Extend Copilot for Microsoft 365 with plugins
Copilot for Microsoft 365 seamlessly integrates with the Microsoft 365 ecosystem, but many professionals rely on a range of external tools and platforms to streamline their tasks. By introducing plugins, Copilot can be expanded to collaborate with these third-party applications, truly harnessing the comprehensive power of Copilot for Microsoft 365.
What is a plugin?
At its core, a plugin is like a mini-application designed to enhance or add a particular functionality to a larger software. In Copilot for Microsoft 365, plugins bridge the gap between the core functions of Copilot and the vast array of third-party tools and platforms that businesses already use daily.
- Integration. Plugins allow Copilot to communicate and interact with external applications.
- Extensibility. Plugins enhance Copilot's native capabilities, offering a tailored user experience.
Examples of plugin functionalities in Copilot for Microsoft 365 include:
- Retrieve real-time information, for example, the latest news coverage on a product launch.
- Retrieve knowledge-based information, for example, my team’s design files in Figma.
- Perform actions on behalf of the user, for example, create a Jira ticket.
Learn more about plugins in the following video:
Plugins for Copilot for Microsoft 365
There are three types of plugins for Copilot for Microsoft 365:
- ChatGPT Plugins
- Teams message extensions
- Microsoft Power Platform connectors
With the initial rollout of Copilot for Microsoft 365, over 50 plugins are available to customers. These plugins include contributions from many notable Microsoft partners. In the coming months, the number of available plugins should increase exponentially, as current Teams message extensions and Microsoft Power Platform connectors integrate with Copilot for Microsoft 365. This expanding plugin ecosystem, integrated within everyday work tools, aims to enhance the efficiency and versatility of collaborative tasks.