Interview: How AI is redefining small and medium-sized businesses
Artificial intelligence has long since made its way into small and medium-sized enterprises, but its potential is far from being fully realised. The new cover story in Digital Business Magazine 01/2026 impressively demonstrates why now is the time not just to experiment with AI, but to embed it strategically. The conversation between Ralf Pechmann (Managing Director of Telekom MMS) and Oliver Gürtler (Head of SME at Microsoft DACH) provides clear answers: AI is not an add-on, nor a gimmick, but a lever that profoundly transforms business models, working practices and service quality.
AI as a genuine driver of transformation
A common misconception is that AI is nothing more than an intelligent upgrade to a toolbox. However, according to Oliver Gürtler, AI is in fact a “key instrument for transforming business processes”, one that restructures organisations and marks the transition from automation to intelligent assistance. For small and medium-sized enterprises, this means that opportunities for efficiency gains are right there for the taking – regardless of the size of the business.
Why data hygiene is the most important foundation
Ralf Pechmann sums it up: without a clean, consistent data foundation, AI remains blind. This is precisely where many SMEs fall short. Their data is scattered, unstructured or not centrally accessible at all. In this interview, Telekom and Microsoft explain how companies can become ‘data-driven’ step by step, and what benefits this brings: faster decision-making, better forecasts and significantly higher productivity.
Practical AI use cases for every medium-sized business
The specific examples shared by both experts are particularly interesting:
- AI-powered sales tools such as Microsoft Copilot for Sales
- ‘Talking’ AI agents in retail
- Azure Machine Learning for accurate analysis and forecasting
These applications are not just a pipe dream – they are already up and running today, regardless of industry or company size.
AI as a competitive advantage and a risk factor if left unaddressed
According to experts, companies that act now will be more agile, productive and attractive to skilled workers within a few years. However, those who continue to hesitate risk rising costs, longer development cycles and reduced competitiveness. Or, to put it another way: “In the context of AI, a wait-and-see approach is not a strategy; it leads to being left behind.”
Read the full interview now
Anyone who wants to understand exactly how AI can be a key to success should read the full article. Download the PDF or read the interview in Digital Business magazine.
Author: Blog Editorial Team
The blog editorial team regularly reports on the latest news from Telekom’s Microsoft portfolio – from new products and price changes to relevant updates for business customers. We keep you up to date and provide practical insights into the world of Microsoft and Telekom.