Microsoft Unveils Consumption-Based Pricing for Copilot Assistant
A New Era for Corporate Users
Microsoft has taken a significant step forward in popularizing generative artificial intelligence software in the workplace with the introduction of a tiered pricing model for its Copilot assistant. This move marks a shift towards making AI technology more accessible to corporate users.
Breaking Down Barriers
The new Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat option offers an alternative to the traditional Microsoft 365 Copilot, which required organizations to pay a flat fee per employee. This new approach allows companies to pay only for what they use, making it a more appealing option for those who were hesitant to commit to the full Copilot experience.
A Lower Barrier to Entry
According to Jared Spataro, Microsoft’s chief marketing officer for AI at work, Copilot Chat can serve as an on-ramp to Microsoft 365 Copilot, providing a more affordable entry point for organizations. This move is expected to drive adoption and increase the use of AI technology in the workplace.
What Can Copilot Chat Do?
Copilot Chat boasts an impressive range of features, including the ability to fetch information from the web, summarize text in uploaded documents, and create agents that perform tasks in the background. It can also enrich answers with information from customers’ files and third-party sources.
Availability and Pricing
Copilot Chat is available starting today in the Microsoft 365 Copilot app for Windows, Android, and iOS, as well as on the web at m365copilot.com. Pricing is based on the number of “messages” used, with each message costing a penny. Responses that draw on proprietary files cost 30 “messages” each, and every action taken by an agent costs 25 “messages.”
A Competitive Edge
In comparison, Salesforce’s Agentforce AI chat service charges $2 per conversation. Microsoft’s pricing model is designed to be more flexible and cost-effective, making it an attractive option for businesses of all sizes.
Growing Adoption
Despite initial reservations, the number of people using Microsoft 365 Copilot daily has more than doubled quarter over quarter. Major companies like UBS and Accenture have already committed to using the tool, with 50,000 and 200,000 licenses respectively.
The Future of AI in the Workplace
Microsoft’s move towards consumption-based pricing is a significant step forward in making AI technology more accessible and affordable for corporate users. As the use of AI continues to grow, it will be interesting to see how this new pricing model impacts adoption and drives innovation in the workplace.
Leave a Reply