MetriNote – Microsoft to Bring Generative AI to 365 Apps in 2 Ways

Author: Beth Schutlz, Vice President of Research and Principal Analyst

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March 16, 2023 – Microsoft has introduced Microsoft 365 Copilot, a generative AI capability for the Microsoft 365 ecosystem, including Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Teams, Word, and more. Copilot combines large language models––including OpenAI’s latest, the just-introduced GPT-4––with data in the Microsoft Graph and 365 applications to support context-based natural language queries of a company’s own data. Not only has Microsoft embedded Copilot within each app for in-app prompts, but also has enabled it to work across all of a company’s business data and apps for knowledge sharing. The latter capability is available via a new offering, called Business Chat. Business Chat will be accessible from 365.com, Bing work accounts, and Teams. As part of 365, Copilot is subject to a company’s security, compliance, and privacy policies and processes. Microsoft has not yet released specific app availability, pricing, and licensing details.