Is Microsoft Copilot worth the money?

Here are five things that happened in tech this week and how they might affect your business. Did you miss anything?

1 – Copilot for Microsoft 365 Details: Increased productivity at a premium.

Preston Gralla of Computerworld provided a detailed review of Copilot for Microsoft 365. Copilot is designed to boost productivity within Microsoft 365 by integrating AI-driven assistance into various applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). Gralla tested Copilot with each application to arrive at a final recommendation on whether Copilot is essential for daily work. After reviewing features such as drafting text, generating insights from data, and automating repetitive tasks, Gralla said Copilot is a great assistant for document creation and a “powerful tool” for slide presentations. In Excel, Copilot has “limited functionality.” (Source: Computerworld)

Why this matters to your business:

Here’s a great deep dive into Copilot, which costs $30 per user per month. So what’s the bottom line? Gralla advises that you should consider limited use for now: “If you try to buy it for everyone in your company who has a Microsoft 365 subscription, it’s going to be expensive and it’s unlikely to pay for itself in productivity gains, at least for now.”

2 – One of the best tablets for business travel isn’t made by Lenovo or Apple.

Cesar Cadenas has tested Microsoft’s 11 and praised it.^Number The company rates the 2nd Gen Surface Pro as one of the best tablets for work and travel, beating out big names like Lenovo and Apple. The tablet’s versatility, performance and value are appreciated by professionals who need a portable device to be more productive. Key features of the Copilot+ PC include a 13-inch display, flex keyboard and “incredible” battery life. Cadenas praises its ability to handle multitasking, note-taking and entertainment, making it an attractive choice in the crowded tablet market. (Source: ZDNet)

Why this matters to your business:

Microsoft may not be delivering on the value of their AI offerings yet, but they’re definitely a major player in the tablet/laptop world. There are plenty of people who are fans of the Surface Pro, but the latest AI enhancements should make it even more powerful. Any business looking to equip their employees with the device should give the Surface Pro a careful look.

3 – Cybersecurity threats created by AI require human vigilance.

Given the rapid expansion of AI, it is not surprising that both cybersecurity attackers and defenders are increasingly utilizing it. The sophistication and speed with which AI analyzes data and executes attacks is a daily concern that requires human vigilance. The article highlights that over $9 trillion will be spent worldwide on fighting cybercrime. Human expertise is a key component to effectively detect and mitigate these threats. Cybersecurity professionals can proactively understand potential vulnerabilities in AI and leverage human intelligence to stay ahead of evolving cyber threats. (Source: Security Boulevard)

Why this matters to your business:

AI will make cybersecurity a bigger threat than ever before. It’s already happening. But AI tools to defend against cyberthreats can help. But at the end of the day, it’s about people. Companies need to strengthen their internal control processes and invest more in training employees so they can recognize and address potential issues.

4 – Can ChatGPT handle HR? I tested it and here are the results:

Susan Anderson of Miratech investigated ChatGPT’s capabilities in handling HR tasks. Her team ran a six-week experiment, testing ChatGPT with a range of HR-related queries and tasks, including handling employee inquiries, scheduling interviews, and providing policy information. (Source: Fast Company)

Why this matters to your business:

The results showed that ChatGPT could effectively manage simple tasks, but struggled with more complex and sensitive scenarios that required nuanced understanding and empathy. In the second phase, they built a customized AI “specially tuned” for their needs, and Anderson reported that the results were “surprisingly good.” The bottom line is that while they will improve their AI systems to handle even more complex challenges in the future, human oversight is still necessary in the HR domain.

5 – What generative AI can do today in the construction industry.

Aaron Anderson, director of innovation at California-based construction company Swinerton, spoke about how generative AI is impacting the construction industry. Describing his company as a “Microsoft shop,” Anderson spoke about Swinerton’s collaboration with Microsoft and the access to technology Swinerton is using to enhance various aspects of its operations. Enhanced design and planning, improved safety measures, and increased operational efficiency are just a few examples. AI-powered applications can streamline project management, while tools are applied to monitor construction sites in real time to ensure safety. (Source: Construction Dive)

Why this matters to your business:

Large construction companies like Swinerton have the resources to invest in custom-built in-house AI solutions, but the construction industry is made up of thousands of smaller businesses, and for these businesses to truly realize the benefits of this technology, software manufacturers that offer construction applications need to build AI capabilities into their products.