en.Wedoany.com Reported - Brian Jones, head of Microsoft Excel, recently stated that Copilot AI will make it easier for Excel users to perform data analysis and make critical decisions, as Excel evolves into an AI-driven business reasoning platform.

Jones' remarks stemmed from a question posed by a reader named Everett. The user inquired about the long-term relationship between Excel and AI, and whether Excel is "evolving from a spreadsheet tool into a business reasoning platform where users can describe problems in natural language, and Excel automatically builds models, performs analysis, and generates insights." Jones confirmed this direction in his response.

In a video posted on social media, Jones noted that many users do not fully understand how to use the Excel platform and tools, and that analysis work can sometimes be complex and time-consuming. The introduction of Copilot will lower the barrier to entry, enabling more users to gain data insights. He also pointed out that even for users familiar with Excel, Copilot can save significant time in tasks such as validating multiple hypotheses, helping them reach correct conclusions faster.

Most existing Excel users are familiar with basic functions, including adding data, creating charts, and using advanced features like pivot tables and custom formulas. However, Excel still hides many more complex functions. Jones believes Copilot's highlight is its ability to unlock these functions by allowing users to issue commands in natural language. Additionally, Copilot can provide extra assistance when users are unsure how to ask the right questions.

Jones emphasized that Excel is far more than just a spreadsheet; it is the ultimate decision-making tool. In the long run, AI and Excel will work increasingly closely together, with users leveraging this spreadsheet as the ultimate tool for making decisions. This vision recalls a database demonstration by Oracle years ago, which not only identified underperforming sales regions but also proposed solutions.

Jones has drawn a clear line for Microsoft: Excel will provide insights, but he did not mention it taking automatic actions like agentic AI. This may be a logical next step, but Microsoft does not yet appear ready to take it.