Forum Discussion
Copilot for M365 -> access local/network files - > Any other options?
I have a question regarding the access of Copilot for M365 to local and network files and what other options I might have.
I've noticed that Copilot for Teams has access to OneDrive, but Copilot for Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, for example, can only access SharePoint links. Can you confirm this?
I have also found that Copilot does not have access to local files or network files.
I once heard from an IT service provider that Microsoft is working on a copilot that would have access to local/network files. Is this true?
Since the current Copilot for M365 does not have access to local/network files, I would like to ask the following question: Is there another AI tool from a third-party provider that has access to local files and network files?
- Generative AI Assistants leverage your data to build Vector indexes (Semantic Index) and leverage those vectors in RAG process (Retrieval Augmented Generation) to select the content to be send to the Large Language Model (LLM).
> Microsoft Copilot for M365 build its semantic index from your M365 Data (emails, chat, documents...) from your Microsoft Graph & Dataverse databases (including OneDrive and Sharepoint Online).
> Copilot M365 can be extend to leverage additional data sources beyond M365 using Graph Connectors and/or Plugins (examples : Core HR App, Atlassian App, ServiceNow...)
> You can also use Copilot Studio to build (No-Code/Low-Code) a business specific Copilot and upload your key documents (from local sources) as a Knowledge Source (examples: HR Copilot, Expense Copilot, IT Copilot...).
From my knowledge, if you are looking for GenAI assistant building vector indexes from OnPremise/Local files for RAG purpose, then you need to leverage an alternative technology.
Hope its help.
- Copilot for M365 works with cloud storage like OneDrive and SharePoint. Below is a summary of your points:
Copilot and File Access: Copilot for Teams has access to your OneDrive since it is cloud storage part of the Teams feature.
The Copilot for Word, Excel, and PowerPoint does not have direct access to local or network files due to potential issues for security and privacy. SharePoint links work because they point to cloud-based files.
Local/Network Files Copilot: Until now, Microsoft still has no official word on whether or not Copilot accesses local files. While an IT service provider may have stated it, it is better to rely on official announcements from Microsoft.
Other AI Tools: On some systems, there may be third-party AI tools that claim to allow state-local file access, but this should be a word of caution.
Give thorough consideration to the security implications of interacting with your local files through using a tool.
Some alternative approaches:
Migrate your local/network files to OneDrive so that the files are accessible to Copilot. All that is enabled for CoPilot files and gets you version control and online access benefits.
Search Functionality: Use Microsoft Search or the search functionality in your file explorer to locate information on your local/network files.
If it is necessary to allow the AI assistant access to local files, search for reliable open-source tools and ensure that they are built with security and privacy in mind. And, of course, since any third-party tool can access local files, it's incumbent to do the due diligence to understand their data practices.
If this satisfy your clarification, please like and confirm if this provides solution your your problem 🙂 - Generative AI Assistants leverage your data to build Vector indexes (Semantic Index) and leverage those vectors in RAG process (Retrieval Augmented Generation) to select the content to be send to the Large Language Model (LLM).
> Microsoft Copilot for M365 build its semantic index from your M365 Data (emails, chat, documents...) from your Microsoft Graph & Dataverse databases (including OneDrive and Sharepoint Online).
> Copilot M365 can be extend to leverage additional data sources beyond M365 using Graph Connectors and/or Plugins (examples : Core HR App, Atlassian App, ServiceNow...)
> You can also use Copilot Studio to build (No-Code/Low-Code) a business specific Copilot and upload your key documents (from local sources) as a Knowledge Source (examples: HR Copilot, Expense Copilot, IT Copilot...).
From my knowledge, if you are looking for GenAI assistant building vector indexes from OnPremise/Local files for RAG purpose, then you need to leverage an alternative technology.
Hope its help.- Thanks for the Information, You have summed it up pretty well. Since im looking for a "GenAI assistant building vector indexes from OnPremise/Local files for RAG purpose" I will have to look for alternative technology
