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Cohesity, a leader in AI-powered data security, has announced the integration of its AI assistant, Cohesity Gaia, with Microsoft 365 Copilot. This collaboration enables users to access and analyze backup data directly through the Microsoft 365 Copilot interface, transforming how organizations interact with their stored information.
Unlocking the Potential of Backup Data
Traditionally, backup data has been viewed as a passive resource, primarily used for disaster recovery and compliance. However, this integration redefines backup data as an active asset. By leveraging generative AI, large language models (LLMs), and retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) techniques, Cohesity Gaia allows users to perform natural language queries on their backup datasets. This means that employees can now extract actionable insights from emails, documents, spreadsheets, and more, all within the familiar Microsoft 365 Copilot environment.
Simplifying Data Access Across Departments
One of the standout features of this integration is its ability to democratize data access across various corporate functions. Whether in finance, human resources, compliance, or operations, employees can now retrieve critical information without the need for specialized technical skills. For instance, a compliance officer could quickly locate all communications related to a specific regulation, or a financial analyst could gather historical data on past transactions, all through simple conversational queries.
Ensuring Security and Compliance
Security remains a top priority in this integration. Cohesity Gaia employs granular, role-based access controls to ensure that users can only access data they are authorized to view. This approach not only protects sensitive information but also helps organizations maintain compliance with various regulatory requirements. By aligning responses with user permissions, the system safeguards against unauthorized data exposure.
Industry Perspectives on the Integration
Industry leaders have expressed optimism about the potential impact of this integration. Gregory Statton, Vice President of AI Solutions at Cohesity, highlighted the transformative potential of unlocking insights from backup data. Chantrelle Nielsen, Group Product Manager for Microsoft 365 Copilot at Microsoft, emphasized the progression towards AI-to-AI communications and the expectation for transformative business outcomes. Jared Crowley, Senior Director of Security & Software Partners at SHI International Corp., noted that this collaboration extends the value proposition of both companies, leading to faster decision-making and new opportunities for customers.
Subscription and Availability
Cohesity Gaia operates on a subscription model. Currently, subscribers of both Cohesity Gaia and Microsoft 365 Copilot can access the integrated capabilities at no additional cost. This approach encourages organizations to explore the benefits of AI-powered data insights without immediate financial commitment.
Conclusion
The integration of Cohesity Gaia with Microsoft 365 Copilot marks a significant advancement in enterprise data management. By transforming backup data into a dynamic resource accessible through conversational AI, organizations can enhance decision-making processes, improve operational efficiency, and maintain robust security and compliance standards. As AI continues to evolve, such integrations are likely to become essential components of modern business strategies.

Source: ZAWYA Cohesity Gaia integrates with Microsoft 365 Copilot