Send us a textKevin McDonnell and Garry Trinder delve into the world of Model Context Protocol (MCP) and its implications for developers. We start with a starter overview of functionality of MCP and why it is important. However, we wanted to get beyond that initial view that is covered elsewhere and look at some of the challenges associated with using MCP and broader considerations that you need to be looking at. The conversation covers the importance of optimizing documentation for language models, governance in MCP usage, and strategies for getting started with MCP and then scaling. TakeawaysMCP is a universal approach to context in AI.MCP servers can execute actions beyond API calls.Optimizing documentation for LLMs is essential for effective AI integration.Trust and governance are critical in using MCP servers.MCP can significantly enhance productivity in software development.Building an MCP server can be straightforward and quick.MCP allows for local execution of actions, enhancing flexibility.The future of MCP involves more robust governance and control mechanisms.Organizations should develop a strategy for managing MCP servers.Experimentation with MCP can lead to unexpected benefits and insights.Useful linksIntroduction - Model Context ProtocolGetting started with Local MCP Servers on Claude Desktop | Anthropic Help Center and For Claude Desktop Users – Model Context Protocol （MCP）Use MCP servers in VS Code Community built Graph MCP Server - GitHub - merill/lokka: MCP (Model Context Protocol) for Microsoft 365. Azure AI Search:Full text search - Azure AI Search | Microsoft LearnVector search - Azure AI Search | Microsoft LearnHybrid search - Azure AI Search | Microsoft LearnMCP for beginners course - GitHub - microsoft/mcp-for-beginnersMCP Dev Days 29th/30th July (and available on demand after) - MCP Dev Days | Microsoft ReactorMicrosoft MCP Lab - GitHub - microsoft/mcsmcp: Lab for creating an MCP Server and using it in Microsoft Copilot Studio.Microsoft's MCP Server collection - GitHub - microsoft/mcp: Catalog of official Microsoft MCP (Model Context Protocol) server implementations for AI-powered data access and tool integrationCLI for m365 MCP server - GitHub - pnp/cli-microsoft365-mcp-server: Manage Microsoft 365 using MCP serverGitHub - dotnet/dev-proxy: Simulate API failures, throttling, and chaos — all from your command line.
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CCDev 1 - Navigating Copilot extensibility
Send us a textWelcome to a brand new way of hearing about the latest Copilot extensibility news! In this episode of the Copilot Connection, Kevin swaps out Zoe for Garry Trinder in the first of a spin-off of episodes where we dig deeper into the extensibility side of Copilot.In this first episode, we go into an overview of the options that you have for extending Copilot. We talk cover why you would need to extend Copilot, the different ways you can do that (whether by end user, maker or specialist) and touch a little on how you can actually get started with doing it.Is there a specific topic that you'd like to see us cover? Let us know!TakeawaysExtensibility in Copilot allows developers to create tailored solutions.Understanding AI maturity is crucial for effective implementation.Personalization of AI tools enhances user experience and productivity.Scoping and context are essential for effective use of Copilot.Integrating external knowledge sources can enhance AI capabilities.Balancing deterministic and non-deterministic approaches is key in AI applications.Declarative agents simplify the process of building AI solutions.Responsible AI practices are necessary when developing custom solutions.Continuous learning and adaptation are vital in the evolving AI landscape.Related linksCopilot extensibility learning pathsCopilot camp - no actual camping requiredCommunity samplesPro dev community samples
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Ep 31 - Copilot at conferences
Send us a textWith the post Build lull in Microsoft news, Zoe and Kevin decided to take a look at some of the upcoming conferences and recommend a few sessions that stood out in the Copilot and agents space. Firstly though, we couldn't resist talking a bit about the collapse of Builder.ai and the re-org of some of the Engineering management teams at Microsoft.We also covered our next Copilot Fireside Chat where Daniel Laskewitz will be joining us to answer your questions on Copilot Studio, MCP and whatever else takes your fancy.News:Microsoft-backed AI startup chatbots revealed to be human employees | MashableMicrosoft’s LinkedIn chief is now running Office as part of an AI reorg | The VergeConferences covered:European Power Platform Conference | Austria | Jun 16-19, 2025Commsverse 2025 - The Microsoft Teams Conference - Jun 18-19 2025Tech Con 365 Seattle - June 23-27 2025Collab Summit North America - Sep 7-9 2025ESPC25 | Conference | Ireland | Dec 1-4, 2025Other ones we mentioned:Collab Days Netherlands - June 21 2025CollabDays Hamburg 2025 - June 28 2025CollabDays Finland 2025 - 11 Sep 2025Experts Live UK 2025 - 16 Sep 2025CollabDays Bletchley Park 2025 - 24 Sep 2025South Coast Summit - 17-18 Sep 2025Check out other conferences at Community Days.TakeawaysInvestors need to scrutinize AI startups more closely.The importance of responsible AI practices is paramount.Microsoft's leadership changes signal a new direction.AI's impact on employment is a growing concern.Community conferences are vital for networking and learning.AI literacy is essential for effective use of technology.Clothespilot demonstrates practical AI applications.Engaging with the community enhances knowledge sharing.Fireside chats provide valuable insights from industry experts.
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Ep 30 - building on the Build news
Send us a textIn this episode of Copilot Connection, hosts Zoe and Kevin discuss the latest updates and insights from the Microsoft Copilot ecosystem from Build as well as a slight detour to the Chelsea Flower Show. We cover topics like M365 Copilot tuning, notebooks, researcher and analyst agents, and SRE agents. We also explore the implications of AI Foundry and the natural language web, while wrapping up with a look at upcoming events and the importance of community engagement.TakeawaysThe Chelsea Flower Show showcased innovative AI applications in gardening.M365 Copilot tuning can transform industries like legal with tailored solutions.Notebooks in Copilot provide a flexible way to organize and query content.Researcher and Analyst agents enhance data analysis and decision-making processes.AI Foundry allows for local model integration, expanding AI capabilities.SRE agents automate software reliability tasks, improving efficiency.Natural language web features enable more intuitive website interactions.Community-driven initiatives are crucial for the development of AI tools.Microsoft's Build conference highlighted significant advancements in AI technology.The importance of ethical considerations in AI deployment is paramount.LinksAvanade Intelligent Garden Book of News - https://news.microsoft.com/build-2025-book-of-news/Copilot TuningIntroducing Microsoft 365 Copilot APIsAnnouncing Microsoft Entra Agent ID: Secure and manage your AI agents | Microsoft Community Hubmicrosoft/AI-Red-Teaming-Playground-Labs: AI Red Teaming playground labs to run AI Red Teaming trainings including infrastructure.NL Web Introducing NLWeb: Bringing conversational interfaces directly to the web - Source and Debugging GenAI with CAPs + NLWeb + OpenTelemetry: A Real-Time Visibility Unlock | LinkedInIntroducing Microsoft 365 Copilot APIsReddit post on SRE agent being used in the dotnet repo My new hobby: watching AI slowly drive Microsoft employees insane : r/ExperiencedDevsPower Apps Studio with Agent FeedReimagining human-agent collaboration for a new era of app development with Microsoft Power Apps - Microsoft Power Platform BlogWalkthrough of agent feed in Power Apps - users and ma
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Ep 29 - Copilot Wave 2 Spring Release
Send us a textNews, news, news - we have lots of new news! Zoe and Kevin discuss the latest announcements from Microsoft about Copilot Wave 2 Spring Release. We delve into the significance of the Work Trend Index, the new user interface and search experience, and the introduction of memory and notebooks features. Then we dig into the management and reporting of agents, the concept of the human-agent ratio (including some extreme reactions to some new phrases from Microsoft...) and the importance of leadership in leveraging AI capabilities. Finally, we cover some of the magical events coming up.TakeawaysWave 2 announcements from Microsoft include significant updates and features.The Work Trend Index is crucial for understanding productivity trends.A new user interface is being introduced for a better user experience.Memory features will enhance user interactions with Copilot.Notebooks will allow users to group and summarize conversations.The Create Experience will simplify content creation across platforms.Agent management is becoming more streamlined with the Frontier Program.Understanding the human-agent ratio is essential for effective delegation.Upcoming conferences will provide opportunities for community engagement.Sound Bites"The skill of delegation is something that everyone wanted to get.""Minutes saved isn't cashable.""It definitely feels like conference season is in full swing."
Welcome to Copilot Connection, the podcast that explores the world of Microsoft Copilots! Join your hosts, Zoe Wilson and Kevin McDonnell, as they take you on a journey through the different Copilots available and how they can help you in your day-to-day life. From the newly launch date announced Microsoft 365 Copilot to the Dynamics 365, GitHub, Windows, Custom and more Copilots, we'll cover it all. Our upbeat and engaging conversations with experts in the field will keep you entertained and informed. Tune in to Copilot Connection and discover how these AI-powered assistants can transform the way you work!Want to be interviewed for the show? Sign up at The Copilot Connection: Call for Speakers @ Sessionize.com
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