The evolution of Artificial Intelligence is changing how the ecosystem of developers work and collaborate with each other. In recent times, Microsoft has released innovative AI solutions for its Power Platform systems. These new solutions aim to improve productivity for both experienced and beginner developers.
This piece will discuss some next generation AI features in Microsoft Power Platform and how they will improve low-code technology.
What is Microsoft’s Power Platform?
Power Platform comprises of a set of tools that are aimed at helping businesses utilise low-code solutions to achieve high performance. It is made up of interconnected tools that maximise the capabilities of data estates and IT infrastructure for companies. Microsoft Power Platform empowers employees to do more with less, using low-code solutions.
Core applications within Power Platform_
Microsoft Power Platform consists of four main applications: Power BI, Power Automate, Power Apps, Power Virtual Agents and Power Pages. These apps allow developers to use advanced technologies to create unique solutions.
Power BI is a collection of software, apps, and connectors that turn separate data into clear and visually engaging insights. The platform facilitates in the creation of rich data experiences through the use of impactful reporting and data insights.
Power Automate helps users create automated workflows across their digital ecosystems. The implementation of workflows ensures that applications and services become more efficient and productive. It also utilises secure integrations for the prevention of data loss.
Power Apps is a collection of applications, services, connectors and a data platform that provides users with a rapid development environment to build custom applications tailored to meet the needs of your business.
Power Virtual Agents allows businesses to build actionable chatbots to handle varying levels of complexity using AI. The automated bots are able to respond to customer queries quickly, thereby enhancing interaction with customers and other stakeholders.
Lastly, Power Pages is an enterprise grade, low-code software that empowers developers in building modern business websites. The software consists of pre-built and customisable templates that suit the needs of any organisation.
Below we’ll delve into the latest Power Platform AI developments that have been happening within the recent rounds of Microsoft updates.
The new conversation booster in Power Virtual Agents_
In the current era of AI growth and evolution, the integration of bots within systems is quickly becoming the norm. Microsoft Power Virtual Agents uses generative answers to gather information from various sources without creating topics. Topics are portions of conversational threads between a user and chatbot, which trigger conversation nodes for the performance of an action.
This function in chatbots is helpful for instances when authored topics are unable to address queries from users. You’re able to save time without having to go through the cumbersome creation of topics which may not address your customers’ questions.
The bots use natural language processing (NLP) to gather and analyse information from sources like company websites or SharePoint. Internal knowledge bases assists these bots in answering questions within a matter of minutes without requiring any additional authoring.
Text creation with GPT model in an AI Builder_
Microsoft has announced the use of low-code generative AI models in AI Builder. This will help developers easily create AI-powered text functions using Azure OpenAI Service. The new generative text functionality is a powerful tool which will assist you in activities such as the translation of texts from one language to another, classification of text, drafting of responses to queries and summarisation of lengthy documents.
Microsoft Power Platform released the AI Builder four years ago as the first AI capability in Power Platform. Its generative AI features automates processes and aids businesses in gaining comprehensive insights from data. It works with Power Automate to automate tasks like translating emails between languages. The automation also simplifies the analysis of email contents for taking speedy actions.
Copilot in Power Apps is improving Power Platform AI_
The introduction of Copilot in Power Apps is set to be a game-changer. Copilot is a next gen AI tool that uses large language models to move from custom code to low code. It transforms the mode in which users build and interact with software programs. With the assistance of natural language authoring, makers will be able to create apps in just a few words.
Additionally, Copilot in Power Apps follows prompts and adjusts as per the needs of a user. It also has the ability to suggest options for the quick population of data.
Copilot in Power Apps uses AI bots and tools to create informed insights regarding data in apps via conversational chat experiences. AI assistants within the software facilitates users in creating queries and refining analysis in workflows. Working a bit like the new Bing ChatGPT integration, Power Platform Copilot has the ability to refine inputs using bots.
Copilot in Power Automate_
Say goodbye to the days of tiresome manual tasks. Copilot in Power Automate will boost your processes for increased efficiency. It also contributes to seamless automation when creating either simple or complex flows. With Copilot, software makers can quickly create flows, reducing time to market.
Copilot in Power Automate also has the ‘Describe it to design it’ feature which allows a user to write simple sentences for flows based on the description. It’ll take only 50% of your time while working on flows and other iterations.
Another interesting feature which you’ll find quite useful is the AI based conversational experience within the software, while authoring flows. Software builders will have the chance to input questions where they need help such as asking Copilot to summarise what a particular flow does; Copilot will then make improvements to enhance the building process.
Copilot in Power Virtual Agents_
The cutting-edge AI capabilities Copilot offers to Microsoft Power Virtual Agents has changed the face of the application. The Copilot assistant has made the creation of bots accessible for both technical and non-technical users. The long process that used to take a lot of time has now become easier with user-friendly interfaces. The AI Copilot in Power Virtual Agents helps developers add or update content for topics and summarise information.
Your Power Platform AI journey_
The new AI capabilities within the Microsoft Power Platform offers many benefits to organisations across various sectors. Onboarding these updates into your suite of applications will propel your business to the next level. Contact our skilled technical team to learn more about the advanced AI features of the next generation Power Platform.
