Recently, Microsoft officially launched a free chat tool called Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat for enterprise users, featuring integrated AI agent capabilities. This move represents the latest effort by Microsoft to promote AI usage in workplace environments, aiming to attract users and eventually encourage them to upgrade to the full version of Microsoft 365 Copilot priced at $30 per month.
Copilot Chat was formerly known as Bing Chat Enterprise and has since been rebranded. The rebranding introduced new access to Copilot AI agents within the chat interface, a feature previously exclusive to the premium Microsoft 365 Copilot. These AI agents are designed to act as virtual colleagues, capable of tasks such as monitoring email inboxes or automating workflows.
Users can create and utilize AI agents via Copilot Studio, which can operate based on web data or work-related data from Microsoft Graph. Pricing for using AI agents in Copilot Chat is determined by Azure’s Copilot Studio meter or pay-as-you-go options.
In terms of pricing structure, Microsoft charges based on the number of messages sent by AI agents. Classic responses (not involving large language models) cost one unit per message, generative responses two units per message, and accessing Microsoft Graph, including files stored in SharePoint, costs thirty units per message. Each unit corresponds to one cent, allowing users to easily calculate their expenses based on usage.
The actual chat experience in Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat remains largely unchanged, utilizing GPT-4 for query processing. Users can upload files to Copilot Chat for summarizing Word documents or analyzing Excel spreadsheets. However, direct integration with Word or Excel requires upgrading to the full Microsoft 365 Copilot version.
Currently, Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat enjoys popularity among enterprises reliant on Microsoft software and services. Despite its complex naming history, many users have already adopted the tool. According to Microsoft, once users start using it, they tend to become accustomed to it and recognize its value in enhancing productivity.
As discussions continue regarding the value proposition of the $30 monthly subscription for Microsoft 365 Copilot, Microsoft hopes that Copilot Chat will draw more business users towards embracing its AI-driven work solutions.
