The Online Group brings real practical experience to the 16th Company Review Appenzellerland 2025
Artificial intelligence (AI) is currently on everyone’s lips. Many companies are already testing initial applications to automate processes, drive innovation and secure their competitiveness. But what remains when the initial hype surrounding AI dies down? Which solutions actually bring added value – and how do you move from theory to successful implementation?
These were the questions addressed at the 16th Appenzellerland Business Summit, which took place on March 13, 2025 in the Lindensaal in Teufen. Around 180 decision-makers from the economy of Eastern Switzerland accepted the invitation from OST – Ostschweizer Fachhochschule. Among them was the Online Group, one of Switzerland’s leading Microsoft partners for AI solutions, which shared its practical experience.
The focus of the evening: AI@SME – What remains after the hype?
Artificial intelligence is no longer the exclusive domain of tech giants. More and more small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Switzerland are actively exploring the opportunities that AI offers for their business success.
At the same time, many companies are asking themselves exciting questions: Which solutions offer the greatest added value? Where does the use of artificial intelligence open up new opportunities? And which skills will help to actively and successfully shape the path to an AI-supported future?
The event provided a platform for precisely this. The evening began with an input presentation by Prof. Dr. Rigo Tietz (ISM Institute for Strategy and Marketing) and Prof. Dr. Guido Schuster (Head of ICAI Interdisciplinary Center for Artificial Intelligence). The two experts highlighted the status quo of AI in SMEs and showed where the journey could take us in the coming years.
Panel discussion: AI solutions that work – insight from Balz Zürrer
A central highlight of the evening was the panel discussion, in which experts from science and practice exchanged their perspectives. The focus was on Balz Zürrer, CEO of the Online Group, who impressively demonstrated that the Online Group not only talks about AI, but also actively implements successful solutions for SME customers.
Zürrer emphasized how Microsoft Copilot and tailored AI solutions are already being integrated into day-to-day business – with measurable results. His message was clear:
“The time of proof-of-concepts is over. Those who seize the opportunities today will gain a real competitive advantage.”
Balz Zürrer
CEO Online Group
Together with the other panel participants Thomas Brägger (Member of the Executive Board, Appenzeller Kantonalbank), Stefan Dörig (CTO, KUK Electronic AG), Niklas Tidbury (Head of Business Innovation, zubi) and Prof. Dr. Guido Schuster, a lively discussion ensued on practical use cases, opportunities and best practices.
The discussion was moderated by Prof. Andreas Löhrer (IFL Institute for Finance and Law), who specifically bridged the gap between strategic vision and operational implementation.
The Online Group: pioneer for practical AI solutions in Switzerland
In recent years, the Online Group has established itself as one of the leading Swiss partners for company-wide AI strategies and implementations. Whether quality management with AI-supported document search, increased efficiency in field service or intelligent automation of sales and service processes – the Online Group supports companies from strategy to successful implementation.
“Our aim is to make the potential of artificial intelligence tangible for SMEs and deliver concrete results.”
Balz Zürrer
CEO Online Group
Solutions that have a direct impact on value creation and bring sustainable benefits are currently in particularly high demand:
- Automation of repetitive tasks and processes
- Optimization of customer service through AI-supported chatbots
- Improved basis for decision-making through smart data analysis
- Faster processing of business transactions with Microsoft Copilot
With best practices from various industries, the Online Group shows that the use of artificial intelligence is no longer a promise for the future – but is already delivering real benefits today.
From theory to practice – why SMEs should act now
The panel discussion made it clear that now is the right time for AI. Companies that start implementing it today will secure a decisive lead in their industry.
“SMEs don’t need to be afraid of AI,” says Balz Zürrer. “The important thing is to have the right partner at your side – someone who understands the technology and focuses on the business benefits.”
The Online Group offers exactly that: sound advice, proven methods and practice-oriented implementation tailored to the individual requirements and goals of customers.
Networking and exchange over an aperitif riche
After the official program, the exchange continued in a relaxed atmosphere. At the aperitif riche, the participants had the opportunity to talk to the experts from the Online Group and the other guests. The great interest in practical AI applications and the desire for concrete application examples was clearly noticeable. The Online Group was on hand as a competent discussion partner to demonstrate initial steps and individual solutions.
Conclusion: AI is here to stay – shape your future with the Online Group
The 16th Appenzellerland Company Report has once again confirmed this: Artificial intelligence has long been a reality in the Swiss corporate landscape.
It is now a matter of approaching the topic strategically, using the right technologies sensibly and leveraging the real benefits for your own company.
The Online Group is ready to accompany SMEs on this path – with proven expertise, tailored AI solutions and real practical relevance.
