429877 – Microsoft Copilot (Microsoft 365): Copilot Extensibility – Admins have transparency on granular metadata for agents

Product:

Copilot

Platform:

Web, Windows Desktop, World tenant

Status:

In development

Change type:

Links:

Details:

Admins have transparency on granular metadata (data source, custom actions) for agents.

Change Category:
XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

Scope:
XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

Release Phase:
General Availability

Created:
2024-10-25

updated:
2024-10-25

Docu to Check

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

MS workload name

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

summary for non-techies**

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

Direct effects for Operations**

Lack of Transparency in Data Management
Without proper preparation for the implementation of Copilot extensibility, admins may face challenges in managing and understanding the granular metadata associated with agents, leading to potential data mismanagement.
   - roles: IT Administrators, Data Analysts
   - references: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/microsoft-365-developer-blog/introducing-microsoft-365-copilot/ba-p/3731230, https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2023/03/16/introducing-microsoft-365-copilot/

User Experience Disruption
If the change is implemented without adequate training or communication, users may struggle to adapt to the new features and functionalities of Copilot, resulting in decreased productivity and frustration.
   - roles: End Users, Support Staff
   - references: https://www.forbes.com/sites/bernardmarr/2023/03/20/microsoft-365-copilot-what-it-is-and-why-it-matters/?sh=5c1c1c1e7b8d, https://www.zdnet.com/article/microsoft-365-copilot-is-here-what-you-need-to-know/

Configutation Options**

XXXXXXX ... paid membership only

explanation for non-techies**

Microsoft Copilot, part of the Microsoft 365 suite, is a tool designed to assist users by integrating AI capabilities into their everyday tasks. A recent update focuses on providing administrators with enhanced transparency through access to granular metadata for agents. To understand this change, let's consider an analogy.

Imagine you're managing a large library. You have several librarians (agents) who help visitors find books, answer questions, and organize events. To ensure everything runs smoothly, you need detailed information about each librarian's activities, such as which sections they manage, the specific tasks they perform, and the resources they use. This detailed information is akin to the "granular metadata" in the context of Microsoft Copilot.

In the digital realm, administrators play a role similar to that of a library manager. They oversee various agents (automated processes or AI tools) that help users within an organization. The granular metadata provides them with insights into the data sources the agents access and any custom actions they perform. This transparency is crucial for ensuring that the agents operate efficiently and securely, much like how a library manager needs to know the details of each librarian's duties to maintain order and service quality.

This development is available across multiple platforms, including web and desktop, and is in the general availability phase, meaning it's accessible to all users within the Microsoft 365 ecosystem. By equipping administrators with this level of detail, organizations can better manage their digital tools, ensuring they align with company policies and user needs.