Navigating Microsoft's AI
Microsoft has many AI products with similar names. This overview gives you the map: what they do, how the levels fit together and when to choose what.
The map of Microsoft's AI
We sort the offering by what the services do, not what they're currently called, because the names change but the functions remain. The depth adapts to the format, from a talk to a full day.
- 01The mapFifteen product names, five levels. We sort by function: names change, functions remain.
- 02Ready-made AI where you already workMicrosoft 365 Copilot in the Office apps, and role-specific Copilots for development, security, sales and data.
- 03AI that does the workCopilot Cowork: the agentic assistant that performs tasks for the user, with approval.
- 04Build agents without codeCopilot Studio and Agent Builder, plus Power Automate and AI Builder for automation.
- 05Build with codeMicrosoft Foundry, formerly Azure AI Foundry: model catalogue, agent platform and search for your own AI solutions.
- 06Govern and secureAgent 365, Purview, Entra and Defender: the control layer when AI and agents multiply.
Make the right call on Microsoft's AI
Microsoft's AI offering grows fast and the names are confusingly similar. Without a map it's easy to pay for the wrong thing or miss what actually solves your need.
Once you see the levels, from ready-made AI to your own builds and governance, you can prioritise right, set sharper requirements and invest with confidence.
After the course you can
- Tell Copilot, Cowork, Copilot Studio and Foundry apart
- Match your needs to the right level of the ladder
- Ask the right questions about data, security and cost
Who the overview suits
The course is for you who need to understand Microsoft's AI offering to prioritise and make decisions, without having to build yourself.
This course suits
- Leadership and decision-makers
- IT and digitalisation leads
- Teams already on Microsoft 365
Prerequisites
- No technical prerequisites required
- Basic familiarity with Microsoft 365 is a plus
FAQ about the overview
No, the focus is on overview and direction. We explain the technology clearly but keep it at a level that suits decision-makers.
You're right: Azure AI Studio became Azure AI Foundry and is now Microsoft Foundry. That's why the course sorts by function instead of name, and the examples are updated continuously. The levels hold up even as the names change.
Yes. The course helps you understand what Microsoft offers so you can compare with alternatives and make an informed decision.
If you want to start building, the Copilot Studio foundation course is the natural next step. Deep dives into Copilot Studio and Microsoft Foundry are on the way.
Both work equally well: we come to you or run it remotely. As a lecture it also suits larger groups; as a half- or full-day workshop, 10–15 people is optimal.
Want to make sense of Microsoft's AI landscape?
Tell us where you are today, and we'll adapt the overview to your questions and your Microsoft environment.
Contact us