The power behind Copilot for Microsoft 365
In today’s fast-paced business environment, staying ahead of the curve means embracing the transformative power of AI. Microsoft is leading the AI charge with Copilot: a revolutionary tool designed to enhance productivity and streamline operations in the workplace.
In this series of blog posts, we’re taking a deep dive into the world of AI and Microsoft Copilot. For our fourth blog in the series, Matt Dunkin, COO at AspiraCloud, introduces us to Microsoft Graph and how it powers Copilot for Microsoft 365.
Read on:
There is no escaping from Microsoft Graph when evaluating Copilot for Microsoft 365. The fact is, you’ve been using Microsoft Graph for years: it’s built into the centre of Microsoft 365 – maybe you just didn’t know it. Applications, including the Microsoft 365 productivity apps, all use Graph to access data
What does Microsoft Graph look like?
If you would like to see what Graph actually looks like – you can visit this webpage: https://graph.microsoft.com/v1.0/$metadata. What you’ll see is a very, very long list of every type of data you can get via Graph. Remember, you are looking at data, not information. It is the applications that take this data and make it useful.
How does Microsoft Graph work?
When you ask Microsoft Graph for something, it initially checks that you are logged in and what permissions you have. It then returns data in a vaguely readable form, usually in XML or JSON, again, as data. Fortunately, you don’t need to understand either of these formats, as then the application turns this data into information that makes sense.
The latest iteration of this is Copilot for Microsoft 365. You can ask Copilot for Microsoft 365 something, and it “asks” Microsoft Graph on your behalf. Copilot takes the response and, using Natural Language Processing (NLP), returns readable information. When you search for an email or a Teams chat, it uses Microsoft Graph. You probably just didn’t know it.
Putting Copilot to the test
I thought I would see if Copilot for Microsoft 365 could really return a comprehensive, clear response to a question.
I asked: “What is the Copilot for Microsoft 365 Graph thing?”
And I also asked: “Make the response it suitable for a 10-year-old to understand.”
Here’s the answer Copilot returned:
“So, what is Graph? Graph is like a big map of all the things you do with Microsoft 365. It shows how everything is connected, like who you work with, what documents you edit, what emails you send and receive, what chats you have, and so on. Graph helps you find what you need faster and easier, because it knows a lot about you and your work. For example, if you search for “report”, Graph will show you the most relevant reports that you have access to, based on who shared them with you, when they were created, and what they are about. Graph also helps Copilot for 365 understand what you want to do, by giving it more information and context. For example, if you ask Copilot for 365 to write an email to your manager, Graph will tell Copilot for 365 who your manager is, what projects you are working on, and what topics you usually talk about. This way, Copilot for 365 can write a better email that matches your style and needs. Graph is like a smart assistant that helps you and Copilot for 365 work better together.”
I’ll leave you to decide if its age adjusted!
If you would like to learn more about Copilot for Microsoft 365 and how your organisation can embrace AI, simply contact us.