The practical application of generative artificial intelligence has transitioned from an abstract concept to a reality in a short period of time. Businesses and organizations are now exploring how AI can enhance productivity and efficiency. Microsoft Copilot is leading the way in applying AI in a business environment for organizations using Microsoft software. Enterprise-level businesses are also seeking ways to utilize AI to leverage their vast amounts of daily generated data. Microsoft Copilot, integrated into Microsoft 365, Azure, Windows, and enterprise-wide data streams, is believed to unlock the creative and productive potential of an organization’s people and data.
Microsoft Copilot is an AI product that combines large language models with enterprise data generated by the Microsoft Graph and Microsoft 365 applications. It utilizes AI and natural language conversations to provide better answers and potentially generate content. Copilot was developed on the ChatGPT platform and was announced as an in-development platform at the July 2023 Microsoft Inspire conference. There are two versions of Copilot: Microsoft 365 Copilot and a more general Microsoft Copilot. It’s important to note that Microsoft 365 Copilot is different from the consumer and small business-oriented Copilot platform found in Bing Chat or non-enterprise versions of Microsoft 365. Microsoft 365 Copilot relies on specific enterprise-generated data, while the more general Microsoft Copilot uses aggregate data from the internet. Both versions are embedded in Microsoft 365 apps like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams, enabling workers to be more creative, productive, and improve their skills. Additionally, Microsoft 365 Copilot introduces AI-enabled Business Chat to the productivity suite, facilitating easier and better communication across enterprise-specific data.
There are three versions of Microsoft Copilot: Microsoft Copilot in Windows, Bing Chat Enterprise, and Microsoft 365 Copilot. Microsoft Copilot in Windows allows users to use generative AI within the Windows operating system and apps. Bing Chat Enterprise builds upon Microsoft Copilot by adding commercial data protection, ensuring business data remains protected within the organization. Microsoft 365 Copilot further enhances security, privacy, and compliance by processing data within Microsoft 365. It combs through various data sources to assist in problem-solving.
By leveraging Microsoft Copilot, employees can jump-start projects with AI-generated drafts, leading to increased efficiency and productivity. Microsoft 365 Copilot’s ability to utilize enterprise-specific data from emails, documents, calendars, and more ensures relevant assets are incorporated into projects. This enterprise-specific generative AI is crucial for maintaining the intended focus and purpose. Copilot will be seamlessly integrated into all Microsoft 365 applications, providing assistance and generating suggestions based on user commands.
However, it’s important to acknowledge potential problems and caveats with Microsoft Copilot. The quality of AI-generated suggestions relies heavily on the training data. If the training data is incomplete, biased, or incorrect, the generated suggestions will reflect those shortcomings. Careful monitoring of the data Copilot can access is necessary, especially for Microsoft 365 Copilot, as all the data used for that platform is internally generated and gathered. Organizations must ensure that potentially detrimental data, such as rejected ideas, does not taint the data stream and propagate throughout the organization. Organizations and users utilizing general versions of Microsoft Copilot must also exercise caution in selecting and managing the data it can access.
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