AI showdown time: Glean vs. Microsoft Copilot! 🥊 Who will emerge as the ultimate productivity sidekick, and who’s just the office intern pretending to know Excel shortcuts?
But wait—there’s a wildcard in the ring: Qatalog! The underdog you didn’t see coming might just steal the spotlight.
Grab your popcorn because we’re about to settle the score.
What is the difference between Glean and Microsoft Copilot?
The main difference between Glean and Copilot lies in their purpose. While Glean makes company-wide information easily searchable, regardless of where it’s stored, Copilot improves workflow within Microsoft tools.
Glean is an enterprise search solution designed to index company data from multiple platforms, enabling Google-like search across all organizational information. On the other hand, Microsoft Copilot focuses on enhancing productivity within the Microsoft 365 ecosystem, offering AI-powered assistance in tools like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams.
Is there a better solution than Glean and Copilot?
If you’re looking for a tool outside the Microsoft ecosystem but find Glean’s costs and indexing too much to handle, Qatalog might be the perfect fit. Priced at just $15 per user per month, Qatalog is quick to implement—taking days, not months—to get up and running. With powerful search and AI capabilities, including Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), Qatalog understands natural language questions, enabling teams to quickly access insights, solve problems, and stay prepared for tasks.
Think of it as Google or ChatGPT for the workplace—it answers employee questions by pulling information directly from integrated systems like Salesforce, Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, Snowflake, and more. Plus, with no data copying or storage, Qatalog provides enhanced data privacy and security, keeping your sensitive information safe.
Core approaches and technology
Glean
Glean Search operates as an indexed enterprise search solution, creating comprehensive search indexes of company data across various platforms. It functions similarly to a Google-like search engine for enterprise data, using RAG technology to process and retrieve information from its indexes.
Key characteristics:
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Creates and maintains separate search indexes
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Processes all content upfront
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Stores processed content with pre-computed embeddings
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Requires significant setup time and ongoing maintenance
Microsoft Copilot
Copilot takes an integrated approach within the Microsoft 365 ecosystem, focusing on enhancing productivity through AI-powered assistance in familiar Microsoft applications.
Key characteristics:
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Deep integration with Microsoft 365 suite
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Real-time assistance in Microsoft applications
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Limited to Microsoft's ecosystem
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Automated workflow capabilities within Microsoft tools
Qatalog
Qatalog stands out with its unique no-index approach, connecting directly to data sources without creating separate indexes or storing copies of data.
Key characteristics:
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Direct connection to data sources without indexing
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Real-time data processing and retrieval
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No data duplication or storage
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Rapid deployment with minimal setup
Security and compliance
Glean
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Creates additional attack surfaces through indexed data
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Requires separate permission management
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May retain deleted data
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Needs regular security audits
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Complex compliance requirements for regulated industries
Microsoft Copilot
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Leverages Microsoft's enterprise security stack
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Integrated with existing Microsoft permissions
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Limited to Microsoft security framework
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Data remains within Microsoft ecosystem
Qatalog
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No additional data copies to secure
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Inherits source system permissions
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No retained data concerns
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Direct compliance with existing governance
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Real-time permission enforcement
Related: Learn more about secure enterprise search.
Implementation and cost considerations
Glean
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Lengthy implementation process (months)
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Significant storage and operational costs
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High initial setup investment
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Requires ongoing maintenance and optimization
Related: Glean search costs explained
Microsoft Copilot
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Quick implementation for Microsoft 365 users
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Subscription-based pricing
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Limited to Microsoft ecosystem
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Additional licensing costs for Microsoft products
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Requires Microsoft 365 enterprise subscriptions
Qatalog
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Rapid implementation (days)
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Affordable pricing at $15 per user/month
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No storage or technical overhead costs
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Minimal upfront investment required
Best use cases
Glean
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General document discovery
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Basic information retrieval
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Historical research and pattern analysis
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Stable, simple permission structures
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Non-critical data access
Microsoft Copilot
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Office document creation
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Email drafting and management
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PowerPoint presentations
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Teams meeting summaries
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Microsoft workflow automation
Qatalog
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Real-time data analysis
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Sensitive or regulated data handling
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Complex permission scenarios
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Time-sensitive operations
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Direct database integrations (Salesforce, BigQuery, Snowflake)
Making the right choice
Organizations should consider their specific needs when choosing between these solutions:
Choose Glean if:
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You need comprehensive coverage of historical company data
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You have simple permission structures
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Implementation time isn't a critical factor
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Budget allows for significant investment in infrastructure
Related: Glean Search alternatives
Choose Microsoft Copilot if:
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Your organization heavily uses Microsoft 365
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You primarily need assistance with document creation and management
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You want seamless integration with existing Microsoft tools
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Your workflows are primarily within the Microsoft ecosystem
Related: Microsoft Copilot alternatives
Choose Qatalog if:
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You need immediate implementation
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Security and data privacy are top priorities
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You require real-time data access
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Cost-effectiveness is important
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You have complex permission requirements
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You work with sensitive or regulated data
Glean vs Copilot: Conclusion
While each solution offers unique advantages, the choice ultimately depends on your organization's needs, infrastructure, and priorities. Glean excels in comprehensive indexed search, Microsoft Copilot in Microsoft ecosystem integration, and Qatalog in secure, real-time data access without indexing. Consider your organization's security requirements, implementation timeline, budget constraints, and existing technology stack when deciding.