Major tech companies like Microsoft, Google, and Adobe are rapidly deploying AI agents in their productivity platforms. While these tools promise automation and smarter workflows, experts advise businesses to pause and evaluate. The concern: most of these are “agent-like” tools, not truly autonomous systems.
Analyst Insight: “Agent-ish” Is Not Truly Autonomous
Forrester analyst JP Gownder emphasizes that these tools lack real autonomy. They’re capable of solving specific problems but aren’t the “digital coworkers” vendors often claim. Forrester refers to them as “agent-ish,” meaning they simulate AI functionality without true independence.
Recent AI Feature Rollouts
Google recently launched new AI tools in Google Workspace during its Cloud Next event. These tools automate tasks in Sheets and help with workflows like document review and product analysis. Microsoft, celebrating its 50th anniversary, unveiled Copilot features for Word, HR processes, and even learning assistants—all designed to operate within or outside Microsoft 365.
Anthropic also joined in, integrating its Claude AI into Gmail, Calendar, and Google Docs. Adobe, meanwhile, is working on an AI agent for Microsoft 365 that creates presentations via Copilot.
The Real Challenge: Control, Risk, and Oversight
Analysts warn that these tools require governance, not just enthusiasm. Businesses need to understand what these tools actually do and where security risks lie. Poorly managed AI integrations can lead to dangerous outcomes.
According to Jack Gold, analyst at J. Gold Associates, complex agent stacks—where one agent calls another—can create automation loops that are hard to control. Without clear design and oversight, organizations risk AI “anarchy.”
AI Requires Cultural and Structural Change
Integrating AI into enterprise software isn’t just technical—it’s cultural. Staff must be trained to ask the right questions and give clear instructions. Miscommunication with agents can lead to inefficiencies or incorrect results.
Gartner analyst Jason Wong warns that giving employees free rein to build agents using tools like Copilot Studio can create conflicts. Badly orchestrated agents can disrupt applications and user workflows.
Final Word: Don’t Skip the Fundamentals
It takes at least three months for employees to adapt to new AI workflows. During that time, system administrators need to shift focus—from managing operations to enabling AI agent management.
Organizations must also involve their cybersecurity, HR, and legal teams. AI systems can infer sensitive data, raising entirely new compliance and governance concerns. Without clear boundaries and safeguards, the risks far outweigh the convenience.
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