IBM bolsters AI push with Microsoft Copilot launch

IBM has announced that its consulting arm will now enable enterprises to create, customise, deploy and manage AI copilots including Copilot for Microsoft 365 through a new offering called IBM Copilot Runaway.

Microsoft 365 Copilot is an AI tool that plugs into Microsoft applications including Word, Outlook and Teams. It can generate reports and whole presentations based upon a company’s own data alongside public data from the internet.

IBM touted that through IBM Copilot Runaway, enterprises can integrate Copilot’s generative AI to help boost productivity.

More Copilots in the enterprise

IBM said it will scale its Microsoft Copilot capabilities and capacity through its network of global innovation centres on each continent.

“As IBM and Microsoft strengthen our partnership, we’re poised to empower more clients with Microsoft Copilot, supercharging productivity and boosting creativity through the power of generative AI,” IBM Consulting Senior VP John Granger said.

“Our dedicated IBM Consulting Microsoft practice, along with Copilot-focused Experience Zones around the world, help us meet clients where they are and bring them the right generative-AI-enabled solutions for their businesses.”

As part of the offering, IBM said it will work with clients to build custom copilots to help address specific business needs, with an initial focus on customer and field service, employee experience, and procurement and finance. IBM added it will also prioritise specific industries such as financial services, retail, government and supply chain.

IBM Copilot AI experts

In a bid to further boost its AI offering, IBM Consulting has also formed a dedicated team of consultants that have Microsoft Copilot skills and expertise to guide clients on their AI adoption.

“Clients need the right partners and technology to scale AI responsibly across the enterprise,” Microsoft global partner solutions GM Dinis Couto said.

“With IBM’s dedicated group of Microsoft Copilot experts, we’re confident we can help more clients unlock the full potential of generative AI for their businesses.”