|
| 1 | +# MCP-based M365 Agents Collection |
| 2 | + |
| 3 | +A comprehensive collection of prompts and instructions for building declarative agents with Model Context Protocol (MCP) integration for Microsoft 365 Copilot. |
| 4 | + |
| 5 | +## Overview |
| 6 | + |
| 7 | +The Model Context Protocol (MCP) is a universal standard that allows AI models to integrate with external systems through standardized server endpoints. This collection provides everything you need to build, deploy, and manage MCP-based declarative agents that extend Microsoft 365 Copilot with custom capabilities. |
| 8 | + |
| 9 | +## What is Model Context Protocol? |
| 10 | + |
| 11 | +MCP is an open protocol developed to streamline how AI models connect to external data sources and tools. Instead of custom integration code for each system, MCP provides a consistent interface for: |
| 12 | + |
| 13 | +- **Server Metadata**: Discover available tools and capabilities |
| 14 | +- **Tools Listing**: Get function definitions and schemas |
| 15 | +- **Tool Execution**: Invoke tools with parameters and receive results |
| 16 | + |
| 17 | +For Microsoft 365 Copilot, this means you can create agents that connect to any MCP-compatible server with point-and-click configuration instead of writing custom code. |
| 18 | + |
| 19 | +## Collection Contents |
| 20 | + |
| 21 | +### Prompts |
| 22 | + |
| 23 | +1. **Create Declarative Agent** ([mcp-create-declarative-agent.prompt.md](prompts/mcp-create-declarative-agent.prompt.md)) |
| 24 | + - Build declarative agents using Microsoft 365 Agents Toolkit |
| 25 | + - Configure MCP server integration with tool import |
| 26 | + - Set up OAuth 2.0 or SSO authentication |
| 27 | + - Configure response semantics for data extraction |
| 28 | + - Package and deploy agents for testing |
| 29 | + |
| 30 | +2. **Create Adaptive Cards** ([mcp-create-adaptive-cards.prompt.md](prompts/mcp-create-adaptive-cards.prompt.md)) |
| 31 | + - Design static and dynamic Adaptive Card templates |
| 32 | + - Configure response semantics (data_path, properties, template_selector) |
| 33 | + - Use template language for conditionals and data binding |
| 34 | + - Create responsive cards that work across Copilot surfaces |
| 35 | + - Implement card actions for user interactions |
| 36 | + |
| 37 | +3. **Deploy and Manage Agents** ([mcp-deploy-manage-agents.prompt.md](prompts/mcp-deploy-manage-agents.prompt.md)) |
| 38 | + - Deploy agents via Microsoft 365 admin center |
| 39 | + - Configure organizational or public store distribution |
| 40 | + - Manage agent lifecycle (publish, deploy, block, remove) |
| 41 | + - Set up governance and compliance controls |
| 42 | + - Monitor agent usage and performance |
| 43 | + |
| 44 | +### Instructions |
| 45 | + |
| 46 | +**MCP M365 Copilot Development Guidelines** ([mcp-m365-copilot.instructions.md](instructions/mcp-m365-copilot.instructions.md)) |
| 47 | +- Best practices for MCP server design and tool selection |
| 48 | +- File organization and project structure |
| 49 | +- Response semantics configuration patterns |
| 50 | +- Adaptive Card design principles |
| 51 | +- Security, governance, and compliance requirements |
| 52 | +- Testing and deployment workflows |
| 53 | + |
| 54 | +## Key Concepts |
| 55 | + |
| 56 | +### Declarative Agents |
| 57 | + |
| 58 | +Declarative agents are defined through configuration files rather than code: |
| 59 | +- **declarativeAgent.json**: Agent instructions, capabilities, conversation starters |
| 60 | +- **ai-plugin.json**: MCP server tools, response semantics, adaptive card templates |
| 61 | +- **mcp.json**: MCP server URL, authentication configuration |
| 62 | +- **manifest.json**: Teams app manifest for packaging |
| 63 | + |
| 64 | +### MCP Server Integration |
| 65 | + |
| 66 | +The Microsoft 365 Agents Toolkit provides a visual interface for: |
| 67 | +1. **Scaffold** a new agent project |
| 68 | +2. **Add MCP action** to connect to a server |
| 69 | +3. **Choose tools** from the server's available functions |
| 70 | +4. **Configure authentication** (OAuth 2.0, SSO) |
| 71 | +5. **Generate files** (agent config, plugin manifest) |
| 72 | +6. **Test** in m365.cloud.microsoft/chat |
| 73 | + |
| 74 | +### Authentication Patterns |
| 75 | + |
| 76 | +**OAuth 2.0 Static Registration:** |
| 77 | +- Pre-register OAuth app with service provider |
| 78 | +- Store credentials in .env.local (never commit) |
| 79 | +- Reference in ai-plugin.json authentication config |
| 80 | +- Users consent once, tokens stored in plugin vault |
| 81 | + |
| 82 | +**Single Sign-On (SSO):** |
| 83 | +- Use Microsoft Entra ID for authentication |
| 84 | +- Seamless experience for M365 users |
| 85 | +- No separate login required |
| 86 | +- Ideal for internal organizational agents |
| 87 | + |
| 88 | +### Response Semantics |
| 89 | + |
| 90 | +Extract and format data from MCP server responses: |
| 91 | + |
| 92 | +```json |
| 93 | +{ |
| 94 | + "response_semantics": { |
| 95 | + "data_path": "$.items[*]", |
| 96 | + "properties": { |
| 97 | + "title": "$.name", |
| 98 | + "subtitle": "$.description", |
| 99 | + "url": "$.html_url" |
| 100 | + }, |
| 101 | + "static_template": { ... } |
| 102 | + } |
| 103 | +} |
| 104 | +``` |
| 105 | + |
| 106 | +- **data_path**: JSONPath to extract array or object |
| 107 | +- **properties**: Map response fields to Copilot properties |
| 108 | +- **template_selector**: Choose dynamic template based on response |
| 109 | +- **static_template**: Adaptive Card for visual formatting |
| 110 | + |
| 111 | +### Adaptive Cards |
| 112 | + |
| 113 | +Rich visual responses for agent outputs: |
| 114 | + |
| 115 | +**Static Templates:** |
| 116 | +- Defined once in ai-plugin.json |
| 117 | +- Used for all responses with same structure |
| 118 | +- Better performance and easier maintenance |
| 119 | + |
| 120 | +**Dynamic Templates:** |
| 121 | +- Returned in API response body |
| 122 | +- Selected via template_selector JSONPath |
| 123 | +- Useful for varied response structures |
| 124 | + |
| 125 | +**Template Language:** |
| 126 | +- `${property}`: Data binding |
| 127 | +- `${if(condition, true, false)}`: Conditionals |
| 128 | +- `${formatNumber(value, decimals)}`: Formatting |
| 129 | +- `$when`: Conditional element rendering |
| 130 | + |
| 131 | +## Deployment Options |
| 132 | + |
| 133 | +### Organization Deployment |
| 134 | +- IT admin deploys to all users or specific groups |
| 135 | +- Requires approval in Microsoft 365 admin center |
| 136 | +- Best for internal business agents |
| 137 | +- Full governance and compliance controls |
| 138 | + |
| 139 | +### Agent Store |
| 140 | +- Submit to Partner Center for validation |
| 141 | +- Public availability to all Copilot users |
| 142 | +- Rigorous security and compliance review |
| 143 | +- Suitable for partner-built agents |
| 144 | + |
| 145 | +## Partner Examples |
| 146 | + |
| 147 | +### monday.com |
| 148 | +Task and project management integration: |
| 149 | +- Create tasks directly from Copilot |
| 150 | +- Query project status and updates |
| 151 | +- Assign work items to team members |
| 152 | +- View deadlines and milestones |
| 153 | + |
| 154 | +### Canva |
| 155 | +Design automation capabilities: |
| 156 | +- Generate branded content |
| 157 | +- Create social media graphics |
| 158 | +- Access design templates |
| 159 | +- Export in multiple formats |
| 160 | + |
| 161 | +### Sitecore |
| 162 | +Content management integration: |
| 163 | +- Search content repository |
| 164 | +- Create and update content items |
| 165 | +- Manage workflows and approvals |
| 166 | +- Preview content in context |
| 167 | + |
| 168 | +## Getting Started |
| 169 | + |
| 170 | +### Prerequisites |
| 171 | +- Visual Studio Code |
| 172 | +- Microsoft 365 Agents Toolkit extension (v6.3.x or later) |
| 173 | +- GitHub account (for OAuth examples) |
| 174 | +- Microsoft 365 Copilot license |
| 175 | +- Access to an MCP-compatible server |
| 176 | + |
| 177 | +### Quick Start |
| 178 | +1. Install Microsoft 365 Agents Toolkit in VS Code |
| 179 | +2. Use **Create Declarative Agent** prompt to scaffold project |
| 180 | +3. Add MCP server URL and choose tools |
| 181 | +4. Configure authentication with OAuth or SSO |
| 182 | +5. Use **Create Adaptive Cards** prompt to design response templates |
| 183 | +6. Test agent at m365.cloud.microsoft/chat |
| 184 | +7. Use **Deploy and Manage Agents** prompt for distribution |
| 185 | + |
| 186 | +### Development Workflow |
| 187 | +``` |
| 188 | +1. Scaffold agent project |
| 189 | + ↓ |
| 190 | +2. Connect MCP server |
| 191 | + ↓ |
| 192 | +3. Import tools |
| 193 | + ↓ |
| 194 | +4. Configure authentication |
| 195 | + ↓ |
| 196 | +5. Design adaptive cards |
| 197 | + ↓ |
| 198 | +6. Test locally |
| 199 | + ↓ |
| 200 | +7. Deploy to organization |
| 201 | + ↓ |
| 202 | +8. Monitor and iterate |
| 203 | +``` |
| 204 | + |
| 205 | +## Best Practices |
| 206 | + |
| 207 | +### MCP Server Design |
| 208 | +- Import only necessary tools (avoid over-scoping) |
| 209 | +- Use secure authentication (OAuth 2.0, SSO) |
| 210 | +- Test each tool individually |
| 211 | +- Validate server endpoints are HTTPS |
| 212 | +- Consider token limits when selecting tools |
| 213 | + |
| 214 | +### Agent Instructions |
| 215 | +- Be specific and clear about agent capabilities |
| 216 | +- Provide examples of how to interact |
| 217 | +- Set boundaries for what agent can/cannot do |
| 218 | +- Use conversation starters to guide users |
| 219 | + |
| 220 | +### Response Formatting |
| 221 | +- Use JSONPath to extract relevant data |
| 222 | +- Map properties clearly (title, subtitle, url) |
| 223 | +- Design adaptive cards for readability |
| 224 | +- Test cards across Copilot surfaces (Chat, Teams, Outlook) |
| 225 | + |
| 226 | +### Security and Governance |
| 227 | +- Never commit credentials to source control |
| 228 | +- Use environment variables for secrets |
| 229 | +- Follow principle of least privilege |
| 230 | +- Review compliance requirements |
| 231 | +- Monitor agent usage and performance |
| 232 | + |
| 233 | +## Common Use Cases |
| 234 | + |
| 235 | +### Data Retrieval |
| 236 | +- Search external systems |
| 237 | +- Fetch user-specific information |
| 238 | +- Query databases or APIs |
| 239 | +- Aggregate data from multiple sources |
| 240 | + |
| 241 | +### Task Automation |
| 242 | +- Create tickets or tasks |
| 243 | +- Update records or statuses |
| 244 | +- Trigger workflows |
| 245 | +- Schedule actions |
| 246 | + |
| 247 | +### Content Generation |
| 248 | +- Create documents or designs |
| 249 | +- Generate reports or summaries |
| 250 | +- Format data into templates |
| 251 | +- Export in various formats |
| 252 | + |
| 253 | +### Integration Scenarios |
| 254 | +- Connect CRM systems |
| 255 | +- Integrate project management tools |
| 256 | +- Access knowledge bases |
| 257 | +- Connect to custom business apps |
| 258 | + |
| 259 | +## Troubleshooting |
| 260 | + |
| 261 | +### Agent Not Appearing in Copilot |
| 262 | +- Verify agent is deployed in admin center |
| 263 | +- Check user is in assigned group |
| 264 | +- Confirm agent is not blocked |
| 265 | +- Refresh Copilot interface |
| 266 | + |
| 267 | +### Authentication Errors |
| 268 | +- Validate OAuth credentials in .env.local |
| 269 | +- Check scopes match required permissions |
| 270 | +- Test auth flow independently |
| 271 | +- Verify MCP server is accessible |
| 272 | + |
| 273 | +### Response Formatting Issues |
| 274 | +- Test JSONPath expressions with sample data |
| 275 | +- Validate data_path extracts expected array/object |
| 276 | +- Check property mappings are correct |
| 277 | +- Test adaptive card with various response structures |
| 278 | + |
| 279 | +### Performance Problems |
| 280 | +- Monitor MCP server response times |
| 281 | +- Reduce number of imported tools |
| 282 | +- Optimize response data size |
| 283 | +- Use caching where appropriate |
| 284 | + |
| 285 | +## Resources |
| 286 | + |
| 287 | +### Official Documentation |
| 288 | +- [Build Declarative Agents with MCP (DevBlogs)](https://devblogs.microsoft.com/microsoft365dev/build-declarative-agents-for-microsoft-365-copilot-with-mcp/) |
| 289 | +- [Build MCP Plugins (Microsoft Learn)](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365-copilot/extensibility/build-mcp-plugins) |
| 290 | +- [API Plugin Adaptive Cards (Microsoft Learn)](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365-copilot/extensibility/api-plugin-adaptive-cards) |
| 291 | +- [Manage Copilot Agents (Microsoft Learn)](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/admin/manage/manage-copilot-agents-integrated-apps) |
| 292 | + |
| 293 | +### Tools and Extensions |
| 294 | +- [Microsoft 365 Agents Toolkit](https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=TeamsDevApp.ms-teams-vscode-extension) |
| 295 | +- [Adaptive Cards Designer](https://adaptivecards.io/designer/) |
| 296 | +- [Teams Toolkit](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoftteams/platform/toolkit/teams-toolkit-fundamentals) |
| 297 | + |
| 298 | +### MCP Resources |
| 299 | +- [Model Context Protocol Specification](https://modelcontextprotocol.io/) |
| 300 | +- [MCP Server Directory](https://github.com/modelcontextprotocol/servers) |
| 301 | +- Community MCP servers and examples |
| 302 | + |
| 303 | +### Admin and Governance |
| 304 | +- [Microsoft 365 Admin Center](https://admin.microsoft.com/) |
| 305 | +- [Power Platform Admin Center](https://admin.powerplatform.microsoft.com/) |
| 306 | +- [Partner Center](https://partner.microsoft.com/) for agent submissions |
| 307 | + |
| 308 | +## Support and Community |
| 309 | + |
| 310 | +- Join the [Microsoft 365 Developer Community](https://developer.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/community) |
| 311 | +- Ask questions on [Microsoft Q&A](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/products/) |
| 312 | +- Share feedback in [Microsoft 365 Copilot GitHub discussions](https://github.com/microsoft/copilot-feedback) |
| 313 | + |
| 314 | +## What's Next? |
| 315 | + |
| 316 | +After mastering MCP-based agents, explore: |
| 317 | +- **Advanced tool composition**: Combine multiple MCP servers |
| 318 | +- **Custom authentication flows**: Implement custom OAuth providers |
| 319 | +- **Complex adaptive cards**: Multi-action cards with dynamic data |
| 320 | +- **Agent analytics**: Track usage patterns and optimize |
| 321 | +- **Multi-agent orchestration**: Build agents that work together |
| 322 | + |
| 323 | +--- |
| 324 | + |
| 325 | +*This collection is maintained by the community and reflects current best practices for MCP-based M365 Copilot agent development. Contributions and feedback welcome!* |
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