Bring content from outside systems into Microsoft 365 so that Copilot, agents and Microsoft Search can work with it. Items are either indexed in Microsoft Graph with their access lists or fetched on demand, and in both cases the source's permissions still apply.
Also called Microsoft 365 Copilot connectors, formerly Microsoft Graph connectors, Graph connectors, Microsoft Graph connectors.
Read more: Microsoft Learn
In the Ultra Transcenders books
Each book explains Copilot connectors in context, with comparison tables and the common traps.
Terms in this definition
- Microsoft 365
Formerly Office 365, Microsoft's software-as-a-service productivity suite. A Microsoft Entra tenant provides its identity, and its data is not governed by Azure RBAC.
- Microsoft Search
SharePoint search that is modern and tailored to each person, running on the classic search index and, where Copilot is present, on the Microsoft Graph semantic index. Without a Copilot licence, this is what users get rather than Copilot Search.
- Microsoft Graph
API giving access to Entra and Microsoft 365 data. Authorisation uses application or delegated permissions rather than Azure RBAC.
- AGDLP
Nesting pattern: users go into global groups, which go into domain local groups, which receive the permissions. AGUDLP adds universal groups for forests with several domains.
- APPLY
Evaluates a table-valued expression for every row on its left, inside
FROM. Think ofOUTER APPLYas a left outer join andCROSS APPLYas an inner join.
Related terms
- Agent Builder
A Microsoft Copilot tool where people describe a declarative agent in plain language, or fill in a Configure tab, and ground it in sources like SharePoint or Copilot connectors. If the agent later needs actions or workflows, a copy moves into Copilot Studio.
- Copilot Retrieval API
Developers call this API to get relevant text chunks out of SharePoint, OneDrive and Copilot connectors, grounding their own AI solutions. Data stays put and permissions are respected. Copilot-licensed users pay nothing, and unlicensed users can try a pay-as-you-go preview.
- Federated connectors
Instead of indexing, these Copilot connectors read the source system live through MCP, keeping its permissions. If one has write tools, they only act after the user approves.