Copilot Updates: Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat is Now Available 

Introduction to Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat

Microsoft Copilot has an update: Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat is now available! Copilot Chat is free access to Enterprise grade Copilot, giving organizations a taste of Copilot. This version has some limitations but is a great starting point for organizations not ready to get the value from the $30/month Copilot license. 

Key Features of Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat

• Web-Grounded Chat with GPT-4o: Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat is powered by GPT-4o, providing a robust and secure AI chat experience. Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat uses Enterprise data protection, providing a secure AI chatbot. It is important to note that this version of Copilot does not use information from the M365 graph.
• File Uploads: Users can upload documents directly into the chat.
• Copilot Pages: Copilot Pages enable real-time collaboration on content with both people and AI. Users can add content from Copilot, their files and the web, making it easier to create documents. Additionally, AI-generated images can be quickly created. 
• Copilot Agents: Users can create agents that use web data or custom instructions. One of the standout features is the ability to use agents to connect to company data using the pay-as-you-go payment plan. 
• IT Controls: Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat includes IT controls. IT admins can build organization-wide agents, manage agent deployment and pre-built Microsoft 365 reports, ensuring that the organization’s data remains secure. There are pieces missing from what a full Copilot license provides, including the Copilot Dashboard pre-built reports and advanced analytics, Copilot Activity APIs allowing development of custom reporting on Copilot and agent usage. 

Getting Access

This change is rolling out (your tenant likely already has it). Users will see a new prompt when logging into Microsoft 365 to enable Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat. They’ll have the option to skip or to start using Copilot. 

These features make Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat a powerful bridge to more advanced GenAI usage through the standard $30/month Copilot license or Copilot Studio.  

Benefits of Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat

Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat is designed to enhance productivity and collaboration within organizations. By leveraging the power of AI, it helps streamline workflows and improve efficiency. The integration of GPT-4o ensures that users have access to advanced language processing capabilities, making interactions more intuitive and effective.  

Furthermore, the ability to create and manage agents allows for automation of repetitive tasks, freeing up valuable time for employees to focus on more strategic activities. With ongoing updates and improvements, users can expect even more features and enhancements in the future, making it an indispensable part of their digital toolkit. 

Comparison with Full Copilot License

While Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat offers a robust set of features, it is important to understand the differences between this version and the full Copilot license. The full Copilot license provides additional capabilities, such as access to work data through the Graph, the Copilot Dashboard with pre-built reports and advanced analytics, as well as Copilot Activity APIs that allow for the development of custom reporting on Copilot and agent usage. 

This makes the full Copilot license more suitable for organizations that require comprehensive analytics and reporting tools to monitor and optimize their AI usage. 

Copilot Chat Use Cases and Benefits

Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat can be utilized in various scenarios to improve business operations. For example, customer service teams can use agents to quickly access customer information and provide timely responses. Marketing teams can leverage AI-generated images and content to enhance their campaigns. Additionally, IT departments can use the built-in controls to manage and deploy agents across the organization, ensuring data security and compliance