Short answer: Proto: Desktop AI agent for business teams from ERP•AI: it works with your files, the web and ERP•AI, and can build and then operate no-code business systems such as an ERP, CRM or supply chain. Claude Cowork: Agentic workspace for non-coding knowledge work: give it a goal and it works across your files and tools.
Proto vs Claude Cowork
Sourced facts only. “Unknown” means not verified yet.
Key facts side by side
| Criterion | Proto | Claude Cowork |
|---|---|---|
| Type | business agent | business agent |
| Vendor | ERP•AI | Anthropic |
| Channels / category | Desktop app for macOS (Apple Silicon), Windows (x64) and Linux (x64); works inside ERP•AI apps and in its own browser | Desktop (macOS/Windows); web and mobile in beta |
| Pricing / availability | Free during the alpha (proto.erp.ai). On ERP•AI's managed plan, AI is billed at model cost plus an 8% Proto Agent fee; with your own key the provider bills you. New ERP•AI accounts get USD 100 of credit valid one month (erp.ai/pricing) | Paid Claude plans (Pro, Max, Team, Enterprise) |
| Launched | 2026-10-15 | Unknown |
| Funding (reported) | Not disclosed in the sources we checked | Unknown |
| Channels confirmed | Desktop app | Unknown |
| Verified facts | Launched 15 Oct 2026 with ERP•AI as 'an agent that operates business software' (launch post on X); Describe a business system in plain language; Proto builds data, approvals, permissions and dashboards in ERP•AI without code and goes live after a test run with sample records; Reads Excel, Word, PowerPoint, PDF, image and CSV files on your computer; uses web apps you are signed in to in its own browser; operating other desktop apps is experimental and off by default; New installs start in Uninterrupted mode; switch it off and Proto asks before sending, submitting forms, paying or bulk-changing ERP•AI records; deleting data and changing access stay off until enabled; Can save repeat work as a skill, build an ERP•AI app, report or workflow, or start from 81 ready-made apps; can split large jobs across helper agents; Files, sessions and memory are stored on your computer; runs on ERP•AI's managed model or your own key (OpenAI, Anthropic, Google Gemini, OpenRouter, Fireworks) or Codex with a ChatGPT account; Free during the alpha; on the managed plan AI is billed at model cost plus an 8% Proto Agent fee; new ERP•AI accounts get USD 100 of credit valid one month; ERP•AI charges USD 0 per seat and per app; Alpha software (version 0.2.122 listed) for macOS Apple Silicon, Windows x64 and Linux x64; proprietary; Launch contest (15-16 Oct 2026): build and publish a free app on ERP•AI with Proto; a MacBook for the best app and USD 100 for the first 100 qualifying apps; sponsor ERP•AI US Inc. | Reads, edits and creates files in folders you choose; Opens a browser for web tasks; Has scheduled tasks and projects; Same agentic architecture as Claude Code |
| Website | https://proto.erp.ai/ | https://claude.com/product/cowork |
| Sources | [1] [2] [3] [4] | [1] [2] |
| Last checked | 2026-11-11 | 2026-11-11 |
Frequently asked questions
What is Proto?
Desktop AI agent for business teams from ERP•AI: it works with your files, the web and ERP•AI, and can build and then operate no-code business systems such as an ERP, CRM or supply chain.
What is Claude Cowork?
Agentic workspace for non-coding knowledge work: give it a goal and it works across your files and tools.
How much does Proto cost?
Free during the alpha (proto.erp.ai). On ERP•AI's managed plan, AI is billed at model cost plus an 8% Proto Agent fee; with your own key the provider bills you. New ERP•AI accounts get USD 100 of credit valid one month (erp.ai/pricing)
How much does Claude Cowork cost?
Paid Claude plans (Pro, Max, Team, Enterprise)
Are Proto and Claude Cowork the same type of agent?
Proto is listed as a business agent and Claude Cowork as a business agent.
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