Microsoft is launching artificial intelligence-driven “autonomous agents” for its Copilot software, the company said Monday, in a move seemingly made to push Salesforce on customer management software.

Microsoft Copilot Studio users will soon be able to create AI agents that can carry out complex actions, with the potential to automate many business processes. Ten pre-built agents are coming to Dynamics 365.

While some are eager to declare the era of autonomous agents upon us, the reality is a bit more complicated — and that's probably a good thing. Why it matters: Giving autonomy to generative AI tools opens up a range of tantalizing possibilities for increased productivity,

Salesforce has also touted the potential of AI agents, tools that some analysts say could provide companies with an easier path to monetizing the billions of dollars they are pouring into AI.

Microsoft will allow its customers to build autonomous artificial intelligence agents from next month, in its latest push to tap the booming technology amid growing investor scrutiny of its hefty AI investments.