AI is going to become a game-changer in the workplace, says leading Cheltenham tech firm

Over the coming years, artificial intelligence is going to become a big part of our lives, whether at work or home. And with tech companies already releasing AI software claiming to help make our working lives easier and more efficient, this new era is well on its way, with early adopters already singing its praises.

SoGlos spoke to the tech experts at Cheltenham-headquartered ReformIT, to find out all about AI programs ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot and how they can be a game-changing assist to businesses.

Can you sum up how the AI programs ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot work?

ChatGPT is a language model developed by OpenAI, designed for generating human-like text based on input prompts. It excels at understanding context and producing relevant, coherent responses, making it ideal for conversational applications, content creation and information retrieval. 

Microsoft Copilot is an AI-powered assistant integrated into Microsoft 365 apps like Word, Excel and Outlook. It helps users by providing suggestions, automating repetitive tasks and enhancing productivity through intelligent insights. Copilot leverages AI to streamline workflows and assist with document creation, data analysis and email management. 

They sound like really useful programs. What do they both do best?

ChatGPT generates coherent and contextually appropriate text; it also engages in conversational exchanges and answers queries in a detailed and human-like manner.

Microsoft Copilot assists with document creation and editing in Microsoft 365 apps; it automates repetitive tasks, providing smart suggestions and enhancing productivity with data analysis and email management.

And what are the key differences between the two?

Where ChatGPT is a general-purpose language model focused on text generation and conversation, Microsoft Copilot is specifically integrated into Microsoft 365 to enhance productivity and streamline workflows. 

Functionality wise, ChatGPT excels in generating human-like text and engaging in conversations, whereas Microsoft Copilot is designed to assist with tasks within Microsoft 365 apps, such as writing, data analysis and email management.

And in terms of data accessibility, data input into ChatGPT can be used by anyone who interacts with the model, making it broadly accessible. In contrast, Microsoft Copilot is integrated within Microsoft 365, so it uses data from within a specific user’s account and organisation, ensuring a more controlled and secure environment. 

What are the pros and cons for each application? 

For ChatGPT, its pros are that it's highly effective at generating human-like text; it's versatile in a wide range of conversational applications; and it continuously improves with more data and fine-tuning. On the downside, presently, it is limited to text-based tasks; it can sometimes produce contextually inappropriate or incorrect responses; and it requires careful monitoring to avoid generating misleading information. 

With Microsoft Copilot, its pluses are that it seamlessly integrates with Microsoft 365 apps; enhances productivity by automating repetitive tasks and providing intelligent insights; and it's tailored to assist with specific tasks like document creation, data analysis and email management. 

Whereas cons include that it is limited to the Microsoft 365 ecosystem; it may require a learning curve for users to fully utilise its features; and being able to access it depends on the user having a Microsoft 365 subscription. 

How can they help a business or an individual? 

For businesses, ChatGPT can enhance customer service through chatbots and it can automate content creation and assist in drafting communications. Whereas for the individual user, ChatGPT provides instant information, can assist with writing tasks and offers engaging conversational experiences. 

Should we be incorporating them into working lives anytime soon? 

Absolutely! Both ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot offer substantial benefits that can enhance productivity, efficiency and user experience. ChatGPT can be a valuable tool for businesses looking to improve customer engagement and automate communication, while Microsoft Copilot can greatly enhance productivity within the Microsoft 365 ecosystem. 

However, as we incorporate these technologies, it's crucial to prioritise security and data protection to ensure user privacy and compliance with regulations. By leveraging these tools responsibly, we can drive innovation and efficiency in our personal and professional lives. 

How do we go about making sure our data is safe and secure when using these AI applications?

They both have enhanced security protection for users' data. ChatGPT's developer, OpenAI, implements robust security measures to protect data, including encryption and secure access protocols. OpenAI is committed to protecting user privacy and adheres to strict data usage policies. User interactions can be anonymised and personal data protection is prioritised. However, data input into ChatGPT is generally accessible to anyone using the model, which might raise privacy concerns. 

While Microsoft Copilot uses advanced security measures, including encryption, multi-factor authentication and compliance with industry standards like GDPR and CCPA. Microsoft also ensures that user data is protected through stringent privacy policies. Copilot leverages user data to provide personalised assistance while maintaining privacy and compliance with data protection regulations. Data used by Copilot is confined to the Microsoft 365 environment, providing a more controlled and secure setting.

For help setting your business up with AI software and guidance on how to use it, visit ReformIT at reformIT.co.uk.