Microsoft has announced plans to expand its AI capabilities by rolling out new autonomous agents next month.
These agents will be accessible through Microsoft’s Copilot Studio, allowing businesses to create and deploy their own customized AI assistants.
This move aims to strengthen Microsoft’s foothold in the competitive AI space, especially as it faces a growing challenge from Salesforce.
The news came during Microsoft’s “AI Tour” event in London on Monday. Initially introduced in May, these agents were available only in private preview.
However, starting next month, they will be offered in a public preview. This will enable more organizations to start developing their own AI agents with minimal coding or technical expertise.
What Are Autonomous AI Agents?
Unlike traditional chatbots, which require user prompts to carry out individual tasks, autonomous AI agents can execute complex workflows independently.
Jared Spataro, Microsoft’s Corporate Vice President of Modern Work and Business Applications, demonstrated a case where an AI agent at consulting firm McKinsey resolved emails and identified key information. It was also able to match terms with industry standards, and route the task to the appropriate person.
This automation capability significantly reduces processing time—by up to 90 percent, according to Spataro.
Microsoft Takes On Salesforce
Microsoft’s push into autonomous AI agents comes in direct response to similar developments at Salesforce.
Last month, at its annual Dreamforce event, Salesforce introduced Agentforce, a platform that allows companies to deploy their own AI agents.
Salesforce CEO Zahra Bahrololoumi recently criticized Microsoft’s “copilot” model of AI assistants, arguing these tools are less effective at addressing enterprise-level needs.
The competition between Microsoft and Salesforce is longstanding. In the past, Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff has urged European regulators to scrutinize Microsoft’s acquisition of LinkedIn, arguing that it posed antitrust issues.
With both companies now aiming to dominate the enterprise AI landscape, the rivalry is intensifying.
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Microsoft’s Autonomous AI Agents in Dynamics 365
Microsoft also plans to integrate 10 new autonomous AI agents into its Dynamics 365 suite. They will cover key business functions like sales, finance, supply chain, and customer service.
The AI agents are expected to help businesses automate tasks like data analysis, customer interactions, and workflow management.
The launch of these agents in Dynamics 365 aligns with Microsoft’s strategy to offer AI tools that embed seamlessly into existing enterprise systems, allowing companies to automate processes without extensive integration efforts.
A Five-Year Deal with the U.K. Government
In a separate announcement, Microsoft revealed a five-year agreement with the U.K. government to provide public sector organizations with access to its AI tools.
The deal, made with the Crown Commercial Service, will allow government agencies to leverage Microsoft 365 Copilot and the Azure cloud platform.
The arrangement highlights Microsoft’s growing influence in the public sector’s digital transformation efforts
Looking Ahead: The AI Arms Race
As Microsoft and Salesforce double down on AI, businesses are gaining access to more sophisticated tools to enhance productivity and streamline operations.
The introduction of customizable autonomous agents in Copilot Studio and Dynamics 365 underscores Microsoft’s ambition to dominate the enterprise AI space.
With competition heating up, both tech giants are positioning themselves as leaders in the evolving AI landscape.
The rollout of autonomous AI agents marks a pivotal moment in Microsoft’s strategy, enabling companies to harness the power of automation with minimal technical barriers.
