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If you ever felt lost in the rapid evolution of technology, you’re certainly not alone. On May 1, 2025, the Microsoft 365 Copilot team hosted a live Ask Microsoft Anything (AMA) session focused on the Frontier Program. For those not in the know, the Frontier Program offers early access to groundbreaking features within Microsoft 365, including the highly anticipated Researcher and Analyst agents.
As someone who frequently dives into tech innovations, I found the AMA fascinating. It shed light on key components of the program, answering pressing questions from the community. If you missed the event or just want a quick recap, here are the important takeaways.
For starters, the Researcher and Analyst agents are in preview mode and are expected to roll out globally by the end of May 2025. That’s just around the corner, making it an exciting time for Microsoft 365 users eager to leverage these tools.
One significant aspect discussed was licensing. While specific details are yet to be confirmed, the team indicated that agents would be available to all users holding a Microsoft 365 Copilot license. However, clarity on whether these agents will incur additional costs is still pending. For someone navigating budgets, this uncertainty can be a double-edged sword.
Management of these agents is also a priority—especially from an IT admin perspective. The Microsoft 365 Admin Center will allow administrators to control who has access to these agents through security groups. This is essential for maintaining security and compliance within organizations.
The Frontier Program isn’t just about access; it also empowers users to offer feedback directly to Microsoft, influencing future AI development within Microsoft 365. That’s an enticing proposition for those who want their voices heard in tech advancements.
Responding to community inquiries, the team reassured users that they were focused on a worldwide rollout – no geographic restrictions were mentioned. This is a shift away from the often staggered releases, ensuring that all qualified users can participate from day one.
The AMA also tackled questions about admin controls. For instance, IT admins can limit which users have the capability to create new agents, addressing potential security concerns. This balance between accessibility and control is crucial in today’s digital landscape.
Further along the line, discussions touched on the unique capabilities of the Researcher agent. It can connect with other agents, meaning information can flow seamlessly across different realms of expertise. Imagine being able to pass context from a sales chat to a research assistant—all within a few clicks.
A key point made by Kevin Sherman, Director of