Blog Post

Microsoft Copilot - AI Tool for Business

Jul 24, 2023

Microsoft Copilot is an AI-powered coding tool developed by GitHub, which is now owned by Microsoft. It is designed to assist you in writing documents, or even writing code, by providing intelligent suggestions and auto-completion. Copilot uses machine learning algorithms to analyze code patterns from a vast collection of open-source code repositories and generates contextual suggestions based on the code being written.


Microsoft Copilot is an example of how AI tools can be used to augment the coding process, aiding in development tasks.


“Today marks the next major step in the evolution of how we interact with computing, which will fundamentally change the way we work and unlock a new wave of productivity growth. With our new copilot for work, we’re giving people more agency and making technology more accessible through the most universal interface — natural language.” - Satya Nadella, Chairman and CEO, of Microsoft


Microsoft Copilot for Word:

You can improve your writing process within Microsoft Word by utilizing AI tools to help you draft copy for your work. Think of Copilot as an editor giving you tips and finding problems with your text. For instance, imagine Copilot being able to proofread your documents for you. 


Microsoft Copilot for PowerPoint:

Helps you to create beautiful presentations in Microsoft PowerPoint by giving CoPilot ideas for writing. Imagine you have writer’s block. Copilot can help you draft creative, relevant content from any document.

Microsoft Copilot for Excel:

Analyze trends within Microsoft Excel and create professional-looking data visualizations in seconds.

How Does Microsoft Copilot Work?

Photo Credit to Microsoft.com

By leveraging the power of AI, Copilot aims to enhance developer productivity by reducing the time and effort required to write code. It can suggest entire lines or blocks of code based on the context and intent of the developer. However, it is important to note that Copilot is designed to be a tool that aids developers and should not be seen as a replacement for human coding skills and understanding.


Productivity Enhancement:


According to Git Hub, Microsoft Copilot could unlock productivity for everyone in your office. "Among developers who use GitHub Copilot, 88% say they are more productive, 74% say that they can focus on more satisfying work, and 77% say it helps them spend less time searching for information or examples." (“Introducing Microsoft 365 Copilot – your copilot for work”)


How Does Microsoft Copilot Differ from Chat GPT or from Google AI?

While these technologies are driven by artificial intelligence, Copilot is a more robust tool. It is not simply AI embedded into Microsoft 365. Rather, it is a sophisticated processing and orchestration engine working behind the scenes to combine the power of LLMs, including GPT-4, with the Microsoft 365 apps and your business data in Microsoft Graph. Microsoft Copilot is focused on improving AI through natural language.


Think of it this way: ChatGPT is like a chatbot designed to hold a conversation with you. Microsoft 365 Copilot on the other hand is an AI-powered digital assistant. It can help you with more than simple tasks. It can provide personalized assistance to users for a variety of complex tasks “


“Copilot doesn’t just connect ChatGPT with Microsoft 365; it combines the power of large language models (LLMs) with your data in the Microsoft Graph (including your calendar, emails, chats, documents, meetings, and more, and the Microsoft 365 apps to turn your words into the most powerful productivity tool on the planet.” -Microsoft

What Can I Use Copilot for in Everyday Business?

Copilot is already integrated into Microsoft 365 in several ways. First, it is embedded into your current Microsoft applications that you and your team use every day, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and even Teams.


It can also help with a brand-new function: Business Chat. If you are not familiar with Business Chat, it works across the Logic Learning Machine (LLM) in your Microsoft 365 applications. Think about the possibilities of leveraging Business Chat to quickly navigate your calendars, emails, and documents in one place. It is like having a personal assistant at your fingertips. 

How Much Does Microsoft Copilot Cost?

Current pricing for Microsoft CoPilot is $10/seat/month or $100/seat/year. While some of the other tools are free, they do not integrate into your existing Microsoft tools. The advantage of using Copilot over something like ChatGPT is that is integrated into your systems on many different levels. IT is a clear advantage to a stand-alone solution for AI. 

When Will Microsoft Copilot Be Available:

The pricing for Microsoft Copilot is now available for $30 per user per month for Microsoft 365 E3, E5, Business Standard, and Business Premium customers when Microsoft Copilot becomes generally available. Read more about the launch HERE.


If you are uncertain if this is a technology solution that is right for you and your team, remember that the team at Seifert is here to help.  We can help you navigate all your technology needs. Contact Us today to get started.

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