Insights
Insights
Artificial intelligence has been one of the headline technologies of the last few years. After all, it can do almost anything required and constantly evolves to be more refined. One of the most popular ways artificial intelligence is used is by using large language models (LLMs).
These are essentially AI chat tools, where you can talk to an AI who will help you with whatever you prompt. OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Microsoft’s Copilot for 365 are the most popular tools.
While these two tools are similar, they also have differences that are very apparent in the workplace. In this article, we’ll discuss the differences and similarities between ChatGPT and Copilot for Microsoft 365. We’ll examine both tools and how they compare to one another.
ChatGPT, developed by OpenAI, was released in November 2022 and took the world by storm. The first widely available Large Language Model (LLM), ChatGPT, was revolutionary and defined how AI would be used worldwide for years to come.
What does this mean? ChatGPT was the first tool released, you type in a prompt and get a response.
The current version of ChatGPT, GPT 4.0, is the latest version of GPT, and it can create indistinguishable content from human-written text. Compared to past versions of GPT, GPT 4.0 is more knowledgeable and better at using prompts to find the information you want.
In addition, GPT 4.0 has more recent training data. Unlike past versions of GPT, which had a training data cutoff of 2021, GPT 4.0 has a cutoff date of April 2023, meaning that it’s aware of events up to April 2023.
Copilot for Microsoft 365 is essentially Microsoft’s version of ChatGPT. After backing OpenAI in 2023, Microsoft set out to integrate GPT into its tools.
The application takes the concept of ChatGPT to new heights. Instead of being a large language model, Copilot for Microsoft 365 is designed to enhance its capabilities. Moreover, Copilot uses organisational data to do more than give information. It works with your data to create documents, analyse spreadsheets and emails, and more.
Essentially, Copilot for Microsoft 365 is tailor-made for businesses within the Microsoft 365 ecosystem to take advantage of the power of AI in their business. Copilot is designed with businesses in mind, with options for enterprise rather than just being a tool for anyone to access.
In addition, Copilot for Microsoft 365 is available within every Microsoft 365 application, meaning that you don’t have to open another app or website to access your virtual assistant.
ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot are powered by OpenAI’s GPT, meaning that the underlying tech that powers one also powers the other. This means you’re using the same AI for both, meaning the decision between the two has much more to do with the different features provided than the AI quality.
The user experience of both tools is nearly identical. It’s the same concept of entering a prompt into a box and receiving a response, which is part of the simplicity of AI LLMs.
Both Copilot and ChatGPT have pretty much identical user interfaces, too, meaning that there will be no massive differences between them.
Both applications rely on prompting, creating a prompt to ensure that your response is exactly what you want from the LLM. This is a vital part of using LLMs, as the art of prompting is a skill that helps you get the most out of them.
The biggest draw of Copilot is how it integrates with Microsoft 365. You have a tool that can do anything with your existing Microsoft 365 applications. Several features integrate with applications like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc., using your organisational data.
A significant difference between ChatGPT and Copilot is that ChatGPT uses public data to train its AI, meaning that any data you put into the program will be used to train the LLM. Conversely, Copilot lets you have a private implementation of GPT, meaning your information is protected.
As Copilot uses organisational data, you can easily tailor it to work for you. ChatGPT is far less customisable as it is simply an online tool. You can use Copilot to edit things throughout your business and fuel your LLM with relevant data.
In addition, Copilot is scalable within your organisation, meaning that you can easily adjust how much you pay for Copilot throughout your business. ChatGPT is a fixed subscription per user, making it far more difficult to scale up, as you’d need to set up a lot of different ChatGPT accounts to be able to use ChatGPT premium.
Artificial intelligence is a vital part of the modern business world. Taking advantage of LLMs to empower your business with artificial intelligence is also vital and can change how your business works in several ways.
ChatGPT and Copilot for Microsoft 365 are both massive players in the AI world, but they have key differences that set them apart. Ultimately, Microsoft’s offering is far better for businesses.
If you’re looking to start with Microsoft 365 but don’t know where to begin, contact us today. We’re here to help and will ensure you have everything you need to get started with AI in your business.
Get in touch with us now and see how we can help.