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

Product:

Copilot, Microsoft 365 admin center, Teams

Platform:

Mac, Online, Windows Desktop, World tenant

Status:

In development

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
If the new Copilot feature is enabled by default without proper preparation, B2B members may gain unintended access to sensitive organizational data during Teams meetings, leading to potential data breaches.
   - roles: IT Admin, Compliance Officer
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?rtc=1%26filters=&searchterms=423474

User Confusion
Users may be confused about the new capabilities of Copilot, leading to misuse or underutilization of the tool, which can hinder productivity and collaboration.
   - roles: End User, Team Leader
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?rtc=1%26filters=&searchterms=423474

Increased Support Tickets
The rollout of Copilot without adequate training or communication may result in a surge of support tickets from users facing issues or seeking clarification on the new feature.
   - roles: Helpdesk Support, IT Admin
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?rtc=1%26filters=&searchterms=423474

Security Risks
Without proper configuration and understanding of the new policy settings, organizations may inadvertently expose themselves to security vulnerabilities by allowing B2B members access to Copilot.
   - roles: Security Officer, IT Admin
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?rtc=1%26filters=&searchterms=423474

Integration Challenges
The integration of Copilot into existing workflows may not be seamless, leading to disruptions in user experience and potential workflow inefficiencies.
   - roles: End User, Project Manager
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?rtc=1%26filters=&searchterms=423474

Configutation Options**

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Opportunities**

Enhanced Collaboration Features for B2B Members
The introduction of Microsoft Copilot for B2B members in MTOs enhances real-time collaboration during Teams meetings, allowing for improved productivity and seamless interaction between organizations. This feature can help streamline workflows and reduce communication barriers.
   - next-steps: Evaluate the specific collaboration needs of different departments and create guidelines for optimal use of Copilot during meetings. Provide training sessions for users to maximize the benefits of the new feature.
   - roles: IT Administrators, Project Managers, Team Leaders
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?rtc=1%26filters=&searchterms=423474

Improved IT Administration Control
The new policy setting in the Teams Admin Center allows IT admins to manage Copilot access for B2B members, ensuring compliance with security and access policies. This control can help mitigate risks associated with external collaboration.
   - next-steps: Conduct a risk assessment to determine appropriate access levels for B2B members. Update internal policies to reflect the new controls and ensure all IT staff are trained on the new settings in the Teams Admin Center.
   - roles: IT Administrators, Compliance Officers, Security Managers
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?rtc=1%26filters=&searchterms=423474

User Experience Optimization
With Copilot available to B2B members, organizations can enhance the user experience by leveraging AI-driven insights and assistance during collaborative meetings, leading to more informed decision-making and increased engagement.
   - next-steps: Gather feedback from users on their experience with Copilot during meetings and identify areas for improvement. Develop a plan to integrate user feedback into ongoing training and support initiatives.
   - roles: End Users, User Experience Designers, Training Coordinators
   - 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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DPIA Draft**

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explanation for non-techies**

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