Answers to the Top 5 Questions about Microsoft Copilot: Is It Right for You?

When a new product arrives from Microsoft, it also comes with many questions. Do I really need this? How hard is it to integrate and learn to use? How will I find a license and implement it?

Below are the top 5 questions we found when it comes to understanding Microsoft’s Copilot.

Question 1: What Is Microsoft Copilot?

Microsoft Copilot for Microsoft 365 is an AI-driven tool that streamlines office productivity. It coordinates with large language models (LLMs) which are artificial intelligence algorithms designed for deep learning to comprehend, summarize, and create content. It also works with Microsoft Graph, a Microsoft service that organizes and provides access to data across Microsoft applications like emails and documents. And of course, it works with Microsoft 365 apps. It can handle complex tasks and understand vast amounts of text, improving its capabilities in productivity tasks within the Microsoft 365 suite. Copilot is designed to integrate with familiar Microsoft 365 apps, such as Word and PowerPoint. Touted as “your everyday AI companion,” Microsoft Copilot is built to boost your productivity and creativity while using the 365 suite of apps.

Question 2: How would my Company Use Microsoft Copilot?

Below are some simple ways that Copilot could help you and your business.

• Microsoft 365 Chat. Chat analyzes your data from emails, meetings, chats, documents, and the Internet. It uses this data to streamline tedious everyday tasks for you:

• Document Drafting in Word. Microsoft Copilot assists in creating and refining written content, facilitating the drafting of reports, letters, or articles efficiently.

• Presentation Development in PowerPoint. Copilot aids in designing engaging presentations, helping to organize content and visualize ideas effectively.

• Spreadsheet Analysis in Excel. Copilot enhances data management by assisting in expanding spreadsheets, analyzing data, and creating complex formulas.

• Email Summarization in Outlook. Workers are typically inundated with emails, and Copilot can make managing the influx of messages easier by summarizing long threads.

• Teams Call Annotation. In Microsoft Teams, Copilot can annotate or bullet point discussions, keeping track of important meeting details.

• Take Command of Microsoft Apps. Copilot can also command your Microsoft apps. For example, you can ask it to animate a slide or translate a Word document into a PowerPoint presentation. Moreover, you can teach it new skills like how to connect to your CRM to fetch specific customer data and deposit it into documents and emails.

Question 3: What Are the Security Risks?

Research shows that 16% of businesses’ critical data is overshared. In fact, the average company has 802,000 files at risk of oversharing — typically with users or groups within the company. So, is giving an AI access to all of your data safe? As with anything, your business is as safe as you make it. However, Microsoft 365 Copilot is generally considered safe to use, as it's built on Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service and has several security and privacy features including: 

• Compliance: It complies with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and European Union (EU) Data Boundary. 

• Data protection: It protects personal data through Commercial Data Protection (CDP). 

• Training: It isn't trained on user business data. 

• Content filtering: It uses responsible AI content filtering. 

• Security protections: It has multiple protections, including blocking harmful content, detecting protected material, and blocking prompt injections. 

• Encryption: It encrypts data while it's being stored and interacting with servers. 

• Data aggregators: It partners with trusted data aggregators, like Plaid and Finicity, to connect to financial institutions. 

Question 4: How can I Get Microsoft Copilot for my Business?

Microsoft Copilot is included with the licenses for:

• Microsoft 365 Business Standard or Business Premium 

• Microsoft 365 E3 or E5

• Microsoft Office 365 E3 or E5

If you don’t currently have licenses for the above products, consider contacting a license specialist.

Question 5: How hard is it to implement Copilot?

With research and time, the average business owner can implement Copilot. There are basically 7 Steps for optimizing your Microsoft 365 Copilot Deployment: 

• Improve data quality for enhanced Copilot outcomes

• Build, maintain, and automate data guardrails

• Strategically scale license assignment

• Understand user activity

• Promote best practices

• Provide employee upskilling on Microsoft 365 Copilot

• Keep executive leadership well-informed

Or you can hire an implementation specialist to take all the guessing and fear out of a new Microsoft product deployment.

This list of questions is by no means a complete list of all the concerns that the average business owner will have when it comes to introducing AI into their company. Be sure to do your research and reach out to experts who can guide you along the way.

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Debbie Breuls & Associates has implemented Microsoft solutions for businesses of all sizes and in many industries. So, if you’re looking for a partner to assess your company and help you discover which  software will help you overcome growing pains and other business challenges, we’re here to help. 

With over 41 years of experience, Debbie Breuls & Associates works with you to define critical requirements and develop the right Microsoft solutions. Imagine the possibilities that Microsoft offers with their product stack that gives you a strong, and seamlessly integrated solution. These powerful products resolve redundancy issues, poor reporting, and silos of information. Reach out to Debbie at Debbie Breuls & Associates to collaborate with our highly qualified and experienced consultants.