At its Ignite conference, Microsoft announced its latest leap in artificial intelligence: autonomous “AI agents” designed to independently tackle complex business tasks. While the company hails these agents as transformative, the bold initiative has drawn sharp criticism from competitors.

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella outlined the potential of AI agents to streamline operations, citing examples such as automating customer return processes and analyzing supply chain data to reduce errors. In a blog post, the company emphasized that these agents are built to operate continuously, offering organizations a path to greater efficiency and productivity.

This development marks a significant evolution from AI tools like OpenAI’s ChatGPT or Microsoft’s own Copilot, which focus on assisting users with writing or answering basic queries. The new “agentic AI” aims to go further, offering capabilities like reasoning, strategic planning, and autonomous execution of complex, multi-step tasks.

However, not everyone is on board. Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff criticized the initiative, calling it a “desperate rebranding effort.” In a recent social media post, Benioff pointed to what he sees as the underwhelming performance of Microsoft’s Copilot, citing accuracy and security concerns. “Renaming it doesn’t solve its core problems,” he said.

The announcement highlights the escalating competition in the AI space, with tech giants like Google, OpenAI, and Salesforce vying to incorporate advanced AI into enterprise solutions. Yet, doubts remain about whether autonomous AI agents can deliver on their promises in real-world applications, particularly regarding scalability and cost-effectiveness.

Despite the criticism, Microsoft remains confident in its vision, predicting a future where businesses leverage networks of AI agents to drive innovation and streamline operations. Whether these agents represent a genuine breakthrough or a fleeting trend will ultimately depend on their success in the marketplace.