lie, or Die*, which is being used in courses at hundreds of universities, relevant to anyone interested in AI and data. Many more inspiring keynotes are on the agenda. Our [Founder and CEO, Amjad Shamim](https://followoz.com/about/leadership/), has plenty of insight into the impact AI and data will have on the way we work and live. His keynote address is your chance to get a sneak peek at the future and explore all the ways you can embed AI responsibly and intentionally to elevate your work and transform your business. ### **5. Connect with Peers at Our Networking Mixer** Last but not least, unwind with your peers at our after-hours mixer. The summit provides unparalleled networking opportunities, giving you time and space to meet with all the attendees and speakers. The AI Future Summit 2024 isn’t only about AI changing how businesses work and innovate. It’s also about rethinking what you know. The knowledge, skills, and insight you gain by attending the summit can help you bring more value to your work, your business, and your organization. You can also [schedule time with our experts ](https://followoz.com/contact-us/)during the summit. As a technology consulting partner, we can help you wherever you are in your AI journey. Whether you’re starting to explore the technology or looking to supercharge your implementation, we are an end-to-end partner focused on delivering breakthrough business outcomes for our customers. ### **What Are You Waiting For?** If you haven’t registered yet, please [register here](https://followoz.com/ai-future-summit-south-florida/). Don’t miss the chance to see what the future of AI holds for you (and the rest of us). Time is running out. Act fast, as seats are limited. **WHEN: October 17, 8-3 pm ET WHERE: B Ocean Resort, Fort Lauderdale** [![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/new-bg-reg.png)](https://followoz.com/ai-future-summit-south-florida/) **Categories:** Blog --- ### [How Small Language Models Are Making a Big Impact](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/how-small-language-models-are-making-a-big-impact/) **Published:** October 3, 2024 **Author:** ozadmindanish **Content:** [Artificial Intelligence (AI)](mailto:https://followoz.com/services/artificial-intelligence/) has seen remarkable growth in recent years, driving innovation and efficiency across nearly every industry. A key part of this revolution is the development of language models—AI systems designed to understand and generate human language. Language models, which power applications like chatbots, virtual assistants, and automated content creation, have typically been large, complex systems. Although these large models have immense capabilities, they cost a lot in terms of computing power, time, and resources. For many companies, particularly small and medium-sized businesses, they can be difficult to implement and maintain. A challenge that’s led to the rise of smaller, more efficient language models that perform many of the same tasks but require far less computational power. Plus, they can be deployed more quickly—at a fraction of the cost, making AI solutions accessible to more organizations. Small language models (SLMs) are also more scalable, which means businesses can adopt AI in increments rather than investing heavily upfront. ### **Bigger Isn’t Always Better** Due to their novelty (and ChatGPT’s popularity), large language models (LLMs) became instantly popular, aside from their ability to process and generate coherent, contextually relevant text with human-like fluency. LLMs are trained on massive amounts of data—billions and billions of parameters—that help them understand patterns and semantic relationships and generate intelligent responses. However, there are drawbacks. For one, large language models require massive computational resources. The expenses required to train and operate them are substantial. The hardware infrastructure needed to train these models includes high-performance GPUs and extensive data storage. The training itself can take weeks or even months and the demand on resources limits who can develop and use such models. On the other hand, smaller language models drastically cut down costs of training LLMs and running inferences. But won’t this stand in the way of the model’s performance—after all, you get what you pay for, right? Maybe not, as [Ronen Eldan](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/research/people/roneneldan/), the renowned mathematician at Microsoft Research, discovered in a somewhat serendipitous way. In 2022, Ronen joined [Microsoft Research](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/research/) to study generative language models and develop a cheaper and faster way to use them. Initially, he planned to train the models on specific tasks using smaller datasets, but the breakthrough came one afternoon while reading a story to his 5-year-old daughter. As he read aloud, he noticed how a children’s story uses a limited vocabulary to convey meaning, leaving out irrelevant details. Despite its simplicity, it conveyed complex ideas and kept his daughter engaged. It made him wonder: if a simple, focused narrative could captivate and communicate effectively, why couldn’t a language model trained on a smaller, more targeted dataset perform as well? Until then, the standard way to train large language models had been to use massive amounts of data from all over the internet, much of it irrelevant to the business task at hand. Inspired by this insight, Eldan and other Microsoft researchers began to create a discrete dataset starting with 3,000 words—including a roughly equal number of nouns, verbs, and adjectives. Then, they asked a large language model to create a children’s story using one noun, one verb, and one adjective from the list, a prompt they repeated millions of times over several days, generating millions of tiny children’s stories. They called the resulting dataset [“TinyStories”](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mv3SIgDP_y4) and used it to train very small language models of around 10 million parameters. To their surprise, when prompted to create its own stories, the small language model trained on TinyStories generated fluent narratives with perfect grammar. Next, they experimented with carefully selected publicly available data filtered for educational value and content quality to train Microsoft’s small language model, Phi-1. After collecting publicly available information into an initial dataset, they used a prompting and seeding formula inspired by the one used for TinyStories. They made this process more sophisticated to capture more data. To ensure high quality, they repeatedly filtered the resulting content before feeding it back into a language model for further synthesis. In this way, over several weeks, they built up data large enough to train a more capable SLM. This innovative training approach has produced a new class of more capable small language models that make AI more accessible. These models are anywhere between 1 million to a maximum of 33 million parameters—which is still just 2% the scale of GPT-2. No doubt, large language models have created exciting new opportunities to be more productive and creative using AI. But their size means they require significant computing resources to operate. While LLMs will still be the gold standard for solving many types of complex tasks, SLMs perform better for simpler tasks, are more accessible and easier to use for organizations with limited resources. Plus, they can be easily fine-tuned for specific needs. ### **Small But Mighty: The Rise of Small Language Models** Microsoft and many others, have been developing small language models (SLMs) that offer many of the same capabilities found in LLMs but are trained on smaller datasets. Small language models, the pocket-sized versions of large language models, use [machine learning](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/start-seeing-around-corners-with-azure-machine-learning/) to help them recognize patterns and relationships so they can make realistic, natural language responses. But, while LLMs are enormous and need a hefty dose of computational power and memory, SLMs such as [Microsoft Phi-3](https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/blog/introducing-phi-3-redefining-whats-possible-with-slms/) are trained on smaller, curated datasets with fewer parameters. They are more compact and can even be used offline, without an internet connection. That makes them great for apps on devices like a laptop or smartphone, where you can ask basic questions without getting in the weeds. Keeping the computation on the device can save costs by not sending data to process in the cloud. Further, you can ground the model in the data that’s on your device and personalize it to your needs. ### **Phi-3, Microsoft’s Small Language Model Makes Its Debut** Microsoft recently unveiled [the Phi-3 family of open models](https://aka.ms/phi3blog-april), the most capable and cost-effective small language models available. Thanks to training innovations, Phi-3 models outperform similar- sized models in language, coding and math benchmarks. The first publicly available model in this family, [Phi-3-mini](https://export.arxiv.org/abs/2404.14219), has 3.8 billion parameters, and despite its relatively small training dataset of 3.3 million tokens, it’s powerful. ### **Why You Should Care** For one, the reduced size of this language model makes it suitable to run locally, such as an app on a smartphone. Unlike larger models like [ChatGPT](https://openai.com/chatgpt/) that live in the [cloud](https://followoz.com/services/cloud-services/), Phi-3 does not require an internet connection. Microsoft has confirmed that these SLMs will be more affordable than the LLMs, which could democratize generative AI, making it accessible to small businesses. For instance, a business could use Phi-3 to summarize long documents or extract relevant insights and industry trends from market research reports. Another organization might use Phi-3 to generate content for marketing or sales teams, such as product descriptions or social media posts. A company might also use Phi-3 to power a support chatbot to answer customers’ basic questions about their plans or service upgrades. In the near term, SLMs won’t replace large language models,” says Jason Milgram, SVP and Azure Leader at OZ Digital Consulting. “While there’s still a gap between small language models and the intelligence of large cloud-based models, SLMs are well-suited for tasks like writing marketing newsletters, generating email subject lines, or drafting social media posts that don’t require the power of an LLM,” he adds. ### **Large or Small Language Models—What’s Right for You?** The number of parameters in a model usually dictates its size and complexity. Larger models with more parameters are generally more capable but require more computational resources. The choice of size often depends on the specific problem being addressed. When choosing a language model, consider the tasks you want to accomplish. For example, if your primary goal is sentiment analysis, providing answers to questions or text summarization—all of which require a deep understanding of natural language—then a large language model is right for you. In contrast, for tasks such as text classification or simple language generation, a small language model might be a better choice. [Data](mailto:https://followoz.com/resources/blog/how-to-build-effective-data-pipelines-with-azure-data-factory/) will also influence your choice. Large language designs require vast amounts of training data to achieve high quality. If you have limited data, a small language model might be preferable. The choice between a large and small language model depends on an organization’s specific needs, the complexity of the task, and available resources. SLMs are well suited for organizations looking to build applications that can run locally on a device and where a task doesn’t require extensive reasoning or a quick response. ### **Partner with a Trusted Microsoft Partner** As a [certified Microsoft partner](https://followoz.com/partners/oz-microsoft/) with over a [quarter century of experience](https://followoz.com/about/) in delivering transformative technology solutions, we can guide you wherever you are in your AI journey. Learn more [here](https://followoz.com/) or reach out to [schedule a free consultation](https://followoz.com/blog-contact-us/) today. **Categories:** Blog --- ### [Cloud Analytics: A Glimpse into Microsoft’s Azure Revolution](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/a-glimpse-into-microsofts-azure-revolution/) **Published:** October 21, 2024 **Author:** ozadmindanish **Content:** Microsoft’s journey is one of reinvention. Once the undisputed leader of the tech industry, it has reclaimed its dominance by making bold bets on cutting-edge technologies. Today, [Microsoft](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-copilot) is recognized as the most AI-driven organization in the world. This post explores the rise of Microsoft Azure, a cornerstone of its transformation and the engine behind its standing as the world’s most valuable company. ### **Microsoft’s Cloud Transformation** Initially known for its software licensing empire, particularly through its Windows operating system, Microsoft ruled the personal computer market for years. [While Windows remains the most popular OS today](mailto:https://www.statista.com/statistics/268237/global-market-share-held-by-operating-systems-since-2009/), Microsoft lost ground to competitors like Amazon, Google, and Apple. The turning point came when Microsoft shifted its focus away from traditional computing ecosystems toward cloud services. This bold move led to its emergence as a leader in cloud computing. [Azure](https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/), Microsoft’s flagship cloud platform, is now the second-largest cloud infrastructure service, trusted by 95% of Fortune 500 companies for critical workloads, according to CEO Satya Nadella. **The Evolution of Microsoft Azure** Launched in 2008, Microsoft Azure has grown into one of the most prominent [cloud computing platforms](https://technologymagazine.com/top10/top-10-biggest-cloud-providers-in-the-world-in-2023). Initially designed as a cloud operating system for businesses and developers, Azure has expanded rapidly. The explosion of AI technologies and the demand for well-organized, [high-quality data](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/azure-data-quality-services-find-and-fix-data-errors-before-its-too-late/) have further propelled cloud services. “We now serve 53,000 Azure AI customers,” says Nadella. “Our new models-as-a-service offering allows developers to easily leverage large language models from partners like Cohere, Meta, and Mistral on Azure, without worrying about infrastructure management,” he added. ### **Azure Cloud Services — A Timeline** **First-Generation Azure Services (2010 – 2013)** Microsoft Azure launched with a focus on basic cloud infrastructure, providing essential services like [virtual machines](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/agility-and-security-in-virtualization-are-not-just-advantages-but-necessities/) (VMs), storage, and networking. These services helped businesses shift from traditional on-premise data centers to the cloud, offering greater flexibility and cost-efficiency. Companies could host their applications, manage databases, and scale resources as needed. This early stage laid the foundation for cloud adoption by delivering core functionality to support IT infrastructure modernization. **Second-Generation Azure Services (2014 – 2017)** Azure’s offerings expanded with the introduction of platform-as-a-service (PaaS) and enhanced tools for developers. This generation of services included Azure App Service, Azure SQL Database, and [Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS)](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/enhance-your-operational-efficiency-stability-today/) that made it easier for businesses to develop, deploy, and manage applications in the cloud without worrying about the underlying infrastructure. It was particularly beneficial for companies looking to innovate quickly through managed services while focusing on application development rather than infrastructure maintenance. **Third-Generation Azure Services (2018 – 2020)** Microsoft Azure extended its capabilities to include advanced [data analytics](https://followoz.com/services/data-analytics-ai/), AI, and machine learning. Services like [Azure Machine Learning](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/start-seeing-around-corners-with-azure-machine-learning/), Azure Cognitive Services, and Azure Synapse Analytics let businesses harness data more effectively while the introduction of AI-powered services allowed companies to automate processes, generate insights, and improve decision-making. This period was marked by a push toward intelligent applications and services, where the cloud evolved into more than just a storage and computing platform. **Fourth-Generation Azure Services (2021 – 2023)** Azure’s cloud services became even more integrated and specialized, with a focus on hybrid and multi-cloud capabilities. With [Azure Arc](https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/products/azure-arc), businesses began to manage resources across various environments, including on-premises, edge, and other cloud platforms, all from one place. In addition, services like Azure Purview, Azure IoT Hub, and Azure Quantum opened doors for businesses to handle compliance, [IoT](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/azure-iot-business-innovation-starts-here/) data management, and even quantum computing. This generation was about giving businesses more control and flexibility in how they manage and deploy their cloud resources, while addressing specific industry and regulatory needs. \[Read our in-depth guide on “[How to Get the Most Out of Your Cloud Journey](https://followoz.com/resources/technical-guides/the-oz-technical-guide-to-getting-the-most-out-of-your-cloud-journey/)”\] **The Generative AI Generation (2023 – Present)** Azure now leads the way in generative AI services, with [Azure OpenAI](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/openai-vs-azure-open-ai-is-there-a-difference/) and Copilot as key offerings. Azure’s integration of AI into everyday tools like Microsoft 365 with Copilot makes it accessible for businesses of all sizes to leverage AI for improving productivity and decision-making, automating content creation, improving customer experiences, and transforming business operations. This latest wave focuses on delivering high-impact AI solutions that empower companies to innovate rapidly while scaling their capabilities through Azure’s secure and compliant cloud infrastructure. **Now and Beyond** The rise of [Kubernetes](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/enhance-your-operational-efficiency-stability-today/), which has transformed [cloud operations](https://followoz.com/resources/technical-guides/the-oz-technical-guide-to-getting-the-most-out-of-your-cloud-journey/), prompted Microsoft to change its approach to cloud operations. And launch [Azure Arc](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/moving-from-hybrid-to-adaptive-cloud-think-three-layer-cake/), which allows customers to manage [Virtual Machines](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/agility-and-security-in-virtualization-are-not-just-advantages-but-necessities/) (VMs), on-premises machines, and other workloads managed by Kubernetes, all in a single pane of glass. With over [600 Azure Services](https://followoz.com/services/cloud-services/) and counting, Microsoft is today the undisputable leader of [cloud computing](https://followoz.com/resources/technical-guides/the-oz-technical-guide-to-cloud-computing-you/), offering enterprise and SMB customers a combination of technology services from software-as-a Service (SaaS) to platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) and infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS). ### **Microsoft Cloud Analytics: The Next Step in Microsoft’s Cloud Revolution** Microsoft’s cloud revolution shows no signs of slowing. With Excel and [Power BI](https://followoz.com/resources/technical-guides/the-oz-technical-guide-to-configuring-a-power-bi-gateway/), Microsoft has demonstrated how you can quickly turn abstract rows of numbers into interactive graphs, charts, and maps. Best of all, these tools are so accessible, you don’t have to be a data scientist to extract insights. Building on this belief that anyone—with the right tools—can [use data to their advantage](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/how-to-build-effective-data-pipelines-with-azure-data-factory/), Microsoft has introduced several advanced tools: - **Azure Databricks:** An open [data lakehouse](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/does-your-data-need-a-data-lakehouse/) with a fully managed service in Azure. - **Microsoft Purview:** A unified data governance solution for managing on-premises, multi-cloud, and SaaS data. - **Azure Machine Learning:** A service for building, deploying, and managing AI models throughout the [machine learning](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/start-seeing-around-corners-with-azure-machine-learning/) lifecycle. - **Azure OpenAI Service:** [For building generative AI applications](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/openai-vs-azure-open-ai-is-there-a-difference/) with pre-built language and image models. The recent launch of [Microsoft Fabric](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/optimize-your-data-estate-with-microsoft-fabrics-advanced-analytics-and-business-intelligence/), a cloud-based [all-in-one analytics tool](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/heres-why-i-would-choose-microsoft-fabric-as-my-data-management-tool/), underscores the benefits of a holistic data and cloud approach. With [Fabric](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zrM36hfzkVE) and an end-to-end *analytics* pipeline in the *cloud,* organizations can significantly boost revenue, reduce costs, and drive innovation by: - *Connecting hybrid and multi-cloud insights and intelligence* - *Constructing AI models on a unified foundation without moving data to application-specific infrastructure* - *S*implifying the analytics experience from data ingestion to insights discovery - *Democratizing analytics by giving everyone access to insights* Because all these services can be unified, Pablo Piovano, Director, AI & Cloud Services, says, “Companies can accrue data, discern insights, and adjust strategies faster than ever.” *Fabric is* the answer to a world that operates at the intersection of [data](https://followoz.com/services/data-analytics-ai/), cloud, and AI. A world in which “cloud is the enabler, data is the driver, and AI is the engine that converts that data into insights,” according to [Emmanuel Ramos](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mannyramos/), Chief Solutions officer and Forbes Council Member. With the addition of [Fabric](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/heres-why-i-would-choose-microsoft-fabric-as-my-data-management-tool/) to cloud analytics, Microsoft is putting a bow to its “cloud-first” [AI integration](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/ai-integration-how-smart-companies-get-it-right/) strategy in an era of “ubiquitous computing” and “ambient intelligence,” bolstering Azure’s cloud dominance. ### **Are You Ready?** As the world’s leading tech company transforms cloud innovation and efficiency, it’s time to make your strategic move to Azure. By doing so, you’ll create a connected [data foundation](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/optimize-your-data-estate-with-microsoft-fabrics-advanced-analytics-and-business-intelligence/) and streamlined operations that will significantly reduce infrastructure costs. With [over 25 years of experience](https://followoz.com/about/) in Azure solutions, we’re here to help you create transformative *cloud analytics* solutions, using Microsoft’s services. Let us drive innovation and enable digital transformation for your business. [Contact us](https://followoz.com/blog-contact-us/) today. **Categories:** Blog --- ### [AI Future Summit 2024 — Making AI a Working Reality](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/ai-future-summit-2024-making-ai-a-working-reality/) **Published:** October 30, 2024 **Author:** ozadmindanish **Content:** The buzz around AI is growing louder. The [AI Future Summit at Fort Lauderdale](https://followoz.com/best-of-ai-future-summit-2024/) sought to cut through the noise to focus on what truly matters. But more importantly, the ways businesses can deliver value with AI by way of profit and savings, not just in terms of technical metrics. ## “AI is not new” An impressive line-up of speakers weighed in on why AI is drumming up such buzz. Artificial intelligence as [Murray Izenwasser](https://www.linkedin.com/in/murrayiz/), SVP of Digital Strategy at OZ Digital, rightly points out, “AI is hardly new. We’re now in the 80th year of AI research.” So why are companies rushing to embrace the technology all of a sudden? What’s behind the recent AI-hype cycle? The renewed interest is largely due to the rise of Generative AI (Gen AI), particularly Chat GPT. Murray takes us back to 2015, when Open AI was founded, and how it eventually became the hotbed of AI research and innovation. He travels back in time to guide us through the key milestones that have led to the resurgence we’re experiencing today. Which is not whether we need AI but rather how we can integrate it into our business. He highlights that “what we’re now starting to hear are conversations around AI strategy. Organizations are starting to get serious about strategically implementing AI solutions to improve business operations, enhance customer interactions, and boost employee productivity, with the customer at the center.” And not to forget security, as we navigate the thorny issues around data privacy, ethical AI use, and sustainability. Murray supports his insights with many compelling global use cases where we’re seeing them play out in different ways. Watch [Murray Izenwasser’s](https://www.linkedin.com/in/murrayiz/) full [keynote](https://followoz.com/best-of-ai-future-summit-2024/) here ## “AI isn’t a futuristic concept anymore” In his welcome keynote, [our CEO and founder, Amjad Shamim](https://followoz.com/about/leadership/), highlights the growing impact of AI. He points out that in just two and a half months, 77 to 80% of the devices we use daily will have some form of AI integrated into them. To put that into context, in 2018, that number was only 35 to 40%—now, it’s almost double. Which means, AI isn’t a futuristic concept anymore. It’s the engine behind today’s innovation and business growth. He emphasizes how the democratization of AI has made the technology more accessible to everyone, from small businesses to large, global enterprises. Mr. Shamim outlined OZ Digital’s vision for AI, rooted in client-centric innovation, ethical AI development, and agile technology solutions. Watch [Amjad Shamim’s](https://www.linkedin.com/in/amjadshamim/) full [keynote](https://followoz.com/best-of-ai-future-summit-2024/) here ## “Generative AI is getting all the airtime at the expense of Predictive AI” Our main stage keynote speaker, Dr. Eric Siegel, has been helping companies deploy machine learning for three decades. In his keynote, he offers a fresh perspective on AI arguing that “despite generative AI being easier to use, in reality, it’s harder to use well than predictive AI when it comes to delivering concrete, proven, measured enterprise value.” He also notes that, “generative AI is sucking the oxygen out of the room and taking some away from predictive AI, which has been around for decades.” Dr. Siegel believes that organizations should balance their AI investments, financing pilot projects with predictive AI as they do with generative AI. Highlighting various use cases, he stressed the importance of successful deployment or what he calls “bizML,” a business-focused framework for deploying predictive AI projects. “Experimentation is essential but insufficient. What is needed is a big shift to deployment, which should be at the heart of your business strategy,” he adds, outlining the six steps organizations must take to deploy any machine learning/AI project successfully: 1\) Establish the deployment goal 2\) Establish the prediction goal 3\) Establish the metrics 4\) Prepare the data 5\) Train the model 6\) Deploy the model He concludes by reframing predictive AI “not as a technology install, but a consulting gig” reiterating that “we should not think of predictive AI as a machine learning project but as an operations improvement project.” View [Dr. Eric Siegel’s](https://www.linkedin.com/in/predictiveanalytics/) full keynote and presentation here: [ The AI Playbook—How to Capitalize on Machine Learning](https://followoz.com/best-of-ai-future-summit-2024/) With these big themes as the backdrop, the summit dove into the ways three companies were making AI a reality in their day-today business operations. ## “We reached out to OZ and said we’d like to see how AI can help.” ### SBA Communications: An App Innovation AI Solution Let’s go behind the scenes with SBA Communications to explore how they tackled a major business challenge with AI. **The challenge:** A complex environment—100 applications, 200 databases, and a financial system across three production environments—led to long average call times reaching 22 minutes and a dysfunctional financial system. **The solution:** Two AI-driven solutions — 1. “Bob,” a conversational AI agent, and 2. “Bob, the fixer,” both using LLMs and company data streamlined customer support, drastically reducing resolution times while achieving high CSAT scores. [Watch the full presentation here](https://followoz.com/best-of-ai-future-summit-2024/) ## “We realized we had a massive store of unstructured data that was being underutilized and we engaged with OZ and got a deployable AI tool in a remarkably short time.” ### EPIC Insurance Brokers: AI-Powered Claims Insights Solution—Automating Worker Injury Data Analysis Explore how EPIC Insurance Brokers, one of the top 15 U.S. brokerage firms, use AI and automation to streamline claims processing, gain faster insights, and stay compliant. Workers’ compensation claims often run into thousands of pages of attorney and medical notes, which creates its own challenges. Insurers must verify claims, accounting for workplace safety, the type of job and accident, and geography, which can take years, sometimes decades, to resolve. The faster the claims are processed, the quicker employees can get back on their feet—and to work. **The challenge:** Insurers were spending excessive time manually searching through lengthy worker injury claims, delaying decisions, and missing critical trends. **The solution:** EPIC partnered with OZ to create an Azure OpenAI-powered system to automate the categorization and analysis of claims data, providing a plain language search interface for quick, accurate insights. What the AI did—where previously spreadsheets couldn’t—was spot trends from thousands of pages in minutes. [Watch the full presentation here](https://followoz.com/best-of-ai-future-summit-2024/) ## “You can’t talk about AI without talking about data” Seminole Hard Rock’s VP of Enterprise Architecture and Software Engineering, André Gowens, in his insightful keynote emphasizes how there can be no AI without data. He explores the complexities of managing valid data in the hospitality and gaming industries where businesses have to contend with all kinds of data—customer and booking data, employee, sales and marketing data, and so on—residing in different pockets and systems across the world. “When you acquire companies, you acquire new systems, new data, new databases, and new customers. And so as a result, you have tons of fragmented technology and customer data all over the world, lots of property management systems, point of sale systems, casino management platforms, CRM systems, websites, mobile applications…lots and lots and lots,” André points out. He demonstrates how AI integration stitches everything together and streamlines guest experiences, personalizes interactions, and boosts efficiency across a global network like Hard Rock’s. [Download the presentation here](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/06.-Andre-Gowens.pdf) ## “The future of AI is already here” Join Beverley Kodhek from Microsoft to get a sneak peek into all the exciting developments within Azure AI. More importantly, learn how you can leverage these exciting Microsoft products to grow your business. “Ten years ago, in a lot of companies using AI meant you built a team of data scientists, who trained the model, cleaned the data, and then deployed it. It would take a very long time and is very expensive. So a lot of big tech companies began to build their own language models. And these were models that could only do one thing very well,” says Beverly, adding, “We’ve come a long way.” [Watch the full video here](https://followoz.com/best-of-ai-future-summit-2024/) ### Ready to Go All-In on AI? The summit was a true collaboration between our clients, our trusted partners and business leaders. It set the stage for all the ways AI can create opportunities to transform your operations, drive more revenue, and unlock new growth. With the latest Microsoft AI technologies, cloud data solutions, and AI-driven cloud architectures, businesses can more easily adopt and integrate AI into their ecosystems, paving the way for limitless possibilities. If you’d like to know more, [get in touch with us](https://followoz.com/blog-contact-us/) or start your AI journey with this free AI readiness assessment below. **Categories:** Blog --- ### [7 Proven Ways Microsoft AI Reduces Software Development Cost curve whitepaper](https://followoz.com/resources/whitepapers/bending-the-cost-curve-whitepaper/) **Published:** November 11, 2024 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ## White Paper ###### Every organization is looking to trim costs while staying innovative. While there are opportunities to save, we need to ask which ones yield quick wins and which require more effort and action. ###### This white paper explores how AI technology brings significant cost-savings and time-savings, including all the ways Microsoft AI can help you: - Accelerate development with AI-assisted code generation - Enhance code quality with automated testing - Reduce time spent on bug fixes with AI-powered error analysis - Improve developer productivity through AI-powered collaboration - Streamline security and compliance with AI-powered solutions **Categories:** Whitepapers --- ### [AI’s Past Holds the Key to Its Future](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/ai-past-holds-the-key-to-its-future/) **Published:** November 13, 2024 **Author:** ozadmindanish **Content:** In retelling the origins of artificial intelligence (AI), a story from the Japanese anime book series, Doraemon comes to mind. The story goes like this: Nobita Noki, the main character in the Doraemon series, is upset after being scolded by his parents. Nobita approaches Doraemon, complaining, “They’re always watching my every move. I just want to be left all alone.” Hearing this, Doraemon pulls a secret gadget, the Pebble Hat, out of his fourth-dimensional pocket and explains: “When you wear this hat, you’ll be like a pebble on the ground—unnoticed.” In other words, you’ll exist, but no one will notice. Like the Pebble Hat, AI has always been around, except we never noticed it. As [Murray Izenwasser, SVP of Digital Strategy at OZ Digital Consulting](https://www.linkedin.com/in/murrayiz/), in his compelling keynote at the recently concluded [AI Future Summit 2024](https://followoz.com/best-of-ai-future-summit-2024/), points out, “AI isn’t new. AI started in the 1940s” and “We’re now in the 80th year of AI research.” ### **AI Is Not New, So Why Does It Matter Now?** Knowing the history of AI is important in understanding AI’s current state and where it’s headed. In this article, we cover all the major milestones in AI, right down to the most recent advancements. Without studying the past, it’s hard to understand the present or what the future holds. If AI sometimes feels like a recent development in technology, it’s because, as Murray notes, “Before 2015, AI was called [Big Data](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/every-insurer-wants-to-predict-and-prevent-heres-how-you-can/). There were no conversations online or very few; maybe, a couple of academic papers. It was all about big data. In 2015, [Open AI](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/openai-vs-azure-open-ai-is-there-a-difference/) was founded and there started to be a mainstreaming of the concepts that we still kind of talk about today.” \[Watch [Murray Izenwasser’s AI Future Summit 2024 keynote: Before We Look to the Future, Let’s Take a Quick Glance at the Past\]](https://followoz.com/best-of-ai-future-summit-2024/) ### **A Brief History of AI** Before we dive into AI’s history, what even is artificial intelligence or AI? Artificial intelligence is a branch within computer science that continuously learns from human intelligence by ingesting data, processing, and learning from it. The idea of “artificial intelligence” goes back thousands of years, when people tried to build machines that could work without human intervention. The idea of a machine doing what humans do is as old as mankind. #### **1950 – 1959: The Birth of AI** - **1950:** The British mathematician Alan Turing published his work “Computer Machinery and Intelligence,” that eventually came to be known as the Turing Test, which made it possible to determine whether the behavior of a machine was indistinguishable from a human. - **1952:** Arthur Samuel developed a chess-playing computer program. - **1956:** Over the summer of 1956, a small group gathered at Dartmouth College in New Hampshire — that included John McCarthy, Claude Shannon and Herb Simon — to discuss how machines could use language to solve problems only humans could solve until then. - **1959:** Arthur Samuel coins the term “[machine learning](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/start-seeing-around-corners-with-azure-machine-learning/)” #### **1959 – 1979: AI Takes Off** Between 1959 and 1974, artificial intelligence flourished as computers began to store more information and became cheaper and faster. Government agencies such as the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) began to pour money into AI research. - **1961:** The first industrial robot, Unimate, began transporting die casings and welding parts on cars on an assembly line at General Motors. - **1965:** The first “expert system,” a form of AI, mimicked the thinking and decision-making of human experts. - **1966:** ELIZA, the first “chatterbot” (later shortened to chatbot), using natural language processing (NLP), was born. - **1968:** A new approach to AI that would later become “Deep Learning” was proposed. - **1979:** James L. Adams created [The Standford Cart](https://web.stanford.edu/), one of the earliest examples of an autonomous vehicle. #### **1980-1987: AI’s Rapid Growth AI advanced rapidly in the 1980s as more government funding poured in. Around this time, deep learning and expert systems also became increasingly popular. - **1980:** The first expert system, XCON (expert configurer), entered the commercial market. - **1981:** Efforts were underway to create computers that could converse and reason like humans. - **1986:** The [first driverless ](https://www.politico.eu/article/delf-driving-car-born-1986-ernst-dickmanns-mercedes/)or robot car that could drive up to 55 mph on roads without obstacles or human drivers was created. #### **1987-1993: The AI Winter** By this time, public interest in AI waned. By the late 1980s, funding dried up and there were fewer breakthroughs. This period eventually came to be known as the “AI Winter”. #### **1993-2013: AI Picks Up** The early 90s saw rapid strides in AI research, including the introduction of the first AI system that could beat a reigning chess Grandmaster. AI began to sneak into everyday life, helping us with mundane chores like hoovering carpets. It’s an era that will be known for the first Roomba and the first commercially available speech recognition software on Windows computers. The renewed interest was followed by a surge in research funding, which led to more breakthroughs: - **1997:** Windows releases speech recognition software. - **2000:** Kismet, the first robot ever to be built to simulate human emotions. - **2002:** The first Roomba was released. - **2003:** NASA lands two rovers, Spirit and Opportunity, on Mars without human intervention. - **2006:** Companies begin to embed AI into their advertising algorithms. - **2010:** Microsoft launched the Xbox 360 Kinect, the first gaming hardware to track body movement and translate it into gaming directions. #### **2012-present: AI Is Here to Stay** This brings us to the most recent developments in AI where we’re seeing an uptick in commonly used AI tools, such as virtual assistants and search engines. This period also marked the rise of Deep Learning and Big Data. Murray Izenwasser explains, “In 2015, we saw breakthroughs not only in technology—with the founding of OpenAI—but also in consumer integration. We started to get Nests. We started to get Alexas. We started to get Google Homes. We started to get all these devices that had what we would consider today AI components as part of their operating systems.” He continues, “We started to talk about AI’s technical advancements, consumer products, and the [transformation of data](https://followoz.com/services/data-analytics-ai/). Previously, we used to talk about turning data into information. Now we talk about turning data into knowledge. How can we use data to truly give us knowledge?” By 2015 almost everyone in the image-recognition field was using deep learning, the mapping of one type of thing onto another: speech recognition (mapping sound to text), face-recognition (mapping faces to names) and translation. In all these applications, the huge amounts of data that could be accessed was integral to their success. Plus, the bigger and deeper the networks got, the more training data they were given, and the more their performance improved. Key milestones include: - **2012:** Two Google researchers, Jeff Dean and Andrew Ng train a neural network to recognize cats by showing it unlabeled images and no background information. - **2016:** Sophia, the first “robot citizen” by Hanson Robotics is born. - **2017:** Self-supervised learning became a reality with the help of transformers. - **2019:** Transformer-based [large language models (LLMs)](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/how-small-language-models-are-making-a-big-impact/) began attracting attention. - **2020:** OpenAI started beta testing GPT-3, a deep learning model. - **2022:** Personalization became a primary focus with the rise of recommendation engines. - **2023:** In January, Chat GPT was released to the general public. For the first time, we had code that spoke in plain language, not the language of programmers. ### **What Comes Next?** So, what’s ahead for AI? Murray says, “What we’re starting to see around AI is strategy,” adding that “organizations are starting to get very serious about [strategically implementing AI](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/ai-integration-how-smart-companies-get-it-right/) to enhance customer interactions, business outcomes, and productivity.” “The discussions are all around the customer,” he notes. Another thing organizations are realizing is that AI is only as good as the data it relies on. As Murray says, “Before you can invite this AI party to your house, you have to go around and clean up a little bit (or a lot).” There are a myriad solutions today—countless choices and options—but whatever solution you choose, there’s no escaping that AI will soon become foundational in both business and daily life. As a business leader, you might be feeling overwhelmed, unsure of where to start or how to kickstart your AI journey. We’re here to help you explore AI’s possibilities, tackle its challenges, and unlock its potential. Together, let’s shape the future of business. Ready to get started with AI? [**TAKE OUR FREE AI ASSESSMENT** ](https://followoz.com/free-ai-readiness-assessment-contact-us/) **Categories:** Blog --- ### [Make AI Deployment “Less Rocket Science, More Rocket Launch”](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/make-ai-deployment-less-rocket-science-more-rocket-launch/) **Published:** November 22, 2024 **Author:** ozadmindanish **Content:** 2023 was a banner year for AI with Chat GPT’s debut. Generative AI sparked a firehose of AI articles, commentaries, and even dire prophecies and, as [Eric Siegel](https://www.linkedin.com/in/predictiveanalytics/) — the bestselling author of [*The AI Playbook: Mastering the Rare Art of Machine Learning Deployment*](https://www.amazon.com/AI-Playbook-Mastering-Deployment-Management/dp/0262048906/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3TYNC78PIJGWJ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.QlA3Mbyk6_p6lYpvZcc12FCEAsGnd1pgLYBTxFHtTNs0erlRSGu8WPKxV2GdcabK.IuEPhvPQezZXKcRxBXskkFG21LD-D1PgBn8NihSHJhU&dib_tag=se&keywords=eric+siegel+ai&qid=1725444836&sprefix=eric+siegel+ai%2Caps%2C143&sr=8-1) *—* notes, still gets all the airtime. According to Siegel, “The majority of generative AI’s spotlight is predictive AI’s value proposition, which has been around for decades.” He believes that organizations should invest at least as much in investigating or piloting projects with predictive as with generative AI. It’s time we asked ourselves why so few [AI](https://followoz.com/services/artificial-intelligence/) dreams — the models or “golden eggs”— fail to hatch or deploy. Because all too often, AI projects fail to deploy. They create potential value by way of generating the model but fail to capture that value because, “They don’t get put into the field; they don’t change operations.” How can organizations remedy this? ### **AI Dreams Vs. AI Deployment** Siegel, [using UPS as an example](https://followoz.com/best-of-ai-future-summit-2024/), illustrates the gains to be made from actual AI deployment. UPS wanted to optimize package deliveries by predicting demand and planning routes more efficiently. They tried to decrease the hours the trucks were out and the miles they needed to drive. Except each evening when they began to assign and load the trucks, they didn’t have complete information because some packages expected for next-day delivery would have yet to arrive. To bridge this gap, UPS predicted likely deliveries based on historical data. With that more complete, albeit imperfect view of tomorrow’s deliveries, they were able to do a better job. This system, called Package Flow Technology, paired with another system, Orion, provided each truck with a relatively optimal route, telling the driver exactly where to go, saving UPS 185 million driving miles, $350 million and 185,000 metric tons of emissions. While a resounding success, the deployment of this project was not clockwork. The tech team had to convince senior executives to make this change to large-scale operations based on predictions. Predictions are probabilities. So, that idea of acting on probabilities, of embracing probabilities, was central to the challenge of deployment and critical to driving better decisions. The exciting “rocket science” portion of any predictive AI project might be in training the model. But without a focus on deployment, the rocket goes nowhere. Instead, it ends up in a “no man’s land” between business and data teams, each saying it’s not their role. The data scientist, Siegel says, believes the model will be deployed because its value is obvious. Meanwhile, the business stakeholder thinks, “That’s a technical matter; I’ll leave that to the data scientists.” The solution to this conundrum lies in two parts. One, all business stakeholders should cultivate a semi-technical understanding around these predictive projects. And the other is a paradigm that Siegel calls “BizML,” a framework or business practice, to turn these machine learning models into business-building realities. \[Watch Eric Siegel’s full keynote and presentation here: [The AI Playbook—How to Capitalize on Machine Learning](https://followoz.com/best-of-ai-future-summit-2024/)\] ### **BizML Makes AI Actionable** [BizML](https://hbr.org/2024/01/getting-machine-learning-projects-from-idea-to-execution), a 6-step practice, is foundational to any AI deployment. He argues [machine learning (ML)](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/start-seeing-around-corners-with-azure-machine-learning/) projects go astray because their stakeholders focus too often on the technological fireworks — the “rocket science” of predictive models, not the rocket launch. By following the six steps of BizML—value, target, performance, fuel, algorithm, and launch—organizations can [bridge the gap](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/how-leading-industries-bridge-the-proof-of-concept-to-production-gap-with-azure-machine-learning/) between technical capabilities and business objectives, unlocking the full potential of AI to drive innovation, efficiency, and competitive advantage. **Value:** Establish the deployment goal Define the business value proposition: how ML will improve operations in order to improve them. **Target:** Establish the prediction goal Define what the ML model will predict for each business case. **Performance:** Determine benchmarks to track Establish the salient benchmarks to analyze during both model training and model deployment and determine what performance level must be achieved for the product to be considered a success. **Fuel:** Prepare the data Use the model to render predictive scores and then act on those scores to improve business operations. **Algorithm:** Train the model Generate a predictive model from the data **Launch:** Deploy the model Use the model to render predictive scores and then act on those scores to improve business operations. **Upkeep:** Maintain the model Monitor and periodically refresh the model as an ongoing process. Monitoring and maintaining the model that’s deployed is a lot like launching a rocket. Once Nasa launches a rocket, its mission control doesn’t go to bed. They work round the clock to keep their astronauts alive. It’s no different for a training model that would require constant monitoring for its performance that will eventually degrade. Which means you have to refresh it and train a new model over more recent training data. All the above steps require deep collaboration with business stakeholders and do not occur linearly – backtracking happens. “But here’s where the faucet and the hose have to connect,” Siegel reminds us. Business and data science teams have to work together to operationalize the predictions. Only when the model gets deployed is when you actually improve business. Because you don’t capture value until you act on it. “Deploy it to make a difference. Operations don’t improve unless they change” he says. “We need to use those predictions, integrate them, put them into operations, operationalize it. The part that’s so often not achieved,” Siegel emphasizes. So, in a nutshell, the data comes in from the left, and the core method, “the rocket science,” the machine learning part, the predictive modeling, learns from it. It ascertains patterns or rules from the data and generates a model. But the true magic happens only when what’s taken from the data is deployed in its use or, in other words, when the AI and machine learning rubber hits the road. ### **The Road to AI Deployment Starts Here** Integrating AI into your business strategy is no longer an option but a competitive necessity. Success in the future belongs to those who deploy AI, aligning it with their strategic goals to create more agile, efficient, and forward-thinking solutions. With [over 25 years of experience](https://followoz.com/about/) in [Microsoft solutions](https://followoz.com/services/cloud-services/), we’re here to help you future-proof your organization through [successful AI integration](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/ai-integration-how-smart-companies-get-it-right/). Ready to get started with AI? [**TAKE OUR FREE AI ASSESSMENT** ](https://followoz.com/free-ai-readiness-assessment-contact-us/) **Categories:** Blog --- ### [Where is AI Headed?](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/where-is-ai-headed/) **Published:** December 3, 2024 **Author:** ozadmindanish **Content:** When we think of AI, we often think of it as a technology of the future. Yet, that future is already here. [Artificial intelligence](https://followoz.com/services/artificial-intelligence/) is now in its 80th year of research and what we’re experiencing today is a re-awakening driven in part by generative AI. Unlike previous waves, this once-in-a-generation shift is going to change the rules of business and the game of business. Not everyone is aware of just how fundamental and significant of a technology shift this is and how fast it’s coming at us. Should we be early adopters or wait and watch? Will it make our lives better or put us out of work? Where is AI headed—and how quickly must we get there? There couldn’t be a better person to answer these questions than [Amjad Shamim](https://followoz.com/about/leadership/), Founder CEO of OZ Digital Consulting and AI evangelist. According to Shamim, “77%- 80% of the devices you use every day will have some form of AI in them by the end of this year.” In other words, we’re just months away from a future where artificial intelligence will be accessible to everyone. At the [AI Future Summit](https://followoz.com/best-of-ai-future-summit-2024/), in his [keynote *AI Democratization*](https://followoz.com/best-of-ai-future-summit-2024/), Shamim reflected on how deeply AI is becoming woven into modern business. He shared his thoughts on how AI is reshaping the world around us and what it means for us in our daily lives, for small businesses, and large enterprises making sense of this new reality. Here are the major takeaways from our conversation: ### **The Economic Potential of AI** **Amjad Shamim:** Artificial intelligence is not just a buzzword anymore; it’s an economic reality. By 2030, AI is said to add $22 trillion to the global economy, increasing global GDP by 14%. In fact, the GDP of our society as a whole is expected to rise 21% in that time. But, as with any breakthrough technology, we need to consider AI’s impact on jobs. According to the World Economic Forum, AI will displace 85 million jobs by 2025. However, it will also create 97 million new roles, primarily in areas such as AI development, data science, and cybersecurity. And that demand will only grow as consumers and businesses continue to adopt and leverage AI. So what we need is a skilled workforce capable of meeting the demands of an AI-driven economy. ### **AI in Everyday Life** **Amjad Shamim:** AI will no longer be confined to labs or will be the privilege of a few—it will become a part of our daily routines. Think about the devices we use: smartphones, microwaves, cars, refrigerators. By the end of this year, 77-80% of these devices will have some form of AI in them, up from 35-40% in 2018. So AI is not a futuristic concept anymore; it’s the engine behind innovation and growth. And the democratization of AI has made it easy for just about anyone from small businesses to large enterprises to leverage the technology to grow their business. ### **The Evolution of AI Models** **Amjad Shamim:** The rapid evolution of AI technology is nothing short of remarkable. Consider OpenAI’s progress over the past few years: - **GPT-2** (2019): Released with 1.5 billion parameters. - **GPT-3** (2020): Expanded to 175 billion parameters with more sophisticated and human-like text generation. - **GPT-4** (2023): While we don’t know the exact numbers, it’s said to operate with trillions of parameters. We’re seeing a quantum leap in AI’s ability to continuously learn and adapt from data. Things that we couldn’t do before, problems we couldn’t solve before, we would be able to solve them now. These are exciting times as AI continues to push boundaries, providing solutions to problems we once believed were impossible to solve. ### **AI: The New Business Revolution** **Amjad Shamim:** I’ve lived through the rise of personal computers to the early days of the internet, the dotcom boom and bust cycles…I’ve seen them all. But AI somehow feels extraordinary given its immense potential. If you ask me, this is nothing short of a revolution. It’s going to change our world in a positive way—reshape industries, unlock new opportunities, and address complex global challenges. So, what’s OZ Digital Consulting’s point of view? I’ll keep it simple—AI is a game changer and whether we want to believe it (or not) we are now amidst an AI revolution. But as with any powerful technology, its impact depends on how we wield it. ### **The OZ Digital Consulting Perspective** **Amjad Shamim:** When AI is strategically applied, it drives business value, helping organizations achieve their goals faster and more effectively. Our approach to AI is rooted in three core principles: 1. **Client-Centric Innovation** Every organization is unique, with distinct challenges, opportunities, and industry constraints. Understanding these nuances is critical before recommending or implementing any AI solution. Whether it’s optimizing operations, enhancing customer experiences, or driving innovation, our goal is to tailor our strategies to a client’s unique situation. 2. **Ethical AI Development** With great power comes great responsibility. At OZ, we’re committed to advancing [responsible AI](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/ai/responsible-ai?ef_id=_k_Cj0KCQiAo5u6BhDJARIsAAVoDWvy7lzgpSmuVimZhXVuOibnKDCaynVv1wi7uKvHvVpoxq1jVVjK8U0aAnItEALw_wcB_k_&OCID=AIDcmm1o1fzy5i_SEM__k_Cj0KCQiAo5u6BhDJARIsAAVoDWvy7lzgpSmuVimZhXVuOibnKDCaynVv1wi7uKvHvVpoxq1jVVjK8U0aAnItEALw_wcB_k_&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAo5u6BhDJARIsAAVoDWvy7lzgpSmuVimZhXVuOibnKDCaynVv1wi7uKvHvVpoxq1jVVjK8U0aAnItEALw_wcB). That means ensuring transparency, fairness, and accountability in AI models. In a world where bad actors can exploit technology, maintaining ethical standards is non-negotiable. 3. **Agility and Flexibility** AI technology is evolving as we speak with new tools and frameworks emerging constantly. We’re advocating for adopting the best available technology that meets your needs while ensuring interoperability. Seamless integration with existing systems and adaptability to future advancements is how you can maximize AI’s potential. ### **A Call to Action: Engage, Collaborate, and Learn** Sam Altman, Founder CEO of [OpenAI](https://openai.com/), has a sign above his desk that reads: “No-one knows what happens next.” Nothing could be more true of technology—we can only forecast or guess what’s about to happen. But that shouldn’t stop us from building on what we know by engaging, collaborating, and learning from and with each other. Shamim believes, “The power of AI lies not only in its algorithms but also in the collective wisdom and collaboration of those who work with it.” ### **Recommended Resources:** **Download the white paper:** [7 Proven Ways Microsoft AI Reduces Software Development Costs](https://followoz.com/resources/whitepapers/bending-the-cost-curve-whitepaper/) **Watch the video:** [Amjad Shamim’s Keynote: AI Democratization](https://followoz.com/best-of-ai-future-summit-2024/) **Read the blog post:** [AI’s Past Hold’s the Key to Its Future](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/ai-past-holds-the-key-to-its-future/) **Visit:** [The Best of AI Future Summit 2024](https://followoz.com/best-of-ai-future-summit-2024/) **Categories:** Blog --- ### [AI Mega Trends in Gaming and Hospitality](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/ai-mega-trends-in-gaming-and-hospitality/) **Published:** December 9, 2024 **Author:** ozadmindanish **Content:** Anything fun should be easy, right? Not quite. For the world’s largest entertainment company, delivering fun to thousands of customers around the world round the clock is a complex operation. As [Hard Rock’s André Gowens, VP of Enterprise Architecture and Software Engineering](https://followoz.com/case-studies/hard-rock/), reminds us, “Hard Rock is where people go to have fun.” But behind every effortless moment of fun is an integrated network of AI and AI-assisted technologies working tirelessly to make it all happen. ### **You Can’t Talk About AI Without Talking About Data** But as Gowens puts it, “You can’t talk about [artificial intelligence](https://followoz.com/services/artificial-intelligence/) without talking about [data](https://followoz.com/services/data-analytics-ai/).” And when it comes to Hard Rock, there’s more to just having valid data. It’s about having all the [right data](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/5-ways-to-build-data-trust/) — scattered across the globe — at the right time, in one place.” With a business born out of franchisees, acquisitions, and countless customer touchpoints, the company has, over the years, inherited fragmented systems: property management platforms, point-of-sale systems, casino management tools, CRMs, websites, [mobile apps](https://followoz.com/services/application-development/) — you name it. Managing all these moving pieces isn’t just a tech challenge; it’s an opportunity to bring AI and data together to deliver “never want to leave” experiences. In order to deliver good AI, “you need to have good data to drive customer personalization, great experiences, and offers for your customers. You need to have consolidated centralized data,” Gowens insists. “[OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com) has helped us bring together the world of Hard Rock. We’ve [connected literally tens of thousands of systems](https://followoz.com/case-studies/hard-rock/) across different channels our customers use to interact with us and integrated that data,” he adds. Previously, Hard Rock had pockets of customer data scattered across the globe. For example, someone might join the [loyalty program at the Hard Rock Cafe](https://unity.hardrock.com/en/benefits) in Miami, then visit the Hard Rock Guitar Hotel nearby and be told they needed to join a different program. With nine separate loyalty programs, the experience was fragmented. “Now, with the help of [OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/about/leadership/), we’ve integrated these systems into a centralized platform using a robust middleware integration. At a single casino, for instance, Hard Rock connects up to 5,000 slot machines to our unified customer platform,” Gowens says. With a [solid data foundation](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/every-data-leaders-dream-a-unified-data-stack/) in place, hospitality and gaming companies such as Hard Rock can truly [integrate AI](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/ai-integration-how-smart-companies-get-it-right/) into their ecosystems. And set the stage for innovation and operational excellence. We spoke with André Gowens, VP of Enterprise Architecture and Software Engineering, at [AI Future Summit](https://followoz.com/best-of-ai-future-summit-2024/), to learn more about how Hard Rock leverages [AI](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/where-is-ai-headed/) in their operations. And hear his thoughts on AI’s role in moving the [gaming and hospitality](https://followoz.com/industries/travel-and-hospitality/) industry forward. Here are the key takeaways from our conversation: According to Gowens, “There are many different ways AI can be used in the hospitality industry. Hard Rock has at least 50+ AI solutions it deploys across the globe for all of its customers with another 25% implemented independently by our properties,” he says. From virtual assistants to advanced developer tools, these AI-powered solutions streamline operations, reduce costs, and enhance guest satisfaction. ### **AI Voice Assistants** Speaking of call centers, Gowens believes they’re critical to Hard Rock’s infrastructure but they’re also expensive. “We have millions of people that are placed in phone calls to our call centers, and each of those calls costs anywhere from $4-$12. When you think about the millions of calls, that adds up, making it expensive.” Here’s where AI voice assistants come in. An AI voice assistant will answer your call, book your reservation, and save customers time as they don’t have to be on hold waiting for human assistance. “If the AI can’t resolve an issue, it seamlessly transfers the call to a human representative,” says Gowens. ### **AI-Driven Software Programming** For Hard Rock’s tech teams, [OpenAI tools](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/openai-vs-azure-open-ai-is-there-a-difference/) like GitHub Copilot and ChatGPT have transformed development processes. “Our developers use [GitHub Copilot](https://github.com/features/copilot) to write code, create test cases, and even handle documentation,” Gowens notes. “One junior developer told me it’s like having a senior architect by his side 24/7. AI helps us boost productivity without overburdening our senior staff.” \[[Read the whitepaper: 7 Proven Ways Microsoft AI Reduces Software Development Costs](https://followoz.com/resources/whitepapers/bending-the-cost-curve-whitepaper/)\] ### **AI-Assisted Web Search** Think about it. When you go to Google and search for something, it answers with a bunch of links. You have to click the links and sift through them to find what’s pertinent to you — a process that takes you some time to get to the right information. But [AI-assisted web search](https://www.pcmag.com/picks/the-best-ai-search-engines) on the other hand, cuts that time by half. Hard Rock is deploying AI-powered search tools across millions of its websites all over the world to provide customers with precise answers, faster. “They crawl all of our websites, all public-facing information, and pull data from our own websites and answer questions accurately, eliminating irrelevant results. This ensures guests get the information they need quickly and reliably.” Unlike Google, which returns a list of links, our AI search solution acts like a chatbot,” Andre’ explains. ### **VIP Virtual Hosts** Another AI breakthrough the industry and Hard Rock are whole-heartedly embracing is VIP virtual hosts. A VIP virtual host is a platform Hard Rock built to serve their most important customers. While some high-value guests get an actual human to be their VIP host, only some get a human host, as it’s not scalable. Instead, Hard Rock creates virtual hosts for dedicated customers who don’t quite qualify for a human host. “These hosts communicate via text, offering personalized recommendations, promotions, and 24/7 assistance. Think of it as a chatbot on steroids,” says Andre. ### **Hotel-Specific Chatbots** Hotel-specific chatbots are another trend that’s fast catching up. At Hard Rock, guests can use a QR code to access a virtual assistant via their mobile devices. “These assistants handle everything from room service requests to spa bookings,” Gowens says. “By using [natural language processing](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/learn-to-more-effectively-drive-actionable-insights-and-strategic-decisions/) and property-specific data, they enhance the guest experience while reducing the need for direct staff interaction.” So, if you were to go to the Hollywood Hotel in Fort Lauderdale, you could access a virtual assistant specific to that hotel. Tap the QR code at the front desk or in your room, and bring up a virtual assistant on your text message app. You can request room service, get room maintenance, dining and spa recommendations to help you book reservations…anything you want. It uses natural language processing, AI, and Hard Rock data to help service the customer and give them a better experience while there. [AI](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/ai-future-summit-2024-making-ai-a-working-reality/) isn’t just about cost savings; it’s about creating seamless, memorable experiences. From behind-the-scenes operations to front-facing guest services, Hard Rock is proving that [AI deployment](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/make-ai-deployment-less-rocket-science-more-rocket-launch/) can elevate [hospitality and gaming](https://followoz.com/industries/travel-and-hospitality/) to new levels. How will AI continue to transform the industry? According to Andre’, the possibilities are endless—and Hard Rock is just getting started. ### **Ready to Get Started with AI?** With [over 25 years of experience](https://followoz.com/about/) in [Microsoft solutions](https://followoz.com/services/cloud-services/), OZ Digital Consulting can help you elevate guest experiences through AI strategy, [successful AI integration](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/ai-integration-how-smart-companies-get-it-right/), and implementation. [Get in touch with our data and AI experts](https://followoz.com/blog-contact-us/). In the meantime, take this quick assessment to explore where you are on your AI journey. [**TAKE OUR FREE AI ASSESSMENT** ](https://followoz.com/free-ai-readiness-assessment-contact-us/) **Categories:** Blog --- ### [AI Steals the Spotlight in 2024 (Again)](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/ai-steals-the-spotlight-in-2024-again/) **Published:** December 27, 2024 **Author:** ozadmindanish **Content:** This year, [artificial intelligence (AI)](https://followoz.com/services/artificial-intelligence/) continued to hog the headlines. But while everyone’s been beating the AI drum, we’ve been quietly rolling up our sleeves and working with our clients, partners, and organizations across industries to turn ideas into real results. The proof? It’s all in the performance. Here are three standout [AI solutions](https://followoz.com/services/artificial-intelligence/) we couldn’t be more proud of: ### **SBA Communications: Transforming Customer Support with AI** Ever been stuck on hold for what feels like forever? The helpdesk at [SBA Communications](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZ1xXc6vc4s) was struggling with high call volumes and a complex environment spread across 100 custom applications. They were overwhelmed trying to field nearly 340 calls a month — 150 of them in the final, busiest week. See how we tackled this with not one but two AI-powered heroes: - **“Bob,” the conversational AI agent**: A virtual assistant powered by large language models (LLMs) that answers customer queries in record time. - **“Bob, the fixer”**: A back-end wizard leveraging the same tech to resolve issues faster than ever before. The result? No more 22-minute wait times, faster resolution, and sky-high customer satisfaction (CSAT) scores. [**Read the full story here: SBA Communications Elevates Customer Support with Conversational AI**](https://followoz.com/case-studies/sba-communications/) ### **EPIC Insurance Brokers: AI-Powered Claims Handling for Speedier Processing** [Insurance claims data](https://followoz.com/unlocking-the-hidden-value-in-insurance-data/) can be a monster — thousands of pages, endless medical and attorney notes, and hundreds of lengthy documents. [EPIC Insurance Brokers](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AGvqtNLwq5o&t=2s), one of the top 15 U.S. brokerage firms, knows how hard manual processing can be. What our AI solution did — where previously spreadsheets couldn’t — was spot trends in thousands of workers’ compensation claims in minutes. Which group of workers were able to go back to work faster? What physician were they seeing? What type of physical therapy were they engaged in? What type of medication were they prescribed? Then connected the dots, which is impossible for humans to do—at scale. What once felt like finding a needle in a haystack is now just another day’s work. [**Read the full story here: EPIC Insurance Brokers Speed Up Claims Processing with Azure OpenAI**](https://followoz.com/case-studies/epic-insurance-brokers/) ### **Fixing Water Pipelines with Data Pipelines** What does [artificial intelligence](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/ai-future-summit-2024-making-ai-a-working-reality/) have to do with clean drinking water? Well, everything. [Sal Cardozo, our SVP of Data Analytics & AI](https://www.linkedin.com/in/salcardozo/), and his team helped a U.S. city fix their water woes by unraveling the root of the problem: [messy, unreliable data](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/azure-data-quality-services-find-and-fix-data-errors-before-its-too-late/). Turns out, clean water starts with [clean data](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/5-ways-to-build-data-trust/). Want to hear the full story? [Schedule a chat](https://followoz.com/blog-contact-us/) with Sal Cardozo. ### **Top AI Stories This Year** That’s not all. Here’s a roundup of the most-read AI stories on the [OZ Blog](https://followoz.com/resources/blog) this year: **Small Language Models Make a Big Impact** Generative AI (Gen AI) dominated the conversation this year. But something else happened too. Language models — particularly large language models — powering Gen AI got smaller. Small Language Models (SLMs) are now stealing the show. They perform many of the same tasks with far less computational power, can be deployed more quickly — at a fraction of the cost, and make AI solutions more accessible. Oh, and they scale more easily, which means businesses can ease into AI adoption rather than investing heavily upfront. What’s not to love? [Read all about SLMs here](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/how-small-language-models-are-making-a-big-impact/). **AI’s Past Holds the Key to Its Future** Let’s face it: AI isn’t new. We’ve been saying it for a while now and this year, more people are catching on. During [his keynote](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_7DV4TBP6XM) at the AI Future Summit, [OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com) [CEO and founder Amjad Shamim](https://followoz.com/about/leadership/) nailed it home: AI is not a futuristic concept — it’s a technology in its 80th year. SVP of Digital Strategy at OZ Digital Consulting [Murray Izenwasser](https://www.linkedin.com/in/murrayiz/) also broke it down with a [fascinating look at AI’s evolution](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nLIpTpbi6Ts). Sometimes, you need to look back to move forward — that time is now. [Check out the blog](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/ai-past-holds-the-key-to-its-future/). **Make AI Deployment Less Rocket Science, More Rocket Launch** AI doesn’t have to be rocket science—literally. Eric Siegel, bestselling author of [*The AI Playbook: Mastering the Rare Art of Machine Learning Deployment*](https://www.amazon.com/AI-Playbook-Mastering-Deployment-Management/dp/0262048906/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3TYNC78PIJGWJ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.QlA3Mbyk6_p6lYpvZcc12FCEAsGnd1pgLYBTxFHtTNs0erlRSGu8WPKxV2GdcabK.IuEPhvPQezZXKcRxBXskkFG21LD-D1PgBn8NihSHJhU&dib_tag=se&keywords=eric+siegel+ai&qid=1725444836&sprefix=eric+siegel+ai%2Caps%2C143&sr=8-1)*,* believes AI projects should feel less like building a rocket and more like launching one. The problem? Businesses spend too much time obsessing over the technological fireworks — the “rocket science” of [machine learning](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/start-seeing-around-corners-with-azure-machine-learning/) models — instead of focusing on implementation (the launch). His solution? A proven approach called “BizML” that helps turn machine learning models into real business outcomes. Curious how to get AI off the ground? [Learn about BizML here](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/make-ai-deployment-less-rocket-science-more-rocket-launch/). **7 Proven Ways Microsoft AI Reduces Software Development Costs** We all know, cost rules in enterprise software. But how are the smartest companies reducing expenses? This white paper breaks it down: get all the tips on what it (really) costs to build software and what it takes to save. Hint: It starts with A and ends with I. Ready to become a cost-saving savant heading into 2025? [Get the white paper now.](https://followoz.com/resources/whitepapers/) **Where is AI Headed?** Good question, given we’re heading into the new year. No one has a better answer than [OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com) [CEO and founder Amjad Shamim](https://www.linkedin.com/in/amjadshamim/), AI evangelist, thought leader, and technology expert. [Read more here](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/where-is-ai-headed/). ### **In Case You Missed It: AI Future Summit 2024** Catch all the [best bits from AI Future Summit 2024](https://followoz.com/best-of-ai-future-summit-2024/), the exclusive AI event from OZ Digital Consulting. Can’t wait to see you next year. Until then have a great 2025. As 2024 comes to a close, we’re already looking ahead to what’s next in AI. But for now, let’s celebrate a year of collaboration, innovation, and learning. Thanks for being part of our journey—we can’t wait to see what we’ll accomplish together in 2025! **Categories:** Blog --- ### [Top 5 AI Use Cases in Gaming and Hospitality](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/top-5-ai-use-cases-in-gaming-and-hospitality/) **Published:** December 27, 2024 **Author:** ozadmindanish **Content:** Winning at roulette wasn’t exactly what [artificial intelligence (AI)](https://followoz.com/services/artificial-intelligence/) was designed for. But AI’s ability to speed up complex tasks has found a natural home in the unlikeliest of places — the casino. AI is helping brands roll out high-touch, personalized experiences for every guest, not just high rollers. Think Mr. Papagiorgio from *Vegas Vacation,* but scaled for every patron. Yes, it’s early, and many businesses are still figuring out how to best use AI. But as they tentatively zig towards AI, the gaming and hospitality industry is clipping ahead. As Andre’ Gowens, [Hard Rock’s VP of Enterprise Architecture and Software Engineering](https://followoz.com/case-studies/hard-rock/), explains, the opportunities for AI in this space are vast. This blog post examines the five use cases — Gowens’ top five — that he believes are important for the [gaming and hospitality](https://followoz.com/industries/travel-and-hospitality/) industry. They’re reshaping how we stay, play, and experience the world. ### **Targeted Marketing and Customer Segmentation** Customer personalization has been the cornerstone of the hospitality industry. From the games you play to the teams you root for to the offers you receive based on your interests, brands spare no effort in tailoring guest experiences. While it’s always been done, it was manual — time-consuming and inconsistent. But now, with AI, hospitality companies can personalize offers more accurately — and at scale. [Generative AI (Gen AI)](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/how-small-language-models-are-making-a-big-impact/) makes automating communications like emails, text messages, and push notifications even easier. From the front desk to the pool to the casino floor, from recommending local attractions and restaurants to offering complimentary drinks tailored to individual preferences, [AI-driven solutions](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/learn-how-to-use-artificial-intelligence-ai-to-enhance-user-experience-and-boost-engagement/) make guests feel valued and cared for at every touchpoint. **AI in Action — Examples:** - **Salesforce Marketing Cloud**: Creates segmented marketing campaigns for specific audiences - **Social Media and Online Engagement:** [Sprinklr, an AI-powered platform](https://www.sprinklr.com/products/consumer-intelligence/), helps casinos and hotels monitor social media interactions to understand customer sentiment and personalize engagement ### **Personalized Customer Experiences** [Andre’ Gowens](https://www.linkedin.com/in/andregowens/) believes, “Understanding what’s important to the customer is critical — and for us that means delivering personalized experiences across our various websites, online, and in-person games.” “When you’re sitting at the slot machine, and you get a [personalized offer](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/learn-how-to-use-artificial-intelligence-ai-to-enhance-user-experience-and-boost-engagement/) for a drink you prefer, or round-the-clock assistance before your customers even ask for it — that’s personalization.” The good news: AI achieves it at scale. For example, [AI call assistants](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/ai-mega-trends-in-gaming-and-hospitality/) can answer guest inquiries faster, reducing the load on front desk staff while improving service levels and increasing guest satisfaction. ### **Predictive Analytics for Customer Retention** Customer retention is a top priority for gaming and hospitality companies. Predictive analytics helps identify patterns and behaviors that indicate churn — when customers might stop engaging or switch to competitors. AI systems analyze these patterns and proactively generate offers or strategies to retain customers. **Churn Prediction** Churn prediction is critical for companies such as Hard Rock to retain customers. With AI, companies have a better handle on knowing beforehand if a customer’s going to defect to a competitor. There are patterns AI detects to determine the likelihood of a customer walking away. For example, if a customer has been inactive for a certain period, the system detects this trend and alerts you. Using Gen AI you could incentivize the customer with targeted offers or promotions, to re-engage these customers and encourage their loyalty. **Dynamic Pricing Optimization** Dynamic pricing is widely used by major hotel chains like [Hard Rock](https://followoz.com/industries/travel-and-hospitality/), [Marriott](https://www.marriott.com/default.mi?clickref=1100lzT7DFWz&aff=MARWW&affname=1011l248622&co=WW&nt=PH), and [Caesars Entertainment](https://www.caesars.com/) to increase revenue while delivering competitive pricing to customers. Using AI, room rates are adjusted based on market demand, competitor rates, and customer preferences — in real time. Tools such as [Duetto, a revenue management software](https://www.duettocloud.com/en-us/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=paidsearch&utm_campaign=branded&_bt=724221040682&_bk=duetto&_bm=p&_bn=g&_bg=176832572812&utm_term=duetto&utm_campaign=Branded+Campaign+%7C+NB&utm_source=adwords&utm_medium=ppc&hsa_acc=4086217675&hsa_cam=21976975854&hsa_grp=176832572812&hsa_ad=724221040682&hsa_src=g&hsa_tgt=kwd-324573693824&hsa_kw=duetto&hsa_mt=p&hsa_net=adwords&hsa_ver=3&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAx9q6BhCDARIsACwUxu6Z0EpEbbQzROd0rFCxh3hmdt6aLP8KjAEBhWDx8JT2Mc0Yw08R4N0aAkMZEALw_wcB), enable real-time price adjustments based on market demand, competitor pricing, and customer preferences. ### **Fraud Detection and Security** There are some common security practices gaming and hospitality companies employ. For instance, when you walk into a casino, cameras capture you. AI paired with facial recognition software like [Cognitec FaceVACS](https://www.cognitec.com/facevacs-technology.html) analyzes if you’re someone on a watch list, banned, or wanted, and if that’s the case, security pays you a visit. [AI](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/3-reasons-private-ai-is-in-your-future/) helps brands keep things safe, secure, and fair. For example, [machine learning](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/start-seeing-around-corners-with-azure-machine-learning/) fraud detection tools like [Featurespace ARIC](https://www.featurespace.com/aric-risk-hub) are designed to spot unusual betting patterns signaling fraud. It’s all about protecting players and ensuring a fair gaming environment. ### **Empowering Developers With AI** “At Hard Rock, we’re all in on AI,” explains Gowens. When employees worry about AI replacing them, he reassures them, explaining, “We’re not replacing people with bots. Instead, we’re using AI to make work more exciting.” Think about it—rather than being stuck doing boring documentation, teams can focus on learning skills like Python or diving into more advanced projects. AI helps brands do incredible things for customers, grow revenue, cut costs, and make work more enjoyable. At the end of the day, [AI](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/ai-past-holds-the-key-to-its-future/) is a tool we use to do better—better for our customers, better for our business, and better for our people. And this holds true for any industry looking to set new standards in innovation and excellence. **Download the white paper:** [7 Proven Ways Microsoft AI Reduces Software Development Costs](https://followoz.com/resources/whitepapers/bending-the-cost-curve-whitepaper/) ### **Ready to Roll with AI?** With [over 25 years of experience](https://followoz.com/about/) in [Microsoft solutions](https://followoz.com/services/cloud-services/), we’re uniquely positioned to help you leverage artificial intelligence, machine learning, and [natural language processing (NLP)](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/learn-to-more-effectively-drive-actionable-insights-and-strategic-decisions/) technologies to uncover new opportunities, boost productivity, and unlock new growth. We future-proof organizations with a [robust AI strategy and integration](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/ai-integration-how-smart-companies-get-it-right/). Ready to start your AI journey? [Get in touch with us](https://followoz.com/blog-contact-us/) today. **Categories:** Blog --- ### [Are AI Agents the Future of Business Automation?](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/are-ai-agents-the-future-of-business-automation/) **Published:** April 7, 2025 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** If 2023 was the year of [Generative AI (Gen AI)](https://followoz.com/resources/whitepapers/bending-the-cost-curve-whitepaper/), then 2025 is undoubtedly the year of AI agents. AI agents are the buzzword of the moment—and with good reason. These AI agents are shaking things up in the world of automation with their ability to be truly independent. Until now, the story of automation has been one of “rules” founded on structure and predictability. From [Robotic Process Automation (RPA)](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/rpa-and-ai-even-better-together/) to [Intelligent Document Processing (IDP)](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/top-8-ways-intelligent-document-processing-transforms-pc-insurance-operations/), automation has always embraced linearity. Historically, traditional automation has struggled with inconsistencies—[data inaccuracies](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/azure-data-quality-services-find-and-fix-data-errors-before-its-too-late/), [unstructured data](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/keep-your-data-lake-from-becoming-a-data-swamp/), vague formats, [data quality](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/5-ways-to-build-data-trust/), and so on. If information didn’t arrive in a structured way, your IT teams would have to step in, clean the data up, and manually reformat files. But that’s about to change. Automation is evolving from “rules” to “reasoning” with the rise of AI agents. \[[Read the e-book: Beyond the Bot: How AI Is Ushering In the Next Wave of Automation](https://followoz.com/resources/ebooks/beyond-the-bot-how-ai-is-ushering-in-the-next-wave-of-automation/)\] ## Automation in the Age of AI and Agents AI agents are not just smart; they’re highly independent. And they’re more than just your average fancy chatbot. What makes them unique is that they’re built around pre-defined goals and not process steps. That means they work towards an assigned goal using all of the capabilities and information available to them, including perceptions from their environment. They’re constantly adapting and learning and basing decisions off this knowledge to achieve that goal—continuously storing all of their plans and experiences to improve as they go along. AI agents excel where automation flounders: in a sea of ambiguity. They can take on tasks where data is constantly changing. Instead of relying on humans to manually structure every input, AI agents can take a high-level goal and figure out the best way to [process messy, incomplete, or inconsistent data](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/how-to-build-effective-data-pipelines-with-azure-data-factory/). Unlike software programs that depend on fixed programmed rules, AI agents understand and interact with their circumstances, making them ideal for complex, unpredictable tasks. Even though they’re not 100% accurate, they can detect their mistakes and course correct as they go along. It’s immensely valuable in industries that process vast amounts of information. Take [ Insurance Brokers](https://followoz.com/case-studies/epic-insurance-brokers/), for example, that process large volumes of [worker compensation claims](https://followoz.com/case-studies/epic-insurance-brokers/). Structured claims—clean digital submissions with standardized fields—are easily handled by RPA. But plenty of others arrive in messier formats, like handwritten physician notes or incomplete forms. Typically, employees sift through thousands of pages of attorney and medical notes before claims are processed, leading to frustrating delays for customers and higher costs for the company. But AI agents can help complete the task, which previously took weeks, in minutes. AI agents handle this variability automatically. They extract key details, cross-check them against compliance requirements, and escalate only the most complex cases to human teams. An agent takes the power of generative AI a step further because instead of just assisting you, it works with you or even on your behalf. For example, you could create an agent to learn everything about your company’s product catalog and draft detailed responses to customer queries or automatically compile product details for an upcoming presentation. These AI agents can handle [customer support](https://followoz.com/case-studies/sba-communications/), manage workflows, automate processes, fulfill sales orders, and even predict problems before they happen. Having agents handle some of these routine needs can boost productivity across industries, from manufacturing and research to [travel & hospitality](https://followoz.com/industries/travel-and-hospitality/) and [retail](https://followoz.com/industries/retail/), helping businesses [save time and money](https://aka.ms/WorkLab_Ignite2024). The possibilities are endless… So, if AI agents are what they’re made out to be, is there anything agents cannot do? As with any technology, AI agents are not without limitations. They include: ### Bias and interpretability Most AI models rely on training data that can sometimes be inherently biased. At the same time, [AI models](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/how-small-language-models-are-making-a-big-impact/) are hard to predict, making it challenging to identify and mitigate bias. ### AI ethics [Privacy](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/3-reasons-private-ai-is-in-your-future/), fairness, accountability, and potential misuse—subsets of [responsible AI ](https://followoz.com/best-of-ai-future-summit-2024/)—apply to all AI technologies. Agents are no exception. The rapid advancement of [AI technology](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/where-is-ai-headed/) raises important questions about regulatory frameworks, legal implications, accountability, and compliance. ### Contextual understanding AI agents sometimes struggle to understand context due to inherent AI challenges with reasoning. ## Keeping Humans in the Loop Though agents operate with a certain level of autonomy, it doesn’t mean they should run unchecked. Pairing AI agents with RPA bots is one of the best ways to maintain control. While agents adapt and make context-driven decisions, RPA bots follow strict, rules-based logic—creating a balance between flexibility and predictability. When agents work with both people and robots, they do exactly what your users and customers need. When AI agents are introduced on top of an existing automation infrastructure, they don’t feel disruptive. Instead, they become a natural extension of what businesses are already doing—enhancing workflows without overhauling them. But laying the groundwork is just the first step. To unlock the full potential of agentic automation, enterprises need a way to [build, deploy, and manage AI agents](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/make-ai-deployment-less-rocket-science-more-rocket-launch/) at scale. ## Microsoft AI Agents in Action As AI agents continue to evolve, many big players such as [Microsoft](https://www.microsoft.com/insidetrack/blog/ai-powered-agents-in-action-how-were-embracing-this-new-agentic-moment-at-microsoft/), are embracing this “agentic moment.” They’ve already begun to develop sophisticated AI agents and platforms. - [Microsoft OpenAI](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/ai-services/openai/overview) recently announced [o1 series](https://openai.com/index/introducing-openai-o1-preview/), which brings more advanced reasoning capabilities to agents, allowing them to take on more complicated tasks by breaking them down into steps—like getting the information someone on an IT help desk would need to solve a problem—factoring in solutions they’ve tried, and coming up with a plan. - The [OpenAI Assistants API](https://platform.openai.com/docs/assistants/how-it-works) lets developers create AI agents to run OpenAI models, access multiple tools (such as web search or the code interpreter), access files, and talk to other assistants. During a recent [Microsoft Ignite](https://www.google.com/search?q=Microsoft+Ignite,+Jared+Spataro,+Microsoft+Vice+President+for+AI+at+Work+Microsoft+Ignite&sca_esv=81a1a0510470009f&rlz=1C1RXQR_enUS1051US1051&ei=xgPPZ6n7EKKu5NoP-YGKwAw&start=10&sa=N&sstk=Af40H4Xo7aJGjrqpj0jvHgDYoG9LGZEzmdKGmOaDd5cSBdIzyE_wekJG3SX2FwqjLe279FR7HRMZpTCrif2dPysEr37YQJdWhdefWQ&ved=2ahUKEwip9uDa6P-LAxUiF1kFHfmAAsgQ8tMDegQICRAE&biw=1536&bih=695&dpr=1.25#fpstate=ive&vld=cid:cbcc9566,vid:Xv_TmtRLHJY,st:0) event, Jared Spataro, Microsoft Vice President for AI at Work, reflected on this paradigm shift during his keynote address. He says, “Agents are the new apps for an AI-powered world. Every organization will have a constellation of agents, ranging from simple prompt-and-response to fully autonomous.” “Agents will be able to do things like tell me what time I should be leaving for work based on traffic, helping me navigate which way to go, helping me to find parking, and helping me set up my day so I know what’s most important to work on,” says Amy Rosencranz, a Principal Program Manager also working on agents at Microsoft Digital. ## Excited About Bringing Agents to Life? Agents will get more helpful as they gain more autonomy through innovations in memory and entitlements. Organizations that integrate them into their planning processes and workflows will gain a competitive edge. We’re excited about the enormous advantages they’ll bring businesses looking to become more efficient. If you need help building a roadmap or deploying custom AI agents, [contact us](https://followoz.com/blog-contact-us/) today. **Categories:** Blog --- ### [Recap: Inside the State of the CIO 2025](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/recap-inside-the-state-of-the-cio-2025/) **Published:** March 13, 2025 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** Over 400 CIOs gathered for a day of networking, knowledge sharing, and conversation at the 19th annual State of the CIO (SCIO’25) event, hosted by the [CIO Council of South Florida](https://ciocouncilsouthflorida.org/). Held at the Charles F. Dodge City Center in Pembroke Pines, the event was a reaffirmation of the CIO Council’s commitment to advancing technology, fostering collaboration, and investing in the next generation of tech talent. ## **OZ Digital Consulting: Proud Platinum Sponsor** As a Platinum sponsor of SCIO’25, [OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com) played a key role in supporting this premier gathering of technology executives. In his opening address, [OZ CEO Amjad Shamim](https://followoz.com/about/leadership/) reiterated his company’s dedication to fostering innovation and growing talent, stating: “We’re thrilled to be a Platinum sponsor and pave the way for the next generation of tech talent. At OZ, we’re invested in creating and fostering a culture of continuous learning and growth. Events like these help today’s leaders connect with tomorrow’s future talent, and we’re excited to be a part of it.” ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Proud-Platinum-Sponsor.jpg) ## **CIO Council Breakfast** SCIO’25 kicked off with an exclusive, invitation-only CIO Breakfast setting the stage for insightful conversations on how technology can be a powerful lever for driving impact and influence. It was time well spent building community, meeting with tech leaders, and speaking about the issues that matter the most. ## **A Steller Speaker Lineup** Throughout the day, an impressive roster of speakers from NFL, FEAM Aero, Hard Rock International, TIME, and H.I.G. Capital, took the stage offering invaluable insights into the role of emerging technologies in business today. Keynote speaker, [Gary Brantley](https://www.linkedin.com/in/garybrantley/) of the [National Football League (NFL)](https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-football-league/), reflected on his career journey shining a light on the many ways technology is rapidly transforming sports. His keynote was followed by a signing of his book, [*“The Art of Organizational Transformation,”*](https://www.amazon.com/Art-Organizational-Transformation-Impact-Influence/dp/0578541548) where attendees had the opportunity to speak with him directly. ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/A-Steller-Speaker-Lineup.jpg) OZ Digital Consulting CEO Amjad Shamim joined the discussion, highlighting how South Florida’s tech community is at the forefront, turning emerging technologies into measurable business value. ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/OZ-Digital-Consulting-CEO-Amjad-Shamim.jpg) ## **Key Takeaways** **The CIO’s Expanding Role in Business Strategy** An emerging theme in all the presentations and panels was how CIO’s are stepping further into strategic leadership—framing business strategy, driving business transformation, and leveraging AI to drive growth. Organizations are moving beyond experimentation to scaling AI initiatives and leveraging data as the foundation for real impact. **Investing in the Future: CIO Council Scholarship Awards** The CIO Council isn’t only driving innovation and advancing technology across the community but is invested in nurturing and growing South Florida’s future talent. Staying true to its mission of supporting the next generation of tech leaders, the CIO Council awarded $12,000 in scholarships to deserving students in Miami-Dade County pursuing STEM careers. ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/CIO-Council-Scholarship-Awards.jpg) ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Takeaways1.jpg) ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Takeaways2.jpg) ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Takeaways3.jpg) ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Takeaways4.jpg) ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Takeaways5.jpg) ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Takeaways6.jpg) ## **Looking Ahead** As we reflect on the insights shared and the relationships built, one thing is clear: the role of the CIO continues to evolve, shaping the future of business, technology, and innovation. While the event is over, the conversations around future technology and talent doesn’t end. If you’d love to explore how we leverage both to help businesses scale, save, and succeed [contact us](https://followoz.com/blog-contact-us/). We look forward to seeing what’s next for South Florida’s tech community and the 20th annual SCIO event in 2026. **Categories:** Blog --- ### [5 Questions to Ask Before Choosing the Right AI Model in Azure AI Foundry](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/5-questions-to-ask-before-choosing-the-right-ai-model-in-azure-ai-foundry/) **Published:** April 28, 2025 **Author:** ozadmindanish **Content:** Selecting the right AI model for your solution is like choosing the blueprint for building a smart, scalable house: It determines everything from performance and cost to user experience and future adaptability. With the rise of [generative AI](https://followoz.com/resources/technical-guides/four-simple-steps-to-fully-leveraging-generative-ai/), [Microsoft’s Azure AI Foundry](https://ai.azure.com/) offers a robust, unified platform to explore, customize, and deploy AI models across enterprise-grade infrastructure. At the heart of this platform is the Model Catalog, a curated and comprehensive library of foundational models from Microsoft, OpenAI, Meta, Mistral, NVIDIA, and Hugging Face. Whether you are evaluating [Azure OpenAI](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/openai-vs-azure-open-ai-is-there-a-difference/) models like [GPT-4 Turbo](https://platform.openai.com/docs/models/gpt-4o) or exploring open-source alternatives like Llama 3 or Mistral 7B, Azure AI Foundry provides you with detailed benchmarks, deployment options (serverless or managed), built-in safety tools, and fine-tuning capabilities. Before you build or deploy your AI solution, these five questions will help you choose the right model ensuring you align your technical, operational, and business goals right from the start. ### **1. What specific task or business outcome do I need this AI model to achieve?** Start by identifying the exact problem the [AI solution](https://followoz.com/case-studies/epic-insurance-brokers/) will solve and the business value it should deliver. This foundational question sets the direction for all decisions that follow—from [model selection](https://platform.openai.com/docs/models) and deployment architecture to governance and measurement. Are you looking to automate repetitive workflows, improve customer engagement, reduce operational costs, enhance decision-making, or accelerate time-to-market? Be clear about the objective. For example: - **Customer Service Teams** may seek [AI-powered chatbots](https://followoz.com/case-studies/sba-communications/) to provide instant, 24/7 support while reducing call center volume. - **Marketing Teams** might want generative models to craft compelling content, analyze audience sentiment, or personalize campaigns. - **Operations and Supply Chain Leaders** could use [predictive models](https://followoz.com/best-of-ai-future-summit-2024/) to forecast demand or detect anomalies in logistics. - **Legal and Compliance Teams** might need document intelligence to extract and summarize critical contract information. Each scenario may require different model characteristics—speed, accuracy, reasoning ability, or scalability. Azure AI Foundry’s model catalog lets you filter and evaluate models according to specific tasks. This makes it easier for IT professionals to assess technical fit and for decision-makers to validate ROI and business alignment early in the AI development cycle. Whether starting with a prototype or building for enterprise scale, begin with a clear understanding of your desired business outcome. That clarity not only shapes your choice of model but also drives stakeholder alignment, budget approval, and overall project success. ### **2. What are my use case’s performance, speed, and resource requirements?** Not all AI models are created equal—some are optimized for lightning-fast interactions, while others are better suited for complex reasoning or high-accuracy tasks. Understanding your performance and resource requirements ensures that your model meets user expectations and operational constraints. Start by evaluating the end-user experience. Will users expect immediate responses in a live chat? Or can the application tolerate a few seconds of processing, such as in document summarization? Azure AI Foundry provides benchmarking tools that allow IT professionals to compare latency, token throughput, accuracy, and cost across models. For lightweight, real-time tasks, recent models like **GPT-4o mini** and **Phi-4 mini reasoning** offer fast inference with low compute costs, making them ideal for deployment on resource-constrained devices. For enterprise applications requiring advanced reasoning, multimodal capabilities, or extended context windows, models such as **OpenAI GPT-4.1 / o3**, **Claude 3.7 Sonnet**, and **Qwen 3** offer state-of-the-art performance and broad applicability. Also, consider the impact of infrastructure: Can the model run efficiently on available [cloud](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/a-glimpse-into-microsofts-azure-revolution/) or hybrid hardware? Decision-makers should weigh performance against budget and licensing constraints, especially when planning large-scale deployments. ### **3. Which deployment option offers the best scalability, security, and cost balance?** Deployment architecture is a critical factor in the success of any AI solution. Azure AI Foundry supports multiple deployment options to meet varying control, scalability, compliance, and operational efficiency needs. - **Managed Deployment** is ideal for organizations requiring enterprise-grade controls, such as virtual network isolation, encryption, private endpoints, and authentication via Entra ID. It supports high throughput and flexible scaling with greater control over compute resources. - **Serverless API** is an excellent option for teams needing fast prototyping or unpredictable workloads. There is no infrastructure to manage, and billing is usage-based (per token), which can reduce upfront costs. IT leaders should assess which option best suits their architecture, security policies, and operational capabilities. Business leaders can focus on the cost-to-value ratio—especially for scalable applications that serve large user bases or integrate into customer-facing platforms. Azure AI Foundry simplifies this decision-making process by offering a consistent management experience, [deployment](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/make-ai-deployment-less-rocket-science-more-rocket-launch/) guidance, and integration with Azure Monitor, Cost Management, and DevOps tools. ### **4. How transparent, explainable, and compliant is the model I plan to use?** Transparency and compliance are no longer optional, especially in [healthcare](https://followoz.com/industries/health-sciences/), [insurance](https://followoz.com/industries/insurance/), finance, education, and [government](https://followoz.com/industries/public-sector/) industries. Stakeholders need assurance that AI models are fair, secure, traceable, and aligned with ethical and regulatory standards. Azure AI Foundry supports these needs through detailed **model cards** for each model in its catalog. These include: - Training data sources and methodology - Intended use cases and limitations - Version history and performance benchmarks - Licensing information and safety documentation Models allowing auditing, explainability, and bias detection will help organizations comply with emerging AI regulations such as the EU AI Act or the U.S. NIST AI Risk Management Framework. For technical teams, this improves model governance. For business leaders, it minimizes reputational risk and [builds trust](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/3-reasons-private-ai-is-in-your-future/) with end users and regulators. Responsible AI is not just a checkbox—it is a continuous practice. Choose models and a platform that aligns with your organization’s risk posture and values. ### **5. Will the model scale and evolve with my application over time?** AI is not a one-and-done initiative. Your model must grow with your business—handling new data, increasing demand, and evolving use cases without losing performance or incurring runaway costs. Azure AI Foundry supports dynamic scaling and continuous improvement. You can fine-tune models, integrate them into CI/CD pipelines, and use techniques like prompt engineering, model pruning, and quantization to maintain efficiency at scale. IT professionals should assess how easily the model supports retraining or optimization. Can it incorporate new data sets or user feedback loops? Is there infrastructure in place to manage the rollout of model updates across environments? For business leaders, scalability means agility. A scalable AI model reduces time to market, adapts to business changes, and supports new revenue streams without the need for complete reengineering. Choosing a model that scales with you ensures that your AI investment continues to pay off long after deployment. ### **Ready to Get Started?** Choosing the right foundational model is only the beginning. Our experts guide you through deployment, [integration](https://followoz.com/services/enterprise-applications-integration/) with your existing systems, and ongoing optimization, ensuring your AI investment continues to deliver value over time. Let’s talk about how we can accelerate your AI success. [Contact us](https://followoz.com/blog-contact-us/) today. **Categories:** Blog --- ### [Automation Is Not an Island](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/automation-is-not-an-island/) **Published:** April 30, 2025 **Author:** ozadmindanish **Content:** Like data silos, automation islands can creep up unbeknown. That usually happens when different business units implement their own automation initiatives. The consequences are a lack of quality, higher costs, and a patchwork of [RPA](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/rpa-and-ai-even-better-together/) tools across the enterprise. Fortunately, there’s a growing push among businesses that recognize the problem to consolidate automation under a single, cohesive platform. [Microsoft Power Automate,](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/power-platform) has emerged as the premier choice for unifying automation efforts, as it provides an intelligent, scalable solution that brings together [robotic process automation (RPA)](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/rpa-and-ai-even-better-together/), digital process automation (DPA), [Intelligent Document Processing (IDP)](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/top-8-ways-intelligent-document-processing-transforms-pc-insurance-operations/), and [AI-driven capabilities](https://followoz.com/services/artificial-intelligence/)—all within the Microsoft ecosystem. ### **Power Automate—Powerful Alone, Transformative** **Together** Automation experts love Microsoft Power Automate for its flexibility. While several tools in the market allow you to automate the work process, only [Microsoft Power Automate](https://followoz.com/services/power-platform/) integrates with the rest of the Microsoft ecosystem organically. Want to automate a manual paper-based process? Design a responsive app? Share [data](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/does-your-data-need-a-data-lakehouse/) and insights with everyone in an easy-to-use visualization? With Power Automate, it’s never been easier or felt more integrated. And since it’s included in most Office 365 licenses, it can all be done in-house without relying on [external software development](https://followoz.com/resources/whitepapers/bending-the-cost-curve-whitepaper/). If you still need to connect to external software and services, you can do so through connectors, custom APIs, and data gateways. What that means is you can connect your favorite automation tool to Salesforce, DocuSign, Google Drive, and many other solutions you may be currently using. **With Microsoft Power Automate, you can:** • **Discover:** Identify company-wide bottlenecks and inefficiencies in workflows using the [process advisor](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/shows/dynamics-365-fasttrack-architecture-insights/power-automate-process-advisor). • **Create:** Build [cloud flows](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-automate/overview-cloud), [desktop flows](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-automate/desktop-flows/introduction), or [business process flows](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-automate/business-process-flows-overview) to scale seamlessly and bridge legacy and modern systems. • **Enhance:** Use [AI Builder](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-automate/use-ai-builder) to make automated workflows even more intelligent. • **Integrate:** Work with Power Virtual Agents to [build interactive chatbots](https://followoz.com/case-studies/sba-communications/) that can be used as a part of applications or as a standalone with other programs or services, making [data movement](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/how-to-build-effective-data-pipelines-with-azure-data-factory/) across applications a breeze. You can use its [low-code capabilities](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/embracing-the-future-of-app-development/) not only for [automation](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/are-ai-agents-the-future-of-business-automation/) but many other scenarios as well. For example, with [Power BI](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/power-platform/products/power-bi), you can use [low-code](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/low-code-is-not-low-quality-4-hard-facts-about-microsoft-power-platform/) capabilities to build dashboards and reports to analyze the data of what’s going on inside your business. With [Power Apps](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/power-platform/products/power-apps/free?ef_id=_k_EAIaIQobChMIpOCXgIm4hAMVWzbUAR2OqgFPEAAYASAAEgL8O_D_BwE_k_&OCID=AIDcmm90q7bk03_SEM__k_EAIaIQobChMIpOCXgIm4hAMVWzbUAR2OqgFPEAAYASAAEgL8O_D_BwE_k_&gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIpOCXgIm4hAMVWzbUAR2OqgFPEAAYASAAEgL8O_D_BwE), you can build rich web or mobile applications, and in doing so, you can create tailored experiences unique to your organization. While these different pieces are independently valuable, together, they can integrate in a very powerful way. ### **Integration and Connectivity—Where Power Automate Excels** Most organizations already use some form of [automation](https://followoz.com/services/intelligent-automation/) software. But as automation expands across departments and processes, disconnected workflows— “automation islands”—can spring up, creating systems that don’t talk to each other and may even compete for the same resources. This is where Power Automate shines: by connecting effortlessly to hundreds of applications, services, and data sources, both Microsoft and non-Microsoft alike. Whether it’s integrating with SharePoint for document management, Excel for [data](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/5-ways-to-build-data-trust/) analysis, or external CRMs or ERPs, Power Automate—with over 400 pre-built connectors and templates— unifies them all. That means you can design workflows across systems and functions, and move data without friction. Instead of simply automating isolated tasks, Power Automate reimagines how work gets done, empowering you to build intelligent, end-to-end workflows that are responsive, adaptable, and collaborative. ##### Why it matters - **Fewer Silos**: By linking disparate systems, Power Automate breaks down barriers to data sharing and collaboration. Information becomes more accessible to the right people at the right time. - **Unified Workflows**: Anyone can automate complex processes that stretch across departments and platforms, ensuring consistent execution and smoother handoffs. ### **The Gateway to AI** Microsoft Power Automate now also comes with an AI-powered Copilot that makes building workflows easier than ever. Instead of writing code or dragging and dropping components, you can just describe the process you want to automate, and Copilot builds it for you. It’s all powered by [OpenAI Codex](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FUq9qRwrDrI), the same tech behind ChatGPT. Power Automate has gone from custom code to low-code tools, and now to natural language authoring where people and [AI](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/where-is-ai-headed/) work together to build applications. Think of it as a smart assistant that understands what you’re trying to do and helps you build on the fly. Whether you’re automating a routine task or connecting multiple systems, Copilot makes it faster, simpler, and a lot more intuitive. The best part? It’s built directly into Power Automate, so teams can tap Microsoft’s powerful AI capabilities with little effort and spend more time focusing on customers and business outcomes. **Build** When setting up workflows with Power Automate, Copilot automatically generates parts of your application or makes suggestions to improve it based on best practices and your objectives. **Run** [AI Builder](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/ai-builder/overview), integrated within Power Automate can extract data from form documents, tapping into unstructured and semi-structured data. **Analyze** Using Power BI, AI extends the platform’s data analysis capabilities, using machine learning models to unlock more insights from the data collected by your apps. Then, it introduces an AI Copilot to help analyze and visualize this data. ### **Ready to Get Started?** Whether you’re building a custom app, automating processes, or delivering actionable insights, [OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com) has the expertise, resources, and proven success to help you drive long-term success with [automation](https://followoz.com/services/intelligent-automation/) and [AI](https://followoz.com/services/artificial-intelligence/). Our Microsoft-certified experts and MVPs will help you streamline processes, enhance customer engagement, and strengthen security—all within a unified platform. Let our team of [Microsoft-certified experts](https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonmilgram/) and [MVPs](https://www.linkedin.com/in/ppiova/) help you unlock the full potential of the [Power Platform.](https://followoz.com/services/power-platform/) Ready to transform your business? [Connect with our experts today.](https://followoz.com/blog-contact-us/) **Categories:** Blog --- ### [Intelligent Automation in the Insurance Industry – March 2022 Snapshot](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/intelligent-automation-in-the-insurance-industry-march-2022-snapshot/) **Published:** April 4, 2022 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** [![Smiling woman seated at a multi-monitor coding workstation in a bright office](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/AI-Powered-Mainframe-Modernizati.jpg)](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/why-mainframe-modernization-looks-different-this-time/)###### [ Why Mainframe Modernization Looks Different This Time ](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/why-mainframe-modernization-looks-different-this-time/) June 4, 2026 **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Insurance --- ### [Intelligent Automation in the Insurance Industry – June 2022 Snapshot](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/intelligent-automation-in-the-insurance-industry-june-2022-snapshot/) **Published:** June 28, 2022 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** [![Smiling woman seated at a multi-monitor coding workstation in a bright office](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/AI-Powered-Mainframe-Modernizati.jpg)](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/why-mainframe-modernization-looks-different-this-time/)###### [ Why Mainframe Modernization Looks Different This Time ](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/why-mainframe-modernization-looks-different-this-time/) June 4, 2026 **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Insurance --- ### [Cloud to AI: Our MVPs Take the Stage at Microsoft Build 2025](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/cloud-to-ai-our-mvps-take-the-stage-at-microsoft-build-2025/) **Published:** May 21, 2025 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** Build, Microsoft’s developer-focused event is back. It’s one of the biggest, must-attend events for developers, coders, IT leaders, and tech enthusiasts, practically anyone who’s building what’s next with Microsoft technology. This year, Microsoft Build is being held at the **Seattle Convention Center**, on **May 19–22** with a global digital experience available for those joining remotely. Whether you specialize in full-stack development, back-end systems, DevOps, or AI innovation, Build is an opportunity to learn, connect, and be inspired. What’s more, we’re especially excited this year as two of our elite MVPs, **Jason Milgram**, CTO, and **Pablo Piovano**, Director of AI, will take center stage in Seattle. Recognized as the “Expert in Cloud Platform,” Jason will be sharing his expertise, real-world experience, and insights on the future of cloud technologies. You can catch him in the Cloud Platform section of the Hub. Meanwhile, Pablo Piovano will be supporting the Labs at Build, serving as a proctor for LAB324: “Interacting with multimodal models and Agents in Azure AI Foundry”, alongside other Microsoft AI experts. You’ll also find him imparting his wisdom on AI in the Experts area, engaging with the AI and .NET developer communities. As a trusted Microsoft partner, we help customers solve complex business challenges with innovative solutions. At Build, our MVPs are eager to explore the latest Microsoft AI and cloud capabilities, connect with Microsoft’s product teams, and discover how other partners are transforming industries with new technology. *“For us, it’s never about celebrating tech for tech’s sake. It’s about celebrating what we can do with technology to create magical experiences that make a real difference in our countries, in our companies, in our communities.” — Satya Nadella, Microsoft CEO* **Here’s what to expect:** - Keynotes from Microsoft engineering leaders - MVP insights and several MVP/RD-led community events - Breakout sessions with live demos, working code, and deep dives into Azure AI, GitHub, and the Microsoft tech stack - Labs and OpenHack experiences covering generative AI, agentic systems, and secure app development - Certification opportunities and hands-on learning - Partner networking, meetups, and AI showcases in the Hub space If you’re attending, we’d love to see you there; do stop by to say hello. Stay tuned for more event updates, top takeaways, and announcements. **Categories:** Blog --- ### [AI Readiness Starts with Data Readiness](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/ai-readiness-starts-with-data-readiness/) **Published:** May 29, 2025 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** Your business is ready for [AI](https://followoz.com/services/artificial-intelligence/), but is your data? A recent **[MIT Technology Review Insights report](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/MIT-report-AI-readiness-for-C-suite-leaders.pdf)** shows that only 53% of businesses have data foundations that are “somewhat ready” for AI. Somewhat ready isn’t good enough. As organizations rush to adopt AI solutions, one foundational truth often gets overlooked: AI is only as smart as the data behind it. Whether it’s [large language models](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/how-small-language-models-are-making-a-big-impact/) powering chatbots or autonomous AI agents acting on behalf of users, the effectiveness of these tools depends on high-quality, well-governed, and accessible data. Getting ready for AI means more than experimenting with models. It starts by preparing your data to fuel agents that can reason, adapt, and deliver real business outcomes. ## What is AI-Ready Data? Businesses historically have never lacked data. What they struggle with is bringing that [data](https://followoz.com/services/data-analytics-ai/) together to satisfy reporting needs, operational workflows, and now, their AI ambitions. Therein lies the challenge and the opportunity to invest in the foundations that ensure your data is AI-ready. [AI-ready data](https://www.gartner.com/en/information-technology/topics/ai-readiness), according to Gartner, is data that is “governed, secure, unbiased, enriched, and accurate.” Any successful [AI implementation](https://followoz.com/case-studies/epic-insurance-brokers/) relies on an organization’s ability to provide the right data sources and ensure that the data is complete, of high quality, and in the right format. [Data management](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/heres-why-i-would-choose-microsoft-fabric-as-my-data-management-tool/), process transformation, and digital strategy are all critical to its success. Without structured workflows and strategic direction, AI only amplifies inefficiencies instead of solving them. ## How Are Data Leaders Preparing Their Organizations? 82% of C-suite leaders say scaling AI is a top priority. But eagerness isn’t the same as readiness. And AI readiness isn’t only about deciding to purchase an AI system to use. It starts with examining what tools and technologies you already have and what new AI tools can best fit your needs. More importantly, do you have the data foundation to support this transition? In this blog, we’ll discuss the three data essentials you need to successfully [integrate AI](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/ai-integration-how-smart-companies-get-it-right/) into your operations successfully: ## 3 Data Essentials to Get Started ## 1. Assess Your Data Start with the [data](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/5-ways-to-build-data-trust/) you already have. Is your data accessible? Is it aligned? Do your data assets line up with the use cases you want to solve for? Evaluate whether your data systems support both model training and scoring. Do you have an abundance of one type of data but not enough of the other? Is it skewed towards certain demands? Even having too much data can be a problem in itself. Enough data should be collected to create data sets that AI tools can analyze. For example, databases with customer behavior and sales data when combined create useful data sets. ### Is my data FAIR? The [FAIR Data Principles](https://www.go-fair.org/fair-principles/)—Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable—provide guidelines to improve data usability for both humans and bots. - **Findable**: Data should be easy to find with the help of unique identifiers and rich metadata - **Accessible**: Data and metadata should be accessible with the help of standard protocols - **Interoperable**: Data should use standardized formats and vocabularies allowing for easy integration with other data sets and systems - **Reusable**: Data should be well-described, licensed for reuse, and meet domain-relevant community standards By adhering to these principles, you ensure your data stays valuable and usable over time. [Data quality](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/5-ways-to-build-data-trust/) issues in structured data are usually more clearly defined, and so, more easily resolved. Unstructured data, on the other hand, is a different beast. Some of the most common issues we encounter are: - Diverse document formats, like .pdf, .ppt, and .xls, contain elements that are hard to parse, such as images or complex tables - A lack of metadata tags across documents makes search and retrieval difficult - Siloed data storage across different business units and departments - Conflicting information in multiple versions or outdated documents - Irrelevant documents or documents containing boilerplate content - Multiple languages in the document repository that aren’t suitable for the LLM - Sensitive information, such as names and addresses, ingested without proper filtering or access control. The silver lining? [Generative AI](https://followoz.com/resources/whitepapers/bending-the-cost-curve-whitepaper/) can now make sense of all of this unstructured data, which previously companies had but could not access. ## 2. Develop a Data Transformation Strategy Data without a well-defined business strategy is like a library without a catalog—lots and lots of information, but impossible to use. A solid data transformation strategy is the starting point. Below are some key components of a sound strategy: ### Support Business Goals Supporting key business goals—whether it’s boosting productivity, improving the customer experience, or revenue growth—helps you prioritize use cases that are feasible and more likely to have a greater impact. ### Determine DataOps Best Practices A DataOps approach improves collaboration between data producers and consumers while ensuring data quality and consistency across the organization. ### Scale Your Data Architecture The right data and infrastructure are prerequisites for [moving AI from proof-of-concept to production](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/how-leading-industries-bridge-the-proof-of-concept-to-production-gap-with-azure-machine-learning/). A modular data architecture that leverages cloud infrastructure is more flexible and can scale easily as data volumes grow. And an AI-optimized infrastructure in the cloud—[cloud-based services](https://followoz.com/services/cloud-services/), co-location for low-latency performance, or on-premises setups—supports large workloads, scalability, and cost-efficiency. ### Embed Microsoft Fabric into Your Strategy [Microsoft Fabric](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-fabric) combines some powerful tools—Data Factory, Synapse Analytics, Data Explorer, and [Power BI](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/power-platform/products/power-bi)—into a unified, cloud-based platform to simplify your data workflows. Together these tools enable you to innovate with AI safely and securely by managing your data in a single user-friendly platform. These key findings emerged from a [Forrester Total Economic Impact (TEI) study](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-fabric/blog/2024/06/03/forrester-total-economic-impact-study-microsoft-fabric-delivers-379-roi-over-three-years/#:~:text=The%20Total%20Economic%20Impact%E2%84%A2,illustrates%20the%20areas%20financially%20affected.) that measures the [impact of Microsoft Fabric](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/optimize-your-data-estate-with-microsoft-fabrics-advanced-analytics-and-business-intelligence/) on businesses: - **25% increase** in data engineering productivity and faster time-to-value through tools like Copilot and automated [data pipelines](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/how-to-build-effective-data-pipelines-with-azure-data-factory/). - **379% ROI** from adopting Fabric, as it streamlines data architecture and reduces costs - **Up to 40% cost savings** through options like reserved cloud instances. Read the blog: [Here’s Why I Would Choose Microsoft Fabric as my Data Management Tool](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/heres-why-i-would-choose-microsoft-fabric-as-my-data-management-tool/) ## 3. Determine a Framework for Data Governance and Security The more policies and controls you have around data, the better off you’ll be. Though Generative AI holds tremendous potential, it makes companies vulnerable to data-related risks—legal, reputational or both—and regulatory issues around data privacy, [data quality](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/keep-your-data-lake-from-becoming-a-data-swamp/), bias, discrimination, and intellectual property, among others. Data governance for AI is complex for several reasons: - **Hidden security risks:** When a system is trained on petabytes of data, sensitive information may slowly dribble in, which becomes embedded in the model and potentially accessible to anyone. - **Unstructured user interfaces:** With [natural language prompting](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/learn-to-more-effectively-drive-actionable-insights-and-strategic-decisions/), sometimes confidential information slips in inadvertently and raises privacy concerns. - **Lack of explainability:** Since [AI](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/where-is-ai-headed/) models learn from patterns and don’t follow explicit instructions, they may appear difficult to audit or trust. Efforts towards [explainability](https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/quantumblack/our-insights/why-businesses-need-explainable-ai-and-how-to-deliver-it) help build trust in these AI systems. - **Expensive testing:** Flexible inputs result in chaotic AI system outputs. Imagine a scenario where the chatbot you trained gives incorrect answers. The costs of testing for these errors are [prohibitive](https://www.cnbc.com/2023/03/13/chatgpt-and-generative-ai-are-booming-but-at-a-very-expensive-price.html). But if AI systems are to be trusted, they would require consistent monitoring and auditing. - **Compliance standards:** Regulatory compliance such as GDPR and the forthcoming [EU AI Act](https://artificialintelligenceact.eu/) adds another layer of complexity. Considerations like data sensitivity, residency, scalability, and governance directly impact infrastructure decisions, whether you deploy on-premises, in the cloud, hybrid, or both. ## The Road to Data Readiness Knowing where to start can be challenging. We recommend you begin by assessing the value of your data and investing in long-term data capabilities for AI. Reinvent your data architecture and governance models for new opportunities and risks. Generative AI is changing data as we know it; elevating its strategic value, reshaping ecosystems, and creating new requirements that companies must address. How will you move forward and prepare your data for what’s next? With over 25 years of experience in [data and analytics](https://followoz.com/services/data-analytics-ai/), we can help you take your first steps towards becoming a data- and AI-ready organization. [Contact us](https://followoz.com/blog-contact-us/) today. #### References: 1\. [go-fair.org](https://www.go-fair.org/fair-principles/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)2. MIT Technology Review Insights Report 3\. OZ Data and AI team **Categories:** Blog --- ### [Top Takeaways from Microsoft Build 2025](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/top-takeaways-from-microsoft-build-2025/) **Published:** May 29, 2025 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** The curtains close on yet another inspiring Microsoft Build conference. Once again, the energy, innovation, and camaraderie did not disappoint. Our MVPs, [Jason Milgram](https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonmilgram/), Chief Technology Officer, and [Pablo Piovano](https://www.linkedin.com/in/ppiova/), Director of AI, represented OZ Digital Consulting this year; Jason as the “Expert in Cloud Platform” in the Expert Meetup Program and Pablo Piovano as a proctor for LAB324: “Interacting with multimodal models and agents in [Azure AI Foundry](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/5-questions-to-ask-before-choosing-the-right-ai-model-in-azure-ai-foundry/).” ## The Best Bits of Microsoft Build [Microsoft Build 2025](https://news.microsoft.com/build-2025/) kicked off with an [opening keynote by Microsoft Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Satya Nadella](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NV0_vYrVvE4). With thousands of attendees and hundreds of sessions, Build reaffirmed Microsoft’s commitment to supporting developers with cutting-edge technology and innovation. The big focus this year? No big surprise: All things [AI](https://followoz.com/services/artificial-intelligence/) and, specifically, agents, were at the top of the announcement list. There are so many highlights—far too many to list here—but one key moment was the Expert Meetup Program. According to Jason, it “created an amazing space for one-on-one conversations where attendees could deep-dive into technical questions, explore real-world use cases, and get hands-on guidance to overcome challenges.” “Whether it was enhancing solution knowledge, breaking through roadblocks, or brainstorming around Microsoft’s latest announcements,” he adds, “each conversation was meaningful and energizing.” There were big announcements, from major updates to [Azure AI Foundry](https://www.linkedin.com/search/results/all/?keywords=%23aifoundry&origin=HASH_TAG_FROM_FEED) and Copilot Studio to deeper integrations across Windows and [Power Platform](https://followoz.com/services/power-platform/). In no particular order, here are our top 10 takeaways from Build 2025: ### 1. Multi-agent is here Organizations will [soon be able to build multi-agent systems in Copilot Studio](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-copilot/blog/copilot-studio/multi-agent-orchestration-maker-controls-and-more-microsoft-copilot-studio-announcements-at-microsoft-build-2025/), where agents delegate tasks to one another. These agents can be built with the Microsoft 365 Agent Builder, Azure AI Agents Service, and [Azure Fabric](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/optimize-your-data-estate-with-microsoft-fabrics-advanced-analytics-and-business-intelligence/). Use cases could include a campaign manager agent that invokes the channel agent (social, email, etc.) for journey design and content development ### 2. NLWeb will turn websites into agentic apps Calling all website owners, the [Natural Language Web (NLWeb)](https://news.microsoft.com/source/features/company-news/introducing-nlweb-bringing-conversational-interfaces-directly-to-the-web/) is similar to the HTML protocol, but for the agentic web. It simplifies the natural language interface for websites. Microsoft says NLWeb was conceived and developed by R.V. Guha—former Google Tech Fellow and creator of RSS, RDF, and Schema.org—who recently became a Microsoft CVP and Tech Fellow. ### 3. GitHub Copilot moves from pair programmer to peer programmer [GitHub Coding Agent (“Project Padawan”) ](https://github.blog/news-insights/product-news/github-copilot-meet-the-new-coding-agent/)is now generally available to all Copilot Enterprise and Copilot Pro+ customers. Ideal for low-to-medium complexity tasks in well-tested codebases, the agent can handle things like adding features and fixing bugs to extending tests, refactoring code, and improving documentation. ### 4. Copilot Studio gets more pro dev-friendly Microsoft is positioning Copilot Studio, its [low-code/no-code development](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/embracing-the-future-of-app-development/) platform, as [a tool for professional developers who need more powerful tools](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-copilot/blog/copilot-studio/multi-agent-orchestration-maker-controls-and-more-microsoft-copilot-studio-announcements-at-microsoft-build-2025/) to build more complex agents. Microsoft is working on exposing a set of M365 Copilot APIs for developers (So far, only the retrieval API is available in preview.). Microsoft is adding more pro-level features to [Copilot Studio](https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/products/copilot-studio), including API access (retrieval API now in preview), Bring Your Own Models from Azure Foundry, and [Copilot Tuning](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDmNUqSGfeI&t=1s) that allows organizations to tailor M365 Copilot behaviors using business-specific content like brand guidelines, product data, and internal documentation (Currently available in preview for select use cases.). ### 5. The MCP protocol is key to building agents Microsoft has joined the Model Context Protocol (MCP) Steering Committee and is[ integrating MCP support](https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/2025/05/19/securing-the-model-context-protocol-building-a-safer-agentic-future-on-windows/) across GitHub, Copilot Studio, Dynamics 365, Azure, Azure AI Foundry, Semantic Kernel, Foundry Agents, and Windows 11. “Think of MCP as a universal USB-C connector for AI,” linking apps, agents and tooling in a standardized way. ### 6. The Windows 11 Copilot Runtime is now “Windows AI Foundry” [AI Foundry ](https://devblogs.microsoft.com/foundry/unlock-instant-on-device-ai-with-foundry-local/)is now Microsoft’s brand for [Azure AI Foundry](https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/blog/azure-ai-foundry-your-ai-app-and-agent-factory/) built for model selection, optimizing, fine-tuning and deployment across client and cloud. Microsoft has previewed local AI Foundry support extending beyond Windows, including Mac, with general availability timelines evolving. Azure AI Foundry is the one-stop shop for every professional developer to be able to get the tools that they need to bring AI into their apps. Foundry will help unleash a new age of agentic and AI-driven automation. ### 7. Microsoft is open-sourcing the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) Microsoft is open-sourcing most of WSL, following the release of the Mariner Linux base and the WSL-g UI layer. Also on the horizon: open-sourcing the GitHub Copilot Chat Extension for VS Code. ### 8. Microsoft is expanding Entra, Defender for Cloud, and Purview By [embedding them directly into Azure AI Foundry and Copilot Studio](https://siliconangle.com/2025/05/19/microsoft-expands-ai-platform-security-new-identity-protection-threat-alerts-data-governance/) to help organizations secure AI apps and agents across the entire development lifecycle. The new [Entra Agent ID](https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoft-entra-blog/announcing-microsoft-entra-agent-id-secure-and-manage-your-ai-agents/3827392) —now in preview—is meant to manage agent identities across Microsoft and third-party platforms such as ServiceNow and Workday. ### 9. SQL Server 2025 is now in public preview Built-in vector search and the [integration of AI](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/ai-integration-how-smart-companies-get-it-right/) directly into the database engine “enables more intelligent search.” ### 10. Image generation now powered by GPT-4o New Create experiences powered by GPT-4o enable developers to generate visuals and multimodal content directly from natural language prompts To learn more about the announcements at Microsoft Build 2025, check out the official [Microsoft Build Book of News](https://news.microsoft.com/build-2025-book-of-news/). Over the course of three action-packed days, one core theme emerged. And that’s Microsoft’s focus on developers and the development experience. This year’s Build reinforced that commitment, showing how even as technology hurtles toward an AI-driven future, Microsoft remains dedicated to helping developers become more productive and successful. Whether that’s through .NET Aspire’s streamlined approach to complex systems or the thoughtful integration of AI agents into development workflows, empowering developers remains at the heart of Microsoft’s strategy. Our MVPs, Jason and Pablo, are bringing these insights back to our teams and clients, and are already translating these ideas into forward-thinking solutions that are shaping the future of software development. Want to accelerate your AI journey? [Contact us](https://followoz.com/blog-contact-us/) today. **Categories:** Blog --- ### [Why Mainframe Modernization Looks Different This Time](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/why-mainframe-modernization-looks-different-this-time/) **Published:** June 4, 2026 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** If you’re responsible for legacy IBM mainframe systems, you’ve likely faced an impossible choice: continue paying escalating maintenance costs for aging infrastructure, or embark on a multi-year, multi-million dollar modernization project with substantial risk of failure. You’re not alone. Industry data shows that many organizations that have attempted IBM mainframe modernization once, or several times, have had to abandon the effort after months or years of work with little to show for it. So what ails mainframe modernization? Legacy mainframe systems weren’t built with extensibility, documentation, or future-proofing in mind. They contain thousands, or even millions, of lines of tightly coupled code with minimal annotations and little knowledge transfer from the original developers who probably retired decades ago. Documentation hasn’t kept pace with decades of modifications either. And if you were to reverse-engineer these systems manually, it would take an army of specialists and years of painstaking work. The talent shortage is real. As the developers who built these systems are retiring, finding engineers who can read COBOL, Natural, JCL, or other mainframe languages is becoming more difficult every month. That’s not all. Mainframe hardware requires periodic upgrades that come with substantial licensing costs, often forcing decisions within 1-2 year windows. As a result, many organizations prefer to leave their mainframe system running as it works today and decide to throw licensing and hardware money at it instead of risking breaking things. The risk of modernization has historically been even more daunting than the cost of standing still. When a state agency’s payroll system processes payments for 2 million people, or financial systems handle billions in transactions daily, the tolerance for failure is zero. This reality has kept critical business systems trapped on mainframes well past their intended lifespan — an approach that’s unsustainable as these systems are not built for AI, or modern cloud services, APIs, or data analytics platforms that drive competitive advantage. Ironically, Generative AI, the very technology it can’t support, can fundamentally change this equation making modernization projects that were once economically unfeasible now practical and achievable. ## Mainframe Modernization Looks Different Today The traditional approach relied on large teams of expensive mainframe specialists spending months in reverse-engineering phases. With AI-assisted development, the time it takes to complete these phases has shrunk dramatically while requiring smaller, more cost-effective teams (from our experience). At OZ Digital, we have a proven methodology that uses AI tools, like GitHub Copilot and custom AI agents, to automate the work—that once required an army of consultants— without sacrificing quality and helping reduce risk. Once the AI tooling is in place, the specific AI model (LLM) used can be refined and updated over time to take advantage of newer model capabilities. ## AI-Assisted Mainframe Modernization A key to our modernization methodology lies in the integration of AI with a “human in the loop” where their experience and intelligence is augmented. We’ve seen strong results with this approach where the capabilities of human developers result in increased speed and accuracy. We’ve developed a proven methodology where legacy modernization has distinct phases, and AI serves as a force multiplier every step of the way. ### 1. Bridging the knowledge gap Many of your developers may have limited or even zero previous experience with mainframe systems (COBOL, Natural, etc.). In traditional modernization projects, this would be disqualifying. You would be required to hire expensive mainframe specialists or invest in months of training for each developer. Instead, you can use AI as the mainframe subject matter expert (SME) who understands legacy systems. The AI can be used to perform: • Extraction and documentation of the mainframe codebase • Answer questions about business logic and system behavior that’s embedded within legacy source code • Clarify communications with the mainframe team Meanwhile, GitHub Copilot and custom AI agents help modern developers understand the legacy code without becoming mainframe experts themselves. The AI explains what archaic code patterns mean, identifies business logic buried in procedural code, and highlights dependencies that weren’t obvious from static analysis. ### 2. Automated code conversion with human validation GitHub Copilot custom agents enables us to create specialized AI developers that perform entire conversion workflows autonomously. These agents: • Analyze mainframe (COBOL, Natural, etc) source code to understand program structure and logic flow • Convert procedural mainframe code to object-oriented modern code; like C# and ASP.NET • Generate modern web interfaces to replace terminal-based screens • Write unit tests to help validate the business logic is implemented in the modern code • Map mainframe database (DB2, Adabas, etc) database schemas to modern databases; like Azure SQL Managed Instance or Azure Cosmos DB A critical element to this entire process is maintaining the “human in the loop” oversight. After AI converts legacy, mainframe code to modern C# or Java code, human developers review the converted code for accuracy and idiomatic patterns, test functionality against the original system behavior, manually test and validate using real data from the database, ensuring that all business logic has been captured correctly. Additional unit tests are written with the help of AI to verify business logic implementation and edge cases. This hybrid approach gives you the speed of automation with the reliability of expert validation. The AI handles the tedious analysis and translation work that would take a large team months to complete manually, while human developers ensure nothing critical gets lost in translation. ### 3. Understanding complex legacy logic Mainframe code, like COBOL or Natural, looks fundamentally different from modern languages like C#. Control flow, data structures, and programming paradigms that were common in decades past bear little resemblance to contemporary software engineering practices. AI tools prove instrumental in helping dev teams understand the business logic and execution flow of legacy code. Rather than spending weeks mapping dependencies manually or creating documentation from scratch, AI leverages five key capabilities: **Code explanation and contextual summarization:** Developers could point GitHub Copilot at complex mainframe code routines and get line-by-line explanations of what’s performed. This dramatically reduces reliance on out-of-date written documentation and allowed modern developers to contribute meaningfully to code understanding tasks. **Automated documentation generation:** Instead of manual documentation that quickly becomes outdated, GitHub Copilot can generate documentation by interpreting the intent behind business logic within the legacy code. This enabled the team to build updated documentation for use in project handoff and training. **Pattern recognition for modularization:** GitHub Copilot and AI agents identify repeated patterns and redundant logic across the codebase, helping to understand where monolithic mainframe programs could be decomposed into smaller, more maintainable modern components. **Dependency mapping:** Combined with static analysis tools, AI enhances the understanding of legacy code interdependencies, call hierarchies, and data flow. This makes it easier to isolate functionality for migration. **Data flow analysis:** Traces how data moves through the system from input to output, understanding how business rules are applied at each stage and how different modules depend on shared state. The analysis phase traditionally consumes 50-75% of a modernization project’s timeline. Through AI augmentation, we’ve seen reductions in this phase from months to weeks—a direct result of AI augmentation reducing time-consuming and tedious manual reverse-engineering work. ### 4. Risk mitigation through comprehensive testing Rigorous testing and user acceptance testing (UAT) are critical to validate business logic and get custom business sign-off before the final production release. Depending on system criticality and downtime tolerance, organizations can choose phased migration or full cutover approaches. Regardless of the approach, there are several things required during this time: • AI-generated test cases covering expected behavior from the legacy system • Automated regression testing comparing outputs between legacy and modernized systems • Extensive UAT with end users validating business processes • Data migration validation ensuring complete and accurate transfer from legacy mainframe databases to modern databases The final cutover involves migrating production data and switching entirely to the new system. This can be a high-stakes transition, but AI makes it feasible by the confidence built through thorough AI-assisted testing and validation. ### 5. Delivering business value beyond code Technical modernization is the means, not the end. The business outcomes justify the effort, while they extend far beyond simply replacing one technology with another. ### 6. Seeing immediate financial benefits The most immediate outcome executives care about is a clear reduction in ongoing mainframe costs and the long-term financial risk that comes with them. Within 1-2 years, the business will likely face mandatory mainframe hardware upgrades and associated licensing costs. The modernization project eliminates these recurring expenses entirely. For organizations running large mainframe footprints, these costs often reach millions of dollars annually. By migrating to cloud services, like Microsoft Azure, the business will replace high fixed costs with variable costs that scale with actual usage. For a mainframe system with predictable workload patterns, this represents significant long-term savings. ### 7. Unlocking operational advantages Beyond cost savings, modernization unlocks day-to-day operational improvements that make the system easier to run, scale, and evolve. Using Infrastructure as Code (IaC) tool like HashiCorp Terraform, makes infrastructure changes auditable, repeatable, and version-controlled. This eliminates the “Snowflake Server” problem where production environments drift from documentation. IaC also makes it much easier to deploy multiple environments (Dev, Test, UAT, and Prod) that are all configured the same. • **Modern DevOps Practices:** The new system integrates with contemporary CI/CD pipelines, automated testing, and deployment automation. What once required manual coordination and weeks of planning now happens through automated workflows. • **Improved System Reliability:** The built-in redundancy, automatic failover, and disaster recovery capabilities of the cloud exceed what most organizations can achieve with on-premise mainframes. The business gains SLAs and recovery capabilities that would have required substantial additional investment in traditional infrastructure. • **Better Monitoring and Observability:** Modern APM (Application Performance Monitoring) and logging tools provide visibility into system behavior that legacy mainframes rarely achieve. The operations team can now identify performance issues, errors, and anomalies automatically rather than waiting for user complaints. ### 8. Creating strategic capabilities Beyond operational stability, modernization creates new strategic options that expand what the business can deliver and how fast it can move. **API-First Architecture:** The modernized system now exposes APIs that integrate with other systems. Legacy mainframes are notoriously difficult to integrate. This modernization opens new possibilities for automation and interoperability. **Cloud Scalability:** The system can dynamically scale compute resources during peak workload periods and scale down during quieter times. Mainframes require fixed hardware provisioning for peak capacity, leaving expensive resources idle most of the time. **Foundation for Innovation:** With modern data access patterns, the new system enables advanced analytics, reporting, and integration with emerging technologies like AI-powered auditing or fraud detection. The old system would have required years of exploratory projects to achieve similar capabilities. It will also be possible to integrate a data lake for expanded analytics capabilities. **Talent Retention:** Modern developers prefer working with contemporary technology stacks. By modernizing the system, the organization makes existing IT roles more attractive and eases recruitment of skilled engineers. This is a strategic advantage often overlooked in cost-benefit analyses. ## Why choose the OZ methodology for mainframe modernization? Our methodology is more than just another consulting approach. It presents a fundamentally different way to modernize legacy systems. Here’s what our methodology outlined here brings to your project: ### AI-first methodology Unlike traditional consulting, we automate the analysis and conversion phases using GitHub Copilot and other custom AI agents. This has greatly reduced project duration and costs compared to conventional approaches, based on our experience. ### Smaller, more efficient teams Utilizing AI tools will enable smaller teams to be more productive as compared to a traditional, manual modernization. AI helps reduce labor costs while maintaining smaller, more efficient teams. ### End-to-end modernization From comprehensive assessment through cloud architecture design (Microsoft Azure, AWS, etc), data migration, and knowledge transfer. ### Predictable outcomes Our experience and proven methodology delivers consistent results. We have experience working to modernize large 2M+ lines-of-code legacy codebases, comprehensive testing, and zero-downtime deployments. ### Risk mitigation built in Rigorous AI-assisted testing and human validation ensure business logic preservation without the failure of risk of previous modernization attempts. Whether you’re running COBOL, Natural, or other legacy languages on mainframes, this AI modernization methodology will help you achieve more with less, and finally migrate away from that aging mainframe. ## **Take the First Step** If you’re facing escalating mainframe costs, struggling to maintain legacy systems, or planning for inevitable hardware end-of-life, now is the time to explore modernization options. As a long-standing Microsoft partner, we help organizations modernize their environments with clarity and intent while balancing innovation with security, governance, and operational continuity. The organizations that successfully modernize their mainframes and remain competitive won’t be the ones with the biggest budgets or the largest teams. It will be the ones who leverage AI with “human in the loop” to multiply their teams’ capabilities. **[Contact us today](https://followoz.com/blog-contact-us/)** **Categories:** Blog --- ### [The Pharmacy Deadline that Could Cost You Millions If You Wait](https://followoz.com/resources/whitepapers/the-2028-pharmacy-deadline-that-could-cost-you-millions/) **Published:** July 1, 2026 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ## White Paper ###### February 11, 2028 may seem far away, but for pharmacies, PBMs, health plans, and technology providers, the transition to NCPDP Telecommunication Standard Version F6 has already begun. ###### In this white paper, learn how the upgrade to NCPDP F6 can help your organization: - Automate claims processing and prior authorization workflows - Improve interoperability across pharmacy and healthcare systems - Strengthen controlled substance management and compliance - Reduce administrative burden and support scalable operations - Modernize legacy systems beyond compliance ###### Get the guide and start building your transition strategy today. **Categories:** Whitepapers --- ### [OZ Chief Solutions Officer Emmanuel Ramos joins Forbes Technology Council](https://followoz.com/resources/forbes/oz-chief-solutions-officer-emmanuel-ramos-joins-forbes-technology-council/) **Published:** November 17, 2022 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** OZ is honored to announce that the [Forbes Technology Council](https://councils.forbes.com/forbestechcouncil)—an invitation-only organization that brings together senior-level technology executives to share and deepen their “deep knowledge and diverse expertise”—has recruited [Chief Solutions Officer Emmanuel Ramos](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mannyramos/) to [join its ranks](https://www.linkedin.com/company/forbestechcouncil/). “Joining the Forbes Tech Council is a privilege and an opportunity to share experiences—informed by our work with clients—among fellow forum members,” Ramos says. “I look forward to learning new approaches to accelerate innovation from other members and sharing some of the transformational processes and techniques that we use to partner with clients to accelerate their growth.” “While as his colleague I am of course to some degree biased, I believe the decision to invite our Chief Solutions Officer Emmanuel Ramos to the Forbes Technology Council was an incredibly wise one that will pay very real dividends,” OZ CEO Amjad Shamim adds. “Manny’s unique ability to formulate actionable strategic direction and provide incisive thought leadership will no doubt be a real boon to both the Council and Forbes’ readership.” Other members of Ramos’ Forbes Technology Council cohort include Jitterbit CTO and SVP of Engineering Manoj Chaudhary, Virtualware Founder and CEO Unai Extremo, Cardio Diagnostics CEO and Co-Founder Meesha Dogan, and Vendo CEO and Co-Founder Mike Faber. We congratulate each of these new members and look forward to learning from the contributions they provide insights and inspiration alongside Ramos whether through articles, Q&As, collaborations, or virtual events. To learn more visit OZ or the Forbes Technology Council homepage. Check out what Ramos had to say about cybersecurity in the age of digital transformation [here](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/empower-digital-transformation-securely-oz-chief-solutions-officer-emmanuel-ramos-expertise-on-display-at-south-florida-innovation-day/). **Categories:** Blog, OZ in Forbes **Tags:** Forbes --- ### [The OZ Technical Guide to Running Fast, Efficient Selenium Test Automation Scripts In Azure DevOps](https://followoz.com/resources/technical-guides/selenium-test-automation-scripts-in-azure-devops/) **Published:** December 8, 2022 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** [![Download PDF](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/6318251/b5a02d0d-82cf-487f-9f14-1046e1f36e41.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/6318251/b5a02d0d-82cf-487f-9f14-1046e1f36e41) ### What You’ll Learn In this moment of digital transformation ensuring workflows are tested properly after every code change can be a significant challenge. In the eyes of many, Selenium remains the first-in-class test automation tool for web-based applications—and OZ is here to help you quickly and efficiently get the most out of it with the below guide on the integration of Selenium test automation scripts with Azure DevOps. ### I. Keep it simple - Install VSTS (Microsoft Visual Studio) - Launch “Visual Studio” and open the respective code repo - Create a test project in Microsoft Visual Studio ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/one.png)![]() ![]() - Open “Solution Explorer” ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Technical-guide-to-Selenium-test-scripts-in-Azure-DevOps-copy-005-300x187.jpg) - Hover over “Add” ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Technical-guide-to-Selenium-test-scripts-in-Azure-DevOps-copy-006-768x508-2.jpg) - Search “ms test” - Select “MSTest Test Project” - Click “Next” ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Technical-guide-to-Selenium-test-scripts-in-Azure-DevOps-copy-007-300x120.jpg) - Right-click on “Test” Once the test project has been created, it is time to add the required NuGet packages. ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Technical-guide-to-Selenium-test-scripts-in-Azure-DevOps-copy-008-300x110.jpg) - In “Solution Explorer,” right-click on Dependencies - Add “Selenium.WebDriver” and “Selenium.Support” NuGet packages ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Technical-guide-to-Selenium-test-scripts-in-Azure-DevOps-copy-009-300x144.jpg) - In “Solution Explorer,” right-click on Dependencies - Add “Selenium.WebDriver” and “Selenium.Support” NuGet packages ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Technical-guide-to-Selenium-test-scripts-in-Azure-DevOps-copy-010.jpg) ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Technical-guide-to-Selenium-test-scripts-in-Azure-DevOps-copy-011-300x105.jpg) - Open “Solution Explorer” - Right-click on the Solution ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Technical-guide-to-Selenium-test-scripts-in-Azure-DevOps-copy-012-300x73.jpg) ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Technical-guide-to-Selenium-test-scripts-in-Azure-DevOps-copy-013.jpg) - Under SeleniumTest, create “testhost.runtimeconfig.json” - Add above code #### Congratulations! You are all set to write test scripts! ### II. Writing automation test scripts ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Technical-guide-to-Selenium-test-scripts-in-Azure-DevOps-copy-014-300x96.jpg) - Under SeleniumTest, create “SeleniumTest.cs” class where source of test scripts written in C# with Selenium binding will be added - You may add multiple class files per the framework you are following - Run test scripts to fix errors Before proceeding for integration, it is a good idea to verify the scripts whether theywork correctly or not. (Use “Test Explorer” in Visual Studio.) ### III. How to configure AzureDevops: the OZ way #### Prerequisites - Sign up with Azure DevOps - Create a project in new Azure DevOps account - Create webapp CI/CD pipelines under code repo in the newly created project #### Add tasks in CI pipeline Open CI pipeline then add required tasks to copy and publish Selenium files on server ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Technical-guide-to-Selenium-test-scripts-in-Azure-DevOps-copy-015-300x139.jpg) - In the left navigation, click on Pipelines then filter pipelines - Click on the filtered pipeline ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Technical-guide-to-Selenium-test-scripts-in-Azure-DevOps-copy-016-300x155.jpg) - Under the Tasks, add “Copy Files to: $(…)” task. Keep all default values. ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Technical-guide-to-Selenium-test-scripts-in-Azure-DevOps-copy-017-300x156.jpg) - Add “Publish Artifact” task. Keep all default values. #### Add tasks in CD pipeline - Open CD pipeline then add required tasks to copy and run Selenium test scripts automatically in web browser on server. ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Technical-guide-to-Selenium-test-scripts-in-Azure-DevOps-copy-018-300x139.jpg) - In the left navigation, click on “Releases” then filter pipelines. - Click on the filtered pipeline. ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Technical-guide-to-Selenium-test-scripts-in-Azure-DevOps-copy-019-300x124.jpg) - Under the Tasks, click on three dots then on “Add an agent job.” ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Technical-guide-to-Selenium-test-scripts-in-Azure-DevOps-copy-020-300x134.jpg) - Search “Test Plat” - Add “Visual Studio test platform installer” task. ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Technical-guide-to-Selenium-test-scripts-in-Azure-DevOps-copy-021-300x123.jpg) - Keep all default values. ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Technical-guide-to-Selenium-test-scripts-in-Azure-DevOps-copy-0020-300x206.jpg) - Search “VS Test” - Add “Visual Studio Test” task. ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Technical-guide-to-Selenium-test-scripts-in-Azure-DevOps-copy-0021-300x142.jpg) - Change dll name to “SeleniumTest.dll” under “Test files” - Keep the path intact ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Technical-guide-to-Selenium-test-scripts-in-Azure-DevOps-copy-0022-300x142.jpg) - Select “Test assemblies” in “Select tests using” ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Technical-guide-to-Selenium-test-scripts-in-Azure-DevOps-copy-0023-300x156.jpg) - Check “Test mix contains UI tests” and select Version under “Select test platform using” - Also, select “Installed by Tools Installer” under “Test platform version” ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Technical-guide-to-Selenium-test-scripts-in-Azure-DevOps-copy-0024-300x125.jpg) - Check “Upload test attachments” ### Executing test scripts #### Run CI pipeline automatically - Commit code in respective CI pipeline, it will trigger automatic execution. #### Run CI pipeline manually ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Technical-guide-to-Selenium-test-scripts-in-Azure-DevOps-copy-0025-300x123.jpg) - Open CI pipeline - Click on “Queue” ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Technical-guide-to-Selenium-test-scripts-in-Azure-DevOps-copy-0026-214x300.jpg) - Click “Run” ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Technical-guide-to-Selenium-test-scripts-in-Azure-DevOps-copy-0027-300x139.jpg) - Open CD pipeline - Click on “Create release” ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Technical-guide-to-Selenium-test-scripts-in-Azure-DevOps-copy-0028-267x300.jpg) - Click “Create” ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Technical-guide-to-Selenium-test-scripts-in-Azure-DevOps-copy-0029-300x230.jpg) The test scripts are being executed. ### View Report ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Technical-guide-to-Selenium-test-scripts-in-Azure-DevOps-copy-0030-300x220.jpg) - It shows success and 100% execution of Selenium test scripts - Click “100%” ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Technical-guide-to-Selenium-test-scripts-in-Azure-DevOps-copy-0031-768x400-1.jpg) - Click on filter - Select “Passed” - View successful test scripts ### Finished! *Ready to optimize and supercharge your processes across the board? [Click here](https://followoz.com/) to find out what OZ can do for you.* **Categories:** Technical Guides **Tags:** Tech Services --- ### [The OZ Technical Guide to Getting the Most Out of Your React Code](https://followoz.com/resources/technical-guides/the-oz-technical-guide-to-getting-the-most-out-of-your-react-code/) **Published:** March 30, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** By Raza Ali [![Download PDF](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/6318251/3c94b206-4a0c-4182-a803-c0d463a30064.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/6318251/3c94b206-4a0c-4182-a803-c0d463a30064) **The React Javascript library can be a powerful tool for building effective user interfaces—but many developers only scratch the surface of its true power.** **If that sounds like you, set your mind at ease: OZ has got you covered with the following insights.** #### Prelude: Functional vs Container Components Stateless and stateful components are known by many different names: Container and presentational, for example. Or smart and dumb. The main difference is that one has a state and the other doesn’t. Stateless components—also known as functional components—are shorthand methods to create components that simply render something based on props passed to it and do not need to maintain state. #### Using Functional Components First, class components are almost deprecated as functional components are in demand and highly accepted as a good approach in react. In the future, the next versions will be enhanced with time. Second, functional components are easier to read and test because they are plain JavaScript functions without lifecycle hooks. Functional components get easier to separate container and presentational components because you need to think more about your component’s state if you don’t have access to setState () in your component. There is one difference in the syntax: A functional component is just a plain JavaScript function that accepts props as an argument and returns a React element. A class component, on the other hand, forces you to extend from React and create a render function that returns a React element. This requires more code but will also give some benefits. #### Stateful Component A stateful component is always a class component. The stateful components are keeping track of changing data. ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/React-TG_Image-1.png) Stateful components should be used if you are… - …building an element that accepts user input or an element that is interactive on the page. - …dependent on the state for rendering—for example, fetching data before rendering. - …dependent on any data that cannot be passed down as props. #### Stateless Components Stateless components are also called presentational components or functional components. Components always render the same thing or only what is passed to them via props. ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/React-TG_Image-2.png) Stateless components should be used if you… - …simply need to present the props. - …don’t need a state or any internal variables. - …are creating non-interactive elements. - …want reusable code. #### Compound Components Compound components—or a pattern that encloses the state and behavior of a group of components while rendering control of its variable parts back to the external user—are used together to share an implicit state that lets them communicate in the background. #### Separation of Concern Having all the UI state logic in the parent component and communicating that internally to all the child components makes for a clear division of responsibility. #### Reduced Complexity As opposed to prop drilling to pass down properties to their specific components, child props go to their respective child components using the compound component pattern. One major drawback of building components in React with the compound component pattern is that only direct children of the parent component will have access to the props, meaning we can’t wrap any of these components in another component. ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/React-TG_Image-3.png) The example code above is one of the implementations of compound components in which you get to see that the Menu, MenuButton, MenuList, MenuItem, and MenuLink were all imported from @reach/menu-button. As opposed to exporting a single component, ReachUI exports a parent component which is Menu accompanying its child’s components which are the MenuButton, MenuList, MenuItem, and the MenuLink. #### When to Use Compound Components As a React developer, you should make use of compound components when you want to: - Solve issues related to building reusable components. - Development of highly cohesive components with minimal coupling. - Better ways to share logic between components. #### Conditional Rendering In React, you can create distinct components that encapsulate the behavior you need. Then, you can render only some of them, depending on the state of your application. Conditions are the foremost tool in the arsenal of any software developer. In the process of writing React components, the need often arises to render a certain JSX code based on the state. This is achieved through conditional rendering. #### How to write if…else in React You can use variables to store elements. This can help you conditionally render a part of the component while the rest of the output doesn’t change. Consider these two new components representing the Logout and Login buttons. In the example below, we will create a stateful component called LoginControl. Depending on its current state, it will render either <LoginButton /> or <LogoutButton />. ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/React-TG_Image-4.png) ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/React-TG_Image-5.png) #### The Switch Statement As shown previously, you can conditionally return different markup from a component based on set conditions using an if…else statement. The same could be achieved with a switch statement where you can specify the markup for various conditions. Revise the LoginControl component and replace them if…else statement with a switch statement: #### Inline If with Logical && Operator It works because in JavaScript, true && expression always evaluates to expression, and false && expression always evaluates to false. Therefore, if the condition is true, the element right after && will appear in the output. ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/React-TG_Image-6.png) #### Using Ternary Operators Another method for conditionally rendering elements inline is to use the JavaScript conditional operator condition. true: false. ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/React-TG_Image-7.png) #### Render Props Render props means that you pass a render function defined by a separate component’s props to indicate what should be returned by the shared component. At its root level, it must take the form. this.props.render() is a function passed in by another component. This function itself should return a React component. The simple render prop we created above just wraps the element in a <div>. To utilize the <SharedComponent /> we would do the following: ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/React-TG_Image-8.png) #### Higher Order Components A higher-order component (HOC) is an advanced technique in React for reusing component logic. HOCs are not part of the React API, per se. They are a pattern that emerges from React’s compositional nature—a function that takes a component and returns a new component. React’s Higher Order Component is a pattern that stems from React’s nature that privileges composition over inheritance. ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/React-TG_Image-9.png) In the above example, higherOrderComponent is a function that takes a component called WrappedComponent as an argument. We have created a new component called HOC which returns the <WrappedComponent/> from its render function. While this adds no functionality, it depicts the common pattern that every HOC function will follow. We can invoke the HOC as follows: ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/React-TG_Image-10.png) A higher-order component transforms one component into another component. Note that a HOC doesn’t modify the input component. Rather, a HOC composes the original component by wrapping it in a container component. #### State Hoisting One of the React patterns is called state hoisting. As we know stateless functions don’t hold state and events are state changes. The data needs to be passed to stateful container component parents. This is a perfect situation to use state hoisting and it’s accomplished by passing a callback from a container component to a child component. ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/React-TG_Image-11-1.png) In this example above the state is hoisted to the container, by the provided callback. This sets a clear boundary and makes it easy to have re-usability of stateless function. Another example is the use of the Controlled input pattern. ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/React-TG_Image-12-1.png) Let’s create a controlled input: ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/React-TG_Image-13-1.png) #### Provider Pattern According to React docs, “Context provides a way to pass data through the component tree without having to pass props down manually at every level.” This means Context API helps us skip the mandatory hierarchy of passing props for each component in its tree. The provider pattern, however, is not only about React context. You might have used a state management library like [redux](https://redux.js.org/) and [mob](https://mobx.js.org/README.html). Here [provider](https://react-redux.js.org/introduction/getting-started#provider) is the top component and it is provided by [react-redux](https://react-redux.js.org/). We write it the following way: ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/React-TG_Image-13-1-2.png) React-redux has implemented the provider pattern where the provider component receives the state as props and each child component has implicit access to the managed state. *Regardless of where you are on your digital transformation journey, OZ experts will put our twenty-five years of experience to work for your organization, helping you to streamline processes, save money, increase scalability, gain competitive advantage, and improve business efficiency and operations. Find out more about our services [here](https://followoz.com/).* **Categories:** Technical Guides **Tags:** Tech Services --- ### [Every Insurer Wants to Predict and Prevent – Here’s How You Can](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/every-insurer-wants-to-predict-and-prevent-heres-how-you-can/) **Published:** June 5, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ***By Murray Izenwasser*** The insurance industry is no stranger to data. Insurers need all the customer data they can get — structured data on a policy form, past behavior of policy renewals or terminations, and publicly available government data such as criminal records, bankruptcies, and foreclosures. While insurers have access to mountains of data — everything from disaster models to historic perils, real-time weather feeds, and current policy information — they don’t have an effective way to integrate all these disparate data sources into [one comprehensive view](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/towards-a-single-source-of-truth-ozs-mark-smith-on-ai-luminaries-2/). Until we get there, we won’t have the deep insights we need to prevent risk or [develop new products](https://followoz.com/industries/property-casualty-insurance-in-intelligent-automation/). The faster we move as an industry to [digitize that data](https://followoz.com/services/), [automate underwriting](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/how-automation-can-address-todays-growing-underwriting-challenge/), and integrate third-party data, the more quickly we can create new underwriting and portfolio risk management techniques. However, the silver lining is that some insurers are already integrating [big data and analytics](https://followoz.com/services/data-analytics-ai/) into their operations, from creating early-warning systems to gathering insights that prevent incidents to simplifying and accelerating claims processing. Here’s how you can reduce friction throughout the customer journey — from requests for coverage to claims — while mitigating risk and cutting costs. ### **Risk-Based Pricing Innovation and Transformation** Even without face-to-face customer interactions, you can build accurate customer profiles by [aggregating data from various sources](https://followoz.com/services/data-analytics-ai/) — and scoring this based on demographics, social media, and public-facing data — to create more personalized products and risk-based pricing. We’re seeing this play out in the auto insurance industry, which traditionally is highly competitive and price sensitive. Customers are known to switch insurers on price, which impacts growth and profitability. However, with the help of customer data — structured and unstructured (reviews and ratings, blogs, social media, and auto forums) — you can better understand the customer, make correlations, categorize the risk status of different models, and set premiums accordingly. Armed with these insights, you can: - Accurately assess each unit’s risk within an insured pool by micro-segmenting risk pools. - Price dynamically based on changing risk profiles — all enabled by granular behavioral data and advanced modeling. - Offer competitive and differential pricing while improving premiums and demanding higher premiums for riskier products. For example, in Spain, [Zurich Insurance launched Klinc](https://klinc.com/seguros-vida?adobe_mc=MCMID%3D48992887037107976734387920498171790415%7CMCORGID%3DD2472AE45FD7179B0A495CB0%2540AdobeOrg%7CTS%3D1684334542), the innovative, on-demand insurance solution that lets users of [web and mobile applications](https://followoz.com/services/web-mobile-applications/) buy cover whenever (and wherever) they need it. In the future, we’ll see more cross-industry platforms and seamless insurance portability that integrate risks and exposures and covers for an insured under a universal insurance policy. ### **Point-Based Risk Scoring** The greatest challenge for commercial insurers is collecting data — policy in-force and industry-wide peril data — from disparate sources. Risk analysts constantly need context to make critical business decisions. Enter location intelligence. Location intelligence is the lens through which analysts, underwriters, and actuaries can view complex data, uncover opportunities, and identify hidden risks. Because of the spatial connection between policies and perils, location intelligence helps analysts extract and share actionable insights throughout their organizations. By leveraging location, carriers can integrate data from policy databases, spreadsheets, and third-party vendors to get a better view of their portfolios. This geographic view of the data provides: - An intuitive platform for identifying clusters of policies in effect. - Concentrations of insured value. - Metrics on previous claims. With deeper contextual insights into potential perils, analysts can determine the exposure of an individual policy to perils on a hyperlocal level. Location intelligence has transformed actuarial science paving the way for point-based risk scoring, the underwriting method that examines a policy’s relative exposure to the perils that may occur. Point-based risk scoring is a drastic shift from the traditional method, where rates are determined based on whether a policy existed within a risk zone. There have been instances where flooding and fires have occurred outside traditional risk zones, such as Hurricane Harvey and the Fort McMurray wildfire. But it’s still a more effective risk-scoring method that accounts for perils that could occur but have yet to happen. Take, for example, a car owner who lives on a corner lot flanked by a busy road on one side and a quiet street on the other. The risk associated with this location would come down to which direction the driveway faces and insurers would then adjust for it. Trusted data with location context allows carriers to price accordingly, mitigate risk exposure, and improve reinsurance rates. ### **Intelligent Risk Assessment** Commercial risk assessment is data intensive. A fixed data set is traditionally used to perform a risk assessment, which can be limiting. But when you [integrate real-time data](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/we-want-to-say-yes-3-ways-third-party-data-integration-will-innovate-accelerate-the-insurance-industry/) from external sources — more granular and up-to-date than you would typically find — you get the complete picture including: - The likelihood of everyday perils at the property location - The existence of high-risk items nearby - The density of existing policies near the property It helps you better assess the property submission before the policy is accepted. Individual risk assessment results in special pricing of the premium cover required to cover the risks inherent to the particular property. For insurers, it means identifying areas of reduced exposure, better risk management, and lower costs. For policyholders, it means better prices, as insurers will have a way to identify regions where they can offer more attractive terms and reward good customers with greater pricing accuracy. By integrating critical risk-assessment data with historical results, you can quickly identify anomalies in likelihood and impact ratings and assess the geography and product or business lines driving such changes. *If you’d like to learn more about how you can achieve success through insurance data analytics transformation,* [*get in touch with our experts*](https://followoz.com/contact-us/)*. No matter where you are on your digital transformation journey, we will help you meet your customers where they are and grow your business.* **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Insurance --- ### [The OZ Technical Guide to Terraform and Infrastructure as Code (IaC)](https://followoz.com/resources/technical-guides/the-oz-technical-guide-to-terraform-and-infrastructure-as-code-iac/) **Published:** July 20, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ***By Abdul Ghafoor**, Senior Consultant, R&D* [![Download PDF](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/6318251/53e66279-6fc2-43f0-b271-c098c6dde35a.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/6318251/53e66279-6fc2-43f0-b271-c098c6dde35a) Infrastructure as code (IaC) is the process of managing and provisioning computer data centers through machine-readable definition files rather than via physical hardware configuration or interactive configuration tools. Benefits of this approach include: - **Speed.** Infrastructure as code enables you to quickly set up your complete infrastructure by running a script. - **Consistency.** Human error often associated with manual processes can be significantly reduced or eliminated. - **Accountability.** Because IaC configuration files can be versioned in the same way as any source code file, you have full traceability of the changes throughout each configuration. In other words, no more guessing games about who did what, and when. - **Greater Efficiency.** By employing infrastructure as code, you can deploy infrastructure architectures in multiple stages, ensuring the software development lifecycle is more efficient and increasing productivity. - **Lower Cost.** Employing cloud computing along with IaC can dramatically reduce costs: You won’t have to spend money on hardware, hire people to operate it, or build or rent physical space to store it. Terraform is an open-source infrastructure as a code tool from HashiCorp. It allows users to define both on-premises and cloud resources in human-readable configuration files that can be easily versioned, reused, and shared. Terraform is used to manage both low-level components—storage and networking resources, for example—as well as high-level resources such as DNS, PaaS, and SaaS components. In short, Terraform is a declarative tool that further simplifies the user experience by allowing users to specify the expected state of resources without the need to delineate the exact steps to achieve the desired state of resources. Further, Terraform is a platform-agnostic tool, meaning that it can be used across any supported provider. It accomplishes this by interacting with the APIs of cloud providers. When a configuration is done through Terraform, it will communicate with the necessary platform via the API and ensure the defined changes are carried out in the targeted platform. With more than 1,700 providers from HasiCorp and the Terraform community available with the Terraform Registry, users can configure resources from leading cloud providers such as Azure, AWS, GCP, and Oracle Cloud to more domain-specific platforms such as Cloudflare, Dynatrace, Elastic Stack, Datadog, and Kubernetes. ### Creating Azure Web Services and MS SQL Server by using Terraform From a usability perspective, Terraform—written in Go language and uses Fossa and Travis CI for continuous integration—uses a command line interface. . Though it appears quite easy to learn, Terraform does require knowledge about infrastructure and cloud services. So, how does this look in practice? Check out the detailed use case below. ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Terraform-Tech-Guide_Image-1.png) ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Terraform-Tech-Guide_Image-2.png) ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Terraform-Tech-Guide_Image-3.png) ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Terraform-Tech-Guide_Image-4.png) ### Conclusion As the availability of cloud services grows, software such as Terraform will become increasingly important. *Regardless of where you are on your digital transformation journey, OZ experts will put our twenty-five years of experience to work for your organization, helping you to streamline processes, save money, increase scalability, gain competitive advantage, and improve business efficiency and operations. Find out more about our services [here](https://followoz.com/services/).* **Categories:** Technical Guides --- ### [The OZ Technical Guide to Getting the Most Out of Your Cloud Journey](https://followoz.com/resources/technical-guides/the-oz-technical-guide-to-getting-the-most-out-of-your-cloud-journey/) **Published:** July 25, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** [![Download PDF](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/6318251/dffb7f9a-3784-492b-a2ee-a43473014c26.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/6318251/dffb7f9a-3784-492b-a2ee-a43473014c26) As we enter the [age of the cloud](https://www.ibm.com/topics/cloud-computing), is it possible to leverage the same—or, better yet, greater—level of data processing, management, and access capabilities on-premises databases offer after migrating to the cloud? The answer is—with the right [modern cloud database management system](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cloud_database) and the [right partner](https://followoz.com/services/cloud-services/) at your side—absolutely. Here are a few advantages cloud databases present that every forward-looking business: - **Increased Scalability and Flexibility.** Cloud database systems can be easily scaled up by adding more processing and storage capacity when workloads increase. Some vendors offer autoscaling features that do this dynamically—which is to say, without users needing to submit a request. In addition, an organization can quickly deploy new databases and shut down ones that it no longer needs, matching its database strategy to the speed of business. - **Faster Access to New Features.** With on-premises databases, users typically need to wait for and then install a software upgrade to get new features and functionality. DBaaS vendors can update their cloud databases on an ongoing basis, enabling organizations to take advantage of new features as soon as they’re available. - **Cost Savings.** By reducing capital expenditures, data center operating costs, and space needs in IT facilities—as well as shifting staff to other higher-value priorities—businesses can get a budgetary bump from cloud database management. A caveat: Pay-as-you-go cloud services can cost more than planned if resource utilization exceeds expectations or, conversely, if excess capacity goes unnoticed. To realize the full advantage, you must think strategically and, to accelerate the process, consult seasoned experts. - **More Reliable Systems with Guaranteed Uptime.** Cloud vendors provide high availability, automated backup, and disaster recovery capabilities that may be more advanced than what an organization implements itself. They also guarantee uptime percentages as part of their cloud service-level agreement, giving them an incentive to keep cloud database platforms running smoothly. Beyond migrating and managing structured data, data integration, ETL (extraction, transformation, and loading), and iPaaS (integration platform as a service) tools are designed to move and manage enterprise applications and databases in the cloud. ### Choices in the Cloud Organizations that implement databases in the public cloud choose between the following two deployment models: - **Self-managed database.** This is an infrastructure as a service (IaaS) environment, in which the database runs in a virtual machine on a system operated by a cloud provider. The provider manages and supports the cloud infrastructure, including servers, operating systems, and storage devices. - **Managed database service.** Database as a service (DBaaS) environments are fully managed by the vendor, which could be a cloud platform provider or another database vendor that runs its cloud DBMS on a platform provider’s infrastructure. Under the DBaaS model, both the system infrastructure and the database platform are managed for the customer. The DBaaS vendor handles provisioning, backups, scaling, patching, upgrades, and other basic database administration functions, while the DBA monitors the database and coordinates with the vendor on some administrative tasks. A wide variety of cloud databases are available, matching the different types of database technologies that can be deployed on-premises. At this point, virtually every database vendor offers its software in the cloud. That includes cloud-native databases developed specifically for use in cloud environments and existing on-premises databases that now support the cloud. The following are the key types of databases that cloud users can take advantage of: - **Cloud data warehouses.** Initially developed to provide data warehousing capabilities for business intelligence and reporting applications, they typically now also support data lake development, machine learning, and other advanced analytics functions. - **NoSQL databases.** NoSQL systems forego the rigid schemas of relational databases, making them a better option for unstructured data. There are four major NoSQL product categories: document databases, graph databases, wide-column stores, and key-value databases. - **Relational databases.** SQL-based relational software has dominated the database market since the 1990s and remains the most widely used technology, particularly well-suited for transaction processing and other applications involving structured data. - **Multi-model databases.** They support more than one data model, enabling them to run a wider set of applications. Many relational and NoSQL databases now qualify as multi-model through add-ons — for example, the addition of a graph module to a relational DBMS. - **Distributed SQL databases.** Initially labeled as NewSQL, these technologies distribute relational databases across multiple computing nodes to create transactional systems that can provide NoSQL-like levels of scalability. Much like other types of DBMS technologies, cloud database platforms include a set of components that work together to process and manage data. Key cloud database management system components include: - a database access language, such as SQL, for querying and modifying data. - a storage engine that manages data storage. - a metadata catalog that contains data about database objects. - a query optimization engine and a separate query processor. - a lock manager to control concurrent access to data. - a set of database management utilities. *Regardless of where you are on your digital transformation journey, OZ can help you save money, increase scalability, gain competitive advantage, and improve business efficiency and operations. Find out more about our cloud services and assessment offerings[ here](https://followoz.com/).* **Categories:** Technical Guides **Tags:** Tech Services --- ### [Don’t Let Your Most-Used Application Become Your Biggest Vulnerability](https://followoz.com/resources/forbes/dont-let-your-most-used-application-become-your-biggest-vulnerability/) **Published:** August 22, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** “Web browsers are the most-used application in the corporate world,” OZ Chief Solutions Officer [Emmanuel Ramos](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mannyramos/) writes in a sobering recent [*Forbes* article](https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2023/08/14/web-browsers-examining-the-latest-threats-solutions-and-trends/), “but they are also highly vulnerable.” The good news? Ramos doesn’t just lay out the dangers, he digs deep into the solutions. Do you know what “cross-site leak attacks” or “zero-day vulnerabilities” are? You will soon—and you’ll have a roadmap for how to protect yourself as well. Read the whole thing [here](https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2023/08/14/web-browsers-examining-the-latest-threats-solutions-and-trends/). And to learn more about OZ’s strategic offerings, click [here](https://followoz.com/services). ### **INNOVATION SEPARATES LEADERS FROM FOLLOWERS** OZ is a global digital technology consultancy and software delivery & development partner founded to enable business acceleration by leveraging modern technologies I.e., Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Data Analytics, Business Intelligence, Micro Services, Cloud, RPA & Intelligent Automation, Web 2.0/3.0, Azure, AWS, and many more. Our certified consultants bring a diverse array of backgrounds and skill sets to the table, leveraging the latest outcome-driven technologies and methodologies to address the unique, constantly evolving challenges modern businesses face. We accomplish this by supporting the digital innovation goals of our clients, keeping them ahead of the competition, optimizing profitable growth, and strategically aligning business outcomes with the technologies that drive them – all underpinned by decades of mission-critical experience and a shared culture of continuous modernization. OZ will work side by side with you to fully leverage our relationships with the world’s leading technology companies so you can reap the benefits of best-in-class implementation, integration, and automation—making the most of your technology investments and powering next-gen innovation. Deliver game-changing digital transformation and technology consulting services for our clients by leveraging over twenty-five years of experience and partnerships with the world’s leading technology companies. OZ has the talent and extraordinary commitment to be the best choice for digital consulting for clients who want to create exceptional customer experiences, enabled by disruptive digital technologies and innovation. When we say “customer experience”, that customer can be an actual customer, consumer, user, employee, partner or B2B. **Categories:** OZ in Forbes **Tags:** Forbes --- ### [Are APIs and Integration Two Sides of the Same Coin?](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/are-apis-and-integration-two-sides-of-the-same-coin/) **Published:** January 13, 2025 **Author:** ozadmindanish **Content:** What do WhatsApp, [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/gofollowoz/), [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ucJCt3pMIOw&t=3s), and Uber all have in common? Sure, they’re all billion-dollar companies, but the interesting thing about them is how fast they scaled—with surprisingly small teams. When Instagram sold to Facebook, they had just 13 employees. Uber was only 23-people strong when it went public. So, how did they pull it off? These companies chose to compose solutions instead of endlessly writing code. Take Uber for example. Instead of building everything in-house, they used [APIs](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/apis-vs-microservices-key-differences-every-developer-and-business-should-know/) for key features—like maps for real-time tracking and payment gateways for mobile transactions. As a result, hundreds of thousands of drivers and passengers, including Uber’s developers could use the app simultaneously. Had Uber tried to code every feature from scratch, they would’ve needed an army of developers. Instead they funneled all their efforts into composing solutions—plugging in existing capabilities—which let them scale quickly without bloating their team. Most top companies today compose platforms, applications, and [intelligence](https://followoz.com/services/artificial-intelligence/). They reuse many of the capabilities that are exposed as APIs to enhance the experience of their users. And it’s not just about using APIs. Companies are looking for an integrated [cloud system](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/leveraging-azure-stack-cloud-scalability-cost-management-and-digital-transformation/) that connects their legacy, SaaS, and [on-prem applications](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/is-the-data-warehouse-dead-yes-and-no/). They want that same system to not only consume APIs but also create, publish, and manage them. It’s now table stakes to have standard connectivity to many of the systems that expose themselves via RESTful or web services. Many businesses also expect standard adaptors to some of the applications that have more challenging interfaces like SAP, NetSuite, and Salesforce. And here’s the kicker—they don’t want only developers in the mix. Many organizations want their technical business analysts to be involved in the [creation of some of their integrations](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/how-empowering-citizen-developers-can-increase-innovation-within-your-organization/). ### **Integration + APIs: A Dynamic Duo** That brings us to the question: Are APIs and integration two sides of the same coin? The short answer is yes. While APIs provide a standard way for applications to talk to each other, [integration](https://followoz.com/services/enterprise-applications-integration/) is the process of connecting different systems together, often using APIs to exchange data. APIs define the rules and protocols for one piece of software to interact with another, whether it’s retrieving data, performing actions, or triggering events. Think of APIs as the language systems use to talk to each other. Without APIs, applications would operate in isolation, unable to share or exchange information. Integration, on the other hand, is the process of connecting multiple systems so they can work together as a unified whole. While APIs are often the mechanism through which integration happens, integration is much more than just API connectivity. It involves mapping data, transforming it to fit the needs of different systems, handling errors, and ensuring smooth communication across a complex network of applications, whether they are on-premises, in the [cloud](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/moving-from-hybrid-to-adaptive-cloud-think-three-layer-cake/), or part of a hybrid environment. \[Download the e-book: [Three Digital Integration Trends Reshaping the Business Landscape](https://followoz.com/resources/ebooks/integration-services/)\] You can’t have great integration without APIs. And without integration, APIs are just unconnected pieces. A solid [API integration strategy](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/a-practical-guide-to-building-a-successful-api-strategy/) lets you connect your most valuable data—without ripping out legacy systems. Plus, it’s flexible enough to evolve with a cloud-first architecture if needed. According to the [Gartner report, “*How Pervasive Integration Enables Your API Initiatives (and Vice Versa)*](https://www.gartner.com/en/documents/3755964)*:* “APIs and integration technology are intimately correlated. API initiatives require integration technologies, and API-enabling technologies are essential components in any strategic integration infrastructure.” Modern businesses rely on both APIs and integration to achieve their goals. APIs allow developers to access and reuse existing functionality without reinventing the wheel. For example, a travel booking platform might use APIs to pull flight data from an airline, hotel availability from a hospitality chain, and payment services from a financial provider. \[[Learn how we helped Hard Rock integrate 10,000 systems — download case study](https://followoz.com/case-studies/hard-rock/)\] But simply having APIs isn’t enough. The travel platform must also integrate these different services into a cohesive user experience. That means ensuring data from all these sources is compatible, error-free, and provides information to users in real time. This is where integration becomes critical—it ensures that the APIs work together seamlessly. Also worth noting is that integration frameworks often include tools for managing APIs. Enterprises don’t just consume APIs; they create and publish their own. A comprehensive integration strategy will also include an API management layer to monitor usage, enforce security policies, and control access. ### **Looking Ahead: IoT and Beyond** As technology evolves and [the Internet of Things (IoT)](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/azure-iot-business-innovation-starts-here/) grows, APIs will play an even bigger role. With 8 billion devices expected to connect online in the coming years, APIs—designed for cloud-first, multi-user environments—are perfectly perched to handle this explosion in connectivity and [app development](https://ciotechworld.com/emerging-trends-in-mobile-device-app-development/). \[Download our e-book: [Future App: Overcoming the 3 Major Challenges to Unlocking the Power & Promise of Today’s Modern Applications](https://followoz.com/resources/ebooks/overcoming-the-3-major-challenges-to-unlocking-the-power-promise-of-todays-modern-applications/)\] ### **Ready to Get Started?** A successful [digital transformation strategy](https://ciotechworld.com/achieving-tech-transformation-success-a-comprehensive-guide/) requires both: APIs to unlock capabilities and integration to orchestrate them into a unified solution. Businesses that master both are better equipped to innovate, scale, and stay competitive. Modernizing your organization’s approach to APIs and integration isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s mission-critical. But it can feel overwhelming without the right partner. That’s where [OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com) can help. With over 25 years of experience in integration and APIs, we help businesses unlock new revenue streams and [future-proof their technology](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/modernize-your-legacy-system-into-a-future-proof-tech-stack/). We’ve partnered with Microsoft, combining their tech with our custom solutions for companies like [Hard Rock](https://followoz.com/case-studies/hard-rock/), [Royal Caribbean](https://followoz.com/case-studies/royal-caribbean/), [RoomsToGo](https://followoz.com/case-studies/rooms-to-go/) to name a few. Curious how we can help you hit your transformation goals? Visit our [enterprise integration](https://followoz.com/services/enterprise-applications-integration/) and [app innovation](https://followoz.com/services/application-development/) pages to learn more. Let’s build something transformative—together. [Contact us](https://followoz.com/blog-contact-us/). **Categories:** Blog --- ### [6 Reasons for Your Team Should Adopt Intelligent Process Automation](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/intelligent-process-automation/) **Published:** May 10, 2021 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** 1. **Thanks to the adoption of Intelligent Process Automation, insurers have taken time-consuming processes off of busy teams and have begun to delight customers with better, faster, and more accurate services.** 2. **The process of adopting automated processes is not as hard as some people think, especially when you have an experienced consultant guiding you through it.** 3. **As you begin to migrate—one step and one process at a time—the time for your team will free up and allow them to focus on higher ranking business goals.** The need for better results—accessed through digital tools and processes—is changing insurance. Businesses absorbing the impact of a disruptive market are now leveraging data collected from every aspect of operations to profit increases. Fueled by rising competition, Property and Casualty Insurance (P&C) industry management teams are rethinking how they work, and data is the gold that is sparking the adoption of Intelligent Process Automation (IPA). Some automated functions that businesses can access once they adopt intelligent process automation are: 1. Policy underwriting 2. Claims processing 3. Reinsurance management 4. Customer support services 5. Invoice processing and payments 6. Security and fraud anomaly detection While having the ability to improve all aspects of a business, IPA can also perform many industry-specific functions for P&C insurers, saving them time and money. Overall, intelligent process automation provides humans with the bandwidth needed to prioritize issues requiring direct customer interaction and gives them the opportunity to focus on tasks that offer a higher value than data entry or review. Delivering these processes faster with a broader scope and fewer errors can reduce business stress and make things more efficient and satisfying for customers and employees. And happy customers are loyal customers—who love to share their experiences with other colleagues and friends. What’s not to like in this picture? ## How Do P&C Insurers Implement Intelligent Process Automation? There are many aspects to beginning this process. Four tips will get you started, as you gain a complete understanding of the automation process and how it will impact your team before you pick up the phone. ### \#1 Identify What’s Slowing You Down One thing many P&C insurers are responding to is a leaner resource pool. Traditionally, fewer workers on the job (whether in-person or remotely) has meant more work and longer hours for remaining team members, not the case with IPA. File management, appointment scheduling, and repetitive tasks can all be automated. If this describes your P&C insurance company, IPA could bring a massive burst of momentum to your staff. An experienced digital software consultant can take you and your team through the process of intelligent automation, surfacing pain points, and determining the right approach. Stakeholders can include staff and, in some cases, even suppliers and business partners. It is essential to address the end-to-end challenges you face each day. No issue is too small or insignificant. At times, the more minor challenges can raise flags on larger, unseen problems. That is why your entire staff needs to be involved in the earliest stages of the IPA implementation process. ### \#2 Start With Your Highest Priorities Take a survey among your staff as to what improvements they’d like to see first. Here is a list of priorities that frequently come up in the insurance industry. - Adoption of digital transformation processes and technologies to help keep up with a digitally savvy customer base. - Removing unnecessary burdens from busy employees through automating processes. - Implement reports and dashboards to enable transparency across your agency and disseminate information across your workforce in real-time. - Automate claims processing and policy underwriting to ensure timely response to customers and speed up service delivery by prioritizing exceptions and sensitive cases to humans while redirecting repetitive tasks to bots. - Reduce compliance risks through software solutions that record audit trails and transaction histories and generate reports or dashboard screens for transparency. ### \#3 Develop A Basic Strategy For How You Will Adopt Intelligent Process Automation Once your management team has identified the highest priority, it’s time to prepare for the automation. - Identify tasks to automate - Align human-performed tasks with higher-ranking business goals - Solve your most significant challenge first - Schedule training - Build enthusiasm within your team for the coming results When this is complete, it is time to reach out to a digital consultant with the expertise to take you through the process of getting your P&C insurance business automated. ### \#4 Measure Ongoing Results Once you automate, be ready to track your progress with solid metrics and celebrate success along the way. You will undoubtedly have more time to do it. Take the automation process from the drawing board to implementation. ## Schedule A Call With OZ to Get Started OZ is a leading [consulting company](https://followoz.com/) whose services and solutions leverage Intelligent Automation to accelerate processes and provide detailed business insights. With specialties in data analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), robotic process automation (RPA), and more, our experts can enhance technology infrastructures to provide accurate reports, inform decision making, and improve job satisfaction. Also, be sure to follow us on [Twitter](https://twitter.com/gofollowoz), [Vimeo](https://vimeo.com/followoz), and [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/followoz/) to stay up to date on our solutions. **Categories:** Blog --- ### [8 RPA Best Practices for Your P&C Insurance Company Processes](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/rpa-best-practices/) **Published:** May 20, 2021 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** Robotic Process Automation, more commonly called RPA, may conjure up to the uninitiated images of full-sized automatons unleashing their Artificial Intelligence (AI) to replace humans, performing perfectly and tirelessly on to the end of time. While AI and robotics are definitely integral to RPA, they are more servants than masters. In a sense, they do replace humans by relieving them of repetitive and boring tasks, consequently freeing them to fully realize their true potential within the company. In other words, robots are the ideal mindless workforce because they simply follow instructions with impressive precision and speed; and the human workforce is finally released from labor practices that dampen the imagination and discourage independent and creative thinking. The best RPA candidates are those processes that are repeatable, require few or no changes between iterations, and offer clear documentation. Over time, most companies realize that there are many processes that qualify for RPA, making it an ongoing and integral aspect of business operations. Businesses that have already implemented RPA best practices are certainly reaping the benefits of such a savvy decision, including the following: - **Digital Transformation** – RPA brings the technology needed to undergo a digital transformation process while doing the grunt work necessary to bring about solutions that help to reshape and inform companies on into the future. - **Empowered Workforce** – Through the implementation of RPA best practices, tasks involving rote actions are handed to competent machines and frees up individuals to pursue true growth and learning, all the while creating deeper company affinity and appreciation. - **Improved Accuracy** – Even the most adept human can miss a beat, particularly when it involves repetitive chores which quickly become boring, whereas machines seem to thrive on such inane tasks - **Streamlined Processes** – Attaining peak performance is possible on two fronts: machines are churning out work at a steady rapid pace and the human workforce is also surpassing goals since they are no longer hindered by slow and error-prone processes, but instead have information and guidance instantly at their fingertips. Companies that have not yet adopted RPA technology are not too far behind those companies already employing RPA technologies but who are not fully utilizing their features and capabilities. It is only when RPA best practices are implemented that the real power and value of RPA is fully realized. ## **These RPA Best Practices Can Optimize Your Insurance Company Processes** Thanks to the incredible versatility and potential for RPA to transform business operations, increase revenues, deepen employee ties, and strengthen customer loyalty, there are multiple RPA best practices that can help an enterprise attain those goals, especially with vigorous attention and flexible responses. The following approaches are proven RPA best practices all businesses should readily and regularly apply: - **Auditing and Tracking** – The simple process of logging all RPA activity can reveal a wealth of information while also acting as the ultimate overseer able to identify and resolve issues before they become problems. - **Breaking Down Processes** – Businesses are complex, as are many of their processes. It is vital to break down more complex tasks into manageable and simple steps to get the most out of RPA. - **Careful Activity Selection** – Prioritizing the importance and necessity of each business activity that will convert to an RPA process is a key factor for a smoother overall RPA transformation. - **Configurable File Creations** – Any automated process needs to offer sufficient flexibility so that workers can get their job done; being able to configure simple data inputs like file paths and document names helps those robots truly serve their human masters. - **Error Management** – Properly structured automation processes must be able to identify erroneous inputs and offer logical and clear explanations and solutions instead of coming to a full halt when a command is not recognized. - **High-Level Frameworks** – A process design document will capture the finest details of a manual process, crucial to instructing a machine how to competently and accurately perform important repetitive assignments. - **Manage Reusable Components** – There is no reason a human user should have to repeat actions, including logging in, checking email, and validating data. This is a perfect RPA example of supporting the human workforce in every possible manner. - **Streamline Workflow Readability** – When defining workflows, do not hesitate to provide clear and logical names to files, activities, data variables, and data arguments. Not only does this help the original author track past work but informs others of important RPA nuances. ## **Ready To Take Your Business To A New Level?** These 8 RPA best practices give any business committed to their future success and relevance the perfect path to attain that goal. [OZ is a leading collaborator of enterprises](https://followoz.com/services/automation/) serious about optimal RPA implementation, [Find out](https://followoz.com/contact-us/) how easy it is to get on board for your own business transformation. **Categories:** Blog --- ### [Bringing Intelligent Process Automation into your Property and Casualty Insurance Company](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/ipa-for-pc-insurance/) **Published:** May 29, 2021 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** The Property & Casualty Insurance (P&C) industry is a rigorous and highly technical discipline. Mistakes in writing insurance policies can cost insurance providers millions of dollars. It is always a fine balance between risk mitigation and providing quality coverage for customers. To mitigate this risk, many insurance providers are implementing [Intelligent Process Automation](https://followoz.com/) (IPA) to better protect their businesses and their customers. Intelligent Process Automation is giving insurance companies a sharper edge, and many are using these valuable capabilities to their competitive advantage. With IPA, insurance providers can automate manual tasks, detect potential fraud, and improve customer support. They can also invoice and process payments, among other benefits, such as policy underwriting and claims management. By turning to automation, P&C teams are eliminating the potential for errors that creep in with manual processes. ## What is Intelligent Process Automation? Intelligent Process Automation uses advanced technologies to manage, automate, and integrate digital processes. There are three primary technologies in IPA. These include: Digital Process Automation (DPA): DPA’s primary use is to optimize workflow. It can automate tasks that normally require human interaction. These include functions in management, risk, policy, benefits, product, marketing, sales, accounting, IT, and HR. Every business function and departmental workflow can be improved with DPA, and have a positive impact on the overall business of an insurance carrier. These automated tasks can also extend to help external users, such as customers, vendors, and stakeholders, providing a better overall user experience across many touchpoints. Robotic Process Automation (RPA): Robotic software emulates human interactions with digital processes. RPA is the process of building, deploying, and managing bots that streamline and automate functions within an insurance carrier. These software robots can perform a wide variety of tasks and functions at a faster and more consistent rate than a human. And unlike their human counterparts, they do not take breaks, get tired, or lose focus due to the repetitiveness of a task. They remain consistent and consistency is key in certain areas of the business. By pairing RPA with Machine Learning (ML), it has the potential to learn and develop over time becoming more efficient. Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI adds an entire level of thinking to IPA. Unlike DPA and RPA, which emulate human tasks, AI can perform tasks most humans could not easily do. These include recognizing patterns of incredibly large unstructured data sets and summarizing these patterns into valuable insights which in return allow humans to make accurate decisions for the future, based on those insights. When pairing AI with its subset ML, machines can automatically learn from data without the need for explicit programming. ## What is the Purpose of IPA? The main purpose of IPA is to allow organizations to automate processes that involve unstructured content. Unstructured content can be in the form of images, texts, raw data, etc. IPA will take unstructured content and make it intuitively structured by using existing machine learning models and proven artificial intelligence programming. Without the need for pre-programmed code or extensive training on large data sets that are out of reach for over 95% of enterprises. ## Why is the Insurance Industry so Far Behind on Adopting IPA? Although the banking and financial industries began adopting IPA technology a long time ago, the insurance industry has been much slower at embracing it. Only recently have insurance companies started launching pilot automation programs that include both RPA and Intelligent Automation. The future impact of these technologies on the insurance industry is expected to be massive. Areas in insurance where process automation can help include: **Claims Processing:** Claims processing is often a highly manual and time-consuming process. Because this process is so labor-intensive, it brings with it a higher potential for human error. By implementing RPA and Machine Learning (ML), insurance companies can optimize the claims processing workflow, including claims intake, assessment, and settlement. This can help minimize friction and cost. **Policy Management:** Another common use for Intelligent Automation in insurance is with policy management. Through automation, policy-holders can submit updates to their policy without human assistance. ML can even accurately extract information for voice messages. It can also do things like process run-loss reports, provide analysis for statements, and explain insurability. **Regulatory Compliance:** Due to the nature of the business, the insurance industry is subject to a hefty amount of stringent regulations. Intelligent Automation can help companies both maintain and improve their compliance standards. Carriers are beginning to automate compliance processes such as compliance checking, name screening, client research, and validation, and produce regulatory reports. **Underwriting:** IPA can assist in underwriting by gathering and assessing data from different sources, then using that information to identify and then mitigate the risks associated with a given policy. These include, but are not limited to, health risks, financial limits, creditworthiness, and duplicate policies. What was once a weeks-long process can be significantly reduced with IPA. ## Learn More With OZ Intelligent Automation allows for a versatile, quick, and accurate service that positively impacts the bottom line and enables better customer service. Industry leaders are adopting IPA at a record pace. This is the perfect time to bring IPA into your organization. However, to reap the benefits of IPA, one must partner with the right automation expert. At OZ, we specialize in providing highly advanced Intelligent Automation services to businesses, including process automation, AI, analytics, enterprise application integrations, and digital solutions. We will work with your business to find the solution that best fits your needs. If you would like to learn more, feel free to [contact us](https://followoz.com/) today! **Categories:** Blog --- ### [AI and ML Help Develop Products & Short Term Coverage to Help Customers In A Crisis ](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/ai-ml-to-develop-coverage-in-a-crisis/) **Published:** June 1, 2021 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** If you’re reading this, you probably already know that crisis management coverage is a type of insurance that helps businesses limit the negative effects of events that could hurt a business’s reputation. It is generally an insurance agreement within the technology errors and omissions (E&O) and the internet/online property and liability policies. However, you may not know that Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) have enormous impacts on the insurance industry’s profitability. These technologies utilize predictive analytics with behavior modeling to enhance business processes, provide higher levels of customer service, and develop better products. Continue reading to learn how AI and ML risk mitigation can help your customers weather a crisis. ## **What is AI?** First conceived in the 1950s, AI is an Intelligent Automation technology that tries to mimic human cognitive intelligence. These include speech recognition, visual perception, decision making, and learning. AI is more so a technique designed to replicate human behavior rather than just a technology. ## **What is ML?** Machine Learning (a function underneath the umbrella of AI) can continually improve an operating system without the need to follow programmed instructions. Through the exposure of data sets, ML can autonomously discover patterns in data and use those insights to make predictions. At its core, ML replicates the human ability to learn processes. ## **AI and ML Make Data More Valuable to Business** Contrary to popular belief, most insurance companies only process a small portion of all the data they have access to. The data they process is generally structured and within easily accessible databases companies already have in place. However, to [access and analyze their other data](https://followoz.com/services/data-analytics-ai/) sources to extract valuable insights, they need a way to transfer that data to their databases. Most of the time, the data is unstructured and therefore a lot more complicated to add to their existing systems. Using advanced data science techniques found through AI, insurance carriers can analyze unstructured data, convert it into structured data, and then extract valuable insights. ML has a proven ability and efficiency. It allows insurance carriers to quickly extract useful information from unstructured, semi-structured, and structured data sets. This makes it possible to use that information to drive business decisions and discover valuable insights. ## **Areas that Benefit From Machine Learning Capabilities** During crises, natural disasters, and other catastrophic events, having the right ML risk mitigation solutions in place helps insurers gain an edge over competitors while navigating tough times. The following processes can greatly benefit from ML’s ability to extract useful information from expansive datasets for better decision-making. ### **Property and Casualty Insurance Recommendations** ML-based systems have the uncanny ability to garner useful insight from both structured and unstructured data. Much of these insights would go unnoticed without ML’s advanced analysis capabilities because of the size of these data sets and the amount of processing power required to process/analyze this data. Insurance companies can use these insights to make informed business decisions. However, once this technology has been put in place and properly trained and configured, insurance carriers can make better use of the huge amounts of data. Newly available insights uncover better insurance recommendations for clients when choosing between different insurance policies. ### **Claims Processing** ML improves operational efficiency and can help with many claims processing functions, from First Notice of Loss to claim registration to claim settlement. Many insurance carriers have already begun automating their claims processes, which can reduce the claims settlement time and enhance the customer experience. For example, AI chatbots can be used to communicate the progress of claims processing. Likewise, ML can help insurers have a better understanding of claims costs. With AI-driven insights, carriers can save millions in claims costs through proactive management, fast settlements, better case management, and targeted investigations. Not to mention, they can be more confident in their decisions and how they allocate their funds through data analytics and other digital tools. ### **Fraud Prevention** A carrier must be quick at spotting fraud and making decisions to mitigate it. With ML, insurance carriers can quickly spot red flags and make real-time decisions to address the issue. ML can identify fraudulent behaviors with identity, orders, payments, locations, and networks. A well-designed ML system becomes more and more reliable, accurate, and efficient at both spotting and preventing fraud from causing serious harm. ## **Let AI and ML Risk Mitigation Help You** AI and ML are proven assets for helping insurance companies make better decisions, develop better products, and provide better coverage for customers. Consider partnering with AI experts to help develop a solution that works for your business. At OZ, we are Intelligent Automation (IA) experts. Our expertise is to help businesses use the power of AI to address these challenges and set them up for future success. If you would like to learn more about AI, ML, or some of our other Intelligent Process Automation services, don’t hesitate to [contact us](https://followoz.com/) today! **Categories:** Blog --- ### [Minimize Disruption for Reinsurance Business Clients with AI and ML](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/minimize-disruption-with-ai/) **Published:** June 9, 2021 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** Unplanned events can have a devastating impact on reinsurance businesses, making it difficult to carry out day-to-day activities. Yet, these disruptions like the pandemic are inevitable even with the best planning and ideal circumstances. However, smart technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) can help providers anticipate such events and minimize disruption through robust strategic planning. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning can glean powerful insights from these occurrences and formulate possible preemptive solutions that the human mind cannot. Let’s look at how reinsurance players can leverage intelligent technologies to reduce disruptions and associated risks. ## AI and ML Reduce Risk by Making Data More Secure As much as new technologies provide innovative solutions for business growth, it has also brought new risks. The enterprise cyber-attack is colossal and continues to grow and evolve rapidly. If not mitigated against, cybersecurity attacks can cause massive disruption in the reinsurance industry, leading to big losses. Recent studies reveal the cost of cybercrime globally [now stands at $1 trillion annually](https://www.techradar.com/au/news/cybercrime-cost-the-world-over-dollar1-trillion-in-2020). With billions of time-varying signals to assess and accurately calculate, improving cybersecurity is no longer a human-scale problem for insurers. Luckily, Artificial Intelligence (AI) based tools for cybersecurity can help your information security teams to reduce breach risk and improve security posture efficiently and effectively. AI and ML reduce risk by quickly analyzing and identifying millions of events, including malware exploiting vulnerabilities, risky behavior that could lead to phishing, and malicious code download. The technologies learn with time and draw from the past to identify new types of attacks now, thus enabling robust detection and response to deviations from the established norms. ## AI and ML Help Keep Rates Down The unprecedented disruption caused by crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic ultimately leads to increased service costs and poor customer experience that can trigger client attrition. However, integrating AI and ML solutions into business operations can be an effective way for reinsurance providers to speed up response time, protect their revenue, and bring down costs. The elimination of waste corrected through AI and ML insights will allow greater efficiency and prioritization of work. It can help reinsurance companies design more affordable policies while also improving profitability. Additionally, companies experience a massive increase in customer queries during unplanned disruptive events like natural disasters and catastrophic events. However, most companies cannot handle a huge influx of requests leading to customer dissatisfaction and bad customer experience. According to research from [HubSpot](https://blog.hubspot.com/sales/live-chat-go-to-market-flaw), [90% of consumers say that getting an immediate response to customer service questions is important](https://blog.hubspot.com/sales/live-chat-go-to-market-flaw). In such scenarios, AI and ML technologies help deliver an integrated approach to speed up response time and protect revenue by personalizing customer care delivery. Some of the AI predictive solutions that can help drive cost reduction with Customer Experience (CX) and attrition gains include: - AI virtual assistants that provide customer assistance through virtual agents for simpler issues. - AI human assistance for customer support via specialist agents for complex issues. The AI technology can be integrated into care flow via Interactive Voice Response, known as IVR, to intercept complex calls and route them to the agents trained to resolve such issues. ## AI and ML Minimize Disruption by Anticipating Shifting Customer Behaviors One of the significant benefits of AI is that it enables reinsurance marketing teams to analyze and understand consumer buying behavior. During disruptive events, marketers can use AI and ML solutions to study the behavior of users and design effective strategies in their marketing plans and strategies. In essence, AI and ML enable the collection and analysis of data such as browsing patterns, searches, and views that can provide great insights that enable a better understanding of the audience’s preferences. Additionally, new AI and ML features, such as customized marketing messages, compel customers to check out the brand’s offers, thereby boosting your behavioral marketing. ## Stay Competitive in a Hot Market Reinsurance providers implementing AI and ML reduce risk in their operations by providing quality services more efficiently than their competitors. AI software typically offers automated services with a nonexistent error margin, thus ensuring successful results while positioning your services as the best option for customers. Since AI tools collect and analyze data, brand managers and product managers can conduct extensive analysis and research on social media platforms, websites, and other forums. Insights from the analyzed data help managers understand customer needs better and choose the most relevant and valuable product or service offering that best meets a prospect’s needs. ## Get Help from the Professionals Intelligent Automation technologies enable insurers to respond effectively to crises by making use of their dynamic capabilities. AI and ML help providers reduce operational costs, increase efficiency, grow revenue, and improve customer experience. These resources also sharpen the competitive edge of your reinsurance operation. Need help getting started with your AI and ML integration? [Contact OZ](https://followoz.com/) today. We are a proven Intelligent Automation technologies developer that can help your team raise concerns, drill down, and formulate the right AI and ML systems to enhance customer experience through digital innovation. **Categories:** Blog --- ### [How Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Work in Property & Casualty Insurance](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/how-ai-and-ml-work-in-p-and-c-ins/) **Published:** June 12, 2021 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** [The insurance industry](https://followoz.com/industries/property-casualty-insurance/) is one of the most important industries guarding the well-being of the people you serve. However, in this current environment, there are many challenges to overcome for yourself and your clients. - Remaining cost-effective in shifting economies - Maintaining and edge against rising competition - Responding to changes in customer requirements - Preserving assets during unforeseen natural disasters - Staying secure amidst everchanging cybersecurity threats These are just a few of the challenges facing Property & Casualty insurance providers looking to stay increasingly agile, responsive and strong. To better navigate current potentialities, emerging technologies like [artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML)](https://followoz.com/services/data-analytics-ai/) are helping insurance carriers provide better services for their customers while setting up their businesses for future success. Here is how AI and ML work in Property & Casualty Insurance. ## How Do AI and ML Work? AI uses intelligent machines to simulate human thinking in order to solve problems that are too big for the human mind to grasp. ML takes the data insights uncovered by AI and leverages them to learn without direct programming. These combined improvement capabilities help P&C insurance companies to become more competitive, productive and accurate. Both AI and ML can be categorized under the umbrella of Intelligent Process Automation (IPA), which describes the use of advanced technologies to manage, automate, and integrate digital processes in daily workflows. Carriers use AI and ML to address complexity issues within different areas of operations, such as policy writing. Advanced intelligence enhances security by detecting when applicant information may be fraudulent. Other advanced technologies include: ### Digital Process Automation Digital Process Automation (DPA) is a digital technology that can automate one or more tasks in a business process. Many Property & Casualty Insurance Providers use DPA as a way to invoice and process payments. With DPA, processes are partially automated, so it still requires some form of human interaction. Benefits to DPA include: - Reduced Operational Costs - Better Customer Service - Increased Employee Satisfaction - Better Compliance and Security ### Artificial Intelligence The core function of AI and ML is to replicate human cognition and perform tasks the way a human would with more accuracy and efficiency. Because humans are independent, action-oriented beings, AI and ML capabilities are autonomous and self-improving. AI can handle both complex and repetitive tasks. Some of the [benefits to AI](https://followoz.com/services/data-analytics-ai/) include: - Automation - Minimize Errors - Increase Business Efficacy and Efficiency - Provides Smart Decision Making - Can Solve Complex Problems - Can Handle Repetitive/ Mundane Tasks - Provides In-Depth Research and Analytics ### Robotic Process Automation [Robotic Process Automation](https://followoz.com/services/automation/) (RPA) is the technology that builds, manages, and deploys software robots. These robots mimic human interactions with digital systems, software, and customers. These robots can understand processes like navigating systems, understanding what’s on a screen, completing keystrokes, extracting data, and more. These robots can complete a wide range of functions and services. Benefits to RPA include: - Scalability - Adaptable to Workflow Changes - Highly Accurate - Increased Productivity - Better Employee Engagement ## How Insurance Carriers Use AI AI is a powerful tool that can impact the insurance industry in many ways. Insurance companies use AI to assist with data migration, claims processing, underwriting, fraud detection, and customer service. For instance, to improve customer service, many providers are investing in virtual assistants such as Chatbots. [Chatbots are not AI](https://followoz.com/services/data-analytics-ai/) directly, however, they utilize the power of AI and they represent a simple example to implement in any customer service department that has the potential to drastically improve the communication with customers, the automation of simple requests/ inquiries, and the proper funneling of customers to human representatives when needed. ## How Insurance Providers Use ML A good example of ML implementation among Insurance Providers is the addition of Machine Learning to predict premium prices and losses from their policies. Detecting potential risks early on in the underwriting process allows insurance to make better use of an underwriter’s time. Additionally, improving this process using ML gives insurance companies a huge competitive advantage by providing better policies and saving them money. ## Benefits of AI and ML for Insurance Teams AI helps humans and businesses pull insights from a vast amount of structured and unstructured data sources to implement intelligent solutions that save insurance providers time, money, while improving service for customers. When looking for a cost-effective way to elevate business operations and customer care, insurance companies should consider AI and ML because of the value these solutions deliver for the effort. ## Partner With an Industry Expert AI and ML technologies are becoming increasingly integrated with the insurance industry, particularly in the property & casualty medium. If you want to experience the benefits for yourself, getting started is easy. Talk with OZ, an advanced digital solutions provider specializing in developing custom solutions for the industry. Our team of experts will work with your business to design the AI and ML services that fit your business model and needs. If you would like to learn more about OZ or any of the types of advanced digital services, don’t hesitate to reach out to learn more. **Categories:** Blog --- ### [Use Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Risk Mitigation to Drive Short, Mid and Long Term Planning for Your Reinsurance Team](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/ai-ml-mitigation-planning-reinsurance/) **Published:** June 20, 2021 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ### Key Takeaways In This Blog: - Integrating AI and ML boosts efficiency in mitigation planning, enhancing security and providing better customer experiences. This translates to a better bottom line. - Automating labor-intensive processes with AI and ML allows your team to mitigate risk while also delivering better on critical growth initiatives. - AI and ML can spot patterns and anomalies in vast data sets to alert you of areas for growth and adjust strategies for mitigation planning and to pinpoint where to best invest valuable resources. More insurance providers are now relying on digital solutions and innovative technologies to stay competitive in the current highly volatile marketplace. By integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) into core insurance operations, providers improve their operational efficiency, provide better solutions and build more precise underwriting models. What are these technologies and how can your company leverage AI and ML to mitigate risks, satisfy your customers, and ultimately improve your bottom line? ## What Are AI and ML? Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to the simulation of human intelligence and discernment in machines to do tasks usually done by humans. The machines are programmed to think like humans and mimic human actions such as learning and problem-solving. Machine Learning (ML) is a type of Artificial Intelligence (AI) that allows self-learning from data for software applications to predict outcomes without human intervention. ML is used to build algorithms that receive input data and utilize statistical analysis to predict the output based on available data. ## Insurance Processes That Benefit from Machine Learning Capabilities The benefits of implementing AI into insurance processes are immense. Apart from time and cost-saving benefits, these technologies can help providers improve Customer Experience and increase their profitability thanks to more accurate customer pricing and reduced fraudulent claims. These processes rely on neural networks in which multiple layers of processing are used to extract data, producing progressively higher levels of learning capability. The following insurance processes can significantly benefit from smart digital technologies’ ability to pull from substantial data sources: ## 1. Underwriting In the era of diverse and constantly evolving risks, AI combined with deep learning can help insurance providers streamline their underwriting process and identify risks that can impact their business. AI applications can aggregate large data sets in different formats and apply preset identifiers and models to generate results that human underwriters use to make informed decisions. Additionally, AI and big data analytics help expand the range of data sources available to underwriters, leading to better evaluations of risks. Some of the common uses of AI in underwriting include: - Reducing the number of tasks: AI helps in the processing of underwriting submissions, including extraction of information from PDFs, printed documents, emails, thus reducing the work underwriters need to do by hand - Making informed decisions: Making risk-prone decisions by analyzing submissions and the related risk data. - Submission assignment and triaging: AI’s optimizing and forecasting technologies can help assign specific submissions to the appropriate underwriter with the right skills and training. - Evaluation of risk profiles: the Intelligent Automation tools can shift through all kinds of structured and unstructured data and aggregate relevant information for underwriters to use. ## 2. Claims Management With thousands of claims, customer queries, and massive amounts of diverse data to manage daily, claims processing undertaken by humans is prone to many errors that creep in due to boredom, lack of focus, and fatigue. By investing in AI and ML-enabled technologies, insurance companies can automate most claim processing tasks for faster claim support to loyal customers with no error margin. AI-powered automated claim support can also liberate insurance companies from costly fraudulent claims by identifying data patterns in claim reports and ascertain if the claims fit established standards and regulations. This not only allows an almost error-free process but also improves it as the AI-powered [automated claim support](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/intelligent-process-automation/) learns and adjusts accordingly over time. Insurers can achieve better claims management by using intelligent technologies in the following ways: - Automate claims and damage evaluation - Enable real-time question-and-answer services for improved customer experiences - Automate fraud detections that utilize enriched data analytics - Predict claim volume patterns and plan accordingly - Augment loss analysis ## 3. Customer Service AI is transforming the quality of customer service interaction. It can grow with your client base, easily scaling and serving multiple customers simultaneously 24/7/365. Additionally, it reduces handling time. When combined with ML, AI learns and adapts, providing proactive and client-specific support. It also authenticates customer identity, easily tracking performance while focusing on and solving complex data-driven problems. Combining smart technologies with human ingenuity across customer service efforts can be one way to effectively solve complex challenges, develop new products, and create new solutions. That is because, though they do not replace humans, they allow humans more time and bandwidth to do other things that help the business even further. In a 2021 report by [SEMrush](https://www.semrush.com/blog/artificial-intelligence-stats/#header7), 54% of executives say implementing AI in their workplace increased productivity. 79% said AI will make their jobs simpler and more efficient. In an industry where complexity is a daily occurrence, this can come as a relief. Chatbots (that use AI to optimize efficiency) offer your clients 24-hour service (64%), giving instant responses to inquiries (55%), and answering simple questions (55%). Additionally, AI and ML-powered technologies help insurers improve their team’s effectiveness by scanning through massive amounts of raw data from research trends. ## Key Takeaway: AI and ML See Things Beyond Human Ability to Grasp and Allow Your Teams to Do More The combined impact of using AI and ML is helping Property and Casualty insurance companies evolve with their customers and grow in relevance by providing better insurance needs. Both of these technologies detect anomalies and trends and can learn how to respond to enhance the risk management strategies of your company. Integrating smart technologies into your digital processes is something OZ specializes in by providing solutions that will allow you to achieve personalized policies and underwriting efficiency, speedier and more accurate claims management, and greater satisfaction for customers and staff. [Contact us](https://followoz.com/) today to learn more. **Categories:** Blog --- ### [Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Help Insurers Develop Responsive Coverage Solutions ](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/ai-and-ml-coverage-solutions/) **Published:** June 24, 2021 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** For most [Property & Casualty (P&C) insurance companies](https://followoz.com/industries/property-casualty-insurance/), the COVID-19 pandemic prompted several strategic and operational changes complicating an already challenging business environment. To facilitate these operational changes and overcome subsequent challenges, insurers are now leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML). Specifically, the combination of AI and ML can help insurance carriers digitally transform outdated methods and develop responsive coverage solutions to meet the ever-changing customer needs and stay ahead of the competition. ## AI and ML: Why Are They Critical in the Insurance Industry? [AI and ML offer the intelligence and data comprehension capabilities](https://followoz.com/services/data-analytics-ai/) not possible with the human mind due to the expansive amount of data and processing power required to perform such tasks. The technology collates and analyzes a range of data sets to find trends, answer questions, and provide insights that help insurers make informed and data-driven decisions about different areas of their businesses. Importantly, leveraging the power of smart technologies can help the insurance industry to: - Increase operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness - Mitigate risks by detecting waste, potential fraud, and unordinary activities - Accelerate growth through scalable solutions and meaningful innovations ## What Is the Difference Between AI and ML in the Insurance Industry? While [AI mirrors human thinking](https://followoz.com/services/data-analytics-ai/), solving problems identified from analyzing enormous data-sets, ML learns and improves by carrying out practical aspects of the insurance process. Machine Learning enables the continuous refining of insurance processes so that services and coverage become more targeted. Using machine learning, insurance companies can offer more personalized services and customer experiences from insights learned from existing client data. ## How AI and ML Help Insurers Develop Responsive Coverage Solutions ### Better Anticipation of Coverage Preferences As the insurance sector marketplace heats up, companies are in a tight race to offer more innovative products and services to gain an edge over their competition. With so many options to choose from, people are becoming increasingly picky with their purchases. Insurers can leverage the solutions offered by AI and ML to better anticipate the coverage preferences of their existing customers and prospects and improve overall satisfaction. Claims and underwriting agents can leverage AI to predict needs and purchasing behaviors and communicate with prospects at the right time in their buying journey to recommend the products they are most likely to buy. ### Enables Personalized and Accurate Policy Underwriting Typically, there are four types of insurance coverage everyone needs. These include life insurance, health insurance, Long Term Disability insurance, and auto insurance. Customers looking for any of the products expect to receive personalized services that meet their needs, preferences, and lifestyle. Advanced analytics offered by Machine Learning can help insurers draw data about individual preferences, behaviors, lifestyles, and hobbies to create personalized products. Additionally, behavior-based machine learning models enable insurance companies to predict customer lifetime value (CLV) to assess the customer’s potential profitability and create a more personalized marketing offer. ### More Sophisticated Rating In the insurance industry, a rating is the heartbeat of sound underwriting decisions. Ideally, insurers can comfortably accommodate most risks, provided they find a good match in pricing. Unfortunately, most insurers still rely on traditional tools to evaluate risks. The result is that individual customers end up being assessed using outdated indicators such as credit score and loss history that don’t reflect on their actual risk level. Insurance agents can leverage machine learning to classify risks precisely and calculate more accurate predictive pricing models that suit individual customers based on their risk level. ## What Are the Most Popular AI Applications in the Insurance Industry? Some of the most popular Machine Learning applications that most industry leaders use includes: Chatbots and AI assistants: These tools are used to respond to internal agent inquiries and in the provision of guidance on business protocols. They are not typical AI applications but they utilize this technology to maximize their efficiency. Driver performance monitoring: Deep learning algorithms are applied to client data to help customize products for clients and meet their specific needs. Insurance market analytics: Machine Learning algorithms are also used to interpret driver data for agents to monitor market trends and locate opportunities faster and more efficiently. ## Are You Ready to Ride the Wave of AI and ML Efficiency? Today, the insurance sector is undergoing a massive digital transformation thanks to the quick adoption of intelligent technologies. Insurers are leveraging the power of machine learning to enhance their efficiency, improve customer services, develop responsive coverage solutions and detect fraud. If you are eager to optimize your operations with AI and ML, OZ can help you identify the right prioritization for your business now. [Contact us](https://followoz.com/) today. **Categories:** Blog --- ### [Intelligent Automation in the Insurance Industry - July 2021 Snapshot](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/insurance-industry-snapshot-july2021/) **Published:** July 27, 2021 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** **With experience in the insurance industry, we know how immensely necessary the push toward digitization and true intelligently automated processes is.** To keep up with the changing landscape and conversation, OZ has compiled a new [Insurance Industry Snapshot](https://followoz.com/IA-insurance-snapshot-july). Each month, expect highlights of the latest and greatest news surrounding Insurtech, Customer Experience, Claims, Underwriting, and more. Come back next month for our latest edition of the Insurance Industry Snapshot, and feel free to share the newsletter-style updates with your colleagues and organization. ### [Click here for the Intelligent Automation in the Insurance Industry – July 2021 Snapshot](https://followoz.com/IA-insurance-snapshot-july) ### **INNOVATION SEPARATES LEADERS FROM FOLLOWERS** OZ is a global digital technology consultancy and software delivery & development partner founded to enable business acceleration by leveraging modern technologies I.e., Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Data Analytics, Business Intelligence, Micro Services, Cloud, RPA & Intelligent Automation, Web 2.0/3.0, Azure, AWS, and many more. Our certified consultants bring a diverse array of backgrounds and skill sets to the table, leveraging the latest outcome-driven technologies and methodologies to address the unique, constantly evolving challenges modern businesses face. We accomplish this by supporting the digital innovation goals of our clients, keeping them ahead of the competition, optimizing profitable growth, and strategically aligning business outcomes with the technologies that drive them – all underpinned by decades of mission-critical experience and a shared culture of continuous modernization. OZ will work side by side with you to fully leverage our relationships with the world’s leading technology companies so you can reap the benefits of best-in-class implementation, integration, and automation—making the most of your technology investments and powering next-gen innovation. Deliver game-changing digital transformation and technology consulting services for our clients by leveraging over twenty-five years of experience and partnerships with the world’s leading technology companies. OZ has the talent and extraordinary commitment to be the best choice for digital consulting for clients who want to create exceptional customer experiences, enabled by disruptive digital technologies and innovation. When we say “customer experience”, that customer can be an actual customer, consumer, user, employee, partner or B2B. **Categories:** Blog --- ### [Automated document scanning solution demo](https://followoz.com/resources/demo-videos/automated-document-scanning-solution-demo/) **Published:** June 3, 2026 **Author:** Maria Umar **Categories:** Demo videos, Resources --- ### [Success, Sales, & You](https://followoz.com/resources/forbes/success-sales-you/) **Published:** July 21, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** “As a technology leader, it’s easy to think that sales is someone else’s job,” OZ Chief Solutions Officer [Emmanuel Ramos](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mannyramos/) in a recent [*Forbes* article](https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2023/05/31/courageous-communication-a-guide-for-technology-leaders/). “However, the reality is that we are all in sales.” So, once you acknowledge this truism…what next? Don’t worry: Ramos has got you covered with a concise-yet-comprehensive guide to getting your sales game on point and ready to deploy. “Realizing the fundamentals of sales and honing your own abilities in that area can aid you to converse more effectively with clients and stakeholders,” he writes, “eventually resulting in improved success for your business.” Read the whole thing [here](https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2023/07/07/we-are-all-in-sales-3-ways-technology-leaders-can-improve-their-sales-abilities/?sh=2c1036c5720d). And to learn more about OZ’s strategic offerings, click [here](https://followoz.com/services/). *OZ Digital Consulting is here to provide the best solutions and advice for your business needs. From data analytics & AI, enterprise integration and intelligent automation, web/mobile applications, Cloud and IT services—we have the expertise to make sure that your transition is seamless. Let us be your guide in this digital journey–-*[*contact us*](https://followoz.com/contact-us/) *today for a consultation!* ### **INNOVATION SEPARATES LEADERS FROM FOLLOWERS** OZ is a global digital technology consultancy and software delivery & development partner founded to enable business acceleration by leveraging modern technologies I.e., Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Data Analytics, Business Intelligence, Micro Services, Cloud, RPA & Intelligent Automation, Web 2.0/3.0, Azure, AWS, and many more. Our certified consultants bring a diverse array of backgrounds and skill sets to the table, leveraging the latest outcome-driven technologies and methodologies to address the unique, constantly evolving challenges modern businesses face. We accomplish this by supporting the digital innovation goals of our clients, keeping them ahead of the competition, optimizing profitable growth, and strategically aligning business outcomes with the technologies that drive them – all underpinned by decades of mission-critical experience and a shared culture of continuous modernization. OZ will work side by side with you to fully leverage our relationships with the world’s leading technology companies so you can reap the benefits of best-in-class implementation, integration, and automation—making the most of your technology investments and powering next-gen innovation. Deliver game-changing digital transformation and technology consulting services for our clients by leveraging over twenty-five years of experience and partnerships with the world’s leading technology companies. OZ has the talent and extraordinary commitment to be the best choice for digital consulting for clients who want to create exceptional customer experiences, enabled by disruptive digital technologies and innovation. When we say “customer experience”, that customer can be an actual customer, consumer, user, employee, partner or B2B. **Categories:** OZ in Forbes **Tags:** Forbes --- ### [“We Want to say, ‘Yes’”: 3 Ways Third-Party Data Integration Will Innovate & Accelerate the Insurance Industry](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/we-want-to-say-yes-3-ways-third-party-data-integration-will-innovate-accelerate-the-insurance-industry/) **Published:** December 14, 2022 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** *During a panel at **the 2022 Underwriting Innovation conference**—the “only USA event dedicated to technology and innovation for underwriters”—OZ President of Global Insurance Practice Mark Smith spoke on the past, present, and future of third-party data integration.* *We’ve condensed and expanded this illuminating presentation into the three points below…* ### 1. Be Here Now There is a lot more data available out in the market today than ten years ago. On one hand, you can get glimpses through [insurtechs](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/i/insurtech.asp) at how powerful that can be—the two-question quote. But in other, very important ways, I don’t think that as an industry we’re moving as quickly as we need to be to digitize that data, automate the current underwriting process, or utilize a lot of the other third-party data that is going to offer us the [deeper insights that we need for new product development.](https://followoz.com/industries/property-casualty-insurance-in-intelligent-automation/) We want to say, *Yes*. The key questions are: How often do we say “Yes” to what we shouldn’t say “Yes” to? And, on the flip side, how often do we say “No” to what we should say “Yes” to? The right data and insights can help us get to a much better place when answering both of those questions. ### 2. Make a Legacy of Change Two key issues need to be addressed for us to effectively harness and channel the power of all this data. First, you must [transform legacy systems](https://followoz.com/services/enterprise-application-integration/) from an implicit argument for stasis into a part of an evolving solution. Legacy systems are, I would say, more of an excuse versus an impediment because I think with our microservices architecture capabilities today you can—with the right integration expertise and services—make those systems work. And that opens up a world of possibilities. The second issue is change management. To effectively implement any new processes or SOPs you need to nurture an open environment in which a [single source of truth](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/towards-a-single-source-of-truth-ozs-mark-smith-on-ai-luminaries-2/) can be established—i.e., the foundation for an ecosystem-wide buy-in that is the prerequisite for success. So, once the data is gathered, you provide it to the underwriter in a digitized fashion so they can understand it and, just as importantly, trust it. I’ve seen many companies invest in hundreds of data scientists who all did amazing work, but, in the end, nothing ever got implemented in production. Nobody trusted the data. Nobody trusted the analytics. We can build that trust with technology. ### 3. The Path to “Yes” If you talk to most underwriters, they’ll say forty percent of their time is devoted to getting the data…pulling the data…finding the data…reading through the document…finding information they’re looking for. Maybe they get online and look at a review of the restaurant to see if they’ve got locks in the back or if it’s really a bar or whatever. Generally speaking, though, a lot of underwriting decisions are made with less than the desired data. Why? Step one in my mind is to use that data we’re able to scrape off the web—which is almost all of it—to make the current underwriting process more efficient. We can [automate better decisions](https://followoz.com/services/data-analytics-ai/). Then we can move on to securing additional data that will provide actionable insights. You have some insurtechs out there that are already providing a crime score, right? Or a weather score. You know, one billion in lightning strike claims; a couple billion in hail. How do we account for those things when we’re assessing the list? I can, for example, understand any prior claims, whether with me or a prior insurer. But what insights are out there that might inform other coverages? Insurtechs are already doing it. The industry should be watching that space to glean and incorporate the best ideas. *OZ offers a comprehensive and diverse array of solutions dedicated to empowering insurance providers. To find out more or schedule a strategic session [click here](https://followoz.com/industries/property-casualty-insurance-in-intelligent-automation/).* **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Insurance --- ### [Migrating BizTalk Applications to Azure Integration Services: An OZ Technical Guide](https://followoz.com/resources/technical-guides/migrating-biztalk-applications-to-azure-integration-services-an-oz-technical-guide/) **Published:** April 4, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** [![Download PDF](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/6318251/9a8a3ff6-8445-4589-b1e0-06a3cc136a27.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/6318251/9a8a3ff6-8445-4589-b1e0-06a3cc136a27) By Umar Siddique Today, the success of your business depends, at least in part, on how smoothly you can migrate your applications to Azure while empowering your employees and satisfying your customers. ### Enter BizTalk Which, as its official Microsoft website [notes](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/biztalk/core/getting-started-with-biztalk-server), is an incredibly versatile tool that touches virtually every area of one’s business: > BizTalk Server is a [publish and subscribe architecture](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/biztalk/core/publish-and-subscribe-architecture) that [uses adapters](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/biztalk/core/using-adapters) to receive and send messages, implements [business processes through orchestration](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/biztalk/core/defining-business-processes), and includes [management and tracking](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/biztalk/core/management-and-tracking-architecture) of these different parts. BizTalk Server also includes [trading partner management](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/biztalk/core/trading-partner-management-using-biztalk-server) for business-to-business messaging, [high availability](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/biztalk/core/planning-for-high-availability3) to maximize uptime, a development platform to [create your own components](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/biztalk/core/developing-custom-components), an administration console to [manage your artifacts](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/biztalk/core/operational-and-administrative-tasks-in-your-biztalk-environment), and business activity monitoring to manage [aggregations, alerts, and profiles.](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/biztalk/core/using-business-activity-monitoring) Ready to combine the power of BizTalk and Azure? The following guide covers the strategies and best practices you’ll need to be successful. ### ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Azure-Integration-Services-1.6.png) ### Migration Strategies There are several options for migrating from BizTalk to Azure Integration Services. The best approach will, of course, depend upon factors such as the complexity of your existing BizTalk integrations, the size of your organization, and your budget. Here are some of the most common migration strategy options: 1. **Lift and shift**: Deploy your existing BizTalk servers as virtual machines in Azure and configure them to work with Azure Integration Services. This approach can be relatively quick and easy, but it may not take full advantage of cloud capabilities. 2. **Re-Platforming**: Migrate your existing BizTalk artifacts—schemas, maps, and orchestrations—to Azure Integration Services. This will require some changes to your existing integrations to ensure compatibility and can be more time-consuming than lift and shift, but offers more flexibility and scalability. 3. **Refactoring**: Change the architecture of your existing integrations to take full advantage of cloud capabilities—including serverless computing and microservices architecture. Yes, this will involve significant changes to your existing integrations and may even require rebuilding them from scratch. Despite the time and cost, however, the reward is the highest degree of flexibility and scalability. This can be more complex and require more planning, but it offers greater flexibility and control over the migration process. ### Plan for Migration Because the two platforms have different architectures and capabilities, migrating artifacts from BizTalk to Logic Apps can be a complex process, requiring plenty of planning, preparation, testing, and deployment. Key steps include… - **Review:** Begin by reviewing your existing integrations in BizTalk and identifying the artifacts that need to be migrated. For example: maps, schemas, orchestrations, pipelines, and custom adapters. - **Evaluate Compatibility:** Determine if the existing artifacts are compatible with Logic Apps. For example: Logic Apps uses JSON and XML as data formats, so any artifacts that use other formats may need to be updated. - **Convert Artifacts:** Convert the existing artifacts to the appropriate format for Logic Apps. For example: maps can be converted to Liquid templates or JSON transforms, and orchestrations can be converted to workflows using the Logic Apps designer. - **Rebuild Custom Adapters:** If you have custom adapters in BizTalk, you will need to rebuild those with Logic Apps connectors or custom connectors utilizing the Azure Functions platform. - **Test and Validate:** Once the artifacts have been migrated, test and validate the integrations to ensure they function as expected. It is important to perform thorough testing to identify and address any issues before deploying to production. - **Deploy to Production:** After testing is complete, deploy the migrated artifacts to the production environment. Make sure to follow best practices for deployment, including version control and change management. - **Decommission BizTalk:** Once the migration is complete and all integrations are running successfully in Logic Apps, consider decommissioning BizTalk to avoid unnecessary costs and maintenance. ### Comparision & Capabilities At this point, a high-level comparison of some key components between BizTalk and Azure Logic Apps may be useful: - **Messaging:** In BizTalk, messaging is primarily based on XML documents and the BizTalk Message Box, which is a database that stores messages and orchestrations. In Azure Logic Apps, messaging is based on a connector-based architecture that supports various data formats like XML, JSON, Flat Files, etc. Logic Apps also use triggers to initiate workflows based on events or incoming messages. - **Connectors:** BizTalk has a range of built-in adapters that allow it to communicate with various systems and technologies such as SQL Server, FTP, HTTP, SOAP, REST, etc. Logic Apps, on the other hand, use connectors to integrate with various services such as Azure Service Bus, Blob Storage, Event Hub, and various SaaS applications like Salesforce, Dynamics 365, and Office 365. - **Mapping:** BizTalk uses the BizTalk Mapper, which is a visual tool for creating maps between source and destination schemas. It allows developers to transform data between different formats and perform complex manipulations using functions. In Azure Logic Apps, mapping is typically done using the Liquid template language or the JSON transform action. - **Workflow Orchestration:** BizTalk supports a range of workflow orchestration patterns such as sequential, parallel, and convoy, and allows developers to create complex orchestrations using the BizTalk Orchestration Designer. Logic Apps, on the other hand, uses a workflow designer that allows users to create workflows using a drag-and-drop interface. Logic Apps also offer several pre-built connectors to interact with various services and applications. - **Monitoring and Analytics:** BizTalk offers several tools for monitoring and tracking messages, including the BizTalk Health Monitor, the BizTalk Group Hub, and the BAM (Business Activity Monitoring) portal. Azure Logic Apps provides built-in tracking, logging, and monitoring capabilities, including Azure Monitor and Azure Log Analytics. ### Feature Matchup The following table and diagram roughly illustrates how resources, artifacts, features, and capabilities match up between BizTalk Server compared to Azure Integration Services, although the correlation will not be one-to-one. Further, while Azure Integration Services is a key platform for integration workloads, it is important to consider all the available Azure capabilities. ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Azure-BizTalk_Tech-Guide_Image-1-1.png) ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Azure-BizTalk_Tech-Guide_Image-2-1.png) ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Azure-BizTalk_Tech-Guide_Image-3.5.png) Regardless of where you are on your digital transformation journey, OZ can help you save money, increase scalability, gain competitive advantage, and improve business efficiency and operations. Find out more about our cloud services and assessment offerings [here](https://followoz.com/). **Categories:** Technical Guides **Tags:** Tech Services --- ### [Log Monitoring: The Pros and Cons and All You Need to Know](https://followoz.com/resources/technical-guides/log-monitoring-the-pros-and-cons-and-all-you-need-to-know/) **Published:** June 5, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** [![Download PDF](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/6318251/ff20f8b0-c76c-4f58-b1fb-f873fb483cc3.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/6318251/ff20f8b0-c76c-4f58-b1fb-f873fb483cc3) **By Zaheer Ahmad Chaudhry** Cloud environments are getting more complex with the rise of cloud-native technologies, containers, and microservices architectures. To stay on top of what’s happening in these complex environments, software developers need to monitor, analyze, and manage logs to identify threats, troubleshoot problems, and optimize network performance. ### What is a Log? In computing, a log is a record of events containing a timestamp and other details. With the help of logs, developers can identify issues — sometimes not obvious from other information sources — and act before they become significant problems. For instance, when an application seems to be operating normally, logs may show intermittent problems that can affect the application’s performance. ### What is Log Monitoring? In today’s complex technology environments, log monitoring — gathering, examining, and managing the logs produced by a program — is critical in helping you understand your software application’s functionality, behavior, and security, ensuring it always runs seamlessly. It allows developers to locate and troubleshoot issues in software programs and take appropriate action. ### The Pros of Log Monitoring ##### Identify and Troubleshoot Issues Its biggest strength is its ability to identify issues — before they escalate into problems — and resolve them fast. For instance, there could be problems regarding compatibility, network, or other challenges when a program interacts with other systems. By analyzing the logs, you can identify the root cause of the problem and take corrective action. Log monitoring also makes it easier for developers to reproduce problems that can take a while, especially if they are intermittent or challenging to reproduce. Developers may find it easier to reproduce an issue and pinpoint its source when they can access logs that detail the series of activities that lead up to it. ##### Optimize Performance Log monitoring while improving the functionality of software programs also helps developers to: - Find bottlenecks and take corrective action to improve program performance by examining the logs produced by the application. - Get insights into the application’s resource usage to optimize performance. Logs, for instance, can reveal details on the CPU, memory, and network usage of the application. Developers can maximize resource efficiency by examining this data and pinpointing locations where the program is using resources inefficiently. - Learn about the program’s response time — a crucial component in determining the performance of the application — and identify locations where the application’s response is slow, then study the logs and take action to boost performance. - Understand the program’s usage patterns to enhance performance. For instance, logs can reveal data on the volume of requests, the time of day when requests are made most frequently, and the most popular request types. Developers can optimize the performance of the application by identifying patterns and trends in this data. What may not be visible from other sources of information can be gleaned from log monitoring. For instance, network or database issues could be the cause of an application’s delayed response times. Logs can help developers identify the precise area of the application that is at fault, making it simpler for them to implement a fix. ##### Security Log monitoring makes software programs more secure. While it secures software programs, it also helps developers detect security gaps and prevent security breaches including: - Offering insights into potential security issues, revealing details about unauthorized access, attempts to use the application’s weaknesses against it, and other questionable actions. Developers can discover possible security issues and take corrective action to stop security breaches by evaluating this data. - Providing important details regarding the origin of security concerns. For instance, logs can provide details such as the IP address of the user attempting unauthorized access, the kind of attack, and the time of the attack. With this data, engineers can locate the security threat’s origin and take appropriate action. - Finding security vulnerabilities that may not be obvious from other information sources. For instance, even though a program might seem to be working properly, logs may show attempts to access sensitive information or carry out unauthorized actions that developers can stop. - Shedding light on security measures and gauging the number of unsuccessful and successful login attempts, and other security-related events. Developers can then study this data and evaluate the security measures being taken. ##### Compliance Log monitoring is a crucial tool for ensuring adherence to laws and industry standards. Organizations must retain and regularly check the logs produced by their software programs to ensure they’re complying with numerous regulations and standards on security, privacy, and more. Their log documents are proof that they’re complying with legal obligations and professional standards. For instance, the logs might reveal that access controls, data encryption, and other security precautions were taken per HIPAA, PCI DSS, and GDPR laws. - Spot and reduce compliance risk: Logs can provide details about sensitive data changes, unauthorized users attempting to gain access, and other activities that might point to a larger compliance issue. The data helps organizations take appropriate action to mitigate risk. - Adhere to industry standards and regulations: Regulations mandate that businesses perform recurring security audits and examine the logs produced by their apps. Organizations can prove they have carried out the necessary audits and taken the necessary corrective action with log records. - Get insights into compliance patterns and trends: You can spot patterns in compliance infringements like unauthorized access attempts or data breaches. With this data you can then strengthen compliance practices and minimize future compliance infractions. ### The Cons of Log Monitoring ##### Resource-Intensive Log monitoring is resource-intensive, especially when you’re dealing with large volumes of logs associated with complex software applications. Plus, it’s expensive requiring large investments in hardware, software, and employees, depending on the techniques and technologies employed. So, organizations must consider the potential impact of log monitoring on system performance and resource utilization and carefully balance the advantages and disadvantages before coming to a decision. ##### Key Challenges: - Depending on the size and complexity of the application, logs can quickly accumulate into terabytes or even petabytes, requiring significant computing resources and storage capacity. - Log monitoring can affect system performance by using up a lot of CPU, memory, and network resources, depending on resources and how often it is done. This could potentially slow down or even crash the monitored application’s performance. - Organizations must carefully assess their log monitoring approach and the resources devoted to it to address these issues. This could entail utilizing log aggregation tools to gather logs from several sources in one place or adopting log rotation strategies to reduce the quantity of data retained. To manage the processing and analysis of massive volumes of log data, organizations may also need to invest in additional computing resources. ##### Complex When managing vast numbers of logs from sophisticated software systems, log monitoring can be a challenge, given the complexity of your log monitoring plan and the tools and the technology you employ. Logs — depending on the program and the kinds of events you record — can be highly complicated and challenging to understand, making it difficult to locate and resolve issues, identify security threats, and detect compliance risks. Using efficient log analysis methods and technologies to understand and visualize log data — from installing data visualization tools to exhibiting log data graphically, utilizing log aggregation tools to combining logs from several sources into one location, and applying machine learning techniques to finding patterns and abnormalities in log data — makes it more accessible. Each suite of tools and technologies has its unique set of features, capabilities, and limitations. To choose the one that best suits your business needs, you must thoroughly assess its merits and factor in price, usability, scalability, and integration with all your other tools and systems. A well-defined strategy with specific guidelines for gathering, storing, analyzing, and reporting log data, collaboration between teams, and stakeholder buy-in can set you up for long-term success. Don’t forget to assign roles and responsibilities and put a schedule in place. ##### Data Overload Dealing with data overload is one of the primary concerns. Log data can quickly build up into terabytes or even petabytes, depending on the size and complexity of the monitored application. Finding pertinent data that can detect the problem, optimize performance, security, and compliance can be more challenging while processing and analyzing such massive amounts of data. Using log aggregation and filtering tools to combine logs from various sources into one location and removing redundant information is one strategy for dealing with data overload. Lowering the total amount of log data will make it simpler to process and evaluate the remaining data. Implementing machine learning algorithms is yet another strategy to find patterns and abnormalities in log data and flag any events for additional evaluation. By automating log analysis, machine learning algorithms can lighten the load on human analysts who would otherwise have to sort through vast amounts of data manually. Organizations also need to think about how to archive and store log data. They may need to keep log data for long periods due to regulatory obligations and commercial demands, which can result in enormous amounts of data that must be managed and maintained. They must also adopt a clear and efficient log monitoring plan that includes well-defined policies and procedures for gathering, storing, analyzing, and reporting on log data to manage data overload. To ensure it remains applicable and efficient in the face of shifting business requirements and technology improvements, this strategy should be reviewed and updated regularly. ##### Security Risks Ensuring the logs are safe is essential since they may include sensitive data when an application generates them. Any unauthorized access to the records could lead to a breach of private data, which could have dire repercussions. ### Final Thoughts Log monitoring is an integral part of IT operations. While it gives businesses access to all types of data — system activity, performance, security, compliance, and more — it can also be highly complex. Before you choose to monitor logs, you must have a thorough log monitoring strategy in place, including well-defined policies and procedures for gathering, storing, analyzing, and reporting log data to address complexity. To manage data overload, complexity, and security threats efficiently, this strategy should also include log aggregation and filtering tools, machine learning algorithms, scalable storage options, and access control mechanisms. Log monitoring is a potent tool that can offer businesses insightful information about their IT systems, allowing them to detect problems early and resolve them, improve performance, maintain security and compliance, and make informed decisions. Organizations can use the full potential of log monitoring to promote business success and growth if the proper plan and resources are in place. *Regardless of where you are on your journey, OZ will help you bring to bear the power of the cloud to transform your organization, save money, increase scalability, gain competitive advantage, and improve business efficiency and operations. Find out more about our cloud services and assessment offerings[ here](https://followoz.com/services/cloud-services/).* **Categories:** Technical Guides --- ### [What you can learn about optimizing your data from Apple’s foray into healthcare](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/what-you-can-learn-about-optimizing-your-data-from-apples-foray-into-healthcare/) **Published:** December 5, 2022 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** During its forty-six-year history, [Apple](https://www.apple.com) has revolutionized the personal computer, portable music devices, media software, cell phones, and watches. Could healthcare be next? If you ask Chief Analyst at [CCS](https://www.ccsinsight.com/), Ben Wood, the answer is a resounding, *Yes*. “They are in such a strong position to do this,” Wood [told *Forbes*](https://www.forbes.com/sites/barrycollins/2022/10/18/apple-will-launch-health-insurance--in-2o24-says-analyst/?sh=1ce4403262db). “They’ve got a wealth of personal health data through Apple Watch. If they join some dots together, they can become a very competitive health insurance player.” Apple set into play a domino effect of healthcare advancement beginning with the 2014 creation of HealthKit—an application married to the inaugural launch of the [Apple Watch](https://www.forbes.com/sites/gordonkelly/2014/09/10/apple-watch-everything-you-need-to-know/). On the user end, this app and smartwatch combo enable consumers to track workouts, manage caloric intake and outtake, and monitor heart rate, amongst other convenient features. With your permission, Apple pieces together the information gathered through HealthKit to create a central repository for information that defines your unique encrypted, protected health profile. In 2015 and 2016, the company created ResearchKit and CareKit, respectively. These powerful applications make the most out of all the valuable and meaningful data gathered through HealthKit to build an architecture for medical researchers to provide tailored patient treatment and detailed information about how your conditions or medication specifically affect you. With this trifecta, Apple holds the keys to rich data, which analysts believe gives them a more competitive head-start in the health insurance scene. They can—and most likely will—leverage the power of this unified customer view with a major carrier to provide insurance coverage, potentially changing the game once again. *With OZ 360, you can reconcile specific customer data across multiple databases, leveraging householding logic to significantly improve CX, customer retention, and profitability.* **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Healthcare --- ### [Towards a “Single Source of Truth”: OZ’s Mark Smith on AI Luminaries](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/towards-a-single-source-of-truth-ozs-mark-smith-on-ai-luminaries-2/) **Published:** October 12, 2022 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ### OZ’s Mark Smith takes to the AI Luminaries podcast to explain exactly how your enterprise can navigate & win in a digital-first future In an era characterized by near-constant disruption and dynamism, the prospect of plotting an organizational migration from a comfort zone of legacy architecture to digital-first frontiers can inspire as much trepidation and “[analysis paralysis](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/a/analysisparalysis.asp)” as excitement in the hearts of entrepreneurs and business leaders. “It’s like drinking from a fire hose,” OZ Global Insurance Practice President, [Mark Smith](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-b-smith-7b767b5/), acknowledges in the lively and edifying conversation with Amelia/IPsoft Global Head of Analyst Relations, Alistair Agnew, on the [AI Luminaries](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-cloud/blog/2024/08/27/ai-luminaries-spotlighting-visionary-organizations-reshaping-business-with-ai/) podcast embedded below. And yet whether speaking about insurance data aggregation, the revolution sentiment analysis will bring to conversational AI, or simply how leaders can “rearchitect” for a more prosperous and competitively advantageous future, the actionable advice and visionary outlook Smith presents here definitely places a heavy—and welcome—thumb on the aspiration side of the scale. You will, in short, very likely find yourself inspired to run toward the future, not hide from it. “You have a lot of emerging technologies out there” Smith says. “Artificial intelligence. Natural language processing. A number of new capabilities on the market with regard to analytics and data mining. And then the data landscape has also significantly evolved in terms of big data, third-party data, and unstructured data. The big challenge is organizational change management. So, either we’re reactive or proactive…\[as we\] begin leveraging these emergent technologies to transform and innovate, adapting to constantly changing expectations and environments \[while\] driving digital transformation…toward a single source of truth.” To learn more about the many ways [OZ](https://followoz.com/) can help you do precisely that, check out the podcast below and then visit our [services](https://followoz.com/services/) and [solutions](https://followoz.com/services/) pages. **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Insurance --- ### [How artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping healthcare](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/how-artificial-intelligence-ai-is-reshaping-healthcare/) **Published:** December 21, 2022 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** From cardiology to radiology to oncology, artificial intelligence is ushering in an age of digital transformation and improved patient outcomes on an unprecedented scale. This stunning acceleration was highlighted last month via [an announcement](https://press.rsna.org/timssnet/media/pressreleases/14_pr_target.cfm?ID=2388) by the Radiological Society of North America that researchers had “developed a deep learning model that uses a single chest X-ray to predict the 10-year risk of death from a heart attack or stroke.” “This type of screening could be used to identify individuals who would benefit from statin medication but are currently untreated,” Boston Brigham and Women’s Hospital radiologist Dr. Jakob Weiss explained. While a far cry from the healthcare version of Minority Report, deep learning is not too far removed from *precognition*—a subset of [machine learning](https://flatironschool.com/blog/deep-learning-vs-machine-learning/) modeled after the human brain using a multilayered “deep neural network” built to allow data flow between nodes such as neurons. These systems take a non-linear approach to information transformation and can draw conclusions outside what was previously possible. Like Dr. Weiss and his CXR-VCD model using a [convolutional neural network](https://towardsdatascience.com/a-comprehensive-guide-to-convolutional-neural-networks-the-eli5-way-3bd2b1164a53) to learn from 147,497 chest X-rays of 40,643 patients to predict future cardiovascular events with “similar performance and incremental value to the established medical standard.” AI can address much more than matters of the heart. Mammography benefits from using AI to detect small and sparsely distributed asymptomatic cancer lesions. “It helps read images faster,” Dr. Linda Moy—who has partnered with computer scientist and [NYU](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/meet-the-nyu-graduate-students-helping-oz-accelerate-the-insurance-industry-into-the-future/) Professor Dr. Krysztof Geras to work on breast cancer-catching AI—[notes](https://nyulangone.org/news/can-artificial-intelligence-perfect-mammography), “and our initial results found it was more accurate than radiologists.” Moy and Geras honed their model by feeding it over two million images drawn from mammograms performed at NYU Langone Health—increasing accuracy to 90 percent as opposed to the 80 percent of radiologists. The best, most inspiring part? This is [just the beginning](https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/innovation/5-ways-health-systems-are-utilizing-data-to-improve-patient-care.html). *Health Sciences are amid a revolutionary shift from the Patient Experience to the Human Experience (HX). To find out how we can help transform your systems and data for better outcomes and improved ROI visit our* [*healthcare solutions page*](https://followoz.com/industries/health-sciences/)*.* **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Healthcare --- ### [The Next Great Leap Forward for Your Company is Here](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/the-next-great-leap-forward-for-your-company-is-here/) **Published:** August 28, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ***By Muhammad Talha**, Integration Developer* There’s no doubt that [cloud computing](https://www.ibm.com/topics/cloud-computing) has revolutionized IT. But what exactly does that mean for your business? Below OZ provides a quick, concise-yet-thorough breakdown of five major ways in which utilizing cloud innovations will pay major dividends—especially if you have the [right partner](https://followoz.com/services/cloud-services/). 1. **Building New Foundations:** On-premises server farms are quickly being supplanted by cloud-based arrangements that utilize tremendous processing power and capacity. The result? Decreased framework costs, increased adaptability, and upgraded availability which permit organizations to zero in on true needs and goals rather than complex equipment and programming conditions. 2. **Establishing Defter Responses:** With cloud-based arrangements, organizations can quickly scale assets to fulfill fluctuating needs—during abrupt spikes in site traffic, for example. Further, cloud-based instruments and data integration encourage consistency and efficiency while empowering leadership and rank-and-file employees alike to make fast, information-driven choices a part of their more focused and productivity-centered processes. 3. **Improved Security:** With traditional techniques, information recuperation could be tedious and expensive. Cloud-based reinforcement and recuperation arrangements, on the other hand, offer digitized, versatile, and secure information security. In the case of a breakdown or disruption, organizations can rapidly reestablish basic frameworks and information, limiting free time and guaranteeing continuous tasks. 4. **Democratization of IT Assets:** Cloud computing has [democratized access to IT assets](https://followoz.com/understanding-leveraging-data-democratization/). New companies and more modest projects can now access big business-grade foundations and programming without significant hurdles or expenditures. Cloud empowers organizations to scale assets on a case-by-case basis—paying only for the services and bandwidth they actually utilize—accelerating innovation and quickly building competitive advantage. 5. **Constant Evolution:** The cloud is a frontier that has only begun to be leveraged and explored in any real sense. From edge processing and crossbreed cloud to serverless registering and multi-cloud reception, the future is extremely bright in the cloud. The time to establish your presence is now. ### **Your Next Steps** From maximizing current technology assets and keeping on top of the latest cybersecurity developments to facilitating cloud migration and integrating new technologies, holistic IT planning and management are critical to ensuring your hardware, software, and human resources are optimized and effective. With over a quarter-century of experience, OZ is uniquely positioned to empower you to get the most out of your journey to the cloud. To learn more about our cloud services click [here](https://followoz.com/services/cloud-services/). Ready to schedule a consultation? [Reach out today](https://followoz.com/contact-us/). And don’t forget to download our free e-Book covering these topics, [“3 Digital Integration Trends Reshaping the Business Landscape”](https://followoz.com/resources/ebooks/integration-services/) by OZ VP of Automation and Enterprise Integration, Imran Sabir. **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Tech Services --- ### [Demystifying Cognitive Computing for the C-Suite: An OZ Technical Guide](https://followoz.com/resources/technical-guides/demystifying-cognitive-computing-for-the-c-suite-an-oz-technical-guide/) **Published:** March 21, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** [![Download PDF](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/6318251/821d8720-0892-4249-83a0-0c9db6f1e92a.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/6318251/821d8720-0892-4249-83a0-0c9db6f1e92a) ### Cognitive Computing Cognitive computing is a type of artificial intelligence (AI) that focuses on simulating the human mind and its ability to learn and reason—in short, to think and act like a human, utilizing natural language processing, machine learning, and other advanced technologies to recognize patterns, draw conclusions, and make decisions based on the data provided. Leveraged properly, this technology can generate insights and recommendations that are more accurate and reliable than those of traditional systems, empowering developers to create applications that are more efficient and intuitive than ever before. There are a wide variety of applications for cognitive computing, from customer service chatbots and autonomous vehicles to image recognition, medical diagnosis, and robotics. It can identify objects in images, detect sentiment in text, and recognize spoken words—creating more natural responses and improving customer service and other applications. The technology can ferret out fraud and predict customer behavior. And developers are really only beginning to scratch the surface of what cognitive computing will make it possible. ### Best Practices Cognitive computing does have some potential drawbacks: It requires a lot of data and computing power, for example, making it potentially difficult to program and maintain. Further, there is a risk of bias in the data that is used to train the AI, which can lead to misleading results. To counter such issues, in recent years many companies began providing ready-to-use cloud-based cognitive computing services. One great example is Microsoft and its suite of Azure Cognitive Services which are provided not only as REST APIs but also include development SDKs libraries in the most popular programming languages in case we want to expand the functionalities. Microsoft places its cognitive services into three categories: 1. **Vision:** From basic optical character recognition (OCR) to powerful handwritten text recognition to facial recognition, it is now possible to leverage cognitive computing to analyze, classify and understand images. 2. **Speech & Language:** Though provided as separate services, speech-to-text, and translation can be combined with more complex Natural Language Processing (NLP) solutions such as context-aware conversational chatbots. 3. **Decision:** These types of service focus on anomaly detection, content moderation, and real-time personalization and recommendations to improve user experience. When integrated, these services have a variety of uses, including: - **Automated customer service:** Cognitive computing can be used to answer customer questions and help them with their policies. This can reduce the need for human customer service representatives, which can save the company money. - **Fraud detection:** Cognitive computing can be used to identify patterns in data that may indicate fraud. This can help the company to catch fraudsters before they can do too much damage. - **Claims processing:** Cognitive computing can be used to help process claims quickly and accurately. This can save the company time and money, and it can also help to ensure that customers receive the correct payments quickly. - **Risk assessment:** Cognitive computing can be used to help assess the risk of different policies. This can help the company to choose the right policies and to price them correctly. - **Marketing:** Cognitive computing can be used to help the company target its marketing efforts more effectively. This can help to improve the company’s bottom line. ### Final Thoughts Cognitive computing applications are becoming increasingly popular—and important—across many industries, generating insights and recommendations that are more accurate and reliable than those of traditional systems. From creating more personalized customer experiences to improving the efficiency of business processes, as this technology continues to evolve it will become even more powerful and useful. *Regardless of where you are on your digital transformation journey, OZ can help you save money, increase scalability, gain competitive advantage, and improve business efficiency and operations. Find out more about our cloud services and assessment offerings [here](https://followoz.com/).* **Categories:** Technical Guides **Tags:** Tech Services --- ### [A Technical Guide to Migrating On-Premises SQL Server Databases to Azure SQL Databases](https://followoz.com/resources/technical-guides/a-technical-guide-to-migrating-on-premises-sql-server-databases-to-azure-sql-databases/) **Published:** April 6, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** [![Download PDF](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/6318251/0cacdf32-3618-4992-b8dd-dd1aec8f453b.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/6318251/0cacdf32-3618-4992-b8dd-dd1aec8f453b) By Zeeshan Ashgar From startups and decades-old enterprises to small businesses and mega-corporations, cloud computing has captured the attention—and investments—of leaders across the business landscape. And while the reasons for this are no secret—global access, flexible pricing, zero maintenance—the process of migrating data to the cloud remains a bit of a mystery for many. Why? Well, primarily it is because different organizations utilize different data sources, whether it be a flat file, MS Access, Oracle, or MS SQL Server. Are you preparing to migrate data from an on-premises MS SQL server to single instance Azure SQL? OZ has got your back. But first, before jumping into the database migration process, it is essential to understand the SQL offerings provided by the Azure cloud platform. ### Azure Database Offering The Microsoft Azure SQL family has a rich set of database offerings, each suitable for a different type of workload and pricing tier. ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Tech-Guide_SQL-Server_Image-1.png) There are many reasons to migrate to the cloud, including… - **Capital vs operation expenditure.** Enterprises and businesses bear only the operation costs of running their required workloads on the cloud. Simultaneously, a cloud provider benefits from an economy of scale and can pass those savings on to consumers. - **Short release cycle.** Cloud providers make it extremely easy for end users to create any required workload from a web interface near-instantaneously. This feature of quickly creating, testing, and releasing resources in production is a hallmark of any cloud provider. - **Scale for urgent/immediate capacity needs.** Cloud has built-in scalability—horizontally or vertically. Behind the scenes, monitoring systems track different metrics, and when a current set of resources can no longer handle the workload automatically it will scale out/up. Similarly, when demand slows, the system automatically scales in/down. - **Hardware refresh from outdated systems to cutting-edge data centers.** Cloud providers have state-of-the-art data centers and, whenever any hardware update is required, they will handle it while ensuring the configured workloads function properly with zero downtime. - **Global reach.** With help of cloud power, web applications, databases, and more can be easily accessible via the internet. ### Considerations Key factors to consider when you’re evaluating migration options: - The number of both database servers and the databases in each server - The sizes of the databases - The amount of downtime a business can reasonably accept during the migration process ### Deployment Models Application workload and usage pattern are the main factors in deciding which Azure SQL deployment model should be used. The models: - **A single database** represents a fully managed database with an SLA of 99.95% that is suitable for most modern cloud applications and microservices - **An elastic pool** is a collection of single databases with a shared set of resources—for example, CPU or memory—which is suitable for combining databases in a pool with predictable usage patterns that can effectively share the same set of resources. SLA for elastic pools is 99.995% and each database could be up to 100TB. - **Managed Instance** is designed for customers seeking to shift many apps from an on-premises environment or IaaS, self-built, or ISV-provided environment to a fully managed PaaS cloud environment with as low a migration effort as possible and complete isolation of customer instance with native VNet support. SLA for this type of offering is 99.995%. SQL on VM is suitable when full control over the database server with nearly 100% SLA is required. It allows you to move on-premises databases without any changes and supports database sizes up to 256TB. ### Purchasing Models To choose between vCore, database transaction unit (DTU), or serverless purchasing models consider: - The **vCore model** allows you to pick the number of vCores for Azure SQL Database—making it the simplest choice when translating from on-premises SQL Server. In the vCore-based purchasing model, costs will depend upon… - Service tier - Hardware configuration - Compute resources (vCores and memory) - Reserved database storage - Actual backup storage - The **DTU model** abstracts the underlying compute, memory, and I/O resources to provide a blended DTU. - The **serverless model** is suitable for workloads that require automatic scaling and compute resources billed per second of usage. Though the serverless tier automatically pauses databases during inactivity, storage is still billed. When activity resumes, so does the database. ### Service Tiers Service tiers are designed for different types of applications and include… - **The general purpose and standard service tier** offers a balanced budget-oriented option, suitable for delivering applications in the middle and lower tiers. Redundancy is built into the storage layer to help recover from failures. It’s designed for most database workloads. - **The business critical and premium service tier** is for high-tier applications that require high transaction rates, low-latency I/O, and a high level of resiliency. Secondary replicas are available for failover and to offload read workloads. - **The hyperscale service tier** is for databases that have growing data volumes and need to automatically scale up to 100 TB in database size. It’s designed for very large databases. ### Migration Tiers - **Azure Migrate:** Azure Migrate is a Microsoft service that helps an enterprise assess how on-premises workloads will perform and how much they will cost to host. It helps in planning the migration process. - **Data Migration Assistant:** This desktop tool from Microsoft provides seamless assessments of SQL Server and single-database migrations to Azure SQL Database (both schema and data). It can accommodate downtime during the data migration process and reports compatibility issues as well as SQL server feature parity. It also tracks the status of migration per database object, including the number of rows migrated. Its processes should be performed in off hours. (Supported sources: SQL Server (2005 to 2019) on-premises or Azure VM; AWS EC2 & AWS RDS; GCP Compute SQL Server VM.) - **Azure Database Migration Service:** This Azure service can migrate SQL Server databases to Azure SQL Database through the Azure portal or automatically through PowerShell. To ensure connectivity with the source DB server it uses Azure VPN. Designed for large migrations in terms of the number of databases or size of the database, you can migrate single databases or at scale. It can run in both online and offline modes, with minimal downtime. Migrations at scale can be automated via PowerShell. The time to complete migration depends on database size and the number of objects in the database. It requires the source database to be set as read-only. (Supported sources: SQL Server (2005 to 2019) on-premises or Azure VM; AWS EC2 & AWS RDS; GCP Compute SQL Server VM.) ### Migrate SQL Database Using Azure Migrate Prerequisites: Install [DMA](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=53595) (Data migration assistant V5.6) tool. - Download the sample [AdventureWorksLT2017](https://github.com/Microsoft/sql-server-samples/releases/download/adventureworks/AdventureWorksLT2017.bak).bak file and restore it on the local on-prem database server. - Create Azure Migrate project. - Create a Database in Azure. Login to your Azure portal and search “Azure Migrate.” Click “Azure Migrate” and choose “Databases (only)” for migration. ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/SQL_Tech-Guide_Image-2-1.png) Click on the filtered pipeline. ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/SQL_Tech-Guide_Image-3-1.png) Enter basic information on the “Create project” blade and click “Create.” Click “SQL databases” and choose “Create SQL database.” ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/SQL_Tech-Guide_Image-4-1.png) ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/SQL_Tech-Guide_Image-5-1.png) Add basic information and click “Review + create.” ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/SQL_Tech-Guide_Image-6-1.png) Once all the prerequisites are completed, run the DMA tool. Click “New” and add a new assessment. Add basic information and click “Create.” ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/SQL_Tech-Guide_Image-7.png) Follow the wizard and click “Next.” Check both options—”Compatibility” and “Feature check” should be performed in the assessment. ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/SQL_Tech-Guide_Image-8.png) Connect with your local DB server. ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/SQL_Tech-Guide_Image-9.png) Once a connection is established, select your database. Click “Start Assessment.” ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/SQL_Tech-Guide_Image-10.png) Depending upon the size of the database, once the assessment is done a report will appear. See, for example, the below SQL Server feature parity report: ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/SQL_Tech-Guide_Image-11-1.png) See, for example, the below compatibility issues report: ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/SQL_Tech-Guide_Image-12-1.png) If there is no compatibility issue, it is time to migrate. (Note in our example here the feature parity check flags one issue because we are using SQL Express edition which by default enables trace flag 8017 at a global level and is not supported in SQL Azure.) ### Azure Migrate Assessment Return to DMA. Click “Upload to Azure Migrate.” ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/SQL_Tech-Guide_Image-13-1.png) Connect to Azure. Select “Subscription” and the Azure Migrate project from the dropdown. Click “Upload.” ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/SQL_Tech-Guide_Image-14-1.png) It will take five to ten minutes to upload the assessment. Once uploaded, go to the Azure Migrate portal and click “Database.” ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/SQL_Tech-Guide_Image-15-1.png) Open the “Assessed databases” report. ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/SQL_Tech-Guide_Image-16-1.png) The database is ready for migration. Create “Migration” from DMA. ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/SQL_Tech-Guide_Image-17-1.png) Add basic information and click “Create.” ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/SQL_Tech-Guide_Image-18.png) After connecting to the source server select the desired database and click “Next.” Connect to the target server—”SQL Azure” in our case. ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/SQL_Tech-Guide_Image-19.png) Select the required items to migrate—here everything is to migrate. Click “Generate SQL Script.” ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/SQL_Tech-Guide_Image-20.png) As demonstrated below, the script is generated successfully and ready for Schema deployment. ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/SQL_Tech-Guide_Image-21.png) Once the script is generated click “Deploy Schema.” ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/SQL_Tech-Guide_Image-22.png) Click “Migrate data” after schema generation has been successfully completed. The DMA tool will display the row count and status “Ready to move.” Click “Start Data Migration.” ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/SQL_Tech-Guide_Image-23.png) Once the migration is completed, the DMA should report zero warnings and failures. ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/SQL_Tech-Guide_Image-24.png) The migration has been completed successfully. ### Post-Migration In the post-migration stage, it is important to perform a very basic sanity test, which is a schema comparison between the source and destination database. Compare the schema of the source on-premises database with the cloud-based destination database. Here, one change has been found—related to an extended property only—which has no impact on migration. ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/SQL_Tech-Guide_Image-25.png) Happy migration—and, remember, regardless of where you are on your journey, OZ will help you bring to bear the power of the cloud to transform your organization, save money, increase scalability, gain competitive advantage, and improve business efficiency and operations. Find out more about our cloud services and assessment offerings [here](https://followoz.com/services/cloud-services/). ### Links <https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/sql/dma/dma-migrateonpremsqltosqldb?view=sqlserver-ver16> <https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/dms/tutorial-sql-server-to-azure-sql> <https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/dms/> <https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/azure-sql/migration-guides/database/sql-server-to-sql-database-overview?view=azuresql> **Categories:** Technical Guides **Tags:** Tech Services --- ### [Top 8 Ways Intelligent Document Processing Transforms P&C Insurance Operations](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/top-8-ways-intelligent-document-processing-transforms-pc-insurance-operations/) **Published:** August 14, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** Documents are the lifeblood of P&C insurance. Carriers, on average, receive anywhere from 2,600 to 4,000 documents per day, which they must process according to regulatory guidelines. According to IDC research[\[i\]](https://hemingwayapp.com/#_edn1), over half of the documents needing processing are digital files containing unstructured information — emails, attachments, SMS, PDF, PNG, etc. Fortunately, newer technologies have paved the way for intelligent document processing (IDP) to handle the influx of unstructured information. ### **What is Intelligent Document Processing?** [Intelligent Document Processing](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/paperless-insurance-are-we-there-yet/) (IDP) uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to process documents in various formats. Unlike traditional Robotic Process Automation (RPA), IDP takes a different approach. It doesn’t depend on predefined rules or templates for document processing. Instead, it scans and interprets unstructured information in documents, mimicking human-like understanding and comprehension. In this blog post, let’s unpack the top 8 ways IDP can transform insurance operations. ### **1. Data Collection, Classification, and Extraction** Insurance documents come in various forms: customer identity documents, third-party documents, claims, policy forms, customer notifications, invoices, compliance, and contracts. Not to mention the abundance of paperwork. The manual processing of these documents consumes valuable time and financial resources for insurance carriers. Intelligent Document Processing (IDP) simplifies how carriers collect, classify, and extract data from all these sources: 1. First, it scans, captures, and transfers all incoming documents, including paper documents, to a centralized document management solution (DMS). 2. Natural Language Processing (NLP) classifies all these documents, while Optical Character Recognition (OCR) interprets various data elements such as names, addresses, policy numbers, etc. 3. Advanced machine learning models provide context to a document’s different data fields, ensuring the information gets recorded accurately, even where data elements may appear in other locations or formats. ### **2. Policy Administration** IDP plays a crucial role throughout the life cycle of an insurance policy. It supports initial policy processing, manages endorsements or riders, performs audits to ensure accurate pricing based on potential exposure, and resolves customer queries effectively. Additionally, IDP automates premium reminders, data validation, and policy uploads, optimizing the policy issuance process. ### **3. Faster Claims Processing** [The claims process](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/claims-transformation-automating-the-moment-of-truth/) involves many stages, including First Notice of Loss, document review, data extraction, assignation of adjustors, claim uploading, verification, and fund disbursement. IDP streamlines these steps, helping insurers process claims faster and create a better customer experience. Here are all the ways the claims value chain benefits from IDP: - **Claims Data Processing:** IDP effectively manages larger claim volumes by digitizing, reviewing, and auto-categorizing claims documents and hard copies. - **Claims Adjudication:** This stage of claims involves a long list of checks usually performed by staff. Based on this checklist, the claim is either paid out or declined. Since this process is repeatable, it is perfect for [automation](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/how-automation-can-deliver-happier-employees-more-satisfied-customers-and-greater-efficiency-to-the-insurance-industry/), taking the pressure off your staff, improving turnaround time, and reducing errors. - **Claims First Notice of Loss (FNOL):** FNOLs still get routed through call center agents. Repeat calls are often needed to collect more information or check the claim status. With IDP, customers can scan and upload documents directly, reducing errors. - **Claims Support:** Why rely solely on call center agents to resolve customer queries? IDP auto-compiles data from multiple systems, flags errors, pre-assesses claims, and offers customer support in real-time during peak call times. - **Claims Validation:** Capture all the data from the claims, validate, and fast-track the process with intelligent document processing. ### **4. Underwriting** Underwriting is another document-heavy process where underwriters extract and review thousands of documents before entering them into a downstream processing system. An intelligent system “reads” these documents like an underwriter, finds relevant data, and enters the appropriate data into the system, freeing up underwriters’ time for higher-value work—resulting in improved productivity and underwriting accuracy. ### **5. Invoice Processing** Automating invoice processing can save significant time and resources. IDP can extract, separate, and integrate data from invoices into accounting systems, eliminating manual data entry and reducing errors, leading to substantial time savings. ### **6. Customer Onboarding and Communication** Carriers can get their customers set up faster by using [intelligent automation](https://followoz.com/services/intelligent-automation/) for ID verification, mobile document capture, and automated data entry. By allowing customers to communicate on their preferred channels, they can create a seamless customer experience. ### **7. Document Verification and Validation** IDP uses pre-built validation checks to ensure the accuracy of extracted data. It cross-verifies data with existing databases, performs data consistency checks, and flags errors for review. The best part: IDP systems can learn from user interactions and feedback. When human operators make corrections, the system adapts and improves its accuracy. ### **8. Third-Party Data Verification** IDP shines when it comes to third-party verification. Verifying information from third parties—such as courts and government agencies—is standard procedure in P&C insurance. IDP collects data from third-party websites and combines internal data with external data sources to score risk, simplifying the verification process and improving turnaround. For carriers looking to optimize their operations, drive frictionless customer experiences, and drive competitive advantage, investing in IDP is crucial. By harnessing the power of next-generation technologies, carriers can not only improve efficiency but make data-driven decisions that lead to better risk management and greater profitability. *If you’d like to learn more about how you can automate document processing and stay competitive,* [*contact us*](https://followoz.com/contact-us/)*.* **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Insurance, Tech Services --- ### [Modernize Your Legacy System Into a Future-Proof Tech Stack](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/modernize-your-legacy-system-into-a-future-proof-tech-stack/) **Published:** June 6, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** Carriers are playing catch-up with today’s customers. But customers seem to be winning. They’re always a step ahead, shifting from one channel to another to get what they want – faster. According to a [recent Equisoft commissioned study](https://www.insurancethoughtleadership.com/life-health/life-insurance-digitalized), “The average customer expects companies to provide secure digital experiences that allow them to quickly complete tasks from their devices.” Legacy systems alone can’t keep up with customer expectations. The core processes and platforms that emerging technologies need don’t work as efficiently with legacy stacks. Building an insurance business using multiple systems that don’t talk to each other and forcing your digital-focused customers to switch between them isn’t sustainable. Improving the customer experience calls for greater digital transformation, real-time customer service across all channels, and superior data and analytics capabilities. With the rise of newer technologies that need massive computing power to support huge datasets, carriers have their work cut out. However, before you embark on [digital transformation](https://followoz.com/services/application-development/), here are some questions worth asking: ### **Three questions to help your digital transformation process** ##### **1. Do you upgrade or build from the ground up, and how do you future-proof your tech stack?** **Don’t “rip and replace,” instead “wrap and renew”** Tearing out outdated systems and replacing them with new ones may seem obvious. But this can be incredibly costly and time-consuming. Sometimes, multiyear projects could run into millions of dollars. Plus, with stretched IT budgets, the business may not have the appetite for it. Instead, depending on your operating model, explore how you can leverage your assets in a new way. You don’t have to rip and replace your legacy system; instead, you can “wrap and renew”: with automation, APIs, and microservices architecture capabilities today, you can — with the [right integration expertise and services](https://followoz.com/services/enterprise-applications-integration/) — make those systems work. **Build a proprietary platform aligned with your business goals** If you’d like to build a proprietary platform, ensure you map your organizational goals and vision with the functionality needed to achieve them. Identify tangible deliverables and visualize your current operations more holistically. Visualization is a highly effective way to grasp the impact of inefficiencies and start to structure specific solutions around your goals. The data helps you and the rest of your team align around a unified vision. The guided research, visualization, and discussion will illuminate the technologies that best support the outlined architecture. ##### **2. How do you manage costs, understand the ROI, and ensure stakeholder approval and support?** Every insurer talks of digital transformation, but how do you transform digitally when the path ahead isn’t always linear? “Often, digital transformation is reduced to a tool or a technology, and not viewed through the lens of the overall business strategy. As a result, tech investments don’t always align with business goals.” according to [Murray Izenwasser](https://www.linkedin.com/in/murrayiz/), SVP, Digital Strategy at OZ Digital Consulting. People believe digital transformation is about acquiring new tech. Rather, it starts with reimagining the fundamental business practices that are required to make that technology effective in the first place. Your investments in technology have a lot to do with your operating model. It must align with your long-term business goals. For technology investments to strategically maximize returns, you must: - Determine the digital channels with potential for growth within your industry, - Examine the role of emerging technologies — like AI and ML — in increasing productivity or improving customer experiences. - Endorse only those technology investments that support long-term business objectives and short-term wins. - **Aligning IT functions with company-wide strategic priorities** Technology leaders must [collaborate](https://followoz.com/accelerators/oz-ignite/) with various departments across the organization — both within the company and the ecosystem — customers and partners. No single person can drive transformation on their own. - Bring CIOs, CTOs, senior executives from various departments, and other key stakeholders together to identify opportunities that support business objectives. - Incorporate technology investments into the company’s overall strategic plan. - Prioritize IT projects based on their potential influence on the company’s operations. - Establish clear metrics for evaluating success and regularly review to assess progress so you can adjust your strategy or resource allocation. ##### **3. How do you integrate cloud technology into your current ecosystem and allow scalability?** It’s over a decade since the first corporate cloud experiments began. Many companies since have shifted to the cloud. The insurance industry isn’t far behind. Cloud technology has provided the computing power required by huge datasets and their analysis, allowing insurers to be nimbler and more adaptive. But how can you [harness the cloud](https://followoz.com/services/cloud-services/) in its many forms —whether it’s new digital revenue streams, smarter ways of working, on-demand software applications, data and infrastructure services, or delivering great customer experiences? It can be overwhelming. **Take a business-first approach** **to leveraging the cloud** Start with the business outcome you’re after. Rethink how cloud technology can help you get there more quickly. **Make it scalable** Cloud combined with IoT, AI, and analytics act as “force multipliers” for digital strategy. As you advance along your digital transformation journey, core system functionality can be boosted with APIs that speed up integrations and the cloud to clear up the hurdles of software upgrades and releases. - Focus cloud investments on business domains where cloud platforms can bring higher revenue and improve margins. - Select the right technology solution, sourcing, and migration model for different business units, including the services that need to be indexed in the cloud. - Change operating models to capture cloud value and smooth scalability. There isn’t one way or one approach or single technology that works for everyone. The best combination of tools and processes will vary from one organization to the other. But whatever your vision — based on your operating model and business goals — thinking and building digitally sets you up to be agile, flexible, and ready to grow. *OZ Digital Consulting helps you get the most out of your digital transformation journey. Interested in how OZ can help your business?* [*Book a strategic session*](https://followoz.com/contact-us/) *with our experts today.* **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Insurance --- ### [Meet the NYU Graduate Students Helping OZ Accelerate the Insurance Industry into the Future](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/meet-the-nyu-graduate-students-helping-oz-accelerate-the-insurance-industry-into-the-future/) **Published:** December 12, 2022 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** When the daughter of a hair colorist and medical device company packaging technician-not to mention the first of her family to attend college—takes a professional left turn into industrial and organizational psychology, one might presume the path to her calling was paved with accumulated nudges and experiences in the undergrad or even entry-level corporate work. For New York University graduate student and Washington Square Management Consulting Director of Business Development Kassandra Matiz, however, destiny came calling much, much earlier, tapping her on the shoulder in a Morris County, New Jersey high school AP psychology class. “The material I was studying was so fascinating to me, but I didn’t think working as a therapist would necessarily be the best fit,” Matiz says. So, she began researching other careers within psychology. When Matiz found I-O the metaphorical light bulb above her head lit up bright. “I instantly thought, ‘This is amazing. This sounds like what I would like to do.’ “It’s funny, in a way, because I am someone who hates math—I’m not good at it—but I quickly realized that statistics and coding are very different from math,” Matiz continues. “And, actually, creating and troubleshooting my own code if fun for me. It’s something I definitely didn’t expect to enjoy, but I really do.” After double majoring in cognitive science and psychology at the University of Delaware, Matiz arrived at New York University, where she has so far leaned towards working with data analytics and data visualization. In December 2021, she joined Washington Square Management Consulting, a graduate student-led organization “aimed at bolstering organizational performance at a revolutionary pace.” It is from this perch that Matiz is now collaborating with OZ to build out a survey and maturity model—essentially, a goal-driven measurement methodology that evaluates qualitative data to guide continuous improvement—for the insurance industry, which will ultimately help the digital consulting firm further hone its comprehensive AI-based machine learning and robotic process automation (RPA) tools as it continues its mission to accelerate clients beyond challenges and toward new opportunities. In this effort, Matiz is joined by fellow Jersey native and Washington Square Management Consulting Co-President Caroline Lee—who likewise discovered a love for psychology young but, in contrast, initially did believe she would stake her claim as a therapist. Slowly, though, the scope of her ambition outgrew the original vision. “As a therapist, you can really only influence one client at a time,” she says. “And that is amazing, important work that changes lives. But when I found I-O, I was really drawn to the idea that you could take the tools psychology has developed and affect an entire company’s processes and culture”—and, by extension, the lives of countless employees— “for the better. I started to look at the HR office differently—to see it as a place where you could help people have more enjoyable, fulfilling working lives.” The OZ project fits squarely within these goals. “We’re very grateful to have been entrusted with building this project,” Lee, who credits her own accomplished parents—mother, pharmacist; father, doctor—with orienting her towards excellence and success in whatever she chose, says. “It’s been a fantastic experience to explore the way these resources can be channeled toward positive ends out in the real world and produce something useful. I feel like we’ve all learned a lot.” “The experience has been great,” Maitz adds. “It’s a small but very motivated group. I really like working with everybody. The atmosphere is very collaborative and it’s nice to be able to share and develop ideas. That’s been particularly true on this project.” Count OZ Chief Transformation Officer and New York University Professor Dr. Paul J. Bailo among the believers. “Thriving beyond borders and across academic disciplines, New York University graduate students are the catalyst to developing a cutting-edge industry performance model for OZ digital consulting,” Bailo says. “Never before have I seen a group of students so simultaneously dedicated, hard-working, and tenacious. They are an inspiration to all of us!” “Kassandra and Caroline—as well as their entire team—are mature beyond their years,” OZ Chief Revenue Officer Doug Cohen—who, along with OZ Global Insurance Practice President Mark Smith—has worked closely with the pair throughout the project—agrees. “They provided a level of professionalism, attention to detail, enthusiasm, and ultimately a great product, that top-tier consultants with years of experience would be hard-pressed to match. I’ve no doubt they will be exceptionally successful in their chosen field. It has been an absolute pleasure to work with them.” As Matiz and Lee focus on bringing their studies to a successful conclusion, both believe the deep dive they’re conducting on data storage capabilities, data governance, data analytics, and more with Washington Square Management Consulting for OZ will serve them well. The future is bright. “Right now, I’m looking at talent acquisition roles,” Lee says. “I’d like to eventually analyze talent acquisition processes for a company and work to improve that for both employer and employee.” “I’m interested in researching data analytics to help stakeholders strategize solutions and improvements,” Matiz adds. “The details are definitely a little clearer to me after this project.” **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Insurance --- ### [Low Code Is Not Low Quality—4 Hard Facts About Microsoft Power Platform](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/low-code-is-not-low-quality-4-hard-facts-about-microsoft-power-platform/) **Published:** June 27, 2024 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** In the real world, complexity bias is a real thing—the more complex a task, the more value we place. That’s why we favor intricate solutions over simpler ones. Faced with two competing hypotheses, we are inclined to choose the more complex one, and that’s usually the option with the most assumptions and regressions. This tendency to undervalue simplicity exists in software development too, particularly with low-code/no-code platforms. Many developers dismiss these platforms, believing that if something is so easy to use, it can’t be as valuable or effective. [Microsoft Power Platform](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/power-platform)—the low code, cloud-based platform that spans Office 365, Azure, Dynamics 365, and many other applications—is often viewed the same way. For three reasons: - Its simplicity - Reduced coding complexity - And the fact that it allows anyone to code ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Copyright-Microsoft-Power-Platform-Components.png) In this blog, let’s examine and debunk some common misconceptions about this RPA platform: ### Myth #1: It’s Just Basic Automation **Fact:** [Microsoft Power Platform](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/power-platform/products/power-automate) takes the complexity out of automating processes. But, that’s not to say it can’t handle complex workflows, including conditional logic, approvals, and AI and [machine learning](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/start-seeing-around-corners-with-azure-machine-learning/) integration. For enterprises looking to automate, Power Platform is a cost-effective solution. Here’s a real-world example of how a large insurance company can improve claims processing in Power Platform: **Step 1:** The data is first ingested from Microsoft Azure Data Lake. Once analyzed for insights and bottlenecks, Copilot makes recommendations (either to create an app or automate). It takes the data from process mining and creates a late payment AI prediction model that foresees issues before they arise, allowing for better resource allocation. **Step 2:** The settlement approval process—often a documentation nightmare—goes through task mining. Power Automate, with its task mining capabilities, records each step and outlines a process map. **Step 3:** An automation process—using AI, RPA, and API-based automation—is created to connect data to SAP, moving from proof of concept (POC) to enterprise-wide deployment, where IT is empowered with robust Application Lifecycle Management (ALM) that extends across Power Platform. Like the example above, there’s so much more you can do with Power Platform. ### Myth #2: It’s Only for Citizen Developers **Fact:** If a citizen developer can do great things with it, imagine what a pro developer can do. [Microsoft Power Platform](https://followoz.com/services/power-platform/) helps both citizen developers and IT professionals drive business transformation**.** In fact, Power Platform was named a leader in [The Forrester Wave™ Low-Code Development Platforms for Professional Developers 2023](https://powerapps.microsoft.com/en-us/blog/microsoft-is-a-leader-in-2023-forrester-wave-low-code-platforms-for-professional-developers/). The report says, “The vision for the platform as the universal development toolset for the whole spectrum of professional and citizen developers working together is credible and without equal.” We’re not surprised for many reasons. As a developer, you can offload certain work to the low-code side, and speed things up. You can build faster. Power Platform has several powerful tools—[Power BI](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/power-platform/products/power-bi) for business analytics, [Power Apps](https://powerapps.microsoft.com/en-us/landing/developer-plan/?ef_id=_k_EAIaIQobChMIpOCXgIm4hAMVWzbUAR2OqgFPEAAYASAAEgL8O_D_BwE_k_&OCID=AIDcmm90q7bk03_SEM__k_EAIaIQobChMIpOCXgIm4hAMVWzbUAR2OqgFPEAAYASAAEgL8O_D_BwE_k_&gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIpOCXgIm4hAMVWzbUAR2OqgFPEAAYASAAEgL8O_D_BwE) for [building custom apps](https://followoz.com/services/application-development/) with little to no code, [Power Automate](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/power-platform/products/power-automate) for workflow automation, and [Power Virtual Agents](https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/products/power-virtual-agents) for building intelligent chatbots—that integrate with other Microsoft products and services, third-party applications, and data sources. You can use Power Platform to fast-track development cycles, create prototypes quickly, and improve existing applications. You can also add custom code and advanced features using [Azure services](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/how-to-build-effective-data-pipelines-with-azure-data-factory/) and APIs, making Power Platform versatile for building enterprise solutions. ### Myth #3: Not Suitable for Large-Scale Operations **Fact:** This couldn’t be further from the truth. Microsoft’s Power Automate is one of the best workflow automation tools. Recognized as a leader in Robotic Process Automation (RPA) by Gartner and Forrester, Power Platform meets the needs of both small business and large enterprises. Its versatility is its strong point making it suitable for enterprise-level RPA, supporting thousands of users and large amounts of data. Plus, its templates and pre-built connectors integrate easily with apps like Microsoft Office 365, SharePoint, Dynamics 365, and more, allowing you to automate processes across many platforms without knowing how to code. In the real world, often times there are business processes which touch different data sources (ERP, SQL, SharePoint) and Power Platform (PowerApps/Power Automate specifically) allows you to connect all of these sources easily. Other systems would require custom development, costing thousands of dollars. From creating patient management and food processing apps to managing expenses, staff onboarding, inventory, and projects, many large enterprises across industries—healthcare, CPG, manufacturing, logistics, and construction—use Power Platform for their business needs. Imagine collecting data from various sources, triggering actions based on specific conditions, and sending notifications or updates to the right people—all automatically. Power Automate helps you do this, saving time and reducing errors. It goes beyond simple task automation. You can create complex workflows with many steps and conditions. You can set up approval processes, generate reports, sync data, and more. The possibilities are endless, limited only by your imagination. ### Myth #4: Low Code Is Low Quality **Fact:** Some people think low-code solutions have limited capabilities, reducing coding to dialog boxes and drag-and-drop interfaces. Many say they dislike the machines doing the thinking. But low-code solutions like Power Automate actually help developers build better software. **Here’s how:** With low code, you can iterate faster. When you combine scrum methodology, sprints, and structure from the pro dev space with citizen developers, you solve business problems more efficiently. SMEs can do some of the design work themselves instead of relying on developers to build the entire solution. This also frees up time for developers to focus on adding value where it matters most. “Creating a data-driven enterprise, where employees are encouraged to test new ideas using [low- and no-code platforms](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/embracing-the-future-of-app-development/), can significantly improve productivity, customer satisfaction, and overall business growth,” says OZ’s Chief Solutions Officer Emmanuel Ramos. “By empowering citizen developers, organizations can take advantage of cost-effective solutions and benefit from faster time to market.” Read Emmanuel Ramos’ insightful Forbes Article on the subject: [The Business Executives’ Guide to Low-Code/No-Code Platforms](https://ciotechworld.com/emmanuel-ramos-business-executives-guide-to-low-code-no-code-platforms/) Business users can easily analyze and streamline their data while developers can leverage [Azure services](https://followoz.com/services/cloud-services/) like Functions, App Service, and Logic Apps. API connectors, gateways, and Microsoft Dataverse extend [automation](https://followoz.com/services/intelligent-automation/), [analytics](https://followoz.com/services/data-analytics-ai/), and [app development capabilities](https://followoz.com/services/application-development/), maximizing value from existing services and data, in the cloud or on-premises. Such collaboration between IT and non-technical teams creates an agile environment for testing out new ideas. ## Get Started With Power Automate Low-code solutions like Power Platform don’t lower quality but as you’ve seen, streamline development, allowing for quicker delivery of solutions. But before you choose Power Platform or any other RPA technology, ensure you have a strong data foundation. Many companies have RPA challenges due to poor-quality data. With [over a quarter century of RPA experience](https://followoz.com/), OZ will help you select the best platform including training and supporting your staff to run with the new technology. [Get in touch with our experts](https://followoz.com/contact-us/) today. **Categories:** Blog --- ### [A Roadmap to Civil Discourse on the Preeminent Hot-Button Tech Topic](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/a-roadmap-civil-discourse-on-the-preeminent-hot-button-tech-topic/) **Published:** June 12, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ***By Merilee Kern, MBA*** As the digital era rages on, perhaps no technology topic is more polarizing at the moment than that of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML). Specifically, the role these rapidly emerging nextgen technologies will, and should, play in our daily lives and professions. In the ever-expanding realm of AI, having civil conversations that address the potential and concerns surrounding this technology has become increasingly challenging. The two most extreme camps—one fearing an apocalyptic future ruled by machines and the other advocating for unchecked AI development—clash vehemently, leaving little room (nor inclinations) for more nuanced discussions. Recognizing the urgent need for far more open dialogue and understanding, Milan Kordestani, famed Gen Z author of the new, ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Debating-Future-of-AI_Picture-1-1.jpg)number one best-selling book “[*I’m Just Saying: A Guide to Maintaining Civil Discourse in an Increasingly Divided World*](https://www.amazon.com/Just-Saying-Maintaining-Discourse-Increasingly/dp/0757324509/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1XB8ROR0O12M6&),” provides the below insights to serve as a de facto roadmap for engaging in productive conversations about present and future implications of AI and ML. “The conversation surrounding AI is fueled by two extreme and polarized viewpoints,” explains Kordestani. “On one side, there are those who harbor deep-rooted fears, reminiscent of dystopian sci-fi movies, wherein AI spells the demise of humanity. These individuals see AI as Skynet (of Terminator movie fame) come to life. This is an uncontrollable force that will override human control and wreak havoc on society. On the other side of the spectrum, there are proponents of unregulated AI development, who argue for unbridled advancement without consideration for potential job loss, ethical concerns, and socio-economic implications. This clash of ideologies creates an environment rife with hostility and ideological impasses.” “The stakes are undeniably high when it comes to AI,” underscores Kordestani. “The fear-driven perspective believes that the very survival of humanity hangs in the balance, while the unregulated development camp emphasizes the limitless possibilities and potential for progress. Such deeply entrenched positions make it difficult to find common ground, and discussions often devolve into heated exchanges and stubborn resistance to opposing viewpoints. Moreover, the rapid pace of AI advancements and the complex nature of its implications exacerbate the challenges, leaving little time for informed discourse and reflection.” To combat this, Kordestani believes that having civil conversations about AI is crucial because the stakes are high and the impact of this technology on society at large is profound. The above strategies offer an easy-to-undertake though much-needed roadmap for engaging in productive and respectful dialogue. By acknowledging fears, bridging gaps, educating, fostering collaboration, considering ethical implications, and encouraging long-term thinking, individuals can navigate the minefield of AI discussions with nuance and open-mindedness. Kordestani’s strategies provided below, singularly and in combination, are intended to foster more civil discourse amidst the high-stakes nature of AI’s impact on society. Here’s how he suggests we can communicate more effectively and productively on the topic. 1. Consider Ethical Implications:** Engage in discussions around the ethical dimensions of AI, such as data privacy, bias, and accountability. Encourage thoughtful examination of potential risks and safeguards to ensure responsible AI development. 2. **Reflect on Your Own Position:** Think about your own position within discussions about AI and reflect on your biases. Honestly evaluate your views, and determine if biases or intent is skewing your perspectives. Listen to your own tone and language to ensure you are being respectful. 3. **Listen Actively:** Acknowledge people’s fears and concerns genuinely. Actively listen to their questions, doubts, and criticisms. Create a safe space where they feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and emotions. 4. **Empathize:** Understand that fears and concerns about AI often stem from misinformation or a lack of understanding. Put yourself in their shoes and show empathy for their worries. Avoid dismissing or trivializing their concerns. 5. **Provide Accurate Information:** Offer clear, concise, and accurate explanations about AI. Avoid technical jargon and use simple language to ensure everyone can understand. Provide examples and real-life applications to illustrate how AI can be beneficial. 6. **Discuss Current Regulations:** Talk about existing regulations and policies in place to ensure the ethical and responsible use of AI. Explain how governments, organizations, and researchers are working together to address concerns and develop frameworks for AI governance. 7. **Educate and Inform:** Counter misinformation and misunderstandings about AI by providing accurate information and insights. Share real-world examples of how AI is already improving lives and address concerns regarding job displacement, ethics, and transparency. 8. **Address Potential Tisks:** Acknowledge the potential risks and challenges associated with AI, such as job displacement, ethical concerns, and privacy issues. Discuss ongoing research and initiatives aimed at mitigating these risks. Highlight the importance of responsible AI development. 9. **Showcase Benefits and Opportunities:** While addressing fears and concerns, also emphasize the positive aspects of AI. Talk about the potential benefits, such as improved healthcare, enhanced productivity, and personalized experiences. Highlight how AI can augment human capabilities rather than replace them. 10. **Acknowledge Fears and Concerns:** Start by validating the fears and concerns of those who envision a dystopian AI future. By acknowledging their perspective, a foundation for constructive dialogue can be established. 11. **Encourage Long-Term Thinking:** Shift the conversation from immediate fears to long-term perspectives. Explore the potential for AI to amplify human abilities, solve complex problems, and enhance various aspects of daily life. 12. **Bridge the Gap:** Emphasize the need for open-mindedness and the exploration of shared values. Look for common ground, such as the desire to ensure ethical AI development or the pursuit of technologies that benefit society as a whole. 13. **Involve Diverse Perspectives:** Ensure that discussions about AI involve diverse voices and perspectives. Include experts from various fields, policymakers, ethicists, and individuals directly impacted by AI to provide a well-rounded understanding of the topic. 14. **Be Transparent:** Maintain transparency about AI development, deployment, and decision-making processes. Discuss data handling practices, algorithmic biases, and any potential risks openly. Transparency fosters trust and helps address concerns about AI’s impact on society. 15. **Foster Collaboration:** Encourage collaboration between technology experts, policymakers, ethicists, and other stakeholders to collectively shape AI’s trajectory. Highlight the importance of interdisciplinary dialogue and the need to find balanced solutions. The urgency to leave behind extreme positions and embrace civil discourse is paramount. Only through respectful and informed conversations can we find common ground, address concerns, and work towards a future where AI is harnessed as a tool that benefits humanity. By following Kordestani’s guidance and approaching AI discussions with empathy, knowledge, and a genuine desire to understand different perspectives, we can collectively shape the trajectory of AI in a responsible and inclusive manner. In this era of rapid technological advancements, the need for civil conversations about AI cannot be overstated. Let us rise above the heated battles and engage in meaningful exchanges that pave the way for a future where AI is accurately represented and understood—even amid differing positions about its cultural value. ***\~~~*** *Merilee Kern, MBA is an internationally-regarded brand strategist and analyst who reports on noteworthy industry change makers, movers, shakers and innovators across all B2B and B2C categories. This includes field experts and thought leaders, brands, products, services, destinations and events. Merilee is Founder, Executive Editor and Producer of “The Luxe List” as well as Host of the “*[*Savvy Ventures*](https://www.savvyliving.tv/)*” business TV show that airs nationally on FOX Business TV and Bloomberg TV and the “*[*Savvy Living*](http://www.savvyliving.tv)*” lifestyle TV show that airs in New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Miami, Atlanta and other major markets on CBS, FOX and other top networks. As a prolific business and consumer trends, lifestyle and leisure industry voice of authority and tastemaker, she keeps her finger on the pulse of the marketplace in search of new and innovative must-haves and exemplary experiences at all price points, from the affordable to the extreme—also delving into the minds behind the brands. Her work reaches multi-millions worldwide via broadcast TV (her own shows and copious others on which she appears) as well as a myriad of print and online publications. Connect with her at* [*www.TheLuxeList.com*](http://www.TheLuxeList.com) *and* [*www.SavvyLiving.tv*](http://www.SavvyLiving.tv) */ Instagram* [*www.Instagram.com/MerileeKern*](http://www.instagram.com/MerileeKern) */ Twitter* [*www.Twitter.com/MerileeKern*](http://www.twitter.com/MerileeKern) */ Facebook* [*www.Facebook.com/MerileeKernOfficial*](http://www.facebook.com/MerileeKernOfficial) */ LinkedIN* [*www.LinkedIn.com/in/MerileeKern*](http://www.LinkedIn.com/in/MerileeKern)*.* **Categories:** Blog --- ### [Intelligent Automation Opportunities P&C Carriers Can Seize](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/intelligent-automation-opportunities-pc-carriers-can-seize/) **Published:** September 12, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** Cost reduction remains a priority for most organizations. Most businesses historically have sought out automation to improve efficiency while reducing costs. So, it’s no surprise that Robotic Process Automation (RPA) continues to be the enterprise automation tool of choice. But as digital transformation initiatives mature, the focus usually shifts to automating more complex, end-to-end processes. Here’s where RPA—while it helps improve efficiency—fails as it lacks the flexibility to grow with the business or evolve as processes change. As soon as a process changes, the automation breaks, requiring constant testing and rebuilding of bots. According to a September 2022 report from HFS Research2, the shelf life of an RPA bot is between 9-18 months, after which system and process changes require a rework or become redundant. ### **Why You Should Not Rely on RPA Alone** **Unstructured Data** One of the biggest drawbacks of RPA is its inability to handle unstructured data. According to Gartner, unstructured data accounts for as much as 80% of an enterprise’s total data. Since RPA relies on rules and a template-based approach, it cannot handle the unpredictability and high variability of most unstructured formats like contracts, images, video, voice, and text. Unstructured documents do not have predefined or predictable fields to extract information. What this means for carriers who deploy only RPA automation is that 80% of their data remains trapped in documents and content types that their automation solution can’t read. **Limited Insights** Unstructured data provides insights carriers can use to improve operations and make better decisions. However, if RPA cannot process this data, organizations may miss out on these insights, limiting their ability to innovate and adapt. **Poor Scalability** As an organization grows, so does the volume of unstructured data. RPA’s inability to automate processes involving unstructured data can significantly impact a carrier’s ability to operate efficiently, respond to changing market conditions, and glean valuable insights, leading to less-than-optimal results. ### **Why You Need Intelligent Automation** The insurance industry is inundated with data. To harness all this data, carriers need the right tools. It would mean empowering employees with Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools and putting automation at the center of the operating model. Why is it so important? – [McKinsey](https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/financial-services/our-insights/insurance-2030-the-impact-of-ai-on-the-future-of-insurance) predicts that over half of claims activities will be automated by 2030. – [Bain](https://www.bain.com/insights/the-future-of-insurance-as-risks-mount-insurers-aim-to-augment-protection-with-prevention/) says automation and AI-related technologies will result in 50% lower operating expenses for insurance companies. – According to an [Accenture report](https://www.accenture.com/us-en/insights/operations/future-ready-operations), “only 10% of insurers fall into the future-ready category of operational maturity.” The insurance industry will have to brace itself for this paradigm shift. Customer service, underwriting, billing, payments, claims, and many other business-as-usual functions will not look anything like the insurance operations of the past. Those who act quickly and transform their operations will outdo their competitors, and what is a competitive advantage today will be table stakes tomorrow. **What Is Intelligent Automation?** [Intelligent automation](https://followoz.com/beyond-the-bot-how-ai-is-ushering-in-the-next-wave-of-automation/) uses automation technologies like Robotic Process Automation (RPA) in conjunction with Artificial Intelligence (AI), machine learning, data and analytics to create efficient, end-to-end business processes. Unlike traditional RPA, intelligent automation can automate all processes, including non-repetitive tasks, which previously were unthinkable without human intervention. **Intelligent Automation Opportunities Across Insurance Operations** Here are the insurance functions with the most potential for intelligent automation: - **Underwriting** For decades, underwriters relied solely on historical data to assess risk and determine coverage. But in today’s rapidly changing world, historical data is no longer enough.To stay competitive, underwriters must leverage AI and ML to unlock deep insights from both structured and unstructured data. These technologies allow underwriters to identify risks earlier, price policies smarter, and operate more efficiently. With intelligent automation, underwriters can reduce costs, improve customer satisfaction, and adapt to changes faster. Bots can pull information — everything from profiles, past policies, claims, and future-ready data like telemetrics—into one unified 360-degree view of the customer, helping underwriters focus on analyzing policies over data collection. Used together, AI and ML technologies can replicate underwriter expertise at scale in numerous areas: - - **Data Collection**: Collect diverse data from both structured and unstructured sources to gain a comprehensive view of risk factors. By incorporating real-time data from multiple channels, underwriters can stay on top of emerging exposures. - **Insights**: Generate insights from large volumes of data quickly using AI and machine learning. By detecting patterns and correlations, underwriters can better predict potential losses and model risks. - **Risk Selection**: Make informed [risk selection and pricing](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/every-insurer-wants-to-predict-and-prevent-heres-how-you-can/) decisions tailored to specific cases using granular, AI-enhanced metrics. Automated risk rating incorporates more variables for more accurate coverage and premiums. - **Automating Workflows**: Streamline routine tasks like application processing and renewals with conversational AI chatbots. Automating high-volume, repetitive workflows improves underwriter productivity and customer satisfaction. - **Behavioral Analysis**: Identify potential misrepresentation and fraud earlier using AI-enabled behavioral analysis techniques. [Advanced analytics](https://followoz.com/services/data-analytics-ai/) improve underwriting accuracy and efficiency from the initial review stage. - **Claims Management** A claim is the [“moment of truth”](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/claims-transformation-automating-the-moment-of-truth/) that makes or breaks the customer experience. It’s perhaps the only time an insurer interacts with the customer. But though customers want — and expect — faster service, insurers must also verify the claim isn’t fraudulent, which drives up the cost of oversight and governance.Intelligent automation can prevent claims leakage with timely insights. And reduce the incidence of fraud by automating checks on every claim. An intelligent system for insurance claims can provide image/video intelligence for damage assessment and validation with claims inspection and investigation integration. Using artificial intelligence, the solution can detect fraudulent reporting by analyzing images and integrating unstructured data and other data sources to build an accurate risk profile. Additionally, P&C insurers can integrate historical data into self-learning analytics models within the claims process to augment and improve claims handler assessments. Intelligent Automation claims solutions simplify the entire claims-handling process by automating most claim-handling steps through full automation, cognitive/augmented intelligence (discovery and mining), or digital data decision (data science) interactions. By adding these newer automation technologies to the claims handling process, the solution improves efficiencies in the following process areas: claims submission, claims adjustment, verification, claims recovery, automated damage assessment, and fraud detection and subrogation, all of which are critical components in the claims handling process. It is believed that over three-quarters of the claims filing process benefits from automation or AI, significantly decreasing the time to claim settlement for many customers. - **Customer Experience** It’s becoming increasingly hard for P&C carriers to retain customers and create differentiation. Perhaps the only time carriers interact with customers is during the filing of a claim (car accident, home damage). The lack of continuous customer engagement puts more pressure on the carrier to make every interaction count.One way to increase customer interactions outside the claim filing process is by providing proactive notifications that potentially avoid events in the first place and the subsequent filing of a claim. An intelligent automation solution can alert customers of potential events in their area. For example, customers can be notified ahead of a storm by customizing and integrating external APIs like weather and maps. - **Payments and Invoicing** Carriers can reduce manual billing touchpoints by automating payments and reconciliation. Many insurers find they can better simplify billing challenges for customers and employees through intelligent automation, processing invoices automatically, maintaining clear billing histories, and resolving billing disputes quickly. Payments and premium remittances are managed more accurately, with minimal employee oversight. - **Document Processing** Carriers, on average, receive anywhere from 2,600 to 4,000 documents per day, which they must process according to regulatory guidelines. According to IDC Research, over half of the documents needing processing are digital files containing unstructured information — emails, attachments, SMS, PDF, PNG, etc.Fortunately, newer AI-enabled technologies have paved the way for intelligent document processing (IDP) to handle the influx of unstructured information. An intelligent document processing tool can automate claims processing of the First Notice of Loss (FNOL), including the document review process, extraction of key data points, and setting up the claim in a P&C claims management tool. It can also validate whether all the relevant data is present before sending the claim to an adjuster. IDP plays an important role when it comes to administering insurance policies. It supports initial policy processing, manages endorsements or riders, performs audits to ensure accurate pricing based on potential exposure, and resolves customer queries effectively. Additionally, IDP automates premium reminders, data validation, and policy uploads, optimizing the policy issuance process. For carriers looking to optimize their operations, drive frictionless customer experiences, and drive competitive advantage, investing in cognitive automation technologies is crucial. By harnessing the power of next-generation technologies, carriers can not only improve efficiency but also make data-driven decisions that lead to better risk management and greater profitability. *If you’d like to learn more about how you can automate with AI,* [**download the** **e-Book**](https://followoz.com/beyond-the-bot-how-ai-is-ushering-in-the-next-wave-of-automation/) ***– Beyond the Bot: How AI Is Ushering in the Next Wave of Automation.** Or* [*contact us*](https://followoz.com/contact-us/) *for more information.* **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Insurance, Tech Services --- ### [Intelligent Automation: A Business Case for Digital Transformation](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/intelligent-automation-a-business-case-for-digital-transformation/) **Published:** January 25, 2022 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** Intelligent Automation is a term used to describe the use of technology and data to improve efficiency and generate more leads for a given business. It can be implemented through marketing departments by using programmatic media buying and to increase the efficiency of your BPM (business process management). Intelligent Automation is being used to take advantage of technology and data to improve the efficiency of business processes. Intelligent Automation does so by learning and adapting through time by combining robotics, machine learning, and cognitive computing to mimic human behavior for data gathering and decision-making purposes. ## **How does Intelligent Automation work?** Intelligent Automation can be used in several ways but typically it works by taking data from different sources and using algorithms to make predictions about what actions should be taken. Intelligent Automation can help speed up processes and make them more accurate. With Artificial intelligence, companies are getting rid of many of the time-consuming and mundane tasks that employees used to do. Intelligent Automation was expected to take over around 80% of repetitive work by 2020 according to Gartner. And these numbers keep growing by the day. ## **Intelligent Automation and businesses** Intelligent Automation is often used to improve efficiency and generate leads in less time. Intelligent Automation can help improve the accuracy of data entry and data handling. Consider the fact that humans make mistakes on a daily basis, expand that notion, and then it becomes clear that there’s an insurmountable number of mistakes to be made in a month or a full year of work. Of course, these mistakes can be taken care of, but they require an extra-human effort that will, in turn, imply extra costs. With Intelligent Automation, fewer errors will be made over time, allocating resources in a more efficient way. - While advancements in technology are sometimes met with fear, it is important to remember that these new technologies can empower employees by reducing the burden of repetitive work. - Intelligent Automation can help reduce the time taken for data entry, customer service, and even financial analysis, with accuracy. - Intelligent Automation has the potential to provide more accuracy than humans alone. (Yes, Intelligent Automation can be seen as a helping hand rather than a replacement.) ## **The place of AI in a company’s workflow** AI’s can help companies improve their workflow by reducing the time it takes for a task to be completed. Intelligent Automation tools are designed to help employees be more efficient and productive. For example, robotic process automation (RPA) can be used to automate tasks such as data entry or email routing. By automating these tasks, companies can focus on the more important tasks at hand and automate the rest. By automating certain tasks, businesses are freeing up more of employees’ time to have more in-depth conversations with customers. Intelligent Automation also helps companies be more efficient and generate more leads in less time. ## **Consistency and accuracy – robot style.** Imagine, robotic process automation taking over tasks in your business. It might sound like a sci-fi scenario, but it’s more of a standard practice nowadays. However, the notion of technology taking over can be confusing. Instead, Intelligent Automation is about the reallocation of resources, in this case, human resources. With Intelligent Automation, companies strive for an increase in consistency and accuracy that was but a dream in years past. Maintaining such levels of consistency is a stressful endeavor for humans that can produce burnout, extreme levels of physical strain, and a low level of productivity that directly impacts the capacities of employees. With Intelligent Automation, the goal is to give employees some of their power back so they can be more creative, more capable, and in the long run, more of a real asset to the growth of their businesses while improving their overall quality of life. In short, Intelligent Automation can take care of employees, while they take care back of the business. ## **The digital era and its continuously changing environments** With the everchanging environments and working conditions migrating to a more reliant and digital proficiency, Intelligent Automation has been found to be a significant factor when it comes to improving the workflows of organizations, thus allowing for more flexible and scalable business operations. Businesses that adapt and understand Intelligent Automation not as a trend or commodity, but as a core tool to better navigate the challenges of the digital era, can be sure that they are making a smart move. From streamlining digital interactions with customers to the automation of routine tasks, this smart approach is capable of skyrocketing businesses. Intelligent Automation is a big part of the overall process of evolving and adapting to trends that are sometimes hidden beneath the data that escape the human eye. ## **The present and future of Intelligent Automation – the bottom line.** By automating routine tasks and streamlining digital interactions with customers, businesses can save time and money and focus on more important things. Automation of tasks allows employees to be more productive and this makes it easier for companies to keep up with an ever-demanding environment that is evolving in ways that surpasses the way humans perceived work for the last decade. In the fast-paced digital era, Intelligent Automation is no longer a luxury but a necessity for businesses. By automating tedious and time-consuming tasks, businesses can now stay competitive in an ever-changing marketplace. Automation also allows employees to have higher levels of job satisfaction, and with humans spending a considerable amount of their lives at work, Intelligent Automation couldn’t have reached businesses in a better place and time. At OZ, we specialize in providing businesses with cutting-edge Intelligent Automation services such as process automation, artificial intelligence (AI), analytics, enterprise application integrations, and digital solutions. We will collaborate with your company to discover the best solution for your needs. Please do not hesitate to [contact us](https://followoz.com/contact-us/) if you have any questions. **Categories:** Blog --- ### [Intelligent Automated Underwriting Is Improving P&C Insurance Service](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/intelligent-automated-underwriting/) **Published:** April 29, 2021 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** Customers looking to insure their home or auto want insurance providers who can quickly offer the most affordable policy options. As a result, more casualty and property insurance providers are relying on automated underwriting to help streamline the process. This helps save time, reduce costs, and increase customer satisfaction. Companies are far more likely to stand out from their competitors by implementing automated insurance underwriting and risk assessment capabilities. To help companies understand how intelligent automated underwriting is transforming the industry, it is essential to define these terms. ## What is Intelligent Automation? [Intelligent Process Automation](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/intelligent-process-automation/) (IPA) comprises a collection of advanced technologies to manage, automate, and integrate digital processes. The three primary technologies that form IPA include: 1. Digital Process Automation (DPA) 2. Robotic Process Automation (RPA) 3. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) DPA is focused on automating tasks and optimizing workflow. Common corporate departments that are implementing DPA include marketing, sales, finance & accounting, claims processing, investments, new business processing, and policyholder services. Companies can use DPA to help end-users, third-party providers, and stakeholders. Software robots can handle a large variety of tasks with more efficiency and precision. Common examples of RPA are data transfer, forms processing, email query processing, and customer order processing—but RPA can do so much more especially when combining with AI and ML AI is the most advanced technology in IPA. AI enhances what humans are already doing. It helps elevate their role to focus on higher-level functions, such as pinpointing unknown patterns, analyzing past information, and making accurate forecasts, that they would normally not have the chance of achieving due to high workload, time constraints, and other repetitive tasks. ML is the process where algorithms improve (learn) through experience and data. AI adds an entirely new level of thinking for [P&C insurance](https://followoz.com/industries/insurance/) businesses, while ML provides sharpening and customization over time. It is a formidable combination. ## Traditional Insurance Underwriting The time-consuming and multifaceted process of traditional insurance underwriting can often pull your most gifted and knowledgeable people away from where they are needed—in direct contact with the in-house and external clients they serve. Further, the complexities of the actuarial processes may bring with them the risk of human error when building policies, setting terms, coverages, and premiums. That can negatively impact customer satisfaction, cost efficiency and drain the energy of your staff. The time-consuming duties of insurance underwriters that will benefit from AI and ML: - Analyzing information provided on insurance applications - Determining the risks involved when insuring a client - Screening applicants based on company-wide criteria - Evaluating recommendations provided by underwriting software - Contacting field representatives, medical professionals, among others, to obtain necessary insurance information - Deciding whether to offer insurance or not - Determining the appropriate premium prices and amount of coverage - Reviewing and updating the rules governing automation software Your underwriters are the primary link between an insurance company and an insurance agent. Throughout the process, they can become burdened by filtering through the enormous amounts of paperwork required. The process becomes much easier when leveraging the advanced digital capabilities of AI and ML for steps like looking to determine an applicant’s eligibility. A small investment upfront in transitioning to AI and ML can save your company potentially hundreds of thousands of dollars in increased accuracy, productivity, and life balance. ## What is Intelligent Automated Underwriting for Insurance? Automated Insurance Underwriting combines RPA with [AI](https://followoz.com/services/data-analytics-ai/) software to underwrite the risk factors associated with potential clients. It uses advanced algorithms alongside the client’s financial and health data to accurately determine the amount of coverage they should provide as well as premium rates. Advanced technology quickly sifts through large data sets using AI and machine learning (ML). Automated Insurance Underwriting can turn what takes humans hours to complete into minutes. The speed and efficiency of automated underwriting allow insurance providers to save time and money and allow underwriters to focus on higher-level functions. ## How OZ Can Help Your Underwriting Process Intelligently automated underwriting allows for versatile, quick, and accurate ways to deliver policy information to prospective clients while eliminating human error. To reap the most benefits from Intelligent Automation, partner with a digital automation expert who will work with you to get the best results. At OZ, our passion is providing specialized IA solutions and our digital services are second to none. If you want to learn more about Intelligent Automation underwriting and how OZ can help your insurance company achieve its goals, we invite you to [contact us](https://followoz.com/) today. **Categories:** Blog --- ### [How automation can deliver happier employees, more satisfied customers, and greater efficiency to the insurance industry](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/how-automation-can-deliver-happier-employees-more-satisfied-customers-and-greater-efficiency-to-the-insurance-industry/) **Published:** January 27, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** Faced with too many time-consuming tasks, 70% of U.S. office workers believe they can’t efficiently help customers. Roughly the same number (67%) feel they are constantly doing the same tasks over and over again. The answer, in large part, is hiding in plain sight: In research conducted for UI Path, an OZ Partner, respondents said [they waste four and a half (4.5) hours a week](https://www.uipath.com/newsroom/new-study-finds-majority-of-global-office-workers-crushed-by-repetitive-tasks) on tasks they think could be automated—more than five weeks a year. Surveyed executives also believe automation is helping their companies perform better by saving time (71%), improving productivity (63%), and saving money (59%). About [7 in 10 executives planned to increase their investment](https://www.uipath.com/newsroom/new-uipath-study-reveals-half-of-office-workers-seeking-resignation) in automation tools in 2022 compared to 2021, and 90% of organizations had adopted RPA for automating business processes, [automation driven by the C-Suite](https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190625005333/en/New-Study-Shows-Adoption-of-Business-Automation-Technologies-is-Driven-by-the-C-Suite). Further, [85% of U.S. business executives believe automation will help](https://www.uipath.com/newsroom/new-uipath-study-reveals-half-of-office-workers-seeking-resignation) retain employees and hire new talent amid The Great Resignation. And, as a recent survey conducted by Accenture and The Institutes [revealed](https://riskandinsurance.com/we-talked-to-hundreds-of-insurance-underwriters-what-they-have-to-say-may-surprise-you/), the need for automation is particularly acute. Administrative and non-core activities fill up to 40% of the underwriters’ time, with the rest split between their core functions: risk analysis/pricing and negotiation/sales. Underwriters reported limited automation support for core and non-core activities. They expressed frustration with aging systems and inefficient processes. Consider the following: - Roughly 60% of underwriters cite a need for better processes and tools. - Both commercial and personal lines underwriters named manual processes and outdated systems as the top two issues. - Commercial underwriters cited a lack of information/analytics at the point of need as the third reason. - On the other hand, personal lines underwriters cited insufficient training and time for talent development. Available artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and NLP tools were described as “superior” by only 32% of personal lines underwriters, 16% of commercial lines underwriters, and 10% of specialty lines underwriters. ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Underwriters-Accenture-Survey-results-graph-300x185-1.png) Description: Underwriters citing available automation tools as “superior” (Survey conducted by Accenture in conjunction with The Institutes, Aug 2021, n=434) The opportunity and challenge of insurance automation were summed up succinctly in a recent Celent report entitled, [*Do You Have Intelligence in Your Processing?*](https://www.celent.com/insights/902678564) An excerpt: *In the insurance industry – where profit margins vary widely based on catastrophes on the property casualty side and are usually razor thin on the life side*—*improving operational efficiency, even by the smallest of increments, can have a highly beneficial impact. Fueled by digital acceleration, many insurers are turning to intelligent automation to optimize and digitize operations.* ***However, insurers are continually challenged with identifying new ways to invest in automation to improve operations with a high return value, such as the customer experience, with the ultimate goal of reducing costs and improving profitability.*** #### **Even small commercial insurance carriers face the** [**“Amazon experience”**](https://www.insurancebusinessmag.com/us/news/technology/injecting-the-amazon-experience-into-insurance-189371.aspx) **challenge.** For insurance, automated service is a familiar experience for homeowners, renters, and drivers insured by larger carriers. Rising service expectations are driving small commercial insurers’ adoption of automation tools. Remember, small business owners are also consumers, their expectations are set by digital consumer capabilities. - Forty-four percent (44%) of insurers expect an increase in direct sales to small commercial buyers. Demand for direct sales and service is driving an explosion in channels and technologies to meet buyers’ needs. - Over eighty percent (83%) of executives expect big changes to small commercial underwriting within the next five years. - Eighty-nine percent (89%) of insurers also plan or apply automated workflow technologies to their small business operations. #### Where should insurance leaders invest to achieve “big changes” in automation?** [Robotic process automation (RPA)](https://www.ibm.com/cloud/learn/rpa)—using software bots to handle routine keystroke-level tasks—enables employees to devote time to higher-value work, improves customer service, and creates new business opportunities. RPA is more important than ever in the insurance industry. Novarica reported that sixty percent (60%) of insurers had deployed RPA in 2021, compared to less than a quarter in 2018. #### **Why RPA/automation is different now** Early RPA platforms dispatched rote tasks efficiently. Emerging technologies contributed to [the development of RPA](https://www.robomotion.io/blog/history-of-rpa/) in the 1990s and early 2000s. Among these: - Advances in screen scraping software to extract data from programs, websites, and documents helped eliminate manual data entry. - The first workflow automation software replaced basic, paper-based processes with electronic ones. - Adding modeling tools and business rules helped make sense of business processes. - The modern era of [workflow automation](https://www.ibm.com/blogs/cloud-computing/2018/12/18/workflow-automation-25-years/), a predecessor technology to RPA, began with the introduction of business process management in 2005. - The early 2000s brought the first RPA software success in automating repetitive tasks. - Software developers expanded RPA capabilities, and the basic technology was well established by 2015. With the advent of RPA informed by AI technologies, RPA technology has reached a booming point in the last several years. Newer applications integrate artificial intelligence into RPA platforms to increase efficiency, improve customer experience, and reduce repetition for employees. Applying advanced RPA typically follows a three-point process: - The “robot carries out end-to-end processes.” - Robots connect existing tools, so employees handle only exceptions. - Cognitive technologies leverage AI to expand RPA possibilities and help organizations reach the next performance level. #### **Integrated RPA delivers on its promise.** As OZ works with insurers, we find eight repeatable wins for clients implementing integrated RPA. 1. **Boost productivity.** Let humans do what humans do best and let robots handle the rest, to increase capacity and data processing by up to fifty percent (50%). 2. **Improve efficiency to lower operational costs.** Typically, from twenty-five to fifty percent (25% to 50%). 3. **Eliminate human error.** 100% data accuracy is feasible with automation. 4. **Improve data security and compliance.** By reducing contact with sensitive data. 5. **Enjoy economies of scale and handle seasonal renewal peaks** with ease. 6. **Leverage volumes of process data** generated by RPA to improve analytics. 7. **Automate without disruption**. Robots mimic user interactions—such as clicks and keystrokes—so RPA grafts successfully onto legacy systems. 8. **Improve the customer experience** in quoting, underwriting, claims and policy administration—consistently. #### Critical steps for insurers before implementing a single RPA bot.** If you only have a hammer, does everything look like a nail? Attributed to Abraham Maslow, the “law of instruments” captures over-reliance on the tool. As specialized automation vendors pitch their solutions, can they deliver for insurers? At OZ, we know insurance. While RPA providers typically focus on developing generic bots and lack industry-specific automation expertise, we begin by understanding the job to be done. For example, one of the challenges of implementing RPA is deciding which processes to automate. Consider [Microsoft’s 18-step process](https://powerautomate.microsoft.com/en-us/guidedtour/power-platform/power-automate/1/1) to implement robotic process automation (RPA). Each of the eighteen steps requires critical decisions about workflow, approvals, implementation, security, regulatory compliance, data, and more. - Define the pain points within your process and determine where to begin the automation initiative. - Consider ways to leverage structured and unstructured data to expedite underwriting, claims, or customer service processes and make better decisions. - Anticipate and measure the impact of RPA implementation. - - Leading RPA tool vendors, including OZ partner UI Path, recommend hard and soft “savings” measures. - [IBM suggests building in a “counter”](https://www.ibm.com/case-studies/credigy-solution/) to track items completed by RPA that used to be done by employees or outsourced staffing. Multiplying time saved by an average hourly rate easily converts items to hard savings. - As bots reduce repetitive and error-prone tasks, [Microsoft suggests “soft” metrics](https://powerautomate.microsoft.com/en-us/guidedtour/power-platform/power-automate/3/4), including employee satisfaction, as people focus on more enjoyable and challenging work. - Select the strongest use cases, typically including claims First Notice of Loss (FNOL), personal and small commercial underwriting, and policy administration. **Blending complementary, cutting-edge digital technologies such as RPA, Advanced OCR, AI, Workflow Orchestration, ML, and other cognitive technologies, OZ empowers insurance leaders to create efficient, effective automation ecosystems within their organizations.** #### OZ [partners with insurers](https://followoz.com/industries/property-casualty-insurance-in-intelligent-automation/) to leverage AI & Intelligent workflow solutions for Claims, Underwriting, submissions, call center, and renewal workflows. Contact [Mark Smith](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-b-smith-7b767b5/), President of the Global Insurance Practice and Insurance Practice Leader, to discuss how Intelligent Automation can streamline processing and enhance profitability for your business. **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Insurance --- ### [How automation can address today’s growing underwriting challenge](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/how-automation-can-address-todays-growing-underwriting-challenge/) **Published:** February 14, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** Incredible as it may seem, the average underwriter today spends [seventy percent of their time](https://insuranceblog.accenture.com/why-underwriters-dont-underwrite-much) on tasks unrelated to underwriting—creating a degree of (unnecessary) operational pain that stunts innovation, reduces efficiency, and undermines their true raison d’être: making the best, fastest risk selection decisions possible. As a result, underwriters struggle to service all the submissions for coverage they receive. Responses back to brokers are often measured in weeks. In some cases, those frustrated brokers place their business with another carrier. In addition, underwriters will say that they usually are making decisions on less data and information than optimal. The bottom line: Underwriting quality is declining, leading to poor risk selection, poor broker and customer experience, lost new business acquisition opportunities, and profit leakage. As Jonathan McGoran noted in *Risk & Insurance* last December, “Roughly sixty percent of underwriters thought improvements needed to be made around the quality of their organizations’ processes and tools. They expressed much more confidence, however, in the skillset and capabilities of underwriting professionals as they perform their core functions.” Yet, “only a quarter of P&C underwriters reported that half or more of their underwriting process is automated, with robotic process automation (RPA) and natural language processing (NLP) seen as particularly deficient.” The respondents listed priorities for future investments as predictive analytics, new underwriting platforms, business intelligence and reporting tools, customer/broker portals, and self-service solutions. To free up the time necessary to allow underwriters to nurture broker relationships, price risk, and, ideally, optimize proper risk selection, and secure new business we must address the most common hurdles to success: inefficient processes, outdated systems, lack of information/analytics at the point of need, poor access or organization of underwriting information, and insufficient focus on training/talent development. For the last 3 decades, the industry has been investing significantly in “Core Systems” like policy administration, claims, and billing. Yet, still today one of the most important insurance functions to “profitability & Growth” remains significantly under-automated, placing the burden on the underwriters themselves resulting in less than optimal underwriting quality and profit & growth leakage. The window for addressing the decline in underwriting quality and the growing gaps in process automation, integration with legacy systems, customer and broker collaboration, and access to required data in a timely manner is closing fast. The technology is available today to address these hurdles without waiting to replace legacy systems or the maturity of new and emerging technologies. Leveraging technologies designed for integration with existing systems, including APIs and microservices, data lakes, and data mesh solutions, intelligent document processing technologies (e.g., RPA, NLP, AI) will automate the end-to-end underwriting process and improve performance. In short, now is the time to focus on a “Core Systems Platform” to support the Underwriting Process. Leveraging an intelligent workflow automation approach to the deployment of an end-to-end automated underwriting platform (e.g., underwriting workbench) that insulates underwriters from having to jump between multiple systems to fulfill their tasks. Instead, data from diverse platforms can be made available to underwriters in the platform’s single, stable user interface. ### **The Opportunity** The opportunities to drive significant improvements in underwriting performance, broker/customer experience, and profitable growth are staring us in the face. ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Future-of-Underwriting_Image-2-1-1-768x1024.png) - Streamlines more efficient Improved Underwriting process - Increased Underwriting capacity to support growth - Improved risk selection and profitability - Improved time to market of Underwriting decisions - Improved Broker and Customer Experience - Providing a foundation for straight-through processing for low complexity / fast flow risks ### The New Underwriting Platform – Key Automation Capabilities** To realize these opportunities today’s target Underwriting Platform should seek to include the following automated capabilities. Key automation capabilities include: 1. **Digitized Submission Ingestion** - Automated Triage & routing (RPA) and digitization (NLP) of Broker emails, forms, documents, and Big Data sources - Collaboration and self-service portals - Underwriting dashboard and integration APIs 2. **Underwriting Capacity Management & Assignment** - Automated Underwriter Assignment - Rules-based assignment-driven authority, expertise availability & capacity - Capacity & SLA Tracking, monitoring, & Reporting 3. **Manage Forms & Correspondence** - Broker & Client Collaboration & Communication - Submission & UW Status via a self-service portal - Communicate additional information requirements - Status of Pending information & Document requests. - Producers and underwriters can share documents, notes, and emails, providing real-time visibility into the submission process for new business, renewals, and endorsements - Automatically Create and deliver forms as needed for clients and brokers (forms management & Automation) ### **Case Management & Tracking** - Centralize the work queues to provide an end-to-end view of the requests and interactions - A holistic view of the submission, forms, documents, policy and claims information, underwriting notes and data, SLA performance, correspondence, etc. - Analysis of Customer Risk & Rating Engine Input - Pricing and client proposal - Workflow automation to enable work will flow seamlessly and timely between Underwriting Branch offices & Operations. ### **Centralized and Easy Data Access** - Intelligent document automation using NLP to digitize documents, forms, and unstructured data for easy access and retrieval - Real-time policy and claims data access (dashboard & APIs) - Real-time 3rd Party data access (dashboard and APIs - Improved naming and indexing of imaged documents and forms for easier access (dashboard, APIs, & RPA) - A centralized, holistic view of underwriting data and original submissions (forms, documents, etc.) ### Automation Strategy & Roadmap** While emerging technologies like ML and NLP are maturing quickly they are not a requirement to attain significant progress in the automation of the Underwriting process. Replacement of legacy core systems is also not a prerequisite for automation as target architecture solutions leveraging APIs and data lakes can enable real-time data access. RPA platforms have attained a significant level of maturity and can and are being used to automate many manual, repetitive activities and tasks. To address this issue, Insurers should develop an Underwriting Intelligent Workflow Automation Strategy and Roadmap that provides for incremental and continuous automation. A typical strategy and road mapping Project to maximize profitability and growth will include: - Define the business objectives and goals to be satisfied - Define the future state workflow enabled by the automation capabilities - Identify the corresponding automation opportunities and capabilities to meet those goals - Identify and Access current and emerging technology solutions to provide automation capabilities, performing proof of concepts (POCs) as needed - Design the target solution architecture and associated enabling technologies - Develop a roadmap to deliver the target solution in incremental release - Look to identify opportunities for continuous improvement and automation (inclusion of big data, predictive and prescriptive modeling, Ml and AI enriched data, etc.) Overall, investing in Intelligent Workflow Automation of the Underwriting process, leveraging technologies such as predictive analytics, Al, ML, NLP, case and event management will help improve underwriting capacity, underwriting quality, and the ease of doing business for customers/producers leading to improvements in profitability and growth. ***There will not be a better time nor a greater need for urgency than today to fill the void in your core systems portfolio to enable underwriters to do what they are highly trained and skilled to do – risk analysis, selection, and pricing.*** **Footnotes: The Institutes’ study was sponsored by Accenture, quoted in Risk & Insurance – We Talked to Hundreds of Insurance Underwriters. What They Have to Say May – Surprise You \| Risk & Insurance** **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Insurance --- ### [Healthcare's Digital Assist: Using AI to Predict Patient Flow and Streamline Care](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/healthcares-digital-assist-using-ai-to-predict-patient-flow-and-streamline-care/) **Published:** September 7, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** Healthcare, an industry at the intersection of life and science, has always been at the forefront of adopting innovations that enhance patient outcomes. However, the challenges posed by unpredictable patient flow, especially in emergency and critical care settings, have long awaited a solution. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is stepping up to address this, heralding a new era of predictive care. ### **The Patient Flow Challenge** Every healthcare professional knows that patient flow is critical. Whether it’s the movement of patients through emergency departments, the allocation of beds in hospitals, or the scheduling of surgeries, efficiency and accuracy are paramount. Unexpected surges can overwhelm systems, and lack of foresight can result in resource wastage and, most critically, decreased quality of care. Traditionally, predicting patient flow has relied on historical data and manual forecasts. But, with the growing volume and complexity of healthcare data, this method is fast becoming obsolete. ### **AI’s Predictive Power in Healthcare** AI has the unique capability of rapidly processing vast amounts of data, identifying patterns, and making forecasts with remarkable accuracy. When applied to [patient flow](https://catalyst.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/CAT.18.0289), AI can predict the volume of patients for a given period, anticipate their needs based on present symptoms and historical data, and allocate resources efficiently. For instance, AI can anticipate an influx of patients into an emergency department based on factors like local events, weather patterns, or disease outbreaks. Similarly, by analyzing the recovery trajectories of past patients, AI can estimate discharge times more accurately, helping manage bed availability. ### **Streamlining Care with Real-time Insights** The real power of AI-driven predictions lies in the actionable insights they provide in real-time. With these insights, healthcare professionals can: - Optimize Staffing: Schedule more staff during predicted surges and reduce during quieter times. - Manage Resources: Ensure that the necessary equipment, medications, and rooms are available and ready for use. - Enhance Patient Experience: Reduce wait times, faster diagnostics, and quicker treatment can be achieved by acting on AI’s recommendations. Moreover, AI’s predictive abilities extend [beyond just logistics](https://www.mountsinai.org/about/newsroom/2019/icahn-school-of-medicine-at-mount-sinai-to-establish-world-class-center-for-artificial-intelligence-hamilton-and-amabel-james-center-for-artificial-intelligence-and-human-health). It can forecast potential patient complications, allowing for preemptive care, thus reducing recovery times and improving patient outcomes. ### **Technological Implementations of Tomorrow, Today** Healthcare institutions [around the globe](https://transform.england.nhs.uk/ai-lab/explore-all-resources/develop-ai/improving-hospital-bed-allocation-using-ai/#:~:text=The%20work%20looked%20at%20whether,improved%20patient%20experience) are beginning to harness AI’s potential in this domain. For example: - Hospitals are using AI to predict [patient readmissions](https://transform.england.nhs.uk/ai-lab/explore-all-resources/develop-ai/improving-hospital-bed-allocation-using-ai/#:~:text=The%20work%20looked%20at%20whether,improved%20patient%20experience). By analyzing factors from medical histories to socio-economic status, these systems can identify patients at high risk of readmission, allowing for targeted post-discharge care. - AI-driven platforms are helping clinics anticipate daily patient numbers, aiding in efficient appointment scheduling, and ensuring that clinics are neither overwhelmed nor underutilized. Healthcare’s journey into the digital age is a testament to its commitment to better patient outcomes. With AI at its side, the industry is evolving and revolutionizing how care is delivered. Predicting patient flow is just one facet of this transformation, but its impact—on efficiency, resource allocation, and, most importantly, patient care—is profound. Are you ready to optimize patient care and streamline operations using the power of AI? Tap into OZ’s DA & AI capabilities and be at the forefront of healthcare innovation—read our e-Book ‘[Overcoming the 3 Major Challenges to Unlocking the Power & Promise of Today’s Modern Applications](https://followoz.com/resources/ebooks/overcoming-the-3-major-challenges-to-unlocking-the-power-promise-of-todays-modern-applications/)‘ or contact us [here](https://followoz.com/contact-us/) today. **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Healthcare, Tech Services --- ### [Find out how bots are changing the game in doctor offices, labs, and hospitals across the globe](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/find-out-how-bots-are-changing-the-game-in-doctor-offices-labs-and-hospitals-across-the-globe/) **Published:** March 7, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** Think of the Robotic Process Automation (RPA) revolution as the rise of “software robots.” These robots can not only reboot, mimic, and learn, but also perform rule-based processes and tasks. Oh, and did we mention they perform these processes and tasks with more accuracy than people usually do, working around the clock and with one hundred percent precision? It’s true. Not only that, these specialized bots are evolving constantly, perceiving human digital actions and morphing into different variants to respond—a major potential boon to [every industry](https://followoz.com/industries/), of course, but particularly to [healthcare](https://followoz.com/industries/health-sciences/). So, how are these once-unimaginable “thinking” bots changing the way business is done in offices, labs, and hospitals across the planet? Let’s explore… ### **Time is money. But, remember, wealth is also health.** In our fast-paced, tech-driven, interconnected world, possibility is often only limited by time and access. And nowhere is this more true than in healthcare: a vast and growing industry that encompasses clinical facilities, drug manufacturing, medical equipment, health-related support services, and more, touching virtually every area of our lives. There are many moving parts inherent to [here](https://followoz.com/industries/health-sciences/)—repetitive tasks that can take time away from actual diagnosis, treatment, and research. Enter RPA. Benefits of RPA in healthcare include… - **Increased efficiency and cost savings.** By automating rote, time-consuming administrative tasks surrounding, for example, appointment reminders, employee scheduling, bookkeeping, regulatory compliance, claims processing, and inter-industry communication, RPA can increase productivity and free up staff for higher-value, patient-centered work. Integrating RPA into healthcare claims administration workflows can reduce processing time to a few seconds. - **Improved patient experience.** The reliability and predictability of bots translates to a reliability and predictability of customer experience. Machine learning and intelligent automation (IA) make it easy to address patient questions quicker and with more consistency, for example, by providing bots with past questionnaire answers—thereby streamlining the process of examination, diagnosis, and treatment. - **Electronic health record (EHR) management.** The extraction, analysis, and optimization of the vast amounts of data healthcare creates and requires is challenging, to say the least. The same can be said for the management of the databases that eventually house it. And a single error can create havoc. RPA provides continuous record management and regulatory compliance with pinpoint accuracy. - **Enhanced security.** The risk of data leaks and fraud are greatly mitigated by RPA processes that install specific and powerful security software and, again, intelligently analyze and shift to meet evolving needs and threats. ### **Final thoughts** Despite its efficiency and value, only a small percentage of healthcare organizations are currently utilizing RPA on the scale described above—but this should not be so. Healthcare is a fast-growing industry that is an integral part of the economy of the world. And it can be made more effective by the means of automation, ultimately benefiting us all. To find out more about how OZ is bringing the human experience to healthcare click [here](https://followoz.com/industries/health-sciences/). **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Healthcare, Tech Services --- ### [Empower Digital Transformation—Securely: OZ Chief Solutions Officer Emmanuel Ramos’ Expertise on Display at South Florida Innovation Day](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/empower-digital-transformation-securely-oz-chief-solutions-officer-emmanuel-ramos-expertise-on-display-at-south-florida-innovation-day/) **Published:** October 31, 2022 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** “Innovation is great, but it brings complexity,” OZ Chief Solutions Officer Emmanuel Ramos told an audience at South Florida Innovation Day. “And complexity can be the enemy of security.” It was one of many key insights to be gleaned from Ramos’ appearance on an Age of Digitization and Innovation panel which posed the overarching question, “Can Cybersecurity Catch Up?” to attendees of the bustling, edifying event held by the [Alan B. Levan NSU Broward Center of Innovation](https://www.nova.edu/innovation/innovate.html). The answer from Ramos—as well as TD Bank AVP of Engineering, Christiaan Veerman, and City Furniture CIO, Chad Simpson—was, practically speaking, *absolutely*. But cybersecurity success will require intention, ecosystem-wide buy-in, and a mindset lithe and agile enough to shift as the threats do. “At OZ, we believe that cybersecurity empowers digital transformation,” Ramos said. “The challenge is that digital transformation is going at such a speed that is difficult for the security teams to keep up. So, we work with our clients to ensure that their Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) does not end up operating out of the Office of No, so to speak. Even with all the changes taking place, the CISO needs to be seen as an enabler of business and success. Otherwise, support for their efforts will not materialize.” Ramos pointed out that the near-instantaneous pivot into ubiquitous remote work during the pandemic raised serious questions about how to secure the digital and mobile devices of employees on various networks with varying degrees of security compliance. While cybersecurity requires buy-in across the organization, Ramos argued it is essential that leadership set the bar by driving a knowledge culture within the organization. “We’re ultimately all accountable as far as cybersecurity is concerned,” he said. “But from a training and knowledge culture perspective, it comes from the top. OZ is all about knowledge. That’s why we’re so focused on certifications and training and global apprentice programs. So that is embedded in our culture. And we want to help others make that the standard, not the exception.” **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Events --- ### [Demystifying Customer Behavior with AI in the Hospitality Industry](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/demystifying-customer-behavior-with-ai-in-the-hospitality-industry/) **Published:** August 8, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** Navigating the complexity of customer behavior in the hospitality industry is like trying to find the proverbial needle in a haystack. Luckily, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a potent tool to help companies make sense of this maze and revolutionize the way they understand, interact with, and retain their customers. AI works by [simulating human intelligence](https://www.techtarget.com/searchenterpriseai/tip/AI-vs-machine-learning-vs-deep-learning-Key-differences) processes in machines, especially computer systems. At its core are learning, reasoning, self-correction, and pattern recognition. AI algorithms use these to sift through mountains of data – from purchase histories and clicked ads to social media behavior and online reviews. They’re robust pattern detectors, extracting meaningful patterns that could easily elude the human eye. However, understanding current behavior isn’t AI’s only strength. It’s also about [predicting the future](https://www.thoughtspot.com/data-trends/ai/ai-analytics). By leveraging past customer behavior data, AI’s predictive analytics capabilities allow businesses to anticipate future customer needs, providing personalized experiences that foster loyalty and drive revenue growth. ### **Benefits of Customer Analytics with AI** 1. **Personalized Experiences:** With AI-driven customer analytics, businesses can offer tailor-made experiences to their customers. Whether it’s personalized room settings in a hotel or customized meal recommendations in a restaurant, AI can turn every customer interaction into a unique and delightful experience. 2. **Enhanced Customer Retention:** Predicting and proactively addressing customer needs significantly enhances customer satisfaction, improving customer retention. Happy customers are loyal customers, and loyal customers are profitable customers! 3. **Operational Efficiency:** AI-driven customer analytics can improve business operations. Predictive analytics can optimize staff scheduling, inventory management, and more, reducing costs and improving bottom lines. 4. **Competitive Advantage:** In the fiercely competitive hospitality industry, businesses equipped with AI-driven insights about their customers hold a clear edge. These insights enable them to innovate continuously, stay ahead of customer expectations, and maintain a lead in the market. 5. **Informed Decision-Making:** AI can generate insights that significantly improve decision-making by analyzing vast volumes of customer data. From marketing strategies to service offerings, businesses can make decisions based not just on instincts or experience but also backed by data — significantly improving the likelihood of success and enhancing ROI. In an era where [data is the new oil](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/how-data-ready-are-you/), AI is the refinery that transforms this raw resource into actionable insights. At OZ, our experts leverage our deep understanding of AI and its applications to help you unlock everything from personalizing customer experiences to enhancing operational efficiency, aiding informed decision-making, and staying ahead of the competition. Contact us [here](https://followoz.com/contact-us/)—we’re here to facilitate your journey. Curious about tapping into this tech for hospitality? We invite you to a deeper dive with our e-Book, “[Top Trends in Data Analytics and AI in 2023](https://followoz.com/resources/ebooks/unlock-the-potential-of-data-analytics-and-ai/),” to harness the power of a more personalized, efficient, and competitive future. *Sal Cardozo—Senior Vice President of Data Analytics & AI with over 20 years of experience in strategy, global delivery, and business transformation. I’ve held data analytics leadership positions at leading companies like ADT and Ryder, in addition to Accenture, Cambridge Technology Partners, and Capgemini.* **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Tech Services, Travel and Hospitality --- ### [APIs vs Microservices: Key Differences Every Developer (and Business) Should Know](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/apis-vs-microservices-key-differences-every-developer-and-business-should-know/) **Published:** June 5, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ***By Imran Sabir*** We’re connected to the world — and each other — like never before. But have you stopped to ask what makes it possible? What goes on behind the scenes, allowing us to do many things simultaneously? How do we book a flight, check-in online, and arrive at our destination with just a few clicks? How does data travel, and how do all these different devices and applications connect with each other? The Application Programming Interface or API is what makes this connectivity — we take for granted — happen. In this post, we try to break down what APIs and Microservices are, why they’re different, and how they play a central part in everything we do — from shopping online to hailing a cab in the dead of night. ### **What is an API?** **Definition:** [API](https://followoz.com/partners/oz-mulesoft/) is the acronym for Application Programming Interface — an intermediary that allows two software applications to talk to each other. They’re an accessible way to extract and share data within and across organizations. **In Plain Speak An API is like a waiter at a restaurant. Let’s imagine the waiter (API) takes your order and then tells the kitchen (the system) what to do. Once the kitchen prepares your meal, the waiter delivers the food (in this case, the desired action) back to you. This is how the waiter goes back and forth with every customer, delivering what they want. APIs work the same way. **Real-world example** To carry the food analogy further, imagine you’re ordering food online from your favorite restaurant. What would you do? You would log into the restaurant website, select the items on the menu and place an order. Easy, right? But what if you didn’t order from the restaurant directly? And instead, chose to use a food service app like Doordash or Uber Eats. In this case, the food service app would aggregate all the data from restaurants, including menu options, and show them to you with the help of APIs on the back end. Based on your selection, the app relays your meal preferences to the restaurant using APIs. Get how it works. The API plays the role of a messenger going back and forth, connecting you to what you want. Now that you’ve understood APIs let’s dig a little deeper. ### **What are Microservices?** **Definition:** A **microservice** is a part of the broader **microservices architecture**, which has a set of loosely coupled distributed microservices that work together towards a common goal. A full microservices architecture can have thousands of individual microservices. In the past, software was developed as a single unit. Not very different from a sculptor who carves from a single slab of stone. The more features you added, the bigger and more complex the codebase became. Thanks to Microservices, developers can now work with smaller, discrete, independent modules faster and more efficiently. **In Plain Speak** Think about how you might build a house. Typically, a builder would have a team of on-site workers — start to finish — to build the house. It is a time-consuming and labor-intensive process where workers must perform several tasks simultaneously. On the other hand, if you were to build a modular home, you’d build them as composable parts to be assembled on-site, saving you time and labor costs. Microservices work similarly. **Real-World Example Let’s say you want to build an online store and add individual services like payments, tracking, and analytics. [Microservices](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/mulesoft-implementation-made-easy/) provides standardized, individual blocks of code for each of these processes that you can plug in as and when you want. Similarly, business capabilities can be built with smaller, composable building blocks, connected with well-designed APIs to help them communicate with one another. As your business grows, you can add more services by plugging in more pre-built features (for example, customer service, location, maps service, and so on). This architecture standardization and loose coupling of services mean they can be changed and improved individually without upsetting the entire system. Now that you’ve familiarized yourself with APIs and Microservices let’s examine their differences. ### **APIs and Microservices: Key Differences** - APIs are the foundational component of microservices architecture. - They are standardized wrappers that create an interface through which microservices can be packaged and surfaced. - While microservices is the term used for the complete architecture for building an application — consisting of smaller, self-contained services — APIs are components of microservices. The next time you discuss APIs and Microservices, you can have more productive conversations with developers and better understand the applications you use. If you’d like to know more about how they could play a role in your [digital transformation](https://followoz.com/services/enterprise-applications-integration/), [get in touch with our experts. ](https://followoz.com/contact-us/) Fun fact: The term **microservices** was first coined by Dr. Peter Rodgers in 2005 and was initially known as “micro web services”. **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Tech Services --- ### [The Future Insurance Customer](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/the-future-insurance-customer/) **Published:** January 27, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** Insurance Companies are being challenged to rethink not just the customer experience they currently provide, but their entire approach to customer engagement. Insurance customer expectations keep soaring. While Insurers continue to accelerate their digital transformations, ***the expectations of Insurance customers for Digital Self-Service Channels and personalized experiences that consider their needs, wants, and behaviors dominate and continue to grow.*** (A recent [report](https://www.salesforce.com/news/stories/customer-engagement-research/) from Salesforce) - 84% of customers say the experience a company provides is as important as its products and services - 73% of customers say one extraordinary experience raises their expectations of other companies - 66% of customers are willing to pay more for a great experience - 54% of customers say companies need to transform how they engage with them. - 52% of customers – including 56% of consumers – say companies are generally impersonal. - ***73% of customers expect companies to understand their needs and expectations.*** - ***62% of customers expect companies to adapt based on their actions and behavior*** - 78% of customers expect to solve complex issues by speaking to one person. - ***68% percent would rather use self-service channels – like knowledge bases or customer portals – for simple questions or issues*** Insurers will need to address the rising demand from consumers for more personalized solutions and experiences, increasing the need for rich and consistent customer data and personalized insights, expanding direct and digital sales and service channels, and creating broader service propositions, including the addition of smart preventive services to provide proactive and prescriptive prevention services, while still supporting and collaborating with agent and broker networks. Contact [Mark Smith](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-b-smith-7b767b5/), President of the Global Insurance Practice and Insurance Practice Leader, to discuss how Artificial Intelligence, Intelligent Automation, and process discovery can enhance customer interactions for your business. ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/image_post-1.png) **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Insurance --- ### [Core Values and Community Outreach](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/core-values-and-community-outreach/) **Published:** July 22, 2022 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** **Empathy. Positivity. Outcome-Focused. Constant evolution. Success as a team.** These five core values are the foundation of OZ Digital Consulting. No matter the industry focus, technology specialty, or department, our team members embody these values and showcase them daily within our offices (and home offices) as well as in the community. Team members in Asia, South America, and the U.S. have found ways to give back by participating in annual toy drives, supplies for women’s shelters, beach cleanups, and more, sharing our core values even outside of the workplace. ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/IMG_4871-300x200-1.jpg) ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/OZgivesback-300x225-1.jpg) **Our core values, defined in the community** **Empathize.** Being able to recognize the power and the limitations that come with being human is important to all of us. The mutual recognition of our community members and the diversity within each community is a special part of this core value and is what pushes us to do more by giving back. **Be Positive.** The past few years have brought many challenges and forced all of us to adjust accordingly. With major life adjustments, we strive to remember the importance of the smallest amounts of positivity. We remind each other that health, wellness, and work-life balance are the important ways we can find positivity within our community. Each day, OZ team members reflect this in minor and in grand ways. We celebrate the ability to be positive and to spread that positivity in our communities. **Focus on the Outcome.** Our positivity and ‘can do’ attitudes combined with creative thinking drives our business and technical expertise to help us transform our clients’ businesses. We are a team that works together to reach the same objective while using each person’s strengths to get us there. Community projects build strong connections while we focus on how we can make positive impacts in our communities. **Evolve Constantly.** Our team is incredibly enthusiastic about continuous learning and professional development. Each month, employees earn numerous certifications which we as a company honor and celebrate. As a result, we can better assist our clients and improve our skillsets as technology evolves. Likewise, every volunteering experience or community project we participate in helps us evolve, not only as a team but also as human beings. **Succeed as a Team.** Differences in ethnicity, homeland, language, skillset, and many other factors that are hurdles for many organizations are strengths for OZ. We take pride in working with and learning from our teams who may speak different primary languages, live in separate communities, and even separate continents. Our culture welcomes diversity and celebrates uniqueness, and in many ways drives the high-quality work we deliver for our clients. OZ is a leading digital consulting company whose services and solutions leverage Intelligent Automation to drive efficiencies, provide detailed business insights, and improve decision-making and customer satisfaction. Our people are our key differentiator, and our five core values exemplify who we are and drive high levels of employee satisfaction. If you are looking for a career at a company that helps companies thrive through technology innovation, while having a company culture that is empathetic, positive, outcome-focused, constantly evolving, and succeeds as a team, then [click here to learn about careers at OZ.](https://followoz.com/careers) **Categories:** Blog --- ### [Does Your Data Need a Data Lakehouse? 3 Questions to Ask.](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/does-your-data-need-a-data-lakehouse/) **Published:** July 16, 2024 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** As the volume of data grows, so has the means of storing this data. First, there was the [data warehouse](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/is-the-data-warehouse-dead-yes-and-no/), which stores only relational or structured data. Many companies still use data warehouses to get data for cross-functional reporting and end-user analysis. But as unstructured data began to increase—think of all the customer email communications or video footage that makes up 80 to 90% of all information in an organization—and newer technologies such as [artificial intelligence (AI)](https://followoz.com/services/artificial-intelligence/) and [machine learning](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/start-seeing-around-corners-with-azure-machine-learning/) emerged, businesses realized they needed another form of data storage. Thus, the [data lake](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/keep-your-data-lake-from-becoming-a-data-swamp/) was born. The [data lake](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/keep-your-data-lake-from-becoming-a-data-swamp/) has since become a centralized target for all the data that lands in an organization. Once the data enters the data lake, some basic processing happens, the data gets summarized and often copied over into a data warehouse where it’s modeled with structured tables, governance rules, and traditional tools on top. These two systems are difficult to manage—and painful. Worse, they create [data silos](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/single-source-of-truth-all-your-data-all-in-one-place/). You end up with incompatible data security models. Despite the inconvenience, many businesses use a hybrid architecture—data warehouses for business analytics and data lakes for data science and machine learning. So, it’s little wonder that when Microsoft unveiled the data lakehouse (called [OneLake](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/fabric/onelake/onelake-overview)) in [Microsoft Fabric](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-fabric), their unified analytics platform, the IT and data community were excited. Hailed as the “OneDrive for all your data, [Arun Ulag, Microsoft’s corporate VP for Azure](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KswXd7tnJko) Data noted, “There’s literally hundreds — if not thousands — of products and open source technologies and solutions that customers have to make sense of.” And a lot of those data and analytics products tend to keep their data in silos. “When I talk to customers, one of the messages I hear consistently is that they’re tired of paying this integration tax,” he said. While it’s tempting to integrate the data lakehouse into your existing data solution as it’s now officially “a thing,” it’s worth examining how it’s different or going to augment the data solutions you currently have. ## Data Lakehouse: The Best of Both Worlds A data lakehouse bridges the gap between lakes and warehouses — combining the affordable, flexible storage of a data lake with the [data management](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/heres-why-i-would-choose-microsoft-fabric-as-my-data-management-tool/) and governance of a warehouse. It brings together the best features of data warehouses and data lakes while overcoming their limitations. This makes it faster and easier for businesses to draw insights from all of their data, regardless of format or volume. ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Lakehouse.png) It lets data engineers, data scientists, and data analysts to access and use data all in one place. It also: - Uses Spark and SQL engines to process large-scale data and support machine learning or predictive modeling analytics - Organizes data in a schema-on-read format, which means you define the schema as needed rather than having a predefined schema - Supports ACID (Atomicity, Consistency, Isolation, Durability) transactions through Delta Lake formatted tables for data consistency and integrity As data architecture continues to evolve and as newer forms of data storage and compute like the lakehouse surface, you may be wondering if your business could benefit from them? For any business, managing data— and getting value from all that information—is a constant challenge. However, these three questions will help you make a more informed decision before you transition to a data lakehouse. ## 1. How will your business benefit from a data lakehouse? There’s a lot of information about how lakehouses benefit your data. But your business? Data lakehouses can make a real impact on your bottom-line as they break down silos and increase operational efficiency—key concerns for IT and business leaders. Currently, many businesses use several point solutions to manage their growing customer data that require substantial investment. Data lakehouses, on the other hand, offer the best of data warehouses and data lakes, helping you reduce costs and developer backlogs and do more with less. By separating computing and storage, they allow you to add more storage. By separating computing and storage, they allow you to add more storage without increasing computing power, providing a cost-effective way to expand [data analytics](https://followoz.com/services/data-analytics-ai/) efforts while keeping data storage expenses low. When adopting the lakehouse architecture, you can decentralize data storage and processing depending on your organization’s structure and business needs. Here are three common approaches: - Each business unit builds its own lakehouse for its goals whether it’s product development, customer acquisition or customer support. - Each functional area builds its own lakehouse to optimize operations within its business area. - Some organizations create a new lakehouse for strategic initiatives or unforeseen events to drive fast, decisive action. The [unified lakehouse](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/optimize-your-data-estate-with-microsoft-fabrics-advanced-analytics-and-business-intelligence/) architecture enables data architects to build simpler data architectures that meet business needs without complex orchestration of data movement across siloed data stacks for BI, DS, and ML. Plus, the openness of the architecture helps you leverage the ecosystem of open technologies without getting locked in. And since lakehouses are usually built on separate, scalable cloud storage, multiple teams can easily access each lakehouse. ## 2. Will my data be secure and compliant? For many IT and business leaders, data governance and security is a top concern. Lakehouses address this by adding a management interface on top of data lake storage, providing a standardized way to manage access control, [data quality](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/azure-data-quality-services-find-and-fix-data-errors-before-its-too-late/), and compliance across the organization. They support fine-grained (row, column, and view level) access control via SQL, query auditing, attribute-based access control, data versioning, and [data quality](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/azure-data-quality-services-find-and-fix-data-errors-before-its-too-late/) constraints and monitoring. These features utilize standard interfaces familiar to database administrators (for example, SQL GRANT commands), allowing more of your staff to [manage all the data](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/azure-data-quality-services-find-and-fix-data-errors-before-its-too-late/) in the organization uniformly. Centralizing all the data in a lakehouse with a single [data management](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/heres-why-i-would-choose-microsoft-fabric-as-my-data-management-tool/) interface also reduces the administrative burden and errors that come with managing different systems. ## 3. How do data lakehouses compare with data warehouses in terms of performance and cost? In other words, are lakehouses worth it? Just going by the encouraging feedback for the [Microsoft Fabric](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-fabric) lakehouse, the answer is a resounding “yes.” Data lakehouses are built around separate, elastically scaling compute and storage to minimize operational costs while maximizing performance. Modern systems provide comparable or even better performance per dollar to traditional data warehouses for SQL workloads, using the same optimization techniques inside their engines (e.g., query compilation and storage layout optimizations). Plus, lakehouses leverage cost-saving features from cloud providers, such as spot instance pricing, which allows the system to handle the loss of worker nodes mid-query, and lower prices for infrequently accessed storage—benefits that traditional data warehouse engines typically do not support. Unlike [data warehouses](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/is-the-data-warehouse-dead-yes-and-no/), data lakehouses are inexpensive to scale because integrating new data sources is automated—you don’t have to manually fit them into prevailing data formats and schema. They are also “open,” meaning the data can be queried from anywhere using any tool, rather than being limited to only applications that can handle structured data (such as SQL). Until recently, the combined data lake and data warehouse model was the only option for organizations who wished to continue with legacy BI and [data analytics](https://followoz.com/services/data-analytics-ai/) workflows while also migrating towards smart, automated data initiatives. But that’s about to change as the popularity of the lakehouse continues to grow. ## How to Get Started On the data maturity curve, different companies exist on different points. No matter where you are on your data journey, our data experts would love to help you unlock your data potential with the right solution and technology. If you would like a data lakehouse tour to see how it can help your organization break down silos and unlock efficiency, [contact us](https://followoz.com/contact-us/) today. **Categories:** Blog --- ### [Digital Transformation and the Value it Brings to Marketing](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/digital-transformation-and-the-value-it-brings-to-marketing/) **Published:** August 8, 2019 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** At OZ, we are immersed in digital transformation. We provide innovative technology solutions and services focused on customer experience (CX). Our clients in the travel, life sciences, health care, high-technology, financial services, and retail industries engage with OZ to enhance CX for their customers, or to improve internal processes and business activities, among other things. **What Digital Transformation for Marketing Looks Like?** Digital transformation is changing many elements of business, and the [value it brings to marketing](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/progression-of-economic-value-due-to-cx-coffee/) shouldn’t be underestimated. The last few decades have seen the rise of the internet age, and the proliferation of digital technology and media. Today, digital media goes far beyond impressions – it’s interactive, and it provides marketers much more accurate, in-depth metrics from campaigns. [Digital transformation in marketing](https://www.bostoninteractive.com/blog/what-digital-transformation-marketing) refers to the process of refining your digital channels to gain deeper insights that inform your approach and improve customers’ journeys. This might mean assessing and refining your digital channels, like your website, inbound marketing funnel or customer database. When combined with thoughtful messages and marketing, digital transformation makes a brand memorable and provides the opportunity to show customers and employees not only what the brand is all about, but why they should align themselves with its products, mission or style. **How Marketers Can Leverage Digitally Transformed Strategies** This [summary](https://econsultancy.com/how-digital-transformation-can-revolutionise-marketing/) of steps is a great review of how marketers can implement digitally transformed strategies. Here are the steps Mutiny Asia founder Nick Fawbert offers in the piece: 1\. *Focus on the Data* – If data is siloed, it is difficult to know where your customers are in their journey. Unify data across divisions and with external partners. 2\. *Use Automation* – Marketers must have a high level of control over their channels in order to personalize the experience for customers. This level of control allows them to identify inflection points and ensure satisfaction at every stage. 3\. *Optimize with Analytics* – Analytics allow marketers to capture and analyze consumer behaviors across digital channels. Using this data will help make changes to optimize the marketing strategy. While OZ continues to digitally transform our customers’ businesses, I’m excited to continue to work with our senior management, communications team, and other stakeholders to enhance our own, continuous, digital evolution. **Categories:** Blog --- ### [Adapt Processes to Serve Customer Demand Based on Data Metrics](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/data-driven-processes-serve-customers/) **Published:** July 24, 2021 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** [Property and Casualty](https://followoz.com/industries/property-casualty-insurance-in-intelligent-automation/) (P&C) insurers stand in the valleys between mountains of challenges. According to McKinsey, auto insurers have lost an average of $4.2 billion each year on underwriting profits over the past half-decade¹. Between increasing competitive pressures, unparalleled levels of uncertainty and change, and sweeping digitization, building financial resilience, growth, and innovation isn’t easy. In fact, KMPG surveys suggest 25% of every premium dollar is immediately consumed by baseline operating expenses². And, despite 94% of insurers desperately working to rectify this issue, over half are behind schedule and in a rut. For many, customer data is the ace in the sleeve. Connecting front and back offices with robust [data reporting and dashboards](https://followoz.com/services/data-analytics-ai/) unlock new opportunities for growth and agility. From direct-to-consumer sales to better underwriting and customer-centric practices, data metrics give your teams the ability to patch gaps between digital excellence and customer satisfaction. So, where do you start? How do you leverage customer data to make a tangible impact on your operation processes? And why should you bother? Here’s everything you need to know about data, reporting, and dashboards in the wonderful world of P&C insurance. ## **The Power of Customer Data Reporting and Dashboards in Insurance** KMPG data is clear: insurers are in a race to digitize. 80% of C-level insurers admit COVID-19 “turbo-charged” their need for next-gen operating models³. For those with the technologies and capabilities to collect and tap into troves of customer data, the path forward is clear. Customer data analytics combined with savvy dashboards give insurers the fuel they need to create these next-gen models. Here are a few (of many) ways customer data reporting and dashboards can transform your company. ### **Agent Performance Analysis** The P&C insurance industry as a whole is in the red. The difference between successful firms and laggards often boils down to two words: agent productivity. According to McKinsey, data and automation can boost P&C carrier labor productivity by 14-24%⁴. Of course, there’s productivity gained by automating underwriting, better targeting customers, and eliminating redundant activities. But simply tracking and analyzing agent performance at scale works wonders. Data-driven dashboards and real-time data feeds give you insights into agent productivity across multiple metrics. When you see friction points, you can start to tackle the exact processes causing those slowdowns. ### **Cost-effective & Customer-centric Underwriting** If you aren’t offering must-have features like digital purchasing and digital plan matching, you’re behind the curve. Customer data can be leveraged to provide instant policy matching, automated underwriting, and customer-centric digital solutions. McKinsey notes one European insurer who improved business by more than 5% simply by using customer data and digital-first policy purchases⁵. ### **Fraud Detection & Prevention** Non-health-based insurance fraud costs $40 billion each year⁶. Digitization can significantly cut into this fraud. For example, customer data can be leveraged to ensure the accuracy of identity and claims. Using digital policy matching tools keeps customer data contained within one digital ecosystem, and digital-first practices allow you to adopt two-factor authentication and aggressive data security policies. Compared to traditional practices that rely on paper-based processes, data-driven ops vastly decrease fraud-based activities. ### **Rate Modification via Geographic Analysis** Geographic risk analysis is a key component of running a successful P&C operation. Different areas and neighborhoods have vastly different risk factors. By analyzing clusters of customer data, you can key in on risk trends — allowing you to create smarter and more cost-effective policies for all parties. Custom-built tech can help you analyze historical trends while real-time customer data can inform those trends over time. ### **Friction-free Claims Management** The power of data in the claims journey is hard to overstate. With robust data collections and hyper-informative dashboards you can: - Track long-tail claims to better understand loss reserves at scale - Better assign claims to the appropriate sources based on complexity and scale - Use RPA to handle repetitive data entry tasks associated with claims management - Semi-automate the claims journey - Get insights into claims management cost structures - Track customer satisfaction across the claims journey and more! The more data, technology, and digital aptitude you apply to the claims management process, the more value you’ll find. ## **Data Metrics + P&C: A Perfect Match** Scoring wins in today’s hyper-competitive, digitally-soaked insurance ecosystem isn’t always easy. Cutting costs, improving operational efficiency, and bolstering productivity require investments in analytics, technology, and data reporting, and dashboards. To learn more about how your P&C can transform using the power of data, [contact us](https://followoz.com/about/oz-digital-consultants/). *Sources* 1. https://www.mckinsey.com/~/media/mckinsey/industries/financial%20services/our%20insights/time%20for%20insurance%20companies%20to%20face%20digital%20reality/digital-disruption-in-insurance.ashx 2. https://assets.kpmg/content/dam/kpmg/xx/pdf/2019/03/operational-excellence-report-2019.pdf 3. https://home.kpmg/xx/en/home/insights/2020/11/the-covid-19-catalyst-insurers-race-to-digitize.html 4. https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/financial-services/our-insights/the-productivity-imperative-in-insurance 5. https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/financial-services/our-insights/restore-and-reimagine-digital-and-analytics-imperatives-for-insurers 6. https://www.fbi.gov/stats-services/publications/insurance-fraud#:~:text=The%20total%20cost%20of%20insurance,the%20form%20of%20increased%20premiums.&text=Premium%20diversion%20is%20the%20embezzlement%20of%20insurance%20premiums. **Categories:** Blog --- ### [Intelligent Automation in the Insurance Industry – December 2021 Snapshot](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/intelligent-automation-in-the-insurance-industry-november-2021-snapshot/) **Published:** November 29, 2021 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** [![Smiling woman seated at a multi-monitor coding workstation in a bright office](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/AI-Powered-Mainframe-Modernizati.jpg)](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/why-mainframe-modernization-looks-different-this-time/)###### [ Why Mainframe Modernization Looks Different This Time ](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/why-mainframe-modernization-looks-different-this-time/) June 4, 2026 **Categories:** Blog --- ### [The Web 3.0 Revolution Has Arrived](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/the-web-3-0-revolution-has-arrived/) **Published:** December 28, 2022 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** The digital revolution of the 21st century has ushered in a new era of technology: [Web 3.0](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Web3). This latest evolution of the web brings with it unprecedented opportunities for businesses and professionals to create content using large language and image AI models—sometimes referred to as generative AI or foundation models. With its enhanced capabilities, Web 3.0 promises tremendous potential benefits for companies looking to stay ahead in an increasingly competitive market landscape. But what exactly is meant by Web 3.0? And how can businesses [best leverage](https://followoz.com/services/data-analytics-ai/) this cutting-edge development platform going forward? ### **What is Web 3.0?** Web 3.0 is the next generation of web technology, which promises to revolutionize how we interact with the internet and each other. It is a decentralized platform that uses distributed ledger technology (DLT) such as blockchain to store data securely while simultaneously allowing for trustless transactions—i.e., transactions in which you do not [need to rely on a third party](https://www.gemini.com/cryptopedia/trustless-meaning-blockchain-non-custodial-smart-contracts#section-trust-vs-trustless-in-crypto)— between users. Web 3.0 will enable new applications and services that are not possible on current web technologies due to their centralized nature. Web 3.0 is an open-source, decentralized platform built on top of existing infrastructure that allows for secure peer-to-peer interactions without relying on third parties or intermediaries for verification or authentication purposes. It utilizes distributed ledger technology (DLT)—such as blockchain—to create immutable records of all transactions taking place within its network, thus providing increased security and privacy protection compared to traditional web architectures akin to HTTP/HTTPS protocols used by websites today. The benefits associated with this new type of architecture include… - - Improved scalability and performance due to its distributed nature - Enhanced user experience through seamless integration across different platforms - Increased efficiency and cost savings from automated processes enabled by smart contracts - Better security and privacy protection from DLT’s immutability - More reliable digital identity management solutions through public key cryptography - Greater transparency in business operations thanks to real-time tracking capabilities offered by IoT devices connected via the network Despite the advantages, there are still some challenges associated with implementing Web 3.0 into existing systems: - - Compatibility issues between legacy software components - Lack of interoperability among different DLTs used within the same system - Potential risks posed by malicious actors exploiting vulnerabilities in codebase or protocol design flaws - Difficulty in maintaining consensus among nodes participating in the network Additionally, developing custom applications using this framework can be time-consuming due to its complexity when compared with conventional programming languages such as Java or C++. ### **Technologies Behind Web 3.0** Large language and image AI models are at the core of Web 3.0 technology, allowing for more sophisticated web-based applications and services. These models use deep learning algorithms to process large amounts of data and generate meaningful insights from it. For example, these models can be used to create natural language processing (NLP) systems that can understand human speech or generate text-to-speech capabilities. They can also be used for image recognition tasks such as facial recognition or object detection. Blockchain technology is a distributed ledger system that allows users to securely store and transfer digital assets without the need for a central authority or third-party intermediary. This makes blockchain an ideal platform for creating decentralized applications (DApps), which are self-executing smart contracts stored on a public ledger that allows two parties to enter into agreements without needing any middleman or trust between them. The most popular blockchain platform is Ethereum, which provides developers with the tools they need to build their own DApps using its native programming language Solidity. Decentralized Applications (DApps) are open-source software programs built on top of existing blockchains such as Ethereum. These applications allow users to interact directly with each other without relying on any centralized entity or third-party intermediaries, providing enhanced security and privacy protection due to their distributed nature. DApps offer various features including peer-to-peer payments, token issuance, asset management, voting systems, gaming platforms, and more. ### **Applications of Web 3.0** Web 3.0 offers businesses new opportunities to increase efficiency, security, privacy protection, user experience, and more. Here are some applications that can help businesses take advantage of these benefits: - - **Automation and robotics** are two key components of Web 3.0 technology that enable machines to perform tasks traditionally done by humans with greater accuracy and speed. This technology can be used in various industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, or retail for activities like data entry or order fulfillment processes which can save time and money for companies while increasing productivity levels at the same time. - **Smart contracts** are digital agreements between parties that use blockchain technology to securely store information without any third-party interference or manipulation. They also allow users to manage their digital identities online in a secure manner while providing them control over how their personal data is shared with others online. This helps protect user privacy while allowing businesses to comply with regulations related to customer data management such as GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation). - **The Internet of Things (IoT)** refers to physical devices connected through the internet which collect data from sensors embedded within them for monitoring purposes or provide automated responses based on predetermined conditions set by users themselves using machine learning algorithms. [IoT](https://www.ibm.com/blogs/internet-of-things/what-is-the-iot/) has numerous applications across different sectors including agriculture, transportation, energy management, healthcare, and more, enabling companies operating in those areas to benefit from improved operational efficiency and better decision-making capabilities due to access to real-time insights into their operations. Overall, Web 3.0 technologies offer many advantages for businesses looking to streamline operations while improving customer experience at the same time. OZ provides services ranging from enterprise integration and intelligent automation solutions, to web/mobile application development, and cloud IT services so that your business can effectively leverage all the benefits offered by Web 3.0 technologies. ### **Conclusion** Web 3.0 channels multiple technologies to create an environment that is more secure and efficient than ever before. Looking ahead, Web 3.0 will continue to evolve as new technologies emerge that further enhance its capabilities. It is important for businesses to understand how they can leverage these advancements now to stay competitive in today’s rapidly changing landscape. OZ offers a range of services designed specifically for this purpose—from enterprise integration solutions utilizing AI-driven analytics tools through cloud computing infrastructure development—enabling organizations across industries to unlock their full potential using cutting-edge web technologies like never before. \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ *Are you looking for a partner to help accelerate your digital innovation, business progress, and data analytics? OZ has the experience and expert team to provide enterprise integration, intelligent automation, web/mobile applications, and cloud & IT services tailored specifically to meet your needs. Let us show you the potential of Web 3.0—*[*contact us*](https://followoz.com) *today to start transforming your business with our cutting-edge solutions!* **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Tech Services --- ### [How Technology is Extending & Reshaping the Future of Our “Golden Years”](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/how-technology-is-extending-reshaping-the-future-of-our-golden-years/) **Published:** January 27, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** [![Smiling woman seated at a multi-monitor coding workstation in a bright office](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/AI-Powered-Mainframe-Modernizati.jpg)](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/why-mainframe-modernization-looks-different-this-time/)###### [ Why Mainframe Modernization Looks Different This Time ](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/why-mainframe-modernization-looks-different-this-time/) June 4, 2026 **Categories:** Blog --- ### [Insurance: Unique Challenges, Innovative Solutions](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/insurance-unique-challenges-innovative-solutions/) **Published:** February 1, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ### **When it comes to changing the game, insurance is a different—and complex—beast.** And there’s a simple reason for that: Safeguarding the public and businesses from constantly emerging risks requires a constantly evolving industry. Many insurers have grown from offering a single product—say, personal or auto—to operating as multi-line providers. Remember, when some of these companies were founded as long as seventy-five or a hundred years ago, who could have imagined the advent of cybercrime or the magnitude of hurricanes brought on by climate change? Remaining ahead of the risk curve while providing new and enhanced products is a tall order in and of itself—and that’s before acknowledging that every state in the U.S. has its own regulatory regime for insurance. Further, the margins on insurance tend not to be as wide as in other industries simply because the risks and events are very unpredictable. From a pricing and underwriting perspective, establishing a standard is a thorny proposition. Add to the internal to-do list innovating backend processes or building a better digital experience akin to retail or banking to meet dynamically and aggressively changing consumer demands—from self-service capabilities to intuitive portals to access to a sophisticated digital virtual agent—can be downright daunting. ### **So, what happens?** Well, there is a proliferation in the back office of legacy systems that must be customized yet again for a new product or territory. Indeed, some insurance carriers may have fifteen to twenty different policy admin systems. This is to say, in order both to maintain competitive advantage and maintain profitability, insurers are constantly focused on how to drive improved efficiency within their operations—which requires a significant investment in IT. This trial by fire has had an upside, however: The insurance industry has had to learn to be nimble and pivot—no small accomplishment when you’re carrying all those legacy systems. ### **The solution to meeting these challenges?** Carriers must learn to modernize their legacy application portfolio while concurrently driving innovation and digital transformation. Gone are the days of multi-year and multi-million-dollar core systems replacement as the predecessor requirement to begin to digitize and innovate. Carriers should strongly consider how to leverage API architecture, business rules extraction, RPA, and data lakes to modernize legacy applications and enable concurrent innovation. The path and priorities for legacy application modernization should be set based on the digital transformation and innovation strategy, enabling the strategy vs looking at each as separate workstreams. This will enable Carriers to accelerate their transformation and enable them to create a steady stream of customer experience, product, and data-driven insight innovations. At OZ, we have significant experience in legacy application and data modernization architecture and strategies to help our clients accelerate their digital transformation and innovation initiatives *Contact [Mark Smith](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-b-smith-7b767b5/), President of the Global Insurance Practice and Insurance Practice Leader, to discuss how Intelligent Automation can streamline processing and enhance profitability for your business.* **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Insurance --- ### [Seizing the unprecedented opportunities of generative AI](https://followoz.com/resources/forbes/seizing-the-unprecedented-opportunities-of-generative-ai/) **Published:** April 28, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** “The age of AI is upon us,” OZ Chief Solutions Officer[ Emmanuel Ramos](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mannyramos/) writes in his latest *Forbes* column, “and technology leaders must remain on the cutting edge when it comes to using fresh innovations and readying themselves for what’s ahead with organized planning.” To this end, Ramos provides a concise-yet-thorough look at the creation, evolution, and promise of “Software 2.0.” Here’s a taste: > Software 2.0 facilitates the swift creation of applications by automating numerous elements in the development process. Neural networks are used to recognize patterns in data and make decisions based on those patterns. This allows for rapid scaling and diffusion of applications as well as AI-driven applications that can be deployed quickly with minimal manual intervention from developers. > > Neural networks are composed of layers of neurons that “learn” from input data through a process called backpropagation. The neural network uses this information to develop an understanding of how certain inputs will lead to specific outputs over time, allowing it to accurately predict outcomes without any human intervention or programming effort required. This makes it possible for developers to rapidly scale their applications across different platforms while still ensuring accuracy in results due to its ability to learn from existing datasets rather than having each platform require custom code written by hand. > > Software 2.0 allows developers to rapidly scale their applications across different platforms, while its neural networks facilitate the diffusion of applications into various markets with expediency and accuracy. Moreover, these same neural networks enable AI-driven applications that can take autonomous action without human involvement—making them perfect for highly automated tasks such as customer service bots or self-driving cars where precision is paramount even in changing environments. Read the whole thing [here](https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2023/04/20/what-the-potential-of-software-20-means-for-tech-leaders/?utm_content=245942574&utm_medium=social&utm_source=linkedin&hss_channel=lcp-11075183&sh=3bc16435131a). **Categories:** OZ in Forbes **Tags:** Forbes --- ### [How Insurtech Will Save Your Premium From Climate Change](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/how-insurtech-will-save-your-premium-from-climate-change/) **Published:** May 1, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** A few raindrops on your windshield might mean an additional twenty minutes on your I-95 commute, but, according to a [2018 ](https://www.ipcc.ch/sr15/chapter/chapter-3/)Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report analyzing the relationship between climate change and extreme weather events, the effect of rising CO2 levels—from severe heatwaves, heavy precipitation, coastal flooding, and coastal erosion—could be much more consequential. Predictably, analysts are already [forecasting](https://www.cbsnews.com/miami/news/florida-sees-biggest-jump-in-car-insurance-rates/) increases in auto premiums—with reverberations throughout property and casualty (P&C) insurance no doubt close behind. There is a ray of hope on the horizon, however: From risk and climate assessment and modeling to [claims processing](https://followoz.com/resources/case-studies/claims-review-processes-decreased-by-50-with-100-error-free-outcomes-for-a-large-insurance-payor/) and [customer engagement](https://followoz.com/resources/case-studies/a-major-healthcare-insurer-uses-intelligent-automation-and-data-analytics-to-manage-workflows-and-improve-employee-performance/) to aligning organizational objectives with climate-focused company vision and mission through an [objective strategic decision-making framework](https://followoz.com/powerful-strategic-frameworks/), tech is evolving to meet the coming premium challenge. ### **The Stakes** First, let’s examine three areas of concern: - **Rising reinsurance costs.** When primary carriers need to protect themselves from catastrophic loss (like hurricanes and other natural disasters), they purchase *reinsurance*. It’s an essential component of the Florida insurance ecosystem and, when purchased from reinsurers, these carriers distribute the cost to customers through higher premiums. As the frequency and severity of natural disasters increase, it raises our regional risk profile, which means reinsurers charge more for coverage, causing carriers to cover the cost by increasing premiums. - **Sea levels rise, insurability falls.** CEO & Chief Scientist of Climate Central, Ben Strauss, [states](https://sealevel.climatecentral.org/news/floria-and-the-rising-sea), “Global average sea level has gone up about 8 inches since 1880.” Strauss continues, painting a pressing picture of urgency, “Making the odds of a South Florida flood reaching more than 4 feet above high tide, by 2050, on par with losing at Russian roulette.” Mounting flood concerns from carriers means an increased risk of property damage, a drop in property value for locations less inland, higher premiums, and risk selection. - **Operation Interruptions.** COVID-19 exposed us all to the frustrating hold-ups of supply chain disruptions. In the coming year, extreme weather events will exacerbate issues for transportation networks and the delivery of goods and services. This disruption translates to higher consumer goods costs and promises to cost the commercial sector in interruption coverage and increased premiums. But a secret weapon lies amidst risky forecasts and clouds of uncertainty—ready to help carriers chart a clear path toward continuous success. ### Insurtech Intervention** “Are you telling us that the insurance industry is treehuggers now that they’re advocating for the environment?” This is the good-naturedly provocative question OZ Chief Transformation Officer [Dr. Paul Bailo](https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulbailo/) puts to InnSure Executive Director [Charlie Sidoti](https://www.linkedin.com/in/sidoti/) on a recent episode of the OZ podcast Transformation Matters. “It’s in their best interest,” Sidoti responds. “I’ve always been environmentally conscious, but it’s not just about doing good for the sake of being a good person. The UN suggests that there’s going to be $5 trillion a year spent on climate. Suppose Property & Casualty (P&C) captures 2% of the global economy. In that case, we stand to capture $100 billion in new business.” And, indeed, OZ—as part of its mission to empower businesses of all sizes through accelerated growth—has partnered with InnSure on its Climate and Risk Insurance Sandbox (CRIS) initiative, which seeks to “support the insurance industry of the future and respond to the challenges posed by climate change” through digital transformation. Whether it be in data and analytics (DA), artificial intelligence (AI), robotic process automation (RPA), or beyond, OZ will lend its expertise in optimizing technology infrastructures for automating processes, providing real-time data to enable informed decision-making, and improving customer experiences for world-changing insurance solutions. “Growth, innovation, transformation, and creativity are key ingredients to allow the insurance industry to continue to grow and prosper,” Bailo says, adding InnSure “provides all these and so much more.” OZ has led the charge in multi-industry solutions for over a quarter-century. Take the next step toward transitioning from a season of ambiguity to one of market-defining innovation by contacting us [here](https://followoz.com/contact-us/). **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Insurance --- ### [CX is about more than metrics](https://followoz.com/resources/forbes/cx-is-about-more-than-metrics/) **Published:** May 1, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** In our tech-driven marketplace, the details of what constitutes great customer service change at a dizzying pace. Yet, there are some fundamentals that do not shift. That is the takeaway from a fascinating recent *Forbes* symposium, [15 Ways Tech Teams Can Help Companies Provide an Outstanding CX](https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2023/03/15/15-ways-tech-teams-can-help-companies-provide-an-outstanding-cx/?sh=25649657253c), featuring a distinguished panel including OZ Chief Solutions Officer and [Forbes Technology Council ](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/oz-chief-solutions-officer-emmanuel-ramos-joins-forbes-technology-council/)member [Emmanuel Ramos](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mannyramos/). Ramos’ advice? > “Don’t just think about the customer; don’t just ask the business about customer needs; don’t just survey the customer; and don’t just follow metrics. Ask yourself how you would approach this technology solution if you were on the receiving end as a customer. How would you enhance the digital and physical touchpoints if *you* were the customer? As tech leaders, we must be the customer.” *OZ Digital Consulting is here to provide the best solutions and advice for your business needs. From data analytics, enterprise integration, and intelligent automation, web/mobile applications, Cloud and IT services—we have the expertise to make sure that your transition is seamless. Let us be your guide in this digital journey–-*[*contact us*](https://followoz.com/contact-us/) *today for a consultation!* **Categories:** OZ in Forbes **Tags:** Forbes --- ### [Finding the balance between innovation and human-centered customer experience](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/finding-the-balance-between-innovation-and-human-centered-customer-experience/) **Published:** May 2, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** There’s no turning back now… Thanks to innovations in [digital banking](https://www.forbes.com/advisor/banking/what-is-digital-banking/), today’s consumers have easier, faster, and more efficient access to their finances than ever before. So, how can traditional branches adapt to this digital shift while still maintaining a [seamless customer experience](https://followoz.com/services/web-mobile-applications/)? First, let’s define the terms: **Digital transformation** **in banking** refers to a [multi-pronged process](https://followoz.com/services) of upgrading technology, implementing new digital tools, adopting new platforms, and integrating all data and system functionality to better serve users and employees. This process can include everything from developing a mobile banking app or website to implementing in-branch technology such as interactive teller machines (ITMs). One of the key trends in digital transformation for banking has been the **shift from analog to digital processes.** This shift was accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw many institutions invest in digital transformation initiatives to accommodate the sharp decline in branch visitors. However, smaller institutions are often slower to adopt digital transformation initiatives, due to factors such as staff shortages and loss of revenue. To achieve digital transformation success, banks and credit unions must **foster a culture of innovation** and **embrace tools** such as **artificial intelligence, Big Data, biometrics, digital signage, integrated content programs, and self-service tools.** It is also important to **define clear goals** for digital transformation, such as **improving the customer experience, reducing operating costs, streamlining operations, and increasing profitability.** While digital transformation is critical for banking institutions, it is important to remember that **customer experience** remains at the heart of quality financial service interactions. Institutions that prioritize customer service have a solid foundation on which to build their digital future—and should from there focus on providing comprehensive employee training that covers practical skills instruction and best customer service practices. **Trust**, excellent **customer care**, and **doing a great job** will ensure your success. *Ready to begin your own digital transformation journey?* [*Contact OZ*](https://followoz.com/contact-us/) *and we’ll place not only the latest tools and strategies at your disposal but also more than a quarter century of expertise and experience.* **Categories:** Blog --- ### [A guide to winning in the era of major technology transformation](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/a-guide-to-winning-in-the-era-of-major-technology-transformation/) **Published:** May 4, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** As digital technologies continue to disrupt traditional business models, it is crucial for organizations to strategically align IT functions with overall objectives. But what, precisely, does that entail? From adopting agile working methods, leveraging analytics applications for data-driven decision-making, and integrating CIOs into leadership teams to investing in training and apprenticeships programs, building proactive CEO influence on technology functions, and attracting and retaining top talent, we’ve put together the following comprehensive guide for tech executives to get themselves and their team from today to the future. ### **Transforming the IT Function’s Role** To boost a company’s financial performance and maintain competitive advantage, the CEO must [transform](https://followoz.com/services/) the role of the IT function. This involves not only making targeted technology investments and aligning them with both short- and long-term priorities to ensure maximum impact on business growth, but also embracing new technologies such as digital transformation, AI, and ML. However, it is crucial that these investments are made strategically to maximize returns. A [McKinsey Digital report](https://www.mckinsey.com/business-functions/mckinsey-digital/our-insights/the-new-tech-talent-you-need-to-succeed-in-digital) highlights how top-performing companies make informed decisions about which technologies will deliver the most value based on their specific needs and goals. Here is a relevant summary: - Determine which digital channels offer the greatest potential for growth within your industry. - Examine the potential of developing technologies such as AI and ML to uncover avenues for increased productivity or enhanced customer experiences. - Prioritize technology investments that support long-term business objectives while delivering short-term wins where possible. Aligning IT Functions with Company-wide Strategic Priorities To align IT functions with broader organizational goals, companies must nurture close collaboration between technology leaders and other departments across an organization. This includes: - **Cross-functional communication:** Encourage open dialogues between CIOs, CTOs, senior executives from various departments, and other key stakeholders to identify opportunities for IT initiatives that support overall business objectives. - **Integrated planning:** Incorporate technology investments into the company’s overall strategic planning process. Ensure that resources are distributed in a productive way and prioritize IT projects according to their potential influence on the company as a whole. - **Performance measurement:** Establish clear metrics for evaluating the success of technology initiatives, including how they contribute to achieving broader organizational goals. Regularly review these measurements to assess progress and make any necessary adjustments to your strategy or resource allocation. Taking an active role in shaping your company’s IT function can lead to significant improvements in financial performance by ensuring technology investments deliver maximum value across all areas of your business. ### **Attracting Skilled Engineers and Offering Incentives** Top economic performers understand that recruiting skilled engineers with expertise in cutting-edge solutions such as [software development](https://www.ibm.com/cloud/learn/software-development), [data science](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Data_science), and [machine learning](https://aws.amazon.com/machine-learning) is crucial for driving innovation in a competitive market. By offering appealing incentives, CEOs can attract top talent to help lead their companies toward organizational improvement and financial success. Hiring skilled engineers not only ensures the successful implementation of new technologies but also creates a culture of continuous improvement within an organization. This, in turn, encourages teams to collaborate, which leads to improved decision-making and financial results. So, how does a company secure and retain top engineering talent? First and foremost, it is vital for CEOs to offer attractive incentive packages that go beyond just competitive salaries. Some examples include: - **Flexible work arrangements:** Allowing employees the option to work remotely or choose flexible hours can significantly improve job satisfaction and increase employee retention rates. A recent study by [Gallup Research](https://www.gallup.com/workplace/283985/working-remotely-effective-gallup-research-says-yes.aspx) found that remote workers tend to be more engaged and productive. - **Professional development opportunities:** Providing access to training programs, workshops, and conferences can help engineers stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends and technologies. This not only enhances their skills but also demonstrates a company’s commitment to employee growth. - **Career advancement prospects:** Creating clear career paths for engineers within an organization encourages them to stay long-term by offering opportunities for growth and promotion. This could include mentorship programs or internal job postings that prioritize current employees. - **Performance-based bonuses:** Offering financial incentives tied directly to individual performance or team achievements can motivate employees to consistently deliver high-quality work while fostering a sense of ownership over projects. ### Adopt Agile Working Methods** Embracing agile working methods can produce quick results by streamlining organizational processes and allowing companies to adapt to changing market conditions and customer needs more efficiently. To that end, modern IT functions should create software and artificial intelligence tools that automate routine tasks such as development, testing, and deployment. [Agile methodologies](https://www.atlassian.com/agile), such as Scrum or Kanban, enable teams to work collaboratively while continuously improving their workflows and delivering high-quality products faster than traditional waterfall methods. Adopting agile practices empowers employees with greater autonomy in decision-making while fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement. - Faster time-to-market for new products or features. - Better collaboration among cross-functional teams. - Increased flexibility in responding to changes in the business environment. - Improved overall product quality due to iterative feedback loops. ### **Automating Routine Tasks Using AI-Driven Tools** The use of artificial intelligence (AI) has revolutionized the way modern IT functions operate. By automating repetitive tasks like code generation, testing, and deployment using AI-driven tools such as [IBM Watson AutoAI,](https://www.ibm.com/cloud/watson-studio/autoai) businesses can significantly reduce human errors while increasing efficiency throughout the software development lifecycle (SDLC). Benefits include: - **Code Generation:** AI-powered platforms like Google’s TensorFlow allow developers to generate code automatically based on predefined templates or patterns. - **Testing:** AI-driven testing tools, such as Testim or Appvance, can analyze software applications to identify potential issues and suggest improvements. - **Deployment:** Automated deployment solutions like AWS CodeDeploy enable seamless integration of new code into existing systems with minimal downtime. Incorporating agile working methods and leveraging AI-driven automation not only streamlines processes but also frees up valuable time for IT professionals to focus on more strategic initiatives. **Leveraging Analytics Applications** Utilizing analytics applications helps users make better decisions based on data-driven insights, enabling businesses to optimize operations while minimizing risks associated with decision-making. Analytics applications play a crucial role in transforming raw data into actionable information that drives business growth. By utilizing cutting-edge analytics technology, companies can gain valuable insights into customer behavior, market trends, and operational efficiency to make informed decisions based on evidence rather than intuition. Here are a few examples: - **Predictive analytics:** Predictive analytics uses historical data to forecast future events and trends, allowing businesses to proactively address potential challenges before they escalate. - **Prescriptive analytics:** Prescriptive analytics goes beyond predicting outcomes by recommending specific actions that should be taken to achieve desired results or mitigate risks. - **Descriptive analytics:** Descriptive analytics analyzes past performance to identify patterns and understand what has happened within an organization over time. ### Minimizing Risk by Optimizing Operations Using Data Insights** Analytics applications not only aid in making well-informed decisions but also contribute significantly towards reducing risk factors associated with various aspects of business operations. This is to say, identifying inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and potential threats allows companies to implement data-driven strategies to optimize their processes and improve overall performance. Some ways in which analytics applications help minimize risk include: - **Risk assessment:** Analytics tools enable organizations to identify potential risks by analyzing historical data and uncovering patterns that may indicate vulnerabilities or areas of concern. - **Resource optimization:** By using analytics applications, businesses can allocate resources more effectively based on real-time demand, reducing the likelihood of overstaffing or underutilizing assets. - **Fraud detection:** Advanced analytics techniques such as machine learning and artificial intelligence can be employed to detect anomalies in transactional data, helping prevent fraudulent activities before they cause significant damage. In short, incorporating analytics applications into your organization’s decision-making process is essential for driving growth while minimizing risks. ### **Integrating CIOs into Leadership Teams** Incorporating Chief Information Officers (CIOs) into leadership teams is a crucial step toward ensuring that technology initiatives are aligned with overall business strategies. This strategic move not only fosters better collaboration between IT and other departments but also helps to maximize the returns on technology investments. By involving CIOs in high-level decision-making processes, companies can ensure that their tech initiatives are focused on achieving specific goals and generating tangible results. For instance, Gartner suggests that organizations should create joint ownership of digital transformation projects by collaborating closely with both IT leaders and other functional heads. In one notable case, a healthcare CEO achieved a twenty-eight percent increase in sales within less than a year after integrating his CIO into his leadership team. To drive maximum impact from technology investments, it’s essential for CEOs to establish clear links between these investments and their potential contribution to business value. To strengthen collaboration between C-suite executives and IT leaders, there should be… - **Better communication:** Including the CIO as part of the executive team facilitates open lines of communication across all levels within an organization. This ensures a seamless flow of information between different departments, enabling faster decision-making based on accurate data insights. - **Cross-functional understanding:** When CIOs are part of the leadership team, they gain a deeper understanding of other business functions and their unique challenges. This helps them to develop technology solutions that cater specifically to these needs, thereby driving better results. - **Shared accountability:** As C-suite executives work closely with IT leaders, they can jointly take responsibility for the success or failure of tech initiatives. By establishing shared accountability between C-suite execs and IT heads, an atmosphere of joint ownership is created that incentivizes everyone involved to strive for the same objectives. Integrating CIOs into leadership teams is an effective way for CEOs to ensure that through collaboration between IT leaders and other functional heads, organizations can maximize returns on their investments while driving innovation and growth. ### **Investing in Training & Apprenticeships** To drive successful technology transformations, CEOs must invest in training and on-the-job apprenticeships, upskilling employees while fostering a culture of continuous learning within the organization to keep up with swiftly changing tech by providing tailored training. CEOs should prioritize employee development by allocating resources toward relevant courses, workshops, certifications, or online platforms such as [Coursera](https://www.coursera.org/), Udemy, or Pluralsight. In addition to formal training programs, however, offering on-the-job apprenticeships can nurture talent within an organization. Apprenticeships provide employees with a chance to acquire hands-on experience while engaged in genuine projects, supervised by experienced personnel. [AWS](https://followoz.com/partners/aws/) has implemented a model [apprenticeship program](https://hiring.amazon.com/why-amazon/career-advancement/apprenticeships-certifications#/) to bridge the educational-employment gap in tech, helping companies stay competitive while ensuring employee satisfaction and business success. Investing in education and apprenticeships is key for developing a robust tech workforce, as it provides opportunities to upgrade employees’ skill sets while creating an atmosphere of ongoing growth. ### **Active CEO Influence on Technology Functions** CEOs must take a proactive role in the formation of tech strategies, collaborating with CIOs, CTOs, and other senior executives to ensure that everyone is on board with their vision for leveraging technology. A McKinsey report highlights that top-performing CEOs take a hands-on approach when it comes to driving technological innovation within their organizations. CEOs collaborate with CIOs, CTOs, and other executives to ensure a unified comprehension of the business’s ambition for utilizing tech as an edge. This active involvement allows CEOs to make informed decisions about resource allocation and investment priorities while also fostering a culture of innovation throughout the organization. By being directly engaged with key decision-makers at every level, CEOs can better anticipate potential challenges or opportunities arising from new technologies and adjust strategies accordingly. To maximize ROI through strategic alignment between IT and business objectives it is essential to… - **Create clear communication channels:** Establishing open lines of communication between IT leaders and other departments is essential for aligning projects with broader organizational goals. Regular meetings or workshops involving cross-functional teams help foster collaboration across different areas of expertise. - **Prioritize high-impact projects:** To maximize ROI, CEOs should focus on technology initiatives that directly contribute to the company’s strategic objectives. This may involve investing in digital transformation projects or implementing advanced analytics tools to drive data-driven decision-making. - **Monitor progress and adjust as needed:** Regularly reviewing project milestones and KPIs enables CEOs to identify potential roadblocks early on and make adjustments accordingly. This proactive approach ensures that IT investments continue to deliver value even when faced with unforeseen challenges. In conclusion, active CEO influence on technology functions is crucial for driving innovation and maximizing returns from tech investments. By taking a hands-on approach in shaping their organization’s tech strategy, CEOs can ensure alignment between IT initiatives and overall business goals while fostering a culture of continuous improvement. *Are you a CIO, CTO, or senior technology executive looking for solutions to help drive digital transformation within your organization? The OZ team of experienced professionals is here to provide the best solutions and advice for your business needs. From data analytics, enterprise integration and intelligent automation, web/mobile applications, and Cloud and IT services, we have the expertise to make sure that your transition is seamless. Let us be your guide in this digital journey–*[*contact us*](https://followoz.com/contact-us/) *today for a consultation!* **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Tech Services --- ### [Three Keys to Innovation Success](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/three-keys-to-innovation-success/) **Published:** May 9, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** Innovation is at the top of every CEO’s agenda. Yet — despite innovation being a burning priority — why do most innovation initiatives fail to take off? Consider this: *54% of innovating companies struggle to bridge the gap between innovation and business strategies.*[\[i\]](#_edn1) 83% of strategic transformation initiatives fail.[\[ii\]](#_edn2) *64% of global executives say a lack of skills is restricting their ability to innovate.* While most companies want to innovate, only a few know how to innovate — in a systemic way. A culture of continuous innovation requires a steady stream of ideas. Ideas you can filter, test, and implement quickly and efficiently. However, in the real world, innovation is often treated like a project, not a process. Often the ideas originate from a small group of people — usually senior leaders or the C-suite — and cascade down to the rest of the organization. Many leaders believe their employees will automatically rally behind the idea, do whatever it takes, and push it over the finish line. But it just doesn’t happen that way. Many of these ideas do not get implemented. Employees are either not invested in the idea, do not fully understand its importance, or feel a sense of ownership — and the initiative fails. *“The value of an idea lies in the using of it.” — Thomas Edison* ### **Supercharge innovation with an innovation accelerator** For innovation to succeed, you must bring cross-functional teams together — within and outside the organization — to share their knowledge, experience, and perspectives and approach challenges in new ways. *“The innovative process depends less on the solitary genius of the individual and more on harnessing and capitalizing on the knowledge that resides within the organization.”* Only through a disciplined, repeatable, and collaborative approach can your business get new ideas to market faster while mitigating delivery and operational risk. An innovation accelerator like [OZ Ignite](https://followoz.com/accelerators/oz-ignite/) helps you build the proper process to mine, test, and transform your best ideas into innovation initiatives that drive profitable growth. ### **Three Keys to Corporate Innovation Success** #### **![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Picture2.jpg)1. Collaboration: Bring Ideas and Teams Together** Does collaboration fuel innovation? Organizations are asking themselves the same question — and the answer is a resounding *yes.* The top-down approach, where ideas come from senior executives and percolate down, no longer works. Innovation initiatives — like any change effort —often fail because the outcomes are “not invented here.” They’re seen as “one-off ideas” from senior management or “silver bullet solutions” by people with the most influence. They’ll get implemented only if you embed them into your organizational DNA. That means engaging your workforce across the enterprise — including your customers, distributors, and business partners — creating a dialogue between teams across the ecosystem. *“People support what they help create.” – Ty Bennett* [Innovation accelerators](https://followoz.com/accelerators/oz-launchpad/) can help evolve your methodology to collaborative innovation — including methods of obtaining ideas and feedback — with additional approaches to projects and development processes to expedite prototypes for review and discussion. #### **2. Process: Establish an End-to-End, Repeatable Framework** It feels almost counterintuitive that “ideas” and “structure” should go hand in hand. Most believe innovation is born of a brilliant idea, a momentary stroke of genius. Rather, it’s the outcome of a structured organizational process that you develop and cultivate over time. All companies have the knowledge and capabilities to innovate. What they don’t have is a process to develop these ideas from across the organization into disruptive innovations. [Organizations that do use a structured process](https://followoz.com/resources/case-studies/our-proven-methodology-helps-a-top-pharmaceutical-company-champion-change/) — involving several ideation sessions — can (and do) generate ideas faster, test, iterate, and refine them into potential growth initiatives. The payoffs are significant even if only a small percentage of ideas make it through the process. OZ Ignite recognizes that innovation thrives on order. Not only does the framework manage the entire process from idea to market, but also routinely: - Collects, shares, routes, screens, evaluates, experiments, incubates, develops, tracks, and reports on your organization’s best ideas. - Brainstorms new ideas to fill a pipeline with customer-centric growth initiatives. - Integrates brainstorming and design thinking into the iterative prototyping process to fill a pipeline with customer-centric growth initiatives. - Helps envision your future — whether improving the bottom line through operational excellence, driving profitable topline revenue growth by entering new markets, or leading the industry into new horizons — define it, then design it. #### **3. Speed: Bring Ideas to Market Faster** Slow development times — from concept to implementation — can hinder innovation and profitable growth. Today’s customers won’t wait. If a company can’t organize itself to move faster, it will fall behind its competitors. *“There is a correlation between responsiveness and revenue. Two-thirds of customers say that speed is as important as the price.” —* *Jay Baer* When large teams collaborate — across all departmental and functional areas — **to create a shared vision, ideas are brought to market faster.** Working together also builds consensus across functional areas, departments, and geographies. At the same time, a structured process helps you get more out of your teams and provides value-added solutions and business decisions that are of higher quality and designed in less time than a more traditional approach. *If you’d like to learn more about how you can win through innovation,* [*get in touch with our experts*](https://followoz.com/contact-us/)*. No matter where you are on your innovation journey, our innovation consulting services will help you drive a successful innovation initiative: run an accelerator or innovation lab or even manage the transformation of an entire enterprise.* ———————————————————————————– [\[i\]](#_ednref1) References: MIT Sloan Management Review Report, 2021 [\[ii\]](#_ednref2) Gartner study **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Insurance --- ### [Shining a Light on Your Software Development Path Forward](https://followoz.com/resources/forbes/shining-a-light-on-your-software-development-path-forward/) **Published:** June 29, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** “Every software development project starts with high hopes and expectations, but without careful planning, any one of a variety of obstacles can impede a successful release…” So begins the introduction to the recent Forbes symposium, [20 Common Obstacles That Can Delay (Or Derail) A Software Project](https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2023/06/26/20-common-obstacles-that-can-delay-or-derail-a-software-project/?sh=326e2ae894ef)—and, among the distinguished panel, you will find OZ Chief Solutions Officer and [Forbes Technology Council ](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/oz-chief-solutions-officer-emmanuel-ramos-joins-forbes-technology-council/)member Emmanuel Ramos, who has the following to say: > “Software projects can be delayed or derailed when there’s no clear definition of ‘done.’ Reid Hoffman states it best: ‘If you are not embarrassed by the first version of your product, you’ve launched too late.’ The lack of a clear definition of what it means to be ‘done’ has sunk many software projects. The search for perfection is long and expensive; understand up front what it means to be ‘done,’ and commit to it. There is always the next release.” *OZ Digital Consulting is here to provide the best solutions and advice for your business needs. From data analytics & AI, enterprise integration and intelligent automation, web/mobile applications, Cloud and IT services—we have the expertise to make sure that your transition is seamless. Let us be your guide in this digital journey–-*[*contact us*](https://followoz.com/contact-us/) *today for a consultation!* **Categories:** OZ in Forbes **Tags:** Forbes --- ### [How Cutting-Edge Automation Can Transform Your Business Processes & Trajectory](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/how-cutting-edge-automation-can-transform-your-business-processes-trajectory-2/) **Published:** July 10, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ***By Muhammad Usama,** Mulesoft-Certified Developer & Automation Consultant* Every company wants to increase its employee productivity and digital competitiveness in the market. Unfortunately, most standard workflows, rife with time-consuming manual tasks, stand in the way. How can we bridge that gap? Enter [Robotic Process Automation (RPA)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robotic_process_automation), which [automates repetitive tasks with bots](https://followoz.com/services/intelligent-automation/), mimicking human users as it interacts with applications, extracts data, and sends emails—increasing productivity (especially on higher-value tasks) while reducing costs and user error. ### **Use Cases for RPA** In banking, insurance, and healthcare industries, [RPA](https://www.ibm.com/topics/rpa) can be an essential component of… - improving customer and employee productivity while reducing costs. - streamlining customer onboarding. - automating data extraction, data entry, and processing across applications, documents, and images. - improving the accuracy and compliance within processes. Contrary to popular thought, RPA and APIs are not siloed competitors: APIs are software interfaces, providing a service to different software and allowing systems and datasets to be integrated. RPA, meanwhile, automates tasks with the help of intelligent bots that scrape the data from one system to another. This is to say, there are situations where an API-led approach works with RPA as a mechanism to broaden the scope of integration and enable access to more endpoints. RPA may help implement business scenarios where process automation using an API-led method is not yet feasible. Some examples are when… - a system lacks an API, such as a legacy program, on-premises application, or system significantly customized for the company. - an API for an endpoint is either delayed or not created at all, creating a situation in which RPA may be used as a workaround to gain access to the system. - automation and integration are managed by various teams. ### **RPA in MuleSoft** Powerhouse API/integration platform and OZ partner [MuleSoft](https://followoz.com/partners/oz-mulesoft/) has introduced [MuleSoft RPA](https://www.mulesoft.com/platform/rpa), which makes it simple for line-of-business and knowledge workers to automate business operations and boost productivity. With the additional robotic process automation (RPA) capabilities in recent workflows, repetitive tasks have now been replaced by intelligent bots that can process documents, enter data, or act on behalf of users all without writing any line of code. As a part of MuleSoft’s leading unified platform, MuleSoft RPA allows these bots to function with any system or application, including PDF files, spreadsheets, and even legacy systems. API management and RPA capabilities may now be combined with hyper-scale resilience, global governance, end-to-end security, and reuse at scale by customers who can group into a composable business by combining best-in-class integration, API management, and RPA capabilities. MuleSoft RPA offers the following applications: - **RPA Manager** is used for automation, and it is integrated into the Anypoint Platform. It manages user access and permission and manages deployed automation. - **RPA Builder** is an application that enables you to build automation by specifying the logic of the process and helps to run local tests. - **RPA Recorder** is a tool that records the user actions during the building phase of a process by automatically recording. - **RPA bots** are software robots that execute automation and can read text and images. RPA bot also can manage bots from RPA Manager. ### **Onward to the Future** From maximizing current technology assets to integrating new technologies, RPA can prove critical to ensuring your hardware, software, and human resources are optimized and effective. Ready to get started? Let OZ place our experts and quarter-century of experience at your disposal—[reach out today](https://followoz.com/services/cloud-services/)! **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Tech Services --- ### [The Secret to Impressing Potential Tech Employers](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/the-secret-to-impressing-potential-tech-employers/) **Published:** July 27, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** “Can you share a time when you successfully utilized sales techniques to drive technology initiatives or secure partnerships? What was the outcome?” For someone coming from a primarily tech background, this question might be a bit difficult to navigate. The truth is, however, that [we are all in sales](https://followoz.com/articles-news-forbes/success-sales-you/). Which is why [Manny Ramos](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mannyramos/), Chief Solutions Officer at OZ, [suggests](https://www.dice.com/career-advice/questions-a-cio-or-cto-might-ask-in-your-next-job-interview) candidates build an answer from a more integrated, holistic place. Here is how a *Dice* writer summarized Ramos’ advice for the recent insightful piece, “Questions a CIO or CTO Might Ask in Your Next Job Interview”: > “Ramos looks for candidates who aren’t stumped by his question. The best candidates explain how they identify user pain points, along with the process they use to identify the real decision-maker: someone who has the ability to greenlight a project and approve the budget. > > Of course, Ramos also wants to hear outcomes or specific statements about what you accomplished using your sales skills. At some point in your tech career, you’re going to have to sell something—whether it’s your idea, your team, or yourself.” Read the whole article [here](https://www.dice.com/career-advice/questions-a-cio-or-cto-might-ask-in-your-next-job-interview). To learn out more about OZ’s menu of strategic offerings, click [here](https://followoz.com/). View the current career openings OZ has to offer [here](https://followoz.com/careers/). **Categories:** Blog --- ### [Make the Most of One of Today’s Most Powerful Leading-Edge Platforms](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/make-the-most-of-one-of-todays-most-powerful-leading-edge-platforms/) **Published:** July 27, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ***By Wasil Ahmed**, Integration Developer* [MuleSoft Anypoint](https://www.mulesoft.com/sem/anypoint?&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=fy24-b-brands-us-search-mulesoft-anypoint&utm_term=mulesoft%20anypoint&utm_content=o-e-c&d=7013y000002O26SAAS&nc=7013y000002O2l0AAC&msclkid=c328436a99aa18a7757327db0a08bb3f&gclid=c328436a99aa18a7757327db0a08bb3f&gclsrc=3p.ds) is a powerful integration platform that provides a comprehensive suite of tools and services to connect applications, data, and devices across on-premises and cloud environments. Today we’ll look at one specific area in which Anypoint can accelerate and empower your business: Integration. ### **What is MuleSoft Anypoint?** At its core, Anypoint is built on Mule, an open-source integration framework that enables developers to create integration flows, or Mule applications, using a graphical design environment. These integration flows can be deployed to Anypoint for execution and management. This includes [API management](https://followoz.com/services/enterprise-applications-integration/), data integration, application integration, and B2B integration. And OZ Digital Consulting is an [official MuleSoft partner](https://followoz.com/partners/oz-mulesoft/). ### **What Makes MuleSoft Anypoint a Great Choice for Integration?** - **Ease of Use**. Anypoint provides a visual design environment that allows developers to create integrations using drag-and-drop components, which can be configured through a user-friendly interface. This visual approach to integration development means that developers can create integrations quickly and easily, without the need for extensive coding. - **Robust Connectivity.** Anypoint provides a wide range of pre-built connectors and adapters, which makes it easier to connect to a variety of applications, data sources, and systems. The platform supports over 120 connectors, including popular enterprise applications such as Salesforce, SAP, and Oracle, as well as cloud services like Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform. - **Scalability and Reliability.** Anypoint is built to handle high volumes of traffic and data, making it highly scalable and reliable. The platform supports clustering and load balancing, which ensures that applications and integrations are highly available and can handle spikes in traffic or data volume. Anypoint also includes a range of monitoring and alerting tools, which enable administrators to track performance and quickly identify and resolve issues. - **API Management.** Anypoint includes a powerful API management module that allows businesses to create, publish, and manage APIs. The platform provides a range of tools to support the API lifecycle, including API design, documentation, testing, and versioning. API management features like rate limiting, access control, and analytics also make it easy to secure and monitor APIs. - **Hybrid Integration.** Anypoint’s hybrid integration approach allows businesses to connect their on-premises systems with cloud-based applications and services. The platform includes features like secure connectivity, data transformation, and event-driven architecture, which enable businesses to create seamless integrations between their existing systems and cloud services. - **Flexibility in Pricing.** MuleSoft offers flexible pricing options that can cater to different business needs. For example, Anypoint can be deployed on-premises or in the cloud, allowing businesses to choose a deployment option that best fits their budget and requirements. Additionally, MuleSoft offers different pricing tiers based on the level of support and features needed. - **Open-Source Technology.** Anypoint is built on open-source technology—businesses can leverage a large community of developers and resources to customize and extend the platform as needed. This can potentially save businesses money on development costs. ### **Your Next Steps** Independent research shows MuleSoft users actualized an [ROI of 445% ](https://www.mulesoft.com/lp/reports/integration-total-economic-impact)within three years—and freed up developer time for higher value tasks by upwards of 90%. Sounds great, but where to begin? At OZ Digital Consulting our team of [certified MuleSoft experts](https://followoz.com/partners/oz-mulesoft/) will cover integration and implementation, so your clients can focus on their vision, seize new opportunities, and reap the rewards of this leading-edge platform. **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Tech Services --- ### [AI is Transforming the Insurance Industry Landscape](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/ai-is-transforming-the-insurance-industry-landscape/) **Published:** August 18, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ***By Paul Bailo,** Cheif Transformation Officer* [Artificial Intelligence (AI)](https://followoz.com/services/data-analytics-ai/) is quickly becoming a game-changer across nearly every industry—and [insurance](https://followoz.com/industries/property-casualty-insurance-in-intelligent-automation/) is no exception. The [integration of AI](https://followoz.com/integration-services/) in insurance paves the way for enhanced customer experiences, streamlined operations, and advanced risk assessment. How is AI transforming the landscape of insurance? From virtual assistants to claims processing automation, let us count the ways… 1. **Enhancing Customer Experiences:** AI-powered virtual assistants are becoming invaluable assets in providing exceptional customer service. Insurance companies leverage AI chatbots to handle customer inquiries, assist with policy information, and offer personalized recommendations. These virtual assistants—such as Lemonade’s AI bot, Maya—interact with customers in a conversational manner, providing instant support and improving overall customer satisfaction. 2. **Claims Processing and Fraud Detection:** AI is streamlining the claims process and improving fraud detection in the insurance industry. Through advanced algorithms, AI systems can analyze claim information, assess damage, and calculate payouts accurately and swiftly. Insurers such as AXA, for example, utilize AI to automate the claims settlement process, minimizing paperwork and expediting claim resolution. AI-powered fraud detection algorithms can analyze patterns, identify anomalies, and detect potential fraudulent claims, safeguarding the insurance industry against financial losses. 3. **Risk Assessment and Underwriting:** AI is transforming the way insurers assess risks and underwrite policies. By analyzing vast amounts of data from various sources, including historical claims, customer demographics, and external factors, AI algorithms can accurately evaluate risk profiles. This enables insurers to offer personalized policies and more accurate pricing. For example, Root Insurance utilizes telematics data collected through mobile apps to assess driving behavior and provide personalized auto insurance rates based on individual driving habits. 4. **Predictive Analytics for Pricing and Underwriting:** With the help of AI, insurers can leverage predictive analytics to make more informed pricing and underwriting decisions. By analyzing historical data, market trends, and customer behavior, AI algorithms can identify patterns and predict future events, allowing insurers to set competitive prices and tailor policies accordingly. Swiss Re’s use of AI-powered predictive analytics, for example, has enabled them to offer parametric insurance products that protect against specific risks, such as adverse weather conditions or crop failures. 5. **Fraud Prevention and Risk Mitigation:** AI plays a crucial role in mitigating fraud risks in the insurance industry. By analyzing vast data sets, AI algorithms can identify suspicious patterns and anomalies that indicate potentially fraudulent activities. This proactive approach helps insurance companies prevent fraudulent claims, saving them significant financial losses. Companies like Shift Technology employ AI-powered fraud detection systems that analyze claims data and flag suspicious cases for further investigation. ### Your Next Steps** AI has emerged as a transformative force within the insurance industry, revolutionizing customer experiences, claims processing, risk assessment, and fraud detection. By harnessing the power of AI, insurance companies can enhance customer satisfaction, streamline operations, and make more informed decisions. As technology continues to evolve, AI’s integration with emerging technologies such as blockchain and Internet of Things (IoT) will further revolutionize the insurance industry, enabling greater efficiency, transparency, and accuracy. The future of AI and insurance holds immense potential, creating a dynamic and innovative landscape [for insurers and customers alike](https://followoz.com/industries/property-casualty-insurance-in-intelligent-automation/). If you’re ready to be a part of that AI future, OZ has [a quarter-century of leading-edge experience](https://followoz.com/) to place at your disposal. [Reach out today](https://followoz.com/contact-us/). **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Insurance, Tech Services --- ### [Webinar: Creating an Automation Strategy and Roadmap](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/webinar-creating-an-automation-strategy-and-roadmap/) **Published:** August 22, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ### Overview: We often hear insurance professionals say, “I know I need to begin to automate my business and operations, but where do I start? With a policy admin system? If so, which one? Or should I focus on automating underwriting and rating capabilities?” In this joint webinar with NAMIC, [Murray Izenwasser](https://www.linkedin.com/in/murrayiz/), Senior Vice President of Digital Strategy, OZ Digital Consulting, elaborates on the essentials of an effective automation strategy — and why it matters in insurance. Tune in to get insights as he delves into the automation maturity model and roadmap and how this helps insurers prioritize automation projects, aligning with their existing automation landscape. ### WATCH WEBINAR: ### **Key Takeaways:** In this webinar, you’ll get insights into: - The essentials of an effective automation strategy and roadmap — what to look for and ways to think about it - The automation maturity model — adoption vs. complexity - Recognizing, guarding against, and harnessing automation sprawl. [*Contact us*](https://followoz.com/contact-us/) *if you would like to learn more about how the right automation strategy can drive digital transformation.* **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Insurance, Digital Strategy --- ### [This is Huge – Amazon Alexa is Now HIPAA Compliant](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/this-is-huge-amazon-alexa-is-now-hipaa-compliant/) **Published:** August 7, 2019 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** Big news in the digital health industry this week! Amazon has made the Alexa – which has the largest market share of all digital voice assistants – HIPAA compliant. Intelligent Voice interactions on devices like the Alexa are naturally suited for healthcare, however, creating applications for Alexa couldn’t be done until now. That’s because most health-related technology applications that use personal health information are subject to the data privacy and security requirements of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA). These requirements are extremely stringent about patient data and help ensure that some of our most sensitive consumer information is kept private. So HIPAA compliant digital voice assistants are a game-changer for the industry, and we are looking forward to finally delivering on some of the proofs of concepts (POCs) that we’ve been developing with our healthcare and life sciences/pharmaceuticals clients. While Amazon is launching with six healthcare [development partners](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/digital-transformation-and-the-value-it-brings-to-marketing/) initially, they plan to grow that number quickly in the coming months, and we plan to be right there as the capabilities grow. Years from now, we may look back and say that Amazon’s announcement ushered in a new “internet for healthcare” age. The possibilities of using voice for healthcare is massive. HIPAA has been the major hindrance, and the most significant player in the industry has just opened a massive door to the other side. For more information and to suggest what skills Amazon should develop next, visit: [amazon developer ](https://developer.amazon.com/alexa-skills-kit/healthcare-skills) Alternatively, read more with our partner Orbita about why Alexa becoming HIPAA compliant is such a breakthrough: [orbita amazon](https://blog.orbita.ai/amazon-alexa-is-now-hipaa-eligible-whats-next) Or [contact us](https://followoz.com/contact-us/#send_us_a_message) to discuss how you can use [design thinking](https://followoz.com/services/data-analytics-ai/) and voice assistants like Alexa to create incredible patient and HCP [experiences](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/trends-and-the-not-so-distant-future-of-consumer-customer-experience-dont-be-left-behind/). **Categories:** Blog --- ### [The Digital Wizards at OZ Are Making Customers King](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/the-digital-wizards-at-oz-are-making-customers-king/) **Published:** July 26, 2019 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** [![Smiling woman seated at a multi-monitor coding workstation in a bright office](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/AI-Powered-Mainframe-Modernizati.jpg)](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/why-mainframe-modernization-looks-different-this-time/)###### [ Why Mainframe Modernization Looks Different This Time ](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/why-mainframe-modernization-looks-different-this-time/) June 4, 2026 **Categories:** Blog --- ### [Why Florida Is Primed for a Customer Experience Revolution](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/why-florida-is-primed-for-a-customer-experience-revolution/) **Published:** August 7, 2019 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** From sandy beach resorts to cruise ports and amusement parks, there is no doubt that a large part of Florida’s economy revolves around travel and tourism. In 2017, it’s estimated that over [116 million tourists](https://www.investopedia.com/articles/investing/011316/floridas-economy-6-industries-driving-gdp-growth.asp) visited the state and 1.1 million people have jobs related to tourism, contributing $51 billion to the state GDP, according to the Department of Economic Opportunity. Beyond entertaining visitors, and lesser-known, Florida is part of a nationwide boom in life science and healthcare industries. The state boasts organizations conducting groundbreaking biomedical research, pharmaceutical, and medical device manufacturing, and tens of thousands of other healthcare businesses. Over 1,100 life sciences, companies call the state home, and Florida is leading the charge for bringing access to new treatments, drugs and medical technologies to the general population. With tailored experiences popping up around every corner, social media taking over, and digitally native newcomers constantly shifting the landscape, businesses now realize that the human connection they share with their customers is what will truly make an impact on their bottom line. This is the era of converging business and technology, which gives progressive companies a unique opportunity to overcome their competition. They can become industry leaders by creating a standout, personalized customer experience (CX). Many of the industries above have their roots in Florida but have struggled to keep up with customer expectations fueled by explosive advances of technology. We don’t blame them. Adapting to new technologies can be a daunting task, and to succeed, these businesses must partner with companies who can assist with maximizing this unique opportunity to leverage technology and [digital innovation](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/digital-transformation-and-the-value-it-brings-to-marketing/) to revolutionize the CX. Consultants at OZ help Florida’s top companies reinvent themselves, [developing innovative solutions](https://followoz.com/services/data-analytics-ai/) that leverage the Digital Building Blocks of Design Thinking, Analytics, AI, Robotic Process Automation (RPA) and IoT all underpinned with cloud infrastructure and an Agile approach. We are proud to be a Florida company, built to serve other Floridians. In fact, we’ve spent the last 20 years helping over 400 businesses in our state reimagine their CX and digital processes. We help our customers view their challenges – or should we say opportunities – from the lens of the customer and build solutions that truly make a measurable impact. We are experts in our industries – travel and tourism, healthcare and life sciences, high-tech, financial services, retail, and consumer goods – and we serve them all. We wholeheartedly believe that CX and supporting digital technologies can bring efficiencies, productivity gains, new streams of revenue and improved customer connectivity to your business. **Categories:** Blog --- ### [Customer Experience for Cruise Lines Starts Long Before Boarding](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/customer-experience-for-cruise-lines-starts-long-before-boarding/) **Published:** August 7, 2019 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** Consumers today have sky-high expectations when it comes to travel. They are seeking unique, tailored experiences that will enhance their vacations, as well as their personal lives. For example, travelers on one the nation’s top cruise lines can upload pictures of themselves and their passports to an app and then simply tap a fob to a sensor at the check-in desk to board directly onto the ship. The desire for top-of-line, superior customer experience (CX) is driving competition in the travel and tourism industries, from initial trip planning to sharing the experience after a traveler returns home. This first in a series of blogs will explore the ways cruise lines can enhance CX to gain customers even as they begin to envision travel plans, long before they’ve stepped on the ship. **Customer Experience is the Ultimate Competitive Advantage** In the travel and hospitality industry, customers do not base their loyalty to brands and companies on amenities, features, and price, but rather on the experience they receive. Customer experience – the perception of the way a company treats individuals throughout their interactions with its products and services – is one of the most powerful tools in the marketing kit. Today, [89% of companies compete primarily on CX](https://www.forbes.com/sites/shephyken/2018/07/15/customer-experience-is-the-new-brand/#4a5c4c2b7f52). The most forward-thinking travel brands will succeed in acquiring loyal customers through a deep focus on CX. Cruise lines, in particular, have an opportunity to improve their bottom line, as great CX can entice customers to purchase luxury and indulgence services at premium prices. **Point of Views of Pre-Travel** Delivering superior CX starts in the earliest stages of travel planning. Let’s take a look at six points where a potential cruise customer can have their experience enhanced through digital innovation: - *Influencing the Guest to Travel* – People looking to book a cruise today are not only looking at the amenities, features, and price but focusing on guest-centric attitudes and experiences offered. Advancements in analytics and AI are being used to better understand guests and how to engage with them. - *Researching Possibilities* – There are endless possibilities when it comes to researching cruises, it can be overwhelming for potential consumers to formalize a trip. Using data gleaned from analytics and AI, cruise lines can drive personalized content and targeted offerings to potential customers, making the process of booking their dream cruise location and excursions simpler. - *Online Booking* – Consumers now rely on transparent, online platforms to seamlessly book their journeys. Mobile applications, analytics, and AI are being used to enhance the online booking experience. For example, the top cruise lines use “price alerts” to notify customers of price changes. - *Pre-Planning Activities* – It can be hard for potential cruise guests to know what excursions they will enjoy the most. Virtual reality can allow guests to “experience” the trip, and amenities, like a spa package, before they book. Messaging apps and chatbots can connect potential guests with restaurants and entertainment managers on the ship to answer questions and plan activities. - *Check-in Online* – Manual and inefficient check-in processes are a thing of the past. Digital technologies like IoT and mobile are expediting the check-in experience and providing guests additional functionalities to streamline and simplify their journey. - *Leaving Home* – It’s almost GO time! As guests disembark for their journey, multiple stops are required (airport, shuttle, cruise ship, etc.). The ability to digitally manage all aspects of leaving home is essential. Pre-journey notifications and reminders help build strong relationships with guests. **Bringing Technology to the Masses** Digital Innovations reshaping travel and bringing technology to the masses in order to enhance experiences. No matter what step in the travel planning process a potential customer is at, those cruise lines that can provide superior experiences that are also seamless will come out on top. Here at OZ, we use Design Thinking to help our clients in the travel and hospitality industry create cutting edge, innovative products, and services. The possibilities for innovative customer experiences are endless, really. **Categories:** Blog --- ### [Check-In Guest Experience at a CX Conference](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/check-in-guest-experience-at-a-cx-conference/) **Published:** August 7, 2019 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** Clack-Clack-Clack-Clack…. The sound of keystrokes by 14 check-in agents feverishly entering information into their computers to check-in hotel guests standing in a line that snakes down the corridor. This was the scene at a Las Vegas hotel I was staying at while attending a Customer Experience conference. When it was finally my turn, I walked up to try and find an available agent working behind the long, curved desk. I got lucky with my second scan of the reservation desk and found an open agent who was waving her hands so I could see her. As I approached the desk she muttered “ID and Credit Card”, while looking at the computer and typing something. The agent asked for my name while looking at my ID (not sure if she thought I wouldn’t remember my name) and told me they will find me a room (this made me nervous because I booked my room a month in advance). The agent began banging on the keyboard and flipping through dated interfaces and applications. From time to time I could hear mumbling “this computer is so slow” and then she’d hit a few keys aggressively (assuming the computer would go faster). After 15 minutes the agent looked up and said “it’s almost there, we will find you a room” and proceeded to complain that management told her check-in screens will become faster after a software update, and check-in agents will be required to enter less information. After entering some additional details and another eight minutes I hear “I got it”, as the agent looked at me with a big smile. Not so fast though, as I went to thank her, the smile faded from her face and she exclaimed: “who took my room?” My agent asked her colleagues next to her if they took the room and they both said no. The agent looked up at me and said, “I will get your room back”, then went to each agent, made them stop what they were doing, and asked if they took the room. After several minutes, she declared she got my room back. I thanked the agent for the tenacity in getting my room and left, all while thinking about the irony of the situation, I am at a national CX conference where we are supposed to learn more about providing amazing Customer Experiences. It’s safe to say that both the Guest and Employee Customer Experience was less than desired. Our team worked on a CX initiative for an international resort recently. The resort’s focus was to provide a personalized experience to each guest at every step of the journey. Below are a few salient features of the CX solution: - Collect preference-based information from new guests to be able to personalize their stay (in addition to standard info like room type, number of beds, etc.) every time they visit the resort. For example: - Room temperature - Allergies to shampoo or soap - Wakeup call preferences - Need for a hotel shuttle or pickup/drop-off service - Interests – places to visit, dining options, shows, etc. (allow for customized itinerary) – this would be in addition to bundling or package deals - Keep guests up to date on temperature (suggesting clothing to bring or an umbrella), events and other pertinent information through their guest experience app. The key is to make the app sticky. - When the guests arrive, the hotel can quickly identify them using geofencing. It allows the resort to personalize the welcome experience for the guest.“Ms. Smith, your room with an ocean view is ready, and the temperature is set at 72℉per your request. Your reservations are also confirmed for dinner at 6 pm at XYZ restaurant and we will notify you via the app when your driver is at the front entrance to pick you up. Enjoy your stay!” - The guest experience continues as preferences are stored (dining, entertainment, etc.) and guests are reminded ahead of time for their next activity.“Ms. Smith, your swimming with dolphins experience is confirmed for 3 pm. We will pick you up from your current location, or you can send us a different pick up address.” The goal of improving CX while making each guest feel special was clearly articulated and accomplished. As you can imagine the resort recorded higher scores in customer satisfaction, increased both new and repeat guest count, along with a healthy increase in both revenue and bottom line. Customer Experience is a commitment that needs to be championed at the top level of any organization, it must become part of a company’s core values as well as their goals when making innovative changes. Now going back to my hotel stay at this CX conference, do you think I will stay in that hotel again? **Categories:** Blog --- ### [Data and Analytics – Where is it going?](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/data-and-analytics-where-is-it-going/) **Published:** August 8, 2019 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** Two weeks ago, I attended the 2019 Gartner Data & Analytics Summit in Orlando, Florida. This event is one of the leading conferences in the country for data and analytics practitioners like myself. This year was an extraordinary year to participate. In many ways, it was a different Gartner conference than those I’d attended in the past because this year, it seemed everyone had more questions than answers. The rapid rise of new technologies has created a world of previously unseen disruption and increased ambiguity. Data & Analytics leaders need to find clarity of purpose so we can effectively contribute to innovation in areas such as improving the customer experience. I noted three dominant themes at this year’s conference, and they all involved the careful balancing act we as data professionals are increasingly asked to play: 1. Data-driven or Metrics-driven Culture 2. Privacy or Personalization 3. Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Human Intelligence **Data-driven or Metrics-driven Culture** To be genuinely data-driven, companies today need to have an experimental mindset. In the past, businesses had a business plan and stuck to pre-arranged metrics of performance, commonly known as KPIs (key performance indicators). These metrics created data traps that frequently had unintended consequences. Today, companies can create and process an incredibly high volume of data extremely fast. Moreover, there’s so much new data becoming available, such as what comes from IoT devices and social media, that to take full advantage of this data, companies should: - Adopt an experimental mindset - Come up with more meaningful analytical models - Take the opportunity to change the culture - Optimize the business to serve its customers better At OZ, we believe more companies need to adopt a data-driven, experimental mindset and uncover leading performance indicators that might telegraph potential significant strategic gains. Run more experiments at a faster pace and let the data tell you if you’re going in the right direction. Embrace an agile approach. However, agile doesn’t negate a company’s need for performance metrics. While data can provide clues, it might not always have the 100% correct answer. All companies, even while embracing data, need to challenge their analytical culture and dig further into what the data is saying to validate those insights. Data can uncover things you didn’t see before, but it’s not without fail. That said, don’t be afraid to go beyond your KPIs and look at other new metrics that might give you more insight into your business performance. **Privacy or Personalization** Privacy concerns aren’t new. When it comes to customer experience, we all want privacy, but we also want personalization. Moreover, companies will always want to know more about their customer, mainly to provide a better, more personalized experience. However, questions arise with this approach: what are the ethics and moral responsibilities a company has when deciding how to use that data? What is the line between privacy and personalization? How a company chooses to answer these questions represent the challenging balancing act most corporations are facing. As anyone who has iTunes knows, user agreements aren’t read. Because companies own the blame in the case of any data breaches or misuse, privacy burdens reside with the company, not the customer. So, companies must prioritize how they guard and use their customer’s data. **AI or Human Intelligence** With more and more conversations around AI, there’s a growing fear that machines are going to take control. Of course, newspaper headlines said similar things in 1932. \* In today’s world, we can’t opt-out of AI. Mainly because we never opted in. AI is a fastgrowing force that’s also bringing with it some incredible good. Already, the business value of AI is $1.2T and will be $3.9T by 2022.\*\* AI’s main benefit is how it: - Augments the human experience - Promotes creativity - Creates high-value jobs The last point is probably the most surprising. Contrary to popular belief, AI will create more jobs than it destroys. Moreover, technologies around AI are becoming open source, ensuring more and more companies have access to them. As such, most companies are no longer deciding between AI and human – they’re doing both. Businesses are embedding Artificial Intelligence in everyday business processes to automate tedious manual tasks. With such rapid growth into the mainstream and the advantage AI brings with it, most companies will need to know their AI strategy to remain competitive. **Most Important Takeaway for OZ’s Customers** Are you delivering a superior Customer Experience? Are you experimenting and iterating with alternative data to effectively compete in the market place? At OZ, we help our clients evaluate and improve their customer experience by bringing new data from your customer touchpoints (website, call center, mobile app, onsite experience, IoT interactions) to provide a more innovative and pleasant customer experience. Companies today have access to customer data that didn’t exist years ago. We apply advanced analytics, data management techniques, and Design Thinking to ensure you’ll outgrow your competitors by delivering an innovative CX. *\*Source*: [http://www.slate.com/articles/technology/future\_tense/2011/11/robot\_hysteria\_in\_the\_1930s\_slide\_show\_.html](http://www.slate.com/articles/technology/future_tense/2011/11/robot_hysteria_in_the_1930s_slide_show_.html) *\*\*Source*: [https://www.em360tech.com/tech-news/tech-features/global-ai-business-value-reach3-9trillion-2022-gartner/](https://www.em360tech.com/tech-news/tech-features/global-ai-business-value-reach3-9-trillion-2022-gartner/) **Categories:** Blog --- ### [The Cruise Might Be Over, But the Need for Exceptional Customer Experience Continues](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/the-cruise-might-be-over-but-the-need-for-exceptional-customer-experience-continues/) **Published:** August 8, 2019 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** Imagine this: you are sailing away from the crystal blue, serene waters of the Caribbean, about to dock on land and walk off the cruise ship; your vacation has come to an end. The end of any vacation can be a bit depressing, but it’s made even more so if you’ve experienced poor customer experiences (CX). The departure stage is a time for guests to reflect on their entire cruise, and the most innovative cruise lines are using digital technologies to enhance the customer experience before, during and following departure, leaving a lasting impression with guests. Cruise lines should seize this opportunity to interact with guests while the experience is still fresh while continuing to enhance CX and build brand loyalty. We previously talked about how digital innovations enhance the customer experience before and during a cruise, but it is as important at the end of the trip. Let’s take a look at a few examples of innovation driving CX after the cruise is over. Point of Views at the End of the Cruise ***Getting Home*** – Arriving home from a wonderful trip can cause mixed emotions. As cruise guests disembark, it is critical that the transition is hassle-free. Advancements in IoT and mobile applications allow guests to enjoy a seamless departure. For example, an app can instantly call for luggage, check out a guest and order a ride to the airport. Or, AI can be used to track preferences guests chose throughout the trip and save them for another trip, creating a fast and efficient customer experience the next time they book a vacation. ***Talking to Others About the Trip*** – Often overlooked parts of the cruising experience are referrals and brand loyalty. Today, consumers are pledging less and less loyalty to brands. Rather, they care about the cruise line that creates a superior and personalized experience for them. Social media, as well as [digital advancements in IoT, analytics and AI](https://followoz.com/services/data-analytics-ai/), have given brands and consumers the ability to interact and engage at a more personal level. Picture this: two months after a fantastic cruise, your customer is sitting down with friends to have dinner and they receive an interactive message from a cruise line with picture memories of the last dinner they enjoyed on board. Naturally, they show all of their friends, which sparks a conversation and interests more people in having the same experience. Brand loyalty has been built, the word has been spread, and they are now the go-to travel expert throughout their group of friends. Now that we’ve discussed the many points of view when traveling on a cruise, next we’ll look at some specific examples as it relates to resort stays, timeshares and airline travel. Stay tuned for more! **Categories:** Blog --- ### [Car Buying Is All Customer Experience – Dealerships Beware!](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/car-buying-is-all-customer-experience-dealerships-beware/) **Published:** August 7, 2019 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** “Hi, what vehicles can I help you see today?” is a typical question you hear when walking into a car dealership. As a petrol head myself, nothing irritates me more than an old-fashioned “used car salesman” sales approach. For too long, the car buying process has been lengthy, burdensome and never truly focused on [Customer Experience](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/check-in-guest-experience-at-a-cx-conference/). According to Autotrader, if the car buying process was improved, 72 percent of consumers stated they would visit dealerships more often.” As the automotive industry advancing, we are finally seeing a shift towards more customer-centric buying approaches. Today, the process of buying a car starts long before stepping foot into a dealership, more than half of potential buyers start the buying process online. [According to Google](https://www.thinkwithgoogle.com/marketing-resources/auto-digital-retail-trends/), 95% of car buyers use a form of digital in their purchasing process. The use of online/mobile platforms to research and compare vehicles is far more time-efficient and informative than traveling from one dealership to another. Autotrader says 78 percent of buyers start at a third-party site vs. a dealer site because they allow for seamless access of “neutral” information and reviews. Consumers don’t enjoy a hounding salesman giving biased information the entire time. Dealerships must be more aware of a buyer’s needs in order to provide digitally-focused methods to access the info they are looking for (ex: stronger interactive social media engagement). If they fail to do so, they risk potential buyers fishing in another pond. As a buyer (and car enthusiast), I would love to walk into a dealership knowing I am about to purchase the best-suited car for me, at the fairest price, in the quickest and most convenient way. For some reason, it’s never that easy. However, through digital innovations, car buying methods are advancing for the better. As a buyer now, you can hop on your phone, do some research and get a true understanding of the cars you want to consider. Through AR/VR technology, you can get a virtual look and feel for these vehicles in a Digital Showroom. You can then make comparisons (features, packages, specs, etc.) over a unified database and easily identify which car and what price you’re looking to pay. You can take it a step further now and purchase the car online, due to the transparency of vehicle info now available and ease of use the digital platforms provide. You no longer must spend an hour negotiating or three hours doing financial paperwork in an office. It can be done in minutes online and have the exact car you wanted, delivered to your driveway. To me, that is Customer Experience the entire automotive industry should be striving for. Many automotive brands such as Porsche, Tesla, and dealerships such as AutoNation have leapfrogged their competition and by focusing on improving Customer Experience. Even though the majority of Porsche sales take place in-person, it didn’t hold the brand back from focusing on CX. Their online presence has 3D virtual configurators for their vehicles and chatbots to guide you through the online purchase process. At Porsche dealerships, you’ll find AR/VR driving simulators to test cars and have fun with. Staff greet you and ask if you would like a cappuccino or a chocolate croissant while you browse. New buyers are greeted by Porsche experts who serve as consultants rather than a salesman. Porsche is truly making the car buying process unique and delightful. Tesla is heavily promoting the sale of their cars fully online. On the Telsa website, you can choose your car, build it to your specification, make a deposit on an already fair price (negotiation stage eliminated) and track your car being built in under 30 minutes – talk about speed and comfort (no pun intended). To keep buyers engaged and coming back, automotive dealers will need to provide more customer-centric features, preferences, and amenities or they will be forced to sit back and watch the race from the sidelines! **Categories:** Blog --- ### [Progression of Economic Value Due to CX: Coffee](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/progression-of-economic-value-due-to-cx-coffee/) **Published:** August 7, 2019 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** #### Written by: Angelo Beacon ##### Client Executive ##### OZ We have seen a shift in today’s society where prices and products are no longer enough to win and retain customers. According to a [Walker study](https://www.walkerinfo.com/knowledge-center/featured-research-reports/Customers-2020-A-Progress-Report-OLD), “By 2020, customer experience will overtake price and product as the key brand differentiator.” Businesses are winning when they adapt accordingly, meanwhile, the losers are being left behind with nothing. We are now in the ‘Experience Economy’, where consumers value experiences over price and brands. **Background:** It is said that there have been four true economic shifts throughout the history of mankind. First being the Agrarian economy, where agriculture ruled, and trade of commodities was the means of commerce. Next came the industrial economy, where goods were created through advancements in engineering and manufacturing (Ice, beer, etc.). Then came the services economy, where goods now became commodities, and most buying decisions came down to price. Since the inception of the internet – which, by the way, is the greatest force of commoditization ever invented – countless goods and services have decreased in economic value. Now we have entered the fourth phase of economic shift, the ‘Experience Economy’, where sellers can actually lift perceived economic value by creating memorable experiences with their product/service. One prime example that many can relate to is coffee. Let’s view the transition from an Agrarian Economy to the now ‘Experience Economy’ by understanding the fundamental changes in the buying process of Coffee. **Agrarian Economy:** Coffee at its core is just beans (Coffee Beans) and beans today are seen as a **commodity**. You can actually look up the future price of coffee beans in the WSJ every morning. If you did exactly that and then converted it from a per bushel to a per cup basis, you know how much a cup of coffee would be? About $0.02 / $0.03 cents per cup. That is how much the beans in a cup of coffee is actually worth. **Goods Economy:** Now if you take those beans – roast them, grind them and package them – then throw that package on a grocery store shelf, you have now created a **good**. Thus creating, in the consumer’s mind, a more valuable product. When bought from the store and turned into a cup of coffee by the consumers themselves, they are now getting around $0.10/$0.15 cents per cup. **Service Economy:** If a company actually brew the beans into coffee – say at a 7/11, corner store, or kiosk – consumers are now willing to pay $0.75 / $1.50 / $2.00 for a cup. This represents the **service** economy and how the completion of every step in the process of making coffee can influence consumers to pay a higher price due to a convenient and frictionless buying/consuming process. Let’s take this a step further and surround the brewing of that coffee with the ambiance and **experience** of a Starbucks… now consumers are willing to dish out $3/$4/$5 per cup. Remember this is still only $0.02 – $0.03 cents worth of beans, so it raises the question… **Why do people pay that much for coffee?** Starbucks realized it’s not the product that could be innovated but rather the experience. The usual service economy process of buying a coffee, getting a ticket or receipt #, and leaving promptly after receiving your cup of Joe was over **(Time Well Saved)**. Starbucks realized this and pioneered the new age buying experience of coffee. Whether it’s taking customers’ names down when they order, to the inclusion of free Wifi with comfortable seating/tables, and even automated online ordering with digital loyalty programs on the Starbucks app. Making things just quick and convenient wasn’t the memo. Starbucks wants to keep the consumers in touch with the brand for as long as possible, creating memories that will continuously retain customers 5 out of 7 days of the week **(Time Well Spent)**. This is the ‘Experience Economy’ we now live in. It is critical to [understand the different possible experiences](https://followoz.com/services/data-analytics-ai/) your product or service can make. Better experiences will directly correlate with the economic value perceived in the consumer’s mind. **Categories:** Blog --- ### [Demystifying RPA](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/demystifying-rpa/) **Published:** August 8, 2019 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** Robotic Process Automation (RPA). Three words when used together have some fearing for their job due to conflation with Artificial Intelligence (AI), while others picture a physical robot! So, what is RPA? Have you ever built a user interface (UI) macro? Congratulations you’ve implemented RPA. Back in the mid-90s, while at university, in Leeds, England, I was working part-time for the customer services department of a water company, while in the middle of a severe drought – yes, I know a drought in England – the irony! Said water company decided to ration or totally turn-off customers’ water for hours at a time leading to my job being somewhat hazardous to my wellbeing but I digress. Me and a crack-team of customer services reps were tasked with the mind-eroding task of inputting paper-based water leaks reports into a system that required 10 screens of input but, only the last screen requiring unique customer name, address and description of leak data; while the other nine screens used the exact same codes and checkboxes for all water leak reports. We figured out we could create a recorded macro for the first nine screens thus automating that part with human data entry input only for 10th and last screen. That was a basic form of RPA. Let’s further demystify RPA: - RPA is applied digital technology that helps automate a series of back-office, manually intensive, structured human tasks that constitute a process or sub-process. For example, processing and paying invoices. - RPA increases the speed and improves the accuracy of processes that it is applied to while reducing costs. - RPA utilizes exiting UIs meaning that applications and systems do not need to be redeveloped. This means RPA implementations costs are low cost and speed to value are high. - Bots shouldn’t be viewed as a threat to human jobs rather is improves the Employee Experience. It takes over repetitive and manual human tasks thus ‘taking the robot out of humans’ allowing people to focus on more valuable, cerebral and rewarding activities. - AI (Artificial Intelligence) machine learning applied to processes to make them intelligent – Intelligent Automation (IA) along with driving decision making is at the other end of the spectrum to RPA. AI is intelligent because it can think. RPA cannot think or learn things that have not been implicitly programmed through the UI. - RPA is the gateway technology to Digital Transformation (DX) and Innovation because of the ease and speed of implementation from a Proof-of-Concept (PoC) through to a prototype and scaled to implementation. At OZ, we are experienced in helping clients like you adopt RPA that results in decreased costs, improved accuracy, and better employee experience and engagement. Our approach is to assess your processes and develop a plan that determines and sequences which processes will drive the highest ROI when converted to RPA. We then work with you to develop and implement your new RPA platform and measure the realized ROI. **Categories:** Blog --- ### [OZ Continues to Digitally Transform Patient Experience](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/oz-continues-to-digitally-transform-patient-experience-in-health-care-joins-several-local-organizations/) **Published:** August 20, 2019 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** Our company name, OZ, may be new, but we have been a part of the South Florida community for over 20 years. Our approach to [digital transformation](https://followoz.com/services/data-analytics-ai/) has helped more than 400 Florida-based businesses in a wide range of industries – travel and hospitality, retail, life sciences and health care, financial services, and high-tech. Life sciences and health care is an important industry for OZ’s business and one of the largest in South Florida. OZ is helping organizations usher in a new era of health care where the emphasis has shifted to a patient-centric model that focuses on innovation, greater transparency and data-driven insights to provide better patient experiences. In recent months, we have joined several local organizations in South Florida to continue our active involvement in the community and industries we serve. Read on to learn more about the great member organizations focused on health care and economic development that we are proud to be a part of. [Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce](http://www.miamichamber.com/) For more than a century, the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce has been a social and economic engine guiding Miami through history, from a small seaside hamlet to an international business and finance leader of the global economy. [ACHE \| South Florida Healthcare Executive Forum](http://sfhef.org/index.html) The South Florida Healthcare Executive Forum, Inc. (SFHEF), the local chapter of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE), is organized to improve [healthcare delivery](https://followoz.com/resources/case-studies/oz-vaults-ahhc-into-the-cloud/) by providing opportunities for the professional development of its members through educational and social activities. [HIMSS South Florida](http://sfl.himsschapter.org/) The South Florida Chapter of the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (SFLHIMSS) was organized to promote the professional development of members, to improve the reputation of the profession and to encourage advancement in the field of health care management systems. The organization’s objectives are to promote the sharing of ideas and experiences, work on joint projects at the local level and to provide a forum for meeting and networking among local professionals in the field of healthcare computing and telecommunications. [BioFlorida](https://www.bioflorida.com/) BioFlorida is the voice of Florida’s life sciences industry, representing 6,200 establishments and research organizations in biopharmaceuticals, medical technology, healthIT and bioagriculture sectors that collectively employ 87,000 Floridians. [Patient-Centered Primary Care Collaborative](https://www.pcpcc.org/membership) Founded in 2006, the Patient-Centered Primary Care Collaborative (PCPCC) is a not-for-profit multi-stakeholder membership organization dedicated to advancing an effective and efficient health system built on a strong foundation of primary care and the patient-centered medical home. Representing a broad group of public and private organizations, the PCPCC’s mission is to unify and engage diverse stakeholders in promoting policies and sharing best practices that support growth of high-performing primary care and achieve the “Quadruple Aim”: better care, better health, lower costs, and greater joy for clinicians and staff in delivery of care. We look forward to participating in upcoming events and networking with members. If you are planning on attending upcoming events for any of these organizations, please reach out. **Categories:** Blog --- ### [The CX Opportunity for Travel and Hospitality](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/the-cx-opportunity-for-travel-and-hospitality/) **Published:** August 8, 2019 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** Recent reports have shown that [86% of customers are willing to pay more](https://www.superoffice.com/blog/customer-experience-statistics/) for better customer experience (CX). It is important to consider the flip side of this too, consumers are very likely to begin doing business with a competitor following a poor customer experience. Customer experience is quickly becoming the number one brand differentiator. This is good news for the travel and hospitality industry where the possibilities to offer upgrades and memorable experiences are exciting and nearly endless. In previous blog posts, we outlined in detail different customer experiences cruise-goers are expecting during their trip, basically the bigger and more technology-driven, the better. Today, we’d like to share some customer experiences that can set airlines and resorts apart from their competition. Again, digital innovation is key for keeping travelers happy and providing them with experiences that will be talked about for a long time. There are several Points of View to consider for travelers, whether they are cruising, flying or staying at a resort. Let’s look at some ways brands can enhance CX through digital innovation during these POVs while flying and staying at resorts. It is fair to say that most airlines have struggled to deliver positive CX to their passengers. Whether it’s losing luggage or poor in-flight connectivity, we’ve all been there, right? Flying is usually a non-personalized event, you are just part of the herd trying to get from point A to B. However, digital innovation is definitely “taking off” for airlines and is changing the way passengers feel about flying. Here are a few examples of how airlines are using digital innovation to provide customer experience: - [Smartphone app](https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-finds/2019/02/28/these-luggage-trackers-will-make-sure-you-never-lose-a-bag-again/#3a314d235ce7) that allows you to track baggage throughout its journey - Translation technology for multilingual passengers used directly through earbuds - AI used to create an intelligent voice assistant to help deliver a more personal experience for customers when checking in and tagging luggage. The opportunity to provide superior customer experiences at the top resort destinations are endless. Augmented and Virtual Reality applications are giving guests glimpses into excursions and day trips to try, and technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT) are making smart rooms a reality. Through the use of apps, lights can be turned on and off, the room AC turned on at just the right time and drinks re-ordered from the mini-fridge instantaneously. In addition, here are some innovative ways we are seeing technology being used to provide excellent customer experiences at hotels and resorts: - [Live chatbots being used on hotel booking websites to make registration](https://www.hotelmanagement.net/tech/consumers-want-to-use-chatbots-travel-planning) and booking easier and faster for customers. - Hotel TVs now enable dinner and lunch bookings, restaurant recommendations, and the ability to communicate with the hotel staff with a touch of a button or voice commands. - [Augmented reality applications](https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/22/travel/virtual-reality-airlines-restaurants-travel.html) to give guests extra information about experiences they may be interested in trying while on vacation. Implementing new technologies in order to enhance CX can be intimidating, but with the right technology consultant and partner, it doesn’t have to be. Here at OZ, we are experts in [digital transformation](https://followoz.com/services/data-analytics-ai/), and using design thinking we work with our clients in the travel and hospitality industry to accelerate digital innovation. Let us know what we can help you imagine. **Categories:** Blog --- ### [4 Ways Digital Innovation Is Transforming CX for Hospitality](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/4-ways-digital-innovation-is-transforming-cx-for-hospitality/) **Published:** August 20, 2019 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** Every time we visit a hotel, frequent a restaurant or hop on a plane, we as customers see evidence that the hospitality world is morphing as the use of digital technologies increases. Marriott hotels [are experimenting](https://www.tastingtable.com/travel/national/marriott-hotels-technology) with voice activation so that guests can ask an in-room assistant for tourist advice. McDonald’s is [renovating](https://www.silive.com/news/2019/05/staten-island-mcdonalds-closed-for-redesign-digital-kiosks-coming.html) some of its restaurants to include digital menus and self-order kiosks. [Wi-Fi on airplanes](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-01-30/in-flight-wi-fi-is-about-to-get-a-lot-faster) is no longer an exercise in extreme patience. However, this is just the tip of the innovation iceberg. Like many industries, customer experience (CX) in hospitality is quickly becoming the number one brand differentiator, and the possibilities to offer upgrades and memorable experiences are plentiful. As consumers, we have seen an explosion of exciting new technologies used in hospitality over recent years, but we are at the beginning of a new era. Hospitality is on the cusp of being forever changed in a way that brings CX to the forefront of action, transaction, and design. Here are four key areas where digital technology in hospitality is going to make a difference in the near future. ### Personalization Customers willingly and eagerly share personal data with their favorite hotels, and this is benefiting them in myriad ways. Using artificial intelligence (AI), resorts can determine whether a guest is interested in spa treatments or golf packages based on past website searches — and then preemptively offer these perks accordingly. Hotels are experimenting with [facial recognition technology](https://www.fastcompany.com/90327875/facial-recognition-is-coming-to-hotels-to-make-check-in-easier-and-much-creepier) to make a guest’s stay smoother – quick check-in, no room key, and charges sent instantly to room bill just by a glimpse of your face. Restaurant servers might greet a patron by name and offer her a glass of her favorite wine based on past orders. And when guests check into their cruise cabin, they just [might find](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/customer-experience-for-cruise-lines-starts-long-before-boarding/#content) it’s been heated to the temperature they last set it to on an earlier cruise. ### Communication There are a plethora of apps that keep guests connected with what is happening every step of the way, from booking a luxury experience to checking out. We’re going to see it become easier and easier for customers to communicate with their companies of choice, with one another and with the outside world as more [tech lounges, location-based services, and mobile hubs](https://www.mitel.com/en-us/blog/top-10-communication-tech-trends-hospitality) are developed to make the world a seamless bubble of interconnectivity. ### Service Automation We’re moving quickly beyond [Pepper the Humanoid](https://us.softbankrobotics.com/blog/bringing-humanity-to-humanoid-robots-with-natural-language-processing) robot. We’ve now got robots that flip burgers, make lattes and even [act as a bellhop](https://www.napatechnology.com/blog/top-5-hospitality-and-restaurant-automation-trends-of-2019/). Guests don incredibly cool tech-loaded [wearables](https://www.wired.com/story/carnival-medallion-cruise-tagalong-avatar/) and [RFID tags](https://www.idcband.com/en-us/blog-us/8-benefits-of-using-rfid-wristbands-resorts-attractions/) that allow for a variety of benefits like GPS, cash-free purchasing and keyless, hands-free room entry. Increasingly, there are voice-activated assistants provided to rooms or dining tables so that guests’ orders can be collected — and hopefully fulfilled — almost instantly. We’re going to be seeing new apps on our mobile devices and chatbots that will help you along the way in your travels, whether it be booking a room that provides beachside drinks, setting up a massage at your hotel post-check-in or making a dinner reservation. ### Marketing A lot of this boils down to reaching the right customers and encouraging the current ones to share their opinions through word of mouth (well, over social media). Consumers are now seeing targeted ads from their favorite hotels letting them know about a new [virtual reality tour](https://www.revfine.com/virtual-reality-travel-industry/) that allows them to test the waters before plunging. If a restaurant or airline reaches out to them with an announcement about an event they previously enjoyed, they may be more likely to push a couple of keys to return to their websites. Target marketing makes for happier customers who receive a seamless individualized experience that they feel was built for them from the very beginning. This is just a small sampling of areas where technology is impacting hospitality today. Exciting advances in AI and AR over the next few years will bring a new level of digital transformation for those that invest in innovation. Hospitality companies making changes now to prepare for the future will be the most successful when it comes to offering superior CX. #### Sal Cardozo ##### VP of Consulting, Analytics & AI ##### OZ \| Digital Consulting **Categories:** Blog --- ### [Trends and the Not so Distant Future of Consumer Customer Experience Don’t Be Left Behind](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/trends-and-the-not-so-distant-future-of-consumer-customer-experience-dont-be-left-behind/) **Published:** September 7, 2019 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** Earlier this month, I attended Shoptalk – one of the biggest and fastest-growing retail industry events of the year. In just its fourth year, Shoptalk already has 8400+ attendees and some of the biggest names in both retail and technology. As the VP of OZ’s Retail and Consumer Consulting practice, I’m amazed at how quickly Shoptalk has become one of the premier retail events in the nation. What makes Shoptalk so great? It brings together retailers, brands, and technology in an incredibly unique way by putting innovation at the center of everything, something that this industry rarely saw until recently. And the caliber of speakers and exhibitioners is unsurpassed, with some of the most prominent names in both retail and technology sharing ideas and real-world examples of using innovation and technology to improve the customer experience. Here were the top three trends that I thought were most relevant to OZ’s customers: **1) Data is the foundation for everything** Retailers and brands are heavily invested in not only analyzing their customer data but how to get more data. Companies are looking to collect as many data points as they can to drive a better, more personalized shopping experience. They want to know who their customer is regardless of touchpoint. The challenge, of course, is how to best collect it, with each touchpoint having its own unique challenges and opportunities. One of those companies uses high-speed cameras to track every movement of someone in a grocery store. They know who you are based on your phone and what items you select, tracking every movement of your arms. These highspeed camera algorithms know with high accuracy exactly what you picked (what brand, what size, etc.). A store outfitted with these cameras allows a customer to grab a few things and get charged seamlessly with no cashier or waiting in line. All while ensuring the customer data remains private. **2) Customers expect a seamless experience** There was a lot of talk around how brands could bridge their physical location and digital presence and make that transition seamless to the customer. A key element to this was being able to identify a customer and managing that customer’s data throughout the customer journey. Examples spanned from how a customer could order online and pick up their items from a kiosk in the store, to complete cashier-less purchasing like AmazonGo. There are a significant number of companies investing in this seamless experience. One company I was impressed with was Macy’s, who talked about how they use data to provide a personalized omnichannel [customer experience](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/why-florida-is-primed-for-a-customer-experience-revolution/) via mobile app, website, and in-store. **3) Content and social media are critical parts of the sales process** Social platforms like Instagram and Pinterest are becoming the dominant gateways that trigger the customer into the shopping experience. Because of that, brands and retailers are investing heavily in the content on these social platforms to tell their story. Stories, not marketing, are what customers want. To build these stories and find their audiences, many brands are innovating in how they market using social media influencers. Social influencers are often well-known celebrities, but they may also be less-known people with smaller followings that better fit a brands’ demographic. Influencers could even be employees, and brands are looking at new ways of enabling their employees to be ambassadors for the brand. In many ways, the content and creativity of leveraging these influencers ties back to a seamless experience. Whether in-store or on the app, customers want all the same content and the same story. **4) Robots as a strategic advantage** All these brands and retailers are looking at getting the product to the consumer faster, wherever she or he may be. This goes beyond just traditional shipping, and into how can companies use technology and innovation to improve the last mile experience to ensure customers are receiving their goods where they’re most comfortable. [Robots and self-driving](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/demystifying-rpa/) may be the next wave. I saw many examples of robots taking goods from point A to point B, from food delivery to prescription medication. One interesting company wanted to take the concept of the food truck and take it to a new level by building a fleet of specialized vans that would be driverless, cashier-less, temperature-controlled, offer a diversity of goods and could be beckoned by a consumer using an Uber-like app. It was basically a humanless grocery store on wheels. That’s where the industry is going: how to bring the shopping experience – not just retail, but food, medicine, anything – closer to the consumer in a cost-effective, eco-friendly and sustainable way. **How is this relevant for OZ’s clients?** Innovation is happening right now and at a rapid pace. All our clients need to be actively exploring and experimenting with some of these trends or be at risk of having to play catch-up. - If our clients aren’t looking for new ways to harness their data or personalizing their customer experience, someone else will. - If our clients look different online than they do in the store, and it doesn’t resonate with the consumer, the consumer may gravitate to a brand that is more aligned. - If our clients aren’t optimizing logistics improvements to get the goods where the consumer wants them, they’ll be at a strategic disadvantage. All businesses need to understand their consumer, and tech can help. In 2019 and beyond, jump in and go fast. It’s ok to fail but fail quickly using the agile methodology. Constantly look for [improvements to leverage data](https://followoz.com/services/data-analytics-ai/) and content to make a better shopping experience for the consumer which will generate long-term [consumer loyalty](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/why-florida-is-primed-for-a-customer-experience-revolution/). **Categories:** Blog --- ### [The Future of Furniture Retail](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/the-future-of-furniture-retail/) **Published:** September 23, 2019 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** With today’s focus on Customer Experience (CX) and the presence of e-commerce giants like Amazon and Wayfair, it’s never been easier to window shop, compare prices or easily place an order for your furniture to be delivered directly to your home. While retailers close shop left and right, one would think the future of furniture purchasing lies in e-tailers, although some argue that there is no comparison to shopping in-person. **The Current Industry & Future Trends** Over the past five years, brick and mortar furniture stores in the U.S. have grown by 2.5% to reach revenues of $65B in 2019 (IBISWorld). “Mike Gaylord, VP of Sales for Agio International, says he’s seen studies that show nearly 75% of consumers are researching products online prior to coming into a traditional store” (Casual Living). Some brick and mortar goliaths like IKEA are focusing toward the CX shift and adapting their online and in-store presence with the use of modern technologies like AR/VR to attract the new generation of buyers and compete with e-tailers. Being a millennial myself, I’d like to give my perspective on a recent purchasing experience while furniture shopping. **My Experience** Moving into a new home can be a stressful yet fulfilling experience. Picking out the right color schemes, designing it to your exact taste, and creating self-made art can make the move feel special. However, the constant back and forth of moving furniture, accessories, clothes, kitchenware, and all the other necessities can really make you dread ever moving again. Since I wasn’t renting anymore, I wanted to get it right the first time and make this place feel like home. I needed some upgraded and brand-new furniture. Typically, I would get cheap used furniture that was in good condition, but those days are over and now it’s time to enjoy the luxuries in life, right? As any smart shopper would do, I start my furniture shopping experience online with research and due diligence. I now have an idea of the types of furniture I’m interested in and the prices I should be paying. Even though I’m a millennial and prefer to buy everything I need online, when it comes to furniture, I’d prefer seeing items in-person first**.** I started my shopping by going to all the local big-name furniture stores. I had seen certain items online and wanted to see them firsthand. One store had a great price on a bedroom set and sofa I really liked. I noticed this store was also offering an extra 10% off all non-sale items. Because of the sale, I was eager to check out the entire store. Before heading to the store, I put my items of interest in the online shopping cart. These items were already on sale meaning there should not be an additional 10% discount applied. Being the curious cat that I am, I still entered the sale promotion code and it applied the 10% discount. I was shocked but didn’t go through with the purchase as I still wanted to see the items in person. I get to the store and—to no surprise—it’s like a used car sales lot; I’m approached by sales representatives asking to help me. I mention I’m just looking around and will let them know if I need them. I find my items of interest in the store and they are exactly as I had hoped. Now I was assured that they would look nice in my new home. I find the initial salesperson and let her know I’m ready to purchase these items and set up the delivery. Before purchasing, I ask if they were running any promotions or sales. They mention the 10% off, (the promotion I saw online for non-sale items), but that it doesn’t apply to me as my items are already on sale. This is where things get interesting. I mention that the online system was not accurately enforcing the exclusion of discounts on sale items and ask her to honor the online price and discount. She told me I was mistaken and there is no way it could be (probably not the best way to respond to your customers). I take out my phone and demonstrate the online checkout process and prove the discount online is still being applied to the sale items. My Customer Experience takes a turn for the worst. I end up speaking with two managers. It reached the point where I said, I would go to my car and order it online where I could apply the discount. I wasted an hour proving to them their Online Ordering System and Business Rules are not connected. In the end, they honor the discount. Yes, I lucked out on a significant discount due to their poor technology functionality, but I had a horrible Customer Experience (CX) and I’m sure the Employee Experience (EX) was just as poor. Worst of all, think of how much revenue this brand is losing due to the flaws in their technology architecture. Brick and Mortar brands that are trying to build their digital presence and enhance CX still have a long way to go. **OZ in the Retail Industry** As retailers look to drive [digital transformation](https://followoz.com/services/data-analytics-ai/) to deliver a more seamless and personalized experience, OZ has found the biggest bottleneck to be connectivity of applications, data, devices and systems. My experience should serve as an example of what happens when the customer journey isn’t optimized through different channels. It’s 2019, consumers now shop through a multitude of channels and devices, expecting more than just a transactional relationship, forcing retailers to provide an uninterrupted experience wherever consumers decide to shop. OZ emphasizes that the key to success in providing these experiences lies in connecting in-store software with online systems through API-led connectivity. By utilizing OZ’s Integration and Automation services, retailers can quickly create connectivity in their environments while introducing new technologies and accelerating the development applications to meet consumer demands. **Categories:** Blog --- ### [9 Ways OZ Enhances the Travel Industry](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/9-ways-oz-enhances-the-travel-industry/) **Published:** November 22, 2019 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** For such an old-fashioned industry, travel has sure come a long way. The technology we have at our fingertips today to enhance and promote travel options and engage and delight travelers is a wonder. From mobile check in to virtual reality tours; from app-controlled room thermostats to facial recognition room entry. Technology is growing by leaps and bounds, and much of it appears to be tailor-made for improving the customer experience (CX) of an ever-growing number of travelers around the world. We at OZ delight in these advances. Many of us log our own annual miles and are well aware of precisely how, when and why fresh technology can solve problems and smooth out issues for the weary wanderer. This is why we have spent the past few years creating these nine Solutions and Accelerators developed specifically to enhance CX in the travel industry: 1\. **VelOZity**: One of the greatest ways to gauge a guest’s happiness is not through surveys or feedback cards. It’s by just looking at his or her face and seeing if there’s a smile or frown. But a concierge can’t be everywhere at all times. Our real-time CX solution VelOZity uses camera feeds and AI to scan faces and assign a Net Promoter Score (NPS) depending on the person’s emotion. Then, if it determines sadness, fear or distress, VelOZity connects with a mobile app to trigger quick customer support and resolution. For instance, a woman starts nibbling on an appetizer she had delivered to her deck seat when a camera feed picks up her disturbed emotion. No need for her to wait again until someone passes by — a waiter is dispatched immediately to ask her if she is pleased with her order of if he could bring her a new plate. 2\. **Flow**: Sure all guests get their own key to unlock their front door. But we can do so much more to make sure they feel truly at home during their stay in a hotel room or cruise cabin. Flow is a room automation application that guests can download so that their lights, room temperature, television, curtains and, yes, even that front door, is immediately available for their input and customization. A bonus for businesses is that Flow optimizes energy consumption by prompting shut down when the guest is not in the room. 3\. **Ozzie-Personal Digital Assistant**: Come on, haven’t you always wanted your own personal assistant? Stay at a resort that supports our Ozzie and your dreams will come true. Ozzie is a full AR assistant that can help with any and all questions when a guest reaches out through their mobile app, website or room-supplied AR lenses. This helpful combination of AR, ML and analytics will satisfy customers far quicker than calling a front desk and provide them with a fun experience that feels, well, personal. 4\. **OZ Immerse**: Wondering if you’ll really enjoy staying in a dessert hotel as much as the brochure suggests? Why not slip on a VR headset and check it out yourself before you book using virtual and augmented reality! OZ Immerse allows potential guests to walk through that sand, try out zip-lining, slip underwater with a snorkel or really just about anything a hotel is promoting. It’s a great way to view what a resort has to offer and help those wavering make up their minds about booking rooms and excursions. 5\. **OZ recognize**: This ML app helps the hospitality behind the scenes. Rather than wait for a golf cart to lose a wheel or a scuba boat to signal for help, hotel workers can use OZ recognize to scan for faulty parts or analyze worn tires and get them fixed long before they ever become a safety issue. 6\. **Mira – Chatbot**: It’s a bummer to get sick on vacation, and it’s even worse when, after you’ve finally found a doctor to examine you, you have to decipher unfamiliar post-visit instructions in a strange environment. Enter Mira the chatbot. Mira, which can be downloaded onto a guest’s mobile phone, understands the intricacies of a medical diagnosis and can offer helpful advice taking prescriptions and what the medical field recommends for treatment. While Mira is smart and full of great tips, she has a warm personality that helps guests get through a low moment with a sense of humor. 7\. **OZ Go**: Want another way to look at the resort or cruise port? Come grab a seat in OZ Go and enter a VR world of 360 videos. You’re the driver here—from the comfort of your very own seat, you can check out jungle properties, beach treks and cruise decks. 8\. **PaparOZzi**: For all those times you and your friends and families have created massive hearts with your bodies on the beach, now at last you can command a drone in the moment to snap that aerial photo. Our PaparOZzi system consists of drones equipped with cameras that guests and crew can operate using a set of apps. Once the photo is snapped, the drone returns to base—but not before sharing its fabulous shots with all the guests. 9\. **OZ Helpers** – Chatbot: For hospitality industry workers who have business-specific questions, this personal knowledgebase chatbot army is here to help. This system provides easy integration to a variety of knowledge bases, CMS and websites. We are excited to share these digital innovations and solutions with the world—just as we are eager to experience them ourselves in our own adventures. Bon voyage! **Categories:** Blog --- ### [Digital Technologies Continue to Transform Customer Experience](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/2020-outlook-digital-technologies-continue-to-transform-customer-experience-across-many-industries-2/) **Published:** December 3, 2019 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** The end of another year – and decade – provides the perfect time to reflect on what digital technologies will continue to transform customer experience (CX) for the kickoff of 2020. We gathered a handful of our experts and asked them to share their thoughts on what is on the horizon for the new year. From hospitality to finance to healthcare, 2020 will see a tide wave of digital transformation throughout entire organizations. So, here you are, a few of our top predictions for 2020. *Emerging Technologies – Ric Cavieres, EVP of Strategy, Markets and Consulting* The emerging technologies that I am most excited to see impact customer experience in 2020 are **Augmented Analytics** and **Microelectromechanical Systems**. Augmented analytics transforms large data sets into smaller, more user-friendly information packets using machine learning and language processing technologies. Users are then able to extract insights from the data and provide recommendations. For example, a machine analyzing national hotel, airline and vacation data might notice children in land-locked Colorado spend 80% more time at the beach in July than they do in June. It will take a human analyst to recognize that Denver grocery stores should stock less milk while those beach-going children are out-of-state. The AI will learn more as it goes along, but as of right now, it still requires human intervention and only humans know what to look for and how to assign value to certain data. Smart dust will become widely commercialized. Smart dust, or microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), refers to the miniaturization of mechanical structures so they can be integrated with electrical circuitry to perform a task or achieve a functionality. These “systems” are mere nanometers large and are being developed to improve [hearing aids](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xd6hnooaoK0) and headphones. They’ve been integrated into sensors that monitor the pressure in IV lines of patients in intensive care units. Because they’re so small, MEMS can be used virtually anywhere, from the human gut, where MEMS sensors look out for pathogens, to the heart, where they’re being used to measure pressure in the pulmonary artery, and report back to the patient’s physician. In the next year, we’ll see this technology in places such as football helmets and pads so we can learn the exact force applied when players collide. *Technologies You’ll See in Hospitality Next Year* Voice-activated concierges. Smart bars that know you like your martini dry – and know exactly when to order it for you. Leading hospitality companies are seizing on emerging technologies like these to deliver unique experiences and frictionless stays for their guests. At the root of this wave of innovation is data. Companies that can unlock the [95% of customer data](https://www.genpact.com/insight/blog/shedding-the-light-on-dark-data) that remains untapped with have a major advantage over their competitors. But to stand out in a crowded market, they must use the data wisely. This means making correlations to guest behavior to build customer profiles without violating privacy. **Augmented/virtual reality** and **facial recognition** are two digital technologies that will use data to provide superior customer experience. The next evolution of virtual reality will be [social sharing](https://www.forbes.com/sites/lilachbullock/2018/11/16/ar-and-social-media-is-augmented-reality-the-future-of-social-media/#7e77a909e141). Imagine guests pinging their family back home and asking them to put on a VR headset before taking them along for a live-broadcast dolphin swim, breathtaking zip line course or cruise deck tour. This 360-surround view and 3D video is a significant step up from even the most filtered and prolific Instagram snaps. Royal Caribbean already uses [facial recognition](https://www.cnet.com/news/huge-leaps-in-ai-have-made-facial-recognition-smarter-than-your-brain/) to speed up passenger check-in. In addition to speeding up check-in and level-up security, facial recognition, paired with emotional analysis, could [analyze guest mood](https://hospitalitytech.com/3-ways-facial-recognition-tech-can-generate-revenue-hotels). Did they arrive looking hassled or happy? Are they relaxed or irritated when sitting in the bar? With this information, staff can step in, offer a complimentary appetizer, change the music or adjust whatever the guest might be reacting to poorly. While there’s some controversy over the [accuracy of the readings](https://www.forbes.com/sites/jessicabaron/2019/07/18/tech-is-already-reading-your-emotions-but-do-algorithms-get-it-right/#61355a6a6fea), the potential to understand how your guests are reacting to experiences is there. *We’ve Reached a Tipping Point in Healthcare – Murray Izenwasser,* *VP of Consulting, Design Thinking* We’ve reached a tipping point as the merger of technology and healthcare has blurred the lines between provider, pharmacy and retailer. This has created a new business model — one that is loaded with digital advances. The drivers have been patient and physician acceptance of tech and the overwhelming need to modernize healthcare. And the lines are only going to get fuzzier in 2020. Here’s what I expect to see in healthcare next year: **Retail healthcare clinics** will continue to transform at a rapid pace. An example is the new CVS , which comes hard on the heels of its [merger](https://www.modernhealthcare.com/mergers-acquisitions/federal-judge-signs-cvs-aetna-merger-after-post-deal-review) with Aetna — and its acquisition of Aetna’s 22 million-plus subscribers. HealthHUBs are CVS stores with more than [20%](https://cvshealth.com/thought-leadership/cvs-health-announces-significant-expansion-of-healthhub-to-deliver-a-differentiated-consumer-health-experience) of the floor space dedicated to health services. Walmart is expected to roll out primary care clinics that include dental and [mental health](https://www.cnbc.com/2019/08/29/walmart-is-piloting-health-clinic-at-walmart-health-in-georgia.html) services. And even Amazon is getting on the healthcare bandwagon. The online retailer has its own line of supplements and is launching a full-service [pharmacy](https://www.pillpack.com/). These new healthcare delivery models are changing how and where Americans seek wellness help. And the lines will only get fuzzier next year as the “retailization” of healthcare accelerates. **Virtual medicine/digital healthcare** will lower patient costs and even [reduce](https://searchhealthit.techtarget.com/feature/Mobile-healthcare-apps-becoming-increasingly-popular) emergency room visits. Providers no longer must rely on patient memories for health information. Healthcare apps track everything from heartbeats to elimination, generating massive amounts of data. Meanwhile, telemedicine is making healthcare more accessible in rural areas, with its use jumping by [1,200%](https://www.medicaleconomics.com/news/how-compete-retail-clinics) between 2012 and 2017. Of course, maintaining patient privacy will be a continuing battle. Apps that track your steps or remind you when to take your medicine know where you are always and the state of your health. It’s giving rise to a demand from patients to own their own (digitized) records. But the reality is that consumers are looking for healthcare that is cheaper, more convenient and accessible faster than a traditional doctor’s office, and that means digitally enabled healthcare in one form or another. *The Future is Here in Finance – Imran Sabir, Consulting, Automation Lead* The website [Will Robots Take My Job?](https://willrobotstakemyjob.com/) sounds like a pulpy science fiction paperback but is really an acclaimed estimator — predicts that there’s a 98% chance that bookkeeping, accounting and auditing tasks will be automated over the coming years. In fact, by next year, many of these processes will already be in place. In the next year, I see RPA almost fully **automating accounts payable/receivable** and **customer onboarding** processes. In accounts payable and receivable, RPA bots save time by automatically adding a new supplier or account using information gleaned from public credit scores and tax information and pulling data from the supplier website. Without any supervision, once they’re programmed, RPA bots track invoices, mark accounts as paid, flag those that aren’t and send delinquent notices. The same type of processes is being used to vet new customers and validate their data when onboarding. RPA bots are set to automatically check and update info at set intervals, and alert you to anything out of the ordinary. Banks already are using RPA to verify customers’ details such as identity, past credit scores and conformity with compliance rules so accounts will be initiated, verified and automatically created faster than ever. **Categories:** Blog --- ### [Modern Technologies Like AR/VR Attract the New Generation of Buyers](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/modern-technologies-like-ar-vr-attract-the-new-generation-of-buyers/) **Published:** September 16, 2019 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** There I stood, confused and frustrated in the middle of the furniture store. Searching for an entertainment center that would not only fit in my new living room but match with maximum storage space. My journey as a buyer was almost complete, but I was stuck between two choices and there was no more selling the sales gentleman could do. It was all on me. I left the store, still entertainment center-less, with 4 photos of each piece on my phone. Next steps? I had to IMAGINE them in my living room. PICTURE them in my living room. I’ve never been good at that kind of thing. If only there was a way to make this decision easier! While my customer experience in the store was not a concern, I didn’t complete my buyer’s journey for another week because I had to go home, compare photos, imagine the fit and ask for advice from friends who had visited my new space. As a millennial who has grown up with the technology boom, I expected that there would be an easier way to compare their fit or color match as I have seen many other times and ways before while purchasing items. Shortly after all of this, I was intrigued to hear that [Macy’s](https://www.macysinc.com/investors/news-events/press-releases/detail/818/macys-inc-improves-customer-journey-with-enhanced) was rolling out an [augmented reality (AR) experience](https://www.retaildive.com/news/macys-expanding-vr-furniture-shopping-to-90-stores-by-january/539873/) in their mobile app that virtually placed the furniture being considered into the room of the customer! That’s what I am talking about! Additionally, I learned that Walmart was rolling out a virtual [“3D virtual shopping tour”](https://www.retailwire.com/discussion/walmart-adds-3d-virtual-shopping-tour-for-online-home-shopping/) on their website. Other retail giants like Wayfair, Amazon, Ashley Furniture and IKEA too. In a time where millennials are becoming homeowners and tenants, retailers need to maintain growth and shopping experiences that will cater to this generation. It could be safe to say that furniture will be one of those items that need to be seen before purchasing, but continuing to make the experience seamless and personalized is the way to close on millennial buyers. These AR and VR applications will eliminate the guesswork and expedite the buyer’s journey, putting the money and relationship in the retailer’s hand faster than ever. OZ sees this gap and realizes the need to enhance the retail customers’ experiences. Retailers should look toward OZ’s established AR and VR experiences to bridge the gap between the shopping experience and millennial buyers. Immersive technology is no longer the future, major retailers are making it exciting news of the past. Are you keeping up with these [innovative technology](https://followoz.com/services/data-analytics-ai/) trends? **Categories:** Blog --- ### [The Big Game’s Future CX Will Be a Technology Touchdown](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/super-bowls-future-cx-will-be-a-technology-touch-down/) **Published:** January 21, 2020 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** The Big Game is big business. Americans spend close to [$15 billion](https://footwearnews.com/2019/business/retail/super-bowl-consumer-spending-nrf-1202736463/) annually on football watching parties, or just over $81 per person. Fans who actually attend the biggest football game of the year shell out even more. The event generated [$450 million](https://www.vikings.com/news/super-bowl-lii-generates-450-million-for-local-economy-20691064) for Minnesota in 2018, and $400 million for Atlanta in 2019. It’s why stadiums, teams and cities — not to mention the entire hospitality industry — are spending big themselves to make sure those fans keep coming. The problem is technology. Americans’ living rooms these days are decked out with supersized television screens, surround sound, climate-controlled environments, easy access to the kitchen and no bathroom lines. Plus, there’s WiFi and instant replay. So the football-industrial complex is using technology as a means to lure folks to their stadiums and produce a Customer Experience (CX) that can’t be matched at home. A host of new [technology](https://followoz.com/services/data-analytics-ai/) is in the hopper — some of it yet to be developed — and coming soon to a stadium near you. Let’s take a moment to imagine what we might see at the Big Game in just a few years. It starts at the airport as fans head to the game. Apps will be able to hold places in security lines and passengers will be able to use [biometric scans](https://www.tsa.gov/biometrics-technology) of their faces or fingerprints to breeze through security. Alerts can be sent ahead letting airlines know late passengers are on the way, and how far they are from the gate. Don’t be surprised to see biometrics at the stadium, either, which could significantly cut back on scalping and ticket fraud, and put an end to people forgetting their tickets. The Internet of Things (IoT) will allow [luggage](https://www.rfidjournal.com/articles/view?18646) to alert you that it made the flight, and send a heads-up when it’s been delivered to the conveyor belt. Airlines will remember your preferences — not just whether you prefer a window seat, but what your beverage of choice is. And that drink will be waiting at your seat when you sit down. Rental cars will drive fans to their hotels. No longer worried about driving, you can check in on the way. With your phone also [functioning as a key](https://www.socialtables.com/blog/hospitality-technology/internet-of-things/), there will be no need to stop and pick one up. Instead, you can breeze right to your room. That will ensure your personal data stays secure, instead of being imprinted on a magnetic strip. And that “smart” room will automatically adjust to your preferred temperature, turn on the lights and maybe even crank your favorite tunes as you arrive. When it’s time to go, you can use Alexa to call for your car so it’s waiting out front, or ring for a rideshare. Using an app designed exclusively for the event, you can even find out if it’s faster or cheaper to use public transportation. If so, a route map and ticket will be delivered right to your phone. At the stadium, you’ll find more of the same. 5G will enable [lightning-fast WiFi](https://www.cnet.com/news/verizon-launches-5g-in-nfl-stadiums-across-the-us/). Your game app will alert the concession stand to your favorite beverage, and whether you want nachos or pretzels, and tell the merchandise staff your size and color preferences — and which team you’re rooting for. Order and pay for it on the app, then bypass the lines for quick pickup. Nosebleed seats won’t be a problem, because VR headsets will let you feel like you’re down on the field as players warm up, or standing right in the huddle. You can even dance onstage with the halftime act. If you don’t want to miss any game play, seat-side screens will let you order beer and hot dogs to be delivered on-demand, and you’ll get a heads-up for special flash sales and other discounts. You’ll be able to call the photo drone over for a selfie, and broadcast it to the jumbotron (for a fee) or send it to all your friends and family back home. [Holographic LED technology](https://www.theverge.com/2019/11/11/20959206/league-of-legends-worlds-2019-opening-ceremony-holograms-holonet) will display player and team stats in real-time. Chatbots on your game-day app will answer any and all questions, from a player’s height to his hometown. They’ll advise you on offensive strategy and even explain the shotgun formation to newbies. Families will be equipped with RFID tags so lost children can be located in seconds. Perhaps most importantly, apps will alert fans to which bathroom has the shortest wait time. When it’s over, your event app will find the fastest way out of the stadium, leading you directly to your car, which can then drive you to the celebratory afterparties. You’ll be able to reserve seats for the victory parade back home, and even preorder hot chocolate and reserve a few stadium blankets to ward off the chill. Of course, they might not be necessary if you’ve bought a heated seat ahead of time in the activities section of the app. Back at the hotel after the game, you can use Alexa to order a little room service to ward off any impending hangover — and send a message to the front desk that you’ll need late checkout. You’ll be able to use your voice to control the TV, turn off the lights and close the curtains from bed. But even with all these advances, for the foreseeable future, you’ll still have to tuck yourself in. **Categories:** Blog --- ### [OZ Greenhouse - The Connected | NFT | Hydroponic System - Blog 1/5](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/oz-greenhouse-the-connected-nft-hydroponic-system-blog-1/) **Published:** February 18, 2020 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** At the OZ lab, one of our fundamental missions is to help ideate and solve problems that benefit our clients. However, there are times that we take a pause and pick a problem that we feel passionately about and makes us think about how we can positively impact the world. The OZ Greenhouse is based on two global problems: the first one is the problem of growing foods in areas with adverse climatic conditions, (excess heat, aridity of the soil, intense cold, towns with a lot of height above the level from the sea, etc.), and the second one is the production of healthy foods, free of toxic substances and/or pathogens that affect the health of consumers. A team in our office in Rosario, Argentina, embarked on a solution implementing an NFT system (a hydroponic technique in which plants grow without the need for soil). This solution involves Mobile development, Cloud services, Internet of Things, microcontrollers, and Analytics. By combining these [technologies](https://followoz.com/services/data-analytics-ai/), the team developed a hydroponic system fully managed by a mobile application created by our consultants. The OZ Greenhouse team set to demonstrate, through the union of nature and technology, how it is possible to optimize the resources and tasks necessary to carry out hydroponic cultivation. We are excited to announce a series of technical blogs describing how the connected hydroponic system was built, how it operates, and highlight the different technologies and [techniques that were applied to achieve this solution](https://followoz.com/services/data-analytics-ai/). **Categories:** Blog --- ### [Digital Tech Can Boost Citizens’ Trust In Coronavirus Response](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/digital-tech-can-boost-citizens-trust-in-coronavirus-response/) **Published:** March 28, 2020 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** Amid the spread of the novel coronavirus, it’s more vital than ever for the public sector to rely upon technology to share crucial—even life-saving—information with the nation. OZ is deeply invested in our local community of South Florida, and one of our latest solutions, Immerse, is our small part to try and help protect the people and businesses located here. OZ has taken the initiative to develop digital solutions to fill gaps and ease any remote work concerns. Immerse, is a service that can facilitate and run remote workshops and innovation/collaboration sessions for clients and/or prospects. Within, Immerse allows for agenda development and easily incorporates outputs in PowerPoint, Word and/or Excel. This service will leverage a package meeting facilitation software that is more sophisticated than Zoom and the like. In addition to Immerse, companies can look to OZ to help implement technology solutions to improve experiences in the Public Sector. Meanwhile, the world’s biggest tech firms, including Google, Facebook, Twitter, Amazon, and Microsoft, are working hard to maintain the flow of vital information. This week, the White House [met with these tech giants](https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2020/03/11/white-house-tech-meeting-coronavirus/) to ask for their coordinated help in the fight against coronavirus — with the end goal that tech resources will supplement the government’s efforts to track the outbreak, disseminate accurate information and assist Americans who are out of work or school due to COVID-19. To share accurate information, federal agencies need to be able to collect, distribute and act upon patient information. They need a strong, multiplatform web application that can deliver this information in as close to real-time as possible. With the world watching, the Center for Systems Science and Engineering at John Hopkins University has created [a worldwide data map](https://gisanddata.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/bda7594740fd40299423467b48e9ecf6) of global confirmed cases, deaths, and recoveries from the coronavirus. Higher education can still remain open — only virtually with the help of technology. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has [offered guidance to colleges and universities](https://www.huffpost.com/entry/colleges-universities-going-online-coronavirus-fears_n_5e66a6b7c5b605572809cbec) across America on how to cope with campus closures, class cancellations and the transition to courses offered online. The timing of this pandemic comes for many of these institutions near the end of a quarter or semester. Most universities have opted to switch to online classes rather than in-person courses. Some institutions have elected to extend their spring breaks by a week to several weeks until the coronavirus slows its progression, allowing them to create a better online-only education opportunity so students can continue with their education goals. And higher–education institutions were early leaders in [canceling study-abroad programs](https://www.cnbc.com/2020/02/26/amid-coronavirus-scare-us-colleges-cancel-study-abroad-programs.html). Data has shown that high-risk areas in Europe and Asia are popular locations for studying abroad, and the institutions were able to quickly track students they needed to reach to return home. Going forward, the [public sector needs to be leaders](https://www.hks.harvard.edu/faculty-research/policy-topics/health/how-public-sector-and-civil-society-can-respond-coronavirus) in all of this and still provide great customer service. They must ensure employees have adequate tech resources to continue working from home while encouraging employees who are sick with COVID-19 to not put others at risk and provide adequate sanitation to its public offices and buildings. The most important task when it comes to the [citizens they serve](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/4-ways-digital-innovation-is-transforming-cx-for-hospitality/): share information and recommendations from our public health authorities, so there is a consistent message to prevent confusion and panic. **Categories:** Blog --- ### [We Are All Mark Watney](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/we-are-all-mark-watney/) **Published:** April 14, 2020 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** I have been consumed by articles reacting to what is now coined the “new normal,” and thought it would be interesting to put timelines together: the coronavirus timeline and my clients’ and industry reaction timeline. Here it is: > *“I have no way to contact NASA. And even if I could, it’s going to be four years until a manned mission can reach me. And I’m in a Hab designed to last 31 days. If the oxygenator breaks, I’m going to suffocate. If the water reclaimer breaks, I’ll die of thirst. If the Hab breaches, I’m just going to, kind of implode. And if by some miracle none of that happens, eventually I’m going to run out of food. So…yeah. Yeah. I’m not going to die here.” –* Mark Watney, *The Martian* (2015)*.* Meanwhile, in the news…. - • [30% GDP drop: Morgan Stanley joins Goldman Sachs in upping estimates of coronavirus economic pain](https://fortune.com/2020/03/23/morgan-stanley-goldman-sachs-estimate-coronavirus-economic-pain/) – source: fortune.com - • [Goldman sees 15% jobless rate and 34% GDP decline, followed by the fastest recovery in history](https://www.cnbc.com/2020/03/31/coronavirus-update-goldman-sees-15percent-jobless-rate-followed-by-record-rebound.html) – source: cnbc.com So, I thought I would put together a future timeline that considers the thoughts of several CFOs, CEOs, CIOs, COOs, CDOs, and CMOs. As I can tell, everyone is currently looking to a simple formula: do more with less. | If you are: | You are probably here: | |---|---| | CEO | Your vision has not changed, only the way you work on it. More than ever, you see your company come out ahead of the competition. You have ideas that can make that happen, but you are also responsible for the “now,” so you had to take decisive measures, and your team followed you. | | CMO | Your contribution to revenue, which was on a solid path, was completely disrupted. You are still confident in your marketing technology, innovation, and personalization investments, but now your budgets are slashed. Still, you are tasked with helping sales find new revenue. | | CDO | During your tenure, data has gone from a back-of-the-house function to operating at the front and center of your business strategy. You had excellent talent working with you, but you had to make cuts. And since we are in a crisis, you are tasked with developing different data models to help business get back on its feet quickly. Data matters more than ever before and all eyes are on you. | | CFO | You had to find ways to cut costs and balance the budget. You reacted quickly and firmly to the new reality: every initiative must be reviewed, questioned, and justified. No stone left unturned. The board and the leadership are looking at you for answers: How do we optimize business to reduce additional cost? What functions can we outsource or eliminate to align expenses with shrinking revenue? | | COO | You have to find ways to operate efficiently while being asked to cut costs. You have to help balance the budget, but you have to keep all the lights on, working without glitches, more than ever. You reacted quickly and firmly to the new reality: “nice to haves” had to wait, team sizes had to be reduced, initiatives had to be reviewed, and questions needed to be justified. Now you must find ways to make business more efficient. What tasks can be automated or outsourced? How can the company leverage technology to make us more efficient and fill in for FTEs who are no longer there? | | CIO | No more face-to-face meetings or development war-rooms. No side-by-side peer programming or tapping someone’s shoulder to seek assistance. Working at the office all the time has become a thing of the past. Your team has been dismantled, or close to it. You were asked to stop all work or reduce it to its minimal form. Now you are tasked with leveraging innovation & technology to help business get back on its feet with minimal budget and limited resources. How do you train your remaining staff on different skills so they can manage existing platforms while working on new initiatives? Can you engage competent technology partners quickly and at a reasonable cost to help you innovate? | But, like Mark, you know you will have to rebuild. Your company needs you and needs you to create, update, or support your systems. Your clients depend on it. > *“It’s time to start thinking long term. The next NASA mission is Ares 4 and it’s supposed to land at Schiaparelli Crater thirty-two hundred kilometers away. Thirty-two hundred kilometers. In four years, when the next Ares crew arrives, I’ll have to be there. Which means I have to get to the crater. Okay, so here’s the rub. I’ve got one working Rover designed to go a max distance of 35 kilometers before the battery has to be recharged at the Hab. That’s Problem A. Problem B is this journey’s going to take me roughly 50 days to complete. So I got to… I got to live for 50 days inside a Rover with marginal life support the size of a small van. So in the face of overwhelming odds, I’m left with only one option. I’m going to have to science the shit out of this.” –* Mark Watney, *The Martian* (2015)*.* So, what do you do? Be like Mark! Don’t wait for Ares. Work on the problems and opportunities now. Your Rover is not capable of going the distance. You need to modify it. Regardless of your role, you should “science the s\*\*t out of this!” Talk to your department to see what people require to do their job. Look to optimize current tasks by implementing RPA/AI/ML to create bots, automate tasks, and analyze data. Use Managed Services to keep ops running, and DevOps Services to make your software team more effective. In total, find ways to free your remaining employees’ time so that they can work on coming out on top of your competition. Hint: use competent technology partners with low-cost global models to help you optimize your business and become more efficient, nimble, and [innovative](https://followoz.com/services/data-analytics-ai/). > “*Good news, I may have a solution to my heating problem. Bad news, it involves me digging up the Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator.” –* Mark Watney, *The Martian* (2015)*.* So, by now, you’ve done the necessary. > *“It’s been 48 sols since I planted the potatoes. So now it’s time to reap and re-sow. They grew even better than I expected. I now have 400 healthy potato plants. I dug them up, being careful to leave their plants alive. … And by the way, none of this matters at all if I can’t figure out a way to make contact with NASA. I know what I’m going to do.” –* Mark Watney, *The Martian* (2015). Do the possible. Use tech like OZ Immerse to get your teams to work efficiently. > *“Every human being has a basic instinct to help each other out. If a hiker gets lost in the mountains, people coordinate a search. If an earthquake levels a city, people all over the world send emergency supplies. This instinct is found in every culture without exception.” –* Mark Watney, *The Martian* (2015). Contact your partners. We understand you! **Categories:** Blog --- ### [Automation Process Design for Your P&C Reinsurance Team ROI](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/automation-process/) **Published:** May 1, 2021 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** 1. **Intelligent Process Automation alleviates the necessity of humans to perform repetitive tasks while eliminating errors and bottlenecks.** 2. **Robotic processes combined with artificial intelligence and machine learning result in efficiency, enhanced security, and better customer experiences, translating to customer loyalty and a better bottom line.** 3. **OZ consultants have the expertise to help your insurance team identify what processes are ideal to automate and take you through the steps.** These days, insurers are facing the pressure of doing more at a fast pace, and customers have high expectations. The insurance industry, while strong on experience, has been bogged down by reliance on manual work, outdated materials, and legacy systems that make it almost impossible to keep up with standards set by today’s customer—that is, unless it adopts a different process model—that of intelligent automation. The good news is that with the increased adoption of digital tools and technologies among agents and brokers, there is also increased use of self-service digital channels. Companies appear to be ready to embrace process automation, and when they do, there are benefits to customers and employees in speed, efficiency, higher data accuracy, and more. In fact, a 2020 survey reveals that 89% of insurance executives are rapidly shifting to digitization. Automation can lower workforce costs dramatically in a relatively short period of time. The return on investment (ROI) for intelligent process automation hinges on dedicating staff to higher priorities, reducing human error, and enhancing customer satisfaction. While the financial services industry embraced process automation years ago, the insurance industry has been slower to adopt this technology. However, many insurance companies have begun pilot automation programs that include Robotic Process Automation (RPA) and Intelligent Automation (IA) in the past year or so. The RPA market is growing at breakneck speed. Grand View Research put the market value at USD 1.57 billion in 2020, and it is expected to grow at a CAGR of 32.8 percent from 2021 to 2028. ## The 3 Components of Intelligent Process Automation Intelligent Automation (IA) has three cognitive technologies: 1. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML): This is the decision engine. 2. Business Process Management (BPM): This automates workflow. 3. Robotic Process Automation (RPA): Software bots are used to complete back-office tasks (i.e., data extraction, filling out forms, repetitive data entry). ## What type of processes are best suited for RPA? RPA can be installed quickly, does not require changes to existing systems, and is comparatively inexpensive. Typically, the first processes to be selected for RPA are those that are highly repetitive, prone to errors, and take your employee’s time away from more important things. When deciding which processes to automate, here are some questions to ask yourself: ### Is the process rules-based? Does the process consist of clearly defined steps that are not open for interpretation? Or, does the process have rules with a lot of exceptions? A process with many exceptions is a good candidate for an RPA system with a Machine Learning component to understand how to manage those situations over time. ### Is the process labor-intensive? Tasks that are primarily administrative and divert a worker’s time away from their primary job are excellent choices for automation. These types of processes are easily measured based on freed-up hours, and depending on the tasks chosen, multiple FTEs can be freed up to focus on more value-based activities. ### Does the process have readable inputs? RPA requires readable inputs—text-based data, user activities (keyboard strokes and mouse clicks), Optical character recognition-fed data (OCR), and green screen. For instance: processes that require an employee to scan emails, documents, spreadsheets, PDFs, or even images to then enter information into a digital system are prime candidates for RPA. Non-OCR processed images or non-digital formants are unreadable with RPA. ### Is the data structured? RPA works most easily with data that is distinctly defined and searchable, called structured data. Some examples are names, addresses, credit card numbers, geolocation, etc. Unstructured data is everything that is not easily searchable, like audio, video, and free-form writing formats. RPA can be used with some unstructured data inputs but will take longer to implement and see a strong return. ## Measuring RPA ROI Before executing a process automation strategy, you may want to calculate the net gain you will see from transitioning. Divide this by the net investment needed to transition (i.e., the tools and resources you use), and you will get your ROI for automated testing. (OZ has an ROI calculator for your RPA project, [contact us](https://followoz.com/contact-us/) for more information). Start with running a pilot program, and then build on that success. Once you implement RPA, your ROI could be measured in weeks or months—NOT in years. A typical payback time is three to nine months. ## The Bottom Line As with any business tool, the choice to intelligently automate processes in your insurance company can bring a powerful return on your investment of time and money. Efficient, fast, and error-free service translates to customer loyalty, which is essential to the health of your organization. A well-planned IA approach will help you achieve these goals! OZ is a consulting and technology solutions leader that helps companies accelerate business processes and provide access to real information to drive real insights. [Start the discussion](https://followoz.com/) today. One of our consultants can help you move forward. \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Resources 1 Grand View Research: Robotic Process Automation Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/robotic-process-automation-rpa-market 2 https://digitalworkforce.com/rpa-news/measuring-rpa-roi-how-to-do-it-right/ 3 https://www.insurancebusinessmag.com/ca/news/breaking-news/tech-trends-that-will-transform-the-insurance-industry-in-2021-251194.aspx **Categories:** Blog --- ### [Wins For RPA Projects: How To Measure Automation Outcomes](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/rpa-projects/) **Published:** May 7, 2021 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** In the current highly competitive marketplace, companies are facing an increasing demand to do more with less. One potential solution to hand off repetitive, manual, and time-consuming tasks to save costs and time is Robotic Process Automation (RPA). RPA projects apply to every industry and are now an essential tool for Property and Casualty insurance providers looking to stay competitive while offering products and services in sync with customer needs. Typical insurance operations (including underwriting, claims processing, and more) leverage RPA to make research-intensive workloads lighter for the human worker and wade off losses related to fraudulent claims. ## **What are the Benefits of RPA Projects in the Insurance Industry?** “Quick win” is an apt description of the benefit that insurers notice right away. Some of these benefits include: ### **Increased Productivity** RPA software is typically designed to work faster and more accurately than humans. The systems know no holidays, sick leaves, or breaks and can work around the clock to complete massive tasks without stopping. They are also specialized to perform specific functions of underwriting and claims processing to free your employees for more high-value tasks. This eventually makes your workers more productive, thus lowering operational costs and increasing profitability. ### **Better Accuracy** Accuracy and efficiency in claims processing directly reflect in all areas of the business. Unfortunately, costly claim errors happen as a result of human error when manually inputting multiple data sets. RPA is the ideal technology to have at your fingertips to start reducing these errors. RPA projects are an exceptional tool to gather data and information that insurance businesses need for analytical purposes. The software can accurately streamline various processes such as data entry from multiple channels, coverage verification, and issuance of settlement notifications. RPA also helps insurance companies ensure accuracy and precision in claims adjudication and settlement. ### **Scalability Benefits** If your insurance business is growing rapidly, you need reliable automation software to help you scale your growth potential. You can rely on RPA technology to achieve flexible and adaptable scalability that can meet sudden changes in demand. The technology enables you to increase or reduce the type and number of tasks for the bots at any given time to meet market needs. Because the robotic workforce is designed to adjust to time and task-specific requirements, even smaller insurance companies are adequately empowered to handle evolving markets’ unpredictability. ### **Improved Customer Service** In the current highly volatile marketplace, providing high-quality customer service is a foremost priority for most insurance companies. Recent studies reveal U.S. companies lose more [than $62 billion annually due](https://www.forbes.com/sites/shephyken/2017/04/01/are-you-part-of-the-62-billion-loss-due-to-poor-customer-service/) to poor customer service. With RPA, the software typically handles mundane and repetitive tasks so that your human workers can focus more effort on direct customer interactions and care. You can also use RPA software to generate and analyze critical data on your customers to gain greater insights that help you improve your customer service offering. Additionally, by using RPA to gather data, the chance for human error is significantly reduced, thus improving customer satisfaction. ### **Improved Employee Satisfaction** Another key benefit of RPA is improved employee satisfaction and engagement. Many organizations are finding that once they implement RPA, employees feel more valued and are happier when they are assigned meaningful work. By using RPA to handle mundane tasks, employees are free to focus on higher-value work. Tracking metrics like employee turnover and employee satisfaction scores can help determine whether automation has led to higher employee satisfaction. ## **How to Measure Your RPA Project Performance** The best metric to vet and measure RPA is determined by the type of organization, industry, and other factors. Generally, you should determine what you have achieved with RPA compared with the previous processes. Beyond costs, some of the best ways to measure the efficacy of your RPA strategy include: - **Productivity:** Bots are designed to complete tasks around the clock at a high rate of speed. Find out if your insurance processes are running faster and more frequently than before. - **Accuracy:** Bots complete tasks with constantly decreasing margins of error. Determine if you have reduced errors or if there is improved accuracy of outcomes. - **Consistency:** Bots are designed to work identically without any variation. Find out if you have achieved greater consistency and predictability in your typical day-to-day operations. - **Reliability:** Bots typically don’t take breaks and are always ready to work. Determine if you have reduced downtimes and increased output with your automation. - **Compliance:** Bots follow specific regulatory rules to the latter and never forget even the most minor step. Determine if you have improved your regulatory compliances with RPA automation. - **Employee satisfaction:** Employees feel more valued and are happier when they are assigned meaningful work. You can use quantifiable representations of job satisfaction, such as turnover, to determine whether automation has led to higher employee job satisfaction. ## **Get Professional Help to Implement RPA Solutions Today** The demand for RPA projects has snowballed across the planet thanks to the massive benefits it provides to businesses. The RPA technology adoption in sectors like insurance, banking, and financial services is on the rise owing to its ability to deliver rapid ROI, improved efficiency, and increased control over operations. OZ helps companies accelerate business processes and measure insights. If you need help to implement RPA solutions in your business, [contact us](https://followoz.com/) today. **Categories:** Blog --- ### [Intelligent Process Automation for Reinsurance, Quick Wins](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/process-automation-for-reinsurance/) **Published:** May 14, 2021 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** Quick wins give your project momentum by driving early value, which is precisely what Intelligent Process Automation (IPA) can do for reinsurance companies. ## What Challenges Are Reinsurance Companies Facing? As the pressure mounts to grow and remain competitive, reinsurers look to areas where they can control their own destiny on the expense side of their business to squeeze as much productivity and efficiency out of those dollars as possible. IPA for reinsurance divisions, combined with other technologies can drive high impact and quick wins that deliver on their promise of results. Although the reinsurance process can be vital to the success of Property and Casualty Insurance (P&C) companies, many have not made the proper investments in upgrading to new technologies and data systems a priority. As a result, the manual process of data analysis and contract administration in outdated systems has become increasingly difficult to manage and has led to inaccurate outcomes. Some of the challenges facing reinsurance management teams are: - The evaluation process is manual, repetitive, and highly prone to human error - Manual calculation of the total value of a reinsurance contract can be inaccurate and time-consuming - Outdated systems negatively impact productivity and outcomes - Increased competition in the marketplace - Rising costs of operations Intelligent process automation is a perfect fit for reinsurance divisions because it offers the cognitive abilities of artificial intelligence (AI) and the steady forward progress of robotic process automation (RPA). ## What Is Intelligent Process Automation? Intelligent Automation is a collection of technologies that manage, automate, and integrate a process typically done by humans. Those technologies include solutions that may be categorized under Digital Process Automation (DPA) and as mentioned, RPA, and AI. IPA mimics the mundane tasks done by humans, freeing up employees to focus on higher-value activities for the business. Over time, the rule-based automations are augmented with decision-making capabilities that enhance efficiency, reduce operational risks, and improve response times. That’s where the true value of IPA comes in. ## Quick Wins with IPA for Reinsurance Divisions What constitutes a quick win? It’s a visible improvement with immediate benefits that can be delivered quickly. They are: - Easily implemented - Cost-effective - Address specific problems - Start to show results in 2-3 months ### Quick Resolution of Customer Issues Companies introducing automation solutions within their business processes are seeing impressive results. In the post *Emerging Customer Experience Trends In 2021,* Johanna Sinkkonen of Lumoa stated: “Up to 70% of customers who register a complaint will purchase from you again if their complaint is resolved. But, that number of return shoppers increases to a nearly perfect 95% if they felt it was resolved quickly.” Speedy results in greater satisfaction and automation is a game-changer for busy insurance companies. Sinkkonen goes on to say: “A positive customer experience directly correlates to a business’s success, yielding 20% higher satisfaction rates and 10-15% higher conversion rates.” ### Automated Intelligent Process Speed Up Delivery And Enhance Customer Experiences What might a quick-win IPA look like? Let’s take a reinsurance division where a human processor does treaty and facultative reinsurance management of contract data from disparate systems to provide a “business as usual” service. With IPA, robots can replace manual tasks (RPA), process and interpret data with rule-based automations to make decisions (machine learning), flag inconsistencies and offer the reinsurance team a dashboard to review specific actions and make suggestions (cognitive agents), and provide real-time tracking between systems and people (smart workflows). Although the value comes from implementing the complete IPA suite of accelerators and services, reinsurance divisions can achieve significant productivity gains and cost savings in the following ways: - Automating invoicing and payment processing - Automating security and fraud detection The process begins by identifying the best implementation of routine tasks, freeing up human workers to become more efficient. Things like compliance and governance benefit from intelligent processes. Automation of end-to-end workflows also minimizes risk by detecting process anomalies that humans might miss, reducing the risk of human error in routine tasks such as data entry. Reinsurance divisions can automate tasks like filling out forms, processing claims, evaluating treaty and facultative contracts, and underwriting policies. ## What You Should Do Next Insurers looking to learn more about intelligent process automation can [schedule a call](https://followoz.com/). OZ is a leading consulting company whose services and solutions leverage Intelligent Automation to accelerate processes and provide detailed business insights. With specialties in data [analytics](https://followoz.com/services/data-analytics-ai/), artificial intelligence (AI), robotic process automation (RPA), and more, our experts can enhance technology infrastructures to provide accurate reports, inform decision making, and improve job satisfaction. Also, be sure to follow us on [Twitter](https://twitter.com/gofollowoz), [Vimeo](https://vimeo.com/followoz), and [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/followoz/) to stay up to date on our solutions. **Categories:** Blog --- ### [Simplify and Automate Insurance Processes Through RPA](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/automate-insurance-processes/) **Published:** June 29, 2021 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** It wasn’t long ago that Robotic Process Automation services were considered possibilities of the future, not the tools of leading businesses today. Particularly in the insurance industry, having workers capable of performing repetitive tasks reliably and accurately is essential for keeping bottom-line performances optimized. Such tasks are ideal for RPA (Robotic Process Automation), which is why leading insurance agencies and claims processors have smartly harnessed their mundane, continuous procedures to RPA. The returns from simplified and automated insurance processes clearly demonstrate that the future is here and now, completely capable of improving operations at embarrassingly low costs. ## RPA: The Foundation for Automated Insurance Processes Part of the elegance of RPA is the fact that, unlike scenes from science fiction movies or books, robotic process automation does not require a machine constructed to look and act like its human counterparts. The fact of the matter is that RPA typically grabs repetitive, manual tasks which are both time-consuming and subject to human error (often at great cost to the operating company) and performs them quickly and accurately at its own station. It only requires software to make this happen, and it can tirelessly perform its job, 24 hours a day and seven days per week if necessary. The larger implication of integrating RPA within a P&C insurance operation is the freeing up of workforce, who are no longer faced with endless mundane tasks. This liberating act affirms real team potential. As a result, workers can take on work with growth potential and demonstrate their ability to grow and evolve in tandem with the needs and demands of the company. ## Proving the Value of Automated Insurance Processes Customers and employees achieve higher levels of satisfaction because processes are streamlined. Automation delivers measurable results, and when paired with data analytics and dashboard screens, it allows managers a quick way to track progress. Some of the results that insurers report are: - **Acceleration of Essential Processes** – Claims management, onboarding, and other core processes get top priority treatment while freeing up valuable employee talents and skills. - **Easy Deployment of Customer-Focused Strategies** – Customer care often entails ongoing outreach, all of which can be effectively managed and operated by properly setting up RPA systems. - **Detection and Elimination of Potential Fraud** – According to the FBI, insurance fraud costs as much as $40 billion per year. Smart insurers can deploy RPA to better oversee common practices resulting in fraud and are empowered to put strong and permanent halts on them. - **Strengthening of Industry Compliance** – Proper management of compliance procedures becomes automated, removing the possibility of human error. Thanks to streamlined operations and employees unburdened by tiresome, repetitive jobs, automation is providing accuracy, greater bandwidth, and an opportunity for creative thinking. ## Migrating from Manual Tasks to RPA The migration process can be handled incrementally, making results more easily identified. Before beginning, organize priorities with stakeholders to gather input. When everyone is in agreement, the transition will be simple, smooth, and successful in as short a period of time as possible. - **Identify Transformation Opportunities** – The first step requires a long and fresh look at current operations with an eye to identifying those tasks as ideal candidates for automation. - **Establish Realistic RPA Budget** – Remember that an effective RPA strategy more than pays for itself, which must be factored in when determining your initial investment in your own company’s RPA process. - **Analyze RPA Solutions** – Deciding upon the right RPA solution also entails studying the different features and benefits being offered by each RPA solution and selecting the strategy which best fits your unique needs. - **Create Automation Strategy** – A specific flowchart outlining the best way to achieve total automation transformation can help to identify where to begin and what paths to follow for a solid and successful outcome. - **Develop Pilot Case** – Dry runs can be incredibly instructive and revealing, while also allowing the RPA designers to see their strategy in a trial action before handing over full reins of the business operation. Many operations feel more comfortable collaborating with seasoned experts in RPA. Such relationships always pay off for firms who have a basic understanding of robotic process automation but want to ensure that their rollout covers all points and generates an instant ROI. OZ is a digital transformation leader specializing in collaboration with businesses that want immediate benefits. Learn how OZ RPA and AI Services can help you develop automated insurance processes with a robust RPA working behind the scenes. **Categories:** Blog --- ### [RPA Implementation: A 7-Step Strategy For Insurance Companies ](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/rpa-implementation-strategy/) **Published:** July 2, 2021 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** It is often not until we pause and take a closer look at how we run our operations that we begin to realize how many of our processes and systems are excellent candidates for automation. With an expanding embrace of [Robotic Process Automation](https://followoz.com/services/data-analytics-ai/) (RPA), businesses are seeing their ROI leap to new heights. Attaining a faster return on time and effort helps employees develop greater motivation and deeper dedication to the operation. It also helps cultivate a loyal, expanding customer base. By performing appropriate RPA implementations, all this can be achieved and so much more. ## RPA: The Basics Robotic Process Automation takes advantage of artificial intelligence and machine learning capabilities to take over and more efficiently manage repeatable tasks at higher volumes that humans can perform with fewer or no errors in the process. The benefits reaped from such a process are layered; not only are tasks performed at the highest possible efficiency and accuracy but valuable human resources are also freed from mindless tasks and instead offered the opportunity of true growth within the enterprise. Just a few of the areas where RPA implementations are already strategically placed and showing impressive results include: - **Data Extraction** - **Invoice Generation** - **Mass Mailings** - **Payroll Management** - **Sales Support** As more systems and methods are transformed by RPA implementations, a new cohesiveness develops as the RPA process itself is subjected to data analysis and management. Since machines are trained via RPA, it only makes sense to train them to better their own process performances as well, something they are quite adept at accomplishing. ## Your Seven-Step Strategy for Optimal RPA Implementations Gaining the optimal state of RPA implementations is a matter of approaching the challenge with an aligned organizational strategy. Enterprises are encouraged to establish a two-point foundation that only introduces scalable solutions that support future use of AI and other technologies while ensuring that all processes are properly standardized and digitized. With that foundation in place, developing such a strategy is manageable by breaking it down into its seven distinct components. 1. **Start Simple** – by beginning with the simpler and more straightforward processes, you can experience the power of RPA quickly while learning the ins and outs of RPA implementations 2. **Focus on Efficiency** – as the main goal is efficiency, it is essential that existing processes are brought to the highest possible state of efficiency prior to RPA implementation 3. **Consider AI and Scalability** – as more operations are included in the pool of activities managed via RPA, an eye towards future growth and development must always remain open by preparing for advanced future AI support and activities 4. **Manage Privacy Concerns** – by incorporating an audit trail within every application, the building and operating processes can be reviewed, modified, or upgraded to ensure that processes stay current with technology and company growth while maintaining confidentiality 5. **Use the Right RPA Software** – not all RPA solutions are the same, so due diligence is strongly advised to make certain the software acquired is capable of performing the tasks needed automating 6. **Perform Cost Analysis** – on top of tracking efficiencies and cost-effectiveness, less tangible but equally valuable benefits such as customer satisfaction and employee engagement can be measured, delivering valuable conclusions and recommendations 7. **Embrace the Team Approach** – the development team should be involved in the RPA implementation and then be handed the reins of the entire project for exploring new opportunities certain to arise from the optimization process As you consider the above seven steps, it becomes clear that these are features any business should be able to deploy not only for the good of their own operations but to be able to thrive through technological evolutions instead of struggling like their competitors. ## Optimize Your RPA Implementations with OZ’s Consulting Services According to recent reports, most organizations understand the need for RPA implementations within their own operations. That demand is expected to explode to a near-universal acceptance and adoption by 2025. Consequently, it is not a matter of whether or not the journey should be undertaken but when. With OZ, making the journey will be simple and sensible, rather than overwhelming and haphazard. Learn why[ OZ is a leading collaborator of enterprises](https://followoz.com/services/automation/) serious about their quest for optimal RPA implementations and find out how easy it is to get on board for your own business transformation. **Categories:** Blog --- ### [Automated Claims, What Predictive Processes to Consider](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/automated-claims/) **Published:** July 10, 2021 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** Imagine a dedicated worker who only cares about performing simple rote tasks accurately and speedily, a worker who needs few breaks, and those pauses are only to tweak the worker to maintain a performance level that remains high and error-free. If you can visualize such a worker, you have also described an RPA in action. If any industry is ideal for integrating RPA (Robotic Process Automation) it must be the insurance industry. When one considers all the forms, contracts, legal obligations, and revenues that are involved in any insurance company, a quick step back can illustrate the necessity of integrating automated claims through RPA processes within the organization. ## Realizing Benefits with RPA The benefits for implementing RPA within an insurance company appear to be endless, but basic features of implemented RPAs often include the following: - **Boosted Profits** – With back-office tasks operating more efficiently without draining human resources, the workforce is better able to focus on areas where human intelligence and intuition can be given full rein. - **Customer Satisfaction** – Imagine forms without mistakes, claims processed faster, and check issuance a breeze, and you can imagine a customer base in love with the dedication of their insurance company to their needs and concerns. - **Employee Performance** – Once freed from tasks that insult basic human intelligence, it is amazing how that freedom can open up the doors of creativity and inspiration; prepare for a growing cadre of peak performers thanks to RPA. - **Faster Processing** – With fewer delays to insurance applications, prospects are more likely to convert to paying customers, while delays on insurance claims are problems of the past. - **Reduced Errors** – With the volume of data that is manually entered by humans, the chance for errors increases over the time the same individual is attempting to enter information. These features simply describe the overall impact a company can experience by embracing and implementing RPA for their own business. ## Automated Claims: The Versatility of RPA in the Insurance Business Insurance companies are perfectly poised to take even greater advantage of RPA, thanks to the processes they deal with on a regular basis. For instance, RPA can competently and effectively manage the following tasks after minimal instructions: - **Audits** – As data is being entered during applications and claims, some of that data may be of value in the event an audit is required; key data points can be structured for later access under an audit. - **Claims Management** – Another process that is both time-consuming and demands accuracy, putting claims management under the purview of RPA is a logical and effective means of ensuring claims are processed correctly and quickly. - **Compliance** – Always a major and important aspect of any insurance company, correct and timely filings of compliance matters ensure that the insurance company is staying ahead of the game and remaining transparent. - **Data Entry** – Correct data entries are paramount for each automated process to function accurately and efficiently; an RPA managing data entry ensures fast processes without errors occurring. - **Data Storage** – Of equal importance to data collection is data storage which can be accessed and evaluated by authorized personnel; in concert with this need is robust security to protect that valuable information. - **Fraud Oversight** – There are various methods in which fraud can be committed and an RPA can be informed as to those methods, so they can be flagged with notices served to the appropriate parties. - **Update Visibility** – Clients are understandably concerned when a claim is filed, so allowing those customers to view the claim process at any stage is an excellent way of keeping them in the loop. As can be imagined, by automating and controlling these important processes, agents perform better, policyholders are happier, and businesses grow faster and broaden their base because of those first two factors. This also streamlines audits, since all the pertinent information has already been stored and is readily accessible by other insurance departments. ## Examples of Automated Claims in Action The following three examples perfectly illustrated the power of RPA as it concerns automated claims: - **Automotive Insurance Claims** – Suffering property (and possibly personal) damages is traumatic enough for a policyholder, so streamlining claims should always be a high priority. - **Life or Health Insurance Claims** – Medical certificates and death reports can be accessed electronically and added to any claim files for ready and instant access during the claim process. - **Travel Insurance Claims** – Physical damage is easily documented via photographs which can be added to the claim file for later examination or further verification. Compared to the old days of paper trails and misfiled forms, the nightmare of claims processing has turned into an idyllic dream for insurance companies with automated claims processing already in place. Getting up to speed with automated claims through RPA is even easier by bringing in the right experts. As leaders in the fields of AI, robotics, and digital transformation, no one is better qualified than OZ Intelligent Automation Consulting to bring RPA technology alive within an insurance company. Learn how[ OZ Intelligent Automation Consulting can install RPA services](https://followoz.com/services/intelligent-automation/%22) while offering top-notch training to get insurance companies automated swiftly and smoothly. **Categories:** Blog --- ### [Leverage Smart Processes and New Technologies Based on Data Analytics Insights](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/smart-processes-from-data-analytics-insights/) **Published:** July 23, 2021 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** [Big data, data analytics, predictive analytics](https://followoz.com/services/data-analytics-ai/). Whatever the term, the results rely on data, but not just any data. Quality data is needed for quality results. Unfortunately, many insurance companies struggle to deliver quality data in the quantities required for reliable data analytics insights. To deliver useful insights, insurers need to overcome obstacles such as access to the data, quality of data, and organization silos. ## Data Access About[ 55% of a company’s data](https://priceonomics.com/) is inaccessible because it is unstructured. Unstructured data includes emails, documents, videos, presentations, or any data stored in a consistent format. Structured data consists of spreadsheets, databases, and files with a specific and uniform format. Computers love structured data, and most data processing tools were designed for structured data. Today’s data comes in varying formats, making it difficult to integrate data for analysis. In fact, data scientists claim that 80% of a data analysis project comes from acquiring, cleaning, and preparing data. ## Data Quality Crucial to quality analytics is quality data. If data is missing or invalid, the results are faulty. That’s why cleaning the data is the first step in developing reliable insights. Data quality issues include the following: - Duplication. Over time duplicate information can creep into computer systems. When used in data analysis, identical data creates skewed results. - Conflicting. When duplicate records are found, sometimes they contain conflicting information. The data needs to be verified, so only accurate data is used. - Corrupted. Data can become corrupted during data or file processing. If the data is essential to the expected results, it may be necessary to attempt to recover the data. - Invalid. Invalid data is information that can’t be correct. For example, social security numbers have nine digits. If the value in a social security field is more than nine digits, it is invalid. Once data has been cleaned, it needs to be converted or transformed into a common usable format. Having a standard format makes it easier for algorithms to produce actionable insights. ## Data Analytics Insights According to a [2019 study](https://www.willistowerswatson.com/en-US/Insights/2019/07/the-financial-rationale-for-predictive-analytics), predictive analytic tools have helped property and casualty insurance companies improve profitability and customer satisfaction. These tools can be used to integrate data from internal and external sources to predict consumer behavior. They are used for the predictive modeling of multiple scenarios to determine the most favorable outcomes. ### Customers Integrating external and internal data into a predictive model can help identify customers who may be unhappy with their coverage or their insurance company. Knowing what to look for when evaluating customer behavior can help insurers address issues before they become reasons to defect to another carrier. With advance notice, companies can provide the needed attention to retaining customers. ### Fraud A [2020 report](https://www.iii.org/article/background-on-insurance-fraud) found that property and casualty fraud costs insurers about $30 billion per year. Predictive modeling can find discrepancies in the information provided by the insured party and third-party providers. They can look at social media and online activity to determine the likelihood that a third party or the insured would file a fraudulent claim. ### Claims Claims management can make or break a customer experience. Consumers want fast processing of claims with a personal touch. Making that happen can be difficult without the insights of data analytics. With the right modeling, carriers can look at claims and prioritize them to maximize resources to deliver a better customer experience. Identifying claims that may result in high-cost losses early can save insurers time and resources. With analytics tools, companies can look through volumes of data to determine what characteristics are most likely to result in high-cost losses. They can use that information to alert personnel to the potential risk. Data analytics can improve internal processes. Based on historical data, teams can identify areas for improvement and even look at what-if scenarios to see what impact changes would make in the overall process. It’s another way that data analytics insights can improve operations. ## Data Integration For data analytics to work, insurers need technical resources that can make the inaccessible data available. They need to find ways to deliver quality data in a consistent format to ensure accurate results. [OZ ](https://followoz.com/services/data-analytics-ai/)offers a range of Analytics and Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions that provide insights into every aspect of your operations. If you’re looking to disrupt operations on your way to digital transformation, schedule an appointment to begin the process. **Categories:** Blog --- ### [5 Ways Data Analytics Improves Customer Experience and Increases Staff Productivity](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/data-analytics-customer-experience/) **Published:** July 25, 2021 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** Happy employees make happy customers. According to a Harvard Business Review article, even a slight improvement in employee satisfaction increases a company’s value by at least 7%. And, productive employees are happy employees. People want their efforts to have meaning. They want to contribute to the growth of an organization. One way for businesses to ensure ongoing productivity is through [data reporting and metrics](https://followoz.com/services/data-analytics-ai/). Using predictive analytics, businesses can improve employee experience, which leads to a better customer experience. ## **What is Predictive Analytics?** Predictive analytics uses statistical algorithms to predict future outcomes. By analyzing historical and current data, models are created to forecast how likely a specific action or behavior will occur in the future. It encompasses models that search for the subtle relationships in the data to deliver actionable insights to give an organization a competitive edge. The models can be used in real-time to make more informed decisions. ## **Why Predictive Analytics Needs Big Data** Predictive modeling needs data — lots of data. Without data, statistical models are of little use. If the data is suspect, the results are called into question. To ensure data integrity, companies need to clean and prepare information for data analysis. That can be a massive undertaking as the volume of data continues to grow. The latest estimates suggest that every person generates[ 1.7 million megabytes](https://techjury.net/blog/big-data-statistics/#gref) of data each second. Harnessing the power in that volume of data requires the data mining capabilities of Big Data. Predictive analytics is the only cost-effective way to produce timely results. Here are 5 ways data reporting and metrics can improve customer experience and increase employee productivity. ### **1. Products and Pricing** Predictive algorithms let insurers adjust products and pricing to address customer expectations. Companies can create products that fit with prevailing market conditions and risk patterns. Using historical data such as costs, risks, and claims, predictive models can project behaviors into the future. The customer data can be used to offer more relevant insurance products based on location, weather, and economic growth. Continually analyzing consumer behavior means insurers can customize policies to fit market needs. If the weather service is projecting a more active tornado season, insurance companies can tailor products to fit the market’s price points. ### **2. Insurance Claims** The insurance industry still lags in its digital transformation; however, most insurers have automated some, if not all, of their claims processing. After all, claims are part of every insurance lifecycle. They are also prone to error. [Automation, says McKinsey in a recent study, can reduce the cost of the claims journey](https://www.mckinsey.com/~/media/mckinsey/industries/financial%20services/our%20insights/time%20for%20insurance%20companies%20to%20face%20digital%20reality/digital-disruption-in-insurance.ashx) by 30%. Depending on the level of automation, some insurers may have employees entering data in multiple locations, which increases the chance of a data entry error. A simple error such as reversed digits of a zip code or incorrect data entries on underwriting insurance can delay a claim until the error is found and corrected. Setting key performance indicators (KPIs) during the claims processing enables analytics to look at where in the process errors occur so that improvements can be made. ### **3. Customer Risk and Fraud** Predictive analytics can look at historical data to determine relationships between customer patterns and potential fraud. Given that insurance fraud costs the industry as much as [$40 billion per year](https://www.fbi.gov/stats-services/publications/insurance-fraud), finding ways to identify potential risks directly impacts the bottom line. Whether it’s a stolen identity or false information, having a tool that flags unusual activity can save insurers millions. ### **4. Agent Fraud** As many organizations have learned, the biggest [threats come from inside](https://content.naic.org/cipr_topics/topic_insurance_fraud.htm). For the most part, consumers are not as knowledgeable as agents in how to steal funds from an insurer. The agent may attempt to embezzle funds through claim payment schemes, or they may manipulate an application to their advantage. Using predictive analysis, organizations can identify patterns that suggest fraudulent activity. Humans may not see a repeated behavior if the agent deals with multiple individuals, but a predictive model can detect a pattern across the enterprise. Stopping illegal activity before it becomes obvious avoids potential damage to an insurer’s reputation. ### **5. Customer Experience** When consumers can search the internet for insurance coverage, customer loyalty is hard to achieve. However, insurers with a customer-centered approach that addresses the public’s preference for digital solutions are more likely to retain their customers. The best way to keep customers is to ensure they have a positive customer experience. Data analytics can provide insight into why customers abandon online shopping carts or how customer service is perceived. With up-to-date data, predictive models can detect changes in consumer behavior that might indicate dissatisfaction with a carrier. Armed with that information, insurers can proactively contact the customer. [OZ Intelligent Automation Consulting](https://followoz.com/) works with insurers to develop predictive models that help improve the customer experience and increase employee productivity. Whether it’s automating internal processes or personalizing customer interactions, OZ’s suite of accelerators, products, and services can help insurers move towards digital transformation. *Sources:* https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/6084-employee-happiness-without-raise.html https://www.gartner.com/en/information-technology/glossary/predictive-modeling# https://hbr.org/2019/08/the-key-to-happy-customers-happy-employees **Categories:** Blog --- ### [Data Reporting and Dashboards Changing The Game for Property & Casualty (P&C) Insurance Companies](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/data-reporting-dashboards-changing-insurance/) **Published:** July 26, 2021 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ### **Navigating Between Cost Savings and Crisis-Led Innovation Based on Real-Time Customer Data Insights Is Much Simpler** The pressure valve of insurance digitization is starting to burst. Over the past five years, [P&C](https://followoz.com/industries/property-casualty-insurance-in-intelligent-automation/) insurers have lost an average of $4.2 billion in underwriting profit¹. Worse yet, profits on personal auto lines are expected to plummet by 40% from their peak within 15 years¹. To offset these challenges, leading insurers are turning towards real-time customer analytics, RPA, automation, and IoT. In fact, insurers that adopt real-time [data analytics](https://followoz.com/services/data-analytics-ai/) and automation early in the claims journey see 15% higher customer satisfaction rates, 30 percent lower claims costs, and four percent higher overall payment accuracy¹. Better yet, insurers willing to embrace digitally transformative solutions see 2-3% higher EBIT growth compared to their same-sized competitors. In other words, harnessing the power of customer-empowering data reporting and dashboards doesn’t just help you cut costs and boost productivity; it breeds a culture of innovation that can help your business navigate the proverbial ocean of insurance challenges. ### **RPA + Real-time Customer Data: Fostering Agility in Insurance** Did you know that 40 percent of P&C expenses are locked up in roughly 20 to 30 core processes²? Here’s the silver bullet: around 50% of those core processes can be partially or fully automated³. Robotic Process Automation (RPA) offers a way forward. In fact, McKinsey suggests RPA provides the single largest automation lever for insurers. Picture a claims process where routine tasks (e.g., data collection, cleansing, processing, etc.) are completely automated. Any of those mundane, repetitive, and ultimately life-sapping tasks employees spend far-too-many-hours tackling are all perfect targets for RPA. Imagine a digital claims system where RPA robots perform real-time reviews on every claim. Then, the data from these claims is automatically processed into other core systems in your stack. Suddenly, your front-end claims process is digitized, automated, and targeted. Better yet, picture a digital self-service portal that uses RPA and real-time customer data insights to generate best-fit policies for insurance shoppers. These aren’t mid-horizon dreams. Digitized, RPA-based systems with in-depth data reporting and dashboards are immediately valuable⁵. According to McKinsey, RPA and automation cut the costs associated with the claims journey by 30%¹. There are plenty of opportunities outside of claims processing. In fact, data analytics and automation give your business the chance to understand, please, and engage with customers in profound ways. ### **Real-time Data Reporting and Dashboards Generate Superb CX** Whether you’re trying to tempt first-time buyers to sink their teeth into a policy or you’re luring customers away from competitors, the Customer Experience (CX) is your golden ticket. Walker’s prophetic prediction that the customer experience would overtake price and product by 2020 is certainly bearing fruit⁴. Auto-insurers with top-tier customer service and experience see 30 percent higher revenue⁶. Real-time customer data — blended with a heap of analytics and reporting — is a CX engine. When policyholders (or future policyholders) contact you, they want results, fast. Simple solutions like digital policy matching engines and claims status tracking tools can be massive. McKinsey notes one major insurer that cut claims status request calls by over 50 percent simply by giving customers case-tracking tools based on real-time data¹. It’s challenging to pinpoint exactly how powerful real-time data is for insurers. **Some use cases of real-time data in insurance include:** - Tracking when a homeowner puts their house on the market to better adjust their policies - Using IoT/smartphone sensors to adjust auto policies based on behaviors - Personalized marketing campaigns and policy targeting - Tracking policies to detect house-sharing via websites like Airbnb to mitigate risks - Minimizing fraud by leveraging RPA and AI with real-time data The sky is the limit. When we discuss technology like RPA and real-time data analytics, it’s difficult to boil solutions down into singularities. Every insurer is unique. The ways you leverage this technology will depend on your size, industry, and structure. So, most insurers will leverage custom-built solutions rather than catch-all platforms. While the initial investments may seem off-putting, the risk of missing the digital transformation train is far more frustrating and cost-draining. ### **Are You Ready to Digitally Transform Your Insurance Company?** RPA, data reporting, dashboards, real-time data, IoT, analytics, and other data-driven technologies are reinventing the insurance industry. As insurers struggle to find profitability, offsetting costs and improving satisfaction via tech is a clear path forward. Unfortunately, a significant number of IT projects fail. Insurers can’t always spare the IT resources or time to tackle these transformative journeys. After all, you still need to focus on the core. We can help. At OZ, we bridge the gaps between technology and usability. Our world-class team of consultants and tech leaders can help you find, build, or utilize the right technology to transform your insurance company. [Contact us](https://followoz.com/about/oz-digital-consultants/) to learn more. *Sources:* ¹ https://www.mckinsey.com/~/media/mckinsey/industries/financial%20services/our%20insights/time%20for%20insurance%20companies%20to%20face%20digital%20reality/digital-disruption-in-insurance.ashx ² https://www.mckinsey.com/~/media/McKinsey/dotcom/client\_service/Financial%20Services/Latest%20thinking/%20Insurance/Making\_of\_a\_digital\_insurer\_2015.ashx#: ³ https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/future-of-work/jobs-lost-jobs-gained-what-the-future-of-work-will-mean-for-jobs-skills-and-wages ⁴ https://walkerinfo.com/cxleader/customers-2020-a-progress-report/ ⁵ https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/financial-services/our-insights/restore-and-reimagine-digital-and-analytics-imperatives-for-insurers ⁶ https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/financial-services/our-insights/the-growth-engine-superior-customer-experience-in-insurance **Categories:** Blog --- ### [Identify Gaps in Operational Excellence Through Real-Time Data Reporting and Dashboards](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/identify-gaps-through-data-reporting/) **Published:** July 27, 2021 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** Adults make 35,000 decisions in a day. According to Cornell University, individuals make 3,500 daily decisions about food alone. It’s no wonder people have decision fatigue. A significant contributor to decision overload is not having sufficient information to make the decision. Sometimes, the opposite is true. There’s so much information it’s impossible to process it all, making the data almost useless. Decision fatigue also impacts business decisions. Making rapid-fire decisions without real-time data only adds to the decision-making stress. That’s why having access to [data reporting and dashboards](https://followoz.com/services/data-analytics-ai/) is essential to reducing decision fatigue. The business landscape for the insurance industry has changed significantly in the last few years. In-person interactions have constrained agent-client relationships. Changes in policy coverage have required internal processes to adapt. In some cases, historical data is not as robust as it should be to enable informed decision-making. All of these factors mean a greater reliance on data for industry resilience. ## **What is Data Reporting?** Data reporting involves collecting, integrating, and visualizing data from multiple sources. It uses historical data to show the outcomes of past decisions that can provide insights into future actions. Data reporting often takes the form of tables, graphs, or charts to better illustrate patterns as a result of data aggregation. ## **What are Dashboards?** Dashboards are graphical user interfaces that display key performance indicators (KPIs) for a business or process. The information appears on a single screen for a comprehensive look at current activity. Dashboards often allow users to drill down for a closer look at the data. They are a convenient way for users to see pertinent KPIs at a glance. ## **Why Use Data Reporting and Dashboards?** Before dashboards and data reporting, companies spent hours collecting and normalizing data to produce manually generated documents on business activity. Many times, the reported data was out-of-date by the time it reached decision-makers. The time-lapse between when the data was collected and when it was viewed made it difficult to make data-driven decisions. Sometimes, the information simply arrived too late. With today’s technology, KPIs can be tracked and reported in real-time to enable more insightful decisions. Here are a few examples of how data reporting and dashboards can help performance. - **Consider sales performance.** Set up milestones and let the data show the progress towards goals. - **Evaluate agent performance.** Use KPIs to see overall agent performance and identify areas for added training. - **Assess claims management process.** Consolidate information from multiple sources to determine how well the end-to-end claims process is working. Use the data to make changes to improve customer satisfaction. - **Ensure regulatory compliance.** Stay up-to-date on regulatory requirements with visual representations that can convert status at a glance. Companies can use the data to make adjustments immediately rather than waiting until the end of a quarter or year. - **Review pricing models.** Look at pricing models by product and location to determine if adjustments should be made. Providing segmented data in an easy-to-read format makes for better ad-hoc decisions. Identify market potential by location. Use internal and external data to assess market penetration by geographic location. Combine the data with information on pricing and claims processing to assess market potential. For data to be useful, it must be accurate and available. Being able to identify the KPIs at a glance reduces the stress of decision-making and presenting the data in a visual format makes the information easier to process. Having data reporting and dashboard presentation tailored to a company’s needs enables more informed decisions at a glance. ## **Why Customized Data Reporting and Dashboards are Needed** No company is exactly the same, so why should their reports use the same KPIs in the same format as every other insurance company? They shouldn’t. Companies need reports customized to meet their specific business operations. That’s why many companies rely on developers to generate dashboards and data reports specific to their operations. Whether it is the claims processing, underwriting, or sales department tracking potential sales or human resources looking for training opportunities, customized development makes it possible to use the data as a competitive advantage. Visual displays of complex data make it easier to see the pertinent information upon which to make a decision. If you’re interested in learning how OZ Intelligent Automation Consulting can help make your data more meaningful, [contact us](https://followoz.com/). *Sources:* https://www.bizagi.com/en/blog/intelligent-process-automation/what-is-intelligent-process-automation-ipa https://www.inc.com/heidi-zak/adults-make-more-than-35000-decisions-per-day-here-are-4-ways-to-prevent-mental-burnout.html https://www.logianalytics.com/resources/bi-encyclopedia/dashboards-dashboarding/ **Categories:** Blog --- ### [Intelligent Automation in the Insurance Industry – August 2021 Snapshot](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/intelligent-automation-in-the-insurance-industry-august-2021-snapshot/) **Published:** August 20, 2021 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** [![Smiling woman seated at a multi-monitor coding workstation in a bright office](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/AI-Powered-Mainframe-Modernizati.jpg)](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/why-mainframe-modernization-looks-different-this-time/)###### [ Why Mainframe Modernization Looks Different This Time ](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/why-mainframe-modernization-looks-different-this-time/) June 4, 2026 **Categories:** Blog --- ### [Announcing OZ's sponsorship at InsureTech Connect 2021](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/announcing-ozs-sponsorship-at-insuretech-connect-2021/) **Published:** September 7, 2021 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** OZ is excited to be sponsoring [\#ITCVegas2021](https://vegas.insuretechconnect.com/) and look forward to being at the world’s largest gathering of insurance leaders and innovators. From Oct. 4-6, we are available to answer your questions about Intelligent Automation in insurance, a growing topic of conversation and development in the industry. #### [If you’re attending, let’s connect and if you aren’t, let’s connect anyways! ](https://offers.followoz.com/itc2021) > *“ITC Vegas is the world’s largest insurtech event – offering unparalleled access to the most comprehensive and global gathering of tech entrepreneurs, investors, and insurance industry incumbents.* > > *Over the course of three days, the industry will convene to showcase new innovations, to learn how to increase productivity and reduce costs, and ultimately to enrich the lives of policyholders. The superlative networking, with tens of thousands of meetings, is one of the hallmarks of an ITC event.”* [Meet with us](https://offers.followoz.com/itc2021) to discuss your goals and more: - Define the technologies that will make Intelligent Automation successful - Brainstorm the best opportunities for automation in your company - Build a foundation for organizational adoption - Understand the metrics to track the success of your IA solution Let us know if we will see you there! Remember: outdated processes are killing your profits and wasting employees’ time on tasks a computer can do. Don’t wait…automate. **Categories:** Blog --- ### [Intelligent Automation in the Insurance Industry – September 2021 Snapshot](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/intelligent-automation-in-the-insurance-industry-september-2021-snapshot/) **Published:** September 20, 2021 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** [![Smiling woman seated at a multi-monitor coding workstation in a bright office](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/AI-Powered-Mainframe-Modernizati.jpg)](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/why-mainframe-modernization-looks-different-this-time/)###### [ Why Mainframe Modernization Looks Different This Time ](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/why-mainframe-modernization-looks-different-this-time/) June 4, 2026 **Categories:** Blog --- ### [5 “Insurtech” Trends Easing the Technology Strain on Insurance Companies](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/insurtech-technology/) **Published:** October 5, 2021 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ## What is Insurtech? Insurtech —short for “insurance technology”—is an extensive category of constantly changing technologies used in the insurance industry. In essence, Insurtech encompasses all technologies used by insurance companies to enhance the efficiency of their operations. Just like with every other industry, the insurance sector is becoming more technologically advanced by the day. More insurance companies are building ecosystems, big data or mobile applications, and the internet of things (IoT) solutions, and for a good reason. The cumulative result of having digital accelerators is allowing insurers a noticeable ability to increase revenue even in challenging markets. *The U.S. property/casualty industry grew its net underwriting income by 28% in the first six months of 2021 compared with the same prior-year period. According to a new [AM Best report](https://www.insurancejournal.com/news/national/2021/08/23/628286.htm), a 5.4% growth in net earned premiums and 55.3% decline in policyholder dividends offset increases in incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses and underwriting expenses, leading to the underwriting income increase.* ## What are Some Insurtech Trends? Insurtech technology entails an array of accelerators within robotics process automation ([RPA](https://followoz.com/services/data-analytics-ai/)) and intelligent automation ([IA](https://followoz.com/services/data-analytics-ai/)). These solutions enhance efficiency, reduce costs, workloads, and stress while enhancing the competitive edge of insurance enterprises. Fundamentally, they are revolutionizing the customer experience because processes are faster, more customized, and accurate. Whereas the primary benefits of using RPA and IA for insurtech operations are bringing excellent results, the following trends are underscoring these results even more: ### Insurance Risk Assessment The insurance business would make no sense if all products were sold to consumers as a one-size-fits-all. The products need to be tailored to meet each consumer’s unique needs. For instance, the premiums paid by high-risk customers shouldn’t be similar to those paid by low-risk customers. This is where enhanced risk assessment capabilities come in. Artificial intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) allow insurers the ability to detect risk factors in enormous data sets. By using [analytics](https://followoz.com/services/data-analytics-ai/) technologies during the underwriting process, underwriters are able to differentiate between customers on the grounds of their risk profile quickly and accurately. ### Customized Insurance Products By collecting and activating the right data, insurers can build products that customers actually want. The process of creating customized products is simple with AI and ML. Indeed, automated systems collect and analyze data for each customer, precisely identifying needs and allowing the construction of more personalized policies and pricing models. ### IoT and Insurtech Integration Given that the new IPv6 protocol can accommodate more information and an enormous number of IP addresses, insurance networks can connect every insured object through a network database. This capability allows insurance companies to leverage automated technologies to build transparent, real-time systems to track assets and create time-efficient applications. Below are examples: - An IoT device integrated with the fire or burglary alarm - An IoT sensor system that can track activity in a commercial office at night ### AI-powered Insurance Chatbots E-commerce websites often use chatbots to address general queries. These chatbots usually have a limited script of common questions and answers. As such, they make customers feel like they are talking to a machine. AI-powered chatbots can improve on this by helping customers navigate the purchase and claims process and providing advice on reducing premiums, among other functions. Moreover, AI chatbots can help insurance companies reduce costs—they can complete the end-to-end process without human intervention. ### Insurance Regulations Technology Given the high speed at which insurtech is advancing, insurance companies cannot afford to fall behind on their compliance and regulatory requirements. Insurance products that were previously deemed unimaginable in the real world a while back have not only been developed but are being consumed by customers. That said, such products are strictly tested and keenly monitored to ensure that they meet the insurance regulatory standards. RegTech (Regulatory Technology) was developed to help insurance companies comply with industry regulations as well. The U.S. insurance industry has both modern and traditional users. However, modern insurance companies are gaining an edge over traditional ones. By not embracing RegTech, modern companies could not only lose an edge in the marketplace but also risk being non-compliant. ## Getting started with OZ’s Insurtech There are numerous ways to leverage RPA and IA effectively in your insurance business practice. These include: customer service, invoice processing, claims processing, underwriting, sales orders, payrolls, price comparisons, processing refunds & cancellations, and storing customer information. **Categories:** Blog --- ### [Insurance Technology Is Driving A Powerful Industry Reset](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/insurance-technology/) **Published:** October 5, 2021 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** The insurance industry comes across as one of the most consistent segments of our capitalistic endeavors. Contrary to this misconception, property & casualty companies have set the pace by determining the rates and establishing the standards for insuring people, properties, and events. Amidst massive amounts of details, stacks of paperwork and hair raising risk-analysis pressures, it has generated respectable profits for businesses while offering security for its many policyholders. The emergence of insurance technology is offering some relief for these loyal professionals while creating new excitement and generating positive energy and interest all across the industry. Policyholders, businesses, and even employees are finding new inspiration by realizing that insurance has so much more to offer than in the past. ## **Meet Insurance Technology** Insurance technology—”insurtech” to insiders—is opening new possibilities. The level of service Intelligent Automation makes available is attracting new prospects. Policyholders today have become more nuanced in their purchasing behaviors and with that individuality comes a different set of expectations in the insurance coverage they purchase. They also want competitive pricing and simple explanations for complex contracts, something which insurance technology is perfectly positioned to capitalize upon. The end result of these newly rising trends is ultra-customized policies, social insurance plans, that result from tapping into a variety of data streams to monitor individual behavior and patterns to dynamically measure and ascertain risk. These new products and concepts elevate insurance into a tailored experience that creates greater loyalty and a sense of security for policyholders appreciative of the personal approach. ## **How Digital Technology is Transforming the Insurance Industry** While insurance technology can take over the repetitive tasks that still rely on many human workers, there are two core components that drive these solutions. - Intelligent Automation (IA) - Robotic Process Automation (RPA) When either or both IA and RPA are integrated into a trained process, machines have proven to be accurate, fast, and untiring in their performance. This results in a flood of benefits starting with more time for executives and their workforce to focus beyond company boundaries to positively impact customers and prospects in new ways. ## **Boosting Profits and Managing Risk** From subtle to clearly noticeable results, insurance technology is forging a clear path for insurance enterprises. Increased profitability, security, and improved risk management are only a few of these benefits. Furthermore, this capacity for boosted profits and enhanced risk detection can enhance the effectiveness of every segment of an Insurance operation. Profit enhancements include: - **Administration** – By combining analytics, intelligent Optical Character Recognition (OCR), machine learning, and natural language processing, RPA engages directly with policyholders by helping them manage and update their policies; RPA can even read emails and redirect them to the appropriate division. - **Claims** – Because it’s the heart of the business, using RPA for managing claims relegates the tedious and habitual tasks to machines, freeing up human staff to focus on unusual or unique claims and settlements. Automation also streamlines the claims process from adjustment through to settlement. - **Premiums** – Responding swiftly to policyholder needs is always a must, but becomes even more essential when dealing with client premiums. While auto-renewing policies need little attention, most policies demand regular reviews and modifications to truly serve the policyholder. - **Underwriting** – Because it involves accessing and analyzing multiple data outlets to more precisely measure risk, RPA bots are ideal for accumulating, categorizing, and analyzing unstructured data from external and internal sources, and remitting curated data to the right departments. Risk management improvements begin by using various digital tools to: - **Analyze risk exposure** - **Evaluate risk mitigation options** - **Implement risk mitigation** - **Monitor results of risk mitigation** Examples of improved risk management can include the following: - **Big Data Analytics** – By combining personally collected and owned data with larger data sets, risk managers and insurers are better able to identify previously unrecognized risk factors and correlations, resulting in intelligent and informed decision-making. This capacity to leverage new analytics with data processing capabilities allows for more competitive risk-adjusted pricing which may attract more companies. - **Information Analysis** – Artificial intelligence and machine learning work in tandem to analyze information faster and deliver analyses with a depth of quality not normally achieved by humans. This can be applied to claims, policy documentation, risk analysis, risk identification, and underwriting, resulting in faster response times to regular policyholder needs and concerns. - **Internet of Things** – With the explosive growth of sensors and other IoT devices and applications, insurance companies can revel in the apparently unlimited settings and situations that can be monitored, delivering relevant and actionable information to the right parties; with the fascination of wearables and sensor technologies, the growth potential seems unlimited - **Visual Processing** – With the addition of drones and geo-imagery technologies, visual processing opens up new possibilities, so factors such as claims reporting, hazard identification, and property loss prevention are more accurately analyzed. This proactive approach can reduce claims and streamline inspections and property analysis without sacrificing data integrity. ## **Reboot Your Business with Insurance Technology** There is no reason to delay. Other insurance businesses are already benefiting from insurance technology and so can you. In fact, don’t even worry about competitors getting a jumpstart on you, because there are experts who can bring you up to speed quickly. A prime example is how[ OZ works with insurance companies](https://followoz.com/industries/property-casualty-insurance-in-intelligent-automation/) to put them on a faster track of success and growth. That could be your best start to your own insurance technology success! **Categories:** Blog --- ### [Intelligent Automation in the Insurance Industry – November 2021 Snapshot](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/intelligent-automation-in-the-insurance-industry-november-2021-snapshot-2/) **Published:** November 29, 2021 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** [![Smiling woman seated at a multi-monitor coding workstation in a bright office](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/AI-Powered-Mainframe-Modernizati.jpg)](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/why-mainframe-modernization-looks-different-this-time/)###### [ Why Mainframe Modernization Looks Different This Time ](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/why-mainframe-modernization-looks-different-this-time/) June 4, 2026 **Categories:** Blog --- ### [Insurance Technologies and Intelligent Automation: The New Standard for Insurance Companies](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/insurance-technologies-and-intelligent-automation-the-new-standard-for-insurance-companies/) **Published:** January 10, 2022 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** The insurance industry has seen a rise in competition over the last decade, and with ever-rising costs and outdated data infrastructures, there’s an impending need to adopt the latest technologies to stay relevant. When it comes to these technologies, Intelligent Automation is a clear winner. Intelligent Automation is a crucial technology that can help the insurance industry reduce costs, improve customer service, and make timely decisions with improved data accuracy. ## What is Intelligent Automation? Intelligent Automation has been around for some time now. Big tech companies have adopted it as the new standard and coined it Business Process Automation (BPA). With Artificial Intelligence and Robotic Process Administration evolving day by day, Intelligent Automation has made its way into more industry sectors – especially those who need precise calculations with a low tolerance for human-made mistakes. BPA uses artificial intelligence technologies to help streamline common processes and centralize data for companies that manage multiple systems and large amounts of sensitive data such as insurance companies. ## Intelligent Automation and Insurance Companies: A power duo When clients hear the word insurance, the first thing that must come to their minds is the word “safety.” Clients rely on their insurance to take care of the unpredictable. So, what best investment for an insurance company than a tool that minimizes mistakes by taking care of the seemingly unpredictable? Insurance technology emerges not only as a solution but as a powerful asset that can determine the evolution of the insurance business. Intelligent automation provides insurance companies with a competitive advantage that helps the industry work more efficiently and reduce costs. Intelligent automation also promises to increase revenue, improve risk management and decision making to become better suited to protect and serve customers in a business that works with high-risk analysis and sensitive data. Intelligent automation is also driving the following changes in the insurance industry: - Automating claims help reduce medical reimbursement time by 50%, which can save insurance companies millions of dollars. - Intelligent Automation reduces the human error percentage leading to fewer delays and faster payment (e.g., Intelligent Automation’s technology can help find better doctors for their customers) - Helps respond to policyholder demands faster than before. While auto-renewing plans don’t require much attention, most policies need to be reviewed and modified regularly to effectively serve the policyholder, and Intelligent Automation can be programmed to do so. - Managing claims becomes easier with Intelligent automation. This way employees need to only take care of rare or unique claims and settlements. The claims process, from adjustment to payment, can also be streamlined through automation. ## Solving the Insurance Industry problems Insurance is a $4 trillion industry with an average 3% growth rate yearly, and these margins can only be expanded further with the help of Insurance technology. Intelligent automation relies on artificial intelligence (AI) technologies that can improve customer service, reduce costs, and make more precise decisions with improved data accuracy. Intelligent automation helps the insurance industry by streamlining common processes and centralizing the data of insurance companies through Robotic Process Automation (RPA) An insurance company can increase its ROI through Intelligent Automation by reducing error margins and consolidating customers’ trust. This, in turn, gives employees assurance and confidence to work in other more meaningful tasks. Intelligent Automation automates the tasks that are error-prone and require human judgment, such as claims processing and underwriting. In addition, Intelligent Automation can help with policy management, billing, and administration. Intelligent Automation provides businesses with a competitive edge by reducing cycle times and delivering data-driven insights that increase productivity and customer satisfaction. ## Mitigating risks in the Insurance Industry through Intelligent Automation The insurance industry’s main purpose is to mitigate and deal with risks. Intelligent Automation can help mitigate risks by automating claims, calculating, and adjusting premiums, and deducting which new products could revolutionize the already consolidated insurance market. By automating these tasks, companies are cutting error margins and accelerating crucial decision-making. While Intelligent Automation may help businesses improve all parts of their operations, it can also help insurers save time and money by performing several industry-specific activities. Overall, Intelligent Automation frees up human resources to focus on more valuable tasks than data entry or review, allowing them to prioritize issues requiring direct client involvement. Other ways Intelligent Automation is already changing the Insurance Industry: - Big Data: Risk managers and insurers are better able to uncover previously unknown risk variables and correlations by merging personally generated and owned data with bigger data sets, resulting in intelligent and informed decision-making. - With the use of the Internet of Things and Visual processing, insurance technology can accurately prevent and take care of risks beforehand. This proactive approach gives customers an extra layer of value, consolidating customers’ trust. ### Get a jumpstart today Most insurance companies nowadays have already started their digital journey. With improved efficiency, new perspectives, and new tools, these companies are to become leaders of their sector. But that doesn’t mean other insurance companies are supposed to stay behind. With Intelligent Automation, RPA, and Insurance tech, insurance companies can jumpstart their digital transformation in no time. With the adoption of Intelligent Automation, insurance companies can offer more customized policies, better plans, and better risk assessment, in a more dynamic and more organic standard. At OZ, we specialize in providing businesses with cutting-edge Intelligent Automation services such as process automation, artificial intelligence (AI), analytics, enterprise application integrations, and digital solutions. We will collaborate with your company to discover the best solution for your company’s needs. [Contact us](https://followoz.com/contact-us/) today and bring your company to a new level today. **Categories:** Blog --- ### [Business Process Automation: A 5-Minute Read](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/business-process-automation-a-5-minute-read/) **Published:** January 19, 2022 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** To automate is to be mindful of business resources. Deciding which processes require automation and which processes must be handled manually can make the difference between a company maximizing its ROI, or a company that misallocates its resources. To stay ahead of the competition requires companies to engage in different multilevel analyses only business process automation (BPA) can ensure. As it names states, businesses’ process automation can improve their effectiveness and competitiveness using robotic process automation (RPA). Business Process Automation using RPA is one of the most promising fields for the current and following years and it generates measurable Business Value for both established companies and startups. ## **From complex to simple** When it comes to Business Process Automation, the main objective is to turn a complex task into a more manageable task by using machine learning and algorithms that can reduce human errors. Through robotic process automation, businesses can increase productivity, and ensure a level of reliability that only specialized software robots can ensure. A business process automation solution uses a combination of technologies, including business rules management system, machine learning algorithms, and other interfaces. In the short term, the objective of business process automation is to increase productivity and overall quality of service, but in the long term, it must aim to achieve digital transformation. ## **What is digital transformation?** Digital Transformation has different interpretations, but it can be summarized as the adaptation of a company to the changes that new technologies are imposing in all areas of life, and how this adaptation can positively impact both companies and their clients in the digital age. Digital Transformation is not just a change in technology, but a change in the way that business is done. Digital transformation includes changes in the following areas: customer experience, employee experience, partner and supplier experience, data and analytics, process automation, and digital infrastructure. ## **Streamlining processes – Business automation and digital transformation** Streamlining processes can help employees avoid tasks that would feel otherwise repetitive. This way businesses are able to assign more meaningful tasks that might result in an increased feeling of affiliation and belonging, that can positively impact overall job satisfaction levels and work climate. Also, streamlining processes will help reduce costs and allocate such resources in offering better salaries, and improved benefits for employees. ## Benefits of BPA Intelligent business process automation has many advantages: - By pairing machine learning and RPA, businesses can improve the accuracy of tasks. - Businesses can improve customer service with faster response times and more accurate information. - Automation can help identify problems and inconsistencies faster than humans. - Businesses can reduce operational costs. ## **Maximizing BPA efficiency** Business processes cannot be automated without a proper understanding of Customer Relationship Management (CRM), client needs, and leadership expertise. BPA is not going to solve problems by itself. Developers cannot create solutions to problems they don’t understand, and this is oddly reassuring. Why? Because it gives employees value. Business process automation is not about taking the wheel from the employee but instead giving them full control of the engine so they can drive to places they wouldn’t have been able to go by foot. ## **Automated tasks vs. Non-Automated tasks** Organizations that use BPA not only minimize the number of manual processes required to complete tasks, but also integrate diverse systems into a single, well-connected, and highly efficient machine. There are benefits to both automated and non-automated tasks. Automating a particular task may be more efficient for businesses because it can improve accuracy and reduce operational costs. However, human creativity is still an important factor in tasks that require thought or innovation. Non-automated tasks often require employees to think outside the box and come up with new ways of doing things, something that machines are not yet able to do. In many cases, human creativity allows businesses to stay competitive and innovative. In the end, the best choice is to understand BPA as a tool that will empower employees, instead of a mere replacement. ## **Is BPA the new standard for businesses?** It can be difficult to embrace business process automation. For businesses adopting this strategy, there are three recommended stages before embracing digital transformation: - begin with one process, - describe the business logic, and - select an automation platform that can fulfill business demands now and in the future. Despite the many benefits of BPA, there are certain challenges that businesses face when trying to automate their processes. One of the biggest challenges is that employees are often fearful of change and may resist attempts to automate their work. Additionally, there is a risk that business processes will become too rigid. This can be countered by giving employees the opportunity to stay creative and fostering this creative climate in the office. ## The bottom line: Is BPA the right choice for your company? Yes! Business process automation can completely change a business. It allows for more efficiently designed workflow processes. BPA helps with controlling your business and saves time, space, and money. Employees can in turn stay on being creative while staying relevant with automated processes that challenge their skills and abilities. BPA can also boost their morale and increase creativity in the workplace. Also, there are no risks with BPA, since businesses are in total control of the RPA, entering a new level of micro and macro management that wasn’t possible before. At OZ, we specialize in providing businesses with cutting-edge Intelligent Automation services such as process automation, artificial intelligence (AI), analytics, enterprise application integrations, and digital solutions. We will collaborate with your company to discover the best solution for your needs. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions. **Categories:** Blog --- ### [Intelligent Automation in the Insurance Industry – January 2022 Snapshot](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/intelligent-automation-in-the-insurance-industry-january-2022-snapshot/) **Published:** February 1, 2022 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** [![Smiling woman seated at a multi-monitor coding workstation in a bright office](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/AI-Powered-Mainframe-Modernizati.jpg)](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/why-mainframe-modernization-looks-different-this-time/)###### [ Why Mainframe Modernization Looks Different This Time ](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/why-mainframe-modernization-looks-different-this-time/) June 4, 2026 **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Insurance --- ### [Owwll Takes Flight with the Help of OZ ](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/owwll-takes-flight-with-the-help-of-oz-2/) **Published:** March 23, 2022 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** Every great innovation often starts with a single conversation, and it was no different when talks about Owwll first started. Jason R. Hill, a successful entrepreneur, had an idea he needed help bringing to life. Hill, who previously collaborated with OZ Digital Consulting, approached the OZ team hoping to leverage their project strategy, ideation, and application development expertise. **Mobile Application Development** COVID restrictions on face-to-face conversation between creators (like authors, podcasters, career coaches, athletes, technologists, entertainers, bloggers, marketers) and their audiences were hindering businesses and operations. The interaction between expert and consumer was still necessary, but the ability to create a proper venue to foster that conversation was a major obstacle. With demand increasing for this connection and no option for creators, innovators, or authorities to share expertise, life demanded a change. Hill proposed the concept of a digital meeting space where qualified specialists can profit from their time *and* put their energy into meaningful connections with individuals desiring the information they had to offer. To create this MLP (Minimum Lovable Product), the group began the process in a Discovery Engagement which progressed into the Co-Creation digital solution OZ offers [here](https://followoz.com/services/digital-solutions/), both processes involve a collaboration of the highest degree while maintaining goals and expectations. Instead of using a rigid and singular approach to the execution of technical work, OZ’s team used an agile methodology to create a step-by-step implementation plan of the technical architecture outlined in the previous building phase. This methodology meant that both the client and the OZ teams could make changes and adapt to the constant flow of feedback. Before a full-scale launch, the application was tested using TestFlight, a software that implements real-time patchwork while getting direct feedback from Beta testers. After a couple of months, the interface between users, creators, and development had proven itself worthy of being downloaded by the masses. Because of OZ’s Co-Collaboration service offering, the effort that went into creating and executing the application’s architecture will be leveraged to maintain its viability over the life of the application and push for the acquisition of ever-evolving talent to learn from. Now, creators of all kinds can begin using Owwll to monetize their followings. **What exactly is Owwll, and where can I find it?** Owwll is a multimedia platform where users connect with some of the world’s greatest free-thinkers, niche experts, and thought leaders. Download the app from the [Apple iTunes store](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/owwll-instant-1-on-1-advice/id1604780109), or the [Google Playstore](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=owwll.com&hl=en_US&gl=US) to gain access to one-on-one sessions with creators in the subjects that interest you most. **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Digital Strategy --- ### [Owwll Takes Flight with the Help of OZ ](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/owwll-takes-flight-with-the-help-of-oz/) **Published:** March 23, 2022 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** Every great innovation often starts with a single conversation, and it was no different when talks about Owwll first started. Jason R. Hill, a successful entrepreneur, had an idea he needed help bringing to life. Hill, who previously collaborated with OZ Digital Consulting, approached the OZ team hoping to leverage their project strategy, ideation, and application development expertise. **Mobile Application Development** COVID restrictions on face-to-face conversation between creators (like authors, podcasters, career coaches, athletes, technologists, entertainers, bloggers, marketers) and their audiences were hindering businesses and operations. The interaction between expert and consumer was still necessary, but the ability to create a proper venue to foster that conversation was a major obstacle. With demand increasing for this connection and no option for creators, innovators, or authorities to share expertise, life demanded a change. Hill proposed the concept of a digital meeting space where qualified specialists can profit from their time *and* put their energy into meaningful connections with individuals desiring the information they had to offer. To create this MLP (Minimum Lovable Product), the group began the process in a Discovery Engagement which progressed into the Co-Creation digital solution OZ offers [here](https://followoz.com/services/digital-solutions/), both processes involve a collaboration of the highest degree while maintaining goals and expectations. Instead of using a rigid and singular approach to the execution of technical work, OZ’s team used an agile methodology to create a step-by-step implementation plan of the technical architecture outlined in the previous building phase. This methodology meant that both the client and the OZ teams could make changes and adapt to the constant flow of feedback. Before a full-scale launch, the application was tested using TestFlight, a software that implements real-time patchwork while getting direct feedback from Beta testers. After a couple of months, the interface between users, creators, and development had proven itself worthy of being downloaded by the masses. Because of OZ’s Co-Collaboration service offering, the effort that went into creating and executing the application’s architecture will be leveraged to maintain its viability over the life of the application and push for the acquisition of ever-evolving talent to learn from. Now, creators of all kinds can begin using Owwll to monetize their followings. **What exactly is Owwll, and where can I find it?** Owwll is a multimedia platform where users connect with some of the world’s greatest free-thinkers, niche experts, and thought leaders. Download the app from the [Apple iTunes store](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/owwll-instant-1-on-1-advice/id1604780109), or the [Google Playstore](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=owwll.com&hl=en_US&gl=US) to gain access to one-on-one sessions with creators in the subjects that interest you most. **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Digital Strategy --- ### [Intelligent Automation in the Insurance Industry – March 2022 Snapshot](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/intelligent-automation-in-the-insurance-industry-march-2022-snapshot-2/) **Published:** April 4, 2022 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** [![Smiling woman seated at a multi-monitor coding workstation in a bright office](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/AI-Powered-Mainframe-Modernizati.jpg)](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/why-mainframe-modernization-looks-different-this-time/)###### [ Why Mainframe Modernization Looks Different This Time ](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/why-mainframe-modernization-looks-different-this-time/) June 4, 2026 **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Insurance --- ### [5 Insurance Industry Myths About AI-Driven Efficiency](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/5-insurance-industry-myths-about-ai-driven-efficiency/) **Published:** April 6, 2022 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** Despite some common misconceptions, AI-driven efficiency isn’t relegated to the distant future, nor is it a pipedream. Artificial intelligence is already revolutionizing the insurance industry. You can achieve tangible results by deploying AI strategies now … but only if you stop believing the following myths. ### Myth #1: Your Data Is Too Unorganized Most insurance companies already have a lot of data. The problem is that this data often comes from many disparate sources, and it may not be perfectly organized or integrated. In many cases, it’s a mess. This may lead you to believe that your data is worthless. Or you may think that getting your data systemized and structured will take forever and is more trouble than it’s worth. Not so. Incorporating semi-structured or unstructured data into your system can be a major hassle without the right program, but there are solutions. Thanks to machine learning and other related technologies, it’s possible to overcome the challenges of unstructured data with speed and ease. ### Myth #2: Digital Transformation Will Take Too Long According to [Deloitte](https://www2.deloitte.com/xe/en/insights/topics/digital-transformation/digital-transformation-approach.html), 85% of CEOs accelerated digital initiatives during the pandemic, but most of them cannot articulate their strategy or progress except to say that they have invested in technology. This sounds unsustainable. Insurance professionals need to see improvement now, and they might not feel motivated to invest in something if they don’t think it will pay off in a reasonable timeframe. The good news is that digital transformation and AI-driven efficiency don’t have to take years. You can see results in weeks when you apply hyper automation. And if you’re not sure where you want to start, process mining can help you identify the most inefficient points in your processes so you can start there. ### Myth #3: Automation Will Eliminate the Need for Insurance Professionals The fear that machinery will replace workers is nothing new. Back in the 1700s, the infamous Luddites worried that machines would take away work from textile workers. Now some agents, adjusters and other insurance professionals may have similar worries about AI. The truth is that technology does impact jobs – but not always for the worse. AI-driven efficiency can eliminate some of the most tedious tasks in the insurance industry, allowing insurance professionals to focus on things that require a human touch. For example, in [McKinsey & Company’s](https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/financial-services/our-insights/insurance-2030-the-impact-of-ai-on-the-future-of-insurance) prediction for 2030, automated programs will handle most claims in the future, while human claims handlers will focus on complex, unusual and contested claims, and they’ll have analytics and data-driven insights to support them. ### Myth #4: Automation Will Increase Biases As the insurance industry adopts AI and automation, the risk of introducing bias is one that needs to be addressed. For example, insurance companies often use credit scores during underwriting, and these credit scores could be used as data in an AI program. However, opponents of the practice argue that using credit scores penalizes people for economic events outside of their control, many of which have a generational impact, and this can lead to unfair bias and discrimination. Recently, [Washington Insurance Commissioner Kreidler](https://www.insurance.wa.gov/credit-scoring-ban) banned the use of credit scores in underwriting for this very reason. Data can be biased. However, this does not mean that automation will necessarily increase bias. For example, [Property Casualty 360](https://www.propertycasualty360.com/2022/03/23/eliminating-data-bias-with-fuzzy-logic/) explains how “fuzzy logic,” a mathematical model that use qualitative data to produce quantitative outputs, could be used to eliminate bias in claims data. New regulations and guidelines may also help. For example, the NAIC has adopted five guiding principles for AI that can be summarized by the acronym FACTS: - Fair and ethical - Accountable - Compliant - Transparent - Secure/safe/robust ### Myth #5: Your Insurance Company Has Already Mastered Data and AI Your insurance company is probably already using some AI applications. However, there’s a good chance you could do a lot more. Digital transformation can happen fast when you use the right tools. While this is good news if you’re the one getting ahead, it can be disastrous if you’re the one falling behind. The pandemic lit a fire under many insurance companies, forcing them to adopt digital transformation at a much faster speed than previously planned. Progress was made, but expectations increased at the same time. In fact, the [J.D. Power](https://www.jdpower.com/business/press-releases/2022-us-property-claims-satisfaction-study) 2022 U.S. Property Claims Satisfaction Study found that satisfaction dropped as digital tools failed to meet expectations and claims took longer and were more complicated than expected. ### Looking Forward Now that you know the facts, you can ditch any limiting AI beliefs and explore a world of new possibilities. If you’re ready to pull ahead of your competitors with AI-driven efficiency, OZ can provide the services and solutions you need to leverage Intelligent Automation. Learn more about our work in [P&C insurance](https://followoz.com/industries/property-casualty-insurance-in-intelligent-automation/) and [contact us to learn more.](https://followoz.com/contact-us/) **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Insurance --- ### [OZ is a proud Bronze Sponsor of InsurTech Insights Americas 2022](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/oz-is-a-proud-bronze-sponsor-of-insurtech-insights-americas-2022/) **Published:** April 25, 2022 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** It is with great pleasure and excitement that we are able to announce our Bronze-level sponsorship of the upcoming InsurTech Insights Americas event in New York City on May 25th and 26th. We are the conference’s exclusive sponsor of the AI-engine-powered mobile app. So, when you arrive at the event, be sure to download the app and schedule the meetings while you’re in town! OZ team members will be at the event to meet with other Insurance professionals and discuss advancements in the ever-growing industry. We work with insurance professionals across a broad spectrum of technologies to help drive their digital strategy & transformation, including: - Leveraging AI-based Machine Learning to automate processes - Creating intelligent workflows to eliminate inefficiencies (underwriting, quoting & submissions, claims processing, etc.) - Integrating API strategies and architectures - Implementing predictive modeling & analytics (Customer Lifetime Value, placement, price elasticity, etc.) - Providing EAI expertise to large enterprises implementing new applications and platforms - Developing digital, web, and mobile solutions that help drive your business Get a head start on jumping on our calendars by [scheduling your meeting here](https://meetings.hubspot.com/samad-jafri). See everyone in NYC! **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Events --- ### [Intelligent Automation in the Insurance Industry – April 2022 Snapshot](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/intelligent-automation-in-the-insurance-industry-april-2022-snapshot/) **Published:** April 28, 2022 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** [![Smiling woman seated at a multi-monitor coding workstation in a bright office](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/AI-Powered-Mainframe-Modernizati.jpg)](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/why-mainframe-modernization-looks-different-this-time/)###### [ Why Mainframe Modernization Looks Different This Time ](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/why-mainframe-modernization-looks-different-this-time/) June 4, 2026 **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Insurance --- ### [Redefining Success Innovation Through Digital Transformation](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/redefining-success-innovation-through-digital-transformation/) **Published:** April 29, 2022 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ### **What is Digital Transformation?** You see it everywhere you look, but the definition may vary from source to source. For our conversation, digital transformation is understanding the issues with current processes and modifying or creating new solutions with the latest technology tools available to meet current market demands. These innovative solutions help us transform how we conduct everyday business, communicate with clients, and engage with customers. The need for this digital renaissance is ever-increasing as companies worldwide struggle to keep up with the evolving landscape around them. We can no longer be idle in the race for innovation when a competitor has already implemented the latest technology solution, while you are working with outdated systems. When it comes to revolutionary efficiency, being left behind isn’t a problem unique to you. This issue affects every company relying on their original systems but is now having trouble with expansion. Perhaps your company initially grew at astronomical rates. Success came easy, but now business growth is flat or declining. How can you reclaim that growth when your legacy infrastructure restrains you? Or maybe you see competitors succeeding, and you are unaware of the limitations holding you back. ### **Okay, it’s defined. Now, where does my transition *start*?** Your path to digital transformation starts when you are aware of your current limitations. Understanding the limits of your existing technology stack directly correlates to understanding the level you must take your digital transformation. When the Internet developed into a viable tool for organizations, the media industry analyzed current capabilities measured against what could be possible by implementing this incredible emerging technology. Amazon was a pioneer in the field. They quickly understood the issues related to consumers ordering and then waiting days to enjoy books or music shipped to them. Amazon also understood that integrating the new capabilities of upload/download speeds, audio, visual compression, and server capacities could take the scope of their marketplace to the next level. Amazon was able to expand its platform for online shopping into an interconnected media consumption matrix. Consumers can now shop online for millions of products while finding instant gratification through e-books, audiobooks, and video streaming. Their transformation required knowing both what they were capable of at the time, and where they could take their platform through strategy and technology. ### **If I understand all aspects, how do I accomplish the transformation?** When you approach your digital journey, make sure your organizational goals and vision are clear. Typically, companies partner with digital consultancies, like OZ, to help them map the goals and vision with the functionality that is needed to achieve them. A good digital consultancy will help identify tangible deliverables, allowing you to visualize your current operation’s data points, giving new life to the information you may not have been able to view holistically. The visualization is a highly effective way for you to grasp the weight of inefficiencies and start to structure the specific solutions tailored to your goals. The next step in the transformation process is a seemingly unspoken but pivotal point. It is to absorb all of the visualized data so you, along with all participating team members, can get on the same page for the final push towards your organizational metamorphosis. Progress is often halted or slowed because not all parties are aligned around a unified vision. The guided research, visualization, and discussion will illuminate which technologies and partner offerings best support the outlined architecture. With solutions from Microsoft, UI Path, Mulesoft, and other technology providers, there are many ways to approach your areas of growth. Partnering with a digital consultancy like OZ will drive the conversation to sharpen your custom solution further. Your proprietary finished product will be a well-polished collaboration of team effort and technological capability! Starting the conversation about undergoing the process of digital transformation can seem daunting. OZ Digital Consulting makes it easier to begin this process and handle all technical and maintenance aspects of the change. Your journey to redefined success [starts with filling out this form for us to connect](https://followoz.com/contact-us/), and we will take it from there. We can’t wait to be part of your story! **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Digital Strategy, Tech Services --- ### [What is Modernization & Optimization, and is it different from Digital Transformation?](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/what-is-modernization-optimization-and-is-it-different-from-digital-transformation/) **Published:** May 17, 2022 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** Many companies these days are evaluating whether they need to embark on a large, ambitious Digital Transformation initiative. Frequently, they are better served by taking on smaller, incremental improvements through Modernization and Optimization projects. Modernization and Optimization requires looking at opportunities to simplify and improve outdated or clunky organizational processes. While [Digital Transformation](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/redefining-success-innovation-through-digital-transformation/) sometimes feels like a complete overhaul of a company, Modernization and Optimization initiatives have a more specific focus on a single area or function. ### **Am I a Candidate for Optimization?** The biggest issue with an organizational process is that there is already a lag in technology when you implement it. In some cases, companies wait years for supporting data on technology before integrating it into their system or operation. That small gap in technology is amplified year over year, and over time you feel the growing pain of inefficient operations. Any company that has not modernized systems and processes in the last decade should consider taking inventory of organizational effectiveness, although Karen Hausheer, Manager of Digital Solutions for OZ Digital Consulting, says companies should do this at least every five years. ### **Is This an Overwhelming Project?** Given the large number of systems, processes, and data that might be impacted, you could be looking at an extensive and complex venture. Here’s some advice: don’t try to undertake a modernization or optimization project alone, unless your company has excess capacity in technical skills, and most don’t. Partnering with a digital solutions company like OZ, which can help you create the most efficient optimization roadmap, is your best solution. The reality is that there is a plethora of data ready to work for you. But understanding what to do with it may seem out of your reach, and you’ll likely need a consulting firm’s expertise to assist you. The right digital consulting company will be able to digest all the client’s data, highlight potential growth points, and work towards a new solution that will boost productivity. ### **What Issues Can I Expect to See?** One of the most common inefficiencies highlighted is manual processes. These are any tasks reliant on a human to be completed. When a series of assignments needs to be completed by various people, there are endless ways to hinder productivity. By relying on people, without the benefit of an optimization initiative, you must factor in time to complete the work and the multiple compounding opportunities for human error. When your finished product is done exchanging hands, it likely is an amalgamation of wasted time with layers of potential mistakes that will cost you. Regardless of how you slice it, every variable in a manual process can be optimized. Highly efficient companies understand this and leverage technology to automate manual processes, which ultimately drives value to customers, shareholders and, yes, employees too. After your digital solutions consultant has highlighted optimization opportunities, they will begin providing you with a custom solution. Typically, OZ will find the best answers to our clients’ needs in an Azure cloud-based solution. Working with offsite data, automating functionality, and integrating web applications drives the effective solutions most clients need. ### **How Can I Take Action?** Getting connected with a digital solutions company that makes the process of discovery and implementation painless is your next step. If it’s been a few years since you have undertaken a Modernization and Optimization initiative, you can start the conversation here! The hardest part of achieving your future efficiency is [filling out the form to connect](https://followoz.com/contact-us/) with OZ’s Digital Solutions team. With close collaboration and expertise, they are eager to bring you from start to finish with your transformation. **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Digital Strategy, Tech Services --- ### [Intelligent Automation in the Insurance Industry – May 2022 Snapshot](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/intelligent-automation-in-the-insurance-industry-may-2022-snapshot/) **Published:** May 31, 2022 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** [![Smiling woman seated at a multi-monitor coding workstation in a bright office](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/AI-Powered-Mainframe-Modernizati.jpg)](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/why-mainframe-modernization-looks-different-this-time/)###### [ Why Mainframe Modernization Looks Different This Time ](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/why-mainframe-modernization-looks-different-this-time/) June 4, 2026 **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Insurance --- ### [Insurtech Insights Americas 2022: A Recap](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/insurtech-insights-americas-2022-a-recap/) **Published:** June 2, 2022 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** Last week, representatives from OZ made their way to New York City as Bronze-level sponsors of this year’s Insurtech Insights Americas…and what a week it was! As a proud and enthusiastic sponsor of this event, OZ attendees explored potential business relationships and made a few friends along the way. Our attendees included: - [**Mark Smith** President of Global Insurance Practice ](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-b-smith-7b767b5/) - [**Doug Cohen** Chief Revenue Officer](https://www.linkedin.com/in/dougcohen1/) - [**Murray Izenwasser** Senior Vice President of Digital Strategy](https://www.linkedin.com/in/murrayiz/) With many conversations and numerous informative and thought-provoking sessions, the team walked away with two primary key takeaways: 1. The insurance industry is a data minefield that needs help moving, storing, and securing structured and unstructured data as legacy systems are updated and strict regulations are enforced. This was good news for OZ. Past and current clients are utilizing the integration technologies and strategies that OZ consultants employ. Integration is a core pillar of the work OZ does in the insurance industry. It was helpful to learn that these technologies are useful to not only carriers, but insurtechs as well. 2. Many are unfamiliar with the meaning of the term “Intelligent Automation.” In some conversations, people wanted more information on how OZ’s technologies are “intelligent” and wanted to know what that could mean for them, and rightfully so. OZ’s technologies and accelerators make up roughly 50 different solutions. Some are simple, like Process Mining and Discovery, or Cloud Migration, and some use automation, integration, and transformative technologies. However, as digital consultants to the insurance industry, OZ uses its experiences and technologies to set up clients for success by ensuring each technology or process is appropriately automated and can communicate to build a rules-based repertoire of knowledge, allowing the enterprise to progressively get smarter and eliminate mundane tasks by implementing Robotic Process Automation, Data Analytics, and additional accelerators. OZ really enjoyed being a part of this growing community and we cannot wait to participate next year! If you attended Insurtech Insights, we’d love to hear about your key takeaways from the conference. **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Events --- ### [Insurance Webinar Announcement - June 15, 2022](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/webinar-announcement-june-15-2022/) **Published:** June 3, 2022 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** **What:** Live Webinar Topic – “Delivering the Insurance Customer-of-the-Future Experience” **When**: June 15th, 2022 at 2 PM EST **Where**: Zoom **How**: Register OZ Digital Consulting is partnering with Anthony O’Donnell, Executive Editor of Insurance Innovation Reporter, to host another webinar. This one-hour webinar, moderated by O’Donnell, will feature: - [**Nichole Myers**, Chief Underwriter at Ethos](https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholelmyers/) - [**Craig Welsh**, Chief Distribution Officer at Westfield Insurance](https://www.linkedin.com/in/craig-welsh-60657511/) - [**Mark Smith**, President of Global Insurance Practice at OZ Digital Consulting](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-b-smith-7b767b5/) ### What to Expect We hope you’ll leave the webinar with key insights into delivering the customer experience of the future, including: - What the research says about evolving customer expectations - Creating a seamless CX across any channel - Shaping CX strategy on a commodity-personalization continuum - Agent-Carrier collaboration across a CX platform ### The Conversation Landscape The definition of a good customer experience has changed as a matter of degree as consumers’ interaction has technology evolved. However, today insurers must look at customer experience as a difference in kind—and incorporate that insight into their plans to provide a compelling experience for the customer of the future. Delivering a superior customer experience requires integrating a variety of technologies and parties and thinking very differently about customer experience than made sense only a few years ago. To meet customer expectations, insurers not only need to provide a sales and service experience on a par with online retailers, but increasingly they must understand their competitive value proposition as going beyond indemnification to being a risk and loss prevention consultant to their policyholders. Superior service is often more important to today’s customers than price, and while they will reward insurers who not only meet but anticipate their needs, they will reject those who can’t provide a personalized experience available seamlessly across all their preferred channels. ## [Click Here to Register](https://explore.zoom.us/en/products/webinars/) **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Events --- ### [The Benefit of a Bot](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/the-benefit-of-a-bot/) **Published:** June 20, 2022 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ### **What Are Bots?** When we hear the word robot, I’m sure some iconic stereotypes come to mind. Perhaps you’re thinking of some time-traveling war machine resembling a human with capabilities that exceed even the greatest extent of our natural ability. If our reality was filmed and directed by James Cameron, that might be true! The fact is that, traditionally, when we hear robot, or “bot,” it’s referring to software. Though it’s not physical, a bot can still simulate most defined, repetitive tasks or jobs humans perform. It’s a digital asset that promises endless returns when properly utilized! ### **What Can a Bot Do?** Many types of bots exist! For every repeatable task that a human can perform, there’s a bot that can replicate it. They exist to support areas such as chat, social media, web crawling, transactions, and monitoring but certainly aren’t limited to them. ### **Are Bots Good For Personal Use?** It always happens. For most, it’s around three o’clock. We pull our faces away from the stale coffee that’s been sitting for hours and say, “Really? How is it not five yet?” Most of the time, our midday lethargy settles in when we realize we are about to sit and repeat the same process we’ve been doing all day. The monotony has laid to rest your productivity and possibly your sanity. If this tale of office horror resonates with you, a personal bot could be in your future! You will save countless hours with an automated process that extracts information from emails, logs customer orders, or adds information to your website. Though the concept may seem foreign, implementing a bot as your assistant will make work/life balance easier and create consistency for your organization. ### **Are Bots Better Together?** Robotic Process Automation (RPA) is when many bots work together with specific software. It creates a system that combines machine learning with artificial intelligence to create a more realistic, practical, and efficient approach to automation. By utilizing this digital workforce, you can accomplish complicated tasks with greater consistency and accuracy around the clock. ### **Will Bots Make a Brighter Future?** Whereas one bot is valuable enough in its own right, RPA allows you to complete jobs that require a higher level of sophistication on a larger scale. Recent research shows that companies who use RPA complete work at a rate 70% higher than an all-human workforce. The proof that this technology exceeds as a tool to increase productivity is all around us, so long as we can properly utilize it. Even with the heights we can reach by using RPA, there is much more for us to achieve as the technology continues to develop. Proficiency, use cases, and client support will evolve, and the list of things RPA can improve will grow exponentially. All this while labor costs steadily rise and technological infrastructure becomes more accessible. We will see a future where organizations worldwide adopt bots and RPA into everyday operations and improve countless fields. As this transition occurs, it’s essential to have the right digital solutions company supporting you. OZ will happily highlight where implementation is possible and ensure your integrated technology will benefit you for years to come. **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Tech Services --- ### [25 Years of Transformation](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/celebrating-25-years-of-excellence/) **Published:** June 22, 2022 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ### **The Vision** AAJ Computer Services, Inc. which consists of OZ Digital Consulting and Jet Health Solutions celebrates its 25th anniversary on June 25th, 2022. While 80% of companies do not make it to 20 years of operation, we consider this significant landmark a testament to strong leadership and dedicated team members. But AAJ’s current success was a journey, and as all fantastic journeys do, it began at a Waffle House. Asad Shamim (CEO of Jet Health), Amjad Shamim (CEO of OZ), and their cousin Rizwan Mazhar (CEO of eWorx, the offshore arm of Jet and OZ) sat together at a Waffle House in Hollywood, Florida. Amidst the mingling smells of warm waffles and freshly brewed coffee, there was talk about starting a company that took advantage of the business landscape of the late 90s. Countless ideas were thrown around as the coffee continued pouring, and before long, a business plan came together courtesy of a pen and some spare napkins. By the end of their meeting, they had an exciting vision for the future and were ready to make it a reality! ### **The Start** Over the next year, the ideas they had scribbled down began to move from paper to the real world. They put considerable effort into market research and deciding what venture would be most successful based on their experiences. The three Amigos invested in their idea of a digital technology consulting company that would be groundbreaking in its approach to technology solutions and product offerings. They passionately described their business model to friends and family, who provided their much-needed feedback. Eventually, those friends and family members became some of the first workers to join the team. In June of 1997, the team secured their LLC and invested heavily into the company’s infrastructure. They eventually acquired their first office space and a partnership with Microsoft through a consolidated effort. ### **The Future of Innovation** AAJ quickly found success in an environment starving for technological advancements. Software and hardware were developing quicker than clients could understand—let alone implement. So, they sought the help of a company that could—for over two decades. Little has varied from the founders’ original vision and the one we have today. We have added a state-of-the-art product division Jet Health Solutions but the mission is still to provide revolutionary technology for clients to access and benefit from. The only thing that has changed from the beginning is the technology and our array of product offerings. The real key to 25 years of successful operation is the effort of every AAJ team member to be there for clients, Asad states. “We are here because of them. Each and every one of them has contributed. These are the people that made this happen. They are so amazingly passionate and committed about what we do; it just makes me proud. I mean, it’s their company, and they treat it like their company,” says Amjad, “I am so extremely humbled that they stuck around for so long.'” Past, present, or future, AAJ Computer Services, including OZ and JET Health Solutions, strives for excellence both with our clients and within our team. Cheers to another quarter-century of revolutionary technologies. **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Events --- ### [Intelligent Automation in the Insurance Industry – July 2022 Snapshot](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/intelligent-automation-in-the-insurance-industry-july-2022-snapshot/) **Published:** July 27, 2022 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** [![Smiling woman seated at a multi-monitor coding workstation in a bright office](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/AI-Powered-Mainframe-Modernizati.jpg)](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/why-mainframe-modernization-looks-different-this-time/)###### [ Why Mainframe Modernization Looks Different This Time ](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/why-mainframe-modernization-looks-different-this-time/) June 4, 2026 **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Insurance --- ### [OZ Sponsors the NAMIC 127th Annual Convention](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/oz-sponsors-the-namic-127th-annual-convention/) **Published:** August 23, 2022 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** We are excited to announce our continued sponsorship with NAMIC at their **127th Annual Convention in Dallas on September 18th through the 21st.** Not only are we sponsoring at the Bronze level, but we are also proudly sponsoring Monday’s “Morning Cup of Joe”! Hopefully, every attendee enjoys a much-needed caffeine boost in the pre-function area at the conference. During the event, OZ team members will meet with other insurance practitioners and discuss advances in the ever-growing industry. OZ attendees include: - [**Mark Smith,** President of Global Insurance Practice](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-b-smith-7b767b5/) - [**Doug Cohen,** Chief Revenue Officer](https://www.linkedin.com/in/dougcohen1/) - [**Karina Waggoner,** Client Advisor](https://www.linkedin.com/in/karina-montagne-waggoner/) Working with insurance and insurtech professionals across a variety of technologies, we help them transform their business through digital technology, including: - Leveraging AI-based Machine Learning to **automate processes** - Creating **intelligent workflows** to eliminate inefficiencies (underwriting, quoting & submissions, claims processing, etc.) - **Integrating API** strategies and architectures - Implementing **predictive modeling & analytics** (Customer Lifetime Value, placement, price elasticity, etc.) - Instituting OZ Ignite, a business accelerator focused on providing **rapid growth** - Providing **Enterprise Application Integration** expertise to large businesses implementing new applications and platforms - Developing **digital, web, and mobile solutions** that help drive your business OZ is very much looking forward to being a part of this NAMIC community and we cannot wait to get to Dallas! If you are attending the 127th Annual Convention, [we’d love to hear from you!](https://meetings.hubspot.com/doug-cohen1) **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Events --- ### [OZ Sponsors InsureTech Connect (ITC) 2022 in Las Vegas](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/oz-sponsors-insuretech-connect-itc-2022-in-las-vegas/) **Published:** August 23, 2022 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** We are excited to announce our continued sponsorship at the **2022 InsureTech Connect (ITC)** **from September 20th through the 22nd.** You can find our team at OZ’s semi-private meeting pod, #2312, in the Exhibit Hall. This year, we are proudly sponsoring at the Bronze level and we are ready to meet with carriers and other insurtech executives. During the event, OZ team members will meet with other insurance practitioners and discuss advances in the ever-growing industry. OZ attendees include: - [**Amjad Shamim,** CEO](https://www.linkedin.com/in/amjadshamim/) - [**Murray Izenwasser,** SVP of Digital Solutions in Global Insurance Practice](https://www.linkedin.com/in/murrayiz/) - [**Salina Erazo,** VP of Marketing ](https://www.linkedin.com/in/salinaerazo/) - [**Sam Jafri,** Client Advisor](https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-jafri/) Working with insurance and insurtech professionals across a variety of technologies, we help them transform their business through digital technology, including: - Leveraging AI-based Machine Learning to **automate processes** - Creating **intelligent workflows** to eliminate inefficiencies (underwriting, quoting & submissions, claims processing, etc.) - **Integrating API** strategies and architectures - Implementing **predictive modeling & analytics** (Customer Lifetime Value, placement, price elasticity, etc.) - Instituting OZ Ignite, a business accelerator focused on providing **rapid growth** - Providing **Enterprise Application Integration** expertise to large businesses implementing new applications and platforms - Developing **digital, web, and mobile solutions** that help drive your business OZ is very much looking forward to being a part of this ITC community and we cannot wait to get to Las Vegas! If you are attending the 2022 ITC event, [we’d love to hear from you!](https://meetings.hubspot.com/doug-cohen1) **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Events --- ### [Intelligent Automation in the Insurance Industry – August 2022 Snapshot](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/intelligent-automation-in-the-insurance-industry-august-2022-snapshot/) **Published:** August 29, 2022 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** [![Smiling woman seated at a multi-monitor coding workstation in a bright office](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/AI-Powered-Mainframe-Modernizati.jpg)](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/why-mainframe-modernization-looks-different-this-time/)###### [ Why Mainframe Modernization Looks Different This Time ](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/why-mainframe-modernization-looks-different-this-time/) June 4, 2026 **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Insurance --- ### [Building the Entrepreneurs’ Field of Dreams: A Conversation with Alan B. Levan | NSU Broward Center of Innovation Chief Innovation Officer, John Wensveen](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/building-the-entrepreneurs-field-of-dreams-a-conversation-with-alan-b-levan-nsu-broward-center-of-innovation-chief-innovation-officer-john-wensveen/) **Published:** October 12, 2022 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** Standing amidst 54,000 square feet of unadorned concrete in a long-empty fifth-floor space of the Alvin Sherman Library at Nova Southeastern University, John Wensveen experienced what could fairly be called his *Field of Dreams* moment. Wensveen—a Vancouver-born serial entrepreneur and academic then pulling double duty as a Vice Provost at Miami Dade College and CEO of the air carrier startup business plan consulting firm Airline Visions—turned and asked the recruiters from the embryonic Alan B. Levan NSU Broward Center of Innovation one simple question: “Will I *really* have the opportunity to design and build out this space the way it needs to be?” “The reply was, ‘Yes, absolutely,’” Wensveen tells OZ. “And it might sound strange—I mean, I didn’t have any real idea of what the actual nature of the role would be—but it felt like a dream about to come true.” Three years later, the echoes of the *If you build it, they will come* Ray Kinsella once entertained in Iowa: Today, the Levan Center—with Wensveen at the helm as Chief Innovation Officer and Executive Director—is a kinetic, visionary hub of business creation and evolution. Nestled in a South Florida “tech gateway” that currently boasts the most startup activity in the U.S. as well as a growing army of 80,000 information and communication technology workers, the Center not only “provides entrepreneurs with access to…legal, marketing, finance, accounting, human resources, and self-care management” service providers but also houses a military-grade cybersecurity range; a Level:5 space dock; a state of the art media production studio; pitch, huddle, and conference rooms; a commercial catering kitchen for events; and much, much more. Not for nothing has the Levan Center been dubbed “the world’s first theme park for entrepreneurs.” “It’s a giant network collision station,” Wensveen says. “We’re slingshotting entrepreneurs into the orbit of representatives from academia, industry, and government as well as funders, wraparound service providers, and other essential resources every day. And then we connect it to the rest of the world virtually so that anybody can access certain programs, events, or types of services. All under one roof. There are almost certainly talent and resources combining in ways here right now that we have no idea about. That’s what’s new and exciting about the Levan Center.” The end goal is to engender local, regional, national, and international impact through breakthrough ideation, new company formation, the scaling of early-stage and young startup companies, technology creation—and new talent skills pipeline to support all of it. Eventually, Wensveen hopes, South Florida will be a gateway between North America and innovation-minded enterprises and nations across the globe. It is a project and scope that Wensveen is uniquely positioned to conceive and execute. This is, after all, a man who in his youth wanted to either become a commercial airline pilot or start his own airline—and then split the difference and did both, picking up Masters and Ph.D. degrees in International Air Transport and Business from Cardiff University (United Kingdom) and a B.A. in Geography and Transportation Land Use Planning from the University of Victoria (Canada) along the way and eventually serving in prestigious positions throughout the industry. Wensveen remains an External Instructor at the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and a Certified Instructor at the Turkish Aviation Academy (Turkish Airlines) and is the author of two popular industry books *Air Transportation: A Management Perspective* and *Wheels Up: Airline Business Plan Development*. The development process has given him an opportunity to reflect upon his own founder’s journey, one he describes as “a highway from point A to point B,” but more akin to “a lot of backroads that led to dead ends.” “Failure is part of the process and a good thing—as long as you acknowledge and learn from it,” Wensveen says. “But that doesn’t mean there isn’t room to improve the path for today’s rising entrepreneurs. So, as we established the Levan Center I thought, ‘If I could redo my entire journey over again, but could have access to resources that would streamline and accelerate it, what would that look like?’” The distillation of this self-inventory of hard-won knowledge can be seen in the beating heart of the Center: Four “Core Programs”—Ideate, Incubate, Accelerate, and Post-Accelerate—which offer participants expert guidance “from the birth of an idea through a successful exit or global expansion, providing programs, events, and wraparound services to entrepreneurs and early-stage startups for the buildout and scaleup of their business.” The Levan Center, through this lens, allows ambitious individuals with promising ideas access to the tools they don’t necessarily know they need. To constant assessment and guidance from seasoned experts and mentors. To synergistic networking. To potential funding sources without all the usual trials and tribulations. “For me personally, helping young entrepreneurs be proactive rather than reactive at every stage of the journey they’re on is a way to give back to communities that have given me so much throughout my life,” Wensveen says. “The fact that I get to do it from a one-of-a-kind launchpad like the Leven Center is just an amazing blessing.” As the inaugural sponsor of the Accelerate cohort—and, in fact, the inaugural sponsor of *any* of the Levan Center programs—OZ is in on the ground floor, so to speak. And Wensveen believes in this South Florida tech innovation he’s found a kindred spirit. “We purposely didn’t go out to seek sponsorships until we knew that we had a cake that was baked, and the icing was on it,” Wensveen says. “When we had every ready to go—including the sprinkles—OZ was a natural partner. And I use the word *partner* very intentionally. This isn’t a vendor relationship of convenience. It’s a long-term strategy co-investment with a company that has a stellar relationship, does incredibly innovative work across the board, and is on a path that is complementary to that of the Levan Center. We’re grateful to have OZ on board. I really think years from now people are going to say, ‘Oh, we were part of the OZ Accelerate cohort’ and that’s going to mean something real to people.” As it races toward the close of its first full official year in operation, the Levan Center has already surpassed most of the dreams set out in its first five-year plan. “My dream from the very beginning was to build the biggest, baddest incubator and accelerator ever built,” Wensveen says. “Early on, we had a lot of people telling us we were taking on too much—that we had too many lofty goals. But when someone says to me, ‘You can’t do that,’ my response is, ‘Watch me.’ I’m going to go all out to prove ‘em wrong. And we can do that because, to us, this isn’t a job. It’s a way of life. We’re game-changers and we’re here to make it happen—for ourselves and others.” **Categories:** Blog --- ### [3 Ways the Forgotten Origins of Hospitality will Determine its Future](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/3-ways-the-forgotten-origins-of-hospitality-will-determine-its-future/) **Published:** October 18, 2022 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** Though the buzzwords and physical interfaces constantly shifted and evolved, the heart and soul of hospitality have remained remarkably intact for thousands of years. And if the best way to get where you want to be is to have some understanding of how you got to where you are, then it’s worth taking a trip down the more hospitable stretches of memory lane. Here are three profound, foundation-shifting historical waystations that can help inform the way you take your modern-day hospitality game to the next level. ##### 1 – It all begins with xenia The ancient Greeks did more than work tirelessly to define the meaning of existence and invent democracy—they also established the principle of xenia, the precursor to the concept of hospitality. Xenia had two basic rules: First, a host must be hospitable while providing guests with a bath, food, drink, gifts, and a safe escort to their next destination. Second, a guest must be courteous towards their host. See, the Greeks understood what a burden the act of travel was on their fellow man—especially in that age!—and sought a collaborative, synergistic solution. ##### 2 – Epic Roman roadways industrialized hospitality Roman expansion led to the construction of over 250,000 miles of roads throughout Europe and the Mediterranean region, establishing organizational systems and travel behaviors that have remained astonishingly similar for millennia. Over 50,000 miles of those roads were paved with stone and had a relay station every twenty miles—i.e., a full day’s travel. These relay stations not only served as a beacon of hope for the weary traveler but also fueled the Roman Empire through a circulatory system of stone, bustling with legionaries loading and unloading cargo and your average citizen watering their horse. ##### 3 – Enjoy American chain restaurants? Thank a railroad. Fires burned bright in the steam engines driving the Industrial Revolution. The Baltimore & Ohio Railroad was the first central railway in the 150,000 miles of track that would eventually cover and connect the United States. And, like the Romans, railway owners understood the necessity for accessible, frequent stations to ensure travel kept pace with the aspirations and wanderlust of Americans. When servicing these iron behemoths or efficiently sorting and collating passenger itineraries, these stations became a naturally evolving mecca for hospitality-related services. Crafty railroad companies would partner with independent operators to establish nearby inns and, yes, restaurants. Imagine the heartache of a 2:00 a.m. arrival where you couldn’t get a bite to eat or a place to sleep! In 1876 one partnership kept millions from experiencing this harsh reality: Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad (AT&SF) and the Fred Harvey Company opened almost one hundred hotels and restaurants along the AT&SF main line, cementing the relationship between travel, dining, and amenities for all of the time. #### **An industry always moving forward** Modern hotels and restaurants may follow in ancient footsteps, but they’re embracing cutting-edge practices to keep operations smoother than a cobblestone road. Curating the perfect customer experience requires staying up to date on the latest trends to address current challenges like touch points and staffing. When you’re ready to launch your enterprise into the ever-evolving hospitality future, OZ has a wide menu of customizable solutions to empower you to create memorable CX, boost ROI, and generate repeat visits. [Click here now to find out more.](https://followoz.com/industries/hospitality/) **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Hospitality --- ### [Robots: An Efficient Solution for The Staffing Crisis](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/robots-an-efficient-solution-for-the-staffing-crisis/) **Published:** October 19, 2022 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** Innovation has been the cornerstone of hospitality since [the first roads](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/3-ways-the-forgotten-origins-of-hospitality-will-determine-its-future/) began to spiderweb across Europe—and so it should come as no surprise that it is within this industry that viable solutions to the ongoing staffing crisis of the last few years are incubating. Or, perhaps more accurately, *charged up*. Enter LG’s CLOi ServeBot—an intelligently automated service assistant equipped with LiDAR and a 3D camera. ##### **A plastic body with a heart of gold** The optical insight CLOi gets from this cutting-edge technology allows the ServeBot to move freely and safely regardless of indoor layout. High ceilings, areas of limited maneuverability, and complex paths are no match for this bot’s spatial awareness. This intuition further compliments its ability to tackle multi-point serving without skipping a beat! Utilizing cruise mode, you can set the ServeBot to follow a preset pre-set path with stopover points that you map yourself. CLOi will gladly go table-to-table at top speeds of 1.0m/s serving dishes, cutlery, and condiments—only moving along its planned path when sensors indicate the customer removed their items and are entirely content. Further, behind every smiling 9.2-inch display is the ability to communicate in six different languages—a perfect fit for the inclusive workspace. The cherry on top? Installation is an easy and disruption-free process you can complete in as little as 79 minutes. ##### **Capture the innovation with OZ** Are intelligent automata one answer to the emerging issues of our age? Doug Price of [Hospitality Update](https://www.hospitalityupgrade.com/techTalk/February-2022/Definitely-Doug-2-4-22/) certainly seems to think so. “The growth area for robotics in hotels today,” he writes, “is where mobile robots serve as an extension of human staff.” Regardless of brand, automated service agents are a genuine answer for an industry striving to grow during economic variability. These programmable force multipliers empower you to rapidly implement a support system of tireless workers that happily handle menial tasks that impact guest experiences. OZ is dedicated to highlighting solutions like the LG CLOi ServeBot that propel you past your pain points and into untold success. Are you ready to take advantage of tomorrow’s solutions today? [Visit followoz.com and sign up for our newsletter here.](https://followoz.com/contact-us/) **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Hospitality --- ### [The 7 Core Traits of Successful Digital Leaders](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/the-7-core-traits-of-successful-digital-leaders/) **Published:** October 20, 2022 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** [![Download PDF](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/6318251/a425538f-7ae4-4f87-a1bb-902e7baeb93c.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/6318251/a425538f-7ae4-4f87-a1bb-902e7baeb93c) Digital leadership is more than simply possessing a strategic, forward-thinking mindset—though that is, of course, essential. It is also, at its core, a way of being and doing that challenges outmoded models of management centered around capital-“L” Leaders issuing decrees to people-drones who are encouraged to execute rather than think. In contrast, today’s most effective leaders nurture a digitally enabled workplace where data is democratized and decision-making is decentralized empowering them to tap into the most potent advantage any team or organization has at its disposal: The ability of human minds, alone and in concert, to create new ideas and solve problems. Adopting and strengthening the following seven traits can help ensure that you land on the right side of that leadership divide in an ever-evolving, digitally disruptive world. ### A digital leader is a human being first. Though operating in a technology-enabled landscape which can be devoid of human empathy or emotions, digital leaders need to come from a place of caring for the people in the organization. The most important part of an organization is its people. True leaders serve the people and not themselves. A digital leader, when bringing digital changes in the organization, needs to think about what they can do to make their teams better, happier, more productive and engaging in the new environment. Digital leaders are teachers, mentors, advisors; someone you strive to be and emulate. ### Digital leaders aspire to inspire. Digital leaders aren’t just following technological trends; they are envisioning possibilities that don’t exist yet. Transforming skeptics into early adopters requires creative ideation, aspirational thinking, and cheerleading. It is the job of the digital leaders to keep the team motivated and engaged while tackling the big challenges that at times can seem overwhelming. They must be able to not only create and ideate but inspire. ### A digital leader tells the tale. Be the beacon of all things digital. Leaders who are experts at communication and storytelling throughout the digital transformation process build engagement and win over employees. A digital leader’s story needs to be compelling and relevant. Stories carry emotions, which help digital leaders connect to and motivate others. ### Digital leaders are agents of change management. The “why” of a digital program within an organization must be integrated into the organization’s overall vision and purpose. Digital is often perceived as an unwelcome disruption, as people fear the changes will affect their jobs, their future, and the future of the organization. They need a convincing reason to get on board. They need to believe before they engage. They need to realize digital is the present and future. The leader can play an important role in managing and selling the change. ### Digital leaders make digital a priority for the entire organization. Digital offers a world of opportunities for organizations to become more efficient and drive greater revenue streams, but not enough companies are capitalizing on it due to a lack of digital leadership. Competing priorities have long been a top obstacle in digital transformation programs, which are in competition with other enterprise initiatives and, as a result, are not always sufficiently resourced. Digital leaders must clarify the role of digital, secure the required funding and drive the organizational vision and long-term strategy. ### Digital leaders facilitate a culture of support and risk-taking. Digital leaders must support and encourage experimentation. Many enterprises have taken the cautious first step of creating innovation labs where dedicated cross-organizational teams work on new ideas. The labs become showcases for visitors and internal staff and are intended to show new, innovative ways of working. The labs need to produce real, meaningful new products and services that drive revenue while making the organization—and, no pressure, the world!—a better place. A critical component of encouraging this experimental mindset is to break out of bureaucracy. The digital leader can play a major role in this. Making processes and policies intrapreneur-friendly is a still deeper change. ### Digital leaders are not only leaders of digital, but leaders of data. Data is critical to driving digital initiatives. Digital transformation requires that organizations look at data in an entirely new way so they can identify ways to monetize it and reinvent business models to create new revenue streams. This requires leaders who will invest in and implement “new” data platforms of the future – platforms that can bring together data effectively as needed, from wherever it is stored, whether inside or outside the organization. It also requires a new understanding of customer experience and how to use customer data to deliver personalized experiences. Ready to augment and supercharge your digital leadership? Check out [OZ](https://followoz.com)’s array of powerful, innovative [solutions](https://followoz.com/services/) and [services](https://followoz.com/services/). **Categories:** Blog --- ### [A Partnership That Takes on Climate Change: OZ and InnSure](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/a-partnership-that-takes-on-climate-change-oz-and-innsure/) **Published:** October 25, 2022 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** In our **[latest press release](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cutting-edge-south-florida-digital-consultancy-partnership-takes-on-climate-change-301652802.html)**, **[OZ](https://followoz.com/)** is announcing its wide-ranging partnership with eco-focused insurance solutions facilitator, **[InnSure](https://innsure.org/)**! Our objective to empower businesses of all sizes through accelerated growth perfectly aligns with InnSure’s Climate and Risk Insurance Sandbox (CRIS) initiative, which seeks to “support the insurance industry of the future and respond to the challenges posed by climate change” through digital transformation. Whether it be in data and analytics (DA), artificial intelligence (AI), robotic process automation (RPA), or beyond, OZ will lend its expertise in optimizing technology infrastructures for automating processes, providing real-time data to enable informed decision-making, and improving customer experiences for world-changing insurance solutions. “Growth, innovation, transformation, and creativity are key ingredients to allow the insurance industry to continue to grow and prosper,” states OZ Chief Technology Officer Dr. Paul J. Dailo, adding that “InnSure provides all these and so much more.” With our mastery of digital and data transformation and InnSure’s unstoppable drive for eco-centric innovation, we will push the industry forward more efficiently, effectively, and responsibly than ever! We implore you to read more about this collaboration of the ages **[here](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cutting-edge-south-florida-digital-consultancy-partnership-takes-on-climate-change-301652802.html)**! **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Press Releases --- ### [South Florida-based Digital Consultancy Accelerates Startup Journeys at NSU](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/south-florida-based-digital-consultancy-accelerates-startup-journeys-at-nsu/) **Published:** November 3, 2022 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** [**Find the related Press Release here.**](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/south-florida-based-digital-consultancy-accelerates-startup-journeys-at-nsu-301648008.html) For the past quarter century OZ, a global digital and technology company, has empowered businesses of all sizes to innovate and accelerate their growth by leveraging digital strategies and innovative technologies. Now, as title sponsors of the inaugural Accelerate cohort at the [Alan B. Levan \| NSU Broward Center of Innovation](https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=3675384-1&h=2695611687&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nova.edu%2Finnovation%2F&a=www.nova.edu%2Finnovation%2F)—the “world’s first theme park for entrepreneurs”—OZ will channel that expertise to impart best practices and cutting-edge technology frameworks to a rising generation of entrepreneurs, business leaders, and founders. Accelerate, launched September 15, is a twelve-week program that places a network of experts and stakeholders at the participants’ disposal to “support further innovation and avoid growth plateaus.” It is part of the Levan Center’s holistic Founder’s Journey which also includes the Ideate, Incubate, and Post Accelerate programs. “We are proud to sponsor Accelerate at Alan B. Levan Center of Innovation,” OZ CEO Amjad Shamim said. “This robust program provides a unique opportunity for local entrepreneurs to immerse themselves in an environment dedicated to shortening their learning curves while fast-tracking their growth and success. For OZ, it is also an opportunity to further pursue and enhance our commitment to support and nurture businesses in our South Florida community.” With specialties in data and analytics (DA), artificial intelligence (AI), robotic process automation (RPA), and more, OZ optimizes technology infrastructures to automate processes, provides real-time data to enable informed decision-making, and improve customer experience. For more information visit [www.followoz.com](https://followoz.com/). Founded in 2021, the 54,000 square-foot Alan B. Levan \| NSU Broward Center of Innovation “supports the Founder’s Journey from the birth of an idea through the successful exit or global expansion providing programs, events, and wraparound services to entrepreneurs and early-stage startups for the buildout and scaleup of their business.” For more information on the Center or Accelerate program visit [www.nova.edu/innovation/](https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=3675384-1&h=2695611687&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nova.edu%2Finnovation%2F&a=www.nova.edu%2Finnovation%2F). **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Press Releases --- ### [3 Ways This Startup Harnessed the Power of Innovation](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/3-ways-this-startup-harnessed-the-power-of-innovation-and-how-you-can-too/) **Published:** November 7, 2022 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** “Do you offer daily chair rentals?” The question took Dr. Tye Caldwell and his wife Courtney by surprise. This was 2012 and though the couple’s Plano, Texas salon did indeed a row of empty styling seats, the industry standard at the time was either brick-and-mortar ownership or long-term leases. But rather than dismiss the request out of hand, the Caldwells, entrepreneurs at heart, instead asked, Why not? Three years later the [ShearShare](https://shearshare.com/) app launched. Today it connects more than 40,000 salons and stylists in over 900 cities play a very profitable game of “musical chairs.” If the story of how this stylist-marketing duo, with no experience in app development, went from managing a small business with ROI-sinking idle space to managing over $100 million in the salon and barbershop space is inspiring you to chase your own dream, here’s how to condense your journey by months—perhaps even years. #### 1. Don’t Start from Scratch Many aspiring entrepreneurs believe they must wait for their tech knowledge and development skills to catch up to their business idea before they can make their move. Not so. With the right partner, proven methodologies, tailored expert services, and discovery/design processes are placed at your disposal so that you can focus on your evolving vision and how to best align it with your goals and opportunities. #### 2. Understand change is a part of creation Initially, ShearShare focused on promoting beauty products through their app. When it became clear rental services was the sweet spot, however, the Caldwells remained lithe and open-minded enough to transition in that direction—and the rest is history in the making. You’ll find that working with a team focused on building the future of your business might challenge what you previously thought achievable. Regardless of how your trajectory shifts, be open to that pivot and it can pay major dividends. #### 3. Leverage relationships that benefit you Most businesses that provide a service require liability insurance—and that’s no different when your trade is measured by inches chopped! From filling out a cold-contact form with Lloyd’s of London to coverage took ShearShare a full twenty-four months. Two years can seem like a lifetime when keeping pace with the ever-evolving digital landscape. Still, there are other partnership options to accelerate that journey: Development adopts a faster, more efficient cadence, for example, when businesses leverage OZ’s Microsoft Gold Partner status or partnership with Amazon Warehouse Services (AWS) and our bank of over three-hundred working client relationships. #### Building to Win Ready to make that business dream a reality? Finding the right solution begins with asking the right questions. With 25 years of experience, OZ’s team of seasoned technology and industry experts understand how to identify the key insights that will empower you to successfully navigate your unique business challenges, optimize and accelerate profitable growth, make better-informed decisions, and seize competitive advantages. [Reach out](https://followoz.com/contact-us/) and get started today. **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Hospitality --- ### [WATCH: InnSure Executive Director Talks to OZ about the ROI of “Tree Hugging,” How the Insurance Industry Will Supercharge the Fight Against Climate Change, & More](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/watch-innsure-executive-director-talks-to-oz-about-the-roi-of-tree-hugging-how-the-insurance-industry-will-supercharge-the-fight-against-climate-change-more/) **Published:** November 23, 2022 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** “Are you telling us that the insurance industry is treehuggers now that they’re advocating for the environment?” This is the good-naturedly provocative question OZ Chief Transformation Officer [Dr. Paul Bailo](https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulbailo/) puts to InnSure Executive Director [Charlie Sidoti](https://www.linkedin.com/in/sidoti/) in the new OZ webinar series’s informative and entertaining inaugural episode. “It’s in their best interest,” Sidoti responds, giving as good as he gets. “I’ve always been environmentally conscious, but it’s not just about doing good for the sake of being a good person. The UN suggests that there’s going to be $5 trillion a year spent on climate. Suppose Property & Casualty (P&C) captures 2% of the global economy. In that case, we stand to capture $100 billion in new business.” Watch the [full conversation here](https://youtu.be/Jvi2GYtvrKk) to learn more about where that new $100 billion in business will come from, the origin story of his eco-friendly insurtech enabler, the InnSure/OZ partnership, and the untold benefits—for the planet and your bottom line—of these new initiatives and the technical, data, cloud, and digital transformation now underway. The [InnSure and OZ partnership](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/a-partnership-that-takes-on-climate-change-oz-and-innsure/) provides a unique bridge that supports the undergoing innovation in the insurance industry. **Categories:** Blog --- ### [3 Ways to Intelligently Automate Customer Satisfaction](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/3-ways-to-intelligently-automate-customer-satisfaction/) **Published:** November 23, 2022 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** Even as guest traffic returns to pre-pandemic norms, customer satisfaction continues to take[ a precipitous fall](https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/hotels/2022/07/13/hotel-guest-satisfaction-jd-power/10042051002/). Before our friends in the hospitality industry despair, however, there is good news: Increasingly sophisticated and powerful artificial intelligence (AI) technology is stepping into the breach, proactively transforming prospective bad reviews into rebookings. Can [artificial intelligence (AI)](https://www.britannica.com/technology/artificial-intelligence) be the difference between rebooking and a bad review? Here are three ways the AI revolution can help you boost guest retention—starting right now. #### 1. Round-the-clock support Saving customers time and money is a cornerstone of hospitality, yet the manpower to achieve this baseline goal rarely existed—until now. Enter chatbots, which allow “representatives” to provide an efficient, bilingual user experience 24/7 without spending on overnight staff. There’s already buy-in: 80% of customers believe that AI will assist them in better purchasing decisions. Best of all? These tireless digital force multipliers learn and solve more complex issues over time. #### 2. Remain human at heart AI isn’t exclusive to customer-facing solutions: The more automated your ecosystem, the easier life can become. The [AHLA reported](https://www.ahla.com/press-release/97-surveyed-hotels-report-staffing-shortages-ahla-foundation-expands-recruitment) that 97% of hotels face staffing shortages—a widespread issue that demands an easy-to-implement solution with immediate returns. By automating the repetitive but necessary tasks that soak up revenue, you can invest dollars into the essential human touch points that count—even as you and your staff are liberated to focus on higher-value tasks. Customer service agents, for example, have the option to enable email tagging—automatically forwarding requests to chatbots that will process them in five minutes or less while turning their attention to the complex tasks that require human intervention. #### 3. Personalized user experiences Utilizing AI to help customers find relevant information increases efficiency. You can process massive data sets and gather metadata, building a unique and unified view of your customer and allowing you to provide the right content through the proper channels. To learn more or get started on your own AI journey visit our [website](https://followoz.com/) or [contact us here](https://followoz.com/contact-us/). **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Hospitality --- ### [Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Seducing Your Customers But Were Afraid to Ask](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/everything-you-ever-wanted-to-know-about-seducing-your-customers-but-were-afraid-to-ask/) **Published:** November 23, 2022 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** [![Smiling woman seated at a multi-monitor coding workstation in a bright office](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/AI-Powered-Mainframe-Modernizati.jpg)](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/why-mainframe-modernization-looks-different-this-time/)###### [ Why Mainframe Modernization Looks Different This Time ](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/why-mainframe-modernization-looks-different-this-time/) June 4, 2026 **Categories:** Blog --- ### [Ready to finally close the door on the “Office of No”? Here’s how.](https://followoz.com/resources/forbes/ready-to-finally-close-the-door-on-the-office-of-no-heres-how/) **Published:** November 29, 2022 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** Though only a couple weeks have passed since [we announced](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/oz-chief-solutions-officer-emmanuel-ramos-joins-forbes-technology-council/) that our own Chief Solutions Officer [Manny Ramos](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mannyramos/) has joined the ranks of the [Forbes Technology Council](https://councils.forbes.com/forbestechcouncil)—an invitation-only organization that brings together senior-level technology executives to share and deepen their “deep knowledge and diverse expertise”—the partnership is already bearing fruit. In his first piece for the site, [“How CISOs Can Close the Door on the Office of No,”](https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2022/11/28/how-cisos-can-close-the-door-on-the-office-of-no/?sh=7920b9106431) Ramos argues that “security, though extremely important, need not be an insurmountable obstacle to progress.” Ramos continues: Much of the work we do with our customers is around enabling organization-wide conversations to develop a framework for maintaining security while achieving enterprise objectives. Rather than constantly butting up against a “no,” the CISO and the rest of the organization should work on ways to conduct necessary business processes even as it continues to enable and execute robust security protocols. To this end, the CISO team should view themselves as evangelists for security. Read the rest [here](https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2022/11/28/how-cisos-can-close-the-door-on-the-office-of-no/?sh=7920b9106431). **Categories:** Blog, OZ in Forbes **Tags:** Forbes --- ### [3 Takeaways from AWS reinvent 2022](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/3-takeaways-from-aws-reinvent-2022/) **Published:** December 8, 2022 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** Billed as the “biggest, most comprehensive, and most vibrant event in cloud computing,” the 2022 edition of [AWS re:Invent](https://reinvent.awsevents.com/virtual/) continued to not only live up to its reputation but exceed it. OZ Chief Solutions Officer Emmanuel Ramos was on hand for this five-day tour of the digital cutting edge—with a projected attendance of *50,000* spread across a number of hotel venues throughout the Las Vegas strip—and to say it made an impression is something of an understatement. “One aspect that became very evident right away is that—like our universe—the AWS and Azure clouds are continually expanding,” Ramos says. “It is impossible for one individual or a firm to cover/be an expert in AWS/Azure as a whole. They are massive and expanding daily. Focus areas will be key.” Here are three re:Invent takeaways Ramos believes are worthy of your attention. **1. The Holistic Customer View Remains Hot in Hospitality** Though we may be no closer to a functional psychic app, the data revolution—along with the technology to strategically aggregate and deploy that data—has made functional mind-reading a considerably more realistic goal. During their AWS panel “How to Successfully Create a 360-Degree View of Travelers and Guests,” AWS Senior Solutions Architects Robin Kanthareuben and Raj Salvaji made a convincing case that the benefits of a customer 360 platform in travel & hospitality are manifest for both client and business. And as with so many advances, that expectation will eventually morph into demand. OZ, of course, can help you get ahead of the curve with [cutting-edge CX technologies](https://followoz.com/industries/hospitality/) that will “wow” your customers—as well as your bottom line. **2. Automation Orchestration will be Key for Insurance Underwriting** On the insurance front, “I attended a session in which it was noted that while eighty percent of executives believe AI brings value only 44 percent say their organization “is currently advanced in use of automation.” Here are a few areas where you can expect to see investment and value blossom: - - Intelligent Underwriting - Solutioning for challenges in claims - AI-powered claims journey - Digital claims capabilities Two key points were mentioned: First, their key focus is on the orchestration of the process not on just point solutions for parts of the process. Second, despite seeing success, they have only been able to provide these solutions to low complexity/high volume line of businesses. These lines are typically not the ones that have the highest monetary value. Complex lines of business have been harder to orchestrate/automate and gain acceptance from customers to engage in. Expect a long haul. OZ has [comprehensive AI-based Machine Learning and Robotic Process Automation (RPA) processing functions](https://followoz.com/industries/property-casualty-insurance-in-intelligent-automation/) to help you overcome challenges and better channel resources. **3. Digital Safety is Coming to the Gridiron** “I also attended a fascinating session with AWS Sports detailing the use of computer vision to determine helmet hits in NFL games. With the long-term effects of concussions becoming an ever-larger area of concern in the public imagination it may very well be forward-thinking advances such as this that save the game for future generations.” *From the hotel room to insurance policies to the football field*, *OZ is your one-stop shop for digital transformation. Check out what our twenty-five years of experience can do for you* [*here*](https://followoz.com/)*.* **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Events --- ### [Transformation Happens: OZ @ TECHpalooza](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/transformation-happens-oz-techpalooza/) **Published:** December 13, 2022 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** “Transformation happens when, from a business perspective, you fundamentally change either part or all of your organization using the tools, platforms, and technologies currently available,” OZ Senior Vice President of Digital Strategy [Murray Izenwasser](https://www.linkedin.com/in/murrayiz/) told a panel audience gathered in Fort Lauderdale for last week’s [TECHpalooza](https://www.nbcmiami.com/entertainment/6-in-the-mix/techpalooza-2022-this-friday-in-fort-lauderdale/2925841/)—tagline: [“Re-Discovering Innovation”](https://allevents.in/fort%20lauderdale/techpalooza-2022/200023710322742)—and the setting for such a message could hardly have been more apropos. Previously christened ITpalooza, [South Florida Tech Hub](https://techhubsouthflorida.org/) rebranded “South Florida’s premiere tech event” for its tenth anniversary to encompass *all* technology powering innovation in South Florida, drawing information technology, healthcare, finance, AI, automation, cybersecurity, and more under the banner of digital evolution. Real progress, of course, often requires a diversity of perspectives in order to help enterprises [objectively analyze, uncover, and overcome](https://followoz.com/solutions/oz-ignite/) barriers to change. “You need to understand the ecosystem within which your business operates,” Izenwasser adds, “including people inside and outside the organization.” In fact, seeing dynamic technology eliminate constraint is half the fun—though the answer is not always intelligent automation, RPA, or machine learning (ML). TECHpalooza highlighted some of the brilliant ways Florida’s best is producing actionable change. [Florida Power and Light (FPL)](https://www.fpl.com/), for example, employs Boston Dynamic’s radiation-resistant robot, [Spot](https://bostondynamics.com/whitepaper/radiation-resiliency-of-the-spot-robot-platform/), to improve the lives of its nuclear powerplant workers and reduce on-site hazards. Or local startup [EventFy’s](https://eventfy.io/) efforts to abolish traditional barriers in the human meet-up experience through [Web3](https://www.forbes.com/advisor/investing/cryptocurrency/what-is-web-3-0/), a challenge businesses worldwide face amid an [expanding remote workforce](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/robots-an-efficient-solution-for-the-staffing-crisis/) and the difficulty of the pandemic. This conference opened a window to the free-thinking revolutionaries employing technology as a means of order and improvement in a chaotic world. *Wherever you are on your business journey, OZ is your go-to enabler of digital transformation. Check out what our 25 years of experience can do for you* **[*here*](https://followoz.com/)*.*** **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Events --- ### [Unlock the Benefits of a Data Mesh for Your Tech Organization](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/unlock-the-benefits-of-a-data-mesh-for-your-tech-organization/) **Published:** December 15, 2022 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** For CIOs, CTOs, and other senior executives seeking to stay ahead of the curve in terms of [digital transformation initiatives](https://followoz.com/services/digital-solutions/), understanding what a data mesh is—and how it works—is critical. For those leaders [ready to harness](https://followoz.com/contact-us/) the scope and myriad benefits of this powerful cutting-edge data management technology, we present the following concise-yet-thorough guide. ### **What Is a Data Mesh?** Data mesh is a decentralized data architecture that enables organizations to store and manage their data in a more organized way. It allows for the producers of a given dataset—i.e., those better able to understand its domain—to have more ownership over that data. It achieves this goal by dividing data within an organization into distinct business domains—marketing, sales, customer service, etcetera—while reducing complexity by allowing users access only to relevant information rather than all available datasets. The benefits of such an approach include… - - Increased efficiency when accessing or manipulating large amounts of data - Sidestepping the need for complex ETL processes which often require manual intervention - Dramatically fewer errors associated with these processes - More time for higher-value tasks - Secure access control—each user will only be granted access based on their specific role or permission level within the organization’s network structure. ### **How Does a Data Mesh Work?** A data mesh consists of three main components: - - **An event bus for real-time communication between services:** This enables services to communicate with each other in real-time without having to rely on centralized databases or message queues. - **An API gateway to provide access to all microservices:** This allows users to access multiple microservices from one single point, making it easier for developers to build applications using this architecture. - **A distributed database:** This stores events as immutable logs which are then used by various services within the system. With a data mesh architecture, there is no need for centralizing all your organization’s [datasets](https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/what-is-data-set) into one place since they can be stored across different nodes in the network. This helps improve scalability since you don’t have any single points of failure or bottlenecks when dealing with large amounts of traffic or requests coming from different sources at once. Additionally, because each node only holds part of the total dataset instead of all its parts combined in one place like traditional architectures do, it makes it much harder for malicious actors to gain access to and manipulate your organization’s sensitive information than in traditional centralized architectures. ### **Advantages of Using a Data Mesh** Data mesh offers several advantages to businesses: - - **Improved Accessibility and Security:** Data mesh allows users to access the data they need quickly without having to navigate complex systems or worry about [potential security risks](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/empower-digital-transformation-securely-oz-chief-solutions-officer-emmanuel-ramos-expertise-on-display-at-south-florida-innovation-day/). This makes it easier for organizations to manage their data while also ensuring its safety from unauthorized access or malicious attacks. Additionally, since the data is stored in multiple locations across different domains, it can be accessed more easily by authorized personnel when needed. - **Increased Agility and Scalability:** With a data mesh architecture, organizations can respond quickly to changing business needs by making on-the-fly adjustments with minimal disruption of operations. Further, because of its distributed nature, a data mesh can scale up or down depending on demand without compromising performance or reliability. - **Enhanced Governance and Compliance:** By separating out individual datasets into distinct domains based on their purpose—such as marketing, sales, and customer service—a data mesh helps ensure that all relevant regulations are met at each stage of the process. This makes it easier for companies to maintain regulatory compliance while still providing efficient access to the necessary information for decision-making purposes. A data mesh also provides a viable alternative to the traditional monolithic approach of using a single centralized data lake. Data meshes are designed to be more resilient, flexible, and scalable than data lakes by allowing each system to access its own copy of the same underlying dataset. This allows organizations to quickly respond to changing needs without having to completely rebuild their entire infrastructure or migrate all their data into one place. Additionally, data meshes are designed to be more secure than data lakes since each system is responsible for its own security measures. ### **Best Practices for Implementing a Data Mesh** To ensure your organization has the right infrastructure, goals, and requirements in place to build an effective data mesh solution you should: - - **Assess Your Current Infrastructure:** This includes evaluating existing systems and applications as well as understanding how they interact with each other. It also involves determining which areas need improvement or require additional resources to support the new architecture. Additionally, assessing your current infrastructure will help identify any potential issues that could arise during the implementation or operation of the data mesh. - **Define Your Business Goals and Requirements:** After assessing your current infrastructure, it is important to define clear business goals and requirements for the project. This should include identifying key objectives such as improved security or increased scalability, as well as outlining specific technical requirements like storage capacity or performance metrics needed from the system. Having these goals clearly defined will help guide decisions throughout the rest of the process. - **Choose the Right Technology Stack:** Once you have identified your business goals and requirements, you can begin selecting technologies that meet those needs while also providing optimal performance for your environment. Consider factors such as cost-effectiveness, scalability options, compatibility with existing systems, ease-of-use for developers/administrators etc., when making this decision so that you choose a solution that meets all of your criteria without sacrificing quality or functionality. - **Establish clear governance policies:** These policies should cover topics such as who has access rights, what types of information are stored on each domain, how long records are kept, etc. By establishing these rules upfront, it helps ensure compliance with regulations while also protecting sensitive information from unauthorized users. ### **Conclusion** Data mesh is a new approach to data architecture that aims to provide more flexible, resilient, and scalable solutions for managing data across an organization. It provides a decentralized, distributed model of data management that allows organizations to better manage their data at scale while still allowing for autonomy and control over the underlying infrastructure. Data mesh also enables organizations to quickly adapt to changing business needs by providing access to different types of data sources in real time without having to worry about complex migrations or integrations. Ultimately, it helps companies become more agile and responsive in their decision-making process. To access expert advice on implementing and leveraging data mesh solutions, [contact OZ today](https://followoz.com/contact-us/). Contact an Expert: EMMANUEL RAMOS OZ Chief Solutions Officer +1-800-443-5210 **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Tech Services --- ### [OZ Sponsors the Future at Accelerate Pitch Night](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/oz-sponsors-the-future-at-accelerate-pitch-night/) **Published:** December 15, 2022 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** Could America’s national pastime provide a blueprint for its entrepreneurial future? [Alan B. Levan \| NSU Broward Center of Innovation](https://www.nova.edu/innovation/index.html) Executive Director Dr. Jon Wensveen—perhaps [unsurprisingly](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/building-the-entrepreneurs-field-of-dreams-a-conversation-with-alan-b-levan-nsu-broward-center-of-innovation-chief-innovation-officer-john-wensveen/)—believes it very well could be. “Most incubators and accelerators try to figure out how to get you to first base,” Wensveen told the audience of mentors and mentees gathered last Tuesday for the Center’s Accelerate Pitch Night. “And there’s nothing wrong with that. \[But\] we reverse engineer the lifecycle of what you must go through by defining your success at the beginning of the journey—regardless of which stage you’re in—starting at third base and then bringing the entire process under this purpose-built 54,000 square foot space.” The event marked the end of the inaugural 12-week Accelerator Cohort program, of which OZ served as the [title sponsor](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/south-florida-based-digital-consultancy-accelerates-startup-journeys-at-nsu/). Representatives of the program’s success were five out of the seven “graduating” entrepreneurs with varying revenue goals, raised capital, and industries due to deliver an exchange of passionate pitches in with feedback from judges. “I’m telling you, the difference in quality and caliber of their presentations is remarkable,” OZ Chief Revenue Officer [Doug Cohen](https://www.linkedin.com/in/dougcohen1/), who worked directly with the cohort, said. “My colleagues and I are grateful we’ve had the chance to work with these entrepreneurs and innovators.” And with certificates in hand, what are the next steps for these world-changing Florida locals? The four-phase lifecycle approach to the founder’s journey begins with Ideate, then Incubate and Accelerate, and finally ends with the aptly named post-Accelerate program. Moving forward, graduates with proven profitability get the opportunity to expand to a global enterprise level*.* From connections leveraged through initiatives like Country Desk, founders can access exclusive meetings, international resources, and the knowledge necessary to achieve IPO. *From ideation to co-creation and application development, OZ has empowered innovators across South Florida for over 25 years. To begin or rev up your own digital transformation journey* [*contact us*](https://followoz.com/contact-us/)*.* **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Events --- ### [The Power of Customer 360](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/the-power-of-customer-360/) **Published:** December 21, 2022 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** For businesses that wish to remain competitive in the digital age, an accurate, up-to-date 360-degree view of a customer’s data is no longer a luxury but a necessity. Of course, achieving such insight and advantage can often seem easier said than done—especially without an experienced partner in your corner. So here, courtesy of [OZ](https://followoz.com/), is a concise-yet-comprehensive guide to leveraging the power of data analytics, enterprise integration, intelligent automation, web/mobile applications, and cloud and IT services, to unlock a game-changing Customer 360 view for your business. #### **What is Customer 360?** Customer 360 is an all-encompassing view of a customer that captures data from every interaction and touchpoint. This comprehensive understanding of the customer allows businesses to provide personalized experiences at scale, build deeper relationships, and improve retention rates. It empowers companies with a single source of truth about their customers so they can make better decisions faster. #### **Benefits of a 360-Degree View of Customer Data** Customer 360 provides invaluable insights into customer behavior, preferences, and buying patterns which can be used to create more targeted marketing campaigns and personalize offers for each individual consumer. With this information in hand, businesses can tailor products or services to meet the specific needs of their customers while providing them with an improved experience overall. Further, having access to detailed customer data helps organizations identify trends to anticipate future demand, increase customer loyalty and satisfaction, and uncover opportunities for sales conversions and growth. Finally, implementing a Customer 360 strategy also helps improve operational performance by providing actionable insights into areas where improvements may be needed—enabling organizations to not only respond faster but also anticipate future needs based on past behaviors which ultimately drives revenue growth over time, #### **Achieving True Customer 360** To get the most out of your customer 360 strategy, you need to integrate data from all departments and touchpoints into one central repository, requiring careful planning and execution. Important areas of focus include: - - **Integrate data sources.** Integrating multiple sources of customer data is key to creating an accurate picture of each individual customer. The first step is identifying which sources are relevant to your business. These could include CRM systems, marketing automation tools, analytics platforms, or even social media accounts. Once you have identified all the necessary sources, you need to decide how they will be connected–whether through APIs or manual processes such as CSV files or spreadsheets. Finally, you must ensure that all incoming data is consistent across channels so that it can be accurately analyzed down the line. - **Automate where possible.** Manually transferring large amounts of data between different systems can take up valuable time and resources – so automating certain processes wherever possible can help streamline operations significantly. For example, automated rules-based triggers can alert staff when customers reach certain milestones—e.g., making their first purchase—or send them tailored offers based on past behavior patterns—such as buying specific products. Automation also helps ensure accuracy by eliminating human error from manual tasks like inputting information into databases or updating records with new details about customers’ preferences or interests over time. - **Analyze your data.** Once all your data has been integrated into one place, it’s time to start analyzing it in order to gain insights into your customers’ needs and behaviors, individually and collectively, as part of larger trends within your industry sector. You should look at factors such as purchasing habits, frequency/duration/time spent engaging with content, response rates for campaigns, website usage stats, etcetera then use this information to segment audiences according to common characteristics. Doing this allows you to target them more effectively with relevant messaging that resonates with their interests, Additionally, by understanding what drives conversions for different types of users, businesses are able to identify opportunities for improvement throughout their entire sales funnel. - **Don’t forget to monitor.** Keeping track of metrics such as click-through rates, conversion rates, and engagement levels can give an indication if changes need to be made to adjust tactics accordingly. This could include refining targeting strategies, optimizing landing pages, or tweaking email copy; staying agile ensures success now and future growth potential too. #### **Challenges of Implementing a Customer 360 Strategy** A successful Customer 360 strategy requires significant resources including time, money, and personnel as well as sophisticated technology solutions such as analytics tools and enterprise integration platforms. Here are a few potential issues to consider: - - **Data Quality Issues.** One of the biggest challenges in implementing a customer 360 strategy is ensuring data quality. Data must be accurate and up to date to provide an effective view of customers. Poorly maintained databases or siloed systems can lead to incomplete or inaccurate data which will not provide an accurate picture of customers. To ensure data accuracy, companies should implement processes for regularly auditing their databases and integrating multiple sources into one unified system. - - **Siloed Data Sources.** Another challenge when implementing a customer 360 strategy is dealing with siloed data sources that are spread across different departments within the company. This makes it difficult to get an integrated view of all customer interactions as each department may have its own version of the truth about customers based on their own datasets. Companies need to develop strategies for consolidating these disparate datasets into one unified source to gain access to complete information about customers from every angle. - **Lack of IT Resources.** Implementing a customer 360 strategy also requires significant resources from IT teams who often lack the time or expertise needed for such projects due to other priorities within the organization. Companies should consider outsourcing certain aspects of this project, if necessary, to free up internal resources and ensure successful implementation without sacrificing quality or speed. (Enter OZ 360.) - **Ecosystem-wide buy-in.** Companies must also ensure that all departments have access to the same version of the truth about the customer for it to be effective across multiple channels—something which may require changes in organizational structure or processes within certain teams. - **Regulatory compliance.** Any new system must adhere strictly with applicable privacy regulations such as GDPR or CCPA depending on where your business operates geographically. #### **Conclusion** By creating a unified view of customer data across all departments, businesses can leverage the power of analytics to better understand their customers and create more personalized experiences. Implementing a Customer 360 strategy may present some challenges, but with the right tools and processes in place it can be an invaluable asset for any organization looking to stay ahead of the competition. With its ability to provide actionable insights from every interaction with customers, Customer 360 should be part of any company’s overall business strategy. *Your customers are three-dimensional. Now your data—and ROI—can reflect that.* *With* *OZ 360* *you can now reconcile specific customer data across multiple databases, leveraging householding logic to significantly improve CX, customer retention, and profitability.* [*Contact us*](https://followoz.com/contact-us/) *to get started.* **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Tech Services --- ### [The hospitality industry is back—and digital transformation is on the 2023 menu](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/the-hospitality-industry-is-back-and-digital-transformation-is-on-the-2023-menu/) **Published:** December 22, 2022 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** The hospitality industry came roaring back in 2022—but no one is planning to rest on laurels in 2023. Here are three ways post-COVID hospitality will get back to the future in the year ahead… #### **1. Specialized guest interactions** Guests staying at hotels and resorts have come to expect individualized treatment through customer recognition. Separating yourself from the competition means tailoring your value proposition toward targeted offers and experiences that demonstrate a clear understanding of guest preference and value. Gaining a [360-degree view](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/the-power-of-customer-360/) of your customer is essential for creating valuable campaigns that drive profits and prove guest worth. #### **2. Experience gone digital** Digital transformation has taken hospitality by storm with online guest services and contactless technology. Creating a network of end-to-end communication for your systems to seamlessly use technology like facial recognition check-in or NFC payments around your hotel is critical to the modern guest experience. Just as crucial to their personalized visit is ensuring those systems are always maintained and operational with 24/7 online chat support. #### **3. Innovative staffing answers** The pandemic flipped the script on traditional staffing for many reasons. Line employees have stepped up to middle management, often with little or no training, out of necessity to fill a vacant role. It created a deficit between customer service, exceptional service, and employee satisfaction. Now is the time to take advantage of smart solutions like [LG’s CLOi ServeBot](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/robots-an-efficient-solution-for-the-staffing-crisis/)—an intelligently automated service assistant designed to navigate areas with limited maneuverability—to put customers back into focus while increasing the time management can spend on advanced training. *Ready to take charge of your business destiny in the year to come? Visit our* [*hospitality page*](https://followoz.com/industries/hospitality/) *to find out how we can improve digital initiatives that transform your systems and organization.* **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Hospitality --- ### [Innovation in Insurance Moves from Better Data to Truly Digital](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/innovation-in-insurance-moves-from-better-data-to-truly-digital/) **Published:** December 27, 2022 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** A new era of digital transformation is knocking on the insurance industry’s door. Will it answer? The *ayes* here are less equivocal than ever before: According to a Strategy Meets Action [study](https://strategymeetsaction.com/our-research/middle-market-and-large-commercial-lines-underwriting-transformation-the-next-era/) a full 87% of surveyed insurers anticipate substantive changes will come to underwriting over the next five years—a number nearly twenty percentage points higher than in a 2020 survey. On one hand, it should come as no surprise that modernization and the search for greater efficiencies are a perennial issue for insurance professionals. After all, insurance is a complex, constantly evolving industry situated within a challenging, (again) constantly evolving regulatory environment. Yet while other industries transformed data and analytics into customer insights, the same resources in insurance too often got trapped in a traditional underwriting purgatory. Consider the challenges… - - Insurance addresses a wide range of emerging risks, including cyber, changing weather patterns, supply chain bottlenecks, etcetera. This often resulted in silos as insurers launched new products quickly without backward integration into existing platforms. - Profitability volatility, plus long-term declines in auto ownership, led many carriers to shift from personal auto to multiline offerings. Systems often were stretched beyond their intended use to host disparate insurance programs. - Creating a single customer view often requires reaching out to eight or more systems—homes, autos, boats, jet skis, art, small business owners, etcetera. - Underwriters are under intense pressure to respond to brokers, so decisions are made with less-than-optimal information. - Actuarial and pricing models built on limited data sets and prior results can’t reflect current realities and anticipated issues. So, then, how to explain the growing optimism that real—and positive—change is coming to insurance? Well, to paraphrase the great Roman stoic philosopher Seneca’s most enduring maxim—“Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity”—the insurance industry’s luck is about to change because technology is about to meet opportunity. #### **The New (Automation) Deal** Effective transformation doesn’t mean starting from scratch—as more and more CIOs, equipped with ever-more powerful and integrative technologies, are beginning to understand. In a recent Gartner for IT Executives report entitled, *2022 CIO and Technology Executive Agenda: An Insurance Perspective*, for example, notes a fascinating trend in which, rather than being paralyzed by the prospect of completely turning over the entire internal system, many survey respondents indicated they were decreasing legacy system maintenance while simultaneously boosting investment in legacy system modernization and integration. Some eye-opening numbers from that report: - - 41% of insurance respondents reduce spending on maintenance - 57% increasing investment in legacy application modernization - 59% increasing investment in integration technologies/APIs/API architecture Think carefully before replacing systems—particularly if you’ve implemented modifications tailored to your business. The shift to the cloud often reduces customization because you’re working through APIs, requiring hard thinking about how much you want to standardize. Augmentation and evolution—say, machine learning that now helps detect fraudulent applications or potential for claims litigation—can reduce the cost of modernization as well as the analysis paralysis and ecosystem-wide disruption that a wholesale gut-and-replace can cause. The key? Lean into change management. Insurers, in concert with the right data integration and automation tools, can become iterative and agile, measuring incremental success and changing culture through action. #### **The Path Forward** The first priority? Data. Its collection, assembly, and location—i.e., where it’s imaged and added. Fortunately, techniques are available to identify changing customer patterns, evolving risks, product performance, and novel fraud schemes. These include emerging technologies such as: - - **Machine learning (ML)**, can be used to help detect fraudulent applications or potential for claims litigation. - **AI and Natural Language Processing (NLP)**, can be leveraged to digitize both structured and unstructured data from submission documents and forms. - **Robotic Process Automation (RPA)**, can be used to search the web, third-party sites, and social media to collect and aggregate data in a digitized for underwriting, actuarial, and pricing models, providing more data and insights about customers and risks. (Read a real-world case study concerning a global P&C insurance company OZ empowered to consolidate data sources with intelligent automation [here](https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/6318251/Case%20Studies/pdf/IA%20for%20PandC_Case_Study_5.0.pdf?hsCtaTracking=dfc57388-4854-4133-9395-6c25079e31fe%7C8c18a1c1-5c49-4dea-99a5-77dabfa7bc00).) Leveraging these technologies and Big Data provides a proven path forward for innovation and digital transformation to effectively address the complexities inherent to insurance. - - **Leverage what you got.** Legacy systems can be part of the solution. In many cases, insights-driven digital transformation does not require legacy system replacement. Often Application modernization and API Architecture can provide the foundation for digital transformation. - **Lean into innovation and change management.** Insurers can become iterative and agile, measuring incremental success and changing culture through action. - **Have a Strategy.** Build a plan that integrates incremental application modernization and digital transformation concurrently—versus one and then the other. Innovation and digital transformation should be the driver—or at least one of the key drivers—for how you modernize your applications. - **Create a “Single Source of Truth.”** A single integrated view of the customer often requires reaching out to eight or more systems—homes, autos, boats, jet skies, art, small business owners, and more—as well as distribution partners. While many have Chief Innovation Officers and departments, data analytics & Insights development, and digital transformation initiatives, many of these investments have not been implemented or have yielded less than the expected outcomes. Largely due to both employee and leadership resistance and the lack of a proven, agile and iterative, repeatable change management process for implementing systems, process, and decision-making changes into their operations. Many insurance companies begin with programs to automate to increase efficiency. [Most P&C insurers (62%) have deployed or are ready to pilot RPA](https://aite-novarica.com/report/emerging-technology-pc-insurers-2022-artificial-intelligence-chatbots-cloud-computing) to automate repetitive back-office functions. And the majority think [AI will improve operational efficiency](https://research.aimultiple.com/ai-underwriting/) (56%). It’s possible to shift without breaking the system. For example, we commonly see thousands of rules embedded in legacy systems. Even changing just one rule requires having to test everything. By pulling thousands of lines of code and logic out to a rules engine, changes can be made faster and managed with confidence that they won’t break other rules. What will this look like in practice? For underwriters, digitized data can be consolidated on an easily accessible dashboard—ideally with links to the actual documents—so that they can make better decisions faster. Further, such streamlining and processing upgrades can help get underwriters closer to the holy grail of an end-to-end underwriting platform and the “two-question quote,” requiring only the insured’s name plus one other piece of data. For carriers, digitization makes it easier to fully leverage the power and scope of Big Data, even as they expand the use of third-party data to make underwriting algorithms more effective and profitable. In short, leveraging technologies designed for integration with existing systems, including APIs and microservices, drives transformation faster than a full administration platform implementation. Think of it as upgrading the plumbing rather than tearing down the house. #### **Get the People Part Right** The big challenge is organizational change management. Companies are either reactive or proactive in leveraging these emergent technologies to transform and innovate, adapting to constantly changing expectations and environments while driving digital transformation. Insurance companies are accelerating digital business transformation for long-term growth and profitability. Gartner finds that “the transformation journey is taking large \[insurance\] enterprises especially at least twice as long and costing twice as much as they originally anticipated.” Although technology is undoubtedly complicated, it’s less complex than people. Talented people expect to have the tools they need. [Roughly 60% of underwriters said the quality of their organizations’ processes and tools required improvements.](https://riskandinsurance.com/we-talked-to-hundreds-of-insurance-underwriters-what-they-have-to-say-may-surprise-you/) [Blended AI and human intelligence is the future.](https://riskandinsurance.com/we-talked-to-hundreds-of-insurance-underwriters-what-they-have-to-say-may-surprise-you/) Successful execution builds trust by developing proven, repeatable processes and following them through implementation. They also need accountable leadership to drive digital transformation, and leading companies are adding chief digital officers to the C-suite. #### **Separate the Signal from the Noise** Every other industry has pushed data and analytics into customer insights, whereas insurance has applied insights into traditional underwriting. Few insurers have achieved a 360-degree view of personal or commercial lines customers. This impacts customer experience at every point. For example, if call center representatives don’t have the complete picture, they can’t recommend the next-best action. The result? Another customer opportunity is lost to a static and reactive process. There’s a two-fold opportunity to use better data analytics: - - Push that intelligence back into actuarial and pricing models - Develop better CX, CLTV, and producer relationships [Nine out of ten insurers expect to increase spending on digital ](https://emtemp.gcom.cloud/ngw/globalassets/en/information-technology/documents/2022-cio-agenda-cuts/2022-cio-agenda-ebook-insurance.pdf)products/services (89%), digital channels to reach customers (88%), and digital self-service options (85%). These trends will transform the customer experience and competitive landscape over the next few years. Profitability requires a deep understanding of risks and exposures and the ability to raise that business intelligence throughout the underwriting process. Property underwriting requires analytics to uncover “hidden” accumulation of risk from hurricanes and earthquakes. Lastly, more than committed leadership and agile methodologies may be required. It often makes sense to leverage outside expertise and emerging technology changes so rapidly—e.g., AI, machine learning, natural language processing, and the move to the cloud. Existing business demands all the resources available. And insurance systems can’t be down for an hour. With talent at a premium, insurers can leverage outside talent to upskill and move in-house resources forward. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the trend toward digital. [Insurance carriers reported a 77% increase in digital underwriting activity and a 76% increase in digital claims volume.](https://aite-novarica.com/report/emerging-technology-pc-insurers-2022-artificial-intelligence-chatbots-cloud-computing) The future is digital, and insurers recognize time’s not on their side. The rewards for confidently moving forward will include better outcomes and more satisfied customers. \_\_ OZ [partners with insurers](https://followoz.com/industries/property-casualty-insurance-in-intelligent-automation/) to leverage AI and intelligent workflow solutions for Underwriting, Claims, submissions, call centers, and renewal workflows. Contact [Mark Smith](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-b-smith-7b767b5/), President of the Global Insurance Practice and Insurance Practice Leader, to discuss how enhanced analytics and Intelligent Automation can enhance profitability and customer experience. **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Insurance --- ### [Cybercrime is on the rise. Here’s how to protect yourself](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/cybercrime-is-on-the-rise-heres-how-to-protect-yourself/) **Published:** December 29, 2022 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** Cybersecurity—also known as information technology (IT) security—is an intertwined collection of processes and protocols designed to detect and combat any threat leveraged against networked systems and applications, whether originating from within or outside the organization. A smart, effective approach to cybersecurity is needed now more than ever: IBM [reported](https://www.ibm.com/downloads/cas/3R8N1DZJ) that in 2022 the average cost of a data breach reached a record high of $4.35 million globally and $9.4 million in the United States. An increase of 12.7% and 8.7%, respectively, since 2020. Costs include the time required to discover and respond to the breach, downtime and lost revenue, and any reputational damage dealt to a business and its brand. Most of us are familiar with those quarterly emails from corporate requesting that you change your password in the name of cybersecurity. But is there more to best practices aside from creating a[ new login](https://www.mcafee.com/learn/how-often-should-you-change-your-passwords/)? Absolutely. Cybercriminals are masters of deception, often targeting an employee or customer’s personally identifiable information (PII)—Social Security numbers, names, addresses, credit card information, etc.—and selling them through digital underground marketplaces. This tarnishes your organization and causes a loss of customer trust, fines, and possibly legal action. Issues are only amplified by disparate systems and a need for in-house expertise. The good news? With a holistic approach, you *can* protect yourself. Combatting cybercrime, including cyber-attacks attempting to access, alter, access, or destroy data; phishing for an employee or customer PII; or disrupting day-to-day operations is as easy as deploying the proper countermeasures. Your corresponding cybersecurity strategy should address the following six points of potential vulnerability: - - **Critical infrastructure security** – Measures or practices for protecting networks, systems, and other assets critical to national security, economic health, public safety, and other services that would otherwise have a debilitating impact on our society if affected. - **Network security** – Security practices and policies adopted to deflect and monitor unauthorized access, misuse, or modification of both wired and wireless (WI-Fi) connections. - **Application security** – Security built into applications during initial design, addressing data management and handling, as well as user authentication both on-premise and in the cloud. - **Cloud security** – Quickly becoming one of the [quickest-expanding](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/3-takeaways-from-aws-reinvent-2022/) technologies, proper cloud security requires end-to-end encryption to authorized users. Data must be protected in storage, as it travels, and during processing to fully support customer privacy and regulatory compliance. - **Information security** – Data protection measures for securing your most sensitive data from theft, exposure, or unauthorized access as outlined in resources like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). - **End-user education** – Not to be overlooked by the seemingly unwilling, fostering security awareness across your organization is essential to strengthening endpoint security. For example, users can be educated to recognize suspicious emails, delete nefarious attachments, and refrain from unknown devices access to your network. - **Disaster recovery** – Business continuity in times of crisis is key. Have tools and procedures in place to account for natural disasters, power outages, or cybersecurity events that would otherwise disrupt operations. Your comprehensive cybersecurity strategy should be a conglomerate of best practices and automated technology to fight the mounting digital onslaught. *Ready to build or upgrade your cybersecurity regime?* [*Contact us*](https://followoz.com/contact-us/) *for all things advanced analytics, AI, and machine learning that power safer security solutions.* **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Tech Services --- ### [A Virtual World of Possibilities](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/a-virtual-world-of-possibilities/) **Published:** January 27, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** The real magic behind the success of virtual reality (VR)—and the outpouring of resources to perfect it—is the suspension of disbelief. We enter a world uniquely tailored to the human element, much like when reading a book or watching a movie, for specific experiences that are otherwise impossible. Virtual reality allows us to explore any simulated environment—a safe space where you can dive into interpersonal relationships uninhibited by sickness, location, or political boundaries. And the pandemic is the perfect example of how technology, paired with this principle, allows us to skyrocket past physical barriers and into a “new normal.” VR offers endless potential for the consumer market, from browsing a binary grocery store without leaving your house to playing games that help diagnose ADHD. But it’s also a powerhouse for enterprise applications, especially with Web 3.0 integration. Here are a few ways VR is evolving business… 1. **Immersive sales and marketing presentations** Nike recently partnered with Roblox to create the ultimate sales and marketing conglomerate, NIKELAND. Although atypical in the way it promotes shoes and clothing through an online movement-based game with over 7 million active users, it proves the viability of leveraging digitally rendered 3D products. Broader uses could include potential customers browsing a virtual showroom floor for their next vehicle or even running application demos on a virtual machine (VM) for clients in any setting. 2. **Employee Training** Employee education and training are critical for organizations with hazardous work environments. Learning and development programs lay the groundwork for their success. VR can enable employees to emulate anything from exit procedures to assembly lines and avoid common on-site injuries. 3. **Remote Collaboration** Teams rely on cohesion to promote growth and work culture, often coming against its common adversary: distance. A virtual office space gives employees a social presence experience no matter where they are and—in the case of companies like EventFy—even offer end-to-end encrypted events and private meeting spaces. VR has finally reached the intersection of capability and affordability—now is the time to take advantage of it. Adopting the latest technology to augment your organization may be your key to competitive advantage. Contact us to kickstart your digital transformation journey with our suite of tools and services for virtual integration. **Categories:** Blog --- ### [Take full ownership of your resources with a data mesh architecture](https://followoz.com/resources/forbes/take-full-ownership-of-your-resources-with-a-data-mesh-architecture/) **Published:** January 27, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** A couple of weeks ago, OZ Chief Solutions Officer [Emmanuel Ramos](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mannyramos/) provided a concise-yet-comprehensive primer on data mesh in this article. Now, he’s returned to flesh out the topic even further over at *Forbes* in a piece entitled [“Exploring the Benefits of a Data Mesh for Your Organization.”](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/unlock-the-benefits-of-a-data-mesh-for-your-tech-organization/) An excerpt: With a data mesh architecture, there is no need for centralizing all your organization’s datasets into one place since they can be stored across different nodes in the network. This helps improve scalability since you don’t have any single points of failure or bottlenecks when dealing with large amounts of traffic or requests from different sources simultaneously. Organizing datasets according to their respective business domains (e.g., marketing) allows producers to take full ownership and control over who has access rights at any given time due to its decentralized nature. This means that not everyone will have unrestricted access, even if they manage to get past security measures put into place around certain nodes. Check out the entire article [here](https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2022/12/26/exploring-the-benefits-of-a-data-mesh-for-your-organization/?sh=5a00bbf33159). **Categories:** Blog, OZ in Forbes **Tags:** Forbes --- ### [The secret to Microsoft Azure cost optimization](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/the-secret-to-microsoft-azure-cost-optimization/) **Published:** January 27, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** In the ever-evolving world of cloud technology, is essential for tech leaders to stay informed about cost optimization strategies. To this end, Microsoft Azure provides a range of tools and features that enable businesses to reduce costs while leveraging their cloud usage practices. But what are the secrets to maximizing your return on investment with Azure Cost Optimization? ### **Understanding Azure Cost Optimization** Azure Cost Optimization is a process of reducing the costs associated with using Microsoft Azure cloud services through automation or resource optimization. It involves understanding and analyzing usage patterns, leveraging discounts and credits, automating tasks to reduce manual effort and errors, right-sizing resources to control consumption, and establishing policies for long-term cost management. Additionally, it can help you leverage discounts and credits offered by Microsoft as well as implement strategies such as reserved instances to further reduce expenses without compromising quality or reliability. Organizations that take advantage of cost optimization techniques maximize return on investment (ROI) when utilizing the Azure platform, saving money while still maintaining the same level of performance from their applications running on the cloud platform. ### **Common Challenges with Azure Cost Optimization** One common challenge faced when attempting cost optimization in the cloud environment is understanding how different components interact with each other and accurately measuring utilization levels across all resources being utilized within an organization’s architecture stack. Further, some users may not have access rights necessary for making changes which could potentially lead to wasted spending if left unchecked over time due to incorrect configurations or mismanagement issues related to data governance models implemented at scale within larger enterprises. Finally, there may also be regulatory compliance requirements that must be taken into account to ensure solutions do not conflict with existing laws governing data storage and handling practices in certain jurisdictions around the world. By understanding the basics of Azure Cost Optimization, you can better analyze your cloud usage practices and identify areas for improvement to optimize your costs. ### **Analyzing Your Cloud Usage Practices** Microsoft Cost Management and Azure Advisor are two powerful tools that can help you analyze your cloud usage practices. With Microsoft Cost Management, advanced analytics and detailed insights into resource utilization allow you to track, allocate, and optimize costs across all your Azure services. For example, if a particular application requires more computing power during peak hours but less during off-peak hours, it may be beneficial to scale up or down as needed instead of maintaining a constant level of resource utilization. Azure Advisor is a free service that helps you optimize the performance, security, availability, reliability, and cost-effectiveness of your Azure resources. It analyzes the configuration of each resource to recommend best practices for optimizing performance and reducing costs. For example, it might suggest right-sizing an underutilized virtual machine or turning off unused resources to save money on computing charges. Establishing benchmarks for successful optimization is key when analyzing cloud usage practices. You should set goals based on what is achievable with current technology as well as plans for growth or expansion within the organization. This will allow you to measure progress over time and ensure that any optimizations made are having a positive impact on both efficiency and cost savings. ### **Best Practices for Long-Term Cost Management in the Cloud** When it comes to long-term cost management in the cloud, there are several best practices that should be adopted - **Developing an Effective Governance Model:** Having a well-defined governance model in place is critical for successful long-term cost management in the cloud environment. This involves defining roles and responsibilities among stakeholders as well as outlining expectations regarding resource allocation, access control, monitoring activities, etc. It’s important to begin by establishing clear guidelines so everyone involved understands their role within the organization’s overall cost management strategy. - **Implementing Automation Strategies to Monitor Usage and Costs:** Automating certain tasks related to cost management can help reduce manual effort while also providing more accurate data on usage patterns across different services or departments within an organization. Automated tools such as Microsoft Cost Management or Azure Advisor provide insights into where resources are being used most efficiently (or inefficiently), which allows teams to identify areas where improvements could be made or additional savings could be realized over time by optimizing existing infrastructure or implementing new technologies such as reserved instances, or discounts/credits programs offered by cloud providers like Azure. - **Establishing Policies to Ensure Compliance with Budgetary Goals:** For organizations to successfully manage costs over time, they must set up policies that clearly define budget targets at both individual service level and organizational level based on business objectives and the expected growth trajectory of the company going forward. These policies should include specific measures designed to monitor spending against these targets on a regular basis, allowing teams to proactively address any issues before they become major problems down the line. By following best practices for long-term cost management in the cloud, organizations can ensure they are getting the most out of their investments while remaining compliant with regulatory requirements. Moving forward, we will explore how to maximize your return on investment with Azure Cost Optimization. ### **Conclusion** The secrets to Azure cost optimization lie in understanding your cloud usage practices, implementing strategies for reducing costs, and following best practices for long-term cost management. By leveraging the tools Microsoft Azure provides for cost optimization and cloud management, organizations can gain insights into their cloud usage practices that will help them maximize their return on investment. With careful planning and a commitment to staying up to date with the latest technologies available through Azure, businesses can ensure they are making the most of their resources while optimizing costs. *Are you looking for ways to optimize your Azure costs? Our experienced team of experts will provide customized solutions tailored to fit the specific needs of your organization. We understand that cost optimization is a key factor in driving business progress and are here to ensure you get the most out of every dollar spent on Azure.* **[*Contact us*](https://followoz.com/)** *today and let us show you how our innovative strategies can revolutionize your cloud-based operations.* **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Forbes --- ### [Building Insurance Industry Resilience](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/building-insurance-industry-resilience/) **Published:** January 27, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** Building an agile, yet highly resilient business is essential to weather future disruptive changes, maintain relevance, and remain competitive—but, in an era of pandemic aftershocks, rising inflation, and the impact of climate change, that often feels easier said than done, doesn’t it? In this environment—both literally and theoretically—insurance companies are expected to provide protection against ever-evolving risk while simultaneously effectively navigating market volatility and managing expenses. This often requires taking a closer look at critical processes and leveraging transformative technologies to implement intelligent workflow automation solutions. [Robotic Process Automation (RPA)](https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/financial-services/our-insights/the-value-of-robotic-process-automation), Machine Learning (ML), AI, and Natural Language Processing (NLP), for example, have matured over recent years providing insurers opportunities to apply intelligent automation to traditionally manual and difficult-to-automate processes. Insights into the process have become increasingly valuable—if not outright essential. Accelerating digital transformation and driving operational improvements and efficiencies will be a critical part of establishing a resiliency roadmap. [Process discovery](https://www.ibm.com/topics/process-mining?) provides an ideal blueprint for automating critical business tasks, illuminating how processes truly work, identifying the interaction between people and technology across an end-to-end workflow, exposing manually performed activities requiring human intervention, and revealing additional intelligent workflow automation opportunities—all leading to actionable insights to improve operational efficiency and customer experience while reducing costs and processing delays. Apply process discovery in the following three areas to build resilient automation programs: - **Faster claims processing and management**: Considered the most critical process influencing customer experience (CX) and satisfaction. Claims involve an extensive, complex dive into massive amounts of information from documents and other sources. It requires close scrutiny to avoid fraudulent claims and litigation but remains a highly error-prone manual process. OZ Global Consulting utilizes its [process discovery tools](https://followoz.com/services/data-analytics-ai/) to empower insurers to spot deviations easily and identify areas of optimization. It institutes an objective framework for deciding which leading RPA tools are best for meeting customer demands. - **Improve compliance**: PCI standards, HIPAA, and tax laws make up some of the compliance and regulatory standards guiding the insurance industry. Standards that, when breached, results in fines, lost revenue, and reduced customer trust. And since audits occur in consistent intervals, the chances are high for inconsistencies between now and the next audit. Process discovery brings transparency that marries accuracy and fact-based compliance checking. A step-by-step visualization of current processes helps you target compliance issues with complete visibility. From this bird’s eye view, you can detect inconsistencies in real time and perform root analysis to know what went wrong with a solution in hand. - **Increase operational efficiency**: Business processes for insurers are increasingly complex—from administering policies to pricing new ones to addressing customer claim inquiries. They may even require underwriters to apply specific rules according to geocodes, inspection reports, and credit history. Leveraging process discovery tools to understand processes end-to-end is the starting point for building an [intelligent workflow automation roadmap](https://followoz.com/services/enterprise-applications-integration/) and resilient operating model in preparation for future disruptive events. *For twenty-five years, OZ has helped companies accelerate their Digital Transformation and become more resilient. Contact President of Global Insurance Practice***[ *Mark Smith*](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-b-smith-7b767b5/)** *to learn more.* **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Insurance --- ### [Unlocking the Secrets of Intelligent Workflow Automation](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/unlocking-the-secrets-of-intelligent-workflow-automation/) **Published:** January 27, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** The world of technology is ever-evolving and becoming increasingly complex. To remain ahead of the competition, businesses must take advantage of every opportunity to increase efficiency and optimize processes. Intelligent workflow automation offers a powerful way to do just that…but there are secrets you need to know before implementing this technology in your organization. ### **What is Intelligent Workflow Automation?** Intelligent Workflow Automation (IWA) is a process that utilizes software and algorithms to automate complex tasks that would otherwise require manual labor or human intervention. It enables businesses to streamline operations, reduce costs, and improve efficiency by automating repetitive processes such as data entry, customer service inquiries, or billing. IWA can be used for both simple and complex workflows across multiple departments within an organization. Though the primary benefit of intelligent workflow automation is improved efficiency in business operations due to the elimination of manual labor associated with mundane tasks, it also reduces errors caused by human error since it follows predetermined rules set up during implementation. Furthermore, this technology can help increase productivity levels since automated processes are often faster than those done manually—thus freeing up time for employees to focus on other areas where they may be needed more urgently. Finally, IWA helps organizations save money in the long run due to reduced overhead costs associated with hiring additional staff members or outsourcing services related to certain tasks that have been automated through IWA technologies. To ensure successful implementation, however, it is important to identify the right use cases, develop an effective strategy and select the right tools and technologies. ### **How to Implement Intelligent Workflow Automation** To ensure a successful implementation of intelligent workflow automation, there are three key steps: - Identifying the right use cases - Developing an effective strategy - Selecting the right tools and technologies The first step in implementing intelligent workflow automation is to identify which processes would benefit most from automation. Organizations should consider factors such as frequency of execution, the complexity of tasks involved, potential cost savings from automating manual labor-intensive processes, and any existing legacy systems or applications that could be integrated into the automated system. Once these use cases have been identified they should be thoroughly evaluated to determine their suitability for automation. After identifying suitable use cases for intelligent workflow automation, it is important to develop a comprehensive strategy outlining how each process will be automated. This includes deciding on the best approach—e.g., scripting vs machine learning—setting up rules governing when certain tasks should be executed automatically versus manually by humans (if applicable), determining what data needs to be collected during each step of the process in order to track performance metrics accurately over time, and establishing appropriate security protocols around access control and data privacy measures. ### **Best Practices for Optimizing Intelligent Workflow Automations** Optimizing intelligent workflow automation is essential for achieving desired outcomes. Establishing clear goals and objectives before implementation is key to successful automation. Without a well-defined plan, it can be challenging to measure success and identify areas for improvement. Data analysis can provide valuable insights into how best to utilize resources available within an organization such as personnel or technology platforms in order to get the most out of automated processes without sacrificing the quality or reliability of service delivery—while simultaneously ensuring that performance and efficiency are improved over time. Leveraging AI and machine learning technologies is another way organizations can optimize their intelligent workflow automations by enabling them to not only process large amounts of information quickly but also gain insight into patterns within this data which may have otherwise gone unnoticed had manual methods been used instead. For example, predictive analytics algorithms could be used to detect potential issues before they arise, allowing companies to take preemptive measures to address any problems promptly. ### **Common Pitfalls to Avoid When Implementing Intelligent Workflow Automations** Aside from failing to set clear goals and objectives beforehand, one of the most common pitfalls when implementing IWAs is not considering all possible variables that could affect the outcome of the process. For example, if an automated system relies on input from humans, then there ought to be safeguards in place in case someone makes an error or fails to provide the necessary information. Failing to consider these potential issues can lead to costly mistakes down the line. Further, it is essential that any automated system is thoroughly tested before going live as this will help ensure its accuracy and reliability once deployed. This testing should include both functional tests to make sure everything works as expected, and non-functional tests such as stress testing. Additionally, user feedback should also be sought out during this stage so any potential issues can be identified early on and addressed accordingly prior to the launch date. Proper planning and thorough testing are essential when implementing IWAs to ensure successful outcomes. By defining key performance indicators, analyzing data, and utilizing user feedback, you can measure the success of your automation processes. ### **Measuring Success with Intelligent Workflows Automation** Measuring success with intelligent workflow automations is an important step in ensuring that the automation process runs smoothly and efficiently. Key performance indicators (KPIs) can be used to track progress and measure success. KPIs should be tailored to each individual organization’s needs, taking into account specific goals, objectives, and desired outcomes. For example, a KPI could measure the amount of time saved by implementing an automated workflow or the number of errors reduced due to automation. Analyzing data from these KPIs can help identify areas for improvement and allow organizations to make adjustments as needed. Data analysis should focus on identifying trends over time so that any changes made are based on reliable information rather than assumptions or guesswork. Additionally, it’s important to keep track of user feedback when measuring success with IWAs; this will provide valuable insight into how users interact with the system and what improvements they would like to see implemented in order to better meet their needs. Finally, it is essential that organizations take a proactive approach when measuring success with IWAs; this means regularly monitoring performance metrics such as completion rates and error rates to ensure that processes run optimally at all times. Regularly reviewing data from KPIs will also enable organizations to stay ahead of potential issues before they become major problems. ### **Conclusion** By following best practices such as breaking down complex tasks into smaller components, leveraging analytics and AI for decision-making, and avoiding common pitfalls such as overcomplicating processes or failing to measure success, organizations can unlock the power of intelligent workflow automation to improve their operations. With these tips in mind, businesses can take advantage of this powerful technology to drive digital innovation and business progress. *Are you ready to take your business into the digital age? OZ provides intelligent automation solutions that can help unlock the secrets of efficient workflow management. Our data analytics and enterprise integration services are designed to streamline processes, reduce costs, improve productivity, and maximize ROI. With our expertise in web/mobile applications and cloud IT services, we have what it takes to revolutionize your operations!* [*Contact us*](https://followoz.com/) *today for a free consultation on how we can make your dreams a reality.* **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Tech Services --- ### [Here’s where your enterprise’s 2023 digital transformation success begins](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/heres-where-your-enterprises-2023-digital-transformation-success-begins/) **Published:** January 30, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** As we enter a new year, staying current with technology is now—correctly—recognized as no longer a luxury, but a necessity. So, yes, Digital Transformation is now and forever—but how can you assess if your business is meeting its full technological potential? Putting these five Digital Transformation trends on the agenda is a good place to start… ### **Intelligent Search** Intelligent Search uses AI technologies including machine learning, computer vision, semantic search, and natural language processing to provide users with more precise and individualized search results. It dismantles the data silos that exist in enterprises and makes it possible to pull information from essentially any data source. In addition to offering a single point of access to enterprise content sources and the ability to deliver better results more quickly, search intelligence enables the enhancement, searching, and analysis of data in both organized and unstructured formats. ### **Automation** More than eighty percent of business executives claim that they are expanding their use of remote workers and speeding up work process automation—and the trend shows no signs of slowing down. And it’s not difficult to see why: Although there is a learning curve to get any project off the ground, these technologies have the potential to boost productivity, improve the customer experience, and digitize processes in the short- to medium-term. With automation, businesses may grow more efficiently while spending less on day-to-day operations. The question then becomes, how can companies seeking to free up employees’ valuable time and reduce errors—whether by, say, keeping track of vendor invoices, finding information, or recreating paperwork—best integrate this technology? My suggestion? Choose the appropriate business process automation solutions, which could help deliver faster results with less coding expertise. (OZ can help.) ### **The World is a Service (XaaS)** A new business model quickly gaining popularity is Everything as a Service—XaaS—which, making the most of the age of the cloud, allows users to access virtually any IT service or produce as needed and, without outright purchasing or licensing fees as a prerequisite, at a much lower cost. Access to infrastructure, data storage, and computing power are all types of services that are available under the XaaS paradigm from a single source. ### **Customer Data Platform (CDP)** From their initial click on one of your social media channels to placing an order online, each engagement with a customer is a useful source of data. Yet, without the appropriate tools, organizing and synthesizing thousands of data points from the customer journey into actionable insights can be a daunting undertaking. A CDP connects all customer data to the actual person via a real-time profile, creating a single view of all customer data. Decision-makers can readily examine the insights and take immediate action to encourage conversions because the data is organized and safe in one database. The ability to fully comprehend the customer is made possible by tools like CDPs, which are effective in enabling excellent customer experiences. ### **Web 3.0.1** A future decentralized internet with open standards and protocols is made possible by Web3’s platforms and apps, which also preserve digital ownership rights, give users more control over their data, and encourage the development of new business models. Ready to augment and supercharge your digital leadership? Check the array of [powerful, innovative strategic and technological tools](https://followoz.com/) OZ has been placing at the disposal of businesses for the [last twenty-five years](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/celebrating-25-years-of-excellence/). **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Digital Strategy --- ### [Tips and tricks for a common source of frustration into a major, multi-front advantage](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/tips-and-tricks-for-a-common-source-of-frustration-into-a-major-multi-front-advantage/) **Published:** January 31, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** Though often the lifeblood of businesses, legacy applications can also be a major source of frustration. Which is to say, in order to maintain a competitive advantage and ensure optimal performance, it’s important to keep legacy systems up-to-date and modernized. Is that easier said than done? Typically, yes. But pursuing digital transformation is a different story when you partner with experts from OZ. To help you get started, we’ve compiled the following highly effective, often overlooked tips and tricks for legacy application modernization that will empower you to achieve greater success now—and into the future! ### **Benefits of Application Modernization** Application modernization is a process of updating legacy applications to take advantage of the latest technology and trends. It can provide organizations with many benefits, including—but hardly limited to—reduced downtime due to system failures or slow response times, improved performance, increased efficiency, and productivity, and cost savings. Modernizing an application—whether by leveraging cloud computing platforms and services, utilizing automation tools to streamline processes, or implementing continuous integration/continuous delivery (CI/CD) pipelines—can improve its performance by making it more responsive and reliable. = Application modernization also helps make systems more efficient by simplifying complex tasks that would otherwise require manual intervention or multiple steps to complete. Automation tools allow for faster processing speeds which reduce time spent on mundane tasks so employees are free to focus on higher-value activities that drive business growth. Additionally, modernized applications are easier to maintain since they use fewer resources than traditional systems do—resulting in lower operational costs over time. Finally, application modernization can help reduce overall costs associated with maintaining legacy systems by eliminating the need for costly upgrades or repairs when something goes wrong. With automated processes in place that continuously monitor performance metrics and optimize accordingly, businesses don’t have to worry about spending money on outdated solutions that no longer meet their needs. Additionally, new features like artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities offer further cost savings opportunities as they enable companies to automate routine tasks without having to hire additional personnel or invest in expensive hardware infrastructure upgrades. ### **Challenges of Application Modernization** While it can be beneficial for businesses, there are several challenges that must be addressed to ensure successful implementation. - **Complexity of Legacy Systems.** Legacy systems often contain outdated code and architecture which can make them difficult to update or integrate with new technology. This complexity can lead to costly delays as developers work through the various components of the system as they identify areas where changes need to be made. Additionally, some legacy systems may have been built on proprietary platforms which further complicates matters as these platforms may no longer be supported by their original vendors. - **Data Migration Issues.** Data migration is another challenge associated with application modernization projects. In many cases, data from existing databases need to be migrated into new formats to allow it to work properly with updated applications or software solutions. If not done correctly, this could result in lost or corrupted data which could have serious consequences for businesses relying on accurate information for decision-making purposes. - **Security Concerns.** Potential vulnerabilities that may exist within older versions of software or hardware solutions used by legacy systems. Outdated security protocols and encryption methods should also be taken into consideration when migrating data between different environments as they could potentially expose sensitive information if not handled properly during the transition process. ### **Strategies for Successful Application Modernization** Application modernization is a key component of digital transformation, allowing organizations to take advantage of the latest technologies and stay competitive in today’s market. To ensure successful application modernization, it’s important to have an effective strategy in place. - **Assess Current System Architecture and Requirements.** The first step towards successful application modernization is assessing the current system architecture and requirements. This includes understanding what existing systems are used, how they interact with each other, their data structures, security protocols, and any potential issues that may arise from transitioning to new technology. By having a thorough understanding of the existing system architecture and requirements before beginning the process of modernizing applications, organizations can avoid costly mistakes down the line. - **Develop an Actionable Plan for Modernization.** Once you have assessed your current system architecture and requirements it’s time to develop an actionable plan for modernization. This should include identifying which applications need updating or replacing entirely as well as outlining specific steps needed to complete these tasks such as migrating data or integrating new services into existing infrastructure. It’s also important to consider budget constraints when creating this plan so that resources are allocated appropriately throughout the process. - **Utilize automation and DevOps.** These tools can be incredibly helpful during application modernization projects, streamlining processes such as testing code or deploying updates quickly across multiple environments without manual intervention from developers or IT teams. Leveraging DevOps tools like continuous integration/continuous delivery (CI/CD) pipelines can help speed up development cycles while ensuring quality control throughout all stages of software production – from coding through deployment—and reduce errors due to manual inputting along the way. ### **Best Practices for Application Modernization** When establishing best practices it is essential to leverage cloud computing platforms and services, which can provide a number of benefits for application modernization projects, such as scalability, cost savings, improved performance, increased efficiency, and more. Leveraging cloud computing technologies can help organizations quickly deploy new applications or update existing ones without having to worry about hardware procurement or maintenance. Additionally, cloud-based solutions are often more secure than traditional on-premise systems due to the use of advanced security protocols. CI/CD pipelines enable organizations to automate the process of building software from source code all the way through deployment in production environments. This automation helps reduce errors associated with manual processes while also speeding up development cycles significantly. When implementing CI/CD pipelines for application modernization projects it is important to ensure that each step in the pipeline is properly configured so that any issues can be identified early on before they become major problems down the line. Once an application has been modernized, it is important to monitor its performance over time in order to identify any potential issues or areas where optimization may be necessary. By regularly monitoring key metrics such as response times, resource utilization levels, and error rates, organizations can quickly identify any areas where improvements need to be made to keep applications running smoothly at all times. Additionally, by taking advantage of analytics tools like machine learning algorithms, teams can gain valuable insights into how their applications are being used which can then be used when making decisions regarding future optimizations or updates. ### **Conclusion** Application modernization is a critical process for businesses looking to maximize the performance of their software delivery systems. By understanding the benefits, challenges, strategies, and best practices associated with legacy application modernization, organizations can ensure that they are taking full advantage of modern cloud platforms and technologies. And with these tips and tricks in mind, companies can move forward confidently with their legacy application modernization projects. Are you struggling with legacy application modernization? OZ Digital Consulting can help! Our team of experienced professionals is here to provide the best solutions and advice for your business needs. From data analytics, enterprise integration and intelligent automation, web mobile applications, and cloud and IT services, we have the expertise to make sure that your transition is seamless. Let us be your guide in this digital journey: [contact us](https://followoz.com/) today for a free consultation! **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Forbes --- ### [Defining the Future Insurer](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/defining-the-future-insurer/) **Published:** January 31, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** **Is the future of Insurance commoditization or innovation & personalization? *Only Insurers and Agents can decide!*** The Traditional Insurance Moment Of Truth is No Longer limited to The Claims Experience – but is defined by the ability to provide proactive, prescriptive, and preventive products and services via their customers’ preferred channels. While insurers have been making significant investments in data infrastructure, aggregation, and quality to create a single source of truth, little progress has been made in customer analytics and actionable insights generation, let alone implementation. The focus over the last 20 years has been and continues to be on core system implementation, process automation, and optimization vs. innovation and personalization of the customer experience. The amount of customer and SOR data available continues to grow exponentially (“BIG DATA”). However, insurers remain far behind the curve in their ability to ingest and leverage this data for actionable insights for underwriting (UW), pricing, claims adjudication, product innovation, and customer journey and experience optimization. Insurers continue to focus on “table stakes investment” versus innovations that deliver **the** personalization, predictive, prescriptive, and prevention value-added services, and product innovations that The Future Insurance Customer expects. Personalization driven by predictive, prescriptive, preventive services and innovative products can only be provided through actionable customer, product, channel, and agent **data-driven insights**. ***Are the insurance eco-system participants ready to collaborate, share, and partner to create the insurance eco-community and customer experience of the future or surrender to being commoditized?*** If so, we’re left to overcome the following challenges… - Institutional inertia - Customer and data ownership - Slow adoption of emerging technologies (AI, NLP, RPA) - Disparate data sources - Legacy systems - Inability to consume Big Data volumes - Continuing the decades-long process of investing in core systems replacement - Manual workflows Ready to personify this pre-emptive vision of success? Contact [Mark Smith](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-b-smith-7b767b5/), President of OZ’s Global Insurance Practice, to integrate the latest technologies and processes to outpace demand and enhance customer interactions for your business. **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Insurance --- ### [How to accelerate access to advanced technologies & strategic data reuse while driving innovation](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/how-to-accelerate-access-to-advanced-technologies-strategic-data-reuse-while-driving-innovation/) **Published:** January 31, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** Whether delivering data across the enterprise or augmenting internal data with broader market data to gain better insights, data sharing—once primarily the province of academic research—has become a highly prized and essential technology for businesses of all sizes. So, what precisely is data sharing? It is, in essence, the distribution of data sets among multiple users or applications—without sacrificing conformity across any of the parties using the data. In today’s digital world, there are an incredible volume and array of data sources—from website visitor behavior to IoT device signals to vehicle onboard computers and beyond—and data sharing allows us to find order and opportunity in that vast maelstrom. ### **Data Sharing in The Cloud** Today, the cloud is expanding the scope of what is possible for data sharing. This includes the ability to… - **…improve business efficiencies.** Share live data with internal and external business partners to optimize spending, provide superior customer service, and streamline operations. - **…eliminate data silos.** Create a single source of truth for all internal data and share it with multiple internal data consumers across many business units within a single organization. - **…data sharing as a product.** Provide direct access to specific data sets as a monetized service for data consumers to augment their existing data. - **…data sharing as a product differentiator.** SaaS providers can offer direct access to the petabytes of data generated from their B2B customer activity. To fully leverage data sharing in the cloud, businesses will require a platform with speed, power, governance, security, and ease of use. ### **Data Sharing Use Cases** January 5, 2021. The coronavirus genome sample is uploaded to the Internet, setting the stage for the world’s first batch of COVID-19 vaccines to be developed. In the days, weeks, months, and years since coronavirus experts have exchanged public data sets in pursuit of more effective treatments and tests as well as mutation tracking processes. This is just one example of how data sharing can drive urgently needed innovation. Today’s economy revolves around data. More and more, organizations must exchange data with their customers, suppliers, and partners. Security, efficiency, and immediate accessibility are critical. Gartner predicts that by 2023, organizations that promote data sharing will [outperform their peers on most business value metrics](https://www.gartner.com/smarterwithgartner/data-sharing-is-a-business-necessity-to-accelerate-digital-business). Some common data-sharing use cases today are: - **Data monetization.** Companies across industries are commercializing data, and this segment continues to grow across industries. Large multinational organizations have formed exclusively to monetize data, while other organizations are looking for ways to monetize their data and generate additional revenue streams. An example of this data is a home builder subsidiary capturing data online from potential home sellers and sharing with the new home marketing unit so they could do targeted marketing and obtain deeper market insights. Data vendors are growing in importance as companies realize they need external data for better decision-making. - **Data sharing** **with partners or suppliers (B2B).** Many companies now attempt to share data with partners and suppliers much as they would share it across their own organizations. For example, transportation companies and their suppliers continue to work more closely together as they seek to minimize any impact on spare parts due to current supply chain challenges. They share engine and tire mileage data, so they know when to get replacement parts and prevent breakdowns. - **Internal sharing.** Within any company, different departments, lines of business, and subsidiaries share data so that everyone can make decisions based on a complete view of the current business reality. Finance and manufacturing departments, for example, need to share data as they analyze the true costs of each employee. Marketing and sales teams need a common view of data as they seek to determine the effectiveness of marketing campaigns. And different subsidiaries of the same company need a unified view of the health of the business. Removing data silos—which are often established for the vital purpose of preventing unauthorized access to data—is critical for digital transformation initiatives and maximizing the business value of data ### **Key benefits of data sharing** The benefits an organization can derive from data sharing, as suggested above, are hardly insignificant. To be a bit more specific, these include: - **The ability to generate new revenue streams.** With data sharing, organizations can generate new revenue streams by offering data products or data services to their end consumers. - **Greater collaboration with existing partners.** In today’s highly digital economy, successful enterprises are those that advance their business objectives through partnerships. Data sharing helps cement existing partnerships and establish new ones. - **Ease of producing new products, services, or business models.** Product teams can leverage both first-party data and third-party data to refine their products and services and expand their product/service catalog. - **Greater efficiency of internal operations.** Teams across the enterprise can meet their business goals far more quickly when they don’t have to spend time figuring out how to free data from silos. When teams have access to live data, there’s no lag time between the need for data and the connection with the appropriate data source. ### **Conclusion** Data sharing is an essential business capability—as well as an essential component of digital transformation. It should be adopted as a program to accelerate access to advanced technologies and strategic data reuse while driving innovation and improved outcomes. **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Tech Services --- ### [The OZ Technical Guide to Cloud Computing & You](https://followoz.com/resources/technical-guides/the-oz-technical-guide-to-cloud-computing-you/) **Published:** January 31, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** [![Smiling woman seated at a multi-monitor coding workstation in a bright office](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/AI-Powered-Mainframe-Modernizati.jpg)](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/why-mainframe-modernization-looks-different-this-time/)###### [ Why Mainframe Modernization Looks Different This Time ](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/why-mainframe-modernization-looks-different-this-time/) June 4, 2026 **Categories:** Technical Guides **Tags:** Tech Services --- ### [Multibillion-dollar business serves a new spin on automation](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/multibillion-dollar-business-serves-a-new-spin-on-automation/) **Published:** January 31, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** Beyond automation from the likes of [ChatGPT](https://openai.com/blog/chatgpt/) and [DALLE](https://openai.com/dall-e-2/) lies something closer to the ingenuity of Henry Ford. It’s no mystery that the assembly line’s secret sauce for success was *opportunity*—born of efficiency and optimization. By re-channeling the energy of his workers into specialized areas of production and continually maintaining the product’s forward momentum, Ford could bring a Model T automobile to market in 90 minutes as opposed to the [previous 12 hours](https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/fords-assembly-line-starts-rolling#:~:text=On%20December%201%2C%201913%2C%20Henry,one%20hour%20and%2033%20minutes.). Employees, in turn, were paid more to clock fewer hours—making way for a third shift of workers and allowing for continuous 24-hour operation while achieving record-high profits. This evolution continues today. McDonald’s is placing a modern twist on that classic recipe with a highly autonomous location in Texas. ### **What inspired this daring revision that promises to revolutionize the service industry by magnitudes?** In short, the evolving consumer. “\[Customers\] interact with others less in person,” McDonald’s CEO Chris Kempeczinki tells [*Big Think*](https://bigthink.com/the-future/automated-mcdonalds-texas/), “and more through their digital devices with heightened expectation for the service they receive.” A preference exacerbated by the rapid evolution of technology and post-pandemic health concerns. As an answer to these expectations, this new store boasts a dedicated Drive-Thru Express Lane—amongst an interior lacking all décor aside from cashier-less kiosks where customers can place an order—for patrons to pick up their food in an uninterrupted flow from a conveyor belt. Franchise owner Keith Vanecek captured why this formula will reign supreme among hoteliers and restauranteurs alike. “The technology in this restaurant not only allows us to serve customers in new, innovative ways,” Vanecek [says](https://corporate.mcdonalds.com/corpmcd/our-stories/article/texas-order-ahead-lane.html), “it gives our restaurant team the ability to concentrate more on order speed and accuracy, which makes the experience more enjoyable for everyone.” Because food orders are placed by app or kiosk, crew members are only required to interact with the food they’re preparing and packaging—elevating both the customer experience (CX) and human experience (HX). ### **In summary, implementing automation enlists you in a revolution focused on uplifting the individual.** *Regardless of where you are on your digital transformation journey, OZ offers a suite of solutions for unlocking latent potential hidden behind manual processes and inefficient workflows. Our integration expertise will ensure you improve customer relationships, reduce costs, and exponentially increase productivity.* [*Contact us*](https://followoz.com/contact-us/) *today for a consultation.* **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Hospitality, Travel and Hospitality --- ### [The OZ Technical Guide to On-Demand Self-Service in Cloud](https://followoz.com/resources/technical-guides/the-oz-technical-guide-to-on-demand-self-service-in-cloud/) **Published:** February 2, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** [![Download PDF](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/6318251/f7a70fde-506d-443a-ae54-66b19227bddf.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/6318251/f7a70fde-506d-443a-ae54-66b19227bddf) On-demand self-service enables the provision of [cloud resources](https://followoz.com/services/data-analytics-ai/) whenever needed by allowing the user access through an online control panel. In other words, it makes real-time computing—without reliance on a buffer resource—a reality and empowers the user with the infrastructure necessary to scale up substantially without disrupting the host operations. Users may add more resources on demand when there is a sudden spurt in visitor traffic. They also have the liberty to discard the resources they do not require. Say, for example, you need 4GB RAM and 10TB storage on your server—but you have never used more than 2GB RAM and 5TB space sits free. If you were on a physical server, you’d have no choice but to continue paying for 4GB RAM, regardless of whether you use it or not. With [cloud servers](https://www.cloudoye.com/kb/dedicated-server/what-is-the-difference-between-cloud-servers-and-dedicated-servers), on the other hand, you have the option to work on a less resource-extensive server and scale only when the needs arise. Thus, you can continue working on a server with 2GB RAM and 5TB space and upgrade the moment you believe you might need additional resources: The moment you scale up your specifications, your services will be charged differently. Once the requirement is over, you can easily scale down to where you started. This will also decrease the running cost because you’d be then running a downgraded server. On-demand functionality can connect you instantly to many resources, including: - Storage space - Speed - Software applications - Servers - Networks Cloud computing is not a viable option for a business to maintain all the resources as they may remain unutilized at times. It removes the concept of pay-and-use in traditional hosting services and replaces it with pay-for-what-you-use making it more versatile and powerful. If, however, the on-demand functionality is not implemented, it becomes difficult for a small business to take advantage of cloud computing services. Consider the following scenario: A cloud consumer can unilaterally access cloud-based IT resources giving the cloud consumer the freedom to self-provision these IT resources. Once configured, usage of the self-provisioned IT resources can be automated, requiring no further human involvement by the cloud consumer or cloud provider. This results in an on-demand usage environment. Also known as “on-demand self-service usage,” this characteristic enables the service-based and usage-driven features found in the mainstream cloud. ### Benefits of On-Demand Services 1. **Security:** Many organizations have security concerns when it comes to adopting a cloud-computing solution. A cloud host’s full-time job is to carefully monitor security, which is significantly more efficient than a conventional in-house system, where an organization must divide its efforts between a myriad of IT concerns, with security being only one of them. Most businesses don’t like to openly consider the possibility of internal data theft, the truth is that a staggeringly high percentage of data thefts occur internally and are perpetrated by employees. When this is the case, it can actually be much safer to keep sensitive information offsite. Of course, this is all very abstract, so let’s consider some solid statistics.The key to this is the encryption of all data that is transmitted over networks and stored in databases. This is much more efficient and reliable than a conventional in-house system, where a high percentage of data thefts can occur. 2. **Flexibility:** The cloud offers businesses more flexibility overall versus hosting on a local server. And, if you need extra bandwidth, a cloud-based service can meet that demand instantly, rather than undergoing a complex (and expensive) update to your IT infrastructure. This improved freedom and flexibility can make a significant difference to the overall efficiency of your organization. 3. **Cost Savings:** Once you are on the cloud, easy access to your company’s data will save time and money in project startups. And, for those who are worried that they’ll end up paying for features that they neither need nor want, most cloud-computing services are pay-as-you-go. This means that if you don’t take advantage of what the cloud has to offer, then at least you won’t have to be dropping money on it. 4. **Mobility:** Cloud computing allows mobile access to corporate data via smartphones and devices. It is a great way to ensure that no one is ever left out of the loop. Staff with busy schedules, or who live a long way away from the corporate office or working from home can use this feature to keep instantly up to date with clients and co-workers. 5. **Insight:** Many cloud-based storage solutions offer integrated cloud analytics for a bird’s-eye view of your data. With your information stored in the cloud, you can easily implement tracking mechanisms and build customized reports to analyze information organization-wide. From those insights, you can increase efficiencies and build action plans to meet organizational goals. 6. **Quality Control:** In a cloud-based system, all documents are stored in one place and in a single format. With everyone accessing the same information, you can maintain consistency in data, avoid human error, and have a clear record of any revisions or updates. Conversely, managing information in silos can lead to employees accidentally saving different versions of documents, which leads to confusion and diluted data. 7. **Sustainability:** Cloud infrastructures support environmental proactivity, powering virtual services rather than physical products and hardware, cutting down on paper waste, improving energy efficiency, and reducing commuter-related emissions. 8. **Loss Prevention:** If you aren’t on the cloud, you’re at risk of losing all the information you had saved locally. With a cloud-based server, however, all the information you’ve uploaded to the cloud remains safe and easily accessible from any computer with an internet connection, even if the computer you regularly use isn’t working. 9. **Downtime:** Downtime can lead to lost customers, data failure, and lost revenue. So when it comes to the advantages and disadvantages of cloud computing, downtime is at the top of the list for most businesses. Because cloud computing systems are all internet-based, there is no way to avoid downtime. Moreover, if you are in a place with no connectivity, you will not be able to access the data, software, or applications on the cloud. ### Best Practices to Reduce Downtime - Consider multi-region deployments to ensure business continuity - Define a disaster recovery plan with the lowest recovery time and recovery point objectives - Design all your services with disaster recovery in mind ### Final Thoughts When you weigh out the advantages and disadvantages of cloud computing, it is important to examine the source of these cloud services as well. Compare different service providers and their range of services before picking one right off the bat. Even if the drawbacks of cloud computing are incidental and almost negligible, the advancements in technology will surely eliminate these in the years to come. *Regardless of where you are on your journey, OZ will help you bring to bear the power of the cloud to transform your organization, save money, increase scalability, gain competitive advantage, and improve business efficiency and operations. Find out more about our cloud services and assessment offerings [here.](https://followoz.com/services/cloud-services/)* **Contact an Expert** Emmanuel Ramos, Chief Solutions Officer at OZ +1-800-443-5210 **Categories:** Technical Guides **Tags:** Tech Services --- ### [How technology can help you rediscover the “sparkle” in your life and career](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/how-technology-can-help-you-rediscover-the-sparkle-in-your-life-and-career/) **Published:** February 6, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** On her LinkedIn bio, [Robin Kirby](https://www.linkedin.com/in/robintkirby/) describes herself as a “former CHRO turned entrepreneur and happier person to be around.” The road from the former to the latter, however, was no easy journey: After more than two decades and fifty thousand hours of high-level HR work at companies such as Citigroup, GE, Infosys, USAA, and others—Kirby came face-to-face not only with her mortality but also a work/life balance that had gone seriously awry. “Like a lot of your listeners, I spent so much of my career scaling mountains, hitting new goals, and all those things,” Kirby tells OZ Chief Transformation Officer [Paul Bailo](https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulbailo/) on the latest episode of Transformation Matters. And then, at forty years old, she ended up in the ICU with [pulmonary embolisms](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pulmonary-embolism/symptoms-causes/syc-20354647). “It was very scary and probably connected to my travel and flying and stress and a lot of things I had going on,” she says. “You would think that kind of life whack would make you pause and listen, but for me, it didn’t. What I did instead—like any good, self-respecting workaholic—was to just pour myself into my job and try to find a way to hustle harder and do more things. Until at some point, I just hit this wall and was kind of curled up in the corner in a fetal position. I thought, ‘What am I doing?’” The story of her rise from this rock bottom to a true change agent in her former industry is told in Kirby’s affecting, inspiring, and perception-shifting new book, [*Sparkle: How to Beat Burnout, End Exhaustion and Find a Career that Lights You Up*](https://www.amazon.com/Sparkle-Burnout-Exhaustion-Career-Lights/dp/B0BRC945HL/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8). To learn more about Kirby’s story, the lessons she drew from it, and how she sees technology—such as the employee-liberating [automation solutions OZ provides](https://followoz.com/services/enterprise-applications-integration/)—as a potential part of transforming a culture of burnout and angst to one of satisfaction and high-value productivity, click below. **Categories:** Blog --- ### [Doctor offices go mobile](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/doctor-offices-go-mobile/) **Published:** February 9, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** As the call to meet customers where they’re at grows ever-louder, organizations are answering with multi-channel communication, artificially intelligent (AI) voice assistants, and unique customer profiles—and healthcare, where researchers are increasingly tapping into the diagnostic potential of mobile devices, is no exception. “It’s very hard to put devices into the patient home or in the hospital,” [Artisight](https://www.artisight.com/) CEO [Dr. Andrew Gostine](https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-gostine-md-mba-0054279a/) tells [Health News Florida](https://health.wusf.usf.edu/health-news-florida/2023-01-17/will-your-smartphone-be-the-next-doctors-office), “but everybody is just walking around with a cellphone that has a network connection.” Today, more than 86% of the world’s population owns a mobile device with advanced sensors like accelerometers, gyroscopes, or even LiDAR—a standard for all Pro iPhone models since Apple’s introduction of the iPhone 12 Pro—and capable of downloading sophisticated applications. Availability, connectivity, and native technology are precisely why cell phones are potent diagnostic tools for measuring vital signs or conducting wellness checks—mainly in the form of apps. Bridging the gap between software and device, they generally rely on AI to process and translate your phone’s onboard data into an easy-to-understand diagnosis. Case in point: Google recently [purchased](https://www.geekwire.com/2022/exclusive-google-quietly-acquired-a-seattle-digital-health-startup-that-built-an-app-to-monitor-breathing/) Seattle-based startup Sound Life Sciences, gaining proprietary use of an FDA-cleared app that uses sonar via inaudible pulses from your phone’s speaker to monitor breathing—solidifying themselves as a major potential player in remote respiratory care. And a [report](https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/mhealth-app-market) from Grand View Research guarantees the longevity of this new medical practice trend. Over 350,000 digital health products live across different app stores—proving organizations are already investing in the marketability—and earning potential—of digital patient-physician interactions. So, are you ready for innovation that rivals a tech giant? *OZ employs an agile, client-oriented approach with mature methodologies and frameworks to develop custom mobile apps that highlight your brand identity, breach new markets, and skyrocket your ROI.* [*Contact us*](https://followoz.com/contact-us/) *today for a consultation.* **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Healthcare --- ### [How outside perspectives & expertise can help insurance companies successfully navigate a rapidly evolving technology environment](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/how-outside-perspectives-expertise-can-help-insurance-companies-successfully-navigate-a-rapidly-evolving-technology-environment/) **Published:** February 10, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** Though the insurance industry has been in a constant state of evolution since its inception, there is nevertheless a stark difference between the shifts of yesterday and today. After all, the modern insurance carrier faces a dynamic environment teeming with emerging technologies from Artificial Intelligence, Natural Language Processing, and Cloud to a significant number of new analytics and data mining capabilities pulling more value and power out of big data, third-party data, and unstructured data. Yet, despite the availability of [modern solutions](https://www.duckcreek.com/product/duck-creek-suite/), many carriers still rely upon on-premises core systems for the most critical business functions. As the industry adds new products and services to keep up with the unprecedented pace of change, constantly emerging and evolving risks, regulatory influence, and intensifying customer expectations, the number of legacy systems and technologies continue to proliferate. **The result?** Carriers find themselves in the unenviable position of being challenged to not only find and adopt new technologies and solutions but to tap data from a rapidly expanding variety of sources to create competitive insights and advantages—all this while their workplaces depend on outdated, legacy skillsets to keep the lights on. In order to properly leverage these new technologies, however—to begin, that is, to truly innovate, accelerate speed to market, and get out ahead of the competition—companies need the right talent. There is no shortage of smart, competent, tech-savvy people working in the insurance industry. So, why do large-scale insurance companies need outside consultants to come in and help? First and foremost, because of the multifront challenges unique to the industry requires not only upskilling your own in-house staff but further empowering them with specialized, seasoned talent to accelerate digital transformation and innovation while modernizing and integrating legacy systems. Companies must continue to maintain and modernize their existing application portfolio while at the same time investing in new systems and technologies to drive digital transformation and business innovation. Technology is developing at a swift pace and companies need to find the best talent from the very small pool available in the market. It leads to a lack of best candidates and higher costs for onboarding the right talent. **That’s why most companies are now looking at the alternate solution.** ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Consultant_Factor_image_1.png) To serve this demand, an IT consulting firm can quickly fill the talent gap with specialized, highly-skilled workers across both the business and consulting spectrum and, therefore, clients keep up with the most effective technology and the latest trend in emerging technologies to help them leverage these technologies. This enables insurers to reallocate the necessary resources from core business tasks to potentially disruptive initiatives and rebalance their product portfolios away from near-term product improvements and toward potential breakthroughs or new business models and digital capabilities—forms of innovation that often hold greater potential to generate sustainable sources of growth and outsize returns. It only makes sense: Not only is there a massive set of technology resources available to tap into—thanks, in no small part, to our ever-more interconnected world—and the fact that everyone has built the infrastructure and knowledge base to share and manage virtual resources globally. The key to success is having the right talent and skills at the right time to build high-performance delivery teams to accelerate transformation and innovation initiatives while mitigating operational and delivery risk, contributing to realizing your business goals sooner, safer, and with more predictable outcomes. ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Consultant_Factore_Image_2.png) *At OZ, we are partners with your priorities. We work side by side with you to fully leverage the relationships we’ve built with the world’s leading technology companies over the last twenty-five years so you can reap the benefits of best-in-class implementation, integration, and automation—making the most of your technology investments and powering next-gen innovation.* *Whether your company seeks to update technology infrastructures, increase data accuracy, lower operational costs, streamline systems and processes, or address any number of other issues, OZ offers Intelligent Automation services including comprehensive AI-based Machine Learning and Robotic Process Automation (RPA) processing functions to help you turn challenges into opportunities.* *Contact* [*Mark Smith*](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-b-smith-7b767b5/)*, President of the Global Insurance Practice and Insurance Practice Leader, to discuss how Intelligent Automation can streamline processing and enhance profitability for your business.* **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Insurance --- ### [Unlocking the Potential of Datafication for Businesses](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/unlocking-the-potential-of-datafication-for-businesses/) **Published:** February 10, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** By leveraging data-driven technology, companies can gain deeper insights into customer behavior and operational processes that allow them to become more agile and efficient. This datafication is transforming how businesses operate in the modern world. But what, precisely, is datafication? And how can you reap the significant benefits while avoiding potential pitfalls? Read on to find out… ### **What is Datafication?** Datafication is the process of taking raw data from various sources—such as web analytics or customer surveys—and transforming it into useful insights that can help guide business decisions. This includes gathering, cleaning, organizing, analyzing, visualizing, and interpreting the data to extract valuable information from it. By leveraging data-driven insights derived from datafication processes businesses can make better-informed decisions about their products/services offerings as well as marketing strategies. Additionally, they can identify trends in customer behavior which allows them to tailor their services accordingly while also gaining a competitive edge over other companies in their industry by being able to anticipate changes before they happen. Furthermore, this type of analysis helps organizations save time by automating certain tasks thus improving efficiency overall. These processes may include: - **Predictive analytics –** e.g. forecasting future sales based on past performance. - **Sentiment analysis –** e.g. gauging public opinion towards a product/service offering or brand image through social media platforms such as Twitter or Facebook. - **Natural language processing (NLP) –** e.g. understanding user intent when interacting with chatbots on websites or mobile applications. ### **How Does Datafication Impact Businesses?** Datafication enables businesses to streamline operations by automating manual tasks that are time-consuming or require specialized skillsets. For example, an organization may use automation software to quickly generate reports from large datasets without having to manually analyze the data. Automation also allows companies to reduce costs associated with labor-intensive activities such as payroll processing or inventory management. With access to real-time analytics, organizations can make more informed decisions based on accurate data rather than relying on intuition alone. Datafication provides a comprehensive view of business performance across multiple departments which helps executives identify trends in customer behavior or areas where improvements need to be made to maximize profits. Additionally, predictive analytics allow companies to anticipate future needs so they can better prepare for changes in market conditions or consumer demand. ### **Challenges with Implementing Datafication Strategies** Implementing a successful datafication strategy can come with its own set of challenges. Among them: - **Security Concerns and Compliance Issues.** Data security is an important consideration when it comes to any type of digital transformation project. Companies must ensure their systems are secure from external threats as well as internal ones such as employee negligence or malicious intent. Additionally, companies must also comply with applicable laws and regulations related to data privacy and protection for their strategies to be successful. - **Cost of Adopting New Technologies**. Implementing a new technology requires significant investments in terms of both time and money. Companies need to invest in hardware infrastructure, software licenses, training materials, etc., all while ensuring they have the right personnel on board who understand how these technologies work together to realize maximum value from the investment. - **Lack of Skilled Resources.** Finding skilled resources who understand how these technologies work together can be difficult due to the complexity involved with integrating multiple systems into one cohesive platform. Additionally, there may not always be enough people available who possess the necessary skillset required for this kind of implementation which could further delay projects or lead them astray if not handled properly by experienced professionals. ### **Final Thoughts** In conclusion, datafication is an important tool for businesses to stay competitive in today’s digital landscape. While there are challenges associated with implementing a successful datafication strategy, the potential benefits make it worth exploring. By leveraging the power of data-driven technology, companies can unlock new opportunities and gain insights into their customers that would otherwise be unavailable. With careful planning and execution, businesses can use datafication to take their operations to the next level. Are you a CIO, CTO, or senior technology executive looking for solutions to help drive datafication within your organization? OZ Digital Consulting can help! Our team of experienced professionals is here to provide the best solutions and advice for your business needs. From data analytics, enterprise integration, and intelligent automation, web/mobile applications, Cloud and IT services—we have the expertise to make sure that your transition is seamless. Let us be your guide in this digital journey–[contact us](https://followoz.com/contact-us/) today for a free consultation! **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Tech Services --- ### [Empowering Your Teams for Success: Crafting a Cohesive Strategic Framework](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/empowering-your-teams-for-success-crafting-a-cohesive-strategic-framework/) **Published:** February 13, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** “Building a visionary company requires one percent vision and 99 percent alignment,” — Jim Collins & Jerry Porras, *Built to Last: Successful Habits of Visionary Companies*. The question is how do you get that alignment across the enterprise? No, seriously: How do ***you (and your organization)*** get in alignment when making choices between strategic initiatives? In today’s fast-paced and competitive business world, it’s more important than ever for organizations to have a consistent and objective way of making strategic decisions. Without such a framework, it’s often difficult to understand how initiative options truly support your business and the current strategic focus of your business. Having a clear and established framework—with criteria that everyone in the organization uses to judge initiatives—can go a long way in ensuring that decisions are made objectively and with the best chance to support the organization in both the short and long terms. **“Leaders honor their core values, but they are flexible in how they execute them,” — Colin Powell.** *![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Powerful-Strategic-Frameworks_Image-1-300x169.png)* Almost ironically, a framework needs to incorporate not only the overall ethos of the organization unflinchingly but also flexibility—which is actually key. Flexibility **needs** to be incorporated into the model and the process. The framework needs to be adaptable, to reflect changes to the organization (such as an acquisition), changes to the strategic focus (pursuing new strategic directives or deciding to not pursue one that was previously part of the strategic plan), and changes to the industry (new technologies or competitors). And then to allow those changes to be quickly incorporated into the framework, allowing strategic initiatives to be re-evaluated against this new reality. This allows quick and objective re-evaluation of existing and new opportunities, and the possible redistribution of resources and change in direction across initiatives. **“The essence of strategy is choosing what not to do,” — Michael Porter, Harvard Business Review** Good strategy is about making choices; about saying *yes* to some things while saying *no* to others. As Michael Porter famously noted, “**The essence of strategy is choosing what not to do**.” Creating a framework that permits managers up and down the line to actually say *no* to new ideas can allow their teams to remain focused on the initiatives already underway and agreed to. It can also allow them to say *yes* and understand the ramifications of incorporating these new initiatives midstream. However, making these choices objectively can be a challenge, especially in an environment in which organizations are limited by time, budget, and resources—what organization *isn’t*—and everyone wants their piece of the (limited) pie. A framework for objective strategic decision making can help to ensure that these choices are made with objective clarity and impartiality. ***![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Powerful-Strategic-Frameworks_Image-2-300x169.png)*** Such a framework creates a shared understanding of the decision-making process, allowing for objective decisions by quantifying criteria for understanding how initiatives compare to each other. There are three kinds of criteria that companies can include into a framework: Common, Industry-specific, and Company-specific. **Common criteria** are very common across all organizations and include: - ROI - Costs/time - Staffing - Measurability - Reach. (This is just a sample of common criteria—there are many more that are common across most organizations.) **Industry-specific criteria** are those that are specific to an industry. These may include: - **Legal/regulatory requirements.** Different industries have different levels of regulatory requirements. Some, like life sciences/pharmaceuticals, are heavily regulated and Legal and Compliance are involved in almost every initiative. Others are, to varying degrees, either less or more regulated depending on the types of initiatives being considered. - **Customer preferences are similar in most industries.** A buyer of Life insurance’s needs and desires have commonalities across all insurance companies, for instance. If there is a differentiation for a specific company, then those differences should either be included in the company-specific criteria or the industry that the organization is in should be redefined. For example, a Life Insurance company that exclusively sells to High-Net-Worth buyers would have different customer preferences – and therefore criteria – than a more ‘general’ insurance company. In fact, their customer base and thus, the initiatives, may be much different and focused exclusively on high-net-worth money managers and bankers rather than the actual policyholders. **Company-specific criteria** are those criteria that are specific to each company and their specific way of doing business such as: - The organization’s vision and mission - Strategic drivers - Specific goals, metrics, KPIs - Organizational gaps and opportunities that have been identified. It’s important to have all initiatives tie back to—and support—the specific vision and mission, the strategic drivers, and KPIs, while filling in gaps and other opportunities. One should literally be able to answer the question of how well that specific initiative supports the vision (or mission, driver, KPI, gap) compared to other initiatives. Currently, most organizations don’t have the capability to do this during their strategic planning process. With all that in mind, most framework models will have between 40 and 60 criteria across these three areas. ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Powerful-Strategic-Frameworks_Image-4.png)It’s only by considering all relevant criteria that organizations can make impartial decisions that truly, objectively compare the relative impact and deliverability of initiatives. No single initiative will fully support all criteria, but some will support more—at a higher level—than others. And those that do are the initiatives you would probably want to consider. One of the effects of having the criteria known in advance by everyone is that better, more well-thought-out initiatives are put forward. If something is important to the organization then knowing that forces the proponents of the initiatives to cover more bases across the criteria. For example, DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) has become very important to many organizations. Rethinking an initiative from that lens from the beginning will help ensure that it will better support or include superior elements of supporting DEI. One of the key aspects of such a framework for strategic decision making is the objective evaluation of initiatives across three areas: - Ease of implementation - ROI and impact - Transformation potential. These three factors are essential indicators of the success and potential of an initiative and must be carefully considered to make informed decisions. But how does an organization do this? The criteria that were identified above are grouped into these three areas, and an overall score is given to each project for each of these based on how well they support the individual criteria. **Ease of implementation** refers to the ease and feasibility of executing an initiative. A good framework should objectively evaluate how easily an initiative can be implemented, taking into consideration factors such as resources, time, and budget. *![Powerful Strategic Frameworks_Image 3](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Powerful-Strategic-Frameworks_Image-3.png)* **ROI** (return on investment) and **impact** are two different—yet equally important—considerations. ROI refers to the financial return that an initiative will provide, while impact refers to the wider impact that the initiative will have on the organization and its stakeholders. Historically ROI was the main factor to determine an initiative’s relative importance, but there are many other considerations in today’s world—such as DEI, as mentioned above—that can’t be quantified are fairly subjective and more important than they used to be. A good framework should turn these into objective criteria and should allow the organization to objectively evaluate both the ROI and impact of an initiative, taking into consideration factors such as long-term benefits, customer satisfaction, and brand reputation. Finally, **transformation potential** refers to the potential of an initiative to drive positive and transformational change and growth within the organization. A good framework should objectively evaluate the transformation potential of an initiative, taking into consideration factors such as how many groups, departments, geographies, or divisions within the organization will be impacted, how well does it support vision and mission and strategic drivers, innovation, and the potential to disrupt traditional business models. Having such a flexible framework for objective and strategic decision making is crucial for any organization that wants to stay ahead in today’s competitive business environment. It helps to ensure that decisions are made objectively, with all relevant criteria considered and the best interests of the organization in mind. As strategy guru, Richard Rumelt, talked about in his book *Good Strategy/Bad Strategy*, it’s imperative for a good strategy to contain an internally consistent and integrated set of choices. Having a framework in place ensures that these choices are made with clarity, impartiality, and consistency, and will drive success for the organization. *Hi, I am[ Murray Izenwasser](https://www.linkedin.com/in/murrayiz/), the SVP of Digital Strategy at OZ Digital Consulting. If you would like to discuss creating such a framework, contact me—that’s what my team and I do for our clients. In fact, we have a platform that we use with our clients ca lled Launchpad where we do exactly this, as we help them build out their digital strategies. [Message me about how we can do this for you.](https://www.linkedin.com/in/murrayiz/)* *(And, just as an aside, the images were created by an image AI generator based on the title of this article.)* **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Digital Strategy --- ### [The world is evolving quickly—here’s how to make sure your enterprise evolves with it](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/the-world-is-evolving-quickly-heres-how-to-make-sure-your-enterprise-evolves-with-it/) **Published:** February 15, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** Over the last two decades, the rapid growth of the internet and the widespread availability of digital devices has transformed the way we live and interact with the world—and each other—creating a new cultural landscape that is reshaping our society in profound ways. The rise of this new and omnipresent digital culture has had a profound impact on communication. Social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, for example, have created a new kind of social network—one that is global in scope and built on the exchange of ideas, information, and entertainment, giving rise to new forms of online activism that enable individuals to join forces and affect change on a that defies traditional borders. Digital culture also profoundly impacts the way we consume media. The internet has made it possible to access an almost limitless supply of information, entertainment, and educational content. From streaming video services such as Netflix and YouTube to music streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, digital culture places the media we love and information we need at our disposal in seconds, establishing new opportunities for content creators and allowing them to reach a global audience and monetize their work in ways that were previously impossible. However, digital culture is not without its challenges: The sheer volume of information available online can be overwhelming and difficult to sort through. Determining what is credible and accurate is also not always easy. Cybercrime and cyberbullying, which can have serious consequences for individuals and society as a whole, run rampant in certain online quarters. Still, the benefits of this new cultural landscape are undeniable and cannot be ignored. Here is how you can quickly and effectively build a space for your enterprise in our brave new digital landscape: - **Embrace technology.** To create a digital culture, it is essential to embrace and make use of technology. This includes investing in the latest digital tools and devices, as well as encouraging the use of technology for work and personal activities. - **Foster collaboration.** Digital culture values collaboration and teamwork, making it important to create an environment that supports and encourages this. This can include implementing collaboration tools, such as online project management platforms, and encouraging open communication and sharing of ideas. - **Encourage creativity.** Digital culture is all about innovation and creativity. Encourage employees to think outside the box, experiment with new ideas and technologies, and take risks. This fosters an environment that is open to change and innovation. - **Provide training and support.** To ensure that employees are equipped to thrive in a digital culture, it is important to provide training and support. This includes helping employees develop new skills and offering ongoing training to keep them up to date with the latest technologies. - **Embrace diversity.** A digital culture values diversity and inclusivity, which means creating an environment that is welcoming and inclusive for all. This includes hiring a diverse workforce and creating a culture that is inclusive and respectful of all employees. - **Encourage open communication.** Digital culture thrives on open communication, which means creating channels for employees to share their ideas, provide feedback, and collaborate with one another. - **Measure success.** Finally, it is important to measure the success of your digital culture initiatives. This can include tracking key metrics such as employee engagement, productivity, and innovation, and making changes as necessary to continuously improve. Much like a city built on a grid, a planned digital culture will be much easier to navigate and utilize—both for the enterprise as a whole as well as individual employees and managers. ### **Conclusion** Digital culture has had a profound impact on the way we live, communicate, and consume media. While there are certainly challenges that come with this transformation, the benefits of this new cultural landscape are undeniable. As technology continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how digital culture continues to shape and influence our world in the years to come. **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Digital Strategy --- ### [OZ Chief Solutions Officer Emmanuel Ramos](https://followoz.com/resources/forbes/oz-chief-solutions-officer-emmanuel-ramos/) **Published:** February 16, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ChatGPT has seized the imagination of not just the tech space, but the business world at large. But, in practical terms, what does the generative AI revolution mean for your enterprise? And how can you best position yourself to seize the opportunities it creates? OZ Chief Solutions Officer [Emmanuel Ramos](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mannyramos/) delves into the topic this week in *Forbes*, providing a succinct explainer on generative AI as well as multiple actionable insights. Here’s a taste: > Generative AI requires massive amounts of data and computing power to train its models accurately. This means businesses need to invest in both storage space and processing capabilities before they can begin using these technologies effectively. Additionally, integrating generative AI into existing systems can prove difficult due to compatibility issues between different platforms or languages that each system component uses. As such, organizations should ensure they have sufficient technical expertise available before attempting any implementations themselves. > > Businesses should take steps to protect themselves from potential risks associated with using generative AI models by encrypting all stored information within their systems and regularly updating security protocols whenever new vulnerabilities arise. Read the whole thing [here](https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2023/01/26/unlock-the-potential-of-generative-ai-a-guide-for-tech-leaders/?sh=28f17b607928). **Categories:** Blog, OZ in Forbes **Tags:** Tech Services, Forbes --- ### [Delegation is a muscle. Time to flex.](https://followoz.com/resources/forbes/delegation-is-a-muscle-time-to-flex/) **Published:** February 17, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** In a business ecosystem that loves sweeping action and take-charge figures, delegation is an often overlooked and underutilized leadership quality. As Forbes put it in the introduction to a recent symposium entitled, [16 Expert Tips to Help New Tech Leaders Master and Manage Delegation](https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2022/12/13/16-expert-tips-to-help-new-tech-leaders-master-and-manage-delegation/?sh=2c8070571dad), “Letting go of some hands-on work (and occasionally, even leadership tasks) is essential if a new tech leader is going to give their full attention to their new responsibilities.” But how, exactly, does one unlearn the prevailing management habit? OZ Chief Solutions Officer and [Forbes Technology Council ](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/oz-chief-solutions-officer-emmanuel-ramos-joins-forbes-technology-council/)member [Emmanuel Ramos](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mannyramos/) added his own incisive, actionable advice to the expert chorus: “This will seem counterintuitive, but it will help new tech leaders grow their ‘delegation’ muscles,” he writes. “Delegate the tasks that you feel most uncomfortable delegating—the tasks that you feel you are best equipped to address. This move will make you take a leap of faith, and trusting your team will help you grow as a leader.” *OZ Digital Consulting is here to provide the best solutions and advice for your business needs. From data analytics, enterprise integration, and intelligent automation, web/mobile applications, Cloud and IT services—we have the expertise to make sure that your transition is seamless. Let us be your guide in this digital journey–-*[*contact us*](https://followoz.com/contact-us/) *today for a consultation!* **Categories:** OZ in Forbes **Tags:** Forbes --- ### [Could existing products hold the key to your innovation future?](https://followoz.com/resources/forbes/could-existing-products-hold-the-key-to-your-innovation-future/) **Published:** February 17, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** Developing cutting-edge products is a journey, not a destination—the key is to get on the path and never become complacent. In the recent Forbes symposium, 15 Ways to Leverage Lessons Learned From “Innovation Powerhouses,” a distinguished panel of tech experts—including OZ Chief Solutions Officer and [Forbes Technology Council ](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/oz-chief-solutions-officer-emmanuel-ramos-joins-forbes-technology-council/)member [Emmanuel Ramos](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mannyramos/)—weigh in on how to set yourself up for success on that journey. Here’s what Ramos had to say: > “It is important to question and define what “innovation” is within the context of your organization and culture. Is innovation creating some new paradigm, a new way of doing something that did not exist before? Yes. But innovation can also be found in what already exists. Apple did not invent the phone or the computer, but rather made them better. Search existed before Google, but Google made results more relevant to searchers. Look within.” *OZ Digital Consulting is here to provide the best solutions and advice for your business needs. From data analytics, enterprise integration, and intelligent automation, web/mobile applications, Cloud and IT services—we have the expertise to make sure that your transition is seamless. Let us be your guide in this digital journey–-*[*contact us*](https://followoz.com/contact-us/) *today for a consultation!* **Categories:** OZ in Forbes **Tags:** Forbes --- ### [Fast starting freelancers FTW](https://followoz.com/resources/forbes/fast-starting-freelancers-ftw/) **Published:** February 17, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** The lighting fast pace of tech evolution and a historically tight labor market has exponentially increased demand for skilled independent contractors—and finding the right fit can sometimes feel like a needle-in-the-haystack-level challenge. The recent Forbes symposium, [15 Tech Leaders Discuss the Qualities They Look For In Independent Contractors](https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2023/02/10/15-tech-leaders-discuss-the-qualities-they-look-for-in-independent-contractors/?sh=6dec95b16a90), offers some practical, actionable advice on this very conundrum from many distinguished leaders—including OZ Chief Solutions Officer and [Forbes Technology Council ](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/oz-chief-solutions-officer-emmanuel-ramos-joins-forbes-technology-council/)member [Emmanuel Ramos](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mannyramos/). Here’s what Ramos had to say: “An exceptional freelancer will demonstrate an ability to ‘hit the ground running’ as they engage with the organization. There are many facets that make a freelancer a fit to address a certain need, but if they are unable to make an immediate impact on the situation, their fit for purpose is diminished. In interviews, we look for examples of where they have demonstrated such an impact.” *OZ Digital Consulting is here to provide the best solutions and advice for your business needs. From data analytics, enterprise integration and intelligent automation, web/mobile applications, Cloud and IT services—we have the expertise to make sure that your transition is seamless. Let us be your guide in this digital journey–-*[*contact us*](https://followoz.com/contact-us/) *today for a consultation!* **Categories:** OZ in Forbes **Tags:** Forbes --- ### [Change the way you do business in 2023](https://followoz.com/resources/forbes/change-the-way-you-do-business-in-2023/) **Published:** February 17, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** You may not be able to see what’s up around the curve—the COVID-19 pandemic taught us that, if nothing else—but a good set of metaphorical headlights can help you get a much greater—and useful—perspective than driving forward in the dark. Think of the recent Forbes, symposium, [13 Industry Experts Predict Rising Business Tech Trends of 2023](https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2022/12/16/13-industry-experts-predict-rising-business-tech-trends-of-2023/?sh=2d31b3def310), as your high beam switch. Should you read the whole thing? Yes, of course. But here’s a sneak preview of what OZ Chief Solutions Officer and [Forbes Technology Council ](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/oz-chief-solutions-officer-emmanuel-ramos-joins-forbes-technology-council/)member [Emmanuel Ramos](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mannyramos/) had to say: “In most organizations, the data required to create a delightful digital experience for customers is spread across many systems. The data or system integration required is lengthy, technically complex, and brittle. Gartner has predicted that, by 2023, [60%](https://venturebeat.com/automation/top-7-digital-transformation-trends-to-drive-efficient-growth-in-2023/) of companies will include becoming a composable enterprise among their strategic objectives.” *OZ Digital Consulting is here to provide the best solutions and advice for your business needs. From data analytics, enterprise integration, and intelligent automation, web/mobile applications, Cloud and IT services—we have the expertise to make sure that your transition is seamless. Let us be your guide in this digital journey–-*[*contact us*](https://followoz.com/contact-us/) *today for a consultation!* **Categories:** OZ in Forbes **Tags:** Forbes --- ### [Here’s how to navigate a tight labor market](https://followoz.com/resources/forbes/heres-how-to-navigate-a-tight-labor-market/) **Published:** February 17, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** The U.S. unemployment rate is below four percent. Talent has more options than ever. So, how can you position your enterprise to not only attract but retain the best talent? Well, first you read the latest Forbes symposium, [16 Reasons Talented Tech Pros Leave Companies (And How to Address Them)](https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2022/12/02/16-reasons-talented-tech-pros-leave-companies-and-how-to-address-them/?sh=11606f0635f6), which taps the deep knowledge and experience of a distinguished panel including OZ Chief Solutions Officer and [Forbes Technology Council ](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/oz-chief-solutions-officer-emmanuel-ramos-joins-forbes-technology-council/)member [Emmanuel Ramos](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mannyramos/). Here’s what Ramos had to say: “Do you recall the last time you were binge-watching a TV series, and even though it was late, you kept on going on to the next episode? Organizations need to create an environment that captures the interest and imagination of the technical staff while getting business done. A technical staff member engaged in work within a knowledge culture—one that creates interest in the “story”—is not leaving.” *OZ Digital Consulting is here to provide the best solutions and advice for your business needs. From data analytics, enterprise integration, and intelligent automation, web/mobile applications, Cloud and IT services—we have the expertise to make sure that your transition is seamless. Let us be your guide in this digital journey–-*[*contact us*](https://followoz.com/contact-us/) *today for a consultation!* **Categories:** OZ in Forbes **Tags:** Forbes --- ### [Vision and Mission: Not just words on a web page, but criteria for your strategic framework](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/vision-and-mission-not-just-words-on-a-web-page-but-criteria-for-your-strategic-framework/) **Published:** February 20, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/PSF_Vision-and-Mission_Image-1.png) “Vision without action is a daydream. Action without vision is a nightmare.” – Japanese proverb How do you ensure that the strategic initiatives you are focusing on are in alignment and fully support the overall direction of your company? No, seriously, how do **you (and your organization)** get alignment to the organization’s aspirational path forward? When it comes to making strategic decisions, it’s necessary to have a framework that allows objective decision making across all initiatives ([see my previous post](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/empowering-your-teams-for-success-crafting-a-cohesive-strategic-framework/)). An effective framework is a flexible framework, one that needs to be able to support the organization as things change – whether the fluctuations are caused by external or internal forces. As change occurs, the framework needs to allow initiatives to be periodically reevaluated against the new set of criteria. Flexibility is key. ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/PSF_Vision-and-Mission_Image-2.png) The flexible framework, to be a successful business driver, **needs to be grounded in the overall goals and objectives of the organization**, which change much less often and much more slowly. This ensures that the criteria used to evaluate initiatives aligns with the organization, its goals, and its positioning both for the future and, to some degree, the past. At the highest level, every initiative needs to be able to be tied back directly to the fundamentals of the organization: its vision and mission. The vision and mission of an organization are crucial to ensure alignment across everything the company does. As Michael Porter is quoted as saying: “The purpose of a vision statement is to provide a clear, inspiring picture of the future that your organization is trying to create.” If initiatives aren’t directly relatable back to the vision (and mission), a future that is directionally different where the organization is looking to go can happen. What vision statements and mission statements provide is directionality, allowing everyone in the organization to be aligned and facing in the same direction, but giving various teams enough leeway to allow different paths to get there. Using the insurance industry as an example, some companies have missions to provide peace of mind to their customers by offering quality insurance products. Allstate’s mission is “to help people realize their hopes and dreams through products and services designed to protect them from life’s uncertainties and prepare them for the future.” Mapfre Insurance’s vision is “To be the most trusted global insurance company,” and its vision is “We are a multinational team that works to constantly improve our services and develop the best relationship with our clients, distributors, suppliers, shareholders, and society at large.” ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/PSF_Vision-and-Mission_Image-3.png) When creating a strategic framework, these vision and mission statements need to drive specific criteria that will be different for each company. For instance, Allstate’s mission to “realize hopes and dreams” and have products “that protect from life’s uncertainty” means that criteria that support these need to be woven into the initiatives for those initiatives to be prioritized. On the other hand, Mapfre’s focus on “improving services” for “clients, distributors, suppliers, shareholders, and society” means that initiatives aimed at improvement (innovation maybe?) and a broader stakeholder set (rather than just one) should possibly be evaluated at a higher level than other options. This could involve launching new and innovative improvements to existing programs, and offering platforms that bring in distributors and suppliers, rather than one or the other. Similarly, other companies like State Farm, Cincinnati Insurance Company, and Nationwide vision and mission statements would also drive different criteria for their strategic frameworks. Nationwide’s mission statement includes that they want “to be the world’s most customer-centric insurer” and even specifically mention so on their website ([Customer experience at the heart of Nationwide protection](https://news.nationwide.com/customer-experience-at-the-heart-of-nationwide-protection/)). Because of this, almost all initiatives should have their customer’s experience at the heart of what they are trying to accomplish. (I say ‘almost’ as some initiatives are what we call ‘Foundational’ that are needed to be done first to provide for other, higher ranking programs – but more about that in a future article). The Cincinnati Insurance company’s vision is “to be the best company serving independent agents.” This easily translates to (one or more) criteria that will rank initiatives focused on serving independent agents *better* than those that don’t. Can you see how each of them will drive a different set of criteria for the framework to ensure that initiatives and programs under consideration are more aligned with organizational aspirations? Some of the criteria will be the same for multiple organizations, but some will be very specific to a single organization. #### Two more examples ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/PSF_Vision-and-Mission_Image-4.png) FM Global’s full mission statement is: *We have a unique risk management focus. Our clients look to us to develop cost-effective insurance and risk-financing solutions, to minimize business interruption and financial impact if a loss does occur.* *We meet these needs with customized programs that draw upon our:* - *State-of-the-art loss prevention engineering and research* - *Risk management skills and support services* - *Tailored risk-transfer capabilities* - *Superior financial strength* *Even as we evolve, our focus remains the same: When our mutual policyholders benefit, our business benefits.* Supporting this mission statement and everything that flows from it (strategic directives/imperatives, goals, KPIs) is much different than supporting The Hanover’s: *Vision: To be the premier property and casualty franchise by helping independent agents transform the way customers experience insurance.* *Mission: To help our partner agents and policyholders prepare for and recover from the unexpected.* ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/PSF_Vision-and-Mission_Image-5.png) Creating the specific criteria for each of these mission and vision statements is the art behind the science. They need to drive to the heart of the meaning of the words and very often will need input from the executive level of the organization. The criteria also need to be well defined (and measurable) to be consistently applied in the framework across initiatives. It’s not as easy as it seems at first glance, but it’s a necessary step that will drive much better results. One needs to be able to draw a straight line from each program and initiative back to how it supports the overall focus of the organization. The next level down from these in creating the framework would be the strategic drivers, organizational goals, and specific KPIs and metrics (all of which should support the Vision and Mission). More about these in future articles. Having a framework for objective strategic decision-making is crucial for any organization. Such a framework needs to be flexible enough to accommodate changes in the company, in the market, and in society as a whole, but should also be grounded in the company’s overall vision and mission. The vision and mission statements of a company will drive some important criteria for the strategic framework that are used to ensure alignment of initiatives with achieving the organization’s overall goals and objectives. *Hi, I am [Murray Izenwasser](https://www.linkedin.com/in/murrayiz/), the SVP of Digital Strategy at [OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/). If you would like to discuss creating such a framework, contact me – that’s what my team and I do for our clients. In fact, we have a platform that we use with our clients called Launchpad where we do exactly this, as we help them build out their digital strategies. [Message me about how we can do this for you.](https://www.linkedin.com/in/murrayiz/)* *(And, just as an aside, the images were created by an image AI generator based on the title of this article.)* **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Digital Strategy --- ### [WATCH NOW - Panel Discussion: Emerging Cyber Risks in the Digital Transformation Journey](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/watch-now-panel-discussion-emerging-cyber-risks-in-the-digital-transformation-journey/) **Published:** February 20, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** The twenty-first century presents a unique set of challenges—and not only in keeping up with the latest advances in artificial intelligence (AI), robotic process automation (RPA), and machine learning (ML) but also in integrating proper security protocols while adopting this technology and developing applications. Such was the takeaway at Emerging Cyber Risks in the Digital Transformation Journey, a panel discussion jointly hosted by OZ Digital Consulting and 24by7 at the “[world’s first theme park for entrepreneurs](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/building-the-entrepreneurs-field-of-dreams-a-conversation-with-alan-b-levan-nsu-broward-center-of-innovation-chief-innovation-officer-john-wensveen/)”—AKA, the Alan B Levan \| NSU Broward Center of Innovation, home to one of the only military-grade, purpose-built [cybersecurity training ranges in the nation](https://venturebeat.com/business/new-real-world-cybersecurity-training-range-opens-in-south-florida/). (You can watch a video of the entire event below.) “Whether you’re a company startup, in growth mode, or have been around for decades,” OZ Chief Revenue Officer [Doug Cohen](https://www.linkedin.com/in/dougcohen1/) told the audience of business owners and security experts, “being aware of what risks are out there and how to deal with those risks is something that needs to be a priority for everyone.” As we transition to an interconnected landscape with a web and mobile application-dominated environment, security takes on all new importance—and, often, it is *we* who are the weakest link. But it doesn’t have to be this way panelists 24by7 CEO & Founder [Sanjay Deo](https://www.linkedin.com/in/sanjaydeo/), FBI Special Agent Daniel Waterman, OZ Chief Solutions Officer [Emmanuel Ramos](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mannyramos/), and OZ President of Global Insurance Practice [Mark Smith](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-b-smith-7b767b5/) insisted. “If I were to leave you with one key message,” Smith said, “it is that protecting your assets, your data, and your customers’ data starts with looking at your application development and management standards. Identifying where and how to secure your applications begins with engaging your security team and CISO as part of your business process.” Get in touch to learn more about leveraging [reactive agencies](https://www.infragard.org/) focused on preserving the private sector, reinforcing your organizational systems, and safeguarding your applications—such as the game-changing mobile/legacy app modernization and [optimization OZ provides](https://followoz.com/services/web-mobile-applications/). **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Events --- ### [AI adds a touch of magic to table turnover](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/ai-adds-a-touch-of-magic-to-table-turnover/) **Published:** February 21, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** Wouldn’t it be magical if every dining experience was coordinated with the same care, consideration, and efficiency as “Be Our Guest” from Disney’s *[Beauty and the Beast](https://movies.disney.com/beauty-and-the-beast)*? While a far cry from enchanted anthropomorphic objects, [Let us Nudge](https://www.letusnudge.com/#home) brings a robust level of automation to any restaurant style with their **artificially intelligent (AI) seating software** which, “helps shape customer behavior by optimizing traffic and frequency, increasing customer satisfaction, and building customer loyalty” across chain, family-owned, casual, and fine-dining restaurants. But there’s more than meets the eye when comparing them to our favorite talking candlestick. Table turnover refers to how frequently customers use a table during a given period. While optimal turnover rates vary by venue, it’s generally accepted that increasing the number of customers served is directly linked to profitability and customer satisfaction—making it one of the most valuable metrics measured in the hospitality industry. And the intrinsic benefits don’t stop there. With a higher turnover rate comes an energized atmosphere, improved customer experience, efficient staff utilization, and enough flexibility to handle guest parties of any size. So, how does Let us Nudge promise to bolster your bottom line and open the door to untold optimization? By simply addressing the daily struggle of every eatery: Busy times and slow times. When a restaurant is experiencing an uptick in traffic, managers can upload an optional incentive to the cloud—like an instantly redeemable coupon, for example—that gently nudges diners to wrap up their meals. Waitstaff presents this incentive with a scannable QR code that applies to the bill automatically and provides patrons with a countdown timer for their departure. During downtime, would-be customers can receive a nudge in the form of a push notification where, after accepting and arriving at the restaurant, they’ll be greeted with their ready-to-eat meal. But the real value of this SaaS-powered startup isn’t from the [20% in additional revenue](https://hospitalitytech.com/news-briefs?created_1=2023-02-02T10%3A11%3A08) generated by higher table turnover alone. Owners and operators will also have access to accurate real-time data and customer analytics that drive organizational success for the life of your company. As the hospitality industry continues to grow and evolve, it is critical to stay ahead of the technological curve. **AI will play an increasingly important role in maintaining your competitive advantage**, and partnering with the right digital consultancy is the key to seamless integration. [*Contact OZ*](https://followoz.com/contact-us/) *to identify and implement the solutions you need to accelerate and optimize your digital transformation journey.* **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Hospitality, Tech Services, Travel and Hospitality --- ### [OZ Chief Solutions Officer Emmanuel Ramos is here to help put the “digital” in your transformative leadership](https://followoz.com/resources/forbes/oz-chief-solutions-officer-emmanuel-ramos-is-here-to-help-put-the-digital-in-your-transformative-leadership/) **Published:** February 21, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** In a digital-driven era, leaders cannot hold tight to the ways of five years ago, never mind ten or twenty. Of course, adapting and evolving can be tricky—especially while trying to keep your eyes on the product or service prize. Into this breach steps OZ Chief Solutions Officer and [Forbes Technology Council ](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/oz-chief-solutions-officer-emmanuel-ramos-joins-forbes-technology-council/)member [Emmanuel Ramos](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mannyramos/) with a roadmap, both practical and visionary, presented in his aptly titled recent piece, [“Becoming A Best-In-Class Digital Transformation Leader.”](https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2023/02/16/becoming-a-best-in-class-digital-transformation-leader/?utm_content=238369891&utm_medium=social&utm_source=linkedin&hss_channel=lcp-11075183&sh=31ea58f135d3) Here is a bite: > “As technology rapidly evolves, leaders must stay ahead of the curve to become a best-in-class digital transformation leader. For organizations looking to capitalize on this ever-changing landscape, data analytics is key. By leveraging data insights and utilizing enterprise integration and automation tools, companies can develop web/mobile applications that enhance user experience while also streamlining processes with cloud and IT services—ultimately reducing costs. Achieving success as a best-in-class digital transformation leader requires an understanding of these cutting-edge technologies. But, done right, it will pay off tenfold for your organization’s future growth.” The whole [satisfying meal](https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2023/02/16/becoming-a-best-in-class-digital-transformation-leader/?utm_content=238369891&utm_medium=social&utm_source=linkedin&hss_channel=lcp-11075183&sh=31ea58f135d3). *OZ Digital Consulting is here to provide the best solutions and advice for your business needs. From data analytics, enterprise integration, and intelligent automation, web/mobile applications, Cloud and IT services—we have the expertise to make sure that your transition is seamless. Let us be your guide in this digital journey–-*[*contact us*](https://followoz.com/contact-us/) *today for a consultation!* **Categories:** Blog, OZ in Forbes **Tags:** Forbes --- ### [Become an Expert in the Business(es) You Serve](https://followoz.com/resources/forbes/become-an-expert-in-the-businesses-you-serve/) **Published:** February 21, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** The role of Chief Information Officer is one of the most dynamic, consequential, and rewarding in modern enterprises—and, also, among the most challenging. Enter the recent Forbes symposium, [12 Top Priorities New CIOs Should Tackle in Their First Year](https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2023/02/17/12-top-priorities-new-cios-should-tackle-in-their-first-year/?sh=4f06cae063f5), which taps the deep knowledge and experience of a distinguished panel including OZ Chief Solutions Officer and [Forbes Technology Council ](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/oz-chief-solutions-officer-emmanuel-ramos-joins-forbes-technology-council/)member [Emmanuel Ramos](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mannyramos/). Here’s what Ramos had to say: > “As the CIO, it is expected that you will have the technical expertise and management experience required for the role. What would differentiate a new CIO would be for them to become an expert in the business(es) served by the technology function under their management. This is a sure way to get a seat at the CEO’s table.” *OZ Digital Consulting is here to provide the best solutions and advice for your business needs. From data analytics, enterprise integration, and intelligent automation, web/mobile applications, Cloud and IT services—we have the expertise to make sure that your transition is seamless. Let us be your guide in this digital journey–-*[*contact us*](https://followoz.com/contact-us/) *today for a consultation!* **Categories:** OZ in Forbes **Tags:** Forbes --- ### [The Role of Strategic Drivers, Organizational Goals, and KPIs in a Strategic Framework](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/the-role-of-strategic-drivers-organizational-goals-and-kpis-in-a-strategic-framework/) **Published:** February 27, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/PSF_Goals-and-KPIs_Image-1.png) **“However beautiful the strategy, you should occasionally look at the results.” –Sir Winston Churchill** How do you ensure that your goals and metrics are in alignment and fully support the overall direction of your company? No, seriously, how do you (and your organization) get alignment to your organization’s aspirational path forward? As I spoke about in the last article, a company’s vision and mission statements provide the overall direction for the organization and need to be included as base criteria when creating your Strategic Decision Making Framework. These criteria will change infrequently, as they represent the foundational cornerstones of an organization. A vision statement is a future-oriented declaration of an organization’s purpose and aspirations, providing a clear and inspiring picture of what the organization hopes to achieve. A mission statement outlines the organization’s reason for existence, its core values and priorities, and the customers it serves. You should be able to clearly articulate how the initiatives being considered either fully (or less) support the vision and the mission, and the framework criteria that were created to support them. The vision and mission are rocks that may change slowly over time but for successful companies remain near-constant over the long term. **“Sound strategy starts with having the right goal.” –Michael Porter** On the other hand Strategic Drivers, Organizational Goals, and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) provide the focus and detail needed to turn the vision and mission into a roadmap for success and can (and very often) change every year, or even more often as the pace of business change continues to dramatically increase and thus the goals of the organization change to reflect the new realities. Some definitions: - **Strategic Drivers** are the key priorities and initiatives that an organization focuses on in order to achieve its goals. They are the critical areas of focus that determine the success of an organization’s strategy and they should be aligned with the overall vision and mission. The strategic drivers should be prioritized, and all initiatives should be evaluated against the drivers to ensure they are aligned with the organization’s priorities. For example, a company that is focused on customer experience might identify customer satisfaction as a strategic driver.![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/PSF_Goals-and-KPIs_Image-2.png) - **Organizational Goals** are the specific outcomes that the organization aims to achieve through its strategy in both the short and long term. They are specific, tangible, and measurable and help to provide focus and direction for the organization. They should also be realistic, considering the company’s resources and capabilities. The key is that they are measurable which means there is a way to determine achievement (or not) – so there needs to be agreement from the beginning on how they will be tracked. For example, a goal might be to increase customer satisfaction by 10% in the next year, which would require a mechanism to track customer satisfaction. - **Key Performance indicators (KPIs)** are metrics that organizations use to measure the success of their goals. KPIs should be directly tied to the goals, and they should be chosen carefully to ensure they accurately reflect progress and also reflect the ability to change direction to positively affect them. They provide a means of tracking progress toward the goals and help organizations understand whether they are on track to achieve them. Following on from the examples above, customer satisfaction might be measured using a customer satisfaction survey, and the goal to increase customer satisfaction by 10% in the next year would be tracked using the results of the survey. A fuller example of these may be something along the lines of: **Strategic Driver**: Customer Satisfaction – Provide a positive customer experience that fully meets the needs of customers. \[NOTE: There will probably be more than one strategic driver for any company.\] An **Organizational Goal** that supports that could be: Increase customer satisfaction by 10% over the next year. \[NOTEs: 1. There would need to be agreement on how to measure the percentage increase in customer satisfaction. 2. There may (and probably will be) more than one goal per strategic driver.\] And the **KPIs** that could be used to measure the success of that goal could include: - Net Promoter Score (NPS) - Customer Satisfaction Survey Results - Customer Complaint Resolution Time - Customer Retention Rate. You’ll notice that these goals are fairly generic – different companies and different industries will have different and specific Drivers, Goals, and KPIs based on what they are trying to accomplish. For example, an insurance company that is focused on Customer Satisfaction as a key Strategic Driver could include KPIs such as: - Customer Satisfaction (CSAT): This score can be measured through customer surveys and feedback mechanisms. (The average CSAT score for the insurance industry is around 76). Insurance Companies that are focused on CSAT might aim to achieve a customer satisfaction score of at least 85%, well above the industry average. - Renewal Rates: This KPI is a measure of how many customers are choosing to renew their policies with the company, and it is an indicator of customer loyalty and satisfaction. A CSAT-focused insurer might look to achieve a renewal rate higher than 84%, which is the industry average. - Claims Processing Time: This measures how quickly the company can resolve claims and pay out benefits to policyholders. This is one of the (if not the) leading indicators of customer satisfaction in the insurance industry. Carriers would look to process claims within a specific number of business days. The industry average is about 11 days to settle a claim so a carrier that is focused on customer satisfaction would look to achieve a much shorter average timeframe for claims settlement. - Net Promoter Score (NPS): The NPS is a measure of customer loyalty and is calculated by asking customers how likely they are to recommend the company to others and then using a formula on the responses to calculate NPS. Any score above 0 is positive, but most companies strive for a much higher and ever-increasing NPS. Insurers might aim to achieve an NPS of at least 5 points above the industry average for that year (the benchmark for Insurance is 71). ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/PSF_Goals-and-KPIs_Image-3.png)While there are many other insurance industry-focused metrics, not all of them would be directly related back to this specific customer satisfaction-focused goal and strategic driver. Metrics like Average Cost per Claim, Return on Surplus, Loss Ratio, Frequency, Severity, Expense Ratio, Strike Rate, Average Policy Size, and many others are probably metrics that most insurance companies would want to track to support other drivers and goals, but wouldn’t be (necessarily) related to this specific combination of the two. Now that we’ve identified all the Drivers, the Goals, and their associated Metrics / KPIs, we need to turn them into criteria for the Framework, and then we need to define what we mean by them and how they are assessed (more about this in future articles). Not every initiative will support every Driver, Goal, and Metric, but ‘better’ initiatives will more fully support more of these criteria and at a higher level than ‘lesser’ initiatives. And since the Metrics are associated with Goals that are associated with Drivers, which then fully support the Vision and the Mission, a straight line can (should?) be drawn from each initiative that is ranked by the framework back to the vision and mission of the organization. If not, chances are it won’t be ranked as highly as others that do. While some metrics could apply across all (most?) industries (such as Net Promoter Score), different industries have different metrics specific to those industries. A Travel and Hospitality (T&H) company, for instance, may have a similar Customer Satisfaction Driver to the example above, but the Goals and therefore the Metrics would all be different. An example set for a (again, fictional) T&H company could be: **Strategic Driver**: Customer Satisfaction **Goals**: - Increase customer satisfaction ratings by 5% YoY - Reduce customer complaint resolution time by 50% - Increase customer loyalty by 10% through repeat bookings for both new and existing loyalty members. **KPIs**: - Net Promoter Score (NPS) - Average Resolution Time (ART) - Repeat Booking Rate (RBR) ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/PSF_Goals-and-KPIs_Image-4.png)Over the years I’ve had discussions about what comes first: Drivers or Goals. My preference is Drivers, which should then lead to Goals that can be measured (as in being able to answer the question, “did we Achieve it or not?”). From my perspective, the approach is to first determine the organization’s Vision and Mission, which provides a clear direction for the organization. From there, strategic drivers are identified, which are the key areas or themes that will help the organization achieve its vision and mission. The strategic drivers provide the focus for setting goals, which are specific and measurable outcomes that the organization seeks to achieve. The goals are then translated into key performance indicators (KPIs), which are measurable metrics that track progress toward the goals. This approach provides a logical and structured framework for aligning the organization’s efforts with its overall strategy. But I’ve worked with clients that create Goals (“Increase revenue by 5% YoY”) first and then determine the Strategic Drivers to support them (“Roll out more frequent incentive programs in Asia”), and that’s fine. As all of these are then translated into criteria for our model, either way will work. Vision and mission statements provide the overall direction and purpose of an organization, while strategic drivers, organizational goals, and KPIs provide the specific steps and targets that need to be achieved in order to fulfill that purpose. They are the building blocks of our strategic framework and will drive specific criteria that will be used to evaluate strategic initiatives and options. Those initiatives will then, by definition support the organization and where it is trying to go. And having everything aligned with where you are trying to go is so very important. As Yogi Berra is quoted as saying: **“If you don’t know where you are going, you might wind up someplace else.”** *Hi, I am [Murray Izenwasser](https://www.linkedin.com/in/murrayiz/), the SVP of Digital Strategy at [OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/). If you would like to discuss creating such a framework, contact me – that’s what my team and I do for our clients. In fact, we have a platform that we use with our clients called Launchpad where we do exactly this, as we help them build out their digital strategies. [Message me about how we can do this for you.](https://www.linkedin.com/in/murrayiz/)* *(And, just as an aside, the images were created by an image AI generator based on the title of this article.)* \[Sources for the benchmarks above: [2023 CSAT Benchmarks by Industry: What’s a Good Score? (fullview.io)](https://www.fullview.io/blog/csat-benchmarks-by-industry#:~:text=CSAT%20benchmarks%20for%20the%20insurance,great%20score%20(above%2080).), [Insurance Industry’s 18 Most Critical Metrics – Guiding Metrics](https://guidingmetrics.com/content/insurance-industrys-18-most-critical-metrics/), [30+ NPS benchmarks for leading industries in 2023 \| QuestionPro](https://www.questionpro.com/blog/nps-benchmarks/))\]. **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Digital Strategy --- ### [Advancing Diversity and Opportunity in Tech](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/advancing-diversity-and-opportunity-in-tech/) **Published:** February 27, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** [Click here](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/advancing-diversity-and-opportunity-in-tech-south-florida-digital-consultancy-forges-a-new-partnership-301756588.html?tc=eml_cleartime) to see the press release on Cision PR Newswire **FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA, FEBRUARY 27, 2022**—[OZ](https://followoz.com/), a South Florida-based global company leveraging modern technologies to help businesses digitally transform and accelerate growth, announces its [Chief Solutions Officer Emmanuel Ramos](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mannyramos/) has joined the [Hispanic Technology Executive Council](https://www.hitecglobal.org/), a Chicago-based premier global leadership organization which seeks to “create a more inclusive and diverse technology workforce.” “I’m honored by the invitation to join the Hispanic Technology Executive Council and look forward to learning from and lifting up the next generation of Hispanic tech leaders,” Ramos says. “As Hispanic professionals, we have come so far, yet the potential is there to do so much more. It’s a transformational moment—and we should not let it pass us by.” Ramos, also a member of the [Forbes Technology Council](https://councils.forbes.com/forbestechcouncil), is an accomplished senior executive with more than 30 years of experience leading business operations, P&Ls, and professional services in a diverse range of industries. At OZ, he provides thought leadership to clients, strategic direction for our practices, manages relationships with technology vendors, and partners with other departments at OZ to drive sales, recruiting, consulting, and operational efficiencies. “Here at OZ, embracing next-gen innovation and fostering transformative collaboration are a part and parcel of our core values,” OZ Chief Executive Officer Amjad Shamim says. “Manny embodies those values as a leader in our company every single day. I know he will be an amazing resource for the Hispanic Technology Executive Council as it does the important work of expanding opportunity and nurturing rising talent. I’m excited to see the results.” To learn more visit [OZ](https://followoz.com/) or the Hispanic Technology Executive Council online. Check out what Ramos had to say about unlocking the transformative power of datafication [here](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/unlocking-the-potential-of-datafication-for-businesses/). **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Press Releases --- ### [Here’s why insurance customer engagement needs an extreme makeover](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/heres-why-insurance-customer-engagement-needs-an-extreme-makeover/) **Published:** March 1, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** “If you do not change direction,” Taoism founder Lao Tzu warned, “you might end up where you are heading.” It’s a bit of ancient wisdom sure to resonate with modern enterprises as they seek to transfer their CX approach from the well-beaten path through a fast-fading single-channel world to one that leads to a new digital-first multichannel universe where tech-savvy Millennials and Gen Z—not to mention their expectations and business—reside. Consider the following findings from a recent Salesforce survey: - 56% of customers—and a full 68% of potential millennial/Gen Z customers—prefer digital channels over traditional ones. - Further: “More than half (56%) of millennial and Gen Z prefer mobile apps and are more than twice as likely than silents/baby boomers to prefer voice assistants like Siri and Alexa.” - Nearly forty percent of customers “won’t do business” with a company if they cannot use their preferred channels. The challenge is particularly acute in the insurance industry where providers are working to pivot to that multichannel future while also operating as multi-line policy providers and attempting to stay ahead of the ever-evolving risk curve. From an Insurance Nexus survey: - In North America, 43% of consumers selected the broker channel as preferred. 57% chose the online channel and twenty-nine percent prefer an aggregator. - Though nearly a quarter of millennials use an agent or a broker, only 16% identify brokers as a preferred insurance channel—“making it the fourth most popular choice after online, aggregator, and affiliate partner channels.” - 61% of Gen X and Baby Boomers use an agent or a broker with half “selecting that channel as one of their most preferred.” This means that insurance providers, to remain competitive, must do several different things well simultaneously. As a Reuters white paper recently put it: “From digital native Gen Zs to silver-surfers, consumers are now accustomed to Amazon or Uber-style experiences, and they want affordable, transparent, and customized solutions.” So, can the insurance industry accomplish this feat? Can providers effectively manage all their foundational duties while simultaneously pivoting toward an omnichannel engagement strategy? The answer is *absolutely*. But it will require a multifaceted approach to distribution that is highly flexible and adaptive as well as responsive to the differing needs based on who the client is—i.e., individual or commercial buyer—and where they are on their own digital journey. A given customer may, for example, be comfortable submitting information for a digital quote but prefer to close the actual transaction with a broker or underwriter. On a more macro-level is will also require some degree of “co-opetition”—an increasingly common phenomenon described by Harvard Business Review as “cooperating with a competitor to achieve a common goal or get ahead.” “\[Co-opetition\] isn’t always easy, because people tend to think in either/or terms, as in either compete or cooperate, rather than compete and cooperate,” Adam Brandenburger and Barry Nalebuff write. “Doing both at once requires mental flexibility; it doesn’t come naturally. But if you develop that flexibility and give the risks and rewards careful consideration, you may well gain an edge over those stuck thinking only about competition.” In other words, placing the customer first in a rapidly shifting business ecosystem could mean rethinking how the boundaries within those ecosystems are drawn in the first place. And with consumers’ expectations being continually shaped by encounters with other brands in other sectors, for insurance providers, time is truly of the essence. To get from here to there, providers will not only want to lean on outside technical and strategic expertise—the “consultant factor,” as I called it in a previous article—but also on laying the following two primary building blocks: - **A Technology-First Mindset**. The mindset of insurance companies when a new or improved digital engagement tool is adopted by another industry should not be to lean into reliance on existing legacy systems and service models, but, instead, to immediately begin the process of ideating internal use cases and begin the integration process as soon as possible. In a multichannel world, providers must meet customers where they are at. That may mean, say, opening up lines of communication via instant message or an intelligent bot; a self-service web portal or mobile app; a conversational AI digital virtual agent; a human agent; or, most likely, a seamless, reactive hybrid of the three. Utilize experienced third-party insurtech firms whenever needed in whatever way possible—competitive advantage and both the short- and long-term prospects of the company will depend upon it. Customers are too inundated with options to settle in 2023. Remember, Customer acquisition in insurance is estimated to [costs ](https://www.iiadallas.org/page/75)nine times more than customer retention. - **Freedom from Friction.** Insurance should digitally pave its customer purchase journeys: Significantly, 96% of independent agents surveyed by Clearcover [say their customers are seeking](https://blog.clearcover.com/posts/sell-insurance-during-covid) more digital tools now than they were pre-pandemic. Providers ignore this fact at their own peril. “Driven by [insurtechs](https://www.meetbreeze.com/blog/what-is-insurtech/), insurance is moving towards efficiency driven by technology, data, and predictive analytics,” Mike Brown writes. “It’s getting away from the legacy operations defined by human underwriters, nine-to-five dealmaking, and cumbersome processes. A computer only needs a couple of minutes to underwrite an insurance policy. It’s an opportune time for tech companies to get a seat at the insurance table. They have robust data and technological infrastructure that could be leveraged to underwrite and sell insurance products.” If insurance companies want to protect their own turf, they’re going to have to be lithe, smart, and quick, technologically speaking. Insurers are being challenged to rethink not just the experiences they provide customers but their entire approach to customer engagement and how they collaborate with their distribution partners, agents, brokers, and intermediaries. The quote-to-card value chain and traditional pillars of brand, price, product, and the claims “moment of truth” are being challenged and disrupted. Many customers say that today superior service is often more important than price and a great claims experience is expected. Considering all of this, multi-channel is the new front door to your business: Without the right technology, business culture, workforce, and processes, you face becoming obsolete. If you’re ready for an extreme customer experience makeover, grab a sledgehammer. It’s time to build the modernized, digital-first omnichannel experience. **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Insurance --- ### [Introducing OZ Talent Studio](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/introducing-oz-talent-studio/) **Published:** March 7, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** As technology continues to evolve at lightning speed into ever-more complex iterations, the search for skilled, certified IT professionals equipped to guide enterprises across this kinetic digital landscape becomes more challenging as well. Enter a new game-changing service providing organizations with on-demand access to a pool of IT experts possessing a range of skills and expertise that they may not possess in-house. If you’re ready to not only scale and realize your vision faster but also gain a greater competitive advantage, watch this [short video introduction](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DveyR21v4yU) from OZ Chief Solution Officer [Emmanuel Ramos](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mannyramos/) or read on… ### **The Right IT Professionals for the Right Job at the Right Cost** Whether your needs are centered around software development, data analytics, network engineering, enterprise integration, cybersecurity, or any other high-tech function, OZ Talent Studio empowers you to quickly and easily add experienced professionals to your team without needlessly resorting to full-time hires, OZ Talent Studio increases the efficiency and effectiveness of your business operations while reducing costs. Let’s explore a few benefits in detail… - **Flexibility.** Business requirements can change quickly—and organizations need to be able to respond to these changes in a timely manner. OZ Talent Studio allows you to scale your IT team up or down as needed, gaining the flexibility to respond quickly to changing business requirements. Businesses can take advantage of emerging trends without committing long-term resources or risk being left behind as new advancements are made available. - **Cost Savings.** Hiring permanent employees can be expensive—especially regarding IT talent. Organizations need to pay for salaries, benefits, training, and other overhead expenses associated with full-time employees. If you need an expert in artificial intelligence (AI) or machine learning (ML), it may be more cost-effective to hire a consultant with those skills than to hire a full-time employee. OZ Talent Studio service provides organizations with a more cost-effective solution, paying only for the services they need and avoiding the cost of benefits, training, and other overhead expenses. - **Improved Project Delivery.** When organizations have access to the resources they need, when they need them, they can complete projects on time and on—or under—budget. An organization might need a specific set of technical skills for a short-term project but doesn’t have the resources or budget for hiring new employees. By augmenting their existing team with IT professionals who specialize in those areas, they can get the job done faster and more cost-effectively than if they had hired additional full-time staff members. The proof, of course, is in the clientele whose processes and enterprises have been transformed by buttressing in-house resources with external OZ specialized expertise. These include… - A retail company that could not keep up with the demands of its e-commerce business until OZ ramped up its IT team and helped exponentially improve its capabilities. - A financial services company facing a shortage of cybersecurity talent yet nonetheless was able to quickly improve its cybersecurity posture and mitigate risk once OZ arrived on the scene. - A healthcare company with an outdated electronic health records (EHR) system that was revamped by OZ skilled on-demand IT professionals—without having to go through a time-intensive and costly full-time hiring process. Find out how we can accelerate your short- and long-term IT projects here. ### **Best Practices for OZ Talent Studio** As you engage OZ Talent Studio to find the right people for the job(s), keep in mind the following helpful tips: - **Define project requirements.** These include budget, timeline, scope of work, and deliverables as well as any other criteria such as certifications or specialized skills needed. Doing so will help narrow down potential candidates more quickly when searching through resumes for individuals who have a good understanding of your business objectives and goals—and the experience in the tech necessary to make those objectives and goals a reality. - **Create a detailed project description.** When creating a job description for an IT professional being augmented into your team, it’s important to outline their responsibilities in detail so they understand their role within the organization. Outline expectations and performance metrics so there is no confusion about what needs to be done on each project. Make sure that everyone has access to resources they need such as tools or software licenses before beginning work on any tasks assigned. Additionally, provide regular feedback throughout the process so both parties can ensure success with each assignment completed on time and within budget constraints if applicable. - **Reach out to your OZ Digital Consulting account executive.** This point person will engage the OZ Talent Studio team to search for qualified professionals who meet these criteria. Potential candidates will be presented to you for review, feedback, and, eventually, interview. Here, you will be able to evaluate each candidate’s experience and abilities in greater depth before making a final decision about who best fits into your team dynamic and has the necessary skillset required for success on the project at hand. - **Ensure communication between teams is open and transparent.** Establish guidelines early on regarding communication channels such as email or video conferencing platforms such as Zoom or Skype which can facilitate collaboration among remote workers more easily than traditional methods. Set up regular check-ins with members of your OZ Talent Studio team where progress reports can be shared, along with any issues encountered while working towards the completion of projects assigned by management personnel overseeing operations from higher levels within organizational structures. By implementing OZ Talent Studio, organizations can ensure they are maximizing their investments in personnel while minimizing risk. ### **Final Thoughts** The OZ Talent Studio service is a great way to gain access to the specialized skills and expertise you need without having to hire full-time employees. By following best practices and taking advantage of the benefits it offers, you can maximize your return on investment while ensuring that your team has the right resources for success. Let us help you leverage technology to drive business progress—[contact OZ](https://followoz.com/contact-us/) today! **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Tech Services --- ### [Meet the interstellar pilot guiding the thrilling journey to your next business frontier](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/meet-the-interstellar-pilot-guiding-the-thrilling-journey-to-your-next-business-frontier/) **Published:** March 8, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** [![Smiling woman seated at a multi-monitor coding workstation in a bright office](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/AI-Powered-Mainframe-Modernizati.jpg)](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/why-mainframe-modernization-looks-different-this-time/)###### [ Why Mainframe Modernization Looks Different This Time ](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/why-mainframe-modernization-looks-different-this-time/) June 4, 2026 **Categories:** Blog --- ### [Keys to a Successful Strategic Framework](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/keys-to-a-successful-strategic-framework/) **Published:** March 9, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** In the [three](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/the-role-of-strategic-drivers-organizational-goals-and-kpis-in-a-strategic-framework/) [previous](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/empowering-your-teams-for-success-crafting-a-cohesive-strategic-framework/) [articles](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/vision-and-mission-not-just-words-on-a-web-page-but-criteria-for-your-strategic-framework/) comprising the Powerful Strategic Frameworks series, I wrote about the importance of having a clear vision and mission, as well as identifying strategic drivers, organizational goals, and KPIs when creating a Strategic Decision Making Framework. These building blocks provide the necessary direction and focus needed to turn a company’s aspirations into a roadmap for success, and they ensure that the framework drives initiatives that fully support the overall core of the organization, as well as the current strategic direction. Without these, we can’t always be sure that what we are doing is driving the organization forward. However, before we can start evaluating strategic initiatives and options against the criteria defined in the framework, we need to identify gaps and opportunities, in relation to these. Identifying gaps and opportunities is a crucial step in creating a comprehensive Strategic Decision Making Framework. It helps to ensure that the framework is robust and that it addresses critical areas that either need remediation or opportunities that the organization is not taking advantage of. **There is no magic to identifying gaps and opportunities.** We use a variety of very traditional research methods, including interviewing key stakeholders, conducting market and competitive research, creating a current state analysis, and customer research. While these are time-tested and conventional approaches, they yield the results that we are looking for. Just so we are all on the same page, some definitions: ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/PSF_success_1.png) A **gap** can be a disparity or difference between an organization’s current state and its desired state. In the context of strategic planning and creating a framework, we want to identify areas where the organization is falling short in meeting its goals, in the way it goes about its daily business, or where there is a disconnect between different levels or groups of the organization. Gaps are mostly internally focused and can be caused by a variety of factors such as changes in market conditions, technological advancements, legacy systems, and processes, a mindset of “that’s the way it’s always been done,” shifts in consumer behavior, internal organizational issues, just to name a few. An **opportunity,** on the other hand, is a favorable circumstance that presents itself and can be exploited to achieve a strategic goal. Opportunities come from changes in the external environment that competitors have not yet capitalized upon, including technological advancements, shifts in consumer behavior, or changes in regulations, among many other factors. In the context of a strategic framework, opportunities are identified through an analysis of the industry and market landscape. They are mostly outward facing. The identification of opportunities is critical for organizations to stay ahead of the competition, capitalize on trends, and achieve strategic goals. There is a tendency to rewrite Gaps as Opportunities, depending on the organization and the management team – sometimes they just do not want to hear about their deficiencies. I once (literally) had the CEO of a large retailer tell me that he didn’t want us to do the research because then he would know what the issues actually were, and then he would have to do something about it. Which is sheer craziness. So don’t rewrite them – Gaps are gaps, and Opportunities are opportunities and each should be viewed that way. And once we have identified the gaps and opportunities we add the relevant ones as criteria to our model. ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/PSF_success_2.png)Interviewing key stakeholders, both inside and outside the organization, is essential to gain a thorough understanding of the organization’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Key stakeholders can provide valuable insights into the company’s current performance, as well as the potential for growth and expansion and their vision(s) for where they see the organization going over various timeframes. It’s important when speaking with stakeholders to speak both across and up and down the organization, and with as many departments as you can speak to. My experience has been that the views of the executive and leadership team are different than the views of middle management and likewise different for those in the field or with direct client and customer contact. In fact, this is something that I have found in every case. You are looking for two things when speaking with the various teams and individuals within the company: consistency, and differences. Very often, simply identifying consistencies and differences, and bringing them to light a secondary goal of “understanding” between various departments and groups can be achieved. **“I understand now.” – My clients** For one client that I worked with (a major book publisher) the production, marketing, and sales teams were always at odds fighting each other. Leadership just wanted everyone to work together to achieve common goals. After the interviews were completed, we identified these differences, and during a workshop displayed them in a grid as part of the discussion. As each team talked about what we had captured, the other teams were literally saying “I never knew that’s what you meant. I understand now.” And while we didn’t solve all of the issues between the teams, that understanding allowed us to create a common framework across the organization, and the teams started to work closer to the vision the executives had in mind. As an aside, SWOT analyses are also time-tested methods that organizations use to look at their gaps and opportunities. As long as the SWOT analysis isn’t the end-deliverable (and very often it is) and is used as an *input* to identify model criteria it’s a valid exercise. Market and competitive research are crucial tools for identifying gaps and opportunities. By researching the market and analyzing the competition, we can gain a better understanding of the industry landscape and identify any gaps (opportunities?) in the market that the organization can fill. We can also identify potential threats that may impact the organization’s performance, which can then be used to create more criteria for the strategic decision-making framework. When looking outside the organization, especially in today’s always-connected and digital world, it’s important to also look within adjacent industries, and even to see what is happening in non-related industries. Your key stakeholders, whether they are customers, employees, vendors, or partners are by and large actually people – and these people are using tools and apps across a variety of aspects of their lives, and their expectations are getting set by not only what is going on in your industry, but across their day to day interactions with *everything they interact with*. **“Your best competitors don’t set the bar. They set the floor. And if you want to dance, you need to, at a minimum be on that dance floor” – Me** ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/PSF_success_3.png)Everyone says that your competitors set the bar. I disagree with that statement. At a minimum, your best competitors (and others that your stakeholders interact with) don’t set the bar that your strategy needs to attain. **They set the floor.** And if you want to dance, that’s the level you need to be at, at a minimum. And your framework needs to encompass that ‘floor’ as criteria. It’s a subtle shift in thinking, but I believe that it helps to drive better initiatives across the organization. This was part of Jack Welch’s mandate that any business that GE was in needed to be either number 1 or 2 in that industry (I’m totally guessing, but it seems he wanted GE to be—at a minimum—dancing with the competition). Customer research is also essential in identifying gaps and opportunities. By understanding the needs and wants of customers, we can identify gaps and opportunities. Customer research can also provide valuable insights into the customer experience, which can be used to create more criteria for the strategic decision-making framework. But more about this in a future article. Creating a current state analysis is also crucial in identifying any gaps and opportunities that may exist and will provide a clear understanding of where the organization stands today. A current state analysis looks at the people, processes, platforms, data, existing technologies and architectures, and applications currently supporting the business: **People**: This involves assessing the skills, knowledge, and experience of the organization’s employees, including leadership and key personnel. This will help identify any gaps or weaknesses in the organization’s talent pool that need to be addressed. **Processes**: A review of the organization’s current processes and workflows can help identify areas for improvement and potential bottlenecks in the organization’s operations. This can include processes related to product development, customer service, supply chain management, and more. **Platforms**: The analysis should also look at the platforms and systems that the organization is currently using to support its operations, including hardware, software, and other technologies. This can help identify areas where the organization may need to invest in new technologies to stay competitive. **Data**: Analyzing the data that the organization is currently collecting and using can help identify areas where data is being underutilized or needs cleaning, for instance. This can include customer data, financial data, and other types of data that are critical to the organization’s success. **Existing technologies and architectures**: Reviewing the organization’s existing technologies and architectures can help identify areas where they are outdated or no longer meeting the needs of the business. This can include legacy systems, databases, and other technologies that may need to be replaced or upgraded. **Applications currently supporting the business**: Finally, a review of the applications and tools currently used by the organization can help identify areas where new or more effective solutions are needed. This can include customer relationship management (CRM) tools, marketing automation platforms, line of business applications, project management software, and more. By analyzing the current state of the organization, we can identify any gaps and opportunities that exist, which can then be used to create more criteria for the strategic decision-making framework. **“Clients do not come first. Employees come first. If you take care of your employees, they will take care of the clients.” – Richard Branson.** ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/PSF_success_4.png)One of the opportunities (no pun intended) when doing the current state is to do a full employee experience assessment which gives you a qualitative view of how your employees, at all levels and across departments, feel about what is actually happening, both inside the organization and outside with other stakeholders. Many organizations talk about the importance of keeping employees happy and with a focus on employee experience, but few actually take the pulse of what they actually think. As Richard Branson is quoted as saying that taking care of your employees is first, and the first step to that is to understand their experience. (OZ has an Employee Experience Model that helps our clients look at 7 different categories across 5 employee experience pillars that gives a great view into your employees’ experience across the organization that we include when doing this kind of research.) Keep in mind that when we are identifying the gaps and opportunities we are not trying to solve them, we are trying to catalog them and understand if there are main themes that need to be addressed in the organization. This process is definitely more art than science. Some examples for three industries (Insurance, Travel & Hospitality, and Healthcare) could be \[NOTE: these are probably a little more generic than the gaps we would normally create during an engagement, but then again, possibly not\]: ### **Insurance** #### Gaps - Limited adoption of digital and automation technologies in the underwriting and claims process - Limited focus on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors in investment and underwriting decisions - Insufficient transparency and communication with policyholders, resulting in low trust and poor customer experience - Inadequate risk management practices, resulting in unexpected losses and claims payouts #### Opportunities - Increased demand for cybersecurity insurance due to rising cyber threats and attacks - Adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technologies for predictive underwriting and claims handling - Offering personalized and tailored policies through the use of big data and analytics - Incorporating ESG factors into investment and underwriting decisions to align with growing societal and regulatory expectations - Leveraging emerging technologies such as blockchain and distributed ledger to enhance transparency and security in insurance processes - Partnering with insurtech startups and other innovative companies to drive digital transformation and innovation within the industry. ### **Travel & Hospitality** #### Gaps - Limited personalization and customization in customer experiences, resulting in lower customer loyalty and retention - Limited use of advanced technologies such as AI, VR, and AR in enhancing customer experiences - Limited innovation and differentiation in travel products and services, resulting in a crowded and highly competitive market - Inadequate attention to health and safety standards, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic - Insufficient use of customer data and feedback to improve service quality and optimize pricing strategies - Limited adoption of emerging technologies such as blockchain and the Internet of Things (IoT) to improve operational efficiency and enhance customer experiences #### Opportunities - Developing new and innovative travel products and services, such as sustainable travel options and experiential travel packages - Emphasizing health and safety standards in marketing and customer communications to build consumer confidence and trust - Integrating IoT technologies such as smart room controls and wearables to enhance the customer experience and improve operational efficiency - Developing more personalized and customized travel experiences through the use of data analytics and AI - Increasing focus on sustainability and responsible tourism practices to meet growing consumer demand for eco-friendly travel options - Expanding into new markets and customer segments, particularly in emerging economies with growing middle classes and increasing disposable incomes - Partnering with other travel and hospitality providers, as well as technology companies, to create seamless and integrated travel experiences for customers. ### Healthcare #### Gaps - Insufficient interoperability and integration of health data across different providers and systems - Limited access to affordable healthcare services and treatments for underserved populations - Inadequate patient engagement and communication leads to low adherence to treatment plans and poor health outcomes - Limited adoption of digital health technologies and telemedicine, particularly in remote and rural areas - Inadequate focus on preventive care and early intervention leads to higher healthcare costs and poorer health outcomes in the long run #### Opportunities - Leveraging data analytics and AI to improve patient outcomes and optimize resource allocation - Developing and implementing telemedicine and remote monitoring technologies to improve access to care and reduce costs - Increasing focus on preventive care and early intervention through proactive health monitoring and risk assessment - Investing in patient engagement and communication technologies to improve patient experience and health outcomes - Developing and implementing innovative payment models and reimbursement systems to incentivize value-based care and better health outcomes - Investing in healthcare infrastructure and workforce development to improve access to care and reduce disparities in healthcare delivery. While each industry has its own unique characteristics and challenges, there are a huge number of gaps and opportunities that may be common to all three industries, if not most industries. Some examples are: **Gaps** - Insufficient adoption and integration of emerging technologies - Limited focus on customer experience and personalization - Inadequate attention to sustainability and responsible business practices - Limited access to affordable and accessible products and services for underserved populations - Inadequate attention to talent management and workforce development **Opportunities** - Leveraging data analytics and AI to improve operational efficiency and customer experience - Developing and implementing mobile and self-service technologies - Increasing focus on sustainability and responsible business practices - Expanding into new geographic markets and customer segments - Partnering with innovative startups and other companies to drive innovation and growth Of course, the relative importance of these gaps and opportunities may vary across different industries and organizations within each industry. However, these gaps and opportunities are just as valid as others specific to that industry and/or company, and as appropriate should be included as criteria in the framework. Identifying gaps and opportunities is an ongoing process, and it is important to continually evaluate and update the framework as new information becomes available. By regularly reviewing the framework and updating it to reflect new gaps and opportunities, the organization can stay on track to achieve its vision and mission. Identifying gaps and opportunities is a critical step in creating a comprehensive Strategic Decision Making Framework. By using a variety of research methods and regularly reviewing and updating the framework, your organization can ensure that it is focused on achieving its vision and mission while also staying agile and responsive to changes in the market and industry landscape. *Hi, I am [Murray Izenwasser](https://www.linkedin.com/in/murrayiz/), the SVP of Digital Strategy at [OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/). If you would like to discuss creating such a framework, contact me – that’s what my team and I do for our clients. In fact, we have a platform that we use with our clients called Launchpad where we do exactly this, as we help them build out their digital strategies. [Message me about how we can do this for you.](https://www.linkedin.com/in/murrayiz/)* *(And, just as an aside, the images were created by an image AI generator based on the title of this article.)* **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Digital Strategy --- ### [A strong foundation begins with understanding](https://followoz.com/resources/forbes/a-strong-foundation-begins-with-understanding/) **Published:** March 13, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** What are first principles when it comes to growing your business? In the recent Forbes symposium, [12 Ways to Revamp Your Website for A Better User Experience](https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2023/03/07/12-ways-to-revamp-your-website-for-a-better-user-experience/), a distinguished panel including OZ Chief Solutions Officer and [Forbes Technology Council ](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/oz-chief-solutions-officer-emmanuel-ramos-joins-forbes-technology-council/)member [Emmanuel Ramos](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mannyramos/), tackles that question. Here’s what Ramos had to say: > “Online consumers are interested in engaging with a website for a particular purpose, and if that purpose is well-established, they are willing to wait for a response or engaging content. The suggestion is not that speed is not critical; it is. But your website team should focus on the personas that visit the site and their ‘purpose’ for engagement. From there you can streamline the experience.” *OZ Digital Consulting provides the best solutions and advice for your business needs. From data analytics, enterprise integration and intelligent automation, web/mobile applications, Cloud and IT services—we have the expertise to ensure your transition is seamless. Let us be your guide in this digital journey–-*[*contact us*](https://followoz.com/contact-us/) *today for a consultation!* **Categories:** OZ in Forbes **Tags:** Forbes --- ### [The Next Generation Meets Meal Prep](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/the-next-generation-meets-meal-prep/) **Published:** March 20, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** Imagine this. You’re braving the final frontier of space aboard the USS Enterprise as rendered in [Star Trek: The Next Generation](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WFbuxleCu2k)—arguably the greatest iteration of the series—and everyone is in their lane: Captain Jean-Luc Picard is engaged in yet another friendly debate with the benevolent Q, Data is tracing his lineage back to intelligent automation, Worf is about to volunteer you for sparring practice… And then, suddenly, your grumbling stomach tears you away from the bridge to your private quarters. Your excitement boils over as soon as you see your [replicator](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8kw9_O10Fh8) —ready to molecularly materialize your favorite meal. Science fiction. Or is it? In fact, this interstellar experience isn’t too far removed from this side of the galaxy: Our very own Earth is home to [futuristic food tech](https://followoz.com/industries/hospitality/) that promises to bring recipes to life from anywhere in the world. Enter [CloudChef](https://www.cloudchef.co/). While replicators have the fictional ability to break down raw material and construct an object on the subatomic level from a stored blueprint in the computer’s database, this California-based startup emulates a similar method thanks to [artificial intelligence](https://www.ibm.com/topics/artificial-intelligence) (AI) and the slightest human touch. CloudChef captures recipes in perfect detail through a proprietary process they call “recipe record and playback” that converts the ingredients, food preparation, and cooking data into a readable file ready to use at any CloudChef-enabled kitchen around the globe. This process involves chefs preparing their recipes in a state-of-the-art kitchen where sensors can absorb every detail and synthesize a robust one-to-one retelling of the original recipe in the form of ones and zeros. In this same “smart kitchen,” food operators are guided through a series of tasks without context, while CloudChef software executes cooking intelligence in tandem to produce the desired dish. But this startup takes it one step further. They capture the chef’s intuition as well. Each recipe rendered makes room for location variability—factoring in local ingredient availability, humidity, and even elevation. These combined capabilities give contributors a high degree of certainty that regardless of patron location, the replication is a genuine portrayal of the artists’ vision. “It was an eye-opening moment when I saw that CloudChef could replicate my recipes better than highly trained chefs,” 2-star Michelin Chef and CloudChef contributor [Srijith Girija](https://www.linkedin.com/in/srijith-girija-gopinath-b3514813/) tells [*Hospitality Technology*](https://hospitalitytech.com/news-briefs?created_1=2023-02-01T09%3A02%3A37). “I can bring my recipes to a larger audience without opening additional brick-and-mortar restaurants, knowing they are perfectly created and prepared to my standards.” Where contributors see a benefit past sharing their meals en masse is with the company’s royalty model—each time a customer orders a recipe, the creator receives compensation. Therein lies the next groundbreaking automation innovation for hospitality. And with the help of a trusted third party, integrating industry-shifting technology of this magnitude is possible. From identifying key market opportunities to adopting the right intelligent technology, our on-demand OZ experts will take your organizational success to the stars—start your digital transformation journey [here](https://followoz.com/services/) and leap lightyears ahead of the competition. **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Hospitality, Travel and Hospitality --- ### [How to break the mold to pursue big goals](https://followoz.com/resources/forbes/how-to-break-the-mold-to-pursue-big-goals/) **Published:** March 20, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** From the harnessing of fire to the information superhighway, the story of humanity is one of constant innovation, evolution, and—yes—resistance to that change. OZ Chief Solutions Officer [Emmanuel Ramos](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mannyramos/) delves into the question of how to best overcome obstacles and drive change this week in *Forbes*—and he comes to a thought-provoking conclusion: *Be unreasonable*. Here’s a taste: > In his 1903 play Man and Superman, George Bernard Shaw [wrote](https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/536961-the-reasonable-man-adapts-himself-to-the-world-the-unreasonable), “The reasonable man adapts himself to the world; the unreasonable one persists in trying to adapt the world to himself. Therefore, all progress depends on the unreasonable man.” In the world of technology, this quote takes on a special significance. Leaders strive to create new and innovative solutions to complex problems, often in ways that may initially seem “unreasonable,” unrealistic, controversial or simply misguided to those who can’t envision the full trajectory. However, it is the unreasonable leaders, those who persist in trying to adapt the world to their vision, who can drive real progress and change in the industry. Read the whole article [here](https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2023/03/01/a-healthy-disregard-for-the-impossible-the-challenge-of-unreasonable-leadership-in-tech-and-beyond/). **Categories:** OZ in Forbes **Tags:** Forbes --- ### [Incorporating Innovation Criteria into the Strategic Decision-Making Framework](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/incorporating-innovation-criteria-into-the-strategic-decision-making-framework/) **Published:** March 21, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** **![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/PSF_Criteria_Image-1.png) “Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower.” – Steve Jobs, Co-founder of Apple Inc.** Incorporating innovation criteria into the strategic decision-making framework can be a game-changer for organizations. Innovation is critical to the growth and sustainability of organizations in today’s rapidly changing business environment. Incorporating innovation criteria into the strategic decision-making framework can help organizations make more informed decisions that not only address current challenges but also enable them to be better prepared for the future. Your organization must prioritize innovation to stay ahead; it is no longer an option but a necessity to survive and thrive in the market. However, incorporating innovation into the strategic decision-making process can be challenging. In this article, we will discuss how to incorporate innovation criteria into the strategic decision-making framework. First, a definition to make sure we are all on the same page: Innovation refers to the process of developing new ideas, products, or services that provide unique value to the organization, customers, or other stakeholders. It can also mean improving existing products or services to make them more effective, efficient, or user-friendly. At OZ, we believe that innovation is partly art and partly science. It’s important to incorporate free-range thinking techniques and approaches (like Design Thinking), but it’s also important to have an actual process that your organization follows for both coming up with the ideas and then implementing them. Innovation is important because it helps organizations to stay competitive and relevant in the market. It allows them to create new products or services that meet the changing needs and preferences of the customers. It also helps them to differentiate themselves from the competition, increase their market share, and improve their profitability. **![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/PSF_Criteria_Image-2.png)** **“Innovation is the specific instrument of entrepreneurship… the act that endows resources with a new capacity to create wealth.” – Peter Drucker, Management Consultant and Author** Moreover, innovation can also help organizations address societal challenges and create positive social and environmental impacts. For instance, companies can develop products or services that are more sustainable, reduce waste, or improve people’s health and well-being. Innovation can take many forms, such as technological innovation, business model innovation, and process innovation. It can also be incremental, which refers to small improvements to existing products or services, or disruptive, which refers to significant changes that disrupt the existing market. In many organizations, innovation usually occurs like this: ideas are generated, whether that is through an individual coming up with an idea that they would like to implement, or by having an innovation team or committee ‘ideate’ initiatives. Once that happens an executive needs to be found to ‘sponsor’ the initiative, so a roadshow occurs to get buy-in. One client talked about creating a list of innovative initiatives, that everyone agreed would be tremendous add-ons to the organization, and then spending 12 to 18 months to find someone with the budget to actually sponsor the initiative. By then, they were no longer innovative. **“Creativity is thinking up new things. Innovation is doing new things.” – Theodore Levitt (1925 – 2006), Economist** **![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/PSF_Criteria_Image-3.png)** From my experience, innovation requires three elements: Process, Speed, and Collaboration, and each of these must have criteria that are incorporated into the strategic decision-making framework. **Innovation as a Process** Innovation is a process that involves the development of new ideas, products, or services that provide unique value to customers. Organizations must recognize that innovation is not a one-time event, but a continuous process that requires ongoing effort and investment. Therefore, the strategic decision-making framework should include a structured process for innovation, including ideation, prototyping, testing, and commercialization, and criteria should be created that allows the question “Does this initiative allow our process to be used?” to be answered. **Speed in Innovation** Speed is a critical component in innovation. Organizations must be able to quickly develop and bring new products or services to the market to stay ahead of the competition. The strategic decision-making framework should prioritize those initiatives that incorporate speed and agility in the innovation process; this enables organizations to move quickly and respond to changing market needs. Once charted, the framework will have an axis dedicated to this – what we call “Ease of implementation” where speed is a major component. **Collaboration in Innovation** Collaboration both inside and outside the organization is crucial to successful innovation. Internally, organizations must create a culture that fosters collaboration, cross-functional communication, and the exchange of ideas. Externally, organizations should collaborate with customers, suppliers, and other stakeholders to gain insights into customer needs and preferences, market trends, and emerging technologies. The framework needs to encompass criteria that reflect the fact that collaboration and buy-in have already occurred, where initiatives that are already on someone’s plate for the year receive higher scores than those that are looking for sponsorship (and budget). To incorporate innovation criteria into the strategic decision-making framework, organizations can follow these steps: **![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/PSF_Criteria_Image-4.png)** **Step 1: Define innovation goals** The first step is to define the innovation goals that align with the organization’s overall vision and mission. Innovation goals can be broad or specific, depending on the organization’s needs and priorities. For instance, a company may want to develop a new product category, improve existing products’ features, or optimize its supply chain processes. Just as defining overall goals for your company is an important step in creating a framework, defining specific goals around innovation is an equally imperative step in the process. **Step 2: Identify innovation opportunities** The next step is to identify innovation opportunities that align with the organization’s innovation goals. Innovation opportunities can come from various sources, such as customer feedback, market research, industry trends, and internal ideas. Bringing a diverse team together that includes stakeholders from both inside and outside your company is an important step to identifying initiatives and creating the initial planning for them. Those initiatives that are created and planned (to a high level, but have a plan nonetheless), with identified roadblocks, buy-in, and sponsorship should rank better than those that do not. **Step 3: Evaluate innovation opportunities** The organization should evaluate the innovation opportunities based on several criteria, such as their feasibility, market potential, strategic fit, and resource requirements. The evaluation criteria should align with the organization’s overall strategic decision-making framework. **Step 4: Prioritize innovation opportunities** Based on the evaluation results, the organization should prioritize the innovation opportunities that offer the most significant potential value and align with its innovation goals as well as have buy-in and sponsorship. **Step 5: Develop innovation initiatives** Once the organization has identified and prioritized the innovation opportunities, it should develop innovation initiatives that outline the specific actions required to realize them. The innovation initiatives should include timelines, resource requirements, performance metrics, and risk management strategies. Criteria for these should be added to the framework, so initiatives that have a ‘better’ plan should rank higher than those that don’t. **![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/PSF_Criteria_Image-5.png)** **“If I had asked the public what they wanted, they would have said a faster horse.“ – Henry Ford (1863 – 1947), Founder of Ford Motor Company** **Examples of innovation criteria** Innovation criteria can vary depending on the organization’s needs and priorities. However, some common innovation criteria include: Customer-centricity: How well does the innovation opportunity address the customers’ needs and preferences? - **Market potential:** What is the size and growth potential of the market for the innovation opportunity? - **Strategic fit:** How well does the innovation opportunity align with the organization’s overall vision, mission, and strategic goals? - **Resource requirements:** What are the resource requirements, such as capital, technology, and human resources, needed to develop and implement the innovation opportunity? - **Risk and feasibility:** What are the risks and challenges associated with the innovation opportunity, and how feasible is it to implement? - **Competitive advantage:** How will the innovation opportunity differentiate the organization from its competitors and improve its market position? - **Social and environmental impact:** What are the potential social and environmental impacts of the innovation opportunity, and how can it create positive value for society and the environment? Different industries would view innovation from slightly or somewhat different perspectives. **Insurance** For example, the insurance industry has traditionally been slow to adopt new technologies and processes, but this is changing as insurers recognize the need to stay competitive and relevant in today’s rapidly changing business environment. Incorporating innovation criteria into the strategic decision-making framework can help insurers develop new insurance products that meet changing customer needs (needs that didn’t even exist even 2 or 5 years ago) and preferences and differentiate themselves from the competition. For example, usage-based insurance policies have become increasingly popular in recent years, especially for auto insurance. These policies use telematics devices to track driving behavior, allowing insurers to price premiums based on actual driving behavior rather than just age, gender, or location. Insurers that incorporate innovation criteria into their strategic decision-making framework can develop these types of products more quickly and effectively, leading to increased market share and profitability. Another area where innovation can have a significant impact in the insurance industry is fraud detection and prevention. By using data analytics and artificial intelligence, insurers can identify fraudulent claims more quickly and accurately, leading to significant cost savings. Incorporating innovation criteria into the strategic decision-making framework can help insurers invest in these types of technologies and processes, improving their bottom line and customer satisfaction. **Travel and Hospitality** The travel industry is constantly evolving, and travel companies must adapt to changing customer needs and preferences to stay ahead of the competition. Incorporating innovation criteria into the strategic decision-making framework can help travel companies develop new products or services that meet changing customer needs and differentiate themselves from the competition. For example, in recent years, there has been a growing demand for sustainable travel options. Travel companies that incorporate sustainability criteria into their strategic decision-making framework can develop eco-friendly travel products that appeal to environmentally conscious travelers. Additionally, with the pandemic, customers are now looking for more flexible travel options and safety measures. Personalized travel recommendations can help travel companies stand out in a crowded market by offering unique experiences tailored to individual customers’ interests and preferences. By incorporating criteria that address safety, flexibility, and personalization into the strategic decision-making framework, travel companies can develop new products or services that meet these changing customer needs and preferences, leading to increased customer satisfaction and loyalty. **Healthcare** The healthcare industry is facing significant challenges, including rising costs and an aging population, and innovation is critical to addressing these challenges. Incorporating innovation criteria into the strategic decision-making framework can help healthcare organizations develop new products or services that improve patient outcomes and reduce costs. For example, telemedicine has become increasingly popular in recent years, allowing patients to access medical care remotely. This can be particularly beneficial for patients in rural areas or those with mobility issues. Incorporating innovation criteria into the strategic decision-making framework can help healthcare organizations invest in telemedicine more effectively and develop new ways to use this technology to improve patient outcomes. Similarly, remote monitoring devices can help healthcare providers track patient health data in real time, allowing them to intervene early and prevent complications. Incorporating innovation criteria into the strategic decision-making framework can help healthcare organizations identify these types of opportunities more quickly and invest in them more effectively, leading to improved patient outcomes and reduced costs. Incorporating innovation criteria into the strategic decision-making framework can be a game-changer for organizations. Innovation is crucial to the growth and sustainability of organizations in today’s constantly shifting business environment. Considering various innovation criteria such as customer-centricity, market potential, strategic fit, resource requirements, risk and feasibility, competitive advantage, and social and environmental impact, organizations can identify and prioritize innovation opportunities that align with their overall vision and mission. Innovation requires a process, speed, and collaboration both inside and outside the organization. Organizations must recognize that innovation is not a one-time event but a continuous process that requires ongoing effort and investment. The strategic decision-making framework should include a structured process for innovation, prioritize initiatives that incorporate speed and agility, and foster collaboration, cross-functional communication, and the exchange of ideas both inside and outside the organization. Those initiatives that do all of this should rank higher than those that don’t. To stay competitive and relevant in the market, organizations must prioritize innovation. With a robust innovation strategy and framework, organizations can drive growth, improve their market position, and create positive value for their stakeholders. Innovation can take many forms, and it is essential to have a comprehensive innovation strategy that encompasses all aspects of the organization’s operations. By incorporating innovation criteria into the strategic decision-making framework, organizations can make more informed decisions that not only address current challenges but also enable them to be better prepared for the future. *Hi, I am [Murray Izenwasser](https://www.linkedin.com/in/murrayiz/), the SVP of Digital Strategy at [OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/). If you would like to discuss creating such a framework, contact me – that’s what my team and I do for our clients. In fact, we have a platform that we use with our clients called Launchpad where we do exactly this, as we help them build out their digital strategies. [Message me about how we can do this for you.](https://www.linkedin.com/in/murrayiz/)* *(And, just as an aside, the images were created by an image AI generator based on the title of this article.)* **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Digital Strategy --- ### [Reaping the benefits of the next evolution in tech](https://followoz.com/resources/forbes/reaping-the-benefits-of-the-next-evolution-in-tech/) **Published:** March 21, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** [![Smiling woman seated at a multi-monitor coding workstation in a bright office](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/AI-Powered-Mainframe-Modernizati.jpg)](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/why-mainframe-modernization-looks-different-this-time/)###### [ Why Mainframe Modernization Looks Different This Time ](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/why-mainframe-modernization-looks-different-this-time/) June 4, 2026 **Categories:** OZ in Forbes **Tags:** Forbes --- ### [From “life expectancy” to embracing higher expectations of one’s life](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/from-life-expectancy-to-embracing-higher-expectations-of-ones-life/) **Published:** March 22, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** Dedicated to supporting “the global community of those who break barriers and go beyond borders,” Insured Nomads, employing cutting-edge technology and old-school empathy, seeks to elevate and evolve the insurance experience “for those who travel and encounter the unexpected, the unplanned, or the catastrophic.” “We actually started our organization just at the beginning of the pandemic,” Insured Nomads President and Chief Innovation Officer [Allen Koski](https://www.linkedin.com/in/allenkoski/) tells OZ Chief Transformation Officer [Paul Bailo](https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulbailo/) on the latest episode of Transformation Matters. “We saw people working remotely, leaving larger companies, saying, ‘You know what? Instead of working in San Francisco as someone who does taxes, I could probably work in a great surfing spot in Costa Rica. When it rains I’ll do the taxes and when it’s sunny I’ll go surfing, eat ceviche—live the dream. And we wanted to support more people in living those dreams.” It is a fascinating, fun, revealing conversation that demonstrates just how real the possibility of shifting from a paradigm of focusing on life expectancy to one of embracing higher expectations of life. Check it out below. **Categories:** Blog --- ### [A parable about life—and not getting lost in a sea of data](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/a-parable-about-life-and-not-getting-lost-in-a-sea-of-data/) **Published:** March 23, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** Fishing is very special to me—especially when I go with my son, Connor. It’s father and son time; a chance to check in to see how things are going, get insights into his life and, perhaps, offer a bit of counsel: It is, after all, my job as his father to offer Connor advice and help drive real-world results—to identify the data points that hold the most value and use what those data points communicate to enhance his life path and the experiences he’ll have along it. Sometimes we fish in the ocean. Sometimes we fish in the lake. And sometimes we fish in a local pond. This choice of locale carries its own lessons. When we fish in the ocean, we need to charter a boat, a captain, and we are never sure what we will catch…if anything. The Atlantic Ocean is massive and out on it we must deal with waves, currents, and white caps. When we go fishing in the lake, it is not as expensive as fishing in the ocean—and we have a greater likelihood of knowing what we will catch. When my son and I fish in the pond, we *know* what we will catch. It also takes less time to catch a fish and there is no need to rent a boat. Fishing in the pond is simple, easy, and fun compared to fishing in the ocean or a lake. As you may have suspected, I see a metaphor in this that relates to my “day jobs”—and some of the philosophy I bring to that work. Big Data is like fishing in the ocean: massive volumes of both structured and unstructured data that are so large it is difficult to process through traditional database and software techniques. In most organizations, the volume of data is too big for it to move quickly through system processing, or it exceeds the current processing capacity. Big Data is high volume and high variety. This is to say, it requires new technologies and techniques to capture, store, and analyze it. This information is used to enhance decision-making, provide insight and discovery, and support and optimize processes. It is always challenging and costly to collect, manage and use, and it is not necessarily relevant to any specific problem or issue to resolve. Gartner defines Big Data [as](https://www.gartner.com/en/information-technology/glossary/big-data) “high-volume, high-velocity, and high-variety information assets that demand cost-effective, innovative forms of information processing for enhanced insight and decision making.” We must be aware the data we have is not necessarily the data we really need to drive value. Data lakes are like fishing in a lake—not as large as an ocean and with a more concentrated type of data. The data lake storage repository holds a vast amount of raw data, in its native format, until it is needed. While a hierarchical data warehouse store data in files or folders, a data lake uses a flat architecture to store data, the purpose of which is not yet defined. You can store your data “as is” without having to first structure the data and run different types of analytics. Gartner refers to Data Lakes, in broad terms, [as ](http://blogs.gartner.com/andrew_white/category/data-lake/)“enterprise-wide data management platforms for analyzing disparate sources of data in its native format.” The data we capture is missing the context and framework to drive insights. Data pond is a term I crafted many years ago during my undergraduate studies at St John’s University in New York City. A well-realized data pond can provide critical insights and vital clarity that is almost impossible to find with larger volumes of data. You can have data without information, but you cannot have information without data. That said, there is zero value in information if it doesn’t drive actionable insights. Why do we think bigger is better and more is better than less? I think less is better, more is waste, and bigger is not better. Bigger is just…bigger—more costly, harder to deal with, and extremely difficult to drive real insights that will help lead an organization to success. Initiated in 1958, Project Mercury was the United States’ first man-in-space program. The objectives of the program, which made six manned flights from 1961 to 1963, were highly specific: orbit a manned spacecraft around Earth, investigate man’s ability to function in space and recover both man and spacecraft safely. The computers used on that project utilized 300 kilobytes of memory. My point? If you can operate a spacecraft on less memory than it takes to get a snapshot of my kids, we can certainly do more with less and drive real actionable insights through data ponds. Small enough for human comprehension, data ponds offer an accessible volume and format that is informative and, most importantly, actionable. It is not about the data. It is about the insights that will drive value. This is the end game, nothing more, nothing less. Why fish in the ocean when you have all you can eat in the pond next door? Fish in the pond with me and my son, not in the ocean with Captain Ahab or in the lakes with the Loch Ness Monster: You will find the fish you’re looking for faster and easier at a lower cost. Best of all, you can tell all your friends about the insights you learned about life and business while fishing—without getting lost in a sea of data. **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Digital Strategy --- ### [The partnership between OZ and eco-focused insurance facilitator InnSure deepens](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/the-partnership-between-oz-and-eco-focused-insurance-facilitator-innsure-deepens/) **Published:** March 27, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** In October of last year, OZ announced a [wide-ranging partnership](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cutting-edge-south-florida-digital-consultancy-partnership-takes-on-climate-change-301652802.html) with [InnSure](https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=3681935-1&h=1969692228&u=https%3A%2F%2Finnsure.org%2F&a=InnSure), a fast-growing startup non-profit fostering innovative insurance-based solutions to combat climate change. Now those ties have deepened further: OZ Chief Transformation Officer and New York University Professor [Paul J. Bailo](https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulbailo/) will now serve as an Executive Board Advisor at InnSure, joining a diverse array of professionals from across the corporate, academic, NGO, and startup communities who have chosen to dedicate their time and knowledge to the cause. “As I have gotten to know Paul, I realized that he has a unique set of skills and experiences that allows him to very comfortably and effectively engage across those traditional boundaries,” InnSure Executive Director Charlie Sidoti says. “He’s great with all the stakeholder groups—and also completely comfortable working on setting strategic priorities as well as rolling up sleeves to get some work done in the trenches. And I think as he had gotten to know us and how passionate we are about our mission he has become passionate about it himself. He’s been a great asset already and we have barely started.” OZ, which empowers businesses of all sizes to innovate and accelerate growth by leveraging digital strategies and innovative technologies, already plays a key role in the InnSure Climate and Risk Insurance Sandbox (CRIS) initiative, which seeks to evolve “traditional data science practices used by insurance innovators” in order “to support the insurance industry of the future and respond to the challenges posed by climate change.” Bailo will further work with both the InnSure executive team and some board committees to help streamline processes and extend the InnSure partner network. “It’s an honor to be invited to join the ranks of an organization that is both animated by such innovative spirit and devoted to finding real-world, practical solutions to perhaps *the* great challenge of our time,” Bailo says. “I am very much looking forward to bringing the strategic expertise and executive experience I have to the table as we tackle these issues with the urgency they warrant and require.” Be sure to check out this [Transformation Matters conversation](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/watch-innsure-executive-director-talks-to-oz-about-the-roi-of-tree-hugging-how-the-insurance-industry-will-supercharge-the-fight-against-climate-change-more/) between Sidoti and Bailo for more context. With specialties in data and analytics (DA), artificial intelligence (AI), robotic process automation (RPA), and more, OZ optimizes technology infrastructures to automate processes, provides real time data to enable informed decision making, and improve customer experience. For more information visit [www.followoz.com](https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=3681935-1&h=376320968&u=https%3A%2F%2Ffollowoz.com%2F&a=www.followoz.com). Founded in 2019 to combine “the drive for innovation with the assurance of a secure environment to confidently foster solutions to the challenges facing the insurance industry,” InnSure strives to “solve real industry problems by innovating upstream” and take creative ideas from Blue-sky to Blueprint.” Learn more at [InnSure.org](https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=3681935-1&h=655819329&u=https%3A%2F%2Finnsure.org%2F&a=InnSure.org). **Categories:** Blog --- ### [Mining tech knowledge out of good and bad circumstances](https://followoz.com/resources/forbes/mining-tech-knowledge-out-of-good-and-bad-circumstances/) **Published:** March 28, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** When tech ends up on the news for the wrong reason, what do you do? Think, “There but for the grace of God go I?” Or do you try to transform the story into a teachable moment for your own tech projects? A recent *Forbes* symposium, [14 Essential Lessons Tech Leaders Should Learn from High-Profile Tech Failures](https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2023/03/09/14-essential-lessons-tech-leaders-should-learn-from-high-profile-tech-failures/), argue—wisely—for the latter. Here is what OZ Chief Solutions Officer and [Forbes Technology Council ](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/oz-chief-solutions-officer-emmanuel-ramos-joins-forbes-technology-council/)member [Emmanuel Ramos](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mannyramos/) had to say: > “It is a fact that the speed of system development, coupled with the complexity of the business problems to be solved, is the enemy of reliability and security. As a technological society, we need to come to terms with this dilemma and bring the teams that perform quality assurance on systems to the same decision-maker level as product creators and developers.” *OZ Digital Consulting provides the best solutions and advice for your business needs. From data analytics, enterprise integration and intelligent automation, web/mobile applications, Cloud and IT services—we have the expertise to ensure your transition is seamless. Let us be your guide in this digital journey–-*[*contact us*](https://followoz.com/contact-us/) *today for a consultation!* **Categories:** OZ in Forbes --- ### [A look at the future of environmentalism](https://followoz.com/resources/forbes/a-look-at-the-future-of-environmentalism/) **Published:** March 31, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** While personal responsibility, education, and behavior change will be a big part of reversing the environmental challenges we currently face, technological innovation are poised to likewise be an equal part of the solution. That is the takeaway from a fascinating recent *Forbes* symposium, [14 Green Tech Solutions Experts Believe Can Really Make A Difference](https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2023/03/13/14-green-tech-solutions-experts-believe-can-really-make-a-difference/), featuring a distinguished panel including OZ Chief Solutions Officer and [Forbes Technology Council ](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/oz-chief-solutions-officer-emmanuel-ramos-joins-forbes-technology-council/)member [Emmanuel Ramos](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mannyramos/). Here is what Ramos had to say: > “One green technology solution that is not well-known but could make a real difference is ocean thermal energy conversion. OTEC is a technology that leverages the difference in temperature between the ocean’s warm, surface waters and its cold, deep waters to generate electricity. It is a reliable source of energy, as the ocean’s temperature difference is constant and predictable.” *OZ Digital Consulting provides the best solutions and advice for your business needs. From data analytics, enterprise integration and intelligent automation, web/mobile applications, Cloud and IT services—we have the expertise to ensure your transition is seamless. Let us be your guide in this digital journey–-*[*contact us*](https://followoz.com/contact-us/) *today for a consultation!* **Categories:** OZ in Forbes **Tags:** Forbes --- ### [Digital Strategy Success: It's All About the (Human) Connections](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/digital-strategy-success-its-all-about-the-human-connections/) **Published:** April 4, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** **![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/DSS_Image-1.jpg)** **“Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, and working together is success.” – Henry Ford** Businesses need a unique approach to developing their digital strategies. One way to do this is by building collaborative connections that involve various stakeholders, such as customers, partners, employees, and even competitors. This approach goes beyond the conventional focus on technology and processes. Instead, it emphasizes the value of human connections, knowledge, and interactions in shaping a successful digital strategy. It fosters an environment of shared learning, innovation, and continuous adaptation to meet the challenges of the ever-evolving digital environment: 1. **![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/DSS_Image-2-300x300.jpg)Engaging stakeholders through workshops and collaboration sessions:** An essential aspect of driving digital strategies forward in the modern world is bringing together internal and external stakeholders in workshops or a series of collaborative sessions. These events can help align everyone around common goals, create buy-in for proposed approaches and initiatives, and facilitate knowledge sharing across the ecosystem. By engaging all relevant parties in the decision-making process, businesses can ensure that their digital strategies are more inclusive, effective, and better suited to the needs of the entire ecosystem. These workshops go outside the normal “let’s get a couple of people together to discuss” efforts common in business. These are larger events that bring stakeholders in from inside, and importantly, outside the organization. Customers and clients, vendors, partners, regulators, legal advisors, and consultants should all be involved. While time-consuming (and potentially costly) the value of bringing these disparate viewpoints together is invaluable. And that is the key – bringing those seemingly incongruent points of view *together*. 2. **Co-creating with customers:** Incorporating customer feedback and needs into the digital strategy is crucial. Historically, this would be done through surveys, focus groups, interviews, social media, and online forums. All are good sources of customer preferences and data. A more modern (and I believe better) approach is to bring customers in and have them work on the initiative with the company. Collaborative workshops are good. Embedding customers in project teams is even better and can foster a deeper understanding of their needs and preferences, leading to more effective and tailored solutions. 3. **Partnering with external stakeholders:** Collaborating with external stakeholders, such as suppliers, industry associations, and even competitors, can help businesses identify new opportunities and technologies, and gain access to complementary skills and expertise. Examples of such partnerships include co-development projects, open innovation initiatives, and shared research and development programs. By organizing joint workshops and collaboration sessions, businesses can foster a spirit of teamwork, driving alignment and buy-in across the ecosystem. Many industries these days have examples of ‘competitors’ creating an innovation accelerator and venture group, acting independently based on shared guidelines of the founding companies. The goal is to raise the level of understanding of new technologies for the entire industry (and in some ways to protect the existing industry members) as new competitors and competitive models emerge. One example in the insurance industry is [BrokerTech Ventures](https://www.brokertechventures.com/), which is “the first broker-led investor group and accelerator focused on delivering innovation to the insurance broker industry.” There are too many industries that were not focused on what was actually happening and ended up being at the whim of the new entrant that they just didn’t understand (the Publishing industry and Amazon are one example). 4. **Empowering employees:** Employees are often the driving force behind digital innovation. Encouraging them to contribute ideas, experiment with new technologies, and develop innovative solutions is key to fostering a culture of continuous improvement and agility. Promote cross-functional collaboration and provide training and resources to support employees in their digital endeavors. Consider implementing internal innovation programs, idea competitions, or hosting employee workshops that reward employees for their creative solutions, leading to breakthroughs that propel the business forward. And a culture of being allowed to fail and learning from those approaches and attempts is key. Otherwise, your employees are not going to put their jobs and careers at risk. 5. **Establishing innovation hubs:** Creating dedicated spaces or initiatives for innovation, such as innovation labs or hackathons, can encourage collaboration and experimentation among stakeholders. These hubs can serve as incubators for new ideas, allowing organizations to test and refine digital solutions before scaling them up for broader deployment. Giving employees the time in their week to work on initiatives is also key. Innovation to drive the strategy needs to be a fundamental part of everyone’s job. 6. **Leveraging data and analytics for collective insights:** Traditional methods of harnessing the data and analytics from various stakeholders can provide businesses with valuable insights to inform their digital strategies. By collecting and analyzing data from customers, partners, and employees, organizations can make more informed decisions, anticipate trends, and uncover hidden opportunities. Nothing new there. But novel ways to leverage data when focusing on creating a digital strategy include real-time data analysis to adjust strategies dynamically, using predictive analytics to anticipate customer behavior, and incorporating data visualization techniques to simplify complex information for decision-makers. Many organizations have begun the process of creating digital twins to ‘see’ what is happening in the real world to help drive the usage of data while crafting their digital strategies, creating near real-time answers to questions that arise. 7. **Adopting a flexible and iterative approach:** A successful digital strategy should be adaptable to the changing dynamics of the collaborative connections assembled to drive strategy creation. Adopting an iterative approach allows businesses to regularly review and immediately adjust their digital strategies based on feedback, new technologies, and market developments. This ensures that the strategy remains aligned with the evolving needs of the organization and its stakeholders. 8. **Incorporating the ecosystem to drive success:** To create a more effective digital strategy, it’s essential to consider the broader ecosystem that your organization operates within. This includes understanding the role of industry regulations, emerging market trends, and the competitive landscape. By incorporating these factors into your digital strategy, you can better anticipate challenges and capitalize on opportunities. Collaborate with industry influencers, thought leaders, and regulatory bodies to stay informed and proactively adapt your strategy to the evolving business environment. **“In today’s era of volatility, there is no other way but to re-invent. The only sustainable advantage you can have over others is agility, that’s it. Because nothing else is sustainable, everything else you create, somebody else will replicate.” – Jeff Bezos\*** Developing a digital strategy through the lens of collaborative connections offers a unique and rounded approach to navigating today’s digital frontier. By focusing on fostering partnerships, co-creating with customers, empowering employees, leveraging collective insights, and incorporating the broader ecosystem, businesses can build a digital strategy that drives growth and ensures long-term success in an ever-changing digital landscape. ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/DSS_Image-3-300x300.png)Embracing the collaborative connections in your digital strategy development can not only result in innovative, customer-centric solutions but also enhance organizational resilience and agility. By fostering strong relationships with stakeholders and promoting a culture of collaboration and innovation, businesses can unlock their full potential and create a competitive advantage in the digital era. Workshops and collaborative sessions involving stakeholders across the ecosystem play a crucial role in driving alignment and buy-in, ensuring that your digital strategy is adaptable, effective, and responsive to the needs of all involved parties, and importantly, the business itself. In today’s dynamic digital world, taking a unique approach to a digital strategy that emphasizes collaboration and human connections can empower businesses to navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and stay ahead of the curve. By investing in relationships with customers, employees, partners, and industry influencers, companies can cultivate an environment that fosters continuous learning, innovation, and growth. And ultimately (and ironically?), the key to success in the digital age lies in recognizing the power of these human-to-human collaborative connections and leveraging them to create a flexible, customer-centric, and resilient digital strategy that supports long-term business objectives and drives sustainable growth. ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/DSS_Image-4-300x300.png)As you continue to build and refine your digital strategy, it’s important to maintain an open, collaborative mindset and stay receptive to new ideas, feedback, and insights from your ecosystem. Embrace the concept of organizational lifelong learning, enabling your organization to adapt to changes more effectively and stay ahead in the digital race. Prioritize nurturing and strengthening the connections within your ecosystem. Regularly engage with stakeholders through workshops, conferences, webinars, and other interactive (and real-world) events. These activities provide invaluable opportunities to exchange knowledge, explore new technologies, and discuss emerging trends that may impact your digital strategy. Also, invest in the right tools and platforms that can facilitate seamless communication and collaboration among stakeholders. Ensure that all parties are kept informed and up to date on the latest developments and can easily share their insights and ideas. They should be part of your team for as long as they want to be. (As an aside: ex-employees can be invaluable resources – fully untapped in today’s modern business world.) Remember that the digital landscape is always evolving, and your digital strategy should be adaptable to this constant change. Reviewing and reassessing your strategy periodically, while considering the insights gained from your collaborative connections, ensures that it remains relevant and effective. A winning digital strategy in the modern world is one that is built on strong collaborative connections, embracing the contributions of customers, employees, partners, and other stakeholders. By fostering a culture of openness, innovation, and adaptability, you can propel your organization toward digital success and long-term sustainability in an ever-changing landscape. Embrace the power of collaboration and seize the opportunities that arise from these connections to drive your business forward and achieve lasting success. *\*Attributed to Jeff Bezos, but I could not find the actual/original source. Quoted by many, including Amazon corporate materials.* *Hi, I am [Murray Izenwasser](https://www.linkedin.com/in/murrayiz/), the SVP of Digital Strategy at [OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/). If you would like to discuss creating such a framework, contact me – that’s what my team and I do for our clients. In fact, we have a platform that we use with our clients called Launchpad where we do exactly this, as we help them build out their digital strategies. [Message me about how we can do this for you.](https://www.linkedin.com/in/murrayiz/)* **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Digital Strategy --- ### [How to stay ahead of the security curve & ensure your business is safe and thriving in 2023](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/how-to-stay-ahead-of-the-security-curve-ensure-your-business-is-safe-and-thriving-in-2023/) **Published:** April 10, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** As cyber threats become more complex and advanced, the need for robust application security is greater in 2023 than ever before. But where to start? OZ has got your back: From cloud security to automated testing solutions like FAST (Functional Application Security Testing) and IAC (Infrastructure As Code), read on to learn how the following ten technologies can work together to help keep your code secure while accelerating innovation at scale. ### **1) Cloud Security** Cloud security is an essential part of software development in 2023. As cloud computing becomes more prevalent, developers must understand the risks associated with using cloud services as well as the cloud security solutions that can help protect data from unauthorized access, malicious attacks, and data loss. **Identity and Access Management (IAM)** is a key component of cloud security that empowers organizations to control who has access to their systems and data. IAM allows administrators to set up user roles with different levels of permissions based on their job requirements or responsibilities within the organization. It also enables users to authenticate themselves when accessing applications or other resources in the cloud environment by providing multi-factor authentication such as passwords, biometrics, or tokens. **Encryption** is another important element of cloud security that keeps sensitive information secure while stored in the cloud environment. Encryption works by scrambling plain text into ciphertext so only authorized users can view it; this prevents attackers from being able to read confidential information if they gain access to a system or database containing encrypted data. Organizations should use strong encryption algorithms like AES 256-bit for maximum protection against potential threats like brute force attacks or man-in-the-middle attacks where attackers intercept communications between two parties without either party knowing about it. **Data Loss Prevention (DLP)** solutions are designed specifically for protecting sensitive information stored in the cloud environment from accidental deletion or intentional misuse by unauthorized personnel within an organization’s network infrastructure. DLP tools provide real-time monitoring capabilities which enable administrators to detect any suspicious activity related to confidential data before any damage can be done; these tools also allow admins to create policies that restrict certain types of activities such as downloading files outside of specific locations or sharing confidential documents via email attachments without prior authorization from management personnel. Overall, understanding and implementing effective measures for securing a company’s data in the cloud is critical for businesses operating today—especially those relying heavily on digital technology—due to its increased prevalence across all industries worldwide. With proper implementation of identity & access management, encryption, and Data Loss Prevention technologies, companies can ensure customers’ personal information remains safe while continuing to allow employees easy access when needed. ### **2) Automated Security Testing** Automated security testing identifies potential vulnerabilities before they become a problem, saving time and money in the long run. Automated security testing tools provide developers with quick feedback on their code, enabling them to make necessary changes quickly and efficiently. **Static code analysis** is one popular automated security testing tool that scans source code for common coding errors or bugs that could lead to vulnerabilities. This type of test can be used early in the development cycle to detect issues before they become a problem. **Dynamic application security testing (DAST)** tests running applications by sending malicious requests from outside sources such as hackers or bots. This identifies weaknesses in web applications that static code analysis may miss due to its limited scope of coverage. **Interactive application security testing (IAST)** combines both static and dynamic techniques into one package, providing more comprehensive coverage than either method alone can offer. IAST also offers real-time results so developers can address issues immediately instead of waiting until after deployment when it might be too late to fix them without costly downtime or other disruptions. Finally, **penetration testing (PT)** simulates attacks from external sources like hackers or bots but with human input rather than automated scripts, making it more thorough and reliable than other methods of automated security testing alone. ### **3) DevSecOps** DevSecOps is an emerging trend that focuses on integrating security into the software development process, reducing risk, and ensuring applications are secure from the start. **Configuration Management Systems**—such as Ansible, Chef, and Puppet—empower developers to automate tasks associated with setting up servers, deploying code updates, managing user accounts, and more. This helps reduce errors caused by manual processes while also ensuring that all systems remain in compliance with organizational policies. **Vulnerability scanners** (Nessus, OpenVAS) identify potential security issues before they become a problem by providing detailed reports of any vulnerabilities found within the application source code or environment setup. **Container scanning tools** (Aqua Security, Twistlock) provide visibility into containers running in production environments so organizations can quickly detect any malicious activity or misconfigurations that could lead to a breach. By leveraging these DevSecOps tools throughout the software development lifecycle (SDLC), organizations can build more secure applications faster than ever before while reducing operational costs associated with manual processes and patching efforts after deployment. Additionally, using automated testing frameworks during development allows teams to continuously monitor for potential vulnerabilities instead of relying on periodic scans which may miss newly introduced threats over time. Ultimately, DevSecOps provides organizations with increased agility when it comes to releasing new features without sacrificing security along the way. ### **4) Container Security** Containers offer scalability and portability advantages over traditional virtual machines (VMs) but also introduce new security challenges. **Image scanning solutions** can detect vulnerabilities in images before they are deployed into production environments. This helps identify potential issues early on, allowing teams to take corrective action quickly and avoid costly downtime or other damage caused by malicious actors exploiting known vulnerabilities. **Runtime protection solutions** provide additional layers of defense against attacks by monitoring containers for suspicious activity and blocking malicious requests or traffic as needed. **Network segmentation solutions** allow teams to create isolated networks within their container environment, further reducing the risk of compromise from external threats or unauthorized access attempts from internal users with elevated privileges. Finally, **AI-powered security solutions** can be used to automate many aspects of container security management, including vulnerability detection and response times for incident resolution. By leveraging machine learning algorithms and advanced analytics techniques, these tools can provide real-time insights into the health and status of containers while helping teams identify potential risks before they become major problems down the line. ### **5) AI-Powered Security Solutions** Analyzing large amounts of data quickly, AI-powered security solutions leverage artificial intelligence (AI) to identify patterns or anomalies that may indicate malicious activity or potential vulnerabilities. **Intrusion detection systems (IDS)** use AI to monitor network traffic for suspicious activities such as unauthorized access attempts, malware downloads, and data exfiltration attempts. **Endpoint protection platforms (EPP)** also use AI to protect endpoints from known and unknown threats by analyzing system behavior for signs of malicious activity. **User behavior analytics (UBA)** employs machine learning algorithms to detect anomalous user behaviors that could indicate a breach attempt or insider threat. Organizations can also benefit from using **AI-powered vulnerability scanning solutions** which scan applications for weaknesses in codebases or infrastructure environments that attackers could exploit. Additionally, many vendors offer **automated patch management services**, also powered by AI, which allow organizations to keep their software up to date with the latest security patches without having to manually manage them on each device individually. ### **6) Functional Application Security Testing (FAST)** Functional Application Security Testing (FAST) is a powerful tool for ensuring the security of software applications, scanning through source code and running tests against it to identify potential security issues such as buffer overflows, SQL injection attacks, cross-site scripting (XSS), and other types of attack vectors. This ensures that applications are secure from the start—i.e., *before* deployment—and reduces the risk of costly data breaches or other security incidents down the line. One example of how FAST can help protect applications is through **static analysis testing** which examines source code without executing it to search for possible vulnerabilities such as coding errors or insecure configurations. It also checks for compliance with industry standards like OWASP Top 10 which outlines common web application security risks that should be avoided when developing software solutions. Additionally, **dynamic analysis testing** runs actual tests on an application’s source code while it’s being executed to uncover additional problems not found during static analysis testing alone. ### **7) Interactive Application Security Testing** Interactive Application Security Testing (IAST) combines static and dynamic analysis to identify security flaws in real time, allowing developers to quickly detect and fix potential vulnerabilities before they can be exploited. Unlike traditional static or dynamic testing methods, IAST integrates with the application code itself, providing detailed insights into the application’s behavior during runtime. This gives developers a better understanding of how their code interacts with external sources such as databases and web services. By monitoring these interactions in real time, IAST can detect any suspicious activity that could indicate a vulnerability or malicious attack attempt. IAST also provides automated reporting capabilities which allow developers to quickly review results and prioritize remediation efforts based on severity level. It further enables organizations to set up custom rulesets tailored specifically for their environment so they can ensure only relevant issues are reported while false positives are eliminated from the equation altogether. The benefits of using an interactive approach like IAST extend beyond just identifying vulnerabilities; it also helps reduce development time by eliminating manual processes associated with other testing techniques such as source code reviews or penetration tests. As a bonus, this method is non-intrusive which means there is no need for additional hardware or software installations, making it easier than ever before for organizations of all sizes to take advantage of its advantages without breaking the bank. ### **8) Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST)** Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST) is a method of testing the security of an application from outside the application. It helps developers identify and address potential vulnerabilities in their applications before they are released to production. DAST tests can be conducted either manually or with automated tools, which allow for more comprehensive coverage and faster results. When using DAST, testers typically use two different types of scans: black box scanning and white box scanning. Black box scanning simulates real-world attacks by sending malicious requests to the application’s public interface while white box scanning looks at the code itself to detect any potential flaws that could lead to security issues. By running these scans regularly throughout development, organizations can ensure applications remain secure as features are added or modified. Regular testing, of course, also helps developers stay up to date on best practices for secure coding so they can continue building robust software solutions without introducing unnecessary risks to their products. By leveraging automated tools such as **dynamic analysis scanners and fuzzers**, teams can quickly scan large amounts of code for common weaknesses such as SQL injection or cross-site scripting (XSS) and prioritize remediation efforts based on severity level and focus resources where needed most, helping them save both time and money while ensuring maximum protection against external threats. ### **9) Static Application Security Testing (SAST)** Static Application Security Testing (SAST) is a type of security testing that enables developers to identify and fix security vulnerabilities in the source code of an application before it is released. SAST scans are conducted by automated tools which analyze the source code for potential issues, such as buffer overflows, SQL injection attacks, cross-site scripting (XSS), and other malicious activities. The results of these scans can then be used to determine what changes need to be made to improve the overall security posture of the application. SAST helps developers ensure their applications are secure from external threats by providing detailed information about any potential weaknesses or vulnerabilities that may exist within their codebase. By proactively identifying and addressing these issues early on, developers can avoid costly delays or disruptions later down the line when deploying an application into production environments. SAST allows organizations to adhere more closely to industry standards such as PCI DSS or HIPAA compliance regulations by ensuring all applications meet required levels of security prior to release. In addition to helping protect against external threats, SAST also provides valuable insight into how well a development team is following best practices when writing code. This includes things like checking for coding errors or misconfigurations that could lead to unexpected behavior at runtime; detecting insecure coding patterns such as hardcoded passwords; verifying input validation rules; and evaluating authentication methods used throughout an application’s lifecycle. All this information can help teams better understand where they need improvement so they can take steps toward creating more secure software applications going forward. Overall, Static Application Security Testing (SAST) offers many benefits for developers and organizations alike: improved security posture through proactive vulnerability identification; increased adherence with industry standards; greater understanding of best practices for writing secure code; and ultimately fewer risks associated with releasing vulnerable applications into production environments. ### **10) Security for Infrastructure As Coda (IAC)** Security for Infrastructure as Code (IaC) allows developers to define and manage their infrastructure using code, rather than manually configuring it through a web interface or other manual methods. This makes it easier to deploy applications quickly and reliably, while also providing greater control over the environment in which they run. However, with this increased power comes increased responsibility: To ensure that your application remains secure throughout its lifecycle, there are several best practices you should follow when implementing IaC: - **Use Version Control Systems.** Version control systems such as Git can help keep track of changes made to your codebase over time and ensure that only approved versions are deployed in production environments. - **Automate Security Testing.** Automated security testing tools can help detect vulnerabilities before they become a problem by running tests on each new version of your codebase before deployment. These tests should include both static analysis—such as checking for insecure coding patterns—and dynamic analysis—such as penetration testing. - **Monitor Changes Regularly.** Monitoring changes regularly will allow you to detect any unauthorized modifications made to your system’s configuration or codebase quickly so that they can be addressed immediately if necessary. - **Secure Access Controls.** Establishing secure access controls is essential for preventing malicious actors from gaining access to sensitive data or making unauthorized changes to your system’s configuration or codebase. Make sure all users have unique credentials with appropriate levels of privileges based on their roles within the organization. By integrating automated security checks into existing CI/CD pipelines, organizations can reduce risk while improving agility and efficiency at scale. This approach allows for faster detection and resolution of potential vulnerabilities, enabling teams to quickly address any issues before they become a problem. *Are you ready to stay ahead of the curve and ensure your business is secure in 2023? Let OZ Digital Consulting help. Our experienced team can provide top-of-the-line application security solutions tailored to fit your needs, from data analytics and intelligent automation services to cloud IT solutions.* [*Contact us*](https://followoz.com) *today for a consultation on how we can ensure that your applications are safe against emerging threats!* **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Digital Strategy, Tech Services --- ### [Essential skills for tech executives revealed](https://followoz.com/resources/forbes/essential-skills-for-tech-executives-revealed/) **Published:** April 11, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** Being a tech executive in 2023 is not for the faint of heart: Indeed, it can sometimes feel as if just keeping up with the rapidly shifting tech landscape is a full-time job in and of itself. That’s why the recent *Forbes* symposium, [16 Essential Skills Every Tech Executive Should Hone in 2023](https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2023/03/23/16-essential-skills-every-tech-executive-should-hone-in-2023/?sh=3c19a64e5f7d), is so timely. Be sure to check out the whole article, but here is OZ Chief Solutions Officer and [Forbes Technology Council ](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/oz-chief-solutions-officer-emmanuel-ramos-joins-forbes-technology-council/)member Emmanuel Ramos’ contribution: > “We are all in sales! Every tech executive should strive to master the art of selling. In the same way we pursue technical, project management and Agile certifications, tech executives should also pursue mastery of sales processes and tools such as the Sandler or Challenger methods. Doing so will provide you with a fundamental skill set that is required to truly excel in your career.” *OZ Digital Consulting is here to provide the best solutions and advice for your business needs. From data analytics, enterprise integration, and intelligent automation, web/mobile applications, Cloud and IT services—we have the expertise to make sure that your transition is seamless. Let us be your guide in this digital journey–-*[*contact us*](https://followoz.com/contact-us/) *today for a consultation!* **Categories:** OZ in Forbes **Tags:** Forbes --- ### [A good habits wish list from tech leaders to developers](https://followoz.com/resources/forbes/a-good-habits-wish-list-from-tech-leaders-to-developers/) **Published:** April 17, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** Tech leaders and developers rely upon each other in fundamental ways. How can we bring more harmony to that relationship? The recent *Forbes* symposium [16 Bad Habits Tech Leaders Wish Developers Would Drop](https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2023/03/29/16-bad-habits-tech-leaders-wish-developers-would-drop/?sh=1151663d1a56) takes a deep dive into this exact question. Be sure to check out the whole article, but here is OZ Chief Solutions Officer and [Forbes Technology Council ](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/oz-chief-solutions-officer-emmanuel-ramos-joins-forbes-technology-council/)member [Emmanuel Ramos’](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mannyramos/) contribution: > “All too often, developers think, ‘I’ll just let QA test it.’ I want developers to keep a sense of pride in their work and do everything in their power, up front, to ensure code quality. Developers who prioritize code quality and follow established development processes help ensure that the final product is more stable, secure, and maintainable, which can lead to better user experiences and reduced costs over the long term.” *OZ Digital Consulting is here to provide the best solutions and advice for your business needs. From data analytics, enterprise integration and intelligent automation, web/mobile applications, Cloud and IT services—we have the expertise to make sure that your transition is seamless. Let us be your guide in this digital journey–-*[*contact us*](https://followoz.com/contact-us/) *today for a consultation!* **Categories:** OZ in Forbes --- ### [Software development evolves quickly. Here’s your guide to staying one step ahead](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/software-development-evolves-quickly-heres-your-guide-to-staying-one-step-ahead/) **Published:** April 20, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** From cloud computing, blockchain technology, and artificial intelligence (AI) to machine learning (ML) platforms and low code solutions, CEOs, CIOs, and CTOs have their plates full—and nowhere is this truer than in software development. To help tech leaders navigate this constantly changing and evolving area of the digital landscape and better meet the needs of businesses, organizations, and consumers, OZ explores the ten software development trends (re)shaping industries in 2023. ### **1. Cloud Computing** [Cloud computing](https://followoz.com/services/cloud-it-services/) allows for the delivery of computing services such as storage, networking, software, analytics, and more via the internet. It has become increasingly popular in recent years—and it will continue to be a major trend in 2023 as businesses look to leverage its benefits. One of the primary advantages of cloud computing is that it eliminates many of the costs associated with traditional IT infrastructure by providing access to virtualized resources on demand. This means organizations can scale up or down depending on their needs without having to invest heavily in hardware or other physical components. Additionally, cloud solutions are often more secure than traditional IT systems since they provide built-in security measures like encryption and authentication protocols. Cloud technologies also enable organizations to quickly deploy applications across multiple platforms without concerns about compatibility issues or manual updates. For example, developers can use serverless architectures like AWS Lambda or Azure Functions which allow them to create applications without worrying about managing servers or dealing with complex configurations. This makes developing applications faster and easier while also allowing teams greater flexibility when deploying new features and bug fixes into production environments. Finally, cloud solutions offer increased reliability compared with traditional systems since they have built-in redundancy mechanisms which help ensure data remains available even if one part fails unexpectedly. Furthermore, most providers offer service level agreements (SLAs) that guarantee certain levels of performance—something not always possible with local infrastructures where outages may occur due to unforeseen circumstances. ### **2. Blockchain** Blockchain is a distributed ledger technology that enables secure data sharing across multiple parties without the need for a central authority. It has been gaining traction in recent years due to its potential applications in various industries such as finance, healthcare, and logistics. One of the most promising use cases of blockchain technology is smart contracts—digital agreements between two or more parties that are automatically executed when predetermined conditions are met. Smart contracts have already been used by companies such as Microsoft and IBM to facilitate transactions with customers while eliminating manual paperwork and reducing costs associated with intermediaries. Additionally, they can also be used for supply chain management purposes by providing real-time visibility into product movement from origin to destination. Another major application of blockchain technology is cryptocurrency trading platforms which allow users to buy and sell digital currencies using decentralized networks instead of traditional banking systems. This eliminates third-party fees associated with centralized exchanges while ensuring faster transaction times and improved security against frauds or hacks since all transactions are recorded on an immutable public ledger known as the “blockchain” itself. Cryptocurrencies can also be used for cross-border payments since they do not require currency conversion rates or exchange rate fluctuations—ideal for international business dealings involving large sums of money. Finally, blockchain can also be utilized in other areas such as identity verification where it provides enhanced security compared to traditional methods by allowing individuals or organizations to store personal information securely on a distributed network rather than relying on centralized databases which may become vulnerable targets for hackers looking to steal sensitive data such as passwords or credit card numbers. Moreover, this same concept can also be applied to voting systems where each vote would be stored immutably on the blockchain thereby preventing any attempts at tampering with election results during post-election audits conducted by independent authorities if necessary. Overall, it is evident that businesses could benefit from leveraging blockchain technology in the years to come—whether it be through implementing smart contracts within their existing operations or utilizing cryptocurrencies for financial settlements. This makes blockchain one of the most exciting trends currently being explored within software development today. ### **3. Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Machine Learning (ML)** [Artificial Intelligence](https://followoz.com/services/data-analytics-ai/) and [Machine Learning](https://followoz.com/services/enterprise-integration-intelligent-automation/) are two powerful technologies that have revolutionized the way businesses operate. AI is a branch of computer science focused on creating intelligent machines capable of performing tasks that would normally require human intelligence—such as visual perception, speech recognition, decision-making, and language translation. ML is an application of AI that enables computers to learn from data without explicit programming instructions. These technologies can be used in various industries for different purposes. For example, in healthcare they can help diagnose diseases more accurately by analyzing medical images or patient records; in finance, they can detect fraud or anomalies faster than humans; and in retail, they can provide personalized product recommendations based on customer behavior analysis. In addition to these applications, AI and ML are also being used to automate mundane tasks such as customer service inquiries or IT support requests so companies can focus their resources on higher-value activities like innovation and strategic planning. Furthermore, these tools are being applied to improve cybersecurity measures by monitoring networks for suspicious activity or malicious threats before any damage is done. The potential benefits of using AI and ML extend beyond cost savings. These technologies allow organizations to gain insights into their operations that were previously impossible due to the sheer amount of data involved or the lack of computing power available at the time. By leveraging this newfound knowledge about their customers’ needs or internal processes, businesses will be able to make better decisions faster than ever before while also staying ahead of the competition with innovative products and services tailored specifically for them. ### **4. Low Code Development Platforms** Low code development platforms are an increasingly popular tool for developers to quickly create applications with minimal coding knowledge or experience required. They offer a range of advantages that make them attractive to businesses, such as reducing the time and cost associated with traditional software development. Low-code platforms also allow for greater flexibility in application design, allowing developers to rapidly prototype ideas without having to start from scratch each time. One of the key benefits of low code development is its ability to reduce complexity and speed up the process of creating applications. With fewer lines of code needed, developers can focus on building out features rather than dealing with complex syntax or debugging errors. This makes it easier for teams to iterate on their projects more quickly and efficiently, enabling them to bring products and services faster into marketplaces. Additionally, low-code platforms often come equipped with powerful tools that enable users to customize their apps according to specific needs without needing extensive coding skills. Another advantage is scalability—low-code solutions can be easily scaled up or down depending on demand, making them ideal for businesses that need flexible solutions that can grow alongside their operations over time. Further, these types of systems are often cloud-based which means they’re easy to deploy across multiple devices and locations simultaneously; this makes it much simpler for companies operating globally or across different departments within one organization. Finally, many low-code development platforms provide access control capabilities so organizations can securely manage user access levels while still providing a streamlined workflow experience between team members working together remotely from different locations around the world. This helps ensure data security while still allowing teams maximum collaboration potential when developing new applications or updating existing ones in real-time environments like DevOps pipelines where rapid changes are essential for success in today’s competitive market space. ### **5. Progressive Web Apps (PWAs)** Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) are web applications that offer native app-like experiences on mobile devices without requiring users to download them from an app store first. PWAs have become increasingly popular due to their ability to provide developers an easy, cost-effective, and seamless user experience across multiple devices. The benefits of using PWAs are numerous, including improved performance, increased engagement, enhanced security, better discoverability in search engines, and more. For example, PWAs can be accessed directly from the browser or added as an icon on the home screen of a device just like any other native application. This makes it easier for users to find your product or service quickly and easily without having to search through different stores or websites. And because they don’t require downloads, PWAs take up less space on a device—particularly beneficial for those with limited storage capacities such as smartphones or tablets. PWAs also offer performance improvements compared with traditional apps, using fewer resources than their counterparts which results in faster loading times even when working offline due to caching technology that allows data to be stored locally on the device rather than relying solely on server requests each time it is used. PWAs also make use of push notifications so you can keep customers engaged by sending timely messages about new products/services or updates regarding existing ones straight into their notification tray even if they haven’t opened your PWA yet. Security-wise, most browsers will alert users if a website isn’t secure before allowing access. However, this is not always enough; fortunately, with progressive web apps HTTPS encryption is mandatory, ensuring all data sent between client and server remains private and secure—something not possible with traditional web pages alone. Additionally, because these types of applications are indexed by search engines like Google and Bing there’s potential for greater visibility in organic searches too meaning more people could potentially discover your business via these platforms instead of needing direct links from social media posts, etcetera. ### **6. DevOps** DevOps is an approach to software development that combines development and operations teams in order to accelerate the delivery of applications. It is a set of practices designed to enable organizations to deliver high-quality, reliable, and secure software faster. DevOps focuses on automation, collaboration, communication, and continuous improvement throughout the entire application lifecycle. In 2023, DevOps will continue its evolution as one of the most important trends in technology. Organizations are increasingly recognizing the need for speed when it comes to delivering new features or updates quickly and reliably. Automation will be key for achieving this goal; by automating manual processes such as code deployment or testing activities with tools like Jenkins or Kubernetes, organizations can reduce time-to-market significantly while also improving quality assurance (QA). Another trend we’ll see more of in 2023 is increased adoption of cloud technologies such as Amazon Web Services (AWS) or Microsoft Azure for hosting applications. Cloud computing provides scalability and flexibility that traditional data centers cannot match—allowing developers to focus on innovation rather than infrastructure management tasks. Additionally, cloud providers offer many managed services which make it easier for developers to build complex applications without having deep knowledge about underlying technologies such as databases or networking protocols. Finally, there will be a greater emphasis on security within DevOps pipelines due to the increasing cyber threats targeting organizations worldwide. Security must become part of every step in the process from design through deployment if companies want their products and services to remain safe from malicious actors looking for vulnerabilities they can exploit. This means implementing automated security checks into CI/CD pipelines using tools like Snyk or Aqua Security so any issues can be identified early before they become major problems down the line. ### **7. UX** User experience (UX) design is a rapidly growing field that focuses on creating products and services that are both useful and enjoyable to use. It encompasses all aspects of the user’s interaction with a product or service, from initial discovery through purchase, use, maintenance, and disposal. UX designers strive to create experiences that make users feel comfortable while also providing them with an intuitive interface for accomplishing their goals. One of the most important trends in UX design today is a mobile-first design. This approach puts emphasis on designing for smaller screens first before scaling up to larger devices such as desktops and laptops. Mobile-first designs often focus on simplicity and usability since there is less space available for displaying content compared to larger devices. Additionally, mobile-first designs can help ensure that websites are optimized for search engine optimization (SEO). Another trend in UX design is personalization—tailoring experiences based on individual user preferences or behaviors. Personalization allows companies to provide more relevant content or features based on what they know about each customer’s needs or interests. For example, Amazon uses personalization algorithms to recommend products based on past purchases or searches made by customers; Netflix does something similar when suggesting movies or TV shows tailored specifically for each user’s tastes. Voice interfaces have become increasingly popular in recent years, largely due to advancements in natural language processing (NLP) technology. This has enabled voice assistants such as Alexa and Siri to understand complex commands given by users via spoken words rather than typed text inputs. Designers must consider how best to integrate voice interfaces into their products without compromising usability since this type of input requires different considerations than traditional graphical user interfaces (GUIs). ### **8. CI/CD** Continuous Integration/Continuous Delivery (CI/CD) is a set of practices and tools that enable organizations to rapidly develop, test, deploy, and maintain software applications. CI/CD automates the process of building, testing, and deploying code changes from development to production. By using automated pipelines for CI/CD processes, teams can quickly deliver high-quality software with fewer errors. In 2023 and beyond we will see more companies embracing CI/CD as part of their DevOps strategy to increase agility while reducing risk. Companies are increasingly looking for ways to automate their delivery pipeline so they can move faster without sacrificing quality or security. This includes leveraging cloud-native technologies such as Kubernetes clusters and serverless architectures which allow them to build scalable solutions that can be deployed quickly across multiple environments with minimal effort. The rise of microservices has also been a major driver behind the adoption of CI/CD pipelines, as it allows developers to break down complex applications into smaller components that can be independently tested and deployed at scale. Additionally, containerization technology such as Docker provides an easy way for teams to package up services into lightweight containers which can then be distributed across different environments in seconds instead of minutes or hours when compared with traditional deployment methods like FTP transfers or manual installations on physical servers. ### **9. Augmented Reality** Augmented Reality (AR) is a rapidly growing technology that has the potential to revolutionize how people interact with their environment. AR allows users to view and interact with digital content in the physical world, creating an immersive experience. By combining computer-generated images with real-world objects, AR can be used for entertainment, education, training, and more. One of the most popular applications of AR is gaming. Popular titles such as Pokemon Go have shown how much fun it can be to explore your surroundings while playing a game. Other games use augmented reality to create virtual worlds or puzzles that require players to move around in order to solve them. AR also has practical applications beyond gaming and entertainment. For example, many companies are using AR for product visualization and design prototyping purposes by allowing customers to see what products would look like in their own homes before they buy them. This helps reduce costs associated with manufacturing prototypes and allows customers greater freedom when making purchasing decisions since they know exactly what they’re getting beforehand. In addition, some industries are leveraging AR for training purposes due to its ability to provide realistic simulations without requiring expensive equipment or large amounts of space for practice sessions. Companies such as Boeing are already using this technology for pilot training programs because it provides a safe way for pilots to learn new skills without putting themselves at risk during actual flight scenarios. Finally, there are numerous medical uses being explored within the field of Augmented Reality including providing surgeons with 3D visualizations during operations which could help improve accuracy while reducing time spent on procedures; aiding doctors in diagnosing patients through interactive visualizations; helping medical students understand complex anatomy; and assisting physical therapists by providing feedback on patient movements during rehabilitation exercises among other things. Overall, Augmented Reality has become an increasingly important tool across multiple industries due to its ability to enhance experiences through digital content integration into our everyday lives – whether it is used recreationally or professionally. This makes it one of today’s most exciting software development trends worth exploring further. ### **10. Virtual Reality** [Virtual reality (VR)](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/a-virtual-world-of-possibilities/) is an emerging technology that has the potential to revolutionize software development. It offers a unique way of interacting with digital content, allowing users to experience immersive and interactive environments. As such, it has become increasingly popular in recent years, with many developers looking for ways to incorporate VR into their projects. One of the most important aspects of virtual reality development is understanding how users interact with the environment. Developers must create experiences that are intuitive and engaging while also ensuring safety and comfort for all participants. To do this, they must consider factors such as motion tracking, 3D audio design, haptic feedback systems, and more. Additionally, developers should be aware of any potential health risks associated with the prolonged use of VR headsets or other devices used in conjunction with them. Another key factor when creating virtual reality applications is designing user interfaces (UIs). UIs must be designed specifically for VR environments; traditional UI elements may not work well in a 3D space due to the lack of physical buttons or touchscreens on headsets like Oculus Rift or HTC Vive Pro. Instead, developers should focus on creating natural interactions using hand-tracking technology or voice commands so that users can easily navigate through menus without having to take off their headsets every time they want to make a selection. Finally, it’s essential that developers understand how best to optimize performance when building virtual reality applications since these require high levels of computing power compared to traditional 2D apps and games. This means considering things like frame rate optimization techniques as well as utilizing hardware acceleration where possible in order to reduce latency issues caused by slow rendering times on lower-end machines or mobile devices running VR apps. In conclusion, there are many considerations when developing software solutions for virtual reality platforms but if done correctly they can provide amazing results both from an entertainment and educational perspective. With the right approach and knowledge base behind them, developers will be able to set themselves up perfectly for success within this exciting field. ### **Conclusion** Are you looking for the latest trends in software development? At OZ, we are experts at staying ahead of the curve and keeping up with the ever-evolving world of technology. Our team can help you build an innovative, future-proof solution that will keep your business competitive for years to come. [Contact us](https://followoz.com/contact-us/) today and get started on a journey toward success in 2023! **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Tech Services --- ### [Four conversations diving deep into the most exciting frontiers of digital transformation](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/four-conversations-diving-deep-into-the-most-exciting-frontiers-of-digital-transformation/) **Published:** April 25, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** Five months ago, OZ launched Transformation Matters, a podcast hosted by OZ Chief Transformation Officer [Dr. Paul Bailo](https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulbailo/) devoted to in-depth conversations with the fascinating visionaries out on the cutting edge between tech innovation and our everyday lives. If you missed the early episodes, don’t fret: We’ve pulled together five of the best in one place for you to conveniently visit—or revisit—as you work to navigate your own day-to-day. ### **1. InnSure Executive Director Talks to OZ about the ROI of “Tree Hugging,” How the Insurance Industry Will Supercharge the Fight Against Climate Change, & More** “Are you telling us that the insurance industry is treehuggers now that they’re advocating for the environment?” This is the good-naturedly provocative question Bailo puts to InnSure Executive Director [Charlie Sidoti](https://www.linkedin.com/in/sidoti/) in this informative and entertaining inaugural episode. “It’s in their best interest,” Sidoti responds, giving as good as he gets. “I’ve always been environmentally conscious, but it’s not just about doing good for the sake of being a good person. The UN suggests that there’s going to be $5 trillion a year spent on climate. Suppose Property & Casualty (P&C) captures 2% of the global economy. In that case, we stand to capture $100 billion in new business.” ### **2. My New Coworker Has No Heartbeat** How does a “fast-talking guy from New Jersey” with a degree in International Economics from NYU end up being one of the driving forces in the conversational AI revolution? It’s a fascinating and illuminating journey that Bailo teases out of guest Steve Hartenstein, Senior Director of Autonomic, Analytic, and Cognitive Solution Design at IPsoft. “Ironically, the very same guy who had gotten me to work in his dad’s computer store had developed something called Active Buddy in the early eighties which was a wiseguy chatbot,” Hartenstein tells Bailo. “When you asked it questions it would do basic web searches to try to find your answers but mostly it was a sarcastic, annoying utility that demonstrated that, frankly, voice as an interface was going to establish primacy. It took a while for it to happen, but I think that’s a lot of what’s behind the success of conversational AI today. “Voice is becoming the interface of preference,” he adds, “and telling an application what you want is probably the most effective way to let a human being interact with an application.” ### **3. How Technology is Extending & Reshaping the Future of Our “Golden Years”** Is *ninety* the new forty? And if so, what does this vast extension of our [golden years](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/golden%20years) mean—economically, philosophically, and practically—for the institution of [retirement](https://www.usa.gov/retirement)? On this episode of Transformation Matter, an enlightening, sobering, and, ultimately, hopeful conversation with [Nassau Financial Group](https://www.nfg.com/) Chief Marketing Officer and host of [That Annuity Show](https://thatannuityshow.com/category/paul-tyler/) [Paul Tyler](https://www.linkedin.com/in/pauldtyler/) about this moment of societal change, as profound as it is inevitable—and how technology, properly designed and engaged, can help us navigate it. ### **4. How technology can help you rediscover the “sparkle” in your life and career** On her LinkedIn bio, [Robin Kirby](https://www.linkedin.com/in/robintkirby/) describes herself as a “former CHRO turned entrepreneur and happier person to be around.” The road from the former to the latter, however, was no easy journey: After more than two decades and fifty thousand hours of high-level HR work at companies such as Citigroup, GE, Infosys, USAA, and others—Kirby came face-to-face not only with her mortality but also a work/life balance that had gone seriously awry. “Like a lot of your listeners, I spent so much of my career scaling mountains, hitting new goals, and all those things,” Kirby tells Bailo on the latest episode of Transformation Matters. And then, at forty years old, she ended up in the ICU with [pulmonary embolisms](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pulmonary-embolism/symptoms-causes/syc-20354647). “It was very scary and probably connected to my travel and flying and stress and a lot of things I had going on,” she says. “You would think that kind of life whack would make you pause and listen, but for me, it didn’t. What I did instead—like any good, self-respecting workaholic—was to just pour myself into my job and try to find a way to hustle harder and do more things. Until at some point, I just hit this wall and was kind of curled up in the corner in a fetal position. I thought, ‘What am I doing?’” The story of her rise from this rock bottom to a true change agent in her former industry is told in Kirby’s affecting, inspiring, and perception-shifting new book, [*Sparkle: How to Beat Burnout, End Exhaustion and Find a Career that Lights You Up*](https://www.amazon.com/Sparkle-Burnout-Exhaustion-Career-Lights/dp/B0BRC945HL/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8). ### **5. From “life expectancy” to embracing higher expectations of one’s life** Dedicated to supporting “the global community of those who break barriers and go beyond borders,” Insured Nomads, employing cutting-edge technology and old-school empathy, seeks to elevate and evolve the insurance experience “for those who travel and encounter the unexpected, the unplanned, or the catastrophic.” “We actually started our organization just at the beginning of the pandemic,” Insured Nomads President and Chief Innovation Officer [Allen Koski](https://www.linkedin.com/in/allenkoski/) tells Bailo. “We saw people working remotely, leaving larger companies, saying, ‘You know what? Instead of working in San Francisco as someone who does taxes, I could probably work in a great surfing spot in Costa Rica. When it rains, I’ll do the taxes and when it’s sunny I’ll go surfing, eat ceviche—live the dream. And we wanted to support more people in living those dreams.” It is a fascinating, fun, revealing conversation that demonstrates just how real the possibility of shifting from a paradigm of focusing on life expectancy to one of embracing higher expectations of life. </ifra **Categories:** Blog --- ### [Reuters Insurance AI & Innovative Tech USA 2023: Key Takeaways](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/reuters-insurance-ai-innovative-tech-usa-2023-key-takeaways/) **Published:** April 26, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Rueters_1-1.jpg) I had the opportunity of attending [the Reuters Insurance AI & Innovative Tech conference](https://events.reutersevents.com/insurance/insuranceai-usa). Every year, teams from across the industry come together to learn, explore, and network with peers. This year was no different. Over 200 insurance, data, and technology experts attended — from industry giants to insurtechs, thought-leaders, and decision-makers — to share perspectives, get insights, and return with a different lens on the business. It was great meeting them all: interacting with experts, hearing from industry leaders, and learning what’s happening in the insurance community. How are emerging technologies — AI — transforming the insurance landscape? What are carriers most excited about, and what’s next for the industry? How can we harness innovation to meet business needs across the enterprise, including within customer experience? Here are some insights and takeaways from this year that I wanted to share with you. ### **AI Is the New Frontier for Insurance Innovation** AI is not coming for insurance — it is already here. Insurtechs, carriers (and brokers) are scaling their AI initiatives to solve business challenges — from unstructured data digitization and claims processing to fraud detection — and stay competitive. The question on everyone’s mind was: how can we capitalize on AI and technology to reach the modern customer? The consensus was to maximize all your data sources, from agents to IoT, to funnel into AI. Build volume and ensure quality that allows you to be predictive. Develop agile ecosystems through strategic adoption that support personalized, AI-powered customer experience from quote to claim. Balance artificial intelligence with human insight to seize opportunities from personalization to refined risk and streamlined claims. While we acknowledged that AI is a game-changer for the insurance industry, we all agreed that AI should be deployed responsibly. ### **The Age of Pilots and Trials Is Over** Companies — even those slow to implement digital technologies — are now implementing solutions at breakneck speed. They are embracing customer experience (CX) and employee experience and moving from experimenting with “newer” technologies to integrating them into their solutions. Digital transformation has become a burning priority — many organizations are fully down the path to successful (and long-term) transformation journeys — and the momentum will likely continue. However, getting back to basics around data, process, and customer experience is potentially where a large portion of the industry will still see a “big bang,” as those may be areas many companies may still have to focus on. ### **4 Mistakes Ruining Your Automation Efforts (and How You Can Fix Them)** **![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Reuters_2-e1682537785873.jpg)** Not all automation projects are created equal. Some succeed while many fail. But why? A presentation on this topic dwelled on the four common mistakes plaguing RPA projects. First, automating without completely understanding the process you’re trying to automate can derail your plans. Accounting for all exceptions and variations in a process is critical. That’s why processes may need to be redesigned first before automating them. Because “Automating a poorly designed process just makes bad things happen faster.” The second mistake is not having a quantifiable business case. Building an automation business case involves quantifying the impact automation will have on critical metrics than merely identifying areas for automation. Too often, “automation is treated as a hammer in search of a nail.” Instead of finding as many automation opportunities as possible, focus first on optimizing key processes in the best way possible. And finally, quantifying results and ROI is important in the early days of implementation as this helps build a future business case for more resources. While process metrics such as efficiency, throughput, and cost/effort are standard methods for measuring the impact of automation, business metrics such as customer satisfaction and revenue also need to be considered. ### **There’s a Hidden Opportunity in What You Already Know About Your Customers** There was a dynamic discussion around the future of insurance and the place of data and analytics. On average, most insurance companies have few touchpoints with their customers. But through data and analytics, insurers can focus their efforts on driving growth through better customer experiences. With the right tools and data, they can improve this improved customer experience through analytics and make that experience stellar. Data can help you tell the full customer story and offer coverage that adds the most value to your business. When you look closely at every stage of your customer acquisition process, you get a better understanding of why they convert — *and* why they don’t. When you know why your prospects say “no,” you can make improvements and convert them to “yes.” Everyone agreed that insurance companies make minimal investments in customer experience after they’ve acquired the customer. When it comes to growth, you must acquire and retain, but don’t forget to ask – “what else can we do?” Let your data lead the way. Whether you attended or not, I would love to hear your thoughts. If you would like to discuss your organization’s digital transformation goals or how to integrate new technologies into your business, please reach out to me [here.](https://www.linkedin.com/in/murrayiz/) **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Insurance, Events --- ### [Understanding data collection in the age of Alexa](https://followoz.com/resources/forbes/understanding-data-collection-in-the-age-of-alexa/) **Published:** May 9, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** We talk to our tech gadgets now more than ever, but what do these apps and machines remember about what we say? It’s a question that is considered from multiple angles in the recent *Forbes* symposium, [15 Intriguing (And Concerning) Facts About Voice-Activated Tech](https://www-forbes-com.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2023/03/21/15-intriguing-and-concerning-facts-about-voice-activated-tech/amp/), featuring a distinguished panel including OZ Chief Solutions Officer and [Forbes Technology Council ](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/oz-chief-solutions-officer-emmanuel-ramos-joins-forbes-technology-council/)member [Emmanuel Ramos](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mannyramos/). Here is Ramos’ contribution: > “Every user should know that voice-activated technology may collect and store your voice data. This data can include not only the words you use to interact with the device but also other sounds and audio picked up by the device’s microphone. The data collected can be used to improve the device’s performance, but it can also be shared with third parties, such as advertisers or data brokers.” *OZ Digital Consulting is here to provide the best solutions and advice for your business needs. From data analytics, enterprise integration and intelligent automation, web/mobile applications, and Cloud and IT services—we have the expertise to make sure that your transition is seamless. Let us be your guide in this digital journey–-*[*contact us*](https://followoz.com/contact-us/) *today for a consultation.* **Categories:** OZ in Forbes **Tags:** Forbes --- ### [Unlocking new avenues of healthcare innovation in the metaverse](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/unlocking-new-avenues-of-healthcare-innovation-in-the-metaverse/) **Published:** May 10, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** From gaming and entertainment to professional training and education, the increasing affordability and accessibility of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies are revolutionizing how we interact with digital content and unlocking new avenues of innovation that were otherwise impossible. Companies such as Meta are investing over [$10B annually](https://mixed-news.com/en/this-is-how-much-meta-is-investing-in-vr-ar-and-horizon/) in VR and AR platforms—the latter integrates digital information such as 3D models, text, or images into the user’s existing surroundings as opposed to creating a wholly computer-generated environment—to meet the rising demand for immersive experiences. But this revolution isn’t locked into entertainment: In fact, healthcare and education are [leading the charge](https://healthtechmagazine.net/article/2023/01/virtual-reality-helps-healthcare-students-experience-clinical-scenarios) for early adoption and integration across all sectors—and for proof, one need look no further than training where more than [70% of medical students](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214854X22000607) prefer augmented learning over traditional approaches. Here are a few fascinating examples of this innovation in action. - **Augusta University**. At Augusta University, nursing professors teamed up with the [Center for Instructional Innovation](https://www.augusta.edu/innovation/) to create six immersive end-of-life VR scenes that students can explore using Oculus VR headsets. They filmed the scenes with a 360-degree camera, enlisted students and staff as actors, and employed visual and audio effects to mimic realistic end-of-life situations. After a successful trial with eight master’s degree students, the College of Nursing integrated the simulations into their palliative care nursing course. Students use ten computers and four [Oculus VR ](https://www.bestbuy.com/?intl=nosplash)headsets to learn empathetic communication skills and practice relevant phrases before diving into the fifteen-minute VR scenarios. Faculty members watch the students and later discuss their experiences, preparing them to handle real-life situations with more confidence, empathy, and deeper understanding. - **Purdue University.** During the pandemic, the [Purdue University global online nursing program](https://www.purdueglobal.edu/degree-programs/nursing/) partnered with a third-party vendor to create immersive simulations that allow students to expand their skills remotely. With the help of Oculus VR headsets and a user-friendly app, students saw a boost in confidence through personalized experiences while enjoying greater flexibility in their learning. The program has now expanded simulative lessons to cover almost seventy skills, AI-powered VR simulations for patient evaluations, and community healthcare assessments. As a result, students have become far more adept at their skills through ample at-home practice. - **New York University.** New York University’s Grossman School of Medicine harnesses VR and AR technologies to offer students innovative ways to visualize and learn about the human body. Manager of immersive computing at the Institute for Innovations in Medical Education, Greg Dorsainville, explains that while cadavers are still available for examination, students now use VR and AR for dissection as part of their curriculum. They can access digitized versions of body parts, animations, and other resources anytime, anywhere, including 3D models of the brain and other organs to better understand their spatial relationships and visualize the body. The medical school has 20 VR headsets on campus—including the [Lenovo Varjo](https://varjo.com/products/), Oculus Quest 2, and [HTC Vive](https://www.vive.com/us/product/vive-xr-elite/overview/)—so students can access VR experiences and 3D models on devices like computers, tablets, and smartphones at will. This collective effort, Dorsainville [says](https://healthtechmagazine.net/article/2023/01/virtual-reality-helps-healthcare-students-experience-clinical-scenarios), is essential to “meet our learners where they are.” The primary factor driving this mass adoption and digital preference? *Engaging accessibility*. No longer is quality medical training bound by geography, patient accessibility, or resources. From analyzing how your capabilities can best be leveraged in the business landscape to integrating cutting-edge technology that launches you ahead of the competition, OZ can help you put the wind of the digital revolution at your back. Contact us [today](https://followoz.com/contact-us/)! **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Healthcare --- ### [Learn more about the $720 billion trend democratizing application development](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/learn-more-about-the-720-billion-trend-democratizing-application-development/) **Published:** May 11, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** As low-code and no-code platforms continue to evolve, tech leaders are witnessing a paradigm shift in software development: These innovative tools are empowering businesses to accelerate digital transformation by enabling rapid application development with minimal coding expertise. From accelerated adoption rates to the explosion of popular low-code/no-code tools in the market, your guide to the vital, burgeoning world of this democratizing application trend is below. ### **What is Behind the Rapid Growth of Low-Code and No-Code Platforms?** Gartner anticipates that more than fifty percent of mid- to large-size organizations will soon implement low- and no-code technologies. This rapid rise can in part be attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic, which accelerated adoption rates: Businesses were forced to adapt quickly in response to changing work environments and customer needs—and these tools enabled companies to rapidly develop applications without relying on traditional coding methods or hiring additional developers, allowing them to stay agile during uncertain times. But the trend is set to outlive the pandemic: Gartner projects spending on [hyperautomation](https://www.ibm.com/topics/hyperautomation)-enabling software—i.e., a combination of machine learning (ML), packaged software, and automation tools aimed at delivering better work processes—will reach $720 billion in 2023, up from just under a half-trillion dollars back in 2018. ### **Popular Low-Code and No-Code Tools in the Market** The demand for low-code and no-code platforms has led to a surge in available tools, each catering to different industries and use cases. This section will explore some of the most sought-after tools in the low-code/no-code space that are making waves today. - **Microsoft PowerApps & Power Automate Platform.** [PowerApps ](https://powerapps.microsoft.com/)is Microsoft’s entry into the low-code/no-code space, enabling users to create custom business applications without writing any code. With its intuitive user interface and the capability to link up with other Microsoft programs like Office 365 and Dynamics 365, PowerApps makes creating applications much simpler. [Power Automate](https://flow.microsoft.com/), formerly known as Microsoft Flow, complements PowerApps by providing a platform for automating workflows across various services and applications. - **Appian Comprehensive Low-Code Solution.** [Appian ](https://www.appian.com/platform/low-code)offers an end-to-end low-code solution designed for businesses looking to build powerful enterprise-grade applications quickly. Its visual design capabilities combined with robust process automation features make it an ideal choice for organizations seeking rapid application development while maintaining high standards of security and scalability. - **OutSystems High-Productivity App Development Tool.** A leader in the low-code/no-code arena, [OutSystems ](https://www.outsystems.com/)provides a high-productivity platform that allows developers to create web or mobile apps at lightning speed without compromising on quality or performance. The OutSystems platform boasts strong integration capabilities and a rich set of pre-built templates and components, making it a popular choice for businesses across various industries. - **Nintex Workflow Automation Suite.** [Nintex](https://www.nintex.com/) is known for its powerful workflow automation suite that enables users to design, automate, and optimize business processes with ease. Its intuitive drag-and-drop interface combined with an extensive library of connectors makes it simple to integrate Nintex into existing systems and applications. - **Quickbase Flexible Business Applications Builder.** [Quickbase ](https://www.quickbase.com/)is a versatile low-code/no-code platform that allows users to build custom business applications tailored to their unique needs. Quickbase’s user-friendly interface and extensive customizability have made it a popular choice for companies aiming to simplify operations and enhance efficiency via automation. In the ever-evolving world of technology, these low-code/no-code tools are revolutionizing the way businesses develop applications by empowering non-expert programmers within their organizations. By choosing the right tool based on your specific requirements, you can significantly accelerate application development while maintaining high standards in terms of quality and performance. ### **Democratizing Application Development with Citizen Developers** The rise of low-code and no-code platforms has led to the emergence of a new breed of developers within organizations, known as **citizen developers**. These individuals may not have extensive programming expertise but are empowered by these platforms to contribute towards process automation efforts. The democratization of application development through citizen developers is revolutionizing the way businesses approach software development in several ways: - **Bridging talent gaps:** With a growing shortage of professional coders, citizen developers leverage their domain knowledge and use low-code/no-code tools to create custom applications tailored to their respective businesses’ needs. This enables companies to fill those positions more efficiently than ever before. - **Saving time and money:** By empowering non-expert programmers, organizations can save significant amounts on hiring additional software developers while also reducing the time it takes from start to finish for developing applications. Low code/no code solutions provide flexibility without sacrificing quality or functionality compared to extensively coded, custom-built applications fitting like gloves around their respective businesses’ needs which ultimately saves money too since they don’t need to hire additional software developers either. This, in turn, helps bridge talent gaps left behind by a shortage of professional coders but also enables companies to fill those positions more efficiently than ever before. - **Fostering innovation:** When employees across different departments can contribute ideas and develop solutions using low-code/no-code platforms, it fosters an environment that encourages creativity and collaboration among team members. As a result, innovative ideas are brought forward faster, leading to improved products or services that cater better to customer demands. To successfully implement low code/no code strategies within your organization, consider providing training resources such as [online courses](https://www.udemy.com/course/citizen-developers-of-low-code-no-code/), webinars, and workshops to help your employees become proficient in using these platforms. Additionally, establish a governance framework that outlines the roles and responsibilities of citizen developers while ensuring compliance with IT policies and industry regulations. Incorporating low-code/no-code platforms into your organization’s software development strategy can lead to increased efficiency, cost savings, and innovation by empowering citizen developers. By providing the necessary resources for training and establishing a clear governance structure, businesses can harness the full potential of this rapidly growing trend. ### **Conclusion** The rise of low-code and no-code platforms is revolutionizing the way applications are built. As these technologies progress, they will become more available to developers, businesses, and organizations. Understanding the latest trends in low-code/no-code platforms can help you make informed decisions when selecting a platform for your application development needs. Armed with this comprehension, you’ll be able to capitalize on the power of these robust tools and generate impressive applications effortlessly. Ready to get started on your own digital transformation journey? OZ can [help](https://followoz.com/). **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Tech Services --- ### [Four transformative best practices for success in the digital age](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/four-transformative-best-practices-for-success-in-the-digital-age/) **Published:** May 12, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** **By: Abhaya Bisht,** OZ Change Management Analyst In today’s dynamic business landscape, effectively integrating IT initiatives with organizational change efforts is no longer a luxury, but [a necessity](https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2020/10/digital-transformation-or-bust/). If that sounds daunting, don’t worry—[OZ](https://followoz.com/), drawing on more than a quarter century of experience, has put together a list of four best practices that will help ensure your company remains competitive in the digital era. - **Develop a Strategic and Integrated Approach.** It is crucial to recognize that IT and organizational change are interconnected and need to be managed in alignment with each other. This requires close collaboration and communication between IT and business leaders as well as a shared understanding of the overall organizational strategy and goals. By ensuring IT initiatives are well-integrated with organizational change efforts, organizations can achieve a seamless transition and drive meaningful outcomes. - **Involve Stakeholders at All Levels.** Stakeholders, including employees, customers, partners, and other relevant parties, should be engaged from the beginning of the change process. This includes involving them in the planning, design, and implementation phases, and soliciting their feedback and input. By involving stakeholders, organizations can gain valuable insights, build ownership, and foster commitment among employees, which are essential for driving successful outcomes. - **Develop a Robust Change Management Plan.** A robust change management plan should outline strategies for communication, training, and support to facilitate the transition. It should also address potential resistance to change and provide strategies to mitigate that resistance. Additionally, the plan should be flexible and adaptable, considering the unique needs and characteristics of the organization. By having a well-structured change management plan, organizations can navigate the complexities of change and minimize disruptions. - **Foster a Culture of Agility and Innovation.** This includes promoting a mindset of continuous improvement, encouraging experimentation, and providing opportunities for learning and skill development. Organizations should create an environment where employees feel empowered to adapt to new technologies, embrace change, and contribute to the organization’s innovation efforts. By fostering a culture of agility and innovation, organizations can stay ahead in the ever-changing business landscape. **Conclusion** Merging IT and organizational change is crucial for organizations to thrive in today’s digital world. Are you ready to take the first—or next best—step on your digital transformation journey? OZ experts will work side by side with you to fully leverage our relationships with the world’s leading technology companies so you can reap the benefits of best-in-class implementation, integration, and automation—making the most of your technology investments and powering next-gen innovation. [Contact us today](https://followoz.com/contact-us/). **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Tech Services --- ### [New OZ Digital Consulting CRO Brings Extensive Experience, "Winning Mindset"](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/new-oz-digital-consulting-cro-brings-extensive-experience-winning-mindset/) **Published:** May 12, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., May 12, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — OZ Digital Consulting, a South Florida-based company leveraging modern technologies that empower businesses to digitally transform and accelerate growth globally, has announced [Stephane Abitan](https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaneabitan/) as its new Chief Revenue Officer. “Steph comes to OZ with an extremely impressive background in corporate sales and strategic marketing—and he has proven his ability to deliver professional services to a wide range of markets over and over,” OZ CEO Amjad Shamim says. “Beyond that, however, Steph possesses the kind of winning mindset that not only helps propel a vision forward but also inspires those around him. At this exciting moment in our company’s history, as OZ innovates on multiple fronts, these are attributes that will no doubt prove very valuable.” Abitan launched his career at ADP where he sold in multiple markets, led teams, and worked in Corporate Sales Operations, creating incentive programs that drove sales, managed sales policies, and helped successfully shepherd several customer acquisitions—all while earning his master’s degree in leadership and management from Nova Southeastern University. From ADP, Abitan joined a top-tiered Microsoft Dynamics Implementor, Tribridge, further expanding his strategic partnership experience. Progressing into a sales leadership position, Abitan took a team from $10 million in sales revenue to ultimately running the company’s Dynamics Practice and grossing over $150 million in revenue. Tribridge was purchased by DXC in 2017 and Abitan played an integral role in helping DXC sell its Dynamics practice to multiple buyers including Ernst & Young in 2022. “My core leadership principles include enterprise sales, forging and leading strategic partnerships, and creating a fun and fast-paced environment that challenges sellers to be bold and knowledgeable in pursuit of each sales opportunity,” Abitan says. “On the leadership side, I like to nurture an environment in which the team feels comfortable thinking differently about how they approach their tech strategy. “And *that* is what excites me about joining OZ,” he continues. “I’ll have the chance to put all of that experience to work in a creative, visionary, results-driven environment—at a time when the company’s hard-won, deep expertise and unique approach to digital transformation and acceleration has the potential to change the game for clients across the business landscape.” Steph will oversee the sales team for OZ as well as help continue to build and evolve the company’s overall strategy. [See Press Release on PRNewswire here.](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-oz-digital-consulting-cro-brings-extensive-experience-winning-mindset-301822501.html) **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Press Releases --- ### [The Big Data Challenge – A Panel Discussion You Don’t Want to Miss](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/the-big-data-challenge/) **Published:** May 15, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ### **The Big Data Challenge: Source, Validate, and Integrate Quality Data for Commercial Risk Analysis and Dramatically Increase Risk Accuracy – A Panel Discussion** [Commercial Lines Innovation USA 2023](https://www.commercial-lines-innovation-usa.com/) (May 16–17) is bringing together underwriters, brokers, and insurers to tackle the most pressing issues in today’s market. These experts will reflect on commercial lines’ challenges and how data, analytics, and innovative technologies can make the industry more resilient. The conference features an impressive line-up of speakers — industry leaders and data analytics experts — keynote presentations, fireside chats, and live panel discussions. Be on hand to hear [Murray Izenwasser](https://www.linkedin.com/in/murrayiz/), Senior Vice President, Digital Strategy at OZ, share his insights on how P&C insurers can use big data to transform their underwriting and pricing operations, predict risk and drive profitability. That’s not all. There’ll be a wide-ranging discussion on a slew of topics from data accuracy, authenticity, and quality to working with third-party data providers and more — all critical to making better underwriting decisions and mitigating risk. **Join [the panel discussion](https://www.commercial-lines-innovation-usa.com/agenda/session/1092918) to:** - Learn where to source good, trustworthy third-party data and validate its accuracy, authenticity, and relevance to your risk prediction requirements - Sort the wheat from the chaff to identify the data points that will allow you to focus on information that results in better and more focused underwriting decision-making and increased profitability - Gain insights into how to absorb complex data models into your current system and process it for real-time use - Explore ways to deal with the challenge of integrating unstructured data - Discover how to build, control, and manage an internal data mining department and explore strategies to create your own in-house datasets - Work with third parties to enhance hazard risk prediction - Find out how to work with data mining companies and third-party data providers to extract detailed, nuanced information from potential customers - Uncover ways you can create a crucial hazard word search and scoring mechanism that allows for better decision-making [![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Panel_Comm-Lines-2023-1.png)](https://www.commercial-lines-innovation-usa.com/agenda/session/1092918) ### **Conference Details** **Where: Chicago, Illinois When: May 16 – 17** Whether you sit in underwriting, distribution, operations, or claims, you’ll discover how changing risk profiles are impacting your function and more importantly, the changes you need to make to deliver valuable products and customer-enhanced services. **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Insurance, Events --- ### [Staying at the forefront of cloud security](https://followoz.com/resources/technical-guides/staying-at-the-forefront-of-cloud-security/) **Published:** May 15, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** **By: Hassan Zaheer, Director of Digital Solutions** [![Download PDF](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/6318251/3d4494ab-ed91-424c-afbd-9c143e09c82e.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/6318251/3d4494ab-ed91-424c-afbd-9c143e09c82e) While cloud providers such as AWS, Azure, and GCP strive to offer secure infrastructure and arm clients with resources to bolster security management, the responsibility ultimately falls on those same clients. The solution? It’s time to put identity management at the forefront of your cloud security strategy. ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Identity-Access-Management_Image1.png) Today, cloud identity management encompasses more than simple SSO solutions—the next generation of Identity and Access Management (AIM) has arrived and represents a holistic shift of the entire identity infrastructure to the cloud. New IAM platforms include modern adaptations of traditional, on-prem, and legacy solutions such as Microsoft Active Directory (AD) and lightweight directory access protocol (LDAP), along with add-ons that can include web application single sign-on, multi-factor authentication, privileged access management, and more. These upgraded directory services are optimized to be used across any device, on any operating system, with any on-prem or web-based application, or any cloud or remote resource. These modern cloud IAM solutions are also multi-protocol, enabling virtually any IT resource to connect in their ‘native’ authentication language. Here are some essential elements to consider as you move forward: - **Adopt the Principle of Least Privilege:** The principle of least privilege essentially ensures that users are provided only the access and privileges necessary to execute their duties. In this way, DevOps and security teams can significantly reduce the blast radius during a data breach by restricting threats to the specific permissions linked to an account. This includes continuously monitoring your approved users against the baseline of least privilege and alerting when a deviation occurs. - **Centralize IAM:** By ensuring that privileges are issued in accordance with the policies and controls within your organization’s governance framework, centralized IAM makes it easier to gain the visibility necessary for effective oversight and enforce policies governing identity and access. As a result, you can align privileges with your business requirements and fully leverage a cloud security platform. - **Due Diligence:** It is vital for organizations to protect the powerful set of permissions linked to administrator credentials—and cloud users should consider additional security tools to help this process. Administrator credentials should strictly belong to administrator identities. Organizations should restrict administrator accounts to necessary functions and discourage daily usage, yes, but security can go much further with the power of the cloud: Organizations should consistently inventory all identities and associated entitlements, certifying those that are truly known admin accounts and remediate the ones that aren’t. - **Separation of Duties:** Separation of duties (SOD) involves the sharing of a set of responsibilities and privileges among multiple users with the intention of preventing fraud and error. Separation of Duties has two areas: The first is the prevention of conflict of interest (real or apparent), wrongful acts, fraud, abuse, and errors. The second is the detection of control failures that include security breaches, information theft, and circumvention of security controls. It is designed to ensure that identities—human and otherwise—don’t have conflicting responsibilities or are in a position of opening the organization to risk. Separation of Duties can be difficult to achieve with limited staff members, but controls should be put into place in accordance with SoD. - **Categorize Identity Management:** Without complete visibility into all identities, any individual identity may receive more access than needed, leaving your organization open to unnecessary risks. This is where a third-party cloud security platform comes in: Systematic identity management will help organizations optimize identity and access controls. DevOps can achieve this by sorting identities into groups and roles according to their functions and permissions and then creating policies that are applied to the grouping. Through this method of categorization, they can effectively manage similar identities without tediously sorting through every single one, which likely leads to misconfigurations. These IAM misconfigurations often introduce hidden risks in your cloud. - **Delegate Permissions by Roles:** Rather than use an admin identity to complete everyday tasks, create new roles for different tasks that are assumed when needed. Assuming a role requires using a token or creating a session—which are only temporary, and therefore less risky than long-term credentials. - **MFA Activation:** Multi-factor authentication (MFA) provides critical accounts with added security that mitigates cyber threats by complicating the hacking process. As the name suggests, MFA requires more than just remembering some passwords—it involves having both physical devices and personal knowledge for an individual’s identity to be confirmed. Fundamental access controls can prevent intrusions by most bad actors. These controls verify the valid identity and then monitor the identity’s usage to ensure they remain within the mandated security parameters and permissions. As a general security best practice, activate MFA for all accounts. - **Protect Root User Account:** If you choose to keep the key, you should change it on a regular basis—a 90-day rotation period is recommended. The root account has control over everything in your environment and, so, should also follow the best practices of password creation and management, including activated MFA. It is not possible to reduce the permissions that AWS root user keys provide, so it is paramount that these keys are protected just as you would any other sensitive information: Do not create access keys for the root users if you haven’t already unless you absolutely need to. Instead, use the account email and password to enter the Management Console and create an IAM user for yourself, granting it administrative privileges. Moreover, if you have an access key for any root user, it’s best to delete it. So, what features should a modern cloud identity management solution ultimately include? It should… - connect users to applications that leverage either LDAP or SAML-based authentication. - have remote system management for Mac, Windows, and Linux devices. - securely connect employees to their devices (systems, mobile, servers), IT applications (on-prem or the cloud), files (cloud hosted or on-prem) and networks via VPN or WiFi. - leverage best-in-class security using zero trust principles. - limit management overhead and improve security and user manageability. - possess one touch provision users to virtually all of their IT resources and with HRIS integration. - connect your cloud servers (hosted at AWS, Google Cloud, Azure, or elsewhere) to your existing AD or LDAP user store. - extend your existing AD or LDAP directory to the cloud. - manage your Linux, Mac, laptops, and Windows regardless of the location. - be system-based and application-level multi-factor authentication (MFA). ### **Conclusion** Preserving data integrity requires IAM policies designed to clearly define user roles and privileges and control access to applications within all major cloud platforms such as Amazon, Microsoft, and Google. Businesses planning to invest in cloud platforms and move more computing infrastructure to the cloud must carefully assess the security controls available and seek PaaS solutions designed to integrate with, supplement, and strengthen existing security frameworks. As businesses move into the future and embrace updated technologies, flexibility in cloud environments will become more important and security concerns will continue to evolve. Today’s top cloud platform providers offer scalable, customizable solutions with built-in IAM tools, and it’s up to IT specialists to identify the unique concerns of the businesses for which they work and choose the best solution to address workflow needs and security requirements. Regardless of where you are on your digital transformation journey, OZ will help you bring to bear the power of the cloud to transform your organization, save money, increase scalability, gain competitive advantage, and improve business efficiency and operations. Find out more about our cloud services and assessment offerings [here](https://followoz.com/services/cloud-services/). **Categories:** Technical Guides **Tags:** Tech Services --- ### [Overcoming Challenges to Digital Banking Transformation Success](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/overcoming-challenges-to-digital-banking-transformation-success/) **Published:** May 16, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** **By: Paul Bailo, Chief Transformation Officer** Digital transformation is hard work. And, having spent fifteen years working in this space, I can tell you it is even more difficult in financial services due in large part to culture, regulation, and a lack of true innovation. Nevertheless, it must be done. Digital banking transformation has become a critical initiative as financial institutions strive to meet the evolving needs of customers in the digital age. However, there are several challenges that organizations must overcome to achieve success in their transformation efforts: One of the major obstacles is cultural resistance to change. The shift to digital banking requires significant changes to processes, technologies, and even mindset, which can be met with resistance from existing leadership and employees. Getting everyone on board and ensuring alignment throughout the organization can be a complex task. Limited resources pose another challenge. Financial institutions may struggle to allocate the necessary funds and manpower to support digital transformation initiatives, particularly during times of economic uncertainty. Investments in new technologies and employee training can strain resources, making it crucial to carefully plan and prioritize these investments. Complexity is also a significant hurdle. Many financial institutions have legacy systems that are deeply rooted in past business strategies. Integrating these systems with newer digital technologies can be challenging and may require incremental implementation to address complexities effectively. Data privacy and security concerns are paramount in digital banking. As financial institutions handle increasing volumes of sensitive customer data, ensuring its security becomes a top priority. Implementing new digital technologies while maintaining robust data protection measures can be a daunting task. Furthermore, regulatory compliance adds another layer of complexity. Financial institutions must navigate complex and ever-changing regulations, which becomes more challenging as they adopt new digital banking technologies. Staying abreast of regulatory requirements and ensuring compliance throughout the transformation process is crucial. To overcome these challenges, financial institutions need to be proactive and strategic. They should foster a culture of innovation and change, allocate resources effectively, and address complexities by adopting an incremental approach. Prioritizing data security and privacy measures and staying compliant with regulations should be at the core of digital transformation efforts. Additionally, financial institutions must rethink their existing business models to stay competitive in the digital era. They should consider diversifying their product offerings, exploring new customer segments, and leveraging digital capabilities to deliver value at scale. Staying attuned to customer needs, embracing new technologies, and adapting to emerging trends are key to redefining and evolving their business models successfully. Digital banking transformation presents both opportunities and challenges for financial institutions. By addressing cultural resistance, allocating resources strategically, managing complexities, prioritizing data security, and rethinking business models, organizations can position themselves for success in the digital banking landscape. Embracing innovation and remaining adaptable will be essential to thrive in an environment of ongoing change and disruption. Change and disruption will never end. *OZ Digital Consulting helps you get the most out of your [digital transformation journey](https://followoz.com/). Whether it’s* rethinking your operations or building differentiated solutions that create value and deliver sustainable transformation, our experts will guide you every step of the way. We have deep knowledge and expertise across diverse technologies and industries, including financial services, insurance, and banking. Interested in how OZ can help your business? [Book a strategic session](https://followoz.com/contact-us/) with our experts today. **Categories:** Blog --- ### [The next revolution in machine and deep learning has arrived](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/the-next-revolution-in-machine-and-deep-learning-has-arrived-2/) **Published:** May 22, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** “Generative adversarial networks (GANs) have drastically altered the landscape of deep learning, enabling machines to produce credible images and data from nothing…” So begins the recent article by OZ Chief Solutions Officer [Emmanuel Ramos](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mannyramos/) in *CIO Tech World* delving into the power and the promise of these cutting-edge tools. Here’s a taste: > CEOs, COOs, and CIOs should be aware of developments in deep learning technologies such as [GANs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Generative_adversarial_network) since they offer potential solutions to many business problems requiring large-scale data generation or augmentation tasks without manual intervention. By staying informed about recent advances in this field and understanding how they might apply within their organizations’ contexts, leaders can make better-informed decisions when considering investments into AI-driven initiatives that leverage generative adversarial networks at their core. Read the whole thing [here](https://ciotechworld.com/generative-adversarial-networks-key-applications-insights-for-executives/). **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Forbes --- ### [3 Ways Microsoft’s Powerful Monitoring and Diagnostics Tool](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/3-ways-microsofts-powerful-monitoring-and-diagnostics-tool-will-revolutionize-your-business/) **Published:** May 23, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** **By Wajiha Fayaz** **OZ Full Stack Developer, Digital Solutions** In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, businesses rely heavily on applications to drive operations and deliver exceptional user experiences. Here are three ways **[Azure Application Insights](https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/products/monitor/?ef_id=_k_b7382035754f194119ee4452a5a2a66c_k_&OCID=AIDcmm5edswduu_SEM__k_b7382035754f194119ee4452a5a2a66c_k_&msclkid=b7382035754f194119ee4452a5a2a66c),** a powerful monitoring and diagnostics service offered by **[Microsoft Azure](https://followoz.com/partners/oz-microsoft/),** can change the game for your company. 1. **Comprehensive Application Monitoring:** Azure Application Insights includes comprehensive monitoring capabilities that enable businesses to gain real-time visibility into the performance of their applications. With the ability to monitor both web and mobile apps, businesses can not only track crucial metrics such as response times, request rates, and error rates but also identify performance bottlenecks, pinpoint areas for improvement, and proactively address issues before they impact end-users. By leveraging the powerful telemetry data collected by Application Insights, businesses can optimize their apps for optimal performance and deliver an exceptional user experience. Azure Application Insights not only monitors the application’s infrastructure but also provides deep insights into various components like servers, dependencies, and custom code. It offers a holistic view of the application ecosystem, helping businesses understand the impact of each component on overall performance. 2. **Advanced Analytics and Insight:** Azure Application Insights goes beyond basic monitoring by offering advanced analytics and insights. Through its intuitive dashboard and reporting capabilities, businesses can analyse telemetry data to uncover valuable insights about user behaviour, application usage patterns, and performance trends. This data-driven approach enables organizations to make informed decisions about optimizing their apps, prioritizing feature development, and improving overall business outcomes. By leveraging Application Insights’ analytics features, businesses can segment users based on their demographics, geography, or behaviour, gaining a deeper understanding of their target audience. This insight allows organizations to personalize their app experiences and tailor offerings to meet user preferences. 3. **Proactive Issue Detection and Troubleshooting:** One of the key benefits of Azure Application Insights is its ability to proactively detect issues and facilitate troubleshooting. The service automatically collects and analyses telemetry data, leveraging intelligent algorithms to identify anomalies and potential problems within the application. By setting up alerts and notifications, businesses can receive proactive alerts about critical issues, such as performance degradation or errors, and take immediate action. Additionally, Application Insights provides powerful diagnostic tools that enable developers to investigate and diagnose issues quickly, reducing the mean time to resolution and improving overall app reliability. Developers can utilize features such as Application Map, which visualizes dependencies between application components, to identify bottlenecks or performance issues. Tracing and logging capabilities allow developers to dive deep into specific transactions and understand the sequence of events leading to errors or exceptions. With its robust set of features, Azure Application Insights enables businesses to make data-driven decisions, improve app reliability, and ultimately drive better outcomes. Are you ready to take the first—or next best—step on your digital transformation journey? OZ experts will work side by side with you to fully leverage our relationships with the world’s leading technology companies so you can reap the benefits of best-in-class implementation, integration, and automation—making the most of your technology investments and powering next-gen innovation. **[Contact us today](https://followoz.com/contact-us/).** **Categories:** Blog --- ### [Prioritizing protection in a new digital era](https://followoz.com/resources/forbes/prioritizing-protection-in-a-new-digital-era/) **Published:** May 25, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** The work-from-home policies accelerated and normalized during the COVID pandemic have many benefits—boosting both employee satisfaction and business bottom lines—but it is not without its challenges. In the recent Forbes symposium, [13 Expert Strategies to Help Secure Remote Work Environments](https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2023/05/18/13-expert-strategies-to-help-secure-remote-work-environments/?sh=21149cb82dd5), a distinguished panel including OZ Chief Solutions Officer and [Forbes Technology Council ](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/oz-chief-solutions-officer-emmanuel-ramos-joins-forbes-technology-council/)member [Emmanuel Ramos](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mannyramos/), tackles one of the most pressing of those challenges Here’s what Ramos had to say: > “No amount of technical strategies and/or tactics can completely secure a less than ‘security savvy’ remote worker. Education can help to promote a culture of security within the organization, where employees take responsibility for their own security and the security of the company’s assets.” *OZ Digital Consulting provides the best solutions and advice for your business needs. From data analytics, enterprise integration, and intelligent automation, web/mobile applications, cloud and IT services—OZ possesses the expertise to make sure that your digital transformation is seamless.* [*Contact us*](https://followoz.com/contact-us/) *today for a consultation.* **Categories:** OZ in Forbes **Tags:** Forbes --- ### [Using the Power of Reward Programs to Boost Customer Retention](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/using-power-of-reward-programs-to-boost-customer-retention/) **Published:** May 31, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** Just as a steaming cup of coffee or a mouth-watering appetizer can transform a mundane moment into a delight, customer loyalty programs from brands such as [Starbucks ](https://hospitalitytech.com/starbucks-reaps-rewards-reinvention-plan)and [TGI Fridays](https://hospitalitytech.com/news-briefs?created_1=2023-05-11T09%3A18%3A06) are transforming the consumer market landscape. Their secret recipe? Personalization, operational efficiency, and convenience blended to perfection. **The ingredients:** - **An Exclusive Experience**. Starbucks stirs up a winning formula with personalized menu items, creating a sense of exclusivity and fostering loyalty among [Starbucks Rewards](https://www.starbucks.com/rewards) On the other hand, TGI Fridays made joining its loyalty program a hassle-free experience—no app download required.Members simply link their cell phone number to earn points for every dollar spent—an effortless model that speaks directly to their tech-savvy, convenience-craving fans. - **Smooth Operation**. Starbucks refines operational efficiency using the [Siren System](https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2022/recipe-for-reinvention-starbucks-unveils-innovations-for-better-customer-barista-experiences/), which automates preparation and bridges mobile orders with payment systems to provide a smooth, convenient customer experience.Similarly, TGI Fridays, in its [revamped loyalty program](https://tgifridays.com/loyalty/), capitalizes on the power of POS data for digital engagement. By leveraging this data, they create a streamlined experience while maximizing data analytics to monitor behavior, purchasing patterns, and feedback. TGI Fridays even offers a flexible two-tier rewards system that lets users customize how they redeem points for their favorite menu items. - **Relationship building**. These brands have successful loyalty programs that emphasize customer lifetime value ([CLV](https://blog.hubspot.com/service/how-to-calculate-customer-lifetime-value)), which predicts the net profit from a brand’s future relationship with a customer. Rather than prioritizing quick wins, these programs foster long-term, meaningful relationships that increase customer spending per transaction and boost overall revenue. By offering personalized experiences and rewards, these companies create an environment where consumers feel valued, securing a place in their future and promising long-term profitability. ### **Steeped in Your Success** Quality incentives should go beyond mere points or discounts; they should create engaging, satisfying, and seamless customer interactions. Whether you aspire to craft bespoke experiences, enhance operational efficiency, or bring convenience to your customers’ fingertips, [OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/) is here to guide you on [your CX digital transformation journey](https://followoz.com/industries/travel-and-hospitality/). **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Hospitality, Travel and Hospitality --- ### [Take your tech projects & initiatives to the next level](https://followoz.com/resources/forbes/take-your-tech-projects-initiatives-to-the-next-level/) **Published:** June 1, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** In an era of high-velocity innovation, the margin for error shrinks daily. So, how can tech leaders ensure their latest products and services not only work but also transcend? It’s a thorny question pondered in the recent Forbes symposium, [17 Metrics for Evaluating The Success Of Tech Projects And Initiatives](https://www-forbes-com.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2023/05/24/17-metrics-for-evaluating-the-success-of-tech-projects-and-initiatives/amp/), featuring a distinguished panel including OZ Chief Solutions Officer and [Forbes Technology Council ](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/oz-chief-solutions-officer-emmanuel-ramos-joins-forbes-technology-council/)member [Emmanuel Ramos](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mannyramos/). Here is Ramos’ contribution: > “A business’ lifeblood is sales. Any tech project, no matter how distant from the end customer, can be judged against the competitive advantage it provides and the sales impact. Measuring how a tech project provides a competitive advantage over other companies in the industry can be a valuable metric for evaluating its success and potential impact on the business.” *OZ Digital Consulting provides the best solutions and advice for your business needs. From data analytics, enterprise integration, and intelligent automation, web/mobile applications, Cloud and IT services—we have the expertise to ensure your transition is seamless. Let us be your guide in this digital journey–-*[*contact us*](https://followoz.com/contact-us/) *today for a consultation!* **Categories:** OZ in Forbes **Tags:** Forbes --- ### [How to optimize performance and ensure the reliability of your Azure environment](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/how-to-optimize-performance-and-ensure-the-reliability-of-your-azure-environment/) **Published:** June 1, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** **By Hassan Zaheer –** Director, Digital Solutions From application performance, infrastructure, and cloud cost control to databases, servers, and security, [Azure Monitor](https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/products/monitor/?ef_id=_k_53b3e9284ddb160ffed18d5e67b5f6ca_k_&OCID=AIDcmm5edswduu_SEM__k_53b3e9284ddb160ffed18d5e67b5f6ca_k_&msclkid=53b3e9284ddb160ffed18d5e67b5f6ca#overview/) is a comprehensive monitoring solution for collecting, analyzing, and responding to telemetry from your cloud and on-premises environments. Azure Monitor allows you to set up alerts, track metrics, view logs, and create custom dashboards for monitoring infrastructure health and performance. Azure Monitor is available the moment you create an Azure subscription. The Activity log immediately begins collecting information about activity in the subscription and platform metrics are collected for any Azure resources you created. Ready to take advantage of the full power and benefits of Azure Monitor? OZ—an [official Microsoft partner](https://followoz.com/partners/oz-microsoft/) with specialized Azure expertise—has got your back… ### **High-level architecture** Here is a visual representation of the Azure Monitor system components: ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Azure-Monitoring_Picture-1.png) The data sources are the types of data collected from each monitored resource. The data is collected and routed to the data platform. The data platform is made up of data stores for collected data. Azure Monitor’s data platform has stores for metrics, logs, traces, and changes. The functions and components that consume data include analysis, visualizations, insights, and responses. Services that integrate with Azure Monitor and provide additional functionality are marked with an **\*** in the diagram. Next, the major benefits… ### **Azure cloud cost monitoring** Azure Cloud Cost Monitoring refers to the process of tracking, analyzing, and managing the costs associated with using Azure cloud services. It involves monitoring and optimizing the expenditure on Azure resources to ensure efficient usage and cost control. Azure provides several features and services to help monitor and manage cloud costs: - **Azure Cost Management + Billing:** This service provides a centralized platform to monitor and manage Azure costs. It allows you to track your spending, view cost breakdowns by resource, service, or department, set budgets, and receive cost alerts. Azure Cost Management + Billing also provides cost analysis and recommendations to optimize cloud spending. - **Azure Pricing Calculator:** The Azure Pricing Calculator is a web-based tool that helps estimate the costs of Azure services and resources based on your requirements. It allows you to select and configure the services you plan to use and provides an estimated monthly cost breakdown. This helps in planning and budgeting for your Azure deployments. - **Cost Analysis:** Azure Cost Management + Billing provides cost analysis capabilities, allowing you to dive deeper into your spending patterns. It offers insights into cost trends, identifies cost outliers, and provides visibility into usage patterns. You can analyze costs based on resource groups, subscriptions, tags, or specific time periods to gain a better understanding of where your spending is occurring. - **Budgets and Alerts:** Azure Cost Management + Billing lets you set budgets to control spending. You can define spending thresholds and receive alerts when your usage approaches or exceeds the set limits. This helps you proactively monitor and manage your costs and take necessary actions to optimize resource usage. - **Azure Advisor:** Azure Advisor provides cost optimization recommendations based on Azure best practices. It analyzes your resource usage patterns and suggests ways to reduce costs without sacrificing performance or functionality. These recommendations can help you identify and eliminate unnecessary resources, right-size virtual machines, and choose cost-effective service tiers. - **Resource Tagging:** Resource tagging is a feature in Azure that allows you to apply custom metadata to your resources. By tagging resources with relevant information such as departments, projects, or environments, you can track and categorize costs more effectively. It enables you to filter and group costs based on tags, providing better cost visibility and allocation. ### **Azure infrastructure** **monitoring** Azure infrastructure monitoring tools and services, you can gain visibility into the health, performance, and availability of your infrastructure components in the Azure cloud environment. The following enables you to proactively monitor, troubleshoot, and optimize your infrastructure resources to ensure a reliable and efficient cloud infrastructure. - **Azure Diagnostics:** Azure Diagnostics enables you to collect diagnostic data from your Azure resources. It allows you to configure diagnostic settings for virtual machines, virtual machine scale sets, and other resources to capture performance counters, event logs, and other metrics. This data can be stored in Azure Storage or sent to Azure Monitor for analysis and monitoring. - **Azure Log Analytics:** Azure Log Analytics is a service that collects and analyzes log data from various sources, including infrastructure resources. It allows you to query and analyze log data to gain insights into the behavior and performance of your infrastructure components. Log Analytics supports powerful query language and visualization capabilities to monitor and troubleshoot issues. - **Azure Application Insights:** While primarily focused on application monitoring, Azure Application Insights can also provide insights into the underlying infrastructure. It monitors the performance and availability of web applications, including requests, dependencies, and exceptions. It can help identify issues related to infrastructure components impacting application performance. - **Azure Network Watcher:** Azure Network Watcher is a network monitoring and diagnostic service that helps you monitor and troubleshoot network connectivity and performance issues. It provides tools for capturing network traffic, analyzing packet-level data, checking network security, and diagnosing network-related problems in your Azure environment. - **Azure Resource Health:** Azure Resource Health provides insights into the current and historical health status of Azure resources. It helps you determine if there are any ongoing issues or outages affecting your infrastructure components. Resource Health provides information about service incidents, maintenance events, and other factors that may impact the availability of your resources. ### **Azure database** **monitoring** Database monitoring in Azure refers to the process of tracking and analyzing the performance and health of databases hosted on the Azure cloud platform. Azure provides several monitoring tools and services that enable you to gain insights into the behavior of your databases, detect issues, and ensure optimal performance. Here are some key aspects of database monitoring in Azure: - **Azure SQL Database Monitoring:** Azure SQL Database is a fully managed relational database service in Azure. It includes built-in monitoring capabilities that track CPU usage, memory utilization, storage, and query performance metrics. You can view these metrics in the Azure portal and configure alerts for critical events. - **Query Performance Insights:** Azure SQL Database provides Query Performance Insights, which helps identify and troubleshoot long-running or poorly performing queries. It captures and displays information about query execution, including query duration, resource consumption, and execution plans. This feature assists in optimizing query performance and improving overall database efficiency. - **Azure Database for MySQL/PostgreSQL Monitoring:** Azure offers managed database services for MySQL and PostgreSQL. These services include monitoring features to track key performance metrics like CPU usage, memory utilization, and storage consumption. You can access monitoring data through the Azure portal and set up alerts for critical events. - **Azure Database for MongoDB Monitoring:** Azure’s managed MongoDB service, Azure Database for MongoDB, provides monitoring capabilities to track database performance, connection utilization, and query statistics. You can access these metrics through the Azure portal and configure alerts for specific thresholds. - **Log Analytics:** Azure Log Analytics is a service that collects and analyzes log data from various Azure resources, including databases. You can centralize database logs in Log Analytics and perform advanced queries and analysis on the data. This helps in troubleshooting and identifying trends or anomalies. - **Application Insights:** Application Insights is an Azure service that monitors the performance and availability of applications. It can be integrated with your applications to track database-related metrics and provide insights into how the application interacts with the database. ### **Azure security** **monitoring** Azure Security Monitoring refers to the set of tools, services, and practices offered by Microsoft Azure to help organizations detect, analyze, and respond to security threats and incidents within their Azure cloud environment. It focuses on monitoring and protecting the security posture of Azure resources and workloads. Here are some key aspects of Azure Security Monitoring: - **Azure Security Center:** Azure Security Center is a central hub for managing and monitoring security across Azure resources. It provides a unified view of security recommendations, security alerts, and compliance status for Azure subscriptions. It also offers advanced threat protection for virtual machines, containers, and Azure services. - **Azure Sentinel:** Azure Sentinel is a cloud-native Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) service. It collects and analyzes security data from various sources, including Azure resources, network devices, applications, and other security solutions. Azure Sentinel uses advanced analytics and machine learning to detect and respond to security threats and provides a centralized dashboard for security operations. - **Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) Monitoring:** Azure AD is Microsoft’s cloud-based identity and access management service. Azure AD monitoring focuses on tracking user activities, authentication events, and access controls within Azure AD. It helps detect and investigate suspicious activities, such as unauthorized access attempts or privilege escalation. - **Azure Advanced Threat Protection (Azure ATP):** Azure ATP is a cloud-based service that provides advanced detection and investigation capabilities for on-premises and hybrid environments. It uses machine learning and behavioral analytics to identify advanced threats, suspicious activities, and compromised user accounts. - **Azure Network Security Monitoring:** Azure offers network security monitoring capabilities through services like Azure Firewall, Azure Network Watcher, and Azure DDoS Protection. These services help monitor network traffic, detect anomalies, and protect against distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks. - **Azure Log Analytics:** Azure Log Analytics collects and analyzes log data from various Azure resources and services. It can be used for security monitoring by aggregating security logs, performing threat hunting, and identifying security-related events or patterns. - **Azure Security Center APIs:** Azure Security Center provides APIs that allow integration with external security solutions and tools. These APIs enable organizations to leverage third-party security products and services in conjunction with Azure Security Monitoring ### **Conclusion** In conclusion, Azure monitoring encompasses a range of tools, services, and practices designed to provide comprehensive visibility, performance tracking, and security monitoring within the Azure cloud environment. Regardless of where you are on your digital transformation journey, OZ will help you bring to bear the power of the cloud to transform your organization, save money, increase scalability, gain competitive advantage, and improve business efficiency and operations. Find out more about our cloud services and assessment offerings [here](https://followoz.com/services/cloud-services/). **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Tech Services --- ### [Dismantling Data Silos in Healthcare](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/dismantling-data-silos-in-healthcare/) **Published:** June 2, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ### **Understanding Modernization** The beating heart of [healthcare](https://code-medical-ethics.ama-assn.org/ethics-opinions/defining-basic-health-care)? [*Data*](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/a-parable-about-life-and-not-getting-lost-in-a-sea-of-data/)*.* With each passing second, an unfathomable amount of data comes to life. It spans patient records, genomics, financials, and more. And, so, in this context, it’s no surprise then that healthcare contributes a staggering [30% of the world’s data volume](https://healthtechmagazine.net/article/2023/04/modern-data-platforms-next-step-healthcare-cloud-journey). However, the massive scale presents a stark challenge: too often, this wealth of data is siloed and scattered. Enter the following three game-changers redefining how healthcare uses data. ### **Modern Data Platforms and the Benefits of Cloud Technology** In the digital landscape, modern data platforms serve as a central hub for an organization’s data, collecting, organizing, and enhancing data to unlock actionable insights. Nevertheless, these platforms’ true potential is only fully realized when coupled with [cloud technology](https://followoz.com/services/cloud-services/), a fusion that offers unparalleled scalability, flexibility, and modularity. Picture a digital reservoir empowered by the Cloud’s elasticity, effortlessly adapting to the volatile data needs of healthcare organizations. It radically transcends the constraints of traditional on-premises solutions, providing a dynamic environment that flexes with evolving data needs. The marriage of these platforms with the Cloud also catalyzes secure and efficient data sharing within the complex healthcare ecosystem. Envision seamless data exchange between healthcare organizations, payers, and providers, free from compatibility issues or data silos—in short, transformative synergy. Are you ready for a future where data isn’t just better managed but better utilized, with digital transformation to drive improved patient care and operational efficiencies? It is within reach. ### **Your Cloud Journey and Readiness** Entering the realm of [cloud-based modern data platforms](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kEtMumSt_Ts) requires a certain degree of readiness. However, organizations need not be cloud migration experts from the outset. Much like embarking on a grand adventure, preparedness and a detailed roadmap are crucial. One roadmap tool is the online [AWS Cloud Adoption Readiness Tool (CART)](https://aws.amazon.com/blogs/publicsector/assess-your-own-cloud-readiness-create-a-detailed-roadmap-for-cloud-migration/), a self-guided checklist designed to gauge your organization’s level of preparedness for transitioning to the Cloud. This assessment can transform a tentative plan into a well-defined, strategic course of action, outlining the steps needed to traverse the cloud migration pathway smoothly. ### **Data, Innovation, and Digital Revolution** The digital revolution in [healthcare](https://www.aha.org/infographics/2021-01-15-fast-facts-us-health-systems-infographic) isn’t coming… …it’s already here. And it’s transforming our lives. [RBC ](https://www.rbccm.com/en/gib/healthcare/episode/the_healthcare_data_explosion#content-panel)reports that by 2025, we expect the annual growth rate of data in healthcare to hit 36%—with wearable technologies paving the way for increased and personalized, effective treatment—outstripping industries such as manufacturing, financial services, and media & entertainment. Can you imagine interacting with digital devices over 1,400 times a day? Harnessing the potential of machine learning algorithms and [artificial intelligence](https://www.ibm.com/topics/artificial-intelligence) may be the only way healthcare organizations can move beyond descriptive analytics to predictive and prescriptive analytics for improved patient outcomes and operational efficiencies. That’s becoming our reality, making data modernization essential for any healthcare company hoping to stay competitive. ### **Your Future is Data Driven** So, what’s the key takeaway? Data modernization isn’t just a trend; it’s the new standard. At OZ, we have the expertise, tools, and dedication to help healthcare organizations unlock the full potential of their data. [Contact us today](https://followoz.com/contact-us/), and let’s shape the future of healthcare, together. **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Healthcare --- ### [Your Next Great Leadership Advantage Lies Within](https://followoz.com/resources/forbes/your-next-great-leadership-advantage-lies-within/) **Published:** June 5, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** [![Smiling woman seated at a multi-monitor coding workstation in a bright office](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/AI-Powered-Mainframe-Modernizati.jpg)](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/why-mainframe-modernization-looks-different-this-time/)###### [ Why Mainframe Modernization Looks Different This Time ](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/why-mainframe-modernization-looks-different-this-time/) June 4, 2026 **Categories:** Blog, OZ in Forbes **Tags:** Forbes --- ### [Focusing the Lens on Digital Transformation](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/focusing-the-lens-on-digital-transformation/) **Published:** June 6, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** [![Smiling woman seated at a multi-monitor coding workstation in a bright office](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/AI-Powered-Mainframe-Modernizati.jpg)](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/why-mainframe-modernization-looks-different-this-time/)###### [ Why Mainframe Modernization Looks Different This Time ](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/why-mainframe-modernization-looks-different-this-time/) June 4, 2026 **Categories:** Blog --- ### [WATCH: How a community (digitally) transformed a dream into a reality](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/watch-how-a-community-digitally-transformed-a-dream-into-a-reality/) **Published:** June 8, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ***By Salina Erazo – Vice President, Marketing*** “You can design and create and build the most wonderful place in the world,” Walt Disney once said. “But it takes people to make the dream a reality.” It’s a sentiment that was on my mind as OZ officially cut the ribbon on our new offices in Fort Lauderdale. Yes, we love the location. And the building. And the open concept and the game room and the furniture. But there was no substitution for having that space filled not only with my fellow Ozzies—who strive every day to pair the [right innovative technologies and strategies](https://followoz.com/) with the right business—but also with the clients, friends, and community advocates who collectively create the unique, vital environment that has powered OZ for more than a quarter century—and will allow us to continue to build our legacy into an exciting future. If you were there, thank you. If you were not able to make it, we missed you—please watch the video recap below and [reach out to schedule a time](https://followoz.com/contact-us/) to come by. This synergy is—for myself and OZ—what it is all about. **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Events --- ### [Effectively Manage Infrastructure Configuration in Puppet](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/effectively-manage-infrastructure-configuration-in-puppet/) **Published:** June 12, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ***By Babir Ali, Senior Consultant & DevOps Engineer*** Configuration management tools provide a powerful way to automate and streamline the process, enabling system administrators and DevOps teams to maintain consistency, enforce policies, and reduce manual errors. Puppet is one such popular configuration management tool: an open-source configuration management tool that allows you to define and manage the state of your infrastructure more effectively. With Puppet, you describe the desired state of your systems in a domain-specific language called Puppet DSL (Domain-Specific Language) or by using a Ruby-based syntax. Puppet then takes care of automatically configuring and managing your systems to match the desired state. At the core of Puppet is a client-server architecture. The Puppet server acts as the central control node, while Puppet agents run on the managed systems, also known as nodes. The server distributes configuration instructions to the agents, which then apply those instructions to bring the systems into the desired state. Puppet uses a master-slave communication model, where agents periodically check in with the server for updates and apply the changes accordingly. But let’s go beyond the definition and dive into a detailed code example: Suppose we have a web server that needs to have the Apache web server software installed and running. We want to define this configuration using Puppet. What’s next? 1. **Install Puppet Server:** First, install the Puppet server on a dedicated machine or use an existing server to act as the central control node. The Puppet server hosts the Puppet modules, which contain the code and resources needed to manage configurations. 2. **Define the Manifest:** A Puppet manifest is a file that describes the desired state of your systems. Create a file named webserver.pp and define the following content: \# File: webserver.pp \# Install Apache package package { ‘apache2’: ensure => installed, } \# Configure and enable Apache service service { ‘apache2’: ensure => running, enable => true, } In this example, we’re using two Puppet resources: package and service. The package resource ensures that the Apache package is installed while the service resource ensures that the Apache service is running and enabled to start at boot. 3. **Sign Certificates and Run Puppet Agent:** On the web server node, you need to sign the certificate request generated by the Puppet agent to establish trust between the agent and the server. Then, run the Puppet agent with the following command: puppet agent -t The agent will connect to the Puppet server, retrieve the configuration instructions defined in the manifest, and apply them to the system. 4. **Verify the Configuration:** After the Puppet agent finishes applying the configuration, you can verify that Apache is installed and running correctly on the web server. You can access the web server’s URL in a web browser or use command-line tools like curl to check the response. ### **Conclusion** Puppet provides a powerful and flexible framework for automating infrastructure configuration management. With its declarative language, Puppet allows you to define the desired state of your systems, and it takes care of bringing them into that state automatically. The Puppet architecture enables centralized control and management of configurations across multiple nodes. By leveraging Puppet’s capabilities, you can streamline your infrastructure management, improve consistency, and reduce manual effort in your IT operations. Are you ready to take the first—or next best—step on your digital transformation journey? OZ experts will work side by side with you to fully leverage our relationships with the world’s leading technology companies so you can reap the benefits of best-in-class implementation, integration, and automation—making the most of your technology investments and powering next-gen innovation. [Contact us today](https://followoz.com/contact-us/). **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Tech Services --- ### [Claims Transformation: Automating the “Moment of Truth”](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/claims-transformation-automating-the-moment-of-truth/) **Published:** June 20, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ***By Murray Izenwasser,*** *Senior Vice President, Digital Strategy* Nobody wants a claim – neither insurers nor customers. But when it happens can be the most critical “moment of truth” that makes or breaks the customer experience. While customers want — and expect — faster service, insurers must verify the claim isn’t fraudulent. Claims processing cuts both ways. A [superior customer experience](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/the-future-insurance-customer/) will turn your customers into lifelong advocates. Yet, a prolonged settlement could dissolve into a tirade of customer complaints and bad reviews. When done right, it’s a win-win for all. A claim is the only time a customer interacts with an insurer, so making this exchange meaningful is extremely important. ### **How to automate across the claims value chain** Claims processing takes an enormous amount of time and paperwork. Agents must parse documents in many formats across various channels. The good news? The whole process is 75% faster with [automation](https://followoz.com/services/intelligent-automation/). No-claims, straight-through claims processing is a huge opportunity for the insurance industry. Here’s why: **Use Cases:** - Routine, repetitive tasks — data collection, cleansing, processing — are perfect for RPA. - A digital claims system where RPA robots perform real-time reviews on every claim. The claims data gets processed into other core systems in your stack. And there, you have a digitized, automated, front-end claims process. - Contactless claims during intake and triage are possible with live virtual inspections, photo estimating software, and automated repair shop scheduling. - Drones and satellite images can assess property damage from natural disasters. Meaning, insurers won’t have to send adjusters to the scene, often under hazardous conditions. - When processing a First Notice of Loss request, an RPA bot can extract information and enter it into the claims system. Once completed, a cognitive bot can verify and approve it. - When there is missing data, the task gets routed to an agent. The bot observes the interaction and “learns.” When the agent returns the claim to the workflow, a bot sends the verified request for payment. A flexible claims environment calls for mapping the customer journey, automating the right steps, and deploying the right mix of tools and tech. While it takes effort, it makes for better, faster, and smarter claims processing. Not to mention higher value and lower cost. ### **Advantages of automating claims processing** For years, cost reduction has been the top priority for claims organizations. According to S&P Global Market Intelligence data, claims are a property and casualty insurer’s biggest cost, with paid losses and investigative and settlement expenses accounting for around 70% of US premiums. But cost alone shouldn’t be the only reason to automate. Claim management automation (that uses NLP and OCR to extract and enter data) streamlines the process of evaluating, verifying, and settling insurance claims—all critical drivers of customer satisfaction. By automating insurance claim processing, insurers can reduce many manual touchpoints and speed up customer payouts. ### **Benefits** Organizations that master their claims transformation benefit from: - Better customer experience through reduced claim durations, flexible engagement, and customer-focused options - Increased process efficiency through reduced claim cycle times and loss adjustment expenses (LAE) - Improved payment accuracy through better decisions powered by real-time analytical models that drive optimal claims outcomes - Improved employee engagement and talent retention through the elimination of repetitive administrative tasks and skills training The use of automation—especially for manual, time-consuming tasks—could very well mean the difference between viability and extinction for many insurance carriers and producers in the years to come. ### **Questions to Ask** Before you start, ask these strategic questions to get more out of your investment. - Have we mapped out and fully rationalized the end-to-end customer journey? - Have we considered emerging technology and rapidly changing customer expectations? - Are there inherent risks in entirely removing human interaction from the claims process? - Are emerging analytical models and technology being used to optimize efficiency, with the flexibility to upgrade as improved solutions present themselves in the future? - Should you standardize the processes before automating them? - Are we collecting the right information at loss notice to triage intelligently while avoiding payment accuracy issues? The right questions lead to the right solutions and experiences customers crave. There is no one-size-fits-all. Insurers must develop a comprehensive claims strategy—a customized approach to improve turnaround time, outcomes, and ultimately build customer trust. *To learn how RPA can improve claims processing and drive efficiencies in your organization* [*book a meeting*](https://followoz.com/contact-us/) *with our experts today. **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Insurance, Tech Services --- ### [The OZ Technical Guide to Configuring A Power BI Gateway](https://followoz.com/resources/technical-guides/the-oz-technical-guide-to-configuring-a-power-bi-gateway/) **Published:** June 22, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ***By Juan Almeida**, Senior Consultant, Data Analytics & AI* [![Download PDF](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/6318251/6a588164-1c96-40ed-9a60-54aa967364e1.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/6318251/6a588164-1c96-40ed-9a60-54aa967364e1) ### Download, Install, & Configure a Power BI Gateway To download the last version of the gateway, login into Power BI Service, click on download options then “Data gateway.” ### ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Asset-1-1.jpg) ### Getting Started To download the latest version of the gateway, login to Power BI Service and click on “Download Options.” Choose “Data gateway.” ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Asset-2.jpg) This will redirect you to the official website of Power BI. Download the mode you need. ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Asset-3.jpg) ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Power-BI-Gateway_Table-Image.png) Once downloaded, you can, as an Administrator, execute the installer. Choose the installation folder and accept the terms of use and privacy statement. ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Asset-4-1.jpg) ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Asset-5-1.jpg) Input your credentials. (The gateway will be associated with this user.) ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Asset-6.jpg) In the next step, you can choose whether to create a new gateway—the same user can create more than one in different machines—or migrate/restore or takeover an existing gateway. ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Asset-7.jpg) If you are creating a new gateway, set a name and a recovery key. (This is in case you need to restore.). By default, the gateway is created in the East US2 region, but you can change it if necessary. ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Asset-8.jpg) After completing the configuration, the gateway is ready. ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Asset-10.jpg) To set up the gateway in the cloud, return to Power BI Service, go to the configuration icon, and click “Manage gateways.” ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Asset-11.jpg) Here you will see the recently configured gateway. ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Asset-12.jpg) To configure a new connection, go to settings and click “Manage gateways.” ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Asset-13-1.jpg) Visit “Data sources” and click “+ New” at the top. ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Asset-14-1.jpg) A form will appear on the right to complete the new connection. Select the gateway where you are creating the connection then the name of that connection and the data source type. In this case, we are creating an SQL Server connection so it’s necessary to give the server, database, and authentication. ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Asset-17.jpg) ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Asset-16.jpg) Here we will use our local SQL Server and the AdventureWorksDW2019 database, including the same details in the gateway connections configuration. ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Asset-18.jpg) ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Asset-19.jpg) After configuring the connection, either test it before creation (default) or just create it and, in case the connection doesn’t exist at that moment, test it. Look for a “connection successful” message. ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Asset-20-1.jpg) Refresh your dataset and create a scheduled refresh. ### Create a new connection based on an existing report If you publish a report without a gateway connection created, it is necessary to return to the workspace where that report was published. Click on the three dots and choose “Settings.” ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Asset-21-1.jpg) Click the “Gateway connection” tab. In this case there is a status message which indicates we must create a gateway connection for this report. In “Actions” there are two icons. The first is “Manage Gateways”—click here to create a gateway as above. The other is “View Data sources.” If there are no data sources created, click “Add to gateway.” ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Asset-22-1.jpg) This is faster than the earlier choice because the connection is pre-defined. Simply complete the name for this connection and the authentication. ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Asset-23-1.jpg) After the connection is created, return to the dataset settings again to map the connection to the report and refresh it. ### ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Asset-24.jpg) ### Create a scheduled refresh For a scheduled refresh, it is necessary to be in the workspace of the report. Click on the “Schedule” icon in the Dataset field. ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Asset-25.jpg) Go to the “Scheduled refresh” tab. Set as “On.” ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Asset-26-1.jpg) Define the frequency, time zone, and add the moments you want that report to begin the refresh. For the last item, you need to click “Add another time” and set the moment that the report will be refreshed. At the end, you can define the users that will be notified if the refresh fails. ### Finished! Ready to optimize and supercharge your processes across the board? Click [here](https://followoz.com/contact-us/) to find out what OZ can do for you. *Regardless of where you are on your digital transformation journey, OZ experts will put our twenty-five years of experience to work for your organization, helping you to streamline processes, save money, increase scalability, gain competitive advantage, and improve business efficiency and operations. Find out more about our services [here](https://followoz.com).* **Categories:** Technical Guides **Tags:** Tech Services --- ### [Synthetic Data Generation: A Brief Introduction](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/synthetic-data-generation-a-brief-introduction/) **Published:** June 26, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ## A Sneak Peek Into the Future of Data Science and Technology ***By Santiago Silvestrini,** Senior Manager, Data Analytics & AI* Synthetic data refers to data that is artificially generated using algorithms, simulations, or models to represent real-world data. This data is designed to look and behave like real data, but it is not sourced from actual individuals or events. Synthetic data is often used as a substitute for real data when the real data cannot be used due to privacy or security concerns, or when the real data is not available. The term was [first coined in 2013](https://news.mit.edu/2020/real-promise-synthetic-data-1016) at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology by Kalyan Veeramachaneni, principal investigator of the Data to AI (DAI) Lab and a principal research scientist in MIT’s Laboratory for Information and Decision Systems. Back then, his team was tasked to analyze data from the popular online learning platform [edX](https://www.edx.org/) and they wanted to bring in some students to help. The problem? The data was too sensitive and, thus, they were not allowed to share it with this group. To overcome this restriction, they created a new set of data with the premise that it must “feel” and “taste” like real data—so any processes, models, or analysis developed using it can be later applied to the real data with similar results. This, of course, begs the question: What does it mean for data to “feel” and “taste” like real data? The primary difference between synthetic data and fake or mock data is that the former captures the relationships, the patterns, and the statistical properties of the original data, while the latter is randomly generated data or simply dummy data created to replicate a particular business scenario. The ability to artificially generate a set of data replicating the inner properties of the original data offers a range of benefits, including improved privacy and security, better data quality, and the ability to test and develop new systems and applications. Synthetic data generation has been growing in popularity and it is set to play a significant role in the future of data science and technology: According to Gartner, by 2024 sixty percent of the data used for the development of AI and Analytics projects will be [synthetically generated](https://www.datanami.com/2022/03/18/accenture-report-explores-the-unreal-world-of-synthetic-data-and-generative-ai/), potentially overtaking real data in AI Models by 2030. ### **![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/SDG_Picture1.png)** ### **Use Cases and Applications** Possessing a set of data that shares the statistical properties and captures the patterns and relationships of the original data while protecting confidentiality and privacy opens the door to a broad set of applications in many industries from [insurance](https://followoz.com/industries/property-casualty-insurance-in-intelligent-automation/), [healthcare](https://followoz.com/industries/health-sciences/), [software development](https://followoz.com/services/application-development/), and beyond. Here are a few examples: - **Data Sharing.** Data sharing is not only an essential business capability but a crucial component of digital transformation as well. One of the main challenges when sharing data—even within the same organization—is compliance with privacy policies and laws. By using synthetic data, businesses can maintain the privacy of individuals while still benefiting from the insights and information that data analysis can provide, as it is exempt from the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the California Consumer Privacy Act. Many companies are [already adopting this approach](https://f.hubspotusercontent20.net/hubfs/4408323/HBR%20campaign/MOSTLY%20AI%20How%20to%20start%20your%20synthetic%20data%20journey.pdf), setting up cross-border synthetic data lakes colleagues across the organization can use as a self-service data center without compromising privacy or security, allowing data to flow freely, and empowering data-driven decision-making. Sharing your data with academia and the ever-growing community of data enthusiasts will enable your organization to power up innovation and creativity. Data Scientists are eager to put their hands on real data—in fact, most of the open datasets available are frequently obfuscated, anonymized, or limited in terms of features and variables available. Using synthetic data in datathons/hackathons will encourage creative problem-solving and experimentation, with the non-trivial additional benefit of being able to later implement and reproduce any analysis, models, or insights produced by the participants over your real data. - **Improve Fraud Detection Models.** Fraudulent transactions are—hopefully!—a tiny fraction of your data. Nevertheless, the economic impact of detecting fraud can be huge for businesses—not only due to the potential damage caused to your brand but also because the cost associated with investigating a potential fraud can be up to twenty-four thousand dollars for a single customer. So, it’s not just about rooting out potential fraudulent transactions, but also making sure that the flagged transactions are fraudulent—to, in other words, reduce the false-positive rate. Scenarios in which we have imbalances in our data can affect the most sophisticated algorithms’ ability to detect rare or new fraudulent techniques. By using Synthetic Data generation to amplify or exaggerate fraudulent transactions—a technique known as up-sampling—will help machine learning models to better detect these cases, improving the accuracy and sensitivity of your models. In this context, we can say that Synthetic Data is even better than the original data! - **Remove Bias.** Synthetic data can be used to mitigate the effects of bias in real data by generating data that is representative of minority groups. In many cases, real data for minority groups is limited, making it difficult to train AI models to accurately represent these groups. By improving the accuracy of AI models for minority groups, synthetic data can help to ensure that these groups are not unfairly disadvantaged and that their perspectives and needs are accurately represented. According to Gartner, by 2022 [eighty-five percent of algorithms will be erroneous due to bias](https://www.gartner.com/en/documents/3993855/predicts-2021-data-and-analytics-strategies-to-govern-scYears). By making AI more representative and fairer, we can help to foster a more inclusive society. - **Software Developing & Testing.** Synthetic data is used to test software and systems before they are released, allowing developers to identify and fix potential issues before they cause harm. ### **Generating Synthetic Data** There are several techniques used to generate synthetic data, each approach dependent upon the specific needs and requirements—size and complexity of the data; desired level of accuracy; the need for privacy protection—of the task at hand. Some examples are: - **Statistical simulation.** This method involves using statistical models to simulate the distribution and relationships of variables in the actual data. Common methods include random sampling from a statistical distribution, bootstrapping, and [Monte Carlo simulation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monte_Carlo_method). - **Generative models.** This method involves training machine learning models, such as Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) or Variational Autoencoders (VAEs), to generate synthetic data that closely resembles the actual data. - **Rule-based algorithms**. This method involves defining rules and algorithms to generate synthetic data based on relationships and patterns in the real data. Common methods include decision trees, clustering algorithms, and k-nearest neighbors. - **Synthetic Overlaying Technique (SOT).** This method involves overlaying synthetic data on top of real data to preserve the structure and relationships in the real data while removing sensitive information. - **Data perturbation:** This method involves making small changes to the real data to generate synthetic data while preserving the overall structure and relationships in the data. Common methods include adding random noise, swapping values, or adding missing data. ### **Finding the Right Model** Generating synthetic data is a complex process that requires a deep understanding of statistics, data science, and data generation methods. It’s important to choose the right method, model the data accurately, and validate the synthetic data to ensure it is representative and useful. In a nutshell, this process is comprised by the following steps: - **Define the data structure**. Determine the structure of the synthetic data, including the number of columns (variables), the types of variables (numeric, categorical, etcetera), and the distribution of values for each variable. - **Choose a method**. Decide on the method to be used to generate synthetic data. Common methods include statistical simulation, generative models, and rule-based algorithms. - **Model the data**. Develop a model that captures the relationships and patterns in the real data. This step involves choosing the appropriate statistical distribution, defining the relationships between variables, and parameterizing the model. - **Generate the data:** Use the model to generate synthetic data. This may involve sampling from the model, generating values based on the relationships and patterns defined in the model, or combining multiple models to create a complete data set. - **Validate the data**: Verify that the synthetic data accurately represents the real data by checking for consistency, accuracy, and representativeness. This may involve comparing the synthetic data to real data, testing the synthetic data in applications, or evaluating the performance of models trained on the synthetic data. - **Refine the model**: Repeat the process as necessary to refine the model and generate more accurate and representative synthetic data. ### **Ready to Get More Value Out Of Your Data?** When it comes to data migration, data strategy, data management consulting, and data services, we’re here to help ignite your success. Our certified consultants have hands-on experience with Microsoft on-premise solutions, hybrid data landscapes, Azure, and AWS data analytics services. *For more information, download our data analytics ebook, [The Secret to Understanding & Leveraging Data Democratization](https://followoz.com/understanding-leveraging-data-democratization/), or reach out to [speak with an OZ expert today](https://followoz.com/contact-us/).* **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Tech Services --- ### [Azure App Services: An OZ Technical Guide](https://followoz.com/resources/technical-guides/azure-app-services-an-oz-technical-guide/) **Published:** June 26, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** [![Download PDF](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/6318251/9d0c3368-c0bf-4a9b-b1a6-7d90726a3509.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/6318251/9d0c3368-c0bf-4a9b-b1a6-7d90726a3509) Providing built-in support for popular programming languages such as .NET, Java, Node.js, PHP, and Python—as well as a range of frameworks and tools such as ASP.NET, Java Spring, Django, and Flask—[Azure App Service](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/app-service/overview) is a fixture of modern-day programming. The fact that this fully managed platform for building, deploying, and scaling web applications and APIs also offers integration with other Azure services such as Azure SQL Database, Azure Cosmos DB, Azure Functions, and Azure Active Directory only increases its value for developers seeking to focus on building their applications rather than managing infrastructure. With Azure App Service, developers can easily deploy their applications to the cloud while simultaneously taking advantage of features such as automatic scaling, continuous deployment and integrated monitoring, and logging. This Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) offering from Microsoft also provides tools for managing deployment slots, configuring custom domains, and setting up SSL certificates. Are you considering integrating Azure App Service into your workflow? The following concise roadmap can help: - Write code in your preferred programming language and framework. - Save that code into a deployment package and upload it to the cloud app service. - The cloud app service provisions the required infrastructure—including servers, storage, and networking—to run the application. - The application is deployed and made available to users via the internet. - The cloud app service provides built-in tools for monitoring application performance and scaling the infrastructure as needed. - You can further configure custom domains, SSL certificates, and deployment slots for testing and staging. - The cloud app service also provides integration with other cloud services, such as databases, storage, messaging, and identity management. To recap, the following is a sampling of the benefits developers and companies can reap from this process: - **Scalability:** Cloud app services provide automatic scaling to handle increased traffic and workloads, ensuring that your application remains available and responsive to your users. - **High availability:** Cloud app services provide built-in redundancy and failover capabilities, ensuring that your application remains available even in the event of hardware or software failures. - **Reduced infrastructure management:** Cloud app services manage the underlying infrastructure for you, allowing you to focus on developing and deploying your application without worrying about server maintenance, security, and updates. - **Flexibility:** Cloud app services provide a wide range of development tools, frameworks, and platforms, allowing you to choose the best technology stack for your application. - **Faster time to market:** Cloud app services provide tools for continuous integration and deployment, allowing you to rapidly develop, test, and deploy your application changes. - **Cost savings:** Cloud app services typically offer a pay-as-you-go model, allowing you to pay only for the resources you use, without incurring upfront capital expenditures for hardware and infrastructure. - **Security:** Cloud app services provide built-in security features such as firewalls, encryption, and access control, helping to protect your application and data from unauthorized access and cyber threats. Overall, cloud app services provide many benefits that can help you accelerate your application development, reduce costs, improve scalability and reliability, and enhance security. *Regardless of where you are on your digital transformation journey, OZ—[a Microsoft partner](https://followoz.com/partners/oz-microsoft/)—will help you bring to bear the power of the Azure App Services and the cloud to empower your organization to save money, increase scalability, gain competitive advantage, and improve business efficiency and operations. Find out more about our [cloud services and assessment offerings here](https://followoz.com/services/cloud-services/).* **Categories:** Technical Guides **Tags:** Tech Services --- ### [A Magic Wand For Insurers](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/a-magic-wand-for-insurers/) **Published:** June 27, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** Alright, folks, gather ’round ‘cause we’re about to dive into the wild world of digital transformation in the insurance industry. Yeah, you heard me right…*insurance!* It may not be the hippest topic at parties, but—trust me—it’s getting a major makeover. And it’s…*about time*. So, let’s get real for a moment: Insurers have been dragging their feet when it comes to modernization. While other industries have been transforming left and right, insurance has been stuck in the Stone Age. (Well, not those who have [partnered with OZ](https://followoz.com/industries/property-casualty-insurance-in-intelligent-automation/), but generally speaking!) Fear not, however, my friends, because the tides are turning—and it’s now or never for insurers to jump on the express train to digital transformation. You see, customers today want things done their way, and they want it now. It’s all about convenience, baby! And *that* is where digital transformation swoops in to save the day—by utilizing artificial intelligence, machine learning, predictive analytics, mobile service, and live chat, insurers are finally catching up and meeting customers right where they need them. Let me break it down for you. Digital transformation is like a magic wand for insurers: It streamlines operations, making everything smooth like butter. **Customer interactions?** Yeah, we’re talking about chat, my friends. No more waiting on hold forever. **Claims?** *Bam!* They can be processed automatically, faster than you can say “supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.” **And brokers?** Oh, they’re living the dream, aggregating all their info to work like lightning and with more accuracy than your grandma’s aim with a fly swatter. **But wait, there’s more!** Digital transformation brings **four** super-duper benefits to the insurance industry. **First**, efficiency is the name of the game. Thanks to AI, machine learning, and predictive analytics, insurance operations are optimized for speed. Claims get processed faster than you can blink, and policy writing is done in a jiffy with the help of machine learning gizmos. Even customer service is getting a turbo boost with live chat and digital assistants, saving the day when customers need it most. **Second**, we’ve got personalization. Customers nowadays want services tailor-made just for them. They’re all about being the center of attention, and who can blame them? Digital transformation gives insurers the power to provide excellent service without breaking a sweat. AI and machine learning work their magic, creating a personalized experience for customers and brokers alike. Customers can pay bills, view policies, and file claims with a tap on their phones, while brokers can handle everything under one system. No more wondering if your claim got lost in the Bermuda Triangle of paperwork! **Third**, let’s talk scalability. Digital transformation is like a yoga master for the insurance industry, making it flexible and nimble. Insurers are offering services everywhere and anywhere through self-service dashboards and apps. They’re collecting precious data from customers using fancy IoT devices and even wearables. And guess what? All that data is helping brokers and insurers make smarter decisions about underwriting, policies, and new products. It’s a win-win! **Fourth**, we’ve got agility. Digital transformation is future-proofing insurers like never before. Yeah, you heard me right, we’re talking about being ready for whatever craziness technology throws at us next. AI, machine learning, blockchain data, data analytics, and predictive analytics are the foundation for insurers to adapt, grow, and ride the wave of future insurance technologies. Now, hold on to your hats because there’s more: The insurance industry is just scratching the surface of what digital transformation can do. If insurers want to survive in this digital jungle, they better strap on their tech boots and get ready to dance the digital tango. It’s time to embrace the tools of digital transformation, get creative, and optimize every nook and cranny of their operations. Are you ready to take the first—or next best—step on your digital transformation journey? OZ experts will work side by side with you to fully leverage our relationships with the [world’s leading technology companies](https://followoz.com/partners/) so you can reap the benefits of best-in-class implementation, [integration](https://followoz.com/services/enterprise-applications-integration/), and [automation](https://followoz.com/services/intelligent-automation/)—making the most of your technology investments and powering next-gen innovation. [Contact us today](https://followoz.com/contact-us/). **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Insurance --- ### [How Data-Ready Are You?](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/how-data-ready-are-you/) **Published:** June 27, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ***By Murray Izenwasser,** SVP, Digital Strategy* Data, data everywhere. Data has gone from scarce to superabundant, but actual information remains elusive. Turning data into information, and information into action is the goal. For carriers, this brings huge benefits — but comes with big challenges. All this data is scattered across systems, applications, and devices — and is not available in a unified, accurate, relevant, or secure view. Combining all of these data sources is not enough: you will still have to transform this raw data into actionable insights – a formidable task. But first, the question you need to ask: is the data you have the data you want? ### **Not All Data Is Good Data** In the insurance industry, the accuracy of data is paramount. The efficiency of the claims process is contingent upon the adjuster’s ability to verify a claim, which is based on having accurate data. The foundation of [claims automation](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/claims-transformation-automating-the-moment-of-truth/) is also accurate data, both structured data from the system and unstructured data from the filing to determine the appropriate course of action for each claim. The [automation](https://followoz.com/services/intelligent-automation/) system continually reassesses its previous decisions as new information is added. Attempting this process with inconsistent or “dirty” data can lead to erroneous decisions and a subpar customer experience. In many instances, data is not synchronized, leading adjusters to prioritize claim outcomes over data quality when managing high caseloads. Similarly, insurance underwriters depend on accurate data for [risk assessment](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/every-insurer-wants-to-predict-and-prevent-heres-how-you-can/), which can influence premiums, policy terms, and profitability. Unfortunately, many insurers are grappling with inaccurate underwriting data, necessitating requests for additional information from agents and customers, leading to both longer decisions and lost business. For instance, when underwriting and pricing property insurance, carriers often rely on the insured or their agent to provide Construction, Occupancy, Protection, and Exposure (COPE) details about the property. These details enable the insurer to evaluate the potential loss associated with the property and price it accordingly. However, the insured may not always provide accurate information, leading to policy underpricing and increased losses. Utilizing third-party data is not always a solution due to its high cost, and carriers must strike a balance between data quality and turnaround time. ### **Three Steps to Getting Data You Can Use** **Step 1: Data validation and cleansing** You have all the customer data. But do you have the right data validation tools to check for errors and inconsistencies? With these tools, you can flag any data that doesn’t match your requirements. Once you identify errors and inconsistencies, the next step is to clean up the data. The process involves removing or correcting data to meet well-defined standards. Though time-consuming, it’s critical and best done with cross-functional teams and stakeholders. For quality data, you need the support of the front line and everyone responsible for the data. **Step 2: Data integration and analysis** Once the data has been collected, validated, and cleaned, it is ready to be integrated into your systems for analysis. This analysis can provide invaluable insights into customer behavior and risk. However, Property and Casualty (P&C) carriers often rely on legacy systems that are not equipped for [data integration](https://followoz.com/services/enterprise-applications-integration/). These systems may require additional capabilities to exchange data with modern systems, and integrating this siloed data with newer technologies may necessitate complex transformation. Data integration is more than just combining data sources; it is about generating meaningful insights through [advanced analytics](https://followoz.com/services/data-analytics-ai/) capabilities, data modeling, predictive analytics, and machine learning. **Step 3: Data quality management** Data quality management is a continuous process that involves auditing, profiling, and cleaning your data to ensure its accuracy. Regular check-ins with the teams responsible for collecting and maintaining the data (such as CRM and data entry teams) and the stakeholders who use it (such as underwriters, claim adjusters, actuaries, and data scientists) are essential to maintain data quality. Poor data quality can have detrimental effects on business operations. By integrating your applications and sources and streamlining your processes, you can enhance customer service, mitigate risk, and unlock new revenue streams. This optimization of data management is not merely a technical necessity but a strategic imperative for the insurance industry. Bad data is bad for business. *If you’d like to learn more about how you can leverage data and analytics to drive business transformation,* *[get in touch with us.](https://followoz.com/contact-us/)* *No matter where you are on your digital transformation journey, we will help you meet your customers where they are and grow your business.* **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Insurance --- ### [The 8 Secrets to Building Your Cloud Management Skillset](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/the-8-secrets-to-building-your-cloud-management-skillset/) **Published:** June 27, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ## A crib sheet for aspiring cloud computing architects and engineers ***By Hassan Zaheer –** Director, Digital Solutions* The demand for professionals with the skills to make the most of the flexibility and scalability of cloud-based systems is growing almost as quickly as…well, the adoption of cloud-based systems secrets. Here are the eight skills cloud computing architects and engineers should nurture and develop to better answer that call. 1. **Programming Languages.** Cloud computing brings with it unlimited data handling capabilities. So, programmers who work with cloud would be wise to become expert coders. As opposed to generic languages such as C, C++, Java, cloud developer skillsets should include knowledge of data-oriented ones like Ruby and Python. 2. **Data Management.** Cloud-based development and applications are invariably accompanied by the need to manage and make sense of huge amounts of data—much of it is unstructured. This will include the ability to store and access data. For this, knowledge of database query languages is essential. While SQL is popular, some of the other important ones include Hadoop and MongoDB. These cloud computing job skills will allow you to set up and configure databases as well. 3. **DevOps.** DevOps refers to the software development approach that selectively allows automation to get the most out of an application. Professionals who understand the entire software lifecycle and development process in cloud computing can add value by improving operational efficiency. 4. **Serverless Architecture.** Tighten your focus on individual functions and application code by moving away from the need to host and manage servers—and placing the responsibility for scaling capacity to demand on the cloud provider. To accomplish this familiarize yourself with cloud platforms such as [AWS](https://followoz.com/partners/aws/) or find out how OZ experts can [complement your project and/or needs](https://followoz.com/services/cloud-services/). 5. **Cloud Migration.** Organizations may need to migrate from native IT setups to cloud platforms. They could also need to migrate from one cloud platform to another. Such work requires advanced skills in cloud computing. Professionals need to ensure data integrity and security even as they minimize downtime during the process. In light of this, it is a smart move to upgrade with these key multiple platform skills needed for cloud computing: 6. **Cloud Security.** The use of the internet for the transmission and storage of sensitive, business-critical data makes cloud security a crucial concern. The smallest security breach could place companies and their clients at risk. Cyber security professionals must understand common risks, and vulnerabilities with regard to cloud architecture security, cloud application security, and more—one of the most in-demand cloud computing skills. 7. **Machine Learning & AI.** AI and machine learning have grown into key markets alone. When coupled with cloud computing, however, the potential for innovation is massive: Become conversant in cloud-based applications that utilize AI and machine learning tools and services to stand out in this highly potent and fast-expanding field. 8. **Quality Assurance.** Cloud computing models adopted can vary from a private or public model to a hybrid of the two. QA skills are essential to apply best practices and ensure the best quality from the chosen cloud service mode ### **Leverage the Cloud to Innovate & Accelerate** From maximizing current technology assets and keeping on top of the latest cybersecurity developments to facilitating cloud migration and integrating new technologies, holistic IT planning and management is critical to ensuring your hardware, software, and human resources are optimized and effective. Ready to get started? Let OZ place our experts and quarter-century of experience at your disposal—[reach out today](https://followoz.com/services/cloud-services/)! **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Tech Services --- ### [How Cutting-Edge Automation Can Transform Your Business Processes & Trajectory](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/how-cutting-edge-automation-can-transform-your-business-processes-trajectory/) **Published:** July 10, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ***By Muhammad Usama,** Mulesoft-Certified Developer & Automation Consultant* Every company wants to increase its employee productivity and digital competitiveness in the market. Unfortunately, most standard workflows, rife with time-consuming manual tasks, stand in the way. How can we bridge that gap? Enter [Robotic Process Automation (RPA)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robotic_process_automation), which [automates repetitive tasks with bots](https://followoz.com/services/intelligent-automation/), mimicking human users as it interacts with applications, extracts data, and sends emails—increasing productivity (especially on higher-value tasks) while reducing costs and user error. ### **Use Cases for RPA** In banking, insurance, and healthcare industries, [RPA](https://www.ibm.com/topics/rpa) can be an essential component of… - improving customer and employee productivity while reducing costs. - streamlining customer onboarding. - automating data extraction, data entry, and processing across applications, documents, and images. - improving the accuracy and compliance within processes. Contrary to popular thought, RPA and APIs are not siloed competitors: APIs are software interfaces, providing a service to different software and allowing systems and datasets to be integrated. RPA, meanwhile, automates tasks with the help of intelligent bots that scrape the data from one system to another. This is to say, there are situations where an API-led approach works with RPA as a mechanism to broaden the scope of integration and enable access to more endpoints. RPA may help implement business scenarios where process automation using an API-led method is not yet feasible. Some examples are when… - a system lacks an API, such as a legacy program, on-premises application, or system significantly customized for the company. - an API for an endpoint is either delayed or not created at all, creating a situation in which RPA may be used as a workaround to gain access to the system. - automation and integration are managed by various teams. ### **RPA in MuleSoft** Powerhouse API/integration platform and OZ partner [MuleSoft](https://followoz.com/partners/oz-mulesoft/) has introduced [MuleSoft RPA](https://www.mulesoft.com/platform/rpa), which makes it simple for line-of-business and knowledge workers to automate business operations and boost productivity. With the additional robotic process automation (RPA) capabilities in recent workflows, repetitive tasks have now been replaced by intelligent bots that can process documents, enter data, or act on behalf of users all without writing any line of code. As a part of MuleSoft’s leading unified platform, MuleSoft RPA allows these bots to function with any system or application, including PDF files, spreadsheets, and even legacy systems. API management and RPA capabilities may now be combined with hyper-scale resilience, global governance, end-to-end security, and reuse at scale by customers who can group into a composable business by combining best-in-class integration, API management, and RPA capabilities. MuleSoft RPA offers the following applications: - **RPA Manager** is used for automation, and it is integrated into the Anypoint Platform. It manages user access and permission and manages deployed automation. - **RPA Builder** is an application that enables you to build automation by specifying the logic of the process and helps to run local tests. - **RPA Recorder** is a tool that records the user actions during the building phase of a process by automatically recording. - **RPA bots** are software robots that execute automation and can read text and images. RPA bot also can manage bots from RPA Manager. ### **Onward to the Future** From maximizing current technology assets to integrating new technologies, RPA can prove critical to ensuring your hardware, software, and human resources are optimized and effective. Ready to get started? Let OZ place our experts and quarter-century of experience at your disposal—[reach out today](https://followoz.com/services/cloud-services/)! **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Tech Services --- ### [Cloud Containers: Deploying and Managing Software in the Cloud](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/cloud-containers-deploying-and-managing-software-in-the-cloud/) **Published:** July 11, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ***By Hassan Zaheer** – Director, Digital Solutions* Containers—which package all dependencies related to a software component and run them in an isolated environment—are used to abstract applications from the physical environment in which they are running. This is important because it means applications deploy consistently in any environment—whether that is a public cloud, private cloud, or bare metal machine. Containerized applications are also easier to migrate to the cloud and make it easier to leverage the extensive automation capabilities of the cloud. This is to say: Containerized applications can be efficiently deployed, cloned, or modified using APIs provided by the container engine or orchestrator. But where did all of this begin? And how can it be best-taken advantage of? Read on to find out… ### **Cloud Containers: A Brief History** Container technology, introduced as part of Linux, began with the separation of partitions and chroot processes. Modern container engines take the form of application containerization (such as Docker) and system containerization (such as Linux containers). Containers rely on isolation, controlled at the operating system kernel level, to deploy and run applications. Containers share the operating system kernel and do not need to run a full operating system—only the necessary files, libraries, and configuration to run workloads. Further, the host operating system limits the container’s ability to consume physical resources. In the cloud, a common pattern is to use containers to run an application instance. This can be an individual microservice or a backend application such as a database or middleware component. Containers make it possible to run multiple applications on the same cloud [virtual machines (VMs)](https://www.aquasec.com/cloud-native-academy/docker-container/docker-containers-vs-virtual-machines/) while ensuring that problems with one container do not affect other containers or the entire VM. Containers are becoming increasingly important in cloud environments. Many organizations are now considering containers as an alternative to VMs, which were traditionally the preferred option for large-scale enterprise workloads. (More on this below.) The following use cases are especially suitable for running containers in the cloud: - **Microservices.** Containers are lightweight, making them well-suited for applications with microservices architectures consisting of many loosely coupled, independently deployable services. - **DevOps.** Many DevOps teams build applications using a microservices architecture and deploy services using containers. Containers can also be used to deploy and scale the DevOps infrastructure itself—CI/CD tools, for example. - **Hybrid and multi-cloud.** For organizations operating in two or more cloud environments, containers are highly useful for migrating workloads. They are a standardized unit that can be flexibly moved between on-premise data centers and any public cloud. - **Application modernization.** A common way to modernize a legacy application is to containerize it and move it as-is to the cloud—a model known as “lift and shift.” You may, of course, then ask: “How can I run containers in the cloud?” Below are several types of services you can use to do just that… - **Hosted container instances** let you run containers directly on public cloud infrastructure, without the intermediary of a cloud VM. An example is Azure Container Instances (ACI). - **Kubernetes as a Service (KaaS)** provide Kubernetes, the most popular container orchestrator, as a managed service and allow you to deploy clusters of containers on the public cloud. An example is Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE). - **Containers as a Service (Caas)** manage containers at scale, typically with limited orchestration capabilities. An example is Amazon Elastic Container Service (ECS) or Amazon Fargate. ### **Virtual Machine & Container** In most cloud computing environments, the basic unit used to deploy workloads is a virtual machine (VM). Like containers, VMs are independent computing environments abstracted from the hardware. Unlike containers, VMs require a full copy of the operating system to run. VMs can be used to run guest operating systems differently from the host system, so if the host is running Windows, the VM can run Linux or any other OS. In many technical scenarios, VMs provide improved isolation and security compared to containers. However, a VM is essentially a standalone machine with its own operating system—which means it takes a lot longer to start up and run than a container. VMs images, which are used to create new VMs, are heavier than container images and more difficult to automate. In the cloud, the most common scenario is running containers on top of compute instances, which are technically virtual machines. Cloud providers are now offering the ability to run containers directly on their bare metal servers, without VMs as an intermediary, a model known as “container instances.” ### Common Challenges and Potential Solutions ##### **1. Migration** Containers can significantly reduce costs, it’s true. That said, in traditional computing environments it can often be difficult to transition existing applications to containers. In many organizations, IT staff do not have container experience and need to be trained or assisted by consultants. Cloud computing on its own can raise technical challenges for many operations teams—with containers may add another level of complexity. As with any technology shift, organizations and technical teams must adapt to cloud-native technology. The container ecosystem offers a variety of tools that can make adoption easier, including managed services that emphasize swift onboarding and ease of use. ##### **2. Container Networking** Container networking can be highly complex. And this complexity can sometimes lead to security issues. In a containerized environment, you cannot use traditional networking techniques. Container networking uses standards such as Container Network Interface (CNI) and is managed by employing overlay networks, creating isolated, private networks for communication between containers and hosts. In the cloud, things can become even more complicated: Cloud providers offer their own terminology for networking—such as virtual private clouds (VPC) and security groups—to control access. When running standalone containers on the cloud, you will need to manage their networking and make sure it aligns with the private networks you have set up within the public cloud. If you get things wrong, you can end up exposing containers to the public Internet. Most organizations solve these concerns by utilizing managed container services or adopting orchestrators such as Kubernetes or Nomad, which have built-in networking management for clusters of containers. ##### **3. Container Security** Cloud providers use a shared responsibility model, where the cloud provider is responsible for securing the underlying infrastructure. And customers are responsible for correctly configuring security controls to secure their workloads and data. As far as containers are concerned, the cloud provider assumes responsibility for the underlying container hosts and the hypervisor, while containers themselves and the persistent storage volumes they use must be secured by your organization. Securing containers includes several aspects: - Container images can contain vulnerable software components or malware. - The default configuration of container engines like Docker provides extensive privileges. Attackers can leverage the shared kernel to infect other containers, and the host operating system, if containers are not properly locked down. - Containers are short-lived, making it more difficult to keep track of them, monitor them, and identify security issues. Security is crucial during the entire lifecycle of a container. Scan container images to ensure they are safe, use configuration best practices to lock down containers and eliminate unnecessary privileges, and restrict access and network traffic to a minimum. Finally, keep track of running containers using monitoring and security tools that support containerized environments. ### **Ready to Get Started?** From maximizing current technology assets and keeping on top of the latest cybersecurity developments to facilitating cloud migration and integrating new technologies, holistic IT planning and management is critical to ensuring your hardware, software, and human resources are optimized and effective. Let OZ place our experts and quarter-century of experience at your disposal—[reach out today](https://followoz.com/services/cloud-services/)! **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Tech Services --- ### [Shining a Light on the Dark Side of Biometric Technology](https://followoz.com/resources/forbes/shining-a-light-on-the-dark-side-of-biometric-technology/) **Published:** July 11, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** Powerful new biometric technology—that is, technology [that](https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2023/06/30/biometric-tech-17-essential-details-the-public-should-know/) “identifies individuals based on their unique physical or behavioral traits”—opens up a world of convenience and possibility. Like any new and invasive technology, however, we must fully understand the potential downsides to maximize the upside. Enter the recent Forbes symposium, [Biometric Tech: 17 Essential Details the Public Should Know](https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2023/06/30/biometric-tech-17-essential-details-the-public-should-know/), in which, among a distinguished panel of tech leaders, you will find OZ Chief Solutions Officer and [Forbes Technology Council ](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/oz-chief-solutions-officer-emmanuel-ramos-joins-forbes-technology-council/)member Emmanuel Ramos, who has the following to say: “Biometric technology is like any innovation: It can be used for good or evil. It can be used for mass surveillance, tracking individuals or groups based on their political views, ethnicity, religion, or other characteristics. It can have a chilling effect on freedom of speech and association, as individuals may be less likely to express themselves or gather in public if they feel they are under constant surveillance.” *OZ Digital Consulting is here to provide the best solutions and advice for your business needs. From data analytics & AI, enterprise integration and intelligent automation, web/mobile applications, Cloud and IT services—we have the expertise to make sure that your transition is seamless. Let us be your guide in this digital journey–-*[*contact us*](https://followoz.com/contact-us/) *today for a consultation!* **Categories:** OZ in Forbes **Tags:** Forbes --- ### [A Practical Guide to Building a Successful API Strategy](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/a-practical-guide-to-building-a-successful-api-strategy/) **Published:** July 12, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ***— By Imran Sabir,*** *Vice President, Automation & Enterprise Integration* Have you wondered what keeps us — and the world—always connected? How do you make a purchase, track your shipment, and return an item you bought with just a few clicks? Behind every online purchase is an API hard at work. And behind every API, you’ll most likely find a robust strategy driving it. Modern APIs are how companies build exceptional customer experiences. They help brands engage with customers, partners, and developers in real-time. That’s why successful businesses treat APIs as their most important business assets, not tactics. **But first, what is an API?** [API](https://followoz.com/partners/oz-mulesoft/) is an Application Programming Interface that allows software applications to talk to each other. They’re an accessible way to extract and share data within and across organizations. Businesses work with APIs in various ways: for some, it’s a part of their business strategy. Others offer them up as public APIs to generate revenue. Some open their APIs to extend the product shelf life, while many trade them in for data they can use in their business. But whatever your goals, your business needs a strategy to get the most value from them. ### **A Winning API Strategy: Key Steps** **Define Your Goal** Understand what you’re after — your business objectives, processes, and challenges. Then develop an API strategy that fits your overall business strategy. It’s the only way APIs will drive tangible value and support your long-term goals. **Assess the Opportunity** Now that you know “what” you’re trying to accomplish with APIs, assess your “why.” Why do you need it, and how will it unlock future opportunities? Analyze your existing systems, data assets, and market landscape to identify potential API opportunities. Evaluate if APIs are feasible, their potential impact, and the value of exposing your data through APIs. A thorough assessment will help you prioritize your API initiatives. **Engage Your Stakeholders** Collaborate with stakeholders across your organization to learn where APIs can drive innovation, improve customer experience, or streamline internal processes. This way, you’ll ensure your [API strategy](https://followoz.com/services/enterprise-applications-integration/) focuses on areas that deliver meaningful business outcomes. Without partnering closely with your lines of business, you won’t fully understand which APIs will drive the most value. By working with them to identify the apps and digital experiences that will meet the demands of customers, partners, and employees, you are paving the way for success. **Monetize Your Strategy** When you set out to build your APIs, it’s worth examining how to monetize them. Explore various monetization strategies for your APIs — direct fees, usage-based pricing, revenue-sharing, or API marketplaces — that will help you leverage APIs to boost revenue and unlock business value. **Establish API Governance and Standards Create an API governance framework and standards to maintain consistency, security, and interoperability across your API ecosystem. This includes defining API design guidelines, documentation practices, versioning policies, and security measures to drive API adoption and quality. **Build an API Ecosystem** Many APIs will live as products or channels within a digital business. But building an interconnected ecosystem is how you can maximize value. Regardless of product or service, an API ecosystem is your competitive advantage. Building one involves identifying potential partners, creating developer portals, fostering developer communities, and establishing partnership programs to drive collaboration, integration, and innovation. You will know you’ve achieved success when your adoption curve grows exponentially. **API Lifecycle Management** As API adoption increases and their reach grows within your organization, you’ll realize why it’s important to have a strategy that includes a well-defined API management solution. Giving developers an API management solution across the full lifecycle of the API provides them with the flexibility to integrate applications, systems, and data as needed. Full API lifecycle management involves overseeing an API from creation to retirement across its full lifespan including designing, publishing, documenting, securing, and analyzing APIs. It makes APIs easily discoverable, reusable, and scalable, ensuring proper governance and control. **Develop Your Tech Stack** Now that you have zeroed in on what APIs need to be created, you’ll want to dive into more technical aspects of implementation — reference and API architectures and the choice of API specification formats. What platforms best suit your API strategy taking into consideration scalability, security, integration capabilities, developer experience, and market trends? What API lifecycle tools would you need? To choose the best tools, start with the language or framework your team is most comfortable with. Picking tools that encourage collaboration allows your team to iterate quickly and be more agile. When building APIs, it is important to understand the whole context of what you are doing, why you have chosen the technologies you have chosen, and how that fits into your business strategy. **Educate and Enable** The “build it, and they will come” approach seldom works. If you expose your services or data, hoping someone will discover and use them will surely fail. For your strategy to succeed, you must educate cross-functional teams across the enterprise about API concepts and best practices and communicate its value. This enables your organization to build API awareness, foster internal API champions, and drive successful API adoption. **Measure Value** It’s not uncommon to find people within your organization measuring APIs in terms of numbers, not value. “How many APIs do we have?” “What’s the number of API calls” What’s your CPU usage.” While these are operational metrics (and have their place), they do not provide the full picture of the results your APIs are driving. Publishing an API is not the same as creating value through that API. When the metric is the number of APIs, the APIs created can be of low value and quality. One key question to consider is whether you’re driving impact while utilizing your resources as best you can. Create feedback loops and monitoring mechanisms to continuously evaluate the effectiveness of your API strategy. By tracking usage, including which APIs are powering the most popular apps, organizations can understand which digital assets need optimization, or driving revenue, or being leveraged in new ways by new communities. [*Contact us today*](https://followoz.com/contact-us/) *to discuss how our API Strategy services can help you define a comprehensive and effective API strategy, unlocking the full potential of your digital assets and driving innovation in your organization.* **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Tech Services --- ### [Watch Webinar: Slaying Your Data Dragons](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/watch-webinar-slaying-your-data-dragons/) **Published:** July 13, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** There’s no question: data is a strategic asset for companies today. For years, we’ve been hearing, “Data is the new oil.” It’s true, Paul Carroll, Editor-in-Chief of Insurance Thought Leadership, notes, “But when you think about oil, you typically do something with it before you use it – refract it into gasoline, then transport it to the gas station and so on…” Are we doing the same with data — turning it into information we can act on? If you can’t transform your data into actionable insights, then all the data you routinely collect isn’t useful bringing us to the question: How do businesses know where to begin, how to think about the data, and start making sense of it? “Sometimes you have to start with the end goal and work backward. Everyone’s talking about data, small data, big data… but it’s about taking that data and turning it into information you can then turn into action,” says [Murray Izenwasser](https://www.linkedin.com/in/murrayiz/), Senior Vice President, OZ Digital Consulting. Watch the full video for more valuable insights into how the insurance industry can harness data into meaningful insights that drive better customer experiences and a competitive edge. [![Watch Webinar](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/6318251/645e4ca8-25dc-48f3-b08c-a7038553eefe.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/6318251/645e4ca8-25dc-48f3-b08c-a7038553eefe) **Key Takeaways:** - Add a time value to the data you capture, provide relevance, and turn that data into information you can then turn into action. - Define an end state before you get started. Ask yourself: Where do you want to be? - Remember the value of change management while implementing data projects: communicate, communicate, communicate. - Collaboration is key to data sharing. “You could have the best data, but if that data is sitting somewhere in the organization and not on your screen when you need it to make a decision, then you’re not using it.” - There’s value in incremental change. Little improvements add up and compound over time until the business starts to notice its impact and the value of that data. - Newer technologies and platforms facilitate data sharing and can help you become competitive and enable you to share data upstream and downstream. *If you’d like to learn more about how you can leverage data and analytics to drive business transformation,* [get in touch with our experts.](https://followoz.com/contact-us/) *No matter where you are on your digital transformation journey, we will help you meet your customers where they are and grow your business.* **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Insurance --- ### [6 Tech Trends to Watch in Banking](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/6-tech-trends-to-watch-in-banking/) **Published:** July 14, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** Ready to take a tour of the exciting ways traditional banking is being transformed *right now* by cutting-edge technology? Well, good, because we’ve got one teed up for you below… - **Embracing Technology to Meet the Customer Where They Are.** Picture this: a traditional bank, dressed in a snazzy superhero costume, soars through the skies with a mobile app in hand. *That* is the digital transformation in banking! Which is to say, banks have realized the importance of embracing technology to meet the evolving needs of their customers. They’re leaving behind the days of long queues and piles of paperwork. Instead, they’re leveraging digital solutions to provide seamless and convenient services. ([OZ Intelligent Automation services](https://followoz.com/services/intelligent-automation/).) - **The Rise of Challenger Banks.** Who says banking needs to be boring? Meet the new cool kids on the block—challenger banks! These are innovative and digitally native financial institutions that have shaken up the traditional banking industry. Companies like [Revolut](https://www.revolut.com/), [Chime](https://www.chime.com/), and [N26](https://n26.com/en-eu) are challenging the status quo by offering user-friendly mobile apps, real-time notifications, and personalized financial insights, injecting a dose of excitement into banking. ([OZ application development services](https://followoz.com/services/application-development/).) - **AI-Powered Banking Assistants.** Imagine having a banking buddy who is available 24/7, doesn’t take coffee breaks, and speaks the language of finance like a pro. Enter the AI-powered banking assistants! These smart chatbots, like [Cleo](https://web.meetcleo.com/) and [Erica](https://promotions.bankofamerica.com/digitalbanking/mobilebanking/erica), are here to guide you through your banking journey. They can answer your questions, help you budget, and even provide personalized financial advice. It’s like having your very own financial guru at your fingertips. - **Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies.** Let’s talk about [blockchain](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blockchain), shall we? It’s the technology behind cryptocurrencies like [Bitcoin](https://www.google.com/finance/quote/BTC-usd) and [Ethereum](https://finance.yahoo.com/quote/ETH-USD/). While these digital currencies may seem like something out of a sci-fi movie, they’re transforming the way we think about money. Blockchain’s decentralized nature ensures secure and transparent transactions, making it an exciting prospect for the future of banking. Who knows, you might soon be managing your wealth using “cryptocurrency superhero” coins! - **Biometrics: Your Financial Superpower.** Move over, passwords, and PINs! [Biometric](https://followoz.com/articles-news-forbes/shining-a-light-on-the-dark-side-of-biometric-technology/) authentication is the new sheriff in town. Fingerprint scanners, facial recognition, and even iris scans are being used to enhance security in banking. These superpowers ensure that only you have access to your financial information. So, forget about writing down those complicated passwords—your fingerprint will be your key to the financial kingdom! - **Open Banking: The Superhero Team-Up.** Just like the Avengers, banks are teaming up to create a powerful force called “open banking.” It allows different financial institutions to securely share customer data and collaborate on services. Open banking gives you the freedom to connect your accounts from multiple banks in one place, making managing your finances a breeze. It’s like having a dream team of financial services working together for your benefit! ([OZ enterprise application integration services](https://followoz.com/services/enterprise-applications-integration/).) Of course, not all these trends will remain in banking—advances in any one industry [tend to migrate to others](https://followoz.com/industries/). Are you ready to take the first—or next best—step on your digital transformation journey? No matter [what industry you operate in](https://followoz.com/industries/), OZ experts will work side by side with you to fully leverage our relationships with the [world’s leading technology companies](https://followoz.com/partners/) so you can reap the benefits of best-in-class implementation, [integration](https://followoz.com/services/enterprise-applications-integration/), and [automation](https://followoz.com/services/intelligent-automation/)—making the most of your technology investments and powering next-gen innovation. [Contact us today](https://followoz.com/contact-us/). **Categories:** Blog --- ### [Overcoming Common Hurdles to Your Next Great Success](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/overcoming-common-hurdles-to-your-next-great-success/) **Published:** July 14, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ***By Mudassar Warraich –*** *Consulting Operations Lead* The race for [digital transformation](https://www.ibm.com/topics/digital-transformation) is on—and no business that hopes to maintain its competitive advantage and grow profits can afford to stay on the sidelines. To do so would be to ignore the host of hurdles on the track between your business and a brighter, more opportunity-filled future. These include… - Unwieldy, scattered data - Repetition of work - Employee retention issues due to overwork - Customer retention issues due to human errors and a little reduction in handling/cycle time - Decision makers’ inability to timely view business insights due to dependency on manual reports - Stunted change management The solution to getting up and over those hurdles? First, it is crucial businesses embrace and incorporate the flexibility new technologies offer into and throughout the project lifestyle. Second, find the right partner versed in [the latest, most cutting-edge technologies and tools](https://followoz.com/partners/). Consider the following elements: - **Agile project management** with certified project managers and team leads ensures global standards are being implemented. - **Continuous engagement** with the client for continuous feedback ensures the right direction toward achieving business goals. - **Ease of integration** with the help of APIs and microservices ensures agility, flexibility, and security. - Skilled, certified consultants to ensure smooth delivery with the implementation of global platform standards. - **Accelerators** speed up the transformation journey and ensure time and cost savings while giving a competitive edge. - **Data and cyber security** to ensure clients’ data remains in safe hands. With more than a quarter century of experience and 5.5 *million* service hours, [OZ](https://followoz.com/) is uniquely qualified to position your business for success. From engaging with stakeholders to build holistic, clearly defined goals to putting project management best practices in place to continuously reviewing progress and goal alignment, OZ brings a 360-degree, tailored approach to your business’s unique challenges and opportunities—no matter whether we’re talking [web and mobile application development](https://followoz.com/services/application-development/), [workflow automation](https://followoz.com/services/intelligent-automation/) and [integration](https://followoz.com/services/enterprise-applications-integration/), [data analytics](https://followoz.com/services/data-analytics-ai/), or beyond. Ready to get started? [Reach out today](https://followoz.com/contact-us/). **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Tech Services --- ### [Discover the Critical Components of a Successful Digital Transformation Initiative](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/discover-the-critical-components-of-a-successful-digital-transformation-initiative-2/) **Published:** July 17, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** [![Smiling woman seated at a multi-monitor coding workstation in a bright office](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/AI-Powered-Mainframe-Modernizati.jpg)](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/why-mainframe-modernization-looks-different-this-time/)###### [ Why Mainframe Modernization Looks Different This Time ](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/why-mainframe-modernization-looks-different-this-time/) June 4, 2026 **Categories:** Blog --- ### [Discover the Critical Components of a Successful Digital Transformation Initiative](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/discover-the-critical-components-of-a-successful-digital-transformation-initiative/) **Published:** July 17, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** [![Smiling woman seated at a multi-monitor coding workstation in a bright office](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/AI-Powered-Mainframe-Modernizati.jpg)](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/why-mainframe-modernization-looks-different-this-time/)###### [ Why Mainframe Modernization Looks Different This Time ](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/why-mainframe-modernization-looks-different-this-time/) June 4, 2026 **Categories:** Blog --- ### [Paperless Insurance: Are We There Yet?](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/paperless-insurance-are-we-there-yet/) **Published:** July 19, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ***By Murray*** ***Izenwasser**, SVP, Digital Strategy* In today’s insurance industry, the abundance of paperwork can be overwhelming. However, the adoption of digital solutions has brought about advancements in paperless options. While traditional paper-based processes have been replaced by digital alternatives, the emergence of intelligent document processing (IDP) presents new opportunities and challenges. IDP has the potential to revolutionize the insurance industry, saving time and costs while ensuring accuracy and efficiency. ### Take the Work Out of Paperwork The manual processing of documents, such as rekeying information or extracting data from third-party systems, consumes valuable time and financial resources for insurance carriers. Consider these findings\*: Underwriters spend up to **5-8 hours a week** on non-underwriting tasks, such as building manual reports, rekeying and extracting data from third-party systems **26% of quote information produced while rekeying is inaccurate** **26-50% of pricing processes still rely on spreadsheet calculations** [Intelligent document processing](https://followoz.com/services/intelligent-automation/) emerges as a game-changing technology that can address these challenges. Unlike traditional automation tools, IDP leverages Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) to scan unstructured information and read documents in various formats, simulating human-like interaction without requiring extensive human intervention. The benefits of IDP include the ability to process documents up to 25 times faster, work 24/7, and achieve remarkable accuracy. Unlike traditional Robotic Process Automation (RPA), IDP takes a different approach. It doesn’t depend on predefined rules or templates for document processing. Instead, it uses AI and ML to scan and interpret unstructured information from documents in multiple formats, mimicking human-like understanding and comprehension. This advanced technology has made significant progress in automating tasks that were previously deemed impossible to automate. As a result, these once-challenging processes are now becoming increasingly commonplace in the insurance industry. ### Versatility of Intelligent Document Processing IDP offers a wide range of capabilities that cater to the diverse needs of the insurance industry: - **Data extraction:** IDP employs a combination of Optical Character Recognition (OCR) and Natural Language Processing (NLP) to process various forms, including KYC forms, tax documents, and SEC filings. By scanning documents for specific terms or words, it extracts relevant data accurately. - **Data classification:** Documents can be categorized based on their format, content, and attributes, allowing for efficient organization and retrieval. - **Verification:** IDP validates and verifies data, ensuring accuracy and completeness, and minimizing errors that could lead to potential risks. - **Error reduction:** Through automated error detection and correction, IDP enhances data integrity and reduces the likelihood of inaccuracies. - **Digitization:** Paper documents can be digitized and securely stored and retrieved electronically, eliminating the need for physical storage space, and facilitating easy access. - **Integration:** IDP seamlessly integrates with existing systems and workflows, streamlining document processing and enhancing overall operational efficiency. - **Compliance and risk management:** By protecting sensitive data and ensuring confidentiality, IDP assists in maintaining compliance with regulatory requirements and mitigating risks. ### Top 5 Ways Intelligent Document Processing Can Help You **1. Document Processing** IDP enables automated matching, uploading, categorization, and verification of policy applications, claim submissions, contracts, invoices, reports, receipts, and emails. By “reading” each document, extracting key data values, and entering them into underwriting systems, it accelerates the insurance submission triage process and enables handling more requests with existing resources. **2. Policy Administration** Throughout the life cycle of an insurance policy, IDP plays a crucial role. It supports initial policy processing, manages endorsements or riders, performs audits to ensure accurate pricing based on potential exposure, and resolves customer queries effectively. Additionally, IDP automates premium reminders, data validation, and policy uploads, optimizing the policy issuance process. **3. Claims Management** The claims process involves multiple stages, including First Notice of Loss, document review, data extraction, assignation of adjustors, claim uploading, and fund disbursement. IDP streamlines these steps by automating document handling from various stakeholders, reducing manual intervention, and increasing efficiency. **4. Underwriting** Underwriting is another document-heavy process where underwriters extract and review thousands of documents before entering them into a downstream processing system. An intelligent system “reads” these documents like an underwriter, finds relevant data, and enters the appropriate data into the system, freeing up underwriters’ time for higher-value work—resulting in improved productivity and underwriting accuracy. **5. Invoice Processing** Automating invoice processing can save significant time and resources. IDP can extract, separate, and integrate data from invoices into accounting systems, eliminating manual data entry and reducing errors, leading to substantial time savings. Intelligent Document Processing presents a transformative opportunity for the insurance industry to enhance efficiency, reduce errors, and deliver superior customer experiences. By leveraging AI and ML technologies, IDP streamlines document processing, optimizing various areas such as claims management, policy administration, underwriting, and invoice processing. As the insurance industry continues to embrace digitization, IDP will play a crucial role in shaping a paperless future, maximizing operational effectiveness, and enabling insurers to stay competitive in an evolving landscape. If you’d like to learn more about how you can automate document processing and stay competitive, [contact us](https://followoz.com/contact-us/). ——————————————————————————————————————— Sources: \*Decision Research Corporation and Pulse Report 2022 **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Insurance, Tech Services --- ### [Bringing Scalability and Resilience to Your Business Processes](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/bringing-scalability-and-resilience-to-your-business-processes/) **Published:** July 24, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** Business processes in large enterprises frequently need distributed components for smooth growth and maintenance—and, so, the development of good connections and communication between such components is crucial. This is where [event-driven architecture](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/architecture/guide/architecture-styles/event-driven) plays a crucial role. How? Read on to find out… ### **What Is ‘An Event’?** Let’s get the basics out of the way first: An event is defined as “something that occurred or a substantial change in the state.” Events are immutable, meaning they cannot be modified or deleted, and they are sorted in the order in which they occur. ### **What Is Event-Driven Architecture?** Application development is centered around publishing and responding to events in event-driven architecture (EDA). Event-driven integrations are initiated by an event in one system and cause a specific equal event in another system. EDA is widely used in several [modern applications](https://followoz.com/resources/ebooks/overcoming-the-3-major-challenges-to-unlocking-the-power-promise-of-todays-modern-applications/) created [employing microservices](https://followoz.com/services/enterprise-applications-integration/). The real-time, loosely coupled architecture of publishers, event brokers, and consumers is the main emphasis of EDA, making business value the main attraction. ### **What Are the Benefits of EDA?** The architecture of event-driven integration consists of highly decoupled, dedicated event-processing components that asynchronously accept and process events. A particular event activates and interacts with several microservices or end systems. Data that satisfies criteria may be filtered using EDA, easing the burden on [integration systems](https://followoz.com/integration-services/). Further benefits: - **Resilience.** Event-driven design improves performance and scope by reducing application dependencies. A specific service can independently resume after failing or retrieve events and replay those events if necessary. If, for example, an application receives a high volume of requests, the extra requests may be held in the queue to ensure no data is lost. In this way, if an event occurs in a clustered environment and is not acknowledged by an application because of unavailability or downtime, it will still be accessible for processing by other servers to prevent event loss. - **Loose Coupling.** Monolithic design lacks granularity and scale due to tight coupling. Monolithic architecture leads to slower problem resolution and can even cause the entire program to fail. Because microservices offer loose coupling, scalability, and granularity, they are better equipped to address the challenges of monolithic design. Given the close relationship between event-driven architecture and microservices, we may gain the advantages of adopting microservice architecture by employing an API-led connection strategy. Three distinct benefits of loose coupling are scalability, consistency, and fault tolerance. Let’s examine these more closely. - **Scalability.** Because microservices are isolated from one another, any adjustments or enhancements can scale easily. Further, additional features can be added to create an application network. EDA allows for the decoupling of the producer and consumer, which makes autonomous scaling, updating, and deployment possible. If there is a large data load or amount of traffic services can easily be scaled with loose coupling. Additionally, we can modify our applications to include or remove functionality. - **Consistency.** Although EDA contains microservices that operate in isolation from one another, it is expected that the data in all systems will be consistent. With EDA, it is easier to accomplish this than with the conventional monolithic design.The message broker serves as the only point of contact in EDA. Every message is kept in the queue, which means there is consistency between the end systems. Different microservices respond to an event via a message broker—the center of EDA, ensuring all events are consistent and that data is transmitted effectively. - **Fault Tolerance.** Messages are stored in queues so that consumer services may access them from a single source. If there is an outage, the messages will be queued and handled once the consumer service is restored, ensuring that no data is lost. ### **Your Next Steps** EDA adds another tool to your IT architecture toolkit for developing modern systems that require scalability, robustness, and agility. It facilitates data unlocking for the creation of new data-driven platforms and collaborations. You can move to the cloud with its help. Despite certain trade-offs, the value it offers can be extremely substantial. From maximizing current technology assets and keeping on top of the latest cybersecurity developments to facilitating cloud migration and integrating new technologies, holistic IT planning and management is critical to ensuring your hardware, software, and human resources are optimized and effective. Let OZ place our experts and quarter-century of experience at your disposal—[reach out today](https://followoz.com/services/cloud-services/)! **Categories:** Blog --- ### [Decoding Your Path to Innovation with Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/decoding-your-path-to-innovation-with-data-analytics-and-artificial-intelligence/) **Published:** July 24, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** As a [technology leader](https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/how-to-become-leader-in-tech-industry), you are the driving force behind your company’s journey toward innovation. You’re always on the lookout for that strategic advantage, the perfect blend of opportunity and foresight that pushes boundaries and sets new paradigms. It’s an endless quest, with two recent developments increasingly taking center stage—[Data Analytics](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/how-data-ready-are-you/) and [Artificial Intelligence](https://www.ibm.com/topics/artificial-intelligence) (AI). The explosion of data within organizations is no longer news, and the implications are continually evolving. Buried within this avalanche of information are insights, patterns, and opportunities ripe for harnessing. Similarly, AI has rapidly moved from [conceptual to practical](https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/glossary/data-science/generative-ai/#:~:text=Generative%20AI%20models%20can%20create,edit%20existing%20images%2C%20and%20more.), bringing transformative potential that transcends sectors and disciplines. Here’s how: 1. **Embracing AI**: AI has become a transformative force reshaping the business landscape—but it’s not just about automating routine tasks. AI can discern patterns, make predictions, and generate actionable insights at a scale far beyond human capacity. Learn to anticipate customer needs, optimize processes, and stay one step ahead of the competition. 2. **Mastering Data Analytics**: Data is now one of the most valuable assets a company can possess. But its value is not in its volume but rather in hidden insights. With the right analytic strategies, raw data is transformed into a strategic advantage that drives thoughtful decision-making and positive ROI. 3. **Sector-Specific Insights**: The impacts of AI and data analytics are as diverse as the sectors they’re transforming. Whether you’re in hospitality, healthcare, or technology, understanding the unique applications and challenges specific to your field is vital. We invite you to explore these dimensions of Data Analytics and AI, joining us as we decode the path to innovation with our comprehensive e-Book, “[Top Trends in Data Analytics and AI in 2023](https://followoz.com/resources/ebooks/unlock-the-potential-of-data-analytics-and-ai/).” Start translating knowledge into growth today. Want even more? Contact us [here](https://followoz.com/contact-us/) or message me—Senior Vice President of Data Analytics & AI, [Sal Cardozo](https://www.linkedin.com/in/salcardozo/)—on LinkedIn. **Categories:** Blog --- ### [OZ in conversation with Maxwell Insurance CEO and Founder/InnSure Managing Director Christopher Lowell](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/oz-in-conversation-with-maxwell-insurance-ceo-and-founder-innsure-managing-director-christopher-lowell/) **Published:** July 31, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** “Did you wake up as a kid one day and say, ‘Hey, I love the insurance industry’?” On the latest episode of [Transformation Matters](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/four-conversations-diving-deep-into-the-most-exciting-frontiers-of-digital-transformation/) OZ Chief Transformation Officer Paul J. Bailo gets right to the point with Maxwell Insurance CEO and Founder[/InnSure](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/a-partnership-that-takes-on-climate-change-oz-and-innsure/) Managing Director [Christopher Lowell](https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-lowell/)…who doesn’t miss a beat. “There are very few people—I’m not sure I’ve met *any*—who grow up thinking, ‘I want to jump into insurance,’” Lowell replies. > “But I love the industry. And I think today it is one of the most interesting, exciting places to be right now…The insurance industry has remained relatively similar throughout the nineteenth and twentieth centuries and the first years of this current century while other industries progressed in ways in which insurance has been a little bit behind. But the next thirty years will be fully dedicated to putting more capital, data, and technology into insurance.” The eye-opening conversation about those coming thirty years is well worth your time. To learn more about OZ’s leading-edge insurance industry work, click [here](https://followoz.com/industries/property-casualty-insurance-in-intelligent-automation/). **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Insurance --- ### [Embracing a Smarter, Brighter Future with AI](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/embracing-a-smarter-brighter-future-with-ai/) **Published:** August 1, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** Are you ready to live a life that feels like it was plucked straight from a sci-fi novel? The future of Artificial Intelligence (AI) promises a world of endless possibilities, where the boundaries between reality and imagination blur even as our daily lives become more vibrant and exciting than ever before. Picture yourself waking up to your [personalized AI assistant](https://followoz.com/services/application-development/) who knows your morning routine better than you do. “Good morning, sunshine!” it greets you cheerfully. Your assistant has brewed your favorite coffee just the way you like it and even prepared a curated news summary tailored to your interests. It can predict your needs with uncanny accuracy, saving you time and energy, so you can start the day with a smile. As you head out, you hop into your self-driving car, which is a sheer delight to ride. Powered by AI, it can efficiently navigate through traffic, taking you to your destination while you sit back and relax. It knows the best routes, avoiding congestion and finding shortcuts you didn’t even know existed. Gone are the days of road rage; now, your daily commute is stress-free and more enjoyable. In the workplace, AI acts as your [trusty](https://followoz.com/services/data-analytics-ai/) [sidekick](https://followoz.com/services/enterprise-applications-integration/), not a competitor. Mundane tasks are a thing of the past as AI [automates repetitive processes](https://followoz.com/services/intelligent-automation/), freeing up your time for creative thinking and problem-solving. With AI-generated insights, you make better-informed decisions, leading to increased productivity and a more fulfilling professional life. As the day winds down, you enter the world of entertainment and gaming. AI takes interactive storytelling to a whole new level, offering personalized narratives that adapt to your preferences. You become the protagonist of your own adventure, making choices that shape the outcome of the story, making each experience unique and unforgettable. Let’s talk healthcare—a domain where [AI has revolutionized the way we live](https://followoz.com/industries/health-sciences/). Advanced medical [AI algorithms](https://www.nejm.org/ai-in-medicine) monitor your well-being around the clock, offering personalized health recommendations and early disease detection. Thanks to AI-driven research, medical breakthroughs occur at an unprecedented pace, ensuring longer, healthier lives for everyone. But the wonders of AI extend beyond the individual; they impact society as a whole. AI-powered language translation bridges communication gaps, fostering global understanding and cooperation. It helps protect the environment by optimizing resource usage and developing sustainable technologies. AI aids in disaster response, saving lives and minimizing damages during crises. Of course, not everything about the AI-powered future is [sunshine and rainbows](https://followoz.com/articles-news-forbes/shining-a-light-on-the-dark-side-of-biometric-technology/). Concerns about AI ethics, privacy, and job displacement persist. However, society is actively addressing these challenges, ensuring AI is developed responsibly and benefits all. The future of AI is both thrilling and promising. Embracing this technology opens the door to a life that was once the stuff of dreams. With AI as our ally, we can unlock the full potential of our humanity, embracing a world where the extraordinary becomes ordinary. So, let’s welcome the AI-powered future with open arms and take a leap into the marvelous life that awaits us. Exciting times lie ahead! To learn more about how OZ can accelerate your business into the AI future, click [here](https://followoz.com/). **Categories:** Blog --- ### [It Is Time to Think INSIDE the Box](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/it-is-time-to-think-inside-the-box/) **Published:** August 1, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ***By Franco Ferreyra**, Data Engineer* In [Analysis Services](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/analysis-services/analysis-services-overview?view=asallproducts-allversions), a cube is a type of multidimensional data model used for online analytical processing (OLAP). It is a collection of related measures and dimensions organized into a multidimensional structure, allowing users to analyze and summarize large amounts of data from various perspectives. A cube typically consists of a fact table, which contains the data to be analyzed, as well as one or more dimensions tables, which provide context and additional information about the data. The fact table and dimension tables are related through keys, which are used to link the data in the fact table to the appropriate dimensions. Once a cube is created, users can query it using OLAP tools such as Excel PivotTables or SQL Server Management Studio. From there, it is then possible to drill down into the data and slice it into different dimensions. This enables users to quickly gain insights and make data-driven decisions based on the analysis of large datasets. Sounds both great and daunting, right? Don’t fret: [OZ](https://followoz.com/) is here to help you make the most of this powerful process. ### **Basic Components of a Cube** The components of a cube can vary depending on the type of cube and the specific implementation. In general, however, there are several key components that are common to most cubes. Here are some of the main components of a cube: - **Dimensions** are the categories by which you want to analyze the data in the cube—from time and geography to product and customer. Dimensions define the structure of the cube and provide the context for the measures. - **Measures** are the numerical values that you want to analyze in the cube, such as sales, revenue, or profit. Measures are typically aggregated or summarized over the dimensions. - **Aggregations** are pre-calculated values that summarize the measures at different levels of the dimensions. Aggregations can improve query performance by reducing the amount of data that needs to be scanned during a query. - **Hierarchies** are the relationships between the levels of a dimension. For example, a time dimension might have a hierarchy that includes year, quarter, month, and day levels. Hierarchies enable users to drill down or roll up the data along the levels of the dimensions. Cubes can also include other components. For example: - **KPIs** are measures that provide a snapshot of performance against a target or goal. - **Perspectives** are views of the cube that provide a subset of dimensions and measures for a specific user or audience. - **Calculated members** are custom measures that are derived from other measures and can be used to perform advanced calculations. ### **The Importance of Partitions** Partitions help to improve query performance and manage large volumes of data. Partitions in a cube are logical subsets of the cube’s data physically stored in separate objects such as database tables or files. Partitioning enables you to divide the data in a cube into smaller subsets, which can help to improve query performance and manage large volumes of data. By dividing the cube’s data into smaller subsets, queries can be processed more quickly and efficiently. Why? Because the query engine only needs to scan the relevant partition instead of the entire cube. This is particularly useful when dealing with large data sets, as it empowers you to process only the partitions relevant to a given query. Partitions can be based on different criteria—time periods, geographical regions, or product categories, for example. You could create partitions for each year or quarter of sales data or for different product lines, tailoring the partitions to the specific needs of your analysis. By enabling the processing of only what has changed or needs updating independent of the rest of the cube, partitions substantially increase efficiency. Further, partitions can be compressed using techniques such as data or [columnstore](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/sql/relational-databases/indexes/columnstore-indexes-overview?view=sql-server-ver16) compression, which helps to reduce storage requirements and minimize the amount of storage required for the cube’s data. Remember: Partitions can be merged or split. As the data in the cube changes, you may need to adjust the partitions to optimize query performance. This can involve merging smaller partitions into larger ones or splitting larger partitions into smaller ones. ### **Types of Cubes** In Analysis Services, there are two main types of cubes: - **Multidimensional Cubes.** Also known as OLAP cubes, these are the traditional type of cubes used in Analysis Services since its inception, storing data in a multidimensional array in which each dimension represents a different aspect of the data, such as time, geography, or product category. The cube can be queried using MDX (Multidimensional Expressions) language specifically designed for OLAP analysis. - **Tabular Cubes.** Designed to provide a simpler and more intuitive way of working with data, tabular cubes are a more recent addition to Analysis Services. Tabular cubes store data in a relational format similar to a traditional database and can be queried using [DAX language](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Data_Analysis_Expressions), which is similar to Excel formulas. Tabular cubes are often used for smaller datasets or for scenarios where the data is better suited to a relational format. Both types of cubes have their strengths and weaknesses. The choice between them will depend on the specific needs of the organization and the data being analyzed. Multidimensional cubes, for example, provide advanced features such as calculated members, named sets, and support for complex business logic—which make them ideal for large and complex datasets. Multidimensional cubes can also handle complex relationships between dimensions, such as many-to-many relationships. However, multidimensional cubes can be complex to design and maintain, and they may require more hardware resources to run efficiently. Tabular cubes store, on the other hand, are well-suited for smaller datasets or scenarios where the data is better suited to a relational format. Tabular cubes are easier to design and maintain than multidimensional cubes and offer faster query performance for simple queries. They also provide support for real-time data and can be integrated easily with other tools such as [Power BI](https://followoz.com/technical-guides/the-oz-technical-guide-to-configuring-a-power-bi-gateway/). Keep in mind, though, that tabular cubes may struggle with large and complex datasets and do not always offer some of the advanced features available in multidimensional cubes. ### **Which Cube is Best for You?** The decision to use a tabular or multidimensional cube depends on your data modeling requirements and the analysis needs of your business. A tabular cube is best suited for modeling data that has a simple structure and can be represented as a two-dimensional table, such as sales data or financial data. Tabular models use a columnar storage format and rely on relationships between tables to build hierarchies and support complex calculations. They are typically easier to create, manage, and maintain than multidimensional models, and provide fast query response times. A multidimensional cube is better suited for modeling complex data structures that have multiple dimensions and hierarchies, such as inventory management or product analysis. Multidimensional models use a cell-based storage format and support more advanced calculations, such as calculations across multiple dimensions, time-based calculations, and custom aggregation functions. They also provide more flexibility in terms of defining and manipulating hierarchies and dimensions. In short, if your data has a simple structure and can be represented as a two-dimensional table, a tabular cube is a good choice. If your data has complex relationships and hierarchies, or you need more advanced calculations, a multidimensional cube may be a better option. ### **Cube Advantages** Let’s dig a little deeper into the upside of employing cubes. 1. Cubes can help you avoid resource contention with the source system. 2. They are an ideal tool for numeric analysis. 3. Cubes enable the discovery of data patterns in [SSAS](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/analysis-services/ssas-overview?view=asallproducts-allversions) that may not be immediately apparent using the data mining features built into the product. 4. They offer a unified and integrated view of all your business data reporting and analysis of KPI scorecards. 5. Users can analyze data with a host of tools, including SSRS and Excel. 6. Cubes provide enterprise-grade semantic data models for business reports and client applications such as Power BI, Excel, Reporting Services reports, and other data visualization tools. Also, when you build a cube in Analysis Services, you define measures and dimensions. Measures are the quantitative values in the database that you want to analyze—e.g., Mean Time Between Failures and Total Costs. ### **Final Thoughts** Despite their relative complexity and sometimes resource-intensive nature, cubes are a fundamental component of business intelligence providing a way to organize data into a multidimensional structure that facilitates data analysis from different perspectives and allows for complex calculations to be performed quickly. Are you ready to make the most of your data? The [Data Analytics](https://followoz.com/services/data-analytics-ai/) experts at OZ will put more than a quarter century of experience to work as we help you establish strong, responsible practices that set the stage for growth, and catalyze next-level digital transformation while turning disjointed data into lucrative opportunities. Check out our new e-Book [digging deep into 2023’s most impactful leading-edge Data Analytics trends](https://followoz.com/resources/ebooks/unlock-the-potential-of-data-analytics-and-ai/) or simply [reach out today](https://followoz.com/contact-us/) to begin. **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Tech Services --- ### [Ensure the Quality and Reliability of Your Software Applications](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/ensure-the-quality-and-reliability-of-your-software-applications/) **Published:** August 8, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ***By Hammad Mehboob**, QA Engineer* Writing comprehensive, effective test cases is more important than ever. If you’re ready to take your own test case game to the next level, OZ has compiled a concise step-by-step guide to getting it done below. - **Understand the Feature/User Story:** Before writing test cases, it is crucial to thoroughly understand the feature or user story to be tested. Collaborate closely with the product owner, developers, and stakeholders to gain a clear understanding of the requirements and expected behavior. This knowledge will help you identify the different aspects to be covered in your test cases. - **Use Test Case Templates:** Standardized test case templates ensure consistency and provide a clear structure for documenting test scenarios, steps, and expected outcomes. Utilize templates that include fields for test case ID, description, preconditions, steps, expected results, actual results, and status. This approach improves test case readability and enhances team collaboration. - **Divide Test Cases into Functional Areas:** Break down the feature or user story into smaller functional areas and create test cases that cover each of these areas separately. This approach allows you to focus on specific functionalities, making it easier to identify defects and assess testing progress. - **Incorporate Positive and Negative Scenarios:** Test cases should encompass both positive and negative scenarios. Positive scenarios validate that the feature works as expected under normal conditions, while negative scenarios verify how the system handles invalid inputs and error conditions. Covering positive and negative cases ensures robustness and stability of the feature. - **Explore Boundary Conditions:** Pay special attention to boundary values while designing test cases. Testing boundary conditions ensures that the feature handles the minimum and maximum permissible inputs correctly. This is crucial for identifying issues related to data handling, validation, and processing. - **Include End-to-End Test Scenarios:** End-to-end test scenarios simulate real user workflows and interactions with the application. Consider the entire user journey, from start to finish, and create test cases that validate the complete flow. This approach helps catch integration issues and ensures the feature functions seamlessly with other parts of the system. - **Account for Different Data Sets:** Test cases should cover various data sets and data types that the feature is expected to handle. Include common data, edge cases, and even unusual data scenarios. Comprehensive data testing helps expose data-related issues and ensures the feature’s data integrity and accuracy. - **Validate Cross-Browser and Cross-Device Compatibility:** If the feature is accessible on different browsers or devices, create test cases to verify its compatibility across multiple platforms. This step is vital for identifying rendering issues, responsive design problems, and browser-specific bugs. - **Consider Performance and Scalability:** For features that involve processing large data sets or handling heavy user traffic, incorporate performance and scalability testing into your test cases. Evaluate how the feature performs under load, stress, and concurrency to ensure it meets performance requirements. - **Review and Collaborate:** Once you have written the test cases, conduct peer reviews with other testers, developers, or stakeholders. Collaboration and feedback are valuable for uncovering potential blind spots and ensuring the test cases cover the maximum testing scope effectively. ### **Your Next Move** Writing comprehensive test cases is a critical aspect of delivering high-quality software. Remember that testing is an iterative process: As the software evolves, test cases should be updated and expanded accordingly. Embrace adaptability, thoroughness, and collaboration to build a robust testing suite that enhances the overall software quality. At OZ, we can help you perform comprehensive testing and quality assurance processes to ensure the functionality, usability, and security of web and mobile applications. To learn more about our web application services, click [here](https://followoz.com/services/application-development/). Or download our free eBook, [Future App: Overcoming the 3 Major Challenges to Unlocking the Power & Promise of Modern Applications](https://followoz.com/resources/ebooks/overcoming-the-3-major-challenges-to-unlocking-the-power-promise-of-todays-modern-applications/). **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Tech Services --- ### [A Sneak Peek at the Future of ROI-Driving Web Design](https://followoz.com/resources/forbes/a-sneak-peek-at-the-future-of-roi-driving-web-design/) **Published:** August 8, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** As the expectations of potential customers and clients continue to rise, you are likely wondering which bells and whistles will have the greatest impact. Enter the recent Forbes symposium, [17 Business Website Features Tech Leaders Love to See](https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2023/07/31/17-business-website-features-tech-leaders-love-to-see/), in which, among a distinguished panel of tech leaders, you will find OZ Chief Solutions Officer and [Forbes Technology Council ](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/oz-chief-solutions-officer-emmanuel-ramos-joins-forbes-technology-council/)member [Emmanuel Ramos](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mannyramos/), who has the following to say: “Incorporating voice search capabilities allows users to interact with a website using voice commands,” he writes. “It improves accessibility, enhances convenience, and aligns with the growing popularity of voice-enabled devices.” What else is on the list? Click [here](https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2023/07/31/17-business-website-features-tech-leaders-love-to-see/?sh=4338342a78d7) to find out. *OZ Digital Consulting is here to provide the best solutions and advice for your business needs. From data analytics & AI, enterprise integration and intelligent automation, web/mobile applications, Cloud and IT services—we have the expertise to make sure that your transition is seamless. Let us be your guide in this digital journey–-*[*contact us*](https://followoz.com/contact-us/) *today for a consultation!* **Categories:** OZ in Forbes **Tags:** Forbes --- ### [The Future of Underwriting](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/the-future-of-insurance-underwriting/) **Published:** August 14, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ***— By Murray Izenwasser,*** *SVP, Digital Strategy* Underwriting is undergoing a significant transformatInsurance ion thanks to new technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). For decades, underwriters relied solely on historical data to assess risk and determine coverage. But in today’s rapidly changing world, historical data is no longer enough. To stay competitive, underwriters now need to leverage AI and ML to unlock deep insights from both structured and unstructured data. These technologies allow underwriters to identify risks earlier, price policies smarter, and operate more efficiently. AI and ML are revolutionizing underwriting across three key areas: automating repetitive tasks, generating real-time insights, and evolving the underwriter’s role. With intelligent automation, underwriters can reduce costs, improve customer satisfaction, and adapt to changes faster. The future underwriter will act as custodian, integrator, and collaborator to drive even greater value. ### **Underwriting Modernization** Insurance companies have been working to automate repetitive underwriting tasks for many years. But new technologies like robotic process automation (RPA), artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning (ML) are taking [underwriting automation](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/how-automation-can-deliver-happier-employees-more-satisfied-customers-and-greater-efficiency-to-the-insurance-industry/) to the next level. RPA tools can be programmed to handle high-volume, rules-based underwriting workflows. This includes gathering data from multiple sources, filling out application forms, verifying information, and routing tasks. By [automating these routine processes](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/intelligent-automated-underwriting/), RPA systems free up underwriters to focus on complex decision-making. This improves efficiency and allows underwriters to process more policies faster. AI and ML inject intelligence into automation by enabling systems to learn, improve, and make complex choices over time. AI can extract insights from text while ML detects patterns in data that humans might miss. Used together, these technologies can replicate underwriter expertise at scale in numerous areas: - **Data Collection**: Collect diverse data from both structured and unstructured sources to gain a comprehensive view of risk factors. By incorporating real-time data from multiple channels, underwriters can stay on top of emerging exposures. - **Insights**: Generate insights from large volumes of data quickly using AI and machine learning. By detecting patterns and correlations, underwriters can better predict potential losses and model risks. - **Risk Selection**: Make informed risk selection and pricing decisions tailored to specific cases using granular, AI-enhanced metrics. Automated risk rating incorporates more variables for more accurate coverage and premiums. - **Automating Workflows**: Streamline routine tasks like application processing and renewals with conversational AI chatbots. Automating high-volume, repetitive workflows improves underwriter productivity and customer satisfaction. - **Behavioral Analysis**: Identify potential misrepresentation and fraud earlier using AI-enabled behavioral analysis techniques. [Advanced analytics](https://followoz.com/services/data-analytics-ai/) improve underwriting accuracy and efficiency from the initial review stage. By streamlining repetitive tasks with intelligent automation, underwriters gain the capacity to focus on higher return tasks, operate more nimbly, and drive greater value. ### **The Exponential Underwriter** Advances in automation are changing the role of the underwriter. With the help of new technologies, underwriters are evolving into “exponential” professionals who can drive greater value. Deloitte calls this the [rise of the exponential underwriter](https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/insights/industry/financial-services/future-of-insurance-underwriting.html)—“a multi-skilled professional leveraging new data sources and emerging technologies to be more efficient and proactive in defining future organizational processes.” Intelligent automation empowers underwriters to become “exponential”— adding more value than ever. [Intelligent automation systems powered by AI](https://followoz.com/beyond-the-bot-how-ai-is-ushering-in-the-next-wave-of-automation/) and machine learning handle many of the routine, time-intensive underwriting processes including: - Parsing insurance applications - Assessing straightforward risks - Screening applicant information - Evaluating recommendations provided by underwriting software - Gathering information from field staff - Determining premium coverage Adding AI not only changes the speed at which it’s done but changes the scale at which it’s managed. In fact, an[ Accenture study](https://insuranceblog.accenture.com/tech-improving-underwriting) found that tech-enabled underwriters can perform higher-value tasks and perform better. The exponential underwriter can: - Complete complex risk assessments - Evaluate ambiguous or borderline cases - Make pricing decisions on non-standard policies - Identify cross-selling opportunities - Produce quicker turnaround on more standard quotes - Access knowledge for risk-based decision making - Rate and price risk better - Retain existing policyholders The exponential underwriter will act as a conductor of the underwriting orchestra—leveraging automation while focusing on high-impact areas to drive greater strategic value. AI will help underwriters predict and price risk more accurately, identify operational issues or opportunities in real-time, and make more and better-informed decisions. Currently, only 30% of an underwriter’s time is spent assessing risk. The rest of the time is spent collecting, combining, and reviewing documentation for submission. New tech will free up their time enabling them to focus on high-value cases that need human insight and decision making. ### **The Future of Underwriting** Underwriting is undergoing a transformation driven by new technologies like automation, AI, and advanced analytics. While machines will handle routine tasks, the underwriter’s role will evolve. Rather than focusing on specific policy transactions, future underwriters will be custodians of the entire underwriting process. They will oversee and optimize systems that integrate data, analytics, and software recommendations to produce accurate quotes at scale. Underwriters will become integrated P&L professionals—using technology to underwrite policies in a way that balances risk and revenue judiciously. They will collaborate with systems and tools that enhance their capabilities. This new, exponential underwriter will complete policies quickly, accurately, and cost-effectively by conducting sophisticated risk assessments augmented by automation. Underwriting will remain human-centered but enhanced by technology. By embracing the possibilities of future tech, underwriters can focus on high-value analysis while systems automate the rest—driving growth, mitigating risk, and exceeding customer expectations. [*Contact us*](https://followoz.com/contact-us/) *if you would like to learn more about how intelligent automation can drive underwriting transformation.* **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Insurance, Tech Services --- ### [Hitting the moving target of UI/UX](https://followoz.com/resources/forbes/hitting-the-moving-target-of-ui-ux/) **Published:** August 17, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** Designing great user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) is like shooting at more than one moving target—both technology and user preferences are, after all, always evolving. Enter the recent Forbes symposium, [20 New and Rising UI And UX Design Trends Dev Teams Should Know About](https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2023/08/02/20-new-and-rising-ui-and-ux-design-trends-dev-teams-should-know-about/?sh=294142a12a5e), in which a distinguished panel of tech leaders—including OZ Chief Solutions Officer and [Forbes Technology Council ](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/oz-chief-solutions-officer-emmanuel-ramos-joins-forbes-technology-council/)member [Emmanuel Ramos](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mannyramos/)—offer advice for how to stay ahead of that curve. Here’s what Ramos had to say about gesture-based navigation: “With the increasing prevalence of touch-enabled devices, gesture-based navigation is a rising trend. Intuitive gestures, such as swiping, pinching, or dragging, allow users to easily navigate through interfaces.” What else is on the list? Click [here](https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2023/08/02/20-new-and-rising-ui-and-ux-design-trends-dev-teams-should-know-about/?sh=294142a12a5e) to find out. *OZ Digital Consulting is here to provide the best solutions and advice for your business needs. From data analytics & AI, enterprise integration and intelligent automation, web/mobile applications, Cloud and IT services—we have the expertise to make sure that your transition is seamless. Let us be your guide in this digital journey–-*[*contact us*](https://followoz.com/contact-us/) *today for a consultation!* **Categories:** OZ in Forbes **Tags:** Forbes --- ### [How to Anchor Your UX Design Process in Inclusivity](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/how-to-anchor-your-ux-design-process-in-inclusivity/) **Published:** August 18, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ***By Hernan Ainsa,** UX/UI Consultant* The core responsibility of UX designers and developers is to ensure that every individual, regardless of their unique abilities or needs, can [effortlessly access and interact with a given product](https://followoz.com/services/application-development/). To that end, OZ has put together the following concise guide to developing outstanding, useful products that nurture a [truly intuitive experience for everyone](https://followoz.com/overcoming-the-3-major-challenges-to-unlocking-the-power-promise-of-todays-modern-applications/). ### **Understand Your Users** Prior to embarking on any design project, it is essential to gain a comprehensive understanding of your target audience. This may involve conducting user research, engaging with focus groups, and seeking feedback from users with diverse backgrounds—including those with disabilities. By delving into this invaluable process, you arm yourself with deep insights into potential users’ needs, preferences, and challenges, which will serve not only to enhance accessibility but as the foundation for effective designs, enabling you to create products that cater to a wide range of users, ensuring inclusivity and usability for all. ### **WCAG Standards** At OZ, we are well-versed in the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) set forth by the W3C. These guidelines serve as a compass for delivering accessible digital content. Both our design and development teams follow WCAG’s recommendations, covering various aspects such as providing alternative text for images, keyboard navigation, color contrast, and multimedia alternatives. Adhering to these standards helps us ensure that our products are compliant and inclusive. ### **Intuitive and Consistent Navigation** The importance of a seamless and intuitive navigation system cannot be overstated, especially for users with disabilities. Therefore, we meticulously craft clear and descriptive labels for links and buttons, enabling screen readers to accurately convey information to users with visual impairments. By keeping a consistent system throughout the interface, you can make it simpler for users to make decisions, predict the location of elements, streamline their interactions, and enhance their overall experience. ### **Mindful Use of Color and Contrast** While color can be a powerful design element, it can also pose issues for users with visual impairments. Ensuring readability is paramount. To achieve this, you must implement the right color contrast between text and background elements. OZ, for example, utilizes a set of tools and resources that enable us to verify our designs against accessibility standards across different platforms and devices. ### **Keyboard Accessibility** Understanding that not all users can interact with traditional input methods such as a mouse or touch screen, work to create designs that are fully functional using only the keyboard. By avoiding reliance on hover or drag-and-drop interactions you will build a seamless experience for individuals with motor disabilities, where users can navigate and interact with the entire interface using the Tab key and arrow keys, embracing inclusivity. ### **Making Multimedia Content Accessible** Although sometimes posing potential barriers for users with disabilities, multimedia elements can enrich the overall user experience. Emphasize text alternatives for images, enabling screen readers to convey to users the context and meaning behind visuals. Additionally, the use of captions, transcripts, or sign language interpretation for multimedia content ensures that all users can access the information presented. ### **Readability and Clarity** Ensuring that content is clear, concise, and easy to read is fundamental. The general rule is to avoid jargon and keep a simple, easy-to-grasp language, making our products more inclusive for users with cognitive disabilities. When possible, offer options to adjust font sizes and line spacing so users that may have difficulty reading small text can personalize their reading experience, enhancing readability for all and overall usability. ### **Your Next Steps** At OZ, we create products that make a positive impact and contribute to a more inclusive digital world, ensuring that no user is left behind. To find out more about our modern application development services click [here](https://followoz.com/services/application-development/) or [reach out today](https://followoz.com/contact-us/). You can download a copy of our free e-Book, [Future App: Overcoming the 3 Major Challenges to Unlocking the Power & Promise of Today’s Modern Applications](https://followoz.com/overcoming-the-3-major-challenges-to-unlocking-the-power-promise-of-todays-modern-applications/). **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Tech Services --- ### [P&C Insurance Enters the Era of Intelligent Automation](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/pc-insurance-enters-the-era-of-intelligent-automation/) **Published:** August 24, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** The insurance industry—though slow to change—has steadily embraced process automation over time. For the carrier, the shift to automation has translated to reduced costs, greater efficiency, and a competitive advantage. For the customer, it’s created a more refined experience — one that is seamless, personalized, and relevant. However, a [new age of automation](https://followoz.com/beyond-the-bot-how-ai-is-ushering-in-the-next-wave-of-automation/) is here. Robotic Process Automation (RPA) is undergoing a massive transformation with the emergence of newer technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning. Its evolution is impacting entire industries, including P&C insurance. The emergence of intelligent automation is paving the way for the automation of complex tasks only humans could once perform. The absence of pre-determined rules or templates no longer hinders the automation of these functions. ### **The Evolution of Automation** Early RPA platforms efficiently handled routine tasks. Key contributors to [the development of RPA](https://www.robomotion.io/blog/history-of-rpa/) in the early 2000s included: - Advancements in screen scraping software to extract data from programs, websites, and documents helped eliminate manual data entry. - The first workflow automation software that replaced basic, paper-based processes with electronic ones. - The introduction of modeling tools and business rules to make sense of business processes. - Workflow automation, a precursor to RPA, laid the foundation of business process management in 2005. - The first RPA software in the early 2000s could successfully automate repetitive tasks. - The expansion of RPA capabilities led to a solid foundation for the technology by 2015. ### **More Complexity Demands More Powerful Tools** [Data and information](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/how-data-ready-are-you/) are being created faster than we can keep up. Data comes from a myriad places in various forms. There are four types of data an organization uses for analytical purposes. **Structured data:** Primarily comes from executing transactions and has been around the longest. Think policy forms. **Textual data:** Data from emails, call center conversations, contracts, records, and elsewhere. Once, text was a “black box” that could only be stored but not analyzed by the computer. Now, textual Extract, Transform, and Load (ETL) technology has opened the door of text to standard analytical techniques. **Analog/IoT:** Machines of every kind, such as drones, electric eyes, temperature gauges, and wristwatches—all can generate data. Analog/IoT data is more raw than structured or textual data. And a tremendous amount of this data is generated in an automated fashion. **Other unstructured data:** Most of the data generated today falls under unstructured data—images, audio, and video content. This data cannot be stored in a typical database table as it lacks a tabular structure. Given the massive volume of analog and IoT data, storing and managing these datasets are very expensive. [Intelligent automation](https://followoz.com/services/intelligent-automation/), the combination of RPA and AI, including natural language processing, machine learning, and machine vision, helps carriers process, understand, and effectively transform this data into meaningful insights—all in real time. ### **The Future of Efficiency with Intelligent Automation** AI technologies will continue to evolve and soon become the norm for processing huge amounts of information and data generated by “active” insurance products tied to individual behavior and activities. As these technologies become mainstream, carriers will have access to constantly learning models — enabling new product categories and engagement strategies while responding to shifts in underlying risks or behaviors in real-time. Open-source protocols will emerge to facilitate data sharing. Public and private partnerships will create ecosystems for shared data under a common regulatory framework. For example, wearable data could be ported directly to insurance carriers, while connected home and auto data could be accessed through Amazon, Apple, and Google. As automation and AI are integrated more deeply into processes, workflows, and the workplace, carriers will experience advantages in the following ways: 1. **Higher productivity:** Frees up human time for higher value work, increases capacity, and data processing by up to 50% 2. **Lower operational costs:** From 25% to 50% 3. **Reduced error:** Automation can achieve 100% data accuracy 4. **Data security and compliance:** Reduce contact with sensitive data. 5. **Economies of scale:** Efficiently handle seasonal renewal peaks and benefit from economies of scale. 6. **Data-driven insights:** Leverage volumes of process data generated by RPA to improve analytics. 7. **Seamless automation:** RPA integrates with legacy systems by mimicking user interactions—such as clicks and keystrokes. 8. **Better customer experience:** Improve the customer experience in quoting, underwriting, claims, and policy administration. As more carriers embrace these newer technologies, intelligent automation will become, over time, table stakes. Carriers who move first — and fast will hold a competitive edge. Making strategic investments in intelligent automation has never been more important. [*Contact us*](https://followoz.com/contact-us/) *if you would like to discuss how you can streamline your operations and drive profitability through intelligent automation.* **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Insurance --- ### [AI-Driven Predictive Maintenance for Mid-Sized Businesses](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/ai-driven-predictive-maintenance-for-mid-sized-businesses/) **Published:** August 25, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** [![Smiling woman seated at a multi-monitor coding workstation in a bright office](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/AI-Powered-Mainframe-Modernizati.jpg)](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/why-mainframe-modernization-looks-different-this-time/)###### [ Why Mainframe Modernization Looks Different This Time ](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/why-mainframe-modernization-looks-different-this-time/) June 4, 2026 **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Digital Strategy, Tech Services, Whitepapers --- ### [InnSure Managing Director Christopher Lowell Returns to Transformation Matters](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/innsure-managing-director-christopher-lowell-returns-to-transformation-matters/) **Published:** August 28, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** [![Smiling woman seated at a multi-monitor coding workstation in a bright office](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/AI-Powered-Mainframe-Modernizati.jpg)](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/why-mainframe-modernization-looks-different-this-time/)###### [ Why Mainframe Modernization Looks Different This Time ](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/why-mainframe-modernization-looks-different-this-time/) June 4, 2026 **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Insurance --- ### [Powerful Insights Into Your Business Future](https://followoz.com/resources/forbes/powerful-insights-into-your-business-future/) **Published:** August 30, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** Short of a crystal ball, is it possible to get a glimpse of the future your customer would like to share with you? The participants in the recent *Forbes* symposium, [15 Ways Predictive Analytics Can Help Businesses Boost Their CX](https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2023/08/24/15-ways-predictive-analytics-can-help-businesses-boost-their-cx/), believe the answer is an enthusiastic, “Yes!” But remember, your efforts need not be perfect: “When customers sense that a business is working to anticipate and better serve their needs,” the introduction to the piece notes, “they’re more likely to become loyal fans and recommend the business to others.” Here’s what OZ Chief Solutions Officer and [Forbes Technology Council ](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/oz-chief-solutions-officer-emmanuel-ramos-joins-forbes-technology-council/)member [Emmanuel Ramos](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mannyramos/) had to say about anticipating customer orders: “[Predictive analytics](https://www.ibm.com/topics/predictive-analytics) can drive anticipatory shipping. It can analyze customer data, purchase history, and behavior patterns to anticipate customer orders. This allows businesses to proactively ship products to distribution centers or directly to customers’ locations, reducing delivery time and enhancing the customer experience.” What else is on the list? Click [here](https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2023/08/24/15-ways-predictive-analytics-can-help-businesses-boost-their-cx/) to find out. *OZ Digital Consulting is here to provide the best solutions and advice for your business needs. From data analytics & AI, enterprise integration and intelligent automation, web/mobile applications, Cloud and IT services—we have the expertise to make sure that your transition is seamless. Let us be your guide in this digital journey–-*[*contact us*](https://followoz.com/contact-us/) *today for a consultation!* **Categories:** OZ in Forbes **Tags:** Forbes --- ### [Learn to Leverage the Shifting Tech Landscape First & Faster](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/learn-to-leverage-the-shifting-tech-landscape-first-faster/) **Published:** August 31, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ***By Dr. Paul J. Bailo,** Cheif Transformation Officer* In the [ever-evolving arena of technological innovation](https://followoz.com/), two colossal forces have emerged to reshape the very fabric of our digital world. It’s a [clash of titans](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ojw1sau98Jg)—[digital transformation](https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2023/08/17/here-we-go-again-genai-ushers-in-a-new-age-of-digital-transformation/) and [quantum computing](https://hbr.org/2021/07/quantum-computing-is-coming-what-can-it-do)—and the showdown promises to be as intriguing as it is revolutionary. ### **The Digital Transformation Dance** Picture a global dance floor upon which businesses, institutions, and individuals twirl to the rhythm of digital transformation. It’s a dazzling display of technology-driven evolution that’s redefining the way we live, work, and interact. From AI-driven chatbots to smart cities powered by the Internet of Things (IoT), our world is undergoing a digital metamorphosis that’s nothing short of mesmerizing. Digital transformation is not just about adopting new tools, however. It’s also about embracing a new mindset. It’s about the symphony of [data analytics](https://followoz.com/services/data-analytics-ai/), [cloud computing](https://followoz.com/services/cloud-services/), and [automation](https://followoz.com/services/intelligent-automation/) that turns businesses into lean, mean, digital machines. From paper to pixel, from human to cyborg, this transformation is reshaping industries and birthing innovative business models. ### **Enter Quantum Computing** Just when we thought digital transformation was the zenith of tech wizardry, along comes [quantum computing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quantum_computing), a mind-bending phenomenon that makes conventional computing look like child’s play. Imagine a world where computers don’t just flip binary switches but tap into the mystical realm of quantum bits or qubits. These subatomic particles hold the power to process vast amounts of information simultaneously, solving problems that would take classical computers eons. Quantum computing could effortlessly crack encryption codes, revolutionize drug discovery, and simulate complex molecular interactions. It’s like upgrading from a bicycle to a warp-speed spaceship, zooming through problems that would leave even the most advanced supercomputers panting. ### **The Clash of Titans** As the digital transformation juggernaut thunders forward, quantum computing saunters in with its enigmatic allure. The clash of these titans ignites a debate that’s as fascinating as it is complex: *Will quantum computing render digital transformation obsolete? Or will they coalesce into a harmonious techno-ecosystem?* In truth, the two are not in opposition. They’re more like the dynamic duo of the tech realm. Digital transformation prepares the battleground for quantum computing to strut its stuff. Imagine AI-powered algorithms transforming raw data into quantum-friendly formats, ready to be devoured by qubits. It’s a synergy that promises exponential gains. ### **The Future Unveiled** As the spotlight shifts between digital transformation and quantum computing, one thing’s clear: the future holds a kaleidoscope of possibilities. We’re on the brink of a new era in which businesses will ride the digital wave while quantum computers navigate the uncharted waters of complex problem-solving. So, sit back and enjoy the show, for we’re in for a riveting spectacle. The clash of these titans is no battle for supremacy; it’s a synergistic melding of innovation, playing out to the soundtrack of tomorrow. Whether you’re a digital enthusiast or a quantum aficionado, this is the stage where the future is being scripted – a future where the only constant is change, and the only limit is our imagination. ### **Your Next Steps** From maximizing current technology assets and keeping on top of the latest cybersecurity developments to facilitating cloud migration and integrating new technologies, holistic IT planning and management are critical to ensuring your hardware, software, and human resources are optimized and effective. With over a quarter-century of experience, OZ is uniquely positioned to empower you to get the most out of your digital transformation journey. Don’t hesitate: [Schedule a consultation today](https://followoz.com/contact-us/). And don’t forget to download our free e-Book covering these topics, [“3 Digital Integration Trends Reshaping the Business Landscape”](https://followoz.com/integration-services/) by OZ VP of Automation and Enterprise Integration, [Imran Sabir](https://www.linkedin.com/in/imran-sabir-b9b64968/). **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Tech Services --- ### [Empower Your Business with this Indispensable Tool for Sustained Success](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/empower-your-business-with-this-indispensable-tool-for-sustained-success/) **Published:** September 5, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ***By Haider Abbas**, Senior Manager, Intelligent Workflow Automation* In the dynamic landscape of modern business-to-business (B2B) integration, effective communication and seamless collaboration between organizations are indispensable for sustained success. Enter Anypoint Partner Manager, a dedicated tool within the [MuleSoft](https://followoz.com/partners/oz-mulesoft/) Anypoint Platform designed to tackle the intricacies of B2B integration head-on. This game-changing solution not only streamlines [B2B integration](https://www.ibm.com/topics/b2b-integration) but also enhances the entire [collaborative process](https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2022/02/28/why-creating-a-culture-of-collaboration-is-critical-to-business-success-in-the-age-of-remote-work-and-how-to-achieve-it/), propelling businesses into a new era of streamlined connections. It simplifies partner onboarding, automates critical processes, and enables real-time collaboration, allowing organizations to establish and strengthen relationships with partners, suppliers, and customers. ### **Key Benefits that Transform B2B Integration** - **Partner Onboarding Made Effortless:** Traditional B2B integration often involves complex partner onboarding processes, delaying the time-to-value for new collaborations. Anypoint Partner Manager revolutionizes this process with a user-friendly self-service portal, enabling partners to quickly initiate onboarding and reducing the administrative burden on IT teams. The platform guides partners through the required steps, ensuring a seamless and efficient onboarding experience. - **API-Led Connectivity for B2B:** Anypoint Partner Manager embraces MuleSoft’s API-led connectivity approach, where APIs are the building blocks for integration. This architecture ensures that each B2B interaction, whether it’s order processing, inventory management, or invoicing, is encapsulated within a well-defined API. The result is enhanced reusability, simplified maintenance, and the ability to accommodate changing partner needs without disrupting existing integrations. - **Enhanced Security and Compliance:** Security is a paramount concern in B2B interactions—particularly when sensitive data is exchanged. Anypoint Partner Manager ensures data security through robust features such as encryption, secure communication protocols, and authentication mechanisms. Organizations can define and enforce compliance rules and standards, ensuring adherence to industry regulations and minimizing legal and financial risks. - **Simplified User Experience:** Anypoint Partner Manager introduces a simplified user experience that empowers non-technical users while reducing the burden on IT teams. The user-friendly self-service portal guides partners through the onboarding process, making it effortless to initiate collaborations. This streamlines the traditionally complex partner onboarding processes and enhances partner engagement. - **Flexibility:** Anypoint Partner Manager offers remarkable flexibility, accommodating partners’ diverse transaction preferences. Transactions can be conducted using APIs or traditional Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) methods, adapting to partners’ technological capabilities. The platform supports various data formats, including EDI X12, EDIFACT, XML, JSON, and CSV, catering to a wide spectrum of partner requirements. Additionally, it supports multiple transport protocols such as AS2, SFTP, FTP, and HTTP(s), allowing partners to choose their preferred transport method. - **Operational Management.** Anypoint Partner Manager empowers organizations to automate complex B2B processes, significantly reducing manual intervention. Integration flows can be defined to automate tasks such as order-to-cash and procure-to-pay, leading to increased operational efficiency. Real-time transaction visibility is a cornerstone feature, providing insights into transaction statuses for informed decision-making and timely issue resolution. The platform enables seamless transaction management and replay, an invaluable feature for testing and ensuring integration reliability. End-to-end traceability across systems ensures insights into the journey of transactions through the integration landscape. ### **The Six-Step Anypoint Partner Manager Journey** 1. Identify your organization’s B2B integration needs and partners, defining the processes and data to be exchanged. 2. Leverage the intuitive Anypoint Partner Manager interface to design APIs, integration flows, and communication protocols. 3. **Develop:** Utilize the platform’s pre-built connectors and templates to develop APIs and configure integration flows, customizing them to your specific requirements. 4. **Deploy:** Once developed, deploy the APIs to the Anypoint Platform, configuring security measures and access controls for data protection. Alternatively, choose to execute deployments within the framework of Docker containers and Kubernetes clusters, strategically positioned across esteemed cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, and GCP, or even within your organization’s premises. This deployment can be seamlessly orchestrated using Anypoint Runtime Fabric, ensuring a cohesive and reliable integration experience. 5. **Collaborate:** Facilitate partner onboarding through the self-service portal, guiding partners through the process and granting access to APIs and communication channels. 6. **Optimize:** Continuously monitor integration performance, leveraging the platform’s features to identify optimization opportunities. ### **Your Next Steps** As an [official MuleSoft partner](https://followoz.com/partners/oz-mulesoft/) with [more than a quarter-century of digital transformation experience](https://followoz.com/about/oz-digital-consultants/), OZ is uniquely positioned to leverage this powerhouse API and integration platform to unify your data, automate business processes, and build next-level connected experiences. You can download our recent complimentary eBook *3 Digital Integration Trends Reshaping the Business Landscape* [here](https://followoz.com/integration-services/). Don’t hesitate to reach out and [schedule a consultation today](https://followoz.com/contact-us/). **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Tech Services --- ### [Digital is the New Green](https://followoz.com/resources/forbes/digital-is-the-new-green/) **Published:** September 7, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** Think sustainability is just about recycling bins and beach cleanups? Think again. As the recent *Forbes* symposium [20 Tech-Focused Business Practices That Promote Better Sustainability](https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2023/08/25/20-tech-focused-business-practices-that-promote-better-sustainability/) notes, the next frontier in [responsible resource stewardship](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/s/sustainability.asp) is [technology](https://www.theengineer.co.uk/content/opinion/what-is-technology-s-role-in-sustainable-development): “\[T\]here are alternative, greener solutions that may be an option not only for better-managing storage,” the piece advises, “but also for managing e-waste, powering operations and supporting other business functions.” Among those twenty notable tech leaders, you will OZ Chief Solutions Officer and [Forbes Technology Council ](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/oz-chief-solutions-officer-emmanuel-ramos-joins-forbes-technology-council/)member [Emmanuel Ramos](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mannyramos/) writing the following: > “Conducting life cycle assessments of technology solutions helps companies identify their environmental impact from production to disposal. Businesses can choose products and services with lower life-cycle environmental footprints, considering factors such as energy consumption, raw materials, and recyclability.” What else is on the list? Click [here](https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2023/08/25/20-tech-focused-business-practices-that-promote-better-sustainability/) to find out. *OZ Digital Consulting is here to provide the best solutions and advice for your business needs. From integration, data analytics & AI, enterprise application integration, intelligent automation, application development, and cloud services—we have the expertise to make sure that your transition is seamless. Let us be your guide in this digital journey–-*[*contact us*](https://followoz.com/contact-us/) *today for a consultation!* **Categories:** OZ in Forbes **Tags:** Forbes --- ### [Personalized Guest Journeys: How Data Analytics is Crafting Unique Hotel Stays](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/personalized-guest-journeys-how-data-analytics-is-crafting-unique-hotel-stays/) **Published:** September 8, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** In an era of digital transformation, the hospitality industry stands on the brink of a paradigm shift. No longer is it sufficient for hotels to offer a place to rest—[77% of consumers ](https://exclaimer.com/blog/personalization-in-marketing-success-2023/)now crave experiences explicitly tailored to their unique tastes and preferences. At the heart of this transformation, Data Analytics emerges as the compass, guiding the industry towards uncharted territories of personalization. ### **The Data Revolution in Hospitality** Stepping into a hotel was synonymous with stepping into a standardized experience. The room layout, the service, and the amenities largely remained unchanged regardless of who you were. However, the modern traveler’s expectations have evolved, driven by experiences in other sectors where personalization is paramount. Today, with the confluence of technology and changing consumer dynamics, the hospitality industry has been quick to adapt. ### **Analyzing Guest Preferences** From the moment guests make an online booking to their post-stay feedback, data points constantly generate a trove of information ready to be harnessed—weaving the narrative of a guest’s stay long before they set foot in a hotel. Their digital footprints, left behind through online searches, bookings, and even social media interactions, provide a window into their preferences. Whether they prefer a room with a view, vegetarian meal options, or a spa appointment upon arrival—the clues are all there, waiting to be deciphered. Hotels, armed with [sophisticated Data Analytics tools](https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2021/08/11/unlocking-the-power-of-predictive-analytics-with-ai/), are now diving deep into these digital narratives. By understanding patterns and commonalities among guests, they anticipate needs and proactively create resonant experiences. ### **The Role of AI in Tailoring Experiences** But understanding guest preferences is just one part of the puzzle. Transforming these insights into tangible experiences is where the magic truly happens. Enter [Artificial Intelligence](https://followoz.com/resources/ebooks/unlock-the-potential-of-data-analytics-and-ai/) (AI). Today’s AI-driven systems in hotels can seamlessly recommend meal choices, activity itineraries, or even room settings based on previous interactions or the preferences of similar guest profiles. Imagine arriving at a hotel that knows your penchant for ocean views and has curated a playlist of your favorite relaxing tunes. This is not the high-tech hotel experience of tomorrow; it’s the reality of today, all powered by AI. Moreover, [chatbots and virtual assistants](https://hoteltechreport.com/news/ai-in-hospitality#:~:text=Hilton%20is%20one%20example%20of,improve%20customer%20satisfaction%20and%20retention.) take guest interaction to the next level. Need a restaurant recommendation or curious about local events? These AI-driven systems provide real-time suggestions, ensuring guests have everything they need. ### **Real-world Application** Several [global hotel chains](https://newgenadv.com/2023/03/how-top-hotel-brands-utilizes-ai-to-their-advantage/) have already embarked on this journey of data-driven personalization. The innovations are plenty, from leveraging data analytics to offer loyalty program members exclusive, tailored promotions, to utilizing AI to optimize room lighting, temperature, and entertainment options based on guest preferences. Some [luxury hotels](https://hoteltechreport.com/news/ai-in-hospitality#:~:text=Hilton%20is%20one%20example%20of,improve%20customer%20satisfaction%20and%20retention.) even employ AI algorithms that analyze guest reviews and feedback. These algorithms pinpoint areas of improvement, ensuring that feedback is heard and acted upon, enhancing the overall guest experience. ### **Becoming a Data-Driven Titan** The age of personalization is upon us, with data analytics playing the starring role. The hotel industry stands at the cusp of a revolution, where every guest is treated not just as another customer but as an individual with unique preferences and desires. *Ready to redefine the guest experience at your hotel? Discover how OZ’s Data Analytics and AI expertise can transform your hospitality journey through the power of*[ *application development*](https://followoz.com/resources/ebooks/overcoming-the-3-major-challenges-to-unlocking-the-power-promise-of-todays-modern-applications/)*.* *Let’s craft unique stays together. [Contact us today to get started](https://followoz.com/contact-us/)*. **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Hospitality, Tech Services --- ### [Dynamic Pricing: The Game-Changer in Modern Hospitality](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/dynamic-pricing-the-game-changer-in-modern-hospitality/) **Published:** September 11, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** Picture this: The renowned [Miami Music Festival](https://www.miamimusicfestival.com/) season is fast approaching, and it’s throwing Maria, a hotel manager in the city’s heart, a curveball. With rooms either staying unsold due to high prices or quickly booking out at low rates, she recognized a pressing issue: outdated static pricing couldn’t keep up in the digital age. It became clear that change was not optional; it was essential. ### **Embracing the Dynamic Pricing Revolution** Enter the era of dynamic pricing, an approach allowing the hospitality industry to optimize both occupancy and revenue. The past strategy of static rates, which relied on basic supply-demand models, now takes a backseat. In its place? Cutting-edge [data analytics and machine learning](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/decoding-your-path-to-innovation-with-data-analytics-and-artificial-intelligence/) algorithms that tailor prices to current market conditions and evolving customer behaviors. ### **Powering Dynamic Pricing with Data Analytics** Using Data Analytics (DA), hotels can navigate this ever-changing pricing landscape. But DA doesn’t just offer insights into previous trends; it predicts the future. A significant city event on the horizon? DA adjusts the rates to capitalize on potential profits without driving guests away. Notice a dip in bookings? DA crafts irresistible promotional packages, or limited-time offers to rejuvenate these lulls. ### **Measurable Business Impact** Dynamic pricing, also known as yield or revenue management, isn’t just about filling rooms but maximizing revenue. Hotels implementing this strategy have reported [10-15% revenue increases](https://pricepoint.co/dynamic-pricing-system-keeps-your-hotels-prices-competitive/) in mere months. Such significant growth often accompanies indirect benefits like an uptick in spending on in-house amenities, from dining to spa services. ### **Tailoring to Specific Needs** Dynamic pricing isn’t a universal model, either. What works for a boutique inn in the countryside might not suit an urban luxury resort. Data Analytics tailors pricing strategies according to a property’s unique aspects, considering location, room types, customer demographics, and online reviews. ### **Leading the Pack with Dynamic Pricing** Innovative brands in hospitality, like [Marriot](https://www.cio.com/article/274973/budget-the-price-is-always-right.html), have already adopted dynamic pricing, and their success stories are compelling. They’ve balanced seasonal demand, improved customer satisfaction, and achieved significant year-over-year growth with the right strategies for years. ### **The Next Step: AI-Enhanced Predictions** With AI’s evolution, its integration with DA will take dynamic pricing even further. Think of systems that don’t just respond to current data but anticipate future trends. AI’s predictive abilities can spot opportunities and threats long before they manifest, giving businesses a competitive edge. Want to harness the unparalleled power of dynamic pricing fueled by Data Analytics for your organization? OZ’s DA & AI expertise ensures you don’t just compete – you lead. *Read our e-Book “*[*Top Trends in Data Analytics & AI in 2023*](https://followoz.com/resources/ebooks/unlock-the-potential-of-data-analytics-and-ai/)*” to learn more, or contact OZ Senior Vice President of AI & DA* [*Sal Cardozo*](https://www.linkedin.com/in/salcardozo/)*, and together, we’ll leverage data to elevate your brand and maximize your revenue potential.* **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Hospitality, Digital Strategy, Travel and Hospitality --- ### [Improve App Performance, Functionality, and Usability—Now](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/improve-app-performance-functionality-and-usability-now/) **Published:** September 13, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ***By Ansib Raza**, QA Engineer* In an age in which mobile apps have revolutionized our daily lives, workplaces, and interpersonal relations, it is now more important than ever to provide a seamless user experience. How? By continuously testing and improving app performance, functionality, and usability. When properly incorporated into the mobile app development process, this practice provides numerous benefits and facilitates the development of high-performing, reliable apps. Read on to learn how to get yourself out on the cutting edge of the continuous testing revolution. ### **Benefits of Continuous Testing** Here are a few of the most foundational benefits of continuous testing for apps… - **Early Detection and Resolution of Defects.** Testing at frequent intervals throughout the development lifecycle allows for the detection of problems at an early, less expensive stage in the process. Taking this preventative measure reduces the time and trouble of fixing bugs in the final stages of development. - **Enhanced Quality.** By breaking down the app into its component parts, designers can continuously monitor the performance and functionality of software while guaranteeing that it all works together seamlessly and efficiently. - **Faster Time-to-Market.** By reducing the length of the development cycle—and ferreting out potential bugs more quickly—continuous testing speeds up the delivery of features to customers and decreases the product’s time to market. - **Risk Mitigation.** Continuous testing aids in spotting vulnerabilities and threats throughout the development process. By conducting these checks on a regular basis, teams can prevent major problems from arising and lessen the impact of any that may occur. - **Improved User Experience.** Continuous testing guarantees that the app’s features all work as they should, providing a consistent experience for the user. It aids the development of apps that not only live up to but also exceed users’ expectations by placing a premium on quality and performance. ### **Key Components of Continuous Testing** But what, precisely, does continuous testing…test? Here’s a breakdown: - **Unit Testing.** Separately testing each module or “unit” of an application ensures each element of an app works correctly in every scenario by isolating it from the rest of the program and rigorously testing it. Popular frameworks for unit testing include JUnit, NUnit, and XCTest. - **Integration Testing.** When testing an application’s integration, testers look for any place where separate parts or modules interact with one another. The goal of this testing is to find any problems that may arise from the interaction of multiple components. - **System Testing.** This entails verifying the app’s features and performance across a variety of platforms and hardware configurations. - **Regression Testing.** Regression testing is done after changes have been made to the software—such as adding new features or fixing bugs—to ensure that the changes haven’t broken any of the previously tested functionality. Automated testing tools, after all, can quickly and easily rerun previously defined test cases on the updated software. - **Acceptance Testing.** Acceptance testing—also known as User Acceptance Testing or UAT—is the final stage of the testing process, ensuring that the system is ready for release. Here, the software is put through its paces by its end users to make sure it can perform as expected under real-world conditions. ### **Tools and Technologies** Continuous testing requires a powerful arsenal of techniques. XCTest is well-liked on iOS, but when it comes to unit and integration testing, JUnit and Espresso shine on Android. For automated UI testing, two popular frameworks are Appium and Selenium. Jenkins and Travis CI simplify the integration testing process by automating the build and testing steps. To ensure APIs function as expected within an app, developers frequently utilize Postman as a testing tool. Finally, cloud-based testing systems like BrowserStack and Sauce Labs supply the necessary infrastructure for testing apps across devices and environments. Remember, the right equipment is essential for successful continuous testing. ### **Implementing Continuous Testing** Ready to begin your own continuous testing regime? Here is a concise guide to how to do just that… 1. **Define the Testing Strategy**: Determine the types of tests that need to be conducted and when. Part of this process involves settling on a mix of automated and hand-run tests. 2. **Select the Right Tools:** Select testing tools that fit in with your development setting and support your testing strategy. 3. **Integrate Testing into the Development Process:** Implementing automated test runs after each code change is a crucial part of a continuous testing strategy. 4. **Foster a Culture of Continuous Improvement:** Inspire your development staff to adopt a quality assurance and continuous improvement mentality. ### **Overcoming Continuous Testing Hurdles** Will there be challenges? Of course! But if you know what to expect, it’s easy to prepare. Some of the most typical problems that arise during continuous testing implementation include… - **Choosing What to Automate.** Determining which test cases should be automated is a crucial step in adopting continuous testing. However, tests that require intricate human interaction or subjective judgment might not be amenable to automation. In general, plan to automate tests that are either run frequently or cover important parts of the app. - **Maintaining and Updating Test Scripts.** A large number of test scripts must be kept up to date and maintained for continuous testing. Updated or new test cases should be made to cover new features and functionality as the app develops. Keeping up with these revisions will require a methodical strategy and constant effort. - **Nurturing the Right Infrastructure and Environment.** A reliable and scalable testing environment that can support a high volume of simultaneous tests is essential for continuous testing. When testing mobile apps on a wide variety of devices, OSes, and network conditions, it can be especially difficult to set up and maintain such an environment. - **Lack of Necessary Skills and Knowledge.** A thorough understanding of testing methodologies and expertise with various testing tools and technologies are essential for effective continuous testing. These abilities are crucial for the successful implementation of continuous testing. To overcome this obstacle, it is crucial to train and educate development and testing teams. - **Balancing Speed and Quality.** In order to prioritize speed and frequent releases, continuous testing is frequently implemented as part of a larger DevOps or Agile approach. Finding a happy medium between this urgency and the need for thorough testing can be difficult. Risk-based testing, in which the importance of specific tests is determined by the level of danger they pose, is one approach that can be used to overcome this difficulty. - **Getting Test Data Right.** It can be difficult to create and manage test data for a wide variety of test cases. Another layer of complexity is added to the continuous testing process when it must be ensured that tests have access to the necessary data when they need it while also maintaining data privacy and compliance. ### **The Mindset Shift Toward Continuous Collaboration** The continuous testing mindset sees testing as an iterative process rather than a final checkpoint in the software development lifecycle. All stages of development are devoted to rigorous quality testing. Those who work with this mindset are more likely to spot and fix issues as soon as they arise. It fosters an atmosphere where feedback on how to enhance the app is welcomed and incorporated quickly. Further, collaborative testing is crucial to successful development, simplifying communication between parties to create a higher likelihood that together they will create a high-quality, fully functional app—even as team members are inspired to share their knowledge and gain insight from others, which improves everyone’s performance. ### **Your Next Steps** To find out more about the OZ suite of modern application development services click [here](https://followoz.com/services/application-development/) or [reach out today](https://followoz.com/contact-us/). You can also download a copy of our free e-Book, [Future App: Overcoming the 3 Major Challenges to Unlocking the Power & Promise of Today’s Modern Applications](https://followoz.com/overcoming-the-3-major-challenges-to-unlocking-the-power-promise-of-todays-modern-applications/). **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Tech Services --- ### [7 Simple Steps for AI Success](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/7-simple-steps-for-ai-success/) **Published:** September 14, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ***By Dr. Paul J. Bailo,** Chief Transformation Officer* Are you ready to take your organization to the next level of technological prowess? If so, it’s time to unlock the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) and supercharge your operations. Scaling AI in your organization is like discovering the secret recipe to a magical elixir—and OZ is here to spill the beans on how you can do it in style! 1. **Assemble Your AI Avengers:** First, assemble a dream team for your AI journey. This team should comprise data scientists, engineers, business analysts, and domain experts. These AI Avengers will harness the power of data and algorithms to solve your organization’s biggest challenges. (Sound difficult? Never fear—with [OZ Talent Studio](https://followoz.com/services/oz-talent-studio/) on your side, getting the right help at the right [time is a breeze](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/introducing-oz-talent-studio/).) 2. **Data, Data, Data:** The lifeblood of AI is data. Ensure you have a [robust data strategy in place](https://followoz.com/services/data-analytics-ai/). Collect, clean, and store data efficiently. Remember, the more quality data you feed your AI models, the smarter they become. It’s like giving Iron Man his suit—the better the materials, the more formidable he becomes! (Download the free OZ eBook *The Secret to Understanding & Leveraging Data Democratization* [here](https://followoz.com/understanding-leveraging-data-democratization/).) 3. **Start Small, Dream Big:** Start your AI adventure with a small, manageable project. Pilot programs are your friend. Maybe you want to [automate customer support with a chatbot](https://followoz.com/industries/travel-and-hospitality/) or [predict maintenance issues in your machinery](https://followoz.com/services/intelligent-automation/). Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can dream big and tackle more complex challenges. 4. **AI Education and Training:** AI is like the sorcerer’s wand—you need to know how to use it. Invest in AI education and training for your team. There are numerous online courses and resources available, ensuring everyone is fluent in the language of AI. (Download the free OZ eBook *Beyond the Bot: How AI is Ushering in the Next Wave of Automation* [here](https://followoz.com/beyond-the-bot-how-ai-is-ushering-in-the-next-wave-of-automation/).) 5. **Embrace AI Ethics:** With great AI power comes great responsibility. Ensure your AI initiatives are [ethical and fair](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/a-roadmap-civil-discourse-on-the-preeminent-hot-button-tech-topic/). Make AI a force for good in your organization and society. It’s like being Spider-Man—using your abilities for the greater good! 6. **Emulate Tony Stark’s Continuous Improvement:** Tony Stark’s suits always evolve, and so should your AI models. Continuously monitor and improve your AI systems. AI is a journey, not a destination, so stay curious and innovative. (Read: [A Practical Guide to Building an API Strategy](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/a-practical-guide-to-building-a-successful-api-strategy/).) 7. **Foster a Culture of Innovation:** Encourage your team to think outside the box. Innovation is your secret weapon. Let your employees feel like they are part of [something big and exciting](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/embracing-a-smarter-brighter-future-with-ai/), just like the Guardians of the Galaxy! ### **Your Next Steps** Scaling AI in your organization isn’t just about adopting new technology. It’s about transforming your entire way of doing things. To learn more about how OZ can accelerate your business into the AI future, click [here](https://followoz.com/) or [schedule a consultation today](https://followoz.com/contact-us/). **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Tech Services --- ### [Leveraging the Legacy of Prognosis with AI](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/leveraging-the-legacy-of-prognosis-with-ai/) **Published:** September 14, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** In the ever-evolving healthcare landscape, [prognosis](https://www.crossroadshospice.com/hospice-palliative-care-blog/2023/january/26/diagnosis-vs-prognosis-what-s-the-difference/)—predicting a disease’s future course—has remained a constant. From the first moment of diagnosis, both clinicians and patients yearn to understand what the future holds. With advancements in technology, particularly the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), the art of prognosis is taking a [quantum leap](https://www.morganstanley.com/ideas/ai-in-health-care-forecast-2023#:~:text=AI%2FML%20offers%20an%20opportunity,and%20diagnose%20disease%20more%20quickly.). ### **The Evolutionary Arc of Prognosis** Historically, prognosis relied heavily on a clinician’s experience, educated guesses, and limited data. A patient’s history, physical examination results, and basic lab tests would paint a partial picture. But today, machine learning models, fueled by vast datasets, are offering far more precise predictions. In fields such as oncology, accurate prognosis can inform treatment decisions, helping to tailor therapies according to a patient’s specific needs and potential response. Similarly, in chronic diseases like diabetes or cardiovascular ailments, knowing the likely disease progression can enable life-saving interventions. ### **AI in Action: Tangible Benefits** 1. **Precision Medicine**: AI can predict a patient’s response to specific treatments by analyzing genetic information–enhancing the chances of success and reducing potential side effects. 2. **Early Detection**: Machine learning models can detect anomalies in various diagnostic tests, including radiology images or genomic sequences, often catching diseases at a more treatable stage. 3. **Reduction in Hospital Readmissions**: By predicting which patients are more likely to be readmitted, hospitals can deploy interventions earlier, benefiting both the patient and the healthcare system financially. ### **The Intersection of Data and Compassion** But with all this technological prowess, it’s essential to remember the human element. Prognosis, at its core, is about understanding a [patient’s journey](https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/digital-health/industry-voices-why-redesigning-healthcare-requires-human-centered-approach). While AI offers a high-resolution image of what’s to come, it’s the healthcare provider’s empathy and communication skills that truly make a difference. This blend of advanced technology and human touch will shape the future of healthcare prognosis. ### **Harness the Future, Today** Are you ready to redefine prognosis in your industry? With OZ’s AI and machine learning capabilities, with data at its center, you can elevate patient care, optimize treatment pathways, and truly make a difference. Dive into the transformative world of AI-powered insights, applications, and more with our “[Top Trends in Data Analytics & AI in 2023](https://followoz.com/resources/ebooks/unlock-the-potential-of-data-analytics-and-ai/)” eBook, or get in touch with our resident OZ expert, Senior Vice President of Data Analytics & AI, [Sal Cardozo](https://www.linkedin.com/in/salcardozo/), to champion a healthier tomorrow. **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Healthcare, Tech Services --- ### [The New Landscape of Loyalty](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/the-new-landscape-of-loyalty/) **Published:** September 18, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** In today’s digital-driven hospitality market, forming a lasting bond with guests has transcended beyond merely offering a bed for the night. The [hotel loyalty program](https://www.siteminder.com/r/guest-rewards-loyalty-programs/) has matured into a sophisticated, experience-driven model at the heart of this evolving relationship. ### **The Evolution of Guest Expectations** Today, travelers weave intricate narratives with their actions. Every swipe, click, and review serves as digital “breadcrumbs,” hinting at their preferences and desires. As technology advances, these modern voyagers no longer settle for just a loyalty card. They hunger for experiences finely tuned to their unique tastes, expecting real-time responsiveness and a flawless digital interface throughout their journey. This expectation shift drives hotels to tap into the vast data and insights available, heralding a transformative era for loyalty programs. ### **Mining Data: Unraveling the Guest Psyche** Hotels actively delve into multifaceted datasets to unlock the secrets of guest preferences in the bustling digital realm of the hospitality industry. They scour through reservation systems to track patterns in booking behaviors—identifying peak booking times, commonly chosen room types, and seasonal tastes. They scrutinize [point-of-sale](https://www.ecrebo.com/what-is-pos-data#:~:text=POS%20data%20is%20the%20information,%2C%20customers%2C%20and%20your%20staff.) (POS) systems to understand guest spending habits, revealing preferences for dining options, spa services, and on-site recreational activities. Beyond these structured datasets, hotels explore uncharted territories of unstructured data—poring over feedback forms, guest surveys, and online reviews. Advanced tools and algorithms sift through this raw data, pinpointing recurring phrases or sentiments highlighting guests’ likes and dislikes. [Guest interactions](https://www.mews.com/en/blog/hotel-guest-data) on hotel websites and mobile apps offer yet another treasure trove. Hotels analyze clicks, page views, and navigation patterns to discern which services or offers capture guests’ attention the most. Even seemingly trivial details—like how long a guest lingers on the spa page or the types of images they zoom into—provide invaluable insights. As hotels weave together these intricate data threads, they create a holistic picture of the modern traveler. Each data point, from a reservation system or a guest review, contributes to a richer understanding of what guests genuinely desire. And as they harness this knowledge, hotels stand poised to predict and cater to these desires, setting the stage for unparalleled personalization in the subsequent guest journey stages. ### **The Magic of Machine Learning** With the treasure trove of insights gleaned from varied datasets, hotels are now harnessing the power of machine learning to carve out actionable strategies. Utilizing algorithms that train on [past guest behaviors](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/personalized-guest-journeys-how-data-analytics-is-crafting-unique-hotel-stays/), they analyze key touchpoints from the guest’s journey. This could range from their interactions on the hotel website, to preferences in room amenities, to their dining choices. These algorithms then craft predictive models that intuitively respond to potential guest needs. For instance, if a guest frequently browses the spa section on the hotel’s app after attending business meetings, the system can recommend a curated post-conference spa package, anticipating and catering to the guest’s relaxation needs before they even vocalize them. ### **Deep Learning: The Next Level of Personalization** Machine learning offers a broad understanding for hoteliers, but deep learning digs into the granular intricacies of guest preferences. By simulating neural networks akin to the human brain, deep learning comprehends the subtle nuances and patterns in guest behavior and preferences. It’s the difference between knowing a guest likes red wine and discerning that they have a penchant for a medium-bodied Malbec from Argentina paired with a hearty steak on a chilly winter evening. Such profound insights empower hotels to create highly personalized experiences, turning a regular stay into unforgettable memories. ### **NLP: Decoding Guest Sentiments** The power of a word can never be underestimated, especially in the age of [online reviews](https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/power-guest-feedback-how-negative-reviews-impact-hotel-samer-khalil/). Through Natural Language Processing (NLP), hotels are adeptly parsing through sentences, identifying sentiments, and translating them into tangible offerings. If a surge in mentions highlights the “mango cheesecake” as a standout dessert, it’s an unmistakable cue for the hotel to spotlight it in its menu or craft a dessert-themed loyalty incentive. ### **AI Ethics: Navigating the Thin Line** The allure of technology comes with its own set of responsibilities. While delving deep into guest preferences enriches their experience, it’s paramount for hotels to remain vigilant about data privacy. Prioritizing ethical AI practices and adhering to global data protection regulations aligns with legal frameworks and fortifies a hotel’s image as a conscientious and guest-focused brand. ### **The Business Lens: Quantifying Outcomes** Beyond the intricacies of technology and personalization lies the tangible impact on a hotel’s bottom line. For stakeholders, the ROI of tech-infused loyalty programs becomes a crucial [barometer of success](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/using-power-of-reward-programs-to-boost-customer-retention/). These revamped programs have the potential to reshape hotel metrics, from prolonging the average guest’s stay to amplifying revenue from supplementary services. ### **Crafting Journeys, Not Just Stays** The future beckons hotels to a world where technology and human touch seamlessly merge. It’s about offering a room, an experience, a journey, and most importantly, a memory. By leveraging the best technology, hotels can craft unparalleled guest journeys, fostering loyalty beyond mere points and rewards. *Looking to harness the power of technology for your hotel’s loyalty program? Our Senior Vice President of Data Analytics and AI,* [*Sal Cardozo*](https://www.linkedin.com/in/salcardozo/)*, is here to guide you with expert industry insights to elevate your success.* **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Hospitality, Tech Services, Travel and Hospitality --- ### [An Insider Glimpse to the Technologies and Strategy Reinventing Insurance](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/an-insider-glimpse-to-the-technologies-and-strategy-reinventing-insurance/) **Published:** September 20, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** [![Smiling woman seated at a multi-monitor coding workstation in a bright office](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/AI-Powered-Mainframe-Modernizati.jpg)](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/why-mainframe-modernization-looks-different-this-time/)###### [ Why Mainframe Modernization Looks Different This Time ](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/why-mainframe-modernization-looks-different-this-time/) June 4, 2026 **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Insurance --- ### [AI Empowers Insurers to Adapt to Evolving Risks](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/ai-empowers-insurers-to-adapt-to-evolving-risks/) **Published:** September 27, 2023 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ***By Dr. Paul J. Bailo*** Climate change is no longer a distant threat. It is a pressing global crisis that has far-reaching implications across various sectors—including the [insurance industry](https://followoz.com/industries/property-casualty-insurance-in-intelligent-automation/). In this era of unpredictability, [artificial intelligence (AI)](https://followoz.com/services/data-analytics-ai/) has emerged as [a powerful tool for insurers](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/every-insurer-wants-to-predict-and-prevent-heres-how-you-can/) to assess, mitigate, and adapt to the evolving risks associated with [climate change](https://climate.nasa.gov/). Here’s how: - **Risk Assessment.** Climate change has led to an increase in the frequency and severity of natural disasters such as hurricanes, wildfires, and floods. AI algorithms, when fed with historical climate data and predictive models, can assess these risks more accurately than ever before. Insurers can use AI to determine the probability of certain events occurring, allowing them to price policies more accurately and set aside sufficient reserves for claims when disasters strike. - **Fraud Detection.** As the climate crisis worsens, so does the risk of insurance fraud. AI-driven fraud detection systems can analyze vast datasets to identify suspicious patterns, helping insurers combat fraudulent claims. This not only saves money but also ensures that genuine claims are processed faster, aiding those affected by climate-related disasters. - **Customized Policies.** AI algorithms can analyze individual customer data, including their location, property type, and historical climate-related losses, to offer more customized insurance policies. This tailoring ensures that customers receive coverage that aligns with their unique risks, while insurers can manage their portfolios more effectively. - **Climate Risk Modeling.** Insurers are increasingly relying on AI for climate risk modeling. These models incorporate a wide range of data, such as temperature trends, sea-level rise projections, and more, to predict how climate change might impact different regions and industries. This information is invaluable for insurance companies as they plan for the future and assess their own exposure to climate-related risks. - **Promoting Sustainability.** Some insurers are using AI to incentivize climate-friendly behavior. They offer discounts to policyholders who adopt eco-friendly practices, such as installing solar panels or driving electric cars. This not only encourages sustainable choices but also reduces the overall risk to insurers in a changing climate. The insurance industry is at the frontline of [climate change impacts](https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/climate-change/). AI is proving to be a vital tool in helping insurers navigate this challenging landscape. By leveraging AI capabilities in risk assessment, fraud detection, customization, climate risk modeling, and sustainability promotion, insurance companies can not only adapt to the challenges posed by climate change but also play a role in mitigating its effects by incentivizing sustainable practices. As the climate crisis continues to unfold, the partnership between AI and insurance will likely become even more critical in safeguarding our financial well-being in an unpredictable world. ### **Your Next Steps** Utilizing leading-edge, transformative capabilities tailored to [insurance needs and goals](https://followoz.com/industries/property-casualty-insurance-in-intelligent-automation/), OZ is here to empower you to establish and drive operational agility to respond to changing marketplace expectations and achieve a competitive advantage. To learn more about how OZ can accelerate your digital transformation, regardless of industry, click [here](https://www.followoz.com/) or [schedule a consultation today](https://followoz.com/contact-us/). **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Insurance, Tech Services --- ## Pages ### [AI & Azure Consulting Services | OZ Digital, LLC](https://followoz.com/) **Published:** October 16, 2025 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ## AI-Powered transformation ## Driven by data. Scaled by Azure. Delivered by experts. Reimagine how your business runs with solutions powered by smarter data and AI, sharper insights, and unmatched Microsoft expertise. [ Speak with an expert ](https://followoz.com/contact-us/) ![Data and AI Azure Microsoft logo - OZ Digital Consulting partnership](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Data-and-AI-Azure_MSFT-logo.png) ![cloud_solution_provider OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/cloud_solution_provider.png) ![OZ MS Infrastructure](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/OZ-MS-Infrastructure.png) ![Microsoft Solutions Partner Digital and Application Innovation badge](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Microsoft-Solutions-Partner_Digital-and-App.png) ![microsoft](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Security-microsoft.png) ![AdvancedRx pharmacy logo - OZ Digital Consulting client](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/AdvancedRx_Logo.jpg) ![OncoHealth-Horizontal](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/OncoHealth-Horizontal.svg) ![carnival.jpg](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/carnival.jpg) ![Asset-35-1.svg](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-35-1.svg) ![Asset-28-1.svg](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-28-1.svg) ![jackson health system](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-26-1.svg) ![ncl norwegian cruise line](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-24-1.svg) ![Brands mart usa](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-55-5.svg) ![Mercy](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Mercy.png) ![millers ale house](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-27-1.svg) ![rooms to go](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-33-2.svg) ![citrix](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-148.svg) ![hard rock](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Layer-1-2-2.svg) ![red lobster](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-38-1.svg) ![blugreen vacations](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-30-2.svg) ![Holiday inn club vacations](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-29-2.svg) ## AI in practice, not theory There’s a lot of talk around AI but we’ll make sure you put AI into action. See how we problem-solve and build competitive advantage for leading brands with AI. ### AI-Powered Claims Insights Explore how EPIC Insurance Brokers streamlines claims with AI [ Read customer story ](/case-studies/epic-insurance-brokers/) ### Conversational AI Applications See how SBA Communications handles customer support with AI [ Dive deeper ](/case-studies/sba-communications/) ### Email-to-AI Document Q&A System Explore how an AI tool simplifies document retrieval and extracts insights hiding in plain sight [ Talk to our expert ](https://followoz.com/contact-us/) ## Delivering AI and delighting customers SBA Communications "We reached out to OZ Digital and said we'd like to see how Al can help. 22-minute issues are now resolved in under 5. No back-and- forth. No help desk required." \- Felix Perez, Senior Director, Digital Transformation ![Decorative blue quotation marks forming a quote icon](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Pietschmann-qoute.png) AdvancedRx "OZ Digital Consulting is a critical technology partner for AdvancedRx, helping us build secure, scalable, state-of-the-art modern applications." \- Ainsley Little, VP of Systems ![Decorative blue quotation marks forming a quote icon](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Pietschmann-qoute.png) OncoHealth "It was all hands on deck. We had everyone standing by to cope with whatever problems came up. Except, there weren't any." \- Dr. Marc Fishman, Founder, OncoHealth ![Decorative blue quotation marks forming a quote icon](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Pietschmann-qoute.png) Owwll "Great work on everything-it all came out better than I could have imagined. It was only an idea and now has really come alive!" \- Jason R Hill, Owwll Founder ![Decorative blue quotation marks forming a quote icon](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Pietschmann-qoute.png) EPIC Insurance Brokers "We realized we had a massive store of unstructured data that was being underutilized, and we engaged with OZ and got a deployable Al tool in a remarkably short time." \- Patrick Gallagher, Chief Growth Officer, Risk Management ![Decorative blue quotation marks forming a quote icon](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Pietschmann-qoute.png) ## Thinking about AI or tinkering with AI? We’ve got your back. Wherever you are on your AI journey, we partner with you to integrate AI across your data, applications, and operations. Our Microsoft-powered services and tools let you build, scale, and govern your solutions across the AI lifecycle. ![Azure AI Strategy and  Roadmap Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Azure-AI-Strategy-and-Roadmap-Consulting.png)### Azure AI Strategy and Roadmap Consulting Develop a comprehensive strategy for implementing Azure AI capabilities, analyzing business needs, and identifying opportunities for AI integration ![Generative AI with Enterprise Data](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Generative-AI-with-Enterprise-Data.png)### Generative AI with Enterprise Data Effectively deploy generative AI models to utilize and extract value from enterprise data securely ![AI-Driven Data Insights](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/AI-Driven-Data-Insights.png)### AI-Driven Data Insights Leverage Microsoft Fabric to transform raw data into actionable insights, driving innovation and efficiency across your organization ![Azure AI Document Intelligence](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Azure-AI-Document-Intelligence.png)### Azure AI Document Intelligence Integrate Azure’s advanced AI capabilities to efficiently manage and analyze various types of documents, make data-driven decisions, and streamline operations ![Thinking OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Thinking.jpg) ## Move from proof-of-concept to proof-of-execution Stuck in the POC trench? Not when you partner with us. We manage AI from strategy and roadmap through production and results, moving your business from pilots to profits. [ See how it works ](/rapid-methodology/) ## Vetted. Validated. Verified. ![power-platform-functional-consultant OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/power-platform-functional-consultant-600x600__1_.png) ![power-platform-developer OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/power-platform-developer-600x600-1.png) ![microsoft-certified-azure-administrator-associate-az OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/microsoft-certified-azure-administrator-associate-az-104-11.png) ![Microsoft-Power-BI-Data-Analyst OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Microsoft-Power-BI-Data-Analyst.png) ![Microsoft-Power-BI-Data-Analyst OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Microsoft-Power-BI-Data-Analyst-copy.png) ![Microsoft-Power-Automate-RPA-Developer](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Microsoft-Power-Automate-RPA-Developer.png) ![Microsoft-Cybersecurity-Architect](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Microsoft-Cybersecurity-Architect.png) ![CERT-Expert-DevOps-Engineer](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/CERT-Expert-DevOps-Engineer-600x600-1.png) ![azure-virtual-desktop-specialty](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/azure-virtual-desktop-specialty-600x600-1.png) ![Microsoft-Fabric-Analytics-Engineer](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Microsoft-Fabric-Analytics-Engineer-1.png) ![fundamentals-badge-platform-architect-azure 2 OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/fundamentals-badge-platform-architect-azure-2.svg) ![azure-solutions-architect-expert](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/azure-solutions-architect-expert-600x600-1.png) ![azure-security-engineer-associate](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/azure-security-engineer-associate600x600.png) ![azure-network-engineer-associate](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/azure-network-engineer-associate-600x600-1.png) ![azure-developer-associate OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/azure-developer-associate-600x600-1.png) ![azure-data-scientist-associate OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/azure-data-scientist-associate-600x600-1.png) ![azure-data-engineer-associate](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/azure-data-engineer-associate-600x600-1.png) ![azure-database-administrator-associate OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/azure-database-administrator-associate-600x600-1.png) ![Azure-Cosmos-DB-Developer-Specialty OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Azure-Cosmos-DB-Developer-Specialty.png) ![Azure-AI-Engineer-Associate OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Azure-AI-Engineer-Associate.png) ![Data and AI Azure Microsoft logo - OZ Digital Consulting partnership](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Data-and-AI-Azure_MSFT-logo.png) ![cloud_solution_provider OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/cloud_solution_provider.png) ![OZ MS Infrastructure](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/OZ-MS-Infrastructure.png) ![Microsoft Solutions Partner Digital and Application Innovation badge](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Microsoft-Solutions-Partner_Digital-and-App.png) ![microsoft](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Security-microsoft.png) ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/services.jpg) Service hours 6.5 M+ Years of experience 25 + Projects 1350 + Clients 370 + MVPs 7 + Microsoft certifications 290 + ##### Cultivating trusted advisors ###### We invest in our people — training, certifications, and programs — because AI transformation is powered by more than just technology [ ![cultivating_trusted_advisors OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/cultivating_trusted_advisors.jpg) ](#elementor-action%3Aaction%3Dpopup%3Aopen%26settings%3DeyJpZCI6IjYwODEiLCJ0b2dnbGUiOmZhbHNlfQ%3D%3D) ## Lead with AI. Scale with Azure. Realize the full potential of AI with leading Azure technologies and the right teams. Because when the right AI tools and people come together, AI gets done right. Azure AI Services Azure AI Platforms Azure Data Tools Azure Intelligent Tools Build intelligent apps — chatbots, assistants, document search — quickly and responsibly - Azure OpenAI Service - Azure AI Search - Azure AI Document Intelligence Get a unified foundation to build, train, and deploy intelligent applications with Microsoft’s most powerful AI tools - Azure AI Foundry - Azure Machine Learning (Azure ML) - Azure Cognitive Services - Azure Databricks Customize and integrate AI with advanced data tools - Azure Data Factory - Azure Data Lake Storage - Microsoft Fabric Integrate, automate, and scale AI experiences - Copilot Studio - Azure Arc - Power Virtual Agents ## Partner with 7 of our top Microsoft MVPs [ Book a meeting ](#idtobtn) ![Expert-Support-Program-ESP OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Expert-Support-Program-ESP.jpg) ## Responsible AI you can rely on Responsible AI does not sacrifice transparency, security, or privacy. Governance is embedded in all of our processes to help you adopt trusted AI — at scale. ## AI-first. Security first. Our approach to AI is grounded in security, compliance, and responsibility — the foundation of trusted AI. - — GDPR and CCPA Compliant - — SOC-2 Certified - — No training on your data ![Security](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/AI-first.-Security-first-1.jpg) ##### Book a 30-minute complimentary session with our Microsoft MVPs ###### Connect with one of our Microsoft MVPs for insights into the latest Microsoft technologies and practical guidance on how to get your technology initiatives off the ground. ## AI Insights — New and noteworthy [ ![Open brochure with blue curved lines; cover reads: 'The pharmacy deadline that could cost you millions if you wait'.](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/The-Pharmacy-Deadline-that-Could-Cost-You-Millions-If-You-Wait-NYPDP.jpg) ](https://followoz.com/resources/whitepapers/the-2028-pharmacy-deadline-that-could-cost-you-millions/) [ ![Whitepaper Read More](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/aroow-top-round-big.png) ](https://followoz.com/resources/whitepapers/the-2028-pharmacy-deadline-that-could-cost-you-millions/) ## The Pharmacy Deadline that Could Cost You Millions If You Wait ![Smiling woman seated at a multi-monitor coding workstation in a bright office](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/AI-Powered-Mainframe-Modernizati.jpg) ## [Why Mainframe Modernization Looks Different This Time](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/why-mainframe-modernization-looks-different-this-time/) [ Read More ](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/why-mainframe-modernization-looks-different-this-time/) ![OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Top-Takeaways-from-Microsoft-Bui.jpg) ## [Top Takeaways from Microsoft Build 2025](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/top-takeaways-from-microsoft-build-2025/) [ Read More ](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/top-takeaways-from-microsoft-build-2025/) ![AI-Readiness](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/AI-Readiness-Blog-Post_01-1.jpg) ## [AI Readiness Starts with Data Readiness](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/ai-readiness-starts-with-data-readiness/) [ Read More ](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/ai-readiness-starts-with-data-readiness/) --- ### [Microsoft-Powered Solutions - Contact OZ Digital Consultants](https://followoz.com/contact-us/) **Published:** March 17, 2024 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ##### Book a 30-minute complimentary session with our Microsoft MVPs ###### Connect with one of our Microsoft MVPs for insights into the latest Microsoft technologies and practical guidance on how to get your technology initiatives off the ground. --- ### [Intelligent Automation](https://followoz.com/services/intelligent-automation/) **Published:** March 19, 2024 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ## Intelligent Automation From initial discovery to continuous performance monitoring, our end-to-end Intelligent Automation offerings streamline your operations, enhance efficiency, and foster greater innovation. [ SPEAK WITH AN EXPERT ](https://followoz.com/contact-us/) ![Business professional in a suit touches a red gear among white gears with the title 'The Business Case for Digital Transformation'.](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/From-initial-discovery-to-continuous-performance-monitoring-1.jpg) [ Read More ](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/intelligent-automation-a-business-case-for-digital-transformation/) ## Join Our Roster of INTELLIGENT AUTOMATION Clients ![alfa](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Asset-60.svg) ![bluegreen vacations](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Asset-61.svg) ![amerigroup real solutions](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Asset-62.svg) ![conventry health care](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Asset-63.svg) ![vista](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Asset-64.svg) Our certified experts will tailor automation powered by RPA and AI to your unique challenges and goals, so you can organize all your systems, processes, and teams to operate more efficiently—and, ultimately, focus on higher-value tasks. - Automation Strategy Create a customized automation roadmap that aligns with your unique business goals and challenges. - Intelligent Document Processing Bring the power of AI to bear, automating the extraction, processing, and analysis of data from various document types for better insight and faster results. - Robotic Process Automation (RPA) Solutions Automate repetitive, manual tasks to boost efficiency, reduce errors, and free up valuable resources, enabling you to focus on strategic business activities. - Intelligent Automation Lifecycle Support From ideation to optimization, our end-to-end support ensures seamless integration of intelligent automation solutions with your unique business processes, maximizing efficiency and performance. [ GET STARTED ](https://followoz.com/contact-us/) ### YOUR DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION CAN BEGIN RIGHT NOW… #### …WITH OZ RAPID IMPLEMENTATION Streamline your entire invoice handling process—from downloading invoices from emails or fetching them using APIs to extracting, converting, and storing data into excel of a database—in as little as four weeks with our cutting-edge automation solution. Leveraging the capabilities of Automation Anywhere—a Microsoft strategic partner and leading player in Robotic Process Automation (RPA) technology—the extracted data is then either can be exported to an excel file or can be integrated into an accounting system, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and compliance in your financial operations. ![4 Step Design HOR](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/4-Step-Design-HOR.svg) ![4 Step Design VERT](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/4-Step-Design-VERT.svg) [ WORK WITH US ](#) --- ### [Leverage Artificial Intelligence Data Analytics for Business Excellence](https://followoz.com/services/artificial-intelligence/) **Published:** March 20, 2024 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ## ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE Harness the power of AI for your business. Explore our comprehensive suite of AI solutions designed to automate tasks, improve decision-making, and unlock new growth opportunities. [ SPEAK WITH AN EXPERT ](https://followoz.com/contact-us/) ![artificial-intelligence](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/artificial-intelligence.png) [ LEARN HOW AI WILL REDEFINE BUSINESS STRATEGY IN 2024>> ](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/how-ai-will-redefine-business-strategy-in-2024/) ## Join Our Roster of ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE Clients ![city national bank](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Asset-47.svg) ![coral ridge ministries](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Asset-48.svg) ![vista](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Asset-49.svg) ![oncology analytics](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Asset-50.svg) Think harnessing the power of AI for enhancing enterprise operations is out of reach? Think again. - Azure AI Strategy and Roadmap Consulting Develop a comprehensive strategy for implementing Azure AI capabilities, analyzing business needs, and identifying opportunities for AI integration. - Generative AI with Enterprise Data Effectively deploy generative AI models to utilize and extract value from enterprise data securely. - AI-Driven Data Insights Leverage Microsoft Fabric to transform raw data into actionable insights, driving innovation and efficiency across your organization. - Azure AI Document Intelligence Integrate Azure’s advanced AI capabilities to efficiently manage and analyze various types of documents, make data-driven decisions, and streamline operations. [ GET STARTED ](https://followoz.com/contact-us/) ### YOUR DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION CAN BEGIN RIGHT NOW… #### …WITH OZ RAPID IMPLEMENTATION In as little as four weeks, our certified Microsoft experts will bring together Azure’s robust cloud infrastructure and OpenAI’s advanced generative models to streamline your data processing, automate content creation, and provide deep insights into business data. Aimed at boosting efficiency, driving innovation, and fostering informed decision-making, the project will demonstrate practical AI applications using enterprise data, ensuring compliance and security. ![4 Step Design HOR](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/4-Step-Design-HOR.svg) ![4 Step Design VERT](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/4-Step-Design-VERT.svg) [ WORK WITH US ](#) ![Bending the Cost Curve](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Bending-the-Cost-Curve-Whitepaper-2.jpg) ## A Strategic Guide to Reducing Costs with AI-Driven Development Cost rules in enterprise software. But are organizations embracing AI to be more cost-effective? This white paper explores how you can unlock cost-efficiency through AI-driven software development, including all the ways it helps you: - Accelerate development with AI-assisted code generation - Enhance code quality with automated testing - Reduce time spent on bug fixes with AI-powered error analysis - Improve developer productivity through AI-powered collaboration - Streamline security and compliance with AI-powered solutions [ Download now ](https://followoz.com/resources/whitepapers/bending-the-cost-curve-whitepaper/) --- ### [Boost Your Business: OZ Digital Consulting Services Power Platform](https://followoz.com/services/power-platform/) **Published:** March 20, 2024 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ## POWER PLATFORM Unlock the potential of Microsoft Power Platform. Streamline workflows, automate processes, and empower your business with data-driven insights. [ SPEAK WITH AN EXPERT ](https://followoz.com/contact-us/) ![Lead with Azure: Innovate & Scale with Certified Experts azur solutions](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/azur-solutions.jpg) [ GET EXPERT INSIGHTS>> ](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/leveraging-azure-stack-cloud-scalability-cost-management-and-digital-transformation/) ## Join Our Roster of POWER PLATFORM Clients ![SBA us small busniess administration](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Asset-10-3.svg) ![horne](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Asset-45.svg) ![Ezgreen](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Asset-46.svg) ![Florida Health](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Asset-140.svg) Develop and deploy next-level apps and automate workflows–without the need for additional coding–so you can focus on pursuing your vision. - Power Apps Development and Integration Create personalized apps that enhance productivity and operational excellency. - Power BI Data Analytics Transform data into actionable insights by leveraging Azure’s robust cloud capabilities for advanced analytics. - Power Automate Workflow Optimization Streamline business processes by automating repetitive tasks and integrating applications and data sources. - Power Virtual Agents Implementation Enhance customer engagement and support while integrating agents seamlessly with Azure’s AI and machine learning capabilities. - Power Platform Governance Align your Power Platform applications with organizational policies as well as regulatory compliance and security standards. [ GET STARTED ](https://followoz.com/contact-us/) ### YOUR DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION CAN BEGIN RIGHT NOW… #### …WITH OZ RAPID IMPLEMENTATIONA Ready to transform the way you manage and automate your core processes? In as little as four weeks, our certified Microsoft experts will utilize the Microsoft Power Platform suite of tools to optimize operational efficiencies, improve employee productivity, and offer actionable insights through data visualization. Some of the technologies in our toolbox include Microsoft Power Apps, Power Automate, Power BI, Power Virtual Agents (for creating chatbots), Microsoft Dataverse (for data storage and management), Azure AI and cognitive services, and integration capabilities with Microsoft 365 and Dynamics 365. ![4 Step Design HOR](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/4-Step-Design-HOR.svg) ![4 Step Design VERT](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/4-Step-Design-VERT.svg) [ WORK WITH US ](#) --- ### [Services](https://followoz.com/services/) **Published:** March 20, 2024 **Author:** Maria Umar --- ### [Travel & Hospitality](https://followoz.com/industries/travel-and-hospitality/) **Published:** March 22, 2024 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ## AI FOR TRAVEL & HOSPITALITY ## Treat your guests to exceptional experiences Your guests want a smooth, memorable experience. Our Microsoft-powered solutions deliver the integrated systems, data, and applications you need to create the exceptional experiences your guests crave. [ Request a meeting ](https://followoz.com/contact-us/) ![holiday inn](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Asset-36-3.svg) ![red lobster](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Asset-38-3.svg) ![norwegian](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Asset-39-2.svg) ![rsi](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Asset-34-2.svg) ![millers](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Asset-35-3.svg) ![hard rock](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Asset-40-2.svg) ![canival](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Asset-41-2.svg) ![atlantis](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Asset-42-2.svg) ![blugreen](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Asset-43-2.svg) ![royal](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Asset-44-2.svg) ![reef](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Asset-132.svg) ![interval](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Asset-134.svg) ![hello](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Asset-135.svg) ![ipic](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Asset-136.svg) ![royal](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Asset-59-2.svg) ![wlfc](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Asset-61-3.svg) ![onboard](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Asset-129-1.svg) ![airline](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Asset-11-1.svg) ![decurtis](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Asset-149-1.svg) ![tropical](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Asset-62-1.svg) ![norwegian](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Asset-39-1.svg) ![norwegian](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Asset-60-1.svg) [ ![Hardrock](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Hardrock.jpg) ](#elementor-action%3Aaction%3Dpopup%3Aopen%26settings%3DeyJpZCI6IjQxMjEiLCJ0b2dnbGUiOmZhbHNlfQ%3D%3D) ## Segments we serve ###### Cruise Simplify cruise operations with integrated applications that manage passenger and crew activity onboard as well as track fleet activity and performance, ensuring your guests make lasting memories. ###### Hotels & resorts Streamline your operations—from the lobby to the back office—with integrated data management, AI-driven analytics and insights, making every stay a memorable one. ###### Travel & tourism Predict what travelers need—from reservation to destination—with integrated data and insights, AI and analytics, and personalize the experience at every step. ###### Casino & Gaming Share data effortlessly through connected systems, data, and applications, allowing your staff to serve your guests wherever they are from the lobby to the pool to the casino floor. ###### Restaurants, food & beverage Integrate your workflows and unify supply chain and logistics data in real time. Make data-driven decisions about food and beverage operations, ensuring guests enjoy the finest dining experience. ###### Transportation & logistics Get instant visibility into your fleet and logistics services with a comprehensive 360˚ view of your operations. Maximize order fulfillment, inventory, and space optimization with Azure-powered AI, analytics, and integrated data. ###### Airports & aviation Move your most critical workloads and applications to the Azure Cloud and innovate faster. Deliver a frictionless experience from check-in to boarding with our sustainable, secure, and compliant digital solutions. #### Integrated solutions. Connected experiences. #### Azure Intelligent API Development Optimize guest orders and staffing workflows by integrating apps for a unified experience. Azure App Services help you intelligently move order and customer data between apps and systems allowing you to serve your guests better. [ View customer story ](https://followoz.com/case-studies/royal-caribbean/) #### Azure Analytics and AI Change how your customers experience travel through AI-powered analytics and personalization. Spend more time analyzing hidden customer insights—their preferences, travel habits, and past experiences—from integrated systems than navigating through disparate data sources. [ View customer story ](https://followoz.com/case-studies/bluegreen-vacations/) #### Intelligent Automation Automate workflows and delight your guests at every step whether it’s reserving a table online or booking a room. Lean into the right Azure technology to make it seamless and make it memorable. [ View customer story ](https://followoz.com/case-studies/health-insurance-amerigroup/) #### Red Lobster elevates the guest experience with integrated apps ###### Red Lobster, a restaurant chain with over 55,000 employees across 700 restaurants, transformed their scheduling and table management systems, streamlining internal workflows, while delivering better customer experiences. [ View customer story ](https://followoz.com/case-studies/red-lobster/) ![Red Lobster elevates the guest experience with integrated apps](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Red-Lobster-elevates-the-guest-experience-with-integrated-apps.jpg) ##### Book a 30-minute complimentary session with our Microsoft MVPs ###### Connect with one of our Microsoft MVPs for insights into the latest Microsoft technologies and practical guidance on how to get your technology initiatives off the ground. ## AI Insights — New and noteworthy [ ![Open brochure with blue curved lines; cover reads: 'The pharmacy deadline that could cost you millions if you wait'.](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/The-Pharmacy-Deadline-that-Could-Cost-You-Millions-If-You-Wait-NYPDP.jpg) ](https://followoz.com/resources/whitepapers/the-2028-pharmacy-deadline-that-could-cost-you-millions/) [ ![Whitepaper Read More](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/aroow-top-round-big.png) ](https://followoz.com/resources/whitepapers/the-2028-pharmacy-deadline-that-could-cost-you-millions/) ## The Pharmacy Deadline that Could Cost You Millions If You Wait ![Smiling woman seated at a multi-monitor coding workstation in a bright office](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/AI-Powered-Mainframe-Modernizati.jpg) ## [Why Mainframe Modernization Looks Different This Time](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/why-mainframe-modernization-looks-different-this-time/) [ Read More ](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/why-mainframe-modernization-looks-different-this-time/) ![OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Top-Takeaways-from-Microsoft-Bui.jpg) ## [Top Takeaways from Microsoft Build 2025](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/top-takeaways-from-microsoft-build-2025/) [ Read More ](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/top-takeaways-from-microsoft-build-2025/) ![AI-Readiness](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/AI-Readiness-Blog-Post_01-1.jpg) ## [AI Readiness Starts with Data Readiness](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/ai-readiness-starts-with-data-readiness/) [ Read More ](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/ai-readiness-starts-with-data-readiness/) --- ### [Boost Technology Efficiency with Microsoft Solution Partner](https://followoz.com/industries/technology/) **Published:** March 22, 2024 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ## AI FOR TECHNOLOGY ## For tech teams. By tech experts. Transform distribution, claims, and underwriting operations with leading Microsoft technologies, AI-powered analytics and insights, and OZ by your side. [ Request a meeting ](https://followoz.com/contact-us/) ![dataage](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Asset-145.svg) ![ebuilder](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Asset-146.svg) ![citrix](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Asset-148.svg) ![decurtis](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Asset-149.svg) ![runzheimer](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Asset-150.svg) ![onboard](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Asset-151.svg) ![salus](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Asset-152.svg) ![microsoft](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Asset-153.svg) ![OWWLL](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Asset-154.svg) ###### “Great work on everything—it all came out better than I could have imagined. It was only an idea and now has really come alive. Everyone I have shown this app to so far has rated it a 9 or 10.” ###### — Jason R Hill, Owwll Founder ![Owwll Founder](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Owwll-Founder.jpg) ## Segments we serve ###### Large enterprise Move away from fragmented data, legacy systems, and descriptive to predictive analytics and insights with our tailor-made solutions, giving teams across your organization access to real-time customer data. ###### Mid-market Whatever the size of your business, leverage our Microsoft-enabled solutions for data ingestion, business intelligence, AI, and machine learning to scale faster. ###### Startups Tap into our Microsoft partnership and technology solutions to build the infrastructure you need—and go from idea to production to market faster. #### Intelligent technologies. Smarter solutions. #### Azure Intelligent App Development Build, manage, and scale your applications with our intelligent app development solution that integrates Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS), microservices, AI, and machine learning to help you stay ahead in a highly competitive environment. [ View customer story ](https://followoz.com/services/application-development/) #### API Development and Management Elevate your digital presence. Unlock Azure’s full potential to modernize and develop scalable, secure, and innovative applications. [ View customer story ](https://followoz.com/services/application-development/) #### Azure Full Stack Development Develop secure, scalable, and versatile web solutions with our Azure-powered full stack development solutions to drive a seamless customer journey. [ View customer story ](https://followoz.com/services/cloud-services/) #### OZ Builds Owwll—The Fastest Growing “Social Audio Platform” ###### OZ helps Owwll build a social networking platform to connect people instantly—whether it’s personal or business—by calling who you want, charging what you want, and connecting when you want. [ View customer story ](https://followoz.com/case-studies/owwll/) ![Oz Builds Owwll—The Fastest Growing “Social Audio Platform](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Oz-Builds-Owwll—The-Fastest-Growing-Social-Audio-Platform.jpg) ##### Book a 30-minute complimentary session with our Microsoft MVPs ###### Connect with one of our Microsoft MVPs for insights into the latest Microsoft technologies and practical guidance on how to get your technology initiatives off the ground. ## AI Insights — New and noteworthy [ ![Open brochure with blue curved lines; cover reads: 'The pharmacy deadline that could cost you millions if you wait'.](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/The-Pharmacy-Deadline-that-Could-Cost-You-Millions-If-You-Wait-NYPDP.jpg) ](https://followoz.com/resources/whitepapers/the-2028-pharmacy-deadline-that-could-cost-you-millions/) [ ![Whitepaper Read More](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/aroow-top-round-big.png) ](https://followoz.com/resources/whitepapers/the-2028-pharmacy-deadline-that-could-cost-you-millions/) ## The Pharmacy Deadline that Could Cost You Millions If You Wait ![Smiling woman seated at a multi-monitor coding workstation in a bright office](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/AI-Powered-Mainframe-Modernizati.jpg) ## [Why Mainframe Modernization Looks Different This Time](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/why-mainframe-modernization-looks-different-this-time/) [ Read More ](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/why-mainframe-modernization-looks-different-this-time/) ![OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Top-Takeaways-from-Microsoft-Bui.jpg) ## [Top Takeaways from Microsoft Build 2025](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/top-takeaways-from-microsoft-build-2025/) [ Read More ](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/top-takeaways-from-microsoft-build-2025/) ![AI-Readiness](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/AI-Readiness-Blog-Post_01-1.jpg) ## [AI Readiness Starts with Data Readiness](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/ai-readiness-starts-with-data-readiness/) [ Read More ](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/ai-readiness-starts-with-data-readiness/) --- ### [Company](https://followoz.com/company/) **Published:** March 22, 2024 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ## OZ IS FLORIDA’S PREMIER BOUTIQUE ### HELPING DELIVER HEALTHIER OUTCOMES With more than 25 years of experience, OZ’s trusted, deep expertise in Azure Cloud Solutions, Power Apps Application Development, Intelligent Automation, Enterprise Application Integration, Azure Data Strategy and Artificial Intelligence ensure clients get rapid, effective results. [ SPEAK WITH AN EXPERT ](https://followoz.com/contact-us/) ![Future of Tech](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Asset-9-1.svg) ## OUR CORE VALUES At OZ, our approach to decision-making and strategy is as intentional as it is agile. ![| Shaping the Future of Tech](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Blue.svg) ## EVOLVE CONSTANTLY Our certified experts will empower you to navigate and more effectively leverage the applications, data, and analytics tools of the vast Azure universe ![Tech](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Asset-7.svg) ## FOCUS ON OUTCOME We’re results-driven, focusing on delivering outcomes that meet our clients’ goals while exceeding their expectations. ![About OZ Digital Solutions | Shaping the Future of Tech](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Asset-6.svg) ## SUCCESS AS A TEAM Our diverse team of consultants collaborates closely, leveraging their unique skills and backgrounds to forge innovative solutions to complex challenges. ![Future of Tech](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Asset-5.svg) ## BE POSITIVE Optimism fuels our work. We approach every challenge with a positive mindset, viewing obstacles as opportunities for growth and learning ![About OZ Digital Solutions | Shaping the Future of Tech](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Page-1.svg) ## EMPATHIZE By understanding our clients’ and their customers’ perspectives, we can design more effective solutions that truly meet their needs. ![Amjad Shamim](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Asset-13.svg) ### AMJAD SHAMIM [ ![linkedin](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Asset-2.svg) ](https://www.linkedin.com/in/amjadshamim/) ## A NOTE FROM OUR CEO I want to be clear that our mission and core values are more than words. They are the very foundation of OZ. Not a day goes by that we do not use them to frame a decision, develop a strategy or guide us in other ways. These are meant to be lived and acted upon by everyone in the company. OZ has the talent and extraordinary commitment to be the best choice for digital consulting for clients who want to create exceptional customer experiences, enabled by disruptive digital technologies and innovation. When we say “customer experience”, that customer can be an actual customer, consumer, user, employee, partner or B2B --- ### [Data Democratization: Empowering Insights for Mastery](https://followoz.com/understanding-leveraging-data-democratization/) **Published:** March 31, 2024 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ## Data Analytics ## Download e-Book ## The Secret to Understanding & Leveraging Data Democratization In today’s tech-driven, ever-evolving business landscape, data is less a spreadsheet to be read than an ocean to be navigated—a challenge that can sometimes leave us feeling as if we’ve run aground on the “easier said than done” section of the map. Well, get ready to unfurl those sails and chart a course for success: In the latest complimentary e-book from the experts in the OZ Data Analytics department, you will learn how to transform your enterprise into an information-savvy vessel, unlock meaningful insights, unleash the revolutionary power of Intelligent Automation, and begin the fight for the future on the best footing possible. ![Oz Digital Consulting sal Unlock the Potential of Data Analytics and AI](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/sal.png)### Sal Cardozo Sal is a Senior Vice President of Data Analytics & AI with over 20 years of experience in strategy, global delivery, and business transformation. He’s held data analytics leadership positions at leading companies like ADT and Ryder. In addition, his experience includes Accenture, Cambridge Technology Partners, and Capgemini where he drove strategy for top companies and government agencies in over eight countries. A data expert, Sal is committed to helping clients drive value through data and competitive differentiation. --- ### [Seamless Integration Solutions for Your Business Needs](https://followoz.com/seamless-integration-solutions-for-your-business-needs/) **Published:** March 31, 2024 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ## Enterprise Integration ## Download e-Book ## 3 Digital Integration Trends Reshaping the Business Landscape From Supply chain management and Customer Relationship Management to Business Intelligence and Enterprise Resource Planning, OZ Integration Services can empower your business to reconcile internal and external applications, optimize systems, boost ROI, and free up precious resources for higher value tasks. In this complimentary E-book, you’ll learn about the integration trends reshaping the business landscape in 2023 and how to best leverage our twenty-five years of experience for your own digital-first transformation. ![Oz Digital Consulting imran Integration Services](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/imran1-1.png)### Imran Sabir Imran has over 25+ years of experience architecting, designing, and building enterprise-level applications. He has delivered several successful projects to many Fortune 500 companies and has been instrumental in leading client-facing Integration, RPA, and IA projects at OZ. He strives to deliver the best work and believes in providing the best value to clients regardless of project size. --- ### [Cracking the Code Solutions for Mastering Modern Application Challenges](https://followoz.com/cracking-the-code-solutions-for-mastering-modern-application-challenges/) **Published:** March 31, 2024 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ## Overcoming the 3 Major Challenges to Unlocking the Power & Promise of Today’s Modern Applications ## Download e-Book - Gain a better understanding of current trends in modern applications reshaping the business landscape. - Learn how to overcome 3 major challenges in building and deploying leading-edge applications. - Discover the ways OZ’s quarter century of experience and holistic approach can help you update and optimize legacy apps and platforms for an economical and efficient “best of both worlds” approach. - Gain insights from OZ Chief Solutions Officer Emmanuel Ramos, who brings 30+ years of experience empowering business operations, P&Ls, and professional services in a diverse range of industries to the table. ![Emmanuel-Ramos](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Emmanuel-Ramos-1-2.png)### Emmanuel Ramos Emmanuel Ramos is a senior executive with 30+ years of experience empowering business operations, P&Ls, and professional services in a diverse range of industries. At OZ, Emmanuel leads the Global Digital Technology Consulting practices, providing guidance, strategic direction, and leading-edge solutions to clients even as he develops and manages relationships with key technology partners. --- ### [Elevate Your Strategy: Unleashing Powerful Frameworks](https://followoz.com/powerful-strategic-frameworks/) **Published:** March 31, 2024 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ## Unlock your next success ## Download e-Book ## Powerful Strategic Frameworks: Laying the Foundation (Part I) It’s time to leverage the framework that has defined success and sustained growth for over a quarter century. Dive into Part 1 of Powerful Strategic Frameworks: Laying the Foundation–a practical guide on developing goal-driven, objective, adaptable strategies that tie directly to your company’s mission and vision. Ready to change your trajectory toward meteoric growth? ![Oz Digital Consulting murray Powerful Strategic Frameworks](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/murray-1.png)### Murray Izenwasser At OZ, Murray plays a pivotal role in understanding our clients’ businesses and then determining the best strategies and customer experiences to drive their business forward using all of the real-world digital, marketing, and technology tools. Prior to OZ, Murray held senior positions at some of the world’s largest digital agencies, including Razorfish and Sapient. --- ### [Smart Solutions Harnessing the Power of Intelligent Automation](https://followoz.com/intelligent-automation/) **Published:** March 31, 2024 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ## Intelligent Automation ## The Revolution Will Be Automated. Unlock meaningful insights, unleash the transformative power of intelligent automation, and drive next-level business outcomes. Enterprises that can leverage and integrate with other automation technologies/platforms to deliver Intelligent Automation while innovating internally and delivering impressive experiences externally will be uniquely poised to lead and succeed in that era. In this case study for automation, OZ Digital uncovers the key lever behind Intelligent Automation (IA). **You’ll learn about:** - How to drive automation at scale - How to leverage multiple automation platform components - How to set up operating models - How to implement automated development - And much more --- ### [Top Trends in Data Analytics and AI in 2023 Submit](https://followoz.com/top-trends-in-data-analytics-and-ai-in-2023/) **Published:** March 31, 2024 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ## Thank You #### You’re about to unlock invaluable insights on Data Analytics and AI that have the potential to revolutionize your business strategy. #### Click ‘Get My E-Book’ to access the knowledge tailored by industry veterans and curated specifically for the innovators like you. [ Get My E-Book ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Top-Trends-in-Data-Analytics-and-AI-in-2023.pdf) --- ### [AI Unleashed: The Future of Automation](https://followoz.com/beyond-the-bot-how-ai-is-ushering-in-the-next-wave-of-automation/) **Published:** March 31, 2024 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ## Beyond the Bot: How AI Is Ushering in the Next Wave of Automation ## Download e-Book ## Discover how intelligent automation is revolutionizing the way businesses automate processes While Robotic Process Automation (RPA) creates efficiencies, it can only automate pre-defined, rules-based templates. However, when combined with AI and machine learning, it can automate all processes, including non-repetitive tasks, which previously were considered impossible. In this comprehensive e-Book, we explore how: - Intelligent automation (RPA + AI) can deliver the best customer experiences, greater productivity and efficiency - An end-to-end automation solution helps you scale faster and get products to market quickly - You can free up your workforce to focus on work that truly matters ![Oz Digital Consulting imran Integration Services](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/imran1-1.png)### Imran Sabir Imran has 25+ years of experience architecting, designing, and building enterprise-level applications. He has delivered several successful projects to many Fortune 500 companies and has been instrumental in leading client-facing Integration, RPA, and IA projects at OZ. He strives to deliver the best work and believes in providing the best value to clients regardless of project size. --- ### [Fueling Innovate Through collaborate: Your Partner in Ideation](https://followoz.com/collaborate-ideate-innovate-repeat/) **Published:** March 31, 2024 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ## Collaborate. Ideate. Innovate. Repeat. ## Download e-Book ## Explore How You Can Build a Continuous, Closed-Loop Innovation Process Every company wants to innovate, but few know how to innovate. Innovation is less about having a brilliant idea and more about having a disciplined, repeatable process to transform those ideas into breakthrough innovations. In this e-book, we’ll explore how you can: - Encourage collaboration and ideation across the organization to drive operational success. - Generate a constant flow of ideas, validate, and bring them to market through a formal standardized framework and process. - Speed up time to market through a shared understanding and enterprise-wide vision while mitigating delivery and operational risk. --- ### [Unlocking the Hidden Value in Insurance Data](https://followoz.com/unlocking-the-hidden-value-in-insurance-data/) **Published:** March 31, 2024 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ## Under the Hood: Unlocking the Hidden Value in Insurance Data ## Learn how you can harness the full value of data to transform insurance operations ## Download e-Book Data is foundational to Artificial Intelligence, Natural Language Processing, Machine Learning, and every other emerging technology that holds tremendous promise for the future. For the insurance industry — with its vast troves of customer and other historical data — this presents a huge opportunity. Yet, for this data to be useful, carriers must transform all this data into insights that drive action and value. In this e-book, we explore how carriers can: - Overcome the most common data challenges - Harness the data they have, share and leverage information internally and externally - Integrate real-time data and insights into every step of the decision-making lifecycle --- ### [Privacy Policy](https://followoz.com/privacy-policy/) **Published:** April 1, 2024 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ## Privacy Policy **Effective Date: July 24, 2026** This privacy policy for OZ Digital, LLC (**“We”**, **“Us”** or **“Our”**) tells you how we may collect, use and share your information when you visit our website [https://followoz.com](https://followoz.com/). We appreciate your decision to use our website [https://followoz.com](https://followoz.com/) and to trust us with your valuable personal information. In this document, we seek to explain in the clearest terms possible our privacy practices. We strongly encourage you to read this document (and any other related documents) carefully before using the website. If there are any terms or conditions in this document that you do not agree with, please do not use the website, or in case you are already using it, please discontinue the use immediately. By using the website, you are accepting and consenting to the practices described in this Privacy Policy. ## What information do we collect about you? When we collect information, we do so to ensure that you get to experience our service seamlessly. For that, we collect the following information. Some are your personal information and some are your sensitive personal information. The personal information that we collect about you are the following: - Name - Address - Email address - Location data - Internet browsing history - Commercial information - Professional or employment related information - Company Name - Job Title - Phone Number - Service Interest ### How do we collect such information? We may use any of the following three ways to get information about you. 1. The information that you give us 2. The information that we automatically collect from you 3. Information that we collect from third parties Before going into the reasons why we collect the information that we do, we want you to understand what the above three terms mean. #### The information that you give us When you sign up for an account to use our service/product we will ask you certain questions like your name or email address. These are the information that you give us. This may not be limited to what we have mentioned and can change according to the nature of the service/product that we provide. #### The information that we automatically collect from you When you access our service from a device, we may automatically collect information from your device, such as through the use of cookies. You will know more about automatic collection of personal information in the next section. #### Information that we collect from third parties These third parties can be data aggregators, online directories, data marketplaces or exchanges, etc from where we may collect information about you. ### Cookies and similar technologies Cookies are small packets of information that are placed on your device, so that we can retrieve the information about you, such as your login information, your choices on our websites and other information. For more information about cookies and similar technologies, please visit our [cookie policy](https://followoz.com/cookie-policy/). ### Do not track requests We respond to “do not track” requests in the following manner: Our website does not currently respond to ‘Do Not Track’ (DNT) signals. However, users can manage their cookie preferences through our cookie banner and opt out of tracking by adjusting their browser settings. ## Why do we collect information about you? We collect information about you for a variety of reasons. It helps us, among other things, to serve you better. The following are the ways in which we use the information that we collect about you. - To provide and maintain service - To manage your account - To perform a contract with us - To contact the user - To send marketing and promotional communications - To deliver targeted advertising - To manage user requests related to business transfers, such as when our business is acquired, amalgamated, merged, restructured, or otherwise sold or transferred to another entity, in whole or in part - To evaluate and improve our products/services - To examine the usage trends ## How long do we retain your information? We retain personal information only for as long as reasonably necessary for the purposes described in this Policy, or as required or permitted by law (such as tax, accounting, or other legal requirements). As a general guide: - Account and contact information is retained for the duration of your relationship with us, plus up to 3 years after your account is closed or your last interaction with us, to address any follow-up questions or legal claims. - Marketing and communications preferences are retained until you opt out or withdraw consent, after which we retain a minimal record of your opt-out to honor it going forward. - Analytics and cookie data is retained according to the periods set out in our [cookie policy](https://followoz.com/cookie-policy/). - Information we are required to keep for legal, tax, or accounting purposes is retained for the period mandated by applicable law (typically up to 7 years). When we no longer have an ongoing legitimate business need to process your personal information, we will either delete or anonymize it, or, if this is not possible (for example, because your personal information has been stored in backup archives), we will securely store it and isolate it from further processing until deletion is possible. ## Do we share your information? We may share your information with third parties in the following ways: 1. **Sharing with your consent:** When you give consent, we may share your information with third parties for the purposes that are mentioned in the consent notification. 2. **Legal Obligations:** We may disclose information where we are legally required to do so in order to comply with applicable law, governmental requests, a judicial proceeding, court order, or legal process, such as in response to a court order or a subpoena (including in response to public authorities to meet national security or law enforcement requirements). 3. **For business transfers:** We may share your personal information in connection with, or during the course of negotiations regarding merger, sale of business assets, financing or acquisition of all or a part of our business by another entity. ### Sale/sharing of information We do not sell your personal information for money. We do, however, share certain information — such as identifiers and browsing behavior — with third-party advertising and analytics partners (including Google, Meta/Facebook, and LinkedIn) through cookies and pixels, for the purpose of cross-context behavioral (targeted) advertising. Under certain state privacy laws, including the CCPA/CPRA, this activity is considered “sharing” (and in some cases “selling”) of personal information, even though no money changes hands. You may opt out of this sharing at any time as described in our “Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information” notice and through our Cookie Settings tool. ## GDPR Disclosures *The following disclosures apply to individuals located in the European Economic Area, United Kingdom, and Switzerland.* ### Cross border data transfer The information that we collect from you, including your personal data, may be processed in locations outside the European Union, where data transfer laws may differ from those in effect in your jurisdiction. In some cases, the transfer may be to countries classified as ‘adequate countries’ by the European Union (see [here](https://commission.europa.eu/law/law-topic/data-protection/international-dimension-data-protection/adequacy-decisions_en) for details on adequate countries). However, where the transfer is not to an adequate country, we have implemented appropriate legal measures in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation to ensure that your personal information is adequately protected. **Standard Contractual Clauses:** When we transfer the data collected from you, including personal data, to third countries that are not deemed adequate, we have agreements in place with processors in those countries that include the Standard Contractual Clauses mandated by the GDPR. For more information on Standard Contractual Clauses, please see [here](https://commission.europa.eu/law/law-topic/data-protection/international-dimension-data-protection/standard-contractual-clauses-scc_en). ### Automated processing of data We use limited automated tools, such as cookies, pixels, and analytics software, to collect and analyze information about how visitors use our website and to deliver targeted advertising. We do not currently engage in solely automated decision-making — including profiling — that produces legal effects concerning you or similarly significantly affects you. If this changes, we will update this Policy and provide meaningful information about the logic involved and the significance and consequences of such processing. ### Legal basis for the collection The General Data Protection Regulation requires us to identify and set out the legal basis, or in other words, the legal justification, for processing your personal information. The following are the legal bases on which we process your personal data. **Consent:** We may process your personal information for the purposes described in this Privacy Policy with your consent. **Performance of a contract:** Where we have entered into a contract with you, we may use the personal information collected from you to fulfil the terms of that contract. **Legal obligations:** We may disclose information where we are legally required to do so to comply with applicable laws, governmental requests, judicial proceedings, court orders, or legal processes, such as responding to a court order or a subpoena (including requests from public authorities to meet national security or law enforcement requirements). **Legitimate interests:** We may process your personal data where it is reasonably necessary to achieve our legitimate business interests. We process data based on legitimate interests to improve our services, analyze website performance, and enhance user experience. This includes using analytics tools to understand how visitors interact with our site and to optimize our marketing efforts. We ensure that these interests do not override the rights and freedoms of our users. ### Your rights (GDPR) In accordance with Articles 12 to 23 of the General Data Protection Regulation, the data subject, that is you, has the following rights. 1. Right to object to the processing of personal data in certain circumstances. See [here](https://gdpr-info.eu/art-21-gdpr/) for details. 2. Right to request access to the data we have collected about you and to receive a copy of it in an accessible format. 3. Right to restrict the processing of your personal data for a limited period, under certain circumstances. See [here](https://gdpr-info.eu/art-18-gdpr/) for details. 4. Right to rectify or modify personal information that you consider obsolete, incomplete, or inaccurate. 5. Right not to be subject to a decision based solely on automated processing, including profiling, that produces legal effects concerning you or similarly significantly affects you. We do not currently engage in this type of solely automated decision-making; if this changes, we will provide meaningful information about the logic involved and the significance and consequences of such processing. 6. Right to erasure of your personal information, also known as the right to be forgotten. 7. Right to withdraw your consent at any time, where our processing is based on consent, without affecting the lawfulness of processing carried out before withdrawal. 8. Right to data portability, to receive the personal data you have provided to us in a structured, commonly used, and machine-readable format. 9. Right to lodge a complaint with your local data protection supervisory authority if you believe our processing of your personal data infringes applicable law. To exercise any of the rights mentioned above, you may use the contact details provided in this Privacy Policy. ### Consequences of non-consent We require your consent to collect information in order to provide our services to you seamlessly. However, you may refuse consent. Please note that refusing consent may have consequences, including limited access to our services and reduced features on the website. ### Privacy of children (GDPR) We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under the age of 16. If you are a parent or legal guardian and believe that your child under 16 has provided us with information without your consent, please contact us. Upon verification that we have collected such information without parental consent, we will remove the information from our database. ## CCPA Disclosures *The following disclosures apply to California residents, and, where applicable, residents of other U.S. states with similar privacy laws.* ### Children’s privacy (CCPA) Our website and services are directed to businesses and are not intended for children. We do not knowingly collect or sell the personal information of consumers under 16 years of age. If we learn that we have collected such information without the required consent, we will delete it. ### Sale or share of information (CCPA) We do not sell your personal information for money. We do, however, “share” personal information for cross-context behavioral advertising through third-party cookies and pixels, which may constitute a “sale” or “sharing” under the CCPA (as amended by the CPRA) and similar state laws. California residents, and residents of other applicable states, have the right to opt out of this sale/sharing. To opt out, use our “Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information” notice, adjust your Cookie Settings, or enable a recognized opt-out preference signal such as the Global Privacy Control (GPC), which we honor. ### Your rights (CCPA) The California Consumer Privacy Act grants consumers the following rights: 1. The right to know what personal information a business has collected about them, including: - the categories of personal information collected; - the categories of sources from which the personal information is collected; - the business or commercial purposes for collecting, selling, or sharing personal information; - the categories of third parties to whom the business discloses personal information; and - the specific pieces of personal information the business has collected about the consumer. 2. The right to delete personal information that the business has collected from the consumer, subject to certain exceptions. 3. The right to correct inaccurate personal information that a business maintains about the consumer. 4. The right to opt out of the sale or sharing of personal information, if the business sells or shares such information. 5. The right to limit the use or disclosure of sensitive personal information if the business uses or discloses it for purposes other than those permitted under the CCPA or its regulations. 6. The right to non-discrimination, meaning consumers will not receive discriminatory treatment for exercising their CCPA rights, including protection against retaliation for employees, applicants, or independent contractors who exercise such rights. ### Exercising your rights (CCPA) Under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), you have the right to request access to, correction of, or deletion of the personal information we have collected about you. You may also have the right to know specific details about how we collect, use, disclose, and sell or share your personal information. To exercise these rights, you may submit a verifiable consumer request by emailing us at <requests@followoz.com> or by using the contact form on our website at <https://followoz.com/contact-us/>. We will respond to all requests within 45 days of receipt of a verifiable consumer request, and may extend that period once by an additional 45 days where reasonably necessary, in which case we will notify you within the initial 45-day period. When you make a request, we will take steps to verify your identity before fulfilling it, which may include asking you to provide certain identifying information. You may also authorize an agent to make a request on your behalf, provided that we receive proof of your authorization. There is no charge for processing your verifiable consumer request unless it is excessive or repetitive. ## Security of your personal information We take reasonable measures to ensure that the information we collect from you is stored securely and protected to the best extent possible. However, no method of internet transmission or digital storage is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security. While we use commercially reasonable and appropriate security measures to protect your information, we cannot promise that it will be 100% secure. ## Links to other websites or apps On our website, we may provide links to external websites, apps, or services. These are not operated by us and therefore are not governed by our Privacy Policy or practices. We strongly recommend that you review the privacy policies of such websites or services before engaging with them to ensure that you do not provide personal information that you do not wish to share. ## Changes to this privacy policy We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in the law or our privacy practices. We recommend that you review this privacy policy periodically to ensure it remains in line with your expectations. The privacy policy will be effective from the date it is posted on this page. We reserve the right to review and update this Privacy Policy as needed, and we will provide notice of any such changes to the Policy as required by law. The date the Policy was last updated is identified at the top of the page. We will notify you of changes to this Policy by updating the “last updated” date and posting the updated Policy on the Services. We may email or otherwise communicate reminders about this Policy, but you should check our Services periodically to see the current Policy and any changes we have made to it. ## Contact us For any questions or concerns regarding your privacy, or to exercise any of your rights, you may contact us using the following details: **DPO:** Not applicable — we do not have a designated DPO as we are not required to under GDPR. For privacy-related inquiries, please contact us at <requests@followoz.com>. **Controller/representative:** OZ Digital, LLC, 1489 W Palmetto Park Rd, Suite 500, Boca Raton, FL 33486. <requests@followoz.com> **Address:** Company name: OZ Digital, LLC. Street address: 1489 W Palmetto Park Rd, Suite 500. City, State: Boca Raton, FL. ZIP/postal code: 33486. Country: United States. **Email address:** <requests@followoz.com> **Link to our contact page:** <https://followoz.com/contact-us/> --- ### [Welcome to OZ](https://followoz.com/welcome-to-oz/) **Published:** April 2, 2024 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ## LOCAL, TRUSTED MICROSOFT-POWERED SOLUTIONS. BUT FIRST, COOKIES. As Florida’s premier Microsoft Solutions Partner, we’ve spent more than a quarter century delivering cost-saving, profit-boosting, game-changing innovation for some of the most recognizable brands in the world. And now we’d like to do it for yours. Want to know more about how we work? Check out our archive of client success stories here. Then fill out the form below to get started. Oh, and enjoy the cookies. They’re from Sweeter Days Bake Shop, one of our favorite local gourmet bakeries right here in beautiful Fort Lauderdale. Service hours 6.5 M+ Years of experience 25 + Projects 1350 + Clients 370 + MVPs 7 + Microsoft certifications 290 + --- ### [Thank you for your interest in OZ Digital Consulting eBook](https://followoz.com/landing-page-thank-you/) **Published:** April 5, 2024 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ## Thank you for your interest in OZ Digital Consulting’s eBook! ###### In today’s digital age, mobile apps have become a hot commodity for businesses seeking to stay ahead of the game. But why does your business need one? While mobile apps can provide a convenient and engaging experience for users, especially in the insurance and healthcare space, the reality is the cost and time commitment can feel prohibitive – but with the right partner, it doesn’t have to be this way. Are you ready to take your business to the next level with a digital transformation strategy? In this eBook, we’ll give you the tools and knowledge you need to make informed decisions about your company’s future, including why and how to invest in a mobile app. [ Download Now ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/oz_mobile_app_ebook_final.pdf) --- ### [Innovation. Built to last.](https://followoz.com/innovation-built-to-last/) **Published:** April 22, 2024 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ## Innovation. Built to last. [ ![Hard Rock](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Hard-Rock-thumbnail-01.jpg) ](#elementor-action%3Aaction%3Dpopup%3Aopen%26settings%3DeyJpZCI6IjQxMjEiLCJ0b2dnbGUiOmZhbHNlfQ%3D%3D) As Florida’s premier Microsoft Solutions Partner, we’ve spent more than a quarter century delivering cost-saving, profit-boosting, game-changing innovation for some of the most recognizable brands in the world. And now we’d like to do it for yours. So, fill up this complimentary YETI Rambler with your favorite beverage, check out the video above detailing how we changed the game for Hard Rock right here in South Florida, and then reach out to schedule your own consultation ASAP. Service hours 6.5 M+ Years of experience 25 + Projects 1350 + Clients 370 + MVPs 7 + Microsoft certifications 290 + --- ### [PPC Insurance Automation](https://followoz.com/ppc-insurance-automation/) **Published:** June 11, 2024 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ## PPC Insurance Automation ## FLORIDA’S TRUSTED MICROSOFT SOLUTIONS PARTNER FOR OVER 25 YEARS Delivering deep technical expertise and industry knowledge, leveraging our global delivery model to accelerate your business with ultimate agility. --- ### [Insurance Automation](https://followoz.com/insurance-automation/) **Published:** June 11, 2024 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ## Insurance Automation ## OZ IS FLORIDA’S PREMIER BOUTIQUE ## MICROSOFT SOLUTIONS PARTNER Discover our freshest resources and insights. Dive into the latest content, articles, and guides for up-to-date industry trends and knowledge --- ### [AI Future Summit: South Florida](https://followoz.com/ai-future-summit-south-florida/) **Published:** August 7, 2024 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ![AI Future Summit: South Florida](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/summit-logo.png) ![Microsoft-Logo](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Microsoft-Logo-Vector-1-2.svg) ## Florida’s Premier Microsoft AI Event Register Now ###### WHEN: ###### October 17 8:00 am – 4:00 pm ET ###### WHERE: ###### B Ocean Resort, Fort Lauderdale ### AI Future Summit: South Florida 2024 — Secure Your Spot Join us to connect with Microsoft’s AI experts, learn from leading organizations championing AI, and explore how you can drive AI transformation. ## Meet Microsoft’s Top AI Experts ![Beverly-Kodhek](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Beverly-Kodhek.jpg) ## Beverly Kodhek Program Manager, Azure AI Services ![Microsoft](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Microsoft.svg.jpg) ![Peter_Shand](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Peter_Shand-.jpg) ## Peter Shand Cloud Solution Architect - Data and AI ![Microsoft](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Microsoft.svg.jpg) ![Shan_Thayyullathil](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Shan_Thayyullathil.jpg) ## Shan Thayyullathil Principal Architect - Microsoft Industry Solutions ![Microsoft](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Microsoft.svg.jpg) ![Roberto_Marddeni](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Roberto_Marddeni.jpg) ## Roberto Mardeni Azure, App Innovation Principal Specialist ![Microsoft](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Microsoft.svg.jpg) ## GET Insights from Leading Organizations ![Andre AI Future Summit: South Florida](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Andre.jpg) ## André Gowens Vice President, Enterprise Architecture, DevOps & Data/Analytics ![hard_rock](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/hard_rock.webp) ![AI Future Summit: South Florida](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Elvis-Clemetson-1.jpg) ## Elvis Clemetson Senior Vice President, Chief Information Officer ![SBA_logo AI Future Summit: South Florida](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/SBA_logo.svg) ![Jon](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Jon.jpg) ## Jon Legner Senior Manager, Intelligence & Automation ![horne](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/horne.webp) ![Patrick Gallagher](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Patrick-Gallagher.jpg) ## Patrick Gallagher Chief Growth Officer, Risk Management ![epic](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/epic.png) ![Felix](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Felix-1.jpg) ## Felix Perez Senior Director of Digital Transformation ![SBA_logo AI Future Summit: South Florida](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/SBA_logo.svg) ![Eric Seigel](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Eric-Seigel.png) ### ERIC SIEGEL, Ph.D. ## Mainstage Keynote Former Columbia professor and bestselling author of *The AI Playbook: Mastering the Rare Art of Machine Learning Deployment and Predictive Analytics: The Power to Predict Who Will Click, Buy, Lie, or Die, which has been used in courses at hundreds of universities. He is the founder of the long-running Machine Learning Week conference series and its new sister, Generative AI Applications Summit. During his time at Columbia University, he won the Distinguished Faculty award when teaching graduate Computer Science courses in ML and AI. Eric has appeared on numerous media channels, including Bloomberg, National Geographic, and NPR, and has published in Newsweek, HBR, SciAm blog, WaPo, WSJ, and more.* [ ![linkedin](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Asset-2.svg) ](https://www.linkedin.com/in/predictiveanalytics/) ## More Deep Dives ![Jason Milgram - Chief Technology Officer and 15-time Microsoft MVP at OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Jason.jpg) ## Jason Milgram Senior Vice President, Azure Leader, 14-time Microsoft MVP & bestselling author ![OZ AI Future Summit: South Florida](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/logo.svg) ![Pablo](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Pablo-1.jpg) ## Pablo Piovano Director, AI & Cloud Services, Microsoft AI MVP ![OZ AI Future Summit: South Florida](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/logo.svg) ![Amjad Shamim Jafri - CEO of OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Amjad-Shami1.jpg) ## Amjad Shamim Chief Executive Officer (CEO) & Co-Founder ![OZ AI Future Summit: South Florida](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/logo.svg) ![Murray_Izenwasser](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Murray_Izenwasser.jpg) ## Murray Izenwasser Senior Vice President, Digital Strategy ![OZ AI Future Summit: South Florida](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/logo.svg) ![Steve AI Future Summit: South Florida](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Steve.jpg) ## Steve Bakanov Senior Vice President, Application Innovation ![OZ AI Future Summit: South Florida](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/logo.svg) ### Five Reasons to Attend - Hear directly from Microsoft’s AI experts on how they leverage AI to drive efficiency, unlock growth, and transform customer experiences. - Explore how leading organizations use AI tools to uncover opportunities, unlock new revenue streams, and drive business success. These real-world demos—led by the people driving AI transformation—will open your eyes to AI’s infinite possibilities. - Participate in world-class sessions featuring groundbreaking Microsoft AI innovations, real-world use cases, and practical insights. - Find all the answers to your most pressing questions in a live panel with AI and data wizards. Get the latest on AI innovations and trends, opportunities, and challenges—and apply what you learn back at your workplace. - Connect one-on-one with industry leaders, AI wizards, and peers at our after-hours networking mixer overlooking Fort Lauderdale Beach. ### Experience AI in Action ### Get a first look at how leading organizations use Microsoft AI technologies and solutions to drive competitive advantage. Don’t miss out — get a front-row seat to these hands-on workshops and live AI demos. ###### SBA Communications Experience a live demo on AI assistants. In this session, we’ll showcase how we built an AI chatbot, examine its capabilities—how it accesses and interacts with Microsoft Dynamics Great Plains, executes scripts, and creates support tickets—and explore the technologies involved in its development. ###### EPIC Insurance Brokers Join our live demo as we deep dive into how we transformed claims management and improved response times for EPIC Insurance Brokers through an Azure Open AI-powered solution. ###### Horne Participate in an interactive demo of an AI solution for a Mississippi municipal water authority. Explore how we leveraged machine learning models and data analysis to close infrastructure gaps, make improvements, and increase revenue. Register now ## AGENDA Here’s a glance at the day’s agenda ## 8:00 AM: ###### Breakfast/Registration ## 9:00 AM: ###### Welcome message from OZ CEO, Amjad Shamim ## 9:05 AM: ###### Introduction to the AI Future Summit from OZ's Murray Izenwasser ## 9:30 AM: ###### Keynote Address from Dr. Eric Siegel ## 10:15 AM: ## Morning Break ## 10:30 AM: ###### SBA Communications AI Project Success Story ## 11:00 AM: ###### Latest Microsoft AI technology demo from Beverly Kodhek ## 11:30 AM: ###### Seminole Hard Rock's AI in Gaming and Hospitality from Andre Gowens ## 12:00 PM: ## Lunch ## 1:00 PM: ###### EPIC Insurance Brokers AI Project Success Story with Patrick Gallagher ## 1:30 PM: ###### Horne AI Project Success Story with Jon Legner ## 2:00 PM: ## Afternoon Break ## 2:15 PM: ###### Panel Discussion with Microsoft AI Experts moderated by OZ's Jason Milgram ## 2:45 PM: ###### Panel Discussion OZ clients leveraging AI solutions moderated by Murray Izenwasser ## 3:15 PM: ## Q&A session ## 3:45 PM: ###### Conclusion from OZ's Murray Izenwasser ## 4:00 PM: ###### Reception/Cocktail Hour ## FAQs ###### Questions? We have the answers. When and where is AI Future Summit 2024 taking place? AI Future Summit, OZ Digital Consulting’s flagship AI conference, is being held at the B Ocean Resort on Fort Lauderdale Beach on Thursday, October 17, 2024. Is there a cost to attend? Yes, there is a fee to attend, however, you can get discounted pricing if you register early. Who should attend? This event is for anyone who wants to stay on the cutting-edge of AI technology. Business and technology leaders across every industry and line of business will benefit the most from our expert-led sessions, real-world AI demos, and practical insights from Microsoft experts into how AI can transform their business. Is there a dress code? Smart business casual is highly recommended. Is there onsite parking? Complimentary valet parking is available—just mention you’re attending the AI Future Summit, and the fee will be waived. Please note that there is no self-park option at this venue. I have another question that’s not listed here, is there someone I can speak to? Please email [Marketing@Followoz.com](mailto:Marketing@Followoz.com "mailto:marketing@followoz.com") and a team member will assist you. ![pin image](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Asset-4@4x.png) ## Getting There ## B Ocean Resort Fort Lauderdale, 1140 Seabreeze Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316 Register Now ![AI Future Summit: South Florida](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Asset-9.jpg) ![AI Future Summit: South Florida](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Asset-10.jpg) --- ### [OZ AI Future Summit: South Florida](https://followoz.com/oz-ai-future-summit-south-florida/) **Published:** October 8, 2024 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ![AI Future Summit: South Florida](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/summit-logo.png) ![Microsoft-Logo](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Microsoft-Logo-Vector-1-2.svg) ## Florida’s Premier Microsoft AI Event Register Now ###### WHEN: ###### October 17 8:00 am – 4:00 pm ET ###### WHERE: ###### B Ocean Resort, Fort Lauderdale ### AI Future Summit: South Florida 2024 — Secure Your Spot Join us to connect with Microsoft’s AI experts, learn from leading organizations championing AI, and explore how you can drive AI transformation. ## Meet Microsoft’s Top AI Experts ![Beverly-Kodhek](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Beverly-Kodhek.jpg) ## Beverly Kodhek Program Manager, Azure AI Services ![Microsoft](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Microsoft.svg.jpg) ![Peter_Shand](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Peter_Shand-.jpg) ## Peter Shand Cloud Solution Architect - Data and AI ![Microsoft](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Microsoft.svg.jpg) ![Shan_Thayyullathil](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Shan_Thayyullathil.jpg) ## Shan Thayyullathil Principal Architect - Microsoft Industry Solutions ![Microsoft](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Microsoft.svg.jpg) ![Roberto_Marddeni](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Roberto_Marddeni.jpg) ## Roberto Mardeni Azure, App Innovation Principal Specialist ![Microsoft](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Microsoft.svg.jpg) ## GET Insights from Leading Organizations ![Andre AI Future Summit: South Florida](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Andre.jpg) ## André Gowens Vice President, Enterprise Architecture, DevOps & Data/Analytics ![hard_rock](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/hard_rock.webp) ![AI Future Summit: South Florida](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Elvis-Clemetson-1.jpg) ## Elvis Clemetson Senior Vice President, Chief Information Officer ![SBA_logo AI Future Summit: South Florida](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/SBA_logo.svg) ![Jon](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Jon.jpg) ## Jon Legner Senior Manager, Intelligence & Automation ![horne](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/horne.webp) ![Patrick Gallagher](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Patrick-Gallagher.jpg) ## Patrick Gallagher Chief Growth Officer, Risk Management ![epic](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/epic.png) ![Felix](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Felix-1.jpg) ## Felix Perez Senior Director of Digital Transformation ![SBA_logo AI Future Summit: South Florida](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/SBA_logo.svg) ![Eric Seigel](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Eric-Seigel.png) ### ERIC SIEGEL, Ph.D. ## Mainstage Keynote Former Columbia professor and bestselling author of *The AI Playbook: Mastering the Rare Art of Machine Learning Deployment and Predictive Analytics: The Power to Predict Who Will Click, Buy, Lie, or Die, which has been used in courses at hundreds of universities. He is the founder of the long-running Machine Learning Week conference series and its new sister, Generative AI Applications Summit. During his time at Columbia University, he won the Distinguished Faculty award when teaching graduate Computer Science courses in ML and AI. Eric has appeared on numerous media channels, including Bloomberg, National Geographic, and NPR, and has published in Newsweek, HBR, SciAm blog, WaPo, WSJ, and more.* [ ![linkedin](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Asset-2.svg) ](https://www.linkedin.com/in/predictiveanalytics/) ## More Deep Dives ![Jason Milgram - Chief Technology Officer and 15-time Microsoft MVP at OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Jason.jpg) ## Jason Milgram Senior Vice President, Azure Leader, 14-time Microsoft MVP & bestselling author ![OZ AI Future Summit: South Florida](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/logo.svg) ![Pablo](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Pablo-1.jpg) ## Pablo Piovano Director, AI & Cloud Services, Microsoft AI MVP ![OZ AI Future Summit: South Florida](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/logo.svg) ![Amjad Shamim Jafri - CEO of OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Amjad-Shami1.jpg) ## Amjad Shamim Chief Executive Officer (CEO) & Co-Founder ![OZ AI Future Summit: South Florida](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/logo.svg) ![Murray_Izenwasser](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Murray_Izenwasser.jpg) ## Murray Izenwasser Senior Vice President, Digital Strategy ![OZ AI Future Summit: South Florida](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/logo.svg) ![Steve AI Future Summit: South Florida](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Steve.jpg) ## Steve Bakanov Senior Vice President, Application Innovation ![OZ AI Future Summit: South Florida](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/logo.svg) ### Five Reasons to Attend - Hear directly from Microsoft’s AI experts on how they leverage AI to drive efficiency, unlock growth, and transform customer experiences. - Explore how leading organizations use AI tools to uncover opportunities, unlock new revenue streams, and drive business success. These real-world demos—led by the people driving AI transformation—will open your eyes to AI’s infinite possibilities. - Participate in world-class sessions featuring groundbreaking Microsoft AI innovations, real-world use cases, and practical insights. - Find all the answers to your most pressing questions in a live panel with AI and data wizards. Get the latest on AI innovations and trends, opportunities, and challenges—and apply what you learn back at your workplace. - Connect one-on-one with industry leaders, AI wizards, and peers at our after-hours networking mixer overlooking Fort Lauderdale Beach. ### Experience AI in Action ### Get a first look at how leading organizations use Microsoft AI technologies and solutions to drive competitive advantage. Don’t miss out — get a front-row seat to these hands-on workshops and live AI demos. ###### SBA Communications Experience a live demo on AI assistants. In this session, we’ll showcase how we built an AI chatbot, examine its capabilities—how it accesses and interacts with Microsoft Dynamics Great Plains, executes scripts, and creates support tickets—and explore the technologies involved in its development. ###### EPIC Insurance Brokers Join our live demo as we deep dive into how we transformed claims management and improved response times for EPIC Insurance Brokers through an Azure Open AI-powered solution. ###### Horne Participate in an interactive demo of an AI solution for a Mississippi municipal water authority. Explore how we leveraged machine learning models and data analysis to close infrastructure gaps, make improvements, and increase revenue. Register now ## AGENDA Here’s a glance at the day’s agenda ## 8:00 AM: ###### Breakfast/Registration ## 9:00 AM: ###### Welcome message from OZ CEO, Amjad Shamim ## 9:05 AM: ###### Introduction to the AI Future Summit from OZ's Murray Izenwasser ## 9:30 AM: ###### Keynote Address from Dr. Eric Siegel ## 10:15 AM: ## Morning Break ## 10:30 AM: ###### SBA Communications AI Project Success Story ## 11:00 AM: ###### Latest Microsoft AI technology demo from Beverly Kodhek ## 11:30 AM: ###### Seminole Hard Rock's AI in Gaming and Hospitality from Andre Gowens ## 12:00 PM: ## Lunch ## 1:00 PM: ###### EPIC Insurance Brokers AI Project Success Story with Patrick Gallagher ## 1:30 PM: ###### Horne AI Project Success Story with Jon Legner ## 2:00 PM: ## Afternoon Break ## 2:15 PM: ###### Panel Discussion with Microsoft AI Experts moderated by OZ's Jason Milgram ## 2:45 PM: ###### Panel Discussion OZ clients leveraging AI solutions moderated by Murray Izenwasser ## 3:15 PM: ## Q&A session ## 3:45 PM: ###### Conclusion from OZ's Murray Izenwasser ## 4:00 PM: ###### Reception/Cocktail Hour ## FAQs ###### Questions? We have the answers. When and where is AI Future Summit 2024 taking place? AI Future Summit, OZ Digital Consulting’s flagship AI conference, is being held at the B Ocean Resort on Fort Lauderdale Beach on Thursday, October 17, 2024. Is there a cost to attend? Yes, there is a fee to attend, however, you can get discounted pricing if you register early. Who should attend? This event is for anyone who wants to stay on the cutting-edge of AI technology. Business and technology leaders across every industry and line of business will benefit the most from our expert-led sessions, real-world AI demos, and practical insights from Microsoft experts into how AI can transform their business. Is there a dress code? Smart business casual is highly recommended. Is there onsite parking? Complimentary valet parking is available—just mention you’re attending the AI Future Summit, and the fee will be waived. Please note that there is no self-park option at this venue. I have another question that’s not listed here, is there someone I can speak to? Please email [Marketing@Followoz.com](mailto:Marketing@Followoz.com "mailto:marketing@followoz.com") and a team member will assist you. ![pin image](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Asset-4@4x.png) ## Getting There ## B Ocean Resort Fort Lauderdale, 1140 Seabreeze Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316 Register Now ![AI Future Summit: South Florida](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Asset-9.jpg) ![AI Future Summit: South Florida](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Asset-10.jpg) --- ### [Best of AI Future Summit 2024](https://followoz.com/best-of-ai-future-summit-2024/) **Published:** October 24, 2024 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ![Best of AI Future Summit 2024](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit.svg) ![OZ Logo](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/OZ-Logo.svg) ![Microsoft-Logo](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Microsoft-Logo-Vector-1-2.svg) ## Relive the Best of AI Future Summit 2024 ##### October 17, South Florida It’s a wrap! AI Future Summit may be over, but the learning continues. Catch the highlights and key moments—on demand. If you couldn’t make it, be sure to join us next year. Ready to get started with AI? [ TAKE OUR FREE AI READINESS ASSESSMENT ](#client_POCs) [ ](#elementor-action%3Aaction%3Dpopup%3Aopen%26settings%3DeyJpZCI6IjUzNTEiLCJ0b2dnbGUiOmZhbHNlfQ%3D%3D) ![Sector Transformation](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Group.svg) The OZ team put on a highly valuable and insightful session. Time well spent. I am excited about the next steps in our AI journey together.” — Elvis Clemetson, SVP and Chief Information Officer, SBA Communications ## Highlights, Insights, and Sound Bites — On Demand [ ![Best of AI Future Summit 2024](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Amjad-Keynote-AI-Democratization.jpg) ](#elementor-action%3Aaction%3Dpopup%3Aopen%26settings%3DeyJpZCI6IjUyMzIiLCJ0b2dnbGUiOmZhbHNlfQ%3D%3D) #### AMJAD SHAMIM ###### Welcome Keynote: AI Democratization [ WATCH FULL KEYNOTE ](#elementor-action%3Aaction%3Dpopup%3Aopen%26settings%3DeyJpZCI6IjUyMzIiLCJ0b2dnbGUiOmZhbHNlfQ%3D%3D) [ DOWNLOAD PRESENTATION ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Amjad-Slides.pdf) In his welcome keynote, our founder and CEO, Amjad Shamim, highlights the growing impact of AI while outlining his philosophy and vision for AI. **Key takeaways:** - In just two and a half months, 77 to 80% of the devices we use daily will have some form of AI in them - AI isn’t a futuristic concept anymore but the engine behind today’s innovation and growth - The democratization of AI has made it more accessible to everyone, from small businesses to large enterprises [ ![Best of AI Future Summit 2024](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Eric-Keynote.jpg) ](#elementor-action%3Aaction%3Dpopup%3Aopen%26settings%3DeyJpZCI6IjUyMzMiLCJ0b2dnbGUiOmZhbHNlfQ%3D%3D) #### ERIC SIEGEL, PH.D. ###### Main Stage Keynote: The AI Playbook—How to Capitalize on Machine Learning [ WATCH FULL KEYNOTE ](#elementor-action%3Aaction%3Dpopup%3Aopen%26settings%3DeyJpZCI6IjUyMzMiLCJ0b2dnbGUiOmZhbHNlfQ%3D%3D) [ DOWNLOAD PRESENTATION ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Eric-Siegel.pdf) Our main stage keynote speaker, Dr. Eric Siegel, offers a fresh take on AI, arguing that while generative AI is easier to use, it may not deliver proven enterprise value compared to predictive AI. **Key takeaways:** - Generative AI is taking all the airtime and spotlight away from predictive AI, which has been around for decades - Organizations should balance their AI investments in both predictive and generative AI - The importance of “bizML” or successful deployment and the six steps to getting there [ ![Murray Izenwasser - SVP Chief AI Evangelist and Strategic Client Advisor at OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Murray-Keynote.jpg) ](#elementor-action%3Aaction%3Dpopup%3Aopen%26settings%3DeyJpZCI6IjUyMzQiLCJ0b2dnbGUiOmZhbHNlfQ%3D%3D) #### MURRAY IZENWASSER ###### Keynote: Before We Look to the Future, Let’s Take a Quick Glance at the Past [ WATCH FULL KEYNOTE ](#elementor-action%3Aaction%3Dpopup%3Aopen%26settings%3DeyJpZCI6IjUyMzQiLCJ0b2dnbGUiOmZhbHNlfQ%3D%3D) [ DOWNLOAD PRESENTATION ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Murray-Izenwasser.pdf) In his keynote, Murray Izenwasser, SVP, Digital Strategy, reminds us that AI isn’t new and that “we’re now in the 80th year of AI research.” He shares compelling use cases where we’re seeing AI play out in innovative ways. **Key takeaways:** - Important milestones that have led to the resurgence in AI we’re experiencing today - Organizations are starting to get serious about AI strategy to improve business operations, customer interactions, and productivity - Security is paramount as companies navigate data privacy, sustainability, and ethical AI use ## What’s New and What’s Next from Microsoft [ ![Microsoft-Beverly-Kodhek Best of AI Future Summit 2024](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Microsoft-Beverly-Kodhek.jpg) ](#elementor-action%3Aaction%3Dpopup%3Aopen%26settings%3DeyJpZCI6IjUyMzUiLCJ0b2dnbGUiOmZhbHNlfQ%3D%3D) ##### BEVERLY KODHEK ###### The Future of AI Is Already Here Join Beverley Kodhek from Microsoft to get a sneak peek into all the exciting developments within Azure AI. More importantly, learn how to leverage these exciting Microsoft products to grow your business. [ DOWNLOAD PRESENTATION ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Beverly-Kodhek.pdf) ## More AI in Action ![Horne How Clean Data Provides Wate Success Story](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Horne-How-Clean-Data-Provides-Wate-Success-Story.jpg) #### JON LEGNER ###### Horne: How Clean Data Provides Clean Water—A Success Story Jackson, Mississippi, faced a water crisis that left residents without water for two weeks. In response, the federal government appointed , a private third-party, to fix the problem. **The challenge:** Underfunding, poor data management, and an outdated on-premise solution did not provide the necessary data on billing or customer insights, hampering revenue generation. **The solution:** Since the existing data was far from ready for AI solutions, Horne first prepared the data for AI, then deployed an AI solution to identify anomalies and outliers within the system. [ ![Best of AI Future Summit 2024 Felix-and-Steve-More-AI-in-Action](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Felix-and-Steve-More-AI-in-Action.jpg) ](#elementor-action%3Aaction%3Dpopup%3Aopen%26settings%3DeyJpZCI6IjUyMzciLCJ0b2dnbGUiOmZhbHNlfQ%3D%3D) #### FELIX PEREZ AND STEVE BAKANOV ###### SBA Communications: An App Innovation AI Solution [ WATCH FULL KEYNOTE ](#elementor-action%3Aaction%3Dpopup%3Aopen%26settings%3DeyJpZCI6IjUyMzciLCJ0b2dnbGUiOmZhbHNlfQ%3D%3D) [ DOWNLOAD PRESENTATION ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/SBA-Communications.pdf) Go behind the scenes with SBA Communications to explore how they tackled a major business challenge with AI. **The challenge:** A complex environment—100 applications, 200 databases, and a financial system across three production environments—led to long average call times reaching 22 minutes. **The solution:** Two AI-driven solutions — 1. “Bob,” a conversational AI agent, and 2. “Bob, the fixer,” both using LLMs, and company data streamlined customer support, drastically reducing resolution times while achieving high CSAT scores. [ ![Best of AI Future Summit 2024](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Patrick-More-AI-in-Action.jpg) ](#elementor-action%3Aaction%3Dpopup%3Aopen%26settings%3DeyJpZCI6IjUyMzgiLCJ0b2dnbGUiOmZhbHNlfQ%3D%3D) #### PATRICK GALLAGHER ###### EPIC Insurance Brokers: AI-Powered Claims Insights Solution—Automating Worker Injury Data Analysis [ WATCH FULL KEYNOTE ](#elementor-action%3Aaction%3Dpopup%3Aopen%26settings%3DeyJpZCI6IjUyMzgiLCJ0b2dnbGUiOmZhbHNlfQ%3D%3D) [ DOWNLOAD PRESENTATION ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/EPIC-Insurance-Brokers.pdf) Explore how EPIC Insurance Brokers, a top U.S. brokerage firm, uses AI to streamline claims processing, gain faster insights, and stay compliant. **The challenge:** Workers’ compensation claims often run into thousands of pages and take years to resolve due to manual searches. **The solution:** An Azure OpenAI-powered system to automate the categorization and analysis of claims data with a plain language search interface. What the AI did—where previously spreadsheets couldn’t—was spot trends from thousands of pages in minutes. ## The Future of AI in Hospitality and Gaming [ ![Best of AI Future Summit 2024](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Andre-AI-in-Hospitality-and-Gaming.jpg) ](#elementor-action%3Aaction%3Dpopup%3Aopen%26settings%3DeyJpZCI6IjUzOTYiLCJ0b2dnbGUiOmZhbHNlfQ%3D%3D) ##### ANDRÉ GOWENS ###### AI in Hospitality and Gaming Industries In this session, Seminole Hard Rock’s Vice President of Enterprise Architecture and Software Engineering, André Gowens, discusses AI’s impact on hospitality and gaming. He demonstrates how AI enhances guest experiences, personalizes interactions, and boosts efficiency across Hard Rock’s global network with key use cases and insights. [ DOWNLOAD PRESENTATION ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/06.-Andre-Gowens.pdf) ## Join the Conversation [ ![Panel-Discussion-with-Microsoft-Experts](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Panel-Discussion-with-Microsoft-Experts.jpg) ](#elementor-action%3Aaction%3Dpopup%3Aopen%26settings%3DeyJpZCI6IjUzOTgiLCJ0b2dnbGUiOmZhbHNlfQ%3D%3D) ###### PANEL DISCUSSION WITH MICROSOFT EXPERTS Join Microsoft experts Shan Thayyullathil, Roberto Mardeni, and Peter Shand as they dive into the latest AI trends, Microsoft’s cloud data solutions, and ethical AI. Explore AI integration in DevOps and the future of AI-driven cloud architectures. [ ![Panel-Discussion-with-AI-Innovators](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Panel-Discussion-with-AI-Innovators.jpg) ](#elementor-action%3Aaction%3Dpopup%3Aopen%26settings%3DeyJpZCI6IjUzOTciLCJ0b2dnbGUiOmZhbHNlfQ%3D%3D) ###### PANEL DISCUSSION WITH AI INNOVATORS Hear from our clients and partners about how they use generative AI to create business value and drive competitive advantage at scale. ## Photo Gallery [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AT7A9798-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/FOTO2698-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2681-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2761.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/FOTO2717-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/FOTO2661-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/FOTO2842-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2573.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2758.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2661-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights7A9795-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2849-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2555-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/FOTO2843-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights7A9797-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2703-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights7A9798.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights7A9800-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights7A9803-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights7A9796-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2530-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/FOTO2713-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2716-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/FOTO2840-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/FOTO2539-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2853.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/FOTO2841-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/FOTO2710-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2694-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2700-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2531-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/FOTO2706-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/FOTO2700-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/FOTO2703-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2534-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2536.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2536-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2797-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2539.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/FOTO2728-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2539-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2540-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2542-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2545-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2547-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2548.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2549.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2551-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2552-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2554-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2557-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2558.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2558-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2559.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2560.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2561.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2563.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2564.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2564-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2565.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2566.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2567.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2569-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2570.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2570-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2574.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2575.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2577.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2579-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2580-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2581-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2583-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2584-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2585-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2590-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2594-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2595-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2599.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2601.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2604.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2605.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2606.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2608-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2613.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/FOTO2852-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2619-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2622-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2624-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2626-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2627-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2632-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2635-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2636-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2641.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2641-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2643-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2645-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2647-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2648.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2648-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2651-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2652-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2653-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2657-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2660.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2660-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2661.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2667.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2667-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2672.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2672-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2683.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2683-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2684-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2685-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2687-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2690-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2693-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2698.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2698-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2700.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2702.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2702-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2703.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2706.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2706-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2710.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2710-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2713.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2713-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2716.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2717.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2717-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2722-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2727-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2728.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2728-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2730-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2732-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2736-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2739.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2739-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2743-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2745-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2748.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2751-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2755-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2756-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2764.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2766.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2766-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2768-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2772.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2772-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2776.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2778-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2783-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2785-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2790-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2793-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2799.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2799-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2802-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2806-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2809.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2809-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2811-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2813-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2815-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2828-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2829-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2839-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2840.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2840-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2841.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2841-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2842.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2842-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2843.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2843-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2848-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2852.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2855.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2856.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2857.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2861.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2861-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2862.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2862-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2865.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2865-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2871.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2871-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2873.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2875.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2875-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2879.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2882.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2885.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2887.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2890.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2892.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2896.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2901.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2901-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2903.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2903-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2906.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2907.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2910.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2910-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2915.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2915-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2916.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2916-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2918.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2923.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2925.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2928.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2928-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2930.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2932.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2935.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2939.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2939-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AI-Future-Summit-2024-Highlights2941.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/FOTO2648-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/FOTO2660-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/FOTO2667-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/FOTO2672-min.jpg) [ ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/FOTO2739-min.jpg) ##### REACH OUT TODAY FOR A FREE AI READINESS ASSESSMENT --- ### [free AI Readiness Assessment Contact Us](https://followoz.com/free-ai-readiness-assessment-contact-us/) **Published:** November 4, 2024 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ## Free AI Readiness Assessment ##### REACH OUT TODAY FOR A FREE AI READINESS ASSESSMENT ## CONTACT US ## UNITED STATES ## Florida ## US Global Headquarters ## 500 W Cypress Creek Rd #570 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309 +1-800-443-5210 – International +1-954-689-3984 – USA ## ARGENTINA ## Rosario ## International Office ## Alvear 1670 – 4to Piso Rosario, Santa Fe 2000, Argentina Tel: +54 34 1425-9172 --- ### [Bending the Cost Curve Whitepaper](https://followoz.com/bending-the-cost-curve-whitepaper_old/) **Published:** November 11, 2024 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ## Bending the Cost Curve ### 7 Proven Ways Microsoft AI Reduces Software Development Costs Every organization is looking to trim costs while staying innovative. While there are opportunities to save, we need to ask which ones yield quick wins and which require more effort and action. This white paper explores how AI technology brings significant cost-savings and time-savings, including all the ways Microsoft AI can help you. ## Contents ##### 1. Introduction ##### 2.Traditional Software Development Costs ##### 3. Bending the Cost Curve with Microsoft AI ##### 4. 7 Proven Ways to Optimize Costs with Microsoft AI - Accelerate Development with AI-Assisted Code Generation - Enhance Code Quality with Automated Testing - Optimize Infrastructure Costs with Intelligent Scaling - Reduce Time Spent on Bug Fixes with AI-Powered Error Analysis - Improve Developer Productivity through AI-Powered Collaboration - Reduce Custom Development with Pre-Built AI Services - Streamline Security and Compliance with AI-Powered Solutions ##### 5. Move from Experimentation to Implementation ##### 6. Meet with Our AI Experts ![Streamline Ops: EAI Solutions by OZ for Businesses](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Enterprise-Integration-Case-study.svg) ## Introduction Cost rules in enterprise software. There’s no business today that isn’t on a mission to curtail costs. IT budgets, in particular, are under constant scrutiny as CIOs look for ways to dial back on expenses. Faced with macroeconomic headwinds and mixed economic signals, they’re taking a harder look at the return on investment. However, cutting costs does not mean cutting corners. Sometimes, all it takes is using the right tools and resources. Other times, it’s about streamlining processes and setting your team up for success. For example, you might be paying for software you don’t need or using outdated systems that are slowing you down. Or maybe inefficient workflows are causing delays and driving up costs. The good news is that newer technologies like generative artificial Intelligence (Gen AI), machine learning (ML), and natural language processing (NLP) offer a silver lining. They’re the biggest technology shift we’ve seen in software development after cloud and DevOps. This new wave of AI technologies promise to rewrite the way software is built and maintained. If it does, software development will undergo a massive transformation — with big implications for how developers work and how companies build, maintain, and optimize the code powering their organizations. This new era of AI will herald change as big as the Agile development movement, transforming how organizations respond to evolving software requirements and customer feedback. ![Sector Transformation](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Group.svg) The future of software the development will be deeply influenced by AI, with the potential to disrupt traditional development practices and unlock new levels of efficiency and innovation.” ###### Andrew Ng, — AI Researcher and Founder of DeepLearning.AI, Landing AI, and Co-Founder of Coursera **Generative AI is new** —but gaining momentum faster than anyone imagined. There’s no ignoring the possibilities and cost-efficiencies it brings to software development. Look what’s happening with GPT-4o. It suggests software code and entire functions based on natural language prompts. Still, we believe the most valuable use for generative AI is training it on an organization’s proprietary source code and technical documentation. Then, “fine tuning” it in a way that produces massive productivity gains while reducing the cost of creating and maintaining software. Before we dive into all the ways generative AI reduces software development costs, let’s examine what it costs to develop software in 2024—and what it takes to keep those costs down. Traditional software development costs widely differ depending on several factors, but here’s a general breakdown: #### Project Type What does your software project entail—simple apps with basic features or complex enterprise software with robust features, add-ons, and security? Your software project’s size, type, and scope impacts development costs. The more attributes and features, the higher the costs. If you’re building from scratch, it would cost you more compared to tweaking existing software—assuming your current software is well-architected, your tech stack is up to date, and scalable. However, in many cases, it becomes more cost-effective to rewrite than maintain and update existing software. SaaS projects, due to their complexity also cost more. ## Complexity That brings us to the next critical factor—complexity. Project size isn’t always an accurate measure of complexity. Large projects can be simple—although large projects tend to be fairly more complex—and small projects, complex. The intricacy of features and requirements drives the challenge, not necessarily the scale. ## Time to Market Time to market (TTM) is the time it takes to get a product, service, or solution from the drawing board into the hands of users. It could take anything from a couple months to five years, depending on its level of difficulty. For example, the first version of Airbnb launched in just 10 months. You’ll find TTM is directly proportional to the cost and revenue associated with any software development process. The longer it takes to develop software, the more it costs down the road. On the other hand, early releases can help you get valuable feedback from your customers, which helps shape the future of the product, increase profits, and keep costs down. That’s why Minimal Viable Products (MVP) are the new standard in taking a new product to market. ## External Systems & APIs Most of the software you see today are connected to external systems and application programming interfaces (APIs). For example, features such as mapping and geolocation run external to the app but are there when the user needs them. Security, data encryption, and protection though invisible to the user are critical to your product or software. Integrating external systems and APIs although necessary adds to the backend complexity and cost. Despite their expense, they’re essential for a successful product. ## Expertise The expertise you employ affects project costs. Complex projects require senior developers, pushing up costs. The size and roles within your team—from project managers and solution architects to developers and testers—will vary by project but increase costs depending on experience and project scope. ## Bending the Cost Curve with Microsoft AI Generative AI has opened the doors for developers to do things that were previously impossible. We know by now how AI coding assistants like GitHub Copilot do everything from helping developers with drudge work all the way to producing entire codebases from brief prompts. In fact, GitHub found that developers who used an AI coding assistant worked 55% faster than those who didn’t. By 2028, according to a Gartner poll, 75% of software engineers will be using generative AI code assistants. This means more time savings—and cost savings—for organizations and IT teams. ![Bending the Cost Curve with Microsoft AI](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Bending-the-Cost-Curve-with-Microsoft-AI.jpg) ## By bringing AI to your developers, you can simplify software development and reduce costs while reaping the following benefits: ## 1. Accelerate Development with AI-Assisted Code Generation Need to add new features or make major changes to your software—fast? With AI, you’re in good hands. AI tools help you rapidly onboard large groups of developers and get them up to speed quickly. In fact, a McKinsey study shows that software developers can complete coding tasks up to twice as fast with generative AI, without sacrificing quality. Your code won’t compile again? Developers everywhere have days when they’re wondering, “Why is this thing not working?” And then, may have to consult with a more senior developer who points them in the right direction. With AI assistants like GitHub Copilot, all you have to do is ask and it will explore alternative solutions, offering options into what’s possible. Copilot provides guidance on which classes or libraries of code have the necessary functionality to implement specific requirements. It suggests code based on context and analyzes your code for vulnerabilities. Copilot even debugs code across languages—from Java to C++—based on the prompt you enter. ##### AI Tools GitHub Copilot, Azure OpenAI ##### How It Helps AI-assisted code generation speeds up the coding process by generating code snippets, reducing manual work, and reducing errors. ##### Cost Reduction Impact Fewer development hours, lower debugging costs, and faster time-to-market. ## 2. Enhance Code Quality with Automated Testing The benefits extend beyond just code generation. AI plays a crucial role in bug detection, prevention, fixes, and automated testing. It identifies potential bugs early in the development process, reducing the time spent on debugging while improving the developer experience. AI-driven test generation, execution, and static analysis tools contribute to faster release cycles and more reliable software. ##### AI Tools Azure DevOps, Azure Pipelines, Test Plans, AI-driven test case generation ##### How It Helps AI can automate testing and improve the precision of test cases, catching bugs early and ensuring higher quality in production. ##### Cost Reduction Impact Reduces expensive post-deployment fixes and QA hours. ## 3. Optimize Infrastructure Costs with Intelligent Scaling AI-powered tools have the ability to monitor real-time demand and predict usage based on historical data, intelligently scaling resources up (or down) accordingly. Such dynamic scaling helps you avoid paying for resources you don’t need, cutting costs while making sure your infrastructure runs efficiently without losing performance. By integrating intelligent scaling and AI, you can also identify areas of waste—such as underused servers or redundancies—and adjust configurations to better suit actual needs ##### AI Tools Azure Cost Management + AI, Azure Monitor, Azure Advisor ##### How It Helps Microsoft AI tools can analyze usage patterns and recommend optimized scaling, ensuring that cloud infrastructure is right-sized for application needs. ##### Cost Reduction Impact Prevents over-provisioning, optimizing cloud spend by scaling up or down as needed. ## 4. Reduce Time Spent on Bug Fixes with AI-Powered Error Analysis A better customer experience begins the moment development checks in their code. By optimizing CI/CD pipelines, automating tasks like code deployment, testing, and monitoring, AI enables you deploy software faster. Clean code devoid of human errors improves the overall quality of the software, cutting down on rework and post-launch fixes, which are expensive and time-consuming. By analyzing large codebases, generative AI helps software development teams to identify and fix bugs automatically. ##### AI Tools Azure Monitor, Azure AI anomaly detection ##### How It Helps AI can rapidly analyze error logs, identify anomalies, and pinpoint the root cause of bugs, helping developers fix issues faster. ##### Cost Reduction Impact Minimizes developer time spent on debugging and lowers operational downtime. ## 5. Improve Developer Productivity through AI-Powered Collaboration According to McKinsey, there are several “low hanging fruit” use cases where AI can drastically speed up developer productivity. Coding often involves tasks that are simple yet tedious, and this is where generative AI shines. Repetitive, routine work like typing out standard functions can be expedited with auto-complete features. Tools like OpenAI’s Codex even suggests lines of code or entire functions based on natural language descriptions. Documentation becomes faster and easier too, as AI helps developers stick to specific formats. Natural Language Processing (NLP) takes it a step further, allowing developers to interact with development environments, debugging, and version control systems using everyday language. Beginners can also tap into Generative AI for context, explanations, and guidance as they write code, which speeds up learning and opens the door to software development for more people. ##### AI Tools Microsoft Teams + AI, Azure DevOps, GitHub ##### How It Helps AI-enhanced tools improve communication and collaboration by automating workflows, managing tasks, and providing insights on team productivity. ##### Cost Reduction Impact Increases overall developer output while minimizing time lost in coordination and administrative overhead. ## 6. Reduce Custom Development with Pre-Built AI Services Developers don’t have to build code from scratch every single time. With out-of-the-box AI applications and customizable APIs and pre-built models, developers can embed AI in applications and their business operations. The models can be custom trained for more accurate results and different teams across the organization can reuse the models, data sets, and data labels across services. If developers wish, they could easily add machine learning to apps without slowing application development. ##### AI Tools Azure Cognitive Services, Azure Machine Learning ##### How It Helps Instead of building custom AI models from scratch, businesses can leverage pre-built AI services to integrate capabilities like NLP, image recognition, and language translation directly into applications. ##### Cost Reduction Impact Saves on R&D costs, as teams use pre-trained models and services to meet common business requirements. ## 7. Streamline Security and Compliance with AI-Powered Solutions In the era of DevSecOps—the collaborative culture between development, operations, and security teams—security is everyone’s responsibility. AI empowers security engineers to analyze security logs and network traffic more effectively, identifying potential threats and automating response actions, ultimately reducing the risk of breaches. AI-powered tools provides real-time feedback on code security, helping developers write more secure code from the very beginning, and build more reliable software. ##### AI Tools Microsoft Sentinel, Azure Security Center, Azure Purview ##### How It Helps AI-driven security tools continuously monitor and analyze threats, compliance risks, and anomalies, allowing for faster response times. ##### Cost Reduction Impact Lowers security-related incidents, reducing legal and regulatory costs while minimizing damage from potential breaches. ## Move from Experimentation to Implementation Thus far, you’ve only seen the tip of the cost-optimization iceberg. There’s so much more value AI brings to software development. AI will soon become an indispensable addition to your data and advanced analytics toolbox. Even if you think the technology isn’t mature enough in its current state, doing proofs of concept now to become familiar with the technology will help you respond quickly to newer, more advanced models. As a Microsoft partner with over 25 years of experience driving digital transformation, we are uniquely positioned to help your organization leverage AI to transform software development and maintenance. Drawing on our deep expertise in artificial intelligence, machine learning and natural language processing, we can guide your organization through strategy development, platform selection, implementation, and ongoing support, including the embrace of responsible AI practices to unlock new growth and reduce costs. The future of software development cost optimization never looked brighter. ## Meet with our AI Experts ![jason Moving from Hybrid to Adaptive Cloud? Think Three-Layer Cake.](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Jason_Milgram_image-2.png) ## Jason Milgram ## Senior Vice President, Azure Leader Fourteen-time Microsoft Azure MVP, Jason is a proven leader in Azure cloud computing and AI with more than 25 years of experience helping clients create exceptional customer experiences through technology and innovation. In 1997, he worked on a groundbreaking project with the U.S. Department of Justice related to a WWII-era legal case, where he integrated an AI solution into Lotus Notes/Domino so when searching through millions of scanned and OCR’ed documents for the case, users could specify the meanings of words they were looking for—such as distinguishing between “ruler” as a leader versus a measuring tool. As an Azure Leader, Jason leads a global team of technology professionals to deliver cutting-edge Microsoft solutions. Jason is also the co-author of the Microsoft Azure Strategy and Implementation Guides, a series that provides practical guidance and best practices for Azure adoption and optimization. [ TAKE OUR FREE AI ASSESSMENT ](https://followoz.com/free-ai-readiness-assessment-contact-us/) ![Pablo](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Pablo-1.jpg) ## Pablo Piovano ## Director, AI & Cloud Services, Microsoft AI MVP As a three-time Microsoft MVP in AI, Pablo is passionate about applying artificial intelligence and machine learning solutions to transform our clients’ businesses, and implement, and oversee AI solutions. From strategy and implementation to support and maintenance, Pablo ensures our AI initiatives align with our client’s goals, improve customer experiences, and drive new revenue streams. For more information on how AI can transform your business, [click here](https://followoz.com/best-of-ai-future-summit-2024/) [ TAKE OUR FREE AI ASSESSMENT ](https://followoz.com/free-ai-readiness-assessment-contact-us/) --- ### [Terms & Conditions](https://followoz.com/coffee-terms-conditions/) **Published:** February 12, 2025 **Author:** ozadmindanish **Content:** ## Terms & Conditions ## OZ Digital Consulting Promotional Offer Terms & Conditions ###### Effective Date: February 10, 2025 These Terms and Conditions (“Terms”) govern the promotional offer (the “Offer”) provided by OZ Digital Consulting LLC (“Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our”). By participating in this Offer, you agree to abide by these Terms. ###### 1. Offer Details OZ Digital Consulting is offering a $100 Starbucks gift card (the “Gift Card”) to eligible prospective customers in exchange for a 15-minute phone consultation with a Company representative. ###### 2. Eligibility - This Offer is available only to specific prospective customers identified by OZ Digital Consulting. - The Offer is non-transferable and may only be redeemed once per eligible individual or business. - Employees, affiliates, or partners of OZ Digital Consulting and their immediate family members are not eligible. ###### 3. How to Redeem - The eligible prospective customer must schedule and complete a 15-minute phone consultation with an OZ Digital Consulting representative within the promotional period. - Upon successful completion of the consultation, the Gift Card will be sent electronically to the email address provided by the participant within 10 business days. ###### 4. Promotion Period - The Offer is valid until September 1st, 2025. Any consultations completed after this date will not qualify for the Gift Card. - OZ Digital Consulting reserves the right to modify or terminate this Offer at any time without prior notice. ###### 5. Limitations - The Offer is limited to one Gift Card per eligible participant. - The Gift Card cannot be exchanged for cash, credit, or any other form of compensation. - OZ Digital Consulting is not responsible for lost, stolen, or misdelivered Gift Cards. ###### 6. Additional Terms - By participating, you agree to allow OZ Digital Consulting to contact you regarding its services, as well as the collection and use of your information for prize fulfillment and marketing purposes. OZ Digital Consulting will not sell or share personal data with third parties. - This Offer is void where prohibited by law and is governed by the laws of the State of FL, and any disputes shall be resolved exclusively in the courts of that jurisdiction. - OZ Digital Consulting reserves the right to disqualify any participant who violates these Terms or attempts to abuse the Offer. - By entering, participants agree to release OZ and its affiliates from any liability related to participation in the Promotion, acceptance of the Offer, or any technical errors that may occur. If you have any questions regarding this Offer, please contact us at <marketing@followoz.com>. --- ### [Start Saving Up to 73% on IT Talent Costs](https://followoz.com/start-saving-up-to-73-on-it-talent-costs/) **Published:** February 7, 2025 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ## Start Saving Up to 73% on IT Talent Costs ###### Get Your Free Cost-Savings Assessment Today Join 370+ businesses leveraging our Microsoft expertise to accelerate projects and go to market faster while saving up to 73% on IT talent costs. Service hours 6.5 M+ Years of experience 25 + Projects 1350 + Clients 370 + MVPs 7 + Microsoft certifications 290 + --- ### [Save](https://followoz.com/save/) **Published:** February 10, 2025 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ## Start Saving Up to 73% on IT Talent Costs ###### Schedule a 15-minute call with OZ CRO Steph Abitan, redeem your Visa gift card offer\* [\*Terms and Conditions apply](https://followoz.com/15mins-terms-conditions/) ![Stephane Abitan](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Stephane-Abitan.jpg)### Steph Abitan Chief Revenue Officer Join 370+ businesses leveraging our Microsoft expertise to accelerate projects and go to market faster while saving up to 73% on IT talent costs. Service hours 6.5 M+ Years of experience 25 + Projects 1350 + Clients 370 + MVPs 7 + Microsoft certifications 290 + ## Get exceptional results with certified Microsoft expertise ![Badge](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-58-3.svg) ![Badge](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-61-2.svg) ![Badge](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-64.svg) ![Badge](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-59-1.svg) ![Badge](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-65.svg) ![Badge](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-60-2.svg) ![Badge](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-63.svg) ![Badge](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-66.svg) ![Data and AI Azure Microsoft logo - OZ Digital Consulting partnership](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Data-and-AI-Azure_MSFT-logo.png) ![OZ MS Infrastructure](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/OZ-MS-Infrastructure.png) ![Microsoft Solutions Partner Digital and Application Innovation badge](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Microsoft-Solutions-Partner_Digital-and-App.png) ## Their words, not ours Hear what our customers have to say. ![Quote](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Quote-Mark.png) "The OZ team supports me really well—developers, engineers, testers—and they have great rates and great fees." ###### André Gowens VP, Enterprise Architecture, AppDev, Data Seminole Hard Rock [ Read case study ](https://followoz.com/case-studies/hard-rock/) ![Hard rock seo](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/output-onlinepngtools-1.png) ![Quote](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Quote-Mark.png) “OZ Digital Consulting is a critical technology partner for AdvancedRx, helping us build secure, scalable, state-of-the-art modern software applications.” ###### Ainsley Little VP, Systems, AdvancedRx [ Read case study ](https://followoz.com/case-studies/advanced-rx/) ![Ainsley](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Ainsley.png) ![Quote](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Quote-Mark.png) “It was all hands on deck. We had everyone standing by to cope with whatever problems came up. Except, there weren’t any. The company received three calls about the new system, one of which was a compliment.” ###### Dr. Marc Fishman Founder, OncoHealth [ Read case study ](https://followoz.com/case-studies/oncohealth/) ![Dr Marc](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Dr-Marc-800x907-2.png) [ SEE ALL CASE STUDIES ](https://followoz.com/resources/case-studies/) --- ### [15mins Terms and conditions](https://followoz.com/15mins-terms-conditions/) **Published:** February 14, 2025 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ## Terms & Conditions ## OZ Digital Consulting Promotional Offer Terms & Conditions ###### Effective Date: February 10, 2025 These Terms and Conditions (“Terms”) govern the promotional offer (the “Offer”) provided by OZ Digital Consulting LLC (“Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our”). By participating in this Offer, you agree to abide by these Terms. ###### 1. Offer Details OZ Digital Consulting is offering a gift card (the “Gift Card”) or charitable donation to eligible prospective customers in exchange for a 15-minute phone consultation with a Company representative. The Gift Card may vary in currency denominations, either $25, $50, or $250. The charitable donation is for $250 only. ###### 2. Eligibility - This Offer is available only to specific prospective customers identified by OZ Digital Consulting. - The Offer is non-transferable and may only be redeemed once per eligible individual or business. - Employees, affiliates, or partners of OZ Digital Consulting and their immediate family members are not eligible. ###### 3. How to Redeem - The eligible prospective customer must schedule and complete a 15-minute phone consultation with an OZ Digital Consulting representative within the promotional period. - Upon successful completion of the consultation, the Gift Card or charitable donation will be sent electronically to the email address provided by the participant within 10 business days. ###### 4. Promotion Period - The Offer is valid until September 01, 2025. Any consultations completed after this date will not qualify for the Gift Card or charitable donation. - OZ Digital Consulting reserves the right to modify or terminate this Offer at any time without prior notice. ###### 5. Limitations - The Offer is limited to one Gift Card or charitable donation per eligible participant. - The Gift Card or charitable donation cannot be exchanged for cash, credit, or any other form of compensation. - OZ Digital Consulting is not responsible for lost, stolen, or misdelivered Gift Cards or charitable donations. ###### 6. Additional Terms - By participating, you agree to allow OZ Digital Consulting to contact you regarding its services, as well as the collection and use of your information for prize fulfillment and marketing purposes. OZ Digital Consulting will not sell or share personal data with third parties. - This Offer is void where prohibited by law and is governed by the laws of the State of FL, and any disputes shall be resolved exclusively in the courts of that jurisdiction. - OZ Digital Consulting reserves the right to disqualify any participant who violates these Terms or attempts to abuse the Offer. - By entering, participants agree to release OZ and its affiliates from any liability related to participation in the Promotion, acceptance of the Offer, or any technical errors that may occur. If you have any questions regarding this Offer, please contact us at <marketing@followoz.com>. --- ### [Steph](https://followoz.com/steph/) **Published:** February 18, 2025 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ## Start Saving Up to 73% on IT Talent Costs ###### Schedule a 15-minute, no-obligation call with Steph Abitan. ![Stephane Abitan](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Stephane-Abitan.jpg)### Steph Abitan Chief Revenue Officer Join 370+ businesses leveraging our Microsoft expertise to accelerate projects and go to market faster while saving up to 73% on IT talent costs. Service hours 6.5 M+ Years of experience 25 + Projects 1350 + Clients 370 + MVPs 7 + Microsoft certifications 290 + ## Get exceptional results with certified Microsoft expertise ![Badge](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-58-3.svg) ![Badge](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-61-2.svg) ![Badge](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-64.svg) ![Badge](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-59-1.svg) ![Badge](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-65.svg) ![Badge](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-60-2.svg) ![Badge](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-63.svg) ![Badge](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-66.svg) ![Data and AI Azure Microsoft logo - OZ Digital Consulting partnership](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Data-and-AI-Azure_MSFT-logo.png) ![OZ MS Infrastructure](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/OZ-MS-Infrastructure.png) ![Microsoft Solutions Partner Digital and Application Innovation badge](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Microsoft-Solutions-Partner_Digital-and-App.png) ## Their words, not ours Hear what our customers have to say. ![Quote](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Quote-Mark.png) "The OZ team supports me really well—developers, engineers, testers—and they have great rates and great fees." ###### André Gowens VP, Enterprise Architecture, AppDev, Data Seminole Hard Rock [ Read case study ](https://followoz.com/case-studies/hard-rock/) ![Hard rock seo](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/output-onlinepngtools-1.png) ![Quote](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Quote-Mark.png) “OZ Digital Consulting is a critical technology partner for AdvancedRx, helping us build secure, scalable, state-of-the-art modern software applications.” ###### Ainsley Little VP, Systems, AdvancedRx [ Read case study ](https://followoz.com/case-studies/advanced-rx/) ![Ainsley](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Ainsley.png) ![Quote](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Quote-Mark.png) “It was all hands on deck. We had everyone standing by to cope with whatever problems came up. Except, there weren’t any. The company received three calls about the new system, one of which was a compliment.” ###### Dr. Marc Fishman Founder, OncoHealth [ Read case study ](https://followoz.com/case-studies/oncohealth/) ![Dr Marc](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Dr-Marc-800x907-2.png) [ SEE ALL CASE STUDIES ](https://followoz.com/resources/case-studies/) --- ### [Exclusive joint webinar: 3 ways ai delivers real cost savings](https://followoz.com/microsoft-ai-webinar/) **Published:** February 19, 2025 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ## EXCLUSIVE JOINT WEBINAR: 3 WAYS AI DELIVERS REAL COST SAVINGS ###### March 6, 2025 \| 12 pm EST [ Register ](https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_YKuCsYfIT3GiLcKblFodNA) ![ai delivers real cost savings partners](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/partners.png) ### JOIN OUR WEBINAR WITH MICROSOFT AND GET A FREE YETI Businesses are starting to invest in AI—but are they seeing real ROI? Join this webinar to find out. Hear from Microsoft and OZ Digital Consulting experts as they explore: - Three AI-powered solutions that free up time, reduce costs, and improve efficiency—without massive investments - How to build affordable, industry-specific AI solutions - Why responsible AI isn’t just ethical—it’s smarter and can protect your brand and reputation ## MEET THE SPEAKERS ![Vikash Kaul](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Vikash-Kaul.jpg) ###### Vikash Kaul CTO EPIC Insurance Brokers ![Beverly Kodhek](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Beverly-Kodhek.jpg) ###### Beverly Kodhek Program Manager Microsoft ![Jason Milgram - Chief Technology Officer and 15-time Microsoft MVP at OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Jason-Milgram.png) ###### Jason Milgram CTO OZ Digital Consulting Don’t miss your chance to attend – [Register now](https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_YKuCsYfIT3GiLcKblFodNA). Hurry! Register now with your work email. The first 150 attendees who attend the webinar will get a free Yeti Rambler. **[\*Terms & Conditions apply](https://followoz.com/yeti-terms-and-conditions/)**. --- ### [YETI Terms and Conditions](https://followoz.com/yeti-terms-and-conditions/) **Published:** February 19, 2025 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ## YETI Terms and Conditions ###### 1. Eligibility The OZ Webinar Giveaway (“Promotion”) is open to legal residents of the United States who are 18 years or older at the time of entry and provide a valid United States shipping address. Employees of OZ, its affiliates, subsidiaries, advertising and promotion agencies, and immediate family members are not eligible to participate. ###### 2. Promotion Period The Promotion begins on March 6, 2025 at 12:00 p.m. and ends at 1:00 p.m. (the “Promotion Period”). Participants must attend the entire webinar to be eligible. ###### 3. How to Enter To enter the Promotion, individuals must: - 1. Register for the “3 Ways AI Delivers Real Cost Savings” webinar hosted by OZ. - 2. Attend the entire webinar from start to finish. - 3. Provide valid shipping information at registration. ###### 4. Prize Each eligible participant who meets the attendance requirements will receive a YETI Rambler® 20 oz Stackable Cup (the “Prize”). The Prize is non-transferable, non-refundable, and cannot be exchanged for cash or other alternatives. OZ reserves the right to substitute a prize of equal or greater value if necessary. ###### 5. Winner Notification & Prize Distribution Participants who have provided their shipping information at registration and attend the webinar in full will automatically qualify to receive a Prize. Prizes can only be distributed to the first 150 attendees who attend the webinar in full. Prizes will be shipped within 3 weeks after verification. OZ is not responsible for lost, delayed, or misdirected shipments. Failure to complete the survey within the specified timeframe will result in forfeiture of the Prize. ###### 6. General Conditions OZ reserves the right to disqualify any participant who attempts to circumvent the rules or engages in fraudulent activity. OZ also reserves the right to cancel, suspend, or modify the Promotion if unforeseen circumstances arise. ###### 7. Privacy By participating in the Promotion, entrants agree to OZ’s Privacy Policy and consent to the collection and use of their information for prize fulfillment and marketing purposes. OZ will not sell or share personal data with third parties. ###### 8. Limitation of Liability By entering, participants agree to release OZ and its affiliates from any liability related to participation in the Promotion, acceptance of the Prize, or any technical errors that may occur. ###### 9. Governing Law This Promotion is governed by the laws of the State of FL, and any disputes shall be resolved exclusively in the courts of that jurisdiction. ###### 10. Contact Information For questions regarding the Promotion, please contact OZ at <marketing@followoz.com>. --- ### [Save new](https://followoz.com/save-new/) **Published:** April 16, 2025 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ## Start Saving Up to 73% on IT Talent Costs ###### Schedule a 15-minute call with OZ CRO Steph Abitan, redeem your Visa gift card offer\* [\*Terms and Conditions apply](https://followoz.com/15mins-terms-conditions/) ![Stephane Abitan](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Stephane-Abitan.jpg)### Steph Abitan Chief Revenue Officer Join 370+ businesses leveraging our Microsoft expertise to accelerate projects and go to market faster while saving up to 73% on IT talent costs. Service hours 6.5 M+ Years of experience 25 + Projects 1350 + Clients 370 + MVPs 7 + Microsoft certifications 290 + ## Get exceptional results with certified Microsoft expertise ![Badge](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-58-3.svg) ![Badge](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-61-2.svg) ![Badge](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-64.svg) ![Badge](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-59-1.svg) ![Badge](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-65.svg) ![Badge](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-60-2.svg) ![Badge](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-63.svg) ![Badge](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-66.svg) ![Data and AI Azure Microsoft logo - OZ Digital Consulting partnership](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Data-and-AI-Azure_MSFT-logo.png) ![OZ MS Infrastructure](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/OZ-MS-Infrastructure.png) ![Microsoft Solutions Partner Digital and Application Innovation badge](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Microsoft-Solutions-Partner_Digital-and-App.png) ## Their words, not ours Hear what our customers have to say. ![Quote](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Quote-Mark.png) "The OZ team supports me really well—developers, engineers, testers—and they have great rates and great fees." ###### André Gowens VP, Enterprise Architecture, AppDev, Data Seminole Hard Rock [ Read case study ](https://followoz.com/case-studies/hard-rock/) ![Hard rock seo](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/output-onlinepngtools-1.png) ![Quote](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Quote-Mark.png) “OZ Digital Consulting is a critical technology partner for AdvancedRx, helping us build secure, scalable, state-of-the-art modern software applications.” ###### Ainsley Little VP, Systems, AdvancedRx [ Read case study ](https://followoz.com/case-studies/advanced-rx/) ![Ainsley](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Ainsley.png) ![Quote](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Quote-Mark.png) “It was all hands on deck. We had everyone standing by to cope with whatever problems came up. Except, there weren’t any. The company received three calls about the new system, one of which was a compliment.” ###### Dr. Marc Fishman Founder, OncoHealth [ Read case study ](https://followoz.com/case-studies/oncohealth/) ![Dr Marc](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Dr-Marc-800x907-2.png) [ SEE ALL CASE STUDIES ](https://followoz.com/resources/case-studies/) --- ### [Webinar Recap: 3 Ways AI Delivers Real Savings](https://followoz.com/webinar-recap-3-ways-ai-delivers-real-savings/) **Published:** March 7, 2025 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ## Webinar Recap: 3 Ways AI Delivers Real Savings ##### Watch Webinar Recording Businesses have started adopting AI and integrating it into their operations. But now AI is at an inflection point. Leaders are asking: Does AI truly deliver ROI? In this exclusive webinar with Microsoft, 3 Ways AI Delivers Real Savings, Jason Milgram, CTO of OZ Digital Consulting, sits down with Beverly Kodhek, Microsoft Program Manager, and Vikash Kaul, CTO of EPIC Insurance Brokers, to discuss where and how AI delivers real savings. ###### Key Takeaways: - AI-powered document Intelligence drives savings across industries, especially in document-intensive industries like insurance. Companies like EPIC Insurance Brokers are using it to speed up claims processing, reduce admin burden, and gain valuable insights. - Microsoft AI transcription tools extract, analyze, and summarize information in seconds, reducing time spent on tedious documentation - Microsoft AI enables content safety grounding models to protect your brand and reputation. Missed the live session? Don’t worry—you can now watch the webinar on demand. ## MEET THE SPEAKERS ![Vikash Kaul](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Vikash-Kaul.jpg) ###### Vikash Kaul CTO EPIC Insurance Brokers ![Beverly Kodhek](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Beverly-Kodhek.jpg) ###### Beverly Kodhek Program Manager Microsoft ![Jason Milgram - Chief Technology Officer and 15-time Microsoft MVP at OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Jason-Milgram.png) ###### Jason Milgram CTO OZ Digital Consulting ![Sector Transformation](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Group.svg) “Looking through 6000 to 7000 documents to spot trends becomes extremely difficult but using document intelligence to classify and glean insights from that information in minutes has been a huge time saver for us.” ###### — Vikash Kaul, Chief Technology Officer, EPIC Insurance Brokers --- ### [3 Ways AI Delivers Real Savings](https://followoz.com/3-ways-ai-delivers-real-savings/) **Published:** March 7, 2025 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ## Webinar Recap: 3 Ways AI Delivers Real Savings [ ![Webinar Play](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Webinar-Play.png) ](#elementor-action%3Aaction%3Dpopup%3Aopen%26settings%3DeyJpZCI6IjU1ODQiLCJ0b2dnbGUiOmZhbHNlfQ%3D%3D) Businesses have started adopting AI and integrating it into their operations. But now AI is at an inflection point. Leaders are asking: Does AI truly deliver ROI? In this exclusive webinar with Microsoft, 3 Ways AI Delivers Real Savings, Jason Milgram, CTO of OZ Digital Consulting, sits down with Beverly Kodhek, Microsoft Program Manager, and Vikash Kaul, CTO of EPIC Insurance Brokers, to discuss where and how AI delivers real savings. ###### Key Takeaways: - AI-powered document Intelligence drives savings across industries, especially in document-intensive industries like insurance. Companies like EPIC Insurance Brokers are using it to speed up claims processing, reduce admin burden, and gain valuable insights. - Microsoft AI transcription tools extract, analyze, and summarize information in seconds, reducing time spent on tedious documentation - Microsoft AI enables content safety grounding models to protect your brand and reputation. Missed the live session? Don’t worry—you can now watch the webinar on demand. ## MEET THE SPEAKERS ![Vikash Kaul](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Vikash-Kaul.jpg) ###### Vikash Kaul CTO EPIC Insurance Brokers ![Beverly Kodhek](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Beverly-Kodhek.jpg) ###### Beverly Kodhek Program Manager Microsoft ![Jason Milgram - Chief Technology Officer and 15-time Microsoft MVP at OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Jason-Milgram.png) ###### Jason Milgram CTO OZ Digital Consulting ![Sector Transformation](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Group.svg) “Looking through 6000 to 7000 documents to spot trends becomes extremely difficult but using document intelligence to classify and glean insights from that information in minutes has been a huge time saver for us.” ###### — Vikash Kaul, Chief Technology Officer, EPIC Insurance Brokers --- ### [Demos Videos](https://followoz.com/demos-videos/) **Published:** June 2, 2026 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ## VIDEO DEMOS # Solution Demos Watch our solution demos and real-world business use cases to see how organizations are driving innovation, efficiency, and growth with Microsoft technologies. [![Open brochure with blue curved lines; cover reads: 'The pharmacy deadline that could cost you millions if you wait'.](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/The-Pharmacy-Deadline-that-Could-Cost-You-Millions-If-You-Wait-NYPDP.jpg)](https://followoz.com/resources/whitepapers/the-2028-pharmacy-deadline-that-could-cost-you-millions/)## [ The Pharmacy Deadline that Could Cost You Millions If You Wait ](https://followoz.com/resources/whitepapers/the-2028-pharmacy-deadline-that-could-cost-you-millions/) [![7 Proven Ways Microsoft AI Reduces Software Development Costs](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/7-Proven-Ways-Microsoft-AI-Reduces-Software-Development-Costs.jpg)](https://followoz.com/resources/whitepapers/bending-the-cost-curve-whitepaper/)## [ 7 Proven Ways Microsoft AI Reduces Software Development Cost curve whitepaper ](https://followoz.com/resources/whitepapers/bending-the-cost-curve-whitepaper/) [![Insurance Data](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Unlocking-the-Hidden-Value-in-Insurance-Data-2.jpg)](https://followoz.com/resources/ebooks/unlocking-the-hidden-value-in-insurance-data/)## [ Under the Hood: Unlocking the Hidden Value in Insurance Data ](https://followoz.com/resources/ebooks/unlocking-the-hidden-value-in-insurance-data/) [![Oz Digital Consulting Beyond the Bot How AI Is e-Books](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Beyond-the-Bot-How-AI-Is-Ushering-in-the-Next-Wave-of-Automation-1.jpg)](https://followoz.com/resources/ebooks/beyond-the-bot-how-ai-is-ushering-in-the-next-wave-of-automation/)## [ Beyond the Bot: How AI Is Ushering in the Next Wave of Automation ](https://followoz.com/resources/ebooks/beyond-the-bot-how-ai-is-ushering-in-the-next-wave-of-automation/) [![Oz Digital Consulting Overcoming the 3 Major Challenges](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Overcoming-the-3-Major-Challenges-to-Unlocking-the-Power-Promise-of-Todays-Modern-Applications-1-2.jpg)](https://followoz.com/resources/ebooks/overcoming-the-3-major-challenges-to-unlocking-the-power-promise-of-todays-modern-applications/)## [ Overcoming the 3 Major Challenges to Unlocking the Power & Promise of Today’s Modern Applications ](https://followoz.com/resources/ebooks/overcoming-the-3-major-challenges-to-unlocking-the-power-promise-of-todays-modern-applications/) [![top trends e-Books](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/top-trends-in-data-analytics-and-ai-in-2023-1.jpg)](https://followoz.com/resources/ebooks/unlock-the-potential-of-data-analytics-and-ai/)## [ Unlock the Potential of Data Analytics and AI ](https://followoz.com/resources/ebooks/unlock-the-potential-of-data-analytics-and-ai/) [![Data Democratization Books](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Data-Democratization_ebook-cvr-1.jpg)](https://followoz.com/resources/ebooks/understanding-leveraging-data-democratization/)## [ The Secret to Understanding & Leveraging Data Democratization ](https://followoz.com/resources/ebooks/understanding-leveraging-data-democratization/) [![Deconstructing Books](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Deconstructing-the-Monolith_ebook-cvr-1.jpg)](https://followoz.com/resources/ebooks/integration-services/)## [ 3 Digital Integration Trends Reshaping the Business Landscape ](https://followoz.com/resources/ebooks/integration-services/) [![Oz Digital Consulting banner e-Books](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Powerful-Strategic-Frameworks-Laying-the-Foundation-1.jpg)](https://followoz.com/resources/ebooks/powerful-strategic-frameworks/)## [ Powerful Strategic Frameworks: Laying the Foundation ](https://followoz.com/resources/ebooks/powerful-strategic-frameworks/) --- ### [Recruitment and Hiring Privacy Statement](https://followoz.com/recruitment-and-hiring-privacy-statement/) **Published:** July 15, 2026 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ## Recruitment and Hiring Privacy Statement **Effective Date: July 24, 2026** This Recruitment and Hiring Privacy Statement explains how **OZ Digital, LLC (“Followoz.com,” “we,” “us,” or “our”)** collects, uses, and protects the personal information of job applicants and candidates in connection with our recruitment processes. ## Information We Collect When you apply for a role or express interest in employment with **OZ Digital, LLC**, we may collect and process the following categories of personal information: - Contact information (such as name, email address, phone number, and address) - Professional and employment-related information (such as resume/CV, work history, education, skills, certifications, and references) - Identification information (such as government-issued IDs where required for employment verification) - Communication and correspondence with you during the recruitment process - Information collected through interviews, assessments, and evaluations - Technical data (such as IP address, browser type, and usage information when applying through our website) Providing this information is voluntary; however, failure to provide certain information may affect our ability to consider your application. ## How We Use Your Information We use your personal information for recruitment and hiring purposes, including to: - Assess your qualifications and suitability for employment - Communicate with you regarding your application or opportunities - Schedule and conduct interviews or assessments - Verify your background, references, and eligibility to work (where permitted by law) - Maintain recruitment records and improve our hiring processes - Comply with legal and regulatory obligations ## Legal Basis for Processing Where applicable under data protection laws (such as GDPR), we rely on the following legal bases: - Your consent - Performance of pre-contractual steps related to potential employment - Compliance with legal obligations - Legitimate business interests, such as improving our recruitment process ## Sharing of Information We may share your personal information with: - Internal personnel involved in the hiring process - Service providers who assist with recruiting, background checks, or IT systems - Legal or regulatory authorities, where required by law We do **not sell your personal information** in connection with recruitment activities. ## Data Retention We retain applicant data only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this statement, including for legal, compliance, and reporting requirements. If you are not selected for a role, we may retain your information for up to twenty-four (24) months to consider you for future opportunities, unless a longer period is required by law or you request deletion sooner. ## Your Rights Depending on your location, you may have rights regarding your personal information, including: - Access to the personal data we hold about you - Correction of inaccurate or incomplete information - Deletion of your personal information - Restriction or objection to processing in certain circumstances To exercise your rights, please contact us using the details below. ## California Applicants If you are a California resident, the California Consumer Privacy Act (as amended by the California Privacy Rights Act) applies to the personal information we collect about you as an applicant. In addition to the rights described above, you have the right to know the categories and specific pieces of personal information we collect, the sources of that information, and the purposes for collecting it; the right to request deletion or correction of your personal information; and the right not to be retaliated against for exercising these rights. We do not sell or share applicant personal information for cross-context behavioral advertising. We will respond to verifiable requests within 45 days, subject to any extension permitted by law. ## Security We implement reasonable technical and organizational safeguards to protect your personal information. However, no system is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security. ## Contact Information If you have questions about this Recruitment and Hiring Privacy Statement or wish to exercise your rights, please contact us: **Email address:** <requests@followoz.com> **Mailing Address:** OZ Digital, LLC 1489 W Palmetto Park Rd, Suite 500 Boca Raton, FL 33486 United States You may also contact us through our website: <https://followoz.com/contact-us/> ## Updates to This Statement We may update this Recruitment and Hiring Privacy Statement from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. Updates will be posted on this page with a revised effective date. --- ### [NCPDP F6](https://followoz.com/ncpdp-f6/) **Published:** September 10, 2026 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ## NCPDP F6 · HIPAA RETAIL PHARMACY STANDARDS ## NCPDP F6: what changes, when, and what it takes NCPDP F6 replaces D.0 as the HIPAA-mandated standard for real-time retail pharmacy transactions. It touches claim billing, adjudication, eligibility, prior authorization and coordination of benefits, and it changes more than 300 data elements along the way. ###### THE DATE THAT DRIVES YOUR SCHEDULE ###### August 14, 2027 The transition window opens. Trading partners may begin exchanging F6 in production by agreement. ###### MANDATORY MILESTONE ###### April 14, 2028 Full compliance. F6 and Batch Version 15 required for covered retail pharmacy transactions. ## What F6 is F6 is formally the NCPDP Telecommunication Standard Implementation Guide Version F6. HHS adopted it, with Batch Standard Version 15, to replace D.0 and Batch Version 1.2. It is the language your systems speak when a prescription claim is submitted, adjudicated, reversed or rebilled, when eligibility is checked, when a prior authorization is requested, and when benefits are coordinated across payers. ###### F6 is not a payment standard F6 carries no funds and replaces no EFT process. Everything it does carry sits upstream of settlement: claim billing, adjudication response, reimbursement logic, patient-pay calculation, payer coordination, and the data feeding finance and reporting afterward. Organizations that scope F6 as a payments project assign it to the wrong team and miss most of the work. ### Who has to comply F6 applies to covered entities under HIPAA administrative simplification: health plans, health care clearinghouses, and providers who transmit health information electronically for covered transactions. On the provider side it reaches any entity that dispenses prescription drugs, whether retail, mail order, physician office, clinic, hospital or long-term care. Providers who do not dispense fall outside the retail pharmacy use cases HHS finalized. Two related standards travel with F6, and the difference between them is frequently misstated. ##### Version 10 is state Medicaid only **Batch Standard Version 15** is the batch equivalent of F6. Same mandate, same dates. **Batch Standard Subrogation Version 10** replaces Medicaid Pharmacy Subrogation Version 3.0 for state Medicaid agencies only. HHS did not extend it to all health plans. Other trading partners may adopt it by agreement. ## Data and AI governance, simplified ###### Benefit from our deep data and AI expertise and experience building business-tailored solutions. ##### APRIL 14, 2025 ##### Effective date The final rule took effect. Nothing was required of covered entities. ##### AUGUST 14, 2027 ##### Transition window opens Covered entities may use either D.0 and Batch 1.2 or F6 and Batch 15, by trading-partner agreement. Both versions run in production simultaneously. ##### APRIL 14, 2028 ##### Full compliance F6 and Batch Version 15 required. D.0 stops. ##### WORKING BACKWARD ##### Your start date NCPDP allows six months for business planning and design, and that phase closes before development opens. ## Why 2027 drives the schedule The transition window is not a grace period. It is the point at which trading partners begin exchanging F6 in production, so everything required to make that possible has to come first: business requirements and design, development, payer sheet publication, and testing with every partner you exchange transactions with. Organizations planning against 2028 discover in mid-2027 that their partners are ready and they are not. ###### You may have seen February 2028 quoted elsewhere The original December 2024 final rule set compliance at February 11, 2028. A February 2025 notice moved the effective date to April 14, 2025 and compliance to April 14, 2028, and an August 2025 interim final rule settled the transition window at August 14, 2027. Several published summaries, including pages that have not been updated, still carry the original dates. The current dates are the ones above. ## What actually changes HHS documented more than 300 data element changes between D.0 and F6. Industry analysis puts the split at roughly 200 new fields, 150 modified and 50 removed. Treat that breakdown as analysis rather than a federal figure. Five changes account for most of the implementation effort. ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/300-data-element-changes-between-D.0-and-F6.png) F6 does not land on one system. It lands on all of them together. #### 1. The header moves to an eight-digit IIN D.0 uses a six-digit fixed IIN or BIN in the transaction header. F6 uses eight digits. • The first change to the header section since Version 5.1 was adopted in 2002 • Header routing determines which processor receives a claim, so an error here sends the claim somewhere else entirely • NCPDP recommends using only eight-digit IINs ending in "00" before full compliance unless the change is coordinated, because truncation during D.0 processing can misroute a claim • The change reaches beyond the transaction into member ID cards, eligibility data, payer sheets and pharmacy network communications #### 2. Patient-pay fields consolidate Thirteen distinct patient-pay fields in D.0 collapse into one qualified, repeating field. • The structure is cleaner, but anything reading those fields has to be rewritten • Affects accumulator logic, patient responsibility calculations, and downstream reporting that references patient-pay by field position #### 3. Coordination of benefits gains structure F6 adds data elements identifying the previous payer and the payer program type, which D.0 handled through manual processes or inference. • COB scenarios that required workarounds become explicit • COB logic has to be rebuilt to populate and read the new elements • During coexistence, other-payer ID fields have to accept both six and eight digit values #### 4. Financial fields expand for high-cost therapies HHS cited therapies priced at or above one million dollars as part of the business case for F6. • Under D.0, claims at that magnitude require split claims, free text, or paper Universal Claim Forms • F6 expands the pricing fields so those claims submit normally • Any system with hard-coded field widths or amount validations inherits work #### 5. Plan benefit information becomes structured Benefit details that D.0 often carried as free text get discrete fields: effective dates, age limits, quantity limits, day supply limits, dollar amounts, remaining fills, formulary alternatives, duration of therapy and benefit tiers. • Free text remains available for situations needing clarification • Structured fields let pharmacy systems act on benefit information rather than display it for a human to interpret ## The risk nobody is discussing: running both versions at once Most F6 planning treats April 2028 as the risk date. The operational risk arrives earlier. From August 2027, D.0 and F6 run in parallel across the industry. Your systems process both. Your trading partners sit at different stages. Three failure modes follow. ###### How a claim reaches the wrong PBM An eight-digit IIN is truncated or mis-mapped during D.0 processing. The shortened value matches a different processor. The claim routes there, and the pharmacy sees a rejection with no obvious cause. NCPDP has flagged this directly, and commenters on the final rule warned that header routing mistakes could delay patient access to medication. ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/The-work-sits-in-front-of-August-14-2027.png) The failure happens inside a fully compliant system. - **Routing errors from IIN truncation.** An eight-digit IIN truncated or mis-mapped during D.0 processing sends a live claim to the wrong PBM. - **Both ID lengths in the same fields.** Systems processing D.0 and F6 concurrently have to handle six and eight digit values in other-payer ID fields. Anything assuming a fixed length fails on the values that do not match. - **Wrong patient responsibility amounts.** HHS commenters warned that rushed implementation of the new pricing and COB fields could send incorrect coinsurance and out-of-pocket calculations to pharmacy providers, which surfaces as a patient at a counter being quoted the wrong price. ###### None of these produce a compliance finding. They produce claims that do not process and prescriptions that do not get filled, while every party involved meets the letter of the rule. Which is why the strongest argument for starting early has nothing to do with the deadline. ## What F6 means for you The system inventories below are drawn from the transaction types HHS finalized and from published implementation guidance. The characterization of who waits on whom is our assessment based on how these transactions flow, not a federal determination. #### Health plans and payers • Reaches claims engines, payer sheets, eligibility feeds, accumulators, reporting, finance ledgers and member communications • You gate your provider network through payer sheet publication • You also depend on your PBM's F6 schedule, so internal readiness alone does not determine your date #### PBMs and clearinghouses • You own adjudication, routing, reject-code logic, COB and DUR • You publish the payer sheets and hold the certification capacity your trading partners depend on • Every pharmacy and switch you serve certifies against your build before going live, which makes your schedule theirs HHS estimated PBMs as the largest single implementation cost category at $128 million. #### State Medicaid agencies • F6 plus Subrogation Version 10 • Coordinated across managed care organizations, system vendors, claims and encounter reporting, rebates and program integrity • NCPDP's 2026 letter to state Medicaid directors flags a 340B change from SCC value 20 to Submission Type Code D17-K8 with value AA under F6 #### Software vendors • Schema, maps, parsers, validations and version routing • Dual-version support through the entire transition window • Certification with every switch you connect to, delivered while the current product keeps running for customers submitting claims today • Your ship date has to precede every customer's testing, putting your working deadline ahead of theirs HHS estimated pharmacy management system vendors at $95.2 million. #### Pharmacies and dispensing providers • Your pharmacy management system needs updating, and that timing belongs to your vendor • Beyond the software: staff training, version coexistence through 2027, payer sheet interpretation, member ID card readiness • Workflow changes for richer claim responses, DUR results, formulary alternatives and high-cost claims ## How long this takes Two things from NCPDP’s implementation timeline determine when you have to start. ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Two-things-from-NCPDPs-implementation-timeline-determine-when-you-have-to-start-1.png) The work sits in front of the date, not after it. ###### Planning closes before development opens NCPDP allows six months for business planning and design, covering requirements, budget, risk assessment, systems analysis and schedule. Build work begins after that phase completes. Worked backward from August 2027, that phase alone sets the date by which a program has to be underway. ###### Testing resists compression NCPDP’s timeline states that no trading partner can require another to use the new version during testing and remediation, and that partners should support both versions through the transition window. Testing therefore depends on counterparties being available. Certification capacity stays fixed regardless of how many organizations need it in the same quarter. Adding engineers accelerates development. It does not open certification slots or make a trading partner ready sooner. ### How OZ approaches F6 We start with a readiness assessment: - an inventory of every system that touches an NCPDP transaction - a gap analysis of D.0 against F6, field by field - a review of what breaks while both versions run concurrently - a map of who you have to test and certify with, and in what order - a phased plan with effort and sequence Then we help build it, alongside your team. Talk to us about an F6 rediness assessment ## Go Deeper ## The full F6 transition, in one document Our white paper covers what changes, what it takes to get there, and where the upgrade creates value beyond compliance. [ Download the white paper ](https://followoz.com/resources/whitepapers/the-2028-pharmacy-deadline-that-could-cost-you-millions/) ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Our-white-paper-covers-what-changes-what-it-takes-to-get-there-and-where-the-upgrade-creates-value-beyond-compliance.jpg) ## Sources Everything on this page comes from federal and NCPDP sources. Where we have used industry analysis rather than a federal figure, we have said so. HHS/CMS final rule: Administrative Simplification: Modifications of HIPAA NCPDP Retail Pharmacy Standards; and Modification of the Medicaid Pharmacy Subrogation Standard. 89 FR 100763, December 13, 2024 - [ Federal Register. Full PDF ](#) NCPDP Telecommunication Standard Version F6 Implementation Timeline and Activities - [ ncpdp.org ](https://ncpdp.org/) NCPDP Implementation Timelines, revised October 2025, standards with compliance dates in 2027 and 2028 - [ ncpdp.org ](https://ncpdp.org/) NCPDP SNIP notice to pharmacy providers on IINs, member ID cards and transaction routing - [ ncpdp.org ](https://ncpdp.org/) NCPDP SNIP pharmacy ID card communication to PBMs, June 2026 - [ standards.ncpdp.org ](https://standards.ncpdp.org/) NCPDP: What Do I Need for HIPAA? Implementation of the NCPDP Standards - [ Guidance PDF NCPDP resource hub ](#) The Pharmacy Deadline That Could Cost You Millions If You Wait. OZ Digital Consulting white paper - [ followoz.com ](https://followoz.com/) ##### Book 15 minutes with us ###### Get your questions answered and see how OZ Digital through the power of Microsoft-enabled AI technology transforms operations, drives efficiency, and delivers results. --- ### [Applicant Notices – Federal, State & Local](https://followoz.com/applicant-notices-federal-state-local/) **Published:** July 15, 2026 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ## Applicant Notices – Federal, State & Local The Applicant Notices – Federal, State & Local is effective as of July 8, 2026, and may be updated periodically to reflect changes in our practices or applicable laws. Any updates will be posted on this page with a revised effective date. This page provides important notices related to your rights as an applicant for employment with **OZ Digital, LLC (“Followoz.com,” “we,” “us,” or “our”)**. These notices are provided in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations. We encourage all applicants to review this information carefully. ## Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) **OZ Digital, LLC** is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to: - Race - Color - Religion - Sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity) - National origin - Age - Disability - Genetic information - Veteran status - Any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law We comply with all applicable laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location where we operate. ## Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state laws, **OZ Digital, LLC** provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you require accommodation during the application or hiring process, please contact us at: **Email Address:** [request@followoz.com](mailto:requests@followoz.com) We will work with you to provide appropriate assistance in a timely and confidential manner. ## E-Verify Notice (If Applicable) **OZ Digital, LLC** may participate in the E-Verify program, a system that allows employers to confirm the eligibility of employees to work in the United States. If E-Verify is used: - We will provide required notices at the time of hire - Participation does not affect your right to work or equal employment opportunity Where we participate in E-Verify, we display the federal E-Verify Participation and Right to Work notices at our hiring locations and, where applicable, on this careers site, as required by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. ## Pay Transparency and Non-Discrimination In compliance with applicable laws, **OZ Digital, LLC** will not: - Discriminate against employees or applicants for inquiring about, discussing, or disclosing their compensation - Retaliate against individuals who exercise their rights under pay transparency laws ## Background Checks and Employment Screening Where permitted by applicable law, **OZ Digital, LLC** may conduct background checks or employment verification as part of the hiring process. This may include: - Employment history verification - Education verification - Criminal background checks (where legally allowed) Any such checks will be conducted: - In compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and other applicable laws - Only with appropriate notice and, where required, your consent Where a background check involves a consumer report from a third-party screening company, we will provide the FCRA disclosure on a stand-alone document, separate from this notice and from the employment application, and will obtain your written authorization before the report is obtained. If we intend to take adverse action based in whole or in part on such a report, we will first give you a copy of the report and a summary of your rights under the FCRA, and a reasonable opportunity to respond, before making a final decision. ## At-Will Employment (U.S.) Unless otherwise required by law or stated in a written agreement, employment with **OZ Digital, LLC** is at-will, which means: - Employment may be terminated at any time - Either the employee or the company may terminate employment, with or without cause or notice ## State and Local Applicant Rights Certain states and local jurisdictions provide additional rights and protections to job applicants, including but not limited to: - Restrictions on the use of criminal history (e.g., “ban-the-box” laws) - Salary history inquiry restrictions - Paid sick leave or local employment ordinances - Privacy or data protection laws governing applicant information **OZ Digital, LLC** complies with all applicable state and local laws in jurisdictions where we recruit and hire. Depending on the location of the role, this includes, for example: providing a good-faith salary or pay range in the job posting or on request; refraining from asking about your salary history; and, before considering criminal history, making any required conditional offer first and then conducting an individualized assessment with the written notices and response period that the applicable fair-chance law requires. Applicants may contact us at [request@followoz.com](mailto:requests@followoz.com) to request the jurisdiction-specific notice that applies to them. ## Anti-Harassment and Workplace Conduct We are committed to maintaining a workplace free from harassment, discrimination, and retaliation. All applicants and employees are expected to adhere to standards of professional and respectful conduct. ## Contact Information If you have any questions about these notices or your rights as an applicant, please contact us: **Email Address:** [request@followoz.com](mailto:requests@followoz.com) **Mailing Address:** OZ Digital, LLC 1489 W Palmetto Park Rd, Suite 500 Boca Raton, FL 33486 United States You may also contact us through our website: <https://followoz.com/contact-us/> ## Updates to These Notices These notices may be updated periodically to reflect changes in applicable laws or company practices. Updates will be posted on this page with a revised effective date. --- ### [Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information](https://followoz.com/do-not-sell-or-share-my-personal-information/) **Published:** July 15, 2026 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ## Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information The Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information is effective as of July 8, 2026, and may be updated periodically to reflect changes in our practices or applicable laws. Any updates will be posted on this page with a revised effective date. Under applicable U.S. state privacy laws, including the **California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), as amended by the California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA)**, **the Nebraska Data Privacy Act, and the Texas Data Privacy and Security Act**, California, Nebraska, or Texas residents (respectively) have the right to opt out of the sale or sharing of their personal information. Residents of other U.S. states with similar privacy laws may have comparable rights. The specific rights available to you depend on your state of residence and that state’s law. ## Your Rights If you are a California, Nebraska, or Texas resident, you have the right to: - Opt out of the sale or sharing of your personal information - Request access to the personal information we have collected about you - Request deletion of your personal information - Request correction of inaccurate personal information - Limit the use and disclosure of sensitive personal information (where applicable) ## Important Notice **Followoz.com (operated by OZ Digital, LLC) does not sell personal information for monetary compensation.** However, we may use third-party tools for analytics, advertising, and marketing purposes. These activities may be considered **“sharing”** under California law, even when no money is exchanged. ## How to Opt Out You may opt out of the sale or sharing of your personal information at any time by: - Adjusting your preferences through our Cookie Settings tool (available via our website banner or footer) - Enabling a recognized opt-out preference signal, such as the Global Privacy Control (GPC), in your browser or device. We treat a valid opt-out preference signal as a request to opt out of the sale or sharing of personal information for that browser or device. - Submitting a request by email to [request@followoz.com](mailto:requests@followoz.com) or through our online contact form at <https://followoz.com/contact-us/> - Contacting us directly using the details below When you first visit our site, you’ll see a cookie consent banner where you can accept, reject, or customize your preferences: ![Cookie consent banner on the OZ Digital website homepage, offering Customise, Reject All, and Accept All options](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/OZ-Digital-LLC.png)Our cookie consent banner, shown on first visitSelecting “Customise” opens the Consent Preferences panel, where you can turn individual cookie categories on or off: ![Customise Consent Preferences panel showing toggles for Necessary, Functional, Analytics, and Performance cookie categories](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/OZ-Digital-LLC-home.png)The Consent Preferences panel, where you can manage cookies by category## Contact Us To submit a request or exercise your rights, you may contact us at: **Email Address:** [request@followoz.com](mailto:requests@followoz.com) **Mailing Address:** OZ Digital, LLC 1489 W Palmetto Park Rd, Suite 500 Boca Raton, FL 33486 United States You may also submit a request through our [contact form](https://followoz.com/contact-us/). ## Verification of Requests To protect your privacy, we may need to verify your identity before processing your request. This may include requesting additional information to confirm that you are the individual associated with the request. ## Authorized Agents You may designate an authorized agent to make a request on your behalf. We may require proof of authorization and identity before fulfilling such requests. ## Updates to This Notice We may update this notice from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or applicable laws. Any updates will be posted on this page. --- ### [Accessibility Statement](https://followoz.com/accessibility-statement/) **Published:** July 15, 2026 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ## Accessibility Statement The Accessibility Statement is effective as of July 8, 2026, and may be updated periodically to reflect changes in our practices or applicable laws. Any updates will be posted on this page with a revised effective date. At **OZ Digital, LLC**, we believe that accessible technology is essential to creating inclusive digital experiences for all users, including people with disabilities. We are committed to ensuring our website is accessible and usable by the widest possible audience, regardless of ability or technology. ## Our Commitment We strive to make **https://followoz.com/** accessible to all individuals by following recognized accessibility standards and best practices. As part of this effort, we use the **World Wide Web Consortium’s (W3C) Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2** as our guiding framework. Our goal is to achieve and maintain **WCAG 2.2 Level AA conformance**, which is widely recognized as the standard for accessible web content. Accessibility is a goal we continually strive toward; this statement describes our ongoing efforts and is not a representation or warranty that every page of the website fully conforms to these guidelines at all times. ## How We Support Accessibility When designing and maintaining our website, we: - Build page structures with clear, logical heading hierarchies to support assistive technologies - Ensure sufficient color contrast and visual clarity across our design - Enable keyboard navigation and compatibility with screen readers - Provide text alternatives (such as alt text) for images and non-text content - Structure forms, links, and interactive elements for ease of use and accessibility - Use responsive design to support access across devices and screen sizes ## Ongoing Efforts Accessibility is an ongoing priority at OZ Digital, LLC. We regularly evaluate our website using: - Automated accessibility testing tools and browser-based checks - Periodic manual reviews of key pages and features - Updates and improvements aligned with evolving accessibility standards and technologies While we aim for full Level AA compliance, some areas of the website may occasionally not meet all accessibility standards. We are continuously working to identify and address these issues. ## Feedback and Contact Information If you experience any difficulty accessing content on our website or have suggestions to improve accessibility, we encourage you to contact our Accessibility Coordinator, who will make reasonable efforts to address your concerns and, where needed, provide the information or service you are seeking through an alternative accessible means. **Email Address:** [request@followoz.com](mailto:requests@followoz.com) **Mailing Address:** OZ Digital, LLC 1489 W Palmetto Park Rd, Suite 500 Boca Raton, FL 33486 **United States** **You may also reach us:** <https://followoz.com/contact-us/> We will make reasonable efforts to address your concerns promptly and provide the information or support you need. This Accessibility Statement was last reviewed on the date first set forth above, and we review and update it periodically as our website and applicable accessibility standards evolve. ## Inclusive Approach Beyond our website, OZ Digital, LLC is committed to fostering inclusive digital practices. We aim to remove barriers both visible and invisible so all users can fully engage with our platform and services. --- ### [Terms and Conditions](https://followoz.com/terms-and-conditions/) **Published:** July 7, 2026 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ## Terms and Conditions The Terms and Conditions is effective as of July 8, 2026, and may be updated periodically to reflect changes in our practices or applicable laws. Any updates will be posted on this page with a revised effective date. These Terms and Conditions (“**Terms**”) govern your access to and use of the website **https://followoz.com/** and any related services (collectively, the “**Services**”) provided by **OZ Digital, LLC** (“Followoz.com,” “we,” “us,” or “our”). By accessing or using our Services, or by clicking to accept these Terms where that option is presented, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree, you must not access or use our Services. ## 1. Use of the Website You agree to use the Services only for lawful purposes and in accordance with these Terms. You must not: - Violate any applicable laws or regulations - Use the Services for fraudulent, misleading, or harmful purposes - Interfere with or disrupt the functionality or security of the website - Attempt to gain unauthorized access to systems, accounts, or data We reserve the right to suspend or terminate access if misuse is detected. ## 2. Eligibility By using our Services, you represent that: - You are at least 18 years old (or the age of majority in your jurisdiction) - You have the legal capacity to enter into a binding agreement - You will provide accurate and complete information when required If you do not meet all of these requirements, you must not access or use the Services. ## 3. Intellectual Property Rights All content on the website, including text, graphics, logos, icons, images, software, and design is the property of **OZ Digital, LLC** or its licensors and is protected by applicable intellectual property laws. You may not: - Copy, reproduce, distribute, or modify any content without prior written consent - Use our trademarks or branding without authorization These Terms permit you to use the Services for your personal, non-commercial use only. You must not reproduce, distribute, modify, create derivative works of, publicly display, publicly perform, republish, download, store, or transmit any of the material on our Services. Limited, non-exclusive, and revocable permission is granted to access and use the website for personal or business informational purposes. If you print, copy, modify, download, or otherwise use or provide any other person with access to any part of the Services in breach of the Terms, your right to use the Services will stop immediately and you must, at our option, return or destroy any copies of the materials you have made. No right, title, or interest in or to the Services or any content on the Services is transferred to you, and all rights not expressly granted are reserved by OZ Digital, LLC. Any use of the Services not expressly permitted by these Terms is a breach of these Terms and may violate copyright, trademark, and other laws. ## 4. User Content If you submit content (e.g., forms, messages, feedback): - You grant us a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license to use, process, and store that content for the purpose of providing our Services - You represent that you have the right to provide such content and that it does not infringe any third-party rights We reserve the right to remove content that violates these Terms. If you provide us with any feedback, suggestions, or ideas regarding the Services, you grant us a perpetual, irrevocable, worldwide, royalty-free, and fully sublicensable license to use, reproduce, modify, and otherwise exploit that feedback for any purpose, without any obligation or compensation to you. We respond to notices of alleged copyright infringement in accordance with the Digital Millennium Copyright Act. If you believe content on the website infringes your copyright, please contact us at [request@followoz.com](mailto:requests@followoz.com) with the information required by the DMCA. ## 5. Third-Party Services and Links Our website may contain links to third-party websites or services. We do not control or endorse these third parties and are not responsible for: - Their content or practices - Their privacy policies or terms Use of third-party services is at your own risk. ## 6. Disclaimer of Warranties The Services are provided on an **“as is” and “as available”** basis. To the fullest extent permitted by law, **OZ Digital, LLC** disclaims all warranties, express or implied, including: - Merchantability - Fitness for a particular purpose - Non-infringement We do not guarantee that: - The Services will be uninterrupted or error-free - The website will be secure or free of viruses You are responsible for implementing sufficient procedures and checkpoints to satisfy your particular requirements for anti-virus protection and accuracy of data input and output, and for maintaining a means external to our Services for any reconstruction of any lost data. TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PROVIDED BY LAW, WE WILL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY LOSS OR DAMAGE CAUSED BY A DISTRIBUTED DENIAL-OF-SERVICE ATTACK, VIRUSES, OR OTHER TECHNOLOGICALLY HARMFUL MATERIAL THAT MAY INFECT YOUR COMPUTER EQUIPMENT, COMPUTER PROGRAMS, DATA, OR OTHER PROPRIETARY MATERIAL DUE TO YOUR USE OF THE SERVICES OR ANY SERVICES OR ITEMS OBTAINED THROUGH THE SERVICES OR YOUR DOWNLOADING OF ANY MATERIAL POSTED ON IT, OR ON ANY SERVICES LINKED TO IT. YOUR USE OF THE SERVICES, ITS CONTENT, AND ANY SERVICES OR ITEMS OBTAINED THROUGH THE SERVICES IS AT YOUR OWN RISK. THE SERVICES, ITS CONTENT, AND ANY SERVICES OR ITEMS OBTAINED THROUGH THE SERVICES ARE PROVIDED ON AN “AS IS” AND “AS AVAILABLE” BASIS, WITHOUT ANY WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED. NEITHER THE COMPANY NOR ANY PERSON ASSOCIATED WITH THE COMPANY MAKES ANY WARRANTY OR REPRESENTATION WITH RESPECT TO THE COMPLETENESS, SECURITY, RELIABILITY, QUALITY, ACCURACY, OR AVAILABILITY OF THE SERVICES. WITHOUT LIMITING THE FOREGOING, NEITHER THE COMPANY NOR ANYONE ASSOCIATED WITH THE COMPANY REPRESENTS OR WARRANTS THAT THE SERVICES, ITS CONTENT, OR ANY SERVICES OR ITEMS OBTAINED THROUGH THE SERVICES WILL BE ACCURATE, RELIABLE, ERROR-FREE, OR UNINTERRUPTED, THAT DEFECTS WILL BE CORRECTED, THAT OUR SERVICES OR THE SERVER THAT MAKES IT AVAILABLE ARE FREE OF VIRUSES OR OTHER HARMFUL COMPONENTS, OR THAT THE SERVICES OR ANY SERVICES OR ITEMS OBTAINED THROUGH THE SERVICES WILL OTHERWISE MEET YOUR NEEDS OR EXPECTATIONS. TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PROVIDED BY LAW, THE COMPANY HEREBY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, STATUTORY, OR OTHERWISE, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, NON-INFRINGEMENT, AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. THE FOREGOING DOES NOT AFFECT ANY WARRANTIES THAT CANNOT BE EXCLUDED OR LIMITED UNDER APPLICABLE LAW. ## 7. Limitation of Liability To the maximum extent permitted by law, **OZ Digital, LLC** shall not be liable for any: - Indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages - Loss of profits, data, or business opportunities arising out of or related to your use of the Services TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PROVIDED BY LAW, IN NO EVENT WILL OZ DIGITAL, ITS AFFILIATES, OR THEIR LICENSORS, SERVICE PROVIDERS, EMPLOYEES, AGENTS, OFFICERS, OR DIRECTORS BE LIABLE FOR DAMAGES OF ANY KIND, UNDER ANY LEGAL THEORY, ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH YOUR USE, OR INABILITY TO USE, THE SITE, ANY WEBSITES LINKED TO IT, ANY CONTENT ON THE SITE OR SUCH OTHER WEBSITES, INCLUDING ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, PERSONAL INJURY, PAIN AND SUFFERING, EMOTIONAL DISTRESS, LOSS OF REVENUE, LOSS OF PROFITS, LOSS OF BUSINESS OR ANTICIPATED SAVINGS, LOSS OF USE, LOSS OF GOODWILL, LOSS OF DATA, AND WHETHER CAUSED BY TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE), BREACH OF CONTRACT, OR OTHERWISE, EVEN IF FORESEEABLE. Our total liability for any claim shall not exceed the amount (if any) you paid to us for the use of the Services. ## 8. Indemnification You agree to indemnify and hold harmless **OZ Digital, LLC**, its affiliates, officers, employees, and partners and its and their respective officers, directors, employees, contractors, agents, licensors, suppliers, successors, and assigns from any claims, damages, liabilities, judgments, awards, losses, costs, expenses or fees (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) arising from or relating to: - Your use of the Services, including, but not limited to, your user contributions, any of the Service content, services, and products other than as expressly authorized in these Terms; - Your violation of these Terms; - Your infringement of any third-party rights; or - Your use of information obtained from the Services. This indemnification includes reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs. We reserve the right, at our own expense, to assume the exclusive defense and control of any matter otherwise subject to indemnification by you, in which case you agree to cooperate with our defense of that claim. You will not settle any claim affecting us without our prior written consent, and you agree to notify us promptly of any claim for which indemnification may be sought. ## 9. Privacy Your use of the Services is also governed by our **Privacy Policy**, which explains how we collect and use your information. By using the Services, you accept and agree to be bound and abide by these Terms and our Privacy Policy, found at <https://followoz.com/privacy-policy/>, incorporated herein by reference. If you do not want to agree to these Terms or the Privacy Policy, you must not access or use the Services. ## 10. Termination We may suspend or terminate your access to the Services at any time, without prior notice, if: - You violate these Terms - We are required to do so by law - It is necessary to protect our business or users Upon termination, all licenses and rights granted to you under these Terms will immediately cease, and you must stop using the Services. We may also modify, suspend, or discontinue all or any part of the Services at any time, with or without notice, and we will not be liable to you or any third party for doing so. The provisions identified in the Survival section will continue in effect after termination. ## 11. Governing Law These Terms are governed by the laws of the **State of Florida, United States**, without regard to conflict of law principles. Any disputes shall be resolved in the appropriate courts located in Florida. ## 12. Changes to These Terms We may update these Terms from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. All changes are effective immediately when we post them, and apply to all access to and use of the Services thereafter. - Updated Terms will be posted on this page - Continued use of the Services after updates constitutes acceptance You are expected to check this page each time you access the Services so you are aware of any changes, as they are binding on you. ## 13. Contact Information If you have any questions about these Terms, you may contact us: **OZ Digital, LLC** 1489 W Palmetto Park Rd, Suite 500 Boca Raton, FL 33486 United States **Email:** [request@followoz.com](mailto:requests@followoz.com) **Contact page:** <https://followoz.com/contact-us/> ## 14. Entire Agreement These Terms constitute the entire agreement between you and **OZ Digital, LLC** regarding the use of the Services and supersede any prior agreements or understandings. ## 15. Severability If any provision of these Terms is held to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, that provision will be enforced to the maximum extent permissible, and the remaining provisions will continue in full force and effect. ## 16. No Waiver Our failure to enforce any right or provision of these Terms will not be deemed a waiver of that right or provision. No waiver will be effective unless made in writing and signed by an authorized representative of OZ Digital, LLC. ## 17. Assignment You may not assign or transfer these Terms, or any rights or obligations under them, without our prior written consent. We may assign these Terms, in whole or in part, without restriction, including in connection with a merger, acquisition, reorganization, or sale of assets. These Terms bind and benefit the parties and their permitted successors and assigns. ## 18. Force Majeure We will not be liable for any failure or delay in performance resulting from causes beyond our reasonable control, including acts of God, natural disasters, war, terrorism, civil unrest, labor disputes, governmental action, power or internet failures, or third-party service disruptions. ## 19. Survival The provisions that by their nature should survive termination, including Intellectual Property Rights, User Content, Disclaimer of Warranties, Limitation of Liability, Indemnification, Governing Law, and this section, will survive any termination or expiration of these Terms. ## 20. No Third-Party Beneficiaries These Terms are for the sole benefit of you and OZ Digital, LLC and do not create any rights in, or confer any benefit on, any third party. ## 21. Relationship of the Parties Nothing in these Terms creates any agency, partnership, joint venture, or employment relationship between you and OZ Digital, LLC. ## 22. Electronic Communications and Notices You consent to receive communications from us electronically, and you agree that electronic communications satisfy any legal requirement that a communication be in writing. We may provide notices to you by posting them on the website or by sending them to any contact information you provide. Notices to us must be sent to [request@followoz.com](mailto:requests@followoz.com) or to the mailing address listed above. --- ### [Visionary Leadership Team at OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/about/leadership/) **Published:** March 23, 2024 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ## LEADERSHIP TEAM ## Our leaders Meet the people steering OZ Digital forward with empathy, insight, and vision [ ![Amjad Shamim Jafri - Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Amjad.png) #### Amjad Shamim Jafri Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder ](https://followoz.com/about/leadership/amjad-shamim-jafri/) [ ![Asad Shamim Jafri - Co-Founder of OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Asad-1.png) #### Asad Shamim Jafri Co-Founder ](https://followoz.com/about/leadership/asad-shamim-jafri/) [ ![Emmanuel Ramos - EVP of Global Consulting at OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Manny.png) #### Emmanuel Ramos EVP, Global Consulting ](https://followoz.com/about/leadership/emmanuel-ramos/) [ ![Steph Abitan - Chief Revenue Officer at OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Steph-1.png) #### Steph Abitan Chief Revenue Officer ](https://followoz.com/about/leadership/stephane-abitan/) [ ![followoz Jason](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Jason-1.png) #### Jason Milgram Chief Technology Officer and 15-time Microsoft MVP ](https://followoz.com/about/leadership/jason-milgram/) [ ![Ahad Jafri - Chief Financial Officer at OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Ahad-1.png) #### Ahad Jafri Chief Financial Officer Chief Financial Officer ](https://followoz.com/about/leadership/ahad-jafri/) [ ![followoz Murray](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Murray-1.png) #### Murray Izenwasser SVP, Chief AI Evangelist and Strategic Client Advisor ](https://followoz.com/about/leadership/murray-izenwasser/) [ ![Sal Cardozo - SVP of Global Consulting Operations at OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Sal-Cardozo.png) #### Sal Cardozo SVP, Global Consulting Operations ](https://followoz.com/about/leadership/sal-cardozo/) [ ![Robyn Cooper - Vice President of Global Human Resources at OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Robyn-1.png) #### Robyn Cooper Vice President, Global Human Resources ](https://followoz.com/about/leadership/robyncooper/) [ ![Imran Sabir - Vice President of Automation and Enterprise Integration at OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Imran.png) #### Imran Sabir Vice President, Automation & Enterprise Integration ](https://followoz.com/about/leadership/imran-sabir/) [ ![Dominick Raimato - Global Practice Leader for Data and AI and Data Platform MVP at OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Dominick-Raimato.png) #### Dominick Raimato Global Practice Leader - Data & AI, and Data Platform MVP ](https://followoz.com/about/leadership/dominick-raimato/) [ ![followoz Colleen](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Colleen.png) #### Colleen Taylor Vice President, Operations Vice President, Operations ](https://followoz.com/about/leadership/colleen-taylor/) [ ![Chris Pietschmann - Microsoft MVP and OZ Digital Consulting leader](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Chris-Pietschmann-2.png) #### Chris Pietschmann Director - Practice Leader, Digital & App Innovation, and 14-time Microsoft MVP Chief Financial Officer ](https://followoz.com/about/leadership/chris-pietschmann/) [ ![Thomas Carey - Global Practice Leader for Azure Infrastructure and Security at OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Thomas-Carey.png) #### Thomas Carey Global Practice Leader, Azure Infrastructure & Security Chief Financial Officer ](https://followoz.com/about/leadership/thomas-carey/) --- ### [Cookie Policy](https://followoz.com/cookie-policy/) **Published:** June 24, 2026 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ## Cookie Policy This Cookie Policy is effective as of July 8, 2026, and may be updated periodically to reflect changes in our practices or applicable laws. Any updates will be posted on this page with a revised effective date. ## What are cookies? This Cookie Policy explains what cookies are, how we use them, the types of cookies we use (i.e., the information we collect using cookies and how that information is used), and how to manage your cookie settings. Except for cookies that are strictly necessary for the website to function, we place cookies only after you have given consent through our cookie banner (where consent is required), and you may withdraw your consent or change your preferences at any time using the “Consent Preferences” tool below. Cookies are small text files used to store small pieces of information. They are stored on your device when a website loads in your browser. These cookies help ensure that the website functions properly, enhance security, provide a better user experience, and analyze performance to identify what works and where improvements are needed. ## How do we use cookies? Like most online services, our website uses both first-party and third-party cookies for various purposes. First-party cookies are primarily necessary for the website to function properly and do not collect any personally identifiable data. The third-party cookies used on our website primarily help us understand how the website performs, track how you interact with it, keep our services secure, deliver relevant advertisements, and enhance your overall user experience while improving the speed of your future interactions with our website. ## Types of cookies we use ### Necessary Necessary cookies are required to enable the basic features of this site, such as providing secure log-in or adjusting your consent preferences. These cookies do not store any personally identifiable data. | Cookie | Domain | Duration | Description | |---|---|---|---| | \_\_cf\_bm | .followoz.com, .hs-scripts.com, .hsforms.net, .linkedin.com, .hubspot.com | 1 hour | Set by Cloudflare to support Cloudflare Bot Management. | | cf\_clearance | .followoz.com | Session | Set by Cloudflare to clear bot protection and validate that the visitor is human. | | \_cfuvid | .offers.followoz.com | Session | Set by Cloudflare to track users across sessions, optimizing user experience by maintaining session consistency and providing personalized services. | | VISITOR\_PRIVACY\_METADATA | .youtube.com | 6 months | Set by YouTube to store the user’s cookie consent state for the current domain. | | \_GRECAPTCHA | .google.com | 6 months | Set by Google reCAPTCHA to identify bots and protect the website against malicious spam attacks. | | rc::a | .google.com | Never expires | Set by Google reCAPTCHA to identify bots and protect the website against malicious spam attacks. | | rc::b | .google.com | Session | Set by Google reCAPTCHA to identify bots and protect the website against malicious spam attacks. | | rc::c | .google.com | Session | Set by Google reCAPTCHA to identify bots and protect the website against malicious spam attacks. | | rc::f | .google.com | Never expires | Set by Google reCAPTCHA to identify bots and protect the website against malicious spam attacks. | | elementor | ai.followoz.com | Never expires | Set by the website’s WordPress theme. Allows the website owner to implement or change the website’s content in real time. | | wpEmojiSettingsSupports | followoz.com | Session | Set by WordPress when a user interacts with emojis on the site. Helps determine if the user’s browser can display emojis properly. | | wordpress\_test\_cookie | followoz.com | Session | Set by WordPress to determine whether cookies are enabled on the users’ browsers. | | cookieyes-\* | .followoz.com | 1 year | Set by CookieYes for consent solution management. | | cookietest | followoz.com | Session | Used to determine whether the user’s browser accepts cookies; essential for website functionality and user experience. | | cebs | .followoz.com | Session | Set by CookieYes for consent banner session management. | | cebsp\_ | .followoz.com | Session | Set by CookieYes to store banner preferences and settings. | | NID | .google.com | 6 months | Set by Google to store user preferences and information when viewing pages with Google services. | ### Functional Functional cookies help perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collecting feedback, and other third-party features. | Cookie | Domain | Duration | Description | |---|---|---|---| | VISITOR\_INFO1\_LIVE | .youtube.com | 6 months | Set by YouTube to measure bandwidth and determine whether the user gets the new or old player interface. | | ytidb::LAST\_RESULT\_ENTRY\_KEY | .youtube.com | Never expires | Used by YouTube to store the last search result entry clicked by the user, to provide more relevant search results in the future. | | lidc | .linkedin.com | 1 day | Set by LinkedIn to facilitate data center selection. | | li\_gc | .linkedin.com | 6 months | Set by LinkedIn to store the visitor’s consent regarding the use of cookies for non-essential purposes. | | li\_sugr | .linkedin.com | 3 months | Set by LinkedIn to make a probabilistic match of a user’s identity outside the designated countries. | ### Analytics Analytics cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics such as the number of visitors, bounce rate, and traffic source. | Cookie | Domain | Duration | Description | |---|---|---|---| | \_ga | .followoz.com | 13 months | Set by Google Analytics to calculate visitor, session, and campaign data and track site usage for analytics reporting. Stores information anonymously and assigns a randomly generated ID to identify unique visitors. | | \_ga\_T7YQYJW01R | .followoz.com | 13 months | Set by Google Analytics to store and count page views, and to measure website traffic, user behavior, and campaign performance for the specific tracking ID. | | \_gid | .followoz.com | 1 day | Set by Google Analytics to store information on how visitors use the website and generate an analytics report on performance, including number of visitors, source, and pages visited, anonymously. | | \_gat\_UA-\* | .followoz.com | 1 minute | Set by Google Analytics for user behavior tracking and to throttle request rate. | | \_hjSessionUser\_\* | .followoz.com | 1 year | Hotjar cookie used to track user behavior, heatmaps, and session recordings. Ensures data from subsequent visits is attributed to the same user ID. | | \_hjSession\_\* | .followoz.com | 1 hour | Hotjar session cookie used to track user interactions during a single session and analyze real-time user behavior. | | \_\_hstc | .followoz.com | 6 months | HubSpot’s main tracking cookie. Identifies unique visitors, tracks sessions, and stores visitor information for marketing analytics. | | hubspotutk | .followoz.com | 6 months | Set by HubSpot to identify visitors and track their interactions with the website. Used for contact deduplication and marketing automation. | | \_\_hssrc | .followoz.com | Session | HubSpot session cookie that determines whether a visitor has restarted their browser, used to track new session starts. | | \_\_hssc | .followoz.com | 1 hour | HubSpot session cookie that tracks the number of page views within a session and updates the main tracking cookie with session information. | | \_fuid | .followoz.com | 13 months | Set by Factors.ai to store a unique visitor identifier to track site interactions, attribute campaigns, measure conversions, and power analytics and personalization across visits. | | \_ce.s | .followoz.com | 1 year | Set by CrazyEgg for website analytics and heatmap tracking. | | \_ce.clock\_data | .followoz.com | 1 year | Set by CrazyEgg to track user session data and analytics. | | \_zitok | .followoz.com | 1 year | Set by Zoho to optimize user experience and improve website performance by tracking visitor behavior and analyzing user journeys. | | YSC | .youtube.com | Session | Set by YouTube to track views of embedded videos. | ### Performance Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indicators of the website, helping deliver a better user experience for visitors. | Cookie | Domain | Duration | Description | |---|---|---|---| | \_gat | .followoz.com | 1 minute | Set by Google Universal Analytics to restrain the request rate and limit data collection on high-traffic sites. | ### Advertisement Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with customized advertisements based on pages previously visited and to analyze the effectiveness of ad campaigns. | Cookie | Domain | Duration | Description | |---|---|---|---| | \_\_adroll\_fpc | .followoz.com | 1 year | Set by AdRoll to identify users and track ad performance across websites. | | \_\_ar\_v4 | .followoz.com | 1 year | Set by AdRoll for retargeting and ad targeting purposes. | | receive-cookie-deprecation | .adroll.com, .d.adroll.com | 1 year | Set by AdRoll to handle cookie deprecation signals for advertising purposes. | | \_\_Secure-YNID | .youtube.com | 6 months | YouTube cookie used to protect user security and prevent fraud, especially during login. | | \_\_Secure-ROLLOUT\_TOKEN | .youtube.com | 6 months | Set by YouTube to manage feature rollout and experimentation, helping Google control which new features or interface changes are shown to users during staged rollouts. | | \_\_Secure-YEC | .youtube.com | Session | Set by YouTube for security and feature-rollout purposes, helping maintain secure sessions and manage feature testing. | | \_\_Secure-STRP | .google.com | Session | Set by Google for secure session tracking and authentication purposes. | | bcookie | .linkedin.com | 1 year | Set by LinkedIn from share buttons and ad tags to recognize browser IDs. | | \_fbp | .followoz.com | 3 months | Facebook Pixel cookie used for ad targeting, conversion tracking, and building audience segments; helps measure the effectiveness of Facebook advertising. | | \_gcl\_au | .followoz.com | 3 months | Google Ads conversion-tracking cookie used to measure advertising effectiveness. Stores ad-click information and helps optimize ad performance. | | test\_cookie | .doubleclick.net | 15 minutes | Set by doubleclick.net to determine if the user’s browser supports cookies. | | IDE | .doubleclick.net | 13 months | Google DoubleClick cookie that stores information about how the user uses the website, used to present relevant ads based on the user’s profile. | ## Manage cookie preferences [Consent Preferences](javascript:void(0);) You can modify your cookie settings at any time by clicking the “Consent Preferences” button above. This will reopen the cookie consent banner so you can update your preferences or withdraw your consent immediately. Additionally, most browsers let you block or delete cookies directly. Below are links to official support documentation for managing and deleting cookies in major web browsers. - **Chrome:** <https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/32050> - **Safari:** <https://support.apple.com/en-in/guide/safari/sfri11471/mac> - **Firefox:** <https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/clear-cookies-and-site-data-firefox> - **Microsoft Edge:** [https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-edge/delete-cookies-in-microsoft-edge](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-edge/delete-cookies-in-microsoft-edge-63947406-40ac-c3b8-57b9-2a946a29ae09) If you use a different browser, please refer to its official support documentation. --- ### [OZ Events](https://followoz.com/events/) **Published:** October 1, 2025 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ## OZ Digital events Explore our upcoming events to connect, learn, and discover what’s next in cloud, data, and AI. ![oz-event-image-meet-up](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/oz-ent-image-meet-up.png) ## Featured Events [ ![executive-ai-workshop-make-ai-agents-work-for-you](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/executive-ai-workshop-make-ai-agents-work-for-you.jpg) ](https://followoz.com/oz_events/executive-ai-workshop-make-ai-agents-work-for-you/) ## Catch All the Highlights ###### If you missed an event, we’ve got you covered. Access event highlights, recaps, and key sessions on demand. Watch Recap ![AI Foundry Workshop OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/AI-Foundry-Workshop.jpg) - January 14, 2026 - In-Person ## OZ Microsoft AI Foundry workshop OZ Digital Consulting proudly hosts experiences like this to help organizations turn AI ideas into action. The session highlighted how Microsoft Foundry enables scalable, real-world AI solutions, integrates data and cloud services, and drives measurable business value through collaboration and practical implementation. Watch Recap [ Watch Recap ](https://youtu.be/aeZlr2rbSrc) ![Microsoft-Workshop OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Microsoft-Workshop.jpg) - November 4, 2025 - In-Person ## Microsoft AI Workshop Couldn’t make it to the Microsoft AI Workshop: Make AI Agents Work for You? Catch our on-demand session to learn how Microsoft and OZ Digital are putting AI and AIAgents to use to power smarter transformation solutions for business, improve ROI, and drive profitable growth. [ Watch Recap ](https://youtu.be/aeZlr2rbSrc) [ Watch Recap ](https://youtu.be/jx_tWSP5HAI) ![VS Code DevDays, Buenos Aires, Argentina banner](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/VS-Code-DevDays-Buenos-Aires-Argentina-banner-.jpg) - September 26, 2025 - In-Person ## VS Code DevDays, Sunchales Sponsored by OZ, this exclusive Microsoft event brings developers together to sharpen their coding skills with Visual Studio Code, GitHub Copilot, and Microsoft's latest AI tools transforming software development. [ Watch Recap ](https://youtu.be/jx_tWSP5HAI) [ Watch Recap ](https://youtu.be/x_cctuON8IY?si=Gjq0SIobG8CT8Tn5) ![AgentCon, Cordoba, Argentina](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/AgentCon-Cordoba-Argentina.png) - September 18, 2025 - In-Person ## AgentCon, Cordoba, Argentina In partnership with Microsoft, we deep-dive into AI, Agents, and Avatars through hands-on demos, workshops, and real-world case studies. [ Watch Recap ](https://youtu.be/x_cctuON8IY?si=Gjq0SIobG8CT8Tn5) [ Watch Recap ](https://youtu.be/P5kNXFK90po) ![VS Code DevDays, Buenos Aires, Argentina](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/VS-Code-DevDays-Buenos-Aires-Argentina.jpg) - September 13, 2025 - In-Person ## VS Code DevDays, Buenos Aires, Argentina As a proud sponsor, we bring you a ringside view of where AI is headed and how you can thrive in this new age of AI and AI Agents. [ Watch Recap ](https://youtu.be/P5kNXFK90po) ## Flagship Event ## AI Future Summit 2026 [ ](#elementor-action%3Aaction%3Dpopup%3Aopen%26settings%3DeyJpZCI6IjY3ODQiLCJ0b2dnbGUiOmZhbHNlfQ%3D%3D) [ Access Full Event ](https://followoz.com/ai-future-summit-2026/) ## Flagship Event ## AI Future Summit 2024 [ ](#elementor-action%3Aaction%3Dpopup%3Aopen%26settings%3DeyJpZCI6IjUzNTEiLCJ0b2dnbGUiOmZhbHNlfQ%3D%3D) [ Access Full Event ](https://followoz.com/best-of-ai-future-summit-2024/) --- ### [Join Our Team: Digital Consulting Experts OZ Careers](https://followoz.com/careers/) **Published:** March 22, 2024 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ## careers ### Let’s build the future of AI together Come work alongside our Microsoft MVPs, data and AI experts and build what’s next. We’re always eager to meet talent who are as passionate and excited about building the next big thing. If you thrive on learning, experimenting, and solving customer challenges, you’ll fit right in. Explore our open positions. #### Search open positions [ Seach ](#) --- ### [Lead Insurance Digital Transformations with OZ Digital](https://followoz.com/industries/insurance/) **Published:** March 22, 2024 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ## AI FOR INSURANCE ## Technology-powered solutions purpose-built for insurance Transform distribution, claims, and underwriting operations with leading Microsoft technologies, AI-powered analytics and insights, and OZ by your side. [ Request a meeting ](https://followoz.com/contact-us/) ![humana](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Asset-48-4.svg) ![AF group](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Asset-49-4.svg) ![berkly](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Layer-1-2-3.svg) ![coventry](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Asset-45-2.svg) ![RSA](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Asset-46-2.svg) ![setnor byer](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Asset-47-2.svg) ![amerigroup realsolutions](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Asset-50-2.svg) ![bristol west](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Asset-51-4.svg) ![citizens](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Asset-52-4.svg) ![Atlantic Dental](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Asset-141.svg) ![humana](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Asset-142.svg) ![vista](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Asset-144.svg) ###### “We were excited to partner with OZ when we learned of their extensive expertise in health insurance software development as well as in streamlining business processes.” ###### — J. Anderson, Director, Claims Department, Amerigroup ![Amerigroup OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Amerigroup-1.jpg) ## Segments we serve ###### Property & casualty insurance Set the stage for innovation with emerging technologies and advanced analytics that improve risk evaluation and loss prevention, create differentiated customer experiences, and drive profitable growth. [ Case study ](https://followoz.com/case-studies/new-centralizing-reinsurance-operations/) ###### Health insurance Build an API-powered, connected data ecosystem to deliver omnichannel customer experiences and manage digital insurance products at scale. [ Case study ](https://followoz.com/case-studies/insurance-payer-amerigroup/) ###### Digital carriers Automate tasks and improve healthcare workflows to free up time for patients. Integrate data from EHRs, medical devices, appointment history, and partners to provide more personalized support to your patients. [ Case study ](https://followoz.com/case-studies/florida-dental-benefits-transforms/) #### Innovative solutions. Transformative impact. #### Azure Cloud Migration Migrate, accelerate, and innovate in the cloud. Bring all your policy and claims data and systems together for a 360˚ view of your customers, operations and performance, all while reducing costs and mitigating risk. [ View customer story ](https://followoz.com/case-studies/berkley-gl/) #### Intelligent Automation Replace error-prone manual processes with intelligent automation. Streamline department workflows—be it claims management, underwriting, or customer service—to reduce costs, improve efficiency, and respond faster. [ View customer story ](https://followoz.com/case-studies/health-insurance-amerigroup/) #### Azure Data Integration, Analytics, and AI Get a ringside view of your insurance operations. Integrate all your data from disparate sources and transform that data into game-changing insights with advanced Microsoft Fabric analytics and Azure AI capabilities. [ View customer story ](https://followoz.com/case-studies/insurance-payer-amerigroup/) #### Azure Data Platform Modernization Transform the claims experience with a modernized data foundation and automated claims systems. Reduce costs and risks, delays and disputes through better data management, accurate processing, and faster response times. [ View customer story ](https://followoz.com/case-studies/berkley-guidewire/) #### See how this commercial lines insurer improved General Ledger closing times from weeks to days ###### The leader in commercial lines insurance sought our automation and integration expertise to unify their data across sources and create efficiencies—in just 90 days. [ View customer story ](https://followoz.com/case-studies/insurance-payer-amerigroup/) ![OZ Digital Consulting See how this commercial lines insurer improved General Ledger closing times from weeks to days](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/See-how-this-commercial-lines-insurer-improved-General-Ledger-closing-times-from-weeks-to-days.jpg) ##### Book a 30-minute complimentary session with our Microsoft MVPs ###### Connect with one of our Microsoft MVPs for insights into the latest Microsoft technologies and practical guidance on how to get your technology initiatives off the ground. ## AI Insights — New and noteworthy [ ![Open brochure with blue curved lines; cover reads: 'The pharmacy deadline that could cost you millions if you wait'.](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/The-Pharmacy-Deadline-that-Could-Cost-You-Millions-If-You-Wait-NYPDP.jpg) ](https://followoz.com/resources/whitepapers/the-2028-pharmacy-deadline-that-could-cost-you-millions/) [ ![Whitepaper Read More](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/aroow-top-round-big.png) ](https://followoz.com/resources/whitepapers/the-2028-pharmacy-deadline-that-could-cost-you-millions/) ## The Pharmacy Deadline that Could Cost You Millions If You Wait ![Smiling woman seated at a multi-monitor coding workstation in a bright office](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/AI-Powered-Mainframe-Modernizati.jpg) ## [Why Mainframe Modernization Looks Different This Time](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/why-mainframe-modernization-looks-different-this-time/) [ Read More ](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/why-mainframe-modernization-looks-different-this-time/) ![OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Top-Takeaways-from-Microsoft-Bui.jpg) ## [Top Takeaways from Microsoft Build 2025](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/top-takeaways-from-microsoft-build-2025/) [ Read More ](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/top-takeaways-from-microsoft-build-2025/) ![AI-Readiness](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/AI-Readiness-Blog-Post_01-1.jpg) ## [AI Readiness Starts with Data Readiness](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/ai-readiness-starts-with-data-readiness/) [ Read More ](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/ai-readiness-starts-with-data-readiness/) --- ### [AI Steph](https://followoz.com/ai-steph/) **Published:** May 28, 2025 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ## Move AI from Concept to Competitive Advantage ###### Book 15 minutes to hear how OZ Digital Consulting deployed AI for challenges just like yours. ![Stephane Abitan](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Stephane-Abitan.jpg)### Steph Abitan Chief Revenue Officer AI is on every leader’s radar. But the question is: whether it's operational across every part of your business? If you haven’t implemented AI yet, you’re already behind. So, what’s holding you back? ###### 5 Questions Business Leaders Are Asking - • Where do we start? - • Do we have the right expertise or infrastructure? - • How do we navigate compliance and evolving AI regulation? - • How can we reskill the workforce for AI? - • How do we scale and prove ROI? Whatever your challenges or concerns, our AI experts have the answers. Book 15 minutes and we’ll show you how we work with companies like **Hard Rock, EPIC Insurance Brokers and SBA Communications** to transform their operations with AI. ## WATCH AI IN ACTION [ ](#elementor-action%3Aaction%3Dpopup%3Aopen%26settings%3DeyJpZCI6IjUyMzciLCJ0b2dnbGUiOmZhbHNlfQ%3D%3D) Service hours 6.5 M+ Years of experience 25 + Projects 1350 + Clients 370 + MVPs 7 + Microsoft certifications 290 + --- ### [Jason Milgram](https://followoz.com/ai-jason/) **Published:** July 23, 2025 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ## Talk to an Expert ###### Book 15 minutes with Jason Milgram, CTO at OZ Digital and 15-time Microsoft MVP, to discuss any challenges, concerns, or questions. ![Jason Milgram - Chief Technology Officer and 15-time Microsoft MVP at OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Jason-Milgram.png)### Jason Milgram Chief Technology Officer and 15-time Microsoft MVP Service hours 6.5 M+ Years of experience 25 + Projects 1350 + Clients 370 + MVPs 7 + Microsoft certifications 290 + ## Vetted. Validated. Verified. ![power-platform-functional-consultant OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/power-platform-functional-consultant-600x600__1_.png) ![power-platform-developer OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/power-platform-developer-600x600-1.png) ![microsoft-certified-azure-administrator-associate-az OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/microsoft-certified-azure-administrator-associate-az-104-11.png) ![Microsoft-Power-BI-Data-Analyst OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Microsoft-Power-BI-Data-Analyst.png) ![Microsoft-Power-BI-Data-Analyst OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Microsoft-Power-BI-Data-Analyst-copy.png) ![Microsoft-Power-Automate-RPA-Developer](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Microsoft-Power-Automate-RPA-Developer.png) ![Microsoft-Cybersecurity-Architect](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Microsoft-Cybersecurity-Architect.png) ![CERT-Expert-DevOps-Engineer](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/CERT-Expert-DevOps-Engineer-600x600-1.png) ![azure-virtual-desktop-specialty](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/azure-virtual-desktop-specialty-600x600-1.png) ![Microsoft-Fabric-Analytics-Engineer](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Microsoft-Fabric-Analytics-Engineer-1.png) ![fundamentals-badge-platform-architect-azure 2 OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/fundamentals-badge-platform-architect-azure-2.svg) ![azure-solutions-architect-expert](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/azure-solutions-architect-expert-600x600-1.png) ![azure-security-engineer-associate](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/azure-security-engineer-associate600x600.png) ![azure-network-engineer-associate](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/azure-network-engineer-associate-600x600-1.png) ![azure-developer-associate OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/azure-developer-associate-600x600-1.png) ![azure-data-scientist-associate OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/azure-data-scientist-associate-600x600-1.png) ![azure-data-engineer-associate](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/azure-data-engineer-associate-600x600-1.png) ![azure-database-administrator-associate OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/azure-database-administrator-associate-600x600-1.png) ![Azure-Cosmos-DB-Developer-Specialty OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Azure-Cosmos-DB-Developer-Specialty.png) ![Azure-AI-Engineer-Associate OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Azure-AI-Engineer-Associate.png) ![Data and AI Azure Microsoft logo - OZ Digital Consulting partnership](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Data-and-AI-Azure_MSFT-logo.png) ![cloud_solution_provider OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/cloud_solution_provider.png) ![OZ MS Infrastructure](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/OZ-MS-Infrastructure.png) ![Microsoft Solutions Partner Digital and Application Innovation badge](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Microsoft-Solutions-Partner_Digital-and-App.png) --- ### [Rapid Methodology](https://followoz.com/rapid-methodology/) **Published:** October 16, 2025 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ## Build in weeks, not years At OZ Digital, we get things done — fast. Our accelerators and repeatable frameworks help us build, iterate, and deliver enterprise-grade solutions on time and on budget. ## The OZWay RAPID Approach RAPID (Rapid Application and Project Implementation and Delivery) is how we build AI solutions faster and smarter. A flexible, collaborative approach, RAPID combines ten connected layers to guide projects from idea to implementation. And along the way, ensures teams stay true to their goals, meet the highest standards, and deliver consistent quality. ![The-OZWay-RAPID-Approach OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/The-OZWay-RAPID-Approach.jpg) ##### Book a 30-minute complimentary session with our Microsoft MVPs ###### Connect with one of our Microsoft MVPs for insights into the latest Microsoft technologies and practical guidance on how to get your technology initiatives off the ground. ## AI Insights — New and noteworthy [ ![Open brochure with blue curved lines; cover reads: 'The pharmacy deadline that could cost you millions if you wait'.](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/The-Pharmacy-Deadline-that-Could-Cost-You-Millions-If-You-Wait-NYPDP.jpg) ](https://followoz.com/resources/whitepapers/the-2028-pharmacy-deadline-that-could-cost-you-millions/) [ ![Whitepaper Read More](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/aroow-top-round-big.png) ](https://followoz.com/resources/whitepapers/the-2028-pharmacy-deadline-that-could-cost-you-millions/) ## The Pharmacy Deadline that Could Cost You Millions If You Wait ![Smiling woman seated at a multi-monitor coding workstation in a bright office](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/AI-Powered-Mainframe-Modernizati.jpg) ## [Why Mainframe Modernization Looks Different This Time](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/why-mainframe-modernization-looks-different-this-time/) [ Read More ](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/why-mainframe-modernization-looks-different-this-time/) ![OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Top-Takeaways-from-Microsoft-Bui.jpg) ## [Top Takeaways from Microsoft Build 2025](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/top-takeaways-from-microsoft-build-2025/) [ Read More ](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/top-takeaways-from-microsoft-build-2025/) ![AI-Readiness](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/AI-Readiness-Blog-Post_01-1.jpg) ## [AI Readiness Starts with Data Readiness](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/ai-readiness-starts-with-data-readiness/) [ Read More ](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/ai-readiness-starts-with-data-readiness/) --- ### [AI Steph contact us](https://followoz.com/ai-steph-contact-us/) **Published:** October 16, 2025 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ## Move AI from Concept to Competitive Advantage ###### Book 15 minutes to hear how OZ Digital Consulting deployed AI for challenges just like yours. ## Speak to our MVPs ![Jason Milgram - Chief Technology Officer and 15-time Microsoft MVP at OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Jason-Milgram.jpg)### Jason Milgram Chief Technology Officer and 15-time Microsoft MVP ![Pablo Piovano OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Pablo-Piovano.jpg)### Pablo Piovano Director of AI and 5-time Microsoft MVP ![Chris Pietschmann - Microsoft MVP and OZ Digital Consulting leader](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Chris-Pietschmann.jpg)### Chris Pietschmann Senior Manager, Cloud Operations and 14-time Dual MVP, Developer Technologies and Microsoft Azure ![Khawar Habib OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Khawar-Habib.jpg)### Khawar Habib Manager, Innovation Center and Microsoft MVP, Microsoft Foundry AI ![Jonathan Castillo OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Jonathan-Castillo.jpg)### Jonathan Castillo Senior AI Consultant and Microsoft MVP, Microsoft Foundry AI ![Carlos Solis OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Carlos-Solis.jpg)### Carlos Solis Senior Consultant and 3-time Dual MVP, Security and Microsoft Azure ## WATCH AI IN ACTION [ ](#elementor-action%3Aaction%3Dpopup%3Aopen%26settings%3DeyJpZCI6IjUyMzciLCJ0b2dnbGUiOmZhbHNlfQ%3D%3D) Service hours 6.5 M+ Years of experience 25 + Projects 1350 + Clients 370 + MVPs 7 + Microsoft certifications 290 + --- ### [Azure Databricks](https://followoz.com/services/azure-databricks/) **Published:** December 5, 2025 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ## Azure Databricks ## Build a unified, governed data lakehouse for data and AI Unify your data, analytics, and AI on Azure Databricks with governance, lineage, and secure collaboration built in. [ Talk to our Data MVP ](#gototothissection) ![AdvancedRx pharmacy logo - OZ Digital Consulting client](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/AdvancedRx_Logo.jpg) ![OncoHealth-Horizontal](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/OncoHealth-Horizontal.svg) ![carnival.jpg](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/carnival.jpg) ![Asset-35-1.svg](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-35-1.svg) ![Asset-28-1.svg](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-28-1.svg) ![jackson health system](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-26-1.svg) ![ncl norwegian cruise line](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-24-1.svg) ![Brands mart usa](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-55-5.svg) ![Mercy](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Mercy.png) ![millers ale house](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-27-1.svg) ![rooms to go](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-33-2.svg) ![citrix](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-148.svg) ![hard rock](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Layer-1-2-2.svg) ![red lobster](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-38-1.svg) ![blugreen vacations](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-30-2.svg) ![Holiday inn club vacations](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-29-2.svg) ![Databricks and Microsoft Azure logos shown on a purple gradient circle with orbiting lines in a collaboration graphic.](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Empower-your-data-teams-with-
OZ-Digital-and-Azure-Databricks.jpg) ## Empower your data teams with OZ Digital and Azure Databricks Engineer the future of AI-powered enterprises with OZ Digital and Databricks—combining 29 years of experience building tailored business solutions with the Azure Databricks Platform for scalable, governed, and responsible AI outcomes. Together, we help you automate data management, optimize processes, and drive growth with advanced analytics and AI. ## Data and AI governance, simplified Benefit from our deep data and AI expertise and experience building business-tailored solutions. A modern, governed data and AI foundation Our experts help you design and implement a lakehouse platform so your data teams can ship reliably, your business teams can trust the data, and security teams can rest easy. Built for speed, trust, and scale Build a secure, scalable lakehouse to run BI, ML, and GenAI while delivering faster time to value and lower operational risk through governance, access control, lineage, and policies. One control plane for data + AI governance Bring centralized governance to your lakehouse with Unity Catalog. Define access policies just once and apply them across your teams, workspaces, and workloads. ![Infographic of Lakehouse architecture with core data stores (Delta Lake, ICEBERG, Parquet), tools (Databricks SQL, Lakeflow, AI/BI, Mosaic AI) and Unity Catalog, plus Data & AI Governance.](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Data-and-AI-governance.png) [ Deploy Azure Databricks in 3 weeks ](https://followoz.com/services/azure-databricks/azure-databricks-migration/) ## See how leading brands unify data and AI with Azure Databricks Explore how businesses are building secure, governed data and AI foundations with Azure Databricks. ###### [How clean data brings clean water to communities](/case-studies/clean-data-brings-clean-water/) [ Read customer story ](/case-studies/clean-data-brings-clean-water/) ###### [Clean Energy Fuels streamlines operations and reporting on Azure Databricks](https://followoz.com/case-studies/clean-energy-fuels/) [ Read customer story ](https://followoz.com/case-studies/clean-energy-fuels/) ###### [SBA Communications elevates customer support with conversational AI](/case-studies/sba-communications/) [ Read customer story ](/case-studies/sba-communications/) ## Achieve more with an open lakehouse ###### With Unity Catalog and open protocols like Delta Sharing, discover, share, and analyze data at scale while maintaining governance, auditability, and privacy across use cases. ![Executive alignment and strategy](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Executive-alignment-and-strategy.png) Align catalog/schema strategy to domains, environments, and operating model ![Search icon with a magnifying glass and star-like sparkles indicating a search feature](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Data-discovery.png) Operationalize data discovery, documentation, and stewardship workflows ![Bar chart shows growth with a rising arrow and a gear, symbolizing analytics-driven performance improvement in business. 178 chars](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Lineage-and-audit.png) Enjoy lineage and audit-ready governance for analytics and ML assets ![Hand cursor selecting a node in a connected network diagram.](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Data-sharing-patterns-for-internal-and-external-collaboration.png) Implement data sharing patterns for internal and external collaboration ![Embedded security solutions](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Embedded-security-solutions.png) Get fine‑grained access control and credential patterns ## Business use cases we support Every organization works a little differently. We’ll meet you where you are, design around your data needs, and make sure everything fits naturally into the broader Azure ecosystem and the tools you rely on across data, BI, governance, and AI. - Helping you determine the right fit for operational vs. analytical use cases - Proven reference architectures for applications and analytics working side by side - Standardized, secure governance with Unity Catalog across multiple workspaces and regions - Migration from legacy meta stores to Unity Catalog - Native Azure integrations that speed up adoption and reduce friction - Lakehouse platform foundations - Medallion data product patterns (Bronze, Silver, Gold) - Reliable streaming and batch ingestion with built‑in quality checks - SQL performance tuning and cost‑control best practices - Lakebase for operational workloads when you need it ![Group of diverse colleagues around a table, shaking hands over tablets and laptops in a collaborative meeting.](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Business-use-cases-we-support-2.png) ## Integrations ## Identity & access Entra ID and enterprise group-based policy models ## Governance Microsoft Purview alignment and auditing patterns ## Analytics Power BI integration patterns and semantic layer approaches ## Artificial Intelligence Azure AI Foundry/Azure OpenAI enablement patterns ## Data estates ADLS, event streaming, and domain data platform integrations ##### Speak to our Data MVP ###### Whether you’re modernizing your data estate, operationalizing machine learning, or building autonomous systems, our Azure Databricks-certified experts bring the strategy, architecture, and hands-on experience to deliver results. ## AI Insights — New and noteworthy [ ![Open brochure with blue curved lines; cover reads: 'The pharmacy deadline that could cost you millions if you wait'.](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/The-Pharmacy-Deadline-that-Could-Cost-You-Millions-If-You-Wait-NYPDP.jpg) ](https://followoz.com/resources/whitepapers/the-2028-pharmacy-deadline-that-could-cost-you-millions/) [ ![Whitepaper Read More](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/aroow-top-round-big.png) ](https://followoz.com/resources/whitepapers/the-2028-pharmacy-deadline-that-could-cost-you-millions/) ## The Pharmacy Deadline that Could Cost You Millions If You Wait ![Smiling woman seated at a multi-monitor coding workstation in a bright office](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/AI-Powered-Mainframe-Modernizati.jpg) ## [Why Mainframe Modernization Looks Different This Time](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/why-mainframe-modernization-looks-different-this-time/) [ Read More ](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/why-mainframe-modernization-looks-different-this-time/) ![OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Top-Takeaways-from-Microsoft-Bui.jpg) ## [Top Takeaways from Microsoft Build 2025](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/top-takeaways-from-microsoft-build-2025/) [ Read More ](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/top-takeaways-from-microsoft-build-2025/) ![AI-Readiness](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/AI-Readiness-Blog-Post_01-1.jpg) ## [AI Readiness Starts with Data Readiness](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/ai-readiness-starts-with-data-readiness/) [ Read More ](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/ai-readiness-starts-with-data-readiness/) --- ### [Terms of service](https://followoz.com/terms-of-service/) **Published:** January 10, 2026 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ## Terms of service - 1. When you opt-in to the SMS service, we will send you an SMS message to confirm your signup. - 2. This service is used to send you notifications about our upcoming events such as workshops, webinars, summits, seminars etc. - 3. You can cancel this service at any time. Just text “STOP” to the short code. After you send the message “STOP” to us, we will send you a reply message to confirm that you have been unsubscribed. After this, you will no longer receive messages from us. If you want to join again, just sign up as you did the first time and we will start sending messages to you. - 4. If you are experiencing issues with the messaging program, you can reply with the keyword “HELP” for more assistance, or you can get help directly by contacting OZ Digital at [+1-800-443-5210](tel:+1-800-443-5210/). - 5. Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages. - 6. As always, Message and Data Rates may apply for any messages sent to you from us and to us from you. If you have any questions about your text plan or data plan, it is best to contact your wireless provider. For all questions about the services provided by this SMS program, you can send an email to your company’s support email address. - 7. If you have any questions regarding privacy, please read our [privacy policy](https://followoz.com/privacy-policy/). --- ### [oz Microsoft MVPs](https://followoz.com/oz-microsoft-mvps/) **Published:** January 22, 2026 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ## Partner with 7 of our top Microsoft MVPs Set up time today and we’ll help you plan, deploy, manage and optimize your Microsoft investment. Our talented pool of Microsoft MVPs brings deep expertise and advanced knowledge of Microsoft technologies. - Azure Cloud & AI Services - AI & Data - AI Business Solutions - Azure Infrastructure and Security ## Microsoft MVPs with proven AI expertise ![Jason Milgram - Chief Technology Officer and 15-time Microsoft MVP at OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Jason-Milgram.jpg)### Jason Milgram Chief Technology Officer and 15-time Microsoft MVP ![Pablo Piovano OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Pablo-Piovano.jpg)### Pablo Piovano Director of AI and 5-time Microsoft MVP ![Chris Pietschmann - Microsoft MVP and OZ Digital Consulting leader](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Chris-Pietschmann.jpg)### Chris Pietschmann Senior Manager, Cloud Operations and 14-time Dual MVP, Developer Technologies and Microsoft Azure ![Khawar Habib OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Khawar-Habib.jpg)### Khawar Habib Manager, Innovation Center and Microsoft MVP, Microsoft Foundry AI ![Jonathan Castillo OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Jonathan-Castillo.jpg)### Jonathan Castillo Senior AI Consultant and Microsoft MVP, Microsoft Foundry AI ![Carlos Solis OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Carlos-Solis.jpg)### Carlos Solis Senior Consultant and 3-time Dual MVP, Security and Microsoft Azure ![Dominick Raimato](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Dominick-Raimato.jpg)### Dominick Raimato Senior Director, Global Practice Leader, Data & AI ## A trusted Microsoft powerhouse Microsoft certifications 290 + Microsoft MVPs 7 Use cases 50 + ## Vetted. Validated. Verified. ![power-platform-functional-consultant OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/power-platform-functional-consultant-600x600__1_.png) ![power-platform-developer OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/power-platform-developer-600x600-1.png) ![microsoft-certified-azure-administrator-associate-az OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/microsoft-certified-azure-administrator-associate-az-104-11.png) ![Microsoft-Power-BI-Data-Analyst OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Microsoft-Power-BI-Data-Analyst.png) ![Microsoft-Power-BI-Data-Analyst OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Microsoft-Power-BI-Data-Analyst-copy.png) ![Microsoft-Power-Automate-RPA-Developer](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Microsoft-Power-Automate-RPA-Developer.png) ![Microsoft-Cybersecurity-Architect](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Microsoft-Cybersecurity-Architect.png) ![CERT-Expert-DevOps-Engineer](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/CERT-Expert-DevOps-Engineer-600x600-1.png) ![azure-virtual-desktop-specialty](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/azure-virtual-desktop-specialty-600x600-1.png) ![Microsoft-Fabric-Analytics-Engineer](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Microsoft-Fabric-Analytics-Engineer-1.png) ![fundamentals-badge-platform-architect-azure 2 OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/fundamentals-badge-platform-architect-azure-2.svg) ![azure-solutions-architect-expert](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/azure-solutions-architect-expert-600x600-1.png) ![azure-security-engineer-associate](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/azure-security-engineer-associate600x600.png) ![azure-network-engineer-associate](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/azure-network-engineer-associate-600x600-1.png) ![azure-developer-associate OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/azure-developer-associate-600x600-1.png) ![azure-data-scientist-associate OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/azure-data-scientist-associate-600x600-1.png) ![azure-data-engineer-associate](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/azure-data-engineer-associate-600x600-1.png) ![azure-database-administrator-associate OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/azure-database-administrator-associate-600x600-1.png) ![Azure-Cosmos-DB-Developer-Specialty OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Azure-Cosmos-DB-Developer-Specialty.png) ![Azure-AI-Engineer-Associate OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Azure-AI-Engineer-Associate.png) ![Data and AI Azure Microsoft logo - OZ Digital Consulting partnership](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Data-and-AI-Azure_MSFT-logo.png) ![cloud_solution_provider OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/cloud_solution_provider.png) ![OZ MS Infrastructure](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/OZ-MS-Infrastructure.png) ![Microsoft Solutions Partner Digital and Application Innovation badge](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Microsoft-Solutions-Partner_Digital-and-App.png) ## Delivering AI and delighting customers ![Fishman Card Testimonial OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Fishman-Card-Testimonial.png) ![customer](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/customer3.png) ![customer OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/customer2.png) ![customer OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/customer1.png) ![Owwll OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Owwll.jpg) ## Our capabilities ## AI Agents + Foundry Accelerate AI adoption with secure, production-ready agents built on Azure AI Foundry. Orchestrate multi agent workflows, ground responses in enterprise data, and apply governance and evaluation frameworks to automate work and amplify team productivity. ## Microsoft Fabric & Azure Databricks Empower your data teams with a unified, governed foundation across Microsoft Fabric and Azure Databricks. Streamline ingestion, real time analytics, and AI workloads to accelerate insight delivery, improve cost efficiency, and drive consistent, enterprise-ready outcomes. ## Copilot Studio Maximize the value of your Microsoft 365 Copilot investment. Optimize licensing, governance, security, user adoption, and custom agents to enhance AI-driven productivity and collaboration across the organization. ## Power Platform Accelerate Power Platform adoption with strategic guidance, governance, and scalable solutions that drive innovation, boost operational efficiency, and enable sustainable growth while reducing IT burden and risk. [ Book 15 minutes with an MVP ](#) --- ### [Emmanuel Ramos](https://followoz.com/about/leadership/emmanuel-ramos/) **Published:** March 9, 2026 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ## OZ Leadership ## Emmanuel Ramos ## EVP, Global Consulting - [ ](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mannyramos/) ![followoz Emmanuel-Ramos oz](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Emmanuel-Ramos-oz.png) Emmanuel “Manny” Ramos is a senior technology executive and operator with 25+ years of experience building, scaling, and leading technology services and consulting organizations that deliver measurable enterprise outcomes. He is known for turning ambitious transformation agendas into execution—modernizing operations, advancing data-driven decisioning, and accelerating adoption of AI-powered capabilities through a pragmatic, value-creation lens. Before joining OZ, Manny built a track record of leadership across growth, operations, and enterprise service delivery—beginning as President of Aptitude Solutions, where he led the business with an operator’s rigor and a client-outcome mindset. He then served as Senior Vice President of Operations at Trellance, leading operational scale and execution excellence, and later held senior executive leadership at Fiserv, contributing to enterprise-grade delivery in a Fortune 500 environment. As Executive Vice President, Global Digital Technology Consulting at OZ, Manny leads the firm’s end-to-end consulting strategy and execution, advancing OZ’s North Star of Intelligent Innovation. He oversees the design and delivery of modern, AI-powered solutions that integrate cloud platforms, intelligent automation, advanced analytics, and data-driven decision systems—helping enterprises convert innovation into scalable, measurable business impact. Manny’s industry voice and community leadership reinforce his market credibility. He is a member of the Forbes Technology Council, a Vice Chair of the Tampa Bay Tech CIO/CTO Council, and President of the Tampa chapter of the International Association of Microsoft Channel Partners (IAMCP)—bringing deep ecosystem connectivity and executive-level perspective to how modern technology services firms differentiate and grow. He holds an MBA from Purdue University and a BS in Computer Science from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. --- ### [Amjad Shamim Jafri](https://followoz.com/about/leadership/amjad-shamim-jafri/) **Published:** March 9, 2026 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ## OZ Leadership ## Amjad Shamim Jafri ## Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder - [ ](https://www.linkedin.com/in/amjadshamim/) ![Amjad Shamim Jafri - Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Amjad-Shamim.png) Amjad Shamim Jafri is co‑founder and Chief Executive Officer of OZ Digital, bringing more than 25 years of experience guiding organizations through technology‑enabled transformation. Under his leadership, OZ Digital has built deep AI fluency across the Microsoft ecosystem—intentionally embedding agentic AI, intelligent automation, and decision‑support capabilities into its solutions and service offerings to help clients operationalize AI at scale. Amjad’s approach focuses on helping organizations move from experimentation to impact by aligning AI‑enabled workflows, intelligent agents, and strong data foundations with core business processes. This positions clients to fully realize value from both current and emerging AI platforms while improving customer experience, decision velocity, and operational performance. Prior to founding OZ Digital, Amjad held senior leadership roles at CareCentric and Xcelerate, where he consistently delivered growth and innovation while building scalable platforms and high‑performing teams. A recognized industry leader, he has received honors including Broward County Ultimate CEO, Tech‑America CEO of the Year, and the Crystal Award for advancing workplace diversity. He served on the board of the Florida State Minority Supplier Development Council and is a former MBEIC Chair. An inventor and innovator, Amjad holds U.S. Patent US‑11263850‑B2, contributed to the Salus COVID‑19 prevention platform, and earned a Computer Science degree from Florida Atlantic University. --- ### [Asad Shamim Jafri](https://followoz.com/about/leadership/asad-shamim-jafri/) **Published:** March 9, 2026 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ## OZ Leadership ## Asad Shamim Jafri ## Co-Founder - [ ](https://www.linkedin.com/in/asad-shamim-2169ba1/) ![Asad OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Asad.png) Asad Shamim Jafri is the co-founder of OZ Digital and has played a key role in shaping the company’s vision and strategy. An influential leader in South Florida’s technology community, Asad brings decades of experience in building and scaling digital solutions across industries. He also leads JET Health Solutions—acquired by Enhance Health—where he continues to drive innovation in healthcare technology. His work reflects a long-standing commitment to transforming industries through intelligent, scalable solutions. Prior to OZ, he held several leadership roles in technology and digital services organizations. --- ### [Stephane Abitan](https://followoz.com/about/leadership/stephane-abitan/) **Published:** March 9, 2026 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ## OZ Leadership ## Stephane Abitan ## Chief Revenue Officer - [ ](https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaneabitan) ![Steph Abitan - Chief Revenue Officer at OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Steph.png) Steph is a seasoned revenue leader with over 20 years of experience in sales and growth strategy. As Chief Revenue Officer at OZ, he leads revenue strategy, business development, marketing, and strategic alliances. Working closely with the executive leadership team, Steph aligns sales objectives with the company’s vision and values, with a strong focus on accelerating growth, optimizing revenue streams, and driving sustainable profitability. Prior to OZ, Steph held senior leadership roles at industry‑leading organizations including ADP, DXC Technologies, and Ernst & Young, where he played a key role in expanding market share and driving sales excellence. In addition to his role at OZ Digital, Steph currently serves as President of the South Florida chapter of the International Association of Microsoft Channel Partners (IAMCP) and is a board member of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance, where he actively supports regional economic growth and innovation. --- ### [Jason Milgram](https://followoz.com/about/leadership/jason-milgram/) **Published:** March 9, 2026 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ## OZ Leadership ## Jason Milgram ## Chief Technology Officer and 15-time Microsoft MVP - [ ](https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonmilgram/) ![OZ Digital Consulting Jason](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Jason.png) A former Army Reserve veteran and fifteen-time Microsoft Azure MVP, Jason is a proven leader in cloud, data, and AI transformation. At OZ Digital, he leads a global team of cloud and AI professionals consistently delivering cutting-edge Microsoft solutions. With more than 25 years of experience creating exceptional customer experiences through technology and innovation, Jason brings deep expertise and a strong execution mindset to every engagement. Previously, Jason has held many high-level IT leadership positions, including CTO for Hitachi Solutions, Chief Architect at SAIC, and as Vice President at City National Bank of Florida. He is also the co-author of the Microsoft Azure Strategy and Implementation Guides, a series of books offering practical guidance and best practices for Azure adoption and optimization. --- ### [Robyn Cooper](https://followoz.com/about/leadership/robyncooper/) **Published:** March 9, 2026 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ## OZ Leadership ## Robyn Cooper ## Vice President, Global Human Resources - [ ](https://www.linkedin.com/in/robyn-nunciato-cooper-bb5a8b7/) ![Robyn Cooper - Vice President of Global Human Resources at OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Robyn.png) Robyn leads the People and Culture team at OZ, driving strategies to attract and retain top talent across diverse geographies. She is dedicated to shaping an inclusive, high-performing workplace culture and ensuring teams have the tools, development opportunities, and support needed to excel. With more than 25 years of leadership experience, Robyn brings deep expertise in HR strategy, organizational change, and project management across industries including technology, healthcare, higher education, hospitality, and sports and entertainment. She brings a holistic understanding of business and talent alignment and unique perspective on People strategy informed by prior roles in consulting and technical engagement leadership. Robyn has successfully led multiple Great Place to Work® certifications and has been recognized as a finalist for the Tampa Bay Business Journal’s People First Award. Known for fostering inclusive, high-performing cultures, she is passionate about leadership development and helping individuals and teams leverage their strengths and differences to drive cohesion and exceptional results. --- ### [Murray Izenwasser](https://followoz.com/about/leadership/murray-izenwasser/) **Published:** March 9, 2026 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ## OZ Leadership ## Murray Izenwasser ## SVP, Chief AI Evangelist and Strategic Client Advisor - [ ](https://www.linkedin.com/in/murrayiz/) ![followoz Murray](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Murray.png) As Chief AI Evangelist, Murray guides organizations to move from early exploration to scaled AI adoption through AI programs that deliver business impact from executive visioning to tactical pilots and full-scale implementations. He works with clients to define and operationalize their AI journeys while also leading OZ’s own AI enablement, evolving our go-to-market, delivery, and business operations to align with Microsoft’s AI priorities. Previously, Murray held senior positions with some of the world’s largest digital agencies—including Accenture, Razorfish, and Sapient—and co-founded and led a successful digital engagement and technology agency for seven years. He is also a frequent speaker at marketing and technology industry events on how businesses can unlock AI’s potential — not through theory, but through execution that works in the real world. --- ### [Sal Cardozo](https://followoz.com/about/leadership/sal-cardozo/) **Published:** March 9, 2026 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ## OZ Leadership ## Sal Cardozo ## SVP, Global Consulting Operations - [ ](https://www.linkedin.com/in/salcardozo/) ![Sal Cardozo - SVP of Global Consulting Operations at OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Sal-Cardozo-trans.png) Sal is responsible for scaling and optimizing our consulting practice to drive sustainable growth, delivery excellence, and market differentiation. His focus is on building a high-performing global consulting organization by integrating AI, advanced analytics, and intelligent process optimization into both client delivery and internal operations. He works across practices to streamline execution, improve utilization and margins, and enable scalable, repeatable delivery models that enhance client outcomes while increasing operational efficiency. He partners closely with Delivery, Sales leadership and internal functions to strengthen OZ’s strategic relationships with Microsoft and Databricks, ensuring alignment on go-to-market initiatives, solution innovation, and joint growth opportunities. Before joining OZ, Sal held senior roles at Accenture, ADT, Ryder, Cambridge Technology Partners, and Capgemini, where he delivered diverse business solutions for leading corporations and government agencies across more than eight countries. --- ### [Imran Sabir](https://followoz.com/about/leadership/imran-sabir/) **Published:** March 9, 2026 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ## OZ Leadership ## Imran Sabir ## Vice President, Automation & Enterprise Integration - [ ](https://www.linkedin.com/in/imran-sabir-b9b64968/) ![Imran Sabir - Vice President of Automation and Enterprise Integration at OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Imran-Sabir-1.png) As Vice President, Imran leads Azure, Power Platform, Intelligent Automation, AI, Machine Learning, and enterprise integration initiatives for Fortune 500 and public-sector clients. He specializes in architecting enterprise-scale AI and automation solutions that streamline operations and deliver measurable business outcomes. With more than 25 years of experience, Imran has built Centers of Excellence, led global development teams, and cultivated long -term client partnerships grounded in trust, precision, and innovation. A graduate of York University, he is committed to delivering the highest quality work and maximizing value for every client engagement. --- ### [Ahad Jafri](https://followoz.com/about/leadership/ahad-jafri/) **Published:** March 9, 2026 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ## OZ Leadership ## Ahad Jafri ## Chief Financial Officer - [ ](https://www.linkedin.com/in/ahad-jafri-cpa-35252419/) ![Ahad Jafri - Chief Financial Officer at OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Ahad.png) Ahad Jafri is a CFO, with over 10 years of experience and oversees all financial, accounting, tax, risk management, budgeting, credit, treasury, and FP&A functions at OZ. His expertise includes M&A integration, cost optimization, technical GAAP, and compliance proficiency. As a CPA licensed in the state of Florida and a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants (FICPA), Ahad was selected to be among twenty-three young CPAs in Florida to participate in the FICPA’s Leadership Academy in 2022. Ahad started his career in PwC’s assurance practice and also worked as a senior manager in the assurance and advisory services practice at Kaufman Rossin, advising clients from a myriad of industries on complex, technical transactions such as business combinations, variable interest entities, stock-based compensation, convertible instruments, internal use software, and revenue recognition. --- ### [Colleen Taylor](https://followoz.com/about/leadership/colleen-taylor/) **Published:** March 9, 2026 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ## OZ Leadership ## Colleen Taylor ## Vice President, Operations - [ ](https://www.linkedin.com/in/colleen-taylor-2302043/) ![OZ Digital Consulting Coleen](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Coleen.png) Colleen leads operations at OZ. Her focus is to enhance the experience for our employees and suppliers/partners while improving operational efficiency. With a background in consulting, quality assurance, technical writing, project management, systems implementation, and training for major technology vendors in the financial and healthcare industries, Colleen has a passion for quality and has led and implemented operational initiatives at several companies, including Metavante, CareCentric, and Xcelerate. --- ### [Cloud & AI Services](https://followoz.com/services/cloud-ai-services/) **Published:** March 10, 2026 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ## CLOUD & AI ## Build a secure Azure cloud foundation for AI innovation Accelerate your AI transformation with a secure, scalable Azure cloud foundation that unifies your data, powers intelligent apps and agents, and prepares you for what’s next. [ Talk to our Cloud & AI experts ](https://followoz.com/contact-us/) ![AdvancedRx pharmacy logo - OZ Digital Consulting client](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/AdvancedRx_Logo.jpg) ![OncoHealth-Horizontal](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/OncoHealth-Horizontal.svg) ![carnival.jpg](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/carnival.jpg) ![Asset-35-1.svg](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-35-1.svg) ![Asset-28-1.svg](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-28-1.svg) ![jackson health system](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-26-1.svg) ![ncl norwegian cruise line](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-24-1.svg) ![Brands mart usa](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-55-5.svg) ![Mercy](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Mercy.png) ![millers ale house](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-27-1.svg) ![rooms to go](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-33-2.svg) ![citrix](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-148.svg) ![hard rock](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Layer-1-2-2.svg) ![red lobster](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-38-1.svg) ![blugreen vacations](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-30-2.svg) ![Holiday inn club vacations](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-29-2.svg) ## Migrate and modernize your IT estate with Azure ###### Migrating and modernizing your IT estate on Azure is more than a technical upgrade. We help you modernize with purpose to bring you an AI-ready cloud platform that’s optimized for advanced analytics, integrated security, and future growth. [ Get an Azure Environment RAPID Assessment ](https://followoz.com/services/cloud-ai/azure-environment-rapid-assessment/) ![Migrate and modernize your IT estate with Azure](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Migrate-and-modernize-your-IT-estate-with-Azure.jpg) ## Data & AI ## Your AI is only as smart as your data ###### Thinking about AI but not sure where to begin? Start with your data. Our Microsoft experts partner with you to assess readiness, unlock insights, and unite your data estate to make it truly AI-ready. [ Book a 1:1 AI Readiness Assessment ](https://followoz.com/services/cloud-ai/ai-insights-readiness-assessment/) ## Build one connected data estate ###### Break down silos with a single, trusted data foundation—built with Microsoft Fabric, Azure Databricks, and Microsoft Purview—and gain faster insights, stronger governance, and org-wide AI innovation ## Unify analytics and reporting Unify your data and analytics workloads on a single open, governed, cloud-based foundation that allows for responsible data discovery ## Seamlessly govern and protect your data Democratize data for your teams without compromising security. With the right governance built in, unlock value from your data without compromising security ## Transform your data for AI Prepare your data for more accurate models. Get deeper insights with pre-built or custom generative AI solutions without moving it to an app-specific infrastructure. [ Book a Microsoft Fabric Data Unification Session ](https://followoz.com/services/cloud-ai/microsoft-fabric-data-unification/) ![Intelligently automate what slows your team down](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Intelligently-automate-what-slows-your-team-down.jpg) ## Intelligently automate what slows you down Manual document handling slows teams down and leaves room for error. With Azure AI and Document Intelligence, we help you read, extract, and process documents in less time and lower costs. [ Register for an AI Document Intelligence Pilot ](https://followoz.com/services/cloud-ai/ai-powered-document-intelligence/) ## Never miss an insight Make manual reporting, inconsistent metrics, and disconnected data a thing of the past. Power BI makes it easier to see how your business is performing with AI-assisted interactive dashboards that provide real-time visibility and insights. [ Book a Power BI Quick Start Engagement ](https://followoz.com/services/cloud-ai/power-bi-dashboards-and-reports-quick-start/) ![Never miss an insight](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Never-miss-an-insight.jpg) ## 7 Proven Ways Microsoft AI Reduces Software Development Costs ##### Book a 30-minute complimentary session with our Microsoft MVPs ###### Connect with one of our Microsoft MVPs for insights into the latest Microsoft technologies and practical guidance on how to get your technology initiatives off the ground. ## AI Insights — New and noteworthy [ ![Open brochure with blue curved lines; cover reads: 'The pharmacy deadline that could cost you millions if you wait'.](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/The-Pharmacy-Deadline-that-Could-Cost-You-Millions-If-You-Wait-NYPDP.jpg) ](https://followoz.com/resources/whitepapers/the-2028-pharmacy-deadline-that-could-cost-you-millions/) [ ![Whitepaper Read More](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/aroow-top-round-big.png) ](https://followoz.com/resources/whitepapers/the-2028-pharmacy-deadline-that-could-cost-you-millions/) ## The Pharmacy Deadline that Could Cost You Millions If You Wait ![Smiling woman seated at a multi-monitor coding workstation in a bright office](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/AI-Powered-Mainframe-Modernizati.jpg) ## [Why Mainframe Modernization Looks Different This Time](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/why-mainframe-modernization-looks-different-this-time/) [ Read More ](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/why-mainframe-modernization-looks-different-this-time/) ![OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Top-Takeaways-from-Microsoft-Bui.jpg) ## [Top Takeaways from Microsoft Build 2025](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/top-takeaways-from-microsoft-build-2025/) [ Read More ](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/top-takeaways-from-microsoft-build-2025/) ![AI-Readiness](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/AI-Readiness-Blog-Post_01-1.jpg) ## [AI Readiness Starts with Data Readiness](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/ai-readiness-starts-with-data-readiness/) [ Read More ](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/ai-readiness-starts-with-data-readiness/) --- ### [AI-Powered Document Intelligence](https://followoz.com/services/cloud-ai-services/ai-powered-document-intelligence/) **Published:** March 12, 2026 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ## DOCUMENT INTELLIGENCE ## Automate document processing in 4 weeks If you’re still processing business documents manually, you’re leaving money on the table. In just 4–6 weeks, our AI-powered pilot—led by Microsoft experts—shows you how AI can do the heavy lifting while freeing up your teams’ time. ![AdvancedRx pharmacy logo - OZ Digital Consulting client](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/AdvancedRx_Logo.jpg) ![OncoHealth-Horizontal](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/OncoHealth-Horizontal.svg) ![carnival.jpg](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/carnival.jpg) ![Asset-35-1.svg](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-35-1.svg) ![Asset-28-1.svg](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-28-1.svg) ![jackson health system](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-26-1.svg) ![ncl norwegian cruise line](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-24-1.svg) ![Brands mart usa](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-55-5.svg) ![Mercy](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Mercy.png) ![millers ale house](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-27-1.svg) ![rooms to go](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-33-2.svg) ![citrix](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-148.svg) ![hard rock](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Layer-1-2-2.svg) ![red lobster](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-38-1.svg) ![blugreen vacations](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-30-2.svg) ![Holiday inn club vacations](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-29-2.svg) ## What is the Document Intelligence pilot? ###### This is a hands-on, AI document processing pilot that automates one or two of your most time-consuming document workflows. We work with your data to give you a clearer picture of what’s possible before you scale. - No theory - No endless demos - Get working AI that adapts to your environment. ![What is Document intelligence](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/What-is-Document-inteligenc.jpeg) ## What to expect in 4–6 weeks ###### In 6 weeks, at the end of the pilot, you’ll have a proven, production-ready solution ![Automated document processing](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Automated-document-processing.png) ## Automated document processing AI reads and extracts data from invoices, contracts, forms, and more ![Faster turnaround](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Faster-turnaround.png) ## Faster turnaround Shrink processing cycles from days to minutes ![Higher accuracy and compliance](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Higher-accuracy-and-compliance.png) ## Higher accuracy and compliance Reduce human error and improve audit readiness ![Immediate cost-savings](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Immediate-cost-savings.png) ## Immediate cost-savings Reduce operational effort and free up staff for higher-value work ![Scale-up and ROI plan](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Scale-up-and-ROI-plan.png) ## Scale-up and ROI plan A clear roadmap for expanding automation across your organization ## How Document Intelligence works Manual processes don’t scale. Our Document Intelligence pilot modernizes workflows without disruption and shows you what’s possible before you invest ![Most document processes](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Most-document-processes-were-nev-1024x1024.png) ![Discovery Workshop](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Discovery-Workshop.png)### Workflow selection We identify 1–2 high-impact document processes to automate ![Current-State Assessment](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Current-State-Assessment.png)### Solution deployment We implement Document Intelligence with Power Automate ![Opportunity Identification](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Opportunity-Identification.png)### Real data processing Your documents are processed and validated in real conditions ![Roadmap Delivery](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Roadmap-Delivery.png)### Results and roadmap You receive performance metrics, ROI insights, and a scale plan [ Book your Document Intelligence Pilot ](#) ###### EPIC Insurance Brokers “We realized we had a massive store of unstructured data that was being underutilized, and we engaged with OZ and got a deployable AI tool in a remarkably short time.” ###### — Patrick Gallagher, Chief Growth Officer, Risk Management ![qoutes](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/qoutes.jpg) ![followoz Patrick (EPIC)](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Patrick-EPIC.png) Service hours 6.5 M+ Years of experience 25 + Projects 1350 + Clients 370 + MVPs 7 + Microsoft certifications 290 + ## Partner with 7 of our top Microsoft MVPs Of the 3500 Microsoft MVPs in the world, you’ll get to collaborate with six of them, right here. ![Jason Milgram - Chief Technology Officer and 15-time Microsoft MVP at OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Jason-Milgram.jpg)### Jason Milgram Chief Technology Officer and 15-time Microsoft MVP ![Pablo Piovano OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Pablo-Piovano.jpg)### Pablo Piovano Director of AI and 5-time Microsoft MVP ![Chris Pietschmann - Microsoft MVP and OZ Digital Consulting leader](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Chris-Pietschmann.jpg)### Chris Pietschmann Senior Manager, Cloud Operations and 14-time Dual MVP, Developer Technologies and Microsoft Azure ![Khawar Habib OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Khawar-Habib.jpg)### Khawar Habib Manager, Innovation Center and Microsoft MVP, Microsoft Foundry AI ![Jonathan Castillo OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Jonathan-Castillo.jpg)### Jonathan Castillo Senior AI Consultant and Microsoft MVP, Microsoft Foundry AI ![Carlos Solis OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Carlos-Solis.jpg)### Carlos Solis Senior Consultant and 3-time Dual MVP, Security and Microsoft Azure ![Dominick Raimato](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Dominick-Raimato.jpg)### Dominick Raimato Senior Director, Global Practice Leader, Data & AI [ Get MVP guidance ](#) ## Frequently asked questions What is the Document Intelligence Pilot? The Document Intelligence Pilot is a hands-on engagement where we automate one or two of your most time-consuming document workflows using AI. Working with your real data, our Microsoft experts implement a practical solution that demonstrates how automation can work in your environment before you scale. How long does the pilot take? The pilot typically takes 4–6 weeks from kickoff to completion. By the end of the engagement, you’ll have a working solution, measurable results, and a roadmap for scaling document automation across your organization. What types of documents can be automated? The pilot through artificial intelligence can process a wide range of business documents, including invoices, contracts, forms, claims, reports, and other structured or semi-structured documents that are typically handled manually. What results can we expect from the pilot? By the end of the pilot, most organizations see: - • Faster document processing cycles - • Reduced manual effort and operational costs - • Higher data accuracy and compliance - • A production-ready automation solution - • A clear roadmap for scaling across additional workflows How does Document Intelligence work? Our approach combines AI-powered document extraction with workflow automation. We identify high-impact processes, deploy the solution using Microsoft technologies such as Document Intelligence and Power Automate, process real documents, and deliver performance insights and an ROI roadmap. Is Document Intelligence the same as document processing? Not exactly. Document Intelligence refers to the AI capability that understands and extracts information from documents. Document processing (often called Intelligent Document Processing or IDP) is the workflow that uses that intelligence to automatically capture, validate, and route document data into business systems. How does AI extract data from documents? AI-powered document intelligence uses optical character recognition (OCR), machine learning, and natural language processing to identify fields, extract key information, and validate data within documents—even when formats vary. Do we need to change our existing systems? No. Modern document intelligence solutions integrate with existing enterprise systems, workflow tools, and cloud platforms, allowing you to automate document workflows without replacing your current infrastructure. Our pilot is designed to work with your current systems and workflows where the goal is to modernize document processing with minimal disruption while demonstrating the value of AI-driven automation. Who will be working with our team? Your pilot will be led by Microsoft experts, including Microsoft MVPs, a rare distinction awarded to a small group of technology leaders worldwide. What happens after the pilot ends? At the end of the pilot, you’ll receive a production-ready solution, performance metrics, and a clear scale-up plan to expand document automation across additional processes and departments. --- ### [Azure Environment RAPID Assessment](https://followoz.com/services/cloud-ai-services/azure-environment-rapid-assessment/) **Published:** March 12, 2026 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ## AZURE ENVIRONMENT RAPID ASSESSMENT ## Uncover hidden savings with a fully optimized Azure environment Azure environments if left unchecked lead to unmanaged sprawl, higher costs, and operational complexity. Our Rapid Assessment—delivered by Microsoft experts—helps you uncover what’s working, what’s not, and where you can improve, within 2-3 weeks. ![AdvancedRx pharmacy logo - OZ Digital Consulting client](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/AdvancedRx_Logo.jpg) ![OncoHealth-Horizontal](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/OncoHealth-Horizontal.svg) ![carnival.jpg](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/carnival.jpg) ![Asset-35-1.svg](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-35-1.svg) ![Asset-28-1.svg](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-28-1.svg) ![jackson health system](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-26-1.svg) ![ncl norwegian cruise line](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-24-1.svg) ![Brands mart usa](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-55-5.svg) ![Mercy](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Mercy.png) ![millers ale house](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-27-1.svg) ![rooms to go](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-33-2.svg) ![citrix](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-148.svg) ![hard rock](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Layer-1-2-2.svg) ![red lobster](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-38-1.svg) ![blugreen vacations](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-30-2.svg) ![Holiday inn club vacations](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-29-2.svg) ## What Is the Azure Rapid assessment? ###### It’s a focused, end-to-end evaluation of your existing Azure environment, designed to deliver fast, measurable improvements in these areas: - Security - Governance - Performance - Cost optimization - Scalability ###### No long engagements. No complexity. Only actionable next steps. ![What Is the Azure Rapid assessmen](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/What-Is-the-Azure-Rapid-assessmen.jpg) ## What to expect ###### In 2-3 weeks, by the end of the assessment, you’ll have a complete optimization blueprint for your cloud environment ## Cost and performance optimization Identify savings opportunities and improve workload efficiency ## Strengthened security and compliance Uncover vulnerabilities, misconfigurations, and governance gaps ## Architecture and best practices review Evaluate your environment against industry and Microsoft standards ## Risk and gap analysis Pinpoint technical, operational, and security risks before they become costly ## Actionable improvement roadmap A prioritized, step-by-step plan to modernize and optimize your cloud ## How it works Our proven rapid framework ensures maximum impact in the shortest time ![azure-environment-rapid-assessme](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/azure-environment-rapid-assessme-1024x952.png) ![Discovery Workshop](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Discovery-Workshop.png)### Data collection We gather telemetry and configuration data from your Azure environment ![Current-State Assessment](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Current-State-Assessment.png)### Architecture review We analyze your setup against best-practice frameworks ![Opportunity Identification](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Opportunity-Identification.png)### Risk and optimization analysis We identify gaps, inefficiencies, and growth constraints ![Roadmap Delivery](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Roadmap-Delivery.png)### Strategic roadmap delivery You receive a clear, practical plan for improvement [ Get started ](#) ![MSFT](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/MSFT.jpg) ## After completing the assessment, you can expect - Lower cloud costs - Faster, more reliable performance - Improved security posture - Stronger governance controls - A clear modernization strategy ###### You’ll know exactly where you stand and what to do next [ Book your Azure Rapid Assessment today ](#) ###### SBA Communications “We reached out to OZ Digital and said we’d like to see how AI can help. 22-minute issues are now resolved in under 5. No back and forth. No help desk required.” ###### — Felix Perez, Senior Director, Digital Transformation ![qoutes](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/qoutes.jpg) ![Felix](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Felix.jpg) Service hours 6.5 M+ Years of experience 25 + Projects 1350 + Clients 370 + MVPs 7 + Microsoft certifications 290 + ## Partner with 7 of our top Microsoft MVPs Of the 3500 Microsoft MVPs in the world, you’ll get to collaborate with six of them, right here. ![Jason Milgram - Chief Technology Officer and 15-time Microsoft MVP at OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Jason-Milgram.jpg)### Jason Milgram Chief Technology Officer and 15-time Microsoft MVP ![Pablo Piovano OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Pablo-Piovano.jpg)### Pablo Piovano Director of AI and 5-time Microsoft MVP ![Chris Pietschmann - Microsoft MVP and OZ Digital Consulting leader](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Chris-Pietschmann.jpg)### Chris Pietschmann Senior Manager, Cloud Operations and 14-time Dual MVP, Developer Technologies and Microsoft Azure ![Khawar Habib OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Khawar-Habib.jpg)### Khawar Habib Manager, Innovation Center and Microsoft MVP, Microsoft Foundry AI ![Jonathan Castillo OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Jonathan-Castillo.jpg)### Jonathan Castillo Senior AI Consultant and Microsoft MVP, Microsoft Foundry AI ![Carlos Solis OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Carlos-Solis.jpg)### Carlos Solis Senior Consultant and 3-time Dual MVP, Security and Microsoft Azure ![Dominick Raimato](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Dominick-Raimato.jpg)### Dominick Raimato Senior Director, Global Practice Leader, Data & AI [ Get MVP guidance ](#) ## Frequently asked questions What is an Azure Rapid Assessment? An Azure Rapid Assessment is a focused, end-to-end evaluation of your Microsoft Azure environment. It identifies cost savings, security risks, performance issues, and optimization opportunities within 2–3 weeks. How long does an Azure Rapid Assessment take? The assessment is completed in 2–3 weeks, delivering a comprehensive optimization blueprint with actionable recommendations. What areas are evaluated during the assessment? The assessment covers: security and compliance, governance and controls, performance and scalability, cost optimization, architecture and best practices. How can an Azure Rapid Assessment reduce cloud costs? The assessment identifies underutilized resources, inefficient workloads, and misconfigurations in your Microsoft Azure environment, helping you optimize spend and eliminate unnecessary costs. Will the assessment improve security and compliance? Yes. It uncovers vulnerabilities, configuration gaps, and governance issues, helping strengthen your overall security posture and align with industry and Microsoft best practices. What can I expect at the end of the assessment? At the end of the assessment, you’ll receive a detailed risk and gap analysis, cost and performance optimization insights, a prioritized, step-by-step roadmap, and recommendations aligned with Azure best practices. Is this a complex or long-term engagement? No. The Azure Rapid Assessment is designed to be fast, focused, and low complexity, delivering results in just a few weeks without long-term commitment. How does the Azure Rapid Assessment work? The process includes: - 1. Data collection from your Azure environment - 2. Architecture and configuration review - 3. Risk and optimization analysis - 4. Delivery of a strategic improvement roadmap Who should consider an Azure Rapid Assessment? This assessment is ideal for organizations who are experiencing rising cloud costs, who want to improve performance and scalability, need stronger security and governance, and who are planning to modernize their cloud environment. What changes would I need to make during the assessment? The assessment is non-intrusive. It evaluates your current environment and provides recommendations without requiring immediate changes. --- ### [Power BI Dashboards and Reports Quick Start](https://followoz.com/services/cloud-ai-services/power-bi-dashboards-and-reports-quick-start/) **Published:** March 16, 2026 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ## POWER BI QUICK START ## Data to dashboards in minutes If your team is spending hours pulling data, reconciling numbers, or debating which report is “right,” you’re not getting the value you should from your analytics. In just 3–4 weeks, we’ll help you turn your valuable data into interactive Power BI dashboards. ![AdvancedRx pharmacy logo - OZ Digital Consulting client](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/AdvancedRx_Logo.jpg) ![OncoHealth-Horizontal](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/OncoHealth-Horizontal.svg) ![carnival.jpg](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/carnival.jpg) ![Asset-35-1.svg](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-35-1.svg) ![Asset-28-1.svg](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-28-1.svg) ![jackson health system](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-26-1.svg) ![ncl norwegian cruise line](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-24-1.svg) ![Brands mart usa](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-55-5.svg) ![Mercy](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Mercy.png) ![millers ale house](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-27-1.svg) ![rooms to go](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-33-2.svg) ![citrix](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-148.svg) ![hard rock](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Layer-1-2-2.svg) ![red lobster](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-38-1.svg) ![blugreen vacations](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-30-2.svg) ![Holiday inn club vacations](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-29-2.svg) ## What is the Power BI quick start engagement? ###### This is a 3-4 week focused engagement to help you modernize your reporting and analytics. We work with your existing data—SQL, Excel, Dynamics, Fabric, and more—to design dashboards that provide insights your teams can use every day. ![MSFT](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/MSFT-Image.png) ## What to expect ###### In 3–4 weeks, by the end of the engagement, you’ll have a complete, usable reporting foundation ![Unified Performance View](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Unified-Performance-View.png) ## Unified performance View Get one clear view of your key metrics across departments ![Interactive Dashboards](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Interactive-Dashboards.png) ## Interactive dashboards Design 3–5 custom dashboards with drill-downs, filters, and real-time data ![Trusted metrics and models](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Trusted-metrics-and-models.png) ## Trusted metrics and models Build a well-designed data model that keeps KPIs consistent ![Faster decision making](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Faster-decision-making.png) ## Faster decision making Get instant access to insights. Don’t wait on manual reports. ![User training and enablement](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/User-training-and-enablement.png) ## User training and enablement Learn how to work with data and get deeper insights ![Advanced analytics roadmap](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Advanced-analytics-roadmap.png) ## Advanced analytics roadmap Explore a clear path to Microsoft Fabric, Copilot, and AI-powered analytics. ## How it works Many organizations have Power BI but don’t unlock its value. We reset your analytics foundation and build dashboards that deliver results. ![How it works](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/How-it-works-04-01-1024x1024.png) ![Discovery Workshop](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Discovery-Workshop.png)### Discovery and data assessment We identify your top metrics and review available data sources ![Current-State Assessment](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Current-State-Assessment.png)### Data modeling We design a semantic model that supports your KPIs ![Opportunity Identification](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Opportunity-Identification.png)### Dashboard development We build interactive, executive-ready reports ![Roadmap Delivery](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Roadmap-Delivery.png)### User enablement We train your teams to use Power BI effectively ![Power BI Dashboards and Reports Quick Start](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/5.png)### Next-steps roadmap We outline opportunities for advanced analytics and AI [ Get started with Power BI ](#) ###### EPIC Insurance Brokers “We realized we had a massive store of unstructured data that was being underutilized, and we engaged with OZ and got a deployable AI tool in a remarkably short time.” ###### — Patrick Gallagher, Chief Growth Officer, Risk Management ![qoutes](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/qoutes.jpg) ![followoz Patrick (EPIC)](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Patrick-EPIC.png) Service hours 6.5 M+ Years of experience 25 + Projects 1350 + Clients 370 + MVPs 7 + Microsoft certifications 290 + ## Partner with 7 of our top Microsoft MVPs Of the 3500 Microsoft MVPs in the world, you’ll get to collaborate with six of them, right here. ![Jason Milgram - Chief Technology Officer and 15-time Microsoft MVP at OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Jason-Milgram.jpg)### Jason Milgram Chief Technology Officer and 15-time Microsoft MVP ![Pablo Piovano OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Pablo-Piovano.jpg)### Pablo Piovano Director of AI and 5-time Microsoft MVP ![Chris Pietschmann - Microsoft MVP and OZ Digital Consulting leader](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Chris-Pietschmann.jpg)### Chris Pietschmann Senior Manager, Cloud Operations and 14-time Dual MVP, Developer Technologies and Microsoft Azure ![Khawar Habib OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Khawar-Habib.jpg)### Khawar Habib Manager, Innovation Center and Microsoft MVP, Microsoft Foundry AI ![Jonathan Castillo OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Jonathan-Castillo.jpg)### Jonathan Castillo Senior AI Consultant and Microsoft MVP, Microsoft Foundry AI ![Carlos Solis OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Carlos-Solis.jpg)### Carlos Solis Senior Consultant and 3-time Dual MVP, Security and Microsoft Azure ![Dominick Raimato](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Dominick-Raimato.jpg)### Dominick Raimato Senior Director, Global Practice Leader, Data & AI [ Get MVP guidance ](#) ## Frequently asked questions What is the Power BI Quick Start engagement? The Power BI Quick Start is a 3–4 week engagement designed to help you modernize reporting and analytics using Microsoft Power BI. We work with your existing data sources—such as SQL databases, Excel files, CRM systems, and cloud platforms—to build interactive dashboards that deliver clear, actionable insights. How long does it take to implement Power BI dashboards? Through our structured engagement, you can start using production-ready dashboards in 3–4 weeks. During this time, we assess your data sources, build a trusted data model, develop dashboards, and train your teams to use them effectively. What business problems does Power BI solve? Power BI helps you overcome common analytics challenges such as manual reporting, inconsistent metrics, data silos, and slow decision-making. By centralizing data and delivering interactive dashboards, Power BI enables teams to access real-time insights and make faster, data-driven decisions. How will you benefit from the Power BI Quick Start engagement? By the end of the engagement, your team will have: - • 3–5 interactive dashboards with filters, drill-down capabilities, and real-time data - • A trusted data model that ensures consistent KPIs - • A unified view of key business metrics across departments - • User training so teams can explore insights independently - • A roadmap for scaling analytics and AI capabilities What types of data sources can Power BI connect to? Power BI can connect to a wide range of data sources, including SQL databases, Excel spreadsheets, cloud applications, CRM systems, and ERP platforms. It also integrates seamlessly with modern data platforms such as Microsoft Fabric to support advanced analytics and AI initiatives. Do we need to replace our current reporting tools with Power BI? No. Power BI can integrate with your existing systems and data sources. In many cases, it replaces manual reporting processes while continuing to use your existing data infrastructure. How does Power BI help ensure consistent metrics across teams? Power BI uses a centralized semantic data model, which ensures that KPIs and metrics are defined consistently across dashboards. This eliminates conflicting reports and gives leadership a single, trusted view of business performance. Will our teams be trained to use the dashboards? Yes. Training is included in the engagement so your teams can learn how to explore dashboards, filter data, and uncover deeper insights without relying on technical support. Can Power BI support advanced analytics and AI in the future? Yes. Power BI integrates with modern analytics platforms such as Microsoft Fabric and AI tools like Microsoft Copilot, enabling organizations to expand from dashboards to predictive analytics and AI-driven insights. Who is the Power BI Quick Start best suited for? This engagement is ideal for organizations that already have data but struggle with manual reporting, inconsistent dashboards, or slow access to insights. It provides a fast way to build a scalable business intelligence foundation. --- ### [Microsoft Fabric Data Unification](https://followoz.com/services/cloud-ai-services/microsoft-fabric-data-unification/) **Published:** March 16, 2026 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ## AI-DRIVEN DATA UNIFICATION ## Unify your data in Microsoft Fabric in just 4 weeks Stop wrestling with multiple data sources, inconsistent reporting, and delayed decisions. In 4-6 weeks, we’ll help you bring all your data and insights into Microsoft Fabric with a single, governed foundation for AI, analytics, and smarter business decisions. ![AdvancedRx pharmacy logo - OZ Digital Consulting client](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/AdvancedRx_Logo.jpg) ![OncoHealth-Horizontal](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/OncoHealth-Horizontal.svg) ![carnival.jpg](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/carnival.jpg) ![Asset-35-1.svg](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-35-1.svg) ![Asset-28-1.svg](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-28-1.svg) ![jackson health system](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-26-1.svg) ![ncl norwegian cruise line](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-24-1.svg) ![Brands mart usa](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-55-5.svg) ![Mercy](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Mercy.png) ![millers ale house](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-27-1.svg) ![rooms to go](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-33-2.svg) ![citrix](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-148.svg) ![hard rock](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Layer-1-2-2.svg) ![red lobster](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-38-1.svg) ![blugreen vacations](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-30-2.svg) ![Holiday inn club vacations](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-29-2.svg) ## What to expect in 6 weeks ###### By the end of this 4-6 engagement, you’ll have an AI-ready platform and a scalable data advantage ![A single source of truth](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/A-single-source-of-truth.png) ## A single source of truth Have one trusted, unified data environment for reporting, analytics, and AI ![Smarter insights](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Smarter-insights.png) ## Smarter insights Get actionable insights with Power BI dashboards built on unified data ![AI-ready foundation](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/AI-ready-foundation.png) ## AI-ready foundation Access advanced analytics and Copilot-driven experiences from day one ![Seamless Fabric and OneLake integration](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Seamless-Fabric-and-OneLake-integration.png) ## Seamless fabric and onelake integration Benefit from centralized data storage and governance across your environment ![Production-ready dashboards and governance](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Production-ready-dashboards-and-governance.png) ## Production-ready dashboards and governance Take advantage of enterprise-grade reporting and governance ![Enablement and growth roadmap](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Enablement-and-growth-roadmap.png) ## Enablement and growth roadmap Rely on our hands-on training and step-by-step roadmap for scaling your data strategy ## How data unification in Microsoft Fabric works Most organizations take months—or years—to unify their data. We turn it around in weeks. ![How Data Unification in Microsof](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/How-Data-Unification-in-Microsof.png) ## Our proven framework delivers - Rapid implementation - Minimal disruption - Measurable business impact - Long-term scalability - No guesswork. No wasted investment. [ Book your Microsoft Fabric strategy session ](#) ###### OncoHealth “It was all hands on deck. We had everyone standing by to cope with whatever problems came up. Except, there weren’t any.” ###### — Dr. Marc Fishman, Founder, OncoHealth ![qoutes](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/qoutes.jpg) ![Mard_Dr](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Mard_Dr.jpg) Service hours 6.5 M+ Years of experience 25 + Projects 1350 + Clients 370 + MVPs 7 + Microsoft certifications 290 + ## Partner with 7 of our top Microsoft MVPs Of the 3500 Microsoft MVPs in the world, you’ll get to collaborate with six of them, right here. ![Jason Milgram - Chief Technology Officer and 15-time Microsoft MVP at OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Jason-Milgram.jpg)### Jason Milgram Chief Technology Officer and 15-time Microsoft MVP ![Pablo Piovano OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Pablo-Piovano.jpg)### Pablo Piovano Director of AI and 5-time Microsoft MVP ![Chris Pietschmann - Microsoft MVP and OZ Digital Consulting leader](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Chris-Pietschmann.jpg)### Chris Pietschmann Senior Manager, Cloud Operations and 14-time Dual MVP, Developer Technologies and Microsoft Azure ![Khawar Habib OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Khawar-Habib.jpg)### Khawar Habib Manager, Innovation Center and Microsoft MVP, Microsoft Foundry AI ![Jonathan Castillo OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Jonathan-Castillo.jpg)### Jonathan Castillo Senior AI Consultant and Microsoft MVP, Microsoft Foundry AI ![Carlos Solis OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Carlos-Solis.jpg)### Carlos Solis Senior Consultant and 3-time Dual MVP, Security and Microsoft Azure ![Dominick Raimato](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Dominick-Raimato.jpg)### Dominick Raimato Senior Director, Global Practice Leader, Data & AI [ Get MVP guidance ](#) ## Frequently asked questions What is data unification in Microsoft Fabric? Data unification in Microsoft Fabric brings data from multiple systems—databases, applications, and data lakes—into a single, governed platform. This unified foundation enables consistent reporting, advanced analytics, and AI-powered insights across your organization. How long does a Microsoft Fabric data unification project take? Our accelerated engagement typically takes 4–6 weeks. During this time, we connect key data sources, unify them in Fabric, implement governance controls, and build analytics dashboards so your teams can begin generating insights quickly. What business problems does Microsoft Fabric solve? Organizations often struggle with data silos, inconsistent reports, and slow decision-making. Microsoft Fabric solves these challenges by centralizing data, enabling real-time analytics, and creating a scalable data platform for AI, analytics, and enterprise reporting. How does Microsoft Fabric work with OneLake? OneLake acts as the unified data lake within Microsoft Fabric. It centralizes storage across your organization so teams can access governed data without duplicating datasets or creating fragmented pipelines. Will this disrupt our existing data systems? No. Our approach is designed for minimal disruption. We integrate with your existing databases, applications, and analytics tools while gradually unifying the data within Microsoft Fabric. Can we still use Power BI after moving to Microsoft Fabric? Yes. Microsoft Power BI is fully integrated with Microsoft Fabric. Your unified data can power interactive dashboards, enterprise reporting, and real-time analytics without requiring teams to learn new visualization tools. Is Microsoft Fabric suitable for AI and advanced analytics? Yes. Microsoft Fabric provides an AI-ready data foundation by unifying data and enabling access to advanced analytics, machine learning, and Copilot-powered experiences across your organization. What types of data sources can be unified in Microsoft Fabric? Microsoft Fabric can unify data from a wide range of sources, including ERP systems, CRM platforms, cloud applications, on-premises databases, and data lakes. This ensures all business-critical data contributes to a single source of truth. How does data governance work in Microsoft Fabric? Microsoft Fabric includes built-in governance capabilities such as centralized access control, data lineage tracking, and security policies. This ensures your unified data environment remains secure, compliant, and trusted across teams. What happens after the 4–6 week engagement? By the end of the engagement, you’ll have a production-ready unified data platform, working dashboards, governance controls, and a roadmap to scale analytics and AI initiatives across your organization. --- ### [Power Platform + AI Workflow Pilot](https://followoz.com/services/ai-business-solutions/power-platform-ai-workflow-pilot/) **Published:** March 18, 2026 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ### POWER PLATFORM + AI WORKFLOW PILOT ## Turn everyday work into smart automation If you’re still managing workflows manually—approvals, requests, follow-ups—you’re losing hours every week. In just 4 weeks, we’ll help you automate one real business workflow with Microsoft low-code tools and AI. ![AdvancedRx pharmacy logo - OZ Digital Consulting client](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/AdvancedRx_Logo.jpg) ![OncoHealth-Horizontal](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/OncoHealth-Horizontal.svg) ![carnival.jpg](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/carnival.jpg) ![Asset-35-1.svg](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-35-1.svg) ![Asset-28-1.svg](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-28-1.svg) ![jackson health system](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-26-1.svg) ![ncl norwegian cruise line](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-24-1.svg) ![Brands mart usa](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-55-5.svg) ![Mercy](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Mercy.png) ![millers ale house](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-27-1.svg) ![rooms to go](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-33-2.svg) ![citrix](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-148.svg) ![hard rock](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Layer-1-2-2.svg) ![red lobster](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-38-1.svg) ![blugreen vacations](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-30-2.svg) ![Holiday inn club vacations](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-29-2.svg) ## What Is the Power Platform + AI Workflow Pilot? ###### This is a hands-on pilot focused on automating one high-impact business process. We don’t just build a demo. We work with you to design, deploy, and test an automation using your workflows and data so you can start seeing results at once. ![What Is the Power Platform + AI Pilot](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/What-Is-the-Power-Platform-AI-Pilot.png) ## What to expect ###### By the end of the pilot, in 4 weeks, you’ll have a working solution and a clear path to scale ## Automated end-to-end workflow A fully functioning process built with Power Automate and Power Apps ## AI-powered assistance Integrate AI using Copilot Studio to handle requests, data, and interactions ## Faster cycle times Reduce processing time from days to minutes ## Measurable productivity gains Track efficiency improvements with clear metrics showing time saved ## Enterprise automation roadmap Outline a plan for expanding automation across your organization [ Get AI automation guidance ](#) ## How it works ###### Most organizations want to automate however, they struggle to automate. Unclear priorities, low user adoption, and complex tools stall even the best intentions. This pilot removes these barriers. You start small and prove value, before expanding further. ###### Our proven approach delivers fast while reducing risks. [ Book your automation pilot ](#) - Workflow selection workshop ###### We work with your team to identify the best process to automate - Prototype development ###### We design and build a working automation - AI integration ###### We embed Copilot capabilities to enhance intelligence and usability - Impact review and scale Plan ###### We demonstrate results and outline next steps ## Frequently asked questions What is the Power Platform + AI Workflow Pilot? The Power Platform + AI Workflow Pilot is a hands-on, 4-week engagement where you automate a real business workflow using Microsoft Power Platform and AI. It’s designed to deliver a working solution, not just a prototype. How long does the AI workflow pilot take? The pilot is completed in 4 weeks, from workflow selection to deployment and results review. What types of workflows can be automated? Common workflows include approval processes, employee requests, document handling, customer or internal service workflows, and data collection and reporting. What tools and technologies are used in the pilot? The pilot uses Power Automate for workflow automation, Power Apps for user interfaces, and Microsoft Copilot Studio for AI-powered interactions. Will the pilot deliver a working solution? Yes. By the end of the pilot, you’ll have a fully functional, end-to-end automated workflow built using your data and processes. How does AI enhance the workflow? AI capabilities, powered through tools like Microsoft Copilot Studio, help automate decision-making, handle requests, process data, and improve user interactions. How do you choose which workflow to automate? The pilot begins with a workflow selection workshop, where your team identifies a high-impact process with clear ROI potential. Is this pilot suitable for organizations new to automation? Yes. The pilot is designed to help organizations start small, prove value quickly, and scale with confidence, even if they are new to automation. Will this require significant internal resources? No. The pilot is designed to minimize effort from your team while still collaborating closely to ensure the solution fits your business needs. Why start with a pilot instead of a full automation program? Starting with a pilot reduces risk, demonstrates ROI quickly, and helps drive user adoption before scaling automation across the organization. --- ### [AI Business Solutions](https://followoz.com/services/ai-business-solutions/) **Published:** March 18, 2026 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ## AI BUSINESS SOLUTIONS ## Move faster and work smarter with AI-powered business solutions Tap into Microsoft’s AI Business Solutions and our expertise to uncover new ways to drive efficiency, improve customer experiences, and scale business impact. [ Talk to our Microsoft MVPs ](https://followoz.com/contact-us/) ![AdvancedRx pharmacy logo - OZ Digital Consulting client](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/AdvancedRx_Logo.jpg) ![OncoHealth-Horizontal](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/OncoHealth-Horizontal.svg) ![carnival.jpg](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/carnival.jpg) ![Asset-35-1.svg](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-35-1.svg) ![Asset-28-1.svg](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-28-1.svg) ![jackson health system](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-26-1.svg) ![ncl norwegian cruise line](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-24-1.svg) ![Brands mart usa](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-55-5.svg) ![Mercy](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Mercy.png) ![millers ale house](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-27-1.svg) ![rooms to go](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-33-2.svg) ![citrix](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-148.svg) ![hard rock](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Layer-1-2-2.svg) ![red lobster](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-38-1.svg) ![blugreen vacations](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-30-2.svg) ![Holiday inn club vacations](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-29-2.svg) ## Punch above your weight with AI Agents ###### Empower every role and every person with AI. From Copilots that boost productivity to AI agents that handle specific processes, we help you design and deploy AI assistants to work better, faster, and smarter. ### Co-create and co-partner with CoPilot All you need is a prompt. And Copilot gets to work drafting content, surfacing insights, and taking action ### Extra help right where you need it With AI agents across apps, roles, and workflows, you get assistance directly in the flow of work. No context switching required ### Drive collaboration with built-in compliance and security Copilot is grounded in enterprise-grade security and responsible AI allowing you to move faster without overstepping guardrails [ Build an AI chatbot ](https://followoz.com/chatbot-contact-us/) ## Choose the Copilot that’s right for you ![Microsoft Security Copilot](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Microsoft-Security-Copilot.png) ## Microsoft Security Copilot Respond to cyber threats faster by analyzing signals at machine speed and assessing risk in minutes—not days ![Copilot in Azure](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Copilot-in-Azure.png) ## Copilot in Azure Design, operate, optimize, and troubleshoot applications and infrastructure across cloud and edge environments ![GitHub Copilot](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/GitHub-Copilot.png) ## GitHub Copilot Speed up development with intelligent code suggestions and AI-powered assistance throughout the software lifecycle ![Microsoft Copilot Studio ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Microsoft-Copilot-Studio-.png) ## Microsoft Copilot Studio Build your own agent to connect more deeply to your business data, apps, and workflows [ Build a Copilot ](https://followoz.com/copilot-contact-us/) ## Build a business app in seconds ###### Create apps and automate everyday tasks with just a few clicks. No traditional coding required. Power Platform + AI workflow pilot Get more out of Microsoft Power Platform. Streamline workflows, automate processes, and turn data into insights and insights into action with AI built in Power Apps development and integration Build and deploy custom apps and agentic automation to free up your team’s time Power BI data analytics Transform your data into actionable insights by leveraging Azure’s robust cloud capabilities for advanced analytics Power Automate workflow optimization Streamline business processes by automating repetitive tasks and integrating applications and data sources Power Virtual Agents implementation Improve customer engagement with AI agents that integrate seamlessly with Azure AI and machine learning [ Book a Power Platform + AI Workflow Pilot ](https://followoz.com/services/ai-business-solutions/power-platform-ai-workflow-pilot/) ## Book a Power Automate and Copilot Studio Pilot ###### In this focused 4-week engagement, led by our Power Platform experts, we help you automate one manual business process using Power Automate, Power Apps, and Copilot Studio so you can see the results for yourself. Sign up today. ## AI Insights — New and noteworthy [ ![Open brochure with blue curved lines; cover reads: 'The pharmacy deadline that could cost you millions if you wait'.](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/The-Pharmacy-Deadline-that-Could-Cost-You-Millions-If-You-Wait-NYPDP.jpg) ](https://followoz.com/resources/whitepapers/the-2028-pharmacy-deadline-that-could-cost-you-millions/) [ ![Whitepaper Read More](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/aroow-top-round-big.png) ](https://followoz.com/resources/whitepapers/the-2028-pharmacy-deadline-that-could-cost-you-millions/) ## The Pharmacy Deadline that Could Cost You Millions If You Wait ![Smiling woman seated at a multi-monitor coding workstation in a bright office](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/AI-Powered-Mainframe-Modernizati.jpg) ## [Why Mainframe Modernization Looks Different This Time](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/why-mainframe-modernization-looks-different-this-time/) [ Read More ](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/why-mainframe-modernization-looks-different-this-time/) ![OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Top-Takeaways-from-Microsoft-Bui.jpg) ## [Top Takeaways from Microsoft Build 2025](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/top-takeaways-from-microsoft-build-2025/) [ Read More ](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/top-takeaways-from-microsoft-build-2025/) ![AI-Readiness](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/AI-Readiness-Blog-Post_01-1.jpg) ## [AI Readiness Starts with Data Readiness](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/ai-readiness-starts-with-data-readiness/) [ Read More ](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/ai-readiness-starts-with-data-readiness/) --- ### [Security](https://followoz.com/services/security/) **Published:** March 19, 2026 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ## AZURE INFRASTRUCTURE AND SECURITY ## Go from reactive to proactive security with Azure and AI Our experts work proactively to secure your Azure environment and address all your needs from AI apps to platforms to agents, code to cloud, and from external threats to insider risks [ Request a Secure Cloud Foundation Assessment ](https://followoz.com/services/security/secure-cloud-foundation-assessment/) ![AdvancedRx pharmacy logo - OZ Digital Consulting client](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/AdvancedRx_Logo.jpg) ![OncoHealth-Horizontal](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/OncoHealth-Horizontal.svg) ![carnival.jpg](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/carnival.jpg) ![Asset-35-1.svg](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-35-1.svg) ![Asset-28-1.svg](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-28-1.svg) ![jackson health system](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-26-1.svg) ![ncl norwegian cruise line](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-24-1.svg) ![Brands mart usa](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-55-5.svg) ![Mercy](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Mercy.png) ![millers ale house](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-27-1.svg) ![rooms to go](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-33-2.svg) ![citrix](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-148.svg) ![hard rock](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Layer-1-2-2.svg) ![red lobster](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-38-1.svg) ![blugreen vacations](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-30-2.svg) ![Holiday inn club vacations](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-29-2.svg) ## Start securing your Azure Cloud in minutes ###### As your Azure environment expands, so do your risks. More users. More data. More challenges. That’s why we work with you to assess your security, evaluate your risk profile, and provide a clear roadmap to Zero Trust. [ Get Zero Trust guidance ](https://followoz.com/contact-us/) ![Start securing your Azure Cloud in minutes](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Start-securing-your-Azure-Cloud-in-minutes.jpg) ## Protect your Azure environment from day one ###### We don’t just secure environments. We build foundations that last. Our Microsoft Security experts guide you with practical recommendations, real-world implementation, and a roadmap you can execute. Our approach helps you scale, modernize, and innovate with confidence. - Reduce security and compliance risk - Improve governance and visibility - Support AI and data initiatives - Accelerate cloud adoption - Avoid costly rework [ Talk to our Security experts ](https://followoz.com/contact-us/) ## Azure Security capabilities ![Embedded security solutions](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Embedded-security-solutions.png) ## Embedded security solutions Protect your cloud workloads from evolving threats with Azure’s built-in, defense-in-depth security at no extra cost ![Advanced cloud security services](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Advanced-cloud-security-services.png) ## Advanced cloud security services Rapidly mitigate cyber threats with end-to-end advanced security capabilities within the Azure platform ![Azure global network](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Azure-global-network.png) ## Azure Zero trust approach Apply intelligent threat protection and traffic encryption with Azure’s Zero Trust approach to network segmentation ![Expert 
guidance](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Expert-
guidance.png) ## Expert Microsoft MVP guidance Translate strategies into action with confidence using best practices and guidance from Microsoft experts ##### Request a Secure Cloud Foundation Assessment ###### In this focused 3-week engagement, led by our Microsoft Security experts, we evaluate and provide guidance on implementing Zero Trust protections to secure your Azure environment. ## AI Insights — New and noteworthy [ ![Open brochure with blue curved lines; cover reads: 'The pharmacy deadline that could cost you millions if you wait'.](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/The-Pharmacy-Deadline-that-Could-Cost-You-Millions-If-You-Wait-NYPDP.jpg) ](https://followoz.com/resources/whitepapers/the-2028-pharmacy-deadline-that-could-cost-you-millions/) [ ![Whitepaper Read More](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/aroow-top-round-big.png) ](https://followoz.com/resources/whitepapers/the-2028-pharmacy-deadline-that-could-cost-you-millions/) ## The Pharmacy Deadline that Could Cost You Millions If You Wait ![Smiling woman seated at a multi-monitor coding workstation in a bright office](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/AI-Powered-Mainframe-Modernizati.jpg) ## [Why Mainframe Modernization Looks Different This Time](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/why-mainframe-modernization-looks-different-this-time/) [ Read More ](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/why-mainframe-modernization-looks-different-this-time/) ![OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Top-Takeaways-from-Microsoft-Bui.jpg) ## [Top Takeaways from Microsoft Build 2025](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/top-takeaways-from-microsoft-build-2025/) [ Read More ](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/top-takeaways-from-microsoft-build-2025/) ![AI-Readiness](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/AI-Readiness-Blog-Post_01-1.jpg) ## [AI Readiness Starts with Data Readiness](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/ai-readiness-starts-with-data-readiness/) [ Read More ](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/ai-readiness-starts-with-data-readiness/) --- ### [Secure cloud foundation Assessment](https://followoz.com/services/security/secure-cloud-foundation-assessment/) **Published:** March 19, 2026 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ### SECURE CLOUD FOUNDATION ASSESSMENT ## Secure your cloud foundation for AI innovation Security is the backbone of cloud and AI adoption. Our Secure Cloud Foundation Assessment helps you identify vulnerabilities, close security gaps, and build a Zero Trust roadmap to protect your Azure environment. ![AdvancedRx pharmacy logo - OZ Digital Consulting client](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/AdvancedRx_Logo.jpg) ![OncoHealth-Horizontal](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/OncoHealth-Horizontal.svg) ![carnival.jpg](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/carnival.jpg) ![Asset-35-1.svg](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-35-1.svg) ![Asset-28-1.svg](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-28-1.svg) ![jackson health system](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-26-1.svg) ![ncl norwegian cruise line](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-24-1.svg) ![Brands mart usa](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-55-5.svg) ![Mercy](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Mercy.png) ![millers ale house](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-27-1.svg) ![rooms to go](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-33-2.svg) ![citrix](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-148.svg) ![hard rock](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Layer-1-2-2.svg) ![red lobster](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-38-1.svg) ![blugreen vacations](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-30-2.svg) ![Holiday inn club vacations](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-29-2.svg) ## What is the Secure Cloud Foundation Assessment? ###### Powered by Microsoft security best practices, the Secure Cloud Foundation Assessment gives you clear, actionable guidance to strengthen your cloud environment. Our experts partner with your team to ensure your cloud environment is secure, compliant, and built for long-term success. ###### Access expert training, guidance, and proven best practices to establish a strong Azure foundation whether you’re just getting started or expanding enterprise services. ###### It’s a focused, 2–3 week engagement that evaluates your organization’s security posture across: ![Identity and access management ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Identity-and-access-management-.png) ## Identity and access management ![Threat detection and response](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Threat-detection-and-response.png) ## Data protection and governance ![Data protection and governance](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Data-protection-and-governance.png) ## Threat detection and response ![Compliance and risk controls](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Compliance-and-risk-controls.png) ## Compliance and risk controls ## What to expect ###### Unlock these benefits on completing the assessment ## A stronger security and governance foundation ## Alignment with internal and regulatory standards ## Reduced exposure to cyber threats ## A scalable platform for AI and cloud growth ## Executive-ready documentation and roadmap ## Confidence to scale AI and cloud services securely [ Get actionable guidance ](#) ## Why it matters ###### Security remains the top barrier to cloud and AI adoption. Without visibility into risks and controls, organizations struggle to move forward safely. ###### This assessment provides: - A detailed view of your current security posture - Identification of critical risks and gaps - A practical roadmap to Zero Trust - Guidance for secure AI enablement [ Book a Secure Cloud Foundation Assessment ](#) Service hours 6.5 M+ Years of experience 25 + Projects 1350 + Clients 370 + MVPs 7 + Microsoft certifications 290 + ##### Book a 30-minute complimentary session with our Microsoft MVPs ###### Connect with one of our Microsoft MVPs for insights into the latest Microsoft technologies and practical guidance on how to get your technology initiatives off the ground. ## AI Insights — New and noteworthy [ ![Open brochure with blue curved lines; cover reads: 'The pharmacy deadline that could cost you millions if you wait'.](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/The-Pharmacy-Deadline-that-Could-Cost-You-Millions-If-You-Wait-NYPDP.jpg) ](https://followoz.com/resources/whitepapers/the-2028-pharmacy-deadline-that-could-cost-you-millions/) [ ![Whitepaper Read More](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/aroow-top-round-big.png) ](https://followoz.com/resources/whitepapers/the-2028-pharmacy-deadline-that-could-cost-you-millions/) ## The Pharmacy Deadline that Could Cost You Millions If You Wait ![Smiling woman seated at a multi-monitor coding workstation in a bright office](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/AI-Powered-Mainframe-Modernizati.jpg) ## [Why Mainframe Modernization Looks Different This Time](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/why-mainframe-modernization-looks-different-this-time/) [ Read More ](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/why-mainframe-modernization-looks-different-this-time/) ![OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Top-Takeaways-from-Microsoft-Bui.jpg) ## [Top Takeaways from Microsoft Build 2025](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/top-takeaways-from-microsoft-build-2025/) [ Read More ](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/top-takeaways-from-microsoft-build-2025/) ![AI-Readiness](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/AI-Readiness-Blog-Post_01-1.jpg) ## [AI Readiness Starts with Data Readiness](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/ai-readiness-starts-with-data-readiness/) [ Read More ](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/ai-readiness-starts-with-data-readiness/) --- ### [AI Implementation Services](https://followoz.com/services/ai-implementation-services/) **Published:** March 31, 2026 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ### AI IMPLEMENTATION SERVICES ## Turn AI ambition into production Many teams stall between AI pilots and production. We help you design, build, and integrate enterprise AI securely across your organization with the power of Microsoft technologies, all within the Microsoft ecosystem. ![AdvancedRx pharmacy logo - OZ Digital Consulting client](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/AdvancedRx_Logo.jpg) ![OncoHealth-Horizontal](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/OncoHealth-Horizontal.svg) ![carnival.jpg](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/carnival.jpg) ![Asset-35-1.svg](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-35-1.svg) ![Asset-28-1.svg](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-28-1.svg) ![jackson health system](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-26-1.svg) ![ncl norwegian cruise line](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-24-1.svg) ![Brands mart usa](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-55-5.svg) ![Mercy](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Mercy.png) ![millers ale house](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-27-1.svg) ![rooms to go](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-33-2.svg) ![citrix](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-148.svg) ![hard rock](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Layer-1-2-2.svg) ![red lobster](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-38-1.svg) ![blugreen vacations](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-30-2.svg) ![Holiday inn club vacations](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-29-2.svg) ![Expert 
guidance](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Expert-
guidance.png) ## Microsoft Cloud & AI experts ![Advanced cloud security services](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Advanced-cloud-security-services.png) ## Enterprise AI architecture & security ![Proven Frameworks for AI Implementation](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Proven-Frameworks-for-AI-Implementation.png) ## Proven frameworks for AI implementation ![AI Strategy to Production Deployment](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/AI-Strategy-to-Production-Deployment.png) ## AI strategy to production deployment ## How we help AI strategy and roadmap Identify high-impact AI opportunities and build a practical implementation plan. AI application development Design and deploy intelligent applications powered by generative AI and machine learning. AI agents and Copilots Automate workflows and enhance productivity with AI assistants. AI proof of concept Validate use cases quickly with rapid prototyping and real-world testing. AI deployment and MLOps Operationalize AI with scalable deployment pipelines and lifecycle management. [ Book an AI discovery call ](#) ![epic insurance](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/epic-insurance.png) ![SBA Communications](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Group-1597885632.png) ![AdvancedRx](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Group-1597885634.png) ## Why OZ Digital Consulting ###### Organizations choose OZ Digital Consulting to implement AI because we combine deep Microsoft expertise with practical enterprise delivery. ###### We help you: - Move beyond AI experimentation - Deploy secure and scalable AI solutions - Integrate AI with your existing data and applications - Deliver measurable operational improvements Service hours 6.5 M+ Years of experience 25 + Projects 1350 + Clients 370 + MVPs 7 + Microsoft certifications 290 + ##### Partner with 7 of our top Microsoft MVPs ###### Of the 3500 Microsoft MVPs in the world, you’ll get to collaborate with seven of them, right here. Schedule an AI Readiness Assessment today. And a Microsoft MVP will be in touch. --- ### [OZ MVPs](https://followoz.com/oz-search/oz-mvps/) **Published:** April 7, 2026 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ## Partner with 7 of our top Microsoft MVPs Set up time today and we’ll help you plan, deploy, manage and optimize your Microsoft investment. Our talented pool of Microsoft MVPs brings deep expertise and advanced knowledge of Microsoft technologies. - Azure Cloud & AI Services - AI & Data - AI Business Solutions - Azure Infrastructure and Security ## Partner with 7 of our top Microsoft MVPs ![Jason Milgram - Chief Technology Officer and 15-time Microsoft MVP at OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Jason-Milgram.jpg)### Jason Milgram Chief Technology Officer and 15-time Microsoft MVP ![Pablo Piovano OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Pablo-Piovano.jpg)### Pablo Piovano Director of AI and 5-time Microsoft MVP ![Chris Pietschmann - Microsoft MVP and OZ Digital Consulting leader](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Chris-Pietschmann.jpg)### Chris Pietschmann Senior Manager, Cloud Operations and 14-time Dual MVP, Developer Technologies and Microsoft Azure ![Khawar Habib OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Khawar-Habib.jpg)### Khawar Habib Manager, Innovation Center and Microsoft MVP, Microsoft Foundry AI ![Jonathan Castillo OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Jonathan-Castillo.jpg)### Jonathan Castillo Senior AI Consultant and Microsoft MVP, Microsoft Foundry AI ![Carlos Solis OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Carlos-Solis.jpg)### Carlos Solis Senior Consultant and 3-time Dual MVP, Security and Microsoft Azure ![Dominick Raimato](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Dominick-Raimato.jpg)### Dominick Raimato Senior Director, Global Practice Leader, Data & AI ## A trusted Microsoft powerhouse Microsoft certifications 290 + Microsoft MVPs 7 Use cases 50 + ## Vetted. Validated. Verified. ![power-platform-functional-consultant OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/power-platform-functional-consultant-600x600__1_.png) ![power-platform-developer OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/power-platform-developer-600x600-1.png) ![microsoft-certified-azure-administrator-associate-az OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/microsoft-certified-azure-administrator-associate-az-104-11.png) ![Microsoft-Power-BI-Data-Analyst OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Microsoft-Power-BI-Data-Analyst.png) ![Microsoft-Power-BI-Data-Analyst OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Microsoft-Power-BI-Data-Analyst-copy.png) ![Microsoft-Power-Automate-RPA-Developer](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Microsoft-Power-Automate-RPA-Developer.png) ![Microsoft-Cybersecurity-Architect](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Microsoft-Cybersecurity-Architect.png) ![CERT-Expert-DevOps-Engineer](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/CERT-Expert-DevOps-Engineer-600x600-1.png) ![azure-virtual-desktop-specialty](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/azure-virtual-desktop-specialty-600x600-1.png) ![Microsoft-Fabric-Analytics-Engineer](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Microsoft-Fabric-Analytics-Engineer-1.png) ![fundamentals-badge-platform-architect-azure 2 OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/fundamentals-badge-platform-architect-azure-2.svg) ![azure-solutions-architect-expert](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/azure-solutions-architect-expert-600x600-1.png) ![azure-security-engineer-associate](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/azure-security-engineer-associate600x600.png) ![azure-network-engineer-associate](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/azure-network-engineer-associate-600x600-1.png) ![azure-developer-associate OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/azure-developer-associate-600x600-1.png) ![azure-data-scientist-associate OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/azure-data-scientist-associate-600x600-1.png) ![azure-data-engineer-associate](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/azure-data-engineer-associate-600x600-1.png) ![azure-database-administrator-associate OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/azure-database-administrator-associate-600x600-1.png) ![Azure-Cosmos-DB-Developer-Specialty OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Azure-Cosmos-DB-Developer-Specialty.png) ![Azure-AI-Engineer-Associate OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Azure-AI-Engineer-Associate.png) ![Data and AI Azure Microsoft logo - OZ Digital Consulting partnership](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Data-and-AI-Azure_MSFT-logo.png) ![cloud_solution_provider OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/cloud_solution_provider.png) ![OZ MS Infrastructure](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/OZ-MS-Infrastructure.png) ![Microsoft Solutions Partner Digital and Application Innovation badge](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Microsoft-Solutions-Partner_Digital-and-App.png) ## Delivering AI and delighting customers ![Fishman Card Testimonial OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Fishman-Card-Testimonial.png) ![customer](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/customer3.png) ![customer OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/customer2.png) ![customer OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/customer1.png) ![Owwll OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Owwll.jpg) ## Our capabilities ## AI Agents + Foundry Accelerate AI adoption with secure, production-ready agents built on Azure AI Foundry. Orchestrate multi agent workflows, ground responses in enterprise data, and apply governance and evaluation frameworks to automate work and amplify team productivity. ## Microsoft Fabric & Azure Databricks Empower your data teams with a unified, governed foundation across Microsoft Fabric and Azure Databricks. Streamline ingestion, real time analytics, and AI workloads to accelerate insight delivery, improve cost efficiency, and drive consistent, enterprise-ready outcomes. ## Copilot Studio Maximize the value of your Microsoft 365 Copilot investment. Optimize licensing, governance, security, user adoption, and custom agents to enhance AI-driven productivity and collaboration across the organization. ## Power Platform Accelerate Power Platform adoption with strategic guidance, governance, and scalable solutions that drive innovation, boost operational efficiency, and enable sustainable growth while reducing IT burden and risk. [ Book 15 minutes with an MVP ](#) --- ### [Ai Discovery](https://followoz.com/oz-search/ai-discovery/) **Published:** April 7, 2026 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ### AI IMPLEMENTATION SERVICES ## Turn AI ambition into production Many teams stall between AI pilots and production. We help you design, build, and integrate enterprise AI securely across your organization with the power of Microsoft technologies, all within the Microsoft ecosystem. ![AdvancedRx pharmacy logo - OZ Digital Consulting client](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/AdvancedRx_Logo.jpg) ![OncoHealth-Horizontal](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/OncoHealth-Horizontal.svg) ![carnival.jpg](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/carnival.jpg) ![Asset-35-1.svg](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-35-1.svg) ![Asset-28-1.svg](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-28-1.svg) ![jackson health system](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-26-1.svg) ![ncl norwegian cruise line](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-24-1.svg) ![Brands mart usa](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-55-5.svg) ![Mercy](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Mercy.png) ![millers ale house](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-27-1.svg) ![rooms to go](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-33-2.svg) ![citrix](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-148.svg) ![hard rock](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Layer-1-2-2.svg) ![red lobster](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-38-1.svg) ![blugreen vacations](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-30-2.svg) ![Holiday inn club vacations](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-29-2.svg) ![Expert 
guidance](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Expert-
guidance.png) ## Microsoft Cloud & AI experts ![Advanced cloud security services](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Advanced-cloud-security-services.png) ## Enterprise AI architecture & security ![Proven Frameworks for AI Implementation](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Proven-Frameworks-for-AI-Implementation.png) ## Proven frameworks for AI implementation ![AI Strategy to Production Deployment](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/AI-Strategy-to-Production-Deployment.png) ## AI strategy to production deployment ## How we help AI strategy and roadmap Identify high-impact AI opportunities and build a practical implementation plan. AI application development Design and deploy intelligent applications powered by generative AI and machine learning. AI agents and Copilots Automate workflows and enhance productivity with AI assistants. AI proof of concept Validate use cases quickly with rapid prototyping and real-world testing. AI deployment and MLOps Operationalize AI with scalable deployment pipelines and lifecycle management. [ Book an AI discovery call ](#) ![epic insurance](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/epic-insurance.png) ![SBA Communications](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Group-1597885632.png) ![AdvancedRx](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Group-1597885634.png) ## Why OZ Digital Consulting ###### Organizations choose OZ Digital Consulting to implement AI because we combine deep Microsoft expertise with practical enterprise delivery. ###### We help you: - Move beyond AI experimentation - Deploy secure and scalable AI solutions - Integrate AI with your existing data and applications - Deliver measurable operational improvements Service hours 6.5 M+ Years of experience 25 + Projects 1350 + Clients 370 + MVPs 7 + Microsoft certifications 290 + ##### Partner with 7 of our top Microsoft MVPs ###### Of the 3500 Microsoft MVPs in the world, you’ll get to collaborate with seven of them, right here. Schedule an AI Readiness Assessment today. And a Microsoft MVP will be in touch. --- ### [Cost Whitepaper](https://followoz.com/oz-search/cost-whitepaper/) **Published:** April 7, 2026 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ## WHITE PAPER ## 7 Proven Ways Microsoft AI Reduces Software Development Costs ## White Paper ###### Every organization is looking to trim costs while staying innovative. While there are opportunities to save, we need to ask which ones yield quick wins and which require more effort and action. ###### This white paper explores how AI technology brings significant cost-savings and time-savings, including all the ways Microsoft AI can help you: - Accelerate development with AI-assisted code generation - Enhance code quality with automated testing - Reduce time spent on bug fixes with AI-powered error analysis - Improve developer productivity through AI-powered collaboration - Streamline security and compliance with AI-powered solutions --- ### [AI insights readiness assessment ad](https://followoz.com/services/cloud-ai-services/ai-insights-readiness-assessment-ad/) **Published:** April 23, 2026 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ### AI READINESS ASSESSMENT & AI ROADMAP ## Discover where AI can deliver value for your business You know AI matters. But where do you start and how do you ensure it pays off? Our AI Readiness Assessment helps you define priorities, evaluate opportunities, and build a practical roadmap in just 2–3 weeks. [ Schedule an AI Readiness Assessment ](#) ![AdvancedRx pharmacy logo - OZ Digital Consulting client](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/AdvancedRx_Logo.jpg) ![OncoHealth-Horizontal](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/OncoHealth-Horizontal.svg) ![carnival.jpg](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/carnival.jpg) ![Asset-35-1.svg](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-35-1.svg) ![Asset-28-1.svg](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-28-1.svg) ![jackson health system](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-26-1.svg) ![ncl norwegian cruise line](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-24-1.svg) ![Brands mart usa](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-55-5.svg) ![Mercy](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Mercy.png) ![millers ale house](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-27-1.svg) ![rooms to go](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-33-2.svg) ![citrix](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-148.svg) ![hard rock](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Layer-1-2-2.svg) ![red lobster](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-38-1.svg) ![blugreen vacations](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-30-2.svg) ![Holiday inn club vacations](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-29-2.svg) ## What is the AI Readiness Assessment? ###### This is an executive-level, AI strategy and consulting engagement that’s designed to help you identify opportunities for AI integration. - Understand where AI creates the most value for your business - Assess your data, systems, and teams’ preparedness - Evaluate what it takes to scale AI responsibly ###### No vague recommendations. No one-size-fits-all strategies. Only an AI plan you can execute. ![Migrate and modernize your IT estate with Azure](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Migrate-and-modernize-your-IT-estate-with-Azure.jpg) ## What to expect ###### In 2-3 weeks, by the end of the assessment, you’ll know exactly how—and where—to integrate AI into your operations ![Executive alignment and strategy](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Executive-alignment-and-strategy.png) ## Executive alignment and strategy Through guided AI workshops, training, and tools, we align leadership around priorities ![Data & AI maturity score](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Data-AI-maturity-score.png) ## Data & AI maturity score Get a clear view of where you stand and what needs to improve ![High-value AI use cases](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/High-value-AI-use-cases.png) ## High-value AI use cases We identify 3–5 practical AI opportunities tailored to your business ![Business cases with ROI potential](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Business-cases-with-ROI-potential.png) ## Business cases with ROI potential Each use case includes value drivers, risks, and investment considerations ![Actionable AI roadmap](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Actionable-AI-roadmap.png) ## Actionable AI roadmap Create a prioritized, step-by-step plan for secure, scalable adoption ## How the AI Readiness Assessment works Our proven approach delivers clarity without disrupting operations ![followoz How it works](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/How-it-works-1024x1024.png) ![Discovery Workshop](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Discovery-Workshop.png)### Discovery workshop We meet with executives and business leaders to understand goals and challenges ![Current-State Assessment](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Current-State-Assessment.png)### Current-state assessment We evaluate your AI readiness, data maturity, and technology foundation ![Opportunity Identification](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Opportunity-Identification.png)### Opportunity identification We only surface the highest-impact, most achievable use cases ![Roadmap Delivery](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Roadmap-Delivery.png)### Roadmap delivery We work with you to create an actionable plan with clear next steps [ Book your 1:1 AI Readiness Session ](#) ###### EPIC Insurance Brokers “We realized we had a massive store of unstructured data that was being underutilized, and we engaged with OZ and got a deployable AI tool in a remarkably short time.” ###### — Patrick Gallagher, Chief Growth Officer, Risk Management ![qoutes](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/qoutes.jpg) ![followoz Patrick (EPIC)](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Patrick-EPIC.png) Service hours 6.5 M+ Years of experience 25 + Projects 1350 + Clients 370 + MVPs 7 + Microsoft certifications 290 + ##### Partner with 7 of our top Microsoft MVPs ###### Of the 3500 Microsoft MVPs in the world, you’ll get to collaborate with seven of them, right here. Schedule an AI Readiness Assessment today. And a Microsoft MVP will be in touch. ## Frequently asked questions What is an AI Readiness Assessment? An AI Readiness Assessment evaluates if your organization is prepared to adopt and scale artificial intelligence. It reviews your data, technology, processes, and leadership alignment to determine where AI can deliver the most value and how you can create a practical AI strategy and roadmap Why does my organization need an AI Readiness Assessment? Many organizations want to invest in AI but struggle with where to start or how to prioritize initiatives. An AI readiness assessment helps identify high-impact opportunities, evaluate risks, and create a clear AI adoption strategy to move from experimentation to execution. What does an AI Readiness Assessment evaluate? A comprehensive AI Readiness Assessment evaluates several key areas such as data quality and availability, technology infrastructure and systems, organizational skills and AI talent, governance and security, and leadership alignment and strategy. These factors determine how successfully your organization can implement and scale AI solutions. How long does an AI Readiness Assessment take? Most organizations complete the assessment in 2–3 weeks. During this time, consultants conduct discovery workshops, analyze your current environment, identify AI use cases, and deliver an actionable AI roadmap with prioritized next steps. What are the key outcomes of an AI Readiness Assessment? At the end of the AI Readiness Assessment, you will receive a data and AI maturity score, high-value AI use cases, an AI implementation roadmap, and strategic recommendations for responsible AI adoption. These insights will help you build a scalable AI transformation strategy. How is an AI Readiness Assessment different from AI consulting? An AI Readiness Assessment is typically the first phase of AI consulting. It focuses on evaluating your organization’s readiness and identifying opportunities. What types of AI use cases can be identified in the assessment? The AI Readiness Assessment identifies use cases based on your industry, data, and operations as well as business value and feasibility. Common examples include Intelligent Document Processing, predictive analytics, customer service automation, AI-powered decision support, process automation and optimization. Who should participate in an AI Readiness Assessment? Executive alignment between C-suite leaders, IT and data teams, operations leaders and business unit heads ensures your AI strategy and roadmap support broader business objectives. How does an AI roadmap help with AI adoption? An AI roadmap outlines a structured plan for implementing artificial intelligence across the organization. It prioritizes projects based on ROI, technical feasibility, and strategic impact, enabling you to move from isolated experiments to scalable AI adoption and transformation. What happens after the AI Readiness Assessment? After completing the AI Readiness Assessment, you will move into the next phase of AI implementation, which may include proof-of-concept development, data modernization, AI model deployment, and governance and security frameworks. The roadmap ensures AI initiatives are implemented securely, responsibly, and at scale. --- ### [AI Implementation Services ad](https://followoz.com/services/ai-implementation-services-ad/) **Published:** April 24, 2026 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ### AI IMPLEMENTATION SERVICES ## Turn AI ambition into production Many teams stall between AI pilots and production. We help you design, build, and integrate enterprise AI securely across your organization with the power of Microsoft technologies, all within the Microsoft ecosystem. [ Deploy AI in weeks ](#) ![AdvancedRx pharmacy logo - OZ Digital Consulting client](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/AdvancedRx_Logo.jpg) ![OncoHealth-Horizontal](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/OncoHealth-Horizontal.svg) ![carnival.jpg](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/carnival.jpg) ![Asset-35-1.svg](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-35-1.svg) ![Asset-28-1.svg](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-28-1.svg) ![jackson health system](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-26-1.svg) ![ncl norwegian cruise line](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-24-1.svg) ![Brands mart usa](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-55-5.svg) ![Mercy](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Mercy.png) ![millers ale house](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-27-1.svg) ![rooms to go](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-33-2.svg) ![citrix](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-148.svg) ![hard rock](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Layer-1-2-2.svg) ![red lobster](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-38-1.svg) ![blugreen vacations](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-30-2.svg) ![Holiday inn club vacations](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-29-2.svg) ![Expert 
guidance](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Expert-
guidance.png) ## Microsoft Cloud & AI experts ![Advanced cloud security services](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Advanced-cloud-security-services.png) ## Enterprise AI architecture & security ![Proven Frameworks for AI Implementation](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Proven-Frameworks-for-AI-Implementation.png) ## Proven frameworks for AI implementation ![AI Strategy to Production Deployment](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/AI-Strategy-to-Production-Deployment.png) ## AI strategy to production deployment ## How we help AI strategy and roadmap Identify high-impact AI opportunities and build a practical implementation plan. AI application development Design and deploy intelligent applications powered by generative AI and machine learning. AI agents and Copilots Automate workflows and enhance productivity with AI assistants. AI proof of concept Validate use cases quickly with rapid prototyping and real-world testing. AI deployment and MLOps Operationalize AI with scalable deployment pipelines and lifecycle management. [ Book an AI discovery call ](#) ![epic insurance](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/epic-insurance.png) ![SBA Communications](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Group-1597885632.png) ![AdvancedRx](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Group-1597885634.png) ## Why OZ Digital Consulting ###### Organizations choose OZ Digital Consulting to implement AI because we combine deep Microsoft expertise with practical enterprise delivery. ###### We help you: - Move beyond AI experimentation - Deploy secure and scalable AI solutions - Integrate AI with your existing data and applications - Deliver measurable operational improvements Service hours 6.5 M+ Years of experience 25 + Projects 1350 + Clients 370 + MVPs 7 + Microsoft certifications 290 + ##### Partner with 7 of our top Microsoft MVPs ###### Of the 3500 Microsoft MVPs in the world, you’ll get to collaborate with seven of them, right here. Schedule an AI Readiness Assessment today. And a Microsoft MVP will be in touch. --- ### [Azure databricks migration](https://followoz.com/services/azure-databricks/azure-databricks-migration/) **Published:** May 11, 2026 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ## AZURE DATABRICKS QUICK START ## Make your data AI-ready fast Move beyond traditional BI with a rapid Azure Databricks deployment integrated seamlessly with Microsoft Fabric and OneLake. ## What does the Azure Databricks Quick Start program offer? ###### This is a focused 3–5 week engagement to help you deploy and configure Azure Databricks for data engineering, advanced analytics, and machine learning—all within a unified, scalable Azure ecosystem. If you’re grappling with data complexity, exploring predictive analytics or AI, or want to move beyond traditional BI, this program is for you. ![Graphic showing Databricks and Microsoft Azure logos, symbolizing a cloud data analytics partnership, with a blue gradient circular design and orbit lines.](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/What-does-the-Azure-Databricks-Quick-Start-program-offer.png) ## Why it matters Enterprises today need secure data and real-time insights, not more dashboards. Azure Databricks with its unified, open governance for data and AI eliminates silos and improves time to insight—at scale. This engagement is the steppingstone towards building and deploying on Databricks without having to wrangle infrastructure anymore. [ Start deploying Azure Databricks ](#) ## What to expect ###### By the end of the program, in 5 weeks, you’ll have a modern, AI-ready data architecture and a unified platform to run analytics. More importantly, you'll have a solid foundation to scale your machine learning initiatives ## Use case workshop Define and prioritize your ideal scenario—data engineering, analytics, or ML ## Databricks environment setup Deploy and configure a production-ready Azure Databricks workspace ## Fabric & OneLake integration Connect and unify your data estate for seamless access and governance ## Proof of value Deliver a working analysis, pipeline, or machine learning model [ Schedule your Azure Databricks Quick Start ](#) ## Frequently asked questions How long does the Azure Databricks Quick Start take? This engagement will be completed within 3–5 weeks, depending on the complexity of your use case and data environment. Do I need to have Microsoft Fabric or OneLake already set up? No. We work with your current environment and incorporate Microsoft Fabric and OneLake only if needed. What kind of use cases can you support? We tailor the engagement based on your goals, which could range from data engineering and pipeline modernization to advanced analytics and reporting to machine learning and predictive modeling. Can I expect a working solution or only strategy? You’ll receive a working proof of value—such as a data pipeline, analytics solution, or machine learning model—so you can see real results, not just recommendations. What data sources can be integrated? Azure Databricks supports a wide range of sources, including: - Cloud and on-prem databases - Data warehouses and lakes - APIs and streaming data We’ll connect to the sources most relevant to your use case. Is this suitable if we’re just starting our AI journey? Absolutely. This engagement is ideal for organizations regardless of the stage of AI maturity, providing a strong foundation for future analytics and machine learning initiatives. How does this differ from traditional BI implementation? Unlike traditional BI that focuses on reporting and dashboards, this engagement enables scalable data processing, advanced analytics, and machine learning, helping you move towards AI-driven decision-making. What happens after the Quick Start? At the end of the engagement, you’ll have a validated use case, a deployed environment and a roadmap for scaling. We’ll also support ongoing implementation, optimization, and expansion. Are there Microsoft funding or incentives available? Yes. Depending on your scenario, you may be eligible (however not guaranteed) for Data & AI Cloud funding, Fabric and Databricks incentives, and co-sell opportunities with Microsoft. We’ll help you identify and apply for applicable programs. How do we get started? Simply reach out to our team to schedule a quick discovery session. From there, we’ll align on your use case and kick off the engagement. ##### Speak to our Data MVP ###### Whether you’re modernizing your data estate, operationalizing machine learning, or building autonomous systems, our Azure Databricks-certified experts bring the strategy, architecture, and hands-on experience to deliver results. --- ### [Dominick Raimato](https://followoz.com/about/leadership/dominick-raimato/) **Published:** May 12, 2026 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ## OZ Leadership ## Dominick Raimato ## Global Practice Leader - Data & AI, and Data Platform MVP - [ ](https://www.linkedin.com/in/dominick-raimato/) ![Dominick Raimato - Global Practice Leader for Data and AI and Data Platform MVP at OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Dominick-Raimato-2.png) Microsoft Data Platform MVP and self-identified data nerd, Dominick Raimato has a huge passion for identifying insights and building solutions. You never know what kind of data projects he might be working on such as tracking temperature and humidity trends in his house to building a database of property assessments to make sure his house is in line with other properties to avoid overpaying taxes. Passionate about people, Dominick strives to create solutions that not only help achieve business objectives but also make people’s lives better. If he can help someone get home earlier to eat dinner with their family or eliminate time consuming tasks so they can focus on more important things, he is in his element. Dominick currently lives in Bergen County, NJ where he can be found around the house working on projects or cooking in the kitchen. His specialty dishes include his homemade meat sauce in the winter and pulled pork bar-b-que on his smoker during the summer. He also ventures into New York City frequently to see his wife perform as a flutist with small ensembles, orchestras, and theaters. --- ### [Thomas Carey](https://followoz.com/about/leadership/thomas-carey/) **Published:** May 12, 2026 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ## OZ Leadership ## Thomas Carey ## Global Practice Leader, Azure Infrastructure & Security - [ ](https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomascareyjr/) ![Thomas Carey - Global Practice Leader for Azure Infrastructure and Security at OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Thomas.png) A U.S. Navy Gulf War veteran with more than 30 years of experience in information technology, Thomas is a proven leader in cloud strategy, infrastructure modernization, cybersecurity, and enterprise transformation. At OZ Digital, he leads the Infrastructure & Security practice, helping clients build secure, scalable, and resilient technology foundations. Drawing on more than a decade at Microsoft, Thomas brings deep expertise in Microsoft cloud strategy, customer advisory, solution architecture, and technology-led business transformation. Previously, Thomas held senior leadership and technical roles at Microsoft and SAIC, including Technology Strategist, Technology Innovation Lead, Program Manager, and Chief Engineer. He is known for translating complex technical challenges into practical execution plans that improve security, operational readiness, and measurable business value. Thomas holds a Master of Science from Florida State University. --- ### [Azure Databricks - new](https://followoz.com/azure-databricks-new/) **Published:** May 13, 2026 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ## Azure Databricks ## Build a unified, governed data lakehouse for data and AI Unify your data, analytics, and AI on Azure Databricks with governance, lineage, and secure collaboration built in. [ Talk to our Data MVP ](#gototothissection) ![AdvancedRx pharmacy logo - OZ Digital Consulting client](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/AdvancedRx_Logo.jpg) ![OncoHealth-Horizontal](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/OncoHealth-Horizontal.svg) ![carnival.jpg](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/carnival.jpg) ![Asset-35-1.svg](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-35-1.svg) ![Asset-28-1.svg](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-28-1.svg) ![jackson health system](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-26-1.svg) ![ncl norwegian cruise line](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-24-1.svg) ![Brands mart usa](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-55-5.svg) ![Mercy](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Mercy.png) ![millers ale house](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-27-1.svg) ![rooms to go](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-33-2.svg) ![citrix](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-148.svg) ![hard rock](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Layer-1-2-2.svg) ![red lobster](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-38-1.svg) ![blugreen vacations](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-30-2.svg) ![Holiday inn club vacations](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-29-2.svg) ![Databricks and Microsoft Azure logos shown on a purple gradient circle with orbiting lines in a collaboration graphic.](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Empower-your-data-teams-with-
OZ-Digital-and-Azure-Databricks.jpg) ## Empower your data teams with OZ Digital and Azure Databricks Engineer the future of AI-powered enterprises with OZ Digital and Databricks—combining 29 years of experience building tailored business solutions with the Azure Databricks Platform for scalable, governed, and responsible AI outcomes. Together, we help you automate data management, optimize processes, and drive growth with advanced analytics and AI. ## Data and AI governance, simplified Benefit from our deep data and AI expertise and experience building business-tailored solutions. A modern, governed data and AI foundation Our experts help you design and implement a lakehouse platform so your data teams can ship reliably, your business teams can trust the data, and security teams can rest easy. Built for speed, trust, and scale Build a secure, scalable lakehouse to run BI, ML, and GenAI while delivering faster time to value and lower operational risk through governance, access control, lineage, and policies. One control plane for data + AI governance Bring centralized governance to your lakehouse with Unity Catalog. Define access policies just once and apply them across your teams, workspaces, and workloads. ![Infographic of Lakehouse architecture with core data stores (Delta Lake, ICEBERG, Parquet), tools (Databricks SQL, Lakeflow, AI/BI, Mosaic AI) and Unity Catalog, plus Data & AI Governance.](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Data-and-AI-governance.png) [ Deploy Azure Databricks in 3 weeks ](https://followoz.com/services/azure-databricks/azure-databricks-migration/) ## See how leading brands unify data and AI with Azure Databricks Explore how businesses are building secure, governed data and AI foundations with Azure Databricks. ###### [How clean data brings clean water to communities](/case-studies/clean-data-brings-clean-water/) [ Read customer story ](/case-studies/clean-data-brings-clean-water/) ###### [Clean Energy Fuels streamlines operations and reporting on Azure Databricks](https://followoz.com/case-studies/clean-energy-fuels/) [ Read customer story ](https://followoz.com/case-studies/clean-energy-fuels/) ###### [SBA Communications elevates customer support with conversational AI](/case-studies/sba-communications/) [ Read customer story ](/case-studies/sba-communications/) ## Achieve more with an open lakehouse ###### With Unity Catalog and open protocols like Delta Sharing, discover, share, and analyze data at scale while maintaining governance, auditability, and privacy across use cases. ![Executive alignment and strategy](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Executive-alignment-and-strategy.png) Align catalog/schema strategy to domains, environments, and operating model ![Search icon with a magnifying glass and star-like sparkles indicating a search feature](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Data-discovery.png) Operationalize data discovery, documentation, and stewardship workflows ![Bar chart shows growth with a rising arrow and a gear, symbolizing analytics-driven performance improvement in business. 178 chars](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Lineage-and-audit.png) Enjoy lineage and audit-ready governance for analytics and ML assets ![Hand cursor selecting a node in a connected network diagram.](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Data-sharing-patterns-for-internal-and-external-collaboration.png) Implement data sharing patterns for internal and external collaboration ![Embedded security solutions](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Embedded-security-solutions.png) Get fine‑grained access control and credential patterns ## Business use cases we support Every organization works a little differently. We’ll meet you where you are, design around your data needs, and make sure everything fits naturally into the broader Azure ecosystem and the tools you rely on across data, BI, governance, and AI. - Helping you determine the right fit for operational vs. analytical use cases - Proven reference architectures for applications and analytics working side by side - Standardized, secure governance with Unity Catalog across multiple workspaces and regions - Migration from legacy meta stores to Unity Catalog - Native Azure integrations that speed up adoption and reduce friction - Lakehouse platform foundations - Medallion data product patterns (Bronze, Silver, Gold) - Reliable streaming and batch ingestion with built‑in quality checks - SQL performance tuning and cost‑control best practices - Lakebase for operational workloads when you need it ![Group of diverse colleagues around a table, shaking hands over tablets and laptops in a collaborative meeting.](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Business-use-cases-we-support-2.png) ## Integrations ## Identity & access Entra ID and enterprise group-based policy models ## Governance Microsoft Purview alignment and auditing patterns ## Analytics Power BI integration patterns and semantic layer approaches ## Artificial Intelligence Azure AI Foundry / Azure OpenAI enablement patterns ## Data estates ADLS, event streaming, and domain data platform integrations ##### Speak to our Data MVP ###### Whether you’re modernizing your data estate, operationalizing machine learning, or building autonomous systems, our Azure Databricks-certified experts bring the strategy, architecture, and hands-on experience to deliver results. ## AI Insights — New and noteworthy [ ![Open brochure with blue curved lines; cover reads: 'The pharmacy deadline that could cost you millions if you wait'.](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/The-Pharmacy-Deadline-that-Could-Cost-You-Millions-If-You-Wait-NYPDP.jpg) ](https://followoz.com/resources/whitepapers/the-2028-pharmacy-deadline-that-could-cost-you-millions/) [ ![Whitepaper Read More](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/aroow-top-round-big.png) ](https://followoz.com/resources/whitepapers/the-2028-pharmacy-deadline-that-could-cost-you-millions/) ## The Pharmacy Deadline that Could Cost You Millions If You Wait ![Smiling woman seated at a multi-monitor coding workstation in a bright office](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/AI-Powered-Mainframe-Modernizati.jpg) ## [Why Mainframe Modernization Looks Different This Time](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/why-mainframe-modernization-looks-different-this-time/) [ Read More ](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/why-mainframe-modernization-looks-different-this-time/) ![OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Top-Takeaways-from-Microsoft-Bui.jpg) ## [Top Takeaways from Microsoft Build 2025](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/top-takeaways-from-microsoft-build-2025/) [ Read More ](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/top-takeaways-from-microsoft-build-2025/) ![AI-Readiness](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/AI-Readiness-Blog-Post_01-1.jpg) ## [AI Readiness Starts with Data Readiness](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/ai-readiness-starts-with-data-readiness/) [ Read More ](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/ai-readiness-starts-with-data-readiness/) --- ### [Chris Pietschmann](https://followoz.com/about/leadership/chris-pietschmann/) **Published:** May 21, 2026 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ## OZ Leadership ## Chris Pietschmann ## Director - Practice Leader, Digital & App Innovation, and 14-time Microsoft MVP - [ ](https://www.linkedin.com/in/crpietschmann) ![Chris Pietschmann - Microsoft MVP and OZ Digital Consulting leader](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Chris-Pietschmann-1.png) Chris Pietschmann leads the Digital & Application Innovation Practice at OZ Digital, where he helps organizations build, modernize, and scale cloud-native applications that accelerate digital transformation. He partners with enterprise clients to deliver secure, scalable platforms using Microsoft and open-source technologies, enabling innovation through modern application architectures, DevOps, and AI-assisted development practices. With over 25 years of experience in software development and enterprise architecture, Chris specializes in large-scale application modernization, cloud-native design, and distributed systems. He has led complex initiatives transforming enterprise and legacy mainframe environments into high-performing, event-driven cloud architectures that support thousands of users while enabling continuous innovation and agility. Chris has been a Microsoft MVP since 2008 and is also an IBM Champion, HashiCorp Ambassador, Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT), and published author. He is recognized as a thought leader in cloud architecture and application modernization, actively contributing to the global technology community through writing, speaking, and mentorship. --- ### [Claude](https://followoz.com/services/claude/) **Published:** May 22, 2026 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ![Vertical list of app cards on a pale dotted background; first card is Azure AI Foundry with a small blue icon and a 'Live' badge, followed by Microsoft Excel with its own 'Live' badge.](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Apply-the-right-AI-to-the-right-task-scaled-1004x1024.png) ![Microsoft logo with colorful square emblem and the word Microsoft on a dark background.](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/claude-and-microsoft.png) ## Apply the right AI to the right task Claude, Anthropic’s powerful model for coding, agents, and enterprise workflows, is now available directly within the tools you use — Azure Foundry, Excel, Word, Outlook, and Teams. We help clients operationalize this shift, bringing multi-model AI into the Microsoft environment to drive deeper insights and better decisions. [ Talk to our experts ](#contactsection) ## Give AI real business context ![Blue glossy ribbon-shaped logo with a looping curve in a dark-to-light blue gradient.](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Accelerate-development-with-Claude-in-Azure-Foundry.png)### Build faster with Claude in Microsoft Foundry Claude models are now accessible in Microsoft Foundry so developers can delegate their most complex work to AI systems for full-lifecycle development from requirements gathering to implementation and maintenance. ![Work smarter inside](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Work-smarter-inside.png)### Work smarter inside Microsoft Use AI directly within Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Teams. That means, you can generate insights, draft content, and analyze complex data without switching tools. ![Leverage deeper reasoning capabilities](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Leverage-deeper-reasoning-capabilities.png)### Leverage deeper reasoning capabilities Claude is designed for complex analysis and multistep reasoning, document-heavy workflows (contracts, reports, research), and large-scale data interpretation ![Connect AI to your business content](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Connect-AI-to-your-business-content.png)### Bring Claude into your business workflows With Microsoft 365 integration, get quick and secure access to emails and conversations in Outlook and Teams, documents and knowledge bases — such as SharePoint and OneDrive — meetings, notes, and collaboration data. ## How Claude works within the Microsoft ecosystem ![Azure AI Foundry Catalog page showing a search for 'claude' with three Claude model cards: Claude-Sonnet-4.5, Claude-Haiku-4.5, Claude-Opus-4.1.](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/How-Claude-works-within-the-Microsoft-ecosystem-1024x491.jpg) Claude is available across the Microsoft 365 suite and in Microsoft Foundry. This integration allows agents to carry memories, or context about you, across different apps. Which means, if you change a model in Excel, those changes get reflected in a PowerPoint deck automatically. Plus, it gives you flexibility in how you choose to deploy AI. ### Inside Microsoft 365 Copilot Claude is available as a select model for advanced tasks powering deep research, analysis, and agent-based workflows. Custom AI agents are enabled through Copilot Studio. ### Embedded in core applications Analyze data, build models, and generate formulas in Excel. Draft, review, and summarize documents in Word. And create stunning presentations in PowerPoint, all within the apps you already use. ### Connected to your data within Microsoft Pull insights from SharePoint, OneDrive, Teams, and Outlook. Surface relevant information across silos. And provide context-aware recommendations and outputs. ## Why Multi-Model AI Matters No single model is best at everything. Claude complements existing AI models by excelling in deep reasoning and structured problem-solving, long-form content creation and analysis, and high-context enterprise workflows. This gives organizations greater control over accuracy, performance, and business outcomes ![Retirement plan analysis dashboard with key metrics and a 10-year projection chart (base, conservative, optimistic).](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Why-Multi-Model-AI-Matters-scaled.png) ## How OZ Digital Helps To successfully adopt AI within the Microsoft environment, it takes much more than enabling features. It takes intentional architecture, strong governance, and strategic alignment. OZ Digital helps you define the right AI strategy. We identify where Claude delivers more value compared to other models and align your business priority to the specific use case. In doing so, we ensure AI is embedded into your operations securely and effectively. Built on Microsoft’s responsible AI frameworks, we leverage Azure AI and data to enable intelligent, end-to-end solutions at scale. ![Woman using a laptop with a circular ring of productivity app icons (Excel, PowerPoint, Teams) surrounding her.](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/How-OZ-Digital-helps.png) ##### Ready to unlock Claude across your Microsoft environment? ###### Harness the full potential of Claude and Microsoft with OZ Digital. We’ll help you design, implement, and scale a multi-model AI strategy that delivers real business impact. --- ### [AI Future Summit 2026](https://followoz.com/ai-future-summit-2026/) **Published:** June 8, 2026 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ## The best moments from AI Future Summit 2026 ## We successfully wrapped up AI Future Summit 2026, hosted in collaboration with Microsoft, where industry leaders and decision-makers came together to move AI beyond experimentation to implementation. If you couldn’t make it, be sure to join us next year. In the meantime, catch the highlights and key moments—on demand. ![Testimonial card showing a quote: “The practical examples of solutions that have been deployed in large scale environments were great to see.” Attributed to Luis Quinones, Analyst, End User Support, Broward Health.](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Group-1597885514-3.png) ![Quote card: "I enjoyed the discussions in person as well as the Microsoft attendees. Thank you for the event." — Carlos Luna, IT Application Analyst, Broward County.](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Group-1597885513-3.png) ![Testimonial card with blue quote marks: 'I really appreciated the quality of the speakers and the practical AI use cases shared during the sessions.' — Pradeep Dharmartne, Enterprise Technology Services, Broward County.](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Group-1597885511-6.png) ![Quotation card featuring the text: 'I understand the challenges of creating a case to brainstorm and discuss in a conference setting, that's probably what I personally enjoyed most.' — Vanessa D’Amario, Assistant Professor, Nova Southeastern University](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Group-1597885510-4.png) ![Ananya Ghosh Chowdhury, Senior Cloud Solution Architect at Microsoft, speaking at an event while wearing a lanyard.](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Ananya-Ghosh-Chowdhury-1.png) ## Mainstage keynote Ananya Ghosh Chowdhury, Senior Cloud Solution Architect at Microsoft, delivered the keynote on enterprise AI strategy and solution architecture, advising organizations on how to build enterprise-grade AI, ML, and analytics platforms. She shares how organizations can move beyond scattered AI pilots and begin operating as true frontier firms, who treat AI as a foundational capability rather than an isolated initiative. ![Bruno Capuano, Principal Cloud Advocate at Microsoft, speaking into a microphone at a tech event.](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Bruno-Capuan.png) ## The latest and greatest from Microsoft Microsoft’s Principal Cloud Advocate Bruno Capuano delivered live demos of the latest Microsoft AI technologies, showcasing practical, solution-oriented innovation in action. ## Panel discussions ![Three men sit on a panel; the middle man speaks and gestures with his hand while the others listen in a blue-lit room with a cityscape backdrop.](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Where-AI-Delivers-Real-ROI.jpg) ###### Where AI Delivers Real ROI Moderated by OZ Digital CTO and 15-time Microsoft MVP Jason Milgram, Microsoft panelists, Lalo (Eduardo) Steinmann and Juan Bernal, explored where AI is delivering real ROI today, the evolution of Copilots and AI agents in workflows, and how organizations can approach responsible AI securely and strategically. [ WATCH VIDEO ](#elementor-action%3Aaction%3Dpopup%3Aopen%26settings%3DeyJpZCI6Ijc5MTUiLCJ0b2dnbGUiOmZhbHNlfQ%3D%3D) ![Man in a dark suit speaks into a handheld microphone while gesturing with his right hand at a conference/panel event.](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/AI-Governance-Is-Your-Job-Now.jpg) ###### AI Governance Is Your Job Now! Moderated by OZ Digital SVP and Chief AI Evangelist Murray Izenwasser, this discussion with Timothy Shields, Partner at Kelley Kronenberg, addressed AI legal considerations and governance, reinforcing what leaders must get right in compliance, risk management, and regulatory readiness. [ WATCH VIDEO ](#elementor-action%3Aaction%3Dpopup%3Aopen%26settings%3DeyJpZCI6Ijc5MjMiLCJ0b2dnbGUiOmZhbHNlfQ%3D%3D) ![Two professionals on a conference panel; the man on the right speaks into a microphone while holding a small device, the other man looks down.](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Fireside-Chat.png) ###### Fireside Chat An engaging conversation with C-suite leaders, Vlad Y. and Vikash Kaul , moderated by OZ Chief AI evangelist Murray Izenwasser, explored what CIOs and CTOs are prioritizing as AI moves from pilot to enterprise scale. [ WATCH VIDEO ](#elementor-action%3Aaction%3Dpopup%3Aopen%26settings%3DeyJpZCI6Ijc5MzAiLCJ0b2dnbGUiOmZhbHNlfQ%3D%3D) #### Ready to move AI from pilots to production? [ Book a 1:1 AI Readiness Assessment ](https://followoz.com/oz-search/ai-readiness/) ##### Book a 30-minute complimentary session with our Microsoft MVPs ###### Connect with one of our Microsoft MVPs for insights into the latest Microsoft technologies and practical guidance on how to get your technology initiatives off the ground. --- ### [Legacy modernization](https://followoz.com/legacy-modernization/) **Published:** June 22, 2026 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** The real inefficiencies live in the legacy systems you’ve stopped thinking about. ###### Every business has one — the system everyone's learned to work around. It still gets the job done... but it’s also where costs compound, workflows break, and new initiatives hit speed bumps. Before you build the future, fix what’s silently holding it back. ## The legacy systems you’ve stopped thinking about ###### You can’t modernize what you can’t see. Legacy systems have until now stayed largely invisible. Because modernizing them meant overhauling decades-old code, mapping dependencies, and praying it would all work out. ## Turn legacy into a launchpad ###### Modernizing legacy systems with AI now takes months, not years. Agents can document business logic, flag risks, and refactor code with precision. And when you combine modern delivery with advanced Microsoft technology, legacy becomes a launchpad for growth. ## Modernize client server systems ###### It’s time to rethink the legacy applications that still run your business. Modernizing your aging client-server applications can reduce the cost of maintenance while creating a secure, scalable foundation for AI innovation. [ Take the legacy modernization assessment ](https://followoz.com/legacy-assessment/) ## Mainframe to modern on your terms ###### Whether you’re dealing with aging applications, mainframe risk, or siloed data platforms, we help you modernize with clarity, safety, and speed—no disruption or delay—with systems that support change, deliver faster time to value, and drive greater revenue. ## See how a state government agency unlocked $3M in annual savings by modernizing their payroll and pension system ###### When a state government agency needed to modernize their aging mainframe-based payroll and pension system, they partnered with us. We rearchitected it into a secure, cloud-native Azure environment that delivered $3 million in annual savings. [ Read the full case study ](https://followoz.com/case-studies/dfa/) ![An elderly couple sits at a kitchen table with a laptop, papers, and a fruit bowl, smiling as they work together.](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/See-how-a-state-government-agency-unlocked-3M-in-annual-savings-from-modernizing-their-legacy-payroll-and-pension-system.png) ## Explore how AdvancedRx scaled pharmacy operations with cloud modernization ###### A leading pharmacy services company partnered with us to rearchitect their legacy environment. In doing so, they streamlined claims processing, met compliance regulations, and delivered better patient care while supporting long-term growth. [ Read the full case study ](https://followoz.com/case-studies/advancedrx-tidelinercm-implementation/) ![Pharmacist selecting a medication box from a shelf while holding a tablet in a pharmacy setting with shelves of medicines behind her.](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Explore-how-AdvancedRx-scaled-pharmacy-operations-with-cloud-modernization.png) ## Retire technical debt ###### Legacy modernization isn’t the same for everyone. It doesn’t always involve replacing everything. Sometimes all it takes is re-architecting; other times, it’s a smart lift and shift. Regardless, we partner with you to reimagine how to make it better without breaking what works. ###### We modernize across three focus areas. ### Application modernization ###### Reduce technical debt by modernizing the legacy systems and applications that slow you down, drain your budget, and prevent you from embracing newer technologies. ### Data modernization ###### From cloud migration and platform consolidation to building AI-ready foundations, we turn your data into a valuable business asset that’s easier to access, connect, and govern. ### Core systems modernization ###### Introduce flexibility, reduce complexity, and extend the value of existing investments through strategies that embrace API enablement, workload optimization and re-platforming. ![Blue cloud icon containing a stack of servers, symbolizing cloud data storage and hosting.](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Retire-technical-debt-1.png) ##### Turn your legacy systems into a growth driver ###### Our experts will assess your mainframe estate, applications, and data to define the best path forward. Through the use of AI, we uncover hidden dependencies; quantify and prioritize technical debt; and automate code generation, testing, and migration. --- ### [Sitemap](https://followoz.com/sitemap/) **Published:** June 26, 2026 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ## SITE MAP ## Your gateway to everything OZ Digital. Explore our world. Find what you’re looking for. Explore an overview of everything OZ Digital has to offer. ## Services - [ Cloud & AI ](/services/cloud-ai-services/) - [ AI Business Solutions ](/services/ai-business-solutions/) - [ Azure Infrastructure and Security ](/services/security/) - [ Azure Databricks ](/services/azure-databricks/) ## Integrations - [ Claude \| Microsoft ](/services/claude/) ## Industries - [ Travel & Hospitality ](/industries/travel-and-hospitality/) - [ Healthcare ](/industries/health-sciences/) - [ Insurance ](/industries/insurance/) - [ Technology ](/industries/technology/) ## Resources - [ Blog ](/resources/blog/) - [ Events ](/events/) - [ E-books & White papers ](/resources/ebooks/) - [ OZ in Forbes ](/resources/forbes/) - [ Technical Guides ](/resources/technical-guides/) ## [Customer Stories ](/resources/case-studies/) ## Company - [ Our Story ](/about/) - [ Our Leaders ](/about/leadership/) - [ OZ Careers ](/careers/) --- ### [Legacy Assessment](https://followoz.com/legacy-assessment/) **Published:** July 6, 2026 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ## LEGACY modernization Assessment ## Transform your legacy environment Kickstart your legacy modernization with a detailed assessment of your technology environment. Identify opportunities to modernize and transform your legacy applications, reduce costs, and innovate with new business functions. ## In this 5-step assessment, you'll get to: - Collaborate with our experts and align modernization initiatives with your business goals, operational priorities, and growth strategy - Fully understand your current environment: application dependencies, data platforms, and infrastructure readiness - Explore where modernization makes sense and where it delivers the most value - Stack rank initiatives based on business impact, technical complexity, cost, and organizational readiness. - Own a practical roadmap that includes architecture recommendations, workload placement strategies, and cost optimization opportunities ![Two people sit together at a wooden table outdoors, the man in a lime‑green shirt typing on a laptop while a woman with braided hair sits nearby and watches.](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/In-this-5-step-assessment-youll-get-to.jpg) Service hours 6.5 M+ Years of experience 25 + Projects 1350 + Clients 370 + MVPs 7 + Microsoft certifications 290 + ##### Interested in kickstarting your modernization journey? ###### Our experts will assess your technology environment, applications, and data to define the best path forward. Through the use of AI, we uncover hidden dependencies; quantify and prioritize technical debt; and automate code generation, testing, and migration. --- ### [Legacy modernization contact us](https://followoz.com/legacy-modernization-contact-us/) **Published:** July 6, 2026 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ##### Turn your legacy systems into a growth driver ###### Our experts will assess your mainframe estate, applications, and data to define the best path forward. Through the use of AI, we uncover hidden dependencies; quantify and prioritize technical debt; and automate code generation, testing, and migration. --- ### [Thank You for Reaching Out: Your Message Has Been Received](https://followoz.com/thank-you/) **Published:** March 31, 2024 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ### Thank you for your interest Our Microsoft expert will get in touch with you. --- ### [Expert Health care Consulting & Solutions | OZ Digital](https://followoz.com/industries/health-sciences/) **Published:** March 22, 2024 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** The clock's ticking—have you upgraded to NCPDP F6 yet? [ Click Here ↑ ](https://followoz.com/resources/whitepapers/the-2028-pharmacy-deadline-that-could-cost-you-millions/) The clock's ticking—have you upgraded to NCPDP F6 yet? [ Click Here ↑ ](https://followoz.com/resources/whitepapers/the-2028-pharmacy-deadline-that-could-cost-you-millions/) The clock's ticking—have you upgraded to NCPDP F6 yet? [ Click Here ↑ ](https://followoz.com/resources/whitepapers/the-2028-pharmacy-deadline-that-could-cost-you-millions/) The clock's ticking—have you upgraded to NCPDP F6 yet? [ Click Here ↑ ](https://followoz.com/resources/whitepapers/the-2028-pharmacy-deadline-that-could-cost-you-millions/) The clock's ticking—have you upgraded to NCPDP F6 yet? [ Click Here ↑ ](https://followoz.com/resources/whitepapers/the-2028-pharmacy-deadline-that-could-cost-you-millions/) The clock's ticking—have you upgraded to NCPDP F6 yet? [ Click Here ↑ ](https://followoz.com/resources/whitepapers/the-2028-pharmacy-deadline-that-could-cost-you-millions/) The clock's ticking—have you upgraded to NCPDP F6 yet? [ Click Here ↑ ](https://followoz.com/resources/whitepapers/the-2028-pharmacy-deadline-that-could-cost-you-millions/) The clock's ticking—have you upgraded to NCPDP F6 yet? [ Click Here ↑ ](https://followoz.com/resources/whitepapers/the-2028-pharmacy-deadline-that-could-cost-you-millions/) The clock's ticking—have you upgraded to NCPDP F6 yet? [ Click Here ↑ ](https://followoz.com/resources/whitepapers/the-2028-pharmacy-deadline-that-could-cost-you-millions/) The clock's ticking—have you upgraded to NCPDP F6 yet? [ Click Here ↑ ](https://followoz.com/resources/whitepapers/the-2028-pharmacy-deadline-that-could-cost-you-millions/) The clock's ticking—have you upgraded to NCPDP F6 yet? [ Click Here ↑ ](https://followoz.com/resources/whitepapers/the-2028-pharmacy-deadline-that-could-cost-you-millions/) The clock's ticking—have you upgraded to NCPDP F6 yet? [ Click Here ↑ ](https://followoz.com/resources/whitepapers/the-2028-pharmacy-deadline-that-could-cost-you-millions/) The clock's ticking—have you upgraded to NCPDP F6 yet? [ Click Here ↑ ](https://followoz.com/resources/whitepapers/the-2028-pharmacy-deadline-that-could-cost-you-millions/) The clock's ticking—have you upgraded to NCPDP F6 yet? [ Click Here ↑ ](https://followoz.com/resources/whitepapers/the-2028-pharmacy-deadline-that-could-cost-you-millions/) The clock's ticking—have you upgraded to NCPDP F6 yet? [ Click Here ↑ ](https://followoz.com/resources/whitepapers/the-2028-pharmacy-deadline-that-could-cost-you-millions/) The clock's ticking—have you upgraded to NCPDP F6 yet? [ Click Here ↑ ](https://followoz.com/resources/whitepapers/the-2028-pharmacy-deadline-that-could-cost-you-millions/) ## AI FOR HEALTHCARE ## Helping deliver healthier outcomes From strategy through execution and beyond, our Microsoft-powered healthcare solutions simplify care delivery by improving workflows, unifying systems, and making data accessible without compromising patient privacy, security, or compliance. [ Request a meeting ](https://followoz.com/contact-us/) ![oncology analytics](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Asset-11-4.svg) ![beckman coulter](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Asset-12-4.svg) ![ameripath](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Asset-13-4.svg) ![baptist health south florida](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Asset-14-3.svg) ![simply healthcare](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Asset-15-3.svg) ![avmed](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Asset-16-4.svg) ![nicklaus childrens hospital](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Asset-17-4.svg) ![broward health](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Asset-21-3.svg) ![mercy](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Asset-22-3.svg) ![FDA](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Asset-23-3.svg) ![jackson health system](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Asset-18-3.svg) ![pediatrix medical group](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Asset-19-3.svg) ![vistas healthcare](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Asset-20-3.svg) ![memorial healthcare system](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Asset-24-4.svg) ![abbvie](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Asset-25-4.svg) ![AHCS automatd healthcare solutions](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Asset-26-4.svg) ![Florida Health](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Asset-140.svg) ###### “The application is very intuitive. And there’s been no downtime because the software just doesn’t crash.” ###### Dr. Marc Fishman, Executive Chairman & Founder, Oncology Analytics ![Oncology Analytics OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Oncology-Analytics.jpg) ## Segments we serve ###### Digital Health Build the infrastructure to deliver and manage digital products at scale, including unifying data sources across the healthcare ecosystem for real-time insights. ###### Healthcare Payers Imagine a better way to streamline processes— enrollment, benefits and claims, and provider management— manage costs, and improve efficiency, all while delivering compliant, secure, and connected experiences. ###### Healthcare Providers Automate tasks and improve healthcare workflows to free up time for patients. Integrate data from EHRs, medical devices, appointment history, and partners to provide more personalized support to your patients. ###### Pharmaceuticals Bring your systems, data, and processes together to create efficiencies and reduce costs. Rewire your tech stack with newer technologies like AI, machine learning, and advanced analytics to accelerate innovation and improve patient outcomes. ###### Diagnostics Simplify care delivery by improving accessibility to health data—like test results or diagnoses—through simpler data architectures and an open, interoperable system. #### Patient-centric solutions. Human-centered healthcare. #### Azure Cloud Migration Leverage the power of Azure cloud and AI and Azure Machine Learning. Glean insights from vast troves of healthcare data to make better (and faster) decisions, without compromising patient privacy or security. [ View customer story ](https://followoz.com/case-studies/advanced-rx/) #### Azure Integration and Data Modernization Bridge departmental silos. Integrate the data within every health workflow and deploy Azure Analytics and AI to transform that data into insights that improve patient outcomes, clinical and operational decision-making. [ View customer story ](https://followoz.com/case-studies/oncohealth/) #### Azure-Powered Enterprise Integration Healthcare organizations must grapple with more systems, more applications, and more data. Connect all these mission-critical systems, processes, data, and applications to provide a consistent care delivery experience and gain a unified view of your operations. [ View customer story ](https://followoz.com/case-studies/value-care-at-home/) #### Azure Healthcare Interoperability Tap into an open, interoperable ecosystem with Azure Health Data Services, leveraging healthcare data exchange standards such as HL7, EDI, and FHIR—which helps providers and patients share and access information freely and improve health outcomes, while maintaining the highest standards of data governance and privacy. [ Read blog ](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/how-fhir-puts-patients-in-charge-of-their-health-records/) #### A top pharmacy moves workloads to the cloud and cuts costs by 30% ###### A leading pharmacy services platform moved its workloads to the cloud, speeding up medication processing response times and cutting down costs. [ View customer story ](https://followoz.com/case-studies/oncohealth/) ![OZ Digital Consulting A top pharmacy moves workloads to the cloud and cuts costs by 30%](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/A-top-pharmacy-moves-workloads-to-the-cloud-and-cuts-costs-by-30.jpg) ##### Book a 30-minute complimentary session with our Microsoft MVPs ###### Connect with one of our Microsoft MVPs for insights into the latest Microsoft technologies and practical guidance on how to get your technology initiatives off the ground. ## AI Insights — New and noteworthy [ ![Open brochure with blue curved lines; cover reads: 'The pharmacy deadline that could cost you millions if you wait'.](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/The-Pharmacy-Deadline-that-Could-Cost-You-Millions-If-You-Wait-NYPDP.jpg) ](https://followoz.com/resources/whitepapers/the-2028-pharmacy-deadline-that-could-cost-you-millions/) [ ![Whitepaper Read More](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/aroow-top-round-big.png) ](https://followoz.com/resources/whitepapers/the-2028-pharmacy-deadline-that-could-cost-you-millions/) ## The Pharmacy Deadline that Could Cost You Millions If You Wait ![Smiling woman seated at a multi-monitor coding workstation in a bright office](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/AI-Powered-Mainframe-Modernizati.jpg) ## [Why Mainframe Modernization Looks Different This Time](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/why-mainframe-modernization-looks-different-this-time/) [ Read More ](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/why-mainframe-modernization-looks-different-this-time/) ![OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Top-Takeaways-from-Microsoft-Bui.jpg) ## [Top Takeaways from Microsoft Build 2025](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/top-takeaways-from-microsoft-build-2025/) [ Read More ](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/top-takeaways-from-microsoft-build-2025/) ![AI-Readiness](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/AI-Readiness-Blog-Post_01-1.jpg) ## [AI Readiness Starts with Data Readiness](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/ai-readiness-starts-with-data-readiness/) [ Read More ](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/ai-readiness-starts-with-data-readiness/) --- ### [AI Insights – Readiness Assessment](https://followoz.com/services/cloud-ai-services/ai-insights-readiness-assessment/) **Published:** March 12, 2026 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ## AI READINESS ASSESSMENT & AI ROADMAP ## Discover where AI can deliver value for your business You know AI matters. But where do you start and how do you ensure it pays off? Our AI Readiness Assessment helps you define priorities, evaluate opportunities, and build a practical roadmap in just 2–3 weeks. ![AdvancedRx pharmacy logo - OZ Digital Consulting client](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/AdvancedRx_Logo.jpg) ![OncoHealth-Horizontal](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/OncoHealth-Horizontal.svg) ![carnival.jpg](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/carnival.jpg) ![Asset-35-1.svg](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-35-1.svg) ![Asset-28-1.svg](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-28-1.svg) ![jackson health system](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-26-1.svg) ![ncl norwegian cruise line](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-24-1.svg) ![Brands mart usa](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-55-5.svg) ![Mercy](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Mercy.png) ![millers ale house](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-27-1.svg) ![rooms to go](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-33-2.svg) ![citrix](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-148.svg) ![hard rock](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Layer-1-2-2.svg) ![red lobster](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-38-1.svg) ![blugreen vacations](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-30-2.svg) ![Holiday inn club vacations](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-29-2.svg) ## What is the AI Readiness Assessment? ###### This is an executive-level, AI strategy and consulting engagement that’s designed to help you identify opportunities for AI integration. - Understand where AI creates the most value for your business - Assess your data, systems, and teams’ preparedness - Evaluate what it takes to scale AI responsibly ###### No vague recommendations. No one-size-fits-all strategies. Only an AI plan you can execute. ![Migrate and modernize your IT estate with Azure](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Migrate-and-modernize-your-IT-estate-with-Azure.jpg) ## What to expect ###### In 2-3 weeks, by the end of the assessment, you’ll know exactly how—and where—to integrate AI into your operations ![Executive alignment and strategy](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Executive-alignment-and-strategy.png) ## Executive alignment and strategy Through guided AI workshops, training, and tools, we align leadership around priorities ![Data & AI maturity score](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Data-AI-maturity-score.png) ## Data & AI maturity score Get a clear view of where you stand and what needs to improve ![High-value AI use cases](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/High-value-AI-use-cases.png) ## High-value AI use cases We identify 3–5 practical AI opportunities tailored to your business ![Business cases with ROI potential](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Business-cases-with-ROI-potential.png) ## Business cases with ROI potential Each use case includes value drivers, risks, and investment considerations ![Actionable AI roadmap](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Actionable-AI-roadmap.png) ## Actionable AI roadmap Create a prioritized, step-by-step plan for secure, scalable adoption ## How the AI Readiness Assessment works Our proven approach delivers clarity without disrupting operations ![followoz How it works](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/How-it-works-1024x1024.png) ![Discovery Workshop](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Discovery-Workshop.png)### Discovery workshop We meet with executives and business leaders to understand goals and challenges ![Current-State Assessment](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Current-State-Assessment.png)### Current-state assessment We evaluate your AI readiness, data maturity, and technology foundation ![Opportunity Identification](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Opportunity-Identification.png)### Opportunity identification We only surface the highest-impact, most achievable use cases ![Roadmap Delivery](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Roadmap-Delivery.png)### Roadmap delivery We work with you to create an actionable plan with clear next steps [ Book your 1:1 AI Readiness Session ](#) ###### EPIC Insurance Brokers “We realized we had a massive store of unstructured data that was being underutilized, and we engaged with OZ and got a deployable AI tool in a remarkably short time.” ###### — Patrick Gallagher, Chief Growth Officer, Risk Management ![qoutes](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/qoutes.jpg) ![followoz Patrick (EPIC)](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Patrick-EPIC.png) Service hours 6.5 M+ Years of experience 25 + Projects 1350 + Clients 370 + MVPs 7 + Microsoft certifications 290 + ##### Partner with 7 of our top Microsoft MVPs ###### Of the 3500 Microsoft MVPs in the world, you’ll get to collaborate with seven of them, right here. Schedule an AI Readiness Assessment today. And a Microsoft MVP will be in touch. ## Frequently asked questions What is an AI Readiness Assessment? An AI Readiness Assessment evaluates if your organization is prepared to adopt and scale artificial intelligence. It reviews your data, technology, processes, and leadership alignment to determine where AI can deliver the most value and how you can create a practical AI strategy and roadmap Why does my organization need an AI Readiness Assessment? Many organizations want to invest in AI but struggle with where to start or how to prioritize initiatives. An AI readiness assessment helps identify high-impact opportunities, evaluate risks, and create a clear AI adoption strategy to move from experimentation to execution. What does an AI Readiness Assessment evaluate? A comprehensive AI Readiness Assessment evaluates several key areas such as data quality and availability, technology infrastructure and systems, organizational skills and AI talent, governance and security, and leadership alignment and strategy. These factors determine how successfully your organization can implement and scale AI solutions. How long does an AI Readiness Assessment take? Most organizations complete the assessment in 2–3 weeks. During this time, consultants conduct discovery workshops, analyze your current environment, identify AI use cases, and deliver an actionable AI roadmap with prioritized next steps. What are the key outcomes of an AI Readiness Assessment? At the end of the AI Readiness Assessment, you will receive a data and AI maturity score, high-value AI use cases, an AI implementation roadmap, and strategic recommendations for responsible AI adoption. These insights will help you build a scalable AI transformation strategy. How is an AI Readiness Assessment different from AI consulting? An AI Readiness Assessment is typically the first phase of AI consulting. It focuses on evaluating your organization’s readiness and identifying opportunities. What types of AI use cases can be identified in the assessment? The AI Readiness Assessment identifies use cases based on your industry, data, and operations as well as business value and feasibility. Common examples include Intelligent Document Processing, predictive analytics, customer service automation, AI-powered decision support, process automation and optimization. Who should participate in an AI Readiness Assessment? Executive alignment between C-suite leaders, IT and data teams, operations leaders and business unit heads ensures your AI strategy and roadmap support broader business objectives. How does an AI roadmap help with AI adoption? An AI roadmap outlines a structured plan for implementing artificial intelligence across the organization. It prioritizes projects based on ROI, technical feasibility, and strategic impact, enabling you to move from isolated experiments to scalable AI adoption and transformation. What happens after the AI Readiness Assessment? After completing the AI Readiness Assessment, you will move into the next phase of AI implementation, which may include proof-of-concept development, data modernization, AI model deployment, and governance and security frameworks. The roadmap ensures AI initiatives are implemented securely, responsibly, and at scale. --- ### [AI Readiness](https://followoz.com/oz-search/ai-readiness/) **Published:** April 7, 2026 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ### AI READINESS ASSESSMENT & AI ROADMAP ## Discover where AI can deliver value for your business You know AI matters. But where do you start and how do you ensure it pays off? Our AI Readiness Assessment helps you define priorities, evaluate opportunities, and build a practical roadmap in just 2–3 weeks. ![AdvancedRx pharmacy logo - OZ Digital Consulting client](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/AdvancedRx_Logo.jpg) ![OncoHealth-Horizontal](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/OncoHealth-Horizontal.svg) ![carnival.jpg](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/carnival.jpg) ![Asset-35-1.svg](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-35-1.svg) ![Asset-28-1.svg](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-28-1.svg) ![jackson health system](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-26-1.svg) ![ncl norwegian cruise line](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-24-1.svg) ![Brands mart usa](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-55-5.svg) ![Mercy](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Mercy.png) ![millers ale house](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-27-1.svg) ![rooms to go](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-33-2.svg) ![citrix](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-148.svg) ![hard rock](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Layer-1-2-2.svg) ![red lobster](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-38-1.svg) ![blugreen vacations](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-30-2.svg) ![Holiday inn club vacations](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Asset-29-2.svg) ## What is the AI Readiness Assessment? ###### This is an executive-level, AI strategy and consulting engagement that’s designed to help you identify opportunities for AI integration. - Understand where AI creates the most value for your business - Assess your data, systems, and teams’ preparedness - Evaluate what it takes to scale AI responsibly ###### No vague recommendations. No one-size-fits-all strategies. Only an AI plan you can execute. ![Migrate and modernize your IT estate with Azure](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Migrate-and-modernize-your-IT-estate-with-Azure.jpg) ## What to expect ###### In 2-3 weeks, by the end of the assessment, you’ll know exactly how—and where—to integrate AI into your operations ![Executive alignment and strategy](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Executive-alignment-and-strategy.png) ## Executive alignment and strategy Through guided AI workshops, training, and tools, we align leadership around priorities ![Data & AI maturity score](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Data-AI-maturity-score.png) ## Data & AI maturity score Get a clear view of where you stand and what needs to improve ![High-value AI use cases](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/High-value-AI-use-cases.png) ## High-value AI use cases We identify 3–5 practical AI opportunities tailored to your business ![Business cases with ROI potential](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Business-cases-with-ROI-potential.png) ## Business cases with ROI potential Each use case includes value drivers, risks, and investment considerations ![Actionable AI roadmap](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Actionable-AI-roadmap.png) ## Actionable AI roadmap Create a prioritized, step-by-step plan for secure, scalable adoption ## How the AI Readiness Assessment works Our proven approach delivers clarity without disrupting operations ![followoz How it works](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/How-it-works-1024x1024.png) ![Discovery Workshop](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Discovery-Workshop.png)### Discovery workshop We meet with executives and business leaders to understand goals and challenges ![Current-State Assessment](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Current-State-Assessment.png)### Current-state assessment We evaluate your AI readiness, data maturity, and technology foundation ![Opportunity Identification](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Opportunity-Identification.png)### Opportunity identification We only surface the highest-impact, most achievable use cases ![Roadmap Delivery](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Roadmap-Delivery.png)### Roadmap delivery We work with you to create an actionable plan with clear next steps [ Book your 1:1 AI Readiness Session ](#) ###### EPIC Insurance Brokers “We realized we had a massive store of unstructured data that was being underutilized, and we engaged with OZ and got a deployable AI tool in a remarkably short time.” ###### — Patrick Gallagher, Chief Growth Officer, Risk Management ![qoutes](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/qoutes.jpg) ![followoz Patrick (EPIC)](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Patrick-EPIC.png) Service hours 6.5 M+ Years of experience 25 + Projects 1350 + Clients 370 + MVPs 7 + Microsoft certifications 290 + ##### Partner with 7 of our top Microsoft MVPs ###### Of the 3500 Microsoft MVPs in the world, you’ll get to collaborate with seven of them, right here. Schedule an AI Readiness Assessment today. And a Microsoft MVP will be in touch. ## Frequently asked questions What is an AI Readiness Assessment? An AI Readiness Assessment evaluates if your organization is prepared to adopt and scale artificial intelligence. It reviews your data, technology, processes, and leadership alignment to determine where AI can deliver the most value and how you can create a practical AI strategy and roadmap Why does my organization need an AI Readiness Assessment? Many organizations want to invest in AI but struggle with where to start or how to prioritize initiatives. An AI readiness assessment helps identify high-impact opportunities, evaluate risks, and create a clear AI adoption strategy to move from experimentation to execution. What does an AI Readiness Assessment evaluate? A comprehensive AI Readiness Assessment evaluates several key areas such as data quality and availability, technology infrastructure and systems, organizational skills and AI talent, governance and security, and leadership alignment and strategy. These factors determine how successfully your organization can implement and scale AI solutions. How long does an AI Readiness Assessment take? Most organizations complete the assessment in 2–3 weeks. During this time, consultants conduct discovery workshops, analyze your current environment, identify AI use cases, and deliver an actionable AI roadmap with prioritized next steps. What are the key outcomes of an AI Readiness Assessment? At the end of the AI Readiness Assessment, you will receive a data and AI maturity score, high-value AI use cases, an AI implementation roadmap, and strategic recommendations for responsible AI adoption. These insights will help you build a scalable AI transformation strategy. How is an AI Readiness Assessment different from AI consulting? An AI Readiness Assessment is typically the first phase of AI consulting. It focuses on evaluating your organization’s readiness and identifying opportunities. What types of AI use cases can be identified in the assessment? The AI Readiness Assessment identifies use cases based on your industry, data, and operations as well as business value and feasibility. Common examples include Intelligent Document Processing, predictive analytics, customer service automation, AI-powered decision support, process automation and optimization. Who should participate in an AI Readiness Assessment? Executive alignment between C-suite leaders, IT and data teams, operations leaders and business unit heads ensures your AI strategy and roadmap support broader business objectives. How does an AI roadmap help with AI adoption? An AI roadmap outlines a structured plan for implementing artificial intelligence across the organization. It prioritizes projects based on ROI, technical feasibility, and strategic impact, enabling you to move from isolated experiments to scalable AI adoption and transformation. What happens after the AI Readiness Assessment? After completing the AI Readiness Assessment, you will move into the next phase of AI implementation, which may include proof-of-concept development, data modernization, AI model deployment, and governance and security frameworks. The roadmap ensures AI initiatives are implemented securely, responsibly, and at scale. --- ### [Lead with Azure: Innovate & Scale with Certified Experts Cloud Services](https://followoz.com/services/cloud-services/) **Published:** March 20, 2024 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ## AZURE SOLUTIONS Leverage Microsoft’s transformative cloud platform to scale and innovate with unprecedented flexibility and efficiency. [ SPEAK WITH AN EXPERT ](https://followoz.com/contact-us/) ![Lead with Azure: Innovate & Scale with Certified Experts azur solutions](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/azur-solutions.jpg) [ Read More ](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/leveraging-azure-stack-cloud-scalability-cost-management-and-digital-transformation/) ## Join Our Roster of AZURE SOLUTIONS Clients ![Cirque Du Soleil](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Asset-36.svg) ![Combate Americas](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Asset-37.svg) ![AHCS](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Asset-38.svg) ![Galway Holdings](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Asset-39.svg) ![EzGreen](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Asset-30.svg) ![DataAge](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Asset-31.svg) ![Atlantic Dental](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Asset-33.svg) ![ad exchanger](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Asset-34.svg) ![a7fl](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Asset-35.svg) ![florida dental benefits](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Asset-40.svg) ![hair club](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Asset-41.svg) ![bluegreen vacations](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Asset-42.svg) ![owwll](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Asset-43.svg) ![brandmart usa](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Asset-55-5.svg) With OZ certified Microsoft experts at your side, you will establish yourself as a leader, not a follower in cloud computing–the backbone of modern business infrastructure and competitive advantage. ![data-ai-azure](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/data-ai-azure.svg) ![infrastructure-azure](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/infrastructure-azure.svg) ![digital-app-innovation-azure](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/digital-app-innovation-azure.svg) The rapid evolution of technology and the complexity of cloud environments require forward-thinking strategy and meticulous management to harness their full potential. - Azure Environment Assessment A comprehensive analysis of your current IT infrastructure, identifying opportunities for optimization and transformation with Azure. - Workload Migrations Enjoy minimal disruption to your business operations while enhancing scalability and performance in the Azure cloud. - Azure Virtual Desktop State-of-the-art virtual desktops that deliver a secure, scalable, and cost-effective remote working environment. - Azure Kubernetes Service Take the complexity and hassle out of the deployment, management, and scaling of containerized applications. - Adaptive Cloud With Azure Arc Enable seamless governance, deployment, and management of resources across your entire infrastructure as you extend Azure’s management capabilities to your hybrid and multi-cloud environments. - Azure Automation Maximize operational efficiency with a tailored solution that automates repetitive tasks, manages cloud resources, and implements consistent, error-free processes. - Azure Business Continuity Solutions Minimize downtime and data loss, ensuring that your business operations remain uninterrupted in the face of unforeseen events or disasters. - Azure Devops Innovate faster, collaborate more efficiently, and deliver high-quality software with ease. [ GET STARTED ](https://followoz.com/contact-us/) ### YOUR DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION CAN BEGIN RIGHT NOW… #### …WITH OZ RAPID IMPLEMENTATION Reduce costs, improve resource utilization, and rapidly adapt to a constantly changing business landscape. In as little as four weeks, our certified Microsoft experts will leverage Azure Virtual Desktop, Microsoft Entra ID (Azure Active Directory), Azure Blob Storage, Azure Network Security Groups and Firewalls, Azure Monitor and Log Analytics, Microsoft 365 Integration, Nerdio, and more to demonstrate a dynamic, scalable, and secure solution for remote work and virtualization needs. ![4 Step Design HOR](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/4-Step-Design-HOR.svg) ![4 Step Design VERT](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/4-Step-Design-VERT.svg) [ WORK WITH US ](#) --- ### [Improve with AWS Partners: Customized Tech Solutions](https://followoz.com/partners/) **Published:** March 20, 2024 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ## Coming Soon [ Back Home ](https://followoz.com) --- ### [Enhance Retail with OZ Azure AI Services Integration](https://followoz.com/industries/retail/) **Published:** March 22, 2024 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ## REIMAGINE THE RETAIL EXPERIENCE Behind every happy customer is a well-orchestrated retail ecosystem. Manage all the moving parts—from design and development to distribution and analytics—with our Microsoft-enabled solutions designed to keep your shoppers coming back again and again. [ REQUEST A MEETING ](https://followoz.com/contact-us/) ## TRUSTED BY LEADING RETAIL COMPANIES ![brandmart usa](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Asset-55.svg) ![perfumania](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Asset-58.svg) ![city furniture](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Asset-54.svg) ![stain mart](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Asset-56.svg) ![rooms to go](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Asset-57.svg) ## SMARTER SOLUTIONS. HAPPIER CUSTOMERS. ![Enhance Retail with OZ Azure AI Services Integration](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/AZ-CM-2.svg) #### Azure Cloud Migration Connect the dots between your systems, data, processes, applications, and customers via the cloud. Gain better visibility and control over inventory, respond faster, and adapt quickly to emerging trends, customer preferences, and disruptions. [ Explore solution ](https://followoz.com/services/cloud-services/) ![OZ Azure AI Services Integration](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/IA-3.svg) #### Intelligent Automation Make every customer interaction count. Automate workflows to create connected customer experiences, online and in-store. With self-service tools and virtual agents, address customer queries correctly the first time, every time. [ Explore solution ](https://followoz.com/services/intelligent-automation/) ![Enhance Retail with OZ Azure AI Services Integration](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/AZ-AN-AI.svg) #### Azure Analytics and AI Give customers exactly what they need with AI-driven product recommendations based on their preferences, shopping history, and habits. Using Microsoft Fabric analytics and Azure Machine Learning, extract insights faster to create more personalized experiences. [ Explore solution ](https://followoz.com/services/data-analytics/) ![OZ Azure AI Services Integration](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/AZ-DI.svg) #### Azure Data Integration Transform your operations with Microsoft Azure’s powerful data integration capabilities. Integrate your systems and data and gain real-time visibility into your operations, risks, and potential supply chain issues. [ Explore solution ](https://followoz.com/services/enterprise-applications-integration/) ![h OZ Azure AI Services Integration](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/AZ-API-M.svg) #### Azure API Management Create a single view of your customers and operations with integrated APIs across multiple systems and applications from purchases to customer service, in-person experiences, and more. [ Explore solution ](https://followoz.com/services/application-development/) #### ROOMS TO GO BUILDS CUSTOMER LOYALTY WITH A NEW API-LED STRATEGY ![Industries Rooms to go](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Industries-C-copy-2.svg) One of the largest furniture retailers met the demands of their business and customers with a new API-led strategy and microservices architecture. [ View customer story ](https://followoz.com/case-studies/rooms-to-go/) #### RETAIL INSIGHTS News, trends, and insights about the retail industry. Blog [ ![](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Azure_ML_Static_for_Web-2.jpg) ](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/how-leading-industries-bridge-the-proof-of-concept-to-production-gap-with-azure-machine-learning/) ## [How Leading Industries Bridge the Proof-of-Concept to Production Gap with Azure Machine Learning](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/how-leading-industries-bridge-the-proof-of-concept-to-production-gap-with-azure-machine-learning/) Technical Guide [ ![Azure App Services: An OZ Technical Guide](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Tech-Guide_Azure-App-Services_blg-cvr.png) ](https://followoz.com/resources/technical-guides/azure-app-services-an-oz-technical-guide/) ## [Azure App Services: An OZ Technical Guide](https://followoz.com/resources/technical-guides/azure-app-services-an-oz-technical-guide/) Blog [ ![Azure-IOT-Blog-Post](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Azure-IOT-Blog-Post-Jason-01-1.jpg) ](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/azure-iot-business-innovation-starts-here/) ## [Azure IoT: Business Innovation Starts Here](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/azure-iot-business-innovation-starts-here/) --- ### [Digital Innovation in Travel: Transforming Experiences](https://followoz.com/industries/travel/) **Published:** March 22, 2024 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ## NEXT-GEN SOLUTIONS FOR A NEW AGE OF TRAVEL Modern travelers expect a smooth experience from start to finish. We make it seamless by integrating your customer and operations data, leveraging AI and analytics to make it exceptionally memorable. [ REQUEST A MEETING ](https://followoz.com/contact-us/) ## TRUSTED BY LEADING TRAVEL AND TRANSPORTATION COMPANIES ![norwegian](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Asset-60-3.svg) ![royal caribbean](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Asset-59-2.svg) ![WLFC](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Asset-61-3.svg) ![tropical](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Asset-62-3.svg) ![decurtis](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Asset-128.svg) ![OnBoard](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Asset-129.svg) ![Amerijet](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Asset-130.svg) ## SEGMENTS WE SERVE ![Travel & Hospitality](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/CRUISE.svg) ##### CRUISE Simplify cruise operations with integrated applications that manage passenger and crew activity onboard as well as track fleet activity and performance, ensuring your guests make lasting memories. ![Travel: Transforming Experiences](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/TT.svg) ##### TRAVEL AND TOURISM Predict what travelers need—from reservation to destination—with integrated data and insights, AI and analytics, and personalize the experience at every step. ![Travel: Transforming Experiences](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/TL.svg) ##### TRANSPORTATION AND LOGISTICS Get instant visibility into your fleet and logistics services with a comprehensive 360˚ view of your operations. Maximize order fulfillment, inventory, and space optimization with Azure-powered AI, analytics, and integrated data. ![Travel: Transforming Experiences](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/AA.svg) ##### AIRPORTS AND AVIATION Move your most critical workloads and applications to the Azure Cloud and innovate faster. Deliver a frictionless experience from check-in to boarding with our sustainable, secure, and compliant digital solutions. ## INTEGRATED SOLUTIONS. CONNECTED EXPERIENCES. ![Insurance Digital Transformations with OZ Digital](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/AZ-DPM.svg) #### Azure Intelligent API Development Modernize your legacy applications to unleash the power of AI and machine learning. Azure’s robust cloud infrastructure when integrated with Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS) and a microservices architecture empowers you to scale your applications and meet your customers wherever they are. [ Read customer story ](https://followoz.com/resources/case-studies/design-thinking-data-services-and-analytics-combine-to-create-a-powerful-app-based-showcase-of-willis-leases-capabilities/) ![Travel & Hospitality](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/AZ-A-AI.svg) #### Azure Analytics and AI Change how your customers experience travel through AI-powered analytics and personalization. Spend more time analyzing hidden customer insights—their preferences, travel habits, and past experiences—from integrated systems than navigating through disparate data sources. [ Read customer story ](https://followoz.com/resources/case-studies/data-services-and-analytics-provides-a-clear-view-of-data-and-ultimately-increased-revenue-for-busy-airports/) ![Travel: Transforming Experiences](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/IA-4.svg) #### Intelligent Automation Make every customer interaction count. Automate workflows to create connected customer experiences at every step of the journey. With self-service tools and AI-powered bots, address customer queries correctly the first time, every time. [ Explore solution ](https://followoz.com/services/intelligent-automation/) #### A BUSY AIRPORT’S REVENUE SOARS WITH A 360˚ VIEW OF THEIR OPERATIONS DATA ![Digital Innovation in Travel: Transforming Experiences](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Travel.svg) A prestigious U.S. airport successfully integrated, unlocked, and analyzed data for valuable insights that led to better decisions, increased revenue, and rapid growth. [ View customer story ](https://followoz.com/resources/case-studies/data-services-and-analytics-provides-a-clear-view-of-data-and-ultimately-increased-revenue-for-busy-airports/) #### TRAVEL INSIGHTS News, trends, and insights about the travel and transportation industry. Blog [ ![Embracing the Future of App Development](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Steve-blog-Low-Code-No-Code-01.jpg) ](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/embracing-the-future-of-app-development/) ## [Embracing the Future of App Development](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/embracing-the-future-of-app-development/) [ READ THE BLOG ](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/embracing-the-future-of-app-development/) e-book [ ![Oz Digital Consulting Beyond the Bot How AI Is e-Books](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Beyond-the-Bot-How-AI-Is-Ushering-in-the-Next-Wave-of-Automation-1.jpg) ](https://followoz.com/beyond-the-bot-how-ai-is-ushering-in-the-next-wave-of-automation/) ## [Beyond the Bot: How AI Is Ushering in the Next Wave of Automation](https://followoz.com/beyond-the-bot-how-ai-is-ushering-in-the-next-wave-of-automation/) [ READ E-BOOK ](https://followoz.com/beyond-the-bot-how-ai-is-ushering-in-the-next-wave-of-automation/) Technical guide [ ![Oz Digital Consulting DSS](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Banner-1-1.jpg) ](https://followoz.com/resources/technical-guides/migrating-biztalk-applications-to-azure-integration-services-an-oz-technical-guide/) ## [Migrating BizTalk Applications to Azure Integration Services: An OZ Technical Guide](https://followoz.com/resources/technical-guides/migrating-biztalk-applications-to-azure-integration-services-an-oz-technical-guide/) [ READ THE GUIDE ](https://followoz.com/resources/technical-guides/migrating-biztalk-applications-to-azure-integration-services-an-oz-technical-guide/) --- ### [About OZ Digital Solutions | Shaping the Future of Tech](https://followoz.com/about/) **Published:** March 22, 2024 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ## about us ## Transforming enterprises through data and AI We partner with organizations to create value, drive innovation and accelerate growth with Microsoft solutions [ Explore Careers ](/careers/) ![story OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/story_5.png) ![story OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/story_2.png) ![story OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/story_3.png) ![story OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/story_4.png) ![story OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/story_6.png) ![story OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/story_7.png) ![story OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/story_8.png) ![story OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/story_9.png) ## A look back at how it all started In 1997, two brothers, Amjad and Asad Shamim, set out with a simple belief that technology could make businesses better. That shared belief grew into a company trusted by over 370 of the world’s most loved brands. For over two decades, OZ Digital has helped organizations work smarter, move faster, and unlock their full potential through intelligent innovation. And while technologies may come and go, the idea that technology is inherently helpful and transformative still continues to guide everything we do today. [ ](#elementor-action%3Aaction%3Dpopup%3Aopen%26settings%3DeyJpZCI6IjQxMjQiLCJ0b2dnbGUiOmZhbHNlfQ%3D%3D) ## Our values define us We are what we do. And how we do what we do is core to how we show up for our customers, our partners, and at work. #### Evolve Constantly Technology is forever evolving. And so are we. We never stop learning, experimenting, and pushing boundaries both as individuals and as a team or finding new ways to become the best we can be. #### Focus on Outcomes We deeply care about results. When breakthrough ideas meet thoughtful implementation, magic happens. And impact follows. For our clients, for their business, and their customers. #### Succeed Together When one of us wins, all of us wins. Every success is shared, every challenge overcome together, and every milestone celebrated as one team. #### Stay Positive A positive growth mindset is the fuel for everything we do. It allows us to be resilient in the face of change, be more creative and innovative, and have greater impact on our business and clients. #### Lead with Empathy We actively listen — to our clients, their customers, and each other. By providing space for diverse voices and different perspectives, it helps us build solutions that works for everyone. ## Their words, not ours ![Testimonial banner with a portrait of Khawar Habib, Director of Innovation Group at OZ Digital, on a blue gradient background and a quoted endorsement about OZ's culture and impact.]() ![Testimonial banner with Pablo Calvano's portrait on the left and caption below: 'Pablo Calvano, Consultant, Shared Resources OZ Digital'. A vertical divider leads to a quoted endorsement about OZ's genuine commitment to professional growth, supportive teamwork, ongoing training opportunities, and driving toward excellence.]() ![Portrait of Paula Piccini, Manager, Data & AI at OZ Digital, beside a vertical divider with a large collaboration-focused quote on a blue gradient background.]() ![Profile and testimonial card: photo of Tayyab Rashid with his name and title (Director, AI Business Applications, OZ Digital) beside a blue gradient background and a quotation block of text.]() ![Portrait of Zahid Saleem (Director, Digital & App Innovation, OZ Digital) on the left, a vertical divider, and a testimonial quote about his 17 years at OZ on the right.]() ![Testimonial card with Faisal Mahmood’s photo and title (Senior Manager, Shared Resources, OZ Digital); quote praising OZ Digital Consulting for empowering people and fostering collaboration.]() ![Testimonial card featuring Franco Ferreyra's photo and his quote about the OZ Digital team on a blue gradient background.]() ##### Cultivating trusted advisors ###### We invest in our people — training, certifications, and programs — because AI transformation is powered by more than just technology [ ![cultivating_trusted_advisors OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/cultivating_trusted_advisors.jpg) ](#elementor-action%3Aaction%3Dpopup%3Aopen%26settings%3DeyJpZCI6IjYwODEiLCJ0b2dnbGUiOmZhbHNlfQ%3D%3D) ## Life at OZ [ ](#elementor-action%3Aaction%3Dpopup%3Aopen%26settings%3DeyJpZCI6IjYwNzkiLCJ0b2dnbGUiOmZhbHNlfQ%3D%3D) ## Together, we celebrate what connects us ![celebrate OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/celebrate.jpg) ![celebrate OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/celebrate3.jpg) ![celebrate OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/celebrate2.jpg) ![one_team_our_vision OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/one_team_our_vision.jpg) ![one_team OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/one_team.jpg) ![think OZ Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/think.jpg) ![thinmk_build_growth](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/thinmk_build_growth.jpg) [ Come work with us ](/careers/) --- ### [Optimize Operations: Submit for Intelligent Automation Solutions](https://followoz.com/intelligent-automation-submit/) **Published:** March 31, 2024 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ## Thank You for Registering #### Here’s a direct link to ‘Intelligent Automation Case Study’. [ Download ](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/A-Major-Healthcare-Insurer-Uses-Intelligent-Automation-And-Data-Analytics-To-Manage-Workflows-and-Improve-Employee-Performance.pdf) --- ### [Celebrating 25 Years of Innovation rsvp - Digital Consulting](https://followoz.com/rsvp/) **Published:** April 2, 2024 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ## Breakfast of Champions: Celebrating 25 Years of Innovation **Date:** Wednesday, May 24, 2023 **Time:** 8 – 10:30 a.m. **Location:** 500 W. Cypress Creek Rd. Suite #570, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309 We’re celebrating 25 years in business and the opening of our new office location so we’d love for you to join us for breakfast for a celebratory networking opportunity. Our distinguished guest, **Broward County Commissioner Mayor Lamar P. Fisher**, will facilitate this event. We hope to see you there. ## Join Us for Breakfast --- ### [ITC Vegas Elevate Your Tech Game in the Heart of Innovation](https://followoz.com/itc-vegas/) **Published:** April 2, 2024 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ## ITC Las Vegas 2023 ITC is just around the corner, meet with the OZ experts team. [ Book a Meeting with OZ Digital Consulting ](https://meetings.hubspot.com/murray-izenwasser/murrays-itc-2023-meetings) ## Join us at ITC Vegas. Meet us at booth #2371 If you’re attending, join us at booth #2371. We’d love to connect with you over what’s new and next for insurance, discuss your digital transformation challenges, and collaborate on insightful solutions that drive results. ![Join us at ITC Vega](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Join-us-at-ITC-Vegas.-Meet-us-at-booth-3271-2.jpg) ## Collaboration. Connection. Innovation. **Meet with OZ experts for thoughtful and practical insights on the most pressing issues, topics, and trends, including:** - Next-generation AI-driven tools and technologies - Intelligent automation - Data and systems integration - Legacy systems and data modernization - Customer experience, retention, and acquisition - Leading developments in distribution, underwriting and claims **Meet our experts, uncover all that’s possible with data, AI and analytics, and customer-centric solutions:** ✨ [Murray Izenwasser](https://www.linkedin.com/in/ACoAAAAl760BeGMWoWM00NuK1nQitSco3xy9gzs), Senior Vice President of Digital Strategy ✨ [Gulengul (GG) Oncel](https://www.linkedin.com/in/ACoAAADh_0cBnVQr6jebMsGATsTt-T3tDDHCV8c), Business Development Executive --- ### [Mastering Growth: Business Intelligence Maturity Model Unveiled](https://followoz.com/bimm/) **Published:** April 2, 2024 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ## Get in Touch With OZ! ## Business Intelligence Maturity Model (BIMM) Survey Results Request **Global Headquarters** 500 W. Cypress Creek Road, Suite 570 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309 [+1-800-443-5210](tel:1-800-443-5210) – International [+1-954-689-3984](tel:1-954-689-3984) – USA **International Headquarters** Alvear 1670 – 4to Piso Rosario, Santa Fe 2000 Argentina Tel: +54 34 1425-9172 --- ### [Unlock Success: NAMIC Webinar Series for Thriving in Today's Markets](https://followoz.com/namic-webinar-lp/) **Published:** April 2, 2024 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ## Webinar: Creating an Automation Strategy and Roadmap ## Watch Webinar We often hear insurance professionals say, “I know I need to begin to automate my business and operations, but where do I start? With a policy admin system? If so, which one? Or should I focus on automating underwriting and rating capabilities?” In this joint webinar with NAMIC, Murray Izenwasser, Senior Vice President of Digital Strategy, OZ Digital Consulting, elaborates on the essentials of an effective automation strategy — and why it matters in insurance. Tune in to get insights as he delves into the automation maturity model and roadmap and how this helps insurers prioritize automation projects, aligning with their existing automation landscape. **Key takeaways:** In this webinar, you’ll get insights into: - The essentials of an effective automation strategy and roadmap — what to look for and ways to think about it - The automation maturity model — adoption vs. complexity - Recognizing, guarding against, and harnessing automation sprawl ![Oz Digital Consulting murray Powerful Strategic Frameworks](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/murray-1.png)### Murray Izenwasser Senior Vice President, Digital Strategy OZ Digital Consulting --- ### [OZ Search](https://followoz.com/oz-search/) **Published:** April 7, 2026 **Author:** Maria Umar --- ### [Contact Us](https://followoz.com/blog-contact-us/) **Published:** April 2, 2024 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ##### Book a 30-minute complimentary session with our Microsoft MVPs ###### Connect with one of our Microsoft MVPs for insights into the latest Microsoft technologies and practical guidance on how to get your technology initiatives off the ground. --- ### [Custom App Development & Cloud Integration Solutions](https://followoz.com/services/application-development/) **Published:** March 20, 2024 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ## APP INNOVATION From custom app development to cloud integration, our App Innovation services empower you to build, optimize, and future-proof your applications. [ SPEAK WITH AN EXPERT ](https://followoz.com/contact-us/) ![Lead with Azure: Innovate & Scale with Certified Experts](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Services-App-Innovation.svg) [ Read Customer Success Story ](https://followoz.com/case-studies/royal-caribbean/) ## Join Our Roster of APP INNOVATION Clients ![WLFC](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Asset-75.svg) ![tg trialgraphix](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Asset-76.svg) ![tourpass](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Asset-77.svg) ![FOGEL](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Asset-99.svg) ![flhsmv](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Asset-100.svg) ![broward health](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Asset-101.svg) ![avisena](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Asset-102.svg) ![accurate group](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Asset-103.svg) ![bluegreen vacations](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Asset-106.svg) ![amerigroup real solutions](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Asset-107.svg) ![associated marine](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Asset-109.svg) ![kerzner](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Asset-110.svg) ![amerijet](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Asset-111.svg) ![citrix](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Asset-113.svg) ![independent](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Asset-114.svg) ![Vista Health Solutions](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Asset-116.svg) ![Oncology Analytics](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Asset-117.svg) ![EzGreen](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Asset-118.svg) ![DataAge](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Asset-119.svg) ![SALUS](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/meolXI.tif.svg) ![Tuuci](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Asset-78.svg) ![Stratton & Company](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Asset-79.svg) ![runzheimer](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Asset-81.svg) ![OnBoard](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Asset-82.svg) ![Ocean Reef Group](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Asset-83.svg) ![Nicklaus children's hospital](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Asset-85.svg) ![ION Media](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Asset-90.svg) ![IPIC](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Asset-91.svg) ![Hospitalists](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Asset-92.svg) ![Florida Virtual School](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Asset-93.svg) ![Florida Department of education](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Asset-95.svg) ![Fitiar](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Asset-96.svg) ![UF Health](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Asset-97.svg) ![Coventry](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Asset-108.svg) ![Atlantic Dental](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Asset-120.svg) ![ad exchanger](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Asset-122.svg) Ready to transform your business with next-level applications? Explore our App Innovation services and discover how we can unlock new possibilities for your organization. - Azure Native Intelligent App Development Harness the full potential of Microsoft Azure to create cutting-edge, scalable applications. - Application Modernization and App Development Tailored, proven development and deployment solutions for businesses seeking to upgrade legacy systems or build new applications. - Mobile Development Cross-platform mobile applications that are scalable, secure, and integrate seamlessly with a range of Azure services. - Full Stack Development Need a captivating user experience and a robust backend? Look no further. OZ full-stack developers bring expertise in UI/UX design, front-end development, and back-end engineering to deliver comprehensive web solutions. - Azure Devops Innovate faster, collaborate more efficiently, and deliver high-quality software with ease. [ GET STARTED ](https://followoz.com/contact-us/) ### YOUR DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION CAN BEGIN RIGHT NOW… #### …WITH OZ RAPID IMPLEMENTATION Our Power Platform Enhanced Business Process Automation (BPA) focuses on creating custom business applications, automating workflows, and providing comprehensive data analytics. In as little as four weeks, OZ certified experts will optimize operational efficiencies, improve employee productivity, and offer actionable insights through data visualization. Integrating a range of Microsoft-powered technologies—Power App, Power Automate, Power BI, Power Virtual Agents, Dataverse, AI, and beyond—the basis of a tailored, scalable application will soon be at your fingertips. ![4 Step Design HOR](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/4-Step-Design-HOR.svg) ![4 Step Design VERT](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/4-Step-Design-VERT.svg) [ WORK WITH US ](#) --- ### [Streamline Ops: EAI Solutions by OZ for Businesses](https://followoz.com/services/enterprise-applications-integration/) **Published:** March 20, 2024 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ## ENTERPRISE INTEGRATION Struggling to get a unified view of your data across multiple systems? OZ Enterprise Integration solutions break down data silos, giving you the insights you need to make smarter decisions and boost productivity. [ SPEAK WITH AN EXPERT ](https://followoz.com/contact-us/) [ ](#elementor-action%3Aaction%3Dpopup%3Aopen%26settings%3DeyJpZCI6IjU3MzciLCJ0b2dnbGUiOmZhbHNlfQ%3D%3D) ## Join Our Roster of ENTERPRISE INTEGRATION Clients ![simple health care](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Asset-51.svg) ![kforce](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Asset-52.svg) ![kerzner](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Asset-53.svg) ![independent living system](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Asset-54.svg) ![atlantic dental](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Asset-55.svg) ![vitas healthcare](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Asset-56.svg) ![raymond james](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Asset-57.svg) ![citrix](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Asset-58.svg) ![bluegreen vacations](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Asset-59.svg) Today’s businesses must grapple with more systems, more applications—and more data. OZ certified experts will create a framework to integrate mission-critical systems, processes, data, and applications into a more agile, consistent, and accurate workflow. - Integration Architecture Design Integrating microservices architecture and API strategy and management, OZ will create a seamless, efficient, and scalable architecture tailor-made for enterprises seeking to modernize and streamline their operations. - Azure Integration Services End-to-end support throughout the integration lifecycle—from planning and implementation to maintenance and optimization—ensuring that your enterprise leverages the full potential of Azure Integration Services. - Enterprise Application Integration (EAI) Streamline processes, enhance data integrity, and gain a unified view of your business operations with our signature integration solution. - Microsoft-Powered B2B Integration Services Optimize your Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) and Health Level 7 (HL7) protocols with secure, efficient data exchange across various business networks and transform your inter-company communications with our expertly crafted solutions. - Biztalk to Logic Apps Migration Transition smoothly from BizTalk to Azure Logic Apps with specialized migration services, leveraging Azure’s cloud capabilities to enhance your business process automation and integration. [ GET STARTED ](https://followoz.com/contact-us/) ### YOUR DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION CAN BEGIN RIGHT NOW… #### …WITH OZ RAPID IMPLEMENTATION In as little as four weeks create APIs tailored to your business needs and efficiently perform CRUD (Create, Read, Update, Delete) operations on one to two types of business objects from an underlying data store. Ready to gain control over business objects, improve data accessibility, and streamline operations with tailored APIs? ![4 Step Design HOR](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/4-Step-Design-HOR.svg) ![4 Step Design VERT](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/4-Step-Design-VERT.svg) [ WORK WITH US ](#) --- ### [Scale Your Team with OZ DIGITAL's On-Demand Tech Experts](https://followoz.com/services/oz-talent-studio/) **Published:** March 22, 2024 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ## TALENT STUDIO Quickly scale your team with on-demand, experienced technology professionals, boosting your ability to achieve goals while reducing costs. [ SPEAK WITH AN EXPERT ](https://followoz.com/contact-us/) [ ](#elementor-action%3Aaction%3Dpopup%3Aopen%26settings%3DeyJpZCI6IjQxOTgiLCJ0b2dnbGUiOmZhbHNlfQ%3D%3D) ## Join Our Roster of TALENT STUDIO Clients ![SBA us small busniess administration](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Asset-10-3.svg) ![armstrong](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Asset-24-5.svg) ![accurate group](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Asset-25-5.svg) ![MHM Talent Studio](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Talent-Studio-01-2.svg) ![horne](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Talent-Studio-02-3.svg) ![Talent Studio](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Talent-Studio-03-2.svg) ![Citrix](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Asset-124.svg) ![Microsoft](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Asset-125.svg) ![Amerigroup Real Solutions](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Asset-126.svg) ![Raymon James](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Asset-127.svg) Align your IT hiring budget with actual needs, goals, and resources—without losing access to a dedicated, highly specialized workforce. OZ Talent Studio not only provides certified Microsoft experts and Scrum Masters but backs these specialized experts in the field with OZ Solution Architects and Microsoft MVPs—a dream team of on-demand talent to empower your process, fast. ![Scale Your Team with OZ DIGITAL's On-Demand Tech Experts](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/FLEX-1.svg) ## Flexibility Scale your IT team up or down based solely on your own terms and resources, gaining increased agility and competitive advantage. ![eam with OZ DIGITAL's On-Demand Tech Experts](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/COST-SAVING-1.svg) ## Cost Savings By tapping on-demand talent versed in the latest best practices and armed with the best practices templates, accelerators, and other tools, you save time and money. ![Scale Your Team with OZ DIGITAL's On-Demand Tech Experts](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/IPD-1.svg) ## Improved Project Delivery Augment your existing team in a strategic, targeted way to get more done better and more efficiently. ![OZ DIGITAL's On-Demand Tech Experts](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Asset-16-3.svg) [ READ MORE ](#) --- ### [Public Sector Transformation](https://followoz.com/industries/public-sector/) **Published:** March 21, 2024 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ## ENGAGE YOUR CITIZENS, ENABLE YOUR MISSION As your trusted advisor, we bring together leading Microsoft technologies and proven strategies to support your mission and the needs of your constituents. [ REQUEST A MEETING ](https://followoz.com/contact-us/) ## TRUSTED BY LEADING GOVERNMENT AGENCIES ![great seal of the state of florida](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Asset-27-3.svg) ![florida fish and wild life](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Asset-28-3.svg) ![FLHSMV](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Asset-29-4.svg) ![department of financial services state of florida](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Asset-30-4.svg) ![Supreme court of the state of florida](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Asset-31-3.svg) ![Department of management services](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Asset-32-4.svg) ![Florida Department of children and families](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Asset-33-4.svg) ![Sector Transformation](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Group.svg) We expect to save a lot of time, reduce errors in handling, cut mailing costs, and improve referral lifecycle times by three months overall. ###### Chris Peary, Systems Project Administrator, IT Strategies Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, State of Florida ![Public Sector Transformation](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/layer1.png) ## Segments WE SERVE ![FED GOV](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/FED-GOV.svg) ##### STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT Our technology solutions allow state and local government agencies to gain instant visibility into the vast volume of requests. Updated cloud systems and real-time access provide greater flexibility and security. ![Transformation](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/SL-GOV.svg) ##### FEDERAL GOVERNMENT Drive mission outcomes with technology-enabled solutions and data sharing across agencies. Integrate this data for insights that help you respond to citizens faster. ## OUR SOLUTIONS. YOUR MISSION. ![DIA](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/DIA.svg) #### Legacy System Modernization Modernize aging infrastructure and improve the delivery of key services to constituents. Move your most critical workloads to a secure Azure Cloud and centralize the data from all the agencies into one comprehensive view to serve citizens better. [ Explore solution ](https://followoz.com/services/cloud-services/) ![ML](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/ML.svg) #### Intelligent Automation Turn manual tasks into fully automated processes and a responsive Azure-powered system that addresses citizens’ most urgent needs. [ Explore solution ](https://followoz.com/services/intelligent-automation/) ![Transformation](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/IA.svg) #### Data Integration and Analytics Consolidate data sources for a unified view of your citizens, constituents, and employees. Share critical insights previously buried in siloed departments to improve citizen services in compliance with regulations. [ Explore solution ](https://followoz.com/services/data-analytics/) ![LSM](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/LSM.svg) #### Azure AI and Machine Learning With Microsoft Fabric analytics and Azure Machine Learning, gain real-time insights into what citizens truly need. Then use those insights to improve their experiences and foster greater trust in government. [ Explore solution ](https://followoz.com/services/artificial-intelligence/) #### INSIGHTS AND TRENDS News, and insights about the latest technologies and trends. Blog [ ![Enhance Your Operational Efficiency & Stability Today](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/AKS_Jason_Blog-1.jpg) ](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/enhance-your-operational-efficiency-stability-today/) ## [Enhance Your Operational Efficiency & Stability Today](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/enhance-your-operational-efficiency-stability-today/) Technical guide [ ![Staying at the forefront of cloud security](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Staying-at-the-forefront-of-cloud-security-1.jpg) ](https://followoz.com/resources/technical-guides/staying-at-the-forefront-of-cloud-security/) ## [Staying at the forefront of cloud security](https://followoz.com/resources/technical-guides/staying-at-the-forefront-of-cloud-security/) Blog [ ![Azure-Machine-Learning-blog-post-03](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Azure-Machine-Learning-blog-post-03-1.jpg) ](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/start-seeing-around-corners-with-azure-machine-learning/) ## [Start Seeing Around Corners with Azure Machine Learning](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/start-seeing-around-corners-with-azure-machine-learning/) --- ### [Download EPIC Insurance Brokers](https://followoz.com/download-epic-insurance-brokers/) **Published:** April 6, 2026 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ## CASE STUDY ## Explore how Epic Insurance Brokers accelerates claims management with an Azure AI solution --- ### [Epic case study](https://followoz.com/oz-search/epic-casestudy/) **Published:** April 7, 2026 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ## CASE STUDY ## Explore how Epic Insurance Brokers accelerates claims management with an Azure AI solution --- ### [Drive Insights with OZ's Azure-Powered Analytics Solutions](https://followoz.com/services/data-analytics-ai/) **Published:** March 20, 2024 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ## DATA & ANALYTICS Unlock the power of your data. Our comprehensive Data & Analytics services empower you to gain valuable insights, improve decision-making, and achieve your business goals. [ SPEAK WITH AN EXPERT ](https://followoz.com/contact-us) ![Services Data & Analytics](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Services-Data-Analytics.svg) [ READ THE CASE STUDY>> ](https://followoz.com/case-studies/wlfc/) ## Join Our Roster of DATA & ANALYTICS Clients ![tropical](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Asset-65.svg) ![jimmy patronis](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Asset-66.svg) ![kerzner](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Asset-67.svg) ![berkshire finance](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Asset-68.svg) ![bankunited](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Asset-69.svg) ![international airlines](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Asset-70.svg) ![Atlantic dental](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Asset-71.svg) ![citrix](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Asset-72.svg) ![commonwealth altadis inc](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Asset-73.svg) ![florida dental](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Asset-74.svg) Our certified experts will leverage Microsoft’s cutting-edge technologies to transform your organization’s data infrastructure into a more agile, efficient, innovative, and profitable ecosystem. - Azure Data Strategy Forget traditional, costly, outdated data management. Leveraging cutting-edge Microsoft technologies, our certified experts transform your organization’s data infrastructure into a more agile, efficient, innovative, and profitable ecosystem. Leveraging the full potential of Azure’s advanced data and analytics capabilities, OZ will guide your organization in developing a roadmap aligning your data with broader business objectives. - Azure Data Platform Modernization The Microsoft Azure ecosystem is vast. OZ has the experience and talent to focus in on the tools and platforms most relevant and transformative to your business’ challenges and goals. From Azure Databricks, Synapse Analytics, to OneLake and beyond, OZ will create the right integrated solution and ensure robust connectivity and interoperability across your entire data architecture. - Microsoft Fabric Simplify your analytics landscape—and reap the rewards. OZ offers a comprehensive, Azure-powered, integrated solution, drawing in key Microsoft technologies such as Power BI, Azure Synapse, Azure Data Factory, and DataBricks as well as advanced AI/ML technologies to revolutionize enterprise data integration, storage, governance and analytics. Designed for your businesses, regardless of size, OZ experts will place seamless integration, analysis, and visualization of data at your disposal—allowing you to make the most of your current data even as you focus on higher-value, future-focused endeavors. [ GET STARTED ](https://followoz.com/contact-us) ### YOUR DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION CAN BEGIN RIGHT NOW… #### …WITH OZ RAPID IMPLEMENTATION In as little as four weeks, our certified Microsoft experts will leverage Azure Data Factory and PowerBI to integrate disparate sources and create visualizations that transform your data into a more understandable, actionable, and valuable resource. ![4 Step Design HOR](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/4-Step-Design-HOR.svg) ![4 Step Design VERT](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/4-Step-Design-VERT.svg) [ Get Started ](#) --- ### [Chatbot Contact Us](https://followoz.com/chatbot-contact-us/) **Published:** March 19, 2026 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ##### Build an AI chatbot in days ###### In this focused 2-3 week engagement, led by our AI experts, we’ll help you build your AI chatbot. Sign up today. --- ### [Copilot Contact Us](https://followoz.com/copilot-contact-us/) **Published:** March 19, 2026 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ##### Build a Copilot in days ###### In this focused 2-3 week engagement, led by our AI experts, we’ll help you build a Copilot. Sign up today. --- ### [Schedule Azure Databricks](https://followoz.com/schedule-azure-databricks/) **Published:** December 9, 2025 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ##### See what a unified data, AI, and analytics platform can do for you. ###### Fill out the form and an Azure Databricks expert will get in touch with you. --- ### [Thank you for registration](https://followoz.com/thank-you-for-registration/) **Published:** October 4, 2025 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ## Thank you for registering! We’re excited to have you join us. We are reviewing all registrations and will reach out to you with a confirmation email soon. --- ### [Thank you for registering Microsoft Foundry](https://followoz.com/thank-you-for-registering-microsoft-foundry/) **Published:** December 12, 2025 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ## Thank you for registering! You're now confirmed for the Microsoft Foundry Workshop on January 14, 2026. Don't forget to mark your calendar. --- ### [Early Bird](https://followoz.com/early-bird/) **Published:** August 14, 2024 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ## Register to Attend ## Save My Seat Complete the form to register. --- ### [Regular Price](https://followoz.com/regular-price/) **Published:** August 14, 2024 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ## Register to Attend ## Save My Seat Complete the form to register. --- ### [Achieve a competitive edge with AI-infused applications](https://followoz.com/achieve-a-competitive-edge-with-ai-infused-applications/) **Published:** February 10, 2025 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ## Achieve a competitive edge with AI-infused applications ## Now more than ever, businesses are relying on AI to differentiate themselves and stay agile, efficient, and innovative. In fact, 61% of respondents stated they are modernizing their apps by infusing generative AI capabilities. Staying competitive in this new era will require reimagining your development processes to enable the full potential of AI. OZ Digital Consulting has the Azure expertise to maximize the business impact of AI for your entire application estate by building and modernizing all applications while meeting your enterprise scale and security needs. Discover how we can help you: - Accelerate business growth with Azure AI application platform. - Transform your customer experiences with intelligent apps. - Reshape business processes to enable continuous innovation. ###### ​Sign up to download the e-book. --- ### [Newsletter Sign Up Thank You](https://followoz.com/newsletter-sign-up-thank-you/) **Published:** March 31, 2024 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ### Thank you for signing up for our newsletter. --- ### [Industries](https://followoz.com/industries/) **Published:** March 20, 2024 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ## Coming Soon [ Back Home ](https://followoz.com) --- ## Case Studies ### [Bluegreen Vacations](https://followoz.com/case-studies/bluegreen-vacations/) **Published:** May 3, 2024 **Author:** Maria Umar **Categories:** Travel and Hospitality, App Innovation + AI , Data + AI **Services:** App Innovation + AI, Data + AI --- ### [Carrier Gains Insight](https://followoz.com/case-studies/carrier-gains-insight/) **Published:** May 4, 2024 **Author:** Maria Umar **Categories:** Insurance, Automation + AI, Data + AI, Integration + AI **Services:** Automation + AI, Data + AI, Integration + AI --- ### [Airport](https://followoz.com/case-studies/airport/) **Published:** May 5, 2024 **Author:** Maria Umar **Categories:** Travel and Hospitality, Data + AI, Integration + AI **Services:** Data + AI, Integration + AI --- ### [Owwll](https://followoz.com/case-studies/owwll/) **Published:** May 9, 2024 **Author:** Maria Umar **Categories:** Healthcare, App Innovation + AI  **Services:** App Innovation + AI --- ### [Fortune 500 insurer financial close transformation](https://followoz.com/case-studies/fortune-500-insurer-financial-close-transformation/) **Published:** May 10, 2024 **Author:** Maria Umar **Categories:** Insurance, Automation + AI, Data + AI, Integration + AI **Services:** Automation + AI, Data + AI, Integration + AI --- ### [Advanced Rx](https://followoz.com/case-studies/advanced-rx/) **Published:** May 11, 2024 **Author:** Maria Umar **Categories:** Healthcare, Azure + AI **Services:** Azure + AI --- ### [Royal Caribbean](https://followoz.com/case-studies/royal-caribbean/) **Published:** May 12, 2024 **Author:** Maria Umar **Categories:** Travel and Hospitality, App Innovation + AI , Automation + AI, Data + AI **Services:** App Innovation + AI, Automation + AI, Data + AI --- ### [Rooms To Go](https://followoz.com/case-studies/rooms-to-go/) **Published:** May 13, 2024 **Author:** Maria Umar **Categories:** Retail, App Innovation + AI  **Services:** App Innovation + AI --- ### [Insurance payer (Amerigroup)](https://followoz.com/case-studies/insurance-payer-amerigroup/) **Published:** May 14, 2024 **Author:** Maria Umar **Categories:** Insurance, Data + AI **Services:** Data + AI --- ### [Health Insurance (Amerigroup)](https://followoz.com/case-studies/health-insurance-amerigroup/) **Published:** May 15, 2024 **Author:** Maria Umar **Categories:** Insurance, Data + AI **Services:** Data + AI --- ### [AbbVie](https://followoz.com/case-studies/abbvie/) **Published:** May 16, 2024 **Author:** Maria Umar **Categories:** Healthcare, Azure + AI **Services:** Azure + AI --- ### [Hard Rock](https://followoz.com/case-studies/hard-rock/) **Published:** June 4, 2024 **Author:** Maria Umar **Categories:** Travel and Hospitality, App Innovation + AI , Azure + AI **Services:** App Innovation + AI, Azure + AI --- ### [SBA Communications](https://followoz.com/case-studies/sba-communications/) **Published:** November 25, 2024 **Author:** Maria Umar **Categories:** Telecommunications, App Innovation + AI , Azure + AI **Services:** App Innovation + AI, Azure + AI --- ### [EPIC Insurance Brokers](https://followoz.com/case-studies/epic-insurance-brokers/) **Published:** November 26, 2024 **Author:** Maria Umar **Categories:** Insurance, Azure + AI **Services:** Azure + AI --- ### [Advanced E-Prescription for Controlled Substances](https://followoz.com/case-studies/advanced-e-prescription-for-controlled-substances/) **Published:** February 4, 2025 **Author:** Maria Umar **Categories:** Healthcare, App Innovation + AI , Azure + AI, Integration + AI **Services:** App Innovation + AI, Azure + AI, Integration + AI --- ### [Clean data brings clean water](https://followoz.com/case-studies/clean-data-brings-clean-water/) **Published:** February 12, 2025 **Author:** Maria Umar **Categories:** Technology, Data + AI **Services:** Data + AI --- ### [NCPDP D.0 Adoption: Pharmacy Claims](https://followoz.com/case-studies/pharmacy-claims-data-exchange/) **Published:** March 7, 2025 **Author:** Maria Umar **Categories:** Healthcare, Automation + AI, Azure + AI, Integration + AI **Services:** Automation + AI, Azure + AI, Integration + AI --- ### [MEC AI Chatbot](https://followoz.com/case-studies/mec-ai-chatbot/) **Published:** April 24, 2025 **Author:** Maria Umar **Categories:** Insurance, Automation + AI, Azure + AI, Data + AI **Services:** Automation + AI, Azure + AI, Data + AI --- ### [Holiday Inn Club Vacations](https://followoz.com/case-studies/holiday-inn-club-vacations/) **Published:** April 24, 2025 **Author:** Maria Umar **Categories:** Travel and Hospitality, App Innovation + AI , Automation + AI, Azure + AI **Services:** App Innovation + AI, Automation + AI, Azure + AI --- ### [ezVerify Cost Savings](https://followoz.com/case-studies/ezverify-cost-savings/) **Published:** July 13, 2026 **Author:** Maria Umar **Categories:** Technology **Services:** App Innovation + AI, Automation + AI --- ### [Value Care At Home](https://followoz.com/case-studies/value-care-at-home/) **Published:** May 7, 2024 **Author:** Maria Umar **Categories:** Healthcare, App Innovation + AI , Azure + AI, Data + AI **Services:** App Innovation + AI, Azure + AI, Data + AI --- ### [A Global Insurer](https://followoz.com/case-studies/leading-global-insurer/) **Published:** April 30, 2025 **Author:** Maria Umar **Categories:** Insurance, Data + AI, Integration + AI **Services:** Data + AI, Integration + AI --- ### [NEW! Centralizing Reinsurance Operations](https://followoz.com/case-studies/new-centralizing-reinsurance-operations/) **Published:** June 5, 2025 **Author:** Maria Umar **Categories:** Insurance, Data + AI, Integration + AI **Services:** Data + AI, Integration + AI --- ### [Data Harmonization](https://followoz.com/case-studies/data-harmonization/) **Published:** July 1, 2025 **Author:** Maria Umar **Categories:** Insurance, Automation + AI, Data + AI, Integration + AI **Services:** Automation + AI, Data + AI, Integration + AI --- ### [Florida Dental Benefits Transforms](https://followoz.com/case-studies/florida-dental-benefits-transforms/) **Published:** September 10, 2025 **Author:** Maria Umar **Categories:** Insurance, Automation + AI, Azure + AI, Integration + AI **Services:** Automation + AI, Azure + AI, Integration + AI --- ### [State government payroll and pension modernization](https://followoz.com/case-studies/state-government-payroll-and-pension-modernization/) **Published:** June 8, 2026 **Author:** Maria Umar **Categories:** Technology **Services:** App Innovation + AI, Automation + AI, Azure + AI, Integration + AI --- ### [AdvancedRx (TidelineRCM Implementation)](https://followoz.com/case-studies/advancedrx-tidelinercm-implementation/) **Published:** May 18, 2026 **Author:** Maria Umar **Categories:** Healthcare, Data + AI **Services:** Data + AI --- ### [Faster Invoicing](https://followoz.com/case-studies/faster-invoicing/) **Published:** May 2, 2024 **Author:** Maria Umar **Categories:** Technology, Automation + AI, Data + AI, Integration + AI **Services:** Automation + AI, Data + AI, Integration + AI --- ### [Red Lobster](https://followoz.com/case-studies/red-lobster/) **Published:** May 8, 2024 **Author:** Maria Umar **Categories:** Travel and Hospitality, Automation + AI, Integration + AI **Services:** Automation + AI, Integration + AI --- ### [WLFC](https://followoz.com/case-studies/wlfc/) **Published:** May 6, 2024 **Author:** Maria Umar **Categories:** Travel and Hospitality, App Innovation + AI , Data + AI **Services:** App Innovation + AI, Data + AI --- ### [OncoHealth](https://followoz.com/case-studies/oncohealth/) **Published:** May 1, 2024 **Author:** Maria Umar **Categories:** Healthcare, Automation + AI, Data + AI, Integration + AI **Services:** Automation + AI, Data + AI, Integration + AI --- ## OZ Events ### [AI Future Summit 2026](https://followoz.com/oz_events/ai-future-summit-2026/) **Published:** December 22, 2025 **Author:** Maria Umar --- ### [Make AI Agents Work for You](https://followoz.com/oz_events/microsoft-ai-workshop-make-ai-agents-work-for-you/) **Published:** October 1, 2025 **Author:** Maria Umar --- ### [OZ Microsoft AI Foundry workshop](https://followoz.com/oz_events/oz-microsoft-ai-foundry-workshop/) **Published:** December 12, 2025 **Author:** Maria Umar --- ### [oz AI future summit 2026](https://followoz.com/oz_events/oz-ai-future-summit-2026/) **Published:** January 26, 2026 **Author:** Maria Umar --- ### [Best of AI Future Summit 2026](https://followoz.com/oz_events/best-of-ai-future-summit-2026/) **Published:** April 3, 2026 **Author:** Maria Umar --- ### [Make AI Agents Work for You](https://followoz.com/oz_events/executive-ai-workshop-make-ai-agents-work-for-you/) **Published:** March 11, 2026 **Author:** Maria Umar --- ## OZ Past Events ### [VS Code DevDays, Buenos Aires, Argentina](https://followoz.com/oz_past_events/vs-code-devdays-buenos-aires-argentina/) **Published:** October 2, 2025 **Author:** Maria Umar --- ### [AgentCon, Cordoba, Argentina](https://followoz.com/oz_past_events/agentcon-cordoba-argentina/) **Published:** October 3, 2025 **Author:** Maria Umar --- ### [VS Code DevDays, Sunchales](https://followoz.com/oz_past_events/vs-code-devdays-sunchales/) **Published:** October 3, 2025 **Author:** Maria Umar --- ### [Microsoft AI Workshop](https://followoz.com/oz_past_events/microsoft-ai-workshop/) **Published:** November 4, 2025 **Author:** Maria Umar --- ### [OZ Microsoft AI Foundry workshop](https://followoz.com/oz_past_events/oz-microsoft-ai-foundry-workshop/) **Published:** January 21, 2026 **Author:** Maria Umar --- ## Elementor Header & Footer Builder ### [Footer event main page only](https://followoz.com/elementor-hf/footer-event-main-page-only/) **Published:** October 3, 2025 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ##### Book a 30-minute complimentary session with our Microsoft MVPs ###### Connect with one of our Microsoft MVPs for insights into the latest Microsoft technologies and practical guidance on how to get your technology initiatives off the ground. UNITED STATES ### Florida U.S. Global Headquarters 1489 W Palmetto Park Rd Suite 500 Boca Raton, FL 33486 +1-954-689-3984 – USA +1-800-443-5210 – International ARGENTINA ### Rosario International Office Alvear 1670 – 3er Piso Rosario, Santa Fe 2000, Argentina Tel: +54 34 1425-9172 [ ![OZ Digital Consulting logo - Microsoft Solutions Partner](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/followoz.svg) ](/) With more than 25 years of experience, OZ’s trusted, deep expertise in Azure Cloud Solutions, Power Apps Application Development, Intelligent Automation, Enterprise Application Integration, Azure Data Strategy and Artificial Intelligence ensures clients get rapid, effective results. - [ ](https://www.facebook.com/FollowOZ) - [ ](https://www.linkedin.com/company/followoz/) - [ ](https://twitter.com/gofollowoz?lang=en) - [ ](https://www.instagram.com/gofollowoz/?hl=en) ### Services - [ Cloud & AI ](https://followoz.com/services/cloud-ai-services/) - [ AI Business Solutions ](https://followoz.com/services/ai-business-solutions/) - [ Azure Infrastructure and Security ](https://followoz.com/services/security/) - [ Azure Databricks ](https://followoz.com/services/azure-databricks/) ### Industries - [ Travel & Hospitality ](https://followoz.com/industries/travel-and-hospitality/) - [ Healthcare ](https://followoz.com/industries/health-sciences/) - [ Insurance ](https://followoz.com/industries/insurance/) - [ Technology ](https://followoz.com/industries/technology/) ### Resources - [ Blog ](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/) - [ Events ](https://followoz.com/events/) - [ E-books & White papers ](https://followoz.com/resources/ebooks/) - [ OZ in Forbes ](https://followoz.com/resources/forbes/) - [ Technical Guides ](https://followoz.com/resources/technical-guides/) ### Company - [ Our Story ](https://followoz.com/about/) - [ Our Leaders ](https://followoz.com/about/leadership/) - [ OZ Careers ](https://followoz.com/careers/) ### Policies - [ Privacy Statement ](https://followoz.com/privacy-policy/) - [ Terms & Conditions ](https://followoz.com/terms-and-conditions/) - [ Cookie Policy/Settings ](https://followoz.com/cookie-policy/) - [ Accessibility Statement ](https://followoz.com/accessibility-statement/) - [ Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information ](https://followoz.com/do-not-sell-or-share-my-personal-information/) © Copyright 2026 OZ Digital, LLC - [ Sitemap ](https://followoz.com/sitemap/) - [ Contact Us ](https://followoz.com/contact-us/) --- ### [Footer](https://followoz.com/elementor-hf/2447/) **Published:** March 7, 2024 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** UNITED STATES ### Florida U.S. Global Headquarters 1489 W Palmetto Park Rd Suite 500 Boca Raton, FL 33486 +1-954-689-3984 – USA +1-800-443-5210 – International ARGENTINA ### Rosario International Office Alvear 1670 – 3er Piso Rosario, Santa Fe 2000, Argentina Tel: +54 34 1425-9172 [ ![OZ Digital Consulting logo - Microsoft Solutions Partner](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/followoz.svg) ](/) With more than 25 years of experience, OZ’s trusted, deep expertise in Azure Cloud Solutions, Power Apps Application Development, Intelligent Automation, Enterprise Application Integration, Azure Data Strategy and Artificial Intelligence ensures clients get rapid, effective results. - [ ](https://www.facebook.com/FollowOZ) - [ ](https://www.linkedin.com/company/followoz/) - [ ](https://twitter.com/gofollowoz?lang=en) - [ ](https://www.instagram.com/gofollowoz/?hl=en) ### Services - [ Cloud & AI ](https://followoz.com/services/cloud-ai-services/) - [ AI Business Solutions ](https://followoz.com/services/ai-business-solutions/) - [ Azure Infrastructure and Security ](https://followoz.com/services/security/) - [ Azure Databricks ](https://followoz.com/services/azure-databricks/) ### Industries - [ Travel & Hospitality ](https://followoz.com/industries/travel-and-hospitality/) - [ Healthcare ](https://followoz.com/industries/health-sciences/) - [ Insurance ](https://followoz.com/industries/insurance/) - [ Technology ](https://followoz.com/industries/technology/) ### Resources - [ Blog ](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/) - [ Events ](https://followoz.com/events/) - [ E-books & White papers ](https://followoz.com/resources/ebooks/) - [ OZ in Forbes ](https://followoz.com/resources/forbes/) - [ Technical Guides ](https://followoz.com/resources/technical-guides/) ### Company - [ Our Story ](https://followoz.com/about/) - [ Our Leaders ](https://followoz.com/about/leadership/) - [ OZ Careers ](https://followoz.com/careers/) ### Policies - [ Privacy Statement ](https://followoz.com/privacy-policy/) - [ Terms & Conditions ](https://followoz.com/terms-and-conditions/) - [ Cookie Policy/Settings ](https://followoz.com/cookie-policy/) - [ Accessibility Statement ](https://followoz.com/accessibility-statement/) - [ Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information ](https://followoz.com/do-not-sell-or-share-my-personal-information/) © Copyright 2026 OZ Digital, LLC - [ Sitemap ](https://followoz.com/sitemap/) - [ Contact Us ](https://followoz.com/contact-us/) --- ### [TopBar All site](https://followoz.com/elementor-hf/topbar-all-site/) **Published:** March 19, 2024 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** [ ![OZ Digital Consulting logo - Microsoft Solutions Partner](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/followoz.svg) ](/) - Services Close Services Open Services ###### Services Menu - [Cloud & AI](https://followoz.com/services/cloud-ai-services/) - [AI Business Solutions](https://followoz.com/services/ai-business-solutions/) - [Azure Infrastructure and Security](https://followoz.com/services/security/) - [Azure Databricks](https://followoz.com/services/azure-databricks/) ###### Integrations Menu - [Claude \| Microsoft](https://followoz.com/services/claude/) - Industries Close Industries Open Industries Menu - [Travel & Hospitality](https://followoz.com/industries/travel-and-hospitality/) - [Healthcare](https://followoz.com/industries/health-sciences/) - [Insurance](https://followoz.com/industries/insurance/) - [Technology](https://followoz.com/industries/technology/) - [ Resources ](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/) Close Resources Open Resources Menu - [Blog](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/) - [Events](https://followoz.com/events/) - [E-books & White papers](https://followoz.com/resources/ebooks/) - [OZ in Forbes](https://followoz.com/resources/forbes/) - [Technical Guides](https://followoz.com/resources/technical-guides/) - [ Customer Stories ](https://followoz.com/resources/case-studies/) - [ Company ](https://followoz.com/about/) Close Company Open Company Menu - [Our Story](https://followoz.com/about/) - [Our Leaders](https://followoz.com/about/leadership/) - [OZ Careers](https://followoz.com/careers/) Menu - [Services](#) - [Cloud & AI](https://followoz.com/services/cloud-ai-services/) - [AI Business Solutions](https://followoz.com/services/ai-business-solutions/) - [Azure Infrastructure and Security](https://followoz.com/services/security/) - [Azure Databricks](https://followoz.com/services/azure-databricks/) - [Claude](https://followoz.com/services/claude/) - [Industries](#) - [Travel & Hospitality](https://followoz.com/industries/travel-and-hospitality/) - [Healthcare](https://followoz.com/industries/health-sciences/) - [Insurance](https://followoz.com/industries/insurance/) - [Technology](https://followoz.com/industries/technology/) - [Resources](/resources/blog/) - [Blog](/resources/blog/) - [Events](https://followoz.com/events/) - [E-books & White papers](/resources/ebooks/) - [OZ in Forbes](/resources/forbes/) - [Technical Guides](/resources/technical-guides/) - [Customer Stories](https://followoz.com/resources/case-studies/) - [Company](/about/) - [Our Story](https://followoz.com/about/) - [Our Leaders](https://followoz.com/about/leadership/) - [OZ Careers](https://followoz.com/careers/) - [Services](#) - [Cloud & AI](https://followoz.com/services/cloud-ai-services/) - [AI Business Solutions](https://followoz.com/services/ai-business-solutions/) - [Azure Infrastructure and Security](https://followoz.com/services/security/) - [Azure Databricks](https://followoz.com/services/azure-databricks/) - [Claude](https://followoz.com/services/claude/) - [Industries](#) - [Travel & Hospitality](https://followoz.com/industries/travel-and-hospitality/) - [Healthcare](https://followoz.com/industries/health-sciences/) - [Insurance](https://followoz.com/industries/insurance/) - [Technology](https://followoz.com/industries/technology/) - [Resources](/resources/blog/) - [Blog](/resources/blog/) - [Events](https://followoz.com/events/) - [E-books & White papers](/resources/ebooks/) - [OZ in Forbes](/resources/forbes/) - [Technical Guides](/resources/technical-guides/) - [Customer Stories](https://followoz.com/resources/case-studies/) - [Company](/about/) - [Our Story](https://followoz.com/about/) - [Our Leaders](https://followoz.com/about/leadership/) - [OZ Careers](https://followoz.com/careers/) [ Call Us ](tel:+1-800-443-5210) - [ ](#elementor-action%3Aaction%3Dpopup%3Aopen%26settings%3DeyJpZCI6IjI1ODUiLCJ0b2dnbGUiOmZhbHNlfQ%3D%3D) [ Contact Us ](/contact-us/) [ Call Us ](tel:+1-800-443-5210) --- ### [Header](https://followoz.com/elementor-hf/header/) **Published:** March 7, 2024 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ![OZ digital consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/logo-1.svg) Menu - [Services](#) - [Cloud & AI](https://followoz.com/services/cloud-ai-services/) - [AI Business Solutions](https://followoz.com/services/ai-business-solutions/) - [Azure Infrastructure and Security](https://followoz.com/services/security/) - [Azure Databricks](https://followoz.com/services/azure-databricks/) - [Claude](https://followoz.com/services/claude/) - [Industries](#) - [Travel & Hospitality](https://followoz.com/industries/travel-and-hospitality/) - [Healthcare](https://followoz.com/industries/health-sciences/) - [Insurance](https://followoz.com/industries/insurance/) - [Technology](https://followoz.com/industries/technology/) - [Resources](/resources/blog/) - [Blog](/resources/blog/) - [Events](https://followoz.com/events/) - [E-books & White papers](/resources/ebooks/) - [OZ in Forbes](/resources/forbes/) - [Technical Guides](/resources/technical-guides/) - [Customer Stories](https://followoz.com/resources/case-studies/) - [Company](/about/) - [Our Story](https://followoz.com/about/) - [Our Leaders](https://followoz.com/about/leadership/) - [OZ Careers](https://followoz.com/careers/) - [Services](#) - [Cloud & AI](https://followoz.com/services/cloud-ai-services/) - [AI Business Solutions](https://followoz.com/services/ai-business-solutions/) - [Azure Infrastructure and Security](https://followoz.com/services/security/) - [Azure Databricks](https://followoz.com/services/azure-databricks/) - [Claude](https://followoz.com/services/claude/) - [Industries](#) - [Travel & Hospitality](https://followoz.com/industries/travel-and-hospitality/) - [Healthcare](https://followoz.com/industries/health-sciences/) - [Insurance](https://followoz.com/industries/insurance/) - [Technology](https://followoz.com/industries/technology/) - [Resources](/resources/blog/) - [Blog](/resources/blog/) - [Events](https://followoz.com/events/) - [E-books & White papers](/resources/ebooks/) - [OZ in Forbes](/resources/forbes/) - [Technical Guides](/resources/technical-guides/) - [Customer Stories](https://followoz.com/resources/case-studies/) - [Company](/about/) - [Our Story](https://followoz.com/about/) - [Our Leaders](https://followoz.com/about/leadership/) - [OZ Careers](https://followoz.com/careers/) - [ ](#elementor-action%3Aaction%3Dpopup%3Aopen%26settings%3DeyJpZCI6IjI1ODUiLCJ0b2dnbGUiOmZhbHNlfQ%3D%3D) - [ Contact Us ](#) ![25years](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/25years.svg) # FLORIDA’S PREMIER MICROSOFT SOLUTIONS PARTNER. ### YOUR NEXT, BEST SUCCESS. [ REQUEST A MEETING ](#) [ SEE HOW WE WORK ](#) ![Banner Video](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Banner-Video.jpg) --- ### [Header all Site](https://followoz.com/elementor-hf/header-all-site/) **Published:** March 13, 2024 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ![OZ digital consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/logo-1.svg) Menu - [Services](#) - [Cloud & AI](https://followoz.com/services/cloud-ai-services/) - [AI Business Solutions](https://followoz.com/services/ai-business-solutions/) - [Azure Infrastructure and Security](https://followoz.com/services/security/) - [Azure Databricks](https://followoz.com/services/azure-databricks/) - [Claude](https://followoz.com/services/claude/) - [Industries](#) - [Travel & Hospitality](https://followoz.com/industries/travel-and-hospitality/) - [Healthcare](https://followoz.com/industries/health-sciences/) - [Insurance](https://followoz.com/industries/insurance/) - [Technology](https://followoz.com/industries/technology/) - [Resources](/resources/blog/) - [Blog](/resources/blog/) - [Events](https://followoz.com/events/) - [E-books & White papers](/resources/ebooks/) - [OZ in Forbes](/resources/forbes/) - [Technical Guides](/resources/technical-guides/) - [Customer Stories](https://followoz.com/resources/case-studies/) - [Company](/about/) - [Our Story](https://followoz.com/about/) - [Our Leaders](https://followoz.com/about/leadership/) - [OZ Careers](https://followoz.com/careers/) - [Services](#) - [Cloud & AI](https://followoz.com/services/cloud-ai-services/) - [AI Business Solutions](https://followoz.com/services/ai-business-solutions/) - [Azure Infrastructure and Security](https://followoz.com/services/security/) - [Azure Databricks](https://followoz.com/services/azure-databricks/) - [Claude](https://followoz.com/services/claude/) - [Industries](#) - [Travel & Hospitality](https://followoz.com/industries/travel-and-hospitality/) - [Healthcare](https://followoz.com/industries/health-sciences/) - [Insurance](https://followoz.com/industries/insurance/) - [Technology](https://followoz.com/industries/technology/) - [Resources](/resources/blog/) - [Blog](/resources/blog/) - [Events](https://followoz.com/events/) - [E-books & White papers](/resources/ebooks/) - [OZ in Forbes](/resources/forbes/) - [Technical Guides](/resources/technical-guides/) - [Customer Stories](https://followoz.com/resources/case-studies/) - [Company](/about/) - [Our Story](https://followoz.com/about/) - [Our Leaders](https://followoz.com/about/leadership/) - [OZ Careers](https://followoz.com/careers/) - [ ](#elementor-action%3Aaction%3Dpopup%3Aopen%26settings%3DeyJpZCI6IjI1ODUiLCJ0b2dnbGUiOmZhbHNlfQ%3D%3D) - [ Contact Us ](#) # Header all Site --- ### [new mneu with stem menu](https://followoz.com/elementor-hf/new-mneu-with-stem-menu/) **Published:** May 26, 2026 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** [ ![OZ Digital Consulting logo - Microsoft Solutions Partner](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/followoz.svg) ](/) - Services Close Services Open Services Menu - [Cloud & AI](https://followoz.com/services/cloud-ai-services/) - [AI Business Solutions](https://followoz.com/services/ai-business-solutions/) - [Azure Infrastructure and Security](https://followoz.com/services/security/) - [Azure Databricks](https://followoz.com/services/azure-databricks/) Menu - [Claude \| Microsoft](https://followoz.com/services/claude/) - Industries Close Industries Open Industries Menu - [Travel & Hospitality](https://followoz.com/industries/travel-and-hospitality/) - [Healthcare](https://followoz.com/industries/health-sciences/) - [Insurance](https://followoz.com/industries/insurance/) - [Technology](https://followoz.com/industries/technology/) - [ Resources ](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/) Close Resources Open Resources Menu - [Blog](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/) - [Events](https://followoz.com/events/) - [E-books & White papers](https://followoz.com/resources/ebooks/) - [OZ in Forbes](https://followoz.com/resources/forbes/) - [Technical Guides](https://followoz.com/resources/technical-guides/) - [ Customer Stories ](https://followoz.com/resources/case-studies/) - [ Company ](https://followoz.com/about/) Close Company Open Company Menu - [Our Story](https://followoz.com/about/) - [Our Leaders](https://followoz.com/about/leadership/) - [OZ Careers](https://followoz.com/careers/) [ Call Us ](tel:+1-800-443-5210) - [ ](#elementor-action%3Aaction%3Dpopup%3Aopen%26settings%3DeyJpZCI6IjI1ODUiLCJ0b2dnbGUiOmZhbHNlfQ%3D%3D) [ Contact Us ](/contact-us/) [ Call Us ](tel:+1-800-443-5210) --- ### [single event footer only](https://followoz.com/elementor-hf/single-event-footer-only/) **Published:** October 2, 2025 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ## UNITED STATES ## Florida ## U.S. Global Headquarters ## 1489 W Palmetto Park Rd Suite 500 Boca Raton, FL 33486 +1-954-689-3984 – USA +1-800-443-5210 – International ## ARGENTINA ## Rosario ## International Office ## Alvear 1670 – 3er Piso Rosario, Santa Fe 2000, Argentina Tel: +54 34 1425-9172 [ ![OZ Digital Consulting logo - Microsoft Solutions Partner](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/followoz-logo-1.png) ](/) FLORIDA’S TRUSTED MICROSOFT SOLUTIONS EXPERT FOR OVER 25 YEARS Delivering deep technical expertise and industry knowledge, leveraging our global delivery model to accelerate your business with ultimate agility. - [ +1-954-689-3984 ](tel:954-689-3984) - [ +1-800-443-5210 ](tel:800-443-5210) [ ![facebook](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Asset-33@3x.png) ](https://www.facebook.com/FollowOZ) [ ![Instagram](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Asset-32@3x.png) ](https://www.instagram.com/gofollowoz/?hl=en) [ ![LinkedIn](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Asset-31@3x.png) ](https://www.linkedin.com/company/followoz/) [ ![Youtube](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Asset-30@3x.png) ](https://www.youtube.com/@FollowOZ) [ ![X](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Asset-29@3x.png) ](https://twitter.com/gofollowoz?lang=en) ###### Services - [ Azure Solutions ](https://followoz.com/services/cloud-services/) - [ Power Platform ](https://followoz.com/services/power-platform/) - [ Artificial Intelligence ](https://followoz.com/services/artificial-intelligence/) - [ Enterprise Integration ](https://followoz.com/services/enterprise-applications-integration/) - [ Intelligent Automation ](https://followoz.com/services/intelligent-automation/) - [ Data & Analytics ](https://followoz.com/services/data-analytics-ai/) - [ App Innovation ](https://followoz.com/services/application-development/) - [ Talent Studio ](https://followoz.com/services/oz-talent-studio/) ###### Industries - [ Travel & Hospitality ](https://followoz.com/industries/travel-and-hospitality/) - [ Healthcare ](https://followoz.com/industries/health-sciences/) - [ Insurance ](https://followoz.com/industries/insurance/) - [ Technology ](https://followoz.com/industries/technology/) - [ Public Sector ](https://followoz.com/industries/public-sector/) - [ Retail ](https://followoz.com/industries/retail/) ###### Resources - [ Blog ](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/) - [ Case Studies ](https://followoz.com/resources/case-studies/) - [ e-books ](https://followoz.com/resources/ebooks/) - [ OZ in Forbes ](https://followoz.com/resources/forbes/) - [ Technical Guides ](https://followoz.com/resources/technical-guides/) ###### Company - [ About Us ](https://followoz.com/about/) - [ Leadership ](https://followoz.com/about/leadership/) - [ OZ Careers ](https://followoz.com/company/careers/) - [ Contact Us ](https://followoz.com/contact-us/) © Copyright 2025 OZ Digital Consulting --- ### [Footer for two pages only](https://followoz.com/elementor-hf/footer-for-two-pages-only/) **Published:** September 19, 2025 **Author:** Maria Umar **Content:** ## UNITED STATES ## Florida ## U.S. Global Headquarters ## 1489 W Palmetto Park Rd Suite 500 Boca Raton, FL 33486 +1-954-689-3984 – USA +1-800-443-5210 – International ## ARGENTINA ## Rosario ## International Office ## Alvear 1670 – 3er Piso Rosario, Santa Fe 2000, Argentina Tel: +54 34 1425-9172 [ ![OZ digital consulting](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/logo-2.svg) ](/) FLORIDA’S TRUSTED MICROSOFT SOLUTIONS EXPERT FOR OVER 25 YEARS Delivering deep technical expertise and industry knowledge, leveraging our global delivery model to accelerate your business with ultimate agility. - [ +1-954-689-3984 ](tel:954-689-3984) - [ +1-800-443-5210 ](tel:800-443-5210) [ ![facebook](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Asset-33@3x.png) ](https://www.facebook.com/FollowOZ) [ ![Instagram](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Asset-32@3x.png) ](https://www.instagram.com/gofollowoz/?hl=en) [ ![LinkedIn](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Asset-31@3x.png) ](https://www.linkedin.com/company/followoz/) [ ![Youtube](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Asset-30@3x.png) ](https://www.youtube.com/@FollowOZ) [ ![X](https://followoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Asset-29@3x.png) ](https://twitter.com/gofollowoz?lang=en) ###### Services - [ Azure Solutions ](https://followoz.com/services/cloud-services/) - [ Power Platform ](https://followoz.com/services/power-platform/) - [ Artificial Intelligence ](https://followoz.com/services/artificial-intelligence/) - [ Enterprise Integration ](https://followoz.com/services/enterprise-applications-integration/) - [ Intelligent Automation ](https://followoz.com/services/intelligent-automation/) - [ Data & Analytics ](https://followoz.com/services/data-analytics-ai/) - [ App Innovation ](https://followoz.com/services/application-development/) - [ Talent Studio ](https://followoz.com/services/oz-talent-studio/) ###### Industries - [ Travel & Hospitality ](https://followoz.com/industries/travel-and-hospitality/) - [ Healthcare ](https://followoz.com/industries/health-sciences/) - [ Insurance ](https://followoz.com/industries/insurance/) - [ Technology ](https://followoz.com/industries/technology/) - [ Public Sector ](https://followoz.com/industries/public-sector/) - [ Retail ](https://followoz.com/industries/retail/) ###### Resources - [ Blog ](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/) - [ Case Studies ](https://followoz.com/resources/case-studies/) - [ e-books ](https://followoz.com/resources/ebooks/) - [ OZ in Forbes ](https://followoz.com/resources/forbes/) - [ Technical Guides ](https://followoz.com/resources/technical-guides/) ###### Company - [ About Us ](https://followoz.com/about/) - [ Leadership ](https://followoz.com/about/leadership/) - [ OZ Careers ](https://followoz.com/company/careers/) - [ Contact Us ](https://followoz.com/contact-us/) © Copyright 2025 OZ Digital Consulting --- ## Categories ### [e-books](https://followoz.com/resources/ebooks/) **Description:** Find how to revolutionize your business with OZ Digital's digital transformation ebook. Transform your business today with expert insights and strategies. --- ### [OZ in Forbes](https://followoz.com/resources/forbes/) **Description:** Encounter insights from OZ's Emmanuel Ramos on Forbes. As a Chief Solutions Officer and Council member, his perspectives drive tech innovation and leadership. --- ### [Resources](https://followoz.com/resources/) **Description:** Explore OZ Digital's Resources page for expert insights on Intelligent Automation, Customer Experience, and industry-specific innovations. Discover a wealth of knowledge through their blog articles, case studies, e-books, technical guides, and videos. Stay updated with the latest trends and thought leadership from their team and external contributions, including insights featured in Forbes. Whether you're in travel, healthcare, or technology, OZ Digital offers valuable resources to enhance your business processes and drive success. --- ### [Technical Guides](https://followoz.com/resources/technical-guides/) **Description:** Delve into OZ's tech guides for digital tech power: AI, cloud & more. Drive innovation, growth, and gain a competitive edge. Learn from industry leaders. --- ### [Blog](https://followoz.com/resources/blog/) **Description:** Stay up to date with OZ Digital Blogs for expert insights and advice on digital consulting. Explore our latest blog posts for valuable information. Learn more. --- ### [Case Studies](https://followoz.com/resources/case-studies/) **Description:** Explore OZ Digital's case studies to see real-world examples of how their innovative solutions and Microsoft-powered technologies drive growth and efficiency. Learn about successful projects across various industries, including healthcare, insurance, and retail, showcasing transformations in data integration, intelligent automation, and customer experience. --- ### [Whitepapers](https://followoz.com/resources/whitepapers/) **Description:** Explore Our White Papers Take a deep dive into a wide range of topics, technologies, and tools shaping the future of business. --- ### [App Innovation + AI ](https://followoz.com/resources/case-studies/app-innovation-ai/) **Description:** Browse OZ Digital's App Innovation + AI case studies. See how we build intelligent applications with Azure and AI. --- ### [Automation + AI](https://followoz.com/resources/case-studies/automation-ai/) **Description:** Browse OZ Digital's Automation + AI case studies. See how we streamline workflows and embed AI into business processes. --- ### [Azure + AI](https://followoz.com/resources/case-studies/azure-ai/) **Description:** Browse OZ Digital's Azure + AI case studies. See how we build intelligent solutions on Microsoft Azure with AI integration. --- ### [Data + AI](https://followoz.com/resources/case-studies/data-ai/) **Description:** Browse OZ Digital's Data + AI case studies. See how we unlock insights with Azure data platforms and artificial intelligence. --- ### [Integration + AI](https://followoz.com/resources/case-studies/integration-ai/) **Description:** Browse OZ Digital's Integration + AI case studies. See how we connect systems and embed AI into enterprise workflows. --- ### [Healthcare](https://followoz.com/resources/case-studies/healthcare/) **Description:** See how healthcare clients drive growth with our proven Microsoft-powered solutions and strategies. Read the customer stories from OZ Digital. --- ### [Insurance](https://followoz.com/resources/case-studies/insurance/) **Description:** See how insurance clients drive growth with our proven Microsoft-powered solutions and strategies. Read the customer stories from OZ Digital. --- ### [Travel and Hospitality](https://followoz.com/resources/case-studies/travel-and-hospitality/) **Description:** Explore travel and hospitality case studies. See how clients drive growth using our proven Microsoft-powered strategies and solutions. --- ### [Telecommunications](https://followoz.com/resources/case-studies/telecommunications/) **Description:** Explore telecommunications case studies. See how clients drive growth using our proven Microsoft-powered strategies and solutions. --- ### [Retail](https://followoz.com/resources/case-studies/retail/) **Description:** Explore retail case studies. See how clients drive growth using our proven Microsoft-powered strategies and solutions. --- ### [Technology](https://followoz.com/resources/case-studies/technology/) **Description:** Explore technology case studies. See how clients drive growth using our proven Microsoft-powered strategies and solutions. --- ### [Demo videos](https://followoz.com/resources/demo-videos/) **Description:** Watch demo videos from OZ Digital. See Azure solutions, AI applications, and automation tools in action. --- ## Tags ### [Digital Strategy](https://followoz.com/tag/digital-strategy/) **Description:** Explore OZ Digital's insights on Digital Strategy. Learn how to align technology, AI, and cloud solutions with business goals. --- ### [Events](https://followoz.com/tag/events/) **Description:** Explore OZ Digital's events. Find upcoming workshops, summits, and webinars on Azure, AI, and digital transformation. --- ### [Forbes](https://followoz.com/tag/forbes/) **Description:** Read OZ Digital's featured articles in Forbes. Explore insights on Azure, AI, cloud strategy, and digital transformation. --- ### [Healthcare](https://followoz.com/tag/cs-healthcare/) **Description:** Explore OZ Digital's Healthcare case studies. See how we help providers modernize with Azure, AI, and intelligent automation. --- ### [Hospitality](https://followoz.com/tag/cs-hospitality/) **Description:** Explore OZ Digital's Hospitality case studies. See how we help hotels, resorts, and travel companies innovate with Azure and AI. --- ### [Insurance](https://followoz.com/tag/cs-insurance/) **Description:** Explore OZ Digital's Insurance case studies. See how we help insurers modernize with Azure, AI, and intelligent automation. --- ### [Microsoft](https://followoz.com/tag/microsoft/) **Description:** Explore OZ Digital's blog for expert insights on Azure, AI, Machine Learning, IoT, and app development. Learn from Microsoft MVPs and industry leaders. --- ### [Press Releases](https://followoz.com/tag/press-releases/) **Description:** Browse official press releases from OZ Digital. Stay updated on company news, partnerships, awards, and industry announcements. --- ### [Tech Services](https://followoz.com/tag/tech-services/) **Description:** Explore OZ Digital's tech services expertise. Read articles on Azure, AI, app development, cloud solutions, and intelligent automation. --- ### [Travel and Hospitality](https://followoz.com/tag/travel-and-hospitality/) **Description:** Explore OZ Digital's insights for the Travel and Hospitality industry. Read about technology solutions for airlines, hotels, and tourism. --- ### [Whitepapers](https://followoz.com/tag/whitepapers/) **Description:** Download in-depth whitepapers from OZ Digital. Explore expert research on Azure, AI, cloud strategy, and digital transformation. --- ## Services ### [App Innovation + AI](https://followoz.com/service/app-innovation-ai/) **Description:** Explore OZ Digital's App Innovation + AI services. Build intelligent applications with Azure, AI integration, and modern development. --- ### [Automation + AI](https://followoz.com/service/automation-ai/) **Description:** Explore OZ Digital's Automation + AI services. Streamline workflows with intelligent automation, AI-powered processes, and Azure solutions. --- ### [Data + AI](https://followoz.com/service/data-ai/) **Description:** Explore OZ Digital's Data + AI services. Unlock insights with Azure data platforms, analytics, and artificial intelligence solutions. --- ### [Integration + AI](https://followoz.com/service/integration-ai/) **Description:** Explore OZ Digital's Integration + AI services. Connect systems, streamline data flows, and embed AI into your enterprise applications. --- ### [Azure + AI](https://followoz.com/service/azure-ai/) **Description:** Explore OZ Digital's Azure + AI services. Build intelligent solutions with Microsoft Azure and artificial intelligence integration. ---