Microsoft is stepping up its AI game by adding powerful deep research tools to Microsoft 365 Copilot, aiming to reshape how professionals handle complex data analysis and research tasks within their workflow. The company introduced two new AI-powered agents — Researcher and Analyst — designed to offer more robust reasoning abilities that help users dive deeper into projects with accuracy and efficiency.
Lately, AI chatbots like OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Google’s Gemini, and Elon Musk’s xAI Grok have all launched versions of deep research agents. These systems rely on sophisticated reasoning models capable of breaking down problems and fact-checking their own responses — a critical ability when it comes to producing reliable in-depth research.
Microsoft’s approach stands out with Researcher and Analyst, which not only leverage cutting-edge AI but also integrate tightly with a user’s business data.
Researcher is powered by OpenAI’s deep research model — the same foundation used in ChatGPT’s research feature — but enhanced with what Microsoft calls “advanced orchestration” and “deep search capabilities.” With this tool, users can conduct complex analyses like crafting go-to-market strategies or preparing quarterly client reports — all from within Microsoft 365 Copilot. It’s designed to pull data not just from the web but also from integrated third-party platforms like Salesforce, ServiceNow, and Confluence, offering a broad perspective combined with internal company insights.
On the other hand, Analyst is purpose-built for sophisticated data work. Using OpenAI’s o3-mini reasoning model, Analyst tackles problems iteratively — refining each step to ensure clarity and depth. What’s more impressive is its ability to execute Python scripts, allowing it to solve complex queries and expose its reasoning process for review. This level of transparency provides users with confidence in the results.
What truly sets these new tools apart is their dual access to both web data and private work environments. This combination gives Microsoft 365 Copilot a potential edge over rivals, offering more tailored, data-rich outputs based on real business context.
Of course, AI models aren’t flawless. Like most reasoning models, both Researcher and Analyst could occasionally misinterpret data, misattribute sources, or pull information from unreliable online pages. Microsoft acknowledges these risks and is betting on continuous refinement to minimize such AI hallucinations.
To ensure early feedback and real-world testing, Microsoft is launching a new Frontier program. Starting in April, Microsoft 365 Copilot users enrolled in this program will be the first to try out Researcher and Analyst, along with other experimental Copilot features that roll out over time.
With this move, Microsoft signals it’s serious about transforming Copilot into an indispensable research companion, capable of handling everything from strategy development to intricate data analysis — all within the familiar 365 suite.
