The First “True” AI Experience in M365

In the ever-evolving landscape of workplace productivity tools, Microsoft has been a frontrunner, constantly innovating to meet the diverse needs of businesses worldwide. While nowadays you can’t go on social media or your favorite news site without seeing or hearing about artificial intelligence (especially Copilot in all its incarnations), one of Microsoft’s first truly intelligent implementations of AI within the Microsoft 365 service was with Project Cortex, and more specifically the component that became Viva Topics.

In today’s knowledge-driven economy, information overload is a common challenge. Viva Topics addresses this challenge by leveraging AI to automatically organize and surface relevant knowledge across various platforms like Microsoft 365, SharePoint, and Teams. It empowers employees to discover insights, expertise, and resources seamlessly, fostering collaboration and driving productivity.

Viva Topics, a part of Microsoft’s Viva platform, was initially available as a standalone add-on license, providing users with a powerful tool for organizing and discovering knowledge across their organization. At around $4 per user per month, it was an affordable option for companies seeking to enhance their knowledge management capabilities without committing to a comprehensive suite.

The Disappearing Act

Topics has been a game-changer for knowledge management within organizations. However, recent developments suggest a significant shift in its accessibility, raising concerns among businesses relying on this service. Viva Topics is quietly disappearing from Microsoft’s Viva pricing page. In fact, the initial listing of services included in each bundle makes it seem as if Viva Topics isn’t included in the Viva Suite at all.

As of last week, it was only when you selected the option to “Expand All” would you see an indication of Viva Topics, with an insinuation that it was only available via the most expensive Viva Suite option.

As of today however, all references to Viva Topics has disappeared from this page. It’s only when you download the comparison table do you see Viva Topics referenced as a “Cross-App Service” available under the Viva Suite license.

Please Don’t, Microsoft

By limiting the availability of Viva Topics to only companies that purchase the expensive Viva Suite SKU, Microsoft risks alienating a significant portion of its user base. Smaller businesses or departments within larger organizations, which may not require the extensive capabilities of the entire Viva Suite, will now find themselves priced out of accessing a tool that could significantly benefit their operations. This move could stifle innovation and hinder the democratization of knowledge within organizations, impeding growth and competitiveness.

While bundling services can offer synergies and streamline management for some enterprises, it shouldn’t come at the cost of accessibility and affordability for others.

The disappearance of Viva Topics from standalone licensing options and the potential of the service being confined to the Viva Suite bundle represents a step in the wrong direction. It undermines the principles of inclusivity and accessibility that should underpin the core principles of improving the employee experience. As businesses navigate the complexities of the digital age, it’s imperative for technology providers like Microsoft to prioritize flexibility and affordability, ensuring that every organization, regardless of size or budget, can harness the power of innovation to drive success.