Microsoft 365 and Copilot: An easy introduction to AI

Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer just a topic for the future, not even for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). More and more organisations want to use AI to ease the workload on staff, speed up processes and work more productively. But questions often arise, such as: Is it worth getting started? Which solution is the right one? And how complex is the implementation process?

Microsoft is now providing a simpler answer to these questions. With the new Microsoft 365 Business Standard with Copilot and Microsoft 365 Business Premium with Copilot bundles, AI is becoming an integral part of modern workplace solutions. Small and medium-sized enterprises get Microsoft 365 and Microsoft 365 Copilot Business in a single package – simpler, more transparent and offering better value for money than separate licensing.

As a long-standing Microsoft Solutions Partner, Telekom can help you choose the right Microsoft 365 package and successfully integrate Microsoft 365 Copilot Business successfully into your day-to-day work.

Whilst large companies have been experimenting with and using AI for some time now, many SMEs are wondering how they can make effective use of the technology. The good news is that AI needn’t be complicated, nor does it have to involve significant investment.

With the new Microsoft 365 bundles, Microsoft is significantly lowering the barrier to entry. Copilot is no longer treated as an additional licence, but is included directly in selected Microsoft 365 plans. This makes AI a natural part of day-to-day work – specifically within the applications that employees already use today: Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and many more.

For businesses, this means that, rather than having to grapple with various licensing models at the outset, they can focus on the key question: How can AI be used effectively to make day-to-day work more efficient?

In small and medium-sized enterprises in particular, staff often take on a wide range of tasks. Time is therefore one of the most valuable resources. Microsoft 365 Copilot provides support directly within the familiar Microsoft 365 applications and helps, amongst other things, to

• Writing and summarising emails more quickly,
• To automatically follow up on meetings,
• Creating presentations efficiently,
• Extensive Analysing Excel data,
• To draft or revise documents,
• Find information from emails, chats and files more quickly.

This reduces the number of repetitive tasks, leaving staff with more time for projects, clients and strategic tasks.

With the new bundles, there are now two solutions available, each designed to meet different business needs.

Many organisations have so far wondered whether an additional Copilot licence is worth it. The new Microsoft 365 bundles make this decision easier: Microsoft 365 and Copilot are combined into a single solution. This simplifies licensing, reduces complexity and, at the same time, offers an attractive price advantage compared to purchasing them separately. Furthermore, the bundles are available on a permanent basis, thereby providing businesses with greater planning certainty.

The right licence is a key component, but the successful implementation of AI depends on a combination of various factors. These include, amongst others:

• A modern Microsoft 365 environment,
• A well-thought-out security and authorisation strategy,
• Data Protection and Compliance,
• Qualified staff,
• As well as a clear strategy for the introduction and use of AI.

The new Microsoft 365 bundles featuring Copilot make it easier than ever for small and medium-sized businesses to get started with artificial intelligence. Organisations receive an integrated solution that combines tried-and-tested Microsoft 365 applications with powerful AI support – for greater productivity, more efficient collaboration and, depending on the package, comprehensive security and management features.

This means that AI does not become just another project, but an integral part of the digital workplace. Staff can complete routine tasks more quickly, find information more easily and focus more on value-adding activities.

However, the successful deployment of AI does not begin with the right licence alone. What is crucial is a holistic strategy encompassing technology, security, data protection and targeted employee training. As a Microsoft Solutions Partner, Telekom supports businesses in selecting the right Microsoft 365 package, safely implementing Copilot and harnessing the potential of AI in the long term. Please contact your personal Telekom account manager or get in touch with us without obligation using this form!

The blog editorial team regularly reports on the latest news from Telekom’s Microsoft portfolio – from new products and price changes to relevant updates for business customers. We keep you up to date and provide practical insights into the world of Microsoft and Telekom.