Microsoft announced significant updates to its AI agent ecosystem at its Ignite conference, expanding support to include 1,800 models through Azure AI. The company revealed that over 100,000 organizations are currently using or editing AI agents through its Copilot Studio platform.
The updates include new autonomous capabilities that allow agents to work independently without human oversight. Microsoft introduced several ready-made agents for specific business functions, including HR, translation, and project management, while also providing templates for companies to build custom solutions.
A key development is the integration of transactional databases into Microsoft Fabric, starting with Azure SQL. This integration enables enterprises to combine real-time operational data with historical information in a single layer called OneLake, addressing the long-standing challenge of data silos in AI applications.
The company launched Azure AI Foundry, providing developers with tools to customize, test, deploy, and manage AI applications and agents. The software development kit includes 25 templates and an integrated library of models, while the Azure AI Agent Service enables orchestration frameworks for automated workflows.
Microsoft emphasized its enterprise-focused approach, incorporating security and governance features into the core architecture. The platform integrates with over 1,400 enterprise systems and data sources, allowing organizations to build agents that can access data across their existing IT infrastructure.
Early adopters have reported significant improvements in efficiency. For example, McKinsey reduced its project intake workflows from 20 days to 2 days using automated routing agents, while other companies like Thomson Reuters and Virgin Money have implemented various AI agent solutions.
Sources:
- Microsoft’s new AI agents support 1,800 models (and counting)
- Microsoft supercharges Fabric with new data tools to accelerate enterprise AI workflows
- Microsoft brings transactional databases to Fabric to boost AI agents
- Microsoft launches Azure AI Foundry with agent orchestration, management tools
- Microsoft quietly assembles the largest AI agent ecosystem—and no one else is close
- Microsoft’s AI agents: 4 insights that could reshape the enterprise landscape