Microsoft is now offering its Copilot virtual assistant to small businesses through its productivity apps. This move aims to expose more customers to generative artificial intelligence, specifically OpenAI’s ChatGPT chatbot. By expanding access, Microsoft hopes to cover the costs of building data center infrastructure for AI. Despite competition from Amazon and Google, investors are confident in Microsoft’s ability to capitalize on the demand for generative AI in various sectors. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella has emphasized the company’s focus on AI, stating that they are the “Copilot company.” Copilot was initially available to large companies and educational institutions, but now small businesses can subscribe to it as well. The cost is $30 per person per month for up to 299 licenses. Microsoft has also removed the 300-seat minimum for commercial plans and extended Copilot’s use to Office 365 E3 or E5 subscribers. Previously, individuals could access Copilot for free through Bing search and copilot.microsoft.com, but now it can be used in Word, Excel, Outlook, and other apps for a fee. The new Copilot Pro add-on, priced at $20 per person per month, offers priority access to the latest models and the ability to switch between models and design custom chatbots.
