Microsoft is stepping up its AI game by introducing two powerful new tools — Researcher and Analyst — inside Microsoft 365 Copilot.
These AI features are designed to help users tackle complex research and data analysis tasks more efficiently.
The move is part of a broader industry trend in which big tech players are launching “deep research” agents. OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Google’s Gemini, and xAI’s Grok have all recently made headlines with tools that rely on reasoning models—advanced AI systems capable of breaking down problems step by step and even fact-checking themselves.
Microsoft’s Researcher tool is built using OpenAI’s deep research model, combined with Microsoft’s own orchestration system and deep search capabilities. It’s designed to help users perform detailed tasks like drafting go-to-market strategies or creating quarterly business reports.
Meanwhile, the Analyst runs on OpenAI’s o3-mini reasoning model and is focused on advanced data analysis. It can approach complicated data queries in a structured, iterative way, refining its process to deliver thorough responses. The analyst also supports Python for more technical data work and even allows users to inspect the reasoning behind its conclusions.
How these tools connect with internal company data and external sources sets Microsoft apart from the competition. Researchers can integrate with third-party platforms like Salesforce, ServiceNow, and Confluence to pull in relevant information, providing users with comprehensive and tailored insights.
Still, these AI models have flaws. Like others in the field, they can occasionally make mistakes, misquote information, or pull from unreliable sources. Microsoft acknowledges these challenges but seems confident these tools will help reshape how professionals conduct research and data analysis.
Starting in April, users enrolled in Microsoft’s new “Frontier” program — an initiative offering early access to experimental Copilot features — will be the first to try out Researcher and Analyst.
