Microsoft Launches Copilot: What Does it Do and How Will it Impact Businesses

Source: Microsoft

Back in March 2023, Microsoft announced the next step in generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools: a chatbot named Copilot which would combine the power of large language models (LLMs) with the data from the Microsoft 365 ecosystem. Now, this tool has been made widely available to businesses around the globe. What is the extent of Microsoft Copilot’s capabilities, and how will it change the way businesses operate?

How Does it Work?

AI chatbots have become widely accessible since the release of ChatGPT around this time last year. They’ve also got similar capabilities modes of operation. How does Copilot differ?

Just like most AI chatbots out there, Copilot is powered by a large language model (GPT4) that is trained on vast amounts of data and generates content based on user input. However, unlike ChatGPT, it is fully integrated into the Microsoft 365 system, gathering data from the users’ Microsoft Graph and apps like Word, PowerPoint or Outlook. For more information on the inner workings of Copilot, Microsoft released an explanatory video.

As a result, Microsoft claims that Copilot is able to provide output fully tailored to a business after scanning its presentations, documents, notes and emails.

Copilot’s capabilities

The combined power of LLMs with access to vast amounts of businesses’ data results in vast capabilities. During the launch of Copilot, Microsoft focused on creativity and productivity.

For instance, the integration of Copilot in Word may result in jump starting the creative process or overcoming writers block. The chatbot can short, re-write or expand on the content already written. It can also assist in making presentations in PowerPoint, aid in analysing trends or create visuals in Excel.

Such integration is set to result in productivity gains. The tech giant mentions abilities such as summarising long emails and drafting replies as well as compiling lists with important information being shared on Teams.

On top of all these capabilities, it can also handle general image generation, thanks to its integration of Dall-E. After describing a picture, it can come up with several options alongside follow up ideas on how to change the output.

What Does this Mean for Business?

Companies will need to opt-in for the upgrade to include Copilot in their 365 system, amounting to an additional $30 a month per user. This price point may deter the initial uptake of the chatbot.

Although Copilot’s popularity is yet to be determined, integrating this sort of tool into the workflow used by over a million businesses worldwide is bound to have a significant impact. All the capabilities mentioned above can be applied to a business context to produce beneficial results. For example, Copilot may help employees achieve inbox-zero on a regular basis while preparing presentations from meeting notes may be achieved in half the time.

Indeed, the tech operations teams of leading law firms have already recognised that the vast use cases of Copilot align with the way they operate. Equally, companies are preparing for this technology to become an integral part of their workflow.

However, it is important to consider that chatbots remain imperfect. The uptake of Copilot will require additional training within businesses. Furthermore, employees may grow accustomed to relying on AI and forget to check what its producing. This can have sizeable consequences such as sending out false information to clients or business partners.

The Legal Side

AI has been subject to bad press recently regarding its legal implications. With chatbots like Anthropic’s Claude leading to lawsuits over copyright infringement claims, the legal implications of integrating this sort of technology into businesses should be considered.

Microsoft has attempted to alleviate concerns with regards to copyright infringement, by announcing its new Copilot Copyright Commitment for customers, building on its AI Customer Commitments. The company states that:

‘if a third party sues a commercial customer for copyright infringement for using Microsoft’s Copilots or the output they generate, we will defend the customer and pay the amount of any adverse judgments or settlements that result from the lawsuit, as long as the customer used the guardrails and content filters we have built into our products.’

This seems to amount to a promise from Microsoft to take responsibility for copyright issues that may arise from using Copilot. Furthermore, the company claims to have built a number of important guardrails into Copilot to help respect authors’ copyright.

Conclusion

Microsoft's Copilot, a fusion of advanced AI and business data, is set to redefine operations for businesses on Microsoft365. Its ability to generate tailored content and streamline tasks across applications like Word, PowerPoint, and Excel result in great potential for transforming workflows. However, beyond the promises of efficiency, careful training and legal considerations are crucial to ensure accurate and responsible usage. As businesses prepare for this innovative tool cautious implementation is set to be key to maximizing its benefits.