Microsoft Events features Maria Naggaga and Don Scott in this Ignite session, unveiling how Model Context Protocol (MCP) is transforming agent-based AI systems and tooling in the Microsoft ecosystem.

Driving Agentic Innovation with Model Context Protocol (MCP) for Tool-Aware AI

Speakers: Maria Naggaga, Don Scott
Event: Microsoft Ignite 2025, BRK194
Level: Intermediate (200)

Overview

This technical deep-dive showcases how Microsoft’s Model Context Protocol (MCP) acts as a robust communication backbone for tool-aware AI agents. As agents evolve into autonomous collaborators across diverse environments, MCP offers:

  • Secure, scalable, OS-agnostic orchestration
  • Unified integration across platforms:
    • Microsoft Foundry
    • GitHub
    • Visual Studio Code (VS Code)
  • Support for cloud and on-premises API management

Key Chapters

  • Reimagining Tool-Aware AI Systems: Exploring MCP’s role in Microsoft Foundry ([0:00])
  • Agent Integration & Governance: Addressing integration challenges and the need for unified access ([00:05:33])
  • Automating Tasks with Agents: Attaching markdown files to agent modes ([00:11:12])
  • Foundry Tools Unified Catalog: Announcing 1,400+ connectors for tool orchestration ([00:13:37])
  • Agent 365 Integration: Extending tool-aware agents to Microsoft 365 apps ([00:14:51])
  • Azure Registries: Introduction and technical background ([00:22:47])
  • Emergence of MCP Servers: Managing MCP registries ([00:23:06])
  • ServiceNow Integration: MCP’s role in third-party service orchestration ([00:32:07])
  • Cross-Cloud & On-Premises API Management: Ensuring broad compatibility ([00:35:12])

Technical Insights

  • MCP provides unified communication for agents performing complex tasks autonomously.
  • Foundry Tools catalog features 1400+ connectors supporting tool orchestration in enterprise settings.
  • Agent 365 integration allows MCP-powered agents to access and automate processes within Microsoft 365 applications.
  • Governance and unified access mechanisms are required to enable secure cross-platform agent operations.
  • MCP server and registry management addresses challenges in scaling agentic solutions for both cloud and on-prem environments.
  • Integration highlights include ServiceNow and cross-cloud compatibility, supporting advanced workflows.

Resources

Session delivered by Maria Naggaga and Don Scott for practitioners seeking technical depth in AI agent orchestration across the Microsoft stack.