Microsoft Launches AI Management Tracker for Workplace

Microsoft has introduced Microsoft Agent 365, a new program designed for customers to track and manage autonomous artificial intelligence (AI) agents in the workplace. The software aims to address the anticipated proliferation of these AI-powered programs, which are expected to reach 1.3 billion by 2028.

AI agents are software programs that perform tasks on behalf of humans, automating various office functions. While some organisations have successfully deployed these systems for tasks like code generation, others have encountered difficulties with implementation.

Microsoft Agent 365 extends traditional IT controls to supervising AI agents. Just as IT staff manage network access, the new software allows for similar oversight of AI-driven tools.

The program enables IT personnel to quarantine non-compliant agents and equip authorised ones with a range of productivity tools. It also seeks to protect agents from potential cyberattacks, irrespective of whether they are built on Microsoft software or other platforms like Salesforce.

Microsoft's commercial business CEO, Judson Althoff, stated that the product emerged from business leaders' requests. They sought a method to manage AI agents at work and accurately measure their return on investment.

Althoff gave an example, saying, "Take supply chain. You might have an inventory agent. You might have an out-of-stock agent." He added that understanding how these components form an overall process is challenging without such a tool.

Microsoft Agent 365 is currently accessible to license holders who enrol in an early access program. The announcement was made at the start of Microsoft Ignite, a technology conference in San Francisco.

Another key announcement at the conference was Work IQ, which allows companies to build agents. These agents utilise the same intelligence and business data that power Microsoft 365 Copilot.

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• Microsoft launched Agent 365 to manage autonomous AI agents in workplaces.

• The program aims to track an expected 1.3 billion AI agents by 2028.

• Agent 365 offers IT controls for AI, including quarantining rogue agents and enhancing security.

Source: REUTERS