Technology
Monday, October 21st, 2024 6:22 pm EDT
Key Points
Microsoft is set to expand its AI capabilities by enabling businesses to create their own autonomous AI agents starting next month through its Copilot Studio platform. At the “AI Tour” event in London, Microsoft revealed that its autonomous AI agents, initially launched in private preview in May, will now be available in public preview. These AI agents function as virtual workers, automating tasks and blending AI more seamlessly into business operations. In addition to making AI agents customizable, Microsoft plans to introduce 10 new autonomous agents for its Dynamics 365 suite, which covers areas like sales, service, finance, and supply chain management.
Microsoft’s demonstration showcased how AI agents can efficiently handle tasks, using a real-world example from McKinsey, where an AI agent managed an email inquiry by mapping the communication to industry-standard terms and automating responses. McKinsey found that using these AI agents could reduce lead times by up to 90%, illustrating the potential for significant business value.
This move comes as competition in the AI space intensifies, particularly with Salesforce’s launch of its Agentforce platform, which allows businesses to build their own AI agents. Salesforce’s U.K. CEO, Zahra Bahrololoumi, criticized Microsoft’s Copilot model for not being fully integrated into enterprise systems, arguing that it may not represent companies accurately. Despite these competitive tensions, Microsoft continues to focus on advancing its AI strategy.
In a separate announcement, Microsoft revealed a five-year partnership with the U.K. government, offering public sector organizations access to its AI tools through the Crown Commercial Service. This agreement allows public institutions to use Microsoft’s AI-powered tools, including Microsoft 365 and Azure, with a focus on embedding AI into productivity through services like Microsoft 365 Copilot. As Microsoft deepens its AI offerings, it is positioning itself as a leader in the enterprise AI market while facing stiff competition from rivals like Salesforce.
For the full original article on CNBC, please click here: https://www.cnbc.com/2024/10/21/microsoft-to-allow-autonomous-ai-agent-development-next-month.html