During the Microsoft Inspire partner event, Microsoft disclosed the cost for its AI-driven Copilot for Microsoft 365. The contextual AI tools, which are a result of Microsoft’s collaboration with OpenAI, will be priced at $30 per user for corporate accounts. Concurrently, Microsoft is unveiling Bing Chat Enterprise, a version of the AI chatbot designed with enhanced security for managing sensitive business data.
Introduced in March, Microsoft 365 Copilot is Microsoft’s conception of future workplaces. This suite of tools, powered by GPT-4, enables users to generate Office content through natural language instructions. For instance, users can instruct PowerPoint to build a presentation from a Word document, or command Outlook to condense emails and craft responses, all via simple text commands. According to Frank X. Shaw, Microsoft’s Chief Communications Officer, “Copilot provides richer, more relevant and actionable responses to your queries by integrating responses with business data from your documents, emails, calendar, chats, meetings, contacts, and your working context.”
Microsoft initiated Copilot trials with a selected group of enterprise partners earlier in the year. The release date for all business clients has not been announced yet. However, the declaration of the pricing, $30/month, which applies to Microsoft 365 E3, E5, Business Standard, and Business Premium customers, suggests that it might be sooner than later. The company is yet to reveal pricing or availability details for individual consumers.
On the other hand, Bing Chat Enterprise, a version of the AI chatbot with enhanced security features, was released for consumers in February. Shaw acknowledged feedback from corporate clients who were keen on leveraging the new AI tools but had concerns about data protection. In response, Bing Chat Enterprise was announced to offer companies an AI-enhanced chat function with robust data protection measures.
Starting today, Bing Chat Enterprise will be available for Microsoft 365 E5, E3, Business Premium, and Business Standard customers at no extra charge. Microsoft also plans to offer this enterprise-focused chatbot as a standalone subscription for $5 “in the future.”
