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‎_posts/2025-09-25-sharepoint-knowledge-agent.md‎

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## References
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- [Get started with Knowledge Agent](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-in/sharepoint/knowledge-agent-get-started?WT.mc_id=M365-MVP-5003693)
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- [Introducing Knowledge Agent in SharePoint](https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/spblog/introducing-knowledge-agent-in-sharepoint/4454154)
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- [Introducing Knowledge Agent in SharePoint](https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/spblog/introducing-knowledge-agent-in-sharepoint/4454154?WT.mc_id=M365-MVP-5003693)
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### Disclaimer

‎_posts/2025-10-23-agent-framework.md‎

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---
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title: "Microsoft Agent Framework: Building the Next Generation of AI-Powered Agents"
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date: "2025-10-23"
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share: true
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header:
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image: media/2025-10-23-agent-framework/01.png
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teaser: media/2025-10-23-agent-framework/01.png
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categories:
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- AI
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- Copilot
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tags:
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- "2025"
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- October 2025
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last_modified_at: 2025-10-23T00:00:00-00:00
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---
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## Introduction
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Microsoft has taken another major step in its AI journey with the introduction of the **Microsoft Agent Framework**. Announced in October 2025, this open-source initiative provides a unified foundation for creating, running, and managing intelligent agents.
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It combines the power of **Azure AI**, **Microsoft Graph**, and **Copilot extensibility** to enable developers to build **agentic systems** that are context-aware, secure, and enterprise-ready.
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The framework is open-sourced on [GitHub](https://github.com/microsoft/agent-framework), making it accessible to developers and enterprises who want to create their own Copilots, workflow agents, or domain-specific AI solutions.
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---
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## What is Microsoft Agent Framework?
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The **Microsoft Agent Framework** is a software development framework that simplifies the creation of intelligent agents - software entities that can **reason, act, and collaborate** autonomously or in coordination with humans and other agents.
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At its core, it provides:
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- A **runtime environment** for executing agent logic
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- A **standardized API surface** for communication and context exchange
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- Integration with **LLMs**, **memory stores**, and **tool connectors**
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- Alignment with the **Model Context Protocol (MCP)** for interoperability
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Agents built using this framework can interact with users, call APIs, access enterprise data, and trigger automated actions - forming the foundation for Copilots and agentic ecosystems inside and outside Microsoft 365.
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---
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## Key Components
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| Component | Description |
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|------------|--------------|
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| **Agent Runtime** | Execution environment for managing state, goals, and tool access of agents. |
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| **Agent SDK** | Provides templates, connectors, and configuration tools for building agents. |
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| **Memory System** | Enables persistent and episodic memory for agents, helping them retain context over time. |
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| **Tool Interface** | Defines how agents call external APIs, databases, and enterprise systems like Graph or Dynamics. |
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| **Conversation Orchestrator** | Manages dialogue flow and coordination among multiple agents. |
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| **Model Context Protocol (MCP)** | Ensures interoperability and secure exchange between agents and external LLMs. |
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---
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## How It Works – Example
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Let’s consider an **HR Assistant Agent** built using the Agent Framework.
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1. **User query:**
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_“Find all employees whose contracts are expiring this month and send reminders.”_
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2. **Agent Framework actions:**
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- The **Language Model** interprets intent and context.
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- The **Agent Runtime** identifies that this requires data retrieval and email sending.
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- The agent uses connectors to:
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- Query Microsoft Graph for employee data.
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- Compose and send reminders using Outlook APIs.
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- The **Memory System** records that reminders were sent and to whom.
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3. **Response:**
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The agent reports back to the user with confirmation.
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This flow demonstrates how the framework manages reasoning, action, and communication seamlessly.
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---
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## Integrations and Ecosystem Alignment
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The Agent Framework fits into Microsoft’s broader AI and Copilot ecosystem:
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- **Azure AI Foundry:** Build, test, and deploy agents integrated with AI services, search, and vector stores.
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- **Semantic Kernel:** Embed reasoning, planning, and skill execution logic using SK plugins.
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- **Microsoft 365 and Graph:** Enable enterprise-aware agents that work securely with organizational data.
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- **Copilot Extensions:** Extend Microsoft Copilot experiences (e.g., Teams, Outlook, or SharePoint) using custom agents built with this framework.
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This ensures that the same agentic foundation powers **Copilot**, **Declarative Agents**, **SharePoint Knowledge Agents**, and **third-party custom agents**.
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---
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## Example: Multi-Agent Collaboration
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Imagine a company using three agents:
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- **Procurement Agent:** Handles purchase approvals.
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- **Finance Agent:** Monitors budgets.
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- **Compliance Agent:** Checks policy adherence.
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When a manager requests “Approve the laptop purchase request,”
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1. The **Procurement Agent** analyzes the request.
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2. It calls the **Finance Agent** to verify available budget.
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3. The **Compliance Agent** validates policy compliance.
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4. After all checks pass, the **Procurement Agent** executes the approval automatically.
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This **multi-agent orchestration** demonstrates how complex, cross-departmental workflows can be handled without human intervention - with every step traceable and explainable.
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---
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## Benefits
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- **Open Source and Extensible:** Available on GitHub for developers to extend and contribute.
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- **Standardized Architecture:** Promotes interoperability across Copilot, Semantic Kernel, and Azure AI.
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- **Enterprise-Ready Security:** Inherits Microsoft’s compliance and authentication models.
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- **Faster Development:** Reusable templates and connectors accelerate agent creation.
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- **Scalable Orchestration:** Supports multi-agent environments and distributed workloads.
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---
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## Getting Started
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Clone the repository:
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```bash
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git clone https://github.com/microsoft/agent-framework
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cd agent-framework
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npm install
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```
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Create a new agent using a template:
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```bash
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npx agent create hr-assistant
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```
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Define the configuration (example YAML):
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```yaml
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name: HR Assistant
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description: Helps HR team manage employee records
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tools:
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- graph: employees.read
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- outlook: mail.send
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memory:
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persistent: true
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model: gpt-4o
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```
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Run the agent locally or deploy it to Azure:
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```bash
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npx agent run hr-assistant
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```
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## Business Use Cases
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| Industry | Example Use Case |
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|------------|--------------|
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| **Healthcare** | Patient follow-up scheduling and insurance verification agents |
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| **Finance** | Risk assessment and policy recommendation agents |
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| **Manufacturing** | Maintenance scheduling and inventory prediction agents |
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| **Education** | Student advisory or content generation agents |
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| **IT & Operations** | Automated incident triage and documentation agents |
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## Summary
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The Microsoft Agent Framework marks a major evolution in the AI ecosystem — moving from isolated chatbots to collaborative, context-aware agents.
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By combining the strengths of Azure AI, Semantic Kernel, and Copilot, Microsoft enables organizations to build secure, intelligent, and extensible agents that transform how work gets done.
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This framework empowers every developer and enterprise to participate in the next generation of agentic computing — where intelligent systems reason, act, and learn alongside humans.
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## References
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- [GitHub Repository – Microsoft Agent Framework](https://github.com/microsoft/agent-framework?WT.mc_id=M365-MVP-5003693)
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- [Microsoft Learn – Agent Framework Overview](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/agent-framework/overview/agent-framework-overview?WT.mc_id=M365-MVP-5003693)
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- [Official Announcement – Microsoft Blog](https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/blog/introducing-microsoft-agent-framework/?WT.mc_id=M365-MVP-5003693)
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### Disclaimer
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>> Created with human expertise and GenAI support.
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> This article has been enhanced and elaborated with the support of Generative AI.

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