Copilot Update!

So earlier this year (March and May) I posted two articles regarding Microsoft Copilot and it’s potential usage and usefulness. Below is the latest update!

Last week (1st November to be precise) marked the official launch of M365 Copliot, Microsofts AI assistant tool designed to enhance productivity by co-ordinating large-language models and User content within Microsoft 365 apps.

300 Plus Seats

As of November 1st, it is generally available for Microsoft 365 Current Channel users, requiring a minimum purchase of 300 seats. Those in the Monthly Enterprise Channel can access it from December 2023 for a cost of $30 (£25 approximately) Per User Per Month for an Annual Commitment with commitments extending to their next Enterprise Agreement contract anniversary.

M365 E3 and E5 Only

Currently, only M365 E3 and E5 commercial subscribers can acquire M365 Copilot. If using Office E3 or E5, an upgrade to Microsoft 365 E3 or E5 is required before purchasing M365 Copilot. Despite previous indications, M365 Business Standard and Business Premium subscribers are not eligible at the moment. Microsoft intends to extend access to Business Standard and Business Premium users, but hasn’t specified a timeline. Additionally, plans to offer M365 Copilot to Government and Education customers are in progress with no confirmed release date.

Copilot Variants

While M365 Copilot is generally available from November 1, it’s essential to note that Copilot for Excel remains in preview, Currently, Copilot for OneNote is exclusive to Win32 desktops, with plans for Web, Mac, and mobile variants expected by Microsoft’s fiscal 2025. The preview for Copilot for SharePoint begin this month, followed by Copilot for OneDrive in December.

Copilot Scenarios

In its initial release, Microsoft focused on key scenarios for M365 Copilot, including content generation, ‘commanding’ Microsoft products like Excel and PowerPoint, comprehension (summarising, question-answering) collaboration (via M365 Chat), and proactive suggestions/notifications. Essentially, M365 Copilot exposes existing capabilities in Microsoft products through natural language interaction.

Copilot Security

Prior to deploying M365 Copilot, Microsoft strongly recommends customers ensure their data storage and access strategies are well-established to minimise the risk of data leaks. Microsoft suggests utilising its services and tools such as Intune, Defender, Syntex and Purview.

Admins can manage licenses and onboard employees to M365 Copilot in the M365 Admin Centre under Billing then Licenses. Once assigned, Users can utilise Copilot across all M365 apps: selective assignment to specific Office apps is not supported.

That’s it for now. More updates will be posted once available.

Thanks

Richard