MCP Apps: A New Dimension in Microsoft 365 Copilot

Introduction

On March 9, 2023, Microsoft took an important step by announcing the availability of MCP Apps in Microsoft 365 Copilot. Through the combination of MCP Apps and the OpenAI Apps SDK, agents can now integrate rich and interactive interfaces directly into Copilot conversations, optimizing user fluidity and productivity.

Toward an Interactive Experience

Traditionally, applications served to provide information. But with Copilot and the integration of MCP Apps, agents become proactive, enabling users to take action directly from the conversation.

How MCP Apps Work

Through Work IQ, agents can:

• Present data in the form of tables, forms, diagrams, or charts.
• Create dashboards and advanced visualization surfaces.
• Guide the user through complex processes without leaving the initial context.

For example, Copilot can:

• Consolidate travel receipts from emails.
• Update a CRM opportunity after a meeting.
• Reconcile invoices automatically.

Use Cases

Discover how Microsoft partners are leveraging MCP Apps:

Data Entry and Visualizations

Automate data entry or display information as heatmaps directly in Copilot with Power Apps.

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Project Management or Process

Example: Microsoft Expense, which automatically matches email receipts to credit card transactions, simplifying expense reports.

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Content Generation

Create marketing flyers with Adobe Express, graphics with Canva, or custom workflows in Figma without leaving Copilot.

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Training and Learning

Copilot can search for courses on Coursera directly from a conversation.

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Create Your Interactive Agents

To develop your own MCP agents, use the Microsoft 365 Agents Toolkit:

1# Add the necessary plugin
2/plugin marketplace add microsoft/work-iq
3/plugin install microsoft-365-agents-toolkit@work-iq#
4 
5# Describe the desired agent
6"Create a declarative agent with an MCP server and a dashboard widget for insurance claims."

UX Considerations

Adopt these options based on your needs:

• Inline mode: For lightweight widgets displayed before the model's response.
• Side-by-side mode: Provides advanced workspace for complex interactions.

Publish Your Agent

Agents can be shared within your organization or published to the Agent Store for wider visibility. Steps include:

• Sideload for internal testing.
• Publish via the Microsoft 365 Admin Center.
• Validation and approval by Microsoft for the marketplace.

Resources for Developers

Explore these sources to learn more:

• Join the community on Microsoft Q&A.
• Explore GitHub repositories such as MCP InteractiveUI Samples.

We can't wait to see what you'll create with MCP Apps!