Microsoft Teams continues to evolve. It is a powerful hub for collaboration and communication in the modern workplace. With the integration of AI-driven Copilot, Teams is pushing the boundaries. It’s innovating how we interact with technology to streamline workflows. As well as improve productivity and unlock new business value.

Recent updates to Copilot in Teams include:

• Enhanced agent capabilities
• Smarter AI interactions
• Extra features to support teams in accomplishing tasks more efficiently

We’ll explore the latest updates to Copilot in Teams, including new features and intelligent agents as well as how these innovations can transform how your business operates.

What is Copilot in Microsoft Teams?

Copilot is Microsoft’s AI-powered assistant. It’s embedded in tools like Teams, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. It’s designed to assist with various tasks.

In Microsoft Teams, Copilot acts as an intelligent agent. It helps users by doing things like:

• Automating processes
• Managing tasks
• Analyzing data
• Providing real-time insights

Copilot’s key strength is its ability to leverage existing data. It can also work seamlessly across platforms. It provides actionable recommendations, transforming how teams collaborate.

New Features of Copilot in Teams

The latest updates to Copilot in Teams bring several new features. They’re aimed at making interactions more:

• Intuitive
• Productive
• User-friendly

These features help users navigate complex tasks and much more.

Enhanced Collaboration Features

Copilot is now able to work even more seamlessly within team environments. It can help organize meetings and summarize conversations as well as provide real-time suggestions during discussions.

• Automated Meeting Summaries: A standout feature is generating meeting summaries automatically. After a team meeting, Copilot can provide a detailed recap. It can even highlight key points, action items, and decisions made. No more time-consuming notetaking!

• Intelligent Task Management: Copilot can now help manage tasks more effectively. It analyzes conversations in chats or meetings. Then it can automatically identify tasks as well as assign them to team members, and track progress.

Smarter AI Suggestions

The new update brings more refined AI suggestions to Copilot. This enables it to provide better recommendations based on context and historical data.

• Context-Aware Responses: Copilot’s AI has become more context-aware. This means it can provide more relevant responses during chats or meetings. This minimizes irrelevant suggestions and keeps teams focused.

• Personalized Insights: As Copilot interacts with a team, it learns from past behaviors. It can offer personalized insights and recommendations. For example, it can suggest the best times to schedule meetings. And do that based on the participants' availability.

Agents in Copilot: A New Way to Work

One of the most exciting developments is the introduction of agents in Copilot. These agents take automation and AI-driven support to the next level. They act as specialized virtual assistants that can handle specific business functions.

What are Copilot Agents?

Copilot agents are task-specific AI-driven assistants. You can customize them to handle particular functions or workflows. Agents focus on specific domains such as customer support, sales, or project management. Each agent is equipped to carry out specialized tasks. This makes them a valuable asset for small and medium-sized businesses.

Agent Capabilities

Let’s look at some of the key capabilities these agents bring to Teams.

• Automating Routine Tasks: Agents can automate a wide range of routine tasks. This includes responding to customer inquiries and managing daily reports. This automation allows employees to focus on more value-added activities.

• Integration with Business Tools: Copilot agents seamlessly integrate with other Microsoft 365 tools. This includes Dynamics 365, SharePoint, and Outlook. This enables them to offer insights. As well as answer questions, or complete tasks based on real-time data.

• Multitasking Capabilities: Agents are also capable of handling several tasks simultaneously. For instance, a customer support agent could manage several customer queries. It can provide responses based on predefined workflows or knowledge bases. This can improve the efficiency of customer service teams.

Benefits of Using Copilot in Teams

The integration of Copilot into Teams offers several significant benefits. Here are a few.

Increased Productivity

Copilot automates routine tasks such as scheduling, meeting management, and task assignment. This frees up time for employees to focus on more important activities. Its intelligent recommendations help teams make faster, more informed decisions.

Improved Communication

Copilot can summarize meetings, track action items, and offer context-aware suggestions. This ensures that communication is more streamlined and effective. It also reduces misunderstandings and keeps projects on track.

Enhanced Decision-Making

Copilot has access to AI-driven insights and data analysis. This enables teams to make more informed decisions. Copilot helps highlight trends, provide performance metrics, and identify areas of improvement.

Better Workflow Management

Agents and automation tools help manage workflows. This ensures that teams complete tasks on time and with fewer errors. It can track project progress and automate customer interactions. Copilot helps ensure that operations run smoothly.

Looking Ahead: The Future of AI in Teams

As AI continues to advance, we can expect even more innovative features. Future updates will likely bring deeper integrations with external systems as well as smarter agents that can manage increasingly complex workflows.

The future of AI in collaboration tools like Teams represents an exciting opportunity. By adopting these AI-powered tools now, businesses can stay ahead of the curve. They can also unlock new growth opportunities.

Work Smarter, Not Harder! We can Help

Copilot in Teams is just one example of the power of Microsoft 365 in the AI age. Need help understanding how to leverage its power effectively? Our Microsoft tech experts are here for you.

Reach out today to schedule a chat.

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Microsoft 365 is a powerful suite of tools. It helps to enhance productivity and collaboration. This is especially true for small to mid-sized businesses (SMBs). But to get the most out of Microsoft 365, it’s important to optimize its settings. Otherwise, you may only be using a fraction of the power you have.

Ready to get more from your M365 business subscription? This blog post will guide you through essential settings to power up your use of Microsoft 365.

1. Optimize Email with Outlook Features

Set Up Focused Inbox

Focused Inbox helps you manage your email more efficiently. It separates important emails from the rest. To enable it, go to the View tab in Outlook and select Show Focused Inbox. Or in New Outlook, visit View > View Settings. This setting ensures you see the most important messages first.

Customize Email Signatures

A professional email signature can enhance your brand. Create signatures for new emails and replies. Include your name, position, company, and contact information. See how to set up Outlook signatures here.

Organize with Rules

Email rules help automate organization. They can also free you from inbox chaos. Create rules to move emails to specific folders or mark them as read. This reduces clutter and keeps your inbox organized.

2. Enhance Collaboration with Teams

Set Up Channels

Channels in Teams organize discussions by topic or project. Create channels for different teams or projects. Name the channel and set its privacy level. This helps keep conversations focused and organized. It also makes it easier to search for specific messages.

Manage Notifications

Notifications keep you informed but can be overwhelming. Customize them by going to Settings > Notifications. Choose which activities you want to be notified about. This way, you stay updated without unnecessary interruptions.

Use Tabs for Quick Access to Team Resources

Tabs in Teams give quick access to important files and apps. No more constantly emailing documents to team members who can’t find them. Add tabs for frequently used documents, websites, or apps. Click the plus icon at the top of a channel and select the type of tab to add. This streamlines workflows and improves productivity.

3. Secure Your Data

Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

MFA adds a critical layer of security to your account. It protects against unauthorized access. Especially in the case of a compromised password. Read this help article to set up M365 MFA.

Set Up Data Loss Prevention (DLP) Policies

DLP policies help prevent data breaches. Create policies to identify and protect sensitive information. This ensures compliance with data protection regulations. Go to the Microsoft Purview help page to see how.

Manage Mobile Device Security

Ensure mobile devices accessing Microsoft 365 are secure. You can do this by upgrading to Microsoft 365 Business Premium. It includes Intune, a powerful endpoint device manager. It allows you to set up several security protocols for devices accessing your data.

4. Customize SharePoint

Organize with Document Libraries

Document libraries in SharePoint help organize and manage files. Create libraries for different departments or projects. This improves file management and accessibility. Learn how SharePoint integrates with Teams and OneDrive.

Set Permissions

Control access to your SharePoint site with permissions. Assign permissions based on roles and responsibilities. This ensures only authorized users can access sensitive information.

Use Site Templates

Site templates in SharePoint are great for sharing information. You can set up topic-focused mini-websites either inside or outside your company. Use templates for common site types, like team sites or project sites. 

Maximize Productivity with OneDrive

Sync Files for Offline Access

OneDrive allows you to sync files for offline access. Go to OneDrive, select the files or folders to sync. This ensures you can access important files even without an internet connection.

Use Version History

Version history in OneDrive allows you to restore previous versions of files. This is vital for business continuity and ransomware recovery. You can view and restore older versions as needed. This helps recover from accidental changes or deletions.

Share Files Securely

Share files securely with OneDrive. Select a file, click Share, and choose sharing options. Set permissions and expiration dates for shared links. This ensures only intended recipients can access shared files.

6. Leverage Advanced Features

Use Power Automate for Workflow Automation

Power Automate helps automate repetitive tasks. Go to the Power Automate website and create flows for common workflows. Use templates or create custom flows. This saves time and reduces manual work.

Analyze Data with Power BI

Power BI provides powerful data analysis and visualization tools. Connect Power BI to your Microsoft 365 data sources. Create interactive reports and dashboards. This helps you gain insights and make informed decisions.

Add Copilot for Microsoft 365

Copilot is Microsoft’s generative AI engine. It can dramatically reduce the time it takes for all types of tasks. For example, create a PowerPoint presentation from a prompt. Or have Copilot generate tasks based on a Teams meeting. Learn more about Copilot here.

Reach Out for Expert M365 Optimization & Support

Using these essential settings can maximize your Microsoft 365 experience. This can lead to improved security, efficiency, and collaboration. 

Want a more detailed exploration of these settings and how to use them? Consider reaching out to our Microsoft 365 team. We’ll be happy to help you optimize and manage your tools and leverage all the benefits.

Reach out today and let’s chat about powering up your use of M365.

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Microsoft Copilot has been heading up the business AI charge. It’s used in Word, Excel, Edge, Windows, and more. This genAI-powered app is also showing up in
various function-related activities. The latest of which is finance processes.

Microsoft Copilot for Finance is a game-changer. It injects the power of next-generation AI into the heart of your everyday workflow. Imagine having an AI companion that understands the intricacies of finance as well as collaborates seamlessly with you.

It can help a seasoned financial analyst or a curious learner. It automates repetitive tasks and provides real-time insights. Copilot is poised to revolutionize how we navigate the fiscal realm.

Read on to see why this innovative tool should be on your financial radar.

What Is Microsoft Copilot for Finance?

First, let’s have an overview of this new application. Copilot for Finance is a new Copilot experience in Microsoft 365. It features AI-assisted help for financial professionals. It does this from within productivity apps they use every day.

Microsoft Copilot for Finance connects to business financial systems such as Dynamics 365 and SAP. It provides finance-based insights and guided actions in:

• Outlook
• Excel
• Teams
• Other Microsoft 365 Applications

Benefits of Using Copilot for Finance

Breaking Free from the Manual Grind

Finance professionals are drowning in repetitive tasks. These include data entry, review cycles, and report generation. Copilot for Finance throws a lifeline to finance professionals. It automates these mundane activities and frees up valuable time for strategic thinking. Imagine a world where you can focus on high-impact tasks: tasks like financial planning, risk analysis, and driving business growth.

AI-Powered Insights at Your Fingertips

Copilot for Finance isn't just about automation; it's about intelligence. This AI assistant learns your organization's financial data and behavior. It surfaces insights you might have missed.

Imagine uncovering hidden trends and predicting cash flow issues as well as identifying areas for cost optimizations-- all powered by AI that works seamlessly
within your existing Microsoft 365 environment.

Tailored for Your Team

Copilot for Finance isn't a one-size-fits-all solution. It caters to the specific needs of different financial roles. Imagine streamlining audits with a simple prompt or simplifying collections with automated communication and payment plans. It can also speed up financial reporting with effortless variance detection. Copilot for Finance empowers every member of your finance team. It does this with role-specific workflows and features.

Seamless Integration for a Frictionless Experience

Copilot for Finance integrates effortlessly with your existing Microsoft 365 tools. Such as Excel, Outlook, and Teams. This means no more jumping between applications. No more struggling to import data. Imagine accessing insightful financial insights directly within your familiar workflow. This eliminates silos and streams communication across your team.

Built with Trust in Mind

Security and compliance are paramount in the world of finance. Copilot for Finance inherits the robust security features you trust from Microsoft 365. Imagine leveraging a solution that adheres to the strictest data privacy regulations. This gives you peace of mind and ensures your financial data remains secure.

A Glimpse into the Future of Finance

Copilot for Finance represents a significant leap forward in financial technology. It's more than just automation. It’s about harnessing the power of AI to augment human expertise as well as transform the way finance operates.

Imagine a future where tedious tasks are a thing of the past. They’re replaced by a world of data-driven insights and strategic decision-making, all at the click of a button or text prompt.

Getting Started with Copilot for Finance

Microsoft Copilot for Finance is currently available for early adopters. Do you want to experience its transformative potential? Here's how to get started:

• Visit the Copilot for Finance website: This website provides a wealth of information. This includes product details, functionalities, and more.
• Review Requirements: Ensure you meet the licensing requirements. These include specific Microsoft 365 subscriptions as well as browser specifics, and other guidelines.
• Connect with Your IT Provider: We can offer support to set up Copilot for Finance. We’ll ensure it’s integrated and secured and also train your team on its helpful features.

The Future is Now: Embrace the Power of AI

The world of finance is evolving rapidly. Microsoft Copilot for Finance empowers you to embrace this change. As well as navigate the future with confidence. Copilot for Finance offers AI-powered insights, streamlined workflows, and seamless integration. It could soon become an indispensable tool for every
finance professional.

Get Expert Microsoft 365 & Copilot Guidance

AI tools in Copilot are dominating business transformations. You can join, or risk missing out on what AI has to offer. We can help you unlock the full potential of Copilot in Microsoft 365. As well as propel your business forward with AI power.

Contact us today to see how we can help your business.

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Calendars, task lists, and project planning are important business tools. Many people use Microsoft’s apps to power these processes. Including Planner, Microsoft To Do, and Project for the web.

These tools help keep processes on track and enable task accountability. But they’re separate apps. Switching between apps can be cumbersome. It adds more complexity to a workflow.

On average, employees switch between 22 different apps 350 times per day.

Microsoft is putting a dent in app overload. The company is rolling out a brand-new version of Microsoft Planner in early 2024. It’s packed with exciting features designed to simplify your project management journey.

What apps does the new Planner include?

The new Microsoft Planner combines:

• The current Planner’s collaboration features
• The simplicity of Microsoft To Do for task management
• The capabilities of Microsoft Project for the web
• The automation of Microsoft Copilot (the company’s AI companion)

The new Planner promises to be a powerful tool for staying organized. As well as boosting collaboration and achieving your goals with more ease.

Unifying Your Workflow: Tasks, Plans & Projects in One Place

Say goodbye to juggling several apps and hello to a streamlined experience. The new Planner goes beyond basic to-do lists. It seamlessly integrates tasks, plans, and projects under one roof.

This means you can manage everything from large to small. Including simple daily tasks to complex multi-phased projects. And do it all within a single, intuitive interface.

You can use the new Microsoft Planner from within Microsoft Teams or via a web browser. Here are some of the exciting things you will be able to do with it.

Enhanced Collaboration: Working Together Made Easy

Collaboration is key in today's fast-paced world. Working remotely has become the new normal. Meaning tools need to keep people coordinated wherever they are.

The new Planner empowers teams to work together seamlessly. Real-time updates ensure everyone stays on the same page. Features like shared task ownership and comments foster clear communication and efficient collaboration.

AI-Powered Insights: Your Smart Copilot for Success

The new Planner incorporates the power of AI with Microsoft Copilot built in. This intelligent assistant helps you stay on top of your work. It can suggest relevant plans, tasks, and goals based on your needs and context. It can even analyze your progress and suggest adjustments to keep you on track.

Scaling with Your Needs: From Simple Tasks to Enterprise Projects

One size doesn't fit all. The new Planner understands that. It offers flexibility to cater to both individual needs and complex enterprise projects. Microsoft Planner can adapt to your specific requirements. It’s flexible for use to fill big or small needs. Use it for managing a personal grocery list. Or to plan and deploy a large-scale company transformation.

Pre-Built Templates: Get Started Fast & Save Time

You don’t have to start from “square 1,” unless you want to. Microsoft Planner provides several ready-made templates. You can use these to get started on a new project or goal quickly.

You’ll see templates for things like:

• Project Management
• Software Development
• Sprint Planning
• Marketing Campaign
• Commercial Construction
• Employee Onboarding
• and more

Here's a sneak peek at some key features of the new Microsoft Planner 2024:

• Improved Navigation: A redesigned interface makes finding what you need faster and easier.
• Enhanced Task Views: It has different views, like grid and board views. These let you customize how you see and organize your tasks.
• Microsoft App Integration: Planner integrates with many Microsoft tools. Including, Power BI, Teams, Microsoft Viva Goals, Power Automate, and more.
• Customizable Fields: Add custom fields to tasks. Use them to capture specific information relevant to your project needs.
• Goal Setting: Define clear goals and track progress visually within your plans.
• Critical Path: Identify the essential tasks needed to complete your project on time.
• Improved Search: Find the information you need quickly and easily. The app has powerful search functionality.

Access and Availability

Mark your calendars! The new Planner will be available in preview in early 2024. It will become generally available soon after. Some features will roll out later in the year. You can visit Microsoft’s site to sign up for updates and see a feature roadmap.

The Future of Tasks, Planning & Project Management

The new Microsoft Planner 2024 is an example of a trend we’ve seen in the digital world. Less is more. Meaning, fewer apps to juggle and more streamlined interfaces.

Planner’s powerful features make it an invaluable tool. One that both individuals and teams alike can leverage to streamline workflows. It also has an intuitive interface and AI-powered assistant to drive productivity.

Get Expert Business Software Support & Management

Managing both legacy and new cloud tools can be complex. Features often go underutilized. And security can be a big problem if it’s not done right. Our team of business software experts is here to help you.

Contact us today to schedule a chat.

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It can be challenging to keep up with the ever-evolving cyber threat landscape. Companies need to process large amounts of data. As well as respond to incidents quickly and effectively. Managing an organization's security posture is complex.

That's where Microsoft Security Copilot comes in. Microsoft Security Copilot is a generative AI-powered security solution. It provides tailored insights that empower your team to defend your network. It works with other Microsoft security products. It also integrates with natural language to generate tailored guidance and insights.

In this article, we will explain what Microsoft Security Copilot is. We’ll explore its benefits and whether it's the right choice to enhance your digital defenses.

What Is Microsoft Security Copilot?

Microsoft Security Copilot is a cutting-edge cybersecurity tool. It leverages the power of AI and machine learning for threat detection and response. Copilot aims to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of cybersecurity operations.

Microsoft Security Copilot helps security teams:

• Respond to cyber threats
• Process signals
• Assess risk exposure at machine speed

It works with other Microsoft security products as well. A big benefit is that it integrates with natural language. This means you can ask questions plainly to generate tailored guidance and insights.

Security Copilot can help with end-to-end scenarios such as:

• Incident response
• Threat hunting
• Intelligence gathering
• Posture management
• Executive summaries on security investigations

How Does Microsoft Security Copilot Work?

You can access Microsoft Security Copilot capabilities through a standalone experience. As well as embedded experiences available in other Microsoft security products.

Copilot integrates with several tools, including:

• Microsoft Sentinel
• Microsoft Defender XDR
• Microsoft Intune
• Microsoft Defender Threat Intelligence
• Microsoft Entra
• Microsoft Purview
• Microsoft Defender External Attack Surface Management
• Microsoft Defender for Cloud

You can use natural language prompts with Security Copilot. This makes it easy to ask for information or guidance on various security topics.

For example, you can ask:

• What are the best practices for securing Azure workloads?
• What is the impact of CVE-2024-23905 on my organization?
• Generate a report on the latest attack campaign.
• How do I remediate an incident involving TrickBot malware?

Should You Use Microsoft Security Copilot?

The Pros:

1. Advanced Threat Detection
   Microsoft Security Copilot employs advanced algorithms. These detect and analyze threats that may go unnoticed by traditional security measures. It has the ability to adapt to new threats in real time. This enhances the security posture for organizations.

2. Operational Efficiency
   Copilot automates threat analysis. This allows security teams to focus on strategic decision-making. It also reduces the time and effort spent on manual data analysis. The tool streamlines workflows, enabling quicker responses to potential threats.

3. Integration with Microsoft Products
   Microsoft Security Copilot seamlessly integrates with several Microsoft products. This creates a comprehensive cybersecurity ecosystem. The synergy between these tools enhances threat visibility as well as response capabilities.

4. Continuous Learning
   The AI and machine learning components of Copilot continuously learn from new data. This improves their ability to identify and mitigate emerging threats over time. This adaptive learning approach ensures that the tool evolves. Which is important to do alongside the ever-changing threat landscape.

5. Reduced False Positives
   Copilot's advanced algorithms contribute to a more accurate threat detection process. This minimizes false positives that can overwhelm security teams. The result is a more focused and efficient response to genuine threats.

The Considerations:

1. Integration Challenges
   Microsoft Security Copilot seamlessly integrates with Microsoft and other security products. But organizations using a diverse range of cybersecurity tools may face integration challenges. Consider the compatibility of Copilot with your existing cybersecurity infrastructure.

2. Resource Requirements
   The deployment of advanced AI and machine learning technologies may demand extra resources. Companies should check if their existing infrastructure supports the requirements of the tool.

3. Training and Familiarization
   Successfully leveraging the benefits of Copilot requires training. As well as familiarization with the tool's functionalities. Ensure that your security team is adequately trained. This will maximize the potential of this cybersecurity solution.

The Bottom Line

Microsoft Security Copilot represents a leap forward in the realm of AI-driven cybersecurity. It has an advanced capacity for real-time threat detection and operational efficiency. As well as extensive integration capabilities. These factors make it a compelling choice. Especially for businesses seeking to fortify their
digital defenses.

Your unique business needs should guide the decision to adopt Microsoft Security Copilot. Consider factors such as existing cybersecurity infrastructure and resource availability. As well as the commitment to ongoing training.

Get Expert Microsoft Product Support Here!

Microsoft is a vast ecosystem of interconnected business tools. Security Copilot is one of the newest to help you secure your online landscape. If you need some help leveraging these tools for your company, let us know. We are experienced Microsoft service providers. Our team can help you make the most of these tools.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

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