From Content to Context: Intranet and Governance—A Dual Expertise
The intranet’s renaissance will be driven by artificial intelligence. Powell proves it—and transforms Microsoft 365 into a truly adopted Digital Workplace and a trusted knowledge base for AI applications.
A document you can’t find, a Teams meeting that’s glitching, a file to sign that’s bouncing around five email inboxes… The office is no longer just an open space. It’s everywhere, all the time, and connected. Historically viewed as an internal communication tool, the intranet is establishing itself as a strategic building block of the Digital Workplace.
“Next-generation intranets go beyond the simple role of providing information to become true collaborative work platforms, enhancing both operational efficiency and employee engagement,” explains Pierre-Eric Jacoupy, Chief Product Officer, Powell.
Active in Both Intranet Development and Governance
Today, agent-based AI represents a major new step toward further improving the employee experience and boosting team performance—provided, of course, that the right data is available. However, as Gartner points out, 60% of AI initiatives will be abandoned by 2026 due to a lack of AI-ready data…
“AI amplifies what already exists,” insists Pierre-Eric Jacoupy. “If the foundation is fragmented, AI amplifies the chaos. On the other hand, if the foundation is structured, AI amplifies productivity. That’s where Powell stands out: we’re active both on the intranet itself and in Microsoft 365 content governance.”
For companies with 2,000 to 20,000 employees
Founded in 2016, the French software company Powell has established itself as a leader in the Digital Workplace thanks to a modular platform natively integrated with the Microsoft environment, designed to improve the employee experience. Mission: to create engaging intranet experiences that foster collaboration, productivity, and innovation within organizations.
Built entirely on Microsoft 365 and SharePoint, the Powell Intranet solution primarily addresses the needs of IT, HR, and Communications teams. The company targets businesses with 2,000 to 20,000 employees. It operates primarily in France, Germany, and Belgium, as well as in North America across various sectors, most of which are regulated. It relies on a strong network of partners—including Keyes for Belgium and Luxembourg.
“Adoption can’t be mandated—it has to be earned!”
Powell transforms Microsoft 365 into a truly adopted Digital Workplace and a trusted knowledge base for AI applications. “Microsoft 365 provides the building blocks—SharePoint, Teams, Copilot. Powell is the cement that binds them into a solid structure, plus the finishing touches that make it a pleasant place to be: polished experiences, not flat-pack furniture,” explains Pierre-Eric Jacoupy. “That’s how your Microsoft home becomes a true home for your teams!”
In other words, Powell maximizes the value of the Microsoft investment, which is adopted by teams and enhanced by AI. In fact, Powell enriches the Microsoft platform, ensures a trusted framework for AI applications, and simplifies the user experience.
“Adoption can’t be mandated—it has to be earned,” argues Pierre-Eric Jacoupy. If we make work simple, relevant, and seamless, employees will come back. And when they come back, you don’t just have users—you capture their attention. That attention becomes fertile ground for internal communication, a lever for better data hygiene, and the foundation for truly effective AI. Governance is no longer imposed—it becomes second nature. Each cycle enriches the user context of Powell Intelligence.”
Buddy Extends Copilot
With Powell Buddy—the AI engine that enhances all Powell experiences, from content creation to knowledge search—the company has taken a decisive step forward.
“Buddy doesn’t compete with Copilot; it extends it,” clarifies Pierre-Eric Jacoupy. Buddy brings AI into the daily lives of all employees, including those without a Copilot license. It draws on the user’s context and provides answers sourced exclusively from verified content.”
Finally, with the acquisition of Synigo made official on September 1er, Powell is taking another step forward in its strategy: offering a Digital Workplace capable of serving all employees, from office staff to field teams, while addressing the growing challenges of digital sovereignty in Europe.
“Beyond external growth in the Netherlands, this announcement illustrates Powell’s commitment to building a leading European platform, where employee experience, governance, and AI readiness converge within a single foundation of trust,” concludes Pierre-Eric Jacoupy.
