Introducing Microsoft 365 Copilot — your copilot for work!
In my 27th March post Remember Clippy? Well here comes Copilot! I discussed the launch of Microsoft’s new ‘AI bolt-on’ called Copilot and how it could benefit Users.
Microsoft have now published more details on the benefits Copilot can provide Microsoft 365 Users here, plus informative videos under the More Videos section to the bottom of the page pertaining to: –
Copilot videos
- Highlights from the Microsoft 365 Copilot event
- Introducing Microsoft 365 Copilot: Your Copilot for Work
- The Copilot System
- Next generation AI in Power Platform is changing how you develop low-code solutions
- Microsoft Business Chat
- Copilot in Excel
- Copilot in Outlook
- Copilot in Word
- Copilot in Teams Meetings
- Copilot in Meeting
- Copilot in PowerPoint
Of the above I have enabled links for specific videos for M365 apps which you may use on a daily basis to see how Copilot could/ will impact daily usage.
From a personal point of view, as a customer facing Account Manager/Business Development Manager, the Microsoft Business Chat function will be particularly useful in preparing for meetings since it works across all Data and Apps to summarise all recent customer interactions including meetings, content you’ve shared, any issues, and deliverables. In fact, Copilot works across your calendar, emails, chats, document, and meetings to find all the pertinent information so you have a concise summary complete with citations – ensuring you are well-prepared for any Account Reviews.
My initial thoughts when I viewed the videos listed above was ‘surely Microsoft aren’t going to include this level of AI functionality for free or on all M365 plans?’ so I reached out to our Distributors for more information. In summary, I found out the following: –
- Microsoft 365 is foundational to being AI-ready. Microsoft 365 E3/E5 (and Microsoft 365 Business Standard/Business Premium) will be a licensing requirement for these AI capabilities in the future. We will announce pricing and licensing details in the coming months.
- So there isn’t a confirmed plan, however judging by the above statement, looks like Copilot will be an add-on to M365 plans that include Apps for Business/Enterprise.
- As of 9th May Microsoft has been testing the AI assistant with 20 customers, including Chevron, Goodyear, General Motors and Dow. The customer pilot project has now been extended to 600 large global customers as part of a paid, invitation-only “early access” trial.
So there you have it – ‘the future of work’ – I will provide more updates on Copilot as and when they become available and the technology ‘trickles down’ to more Companies and Users.
Thanks
Richard
