Microsoft is upping its AI game once again! Starting in early 2025, users of Microsoft 365 Copilot’s Business Chat (affectionately called “BizChat”) will gain a powerful new capability: the ability to incorporate Microsoft Graph Connectors directly into prompts. If you’ve ever stared down a blank chat window, struggling to get meaningful replies from your AI assistant, this might just be the change you’ve been waiting for.
Dubbed Context IQ (CIQ), this feature acts as a bridge to bring third-party data into the Copilot fold, making conversations smarter and more relevant. Here’s a breakdown so you can not only understand what it offers but leverage it effectively.
Essentially, you’ll be able to draw from your internal data repositories, like CRM systems, file shares, or even specialized tools like Salesforce, Zendesk, and more, provided they’re already connected to your Microsoft ecosystem.
Graph Connectors are middleware. Think of them as translators that allow your Microsoft 365 environment to communicate with external platforms and pull in data. For instance:
Few insights:
So, get ready to inject more contextual relevance into your workflows when the feature begins rolling out globally in February 2025. And rest assured, Microsoft is just getting started: Copilot meets Graph Connectors is likely a preview of what the next frontier in enterprise AI may look like!
What are your thoughts? How do you plan to leverage this capability in your organization? Let’s keep the conversation going. Feel free to share your insights in the comments below!
Source: Petri IT Knowledgebase https://petri.com/microsoft-changelog/m365-changelog-microsoft-365-copilot-select-microsoft-graph-connectors-when-writing-prompts-in-bizchat-jan-14-2025/
Dubbed Context IQ (CIQ), this feature acts as a bridge to bring third-party data into the Copilot fold, making conversations smarter and more relevant. Here’s a breakdown so you can not only understand what it offers but leverage it effectively.
What’s New with BizChat?
Microsoft has announced that this update (linked to Roadmap ID 413111) will begin rolling out globally between late February and early March 2025. It’s designed to make Business Chat more grounded—pun intended—by integrating external, third-party data into prompts via Microsoft Graph Connectors.Essentially, you’ll be able to draw from your internal data repositories, like CRM systems, file shares, or even specialized tools like Salesforce, Zendesk, and more, provided they’re already connected to your Microsoft ecosystem.
The Role of Context IQ (CIQ)
At the heart of this update is Context IQ, Microsoft's AI-driven capability suite. It works like this:- Search and Insert: Instead of hunting down specific files or people, you can issue targeted prompts and let CIQ do the legwork.
- Grounded Prompts: Your inputs can now “stay anchored” to relevant and trustworthy data sources, ensuring the assistant delivers accurate and context-aware results.
- Custom Data Selection: Users will see a shiny new "Other" tab where they can access any of these external data sources effortlessly.
Why Does This Matter?
The feature is a huge win for anyone who relies on custom data integrations. Here’s why it’s set to shake things up:1. Streamlined Workflows
For teams heavy on multitasking, having a direct line between Copilot and custom data eliminates the constant back-and-forth of copying data between systems. It transforms Business Chat into a productivity powerhouse, letting employees pull insights without switching apps.2. Enhanced Decision-Making
Grounding responses in organization-specific data ensures higher accuracy—a common shortfall when relying solely on public resources. Essentially, you can make critical decisions confidently, knowing your trusty AI buddy is using your data to give your answers.3. Unlocking the Potential of Graph Connectors
Microsoft Graph Connectors extend the value of Microsoft 365 by connecting third-party services and on-premise systems. Until now, the potential for seamless integration has been somewhat limited for most day-to-day users. With this Copilot enhancement, these connectors play a starring role, allowing virtually any tool or database connected via Graph to become part of your AI-driven discussions.Behind the Tech: What Are Microsoft Graph Connectors?
Oh, you’re curious about the tech under the hood? Let’s geek out for a moment to unpack what Microsoft Graph Connectors are and why they’re instrumental in this rollout:Graph Connectors are middleware. Think of them as translators that allow your Microsoft 365 environment to communicate with external platforms and pull in data. For instance:
- CRM systems like Salesforce
- Cloud-based services like Zendesk
- Proprietary file shares stored on enterprise servers
How does it do it?
Data is mapped through a connector schema, which aligns external content to Microsoft Graph’s unified structure. That data is then searchable, retrievable, and now—thanks to this update—actionable within Copilot.How to Prepare for the Rollout
Don’t worry—this update is one of those “set-it-and-forget-it” features. No additional action is required by IT admins, as CIQ and Microsoft Graph Connectors will be enabled automatically if they’re already part of your setup. Users, however, may need a bit of guidance to make the most of it. Here’s how you can prepare:For IT Admins:
- Review Existing Graph Connectors: Ensure all relevant third-party services or internal systems that should feed into Copilot prompts are already connected.
- Communicate the Change: Notify employees ahead of time so they know this feature is coming and can adjust workflows.
For End Users:
- Explore the “Other” Tab: Once the update lands, take a tour of the new feature inside Business Chat. Add third-party datasets through Microsoft Graph Connectors by selecting them from CIQ’s updated UI.
- Practice Grounded Prompts: Get used to inputting specific, relevant queries to maximize your ChatBot’s contextual understanding.
What’s Next? The Bigger Picture of Copilot’s Evolution
This update is another notch in Microsoft’s belt as it continues to fine-tune the Copilot experience. It signals an increasing alignment between AI and enterprise-grade applications, focusing on contextual intelligence.Few insights:
- Inclusive AI Ecosystem: By seamlessly drawing third-party data into Business Chat, Microsoft is furthering its ambition to be the most integrated AI assistant in enterprise environments.
- Trend Towards Data-Specific Responses: We’re gradually moving away from generalized AI-driven interactions toward specific, enterprise-level data use without sacrificing simplicity. That’s a monumental leap.
Final Thoughts
BizChat’s integration with CIQ and Graph Connectors is a significant leap forward, blending AI’s interpretive power with unparalleled data accessibility. For users, it means less noise and more signal—turning Copilot into an indispensible ally for productivity.So, get ready to inject more contextual relevance into your workflows when the feature begins rolling out globally in February 2025. And rest assured, Microsoft is just getting started: Copilot meets Graph Connectors is likely a preview of what the next frontier in enterprise AI may look like!
What are your thoughts? How do you plan to leverage this capability in your organization? Let’s keep the conversation going. Feel free to share your insights in the comments below!
Source: Petri IT Knowledgebase https://petri.com/microsoft-changelog/m365-changelog-microsoft-365-copilot-select-microsoft-graph-connectors-when-writing-prompts-in-bizchat-jan-14-2025/
