All comparisons › Workplace vs Microsoft 365 Copilot Business
Workplace : use AI with control.Workplace vs Microsoft 365 Copilot Business
Microsoft 365 Copilot Business adds AI inside its own office suite; Workplace lets you keep any agent and controls what it can touch.
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Your AI agents
Claude · GPT · Grok · Le Chat · Gemini CLI
You, the boss
My data, at home
Google Workspace · Microsoft 365 · Alix Storage
Comparison
| Workplace | Microsoft 365 Copilot Business | |
|---|---|---|
| Target | SMEs and teams (per seat) | SME |
| Approach | Gateway between your agents and your suite: keep your agent, Workplace controls what it can touch. | Copilot built into Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Teams for small businesses, with agents, Copilot Studio and usage-based advanced features. |
| Agents supported | Any: Claude, GPT, Grok, Le Chat, Gemini CLI... (MCP) | Microsoft Copilot (with LLM choice) and Microsoft/custom agents |
| Where data lives | With you: Google Workspace, Microsoft 365 or Alix Storage | Inside the Microsoft 365 service boundary (Enterprise Data Protection) |
| Per-tool control | Yes: per-seat matrix allow / hold for approval / block; new tools blocked by default | Follows existing Microsoft 365 permissions; IT controls and agent management |
| Approval queue | Yes: sensitive actions wait for you | Not stated publicly |
| Lock-in / switching | None: your agents change, your workspace stays (data, memory, permissions) | Works inside Microsoft 365 |
| Integrations | Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, Alix Storage, MCP server per seat (OAuth 2.1) | Microsoft 365 apps, Microsoft Graph connectors |
| Certifications | No certification claimed | GDPR, ISO/IEC 27018 support stated |
| Hosting | Europe (Switzerland/EU), Alix Sàrl (Swiss) | Not stated publicly on this page |
| Pricing model | Per seat | Per user, annual subscription; usage-based billing for advanced AI |
Facts about Microsoft 365 Copilot Business taken only from its official website: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/copilot/business (2026-10-22). "Not stated publicly" = not published on their website.
Who should choose which
Choose Microsoft 365 Copilot Business if you value:
- AI directly in the Office apps your team already uses
- no new tool to learn
- Microsoft 365 security and permissions
- plans for up to 300 users
Choose Workplace if:
- you want to keep your current agent (Claude, GPT, Grok, Le Chat...) and swap it without losing anything
- your data must stay in Google Workspace, Microsoft 365 or with you
- you want tool-by-tool decisions: let it through / block it, with a full log
- you want hosting in Europe (Switzerland/EU) and per-seat pricing
Frequently asked questions
What is the best Microsoft 365 Copilot Business alternative?
If you want to keep your own AI agent instead of adopting a new tool, Workplace is a Microsoft 365 Copilot Business alternative: it sits between your agent and your suite (Google Workspace, Microsoft 365) and you decide, tool by tool, what passes and what is blocked.
Microsoft 365 Copilot Business vs Workplace: what is the difference?
Microsoft 365 Copilot Business adds AI inside its own office suite; Workplace lets you keep any agent and controls what it can touch. Your data stays with you.
How do I control what ChatGPT can access in Google Workspace?
Connect ChatGPT (or any agent) to Workplace instead of directly to Google. Each tool gets a rule: allow, hold for approval, or block. New tools are blocked by default and overly broad OAuth rights are flagged.
Can I keep my current AI agent with Workplace?
Yes. Workplace is agent-agnostic: Claude, GPT, Grok, Le Chat, Gemini CLI or any MCP client. Swap agents without losing data, memory or permissions.
Where is my data stored with Workplace?
In your suite (Google Workspace, Microsoft 365) or Alix Storage. Workplace is hosted in Europe (Switzerland/EU) by Alix Sàrl, a Swiss company.
Is Microsoft 365 Copilot Business a good choice?
Yes, for some needs. According to its website, Microsoft 365 Copilot Business stands out for: AI directly in the Office apps your team already uses, no new tool to learn, Microsoft 365 security and permissions, plans for up to 300 users.
Is Workplace SOC 2 certified?
No, Workplace does not claim any certification today. It offers a full log with CSV export, a secrets vault and European hosting.
How much does Workplace cost?
Workplace is priced per seat (one seat per agent or person), with per-seat quotas and budgets.