OpenAI launches dots, always-on agents with own cloud computers, for Pro and Business Premium
For the CISO of a regional bank
OpenAI said in a Sept. 29 announcement that it is rolling out "dots," always-on AI agents powered by GPT-6 Astra, in ChatGPT to Pro and Business Premium users in eligible markets.1
OpenAI said dots are built to work toward a user's goals 24/7, learn from feedback over time and take work off the user's plate; the announcement did not give a further reason for the timing.1 OpenAI said each dot works on its own cloud computer, separate from the user's computer unless the user chooses to connect it.1
OpenAI said dots can connect to over 4,000 apps through its plugin ecosystem and can be reached through ChatGPT, Slack or Teams, with texting coming soon.1
According to OpenAI, dots start with built-in rules for when to act independently and when to ask for approval, and users can set Custom Rules to allow, require approval for or block specific actions; sensitive tasks such as changing a password always stay with the user.1
OpenAI said background "proactive research" uses read-only tools, and a monitoring system can pause or stop a dot's work if it detects a safety concern. It also said dots can still make mistakes and consequential work should be reviewed.1
OpenAI said it does not use content from ChatGPT Business, Enterprise or Edu workspaces to improve its models by default, and Enterprise users, including Edu and Healthcare, can try the beta when their workspace admin enables it.1
A dot acts with a user's app access on a vendor-hosted computer, including background work, so banks that allow ChatGPT Business or Enterprise plans will need to decide how access reviews, approval rules and audit trails apply to an agent that learns an employee's preferences over time.
OpenAI said it is starting focused enterprise pilots of specialist dots with their own identity and access, is working with Microsoft on integration with Agent 365 governance controls, and plans to expand dots to more users soon without giving dates.1
Our take. OpenAI's dots run 24/7 on their own cloud computer and plug into over 4,000 apps through plugins. Your data-loss controls watch employees' laptops. The agent's computer is not one of them.
Action. Identity and access management: Block dots and OpenAI plugin connections in ChatGPT, Slack and Teams admin consoles until agent-access and data-loss policies exist.
What our records say
ChatGPT Enterprise's posture, per its profile, is that it sells banks ChatGPT seats for employees and API access to its models, and in 2026 added on-site engineering deals, a financial-services edition built with investment-bank design partners, and a separately funded deployment company.1 Strategy and products: The product "ChatGPT Enterprise" is recorded with status Generally available.2 "ChatGPT for Financial Services" is recorded with status Generally available, built with design partners Morgan Stanley and Evercore.3
From our records
- ChatGPT Enterprise (OpenAI)vendor · banks using it (8) Morgan Stanley, BNY, Customers Bank · alternatives Microsoft Copilot, Claude, Gemini Enterprise
Sources
- Primary sourceOpenAI introduces dots, always-on AI agents that work 24/7 OpenAI