OpenAI’s ChatGPT has expanded its Deep Research capabilities by integrating popular cloud storage solutions, including Dropbox, Microsoft OneDrive, and SharePoint.
This advanced feature, now available to ChatGPT Plus, Pro, and Team subscribers (with broader rollout planned for Edu and Enterprise tiers), enables users to search, analyze, and extract data from their connected apps and files within the ChatGPT interface eliminating the need to toggle between multiple platforms.
Seamless Connection
The new connector framework allows users to securely link third-party services such as Dropbox, Box, GitHub, OneDrive, and SharePoint directly to ChatGPT.
Upon connection, ChatGPT Deep Research can access live data, meaning users simply need to ask a question, and the AI will search approved repositories or folders, read through documents or code, and deliver precise, source-cited answers in real time.
For example, a query like “Show me the latest customer feedback deck” prompts ChatGPT to locate and summarize the most recent relevant presentation stored in Dropbox or SharePoint, while technical requests like “Where’s the backend logic for image uploads?” seamlessly parse connected GitHub repositories.
Connectors are currently in beta, and while most are broadly supported, integration with Box, Dropbox, OneDrive, and SharePoint is not yet available in the EEA, Switzerland, or the UK for Plus and Pro users, due to regional compliance restrictions.
Each third-party service remains governed by its own terms and policies, with organizational administrators potentially needing to approve access before full functionality is enabled.
ChatGPT’s approach to data privacy is notably robust. Rather than syncing or permanently storing files, the system sends secure, keyword-based search queries on demand, retrieves the relevant documents for real-time analysis, and only accesses content the user has explicitly approved.
Data permissions and visibility remain under the strict control of the user’s connected third-party account, and compliance with corporate security policies is enforced by requiring admin consent for application access where necessary.
How to Enable Deep Research Connectors
Activating app connectors within ChatGPT is straightforward. Users can select “Deep Research” from the chat composer, choose a supported data source from the dropdown, and then authenticate and specify the content scope for ChatGPT’s access.
According to OpenAI Report, connections can be managed and revoked at any time via the Settings menu under Connected Apps.
In business environments, IT administrators may be prompted to formally approve the connector to uphold organizational data governance standards.
By consolidating access to dispersed files and codebases into a single conversational interface, ChatGPT Deep Research is poised to transform productivity for knowledge workers and technical teams.
The ability to query a vast array of business data, documents, and repositories directly from within ChatGPT backed by real-time search and advanced citation means critical insights are now just a question away, further blurring the lines between AI-powered research and everyday digital workflows.
As the rollout continues and regional availability expands, this integration underscores a new era of interconnected, AI-driven data analysis across enterprise and professional domains.
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