Since a year ago, generative artificial intelligence (AI) has been making headlines, particularly thanks to ChatGPT. This innovation is beginning to make its way into the most widely used software suite in the world, both for businesses and individuals. Microsoft has indeed integrated generative AI features for text and images into several of its suite’s software, such as Word, Teams, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
A visionary strategy for increasingly efficient use
Stéphane Roder, CEO of Al Builders, a consulting firm in AI for CAC 40 companies, believes that this integration of ChatGPT represents a visionary approach: “users will thus be able to change their habits while continuing to use the software they already know.” Initially offered to large companies for a monthly cost of €30 per user in addition to a premium subscription to Microsoft 365, this service could be extended to a broader audience if its effectiveness is confirmed.
Revolutionary possibilities for professionals
Naturally asking questions of documents or finding precise answers within scattered data in a company are some of the advantages highlighted by Nicolas Gaudemet, executive director in charge of AI at Onepoint. In Excel, for example, generative AI tools will be able to scan the cells of the spreadsheet to create charts based on key data. Similarly, PowerPoint presentations will be enriched with customized slides featuring the company’s font and logo, as well as your writing style and various levels of visuals.
Saving time and simplifying complex tasks
“The impact will be real on time-consuming and tedious tasks such as meeting minutes, document summaries, or contracts,” specifies Mr. Gaudemet. Artificial intelligence could also facilitate the generation of standardized emails. For his part, Stéphane Roder adds: “With a single request or prompt, Copilot’s AI can summarize the last five emails exchanged with a client; this will enhance efficiency as it performs tasks to which we no longer have time to dedicate.” The promise is therefore enticing, and the technology seems to already convince its first users; the question remains whether it will deliver on all its promises in the long term.
The rise of AI in the professional world:
Ethical and practical questions
While the introduction of ChatGPT technology into Microsoft software raises questions about its overall impact on the professional world, other ethical and practical concerns are quick to emerge. Advocates for data protection and privacy are indeed worried about the use that might be made of the information collected by generative artificial intelligence.
The economic stakes for Microsoft and its competitors
Some experts believe that if this new offering remains limited to large corporations, it is still a bold choice for a company like Microsoft. The success or failure of this software integration could have consequences beyond the company led by Satya Nadella: it also affects competing office software developers, such as Google Docs or LibreOffice. The race for innovation is therefore in full swing, and all players will need to double their efforts to maintain their position in this demanding and ultra-competitive market.
The software suite boosted by artificial intelligence, a bright future?
In summary, the integration of ChatGPT into Microsoft software marks a true revolution in the world of office automation. Professionals and individuals can now take advantage of the significant advancements offered by generative AI to work more efficiently, save their time, and compete with rivals. However, these potential technological advancements raise major ethical and practical concerns that must be addressed as this industry evolves.
