ALPHA

We’ve been hearing a lot of confusion lately about Microsoft Copilot.

Many people think they’re already using it — but often they’re actually using the free AI tools available online.

Both are useful, but they’re very different.

Free Copilot
• Great for brainstorming or rewriting text
• Uses information from the internet
• Can’t see your emails, files, or meetings

Microsoft 365 Copilot (the work version)
• Works inside Word, Outlook, Excel, and Teams
• Can summarize real meetings and email threads
• Helps draft documents using your own files
• Understands your business context

The simplest way to think about it:

Free Copilot knows the internet.
Microsoft 365 Copilot knows your business.

We’re having more and more conversations with Vancouver Island organizations about how to use AI safely and productively at work.

✨Employee Spotlight: Curtis Yeatman, Project Manager✨

When clients bring us complex initiatives, they’re not just looking for new technology, they’re looking for clarity.

That’s where Curtis Yeatman comes in.

Curtis brings over 15 years of experience in business analysis and product management, including leading enterprise SaaS launches and guiding digital initiatives across government, Indigenous communities, and private sector organizations.

What sets him apart is his ability to bridge business needs and technical ex*****on.

He leads structured discovery, defines clear requirements, aligns stakeholders, and ensures solutions are built to solve real operational problems, not just introduce new tools.

For our clients, that means clear scope, fewer surprises, strong communication, and projects delivered with purpose.
From modernization efforts to AI readiness initiatives, Curtis brings structure and follow-through that keeps projects moving forward with confidence.

If you’ve worked with Curtis, you know he brings calm to complexity and makes sure nothing falls through the cracks.

We’re proud to have his leadership on the ALPHA IT team.

Security, governance, and ex*****on — not hype — will define IT success in 2026.

As part of our QBR prep, we pulled together the top 5 IT trends shaping Canadian organizations, and what they mean for Vancouver Island leaders:

🔹 Cloud is now the default but governance gaps are growing
🔹 AI adoption is accelerating fast yet real ROI is still rare
🔹 Cyber incidents continue to rise, increasingly AI-driven
🔹 New privacy laws (CPPA + AIDA) will demand stronger controls
🔹 Digital transformation is accelerating across every sector

The takeaway:
You don’t need to chase every trend.
But you do need a clear plan for security, data governance, and where AI can drive real productivity, not just experimentation.

This is exactly what we’re helping local organizations navigate every day.