Microsoft is set to launch a suite of artificial intelligence tools aimed at automating various business tasks, such as sending emails and managing records. This move intensifies competition with other major players in the market, including Salesforce Inc.
Overview of Microsoft’s AI Tools
On Monday, the Redmond-based software giant announced that it will introduce 10 “autonomous agents” designed to handle tasks in sales, customer support, and accounting. These agents will be available for public preview starting in December and will continue through early 2025. Additionally, Microsoft’s Copilot Studio, which allows companies to create their own agents, will soon enable these agents to act autonomously, with a preview version set for release next month.
Jared Spataro, who oversees Microsoft’s workplace AI products, described these agents as akin to smartphone apps tailored for the AI era. Some agents will operate independently, while others will work alongside employees to complete tasks such as researching sales leads or updating customer support tickets post-call. Spataro noted, “We have just found places where people spend tons of time and tons of money… There’s high yield if we can essentially automate that.”
The AI Landscape and Competition
Microsoft’s advancements in AI are largely attributed to its partnership with OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT. Since early 2023, Microsoft has focused on enhancing software features that require user prompts, with Copilot being a notable example, already integrated into applications like Word and Outlook.
The next step involves developing tools that can execute established tasks autonomously by integrating generative AI reasoning with existing databases and software. This trend is gaining traction among other software companies like ServiceNow, Workday, HubSpot, and SAP.
Salesforce, the leading customer management software provider, recently highlighted its own AI approach at the annual Dreamforce conference, emphasizing its Agentforce tool, which can manage customer service tasks without human oversight. Salesforce’s agents are set to become generally available later this month, with an initial pricing of approximately $2 (about Rs. 168) per conversation. CEO Marc Benioff has criticized Microsoft’s efforts, expressing disappointment in how Copilot has been delivered to customers.
Pricing and Future Outlook
Microsoft has yet to announce pricing for its autonomous agents, which will be integrated into its Dynamics 365 software. The Copilot Studio, the tool for creating custom agents, is part of the Microsoft 365 Copilot package, which is priced at $30 (around Rs. 2,522) per user per month.
Spataro concluded by suggesting that competitive positioning will hinge on which companies provide products that real customers find valuable and effective. As AI tools continue to evolve, businesses will need to evaluate their effectiveness in streamlining workflows and enhancing productivity.
