AI’s Already in Our Inbox – We Don’t Need to Buy More

• AI is already embedded in Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace — no new purchases needed.

• Start with integrated, systemic use-cases to get faster ROI and avoid security or procurement delays.

• Buying bundled AI adds complexity — use built-in tools now to deliver value immediately.

AI isn’t something we need to buy from our app vendor

We often think of AI as something we need to acquire—typically bundled into a major new application from a vendor like Salesforce or ServiceNow. But that mindset can slow us down, introduce complexity, and lead to unnecessary spending.

The truth is, we already have AI.

It’s built into the office platforms our teams use every day. Email, documents and shared drives are now part of environments with powerful AI capabilities—readily available through built-in tools and APIs. These aren’t theoretical futures; they’re operational services ready to use today, without buying anything new.

Personal AI vs systemic AI

In our approach to AI, it’s useful to distinguish two modes of adoption:

Personal AI helps individuals. Tools like Copilot in Word or Gemini in Docs assist with summarising, drafting and reducing repetitive tasks.

Systemic AI delivers organisational impact. It integrates across systems using APIs, automates workflows, analyses data and streamlines processes at scale.

The real opportunity lies in systemic use cases—where AI improves how we work across existing systems, rather than adding more tools and complexity.

Start with what we've already vetted

When we start with the office suite we’re already using—Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace—we gain two major advantages:

1. Information security

We’ve already done the heavy lifting. These environments are where sensitive data lives. They are vetted for compliance, privacy and security. Using built-in AI avoids re-running procurement, legal or risk processes for every new service.

2. Budget simplicity

AI capabilities in Microsoft and Google platforms are mostly consumption-based. We don't need to make large up-front decisions. We can activate AI for a specific use case, assess its value and expand as needed.

Immediate action, immediate value

Because there's no need to buy or integrate a new platform, we can move quickly. That accelerates outcomes:

• Reduce manual admin to boost morale and retention

• Increase efficiency and free up team capacity

• Deliver outcomes sooner with fewer blockers

AI adoption doesn’t need to start with a major transformation. It starts with the tools we already have.

Final thought

We don’t need to buy AI. We already have it.

Let’s start with our email and document platforms. Use what’s built in. Test what’s possible. Begin unlocking value now.

And beyond individual use cases, AI is reducing the cost and complexity of implementation projects. What once took three to six months can now be done in one or two. That means faster delivery, more manageable budgets and stronger ROI.

Which makes starting not only easier, but smarter.

When you're ready, here's how I can help:

Andrew Walker 
10 years AI strategy & implementation for executives in staff-heavy organisations, often with mobile workforces.

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