MC933534 – (Updated) Microsoft Copilot Now Available for B2B Members in Multi-Tenant Organizations (MTO) (archived)

Product:

Copilot, Microsoft 365 admin center, Teams

Platform:

Mac, Online, Windows Desktop, World tenant

Status:

Launched

Change type:

Admin impact, New feature, Updated message, User impact

Links:

423474

Details:

Summary:
Microsoft Copilot is now available for B2B members in MTOs, with a new Teams policy for IT admin control. Rollout begins mid-January and completes by early February 2025. IT admins can manage access via Teams Admin Center. The feature is enabled by default but can be disabled if desired.

Details:
Updated January 15, 2025: We have updated the rollout timeline below. Thank you for your patience.
We're excited to announce that Microsoft Copilot is now available for Business-to-Business (B2B) members in Multi-Tenant Organizations (MTO). With this release, users with B2B (shadow) identities can now access Copilot if they have license in their host tenant during Teams meetings, enhancing collaboration and productivity across organizations.
A new policy setting in Teams Admin Center (TAC) will allow IT admins to manage and control Copilot access specifically for B2B members, ensuring that the feature aligns with each organization's security and access policies.
This change is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap Id: 423474
[When this will happen:]
Targeted release: We will begin rolling out mid-January 2025 (previously early January) and expect to complete by late January 2025 (previously mid-January).
General Availability (Worldwide): We will begin rolling out late January 2025 (previously mid-January) and expect to complete by early February 2025 (previously late January).

Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:
General Availability, Targeted Release

Created:
2024-11-14

updated:
2025-01-16

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**

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Direct effects for Operations**

Access Control Issues
B2B members may gain unintended access to Copilot features, leading to potential data leaks or misuse of sensitive information.
   - roles: IT Admin, Compliance Officer
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?rtc=1%26filters=&searchterms=423474

User Experience Disruption
Users may experience confusion or frustration if Copilot features are enabled by default without proper training or communication.
   - roles: End User, Team Leader
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?rtc=1%26filters=&searchterms=423474

Increased Support Tickets
The rollout may lead to a surge in support requests as users encounter issues or have questions about the new features.
   - roles: Help Desk Staff, IT Support Specialist
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?rtc=1%26filters=&searchterms=423474

Policy Compliance Risks
Organizations may face compliance risks if B2B members use Copilot in ways that violate internal policies or regulations.
   - roles: Compliance Officer, Legal Advisor
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?rtc=1%26filters=&searchterms=423474

Integration Challenges
Existing integrations with other tools may be disrupted if Copilot alters workflows or data sharing practices.
   - roles: System Integrator, Project Manager
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?rtc=1%26filters=&searchterms=423474

Configutation Options**

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Opportunities**

Enhanced Collaboration Tools for B2B Members
With the introduction of Microsoft Copilot for B2B members, organizations can enhance their collaborative efforts by leveraging AI-driven insights and support during Teams meetings. This can lead to improved decision-making and productivity across multi-tenant environments.
   - next-steps: Conduct training sessions for users to familiarize them with Copilot features and best practices for collaboration. Monitor usage metrics to assess the impact on productivity.
   - roles: IT Admins, Project Managers, Team Leaders
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?rtc=1%26filters=&searchterms=423474

Streamlined IT Administration via Teams Admin Center
The new policy settings in the Teams Admin Center allow IT admins to control access to Copilot for B2B members, providing a streamlined way to manage user permissions and enhance security compliance.
   - next-steps: Review current access policies and align them with the new capabilities. Update documentation and provide training for IT staff on managing these settings effectively.
   - roles: IT Admins, Security Officers, Compliance Managers
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?rtc=1%26filters=&searchterms=423474

Cost-Effective Licensing Management
By utilizing the new capabilities of Copilot for B2B members, organizations can potentially reduce the need for additional licenses for external collaborators, as they can now access the tool through their host tenant's license.
   - next-steps: Analyze current licensing agreements and usage patterns to identify potential savings. Engage with Microsoft representatives to explore options for optimizing licensing costs.
   - roles: Finance Managers, IT Admins, Procurement Officers
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?rtc=1%26filters=&searchterms=423474

Potentional Risks**

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Data Protection**

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IT Security**

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explanation for non-techies**

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