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ChatGPT vs. Microsoft 365 Copilot – what fits your organisation?

AI tools are becoming indispensable for increasing productivity and efficiency in the workplace, especially Large Language Models (LLMs), which serve as interactive AI chat tools. These tools are essentially AI chat tools, where you can talk to an AI that helps you with anything you ask it to do. The most popular of these tools are ChatGPT from OpenAI and Copilot for 365 from Microsoft.

While both tools have similarities, there are also clear differences within working environments. It is crucial for IT leaders to understand these differences so that they can make informed decisions for their organisation and ensure that the most appropriate tools are used. In this blog, we will give you more information on the difference between Copilot and ChatGPT to make an informed decision.

First, a little more about ChatGPT

What is ChatGPT?

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 the way that AI would be used around the world for years to come. Simply put, it is a state-of-the-art language model designed to generate human-like text based on the input it receives.

With its ability to comprehend context and provide coherent responses, ChatGPT excels in conversational applications. It can be integrated into chatbots, virtual assistants, and other automated systems to enhance user experiences. Its versatility makes it a valuable tool for brainstorming ideas, drafting emails, and even coding assistance.

How does ChatGPT work?

At its core, ChatGPT utilises machine learning techniques to understand and generate language. It has been trained on a diverse range of internet text, enabling it to generate coherent and contextually relevant responses.

The current version of ChatGPT — GPT 4.0 — is the latest version of GPT, and it’s able to create content that is indistinguishable from human-written text. Compared to past versions of GPT, GPT 4.0 is not only more knowledgeable but is better at using your prompts to find the information you want. On top of this, GPT 4.0 has more recent training data — whereas past versions of GPT 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.

Exploring Copilot for Microsoft 365

What is Copilot for Microsoft 365?

Copilot for Microsoft 365 is essentially Microsoft’s own version of ChatGPT. After backing OpenAI in 2023, Microsoft set out to integrate GPT into its own tools. Copilot for Microsoft 365 is tailor-made for businesses within the Microsoft 365 ecosystem to be able to take advantage of the power of AI in their business.

It uses organisational data to enhance productivity across various applications such as Word, Excel, and Outlook. For instance, in Excel, Copilot can suggest formulas, highlight patterns, and even automate data entry tasks. In Word, it assists with grammar corrections, content suggestions, and formatting. It’s also available within every Microsoft 365 application, meaning that you don’t have to open another app or website to access your virtual assistant.

Key similarities between ChatGPT vs Microsoft 365 Copilot

Powered by OpenAI

Both ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot are powered by OpenAI’s GPT, meaning that the underlying technology that powers one also powers the other. This means you use the same AI for both, so the choice between the two has much more to do with the other features than the quality of the AI.

Natural language processing

Both interfaces allow natural language interaction, making it easy to ask questions and receive answers, which is part of the simplicity of AI LLMs. Both offer context-aware suggestions based on user input.

The art of asking

Both applications rely on prompting: you need to create a prompt to make sure your answer is exactly what you want from the LLM. This is an important part of using LLMs because the art of prompting is a skill that allows you to get the most out of it.

Key differences between ChatGPT vs Microsoft 365 Copilot

Primary functionality

ChatGPT focuses mainly on conversational applications and text generation. Its strength lies in engaging users in natural language conversations, making it ideal for chatbots, virtual assistants and content creation. On the other hand, Copilot is designed to improve productivity within the Microsoft 365 suite. Its core functionality revolves around providing intelligent suggestions, automating tasks and providing data-driven insights to improve efficiency.

Integration depth

ChatGPT can be integrated across platforms, but Copilot’s deep integration within the Microsoft 365 suite offers a more seamless user experience. Copilot’s ability to predict user actions and make context-specific recommendations is tightly linked to Microsoft 365 applications, making it a more comprehensive productivity assistant for users already working within the Microsoft ecosystem.

User interface

Copilot’s user interface is designed to integrate seamlessly with Microsoft 365 apps and offers features such as sidebar assistance and suggestions as a rule, while ChatGPT typically works in a more generic chat interface, but developers can use the API to customise the interface to their specific needs.

Data security and compliance

One big difference between ChatGPT and Copilot is that ChatGPT uses public data to train its AI, meaning that any data you put into the programme is used to train the LLM. Copilot, on the other hand, offers you a private implementation of GPT, meaning your data is protected. With Copilot, you also benefit from organisational access control, so that only authorised users can access sensitive information. ChatGPT lacks the strict compliance certifications offered by Microsoft, such as GDPR and ISO 27001, providing additional assurance for businesses concerned about data security.

Pricing models / subscriptions

ChatGPT usually offers a free tier with limited access, while a subscription plan, known as ChatGPT Plus, offers enhanced features and faster response times for a monthly fee. Copilot is integrated into Microsoft 365 applications and is generally available as part of Microsoft 365 subscriptions, the price of which varies based on service level and features. Organisations may have to pay for additional licences, depending on their size and needs.

Summary

AI tools like ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot have significantly changed the way we work, and while both offer significant benefits, they respond to different needs and environments. the scope of AI applications you have in mind and existing tools and workflows. ChatGPT excels in conversational applications, making it an ideal option for content creation and chatbots. However, for IT leaders focused on productivity, Microsoft Copilot emerges as a strong contender. Its seamless integration within the Microsoft 365 suite provides robust support for automation and data-driven insights, alongside superior cyber security measures with private GPT. Despite these advances, navigating the AI landscape remains complex. If you would like to discuss the possibilities of applying AI for your organisation, please contact us.

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