Microsoft is bringing the power of AI agents to enterprise users with its new Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat program. This offering provides pay-as-you-go access to specialized generative models capable of automating repetitive daily tasks, adding significant value to the existing free chat experience for Microsoft 365 commercial customers.
The Copilot logo
This “free plus metered agent usage” model grants access to many features found in the premium Microsoft 365 Copilot enterprise program (priced at $30 per user per month). These include a GPT-4 powered chatbot, Copilot Pages, file upload capabilities, image and code generation, robust enterprise data protection, and access to Copilot Studio. Copilot Studio empowers both individual users and IT departments to create custom AI agents tailored to specific needs. It’s important to note that the free Chat program does not include access to the full Copilot personal assistant, which integrates AI capabilities into other Microsoft 365 apps like Word, Outlook, and Excel.
Streamlining Workflows with AI Agents
Microsoft envisions these AI agents revolutionizing various workflows. Customer service representatives could utilize them to quickly access and present pertinent account details before customer meetings. Field service agents could leverage AI agents to retrieve step-by-step instructions and real-time product knowledge, enhancing efficiency and effectiveness in the field.
The Rise of AI Agents
A table showing different Copilot 365 tiers and features.
Leading AI companies are increasingly focusing on AI agents as the next significant advancement in generative AI. This shift comes as they face diminishing returns on performance despite massive investments in computing power, energy, and cooling resources for large language models. AI agents offer a more lightweight and efficient solution for handling simple, repetitive tasks, addressing the practical needs of modern office work. This focus on tangible benefits aligns with investor demands for demonstrable value beyond mere technological showcases. 2025 is poised to be a pivotal year for AI agent adoption.
The Expanding AI Agent Landscape
Anthropic paved the way with its Computer Use API, enabling AI to interact with computers like a human user, using keyboard and mouse inputs. OpenAI, with significant investment from Microsoft, is reportedly planning to release its own agent technology through its developer API, building on its initial foray into AI agents with ChatGPT Tasks.
Google, while previously rumored to be launching its “Project Jarvis” agent, has recently announced a partnership with Mercedes-Benz. This collaboration will integrate Google’s automotive AI agent into the next generation of MBUX navigation and entertainment systems, beginning with the Mercedes CLA later this year. This move signifies the growing integration of AI agents into diverse industries.
The Future of Automation
Microsoft’s introduction of pay-as-you-go AI agents through Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat represents a significant step towards democratizing access to this powerful technology. This approach offers businesses a flexible and cost-effective way to explore the potential of AI agents in streamlining workflows and boosting productivity. The continued development and integration of AI agents across various platforms and industries promise a future of enhanced automation and efficiency.
