check before: 2025-03-31
Product:
Copilot, Microsoft 365 admin center, Microsoft 365 Apps, Microsoft 365 Copilot, Microsoft 365 for the web, Outlook
Platform:
Online, Web, Windows Desktop, World tenant
Status:
In development
Change type:
New feature, User impact, Admin impact
Links:
Details:
Summary:
Agents for Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat in Outlook will be available on the Web and Work tabs starting late March 2025. Admins can manage these agents in the Microsoft 365 admin center. Users can customize their Copilot experience with these agents, which will appear in the right-side panel of Outlook.
Details:
Copilot Agents are coming soon to both the Web and Work tabs of Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat in Outlook for the Web and the new Outlook for Windows.
This change is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID: 481558
[When this will happen:]
General Availability (Worldwide): We will begin rolling out late March 2025 and expect to complete by early April 2025.
Change Category:
XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only
Scope:
XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only
Release Phase:
General Availability, Targeted Release
Created:
2025-03-01
updated:
2025-03-01
Task Type
XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only
Docu to Check
XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only
MS How does it affect me
XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only
MS Preperations
XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only
MS Urgency
XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only
MS workload name
XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only
linked item details
XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only
summary for non-techies**
XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only
Direct effects for Operations**
User Experience Disruption
Users may experience confusion or frustration if the new agents are not properly introduced or if training is lacking, leading to decreased productivity during the transition period.
- roles: End Users, IT Support
- references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=481558, https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/admin/manage/manage-copilot-agents-integrated-apps?view=o365-worldwide
Increased Support Tickets
Without adequate preparation, the introduction of new agents may lead to a spike in support requests as users encounter issues or have questions about the new features.
- roles: IT Support, Help Desk Staff
- references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=481558, https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/admin/manage/manage-copilot-agents-integrated-apps?view=o365-worldwide
Integration Issues
If the agents are not properly integrated with existing systems, users may face functionality issues, leading to a negative impact on their workflow.
- roles: System Administrators, End Users
- references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=481558, https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/admin/manage/manage-copilot-agents-integrated-apps?view=o365-worldwide
Security Concerns
The introduction of new agents may raise security concerns if not properly vetted, potentially exposing sensitive information or creating vulnerabilities.
- roles: Security Administrators, Compliance Officers
- references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=481558, https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/admin/manage/manage-copilot-agents-integrated-apps?view=o365-worldwide
Change Management Challenges
Without a structured change management process, the rollout of new agents may lead to resistance from users, impacting overall adoption and utilization of the new features.
- roles: Change Managers, Project Managers
- references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=481558, https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/admin/manage/manage-copilot-agents-integrated-apps?view=o365-worldwide
Configutation Options**
XXXXXXX ... paid membership only
Opportunities**
Enhanced User Customization
With the introduction of agents in Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat, users can customize their experience, leading to increased productivity and satisfaction. This opportunity allows users to tailor the Copilot functionalities to their specific needs, improving their workflow within Outlook.
- next-steps: Conduct user surveys to identify common needs and preferences for customization. Develop training sessions to help users understand how to utilize agents effectively.
- roles: End Users, Product Managers, User Experience Designers
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/admin/manage/manage-copilot-agents-integrated-apps?view=o365-worldwide, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=481558
Streamlined IT Management
Admins can manage agents through the Integrated Apps section in the Microsoft 365 admin center, which centralizes control and simplifies the management of these tools. This can lead to reduced administrative overhead and improved compliance with organizational policies.
- next-steps: Review current admin workflows to identify inefficiencies. Train IT staff on the new management features to ensure they can leverage them fully.
- roles: IT Administrators, Compliance Officers, Operations Managers
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/admin/manage/manage-copilot-agents-integrated-apps?view=o365-worldwide, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=481558
Improved Collaboration Features
The agents can facilitate better collaboration by integrating various functionalities directly into Outlook, making it easier for teams to communicate and share information without switching between applications. This can enhance teamwork and project management.
- next-steps: Identify key collaboration tools that can be integrated as agents. Pilot the use of these agents in a small team to gather feedback before wider implementation.
- roles: Team Leaders, Project Managers, Collaboration Specialists
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/admin/manage/manage-copilot-agents-integrated-apps?view=o365-worldwide, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=481558
Potentional Risks**
XXXXXXX ... paid membership only
IT Security**
XXXXXXX ... paid membership only
explanation for non-techies**
XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only
** AI generated content. This information must be reviewed before use.
a free basic plan is required to see more details. Sign up here
A cloudsocut.one plan is required to see all the changed details. If you are already a customer, choose login.
If you are new to cloudscout.one please choose a plan.
Last updated 21 hours ago
