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Microsoft adopts Google’s standard for linking up AI agents
Microsoft is adopting Google's Agent2Agent (A2A) protocol to enable AI agents on its platforms, Azure AI Foundry and Copilot Studio, to communicate across different systems. This move allows for collaborative and seamless workflows among AI agents, thereby enhancing productivity in enterprises, which are increasingly investing in AI agent technology.
Key points
- Microsoft announced support for Google's A2A protocol for AI agents, enabling collaboration across clouds and apps.
- A2A allows AI agents to share goals and invoke actions, ensuring secure interoperability.
- This integration will enable Microsoft and external agents to work together (e.g., scheduling meetings and drafting emails).
- Enterprises are increasingly adopting AI agents, with 65% experimenting with this technology, projecting market growth from $7.84 billion in 2025 to $52.62 billion by 2030.
- Microsoft's A2A support follows its earlier adoption of MCP, Anthropic’s standard for AI data connectivity, aligning with other major AI providers.
Why it matters
- The adoption of shared protocols like A2A reflects a broader industry trend towards interoperable AI systems.
- The rise of AI agents is influenced by the growing automation and digital transformation strategies in enterprises.
- As businesses prioritize productivity, AI agents are seen as a key tool in achieving efficiency and streamlined operations.
Microsoft's backing of the A2A protocol positions it strategically within the rapidly evolving AI landscape, fostering collaboration among AI systems while catering to the growing demands of enterprises seeking productivity enhancements.