Extending Microsoft Graph with Copilot Studio

Extending Microsoft Graph with Copilot Studio allows organizations to integrate external data sources into Microsoft 365 applications, enhancing the capabilities of Microsoft 365 Copilot. Below is a detailed guide outlining each step of this integration process:

Step 1: Understand the Role of Microsoft Graph Connectors

1. Purpose of Microsoft Graph Connectors:
   • Microsoft Graph connectors enable organizations to bring external data into Microsoft Graph, allowing Copilot and other Microsoft 365 applications to access and reason over a broader range of enterprise content. This integration enhances Copilot’s ability to provide comprehensive responses by leveraging diverse datasets. citeturn0search0

Step 2: Set Up a Microsoft Graph Connector

1. Access the Microsoft 365 Admin Center:
   • Sign in to the Microsoft 365 Admin Center with administrative credentials.
2. Navigate to the Microsoft Search & Intelligence Section:
   • In the left-hand navigation pane, select “Settings,” then choose “Search & intelligence.”
3. Add a Data Source:
   • Under the “Connectors” tab, click on “Add a data source.”
4. Choose a Connector:
   • Select from the list of available connectors to integrate your specific external data source (e.g., Azure services, Box, Confluence, Google services, MediaWiki, Salesforce, ServiceNow). citeturn0search5
5. Configure the Connector:
   • Follow the on-screen instructions to configure the connector, including setting up connection settings, defining the schema, and applying semantic labels.
6. Manage Permissions:
   • Specify the authentication method and manage access permissions to ensure that only authorized users can access the integrated data.
7. Review and Publish:
   • After configuration, review the settings and publish the connector to start indexing the external data.

Step 3: Integrate the Connector with Copilot Studio

1. Access Copilot Studio:
   • Navigate to Copilot Studio and sign in with your Microsoft credentials.
2. Create a New Copilot Extension:
   • Select “Create” and choose “New Copilot extension.”
3. Define the Extension’s Purpose:
   • Provide a name and description for your Copilot extension, outlining its intended functionalities and the external data it will access.
4. Expand Knowledge with Data Sources:
   • Within the extension settings, add the external data source integrated via the Microsoft Graph connector. This enables Copilot to access and reason over the imported data, providing richer and more informed responses. citeturn0search1
5. Create Actions:
   • Define actions that allow the Copilot extension to interact with enterprise systems, such as retrieving specific data or performing tasks based on user prompts.
6. Test the Extension:
   • Utilize the testing tools within Copilot Studio to simulate user interactions and ensure that the extension functions as intended.
7. Publish the Extension:
   • Once testing is complete, publish the Copilot extension to make it available within your organization’s Microsoft 365 environment.

Step 4: Monitor and Maintain the Integration

1. Monitor Performance:
   • Regularly monitor the performance of the Microsoft Graph connector and the Copilot extension to ensure they are functioning correctly and providing accurate data.
2. Update Configurations as Needed:
   • As your organization’s data sources or requirements evolve, update the configurations of the connector and extension to maintain alignment with business needs.

By following these steps, you can effectively extend Microsoft Graph with Copilot Studio, integrating external data sources into Microsoft 365 applications and enhancing the capabilities of Microsoft 365 Copilot to provide more comprehensive and informed responses.

For a visual walkthrough of extending Copilot with Microsoft Graph connectors, you might find the following video helpful:

videoExtending Copilot: Expanding knowledge with Graph connectorsturn0search2