Power Virtual Agents Are Now Part of Copilot Studio

When Microsoft introduced Power Virtual Agents in 2019, it was a groundbreaking step towards simplifying the creation of chatbots that could perform a variety of tasks. Since then, we’ve seen the field of AI grow exponentially, particularly with the evolution of generative AI. Microsoft remains at the forefront of integrating generative AI into its platforms, specifically with its Copilot feature.

Now, the company has announced another significant step into the field of conversational AI — the evolution from Microsoft Power Virtual Agents to the new Copilot Studio. Power Virtual Agents’ capabilities and features are now part of Microsoft Copilot Studio. Here’s what you need to know.

Introducing Microsoft Copilot Studio

Microsoft Copilot Studio is a graphical, low-code, comprehensive, conversational AI solution designed to expand copilot capabilities significantly.

Using Copilot Studio, you can build your own copilots. Your copilots can engage with customers (and employees) in multiple languages across websites, mobile apps, Facebook, Microsoft Teams, or any channel supported by the Azure Bot Service. Users can easily create copilots in Copilot Studio without the need for data scientists or developers. With Copilot Studio, Microsoft bots have transitioned from static interaction tools to dynamic helpers capable of learning and evolving.

What is Microsoft Copilot Studio?

Copilot Studio builds on the foundations of Power Virtual Agents. It enables organizations to create sophisticated, AI-driven conversational agents using natural language and graphical interfaces. These copilots can now act as independent agents—triggered by events—not just conversation—and can automate and orchestrate complex, long-running business processes.

The new platform allows you to connect to internal data through pre-built and custom plugins and GPTs, facilitating the creation and management of workflows and copilots from a single interface. Additionally, it enables Microsoft 365 users to customize copilots for unique scenarios, creating tailored responses and workflows. Copilot Studio integrates the foundational technologies of Power Virtual Agents with Microsoft’s cutting-edge conversational AI solutions.

Copilot Studio goes beyond bots answering questions. It can turn conversations into actionable insights by integrating deeply with organizational data and processes.

Copilot Studio Capabilities

• Generative Conversations: Direct your chatbots to internal knowledge bases or organizational websites to enhance their ability to provide quick, accurate answers.
• Workflow Automation: Utilize Power Platform connectors and Power Automate to turn dialogues into dynamic actions, streamlining complex processes like workflow automation.
• System Integration: Connect seamlessly with thousands of pre-built data connectors, enhancing the efficiency of your digital agents.
• Customizable AI Models: Integrate custom or pre-trained Azure AI models to tailor responses and interactions based on specific organizational needs.
• Enhanced Control and Personalization: You can control AI responses to sensitive topics and personalize interactions to boost user engagement and satisfaction.
• Sophisticated Dialogue Management: Employ advanced tools to manage complex queries and dialogues, including compliance and regulatory issues, ensuring robust interactions that can scale across the enterprise.
• Extensibility Across Platforms: To broaden your reach and impact, distribute your copilots across multiple channels, including web and social media.
• Low-Code Integration: Connect Copilot Studio with low-code applications for rapid deployment and iteration, enhancing agility in response to business needs.

Seamless Transition for Existing Users

If you’re already using Power Virtual Agents, the shift to Copilot Studio is seamless — all existing functionalities and bots transition without interruption. The upgrade offers existing users enhanced capabilities and the potential to drive more personalized and efficient interactions.

Wrapping Up

Microsoft’s commitment to leading in AI was already evident in the way it has woven Copilot’s generative AI capabilities throughout Microsoft 365, Dynamics 365 Business Central, Power BI, Power Pages, and more. Copilot Studio will significantly further that commitment. By harnessing the power of Copilot Studio, your business can create more intuitive, responsive, and effective conversational agents, driving significant improvements in user experience and operational efficiency.

We’ve been fans of Copilot since its inception, and watching the capabilities expand and improve is nothing short of amazing. The Copilot team at Velosio is excited to help you explore and integrate these advancements into your business strategy. Reach out to learn more about how to put Copilot Studio to work in your organization.