Microsoft unveils AI sales agents to boost business efficacy

Microsoft has announced two new artificial intelligence agents designed to enhance sales functions across business operations.

Sales Agent has been developed to operate independently, focusing on converting contacts into qualified leads, setting up meetings, and customer outreach. This autonomy aims to enable sales representatives to dedicate more time to closing high-margin deals. The agent utilises the organisation's CRM and various company data, including price sheets, emails, and meetings, to tailor its responses.

Another tool, Sales Chat, aims to accelerate sales by providing sales representatives with actionable insights derived from CRM data, pitch decks, meetings, emails, and online information. Sales Chat simplifies data retrieval by allowing users to issue natural language prompts such as "give me a list of deals that are at risk of falling through," reducing time spent on information gathering.

In addition, Microsoft has introduced the Microsoft AI Accelerator for Sales. This initiative provides organisations with access to Microsoft's AI experts, assisting in the transition from outdated CRM systems and facilitating seller adoption. Furthermore, it offers personalisation services to tailor AI agents to individual business requirements.

Microsoft also highlighted recent research covered by Microsoft UK Stories, which discusses the concept of the 'AI divide.' This research claims that organisations leveraging AI advance productivity and profitability, while those lagging may miss out on upcoming innovations, including agentic AI.

Microsoft's introduction of Sales Agent and Sales Chat reflects the growing role of artificial intelligence in transforming sales operations. These tools streamline processes, enhance productivity, and give sales teams more time to focus on high-value activities. With the added support of the Microsoft AI Accelerator for Sales, businesses can more easily adopt and customise these solutions to fit their needs.

As AI continues to play a larger role in the business landscape, companies that embrace these advancements may be better positioned to optimise their sales strategies and improve overall efficiency.