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5.2. Quick Reference Decision Frameworks
Which Microsoft AI Product?
Key Product Distinctions
| If They Need... | Recommend... | Not... |
|---|---|---|
| Productivity in M365 apps | Microsoft Copilot (formerly Microsoft 365 Copilot) | Foundry |
| Custom HR/IT chatbot | Copilot Studio | Foundry |
| Broad organizational data grounding | Microsoft Copilot | Copilot Chat alone |
| Custom AI product | Foundry | Copilot Studio |
| Document data extraction | Azure AI Document Intelligence | Microsoft Copilot |
| Multi-source research reports | Researcher agent | Standard Copilot |
| Complex data analysis with code | Analyst agent | Standard Excel Copilot |
| External data searchable in Copilot | Copilot connectors | Custom build |
| Copilot to act in external systems | Plugins/declarative agents | Copilot connectors |
| Security threat investigation | Security Copilot | Microsoft Copilot |
| Cross-app questions on mobile | Copilot Chat | In-app Copilot |
| Simple draft or summary | Standard model | Reasoning model |
| Complex multi-step analysis | Reasoning model | Standard model |
Responsible AI Principle Matching
| Scenario Pattern | Most Relevant Principle |
|---|---|
| Different outcomes for different groups | Fairness |
| System errors affecting users | Reliability & Safety |
| Data exposure concerns | Privacy & Security |
| Accessibility issues | Inclusiveness |
| Users don't understand AI decisions | Transparency |
| No one responsible for AI outcomes | Accountability |
Adoption Barrier Diagnosis
| Symptom | Barrier | Intervention |
|---|---|---|
| "I don't know how" | Capability | Training |
| "I don't see the point" | Motivation | Success stories |
| "I don't have time" | Opportunity | Protected time |
Written byAlvin Varughese
Founder•20 professional certifications