Microsoft Adds Anthropic's Claude AI to Copilot

Microsoft has taken another big step forward in workplace AI. Alongside the power of OpenAI's GPT-4, Anthropic's Claude Sonnet 4 and Claude Opus 4.1 are now joining Microsoft 365 Copilot.

For UK SMEs, this is exciting news. Copilot already boosts productivity by summarising emails, creating documents and automating everyday tasks. Now, with two best-in-class AI engines to choose from, your business can get even more out of Microsoft 365 - with the reassurance of Microsoft's enterprise-grade security and Apex Computing's expert support.

What's Changing Inside Copilot?

Microsoft is introducing a multi-model Copilot, giving businesses the ability to use Claude or OpenAI within supported apps. 

• Researcher is the first stop, helping you gather an d summarise information at speed
• Copilot Studio follows, enabling the creation of custom AI agents tailored to your business

OpenAI's GPT-4 remains the default, but now you can select Claude when it fits your workflow. This flexibility means even better results across a wider range of tasks - from deep-dive research to more natural long-form writing.

Why This Matters for UK SMEs

For growing businesses, time an d focus are precious. Copilot with Claude unlocks new ways to:

• Work faster and smarter - Whether you're producing client reports or exploring market insights, Claude's strength in reasoning and long-document summarising gives you instant advantages
• Stay resilient and agile - By adding a second leading AI provider, Microsoft reduces dependence on a single platform and gives you continuity if the market changes
• Innovate with confidence - With Apex setting up and supporting your tenant, you can adopt the latest tools quickly and securely

Built on Microsoft's Proven Security

Every Copilot interaction - whether using OpenAI or Claude - runs within Microsoft's trusted enterprise framework. Data is encrypted in transit and at rest, access is tied to your Microsoft 365 identity, and nothing you type is used to train public models.

Claude's models are hosted on Amazon Web Services (AWS), but still governed by Microsoft's enterprise contracts and strict privacy commitments. And with Apex managing your configuration, you have an extra layer of expertise making sure everything stays compliant with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act.

How Apex Helps Keep You Protected

AI should be exciting, not intimidating. We help you make the most of Copilot while staying safe by:

• Designing a secure rollout - We assess your current Microsoft 365 setup, configure Copilot correctly and choose the right mix of OpenAI and Claude access for your business
• Fine-tuning permissions and data controls - We apply sensitivity labels, data loss prevention |(DLP) and least-privilege access, so Copilot only works with the data you intend
• Training your team - We show your staff how to get the best results from Copilot, including when to use Claude's capabilities, without risking data exposure
• Ongoing monitoring and support - We keep an eye on updates from Microsoft and Anthropic and adjust your settings to maintain the highest level of security and compliance

With these measures in place, the security considerations you may have read about are fully manageable - and you can focus on what AI can do for your business with peace of mind.

Ready to Boost Productivity with Copilot and Claude?

Microsoft's move to bring Anthropic's Claude into Copilot gives Greater Manchester SMEs more choice, more resilience and even better results from Microsoft 365. Backed by Microsoft's own enterprise-grade protections and Apex's hands-on expertise, it's an upgrade designed for real-world business needs.

Take the nest step. Speak to Apex to enable Copilot - now with Claude - and unlock faster, smarter ways of working across your organisation.