Microsoft 365 Copilot
Source: YouTube
What is Microsoft Copilot?
Microsoft Copilot is an innovative AI-powered feature that integrates with various Microsoft applications and services to simplify work processes, boost creative ideas and increase productivity. Thanks to the integration of advanced AI models such as OpenAI's GPT and the Microsoft Azure AI infrastructure, Copilot can work seamlessly with user and company data to provide intelligent and contextualised support. A key component of Microsoft Copilot is its deep integration with Microsoft 365 programmes, including:
- Word
- Excel
- Powerpoint
- Outlook and
- Teams
In Word, for example, Copilot helps to create, reformulate or improve texts, while in Excel it analyses data, uncovers trends and automates complex calculations. In PowerPoint, it offers layout and design suggestions and helps to quickly create convincing presentations. Using Microsoft Graph, Copilot can also incorporate data from calendars, emails and files to make relevant suggestions and personalise the workflow. Copilot is also used in Dynamics 365, where it makes business processes such as customer support, marketing campaigns and sales analyses more efficient.
Examples of use
Text generation in Word:
Example: A user can ask Copilot: ‘Create an introduction for a report on sustainable energy.’ Copilot then generates a suitable draft that is customised to the user's writing style.
Data analysis in Excel:
Example: A team leader wants to know which products had the highest sales figures in the last quarter. Copilot can analyse the relevant data and create a clear table with the most important trends and charts.
Presentation creation in PowerPoint:
Example: A user gives Copilot the instruction: ‘Create a five-page presentation about the benefits of working from home.’ Copilot suggests appealing slide layouts, texts and images.
Email summary in Outlook:
Example: After a long holiday, Copilot summarises all important emails and highlights the most urgent items so that the user is quickly brought up to date.
Meeting summaries in teams:
Example: A user can ask Copilot at the end of a meeting: ‘Create a summary of the discussion and the agreed next steps.’ Copilot then creates a concise protoco
Data protection at Microsoft Copilot
Data protection is a central aspect in the implementation of Microsoft Copilot, as the system works with sensitive data such as documents, emails, calendars and business information. Microsoft has developed clear guidelines and technologies to ensure the privacy and security of users' data.
Data processing and storage:
Microsoft Copilot accesses data from Microsoft Graph, e.g. from emails, documents or calendars. This data is processed locally or in secure cloud environments.
User data is not used to train the underlying AI models. This means that no personal or company data flows back into the AI model.
Control over data:
- Users and organisations retain full control over their data. Microsoft Copilot only uses the data that the user explicitly authorises.
- Companies can use Microsoft 365 admin tools to define which Copilot functions are accessible and which data may be processed
Security standards:
Microsoft uses state-of-the-art encryption technologies to protect data during transmission and storage.
The services comply with global data protection standards, including the European Union's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
Transparency:
Microsoft provides clear information about how Copilot handles data. Users can understand which data is used and how it is processed.
Regular audits and reports ensure that data protection guidelines are adhered to.
Localisation of data:
Companies can specify that their data is processed within certain geographical regions (e.g. EU data centres) in order to meet regional data protection requirements.
Customisation by companies:
Organisations can configure Copilot so that only certain data sources are used, which further increases security.
Sensitive data can be excluded by policies to prevent it from being used for AI-generated content.
Discover the future of work with Microsoft Copilot!
As a certified Microsoft partner, we support you with the seamless integration of Copilot into your working environment. Benefit from our expertise to increase your team's productivity, automate routine tasks and establish innovative work processes. Whether in Word, Excel, PowerPoint or Teams, we can help you realise the full potential of Microsoft Copilot while meeting your security requirements. Contact us today for a no-obligation consultation and take your organisation to the next level!