OpenAI to connect ChatGPT with Google Drive and Slack for enterprise users

OpenAI is expanding ChatGPT’s capabilities with new third-party service integrations for enterprise users, potentially transforming how businesses access and utilize their internal information. According to an internal document obtained by TechCrunch, the company plans to test “ChatGPT Connectors” that would link the AI chatbot to workplace tools including Google Drive and Slack, with Microsoft SharePoint and Box integrations coming later. This development signals OpenAI’s strategic push to make ChatGPT more deeply embedded in daily business operations.

The big picture: OpenAI plans to introduce ChatGPT Connectors for enterprise customers, integrating the AI assistant with workplace tools like Google Drive and Slack.

• The functionality will allow employees to leverage ChatGPT to search through and utilize company information alongside its general knowledge capabilities.
• According to an internal document seen by TechCrunch, OpenAI aims to make ChatGPT more competitive with enterprise search platforms like Glean.

Key details: The new Connectors feature will respect existing permissions structures while providing powerful search capabilities across connected services.

• Users will be able to search for files in Google Drive or important messages in Slack with ChatGPT serving as an intelligent interface.
• The system will provide source citations by including a “sources” button at the bottom of each response, allowing users to verify information origins.

Technical limitations: Not all document types and communication channels will be supported in the initial release.

• Google Slides, PowerPoint, and plain text files in Google Drive won’t be accessible, while Sheets and Excel files can be read but not analyzed.
• For Slack integration, direct messages and group conversations won’t be retrievable, suggesting the focus is primarily on public channels.

Implementation approach: The Connectors feature leverages GPT-4o and incorporates security measures critical for handling sensitive corporate information.

• The system uses encrypted connections to protect company data during processing and retrieval.
• Beta testing will begin with select ChatGPT Team subscribers, with access provided to everyone within designated Team workspaces.

Why this matters: By connecting ChatGPT directly to workplace tools, OpenAI is transforming the AI assistant from a general knowledge resource into a deeply integrated enterprise productivity tool.

• This evolution positions ChatGPT as a universal interface for corporate information, potentially streamlining workflows across multiple platforms.
• The move represents a significant strategic step in OpenAI’s competition with other AI providers offering enterprise solutions.