Microsoft Banks on Copilot Agents in ‘AI-Powered World’ [Video]

Microsoft (MSFT) is launching artificial intelligence (AI)—driven “autonomous agents” for its Copilot AI assistant software, the company announced Monday in a move seemingly designed to compete with Salesforce (CRM) in customer management software.

Customers can utilize agents that range in capability “from simple prompt-and-response to fully autonomous” working for a team and performing tasks like sending emails and handling employee onboarding. Microsoft announced in May the ability to create agents using Copilot Studio. It will be previewed publicly next month, said Microsoft.

Copilot, which utilizes large language models (LLMs), is trained using the workplace data for that specified client, according to a 2023 company blog post. The latest agents function “as the new apps for an AI-powered world,” Microsoft said.

The tech titan is also rolling out 10 pre-designed agents, including some designed for prioritizing high-potential sales leads, communicating with suppliers, and managing customer service interactions. 

Shares of Microsoft …