Microsoft Implements AI-Powered Agents for Thousands of Customers, Continues Feud with Salesforce
Microsoft Implements AI-Powered Agents for Thousands of Customers
Microsoft has recently announced that they have successfully implemented AI-powered agents for “thousands” of external and internal customers. This exciting news was confirmed by Microsoft’s Corporate VP of Business and Industry Copilot, Charles Lamanna, in a post on LinkedIn.
Lamanna shared that Microsoft is making significant progress with Copilot and agents, which is enabling the company to help businesses reshape their operations, improve employee workflows, and access AI development more effectively. The implementation of these AI agents has been instrumental in enhancing customer support, product discovery, and overall user experience.
One example of the success of these AI agents is seen on Azure.com, where Microsoft has developed an AI agent that has led to a 70 percent increase in page visits per session and a 21.5 percent rise in conversions. Similar agents are also live on Microsoft Fabric and Power Platform landing pages, showcasing the versatility and effectiveness of these AI-powered tools.
Lamanna also highlighted how these AI agents are being utilized within his own team, assisting with product development, business planning, HR needs, and even preparing for customer meetings. The impact of these agents is widespread, with over 160,000 organizations using Copilot Studio to create more than 400,000 custom agents in the last quarter alone.
Among the organizations utilizing these AI agents are well-known names such as Dow, Holland America Line, and Pets at Home, demonstrating the broad appeal and effectiveness of Microsoft’s AI solutions.
The Microsoft-Salesforce War of Words Continues
Interestingly, Lamanna’s announcement comes shortly after Salesforce’s latest earnings call, where CEO Marc Benioff once again criticized Microsoft. Benioff took issue with comments made by Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella regarding the potential obsolescence of traditional business applications in the face of AI agents.
Benioff dismissed Nadella’s remarks as a “Microsoft narrative” and continued to criticize Microsoft’s Copilot solution, branding it as a “repackaged ChatGPT.” This ongoing feud between Microsoft and Salesforce has been characterized by public jabs and criticisms from both sides, with Benioff expressing skepticism about the effectiveness of Copilot.
Lamanna’s post can be seen as a direct response to Benioff’s comments, with the Salesforce CEO even being tagged in the post. The competition between the two tech giants continues to escalate, with each company defending its AI solutions and questioning the efficacy of the other’s offerings.
More News from Microsoft
In addition to the implementation of AI-powered agents, Microsoft has reported rapid growth in the CCaaS market following the launch of Dynamics 365 Contact Center. The platform has attracted notable customers such as 1-800 Flowers, Lenovo, and the Mediterranean Shipping Company, showcasing Microsoft’s success in this competitive market.
Microsoft has also announced plans to discontinue Smart Assist in Dynamics 365 Customer Service by late 2025, in favor of the more advanced Copilot solution. This strategic decision reflects Microsoft’s commitment to innovation and the continuous improvement of their customer service offerings.
Overall, Microsoft’s implementation of AI-powered agents represents a significant step forward in the company’s AI capabilities and its ability to support businesses in various industries. The ongoing competition with Salesforce highlights the importance of AI technology in shaping the future of business operations and customer interactions.