Microsoft is rolling out a new “deep research” AI-powered tool within its Microsoft 365 Copilot suite, enhancing its AI chatbot capabilities.
This move follows the recent launch of similar tools by other tech giants, including OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Google’s Gemini, and xAI’s Grok. These AI tools are driven by advanced “reasoning models,” which enable them to think critically, analyze problems, and fact-check themselves—skills vital for conducting thorough research.
Microsoft’s new offerings are named Researcher and Analyst.
Researcher, which leverages OpenAI’s deep research model (the same model behind ChatGPT’s deep research capabilities), integrates “advanced orchestration” and “deep search functionalities.” According to Microsoft, Researcher can perform complex analyses, such as developing go-to-market strategies and creating detailed quarterly reports for clients.
Meanwhile, Analyst is powered by OpenAI’s o3-mini reasoning model, designed specifically for advanced data analysis. Analyst tackles problems step by step, refining its responses iteratively. Additionally, it can execute Python code to solve complex data-related queries and provide transparency by allowing users to inspect its processes.
One of the distinguishing features of Microsoft’s tools is their ability to access both proprietary work data and external sources on the web. For example, Researcher can pull information from third-party data connectors linked to platforms like Confluence, ServiceNow, and Salesforce, giving it an edge over competitors.
However, as with any advanced AI tool, a key challenge remains ensuring the tools don’t “hallucinate” or provide inaccurate information. Despite their advanced reasoning abilities, models like o3-mini and deep research are not infallible and sometimes miscite sources, draw incorrect conclusions, or rely on questionable online content.
In an effort to give early access to these tools, Microsoft is launching a new “Frontier” program. This initiative will allow Microsoft 365 Copilot customers to gain exclusive access to Researcher and Analyst, starting in April. Participants in the Frontier program will also be the first to test experimental Copilot features as they become available.
