Blog Post

Microsoft 365 Copilot
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How Microsoft deploys foundation models

bensum's avatar
bensum
Icon for Microsoft rankMicrosoft
Aug 13, 2024

The foundation models that power Microsoft’s AI experiences are evolving constantly, becoming more powerful and efficient. In recent months, we’ve received questions from customers about which foundation model or models Microsoft deploys in its Copilot for Microsoft 365 service. 

 

Today, Copilot for Microsoft 365 uses a combination of foundation models, allowing us to match the specific needs of each feature – e.g., speed, creativity – to the right model.  

 

We are consistently evaluating and aligning the capabilities of both existing and new foundation models. When we can demonstrate that any model enhances the capabilities of Copilot for Microsoft 365, we will make necessary changes to incorporate that model and improve our customers’ experiences. 

 

Regardless of the specific foundation model used, we never use your customer data to train those models. Your data is encrypted while it is in transit and at rest and is processed in alignment with the same terms and conditions that apply to all the content your organization generates in our Microsoft 365 services. 

Updated Aug 13, 2024
Version 1.0
  • alexanderwoo's avatar
    alexanderwoo
    Copper Contributor

    Is there any information available regarding model performance monitoring review and change management processes for underlying models in-use for Copilot?

     

    Also, are Copilot customers made aware of these underlying changes? And if so, how?

     

    Can Copilot customers provide input on changes to these underlying models? And if so, how?

  • TypeError it is not an update. We are offering a measure of clarification. Customers often perceive that there is a single foundation model behind all our services.  We've gotten enough questions over time that we felt a quick clarification was in order. Thanks!

  • alexanderwoo we typically have not made this kind of information available, where we are constantly evaluating models' performance against the complex, constantly evolving needs of our products.  Thanks!

  • PeterForster's avatar
    PeterForster
    Iron Contributor

    bensum regarding the Wave 2 update and the explicit mention of GPT-4o, how does that fit with your message? It means that GPT-4o is used but it will not be shared where exactly, right?

    Maybe the question is correct here as I have tried many ways to make Microsoft aware of this: If, for example, GPT-4o is used, the training data should be up to October 2023. This is a main problem I currently see within Microsoft Word. The drafting function seems to only have training data up to October 2021 and is hallucinating when you ask for some updated information. Try it on your own and use the following prompt:

    Write an abstract about Windows Copilot. Write some samples Microsoft shared about what is possible with Windows Copilot in a table.


    The output is not what it should be. Another approach:

    Write the latest updates from October 2024 in the United States in Politics.

    Extract of the output:
    As the United States inches closer to the 2024 Presidential Election, October has seen a surge in campaign activities from both major parties. The Democratic incumbent, President Jane Doe, has been fervently rallying her base, emphasizing her administration’s achievements over the past four years, particularly in areas such as healthcare reform and climate change initiatives.

    Do you have any information on why the Drafting Prompt is not using updated web content or, in general, GPT-4o with data at least up to October 2023?