At Microsoft’s Build 2026 conference, the company emphasized how intelligent agents are quickly becoming integral in enterprise systems, focusing on platforms that deliver reliable context, governance, security, and enterprise data access. Microsoft introduced Microsoft IQ as a powerful context layer bridging GitHub Copilot, Microsoft Foundry, Copilot Studio, and others, alongside several new AI models under the MAI family and new tools like the personal agent Scout. Marco Casalaina, Microsoft’s VP Products for Core AI and AI Futurist, shares insights into how Microsoft is advancing AI agent technology. Their strategy includes offering varied model choices—from OpenAI’s GPT to in-house MAI models optimized for efficiency and customization—and enabling developers to build and manage agents through the Foundry platform with advanced observability, evaluation, and identity management. Microsoft’s ecosystem, including Work IQ for Microsoft apps and Web IQ for web search agents, empowers enterprises to create highly specialized AI agents that enhance productivity by automating repetitive tasks, managing alerts, and streamlining workflows. Casalaina highlights how Microsoft 365 Copilot integrates these agents directly into daily tools like Teams, giving users seamless AI assistance that saves significant time. Practical examples include Bayer’s internal agent system adopting AI at scale and the Australian Energy Market Operator reducing alert overload for grid operators. Microsoft’s focus remains on human-centered AI that boosts productivity and frees users to focus on higher-value work. The interview also covers how AI is reshaping Casalaina’s own work and life, illustrating the tangible benefits of agentic AI in real-world applications.
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