Microsoft AI: The Latest AI Tools for Microsoft Users
In the last few years, AI has impacted us massively. Even if you don’t currently use AI, it’s impacted you indirectly and in ways you don’t even know.
In 2022, we got ChatGPT, 2023, Google Bard, and in 2024, a lot of upgrades for all generative AI programs.
And without question, it’s hard to keep up with everything that’s going on. It seems like there’s a new thing every week or day.
Because of this, we wanted to break down the latest Microsoft AI tools. These tools have changed the way many individuals and businesses operate, so it may just do the same for you as well.
Latest AI Tools for Microsoft Users
The two latest (and main) AI offerings from Microsoft are Copilot and Azure. And although commonly mentioned in the same sentence, they serve different purposes.
What is Copilot
Microsoft Copilot is an AI-powered assistant that’s primarily designed to boost productivity and streamline workflows across Microsoft’s ecosystem of products and services, including Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, and Teams.
Key Features of Copilot
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Smart Document Support | Delivers real-time suggestions for improving grammar, writing style, and content creation. |
| Productivity Insights | Provides tailored tips and shortcuts based on user habits to enhance efficiency. |
| Data Analysis and Visualisation | Processes data and generates visual outputs, including charts and graphs. |
| Natural Language Processing (NLP) | Allows users to interact with the system using conversational language. |
| Simplified Administrative Tasks | Automates routine tasks such as paperwork, emails, and report generation. |
| AI-Enhanced Chat Functions | Enables intelligent chats and support within Microsoft 365 applications. |
| Advanced Language Integration | Incorporates sophisticated language models for analysis and interpretation across apps. |
| Comprehensive File Summaries | Summarises content from various file formats, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. |
| Meeting Preparation Tools | Assists users in preparing for meetings with relevant details and concise summaries. |
| Copilot Performance Analytics | Provides metrics and insights on how Copilot is being used and its impact within the organisation. |
Use Cases for Microsoft Copilot
Access Holding PLC
Access Holding PLC is a financial service group based in Nigeria that serves 56 million customers.
Since using Copilot for Microsoft 365, they have been able to reduce code-writing time from eight to two hours, launch chatbots in ten days rather than three months, and make presentations in 45 minutes instead of six hours.
This, without question, is impressive, and it just goes to show the power generative AI capabilities can have on a workforce.
Vodafone
This year, Vodafone rolled out Microsoft 365 Copilot to 68,000 employees to boost productivity, innovation, and quality.
Their plan was to integrate Copilot in most areas of the business, including customer services, sales and marketing, all the way to product development.
Since implementing Copilot, they’ve seen some impressive results. From the get-go, they’ve been able to save (on average) three hours per person per week. They’ve even stated that 90% of their users benefit from using Copilot.
Due to its success in implementing Copilot, Vodafone and Microsoft ended up signing a 10-year strategic partnership.
Campari Group
Campari Group, the owner of 50 premium drink brands, was an early adopter of Microsoft Copilot.
Since implementing the AI, they’ve reported the following findings:
- People save two hours per week on average
- 80% of users say Copilot speeds up tasks
- 81% of people report higher productivity
- 86% of employees see improved work quality
- 73% of individuals spend less mental effort on routine tasks
- 93% of people feel confident using Copilot
This is from all areas of a business; therefore, imagine what Microsoft AI can do for you personally or professionally.
What is Azure
Azure is Microsoft’s public cloud computing platform, offering a range of cloud services like storage, networking, analytics, and computing that are optimised using AI. Simply, it allows users to develop and scale new or existing applications in the public cloud at extreme efficiency.
Key Features of Azure
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Compute Services | Includes Virtual Machines, Azure Functions, and Azure Kubernetes Service for deploying and managing applications. |
| Storage Solutions | Provides Blob Storage, File Storage, Disk Storage, and Queue Storage to meet diverse data storage requirements. |
| Database Services | Offers managed relational and NoSQL databases, such as Azure SQL Database and Cosmos DB. |
| Networking | Features Virtual Network, Load Balancer, VPN Gateway, and ExpressRoute for building and managing network infrastructure. |
| AI and Machine Learning | Provides tools like Azure Cognitive Services and Azure Machine Learning to create intelligent applications. |
| IoT Solutions | Includes Azure IoT Hub for monitoring, managing, and analysing data from IoT devices and sensors. |
| Security and Compliance | Features Azure Active Directory, multi-factor authentication, and compliance certifications to ensure data security. |
| DevOps and Application Lifecycle | Delivers Azure DevOps for automating and streamlining software development processes. |
| Analytics and Big Data | Includes Azure Synapse Analytics and Azure Databricks for advanced data analysis and business insights. |
| Hybrid and Multi-cloud Support | Enables seamless integration of on-premises data centres with cloud environments for greater flexibility. |
Use Cases for Microsoft Azure
Microsoft Azure is a very versatile set of tools and services that cater to a lot of use cases, making it a preferred choice for many businesses and industries.
For hosting applications, solutions like Azure App Service, Virtual Machines, and Azure Kubernetes Service ensure scalability and deployment, whereas for big data analytics, tools like Azure Synapse Analytics and Azure Data Lake can help process large datasets to help businesses make data-driven decisions. The list goes on and on.
Azure’s AI and machine learning capabilities, however, allow them to create efficient programs and solutions for maximum impact.
Conclusion
Though Microsoft Copilot and Azure have been available for some time now, they’re constantly being updated.
And with each update, they’re getting better and better for individuals, professionals, small-to-medium-sized businesses, and enterprises.
Therefore, if any of the key features or use cases have got you thinking, “That could help me”, why not try them out?
