Microsoft told 11,000 employees Copilot must 'earn the right to exist'

Microsoft's AI service Copilot faces internal challenges as the company has mandated that its 11,000-strong team must prove the service's worth. According to a memo from Executive Vice President Jacob Andreou, Copilot must "earn the right to exist."

Launched in November 2023, Microsoft Copilot has experienced slower-than-anticipated growth in significant markets. The company has reported that fewer than 4.5 percent of its 450 million Microsoft 365 seats have converted into paying Copilot users. Consequently, Microsoft has cut underused features and consolidated the consumer and enterprise versions into a single application.

Andreou emphasized the importance of strategy in his memo, stating that a slogan alone is insufficient. He acknowledged the challenging reality as the company aims to increase Copilot's adoption and commercialize it more effectively. Inc. Magazine first reported on the matter.

Ambiguity regarding the strategy within the company can lead to varied interpretations and prioritization. Andreou's message highlights the need for a clear action plan to ensure the AI service's future and growth.