The Large Language Models (LLM) capabilities powering GPT are coming to the Power Platform. Like other Microsoft products, these new AI-based capabilities are called Copilot and will become part of PowerApps, Power Automate, Power Virtual Agents, and the AI Builder tools. Copilot for PowerApps will allow individuals to describe the app they want to create, or even draw the app on a piece of paper, and then PowerApps will build the foundation of the app automatically. Copilot for Power Automate will allow an individual to use natural language to describe a workflow they wish to create and then Power Automate will automatically create the workflow. Copilot in Power Virtual Agents will, likewise, use natural language to describe the flow and interaction between an individual and the virtual agent and the actions that should be taken. Power Virtual Agents will then build the agent automatically. Finally, the AI Builder tool allows custom models and hooks into the Azure OpenAI Service with minimal code development and then using the full Azure OpenAI Service capabilities within a PowerApp. More information on the Copilot for Power Platform announcements can be found here.
Why This Matters
- Copilot is a new Microsoft brand for AI capabilities coming to nearly all apps and services with the AI designed to help reduce time spent on routine tasks.
- Copilot in the Power Platform will be limited to paid versions and is not expected to be included in the free versions customers might normally get with a Microsoft 365 / Office 365 license.
- As the Power Platform is also the foundation for the Dynamics 365 set of business apps, the expectation is these AI capabilities will become part of the business app experience reducing the time and effort to extend and enhance business apps.
