Microsoft has unveiled a new program called Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat, introducing a “pay-as-you-go” model for enterprise users to access AI agents. These generative AI tools are designed to independently perform repetitive tasks, streamlining workflows and enhancing productivity in the workplace. The announcement, made on Wednesday, marks Microsoft’s latest step in integrating AI into its suite of enterprise tools.
The new offering provides businesses with access to AI agents that specialize in automating daily tasks while requiring minimal manual input. Microsoft described the program as a “free plus metered agent usage” model, giving commercial customers access to a range of capabilities without the commitment of a fixed subscription fee. This move complements the existing $30-per-user-per-month Microsoft 365 Copilot plan, offering flexibility for organizations to scale their AI usage based on specific needs.
The free version of Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat includes features such as chatbot capabilities powered by GPT-4o, Copilot Pages, file uploads, image and code generation, and enterprise-grade data protection. Users can also utilize Copilot Studio to create customized AI agents for their unique business requirements. However, unlike the paid Copilot subscription, the free plan does not integrate the AI’s functionalities directly into other Microsoft applications like Word, Excel, and Outlook.
Microsoft’s announcement highlighted potential use cases for the AI agents, such as assisting customer service representatives by providing account details ahead of meetings or enabling field service agents to access real-time product knowledge and step-by-step instructions. These AI agents are specifically designed to handle simple, repetitive tasks with greater efficiency than the larger language models they originate from, making them a practical solution for modern office environments.
“Pay-as-you-go AI agents are a game-changer for enterprises looking to leverage the power of generative AI without overcommitting resources,” Microsoft stated in its announcement post. “We envision these agents as tools to alleviate the mundane aspects of work, allowing employees to focus on more meaningful tasks.”
The introduction of AI agents aligns with a broader industry trend where leading technology companies are pivoting towards specialized AI tools. As the development of massive AI models begins to yield diminishing returns, companies are turning their attention to creating lightweight, task-specific agents. These tools are cost-effective, energy-efficient, and tailored to deliver tangible value to users, addressing a growing demand for practical AI applications.
Microsoft’s move follows similar initiatives by other tech giants. Anthropic launched its Claude Computer Use API in November, enabling AI to simulate human actions via a computer’s keyboard and mouse. OpenAI, in which Microsoft is a major investor, recently introduced ChatGPT Tasks as a step toward deploying AI agents. Google also made headlines this week by partnering with Mercedes-Benz to integrate its automotive AI agent into the next generation of MBUX navigation systems, starting with the Mercedes CLA.
As the competition in the AI sector intensifies, Microsoft’s “pay-as-you-go” model positions the company as a key player in the race to popularize AI agents. This approach offers businesses an accessible entry point to experiment with AI-driven solutions while scaling up based on their evolving needs. By focusing on practical applications and user customization, Microsoft aims to meet the demands of enterprises seeking to enhance efficiency without compromising on cost-effectiveness.
Looking ahead, 2025 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for the adoption of AI agents across industries. With the introduction of tools like Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat, companies now have more options than ever to harness the power of AI for everyday business operations. As technology matures and adoption grows, AI agents could redefine how organizations approach productivity and innovation in the workplace.