What is Copilot, and how does it affect my business?
You may be wondering, why is Microsoft branding everything as Copilot?
If you’ve checked the Microsoft Office website recently, or logged in to Microsoft online web applications, you’ve probably noticed it has a new coat of paint with Copilot branding now front-and-centre on every visit.
How does Copilot compare to other AI companions?
Copilot is Microsoft’s AI (Artificial Intelligence) companion that is now seeing significant promotion alongside the release of their new Copilot+ series of laptops. The Copilot+ series of laptops also has Copilot built into their versions of Windows.
Copilot is similar to other AI companions you may be familiar with, such as ChatGPT or Google Gemini, but with the added benefit of being integrated directly within Microsoft Office apps.
Whether or not you actually use Copilot itself is up to you, but its integration can be helpful to quickly summarise or create Word documents and Excel spreadsheets, as well as taking meeting notes or creating presentations on PowerPoint.
Why is Office 365 now Copilot?
‘M365’ or ‘Office 365’ still remains the same as it was before, but now it includes the Copilot branding. All of your Office 365 apps are now available via the new “Apps” tab on the Copilot home page. Office 365 is not the only Microsoft product with Copilot integrated, as its ’Edge’ web browser and some newer versions of Windows 11 are also including Copilot more prominently within recent updates.
Microsoft is planning to make Copilot the new focus of the 365 Package, integrating it with as many of their apps as possible, in the hope that Microsoft users use Copilot as their single or most prominent AI companion tool.
How will Copilot affect me?
As previously mentioned, although Copilot is now built into many of Microsoft’s suite of applications, you do not have to use it.
Alternatively, if you do want to use Copilot independently of any Microsoft applications, you can access it through Microsoft’s website at www.copilot.microsoft.com , or via their web browser ‘Edge’ (see image below).
While some people embrace AI and find it helpful, others can be intimidated or distracted by it, depending on how you work.
Remember that while AI can help with repetitive tasks, it can also still be unreliable, with many AI companions considered to be “hallucinating” and generating data it thinks you might like, rather than what is factually correct.
How does Copilot affect your staff and security?
Whether you want your staff to work with AI is a business decision that requires careful consideration.
You should be aware that Copilot will continue to develop throughout Microsoft’s development road map and integrated deeper into M365.
This means the more prominent branding of Copilot and ease of access can significantly alter how your employees approach their work.
While it offers efficiency and creative support, it may also shift responsibilities and expectations. Staff could find themselves relying on AI for tasks they previously handled manually, which may affect skill development and job satisfaction if not carefully managed.
Moreover, access to sensitive data through AI search functions raises concerns around privacy and role-based permissions. You must ensure your staff only see what they’re authorised to, and that Copilot’s integration doesn’t unintentionally expose confidential information. For example a simple use of the search bar in SharePoint / OneDrive, may identify information in folders and file documents, that should only be accessible to senior management. Clear guidelines, ongoing training, and open communication are essential to help everyone adapt confidently and responsibly.
The future of AI
In reality, nobody fully understands the future of AI and that includes Copilot. But we know that it is here, and like all AI companions, Copilot needs to be used cautiously. Avoiding reliance on AI is crucial to using the tools as efficiently as possible.
If you and your IT department have not yet asked ‘What is Copilot, and how does it affect my business’, we recommend you do as soon as possible and before your employees start using it ahead of you.
Copilot support from BlueRockIT
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From setup to training and ongoing support, we’ll help you get the most out of Microsoft’s new AI tools, safely and effectively.
To find out more about Copilot and your business IT security, simply get in touch and we can talk you through it.
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