MC918574 – General Availability of Declarative Agents in Microsoft Word and Microsoft PowerPoint (Web) (archived)

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check before: 2024-10-01

Product:

Copilot, Microsoft 365 admin center, Microsoft 365 Apps, Teams

Platform:

Online, Web, World tenant

Status:

Change type:

New feature, User impact, Admin impact

Links:

Details:

Summary:
Declarative Agents are now available in Word and PowerPoint Web, allowing users to customize Copilot for Microsoft 365. Rollout begins late October 2024, with completion by late November. Users can install and interact with these agents via Teams or the Microsoft 365 Admin Center. No admin action is required before rollout.

Details:
Microsoft has been on a mission to enable first party and third-party partners to build domain-specific experiences on Microsoft 365 apps sidecar copilot, for transformative user value. As part of that effort, we are excited to announce the availability of Declarative agents (DAs) in Word and PowerPoint Web platforms.

Declarative agent allows users to extend or tailor the capabilities of Copilot for Microsoft 365 to better suit individual or organizational needs by providing specific instructions and knowledge. Declarative agents run on the same foundational models, AI services, and orchestration that power Copilot for Microsoft 365.
[When this will happen:]
General Availability (Worldwide): rollout will begin in late October 2024 and is planned to be completed by late November 2024.

Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:

Created:
2024-10-26

updated:
2024-10-31

Task Type

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Docu to Check

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MS How does it affect me

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MS Preperations

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summary for non-techies**

Declarative Agents in Microsoft 365, available in Word and PowerPoint on the web starting late October 2024, allow users to customize Copilot's capabilities to meet specific needs, and can be installed via Teams or the Microsoft 365 Admin Center.

Direct effects for Operations**

User Confusion and Misuse of Declarative Agents
Users may not understand how to properly install or utilize Declarative Agents, leading to potential misuse or ineffective use of the feature.
   - roles: End Users, IT Support Staff
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/admin/manage/manage-copilot-agents-integrated-apps?view=o365-worldwide#publish-copilot-agents

Increased Support Requests
The introduction of Declarative Agents without prior training or documentation updates may lead to a surge in support requests from users facing difficulties.
   - roles: IT Support Staff, Help Desk Personnel
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/admin/manage/manage-copilot-agents-integrated-apps?view=o365-worldwide#publish-copilot-agents

Potential Security Risks
Allowing users to install third-party Declarative Agents without proper vetting could introduce security vulnerabilities or compliance issues.
   - roles: IT Security Team, Compliance Officers
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/admin/manage/manage-copilot-agents-integrated-apps?view=o365-worldwide#publish-copilot-agents

Configutation Options**

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Opportunities**

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Potentional Risks**

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Data Protection**

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IT Security**

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Hypothetical Work Council Statement**

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DPIA Draft**

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explanation for non-techies**

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** AI generated content. This information must be reviewed before use.

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change history

DatePropertyoldnew
2024-10-31MC prepareThis rollout will happen automatically by the specified date with no admin action required before the rollout. You may want to notify your users about this change and update any relevant documentation.
Note: The Copilot "Extensions" name has changed to Agents, and this change will be part of the GA scope. As such, "Declarative Copilots" are now "Declarative Agents" moving forward.
https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/admin/manage/manage-copilot-agents-integrated-apps?view=o365-worldwide#publish-copilot-agents
This rollout will happen automatically by the specified date with no admin action required before the rollout. You may want to notify your users about this change and update any relevant documentation.
Note: The Copilot "Extensions" name has changed to Agents, and this change will be part of the GA scope. As such, "Declarative Copilots" are now "Declarative Agents" moving forward.
https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/admin/manage/manage-copilot-agents-integrated-apps?view=o365-worldwide#publish-copilot-agents
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/videoplayer/embed/RW1qrVQ
2024-10-31MC How AffectUsers in your organization will now be able to install declarative agents on Word and PowerPoint web platforms. They can then use Declarative Agents through:
1. Installing a Declarative Agent:
Users can install a Declarative Agents in either of the following ways -
Sideloading a Declarative Agent
In the App Store on Teams, users can go to "Manage your Apps" on bottom left corner and choose "Upload an App". Then users can upload the DA zip file on the "Upload a custom app" pop-out
Add from Teams Store
In Teams App Store, simply click on "Add" to install any of the Declarative Agents
Administrators can manage the agents published to their organization using Integrated Apps in the Microsoft 365 Admin Center in the same way they can manage other Integrated Apps. For more information, see: Manage Copilot agents in Integrated Apps - Microsoft 365 admin


2. Using a Declarative Agent:
Users can now open any new Word/PowerPoint document on Web and go to Home->Copilot and then the Hamburger Menu to view installed Declarative Agents. Next, users can select the Declarative Copilot from the switcher menu and wait for the Chat pane to load the same. Now the user is all set to start interacting with the Declarative Agent
Enter the prompt or just click on any starter prompts to get started.
You can now @mention Declarative Agents directly from the regular App chat Copilot. Simply type "@" & a list of installed Declarative Agents will appear, allowing you to start a conversation instantly
Users in your organization will now be able to install declarative agents on Word and PowerPoint web platforms. They can then use Declarative Agents through:
1. Installing a Declarative Agent:
Users can install a Declarative Agents in either of the following ways -
Sideloading a Declarative Agent (video overview)
In the App Store on Teams, users can go to "Manage your Apps" on bottom left corner and choose "Upload an App". Then users can upload the DA zip file on the "Upload a custom app" pop-out
Add from Teams Store
In Teams App Store, simply click on "Add" to install any of the Declarative Agents
Administrators can manage the agents published to their organization using Integrated Apps in the Microsoft 365 Admin Center in the same way they can manage other Integrated Apps. For more information, see: Manage Copilot agents in Integrated Apps - Microsoft 365 admin
2. Using a Declarative Agent:
Users can now open any new Word/PowerPoint document on Web and go to Home->Copilot and then the Hamburger Menu to view installed Declarative Agents. Next, users can select the Declarative Copilot from the switcher menu and wait for the Chat pane to load the same. Now the user is all set to start interacting with the Declarative Agent
Enter the prompt or just click on any starter prompts to get started.
You can now @mention Declarative Agents directly from the regular App chat Copilot. Simply type "@" & a list of installed Declarative Agents will appear, allowing you to start a conversation instantly
2024-10-31MC Last Updated10/26/2024 01:07:272024-10-30T17:52:13Z

Last updated 2 months ago

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