AI Arrives at Your Desktop: Implications of Microsoft’s Copilot on Business

I held off AI for a bit because this show is the Business of Tech, not the Business of AI.   That said, AI is about to become very real for many businesses.

Microsoft has announced a new unified Copilot experience in Windows 11, launching on September 26th. The updated Copilot will be seamlessly available across various apps and experiences as a sidebar, providing better assistance by incorporating context and intelligence from the web, work data, and PC activities. It will be able to pull data from calendars, emails, and documents to assist with drafting texts and emails, and it will make real-time suggestions in apps like Outlook. The new Copilot will also feature voice and text commands for controlling parts of the desktop experience. Additionally, Microsoft announced updated AI capabilities in Bing Chat, Bing Image Creator, Microsoft Shopping, and the upcoming launch of Microsoft 365 Copilot and Microsoft 265 Chat for the enterprise.

Microsoft’s 365 Copilot AI assistant will be available starting November 1st for Microsoft 365 customers on certain business and enterprise plans. The add-on comes with a $30 per month premium per user. Copilot offers features like document summarization, email creation assistance, and real-time Teams meeting highlights.

Microsoft emphasizes the importance of not becoming overly reliant on its AI assistant, Copilot, during a “Responsible AI” panel. The company wants users to view Copilot as a tool rather than a replacement for their own work. Microsoft is incorporating features like citations and Content Credentials to combat misinformation and ensure that users see Copilot’s output as starting points.

Interestingly, research shows that using AI tools in the workplace can raise concerns about being seen as lazy or less valuable. Research shows that a significant percentage of UK workers use generative AI and AI every week, but many feel the need to hide their use of AI due to fear of judgment. The fear and uncertainty surrounding AI use may stem from job insecurity and inflexible working policies. Some companies have even blocked using AI tools like ChatGPT due to security concerns.

CoPilot will be on all Windows 11 desktops… next week.    Sure, it will be controlled on the rollout by those being careful about updates… but just consider that the feature is in Windows next week and Microsoft 365 on November 1.       The speed at which Microsoft is deploying Copilot is staggering. It’s essentially becoming a native feature of Windows 11 and Microsoft 365, making it an immediate factor in the business tech landscape

That’s why we care – obvious consulting and advising opportunities here.    The impending ubiquity of Copilot is a watershed moment. It’s bringing AI capabilities to a mass audience in a way that’s integrated into the tools many businesses already use. This isn’t just a story about a new feature; it’s about the potential for a fundamental shift in how businesses will operate. Are you ready to help your clients navigate this new landscape?

I happen to think this is a positive.   Microsoft would be unwilling to bet that their business customers will tolerate something that doesn’t work, and if I were a provider, I’d lean in.   You may disagree – and if you do, your consulting advice is the value.   Regardless of direction, you have to help with the navigation.