Microsoft has recently initiated the Microsoft 365 Copilot Early Access Program in Australia, introducing several leading companies to its innovative AI-driven productivity tools. These companies, including AGL, Data#3, Bupa, NAB, Powerlink Queensland, Rest Super, and Suncorp, are among the first in Australia to utilize Microsoft 365 Copilot. This service integrates large language models (LLMs) with Microsoft 365’s organisational data to enhance productivity in various applications such as Teams, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
The Early Access Program (EAP) is supported by Microsoft’s modern work experts, assisting organizations in maximizing the technology’s value. This program also incorporates an extensibility model that allows developers to integrate their apps and services, featuring plugins from partners like Atlassian, Adobe, Servicenow, Thomson Reuters, Moveworks, and Mural.
Lucy Debono, Modern Work Business Group Director at Microsoft Australia and New Zealand, highlighted the significance of this program in fostering productivity amidst economic challenges. Data#3’s CEO and Managing Director, Laurence Baynham, emphasized their commitment to innovation and customer service through their participation in the EAP.
Natalie Field, Chief Digital and Data Officer at Bupa, mentioned exploring AI technologies to enhance customer focus. The financial services sector, including NAB and Suncorp Group, views generative AI as a competitive advantage. Suncorp Group’s Head of Data Science, AI & Insights, Craig Price, and Rest Super’s Chief Technology and Data Officer, Jeremy Hubbard, also shared their perspectives on leveraging AI for improved services and internal efficiency.
AGL and Powerlink Queensland in the energy and utilities sectors are part of the EAP to boost worker productivity and adapt to sector changes. AGL’s Head of Employee Technology, Grace Russo, and Powerlink Queensland’s General Manager Business IT, Mark Pozdena, elaborated on their aims to enhance efficiency and adaptability in their respective sectors.
Microsoft 365 Copilot is designed with a strong focus on security, privacy, identity, compliance, and responsible AI, inheriting Microsoft 365’s existing policies. Lucy Debono reiterated Microsoft’s commitment to responsibly driving the transformative benefits of generative AI for Australian enterprises, industry, and government.
