Generative AI is remodeling the office, offering workers with unprecedented profession acceleration. But, few corporations have deployed safe AI-powered worker chatbots that align with company privateness and safety requirements. Whereas Microsoft’s Copilot is the default alternative for a lot of, its pricing and integration have left some corporations looking for options. Fortuitously, three examined and supported safe AI worker chatbot merchandise now exists, so companies are usually not restricted to Microsoft Copilot.
The Rising Want for Safe AI Worker Chatbots
Corporations can not afford to lag in AI adoption in 2025. Buyers count on executives to articulate AI’s function of their methods, and high expertise gravitates towards forward-thinking organizations. By the tip of the yr, at the very least 10% of your workers ought to have entry to safe, AI-driven worker chatbots at work to stay aggressive in attracting and retaining expertise.
Challenges with Microsoft Copilot
Frustrations stick with Microsoft Copilot. The Wall Street Journal’s Tom Dotan and Forbes contributor Gene Marks (here and here) have highlighted points, starting from complicated product buildings to questionable ROI. Confusingly, Microsoft affords greater than 15 distinct Copilot merchandise, reminiscent of Microsoft 365 Copilot, GitHub Copilot and Safety Copilot. Every requires separate licensing, resulting in excessive cumulative prices.
Widespread frustration with Microsoft Copilot embody:
- Complicated Pricing Fashions: Incremental, per-user pricing provides up shortly.
- Compelled Integration: Copilot is deeply embedded into Microsoft’s ecosystem, and a few have compelled upgrades with restrict flexibility.
- Intrusive Consumer Expertise: Some customers discover the embedded AI Copilot assistant interface cumbersome and intrusive.
Understanding Safe Worker Chatbots Fundamentals
Let’s evaluation the fundamentals. AI parts are Giant Language Fashions that deal with textual content and Basis Fashions that additionally deal with photos and movies. LLMs are a subset of FMs.
Safe worker chatbots fall into two classes:
- Stand-Alone Chatbots: Unbiased purposes like OpenAI ChatGPT or Microsoft Copilot. Right here the principle consumer motion is coming into knowledge into the immediate or question field.
- In-App AI Assistants: Built-in AI instruments inside productiveness apps reminiscent of Microsoft Outlook or Google Docs. On this case, AI is an extra function like spellcheck.
Customers entry AI capabilities immediately with a browser that makes use of a chatbot utility (e.g. OpenAI ChatGPT) or through API.
Not all LLMs include examined and supported chatbot purposes. For instance, Cohere or Meta supply nice LLM fashions however clients should construct and take a look at (or rent somebody to construct and take a look at) a safe worker chatbot. This text focuses on “purchase” choices.
Whatever the method, AI licenses to safe worker chatbots vary from $200 to $900 per worker yearly.
3 Alternate options to Microsoft Copilot
The market is evolving quickly, and a number of other distributors now present safe, enterprise-ready safe AI worker chatbot. Listed below are three noteworthy choices:
1. OpenAI ChatGPT Enterprise or Groups
- Overview: A B2B model of the favored ChatGPT, providing enhanced safety, collaboration and consumer administration options.
- Clients: Estee Lauder, Moderna, Harvard Enterprise Faculty, PwC, and Bain & Firm
2. Anthropic Claude for Enterprise
- Overview: Anthropic’s Claude is a number one competitor to OpenAI, with sturdy backing from Amazon.
- Clients: Deloitte, North Highland, and Sourcegraph
3. Google Gemini for Workspace
- Overview: Google’s Gemini affords stand-alone chatbot options and AI assistants built-in into Workspace apps, together with seamless integration with Gmail, Drive, Docs, and Slides
Making the Proper Selection
Every various affords trade-offs by way of consumer expertise, scalability, and price. Companies should perceive their use instances want and vendor roadmaps earlier than investing this yr. The excellent news is that you’ve got choices with examined and supported safe worker chatbot.