OpenAI is reportedly planning to turn ChatGPT into a "supersmart personal assistant for work".
OpenAI's latest business plans were revealed in an exclusive by The Information, citing Sam Altman, OpenAI's CEO, and two insiders. The business version of ChatGPT could be equipped with in-depth knowledge of individual employees and their workplaces, providing personal assistance tasks such as drafting emails or documents in an employee's unique style and incorporating the latest business data, The Information reports.
The decision to sell the enhanced AI assistant as a standalone product, or as part of a broader software suite, is still being debated. The move could put OpenAI on a potential collision course with Microsoft, as both tech giants have set their sights on creating AI "copilots" for the workplace.
Employees love ChatGPT, companies don't
ChatGPT's foray into the business sector has so far been a double-edged sword. The potential for a business-ready ChatGPT is likely huge. Millions of ChatGPT users are already using the chatbot for work tasks.
But enterprise security requirements are stringent. Industry titans like Samsung and Apple have banned ChatGPT due to privacy concerns, fear of potential data leakage during the model retraining process, or doubts about OpenAI's ability to ensure a secure service. OpenAI's reputation took a hit when its service inadvertently exposed private chat data to other users on March 20.
This is an area where Microsoft could potentially have an advantage, given its deep integration with many enterprise IT systems and its general reputation as a trusted partner.
To compete with Microsoft, OpenAI will need to not only meet these security standards but also offer a distinct advantage in its services - a challenge that could further strain its relationship with Microsoft.
Such advantages could include value-added services such as custom training or data storage, The Information reports. According to the outlet, OpenAI plans to begin hiring for ChatGPT Business this summer.
OpenAI has formally announced its ambition to create a ChatGPT service explicitly designed for enterprises, while Microsoft is rumored to have similar plans. With the introduction of Copilot to Windows and a set of AI services for Teams, Microsoft has already begun to integrate AI into core business processes.