check before: 2025-02-01

Product:

Copilot, Microsoft 365 admin center, Microsoft 365 Copilot, Power Automate, Teams

Platform:

Developer, Online, Web, Windows Desktop, World tenant

Status:

In development

Change type:

New feature, User impact, Admin impact

Links:

474439

Details:

Summary:
Microsoft 365 Copilot introduces custom engine agents for domain or tenant-specific workflows, supported in Teams and soon in BizChat. Requires a Copilot license, with rollout starting February 2025. These agents enable unique AI experiences and can be created and deployed via Copilot Studio or Visual Studio.

Details:
We are thrilled to announce the upcoming rollout of custom engine agents in Microsoft 365 Copilot. These agents are specialized agentic solutions that can be built on any large language model (LLM), toolchain, or orchestration tool tailored for specific domain or tenant workflows. This feature is already supported in Microsoft Teams and will be available after this rollout in Microsoft 365 Copilot Business Chat (BizChat).
To access custom engine agents, your organization will need a Microsoft 365 Copilot license.
This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 474439.
[When this will happen:]
Public Preview: We will begin rolling out early February 2025 and expect to complete in mid-March 2025.
General Availability (Worldwide): We will begin rolling out in late March 2025 and expect to complete by early April 2025.

Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:
General Availability

Created:
2025-01-22

updated:
2025-01-22

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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MS Urgency

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summary for non-techies**

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Direct effects for Operations**

User Experience Disruption
Users may experience confusion or frustration due to the sudden introduction of custom engine agents without prior training or documentation, leading to decreased productivity.
   - roles: End Users, Team Leaders
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/admin/manage/manage-copilot-agents-integrated-apps?view=o365-worldwide, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=474439

Increased Support Requests
The rollout of custom engine agents may lead to an influx of support requests from users who are unfamiliar with the new features, overwhelming the IT support team.
   - roles: IT Support Staff, Help Desk Technicians
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/collaborate/teams-communication?view=o365-worldwide, https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/admin/manage/manage-copilot-agents-integrated-apps?view=o365-worldwide

Potential Security Risks
Without proper configuration and oversight, the deployment of custom engine agents could introduce security vulnerabilities, as users may inadvertently share sensitive information through these agents.
   - roles: System Administrators, Security Officers
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/collaborate/teams-communication?view=o365-worldwide, https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/admin/manage/manage-copilot-agents-integrated-apps?view=o365-worldwide

Configutation Options**

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Opportunities**

Enhanced User Experience with Custom Engine Agents
The introduction of custom engine agents allows users to create tailored AI experiences that meet specific workflow needs, enhancing productivity and user satisfaction. By utilizing these agents, employees can automate repetitive tasks and streamline processes, leading to a more efficient work environment.
   - next-steps: Identify key workflows within the organization that could benefit from custom engine agents. Train eligible users on how to utilize Copilot Studio and the Teams Toolkit to develop these agents.
   - roles: Employees, Team Leaders, Project Managers
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/admin/manage/manage-copilot-agents-integrated-apps?view=o365-worldwide, https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/collaboration/microsoft-teams/teams-copilot" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/collaboration/microsoft-teams/teams-copilot

Improved IT Administrative Efficiency
Custom engine agents can assist IT administrators by automating routine administrative tasks, such as user management and reporting. This will free up time for IT staff to focus on more strategic initiatives, improving overall operational efficiency.
   - next-steps: Evaluate current administrative tasks that could be automated using custom engine agents. Develop a plan to create agents that address these specific tasks and provide training for IT staff.
   - roles: IT Administrators, System Administrators, IT Managers
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/collaboration/microsoft-teams/teams-copilot" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/collaboration/microsoft-teams/teams-copilot, https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/admin/manage/manage-copilot-agents-integrated-apps?view=o365-worldwide " target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/admin/manage/manage-copilot-agents-integrated-apps?view=o365-worldwide

Facilitated Knowledge Sharing and Collaboration
With the ability to share custom engine agents across teams, organizations can enhance collaboration and knowledge sharing. This feature allows teams to leverage successful workflows developed by others, promoting best practices and innovation.
   - next-steps: Develop a governance framework for sharing agents within the organization. Encourage teams to document their agents and workflows, and create a centralized repository for easy access.
   - roles: Team Leaders, Knowledge Managers, Collaboration Officers
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-copilot-studio/admin-share-bots?tabs=web, https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/collaboration/microsoft-teams/teams-copilot" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/collaboration/microsoft-teams/teams-copilot

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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