Microsoft Copilot: How to choose the right plan for you

If you work in the professional services industry, you’ve probably heard of Microsoft Copilot; a ground-breaking Artificial Intelligence (AI) tool designed to revolutionise the way we work in the digital era.

By integrating leading AI into your existing Microsoft 365 apps like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Teams, Microsoft Copilot is quickly becoming an indispensable work companion for all those who adopt it.

Whether you’re looking to join the ranks of early Copilot adopters, or you would just like to learn more about its capabilities we’re here to help you.

In this article, we’ll break down the various types of Microsoft Copilot plans and price ranges to help you make a fully informed decision.

But first, let’s consider how Microsoft Copilot works in practice.

How does Microsoft Copilot work?

Microsoft Copilot seamlessly integrates the power of large language models (LLMs) within your existing Microsoft apps. It analyses your data, including documents, emails, and meetings, to generate accurate, contextually relevant responses according to the directed function or prompt that you provide.

By understanding and acting on natural language prompts, Copilot assists in various tasks across Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams and more to drive productivity and innovation in the workplace.

Plus, with continuous learning capabilities, the technology adapts to users’ needs as it develops, driving productivity and innovation in the workplace for the long term.

What are the benefits of Microsoft Copilot?

Individuals or businesses that adopt Microsoft Copilot can expect to enjoy several direct benefits, which include:

• Greater employee capacity, enabling them to accomplish tasks more efficiently
• Improved creative processes from generating drafts to streamlining output
• A more productive workplace where users can expedite processes and workflow
• The ability to customise Copilot to meet their specific needs

Copilot Free vs Copilot Pro

Microsoft Copilot is available in two fundamental versions, each with a separate price range: Microsoft Copilot Free and Microsoft Copilot Pro.

On one hand, the free version of Copilot offers foundational LLM capabilities and commercial data protection and can be accessed by Copilot in their web browser of choice. However, Copilot Free does lack integration with Microsoft apps like Word and PowerPoint.

Upgrading to Microsoft Copilot Pro on the other hand, which is priced at AUD $33 per month, speeds up AI response time and unlocks the AI features within a select few Microsoft Office apps such as PowerPoint, Word, and Outlook, though, only for personal use.

If you frequently use Office apps, the Pro subscription is recommended as it is a great way to enhance your work and it has the potential for many future feature additions.

Copilot for Microsoft 365

If you’re eager to integrate Microsoft Copilot into your entire Microsoft suite, consider Microsoft Copilot for Microsoft 365.

Priced at AUD $44.90 per month, the fundamental uplift that this version offers is connection and integration with your company’s existing 365 tenancy for access to all information within your business apps including Outlook, Teams, SharePoint, Word, Excel, PowerPoint etc.

As such, a subscription to Microsoft 365 Business Standard or Business Premium is required in advance.

Another notable feature of this version is its enterprise-grade security, privacy and compliance features which protect your business in an increasingly cyber insecure age.

Copilot for Microsoft 365 vs ChatGPT

Co-pilot for 365 offers seamless integration with Office 365 applications and adheres to stringent security and compliance standards, making it an ideal choice for businesses embedded in the Microsoft ecosystem.

In contrast, while ChatGPT is versatile, it requires additional development for integration and custom security measures, potentially complicating its use for those with strict data protection needs.

However, there’s one key factor to remember

Unlike other versions, Microsoft Copilot for Microsoft 365 isn’t a ‘plug and play’ solution.

To truly get the most out of its advanced functions and ensure an adequate return on investment, your business needs to take a measured approach to rolling out and implementing the software.

This is especially the case when it comes to the privacy and security implications for your business. While the platform’s security capabilities are robust, they are customisable to some degree and also rely on a set of best practices that must be adhered to so as not to make private or secure data accessible.

This is where a trusted partner can help.

If you still have questions, or you’re ready to start your Copilot journey…

Centrix can help businesses adopt Microsoft Copilot to improve their processes and productivity.

Our team at Centrix is always ready – we help small businesses up to large corporate organisations succeed by managing, supporting and protecting critical IT infrastructure including Microsoft Copilot.

Backed by our extensive knowledge and expertise, Centrix is here to support your organisation with comprehensive AI tools and solutions, as well as IT Connectivity and Collaboration Service Packages, Cloud IT, Cybersecurity Protection, Managed IT Services and other IT Solutions.

We also offer specific guidance around Microsoft Copilot and would love to help you find the right plan for you or your business.

To learn more, contact us today.