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How to Write a Project Proposal (Examples & Template Included)

What is a project proposal, types of project proposals, project proposal vs. project charter, project proposal vs. business case, project proposal vs. project plan, project proposal outline, how to write a project proposal, project proposal example, project proposal tips.

ProjectManager & Project Proposals

A project proposal is a project management document that’s used to define the objectives and requirements of a project. It helps organizations and external project stakeholders agree on an initial project planning framework.

The main purpose of a project proposal is to get buy-in from decision-makers. That’s why a project proposal outlines your project’s core value proposition; it sells value to both internal and external project stakeholders. The intent of the proposal is to grab the attention of stakeholders and project sponsors. Then, the next step is getting them excited about the project summary.

Getting into the heads of the audience for which you’re writing the project proposal is vital: you need to think like the project’s stakeholders to deliver a proposal that meets their needs.

We’ve created a free project proposal template for Word to help structure documents, so you don’t have to remember the process each time.

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Project Proposal Template

Use this free Project Proposal Template for Word to manage your projects better.

In terms of types of project proposals, you can have one that’s formally solicited, informally solicited or a combination. There can also be renewal and supplemental proposals. Here’s a brief description of each of them.

Solicited project proposal: This is sent as a response to a request for proposal (RFP) . Here, you’ll need to adhere to the RFP guidelines of the project owner.
Unsolicited project proposal: You can send project proposals without having received a request for a proposal. This can happen in open bids for construction projects , where a project owner receives unsolicited project proposals from many contractors.
Informal project proposal: This type of project proposal is created when a client asks for an informal proposal without an RFP.
Renewal project proposal: You can use a renewal project proposal when you’re reaching out to past customers. The advantage is that you can highlight past positive results and future benefits.
Continuation project proposal: A continuation project proposal is sent to investors and stakeholders to communicate project progress.
Supplemental project proposal: This proposal is sent to investors to ask for additional resources during the project execution phase.

A project proposal is a detailed project document that’s used to convince the project sponsor that the project being proposed is worth the time, money and effort to deliver it. This is done by showing how the project will address a business problem or opportunity. It also outlines the work that will be done and how it will be done.

A project charter can seem like the same thing as a project proposal as it also defines the project in a document. It identifies the project objectives, scope, goals, stakeholders and team. But it’s done after the project has been agreed upon by all stakeholders and the project has been accepted. The project charter authorizes the project and documents its requirements to meet stakeholders’ needs.

A business case is used to explain why the proposed project is justified. It shows that the project is worth the investment of time and money. It’s more commonly used in larger companies in the decision-making process when prioritizing one project over another.

The business case answers the questions: what is the project, why should it be taken up, who will be involved and how much will it cost? It’s therefore related to a project proposal, but the project proposal comes before the business case and is usually part of the larger proposal.

Again, the project proposal and the project plan in this case are very similar documents. It’s understandable that there would be some confusion between these two project terms. They both show how the project will be run and what the results will be. However, they’re not the same.

The project proposal is a document that aims to get a project approved and funded. It’s used to convince stakeholders of the viability of the project and their investment. The project plan, on the other hand, is made during the planning phase of the project, once it’s been approved. It’s a detailed outline of how the project will be implemented, including schedule, budget, resources and more.

There are several key operational and strategic questions to consider, including:

Executive summary: This is the elevator pitch that outlines the project being proposed and why it makes business sense. While it also touches on the information that’ll follow in the project proposal, the executive summary should be brief and to the point.
Project background: This is another short part of the proposal, usually only one page, which explains the problem you’ll solve or the opportunity you’re taking advantage of with the proposed project. Also, provide a short history of the business to put the company in context to the project and why it’s a good fit.
Project vision & success criteria: State the goal of the project and how it aligns with the goals of the company. Be specific. Also, note the metrics used to measure the success of the project.
Potential risks and mitigation strategies: There are always risks. Detail them here and what strategies you’ll employ to mitigate any negative impact as well as take advantage of any positive risk.
Project scope & deliverables: Define the project scope, which is all the work that has to be done and how it will be done. Also, detail the various deliverables that the project will have.
Set SMART goals: When setting goals, be SMART. That’s an acronym for specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound. All your goals would be defined by those five things.
Project approach: Define the approach you’ll use for the contract. There are several different types of contracts used in construction , for example, such as lump sum, cost plus, time and materials, etc. This is also a good place to describe the delivery method you’ll use.
Expected benefits: Outline the benefits that will come from the successful completion of the project.
Project resource requirements: List the resources, such as labor, materials, equipment, etc., that you’ll need to execute the project if approved.
Project costs & budget: Detail all the costs, including resources, that’ll be required to complete the project and set up a budget to show how those costs will be spent over the course of the project.
Project timeline: Lay out the project timeline , which shows the project from start to finish, including the duration of each phase and the tasks within it, milestones, etc.

In addition to these elements, it’s advisable to use a cover letter, which is a one-page document that helps you introduce your project proposal and grab the attention of potential clients and stakeholders.

All the elements in the above project proposal outline are present in our template. This free project proposal template for Word will provide you with everything you need to write an excellent project proposal. It will help you with the executive summary, project process, deliverables, costs—even terms and conditions. Download your free template today.

To make the best proposal possible, you’ll want to be thorough and hit on all the points we’ve listed above. Here’s a step-by-step guide to writing a persuasive priority proposal.

1. Write an Executive Summary

The executive summary provides a quick overview of the main elements of your project proposal, such as your project background, project objectives and project deliverables, among other things. The goal is to capture the attention of your audience and get them excited about the project you’re proposing. It’s essentially the “elevator pitch” for the project life cycle. It should be short and to the point.

The executive summary should be descriptive and paint a picture of what project success looks like for the client. Most importantly, it should motivate the project client; after all, the goal is getting them to sign on the dotted line to get the project moving!

2. Provide a Project Background

The project background is a one-page section of your project proposal that explains the problem that your project will solve. You should explain when this issue started, its current state and how your project will be the ideal solution.

Historic data: The history section outlines previously successful projects and those that could have run more smoothly. By doing so, this section establishes precedents and how the next project can be more effective using information from previous projects.
Solution: The solution section addresses how your project will solve the client’s problem. Accordingly, this section includes any project management techniques , skills and procedures your team will use to work efficiently.

3. Establish a Project Vision & Success Criteria

You’ll need to define your project vision. This is best done with a vision statement, which acts as the north star for your project. It’s not specific as much as it’s a way to describe the impact your company plans to make with the project.

It’s also important to set up success criteria to show that the project is in fact doing what it’s proposed to do. Three obvious project success criteria are the triple constraint of cost, scope and time. But you’ll need to set up a way to measure these metrics and respond to them if they’re not meeting your plan.

4. Identify Potential Risks and Mitigation Strategies

To reduce the impact of risk in your project, you need to identify what those risks might be and develop a plan to mitigate them . List all the risks, prioritize them, describe what you’ll do to mitigate or take advantage of them and who on the team is responsible for keeping an eye out for them and resolving them.

5. Define Your Project Scope and Project Deliverables

The project scope refers to all the work that’ll be executed. It defines the work items, work packages and deliverables that’ll be delivered during the execution phase of your project life cycle. It’s important to use a work breakdown structure (WBS) to define your tasks and subtasks and prioritize them.

6. Set SMART Goals for Your Project Proposal

The best mindset when developing goals and objectives for your project proposal is to use the SMART system :

Specific – Make sure your goals and objectives are clear, concise and specific to the task at hand.
Measurable – Ensure your goals and objectives are measurable so it’s obvious to see when things are on track and going well, and conversely, when things are off track and issues need to be addressed. Measurable goals make it easy to develop the milestones you’ll use to track the progress of the project and identify a reasonable date for completion and/or closure.
Attainable – It’s important every project has a “reach” goal. Hitting this goal would mean an outstanding project that extends above and beyond expectations. However, it’s important that the project’s core goal is attainable, so morale stays high and the job gets done with time and resources to spare.
Relevant – Make sure all of your goals are directly relevant to the project and address the scope within which you’re working.
Time-Based – Timelines and specific dates should be at the core of all goals and objectives. This helps keep the project on track and ensures all project team members can manage the work that’s ahead of them.

7. Explain What’s Your Project Approach

Your project approach defines the project management methodology , tools and governance for your project. In simple terms, it allows project managers to explain to stakeholders how the project will be planned, executed and controlled successfully.

8. Outline The Expected Benefits of Your Project Proposal

If you want to convince internal stakeholders and external investors, you’ll need to show them the financial benefits that your project could bring to their organization. You can use cost-benefit analysis and projected financial statements to demonstrate why your project is profitable.

9. Identify Project Resource Requirements

Project resources are critical for the execution of your project. The project proposal briefly describes what resources are needed and how they’ll be used. Later, during the planning phase, you’ll need to create a resource management plan that’ll be an important element of your project plan. Project requirements are the items, materials and resources needed for the project. This section should cover both internal and external needs.

10. Estimate Project Costs and Project Budget

All the resources that you’ll need for your project have a price tag. That’s why you need to estimate those costs and create a project budget . The project budget needs to cover all your project expenses, and as a project manager, you’ll need to make sure that you adhere to the budget.

11. Define a Project Timeline

Once you’ve defined your project scope, you’ll need to estimate the duration of each task to create a project timeline. Later during the project planning phase , you’ll need to create a schedule baseline, which estimates the total length of your project. Once the project starts, you’ll compare your actual project schedule to the schedule baseline to monitor progress.

Now let’s explore some project proposal examples to get a better understanding of how a project proposal would work in the real world. For this example, let’s imagine a city that’s about to build a rapid transit system. The city government has the funds to invest but lacks the technical expertise and resources that are needed to build it, so it issues a request for proposal (RFP) document and sends it to potential builders.

Then, the construction companies that are interested in executing this rapid transit project will prepare a project proposal for the city government. Here are some of the key elements they should include.

Project background: The construction firm will provide an explanation of the challenges that the project presents from a technical perspective, along with historical data from similar projects that have been completed successfully by the company.
Project vision & success criteria: Write a vision statement and explain how you’ll track the triple constraint to ensure the successful delivery of the project.
Potential risks and mitigation strategies: List all risks and how they’ll be mitigated, and be sure to prioritize them.
Project scope & deliverables: The work that’ll be done is outlined in the scope, including all the deliverables that’ll be completed over the life cycle of the project.
Set SMART goals: Use the SMART technique to define your project goals by whether they’re specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound.
Project approach: Define the methodology that the project manager will employ to manage the project. Also, figure out what type of contract will be used to define the project.
Expected benefits: Show how the project will deliver advantages to the company and define what these benefits are in a quantifiable way.
Project resource requirements: List all the resources, such as labor, materials, equipment, etc., needed to execute the project.
Project costs & budget: Estimate the cost of the project and lay that out in a project budget that covers everything from start to finish.
Project timeline: Outline the project schedule, including phases, milestones and task duration on a visual timeline.

Whatever project proposal you’re working on, there are a few tips that apply as best practices for all. While above we suggested a project proposal template that would have a table of contents, meaning it would be many pages long, the best-case scenario is keeping the proposal to one or two pages max. Remember, you’re trying to win over stakeholders, not bore them.

Speaking of project stakeholders , do the research. You want to address the right ones. There’s no point in doing all the work necessary to write a great proposal only to have it directed to the wrong target audience. Whoever is going to read it, though, should be able to comprehend the proposal. Keep the language simple and direct.

When it comes to writing, get a professional. Even a business document like a project proposal, business case or executive summary will suffer if it’s poorly constructed or has typos. If you don’t want to hire a professional business writer, make sure you get someone on your project team to copy, edit and proof the document. The more eyes on it, the less likely mistakes will make it to the final edition.

While you want to keep the proposal short and sweet, it helps to sweeten the pot by adding customer testimonials to the attachments. Nothing sells a project plan better than a customer base looking for your product or service.

ProjectManager & Project Proposals

ProjectManager allows you to plan proposals within our software. You can update tasks for the project proposal to signify where things stand and what’s left to be done. The columns allow you to organize your proposal by section, creating a work breakdown structure (WBS) of sorts.

When building a project proposal, it’s vital to remember your target audience. Your audience includes those who are excited about the project, and see completion as a gain for their organization. Conversely, others in your audience will see the project as a pain and something to which they aren’t looking forward. To keep both parties satisfied, it’s essential to keep language factual and concise.

Our online kanban boards help you think through that language and collaborate on it effectively with other team members, if necessary. Each card shows the percentage completed so everyone in the project management team is aware of the work done and what’s left to be done.

As you can see from the kanban board above, work has begun on tasks such as product documentation and design. Tasks regarding stakeholder feedback, ideation, market research and more have been completed, and there’s a good start on the engineering drawings, 3D rendering, supply chain sourcing and translation services.

A PDF is then attached to the card, and everyone added to the task receives an email notifying them of the change. This same process can be used throughout the life-cycle of the project to keep the team updated, collaborating, and producing a first-class project proposal. In addition to kanban boards, you can also use other project management tools such as Gantt charts , project dashboards, task lists and project calendars to plan, schedule and track your projects.

Project proposals are just the first step in the project planning process. Once your project is approved, you’ll have to solidify the plan, allocate and manage resources, monitor the project, and finally hand in your deliverables. This process requires a flexible, dynamic and robust project management software package. ProjectManager is online project management software that helps all your team members collaborate and manage this process in real-time. Try our award-winning software with this free 30-day trial .

Click here to browse ProjectManager's free templates

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6 steps for writing a persuasive projec ...

6 steps for writing a persuasive project proposal

A project proposal is a written document outlining everything stakeholders should know about a project, including the timeline, budget, objectives, and goals. Your project proposal should summarize your project details and sell your idea so stakeholders buy in to the initiative. In this guide, we’ll teach you how to write a project proposal so you can win approval and succeed at work.

All projects have creation stories, but they don’t start with someone declaring, “Let there be resources!” To move forward with a project, teams must submit a proposal to decision-makers within their organization or to external stakeholders.

What is a project proposal?

A project proposal is a written document outlining everything stakeholders should know about a project, including the timeline, budget, objectives , and goals. Your project proposal should summarize your project details and sell your idea so stakeholders feel inclined to get involved in the initiative.

The goal of your project proposal is to:

Secure external funding

Allocate company resources to your project

Gain stakeholder buy-in

Build momentum and excitement

Project proposals vs. project charters vs. business cases

Project proposals and project charters serve different purposes in the project creation process, and it’s important to understand the difference between the two. While a project proposal takes place in the initiation phase of the project, the project charter takes place in the planning phase.

As mentioned above, a project proposal is a persuasive document meant to convince stakeholders why the project should be carried out. A project charter is a reference document that defines project objectives, and it can’t be created until the project proposal is approved.

People also confuse the business case with the project proposal, but the business case also comes after the proposal. Once the project is approved through a proposal, a business case may be used to secure additional funding for the project.

Types of project proposals

There are six types of proposals you may encounter as a project manager, and understanding the different formats can be useful as you write yours. Each type has a different goal.

Solicited: You’ll send solicited proposals in response to a Request for Proposal (RFP). An RFP announces a project in detail and asks for bids from qualified teams. Because you’re competing against other companies for this type of proposal, you must do thorough research and write persuasively.

Unsolicited: You’ll send unsolicited proposals without an RFP, meaning no one asked for your proposal. In this case, you won’t be up against other companies or teams, but you’ll still need to be persuasive because you have no knowledge of whether the stakeholder you’re pitching to needs you.

Informal: You may have a client send you an informal request for a project proposal, in which case you can respond with your project pitch. Because this isn’t an official RFP, the rules are less concrete.

Renewal: You’ll send renewals to existing clients in hopes that they’ll extend their services with your organization. In this type of project proposal, the goal is to emphasize past results your team has produced for the client and persuade them you can produce future results.

Continuation: You’ll send continuations as a reminder to a stakeholder letting them know the project is beginning. In this project proposal, you’ll simply provide information about the project instead of persuading the stakeholder.

Supplemental: Similar to a continuation proposal, you’ll send a supplemental proposal to a stakeholder already involved in your project. In this type of proposal, you’re letting the stakeholder know the project is beginning, while also asking for additional resources. You should persuade the stakeholder to contribute more to the project in this proposal.

The tone of voice and content of your project proposal will differ based on the type of proposal you’re sending. When you know your project goals, you can write your proposal accordingly.

How to write a project proposal

These step-by-step instructions apply to most project proposals, regardless of type. You’ll need to customize your proposal for the intended audience, but this project proposal outline can serve as a reference to ensure you’re including the key components in your document.

1. Write an executive summary

The executive summary serves as the introduction to your project proposal. Similar to a report abstract or an essay introduction, this section should summarize what’s coming and persuade the stakeholder to continue reading. Depending on the complexity of your project, your executive summary may be one paragraph or a few paragraphs.

Your executive summary should include:

The problem your project plans to solve

The solution your project provides for that problem

The impact your project will have

You should only address these items briefly in your executive summary because you’ll discuss these topics in more detail later in your proposal.

2. Explain the project background

In this section, you’ll go into the background of the project. Use references and statistics to convince your reader that the problem you’re addressing is worthwhile.

Some questions to include are:

What is the problem your project addresses?

What is already known about this problem?

Who has addressed this problem before/what research is there?

Why is past research insufficient at addressing this problem?

You can also use this section to explain how the problem you hope to solve directly relates to your organization.

3. Present a solution

You just presented a problem in the project background section, so the next logical step in proposal writing is to present a solution. This section is your opportunity to outline your project approach in greater detail.

Some items to include are:

Your vision statement for the project

Your project schedule , including important milestones

Project team roles and responsibilities

A risk register showing how you’ll mitigate risk

The project deliverables

Reporting tools you’ll use throughout the project

You may not have all these items in your proposal format, but you can decide what to include based on the project scope . This section will likely be the longest and most detailed section of your proposal, as you’ll discuss everything involved in achieving your proposed solution.

4. Define project deliverables and goals

Defining your project deliverables is a crucial step in writing your project proposal. Stakeholders want to know what you’re going to produce at the end of your project, whether that’s a product, a program, an upgrade in technology, or something else. As the stakeholder reads through your vision, this will be the section where they say, “Aha, this is what they’ll use my resources for.”

When defining your deliverables, you should include:

The end product or final objective of your project

A project timeline for when deliverables will be ready

SMART goals that align with the deliverables you’re producing

While it’s important to show the problem and solution to your project, it’s often easier for stakeholders to visualize the project when you can define the deliverables.

5. List what resources you need

Now that you’ve outlined your problem, approach, solution, and deliverables, you can go into detail about what resources you need to accomplish your initiative.

In this section, you’ll include:

Project budget : The project budget involves everything from the supplies you’ll need to create a product to ad pricing and team salaries. You should include any budget items you need to deliver the project here.

Breakdown of costs: This section should include research on why you need specific resources for your project; that way, stakeholders can understand what their buy-in is being used for. This breakdown can also help you mitigate unexpected costs.

Resource allocation plan : You should include an overview of your resource allocation plan outlining where you plan to use the specific resources you need. For example, if you determine you need $50,000 to complete the project, do you plan to allocate this money to salaries, technology, materials, etc.

Hopefully, by this point in the proposal, you’ve convinced the stakeholders to get on board with your proposed project, which is why saving the required resources for the end of the document is a smart strategic move.

6. State your conclusion

Finally, wrap up your project proposal with a persuasive and confident conclusion. Like the executive summary, the conclusion should briefly summarize the problem your project addresses and your solution for solving that problem. You can emphasize the impact of your project in the conclusion but keep this section relevant, just like you would in a traditional essay.

Tips for writing an effective project proposal

Following the steps listed above will ensure your project proposal has all the right elements. But if you want to impress your readers and win their approval, your writing must shine. In addition to the above, a project proposal includes:

Know your audience

As you write your proposal, keep your audience (i.e. the stakeholders) in mind at all times. Remember that the goal of the proposal is to win your audience over, not just to present your project details. For example, if you’re creating a new editing tool for a children’s publishing house, can you determine whether your stakeholders are parents and appeal to their emotional side when persuading them to buy in to your product?

Be persuasive

Persuasion is important in a project proposal because you’re hoping your audience will read your proposal and do something for you in return. If your reader isn’t intrigued by your project, they won’t feel inclined to help you. If you describe your editing tool but don’t mention the many features it will offer, how it will benefit clients, and its positive impact in the industry, your audience will wonder, “Why should I care about this project?”

Keep it simple

While you should go into detail on your problem, approach, and solution, you shouldn’t make your project proposal overly complex. This means you can discuss the project plan for your proposed editing tool without discussing what codes the engineers will use to make each feature work.

Do your research

A successful project proposal includes thorough research. Be prepared to back up your problem—and solution—with reputable sources, case studies, statistics, or charts so you don’t leave your audience with questions. When writing your proposal, put yourself in the reader’s shoes and ask:

Why is this a problem?

How is this a solution to the problem?

Has anyone addressed this problem before?

What are the project costs?

If you can answer these questions, then you’ve likely done enough research to support your proposed initiative.

Use project management tools to strengthen your project proposal

Good project proposals require team collaboration . With the right management tools, your team can communicate, share information, and work together on one shared document.

When you store all your project information in one place, it’s easy to access that data when you need it. Project proposals stem from well-organized and properly planned projects, which is why project management software is a key resource to effectively write a project proposal. Ready to get started? Try Asana .

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Project Proposal Templates and Examples

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Before your team can take action and start working towards project goals, you need a project proposal to highlight the value of your project, outline what you hope to achieve, and secure stakeholder buy-in. Read on to learn about project proposal templates, their importance, how to create one, and even secure your own FREE downloadable project proposal template.

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What is a Project Proposal?

A project proposal is a written document outlining a project’s details and essential information, such as the timeline, budget, scope, objectives, and goals. Beyond just providing project details, the project proposal should paint a clear picture of the project, its’ importance, and why stakeholders should buy in.

Why is a Project Proposal Important?

The project proposal is the cornerstone of the pre-project process and it is a prerequisite to beginning project work. During the pre-project phase, the project proposal serves as a vessel, translating ideas about the project into a concrete plan that’s easily relayed to stakeholders. However, once stakeholder buy-in is secured, the project proposal continues to serve as a valuable resource for the project team, by laying the framework for other essential documents, such as the project charter and business case.

How is a Project Proposal Different from Other Documents?

While project proposals are often confused with project charters, they are distinctly different. The project proposal is drafted and presented to key stakeholders before the project lifecycle ever begins. The project charter includes many of the same components as a project proposal, including the expected timeline, budget, stakeholders, scope, and potential risks, but it’s delivered after stakeholder approval to start the project is secured. Project proposals are also commonly confused with project proposals because of their close association with each other, yet, business cases, similar to project charters, are drafted after the project lifecycle has begun.

Parts of a Project Proposal

The presentation and delivery of a project proposal may vary based on the type of proposal, but overall, it should include a few universal components that speak to crucial questions about the project itself, such as:

Introduction

The introduction of your project proposal provides a quick overview of the project without going into granular detail. While this portion of the proposal is usually under 500 words, it should provide a general roadmap of what you plan to accomplish with some context about the project itself.

The Problem

The problem portion of your project proposal, also considered the background phase, should detail what problem your project aims to solve while highlighting the significance of this project in comparison to your organization’s unique goals and history.

The Solution

The solution phase is the time to roll out the details of your project, the advantages that it will bring your organization, and how you plan to make the project successful. Be sure to make clear connections between your project solution and existing company pain points, while highlighting how your project can address them. As you outline the advantages of the project, also include details about potential risks and mitigation strategies.

Deliverables & Goals

The deliverables and goals segment should clearly outline the SMART goals you have set in place to accomplish key project goals, as well as how those goals relate back to organizational needs. Now is the time to also outline key deliverables, as well as the tentative timeline for them to be delivered.

When it comes to project planning, resource management is an essential part of the process. You’ll need to consider a wide variety of resource types: from team members to external contractors, tangible resources (such as software), and financial resources. During this portion of the proposal, you should outline a budget for the project while detailing the resources you will require.

Closing Remarks

The closing remarks section should quickly summarize the information you’ve presented while tying up any loose ends. Consider that stakeholders will likely have follow-up questions, which you should be prepared to answer.

Types of Project Proposals

There are numerous types of project proposals based on their intended use:

Solicited project proposals are sent in response to a request for a proposal document sent expressing interest in a project or initiative. This type of project proposal is often used to compare proposals from multiple vendors who are both under consideration for a job, which is common in bid-focused industries such as construction.

Unsolicited

Unsolicited project proposals allow you to bring a new idea to the table to solve a company problem or optimize an existing process. While this type of proposal is not asked for, it gives you a chance to advocate for a new project that might have otherwise been overlooked.

An informal project proposal is a simple outline of a project that does not follow the formal format. Informal proposals can come in a variety of formats but ultimately need to be much more succinct than a formal proposal, conveying only the essential details and getting to the point quickly.

A project renewal proposal is common in a circumstance where a project needs to restart again. This type of proposal is typically used to convey the success of a previous project and highlight why similar results can be achieved if a renewal is granted.

Continuation

A project continuation proposal, similar to a project renewal proposal, is sent to request additional time or resources to prolong the project. For example, if a project needs additional resources to be completed, a continuation is the best choice of proposal.

How to Write a Project Proposal

Understand the Problem

In order to write a proper proposal, you need to highlight your understanding of the problem and how the project addresses those problems.

Flush Out the Solution & Endgoals

When writing a proposal, it’s helpful to reverse engineer your thinking to identify your end goals first, working backward to create a plan for making those goals possible.

Outline Your Deliverables

Create a comprehensive list of deliverables that you expect to deliver, considering what order they will need to be delivered in. This stage can also help you flush out task assignments and deadlines as you move into the action phase of the project after stakeholders give the green light.

Consider Any Obstacles or Challenges

Don’t get so caught up in the positives of your project that you forget to consider any risks, obstacles, or challenges you may encounter.

Create a Plan for Tackling the Project (Schedule/Budget/Etc)

While the plan itself will likely change after the proposal phase, you need to present a rough idea of the schedule, budget, resources needed, and for larger projects, the phases your project will follow.

Polish It Up

After you’ve drafted your proposal, take the time to step away from it and come back later with fresh eyes to edit. Polish it up by adding in any final details, reformatting any hard-to-read sections, and considering questions that stakeholders may have.

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What are some top tips for writing a project proposal?

Work better together: Whenever possible, having a second set of hands (and eyes) on deck to make brainstorming, drafting, and editing the proposal easier is ideal.
Plan ahead of time: The last thing you want to do when drafting a project proposal is to procrastinate. Plan ahead to ensure that you have enough time to properly draft and edit your proposal without being under a time crunch.
Don’t overanalyze: While it’s important to compile a credible and thoughtful proposal, know that details are subject to change if approval is given.

What are some commonly asked questions when presenting a proposal?

While specific questions will vary based on project specifics and industry, there are a few common questions you should expect, for example:

How will this project affect the status quo? (Considering the current team workload, resource budgeting, and company pain points)
How will this project improve our organization?
What will success look like in the context of this project?

How can I decide what project proposal format is best for my team?

The most important factor in deciding which project proposal format is the intention behind your proposal. If you’re looking to extend an existing project, for example, a project continuation proposal is the best fit. However, contemplating a formal vs informal proposal, for example, can be a harder choice.

Ultimately, the best way to decide is to consider your unique situation while taking into account project proposals that have had success previously. For example, if your organization prefers a more informal approach, then a less formal proposal might be the best fit.

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How to Write a Business Project Proposal that Gets Approved

Updated on: 5 January 2023

Writing a business project proposal definitely takes time and careful consideration, but it will pay off when you have managed to impress your investors.

Your project getting approved or funded may depend on how effective your project proposal is, so investing that extra effort into perfecting it is essential.

There are steps that you can follow to make sure that your business proposal makes a great impact on your company’s decision-makers , and in this post, we will walk you through them, explaining how to write a project proposal step-by-step. Also provided are templates that you can use to write a winning project proposal.

What is a Project Proposal

Let’s start with the basics.

What is a project proposal? It’s a document that lists down all aspects of a project ; its background, vision, goals, tasks, requirements, owners, associated risks, etc. So it basically explains what your project is, what you want to achieve with it, and how you plan to execute it.

It’s one of the many crucial parts of the planning phase of the project. It lays out each and every step of the project, allowing everyone to understand what is required of them, their priorities, and the common goal they are supposed to work towards.

The purpose of the project proposal is to communicate the value of your project to all stakeholders; clients, employers, investors, and convince them of the value of the project.

Benefits of a well-structured project proposal

Clarifies the expectations of the project – project requirements and the action plan
Helps increase the viability of the project
Offers a large overview of the project allowing you to identify issues easily
Simplifies project implementation

Different types of project proposals include

Formally solicited – a proposal that is made in response to an official Request for Proposal (RFP). The RFP document usually outlines the stakeholder requirements and even sometimes spells out the instructions to prepare the proposal.
Informally solicited – this type of proposal does not require an RFP, which means there is no official document outlining the demands of the customer or the stakeholder, therefore doesn’t consist of the specific details a formal one usually has.
Unsolicited – this type of proposal is thought of by the person creating them and not expected or requested by anyone, yet they can be of a lot of value to the stakeholder .
Continuation – this basically requires you to update an ongoing or already approved proposal or remind the stakeholders of it. You are required to check-in with the stakeholders and discuss progress.
Renewal – this is written in support of renewing a project that has been terminated or outlived its usefulness.
Supplemental – when you need more resources than what was originally allocated to a project, you can write a supplemental project proposal . Its purpose is to justify the need for extra resources and re-estimate the project scope and timeline.

How to Write a Project Proposal

Once you have identified the type of project proposal that suits your requirement, you can start writing your business project proposal.

Before you actually begin to write down the project proposal, there are a few preliminary steps that you need to take. These are:

Identify who your stakeholders are. While you should aim to win the attention and interest of your stakeholders with your proposal, the best way to do that is to think like them. Understand who they are, what they already know of, and what they prefer in terms of your idea. Based on who they are, you can alter the information you include, and the language you use.
Gather information about the problem the project is aiming to solve, especially in terms of how it’s affecting your stakeholders and their interests.
Conduct research into the current state of the issue and the potential solutions that have already been discovered by those who are outside of your company or by your own team. This will help you adjust your own solution to generate a more solid argument or determine whether it’s worth pursuing (especially if the solutions found by others have already been tested and failed).
Determine the impact of the project on your company’s success or how it will benefit your stakeholders. Layout the success metrics for the proposal and showcase the results, and if you find any risks involved, don’t be afraid to bring them to light as well; in any case, knowing them will allow you to alter your action plan to withstand them.
Specify a timeline and the resources needed to complete the project. Check if the teams, equipment, and material needed to carry out the project tasks are available and the objectives can be achieved in a timely manner. Take into account the other projects your team will be working on, the equipment or material that’s currently unavailable, and any extra costs on resources you will have to bear in order to carry out the proposed project.
Create an outline of your project proposal based on the information you have gathered. Write down the core elements; more or less the basic elements should include an introduction, problem, solution, the action plan, timeline and resources, and a conclusion.

Completing the initial steps above provides you a good head start to writing your business project proposal. Your next step is to organize your research into a coherent document – an actual proposal. Here’s how to write a proposal for a project from scratch;

1. Write the executive summary

The executive summary offers a quick overview of the proposal that is to follow. It’s not only the first thing the reader will see, but sometimes it’s the only thing a stakeholder will read before making a decision about the proposed idea. Therefore, the executive summary should make sense to someone who hasn’t read it; for this purpose, it should consist of a synopsis of all the sections in the document.

An analysis of the problem
The conclusions you have arrived at
The recommended action plan

Aim to keep the summary intriguing and convincing; make use of notable statistics in the first two sentences to pique the interest of the reader.

2. Define the problem

Give a brief description of the problem your project aims to solve.

Referring to the research you have done earlier, you can explain the current situation of the problem in terms of what’s being done about it both within and outside of your organization, and why your stakeholders should be concerned about it.

While you need to be straightforward with your explanation, remember to use the language and concepts your stakeholders resonate with the most.

03. Introduce your solution

Now that the stakeholders know what the problem is, it’s time to explain how your project or your solution comes into play. This section is usually the most detailed out part of the project proposal, and to retain the attention of your reader, you can play around with the use of visuals.

This section should explain your solution along with how you plan to execute it. It should reinforce the fact that your decision is backed by proper and thorough research. Clarify,

The project approach ; how the team will be put together, the tools and equipment that will be used, and how you will be handling the changes during execution.

Organizational Chart Template for Business Project Proposal

Project schedule ; list the project tasks along with time estimations for each of them. The task breakdown will enable you to allocate your team properly, and you can use a Gantt chart in this section to clearly outline the resources, tasks, and timeline.

Project deliverables ; deliverables are the outcomes of a completed project (i.e. product, service or a detailed report). Mention your project deliverables along with delivery dates. Use a work breakdown structure here to help the stakeholders get a clearer picture.

As required you can also include additional information such as the anticipated risks and steps you would take to overcome them, a communications plan , and milestones to help track progress.

In order to make this section more reader-friendly, you can present all this information using an action plan .

Action Plan Template for Business Project Proposal

04. Outline the project costs

This section focuses on the estimated cost of the proposed project. It should include an itemized budget for the project.

The purpose of this section is to help the investors get an idea as to whether the project costs can fit into their own budgets, therefore make sure that the calculations are as accurate as possible.

05. Conclude your proposal

Provide a brief review of all the key points discussed throughout the proposal. As this is the last section, it’s also the last chance you have to convince your stakeholders; therefore reinforce your solution and why your stakeholders should care about it while ensuring that your proposed method is in the best interest of the organization.

06. Add an appendix

This section is reserved for the reference documents, charts , graphs, etc. that were referred to when writing the project proposal.

07. Revise and refine

In order to substantiate your professionalism and win over your stakeholders, you must present an error-free project proposal.

Proofread your proposal to check for any spelling mistakes and grammatical errors. Often a fresh pair of eyes helps detect mistakes easily; either get a colleague to review the document or wait 1-2 days and review it anew yourself.

Project Proposal Templates

A detailed, well-structured project proposal will help you stay focused and stay on track by offering you the necessary instructions throughout the project, which is certainly better than picking things out from your memory or conversations you had with your team during that meeting a few weeks back.

To make it easy for everyone, you can have a standard project proposal template that they can refer to when documenting their project idea.

Following are a few project proposal templates that you can share with the team.

One Page Business Project Proposal

You can edit this template online and share the link with your team or the stakeholders online so they can collaborate on it too. Connect with them via Creately in-app video conferencing and walk them through each section of the proposal. Alternatively, using in-line commenting, they can also leave their feedback on the proposal.

Project Proposal Template

What’s Your Process for Writing a Business Project Proposal?

Creating a project proposal can sometimes be a mini project in itself. Using a proper process checklist or a standard template can help you accelerate things. Before writing your project proposal, follow the preliminary steps mentioned above first. Keep your target stakeholders in mind and make a compelling case for your proposal.

Want to share your thoughts on how to write a proposal for a project ? Let us know in the comments section below.

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17 Free Project Proposal Templates

By Kate Eby | November 24, 2017

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In this article, we’ve researched and compiled the best project proposal templates, ranging from software and consulting proposals to construction and engineering, so you can get the support and approval needed to hit the ground running on your next project plan .

Included on this page, you’ll find a simple project proposal template , IT project proposal template , research project proposal template , and more, free to download in Excel, Word, PDF, and Google Docs formats. Plus, we'll uncover what to include in a project proposal .

General Project Proposal Templates

Simple project proposal template.

Download Simple Project Proposal Template

Google Docs | Excel | PDF

This simple template breaks the proposal into clearly delineated sections, providing an organized layout that is easy-to-use and read. You can use this template for a wide range of proposal types, including school projects. Edit the template as needed to increase or reduce the number of sections. Since this is a Google Docs template, you can quickly download and print the document or share it with others via your Google Drive account.

One-Page Project Proposal Template

Download One-Page Project Proposal Template

PDF | Word

With this template, you can limit your project proposal to a single page, focusing on key details such as objectives, measurements, timeline, and a budget overview. This template can help project managers compile and organize critical information into a concise document. A brief project proposal will make a strong impact and set the stage for in-depth planning.

Generic Project Proposal Template - Word

Download Generic Project Proposal Template - Word

Use this generic project proposal to create a customized template. Complete the basic outline with essential proposal elements, including the problem statement, goals, scope of the project, and itemized timeline and expenses. Once you have adjusted the proposal to meet your project needs and company standards, you can reuse the template for future projects, saving time, energy, and cost.

Business Project Proposal Template - Word

Download Business Project Proposal Template - Word

This business project proposal template includes fields at the top for entering project details; sections for listing objectives, justification for and impact of carrying out the project, and resources required; plus a schedule timeline. Create a comprehensive proposal that identifies stakeholders, addresses potential risks, and presents a compelling argument for project approval.

Freelance Job Proposal Template

Download Freelance Job Proposal Template

Freelancers can use this template to pitch their services to prospective clients. Describe what problem you will solve, how you will meet the client’s needs, and why they should hire you. The template covers deliverables, quantifiable objectives, a timeline with deadlines, and breakdown of project costs. You can also include terms and conditions to turn the template into a job proposal contract.

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Project Proposals by Product or Service

It project proposal template.

Download IT Project Proposal Template

Excel | Word

This IT project proposal provides room for listing important roles, such as project sponsor, owner, and manager, their general responsibilities, and the names of other stakeholders. It covers all of the typical elements for a project proposal, including space for technology requirements, security risks, hardware and software costs, and more.

Software Project Proposal Template - Word

Download Software Project Proposal Template

Word | Smartsheet

Craft a proposal for a software development project that includes an overview, key milestones, information on development and testing, and reporting methods. A table is provided for a thorough timeline of tasks to help accurately estimate project hours. If the proposal is for external use, you can include payment terms for prospective clients to review.

Mobile App Proposal Template

Download Mobile App Proposal Template

Excel | PDF

This template can serve as a professional pitch for mobile app design services. To stand out from the crowd and highlight relevant experience, attach examples of previous work to the proposal template. The information included in the proposal will depend on the specific project. Customize the template to address pertinent details - such as a timeline of design stages and itemized costs - while showcasing what you have to offer.

Project Management Proposal Template - Excel

Download Project Management Proposal Template - Excel

With this project management proposal template, you can describe the activities involved in different project phases, outline key deliverables, and list expectations. Adjust the proposal to suit the scale and type of project to be managed along with industry norms.

Engineering Project Proposal Template - Excel

Download Engineering Project Proposal Template - Excel

An engineering project proposal should have relevant background information, including the scope of the project and specific engineering tasks to be executed. This Excel template includes automatic calculations for adding costs. Use the work schedule to show a timeline of project phases, from preliminary design through construction. If that work schedule doesn’t work for you, choose one of these free templates for Word and Excel.

Construction Proposal Template - Excel

Download Construction Proposal Template

This construction proposal template offers two sheets, one for providing contractor information, project scope, and agreement terms, and the other for listing the costs for labor and materials. The template calculates subtotals and total expenses, including tax, so that project costs are clear.

Marketing Proposal Template

Download Marketing Proposal Template

Google Docs | Excel | Word | PDF

Marketing plans mix data with a strategy to reach effective outcomes. Use this template to describe the goals, challenges and projected results of a marketing project. Depending on the project, tasks may include activities related to branding, competitive analysis, content development, and new market development. In addition to a project overview, include a detailed schedule with specific dates for project stages and campaign milestones.

Web Design Proposal Template

Download Web Design Proposal Template

From initial research to ongoing hosting and maintenance, this template can help you create a thorough web design proposal. Write a proposal for a website upgrade or pitch design services to an internal or external client. Clearly state the goals of the web design project in the proposal, including alignment with the vision of the company or organization.

Social Media Proposal Template

Download Social Media Proposal Template

Social media campaigns are a valuable part of business marketing, and proposals need to show how projects will accomplish specific goals, whether it’s reaching a broader audience, creating a brand presence on social networks, or boosting sales. This template follows a traditional format, outlining an executive summary, problem statement, objectives, tactics, and scheduling. We’ve also incorporated a budget section for estimating project costs.

Accounting Proposal Template - Excel

Download Accounting Proposal Template

Excel | Smartsheet

Use this template to pitch financial services such as accounting. This proposal could be for a specific project or ongoing services for a business or other organization. Include the terms of service, a breakdown of costs, important goals, and a compelling solution for the client’s financial needs.

Consulting Project Proposal Template - Word

Download Consulting Project Proposal Template - Word

Consultants can use this template to offer services for a specific project and make a strong case for getting hired. As with other project proposals, focus on how you will help a company resolve specific issues or seize opportunities. List the activities you will undertake, specific deliverables, and a timetable for project tasks. Contract terms can also be included to secure an agreement with clients.

Research Proposal Templates

Research project proposal template - word.

Download Research Project Proposal Template - Word

Research proposals, whether for academic, scientific, or other purposes, are slightly different from the typical business project proposal. In addition to a project overview and background, the template also includes a literature review section to support the significance of a proposed project by identifying gaps in the available literature that the project would address. Additionally, the research design and method section enables you to outline exactly how the research project will be set up and how the results will be interpreted. A list of references may be included to show all sources cited in the proposal.

What to Include in a Project Proposal

Project proposals vary depending on the type of project and organization, and whether the proposal is for internal or external use. However, there are some common details to include to justify the project and gain approval. Here are some typical sections in a project proposal and how to use them:

Executive Summary: Briefly provide sponsors with an overview of the project. The aim is to offer a compelling pitch so that sponsors are already convinced the project is a good idea after reading the summary. The rest of the proposal offers greater detail about the key points in the executive summary.
Background: Use background information to provide context, including company history, details about the problem or opportunity the project addresses, and the proposed solution.
Objectives: Include measurable goals as well as a broader vision for supporting business objectives.
Methodology: Describe the project approach and organization along with specific activities and deliverables that will move it toward its goal. This section may include a project schedule with a concrete timeline showing milestones and deadlines.
Resources: Include any resources necessary to complete a project, such as human resources (including hiring new staff), tools and equipment, time allocated for computer use or other tasks, and the management structure.
Budget: Show all project costs in the budget, listing each item separately in a table or spreadsheet along with its associated cost. You may also need to include information to justify budget costs or provide further explanation.
Measurement and Reporting: How will you define and measure success? Explain how you’ll measure and report progress, including the frequency that sponsors will receive status reports.
Risks: Note potential risks along with the probability of occurrence, potential impact, and plans for mitigating them if they do occur. You may include a detailed risk management plan along with a list of risks and methods for controlling them.
Appendix: In the appendix, list any separate documents that are attached to support the proposal.

Additionally, you may define and assign key roles to specific people. A proposal will also typically have a section for authorization to document approval. Once the project is approved, you can create a project charter and comprehensive plan.

Project Proposal Tips

The first step for a project manager, or whoever is writing the project proposal, is to carry out detailed research, which may include analyzing previous projects and gathering information to support the project’s efficacy, objectives, and business value. It is important to involve stakeholders and decision makers early in the process to support buy in. Soliciting feedback in face-to-face meetings, and incorporating that feedback into the proposal, can help limit the changes needed and save time in the long run.

When it comes to actually writing the proposal, start by emphasizing the problem you’re addressing. The proposal needs to show measurable benefits such as deliverables for a company or organization to be persuasive. Overall, the proposal should support an organization’s vision and long-term objectives. Whether you’re writing a lengthy research proposal or submitting a one-page proposal template, use clear, concise language so that readers can easily identify the information they need.

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13 Types of Project Proposals That Get Approved (and How to Write Them)

A project proposal is how you can get management to act on your ideas. They’re the bottom-up version of a project request form .

Writing a project proposal isn’t rocket science, but it is a lot harder if you don’t have something like a template to give you a head start.

Using a template for your proposals gives you a document which you can reference throughout the entire project. It’s a great example of effective business process management – the proposal acts as a banner that your whole team can rally around to ensure you’re all working towards the same goal.

So, in this Process Street post, I’ll go through how to create a project proposal, that gets approved, by going through the following topics:

Free project proposal template

12 more free project proposal templates.

What makes a good project proposal?
Key tips for writing effective project proposals
Writing a lot of project proposals? Check this out!
More stuff to help you write amazing project proposals

Ready to get started?

If you’re in a hurry and you need a simple, effective project proposal template you can pick up and use immediately, then check out our Project Proposal Template Checklist .

You can also find the same project proposal template embedded just below.

Template: How to write a project proposal

Click here to get this project proposal template!

If you’re in need of a more specific template, we also have a bunch of other project proposal templates below, for pretty much any kind of project proposal use case you could think of. Just click the header to expand it and see the full workflow template.

⬇️📝 Click here to see our template for a formally solicited project proposal

A formally solicited project proposal is made in response to an official request for a proposal. In a way, this is the easiest way to create a proposal for a new project, since the Request For Proposal (RFP) document will usually tell you exactly what the customer or audience wants and sometimes even directions for preparing the proposal.

RFP forms aren’t to be confused with project request forms though – the former is a way to directly react to specific needs and desires, whereas the latter is a way for higher management to request a project of their teams.

Therefore, for formally solicited proposals you should take a more structured approach. You have to respond directly to the contents of whatever rough details have been relayed to you, essentially turning feedback into a quantifiable project which you can then judge the worth of starting.

Your project proposal checklist doesn’t need to be complicated. The template below is an example of how a simple checklist can help you to write your project proposals.

Remember that this simple template can be used for formally solicited, informally solicited, and unsolicited project proposals alike.

⬇️📝 Click here to see our template for an informally solicited project proposal

Informally solicited project proposals are the same as formally solicited ones, except the information they are based on isn’t set out in a specific document. This makes them a little harder to deal with (more research is involved in analyzing them), but you at least have a rough starting point.

It’s pretty much just a lack of detail that separates formal from informal – formal proposal requests have set details, goals, deliverables, and potentially even methods, while informal ones could be based on a conversation. If you’ve been asked for a proposal but haven’t been given any specifics, it’s an informally solicited one.

Again, the approach for this isn’t too different from a formally solicited one, but you’ll have to put in some extra legwork in defining details like the objectives and method and in assessing how viable the whole thing is.

To get a template you can use to create an informally solicited project proposal, check the previous section.

⬇️📝 Click here to see our template for an unsolicited project proposal

Unsolicited project proposals are the project equivalent of cold calls – nobody asked to receive one, but (if you’ve done your homework), it can still provide a ton of value. These are proposals that are thought of by the person submitting them and can be inspired by anything, from a eureka moment in the employee’s daily work to a casual conversation with a customer.

Arguably these are the hardest proposals to write, as you’ll have to be extra persuasive (nobody asked for the proposal, so they’ll need extra nudging). This means gathering more evidence than usual to prove the proposal’s worth and taking extra care when writing to make sure that it’s convincing.

To get a template you can use to create an unsolicited project proposal, check out the previous section on formally solicited proposals.

⬇️📝 Click here to see our template for proposing to continue a project

Continuation project proposals are by far and away the easiest to write since these are essentially reminders/updates for ongoing (and already approved) projects.

These are almost not even proposals, in the sense that you’re not asking for anything new or pitching your case. Instead, all you have to do is remind the audience of the project they previously approved, report on its progress, account for any changes, and ask for permission to continue.

Usually, continuation proposals are reserved for requesting funds when starting a new phase in a project.

⬇️📝 Click here to see our template for proposing to renew a project

Once an ongoing project has finished or outlived its usefulness (and support for it is going to be terminated), a renewal project proposal can be written to make the case for its continued support.

Much like continuation proposals, these are less about convincing the audience of the project’s worth by itself and more about showing why it’s valuable to continue doing it. This usually means weighing up the return benefits with the resources it takes to upkeep the practice.

It’s also good to compare the project you’re trying to get renewed support for with other continuing projects – this puts its worth in the context of other ongoing efforts and can indicate areas better suited to being discontinued.

⬇️📝 Click here to see our template for making a proposal for supplemental project resources

A supplemental project proposal is required when you need to ask for extra resources for a project (beyond those originally proposed). The main aim when writing these proposals is to be able to justify the extra resources and produce updated estimates of what the project will now take to complete.

If the project’s scope is being increased to have a further reach, then this will read as an extension of the original document with a focus on explaining the benefits of expanding the scope.

However, if problems or new information have arisen that means the original goals require extra resources, you should instead focus on reiterating the benefits that the project will bring, explain why such problems and/or information weren’t seen in advance, and reassure the audience that the operation is still worth the investment.

⬇️📝 Click here to see our template for a business proposal

This business proposal template is basically a sales pitch on paper. Its primary purpose is to persuade a company or organization to do business with you.

It should describe what you can do to solve the problem, how you plan to solve the problem, and the finer details about what, when, why, and how it will solve the problem.

It should also contain a key call to action that will compel the recipient to take the next step.

⬇️📝 Click here to see our template for a contractor proposal

A contractor proposal is a written outline of the project that’s to be completed by the contractor.

The goal for any contractor proposal is to introduce yourself, highlight your services, describe the costs, and convince the client that you are the right one to trust for the job.

This ‘Contractor Proposal Template’ checklist covers the high-level items that every general contractor proposal should include. Use it alongside the proposal document you plan to submit to make sure you include information such as resources needed, estimated costs, past experience, and payment schedules.

⬇️📝 Click here to see our template for a consulting proposal

A consulting proposal outlines the working relationship between the consultant and the client so that both parties can stay aligned and understand the other’s expectations.

It’s a document sent from a consultant to a prospective client describing a job they wish to take on and the conditions under which they will do so.

⬇️📝 Click here to see our template for a grant proposal

The process of how to write a grant is a long one, and it can seem overwhelming at first.

Final decisions about which proposals are funded often come down to whether the proposal convinces the reviewer that the research project is well-planned and feasible and whether the investigators are well-qualified to execute it.

⬇️📝 Click here to see our template for a sponsorship proposal

A sponsorship proposal needs to convince a potential investor that it’s in their best interest to invest. Use this checklist to make sure your proposal is persuasive, effective, and targeted enough to win the sponsorship money.

⬇️📝 Click here to see our template for a research proposal

Use this checklist, alongside the proposal document you are planning to submit, to convince others that you have a worthwhile research project and that you have the competence and the work plan to complete it.

If you’re interested in learning how to write the best project proposal possible, read on for some pro tips for writing project proposals that actually get accepted.

🥅 What’s the goal of a project proposal?

The goal of a project proposal is to communicate your project’s core value proposition to an interested party. It should establish the scope of the project, including expected outcomes and how you plan to execute it. It also serves as a roadmap that defines each step of the project so that everyone involved is on the same page, working towards the same goals from the start.

One of the most important things about a project proposal, but one that is often forgotten, is that project proposals should serve to convince whoever you’re proposing to that the project is worthwhile. That could be an investor, a C-level executive, or even your teammates (buy-in from your team is always important, after all).

That’s why getting inside the heads of the people you are writing the proposal for is vital; you need to think like the project’s stakeholders to deliver a proposal that meets their needs.

In other words, the goal of a project proposal is to get approved.

🎯 What makes a good project proposal?

The best kind of project proposals, the ones that knock it out of the park and convince everyone on the receiving end of the presentation that this is something worth investing time and money in, are the ones that:

Understand who they’re speaking to (and leverage that knowledge)
Understand that people have a very short attention span
Focus on essential information
Use simple language, and focus on clearly communicating a message (as opposed to needlessly confusing people with jargon)
Do adequate preparation & research
Focus on the outcome with a clear, straightforward plan for execution

So how do you pack all this into your project proposals? Let’s dive into the process of writing an effective project proposal.

🗝️ Key tips for writing effective project proposals

There are two stages to the creation of an effective project proposal:

Let’s start with planning.

📚 Adequate planning: Understanding your audience & core message

Planning a good project proposal looks something like this:

Define your audience
Clearly define the scope of the proposal
Be clear about predicted outcome of the project
Assess the time and resources the project will need
Plot a project roadmap

Don’t worry too much about the language you’re using or being terribly well-formatted here. Instead, focus your attention on getting the base facts right and covering yourself for any questions that might counter your proposal.

If you’re aiming to get your proposal approved, you need to convince the person reading it that it’s worth the time and resource investment. To do that, you need to know who your audience is, what they prioritize, and what they’re likely to be resistant to.

So, the first thing you need to do when planning your project proposal is to define your audience.

Lay out exactly who they are, what their position is (manager, CEO, potential customer, etc.), and whatever you know about their background. This will then let you relate every aspect of your proposal back to them to make it as appealing as possible.

You’re also assessing how much detail you need to go into with the various concepts of your proposal. If your audience doesn’t know much about what you’re proposing, you’ll want to take extra care to explain it in a language they can understand and therefore see the value in what you’re saying.

For example, if I was pitching a project to our head of marketing ( Ben Brandall ), I’d take special note of his focus on data (shown by posts like his breakdown of 250 SaaS pricing pages ) and use that knowledge to pitch with more evidence to back up my points, as shown above. Since he’s familiar with most things marketing, I’d also be able to use more specific terms and concepts – he has the background knowledge, so there’s no point in patronizing him with surface details.

Now that you know what your problem is, what’s already been done to solve it, and who you’re writing for, you need to work out and clearly define what your project proposal is. Don’t worry too much about relating it back to your audience just yet – for now, the focus should be on coming up with a solution to the problem.

The key here is to not go overboard with detail. You only need to say what your proposal broadly is and the steps that will be taken to complete it.

Anyone with the power to approve your proposal will likely have one question in their mind after hearing it; “why is this the best solution to the problem?”. If they can’t make the link between your proposal and the problem you’ve highlighted, you’ll never get past the pitch.

So, here in your plan, you need to lay out your predictions for the proposal and how it will benefit your audience. Using what you know of previous experiments, the current state of your main problem, and what your proposal does, lay out the success metrics for your proposal and attempt to predict the results.

Don’t be afraid to highlight the factors which could negatively affect your proposal either. Knowing these and pointing them out will at least let your audience know the risks involved and can allow you to alter your proposal before submission to account for weak points.

Above all else, this is the stage in your proposal where you’ll be justifying your proposal to the audience, so don’t be afraid to be harsh and alter your proposal to account for any weaknesses you find. You can’t hide them (doing so sets you up for failure in your audience’s eyes), so instead, do what you can to minimize the risks and improve the predicted outcomes.

Progress doesn’t come for free, and now it’s time to look into the time and resources your proposal will take to complete. This will let you know whether the proposal is worth the investment before even submitting it – if you can see that the time and resources far outweigh your predicted outcomes, chances are that it’s worth saving your audience’s time and not pitching it at all.

Being conservative when estimating the time and resources your project will take is a surefire way to fail to meet expectations and deadlines, so you also shouldn’t sugarcoat these elements. It’s better to give yourself room for a little error and be underestimated than to keep everything tight and have to submit a supplemental proposal.

Note down what teams will be working on the project, the specific expertise (and, therefore staff members) the various stages will take, how long their tasks should take them, and any resources beyond the base time commitment.

project proposal - plan time and resources

Don’t forget about each staff member’s other commitments too – if possible, you should aim to fit the proposal in with their current schedule rather than take attention away from other tasks. This won’t always be possible, but at least make sure you know what you’re asking for.

Finally, once you have all the information you need, it’s time to plan the outline for your project proposal. Don’t worry about making everything look nice or read perfectly for now – focus on getting the core elements of your proposal on one page. Then, you can worry about the specific language when you’re actually writing your proposal.

Although the exact layout of your proposal will change based on the format you use and how your team usually submits them, in general, make sure you cover:

An introduction that summarizes the proposal and hooks the audience
The problem you’re tackling
The solution you’re proposing
The method for your solution (step-by-step)
Why this is the best course of action
The time and resource commitment (potentially including budget)
A conclusion that reinforces your proposal

Remember to pose all of the evidence and points you’ve gathered from the perspective of what your audience cares about and in a language they understand. When you’re pitching to a team manager, colleague, or the CEO, they need to be able to see why they should care about the proposal and why it’s the best thing they can do to solve the problem.

Once you’ve got this outline done, it’s time to move on and learn how to write a proposal.

✍️ Clear, concise writing: Keep it simple, stupid!

When it comes to writing a proposal , your structure should look something like this:

The introduction
The problem
The solution
The justification
The schedule and/or budget
How the whole thing will be measured/tracked
The conclusion

I’ll cover each section & give advice while showing & referring to an example project proposal.

Specifically, I’ll be looking at this proposal for an assessment of a nuclear waste storage site.

Having a hook in your introduction is vital for catching the interest of your audience. If they’re not interested in the proposal from the get-go, then it’ll be much harder to convince them of the benefits and therefore get their approval, and that’s if they don’t dismiss the whole document after a cursory glance.

If you come across any striking statistics when looking into the problem you’re tackling, use them in your first line. This will help to catch their interest and lead them into the rest of the proposal, especially if you can relate the figures back to something they know and care about.

Above all else, don’t make your introduction more than a couple of sentences (three or four at best). Shorter introductions are not only easier to read, but by limiting the space you have to work with, you force yourself to focus on only the most important details.

Hit the audience with a reason to care about the problem, give a little context on what’s currently being done about it, then quickly describe what your proposal will do to tackle it.

Follow up your introduction with a summary of the problem that your proposal tackles and what the current state of it is. Use the research from your plan to spend a couple of sentences explaining what it is, what’s being done about it both internally and externally, and why your audience should care about it in the first place.

There’s not much else to say here – you need to clearly define the problem you’re tackling using the research you conducted when planning the proposal. The only thing you need to remember here is to relate it back to your audience using language and concepts they understand and value.

project proposal - example problem statement

Once they understand the problem they’re facing, it’s time to present your proposed solution. You need to give both a rough summary of the purpose of your solution and the steps it takes to achieve that goal.

Again, don’t get lost in detail here, as that’s a surefire way to make your audience lose interest. Instead, give them the proposed method in a way they will understand and clearly highlight how this will tackle the main problem.

Here you not only need to relate the solution back to your audience, but it’s vital that the method is as specific as possible to show them exactly what steps will be taken and reassure them that you’ve done the appropriate research into what this entails.

Although the value of your solution should be clear from how you’ve presented both it and the problem it tackles, it’s worth re-iterating why your method is the best course of action. While this can be done in the previous section of the proposal, dedicating a short segment will let your audience easily scan the document to see the value immediately.

In a couple of sentences (ideally a single paragraph) go over how you predict the proposal will affect the problem it’s tackling, and ideally back up these assertions with evidence from previous and/or similar attempts in the past.

If all’s gone to plan, then your audience should be on board – now it’s time to give them all of the information they need to know what the project will cost and how long it will take to complete. Break down the proposed solution into specific steps with a rough time estimate for each, and give a budget that accounts for any extra items, staff, technology, and so on.

This will let your audience visualize the timeline and cost of your project as opposed to the benefits that it brings. As such, they need to have enough detail to be able to judge the worth of the proposal, such as the time investment of various team members and departments alongside any funds for items beyond your current inventory.

It might seem like overkill to lay out the teams involved and how much time they will be spending on the various stages, but remember that your proposal probably isn’t the only thing that they could be doing. You’re not only asking for those teams to spend time completing your tasks, but you’re also justifying why they should not be spending that time on another project.

project proposal - example solution budget and timeline

Without a structured way to monitor your proposal in action and to track its progress, neither you nor your audience will know whether it’s working or not, and nobody will be able to address any problems as they surface. This is a massive red flag to anyone with the power to approve your proposal because it leaves everyone in the dark until the very end of the project.

You need to show (again, using language and concepts that your audience understands) how the project will be monitored as it progresses and, therefore, how you will be able to detect problems at the earliest possible opportunity. This will also reassure your audience that they will be receiving regular updates on the project and that the tasks you’ve laid out will be carried out correctly (since they are being monitored).

In other words, this is your opportunity to limit human error in your proposal’s success by closely tracking its progress. All you have to do is show the chain of command and how everything will be tracked.

Finally, you need to write a brief conclusion to wrap up your points, remind the audience why they should approve the proposal, and reassure them that you have thoroughly researched the topic to give them the greatest chance of success.

You shouldn’t be introducing any new information here – all you have to do is write a few sentences reminding them why the problem is important and why your proposal is the best solution for the resources it requires.

🤖 Writing a lot of project proposals? Check this out!

If you’re finding yourself writing a lot of project proposals, it might be time to consider building a process for writing them to make your life easier.

In fact, if you’re writing a lot of project proposals, you already have a process (even if you don’t know it yet). And you can always improve your processes & workflows to do smarter & better work.

That’s what we’re all about at Process Street: Helping you build powerful workflows that automate repetitive tasks and manage team knowledge so that you can focus on the work that matters (and empower your whole team to do the same).

Check out this video to find out more about who we are and what we do:

With our advanced features, you can customize your project proposal templates so it fits your organization, the type of proposal you’re writing, and your way of working like a glove:

Stop tasks (to make sure the process is followed in the correct order & crucial project information isn’t missed)
Dynamic due dates (to ensure proposals are finished on time)
Task permissions (to make sure only you and whoever you grant access to can work on the proposal)
Conditional logic (for guiding you through writing different kinds of proposals from the same template based on what you need)
Approval tasks (so you can get the project proposal approved by management, or approve a proposal that has been drafted by someone on your team)

Not only that, but you can connect to thousands of apps through Zapier , webhooks, or API integration to automate your workflows and save time, effort, and money.

You can use Process Street to create a process for all sorts of things, not just writing project proposals . From creating client onboarding processes and to-do list templates to managing your quality management software or standard operating procedure templates .

The list is endless.

✨ More stuff to help you write amazing project proposals

To give you even more help and guidance, check out these alternative proposal templates that you can use when writing your project proposal:

Bid Proposal Template Checklist
Budget Proposal Template
Construction Proposal Template Checklist
Consulting Proposal Template Checklist
Contractor Proposal Template Checklist
Event Proposal Template Checklist
Marketing Proposal Template Checklist
Simple Proposal Format Checklist
Sponsorship Proposal Template Checklist
Website Proposal Template Checklist

Let us know how you organize your project proposals in the comments below!

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Ben Mulholland

Ben Mulholland is an Editor at Process Street , and winds down with a casual article or two on Mulholland Writing . Find him on Twitter here .

39 Comments

Thank you! This is gold! I was looking for a resource like this for years! You rock!

Project proposal form

It was sufficient.

This is awesome can waiting for a long time. Thanks

Thanks ! This is what I was looking for

great stuff ! thank you Ben.

Excellent and timely…thanks

This is great and coherent staff

This is awesome? Thanks Ben

Thanks alot Ben, that’s awesome and appealing…

Helpful. Thanks.

I really appreciate this piece of work. So reliable.

Thank you so much for this article. Your practical examples make everything clear and simpler. Thank you again!

Thank you for your help and this was very informative

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thanks Ben its something I have been searching for

Thanks for this wonderful work. It is so important to me and my career. I wish every documents will be sent to my box.

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Thank Ben your project proposal format is awesome; can you give me one example of petroleum proposal writing.

The best coverage. This is what i was looking for. Thank you very much.

I found six proposal are helpful and acknowledge the different types of proposal writings. please submit samples for following: continouty and formative proposal plans

Thanks so much for these detailed information, they are very much useful to me. Thank you once more.

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thanks four your programme,it is so important to me as a project officer.i really learn a lot.

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regards lupai samuel taban.

In the process of trying to raise funding for an innovation and production company.

This is great, very helpful. thank you

wowww: thanks soo much

I am John Kall Chacha from Tanzania, East Africa. i am thanking you so much to get this document. But not enough, i am still in need of a sample for the written project proposal for community development, farming and environmental protection (tree planting). we have been trying to look for financial resource to accomplish our projects targeting to alleviate poverty and overcome food insufficiency caused by drought but in vain. This may be lack of proposal writing skill. So please assist.

Thanks for this excellent information

Thank you very much for this… it’s an awesome resource. Highly appreciated, keep the good work.

Very great, a gold set up and l love it. Is there any for to apply for construction company set up?

Hey Ivan, I recommend checking out this article which has a selection of construction-related processes: https://www.process.st/construction-templates/

I hope this is helpful! Adam

Very clear and smooth ideas aabout the types of proposal for the learners. Thanks a lot.

Glad you found it helpful, Bikash.

Cheers, Adam

Thanks Been in search of this and coming across this put me on the right path to getting my proposal done.

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Blog Business

How to Write Winning Business Proposals: Examples & Free Templates (2023)

By Aditya Sheth , May 25, 2023

The great Mark Cuban once said, “Sales cure all.” If a business doesn’t sell, it doesn’t make money and by extension the business fails. That’s why you need to write business proposals .

A well-written business proposal can often mean the difference between winning or losing a prospective client.

In this in-depth guide to creating business proposals, we show you how to close more deals, make more sales and crush your business goals — all by using easy-to-edit professional business proposal templates .

Here’s what this guide will cover (click to jump ahead):

What is a business proposal.

How to write a business proposal step by step

What should you include in a business proposal?

Business proposal format, what are the types of business proposals, more business proposal examples + writing and design tips.

FAQs about business proposals

Looking for a shortcut? Watch this quick video for an overview of everything to include in your business proposal:

An effective business proposal is a document used by a B2B or business-facing company (this may not always be the case) where a seller aims to persuade a prospective buyer into buying their goods or services.

A business proposal outlines what your business does and what you can do for your client . It can be general like this business proposal example:

Or it can be more specific, like this business proposal template which focuses on proposing a project for the Newton Center Rail:

simple business proposal project proposal template

Or this business proposal sample, which presents a plan for a social media strategy and campaign:

social media marketing business proposal template

To design a business proposal that holds the client’s attention, identify their pain points . Then provide your buyer with the right solution to alleviate those frustrations.

Return to Table of Contents

How to write a business proposal step by step

Before you start creating your business proposal template, you need to know what it comprises. At a high level, your effective business proposal should include the following:

Table of contents
Executive summary
The problem statement
The proposed solution
Qualifications
The timeline

Pricing, billing, and legal

Terms and conditions
The acceptance

Below, you can see business proposal examples that demonstrate how to include these 10 sections.

Business proposal title

A compelling title could mean the difference between someone reading your proposal or ignoring it in favor of a competitor’s.

What makes a good title page? Here are the essential elements to include:

Your name along with your company’s name
The name of the prospect (or their business)
The date you’re submitting the proposal

Gray Business Consulting Proposal Template Cover Page_Venngage

The gray business consulting proposal template above contains all the details a prospect would want to know. The title also offers a strong tangible benefit to the prospective buyer. Honestly, “Who doesn’t want to grow their business?”

Return to business proposal content sections

The table of contents is a fundamental part of every winning business proposal template. It makes your proposal scannable and easy to read.

The people you will be pitching to are usually C-level executives. These are busy people who don’t have time to read your entire proposal in one go.

That’s why most of the business proposal examples in this list include a table of contents.

Adding a table of contents to your document makes it easy for them to go through it at their own pace. They can also skim through parts of the proposal that they deem more important. You can see how this abstract business proposal template uses the table of contents:

Creative Social Media Business Proposal Template Table of Contents

You can also make your business proposal template easier to navigate by adding hyperlinks to the document, particularly in the table of contents. This way your clients can jump to specific sections without having to scroll through the entire document.

It’s easy to add hyperlinks in the Venngage editor. Select the text you’d like to turn into a link, then click the link icon in the top bar. From there, select the page you want to link to! Then download your completed design as an Interactive PDF .

The executive summary is a staple in all kinds of annual reports , leadership development plan , project plans and even marketing plans . It is a concise summary of the entire contents of your document. In other words, write a business proposal outline that is easy to glance over and that highlights your value proposition.

The goals of your executive summary are:

Introduce your company to your buyer
Provide an overview of your company goals
Showcase your company’s milestones, overall vision and future plans
Include any other relevant details

This gray business proposal example has a detailed yet short executive summary including some social proof in the form of clients they’ve worked with:

Gray Business Consulting Proposal Template About Us

Take note of how precise this business proposal example is. You want to keep your executive summary concise and clear from the get-go. This sets the right tone for the rest of your proposal. It also gives your buyer a reason to continue reading your proposal.

Pro Tip: Try to write an executive summary such that, even if your prospective client doesn’t read the entire proposal (with a good executive summary, they most likely will), they should have a clear idea about what your company does and how you can help them.

The point of writing a business proposal is to solve a buyer’s problem. Your goal is to outline the problem statement as clearly as possible. This develops a sense of urgency in your prospect. They will want to find a solution to the problem. And you have that solution.

A well-defined problem statement does two things:

It shows the prospect you have done your homework instead of sending a generic pitch
It creates an opportunity for you to point out a problem your prospect might not be aware they had in the first place.

This bold business proposal template above clearly outlines the problem at hand and also offers a ray of hope i.e. how you can solve your prospect’s problem. This brings me to…

The good stuff. In the proposed solution section, you show how you can alleviate your prospective buyer’s pain points. This can fit onto the problem statement section but if you have a comprehensive solution or prefer to elaborate on the details, a separate section is a good idea.

Spare no details regarding the solution you will provide. When you write a business proposal, explain how you plan to deliver the solution. Include an estimated timeline of when they can expect your solution and other relevant details.

For inspiration, look at how this business proposal template quickly and succinctly outlines the project plan, deliverables and metrics :

Sales Plan Proposal Table Template_Venngage

At this point, the prospect you’re pitching your solution to likes what they’re reading. But they may not trust you to deliver on your promises. Why is this?

It’s because they don’t know you. Your job is to convince them that you can fix their problem. This section is important because it acts as social proof. You can highlight what your company does best and how qualified your team is when you write a business proposal for a potential client.

business proposal qualifications section

This free business proposal template showcases the company’s accolades, client testimonials, relevant case studies, and industry awards. You can also include other forms of social proof to establish yourself as a credible business. This makes it that much more likely that they will say yes!

Pro Tip: Attaching in-depth case studies of your work is a great way to build trust with a potential client by showcasing how you’ve solved similar problems for other clients in the past. Our case study examples post can show you how to do just that.

To further demonstrate just how prepared you are, it’s important to outline the next steps you will take should your buyer decide to work with you.

Provide a timeline of how and when you will complete all your deliverables. You can do this by designing a flow chart . Or add a roadmap with deadlines. Pitching a long-term project? A timeline infographic would be a better fit.

If you look at this abstract business proposal template below, even something as simple as a table can do the trick.

Abstract Business Consulting Proposal Template Timeline_Venngage

The timeline is not always set in stone, rather it’s an estimation. The goal is to clarify any questions your potential client might have about how you will deliver for the underlying B2B sales process.

On this page, you can outline your fees, payment schedule, invoice payment terms , as well as legal aspects involved in this deal.

The key to good pricing is to provide your buyer with options. A pricing comparison table can help with this. You want to give your client some room to work with. Make sure you’re not scaring off your client with a high price, nor undervaluing yourself.

Breaking up your pricing in stages is another great way to make sure your potential client knows what he’s paying for. Look at how this simple business proposal template does this:

Bold Business Proposal Template Pricing Page_Venngage

The legal aspects can slot right into the terms and conditions section. Alternatively, you can add them to the signature section of the proposal to keep things simple.

Summarize everything you have promised to deliver so far. Include what you expect from your prospective buyer in return. Add the overall project timeline from start to end, as well as payment methods and payment schedule. This way, both of you will be clear on what is being agreed on.

This step is very important as it outlines all the legal aspects of the deal. That is why the terms and conditions section of your proposal needs to be as clear as possible.

I recommend consulting a lawyer or your legal team when working on this section of the business proposal. If you’re a business veteran and understand the legalities of your business, you can use the same terms and conditions across all your proposals.

The final step of this whole process. Your client has read your business proposal and they want to buy what you have to offer.

Add a small section at the end of your proposal to get the necessary signatures. This way, you and your client can sign the proposal and the partnership becomes official.

Be sure to also include your contact information in your business proposal template. It acts as a gentle prompt to your client to contact you in case they have any questions.

A business proposal usually aims to answer the following questions:

Who you are and what your company does
The problem your buyer is facing
The solution your company offers to alleviate the problem
How your company will implement this solution effectively
An estimate of resources (time, money, etc) required to implement the solution

You can see how this sample business proposal template covers the above points.

Notice how this proposal template addresses the same project like in one of the previous templates, but uses a completely different design style (more retro, while the previous business proposal template is more modern and minimalistic).

You can remove or add more sections depending on the goal of your business proposal. Essential, your business proposal can follow this format:

Pricing, billing and legal

We go into detail on how you can write a business proposal (plus different business proposal templates you can apply the tips to) in the next section . But you can also click on the format items above to learn how you can best write them!

If you aim to create a holistic business proposal, feel free to just edit from the two templates right above. You can also add your brand colors and logo to your design, using My Brand Kit :

Here’s another example of a business proposal template that you can edit:

simple b2c business growth proposal template

Generally, there are three types of business proposals:

1. Formally solicited

A formally solicited business proposal is made when you respond to an official request to write a business proposal.

In this scenario, you know all the requirements and have more (if not all) information about a prospective buyer. You simply need to write the business proposal for your buyer to evaluate so you can begin the sales process .

2. Informally solicited

Informally solicited business proposals are written when there isn’t an official request for a proposal. A prospective buyer is interested in your services and asks for a proposal so they can evaluate it.

An informally solicited proposal requires a lot more research from your end. These types of proposals are usually created out of informal conversations. They are not based on official requests which often contain more detail.

3. Unsolicited

Think of this as a marketing brochure or a cold email . Unsolicited business proposals will often take a generic, one-size-fits-all approach to business proposals. Unsolicited proposals lack any understanding of the buyer or their requirements.

But with additional market research , personalization and identifying customer pain points , you can propose a customized solution based on your buyer’s needs. This can be a very persuasive approach, such as in this business proposal example:

Now that you know how to write a business proposal, let’s look at how you can optimize your proposal to deliver results!

Below you’ll find some winning business proposal templates and examples to get you started. I’ve also included some design tips to keep in mind when you’re creating your next business proposal:

1. Know your audience

If you have some clarity on who your ideal buyer is — their pain points, their budget, deadlines, among other things — you’ve already won half the battle.

If you are a business that helps clients with everything from running giveaways or helping grow their blog , identify which customers to pitch. This is a sure-shot way to close the deal.

Mapping user personas for your ideal buyer can help bring some clarity. It will also help you position your business proposal correctly. This improves the chance of your buyer moving your business proposal to the “Yes!” pile.

2. Put your brand front and center

If your company follows certain brand guidelines, incorporate them in your business proposal templates. Consider how business proposal examples like the one below highlight brand identity :

content marketing plan business proposal example

From the color palettes to the company logos , everything follows their brand guidelines. The result: a business proposal that’s consistent across the board.

Pro Tip: Switching this template to match your brand assets is actually pretty easy. Venngage’s My Brand Kit feature allows you to import your color palettes, logos as well as font choices. Any Venngage template can now be your template.

You can also consider this sample business proposal template:

Design companies sure do know their design. They did a phenomenal job keeping their brand colors consistent while opting for a black design. This unique color scheme also makes their white logo prominent throughout the proposal.

3. Try less text, more visuals

Have you ever read a proposal and thought to yourself, “Wow, this is all text and has no images, I love it!”? Yeah, me neither.

The free business proposal template below is a perfect example of the “less is more” principle. It does a phenomenal job of communicating what it needs to. By substituting some of the text with icons and visuals, you get a clean business proposal that’s much more scannable.

Want to keep things strictly professional? Instead of icons, you can always add your team’s headshots. This shows your buyer exactly who they’ll be working with.

Check out this formal business proposal format for some inspiration:

Red Human Resources Consulting Proposal Template Team

4. Switch up your business proposal designs

It doesn’t hurt to go above and beyond once in a while. Jazz up your business proposal template with some extra colors. This helps make your business proposal more engaging. It also helps your buyers retain information faster.

The business proposal example alternates between black, white and grey backgrounds. It still manages to maintain consistency in its branding . Just switching up your backgrounds once in a while can also bring in some variety to an otherwise standard business proposal.

This SEO business proposal sample proves that it’s possible to switch up the colors in every other page. But it still maintains the same color scheme across the entire proposal just like a professionally designed website :

Pro Tip: Not a color expert? Our guide on picking colors can help you pick the right color scheme for your proposals.

FAQ about business proposals

What is the purpose of a business proposal.

A business proposal aims to streamline the B2B sales process (which is often complex) between you as a seller and a buyer.

It does this by serving the dual purpose of acting as a source of information. The proposal also acts as a sales pitch aimed at convincing your buyer why they should buy what you have to offer.

What are the best practices for business proposal design?

Do a thorough spell-check. The goal of your business proposal is to convince your buyer why you’re the perfect person for the job. A proposal with typos or grammatical errors communicates the opposite. A thorough spell-check before you send your proposal is a must.
Keep things clear and readable: Clarity is an important aspect that you have to ensure in your business proposal. If you want your proposal to hit home and make an impact on the buyer, you have to write it in an understandable way. To keep things clear and readable, there are a couple of things that you can do. You can, for one, take care to use easy wording and segmented sentences from the get-go. You can also try paraphrasing the hard parts of your proposal once you are done writing it.
Let your brand shine. As discussed before, writing a business proposal is all about knowing your ideal buyer and focusing on their pain points. But that doesn’t mean your business proposal template has to be boring. Demonstrate how different you are compared to other companies. You can do this through your brand guidelines , by using more visuals, switching up your proposal design or showing off your personality in your writing .
Create a business proposal PDF. Downloading your business proposal in PDF format allows you to attach other collaterals with your business proposal. These can include a company explainer video or case studies showcasing the work done with past clients. Also, who doesn’t love saving paper?

How long should your business proposal be?

The length depends on the scope of the work as well as the complexity of the project. Here is a one-page business proposal template:

Can your business proposal template really be one page? Yes, as long as you understand who your buyer is and their pain points. You should also have the ability to communicate everything your ideal buyer needs to know about your business in a succinct manner.

Or if you’re feeling adventurous how about just two pages? Often, clients prefer if you go straight to the point and avoid all the fluff.

For example, this green modern marketing proposal template wastes no time in getting down to brass tacks:

Need more inspiration? Check out this blog on the 5 marketing proposal examples that’ll help elevate your business.

There is no one size fits all approach when it comes to deciding how many pages you should include in your business proposal template. And at the end of the day, “the only rules are the ones you set for yourself”.

At the end of the day, writing winning business proposals that sell is all about you understanding your buyer, their potential pain points and positioning yourself as someone who can alleviate those pain points.

Now that you know how to write compelling business proposals, what are you waiting for?

Take action and start creating your own business proposals to close more deals and grow your business today!

More business communications templates + writing tips you might be interested in…

31 Consulting Proposal Templates to Close Deals

How to Write a Project Proposal [10+ Templates]

20+ Professional Business Letterhead Templates + Branding Tips

How to Write a White Paper [Tips & Templates]

See why the world’s best creative teams run on Workamajig

How to write a project proposal with examples & free templates.

What is a project proposal?
Types of project proposals
How to write a project proposal
Tips for writing a successful project proposal
Common mistakes in writing project proposals

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What is a project proposal.

A project proposal is a document that outlines a proposed plan for a project to persuade prospective clients to avail themselves of your agency’s services.

A well-crafted project proposal should clearly and concisely communicate the project's benefits and value to the stakeholders . It should also demonstrate that the project team has thoroughly researched and planned the project, and is capable of executing it successfully.

Writing a strong project proposal requires careful planning, research, and attention to detail. Let’s dive into project proposals and how you can create effective ones for your team.

Types Of Project Proposals

There are different types of project proposals based on who they’re being created for, and the type of work being proposed.

Internal Project Proposal

Internal project proposals are meant for internal stakeholders, such as employees, executives, or departments within a company. These proposals are aimed at seeking approval, budget allocation, or resources for a new project or initiative.

Internal projects usually focus on improving internal operations or processes. To receive buy-in support from your executives, you will need to justify the benefits your company will enjoy if your project becomes successful. Having an internal project proposal approved can enable your team to make an impact on your organization and implement changes that would allow the company to reach its goals.

External Project Proposal

External project proposals are targeted toward external stakeholders, such as clients, partners, or investors. These proposals are intended to showcase the value proposition of a project and convince the external stakeholders to invest in it. They aim to support the goals of your prospective clients, whether it’s to increase sales, penetrate new target audiences, launch new products, or establish a competitive advantage.

Whether you are proposing an internal or external project, it is crucial to create a comprehensive and compelling proposal that clearly articulates the project goals, benefits, risks, and success metrics. By doing so, you can gain buy-in, support, and resources for your project and increase your chances of success. Remember, your proposal is your chance to showcase your expertise, creativity, and strategic thinking, so make sure it stands out and delivers value to your stakeholders.

Solicited Proposal

A solicited proposal is a formal document that is submitted in response to a request or invitation from a potential client or buyer. In other words, it is a proposal that is specifically requested by someone interested in your services or products. They can be formally or informally solicited, with the earlier usually given specific guidelines.

These types of proposals are typically more targeted and focused than unsolicited proposals, as the potential client has already expressed interest in what you have to offer.

Solicited proposals can be an effective way to win new business, but they require careful planning and attention to detail. To create a successful solicited proposal, you need to understand the client's needs and priorities and tailor your proposal to address those requirements.

Unsolicited Proposal

Unsolicited proposals refer to proposals that are submitted by businesses or individuals to potential clients without any prior request or invitation. These proposals are typically sent in hopes of securing a contract or partnership with the recipient.

Unsolicited proposals can be a bit tricky to navigate, as they require a delicate balance of assertiveness and tact to ensure that they are well-received. The key to creating a successful unsolicited proposal is to do your research and tailor your pitch to the specific needs and interests of the recipient. By demonstrating that you have a clear understanding of the recipient's business and challenges, you can increase the likelihood that they will take your proposal seriously and consider working with you.

While unsolicited proposals can be a bit of a gamble, they can also be a great way to showcase your expertise, creativity, and value proposition to potential clients.

Continuation Proposal

Continuation proposals are business documents created to extend a current project or contract. Typically, continuation proposals are used when a project is nearing completion, and the client wants to continue working with the same team or company. These proposals outline the work that has been completed so far, as well as the remaining work that needs to be done.

Additionally, continuation proposals will detail the timeline for the extension, the budget, and any changes that may be required to the original scope of work . By submitting a continuation proposal, businesses can demonstrate their value to their clients, while also securing future work and revenue.

Renewal Project Proposal

Renewal project proposals are sent to restart or continue a project that has been previously terminated. Termination could be due to a variety of reasons, such as the project being completed, contract expiration, or a lack of resources or support.

Writing a renewal project proposal can be challenging, particularly if the circumstances surrounding the termination were unfavorable. It requires a careful examination of the project's objectives, benefits, and potential return on investment. Therefore, it is essential to showcase the value proposition of the project and how it aligns with the prospective client or organization's goals. By doing so, you can persuade them that investing in the renewal of the project is a viable option.

Supplemental Project Proposal

Supplemental project proposals are additional proposals submitted during a project, to address unforeseen issues or changes in scope. These proposals may be required due to a variety of reasons, such as budget constraints, changes in project objectives, or the need for additional resources.

Essentially, a supplemental proposal is a way to modify the original project plan to ensure that the project stays on track and meets its objectives. Supplemental proposals can be a valuable tool for project managers, as they allow for flexibility and adaptability in the face of unexpected challenges.

How To Write A Project Proposal

Writing a good project proposal is a crucial skill to increase your client base and build your business. It requires insight to understand your client’s needs, proper planning to ensure that you’re meeting deadlines, and communication skills to relay information most effectively.

Project proposal formats would vary depending on your client and their requirements, but here are their basic components and how you can go about them.

Write Your Problem Statement

Starting your project proposal with a clear and concise problem statement is essential to its success. The problem statement should clearly articulate the issue at hand, why it is important, and what the proposed solution aims to achieve.

Talk about existing problems and missed opportunities. This statement will not only help you focus your project, but it will also help others understand the scope and purpose of your work.

A well-written problem statement will demonstrate that you have a thorough understanding of the problem and that you have developed a thoughtful and effective solution.

Write Your Vision Statement, Goals, And Objectives

After writing the problem statement, the next step is to proceed with your vision statement, goals, and objectives . Your vision statement should describe the ideal outcome of your project and how it will benefit your target audience. Your goals and objectives should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). They should outline the milestones you need to reach to achieve your vision.

A well-crafted vision statement and goals and objectives will help you communicate your project's purpose and value to stakeholders. Ensure that your vision statement, goals, and objectives that align with your project's purpose and target audience.

State Project Benefits

Establishing the importance of your project based on your client’s values and priorities as an organization can help them understand why this project is worth their investment.

When outlining the benefits of your project, focus on the positive impact it will have on their business –whether it is increased sales, improved efficiency, or better customer satisfaction. It is also important to highlight any potential risks or challenges and explain how you plan to mitigate them.

By presenting the benefits and importance of the project, you can increase the chances of your client accepting your proposal and investing in your services.

Elaborate on Your Action Plan

In any project proposal, it is essential to provide a detailed plan of action that outlines your proposed methodology, deliverables, approach, and deadlines. This is especially important in digital marketing, where timelines and goals are critical components of success.

The proposal should provide a clear picture of how the team plans to tackle the project, including milestones and deliverables that clients can expect and by when. Additionally, the project management methodology, whether it be Waterfall, Agile Scrum , or another approach, should be clearly defined and explained.

By providing a comprehensive and well-structured game plan, clients can have confidence in the team's ability to deliver results on time and within budget.

Outline Required Resources

When it comes to creating a project proposal, outlining your resources is crucial. This includes identifying the financial, human, material, and structural resources that your project requires.

Creating a project budget that outlines all the expenses and identifying the manpower needs to carry out the project would give the client a good idea of how much they need to prepare to provide you with what you need to succeed. Considering the material resources such as equipment, technology, and materials will also allow you to plan for their procurement in advance. Additionally, structural resources, such as office space or a dedicated workspace, need to be identified.

Once you have a clear understanding of your resources, you can create a more effective project proposal and increase the chances of success.

Provide An Executive Summary

Congratulations on completing your project proposal! Now that you have spent countless hours researching, analyzing, and outlining your proposal, it is time to write your executive summary.

An executive summary is a condensed version of your proposal that will help you communicate effectively with your audience. It includes the main points of your proposal and highlights the benefits and outcomes of your project. It also provides a clear understanding of the goals, objectives, timelines, and budget of your proposal.

This summary is often the first thing your stakeholders and investors will read, so it needs to be concise and compelling. It can make all the difference in closing deals and projects.

Project Proposal Example Templates

To give you a headstart on your project proposal, here are examples of project proposal templates you can look into:

Simple Project Proposal Template(Google Docs) by Workamajig
Marketing Proposal Template by Pandadoc
Marketing Proposal Templates by Jotform
Simple Project Proposal Example by Bidsketch

Tips For Writing A Successful Project Proposal

Take your time (within reason).

When it comes to writing a successful project proposal, one of the most important tips to keep in mind is to avoid rushing it. It can be tempting to try and get the proposal done as quickly as possible, especially if you're feeling the pressure of a deadline. However, taking the time to carefully plan and draft your proposal can make all the difference.

Rushing through the process can lead to mistakes, oversights, and a lack of attention to detail that can ultimately harm your chances of success. Instead, take a step back and give yourself the time and space you need to create a proposal that truly reflects your skills, expertise, and vision for the project at hand.

Dive Into Your Client’s Needs And Goals

It's crucial to take the time to get to know your client, their business, and what they hope to achieve when you write your project proposal. This means asking the right questions, actively listening to their answers, and doing your research to gain a deeper understanding of their industry and target audience.

By taking this approach, you'll be able to craft a solution that speaks directly to your unique needs and goals and position your proposal as the ideal solution. Not only will this increase your chances of winning the project, but it will also set the stage for a successful and productive partnership moving forward.

Study External Factors

External factors that can affect your project can include anything from economic trends to political climate to technological advancements. By understanding these external factors and how they may impact your work, you can anticipate potential roadblocks or challenges and develop a more comprehensive proposal that addresses them.

Additionally, by demonstrating a deep understanding of these external factors in your proposal, you can showcase your expertise and professionalism to potential clients or stakeholders.

Ultimately, taking the time to study external factors can help you craft a more effective project proposal and increase your chances of success.

Follow Instructions

When clients provide instructions and guidelines for the proposal they want to receive, it’s crucial that you study them carefully and you follow them to a T. These guidelines might include specific formatting requirements, word count limits, or even specific content that must be included.

By following these guidelines, you can demonstrate your attention to detail and show the recipient of your proposal that you are serious about the project. Additionally, following guidelines can help you avoid any miscommunication or misunderstandings that might cause your proposal to be rejected.

Use Visuals As Necessary

When it comes to writing a successful project proposal, it is important to keep in mind that your audience may not have the same level of technical expertise as you. This is why incorporating visuals can be a game-changer.

Visuals such as charts, graphs, diagrams, and tables can help to make complex information more digestible and easier to understand. This can be especially helpful when presenting data or statistics that may be overwhelming in written form.

Not only do visuals help to break up the text, but they also add a level of professionalism and polish to your proposal. Just be sure to use visuals sparingly and only when they add value to your overall message. With the right balance of text and visuals, your project proposal will be well-received and stand out from the rest.

Common Mistakes In Writing Project Proposals

Using complicated language.

One common mistake that many people make is using complicated language that can be difficult for readers to grasp. This can lead to confusion, misunderstandings, and ultimately, a failed proposal.

To avoid this, it's important to use simple language that is easy to follow. Use short sentences and avoid using jargon or technical terms unless necessary. By doing so, you'll be able to effectively communicate your ideas and ensure that your proposal is well-received by its intended audience. So, keep it simple and clear to increase your chances of success!

Focusing On Your Agenda Instead Of Client Needs

While it's crucial to understand what you want to achieve from the project, it's equally important to consider the goals and expectations of your client. One of the most common mistakes that teams make while preparing project proposals is focusing too much on their agenda instead of considering the needs of their clients.

When you focus solely on your agenda, you risk losing sight of what your client needs, which can ultimately lead to the rejection of your proposal. Therefore, it's crucial to keep your prospect’s goals at the forefront and to ensure that your proposal addresses their requirements clearly and concisely. This will not only help you win the project but also strengthen your relationship with the client, leading to more opportunities in the future.

Cutting Corners On Research

When it comes to writing project proposals, there is often a temptation to cut corners on research. However, this is one of the most common mistakes that can ultimately lead to failure.

Thorough research is essential to understanding the scope of the project, identifying potential risks, and developing a realistic timeline and budget. Without adequate research, you may overlook critical details or make unrealistic assumptions that can derail the project down the line. Taking the time to conduct thorough research can also help you identify potential roadblocks and develop strategies for overcoming them. So, resist the urge to rush through the research phase and invest the time and effort necessary to gather the information you need to create a winning project proposal.

Overpromising

It's easy to get carried away when pitching your ideas to potential clients, and it's natural to want to impress them with your capabilities. However, it's essential to be realistic about what you can deliver.

Overpromising can lead to disappointment, missed deadlines, and damaged relationships. It's crucial to understand the scope of the project, the resources available, and your team's capacity before making any promises. Instead of overpromising, focus on highlighting your strengths, providing clear and concise information, and demonstrating how you can deliver value to the client.

By setting realistic expectations, you can build trust with your clients and establish a solid foundation for a successful project.

Missing Deadlines

Writing a project proposal can be a daunting task, especially if you're not familiar with the process. One of the most common mistakes that people make is missing deadlines.

Deadlines are a critical aspect of any project proposal, and they must be adhered to if you want to be taken seriously. Ignoring deadlines can lead to a loss of credibility, which can ultimately harm your chances of securing the project.

Treat your project proposal creation like a project: outline your tasks, establish internal deadlines, assign work, and monitor progress. Using a project management tool like Workamajig can help you organize this information so you can stay on top of your work.

Wrapping Up

Project proposals are essential documents to secure work for your agency. Learning how to write a proposal for a project will help you communicate your team’s expertise and allow you to continuously provide value for your clients.

How to Create Impossibly Good Project Proposals

The Project Intake Process Explained

Project Timelines: The Complete Guide

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10 Best Business Proposal Templates for 2023

May 4, 2023

It’s no secret that businesses that follow a well-structured business plan are more likely to succeed.

Approximately 70% of the businesses that managed to survive for five years follow a strategic plan. And as for those at their starting stage, businesses with a business plan have a 7% higher likeliness of high growth than those without a developed plan.

Similar to business plans, business proposals are essential when it comes to the sustainability of a business. Strong business proposals can help you win clients, partners, business deals, and more.

So if you’re looking to level up your business, read on to learn more about business proposals, their benefits, and tools and templates to help you bring your business idea to life!

What is a Business Proposal Template?

1. clickup business proposal template, 2. clickup commercial proposal template, 3. clickup creative agency proposal, 4. clickup project proposal whiteboard template, 5. clickup grant proposal template, 6. clickup campaign proposal template, 7. flipsnack design services business proposal template, 8. flipsnack digital marketing proposal template, 9. flipsnack professional job proposal template, 10. qwilr project management proposal template, types of business proposal templates, benefits of business proposal templates.

A business proposal is a formal document where you present information related to your business that is relevant to your prospective client. It’s essentially a document that includes standard information, such as timelines , budgets , and project scope , to give prospective clients and business partners a detailed outline of your proposal.

There are many different domains where you can use an effective business proposal to achieve your goals and start great collaborations. Well-constructed proposals can help you win important deals that can take your business to the next level and open up new opportunities.

For example, you can use a business proposal if you have a marketing or design agency and want to share your services or are simply looking for a job in any domain. You can also use a business proposal for project management purposes such as presenting a new project idea or proposed solution to a problem to the stakeholders and clients.

Before we move forward, it’s important to know that a business proposal is not the same as a business plan. Take a look at the image below to understand the difference between the two:

10 of the Best Business Proposal Templates to Use in 2023

Now, let’s take a look at 10 different business proposal templates that you can use to help you impress your stakeholders and win prospective clients!

The first one on the list is the Business Proposal Template by ClickUp .

This template not only comes with pre-built List views of business proposal steps and priorities with key Custom Fields to help you build your own business proposal, but it also offers email templates in ClickUp Docs to help you streamline and perfect your outreach messages.

And if you need more guidance getting started, you may refer to the Getting Started Guide that’s included with the template. Needless to say, this business proposal template is packed well and ready for you to use to win more business.

The Commercial Proposal Template by ClickUp can help you create a strong business overview to show clients exactly what makes you and your team the best choice to handle the project.

This business proposal template is available in ClickUp Docs where you’ll find dedicated sections for your team, business proposal ideas with solutions, profit forecast, and more.

With this free business proposal template, you’ll be able to create a complete and easy-to-read document of your proposal, protect your Doc from unwanted changes, and share it easily with your clients via a public or private link.

ClickUp Creative Agency Proposal Planning Template

Because ClickUp is a project management tool at heart, it offers functional and effective ways to plan, track, and manage your projects and keep you organized while writing the proposal.

Use the Creative Agency Proposal Template by ClickUp to get pre-defined lists of subtasks and checklists to guide you as you put your proposal together.

By using this business proposal template in ClickUp, you’ll have an organized view of the steps you need to take from the planning phase to pitch rehearsal and even post-presentation.

ClickUp Project Proposal Whiteboard Template

If you want to customize your project proposal and present it in a creative way, then the Project Proposal Whiteboard by ClickUp is for you.

This business proposal template comes with a colorful and organized visual of your proposal in ClickUp Whiteboards that you can edit to fit your needs. Add your ideas by drawing, using shapes, sticky notes, mind maps, and other creative ways to express how you want to implement the project.

You can also use other Whiteboard templates for flow charts, concept maps , retrospectives, and many others to present your ideas in a way that is easy to understand and leads to further discussions with the potential customer.

Grant Proposal Template in ClickUp List view

This type of business proposal is a document that justifies the funding request and the strategy of your proposal.

Check out these request for quote templates !

The Grand Proposal Template by ClickUp comes with a pre-built List and Board view with Custom Statuses to help organize your tasks accordingly. It also comes with a Calendar view of your project schedule to keep your important due dates easily visible.

These unique views you let keep track of the general tasks, problem definition, objectives, key milestones , and budget and share them with your potential clients.

Campaign Proposal Cover Template in ClickUp Docs

Establish a strong framework for your entire campaign with the Campaign Proposal Cover Template by ClickUp .

It includes a customizable proposal cover and a detailed Doc where you can share your campaign summary, objectives, target audience, timelines, and resources with your stakeholders and to provide useful information to your team.

This free business proposal template can surely keep you organized and well-prepared for your presentation day and beyond.

The Design Service Business Proposal template is a flipbook that allows readers to flip through the pages and better engage with the content.

If you’re looking for a way to present your design skills and make a good impression when sending a business proposal for a design project then this template can help with that. It has a simple design that can be customized and the option to add videos, links and product tags, brand elements, and statistics about performance.

This business proposal template is beneficial to designers because they can create beautiful visual proposals instantly for architecture projects or other types of design work. Simply use images and texts from the template or replace them with their own images while keeping the business proposal style. You may also add a welcome message, and details about the company to personalize the experience.

Marketing proposal template by Flipsnack

Marketing is one of the domains where a business proposal would do wonders with your campaigns . These proposals are a great opportunity to present how you can make a difference for them and what great results you can bring by showing social proof and case studies.

This editable digital marketing proposal template can help you explain your services in detail and share your project framework. Use it for your email marketing proposal, social media marketing proposal, and other digital marketing proposal. You may also customize the template by adding videos, links, product tags, brand elements, and more to make it attractive and engaging for your clients.

The proposal design is a little different that the other ones, and also the purpose of this type of proposal.

This professional job proposal template can be used by companies that want to hire someone to present the compensation package and other details about the role.

You can use a flipbook-making app like Flipsnack to create engaging business proposals that can easily attract the readers’ attention and also find various templates to choose from.

Project management proposal template by Qwilir

The project management proposal template can help you create a visually appealling and organized business proposal. Embed forms, timelines, spreadsheets, calendars, images, videos, and more into the proposal to catch your client’s attention and present quality work.

And with the user indentification feature, you’ll be able to set time and view limits, and get notifcations when your client has opened your business proposal.

There are two types of business proposals:

1. Solicited business proposals

A prospective client requests a solicited business proposal to help them decide if they want to do business with you or not. With this type of business proposal, you can offer solutions to their problems or needs.

This is the easiest way to convert them into customers because they are already interested in your product or services.

2. Unsolicited business proposals

An unsolicited business proposal is like a cold email or marketing flyer. When writing unsolicited proposals, you may not know anything about the clients or their requirements. In this case, you should conduct research to identify how to approach each unique client and personalize the business proposal.

The main benefits of templates are to help save you time , create consistency across your business , and ensure all important details are covered in your business proposals.

Moreover, using templates can give you more time to focus on the content and quality of your proposal and create professional business proposals that impress and win your clients and business partners.

Start Using Business Proposal Templates Today

The right templates can help you land your next big projects. There are many business proposal templates you can choose from. The key is to choose what works best for your products and services, as well as your clients.

To make a great impression and a detailed proposal, you can use tools like ClickUp and Flipsnack to create a business proposal that matches your needs and help you stand out. A proposal maker like Flipsnack is a software that allows proposal creation with different designs, while an all-in-one project management tool like ClickUp can provide you with a library of customizable templates for various use cases and the key features you need to manage your projects, track progress, and more.

ClickUp is free to try—start using the templates by ClickUp to level up your business proposals and win more clients today!

Guest Writer:

Isabela Boncila is a marketing specialist at Flipsnack, a publishing platform that can transform a PDF into an interactive flipbook. She is passionate about Marketing, writing, and technology.

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How to Write a Business Proposal [Examples + Template]

Published: August 09, 2023

Free Business Proposal Template

Propose your business as the ideal solution using our Free Business Proposal Templates.

Problem summary
Proposed solution
Pricing information
Project timeline

Thank you for downloading the offer.

It's finally happened. You've started a new business, and your customer base is starting to expand. But even though you're making progress, you still feel like you could be doing better.

how to write a business proposal: image shows a person holding a pen and another person typing on a laptop

There's a whole world of untapped potential around you — prospects you know would benefit from your product or service. And the issues you're running into are less about your solution's soundness and more about how you can reach your potential base.

That's where business proposals come in. They can bridge the gap between you and potential clients. A solid proposal can outline your value proposition and persuade a company or organization to do business with you.

Here, we'll take a look at the various kinds of business proposals and go over how to write one. We’ll also see some ideas and examples to help guide yours.

Know exactly what you need? Jump to one of the following sections:

What is a business proposal?

Types of business proposals, how to write a business proposal, business proposal templates, business proposal example, tips for writing a business proposal, business proposal ideas.

A business proposal is a formal document that’s created by a company and given to a prospect to secure a business agreement.

It's a common misconception that business proposals and business plans are the same. The proposal helps you sell your product or service rather than your business itself.

Instead of assisting your search for investors to fund your business, a proposal helps you seek new customers.

Follow Along With HubSpot's Business Proposal Template

Download the Template for Free

There are two types of business proposals: unsolicited and solicited.

Unsolicited Business Proposals : With unsolicited business proposals, you approach a potential customer with a proposal, even if they don't request one, to gain their business.
Solicited Business Proposals : Solicited business proposals are requested by prospective clients so that they can decide whether to do business with your company.

In a solicited business proposal, the other organization asks for a request for proposal (RFP). When a company needs a problem solved, they invite other businesses to submit a proposal that details how they'd solve it.

Propose your business as the ideal solution using our Free Business Proposal Templates

You're all set!

Click this link to access this resource at any time.

Fill out the form to get your template.

Whether the proposal is solicited or unsolicited, the steps to create your proposal are similar. Make sure it includes three main points:

A statement of the organization's problem
Begin with a title page.
Explain your why with an executive summary.
State the problem or need.
Propose a solution.
Share your qualifications.
Include pricing options.
Summarize with a conclusion.

Before writing your business proposal, it's crucial you understand the company. If they've sent you an RFP, make sure you read it carefully, so you know exactly what they want. It can also be helpful to have an initial call or meeting with the new client to ensure you fully understand the problem they're trying to solve and their objectives.

Once you've done your research, it's time to begin writing your business proposal. There's no one-size-fits-all approach to writing a business proposal, but let's take a look at some elements proposals often include. (I designed this example business proposal using Canva .)

1. Begin with a title page.

You have to convey some basic information here. Introduce yourself and your business. Be sure to include:

Your company's name
The date you submitted the proposal
The name of the client or individual you're submitting the proposal to

Your title page should reconcile engagement with professionalism. It's a tone-setter, so you need to make sure yours is sleek, aesthetically appealing, and not too "out there."

Here's an example of what a business proposal template looks like when done right:

How to Write a Business Proposal: Business Proposal Example Title Page

The executive summary details exactly why you're sending the proposal and why your solution is the best for the prospective client.

Specificity is key here. Why are you the best choice for them?

Like a value proposition, your executive summary outlines the benefits of your company's products or services and how they can solve your potential client's problem.

After reading your executive summary, the prospect should offer a clear idea of how you can help them, even if they don't read the entire proposal. Here's what one should look like:

How to Write a Business Proposal: Sample Executive Summary

3. State the problem or need.

This is where you share a summary of the issue impacting the potential client. This is your opportunity to show them you understand their needs and the problem they need help solving.

How to Write a Business Proposal: Example Event Overview

This section should show your authority in your industry. With this in mind, be sure to include:

Case studies
Client testimonials
Relevant awards
Industry accreditations

6. Include pricing options.

Pricing is where things can get a bit tricky, as you don't want to under or over-price your product.

How to write a business proposal: Include Pricing Options

The pricing section of your proposal could include:

A detailed pricing breakdown, including packages, tiers, and add-ons or optional services
How product features and benefits align with pricing choices
Pricing for different needs and budgets
How your pricing compares with competitors
An FAQ section to respond to anticipated objections and explain your pricing strategy

7. Summarize with a conclusion.

After sharing the above information, simplify it all into one final section.

First, briefly summarize the proposal. Be sure to share your qualifications and why you’d serve as the best choice.
Then, to prompt further conversation, confirm your availability to go over the next steps.
At the end of the proposal, the goal is to have the client ready to work with you. So, be sure to offer your contact information for easy follow-up.

In need of some inspiration before you begin writing? Here are example business proposal templates from popular business proposal software companies you can use to help create your proposal.

1. HubSpot's Free Business Plan Templates

Download these Templates

We know how crucial a great business proposal is to your and your client’s success. That's why we've compiled 2 Free Business Proposal Templates for you to use and customize for any of your projects.

You'll gain access to a concise, one-page template (pictured above), as well as a longer template for you to refine your plan and proposal.

Download the templates now to get started on building your proposal.

2. Web Design Proposal

3. SEO Proposal

Companies, big and small, dedicate resources to establishing a noticeable social media presence. With advertising on social networks projected to reach $82.23 billion dollars in 2025 , it's in your business's best interest to have a plan for growing your client's social media presence.

To help you in that effort, the information in this social media marketing proposal includes an executive summary to help introduce your high-level ideas, an assessment of the client’s company to show your diligence, and a breakdown of billing to show how your company charges for posting, content creation, and analytics.

8. Content Marketing Proposal

Business Proposal Templates: Content Marketing

When pitching your content marketing services to clients, this template can help you organize your ideas. While it walks you through initial objectives and how to communicate your prospected results, one of the most helpful parts of this template is the pricing ideas it gives you when charging for your services.

Business proposal templates are helpful places to get started, but what should your business proposal look like when it's complete? Below, we share an example of a business proposal template that will inspire you.

In the business template example below, Social Portal Consulting (SPC) pitches a marketing proposal to Graphic Bean. At first sight, this proposal appeals to the creative. A nice touch would include designing the layout in your or your client’s brand colors.

Besides the design, the social media icons quickly tell the prospect what platforms Social Portal is pitching. Because we see Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest icons, the client instantly knows that this proposal doesn’t include LinkedIn, YouTube, or other platforms.

While maintaining its design, this example outlines Social Portal Consulting’s plans efficiently. It begins by providing insight into Graphic Bean and its goals before elaborating on how SPC can leverage its expertise to help them achieve them.

This business proposal template includes an easy-to-follow timeframe for goals and objectives while keeping the client abreast of how payment will happen across the project.

Overall, this is an excellent example of how to combine the elements of social media marketing into a creative and concise business proposal. Finally, we'll leave you with some business proposal ideas to get you started on your own.

Start with an outline.
Keep it simple.
Stay on brand.
Quality control.
Include data and visuals.
Add social proof.
Use a call-to-action.
Create a sense of urgency.
Make the decision for them.
Incorporate video into your proposal.
Include up-sell and add-on opportunities.
Clarify your terms and conditions.
Include a space for signatures to document agreement.
Create a table of contents.

1. Start with an outline.

If you want to produce a thoughtful, effective business proposal, you need to have some idea of what you're hoping to achieve with it.

So before you dive into writing, outline the major sections of your business proposal and the pertinent information you want to include. This will help you stay focused and make sure your message stays intact as you write.

Use these free business proposal templates to make sure that your outline includes everything you need.

2. Keep it simple.

There's no definitive blueprint for how long a business proposal has to be. Yours should be however long it takes to convey the information you want to get across.

That said, you're best off focusing on quality over quantity. Keep your sentences short and simple, and avoid including too much business jargon.

You want anyone who picks up your proposal to make sense of it. So, be straightforward and don't get too fancy. Aim for substance over flash.

3. Stay on brand.

Don't be afraid to let your company's personality shine through in your proposal. Stay true to your brand and show the client what sets you apart from your competitors.

4. Quality control.

A quick spelling and grammar check before you hit send isn't enough for a business proposal.

Your proposal needs to be clean and airtight. So, as you draft your proposal, and after checking for the basics, keep scanning this document until it's just right.

Check to make sure your proposal:

Meets client needs and expectations
Highlights your value proposition
Is well-structured and easy to read or skim
Complies with legal, ethical, and regulatory requirements
Looks professional and engaging

5. Include data and visuals.

You want your business proposal to capture your prospect's attention and help set you apart from any other ones they might have received. One of the best ways to do that is to include hard, quantitative data that helps stress the value of your business.

Use relevant, compelling figures that highlight what you have to offer. This can establish authority and make your proposal more convincing. It also helps to include visuals such as charts and graphs to enhance your proposal.

6. Add social proof.

You can only be so convincing when you're personally talking up how great your business is. Adding social proof lends your proposal another degree of credibility.

Prospects are skeptical. They may not take you at your word. But they'll likely trust peers and fellow customers. That's why including elements like customer quotes and testimonials can go a long way.

7. Use a call-to-action.

Prospects need direction. The best proposal in the world can only take you so far if you don't clearly define the next steps. That's why you have to make sure the reader knows what to do after reading your proposal.

A clear call-to-action is the best way to get there.

Define and highlight exactly what they should do to act on the interest your proposal has generated. Without that guidance, you might leave your reader in limbo.

HubSpot customers : Use this CTA builder to create powerful customized CTAs.

8. Create a sense of urgency.

No one wants to feel as if they missed out on a great opportunity. Without urgency, your prospect might drag their feet and put off making a decision.

So, as you create your business proposal, your goal should be to create a sense of urgency.

When prospective clients read your business proposal they should feel that the best time to sign up for your service is now.

One way you can accomplish this is by stating your short and long-term goals for their business. They'll have to wait for the long-term goals, but you can make the short-term goals so enticing that they'll be ready to begin a collaboration.

9. Make the decision for them.

Craft your copy in a way that seems like saying "no" to the proposal would be stepping over dollars to pick up pennies. Your offer should go above and beyond their expectations. Do everything in your power to remove friction and objections along the way.

10. Incorporate video into your proposal.

If you're creating an online proposal using document file formats like PDF, add multimedia elements. This will enhance the proposal experience, make your document richer, and keep them engaged.

Try adding a video at the beginning as an intro to your proposal. Or, put a video in the project breakdown to verbally discuss some of the more confusing parts.

Extras like this can make an impression. This tip works especially well with prospects who are visual or auditory communicators.

Pro tip : HubSpot Video makes it easy to record and embed video into a website or email for a big proposal boost.

11. Include up-sell and add-on opportunities.

They say you won't receive unless you ask. And readers won't explore the upper tiers of your solutions if you don't give them the opportunity.

So, share some upsells and add-ons about your business that they can act on. Call out a specific pain point and how this extra can add value.

With this step, balance is important. Show them everything your business has to offer without overwhelming your recipient.

12. Clarify your terms and conditions.

Your business proposal should include details on your project timeline and payment schedule. This summary is basically what you and the client agree to if they accept your proposal.

How to write a business proposal: Example Terms and Conditions

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17 Business Proposal Examples to Inspire You

Become a Certified Proposal Writer

Sales generation and winning more businesses are a core part of business success. To get more leads and sales, every company must know how to draft an effective business proposal to persuade the clients to buy from you.

With a good proposal, you can sell more. The way you write the business proposal can determine your company’s fate- either you win a new business or lose a potential client. The business proposal targets a specific audience for your business and offers them an effective solution to their problem. The purpose of a proposal is to convince your client that you stand ahead of your competitors with unique deliverables. Give them a reason to buy from you.

The structure and format of a business proposal contain a compelling introduction with a project overview. After that, you can state the client’s problems and your unique solutions. Your proposal writing must also include all the standard information such as pricing estimates, work timelines, and testimonials. It is essential that you offer transparency and trust to your target audience alongside the solutions to retain long-term clients.

If you are struggling with writing a persuasive yet informative business proposal, you can leverage the business proposal examples in this article.

Best Business Proposal Examples to Inspire You

We have written down the 17 best business proposal examples that will help you create client-winning proposals. Change the structure, headings, and content according to your services and client’s needs.

1. Business Proposal Example

In this proposal document, it is vital to incorporate the standard information for a great sales pitch and win potential clients. This document complies with the needs and demands of the target client and suggests actionable solutions- beneficial for both the client and the company.

You can be a freelance writing company or a digital marketing firm, the basic framework for a proposal remains constant, with the same purpose of increasing sales conversions and maximizing ROI (return on investment).

A good business proposal includes a thorough project overview, addresses the client’s problems, offers solutions, gives pricing estimates, and a working timeline. Adding client testimonials and the success story (brief) of the past projects is also a plus.

2. Digital Marketing Proposal Example

This business proposal effectively engages clients with your goods or services and convinces them to consider buying from you. In addition, this proposal document addresses the client’s problems and provides them with solutions.

You can use the first paragraph or the introduction to talk about “what you have to offer” or “why the client needs you.” Then, you can include the key information about increasing organic traffic, generating more leads, better sales conversions, and user engagement.

In this proposal example, it is important to include the payment terms and timeline for the project plan. In addition, you need to include all your services, such as social media marketing, SEO or search engine optimization, PPC (pay-per-click) campaigns, digital content, email marketing, and more.

The marketing proposal will spread your business ideas amongst the clients like a wildfire in the forest- you have to kindle it.

3. Web Design Proposal Example

The web design business proposal addresses the client’s problem by understanding their needs. Whether you are designing the website for a new business, a private company, or a non-profit organization, your proposal must include explicit details.

This proposal template contains the development process of executing the proposed services for the client. Thereby includes a problem overview, solution statement, project timeline, pricing packages (hourly, weekly, yearly), call-to-action, and an “About Us” section.

After the introductory paragraph, you can write the “About Us” and “About the team” sections.

4. Engineering Services Proposal Example

In this business proposal example, you can leverage the client specifications to create a user-friendly proposal. The proposal writing highlights the work process and project plan. This proposal document ensures the client that your proposed solutions are competent to solve their problems directly.

The proposal contains the problem with their solutions, the cost breakdown, timeline, and schedule in the project description.

The “About Us” and “Team” sections come after the proposal’s explicit details, especially the solution. You can further include certifications about your legal team, client testimonials, social proof, and call-to-action to build trust and authenticity.

5. Research Proposal Example

This type of proposal is a coherent yet concise summary of your research study. It specifies the intent of research- the central questions and issues. In this document, you must include the general idea of study and the current state of recent debate or knowledge as per the area of research.

You must state the pricing estimate for the relevant research project. Include the information that demonstrates your ability to cater to challenging ideas in a clear, critical, and concise way,

You can write the research proposal as a supplier to the client, or as a student to your supervisor. In any case, you must talk about the title, abstract, research context, research questions and methods, the significance of your research, and the bibliography.

6. Grant Proposal Example

The grant or asking-for-funds proposal t is written in distinct sections. The sections consist of different titles that target the specific guidelines of the granting organization. The main elements of any grant proposal remain the same. It must include a short overview of the executive summary, the statement of your company’s need or problem, a project overview, and your budget to specify the reason why you need the funds.

To strengthen your proposal, you can also include a cover letter, organizational qualifications, client testimonials, and supporting documents. Ensure that you do not miss any of the funding agency’s guidelines or else the grant will slip out of your hands.

7. Budget Proposal Example

The project completion or grant approval depends on the budget proposal. If this proposal states a high budget, the grant or funding agency will reject your “grant proposal”. As the grant proposal states the budget is to inform the company that you do not have enough funds to complete the project.

This proposal must include all the basic information about the project and the costs of everything that you can or cannot cover in a given time limit.

8. IT Consulting Proposal Example

The proposal provides the prospective client with a clear picture of your work intent. Starting from the research to the final sign-off. The proposal must offer answers to the anticipated problems or questions. Ensure the writing format and content are excellent and that the reader says “Yes” to your services before they even finish reading.

Even though the proposal is about IT, you need to avoid the technology-related jargon- keep the content simple and easy to understand. For example, include all the following components such as project overview, estimated pricing, work timeline, scope, business goals, and a case study.

After the solution, you can add the “About Us” sections, CTA (call-to-action), and legal terms. Adding client testimonials and their feedback on your recent work can gain the client’s trust and turn them into a buyer from a reader.

9. Freelance Writing Proposal Example

It is a web-based, well-crafted proposal sample with tempting offers and value clarifications. Even though this type of business proposal must be short and to the point, it is vital to study the client and understand what they want from you.

Write the introduction and executive summary in a composed yet persuasive tone to convince the client that you are the best choice for them.

“About Me (or Us)” sections need to come after discussing the solution.

10. Construction Bid Proposal Example

This business proposal must be accurate, precise, personalized, showcase your company’s potential, and include details.

The proposal must include the scope of work, solution statement, payment schedule, project timeline, approach to unforeseeable conditions like weather and other hidden defects, and your warranty.

While the project proposal must also explain the work schedule and the extra charges applicable for additional work, the introduction needs to target the client’s needs.

11. CRM Implementation Proposal Example

It is essential to use bullet points and a convincing writing tone to deliver a value proposition to write this proposal.

This document must contain details about the focused user adoption plan, incremental delivery, domain knowledge, industrial references, client testimonials, history of past projects, and more.

12. Insurance Services Proposal Example

This proposal is concise and contains various offerings to the client. After an attention-grabbing introduction and executive summary, you can pitch your solutions to the clients.

The proposal must discuss the business plan, scope of work, timelines, and payment schedules. Keep the proposal brief, but do not miss out on the main points.

13. Graphic Design Proposal Example

An illustrative business proposal, written to put forward your skills and offerings to the potential client. The proposal, specifically the introductory and executive summary section, must focus highly on the customer needs and problems.

After highlighting the solutions and deliverables, close your proposal by incorporating credentials, client testimonials, and CTA.

14. Project Proposal Example

This project proposal highlights the company’s understanding and knowledge of the client’s requirements. Although it is challenging to cover all the aspects, the content must be specific yet persuasive and define the value proposition.

You can add details from your past successful project and the criteria for management that led to customer satisfaction. This enables the reader to sense your expertise and experience.

15. Interior Design Proposal Example

A proposal writing that incorporates visually attractive content to persuade the client. It can contain graphics, videos, and an online demo (if the proposal is online) to showcase the business’s strengths and achievements to the client.

16. Sales Proposal Example

This proposal is essential to outline the features of the products and services your company is selling. It is a detailed proposal with all the information about the project overview, solutions, deliverables, price, benefits, work schedule, and more.

To sell and generate revenues for your business, you must create awareness about your offerings. To convert your proposal writing into sales and deal closures, give them a reason to trust you, convince them you are better than your competitors and can resolve their issues.

A poorly written sales proposal means no selling.

17. Social Media Marketing Proposal

A brief discussion about the design layout, color coding, and use of social media icons can turn this business proposal into a great sales pitch.

The proposal must include an easy-to-follow and understand the timeframe for project goals and objectives while ensuring the prospect is abreast of the mode of payment and other relevant details.

Critique/ Analysis : These business proposals follow a particular format structured in a certain way. However, most of them follow the same suit by covering the essential information. The important point to note is that it is advisable to add the “About Us,” “Team,” “Certifications,” and “Testimonial” sections after you have given the project overview with potential solutions.

Write Better Proposals to Win More Business

With empowering proposal writing, let your business proposals do the talking.

The business proposals vary depending on the type and size of the company, and you have to search your target audience to offer them potential solutions. If you are an IT company, you cannot send out business proposals written for freelance writing.

Any proposal aims to target the client’s needs and demands. Above all, to convince them to buy your products and services. Once you analyze and understand what your client wants from you, you can build a solid business proposal that nobody will turn down. If you get stuck, you can talk to your client and understand what they want in a more specific way. You can ask your questions and then narrow down the solutions.

Filling up the proposal with fluff and redundant content decreases its value and risks losing the client- that can be a massive blow to your business.

Leverage any business proposal template that fits your requirements and makes your business successful.

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11+ SAMPLE Project Management Proposal in PDF | MS Word | Google Docs | Apple Pages

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What Is Project Management? (Comprehensive Guide)

James La Forte is a freelance writer who specializes in finance, technology, business and investing. He holds a bachelor’s degree in computer science from Benedictine University in Lisle, Illinois. His career arc started as an IT professional for several investment firms, but he later transitioned to freelance writing.

Kara is an editor from North Carolina with experience in business technology and services topics as well as health. She is dedicated to delivering clear and captivating content to readers who want to make well-informed choices. Throughout her career, Kara has collaborated with and advised many small businesses in diverse marketing roles. Such experiences offer her a distinct viewpoint on how appropriate technology and services can drive growth for entrepreneurs. Kara’s writing has appeared on Verywellfamily.com, Labroots.com, and SkinnyMs.com.

Project management is the use of specific skills, processes and techniques to monitor and complete a project within a given timeframe. The defining feature of project management is having a set of clearly defined goals and objectives throughout the entire timeline of a project. Project management can be used for one-time projects, goals and ongoing projects or initiatives.

In this article, we at the MarketWatch Guides team explain the most common methodologies and techniques used for project management. We’ll also take a closer look at how these tools are used in real-world situations and how they can benefit organizations.

By the end of the article, you should have a strong understanding of the core concepts involved in project management.

What Is Project Management?

What are the benefits of project management, what are basic project management concepts, what are the best project management methodologies, what are the best project management tools, what are the most important project management skills, what is a project management framework, what are the components of a project management plan, what are common project management roles, which industries utilize project management, the bottom line, frequently asked questions about project management.

Project management is oversight of the entire project lifecycle and involves using various tools and techniques to help ensure projects are completed on time and within budget. Project management tools and techniques also allow for more granular insights into various sub-tasks within a larger project. By combining these different overview and granular management techniques, the entire project is easier to manage.

Project management began as quality management initiatives, mostly in the engineering and manufacturing fields. Today, it is used in everything from marketing, healthcare, digital marketing and sales.

It’s important to note that project management differs from ongoing management within a department. Project management is focused on initiatives and goals, while ongoing management is focused on operations.

The main benefit of project management is that it increases project efficiency, which in turn lowers costs and decreases the time needed for completion.

It’s not uncommon for initiatives within an organization to be over budget and over schedule. Looking back, it’s often easy to see where things went wrong, but during the project, there are limited insights and ways to keep things on track.

Project management techniques help to solve this by essentially breaking larger, cumbersome projects into more easily manageable deliverables. Each of these can be managed as part of the whole.

The result is that projects stay on schedule and within budget while delivering a product of substantially higher quality.

While different project management methodologies may use their own unique terms, they all follow essentially the same core concepts.

First, the project is broken down into phases or what is sometimes referred to as the project lifecycle , as follows:

Project initiation
Project planning
Project execution
Project monitoring and controlling
Project closing

Each of these phases will have its own tasks. For example, during the initiation and planning process, the project manager will deal with scheduling, project scope and the cost of the project. This area is often referred to as the triple constraint of project management (time-scope-cost). This phase will also involve bringing in stakeholders and getting corporate approval for the project to show that the end goal provides value for customers.

Next comes the execution and monitoring of the project and the individual deliverables or stages along the way. The original concepts of time, scope and budget still play a key role in this process, as adjustments can be made to maintain the overall goals within a successful project. Finally, the complete project is delivered and the end goal is met. Any issues or risks along the way will be documented to improve efficiency in subsequent projects.

Project management methodologies have the same goals, but they achieve those goals in different ways and by using different workflows. Each has its own benefits and drawbacks. Each one also tends to be more appropriate for specific fields or industries.

Below are the most popular project methodologies and what sets them apart.

Waterfall project management is focused on linear task completion and adherence to a strict timeline and task completion order. The sequence of completion for tasks is rigid in Waterfall project management. Waterfall works best for repeated and predictable projects. However, it doesn’t work well when flexibility is needed or previous tasks need to be revisited.

Agile is a flexible project management methodology and has become popular in software development where the goal is constant improvement over time. Agile focuses less on rigid sequences and more on an iterative approach that tries to improve a product through a triage type of system to address issues.

Scrum is a type of Agile project management and is based on team efforts led by a Scrum Master. Scrums are categorized by unique techniques, such as sprints, where an entire team works towards one goal. Scrum works well for collaborative and team environments but can be adapted to other situations as well.

Lean project management focuses on getting the most results from the lowest amount of resources. It does this by prioritizing efficiency and eliminating wasteful redundancies or tasks not directly related to the end goal. Lean can work well for organizations looking to cut costs or improve efficiency.

Critical Path

Critical Path is a component of other popular project management methodologies. It focuses on the longest sequence of events from the start of a project to the end. This is defined as the critical path. The time needed for each step along the path is then determined via an algorithmic flow chart.

Kanban is based on the Agile framework, providing a visual way of managing and monitoring a complex project. A “Kanban board” is used, and the board provides an overview of a project at a glance. The board contains cards that represent tasks or project goals. The cards are moved between columns as they reach different stages of completion.

Other visualization tools are used in the project management process, such as Gantt charts. These provide a more linear look at tasks and the relation each task has to the other.

With the popularity of project management in many industries, a host of tools have been developed to help with various aspects of project management and methodologies.

Scheduling and Planning Tools

Most project management tools will have scheduling and planning tools. These tools help with the initial phases of project development.

Dashboards allow project managers and individual team members to quickly see the information they need at a glance. When choosing project management software, the ability to customize dashboards is an important feature to look for.

Collaboration Platforms

Some project management solutions prioritize collaborative efforts either through built-in tools or enhanced communication integration. These collaborative tools can include software you may already be using. For example, if your teams already use Slack extensively, a project management solution that integrates with Slack can help you maintain your current workflow.

Budgeting and Expense Tracking

Different industries will require different levels of budgeting and expense tracking. Some project management tools offer enhanced integrations with popular business software. For example, Zoho Projects offers detailed time tracking and expense reporting along with integrations for popular accounting apps.

Resource Management

Resource management can be crucial during the project management process. Some project management solutions, such as Wrike, prioritize this aspect of project management and offer advanced reporting and analytics to monitor resource allocation and management.

Documentation

For project managers, teams and stakeholders, documentation is vital to improving project strategies and analyzing their effectiveness. Robust reporting and analytical tools are key to providing proper documentation before, during and after the project objectives have been reached.

Collaboration

Collaboration is a key component of any project. Being able to work across teams efficiently leads to better outcomes and lower costs. Fostering an environment that rewards effective collaboration and offering the tools needed for collaboration are all part of this essential skill.

Communication

Communication in project management is about openness and trust. Everyone involved in the project should feel as though their voice can be heard. Team members should also never feel worried about asking for clarification or where to turn if they hit a roadblock.

Leadership is about building trust. Even if you don’t have a leadership role in a specific project, you can still project the qualities of a leader. This creates a sense of support among the team, knowing everyone is playing their part and that reaching the goal is everyone’s responsibility.

Organization

Organization is needed at every step of project management. A good project manager should have a solid grasp of organizing complex problems and systems. They also need to understand which project management tools will help them best keep the project and the team organized.

Time Management

Without time management, the project will quickly deteriorate and fall behind schedule. Project management tools and methodologies have many features to help with time management. A good team and project manager will know which methodologies will work best for their time management needs.

You can think of the project management framework as an outline or blueprint for the project or goal. In general, the framework will consist of three main components. The first is the lifecycle of the project. This describes the initial planning, execution, management and completion of the project. Other areas considered during this phase are risk management, budgeting and scheduling.

Next in the framework is the project control cycle. This involves the management of the project, reporting and communicating with stakeholders regarding progress.

Finally, there are the tools and templates to be used to complete the entire project management task. Many effective project management methodologies have predefined strategies, templates and tools that can quickly and easily be adapted for a given project.

A project management plan outlines the entire project process. It will contain baselines for the scope of the project, the schedule of the project and the costs. Baselines are important in project management as they provide guidelines and metrics to which managers should adhere. Another component will be the management plan. This outlines how the baselines will be managed as the project moves along.

Next up will be change management. This involves both project management and team management. This involves implementing the changes necessary to reach the end goals of the project. Finally, there will need to be process improvement. This is like an after-action report so that improvements can be made team-wide to improve efficiencies.

Project management can include many roles. The most prominent begins with the sponsor. This is the individual or group that is calling for the project to be implemented. This can be the owner of the business, executives or a working group. Next is the project manager. This role is tasked with overseeing the project at various stages along the way. Some projects may have other similar roles, such as project creative manager, program manager and other roles specific to the project. Project managers are often certified by various groups, such as the Project Management Institute (PMI).

Next are project team members. These are members tasked within the project to contribute and complete milestones to move the project toward completion. In project management, you’ll also often hear about stakeholders. A stakeholder can be any person or group who has a vested interest in the completion and the success of the project. These are the most common roles, but each project can have other specific roles if needed to more efficiently design, manage and execute the project.

Many fields and industries today use project management methodologies.

For example, an IT department may be tasked with rolling out a new piece of software company-wide. Utilizing project management methodologies allows for a smooth and predictable roll-out. The planning phase also lets stakeholders determine if the value is worth the expense.

In software development, an app or SaaS provider may use Agile methodologies to improve the product and address bugs in the software. New feature requests and service requests are represented as specific tasks in the Agile framework. These are triaged based on importance and then addressed one by one until completion.

This Agile software example is a more continuous type of project management versus a single project. However, project management methodologies work equally well in both settings, and that type of flexibility across industries and applications is one of its main strengths.

Project management provides a reliable and proven set of tools to efficiently complete a wide variety of projects and initiatives. These proven tools help to keep projects on schedule and within budget at each step along the way.

These common project management skills and tools can be used by virtually every industry or organization that is focused on improving efficiency and the quality of the product or service they offer to customers.

What is project management in simple terms?

Project management is a set of tools and methodologies to help complete projects in a way that maintains their scope, scheduling and costs.

What exactly does project management do?

Project management provides a framework and a plan for developing a project, managing that project throughout, and then completing the project. Project management achieves this by following various methodologies that have been proven to increase efficiency and reduce costs.

What are the four types of project management?

The four most common types of project management are Waterfall, Agile, Scrum and Strategic.

What are the four main roles of a project manager?

The four main responsibilities of a project manager are to:

Plan and develop the project.
Choose the roles and team members needed for the project.
Monitor and manage the project through execution.
Deliver the goals of the project and review the process for areas of improvement.

What makes a good project manager?

A good project manager needs a complete skill set that includes communication skills, leadership qualities, organizational skills and knowledge of project management methodologies.

What are the main project management certifications?

The typical project management certifications include:

Project Management Professional (PMP)
Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)
PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)
Disciplined Agile
Professional in Business Analysis (PMI-PBA)

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8 Best Proposal Management Software of 2023

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Looking for the best proposal management software? Check out our comprehensive list of top-rated software options, with features, pros, cons, and pricing.

Honeybook: Best for small businesses and freelancers

Pandadoc: best for versatility and integration, docusign: best for secure and compliant proposal management, better proposals: best for simplicity and ease of use, proposify: best for streamlined proposal workflows, qwilr: best for interactive and engaging proposals, loopio: best for rfp automation, jotform: best for customization and flexibility.

Navigating the complexities of proposal management can be a stressful task for businesses of all sizes. Proposal management software streamlines this process, offering tools to create, send, track and manage proposals efficiently. In a market brimming with diverse options, selecting the right software can significantly impact your team’s efficiency, accessibility, collaboration and client engagement.

Here are the top 8 proposal management software of 2023, providing you with a detailed comparison to help you make an informed choice.

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Proposal management software comparison

Key features of proposal management software

How to choose the right software

Methodology

Top proposal management software: comparison table.

Before we dive into the specifics of each software, let’s see how they stack up against each other based on key features and pricing. Remember, no single tool is a one-size-fits-all solution; each has its unique strengths and limitations.

Honeybook is more than just proposal management software; it’s a holistic client management platform that’s particularly well-suited for small businesses and freelancers with centralized features that enable its users to run their businesses in one place. Its intuitive design and comprehensive set of features make managing proposals, contracts and client communications a breeze.

In addition to a 7-day free trial, it has three paid plans: the Starter plan, which costs $8 per month: the Essentials plan, which costs $16 a month and the Premium plan which costs $33 per month. These are the prices if you choose to be billed annually, and are 50% off.

Professional online contacts ( Figure A ) to create, customize and virtually sign contracts.
Online payments using hassle-free click-to-pay features.
Automated workflows to streamline your business processes and save time.
User-friendly interface, making it accessible even for those with limited technical expertise.
Ability for users to manage all aspects of client interaction in one place.
A supportive community of users and a responsive customer support team.
May have limited feature sets for larger businesses or those with rather complex.
Is currently unavailable beyond the USA and Canada.

Integrations

Honeybook offers integrations including QuickBooks, Gmail, Calendly, Facebook and Zapier.

Why we chose Honeybook

Honeybook’s all-encompassing approach to client management, combined with its user-friendly interface, makes it a compelling choice for businesses looking for an end-to-end business management solution. It combines invoice, contract and payment features in its proposal software to ensure small businesses interact with their clients seamlessly.

For more information, read our full Honeybook review .

PandaDoc is a proposal management software tool that enhances the creating, sending, tracking and managing of professional proposals and other business documents. It’s a versatile tool with comprehensive integration capabilities that serves businesses of varying sizes and simplifies the creation, management and tracking of proposals.

PandaDoc has three paid plans, the Essentials, Business and Enterprise plans. While the Enterprise plan requires you to contact PandaDoc for a quote, the Essentials and Business plans cost $19 and $49 per seat per month respectively, when billed annually.

Screenshot of PandaDoc drag and drop proposal.

Drag-and-drop ( Figure B ) document editor to seamlessly build proposals.
Content library for saving formats, text blocks, layouts and more.
Real-time notifications for when and how a recipient interacts with a proposal.
Highly flexible and customizable.
In-depth tracking and analytics features.
Multi-language support and a wide range of integrations.
PandaDoc’s advanced features may introduce a learning curve.
Higher base price, which may price out small teams.

The tool offers a wide range of integrations, the most popular being Pipedrive, Stripe, PayPal, Zoho, HubSpot and Square.

Why we chose PandaDoc

PandaDoc’s adaptability and rich feature set make it worth considering for businesses seeking a scalable and integrable proposal management solution. Its drag-and-drop document editor in particular stands out as it makes creating proposals user-friendly.

DocuSign is renowned for its robust e-signature solution, but it also offers a comprehensive proposal management system. With solutions across use cases like legal, HR, procurement and sales, it offers two contract management products and a couple of electronic signature products that strengthen compliance and uncover answers to key business operations faster.

Its contract lifecycle management software and enterprise plans require prospective clients to contact DocuSign for a quote.

Secure e-signature ( Figure C ) technology ensures that proposals are signed legally and securely.
Advanced security features protect sensitive proposal information.
AI and analytics lower risk, save time and uncover opportunities.
DocuSign is known for its strong security and compliance measures.
The platform’s ease of use makes proposal management efficient.
The software includes 400+ integrations with other business tools.
Focus on risk, security and compliance might make it less flexible for some users.
CLM software pricing isn’t publicly listed.

DocuSign integrates with 400+ products including Stripe, Oracle, Zoom, Google and a variety of CRM systems, including Salesforce and Microsoft Dynamics.

Why we chose DocuSign

DocuSign’s emphasis on security and compliance, combined with its powerful e-signature technology, already makes it a great choice. However, its simplicity is also as compelling a reason as any to choose it as it remains easy to use for the user and their contact.

Better Proposals is a proposal management tool that stands out for its simplicity and user-friendly interface. Its simplicity is underpinned by drag-and-drop tools as well as pre-designed templates to make proposal management as friendly as possible. Businesses like agencies, SaaS teams, sales teams and freelancers will feel right at home with this focused and straightforward software for proposals.

Billed annually, Better Proposals offers the Starter plan at $13, the Premium plan at $21 and the Enterprise plan at $42, all per user per month.

Screenshot of Better Proposals template.

Simple proposal editor allows for quick and easy proposal creation.
200+ templates ( Figure D ) that cater to different industries and proposal types.
Proposal tracking features which provide insights into how recipients interact with proposals.
Better Proposals is extremely easy to use, even for non technical users.
The platform offers a wide range of customizable templates.
Real-time tracking provides valuable insights into proposal engagement.
It may lack some advanced features found in more robust proposal management tools.
The simplicity of the tool might not meet the needs of larger businesses with complex proposals.

While Better Proposals may not offer as extensive a range of integrations as some other tools, some of its integrations include Zapier, Stripe, PayPal, HubSpot, Pipedrive, Asana and Salesforce.

Why we chose Better Proposals

We chose Better Proposals for its user-friendly interface and straightforward proposal management capabilities. Its intuitive platform makes it a popular choice for small businesses or those new to proposal management looking for an easy-to-use solution with effective tracking capabilities.

Proposify is a proposal management software designed to simplify and streamline the process of creating, sending and tracking proposals. It’s particularly well-suited for teams that require a collaborative approach to creating proposals, offering a range of tools that facilitate teamwork and efficiency. With its user-friendly interface and powerful features, Proposify aims to transform the often-tedious task of proposal writing into a more manageable and even enjoyable experience.

Proposify offers two plans, Team and Business. The Team plan is billed at $49 per user per month, while the Business plan requires you to contact the company for pricing information.

Intuitive document editor for creating visually appealing documents.
Collaboration features for teams to work together efficiently on proposals.
A variety of templates ( Figure E ) to instantly deliver engaging and comprehensive proposals.
Intuitive design tools for creating impressive documents without design expertise.
Expert-level customization and training services for maximizing the visual impact of sales documents.
Robust suite of design tools to craft high-quality proposals.
Inability to save custom templates for future use.
No undo function.

Proposify integrates with a variety of CRM and sales tools, with notable ones including Salesforce, HubSpot, Stripe and QuickBooks.

Why we chose Proposify

Proposify was selected for its comprehensive set of features for creating high-quality proposals and streamlining proposal workflows. Its user-friendly design tools, coupled with expert customization services, make it an ideal choice for businesses aiming to enhance their proposal aesthetics and effectiveness.

Qwilr stands out in the sales proposal management software market with an innovative approach to creating proposals that, instead of making traditional documents, Qwilr enables users to create interactive, web-based proposal pages that can include multimedia elements and interactive pricing tables. This modern take on proposals not only enhances the visual appeal but also engages potential clients in a more dynamic way, setting the stage for a memorable first impression.

Qwilr has two plans, Business and Enterprise.The Business plan costs $35 per user per month, while the enterprise plan costs $59 per user per month, both billed annually.

Screenshot of Qwilr interactive proposal.

Interactive ( Figure F ), web-based proposal page capabilities.
Multimedia and interactive pricing table integration.
Customization with brand colors and fonts.
Interactive proposals provide a modern and engaging client experience.
Multimedia integration enhances proposal appeal and effectiveness.
Customization options ensure brand consistency and professionalism.
Web-page format may not suit all types of proposals.
Some users may prefer more traditional, multi-page proposal formats.

Qwilr integrates with a range of productivity and CRM tools, including Slack, HubSpot, Zapier, Stripe, Pipedrive and Salesforce.

Why we chose Qwilr

We chose Qwilr its innovative approach to proposal creation, transforming traditional documents into interactive web pages. Its emphasis on a modern digital experience aligns with today’s sales strategies.

Loopio is a robust proposal management platform that uses AI to automate the RFP (Request for Proposal) process. It’s suitable for organizations that regularly deal with complex RFPs and need to manage a large volume of content efficiently. Loopio’s platform is built around a central library where responses to common RFP questions are stored and easily accessible, making the proposal process faster and more consistent.

Loopio offers four plans, Essential, Plus, Advanced and Enterprise. Each plan requires business owners to contact them for a quote.

Structured content library for efficient proposal writing.
Built-in proposal automation software, like Magic ( Figure G ) which automates answers.
Proactive outreach to customers before RFP requests.
Content library structure streamlines the proposal creation process.
Automation features save time on repetitive RFP questions.
Enables proactive customer engagement, offering a competitive edge.
Focus on RFP responses may not suit traditional sales processes.
Content library requires regular updates and management.

Loopio’s key integrations include Salesforce, Slack, Microsoft Dynamics 365, Sharepoint, OneDrive, Google Drive and Okta, among others.

Why we chose Loopio

Loopio was chosen for its AI-driven tools that automate the RFP response process, making it a powerful option for sales teams. Its proactive outreach capabilities and structured content library provide a strategic advantage in the proposals landscape.

Jotform is a versatile online form builder that extends its capabilities to proposal management. Known for its high degree of customization and flexibility, Jotform allows users to create tailored proposal forms that can be embedded into websites or sent directly to clients. Its drag-and-drop interface makes it accessible to users of all skill levels and the platform’s adaptability makes it suitable for a wide range of industries and business sizes.

Besides a free plan, Jotform offers four other plans: Bronze, Silver, Gold and Enterprise. The Bronze plan costs $34 per month, the Silver plan costs $39 per month, the Gold plan costs $99 per month and the Enterprise plan’s pricing isn’t listed.

Screenshot of Jotform proposal template.

Drag-and-drop form builder for easy proposal form creation.
Extensive library of templates ( Figure H ) and widgets to enhance proposals.
Advanced customization options for branding and unique proposal requirements.
High degree of customization caters to specific business needs.
User-friendly interface simplifies the proposal creation process.
Versatile platform suitable for various industries and business sizes.
Advanced features and integrations are limited to higher-tier plans.
Some users may prefer dedicated proposal management software with more focused features.

Jotform offers 100+ integrations, with some of the most popular including Slack, PayPal, Google Sheets, Zoom, HubSpot, Mailchimp and Google Calendar.

Why we chose Jotform

We chose Jotform for its exceptional customization capabilities and vast free proposal creation resources. Jotform has a free online proposal creator that customizes PDF templates without any coding. Additionally, it’s the only tool on this list that offers a free plan with all the product features included. However, the free plan is limited to five forms.

When selecting proposal management software, it’s crucial to consider the features that will most significantly impact your business’s proposal process. Here are some of the key features to look out for and why they matter:

E-signature integration

The ability to sign documents electronically streamlines the approval process, reducing turnaround times and eliminating the need for often frustrating and time-consuming physical paperwork. Organizations looking to expedite their deal-closing process treasure this feature. Teams that carry out interactions with their potential clients remotely will also have this as a non-negotiable feature.

Custom branding

It’s important for businesses to infuse their proposals with their unique identity. That’s what custom branding allows them to do by creating a professional and cohesive look. Any business that wants to leave a lasting impression on its clients will consider this feature essential.

CRM integration

Integrating proposal management software with a customer relationship management (CRM) system can significantly enhance efficiency. This integration allows for seamless data transfer, better tracking of client interactions and a more personalized approach to proposal creation.

Interactive quoting

Interactive quoting enables potential clients to adjust quantities, select different options and see pricing changes in real-time. This feature not only enhances the user experience but also empowers clients to make informed decisions.

Multi-language support

For businesses operating in a global marketplace, multi-language support is non-negotiable. It ensures that proposals can be created and understood by clients across different regions, breaking down language barriers and ultimately expanding market reach.

API access gives the flexibility to integrate with other systems and customize the software based on your business needs. It’s particularly important for businesses that need custom workflows or want to connect with niche tools and platforms.

How do I choose the best legal proposal management software for my business?

To ensure you choose the correct proposal management software for your business, there are a number of considerations to guide you through the decision-making process. Firstly, you should assess your needs by considering the size of your team, the volume of proposals you handle and any unique challenges you face in the proposal process.

Then take into consideration your current workflow and how a proposal management tool can enhance it. Evaluate the features that are non-negotiable for your business. Make a list of must-haves versus nice-to-haves and then set a budget and determine how much you’re willing to spend. However, remember that while cost is a factor, the right tool can provide a significant return on investment through time saved and increased conversion rates.

Make sure to also be aware of the experiences of others by looking for reviews and testimonials from businesses similar to yours and paying attention to comments about customer support, ease of use and overall satisfaction.

Additionally, use free trials to test the software in your real-world environment where possible — as most proposal management software offer free trials — and consider software that’s able to handle an increasing volume of proposals and adapt to your evolving needs. Finally, choose a tool that has robust security measures in place, especially if it involves sensitive client information and e-signatures. Combining these considerations will certainly help you choose software for proposals that’s right for you.

For this list of proposal management systems, we compared eight popular tools across their features, prices, pros and cons. This comparison was powered by the capabilities and integrations they listed on their websites and verified user reviews to gauge how real-world users responded to the software for proposals. We then tested a number of the tools for a practical experience of the features and ease of setup and use to further inform our findings.

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BOOK OF NEWS

November 15 - 17, 2023, introduction.

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Foreword from Frank X. Shaw

Welcome once again to Microsoft Ignite and this year’s edition of the Book of News. It’s an action-packed version that features more than 100 announcements in a wide range of topics, including infrastructure, Microsoft Copilot, the relationship between data and AI, new tools for developers and security.

At this year’s Microsoft Ignite, our flagship event for IT developers and business decision makers, we are expecting 4,500 in-person attendees in Seattle and more than 175,000 registrants who are participating digitally. Everyone will learn about new products and updates launching today and hear from senior leaders and subject matter experts about what’s on the horizon.

The Book of News is designed to be your guide to all our announcements, making it easy for you to navigate the latest information and provide key details on the topics in which you are most interested. We are excited to share some groundbreaking new products and critical updates that help make work and life easier and more productive.

The overarching theme for this year’s Ignite is how we are working to empower our customers, partners and developers to thrive in the era of AI. In 2023, we witnessed entirely new ways of working via technological advances. Organizations count on their partners to provide innovative, efficient and safe solutions that lead to meaningful business outcomes, and we at Microsoft are proud to deliver those results.

We have a great lineup of news and exciting moments planned for this year’s Microsoft Ignite. I hope that you can join us.

As usual, we eagerly want your feedback. Please let us know how we can do better. We want to make sure you receive the information and context you need from this event. What can we do to make the experience even better next time?

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The Microsoft Ignite Book of News is your guide to key news items that we are announcing at Microsoft Ignite. The interactive Table of Contents gives you the option to select the items you are interested in, and the translation capabilities make the Book of News more accessible globally. (Just click the Translate button below the Table of Contents to enable translations.)

We pulled together a folder of imagery related to a few of the news items. Please take a look at the imagery here . To watch keynotes and sessions related to news items, we have links below the news to get you quick access to upcoming sessions and on-demand videos.

We hope the Book of News provides all the information, executive insight and context you need. If you have any questions or feedback regarding content in the Book of News, please email [email protected] .

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1.1.1. azure machine learning updates streamline and operationalize ai.

Azure Machine Learning continues to improve user experiences with new enhancements, including the general availability of prompt flow and model catalog and the preview of an integration with OneLake in Microsoft Fabric, empowering developers and machine learning professionals to streamline the development of AI-powered applications and operationalize responsible generative AI solutions across all stages of the generative AI development lifecycle.

Updates to Azure Machine Learning include:

Prompt flow streamlines the entire development lifecycle of applications powered by large language models (LLMs). It enables developers to design, construct, evaluate and deploy LLM workflows, connecting to a variety of foundation models, vector databases, prompts and Python tools through both visualized graphs and code-first experiences in CLI, SDK and Visual Studio Code extension. Prompt flow is now generally available in Azure Machine Learning and in preview in Azure AI Studio.
Model catalog will empower users to discover, evaluate, fine-tune and deploy foundation models from renowned providers, such as Hugging Face, Meta and OpenAI, facilitating developers in selecting the optimal foundation models for their specific use cases. Within the model catalog, users can find a comprehensive comparison view for benchmarking metrics of multiple foundation models, allowing users to self-educate and make informed decisions about the suitability of models and datasets for their specific use cases. Model catalog has expanded to include new models like Code Llama, Stable Diffusion and OpenAI’s CLIP (Contrastive Language-Image Pretraining) models. Model catalog will be generally available soon and is available in preview in Azure AI Studio, broadening its availability and applicability.
Model-as-a-Service through inference APIs and hosted-fine-tuning , coming soon in preview, will enable developers and machine learning professionals to easily integrate foundation models such as Llama 2 from Meta, upcoming premium models from Mistral, and Jais from G42 as an API endpoint to their applications and fine-tune models without having to manage the underlying GPU infrastructure.
OneLake is now available in preview as a datastore in Azure Machine Learning, facilitating a seamless transition between Microsoft Fabric and Azure Machine Learning. This integration allows data engineers to share machine learning-ready data assets developed in Fabric, enabling machine learning professionals to directly utilize them for model training in Azure Machine Learning. Additionally, machine learning professionals can write model predictions back to OneLake for further processing in Fabric or to surface insights through Power BI.

Additional resources :

Blog: Ignite 2023: What’s new in Azure AI Platforms – Charting the Future with Innovative AI and ML
Keynote: Microsoft Cloud in the era of AI
Breakout: End-to-End AI App Development: Prompt Engineering to LLMOps
Breakout: Evaluating and Designing Responsible AI Systems for The Real World
Demo: Llama 2 inference APIs & hosted fine-tuning in Azure AI model catalog
Demo: Monitor ML and GenAI apps for safety and quality in production
Demo: Operationalize ML Lifecycle with managed feature store
Demo: Transform your AI workflows with RAG in prompt flow

1.1.2. Microsoft launching AI platform Azure AI Studio

Microsoft is launching the preview of its unified AI platform, Azure AI Studio , which will empower all organizations and professional developers to innovate and shape the future with AI.

The platform, accessibly and responsibly designed, will equip organizations with a one-stop shop to seamlessly explore, build, test and deploy AI solutions using state-of-the-art AI tools and machine learning models, all grounded in responsible AI practices. Developers will be able to build generative AI applications, including copilot experiences, using out-of-the-box and customizable tooling and models.

Users can choose the data source, including Microsoft Fabric OneLake and Azure AI Search, for vector embeddings, select models from a comprehensive catalog of frontier and open-source models, orchestrate prompt flows, evaluate model responses, identify fine-tuning opportunities and scale proof of concepts into full production with continuous monitoring and refinement.

Blog: Unleashing the Power of Generative AI: Azure AI Studio Leads the Way
Blog: Driving inclusive AI innovation with Azure AI Studio .
Blog: Driving AI Innovation Across Digital Landscapes – Azure AI and Microsoft Fabric Integration.
Demo: AI-powered Search: From Prototypes to Production with Azure AI Studio
Discussion: Building Copilots for Enterprise Experiences Q&A
Discussion: Empowering Inclusive Innovation with Azure AI Studio Q&A
Breakout: Build your own Copilot with Azure AI Studio
Breakout: What’s New in Generative AI?

1.1.3. New capabilities for developers to build generative AI solutions safely, responsibly

Microsoft leads the industry in the safe and responsible use of AI. The company has set the standard with an industry-leading commitment to defend and indemnify commercial customers from lawsuits for copyright infringement with the Copilot Copyright Commitment (CCC). Today, Microsoft takes its commitment one step further by announcing the expansion of the CCC to customers using Azure OpenAI Service. The new benefit will be called the Customer Copyright Commitment. As part of this expansion, Microsoft has published new documentation to help Azure OpenAI Service customers implement technical measures to mitigate the risk of infringing content. Customers will need to comply with the documentation to take advantage of the benefit.

And Azure AI Content Safety, now generally available, helps organizations detect and mitigate harmful content and create better online experiences. Customers can use Azure AI Content Safety as a built-in-safety system within Azure OpenAI Service, for open-source models as part of their prompt engineering in Azure Machine Learning or as a standalone API service.

Download: Visual assets
Blog: Microsoft Azure AI, data, and application innovations help turn your AI ambitions into reality
Learn: Customer Copyright Commitment Required Mitigations
Keynote: Microsoft Ignite opening

1.1.4. New features for Azure AI Vision

Azure AI Vision offers innovative computer vision capabilities to empower developers to analyze images, read text and detect faces with pre-built image tagging, text extraction with optical character recognition (OCR) and responsible facial recognition.

Several new updates to the solution, including:

Liveness functionality and Vision SDK: Liveness functionality will help prevent face recognition spoofing attacks and conforms to ISO 30107-3 PAD Level 2. Vision SDK for Face will enable developers to easily add face recognition and liveness to mobile applications. Both features are in preview.

Image Analysis 4.0: This API introduces cutting-edge Image Analysis models, encompassing image captioning, OCR, object detection and more, all accessible through a single, synchronous API endpoint. Notably, the enhanced OCR model boasts improved accuracy for both typed and handwritten text in images. Image Analysis 4.0 is generally available.

Florence foundation model: Trained with billions of text-image pairs and integrated as cost-effective, production-ready computer vision services in Azure AI Vision, this improved feature enables developers to create cutting-edge, market-ready, responsible computer vision applications across various industries. Florence foundation model is generally available.

Blog: Are You Alive: Enhancing Azure AI Vision Face API with Liveness Detection
Blog: Announcing general availability of Azure AI Vision Image Analysis 4.0 API
Lab: Implement a Computer Vision Solution with Azure AI Vision

1.1.5. New multimodal AI capabilities now available in Azure OpenAI Service

Azure OpenAI Service has unveiled several multimodal AI capabilities to empower businesses to build generative AI experiences with image, text and video. They include:

DALL·E 3 : Imagine an AI model that can generate images from text descriptions. DALL·E 3 is a remarkable AI model that does just that. Users describe an image, and DALL·E 3 will be able to create it. DALL·E 3 is in preview.
GPT-3.5 Turbo model with a 16k token prompt length and GPT-4 Turbo: The latest models in Azure OpenAI Service will enable customers to extend prompt length and bring even more control and efficiency to their generative AI applications. Both models will be available in preview at the end of November 2023.
GPT-4 Turbo with Vision (GPT-4V): When integrated with Azure AI Vision, GPT-4V will enhance experiences by allowing the inclusion of images or videos along with text for generating text output, benefiting from Azure AI Vision enhancement like video analysis. GPT-4V will be in preview by the end of 2023.
GPT-4 updates: Azure OpenAI Service has also rolled out updates to GPT-4, including the ability for fine-tuning. Fine-tuning will allow organizations to customize the AI model to better suit their specific needs. It’s akin to tailoring a suit to fit perfectly, but in the world of AI. Updates to GPT-4 are in preview.

These advancements in Azure OpenAI Service open new possibilities for businesses and users alike. With DALL·E 3 and GPT-4 Turbo for Vision, creativity knows no bounds, and communication with machines becomes more intuitive. The availability of GPT-3.5 Turbo with a 16K token prompt length, and GPT-4 Turbo, along with updates to GPT-4, will enable improved adaptability and efficiency, making it even more useful across various industries.

Blog: GPT-4 Turbo with Vision on Azure OpenAI Service

1.1.6. New summarization and translation capabilities in Azure AI

Several new features in Azure AI will aid developers when summarizing and translating language for app usage. Updates, now in preview, include:

A new task-optimization summarization capability in Azure AI Language, powered by large language models (GPT-3.5-Turbo, GPT-4, Z-Code++ and more).
A new machine translation model capable of translating from one language to another without translating in English as an intermediary. In addition, it can be customized using customer data to better align translations to the industry’s context.
Named entity recognition , document translation and summarization in containers will allow government agencies and industries, such as financial services and healthcare, with strict data residency requirements to run AI services on their own infrastructure.
Personal voice , a new custom neural voice feature that will enable businesses to create custom neural voices with 60 seconds of audio samples for their users. Personal voice is a limited access feature .
Text-to-speech avatar , a new text-to-speech capability that will generate a realistic facsimile of a person speaking based on input text and video data of a real person speaking. Both prebuilt and custom avatars are now in preview, however, custom avatar is a limited access feature.
Blog: Empowering developers to use natural language capabilities using containers
Blog: Azure AI Speech launches Personal Voice in preview
Blog: Azure AI Speech announces public preview of text to speech avatar
Demo: Next-gen summarization powered by generative AI
Demo: Building brands with Azure OpenAI Service and Azure AI Speech

1.1.7. Unlock video insights with updates in Azure OpenAI

The powerful integration of Azure AI Video Indexer, Azure AI Search and Azure OpenAI Service offers users a comprehensive solution for capturing essential insights from video content and enables natural language question-answering, video summarization and efficient content search. These new features, now in preview, include:

Video-to-text summary: Users will be able to extract the essence of video content and generate concise and informative text summaries. The advanced algorithm segments videos into coherent chapters, leveraging visual, audio and text cues to create sections that are easily accommodated in large language model (LLM) prompt windows. Each section contains essential content, including transcripts, audio events and visual elements. This is ideal for creating video recaps, training materials or knowledge-sharing.
Efficient Video Content Search: Users will be able to transform video content into a searchable format using LLMs and Video Indexer’s insights. By converting video insights into LLM-friendly prompts, the main highlights are accessible for effective searching. Scene segmentation, audio events and visual details further enhance content division, allowing users to swiftly locate specific topics, moments or details within extensive video.

Additional resources:

Email: Contact the Microsoft Media and Analyst Events Team for more information

1.1.8. Vector search and semantic ranker now generally available in Azure AI Search

Azure AI Search (formerly known as Azure Cognitive Search) is an information search and retrieval platform that enables organizations to deliver highly personalized experiences in their generative AI applications.

Updates to Azure AI Search include:

Vector search : Large language models (LLMs) traverse large volumes of documents and information to generate responses to user queries. This is expensive and can result in slow response times. Given computers are faster and more efficient when working with numerical data compared to documents, techniques have been developed that turn documents and data into a numerical format, called a vector — a long floating point. Vector search indexes allow for faster, more efficient retrieval. Having great vector support is as important to getting a good answer out of an LLM as the LLM itself. Vector search is generally available.
Semantic ranker (formally known as semantic search): With multilingual, deep learning models adapted from Microsoft Bing, semantic ranker prioritizes and ensures the most relevant search results are delivered first. Semantic ranker is generally available.
Availability in Azure AI Studio: Azure AI Search is now available in Azure AI Studio, a new unified AI platform, currently in preview. A robust search and retrieval system is a critical component of the generative AI systems’ development lifecycle. Therefore, making Azure AI Search available in Azure AI Studio will enable support for the full value chain, streamlining workflow for the app developer by putting everything they need in one place.
Blog: Announcing general availability of vector search and semantic ranker in Azure AI Search
Discussion: Vector Search: Retrieval Augmented Generation and Generative AI Apps
Demo: Revolutionizing Search Relevance with Semantic Ranking
Breakout: Vector search and state of the art retrieval for Generative AI apps

1.2. Azure Compute

1.2.1. new amd-based azure virtual machines now in preview.

Azure is introducing the latest AMD-based virtual machines (VMs) built on the 4th Generation AMD EPYC™ Genoa processor. Now in preview for the D, E and F family VMs, these new VMs introduce even greater performance and reliability than the previous AMD v5 VMs based on the 3rd Generation AMD EPYC™ Milan processor. The new Genoa-based VMs will have different memory-to-core ratios spread across the three VM series – the general purpose Dav6 and Dalv6 series, the memory-optimized Eav6 series and the compute-optimized Fav6, Falv6 and Famv6 series.

The Dav6 VM series provides a good balance between memory-to-core ratio, while the Dalv6 series is meant to provide a more cost-effective option for applications that require less memory. The Eav6 VM series is built for applications demanding higher memory-to-core ratios. The Fav6, Falv6 and Famv6 series all have increased CPU performance in comparison to the D and E series AMD VMs and are different only in their memory-to-core ratio.

These new VMs will significantly expand the VM options available for AMD customers, spanning a multitude of popular VM series of varying memory sizes and budget.

Blog: Public Preview: New AMD-based VMs with Increased Performance, Azure Boost, and NVMe Support
Breakout: What’s new and what’s next with Azure IaaS

1.2.2. Running SAP HANA on Azure with new and powerful infrastructure options

The Azure M-series Mv3 family , the next generation of memory optimized virtual machines (VMs), gives customers faster insights, more uptime, lower total cost of ownership and improved price-performance for running SAP HANA workloads with direct Azure IaaS deployments and SAP RISE on Azure. The Mv3 VMs are powered by the 4th-generation Intel® Xeon® Scalable processors and Azure Boost, Microsoft’s system for offloading virtualization. The Mv3 family will scale for SAP workloads, ranging from less than 1 TB to 32 TB.

The Mv3 platform offers improved resilience against common failures in memory, storage and networking, resulting in minimal interruptions to mission-critical workloads. Mv3 delivers up to 30 percent faster SAP HANA ( Hi gh-performance AN alytic A ppliance) data load times for SAP OLAP (Online Analytical Processing) workloads compared to the previous generation Mv2, and up to 15 percent higher performance per core for SAP OLTP (Online Transaction Processing) workloads over Mv2.

Powered by Azure Boost, Mv3 delivers up to two times throughput to Azure premium solid-state drive (SSD) disk storage and up to 25 percent improvement in network throughput over Mv2. Azure Boost is a new system that offloads virtualization processes traditionally performed by the hypervisor and host OS, such as networking, storage and host management, onto purpose-built hardware and software. Azure Boost achieves several benefits for Mv3 VMs, including enhanced network and storage performance at scale, improved security through an additional layer of logical isolation and reduced maintenance impact during future Azure software and hardware upgrades.

Updates to the Mv3 family include:

The Mv3 medium memory offering, with VM sizes up to 4 TB of memory, is now generally available.
The Mv3 very high memory offering, with 32 TB of memory, is now in preview.
See also: 1.5.1. AI infrastructure updates for more info on Azure Boost
Blog: Announcing public preview of new Mv3 Medium Memory Virtual Machines
Breakout: How Microsoft IT uses Azure to run a modern SAP environment

1.3. Azure Confidential Computing

1.3.1. confidential containers on azure kubernetes service in preview.

Confidential containers on Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS) is the first cloud service offering pod-level isolation and memory encryption in a managed Kubernetes service based on the open-source Kata containers project and powered by AMD SEV-SNP. Organizations will be able to migrate their most sensitive container workloads to the cloud without any code changes, while protecting their data in memory from external and internal threats. Confidential containers on AKS is now in preview.

Blog: Learn more about this update .
Product Roundtable: Using confidential VMs and containers to enable new use cases

1.3.2. Microsoft Azure Managed Confidential Consortium Framework in preview

Microsoft Azure Managed Confidential Consortium Framework , now in preview, is a new Azure service that will offer execution of the Microsoft Confidential Consortium Framework (CCF) open-source SDKs as a managed service, eliminating the need for developers to stand up their own infrastructure to support a CCF API endpoint. Developers will be able to more easily build and manage confidential multi-party applications with decentralized trust on a secured and governed network of trusted execution environments.

Keynote: Cloud Native Innovations with Mark Russinovich

1.3.3. New confidential virtual machine option for Azure Databricks

The confidential virtual machine (VM) option for Azure Databricks is now generally available.

Customers seeking to better ensure privacy of personally identifiable information (PII) or other sensitive data while analyzing that data in Azure Databricks can now do so by specifying AMD-based confidential VMs when creating an Azure Databricks cluster. Running a customer’s Azure Databricks cluster on Azure confidential VMs enables Azure Databricks customers to confidently analyze their sensitive data in Azure.

1.3.4. New confidential virtual machines with Intel processors in preview

The DCesv5-series and ECesv5-series confidential virtual machines (VMs) are now in preview. Featuring 4th Gen Intel® Xeon® Scalable processors, these VMs are backed by an all-new hardware-based trusted execution environment called Intel® Trust Domain Extensions (TDX). Organizations will be able to use these VMs to seamlessly bring confidential workloads to the cloud without any code changes to their applications.

1.3.5. New features and services for Azure confidential virtual machines

New features and services for Azure confidential virtual machines (VMs) include Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) 9.3 support, Disk Integrity Tool, temporary disk encryption, new region support and trusted launch as default in PowerShell for all Azure Gen 2 VMs.

RHEL 9.3 support for AMD SEV-SNP confidential VMs will allow Azure customers to specify the RHEL 9.3 image as the guest operating system (OS) for AMD-based confidential VMs. This will ensure any sensitive data processed by their RHEL guest OS is protected in use, in memory. Azure AMD-based confidential VMs provide a strong, hardware-enforced boundary that hardens the protection of the guest OS against host operator access and other Azure tenants. These VMs are designed to help ensure that data in use, in memory, is protected from unauthorized users using encryption keys generated by the underlying chipset and inaccessible to Azure operators. RHEL 9.3 support for AMD SEV-SNP confidential VMs is in preview.

Disk Integrity Tool for Intel TDX confidential VMs will allow customers to measure and attest to a disk in their confidential VM. The tooling comes as an Azure CLI extension that a user can install in their own trusted environment to run a few simple commands to protect the disk. When such integrity protected disks are used for confidential VM deployments, after the VM boots, users will be able to cryptographically attest that OS disk’s root/system partition contents are secure and as expected before processing any confidential workloads. Disk Integrity Tool for AMD SEV-SNP confidential VMs is in preview.

Temporary disk encryption for AMD SEV-SNP confidential VMs will allow Azure customers to encrypt the temporary disk attached to their AMD-based confidential VMs using customer-managed keys. This ensures any sensitive data on those disks is protected at rest. Temporary disk encryption for AMD SEV-SNP confidential VMs is in preview.

New region support for AMD SEV-SNP confidential VMs is now generally available in the following new regions: Southeast Asia, Central India, East Asia, Italy North, Switzerland North, Japan East, Germany West Central and UAE North.

Trusted launch as default in PowerShell for all Azure Gen 2 VMs, now generally available, hardens Azure Virtual Machines with security features that allow administrators to deploy virtual machines with verified and signed bootloaders, OS kernels and a boot policy. This is accomplished via such trusted launch features as secure boot, vTPM and boot integrity monitoring that protect against boot kits, rootkits and kernel-level malware.

1.3.6. New NCCv5 series confidential virtual machines with NVIDIA H100 GPUs in preview

The NCCv5 series confidential virtual machines with NVIDIA H100 Tensor Core GPUs, in preview, will be the first and only cloud offering of its kind that will allow AI developers to deploy their GPU-powered applications confidentially. This will ensure data in both CPU and GPU memory is always encrypted by using keys generated by hardware and is protected from unauthorized alteration. Data scientists needing to train their models and gain insights from multiple third-party data sources will be able do so while ensuring personal data and AI models are kept private and provide evidence of their confidentiality through attestation reports.

Keynote: Inside Microsoft AI innovations with Mark Russinovich
Product Roundtable: Use cases for confidential ML including those using Azure Confidential VMs with NVIDIA H100 GPUs

1.4. Azure Data

1.4.1. amazon s3 shortcuts now generally available.

Amazon S3 shortcuts, now generally available, allow organizations to unify their data in Amazon S3 with their data in OneLake. With this update, data engineers can create a single virtualized data lake for their entire organization across Amazon S3 buckets and OneLake – without the latency of copying data from S3 and without changing overall data ownership.

Data lakes in S3 buckets can continue to exist and be managed externally to Microsoft Fabric. Data is mapped to the same unified namespace and can be accessed using the same Azure Data Lake Storage Gen2 APIs even when the data is coming from S3. Fabric experiences and analytical engines can directly connect to virtualized S3 data in OneLake.

This enables organizations to accelerate the overall value of their data estate with Fabric across clouds, empowering them to leverage generative AI capabilities like Copilot in Microsoft Fabric or build tailor-made large language models grounded on their data with Azure AI Studio.

Blog: Learn more about this update.
Breakout: Unify your data across domains, clouds and engines in OneLake

1.4.2. Azure Data Lake Storage Gen2 shortcuts now available

Azure Data Lake Storage Gen2 (ADLS Gen2) shortcuts are now generally available, empowering data engineers to connect to data from external data lakes in ADLS Gen2 into OneLake through a live connection with target data.

With this update, data from ADLS Gen2 can be reused without copying it, eliminating data duplication and lowering integration cost across an enterprise. By creating an ADLS Gen2 shortcut, data is made ready for consumption through custom large language models (LLMs) or Power BI visuals. ADLS Gen2 shortcuts also accelerate the overall value of the data estate by enabling interoperability with Azure Databricks.

Through an ADLS Gen2 shortcut, customers can now receive fast performance through Power BI Direct Lake Mode with Azure Databricks. Since OneLake uses the same APIs as ADLS Gen2 and supports the same Delta Parquet format for data storage, Azure Databricks notebooks can be easily updated to use the OneLake endpoints for data stored in OneLake.

Breakout: Make your data AI ready with Microsoft Fabric and Azure Databricks

1.4.3. Azure SQL updates offer better cost optimization, deeper integration

Several new features and updates for Azure SQL will make the offering more cost-efficient, reliable and secure. These updates include:

Lower pricing for Azure SQL Database Hyperscale compute

New pricing on Azure SQL Database Hyperscale offers cloud-native workloads the performance and security of Azure SQL at the price of commercial open-source databases. Hyperscale customers can save up to 35 percent on the compute resources they need to build scalable, AI-ready cloud applications of any size and I/O requirement. The new pricing will be generally available in mid-December 2023.

Azure SQL Managed Instance free trial offer , in preview soon, will allow customers to discover, use and explore Azure SQL Managed Instance free of charge for 12 months. Customers will be able to run proof of concepts, test applications or simply learn more about the operational benefits of a fully managed database-as-a-service.

The free trial offer will provide substantial compute and storage to test applications, including:

4 vCores or 8 vCores of compute, limited to 720 vCore hours per month.
64 GB of storage, plus 64 GB of backup storage.
Start and stop instance compute resources on demand.

Azure SQL Managed Instance feature wave , now generally available, introduces a bundle of features that work together to make SQL Managed Instance even more performant, reliable and secure, while enabling even deeper integration with on-premises SQL Server and the broader Azure service platform. Features included in the bundle:

Instance start/stop , which allows customers to start and stop their instance at their discretion to save on billing costs for vCores and SQL licensing.
Zone redundancy , which lets customers deploy their managed instance across multiple availability zones and improve the availability of their service.
Distributed Transaction Coordinator , which lets customers run transactions across multiple database types while keeping the databases in sync.

Additional resources:

Blog: Power what’s next with limitless relational databases from Azure
Breakout: Get superior price and performance with Azure cloud-scale databases
Demo: Migrate to innovate: Modernize your data on Azure SQL Managed Instance
Demo: Scale up your SQL workloads with Azure SQL Database

1.4.4. Microsoft 365 data in Fabric with native OneLake integration

Microsoft 365 data is now able to natively integrate to OneLake in the Delta Parquet format, the optimal format for data analysis. Microsoft 365 data was previously offered only in JSON format. With this new integration, Microsoft 365 data will be seamlessly joined with other data sources in OneLake, enabling access to a suite of analytical experiences for organizations to transform and gain insight from their data. This also means that AI capabilities built using Microsoft Fabric notebooks will now directly access Microsoft 365 data within OneLake. This update is in preview.

1.4.5. Microsoft Fabric now generally available

Microsoft Fabric, an integrated and simplified experience for a data estate on an enterprise-grade data foundation, is now generally available. Fabric enables persistent data governance and a single capacity pricing model that scales with growth, and it’s open at every layer with no proprietary lock-ins. Fabric integrates Power BI, Data Factory and the next generation of Synapse to offer customers a price-effective and easy-to-manage modern analytics solution for the era of AI.

Fabric is for the entire enterprise, complete with role-tailored tools and deep integrations with Microsoft 365, Teams and AI copilots to accelerate analytics capabilities and help scale data value creation for everyone from data professionals to non-technical business users.

1.4.6. Microsoft Fabric, now part of Microsoft Intelligent Data Platform, empowers ISVs

Microsoft Intelligent Data Platform (MIDP) is a set of tightly integrated data services that includes Microsoft Fabric, a unified analytics service that is now generally available. The intelligent data platform empowers organizations to invest more time creating value rather than integrating and managing their data estate.

Built as an easy-to-use software as a service (SaaS), Fabric is open and extensible, providing a rich set of capabilities for independent software vendors (ISVs) to further enrich the platform with industry leading applications. At Ignite, Microsoft will showcase how industry leading partners like London Stock Exchange, Esri, Informatica, Teradata and SAS are bringing their product experiences as workloads into Fabric. This will help partners widen their reach, and expand the breadth of capabilities that our mutual customers can access seamlessly with Microsoft Fabric.

Breakout: Build ISV apps with Microsoft Fabric in the Intelligent Data Platform

1.4.7. New features in Azure Cosmos DB increase developer productivity, cost efficiency

Several new features in Azure Cosmos DB will help developers deliver apps in a more efficient manner while also reducing production cost. These updates include:

Dynamic scaling per partition/region, now in preview for new Azure Cosmos DB accounts, will allow customers to optimize for scale and cost in situations where partitioning is used to scale individual containers in a database to meet the performance needs of applications, or where multi-region configuration of Azure Cosmos DB is used for global distribution of data.

Dynamic scaling provides developers with added flexibility to save costs by scaling up and down their database needs on a more granular level, either by region or by partition of their data. This is cost-friendly for customers who run into hot partitions in their databases or have operations around the globe.

Microsoft Copilot for Azure integration in Azure Cosmos DB, now in preview, will bring AI into the Azure Cosmos DB developer experience. Specifically, this release enables developers to turn natural language questions into Azure Cosmos DB NoSQL queries in the query editor of Azure Cosmos DB Data Explorer. This new feature will increase developer productivity by generating queries and written explanations of the query operations as they ask questions about their data.

Azure Cosmos DB for MongoDB vCore , now generally available, allows developers to build intelligent applications in Azure with MongoDB compatibility. With Azure Cosmos DB for MongoDB vCore, developers can enjoy the benefits of native Azure integrations, low total cost of ownership and the familiar vCore architecture when migrating existing applications or building new ones. Azure Cosmos DB for MongoDB vCore is also introducing a free tier, which is a developer-friendly way to explore the platform’s capabilities without any cost. Learn more about the free tier .

In addition, a new Azure AI Advantage offer will help customers realize the value of Azure Cosmos DB and Azure AI together. Benefits include:

Savings up to 40,000 RU/s for three months on Azure Cosmos DB when using GitHub Copilot or Azure AI, including Azure OpenAI Service.
World-class infrastructure and security to grow business and safeguard data.
Enhanced reliability of generative AI applications by leveraging the speed of Azure Cosmos DB to retrieve and process data.

Vector search in Azure Cosmos DB MongoDB vCore , now generally available, allows developers to seamlessly integrate their AI-based applications with the data stored in Azure Cosmos DB. Vector search enables users to efficiently store, index and query high-dimensional vector data, eliminating the need to transfer the data to more-expensive alternatives for vector search capabilities, such as vector databases.

Blog: Learn more about dynamic scaling.
Blog: Learn more about Microsoft Copilot for Azure integration in Azure Cosmos DB..
Breakout: Data for the era of AI: build intelligent apps with Azure Cosmos DB
Demo: Optimizing workloads with Azure Cosmos DB’s newest Autoscale features
Demo: Build AI-powered apps with Azure Cosmos DB for MongoDB vector search
Discussion: Creating your own ChatGPT experience with enterprise data: Q&A

1.4.8. New manageability and security features for SQL Server enabled by Azure Arc

Enhancements to SQL Server enabled by Azure Arc offer additional management capabilities to SQL Server running outside Azure, including monitoring, high availability/disaster recovery (HA/DR) management and Extended Security Updates.

Monitoring for SQL Server enabled by Azure Arc , now in preview, will allow customers to gain critical insights into their entire SQL Server estate across on-premises datacenter and cloud, optimize for database performance and diagnose problems faster. With this monitoring tool, customers will be empowered to switch from a reactive operation mode to a proactive one, further improving database uptime while reducing routine workloads.

Enhanced high availability and disaster recovery (HA/DR) management for SQL Server enabled by Azure Arc is now in preview. With Azure Arc, customers can now improve SQL Server business continuity and consistency by viewing and managing Always On availability groups, failover cluster instances and backups directly from the Azure portal. This new capability will provide customers with better visibility and a much easier and more flexible way to configure critical database operations.

Extended Security Updates for SQL Server enabled by Azure Arc is now generally available. Extended Security Updates for SQL Server, which provide critical security updates for up to three years after the end of extended support, are now available as a service through Azure Arc. With the Extended Security Update service, customers running older SQL Server versions on-premises or in multicloud environments can manage security patches from the Azure portal. Extended Security Updates enabled by Azure Arc give financial flexibility with a pay-as-you-go subscription model.

Breakout: Do More with Windows Server and SQL Server on Azure
Breakout: Design cloud to edge architecture patterns with Azure Arc
Demo: Bring automated data manageability to SQL Server anywhere
Discussion: Bring cloud-native automated data manageability to SQL Server: Q&A

1.4.9. New performance enhancements in Azure Database for MySQL Business Critical

New performance enhancements in Azure Database for MySQL Business Critical service tier make it ideal for high-performance transactional or analytical applications. With the preview of Accelerated Logs, organizations may see an out-of-the-box improvement in performance of up to two times or more at no additional cost, based on internal testing by Microsoft.

A recent performance benchmark study by Principled Technologies shows that Azure Database for MySQL Business Critical service tier is up to 50 percent faster than MySQL on Amazon Web Services (AWS) Relational Data Service and up to 2.6 times faster than Google Cloud Platform (GCP) Cloud SQL for MySQL. These enhancements help make Azure Database for MySQL Business Critical ideal for mission-critical, Tier 1 MySQL workloads.

Demo: Explore new business-critical features of Azure Database for MySQL

1.4.10. Performance enhancements and new AI capabilities for Azure Database for PostgreSQL

Azure Database for PostgreSQL is a database service built on Microsoft’s scalable cloud infrastructure for application developers. Updates to the service include:

Enhanced performance and scalability for Azure Database for PostgreSQL. This update provides advanced storage and compute capabilities that enable optimal price-performance for enterprise production workloads. Features include:

Premium SSD v2 , in preview, will offer sub-millisecond disk latencies plus up to 64 TB storage and 80K input/output operations (IOPS) for demanding IO-intensive workloads at a low cost, providing great flexibility for managing performance and cost for Tier-1 production environments.
IOPS scaling , in preview, will enable customers to scale up IOPS up to 20K to perform transient operations such as migrations or data loads more quickly, and then scale it back down when not required, to save cost.
Online, dynamic compute and storage scaling , now generally available, adjusts the amount of compute and storage resources based on current demand via a seamless experience with near-zero downtime.

Azure Database for PostgreSQL extension for Azure AI will allow developers to leverage large language models (LLMs) and build rich PostgreSQL generative AI applications, meaning PostgreSQL queries on Azure can now power Azure AI applications. Now in preview, the extension will enable:

Calling into Azure OpenAI Service to generate LLM-based vector embeddings that allow efficient similarity searches, which is particularly powerful for recommendation systems.
Calling into Azure AI Language for a wide range of scenarios such as sentiment analysis, language detection, entity recognition and more.
Demo: Best performance and scalability with PostgreSQL in Azure
Demo: Build AI solutions with Azure Database for PostgreSQL

1.5. Azure Infrastructure

1.5.1. ai infrastructure updates.

Azure is the world’s computer, powering a range of solutions from cloud services to running the most sophisticated AI models. With insights from workloads and customer requirements, Microsoft is optimizing and innovating across every layer of the hardware and software stack.

Microsoft’s ecosystem approach includes longstanding partnerships with industry leaders to provide customers with choice in performance, efficiency and cost for AI inferencing, training and general compute.

Azure infrastructure is adding choice in price and performance across the Azure infrastructure technology stack, from the datacenter and its racks to servers and the silicon that powers them, including:

Custom-built silicon for AI and enterprise workloads in the Microsoft Cloud Today, Microsoft is announcing new custom silicon that complements Microsoft’s offerings with industry partners. The two new chips, Microsoft Azure Maia and Microsoft Azure Cobalt, were built with a holistic view of hardware and software systems to optimize performance and price.

Microsoft Azure Maia is an AI Accelerator chip designed to run cloud-based training and inferencing for AI workloads, such as OpenAI models, Bing, GitHub Copilot and ChatGPT.

Microsoft Azure Cobalt is a cloud-native chip based on Arm architecture optimized for performance, power efficiency and cost-effectiveness for general purpose workloads.

Azure Boost is now generally available One of Microsoft Azure’s latest and most significant infrastructure improvements, Azure Boost, is now generally available. Azure Boost enables greater network and storage performance at scale, improves security, and reduces servicing impact by moving virtualization processes traditionally performed by the host servers, such as networking, storage and host management, onto purpose-built hardware and software optimized for these processes. This innovation allows Microsoft to achieve the fastest remote and local storage performances in the market today, with a remote storage performance of 12.5 Gbps (gigabits per second) throughput and 650K IOPS (input/output operations per second) and a local storage performance of 17.3 Gbps throughput and 3.8M IOPS.

N D MI300 v5 virtual machines with AMD chips optimized for generative AI workloads The ND MI300 v5 virtual machines are designed to accelerate the processing of AI workloads for high range AI model training and generative inferencing, and will feature AMD’s latest GPU, the AMD Instinct MI300X.

NC H100 v5 virtual machines with latest NVIDIA GPUs The new NC H100 v5 Virtual Machine (VM) Series, in preview, is built on the latest NVL variant of the NVIDIA Hopper 100 (H100), which will offer greater memory per GPU. The new VM series will provide customers with greater performance, reliability and efficiency for mid-range AI training and generative AI inferencing. By maintaining more memory per GPU in the VM, customers increase data processing efficiency and enhance overall workload performance.

Blog: Learn more on Microsoft Source.
Blog: Learn more about Azure Boost.
Breakout: Unlock AI innovation with Azure AI Infrastructure

1.5.2. Azure Monitor and Azure Migrate updates

Azure Monitor System Center Operations Manager (SCOM) Managed Instance brings SCOM monitoring capabilities and configurable health models to Azure Monitor. A capability within Azure Monitor, SCOM Managed Instance provides a cloud-based alternative for SCOM customers, providing monitoring continuity for cloud and on-premises environments across the cloud adoption journey.

SCOM Managed Instance is now generally available. Since preview, SCOM Managed Instance has added multiple capabilities such as the integration of SCOM alerts with that of Azure Monitor, the ability to send integrated alerts to IT service management tools, the ability to view service health from the Azure portal and an enhanced onboarding experience.

Azure Migrate , the service used to migrate to and modernize in Azure, is introducing discovery, business case analysis and assessment support for new workloads. This allows customers to analyze their configuration and compatibility for new use cases so they can determine appropriately sized Azure instances at optimal cost and without blockers.

Specific features, in preview, include Spring apps assessment, business case with management costs, business case and assessment with security and Windows and SQL ESU in business case and Web apps assessment, which is generally available.

Blog: Learn more about updates to Azure Monitor System Center Operations Manager (SCOM) Managed Instance .
Blog: Learn more about new Azure Migrate updates .
Breakout: Migrate to Innovate: Be AI-ready, secure and optimize operations
Demo: Next-gen monitoring with Azure Monitor

1.5.3. Introducing Azure IoT Operations

Azure IoT Operations is a new addition to the Azure IoT portfolio that will offer a unified, end-to-end Microsoft solution that digitally transforms physical operations seamlessly from the cloud to the edge.

This offering, now in preview, will feature a “One Microsoft” approach from cloud to edge to digitally transform physical operations. Microsoft is standardizing cloud-to-edge architecture for digital solutions in physical operations with industry standards and open-source approaches.

This unifying approach for customers’ digital ecosystems will remove technical hurdles for the next level of digital transformation, enable technical collaboration across IT and operational technology and bring interoperability and scalability to digital solutions.

That unified approach consists of the following:

Management plane: One control plane to secure and govern assets and workloads across cloud to edge with Azure Arc.
Application development: Consistently build and deploy apps anywhere, in the cloud or at the edge.
Cloud-to-edge data plane: Seamless integration at the data level from asset to cloud and back again.
Common infrastructure: Customers can connect investments in the cloud with their on-premises resources.
Breakout: The AI-era of Industrial Transformation
Discussion: Evolving IoT for physical operations

1.5.4. Microsoft and Oracle announce general availability of Oracle Database@Azure

Microsoft and Oracle announce the general availability of Oracle Database@Azure , which will become available in the US East Azure region starting in December 2023, with expansions planned in the additional regions in the first quarter of 2024 and beyond. Customers will have direct access to Oracle database services running on Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) deployed in Microsoft Azure datacenters, starting with the Oracle Exadata Database Service, combined with the security, flexibility and best-in-class services of Microsoft Azure. Microsoft is the only other hyperscaler to offer OCI Database Services to simplify cloud migration, multicloud deployment and management.

Microsite: Learn more about this update .
Demo: OracleDatabase@Azure Demo
Discussion: Multicloud with OCI and Azure – Oracle Database@Azure
Breakout: Migrate Oracle workloads to Azure

1.5.5. Updates across Azure Arc

Azure Arc simplifies governance and management by delivering a consistent multicloud and on-premises management platform to help organizations control and govern their environments. Updates to Azure Arc features and infrastructure capabilities include:

VMware vSphere enabled by Azure Arc , now generally available, will help users simplify management of hybrid IT estate distributed across VMware vSphere and Azure. It does so with the enablement of Azure Arc, which extends the Azure control plane to VMware vSphere infrastructure and enables the use of Azure security, governance and management capabilities consistently across VMware vSphere and Azure.

Customers can start with connecting Azure Arc to the resources in the VMware vSphere deployments, install agents at scale and enable Azure management, observability and security solutions, while benefitting from the existing lifecycle management capabilities. This feature is now generally available.

The latest Azure Stack HCI feature update , in preview, will bring innovative capabilities that continue to simplify the day-to-day life of IT pros by making the deployment and management of Azure Stack HCI simpler and more automated when coupled with the newly released turnkey solutions. For example, a new cluster deployment capability will automatically provision virtual machines (VMs) and the ability to manage Azure Stack HCI updates from the Azure portal at scale. Additionally, this feature update also expands VM extensions support that include Microsoft Defender for Cloud, Azure Monitor and Azure Update Manager.

Other updates, in preview, include:

Site manager , a new feature as part of the Azure Stack HCI update that will help customers organize all Arc resources per location, which saves time.
A new tool that will leverage Azure Migrate to enable customers to migrate their Hyper-V virtual machines directly to Azure Stack HCI nodes . This simplifies customer migration to a new infrastructure, which is especially useful during their hardware refresh cycle.

In addition to Azure Stack HCI news, AKS on VMware , in preview, will give customers who have used Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS) in the cloud or AKS on-premises on Windows Server or Azure Stack HCI the same experience for their VMware environment. With this new member of the AKS family, Microsoft will have a holistic suite of Kubernetes offerings for customers in the cloud and on-premises.

System Center Virtual Machine Manager (SCVMM) self-service capabilities are now generally available in Azure with Azure Arc. Once connected with Azure Arc, customers can manage and control their System Center Virtual Machine Manager (VMM) environments on Azure and perform VM self-service operations from the Azure portal. Customers get a consistent management experience across Azure for the cloud and hybrid environments. For Azure Pack customers, this solution is intended as an alternative to performing VM self-service operations.

Blog: Bring Azure to your VMware environment: Announcing GA of VMware vSphere enabled by Azure Arc
Blog: Accelerate edge deployments with cloud-managed infrastructure and Azure Stack HCI version 23H2
Learn: What’s new in System Center Virtual Machine Manager

1.5.6. Updates to Azure Storage services

Several new features and performance enhancements for storage on Microsoft Azure are designed to simplify data management, enhance performance and facilitate a smoother migration to the cloud. These updates include:

Azure Ultra Disk Storage: The maximum provisioned input/output operations (IOPS) per second and provisioned throughput on Azure Ultra Disk Storage is increased to 400,000 IOPS and 10,000 MB/s per disk. A single Ultra Disk can achieve the maximum IOPS and throughput of the largest Azure virtual machines, reducing the complexity of managing multiple disks striped together. The increased performance can also be leveraged by multiple Azure Virtual Machines when the Ultra Disk is configured as a shared disk. This update is generally available.

Azure Storage Mover: Azure Storage Mover is a Microsoft service that enables Azure storage customers to migrate their on-premises file shares to Azure file shares and Azure Blob Storage. Updates include:

The Server Message Block (SMB) share to Azure file share migration path is now generally available.
A Storage Mover agent image for VMware is now generally available.
Storage accounts with the blob storage Hierarchical Namespace Service feature are now supported in preview.

New file system performance and economics with Azure Native Qumulo Scalable File Service: Azure Native Qumulo (ANQ) V2 Scalable File Service transforms the cloud file service by combining the performance and elasticity of the cloud with enterprise features and universal compatibility of on-premises file systems.

New and enhanced capabilities, generally available, include:

Unbeatable economics: ANQ offers pay-as-you-go pricing, enabling reductions in cost as data volume grows.
Cloud scale: ANQ separates performance from capacity, allowing throughput and capacity to scale independently, elastically and seamlessly.
Cloud simplicity: ANQ’s rapid deployment gets customers running in just 12 minutes directly in the Azure portal. With ANQ V2’s global namespaces, all workloads can be pointed to a single namespace regardless of the data residing on ANQ or in on-premises Qumulo environments.
Blog: Learn more about Azure Native Qumulo Scalable File Service.
Blog: Learn more about Azure Storage updates .
Product roundtable: Streamline storage data management with Azure Storage Actions
Discussion: Ask our migration experts about migrating data to Azure Storage

1.6. Azure Management & Operations

1.6.1. azure business continuity center helps manage, protect and govern resources at scale, now in preview.

Azure Business Continuity Center is a tool that will give IT admins comprehensive, resilient protection capabilities to address complex security requirements and rapidly evolving threats. The new Azure Business Continuity Center, now in preview, will provide IT admins with these benefits:

Simplified management: A one-stop solution for ensuring business continuity and disaster recovery (BCDR) by providing customers with the ability to manage solutions across first-party Azure services, such as Azure Backup and Azure Site Recovery, and eventually third-party solutions.
Rich insights : Users can view a security summary of the entire BCDR estate and receive guidance on individual security properties with actionable insights to improve security posture.
Protection across the continuum: Helps ensure efficient ransomware protection and mitigation for the infrastructure, data and application layers with simplified monitoring to validate current protection state and configuration drift.

1.6.2. Azure Chaos Studio now generally available

Azure Chaos Studio , now generally available, provides a fully managed experimentation platform for discovering challenging issues through experiment templates, dynamic targets and a more guided user interface.

Chaos Studio offers customers the opportunity to intentionally disrupt their applications to uncover reliability issues and strategize for issue prevention before they impact users. For example, Chaos Studio enables users to assess how applications respond to real-world disruptions like network delays, unexpected storage failures, expired secrets or even complete datacenter outages. Templates in Chaos Studio allow customers, in a matter of minutes, to test the resilience of their Azure resources by providing a set of pre-filled experiments based on common outage scenarios. Dynamic targets functionality allows users to select experiment targets by using Keyword Query Language (KQL) queries, rather than static list selection, allowing more sophisticated fault injection scenarios to be created.

Customers acquire the ability to boost their resilience against faults and failures by gaining a better understanding of application resiliency, conducting experiments with a wide variety of agent- and service-based faults and maintaining production quality through continuous validation.

Blog: Announcing General Availability: Microsoft Azure Chaos Studio
Discussion: Optimize app reliability with automated Load and Chaos testing, Q&A

Two people sit in a room working on a laptop.

2. Developer 2.1. Developer Community

2.1.1. new ai microsoft applied skills credentials now available.

Microsoft is releasing new Microsoft Applied Skills credentials critical to AI transformation to help users:

Develop generative AI with Azure OpenAI Service.
Create an intelligent document processing solution with Azure AI Document Intelligence.
Build a natural language processing solution with Azure AI Language.
Build an Azure AI Vision solution.

Microsoft previously announced Microsoft Applied Skills, a new credential that allows individuals to prove they have specific skills needed to implement projects aligned to business scenarios.

Including the new set available at Microsoft Ignite, 15 Microsoft Applied Skills credentials have been released and with at least five more coming by the end of December 2023. The new credentials align to projects, like developing generative AI solutions or configuring secure access using Azure networking, which are key as organizations adopt cloud and AI technologies.

Microsoft Certifications and Microsoft Applied Skills are complementary and verified by Microsoft, offering a signal of trust to organizations and helping them efficiently pinpoint talent with the technical skills they need to implement highly technical solutions and take on projects critical to organizational success.

The process to earn a Microsoft Applied Skills credential is designed to be straightforward and flexible and includes:

Optional training, including free self-paced learning paths available on Microsoft Learn, with instructor-led training coming soon.
Passing an interactive, lab-based assessment that takes candidates through a series of scenario-based tasks in products like Microsoft Azure or Power Platform. The lab assessment is accessible on-demand directly from Microsoft Learn.
Receiving a credential, verified by Microsoft, which can be easily shared to LinkedIn profiles, providing the opportunity to showcase new skills on a professional network.
Discussion: Boost your profile with the new Microsoft Applied Skills credential
Demo: Navigating Microsoft Credentials

2.2. Developer Tools & DevOps

2.2.1. azure migrate application and code assessment now generally available.

The Azure Migrate application and code assessment , now generally available, complements the Azure Migrate assessment and migration tool to help modernize and re-platform large-scale .NET and Java applications through detailed code and application scanning and dependencies detections. The tool offers a comprehensive report with recommended code changes for customers to apply a broad range of code transformations with different use cases and code patterns.

Breakout: Unlock innovation with AI by migrating enterprise apps to App Service
Discussion: Easy app migration with production grade landing zones & app patterns
Demo: Move to the cloud faster with Azure Migrate app and code assessmen

2.2.2. Azure Container Apps makes it easier to deploy apps, run AI workloads

Azure Container Apps is adding new features to make it easier to deploy code to the cloud and run AI workloads.

Dedicated GPU workload profiles: Users will be able to run machine learning models with Azure Container Apps as a target compute platform to build event driven intelligent applications to train models or derive data-driven insights. This feature is in preview.
Azure Container Apps landing zone accelerator: Simplifies building of a production-grade secured infrastructure at an enterprise scale to deploy fully managed, cloud-native apps and microservices. This feature is generally available.
Azure Container Apps code to cloud: Users will be able to focus on code and quickly take an application from source to cloud without the need to understand containers or how to package application code for deployment. This feature is in preview.
Vector database add-ins: Three of the most popular open-source vector database variants, Qdrant, Milvus and Weaviate, are now available in preview as add-ins for developers to get started in a fast and affordable way.
Blog: Build Intelligent Apps and Microservices with Azure Container Apps
Breakout: AI and Kubernetes: A winning combination for Modern App Development
Discussion: All about Intelligent apps: What are they and how to build them Q&A
Demo: Move to the cloud faster with Azure Migrate app and code assessment

2.2.3. Azure Deployment Environments adds new capabilities

Azure Deployment Environments is adding new capabilities to increase Azure service integration and expand configuration options. These features, now in preview, will make it easier to set up and delete application infrastructure with the Azure Developer CLI tool and the schedule auto-expiry feature and include:

Azure Developer CLI (azd) integration: Enterprise developers will be able to leverage azd to provision application infrastructure using Azure Deployment Environments and more easily deploy code onto their provisioned infrastructure.
Schedule auto-expiry: Development teams will be able to configure environments to auto-expire so that the resources are deleted once an environment is no longer needed.
Breakout: Develop in the cloud with Dev Box and Azure Deployment Environments

2.2.4. Azure Functions announces support for .NET 8, new hosting plan

Azure Functions now supports .NET 8 for applications using the isolated worker model. Support is now available for Windows and Linux on the consumption, elastic premium and application service plan hosting options. This update is generally available.

Flex Consumption Plan is a new Azure Functions hosting plan that will build on the consumption, pay-for-what’s-used, serverless billing model. It will provide more flexibility and customizability without compromising on available features. New capabilities will include fast and large elastic scale, instance size selection, private networking, availability zones and high concurrency control. Users can request access to the private preview .

2.2.5. Azure Kubernetes Service offers new capabilities for AI and machine learning workloads

Customers can now run specialized machine learning workloads like large language models (LLMs) on Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS) more cost effectively and with less manual configuration. The release of Kubernetes AI toolchain operator automates LLM model deployment on AKS across available CPU and GPU resources by selecting optimally sized infrastructure for the model. It makes it possible to easily split inferencing across multiple lower-GPU-count VMs, increasing the number of Azure regions where workloads can run, eliminating wait times for higher-GPU-count VMs and lowering overall cost. Customers can also choose from preset models with images hosted by AKS, significantly reducing overall inference service setup time.

Additionally, Azure Kubernetes Fleet Manager enables multi-cluster and at-scale scenarios for AKS clusters. Platform admins who are managing Kubernetes fleets with many clusters often face challenges staging their updates in a safe and predictable way. This allows admins to orchestrate updates across multiple clusters by using update runs, stages and groups. This is now generally available.

Breakout: Master Platform Engineering: Architecting Scalable & Resilient Systems
Demo: Dev-centric automation, AI-Assisted Ops and Cost Optimization in AKS

2.2.6. Azure Native Services update to optimize performance and scale

Azure Native ISV Services enables organizations to access and utilize specialized software and services on Microsoft Azure. These services offer features tailored for cloud performance, seamless integration and operational efficiency between independent software vendor (ISV) software and services native on Azure.

Apache Airflow™ on Astro – an Azure Native ISV Service now in preview – will enable organizations to place Airflow at the core of their data operations, providing ease of use, scalability and enterprise-grade security to help ensure the reliable delivery of mission-critical data pipelines. With the Azure Native ISV Services integration, Astro will be easily available within the Azure portal as a managed service. Instead of managing complex data pipelines, developers will be able to focus on data, code, security and billing across third-party entities. Developers may opt for the pay-as-you-go option based on their usage with billing via the Azure Marketplace.

2.2.7. Microsoft Dev Box introducing new capabilities for customization and setup

Microsoft Dev Box is introducing new capabilities to support greater customization and simplify Dev Box setup for development teams. These new features, now in preview, focus on increasing developer productivity and satisfaction:

Dev box limits: Developer teams will be able to directly limit the number of dev boxes each developer can create within a project to help manage costs and ensure efficient use of resources.

Additionally, Dev Boxes will connect to new Microsoft hosted networks to simplify network setup by eliminating the need to create, configure and secure a virtual network. IT admins and development teams can also use the new quick create template for a complete, step-by-step guide from initial admin configuration through Dev Box deployment.

Docker, in collaboration with Microsoft, now provides Dev Box-compatible preconfigured images on the Azure Marketplace that have everything needed to build containers with Visual Studio and Docker Desktop.

Demo: Use customization to personalize Dev Box for you and your team
Discussion: The ins and outs of deploying Microsoft Dev Box inside Microsoft, Q&A

2.2.8. Microsoft offering guidance to help organizations establish Platform engineering

Platform engineering is an approach that builds on DevOps best practices through tools for automation, tracking, governance and observability to accelerate modern software application delivery.

Organizations need developers to get started and deploy code quickly while also ensuring their software processes are secure, compliant and cost-controlled. Platform engineering capabilities empower developers with more self-service, automated experiences, and operations teams with more standardized, secure and efficient application development infrastructure to ultimately improve developer productivity, governance and time to business value.

Microsoft provides a core set of technology building blocks and learning modules to help organizations get started on their journey to establish a platform engineering practice.

Breakout: Build a productive and secure AI-powered experience for dev teams
Discussion: Platform engineering Q&A with the Microsoft platform engineering team

2.2.9. MQTT broker feature, publish-subscribe capabilities now available for Azure Event Grid

Azure Event Grid now supports additional capabilities to help customers capitalize on growing industry scenarios. A key part of this new functionality is the ability to deliver publish-subscribe messaging at scale, which enables flexible consumption patterns for data over HTTP and MQTT protocols. This capability is now generally available.

Reflecting the growing demand for connectivity, integration and analytics between Internet of Things (IoT) devices and cloud-based services, Azure Event Grid’s new MQTT broker feature enables bi-directional communication between MQTT clients at scale, enabling one-to-many, many-to-one and one-to-one messaging patterns using MQTT v3.1.1 and MQTT v5 protocols. This feature is now generally available.

These capabilities allow IoT devices from manufacturing plants, automobiles, retail stores and more to send data to – and receive data from – Azure services and third-party services. To process the data further, users can route IoT data to Azure services, such as Azure Event Hubs, Azure Functions and Azure Logic Apps. Data can also be routed to third-party services via webhooks.

Other new features include:

Pull delivery for event-driven architectures: This allows customers to process events from highly secure environments without configuring a public end point, controlling the rate and volume of messages consumed, while supporting much larger throughput. This feature is generally available.
Push delivery to Azure Event Hubs: Event Grid namespaces will support the ability to push events to Azure Event Hubs at high scale through a namespace topic subscription. This enables the development of more distributed applications to send discrete events to ingestion pipelines. This feature is in preview.
Increased throughput units: To help customers scale to meet the demands of these new scenarios, Event Grid has also increased the number of throughput units available in an Event Grid namespace to 40, meeting the needs of more data-intensive scenarios by providing more capacity. This feature is generally available.

2.2.10. New AI and orchestration capabilities from Azure Communication Services

Azure AI Speech integration into Azure Communication Services Call Automation workflows, generally available in November, will enable AI-assisted experiences for customers calling into a business. By recognizing specific phrases as well as free-form sentences spoken by a customer, businesses will be able to adapt to changing customer needs and help shorten the time customers spend navigating Interactive Voice Response (IVR) menus.

Azure Communication Services job router , generally available in early December, will simplify the development of routing capabilities for inbound customer communications and steering customers to the most suitable point of contact in a business. Whether it’s an agent in a contact center with a specific skill set or an automated service designed to manage routine inquiries, job router will ensure that every customer inquiry is pointed to the most appropriate resource available.

Pre-recorded: Transform customer experiences with AI-assisted voice, video and chat

2.2.11.New capabilities simplify app migration to Azure App Service for Linux, Windows

Azure App Service is quickly becoming the preferred cloud destination for migrating millions of .NET and Java workloads still running on-premises. New capabilities that simplify app migration for Linux and Windows include:

Single subnet support for multiple App Service plans is now generally available. Network administrators gain substantial reduction in management overhead thanks to the new capability enabling multiple service plans to connect to a single subnet in a customer’s virtual network.
WebJobs on Linux is now in preview. WebJobs is a popular feature of Azure App Service that enables users to run background tasks in the Azure App Service without any additional cost. Previously available on Windows, it will extend to Linux, enabling customers to run background or recurring tasks and do things like send email reports or perform image or file processing.
Extensibility support on Linux is now in preview. Previously available on Windows, it will allow Linux web apps to take advantage of third-party software services on Azure and connect to Azure Native ISV services more easily.
gRPC, a high-performance, open-source universal RPC framework that now provides full bi-directional streaming support and increased messaging performance over HTTP/2 for web apps running on App Service for Linux is generally available.

2.2.12. New updates for integration of applications, data and processes in Azure

Several new updates have been made throughout Azure offerings, giving users the ability to better integrate their applications, data and processes.

API Management’s Credential Manager , now generally available, simplifies the management of authentication and authorization for both professional developers and citizen developers.

Defender for APIs , a new offering as part of Microsoft Defender for Cloud – a cloud-native application protection platform (CNAPP), is now generally available. Natively integrating with Azure API Management, security admins gain visibility into the Azure business-critical APIs, understand and improve their security posture, prioritize vulnerability fixes and detect and respond to active runtime threats within minutes using machine learning-powered anomalous and suspicious API usage detections.

Azure Integration Environment , in preview, is a new Azure Service that will offer a unified and streamlined experience for Azure Integration Services, presenting users with a single-pane view of the various components of Azure Integration Services used to build the integration solution. With a unified interface, it will empower users to effortlessly orchestrate and manage diverse components of the Azure Integration Services portfolio tailored to their unique needs.

Other updates include:

.NET Framework Custom Code Extensibility for Azure Logic Apps is generally available.
Application Insights enhancements for Azure Logic Apps are generally available.
Business process tracking is in preview.
Discussion: Accelerate innovation with Azure Integration Services Q&A
Demo: Effective API Management: A Deep Dive on OpenAI + Azure API Management
Demo: Enhance API Data security with Defender for APIs

A woman sits in an office holding a Surface tablet.

3. Edge 3.1. Edge

3.1.1. shared links in edge will provide inbox for links.

Shared links in Microsoft Edge for Business will bring links that have been shared in Microsoft Outlook and Teams to helpful locations, such as the address bar, new tab page and the Edge sidebar. The experience will also be available in the Edge mobile app. Instead of having to hunt through emails and chats or ask a colleague for a link again, users will be able to easily find and open these links within the Edge browser.

Users will easily see recent links shared with them from Outlook and Teams by typing in the address bar or opening a new tab. They can also open a new Shared links pane in the Edge sidebar or in the Edge mobile app to see even more links. From there, they can filter by person, date, link type or the app it came from. Edge will be like an inbox to find and open shared links –providing a quick reference home for links that colleagues have shared.

Shared links in Microsoft Edge for Business is available as prepopulated results in the Edge address bar, is in preview in the Edge new tab page and in Edge mobile and will be coming soon to the sidebar.

A woman stands at a kitchen island working on a laptop.

4. Microsoft 365 4.1. Microsoft 365 Apps & Services

4.1.1. introducing microsoft sharepoint premium.

As the volume of content grows across every organization in this era of digital transformation and AI, Microsoft is expanding its content management portfolio beyond SharePoint, the market leader in content platforms.

SharePoint Premium , Microsoft’s new AI-powered solution to transform content management, content experiences and get content ready for Microsoft Copilot, a set of tools that help people achieve more using AI, is now in preview and will be generally available early next year. SharePoint Premium will build structure, security and governance to ground an organization’s content, so Copilot has better information to leverage. New features will include:

Content experiences to help information workers in their flow of work, allowing them to seamlessly discover, interact and collaborate with hundreds of file types , while providing fresh content using AI analytics with branded document packaging.
Content solutions that optimize critical business processes with AI, security and automated workflows.

SharePoint Premium also includes content processing and content governance services and solutions, with both new and existing capabilities from Microsoft Syntex and Microsoft SharePoint Advanced Management.

SharePoint Premium will expand content management in Microsoft 365 to help organizations get more value from their content throughout the lifecycle and bring content into the flow of work for information workers, IT pros, developers and more. Availability of services included in SharePoint Premium will roll out between now and the first half of 2024.

Blog: Introducing SharePoint Premium – the future of AI powered content management and experiences
Breakout: Transform your cloud content experiences: Introducing Microsoft SharePoint Premium

4.1.2. Microsoft Clipchamp and app integrations for Microsoft Designer now available

Microsoft 365 is enabling a new era of visual content creation for commercial customers. With Microsoft Clipchamp and Microsoft Designer , Microsoft 365 is democratizing video and image creation. Intuitive user experiences enhanced by AI make it simple for anyone to create compelling visuals – no experience required.

Microsoft Clipchamp Clipchamp is now generally available for commercial customers and can be accessed by users licensed for Microsoft 365 Enterprise (E3 and E5) and Business (Standard and Premium) suites.

Additionally, Clipchamp Premium features and licensing will become available in December 2023. These features will include 4K exports, organization brand kit capabilities and premium stock content (audio, video and graphics), with more premium features being added in the coming months, including AI-powered features. Customers will also be able to purchase Clipchamp independently of Microsoft 365 as a standalone license.

Microsoft Designer Designer is first coming to commercial customers through integrations in various Microsoft 365 apps, so users can create images within the flow of work. Microsoft 365 Enterprise (E3 and E5) and Business (Standard and Premium) users can now use Designer in Edge. Designer in Teams for creating announcement banners will become available in the coming weeks, and Copilot in Microsoft Designer for use in Word, PowerPoint and Whiteboard will be available by the end of 2023. A preview of the Designer app will become available to commercial customers in the coming months, followed by general availability later next year.

Pre-recorded: Visual Content Creation for Everyone: Clipchamp and Designer
Product roundtable: Microsoft Stream and Clipchamp

4.1.3. Microsoft Loop now generally available with updated features

The Microsoft Loop app is now generally available for the web and mobile (iOS and Android) for commercial customers. The Loop mobile app (iOS and Android) is generally available for consumer customers as well. Full functionality is available to business customers as part of their Microsoft 365 E3, E5, Business Standard and Business Premium Licenses.

Recent improvements and new capabilities for the Loop app include:

Workspace status: Currently in private preview, Workspace status will provide information such as upcoming deadlines and status changes to provide a simple overview and help people know where to direct their attention.
Workspace descriptions: When a workspace is created, Loop will intelligently surface files and documents that may be related to the project. A more descriptive prompt can be included with the workspace title to return more refined results and kick off a workspace with everything that’s needed. This capability is in preview.
Power Automate: Loop will integrate Power Automate to help simplify task tracking and project management. A new rule can be created in a Loop table enabling automatic notifications to be sent when the table is updated. This automation will help teams stay on track while saving time to focus on what matters. This capability is in preview.
Start a workspace from Teams: After a Teams meeting, a Loop workspace will be able to be created and will be automatically populated with the related documents and notes from the meeting, helping a team get started on their project easily. This capability will be in preview by the end of 2023.
See also: 5.8.1. New capabilities in Microsoft Copilot for Microsoft 365
Demo: More effective meetings and collaboration with Loop + Teams
Pre-recorded: Microsoft Loop: Transforming the way we work together
Product roundtable: Microsoft Loop: help transform the future of co-creation
Product roundtable: Microsoft Loop integrations with apps outside of Microsoft 365
Product roundtable: Microsoft Loop: compliance and admin controls

4.1.4. New updates to Microsoft 365 for frontline workers

Microsoft 365 for frontline workers helps support employee experiences in communications and operational efficiency. New updates to the tool include:

Copilot (formerly Bing Chat Enterprise) with commercial data protection will be available to all Microsoft Entra ID users starting with F3 licenses in December. This new tool will bring AI-powered web searches, answers and content generation for frontline workers. And with commercial data protection, frontline workers will be able to make smart requests, like looking up inventory or summarizing large internal documents, without worrying they are sharing company data.

Shifts plugin for Microsoft Copilot for Microsoft 365: Frontline managers will be able to quickly get a list of important items, specific to their team and location, to speed up time-consuming tasks such as covering shifts and onboarding new employees. Shifts plugin for Copilot for Microsoft 365 will use prompts to retrieve insights for frontline managers, leveraging data from the Shifts app, in addition to user and company data it has access to, like Teams chat history, SharePoint, emails and more. This feature will be generally available in December 2023.

Deploy and manage frontline teams with dynamic membership capabilities: Generally available in December, admins will be able to better deploy their frontline by provisioning frontline worker accounts and their teams with group membership in the Teams admin center. Using dynamic groups from Microsoft Entra ID, admins will automatically be kept up to date as people enter, move within or leave the organization. This dynamic membership makes it easy to set up a consistent Teams channel structure to optimize strong frontline collaboration from day one.

Deploy Shifts at scale: A new deployment tool to deploy and manage shifts for frontline workforce across multiple locations in the Teams admin center will be in preview in December. Users will be able to standardize time-off reasons, schedule groups and shift settings across all frontline teams.

Simple authorization with domain-less sign-in: Frontline workers will be able to sign in to Teams faster using only their employee ID, without having to type long domain names. This will be simple for frontline workers to use and easy to manage and deploy to reduce distribution and management overhead for IT admins. This feature will be available in preview in early 2024.

Breakout: Reimagine the frontline with next-generation AI and fast deployment
Breakout: Transforming service organizations with generative AI

4.1.5. The new Microsoft Planner brings together to-dos, tasks, plans and projects

Microsoft is bringing together Microsoft To Do, Microsoft Planner and Microsoft Project for the web into a single, unified experience called Microsoft Planner . This experience will first be available in the Planner app in Microsoft Teams in spring 2024, followed by web experiences later in 2024. Powerful, collaborative, scalable and assisted by next-generation AI, the new Planner will help everyone effectively manage their work and achieve their goals.

The new Planner experience will scale easily from collaborative task management to robust project management, empowering everyone, from information workers to frontline workers to project managers, so they can manage their work in one place and accelerate business outcomes with AI-enabled capabilities. Benefits will include:

The ability to easily find tasks, so users can focus on the tasks they need to get done today.
Helping users work the way they want. Whether for individual tasks or team initiatives, Planner will enable them to choose the approach that’s best for their needs.
Creating project plans with powerful scheduling and resourcing tools. As plans evolve, Planner will offer a menu of capabilities to meet unique business needs.
Copilot in Planner will help users get started with a plan faster with simple prompts and as the plan evolves, it will add goals and intelligently suggest new tasks to help keep users informed on progress.

In addition, the Tasks by Planner and To Do app in Microsoft Teams is being renamed Planner. Microsoft Project for the web will also be renamed over the coming months. Users of Project for the web can continue to use and enjoy the features they know, under the new name Planner.

The new Planner app in Microsoft Teams with premium work management capabilities and AI-powered experiences will be generally available in spring 2024, with the web experience coming later.

Discussion: The future of AI-enabled work management with Microsoft Planner
Demo: Using Copilot in Microsoft Planner for simple and advanced projects
Pre-recorded: The new Microsoft Planner: Bring together to-dos, plans and projects

4.2. Microsoft Teams

4.2.1. immersive spaces in teams generally available in january.

Immersive spaces in Microsoft Teams, currently in preview, will be generally available in January 2024. Immersive spaces in Teams will bring the power of Mesh into the place where people work every day – Microsoft Teams. From the View menu in a Teams meeting, users can easily transform a 2D meeting into an immersive 3D experience.

Key capabilities in immersive spaces in Teams will include:

Avatars: Choose an avatar previously built for standard 2D Teams meetings or create a new one. Avatars are easy to customize to reflect a person’s appearance, style or mood for the day.
3D environments: Choose from one of the ready-made 3D environments based on meeting needs, whether it’s a big team, social gathering or a small round-table discussion.
Seat assignments: Select where to sit in a meeting or event to drive connections with others.
Spatial audio and audio zones: Have multiple, simultaneous conversations and communicate effectively in subgroups without talking over each other.
Interactive activities: Play built-in interactive games within immersive spaces. Designated areas include spaces to roast marshmallows, throw beanbags, answer icebreaker questions and more.
Live reactions : Use live reactions, such as hearts, thumbs up or clap, during discussions.
Blog: Learn more about what’s new in Microsoft Teams.
Breakout: Get ready for the future of work with Microsoft Teams

4.2.2. Microsoft Mesh generally available in January

Microsoft Mesh , currently in preview, will be generally available in January 2024. With Mesh, users will be able to create custom immersive spaces tailored to specific business needs, such as employee events, trainings, guided tours and internal product showcases. Using a no-code editor, customers will be able to easily customize an immersive event or the Mesh toolkit to leverage the power of Unity for fully customizable experience.

With the Mesh editor, users will be able to customize immersive experiences to address the unique needs of the event without writing a line of code. Event creators will be able to select from a set of ready-to-use immersive spaces, customize them by adding images, videos and screen share in a shared 3D canvas, and have them show up in an event in an orchestrated way. Once these objects are added, change the size and position, or put the video on loop so it fits right into the event. These customizations can then be saved as a template for anyone in the organization to reuse.

At general availability, additional capabilities will make it easier for speakers to interact with attendees when hosting immersive events in Mesh. Event organizers will be able to facilitate a Q&A session by enabling attendees to raise hands. Organizers will see the list of hands raised, in order, and will be able to call on participants, engaging them directly. When called on, attendees will be effectively seen and heard by everyone in the event. This makes immersive events more effective and engaging, and brings elements of real-life town hall experiences where organizers can facilitate a Q&A during an event.

The ability to customize immersive spaces in Mesh will be available in Teams Premium.

4.2.3. New features and enhancements in Microsoft Teams

Microsoft Teams enables effective collaboration and communication for more than 320 million users around the world. New features in Teams bring a smarter, more personalized and simpler experience.

New Teams meeting features include:

Voice isolation in Teams meetings and calls: This AI-driven feature is an advanced noise suppression capability that leverages user’s voice profiles and suppresses other people’s voices in the background during a Teams meeting or call. AI in Teams will recognize an individual’s voice and filter only their voice in Teams meetings and calls. This feature rollout has begun and will be generally available in early 2024.
Decorate your background: Meeting participants will be able to use generative background effects in Teams to show up at their best – even when the space they’re working from isn’t at its best. With Decorate your background, meeting participants can use the power of AI to generate a background that decorates and enhances their real-world room, by cleaning up clutter or adding plants to a wall. This feature will be available early next year in Teams Premium.

Teams chat and channels enhancements, which are rolling out now through January 2024 include:

Customize default reactions: Users will have the flexibility to change and select their default emoji reactions in Teams chat, as well as reduce the number of reactions in their interface.
Forward chat: Users will be able to easily share a message received with another colleague by simply clicking on the message and selecting forward from the menu.
Group chat profile picture: Users will have a better way to reflect their team and group chat topic with custom pictures. Group chat members can upload an image or use pre-selected illustrations and emojis.
Loop components in channels: When composing a post in a channel, users will be able to easily co-create and collaborate on Loop components such as tables, lists, progress trackers and more.
Channel announcement background: Users will be able to create a personalized announcement background that harnesses creativity and engages teams in new ways. Users will be able to add images, type a description or use the power of AI to generate a personalized background. Creating an image using generative AI will be available in Teams Premium and Copilot.

New Teams Phone features include:

Private line: Now in general availability, users can have a private second phone number for a select set of callers so they can make calls directly to a specified contact, bypassing delegates, admins or assistants. Inbound calls to the private line will be distinguished by a unique ringtone and notification.
Protected voicemail: To ensure users don’t miss important voicemails with sensitive information, users will now receive notifications for protected voicemails in the Calls app in Teams with a link to access the voicemail securely in the Outlook web app. This is now generally available.
New Teams Phone offers in India: For customers who have employees based in India, Microsoft is working with local operators – Airtel, Tata Communications Limited and Tata Tele Business Services – which will be launching their Teams Phone-powered solutions in compliance with regulatory requirements in the market. These solutions will provide employees with greater calling flexibility and will support work-from-home scenarios as well.

Updates to create a simpler and easier Teams experience include:

Microsoft Teams web experience: Microsoft recently released the new Teams app for Windows and Mac, and now, the new Teams web experience is generally available for web customers who use Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome, providing a faster and simpler Teams experience to help users save time and collaborate more efficiently. New Teams is reimagined from the ground up to deliver up to two times faster performance while using 50 percent less memory. From redesigning channels and simplifying notifications to enhancing personalization options, the new Teams web experience offers a simpler and responsive user experience that’s easier to navigate and accomplish with fewer clicks.
New Teams keyboard shortcuts: New keyboard shortcuts in Teams will save users time when composing a message, navigating in the app, taking an action in a chat and channels or changing a setting. New shortcuts include Alt+Shift+D to set status to Do not disturb and Alt+Shift+R to reply quickly to the latest message received. The full list of keyboard shortcuts is available, and new shortcuts will be generally available by January 2024.
Code block enhancements: New enhancements to code blocks will make it easier for users to send code in Teams. Users will be able to start a code block using the entry point in format options or by using markdown. Users can pick/change the code language for syntax highlighting when pasting or writing code. This update will be generally available by January 2024.
Simplified notifications: Users will be able to clear notifications with a single click in activity, chat and channels and customize Teams notification settings to quickly identify what matters most. This update will be generally available in January 2024.
Manage your teams and channels: Users can easily manage the channels list in Teams to focus on what matters most. When starting a new collaboration space, users will be prompted to create a channel, and when joining a new team users can choose only the channels they would like to show in the channel list. When a channel is no longer active or relevant, a user can archive the channel, and it will be hidden and closed for further action, but the information can still be accessed. This update will be generally available in January 2024.
Private team discovery: Admins will be able to make private teams discoverable in their organization. Users can view and search for these private teams through the “Join team gallery” in their client. This update will be generally available in January 2024.
Shared channels enhancements: To make it easier to collaborate with external stakeholders, admins are able to set up a form that captures the user’s request to add an external member who is not from an approved organization. Team members can also create shared channels , if the channel owner permits it. Users can share direct links to a channel, post or reply . This update will be generally available in January 2024.
Teams AI library: Teams AI library, a new feature for app developers, is now generally available for JavaScript and .NET. The Teams AI library simplifies building engaging conversational apps in Microsoft 365. The library helps app developers build intelligent bots and message extensions powered by AI and large language models.
Blog: Learn more about what’s new in Microsoft Teams .

4.2.4. New features streamline IT management for Teams experiences

Several new features have been developed for Microsoft Teams to help streamline processes for IT admins and organizations and include:

Teams Rooms low-friction deployment: Teams Rooms can now be deployed using Windows Autopilot , in private preview, reducing deployment times from days to just a few hours. For devices that can’t use Autopilot, Microsoft is introducing a simplified deployment option with one-time passwords (OTPs), 16-digit codes that will eliminate the risk of sharing access credentials. OTP will be generally available in November. Remote Access is coming to the Teams Rooms Pro Management portal and will allow remote troubleshooting and proactive maintenance, monitoring device health and preventing issues before they affect meetings.

Simplifying Teams Phone deployment with shared calling: Shared calling allows admins to enable groups of users to make and receive public switched telephone network (PSTN) calls using a shared phone number and calling plan. With shared calling, a single phone number and calling plan can be shared across a team of users whether that’s a team of 10 people in a small office or 10,000 users in an enterprise department – they just need to have a Teams Phone license through either Microsoft 365 E5 or Teams Phone Standard. This feature is generally available.

Advanced Collaboration Tools: Advanced Collaboration Tools in Teams Premium empower IT admins to provide a more secure and self-regulated environment. Priority account chat controls , in preview, empower users to manage unwanted internal communications via policies setting. Users are notified about chats from new contacts, giving them a choice to accept or block the conversations. Advanced collaboration analytics , now generally available, offers deep insights into external collaboration behaviors. It empowers Teams admins to facilitate successful collaboration and mitigate potential risks of external collaboration.

Blog: Learn more about Advanced Collaboration Tools.
Blog: Learn more about updates to Teams Phone.
Pre-recorded: Microsoft Teams Phone: the smart calling solution for Teams

4.3. Microsoft Viva

4.3.1. updates to viva engage and viva amplify.

Viva Engage and Viva Amplify are tools to allow organizations to connect everyone through employee communities and conversations to build meaningful relationships and give company messages needed volume. Updates to both platforms include:

Multi-tenant organization (MTO) communication: Viva Engage supports MTO cross-tenant communication to make it easier for leaders to communicate and engage at scale to build community across the organization. Leaders can send a storyline announcement across tenants to share the same story to all stakeholders. Responding, reacting and analytics will be supported for cross-tent posts. This update is now generally available.
Publish from Viva Amplify to Viva Engage: This integration will allow for publishing from Viva Amplify to Viva Engage communities and storylines. It will also incorporate content shared to Engage within reports in Viva Amplify. This update will be available in private preview early next year.
Viva Goals and Viva Engage integration: The integration will bring mission, alignment and results into communities and conversation by helping customers build communities around goals, view goal progress from Viva Goals directly in Viva Engage and create divisional communities within Viva Engage designed to help leaders better communicate top-down interactions and initiatives, including delivering praise based on goal progress and achievement. This update will be generally available in the first half of 2024.
Seeded and AI-connected knowledge in Answers: This update will allow users to use AI to generate questions and answers from existing files and import them into Answers . Also, AI will automatically route open questions to people who might have the answer. Users can identify the right topics for a question, see top similar responses before publishing, and aid in routing to experts. This update will start rolling out later this year.
Viva Amplify updates: Viva Amplify will include publication templates for campaigns, adds localization in more than 50 languages and will include better reporting from system data to incorporate custom data from HR tools into filtering and reports. This update will be generally available in December.
Discussion: AI in Viva Engage

A man sits in front of a colorful mural working on a tablet.

5. Microsoft Copilot 5.1. Azure Data

5.1.1. introducing copilot in microsoft fabric.

Microsoft Fabric is being infused with Azure OpenAI Service at every layer to help customers unlock the full potential of their data, enabling developers to leverage the power of generative AI against their data and assisting business users to find insights in their data.

With Copilot in Microsoft Fabric in every data experience, customers will be able to use conversational language to create dataflows and data pipelines, generate code and entire functions, build machine learning models or visualize results. Customers will even be able to create their own conversational language experiences that combine Azure OpenAI Service models and their data, and publish them as plugins.

Copilot in Fabric, now in preview, will build on Microsoft’s existing commitments to data security and privacy in the enterprise. Copilot inherits an organization’s security, compliance and privacy policies. Microsoft does not use an organization’s tenant data to train the base language models that power Copilot.

Keynote: AI transformation for your organization with the Microsoft Cloud
Breakout: Build powerful AI apps with Copilot in Microsoft Fabric

5.2. Azure Management & Operations

5.2.1. microsoft copilot for azure boosts productivity with generative ai.

Microsoft Copilot for Azure, now in preview, is an AI companion that will simplify how users design, operate, optimize and troubleshoot applications and infrastructure from cloud to edge.

With Copilot for Azure, customers will gain new insights into their workloads, unlock untapped Azure functionality and orchestrate tasks across both cloud and edge. Copilot will leverage large language models (LLMs), the Azure control plane and insights about a user’s Azure and Arc-enabled assets. All of this is carried out within the framework of Azure’s steadfast commitment to safeguarding the customer’s data security and privacy.

Blog: Simplify IT management with Microsoft Copilot for Azure – save time and get answers fast
Breakout: Simplifying cloud operations with the Azure Portal
Discussion: Leveraging AI to manage your workloads with new Azure management tools

5.3.1. Bringing Copilot to everyone

The efforts to simplify the user experience and make Copilot more accessible to everyone starts with Bing, Microsoft’s leading experience for the web. Bing Chat and Bing Chat Enterprise will now simply become Copilot. For Microsoft Entra customers, Copilot in Bing, Edge and Windows adds commercial data protection. Copilot will be out of preview and become generally available starting December 1. Over time, Microsoft will also expand eligibility of Copilot with commercial data protection to even more Entra ID (formerly Azure Active Directory) users at no additional cost.

5.4. Copilot for Sales and Copilot for Service

5.4.1. introducing microsoft copilot for service.

The power of generative AI is being extended to business user workflows with the introduction of Microsoft Copilot for Sales and Microsoft Copilot for Service. These copilots are designed to help organizational functions reinvent business processes with AI and stay in the flow of work. Both Copilots will include a license for Microsoft Copilot for Microsoft 365, allowing for generative AI support across all workflows to surface business insights, accelerate decision-making and create materials, such as briefs or customer communications, all with context rooted in data from existing CRM systems of records, knowledge repositories, third-party applications and Microsoft 365.

Microsoft Copilot for Service is a new business copilot that will help extend existing contact centers with generative AI to boost agent productivity. Copilot for Service will include Copilot for Microsoft 365 and will integrate with third-party CRM and contact center solutions. Organizations will be able to simply point to their data, such as trusted websites, knowledgebase articles, files and, more importantly, data sources from their existing contact center, and in a few minutes unlock generative AI-powered conversations across all their data. Copilot for Service will include out-of-the-box integrations with Salesforce, ServiceNow and Zendesk, and will be extended to other systems with more than 1,000 pre-built and custom connectors.

During customer interactions, agents will be able to ask Copilot for Service questions in natural language and receive relevant insights pulled from customer and product data sourced from knowledge repositories. This will improve the speed at which agents can meaningfully assist and resolve cases, providing better experiences for both agents and customers. And since Copilot for Service will include Copilot for Microsoft 365, these productivity resources will be delivered in the tools agents already use every day, such as Outlook and Teams, as well as third-party agent desktops of choice like Salesforce, ServiceNow, Zendesk and others.

Demo: Discover how Dynamics 365 Copilot empowers service teams
Discussion: Learn how Dynamics 365 Copilot unlocks modern service experiences

5.4.2. Microsoft Copilot for Sales will boost enhancements and integration partnerships

Microsoft Sales Copilot , already generally available and being used by 15,000 organizations including Rockwell Automation, Netlogic and Avanade, helps sellers create more personalized customer engagements and increase productivity. Building off this success, Microsoft is today announcing the new Microsoft Copilot for Sales, which will include licenses for Microsoft Copilot for Microsoft 365. Copilot for Sales will help sellers by leveraging the power of generative AI across Microsoft 365 apps, CRM systems of record and other relevant third-party data sources via Power Platform connectors.

Copilot for Sales capabilities will include access to Copilot for Microsoft 365 that will bring the power of both Copilots to allow sellers to harness the benefits of generative AI across all workflows and productivity surfaces, such as Microsoft Teams and Word in a newly integrated experience.

Meeting recaps in Teams will combine insights from Copilot for Sales and Copilot for Microsoft 365 to surface action items, task creation and conversation KPIs.
Copilot for Sales will be able to create a meeting preparation brief by pulling relevant information into a Word document, including a summary of the account and opportunity, names and titles of meeting participants, open tasks related to the opportunity, relevant highlights from recent meetings, relevant email threads and more.
Blog: Introducing new Copilot experiences to boost productivity and elevate customer experiences across the organization
Breakout: Transform customer experience with Dynamics 365 and next-generation AI
Discussion: Discuss the extensible architecture of copilots in sales and marketing
Demo: See the latest enhancements with Copilot in sales and marketing

5.5. Dynamics 365

5.5.1. new capabilities and integrated offerings for copilot in dynamics 365 field service.

Dynamics 365 Field Service, which helps businesses transform their service operations and improve customer experiences through AI, mixed reality and the Internet of Things (IoT), has several new Copilot capabilities and integrated offerings. They include:

Improved technician productivity with next-generation AI In preview beginning December 2023, frontline workers will be able to access key work order information by asking Copilot questions within Microsoft Teams. Using natural language, they will be able to simply state what they need to receive specific information related to work orders in Dynamics 365 Field Service, including status updates, parts needed or instructions to help them get the job done.

Additionally with the Dynamics 365 Field Service app in Teams , generally available in December, frontline workers will be able to view and edit their work orders in the flow of work in Teams. Copilot will also become generally available to assist frontline managers with work order scheduling in Microsoft Teams, saving time and effort to find the right worker for the job.

With the preview of new Copilot capabilities in Dynamics 365 Field Service mobile in December, frontline technicians will be able to quickly get a summary of key points in a work order without having to navigate through a series of tabs. They will be able to swiftly make progress updates by simply speaking to Copilot and describing what they did. Copilot will provide suggestions to efficiently check off service tasks, add notes and update product quantities as well as statuses, accelerating data-entry so technicians can focus on providing great customer service.

Streamlined manager workflows with next-generation AI Introduced in preview earlier this year and becoming generally available in December, Copilot capabilities in the Dynamics 365 Field Service Outlook add-in for frontline managers will streamline work order creation with relevant details pre-populated from emails, as well as optimize technician scheduling with data-driven recommendations based on factors such as travel time, availability and skillset, without switching apps. Relevant work orders are surfaced within this experience for managers to review before creating new work orders, and these can be easily rescheduled or updated as customer needs change.

Introduced in preview earlier this year and now generally available, a redesigned Dynamics 365 Field Service work order management experience brings important information front and center – reducing the number of clicks for key tasks by more than a third. Additionally, Copilot is available in preview within this experience to provide frontline managers intelligent recaps so they can stay up to date without having to navigate through all the information in a work order.

Efficiencies with more integrated offerings Seamless financial and inventory data flow between Dynamics 365 Field Service, Dynamics 365 Finance and Supply Chain Management will help ensure the frontline and back-office operations stay in sync. By syncing real-time price and cost information from work orders, and automatically updating financial and inventory data as work orders are executed, this integration, in preview, will reduce the effort required to connect these Dynamics 365 apps.

Beginning December 2023, Dynamics 365 Field Service customers can get access to Dynamics 365 Guides and Dynamics 365 Remote Assist at no additional cost. Users will be able to create guides to provide technicians with step-by-step instructions for key tasks and enable real-time collaboration with remote experts via mobile or HoloLens 2 devices when additional assistance is needed. Also, customers can purchase Dynamics 365 Field Service Contractor to provide essential work order management functionality to vendors as they scale field service operations to meet demand.

Blog: Learn more about these updates .

5.5.2. New Copilot in Dynamics 365 Sales features

Two new Copilot in Microsoft Dynamics 365 Sales experiences will allow sellers to interact with their data using natural language and include:

The ability for sellers to use natural language with Copilot in Dynamics 365 Sales to get contextual insights and recommendations for leads and opportunities, in addition to using pre-built prompts previously announced. This feature is in preview.
A full-screen view for Copilot in Dynamics 365 Sales where sellers will be able to use natural language or pre-built prompts to gain a quick understanding of customers, deals, meetings, forecasts and more. This experience will roll out starting in November in Asia and Europe and will continue into other markets at later dates.
While Copilot in Dynamics 365 Sales already integrates with popular seller tools like People.ai, Copilot now takes that a step further with extensibility for independent software vendors (ISVs) who can leverage Power Platform Connectors to integrate into Opportunity Summary view in Outlook . These are already being used by DocuSign and PROS to bring relevant contract details, and pricing and quotes, respectively, into Outlook .

5.5.3. New features, enhancements and partnerships for Copilot in Dynamics 365 Customer Insights

Dynamics 365 Customer Insights, which uses real-time data and next-generation AI to help marketers understand their customers and create personalized experiences, has several new features and updates, all in preview over the next month and include:

Deeper customer understanding and connected marketing and sales capabilities . Marketers will be able to now qualify their leads using metrics, such as engagement scores, and easily hand off to their sellers to help ensure marketing and sales teams maximize the opportunity pipeline and increase win rates.

Sellers will benefit from AI-generated customer profile summaries from their customer data platform application that summarize key components of customer profiles, including demographic, transactional, behavioral and analytics data, to generate key insights for quick customer understanding.

Integration partnerships with Optimizely . Organizations will be able to leverage segments and journeys built in Dynamics 365 Customer Insights in Optimizely to create campaigns that can be personalized in real-time without writing any code. With bi-directional integrations, organizations will be able to provide hyper-personalized omnichannel experiences to their customers across web, social, email and offline channels.

5.6.1. Simplify management of Edge for Business with Copilot in Microsoft 365 admin center

Copilot will be coming to the Edge management service via Copilot in Microsoft 365 admin center to provide an intelligent management experience for Edge for Business. Copilot in Microsoft 365 admin center will provide a shared experience across other Microsoft 365 admin centers as well, including SharePoint, Teams and more, to create a cohesive Copilot experience across Microsoft 365 management services for IT admins.

Currently available in private preview, Copilot in the Edge management service will give guidance to IT admins on recommended policies and extensions for their users. More capabilities will be added in the future.

Product roundtable: Shaping the future of admin experiences in Copilot

5.7. Industry Cloud

5.7.1. copilot in dynamics 365 guides brings mixed reality and ai to real-world operations.

Copilot in Microsoft Dynamics 365 Guides is a new capability that will bring the power of mixed reality and generative AI to real-world operations, enabling frontline workers to address issues faster with the combined power of AI, mixed reality and the Microsoft Cloud.

Copilot will enable field service technicians and operators in manufacturing and service industries to converse with AI using natural language. The AI, powered by Azure OpenAI Service, will pull from a curated set of documentation to serve up relevant information based on the task at hand. That information could include things like help with troubleshooting, step-by-step procedural guidance, detailed information, service work history, current device readings or completion of work order forms. Holographic overlays will allow workers to accomplish tasks seamlessly without breaking the flow of work.

With Copilot in Dynamics 365 Guides, organizations will be able to:

Improve operational efficiency by enabling workers with the right information at the right time within the flow of work. With the ability to point and ask, frontline workers will be able to point at a component on a machine that needs service or repairs, ask questions and receive intelligent answers that help them resolve issues faster and reduce on-the-job frustration.
Accelerate the onboarding of new workers and upskill existing workforce effectively with an immersive and intelligent learning platform in mixed reality, which improves confidence in executing a task while reducing cognitive overload. The capability will help create personalized, role-based training to accelerate onboarding time and reduce the need for retraining.
Seamlessly capture, integrate and democratize institutional knowledge into existing workflows and access detailed repair guidance, historical service data and best practices in real time, helping to ensure consistent, high-quality maintenance while minimizing errors.
Enable frontline workers to access and update forms and systems of record associated with their work and the equipment they’re working on, without leaving the flow of work.

Copilot in Dynamics 365 Guides is currently in private preview on HoloLens 2.

5.8. Microsoft Copilot for Microsoft 365

5.8.1. new capabilities in microsoft copilot for microsoft 365.

Microsoft Copilot for Microsoft 365 is an AI assistant at work. It automatically inherits an organization’s security, compliance and privacy policies for Microsoft 365. Data is managed in line with Microsoft’s current commitments. I t’s integrated into the Microsoft 365 apps millions of people use every day —Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams and more. Copilot for Microsoft 365 is already used by tens of thousands of enterprise users in the Early Access Program, including customers at companies like Visa and KPMG and is now generally available for enterprise customers.

New capabilities for Copilots include:

Microsoft Copilot Dashboard As organizations invest in AI productivity tools, leaders need clear visibility into how employees are leveraging AI and how is it transforming their organization’s productivity. They need to ensure these tools are being used to their full potential. Microsoft Copilot Dashboard, powered by Microsoft Viva, will help leaders answer how copilot is affecting their organization and changing the way people work. This dashboard will enable leaders and organizations to plan their copilot readiness, drive adoption and measure the impact of Copilot for Microsoft 365. It’s available as part of Microsoft 365 subscriptions starting today and coming to the Viva Insights app in Teams and on the web in December 2023.

Copilot in Microsoft Teams With the combined power of Copilot in Microsoft Whiteboard and Copilot in Teams, meeting participants will be able to visualize meeting discussions. In addition to live summarization and notes during a Teams meeting, coming next year, Copilot will be able to visualize spoken discussion points and organize them in Whiteboard . Copilot will be able to turn meeting participants’ spoken ideas and topics into a visual collaboration space in Whiteboard that can be shared across all meeting participants. Copilot will be able to suggest more ideas to add to Whiteboard as the meeting conversation happens. The captured content on Whiteboard will be saved as a Microsoft Whiteboard file, accessible via Teams, OneDrive for Business and directly via the Whiteboard app. For Copilot licensed users, a Copilot-generated summary of the Whiteboard will be able to be shared as a Loop component in Outlook, Word, Teams and more.

Copilot in Teams meetings will be able to take notes throughout a meeting and share with all participants during a Teams meeting. Users will be able to add shared meeting notes and agenda items in Collaborative notes. Collaborative notes are Loop components which stay in sync across all the places they’ve been shared. When enabled before the meeting, Copilot will automatically take live notes within Collaborative notes, so attendees can focus on the discussion. These notes will be shared with meeting participants and Copilot users will be able to ask for more specific notes like “Capture what Beth said as a quote.” Only one meeting participant will be required to have the Copilot license for the notes to be viewable and editable to all meeting participants. This capability will roll out next year in the Teams desktop and web app.

Copilot in Teams can be used during Teams meetings without retaining transcription. In the Teams admin center, admins can now assign a policy to enable Copilot with or without transcription, and meeting organizers can set their preference before the meeting starts. When enabled without transcription, Copilot can be used during the meeting to ask any question about the meeting, and after the meeting ends no transcript or Copilot interactions will be retained. Since no transcript is retained after the meeting, neither intelligent recap nor Copilot will be available after the meeting when this policy is enabled. This capability is generally available.

Copilot in Microsoft Teams channels, now generally available, enables users to quickly synthesize key information from a past conversation and have it summarized, with organized key discussion points. The summary of information includes citations, to keep users aware of the source.

The new Copilot compose box in Teams chat and channels, now generally available, serves as a writing assistant to help edit messages. Copilot can help rewrite messages, adapt the tone and modify length of the message before the user sends it.

In July, Copilot in Teams Phone was announced, allowing users to get real-time summarization and insights during calls. Users will soon be able to access Copilot from the Calls app in Teams to generate summaries, action items or ask any specific questions about the conversation after a call has wrapped up. The Copilot post-call experience in the Calls app will be supported for both VoIP and PSTN calls.

Copilot in Microsoft Outlook Copilot in Microsoft Outlook will make it possible to do more in less time and with less effort. The new Copilot features help will help users prepare and schedule meetings.

Here is how it will work:

Preparing for meetings : Copilot will be able to generate a detailed summary of upcoming meetings based on the invite, related emails and attached files, making it easier to get ready for the meeting in minutes.
Scheduling meetings : Copilot will make it easy to schedule a follow-up meeting or any other meeting from an email summary. Either click the suggested action or chat with Copilot to set up a meeting. Copilot will be able to create an agenda, a title, a list of attendees and a context for the meeting. It will also be able to find the best available times for everyone.

Copilot in Outlook will begin to roll out in early 2024.

Copilot in Microsoft Loop Copilot in Loop will be able to use information from a document linked in the prompt to generate even more relevant responses. This capability is currently rolling out for customers with a Copilot license and will be available for the web. It will also be able to intelligently adapt previous Loop pages to new projects, creating custom templates. This capability will roll out next year for customers with a Copilot license, and the updates are in preview.

Copilot in Microsoft Word Catchup and comments in Copilot in Word will help users comprehend what has changed in a document by asking questions like, “How do I see what has changed in this document?” to reveal changes and revisions made by anyone who has accessed the document. It will also use information from Microsoft Graph to create more personalization by considering user preferences, interests and other information. These updates will be available early 2024.

Blog: Introducing Microsoft Copilot Studio and new features in Copilot for Microsoft 365
Blog: Microsoft Loop: built for the new way of work, generally available to Microsoft 365 work accounts
Keynote: Unlock Productivity with Microsoft Copilot
Breakout: Transform copilot development
Demo: Build conversational experiences with generative AI

5.8.2. Extend and enrich Microsoft Copilot for Microsoft 365 with plugins and connectors

With Microsoft Copilot for Microsoft 365, users will be able to expand skills and knowledge of Copilot via plugins and Microsoft Graph connectors, now in preview. Users will be able to install and enable plugins to extend the game-changing abilities of Copilot for Microsoft 365 with internal and third-party applications they use every day.

Microsoft 365 admins will be able to deploy Microsoft Graph connectors and have their data semantically surfaced by Copilot in response to user prompts. Users will benefit from fast, semantic retrieval of relevant data that is managed within the data governance boundaries of their Microsoft 365 tenant.

Copilot-generated responses will provide the right citations and attributions that will help users trace and access the source content. Several plugins and Graph connectors, including Web search powered by Bing, Microsoft Dataverse, Jira, Trello, Mural, Confluence, Freshworks and Priority Matrix and more are now available. Also, customers like KPMG, Air India and Avanade, among others, are developing custom plugins for their business needs, providing them with the benefits of Copilot for Microsoft 365 with their line-of-business applications for their users.

Plugins can be installed by users via the app store in Teams, Outlook and Microsoft365.com, and Graph connectors can be installed by IT from Microsoft 365 admin center.

New controls in Microsoft 365 admin center, now generally available, enable admins to discover and manage plugins for Microsoft Copilot, a set of tools that people help achieve more using AI . Microsoft 365 admins can also now quickly and easily identify available plugins for Microsoft Copilot, enabled for users in the tenant, and set appropriate access policies for user activation. Independent software vendor (ISV) and internally developed apps with plugin capabilities are automatically highlighted for admin review. Plugin access controls are centrally managed and can be set by user, group and tenant wide.

Developers will be able to build plugins for Microsoft Copilot via Teams message extensions to extend Copilot for Microsoft 365. Developers will be able to build or enhance Teams Message Extensions with Teams Toolkit for Visual Studio and Visual Studio Code and get plugins to extend Copilot for Microsoft 365. Message extensions must use manifest version 1.13 or above. Additionally, developers will be able to build Teams message extensions directly from APIs. API-based message extensions will extend Copilot in the future. This capability is in preview.

Copilot for Microsoft 365 developer sandbox is now available in private preview. Copilot for Microsoft 365 developer sandbox SKU will enable developers to build and test plugins and Graph connectors in a non-production tenant environment. The SKU is in private preview and available for purchase by independent software vendors (ISVs) in the Microsoft 365 TAP program and Copilot for Microsoft 365 customers .

Microsoft 365 and Copilot program to publish apps and plugins for Microsoft 365 is available in preview in Partner Center. Independent software vendors (ISVs) will be able to submit apps that include Copilot plugins and Graph connectors for Teams, Outlook and more to the new Microsoft 365 and Copilot program. Developers will be able to package plugins and Graph connectors into the same unified app manifest and publish their app to Partner Center. Upon app validation, these apps will be made available in Microsoft 365 admin center, where administrators can discover and enable for their users. Users can discover the apps and plugins through the app store in Teams, Outlook and Microsoft365.com.

Blog: Learn more about Microsoft Copilot for Microsoft 365 plugins and connectors
Blog: Learn more on the Microsoft 365 Developer blog .
Breakout: Extend Microsoft 365 Copilot with your line of business apps and data
Discussion: Ask early adopters: Building LOB plug-ins for Microsoft 365 Copilot

5.8.3. Introducing Copilot for Microsoft 365 admin in private preview

Microsoft Copilot for Microsoft 365 admin is a set of experiences that will harness the value of generative AI to boost Microsoft 365 admins’ productivity by streamlining daily work, so admins are empowered to focus on their strategic priorities, make faster decisions and maximize the value of their investments.

Copilot for Microsoft 365 admin is designed to help IT admins simplify their admin tasks, generate insights faster and get more out of Microsoft 365. Copilot can help admins navigate the vast array of tools, controls and configurations to quickly guide an admin to exactly where they need to go, offer up suggestions and guidance and simplify reporting and querying by surfacing information through natural language prompts – all in a seamless experience across Microsoft 365 admin center, specialized admin centers and more to meet admins where they are in the flow of work.

Copilot for Microsoft 365 admin for enterprise customers in the Microsoft 365 admin center, including Edge and Windows Update management service, Teams admin center, Exchange admin center and SharePoint admin center, is in private preview.

Blog: Ignite 2023 – What’s New for Copilot and Microsoft 365 admins
Demo: Empowering Microsoft 365 admins with new AI-powered experiences
Pre-recorded: What’s new for Microsoft 365 admins

5.8.4. Introducing Microsoft Copilot Studio

Microsoft Copilot Studio is an end-to-end conversational AI platform that empowers users to create and customize copilots using natural language or a graphical interface. Copilot Studio is the perfect companion for Microsoft Copilot for Microsoft 365, putting IT in control, while ensuring predictability of responses for key topics.

With Copilot Studio, users will be able to easily design, test and publish copilots that suit specific needs and preferences. Users will be able to leverage the power of generative AI to dynamically create multi-turn answers over data and dialogues that are engaging and relevant for users, and to add specific conversations for predictable scenarios that require authored responses and workflows, such as expense management, HR onboarding or IT services.

Copilot Studio will also enable users to link copilots with the broader Microsoft Conversational AI stack through integrations with Azure AI Studio and additional Azure services. This will allow users to access advanced features, like speech recognition, sentiment analysis, entity extraction and more, while having full visibility and control with built-in governance.

Copilot Studio will provide an intuitive and integrated design studio experience for makers. With plugin builder, makers will be able to create, manage and test plugins, including Power Platform connectors and Power Automate flows. With prompt builder, makers will be able to create custom prompts, including ones that leverage generative AI.

Copilot Studio will enable users to create impactful conversational AI experiences and drive business outcomes. Users can now leverage Copilot Studio to customize Copilot for Microsoft 365, included in the Copilot for Microsoft 365 license.

Blog: Learn more about Microsoft Copilot Studio .
Blog: Learn more about updates to Microsoft 365 .

5.9. Microsoft Viva

5.9.1. viva and microsoft 365 chat integration, and copilot in viva updates.

Microsoft Copilot for Microsoft 365 enhanced with Microsoft Viva will provide AI-powered assistance for employee experience. Copilot will work across Viva data and applications as a single interface to guide employees, managers and HR leaders with self-service insights and experiences such as understanding team health, setting new priorities with OKRs (Objectives and Key Results) or upskilling for career growth.

This new integration will be available for customers who have deployed both Copilot for Microsoft 365 and the Viva suite and will be in private preview early next year.

Additionally, updates to Copilot experiences in Viva apps will help organizations better understand and engage with their workforce to improve performance and include:

Copilot in Microsoft Viva Insights will enable leaders and their delegates to use natural language prompts to generate personalized, dynamic reports that answer questions about their teams and organization, and will simplify the query building process for analysts. This Copilot will be in preview early next year.
Copilot in Microsoft Viva Goals will enable users to easily generate and refine goals with conversational AI and from existing strategy documents, as well as summarize goal progress to share with and across teams. This Copilot will be in preview in December 2023.
Copilot in Microsoft Viva Engage will help inspire leaders and employees to post using AI-created conversation starters, prompts and images. It will also give leaders insight into employee sentiment, cultivate an environment of trust by tailoring and refining message tone and enhance the quality of questions being asked with suggested prompts. This Copilot will be in preview in January 2024.
Copilot in Microsoft Viva Learning will allow users to easily create structured learning collections, find the right learning resources and summarize learning content using conversational AI. This Copilot will be in private preview for joint Viva and SAP SuccessFactors customers by the end of 2023.
Copilot in Microsoft Viva Glint will enable leaders to summarize and analyze thousands of employee comments from employee engagement surveys and provide a fresh way to explore feedback by asking questions through natural language. This Copilot will be available for private preview in January 2024.

Additionally, see here for details around a new dashboard from Viva Insights that provides leaders and organizations visibility into Microsoft Copilot adoption and impact.

See also: 5.8.3. Introducing Copilot for Microsoft 365 admin in private preview
Breakout: Drive engagement and performance with Microsoft Viva

5.10. Power Platform

5.10.1. new experiences for copilot in power automate.

Microsoft is announcing new Copilot experiences in Power Automate for developers and orchestrators. With these new releases, Copilot in Microsoft Power Automate will span process mining, API automation, robotic process automation (RPA) and orchestration.

These new experiences, in preview, will enable users to discover and create UI and API automation faster, while streamlining productivity and insights into how they are run and managed and include:

Using Copilot to assist with desktop flows: Copilot will be integrated into the Console and the Designer of Power Automate for desktop. Copilot will assist with desktop flows (RPA) by typing questions and getting relevant information and step-by-step instructions from documentation. Additionally, users will be able to generate scripts by describing what to do, and code will be automatically generated.
Using Copilot to analyze automation activity: Admins, Center of Excellence (CoE) teams and business users and makers with access to flow run histories will be able to query past runs in natural language across their environment.
Breakout: Improve Efficiency with Power Automate Process Mining and RPA
Demo: Drive process optimization with Copilot in process mining
Demo: New features in Power Automate desktop designer
Discussion: Enabling your Automation CoE to Modernize with Power Automate Q&A
Discussion: How Process Mining can drive business efficiency in various industries Q&A

5.10.2. Power Apps continues to advance IT governance, Copilot and modern experiences in app development

Power Apps gives developers tools to rapidly build modern, high-performing AI-powered apps for enterprise. AI implementation through Copilot, prebuilt templates and drag-and-drop simplicity allow everyone to do more with less. Extensibility through integrations enables professional developers to build without limits. As part of Microsoft Power Platform, Power Apps benefits from advanced security and governance in place, making it easy to deploy and govern at massive scale.

New features and updates for Power Platform include:

Advanced governance features in Managed Environments for Power Platform

Groups and rules will empower IT admins to control their Power Platform environments at enterprise scale. Environment groups will allow admins to categorize their environments into group, and rule sets will allow admins to define a dedicated configuration for each of their environment groups. With groups and rules, admins will get more control with less effort. This feature is in limited preview, with preview planned for the end of the first quarter of 2024.
Advisor in Managed Environments for Power Platform will provide IT with proactive recommendations and inline actions to govern and secure the platform more easily. This will include recommendations to clean up unused apps, lock down over-shared apps and add owners to abandoned apps. This feature is in preview.

Features to further accelerate building of Copilot-enabled apps

Copilot for app users as sidecar is now ready for every user in the web player canvas app backed by Dataverse. Copilot will automatically work with the data in the app and provide users with insights and answers, without needing to set up from app makers. This is the easiest way to give the power of generative AI to users. This feature is coming to limited preview in mid-December and preview end of the first quarter of 2024.
Makers can now also greatly extend and customize Copilot for app users embedded in apps through Copilot control. Microsoft Copilot Studio interoperability enables extensive customization that brings capabilities of Copilot Studio into every Copilot-embedded app. This feature will be in preview in the first half of 2024.
For existing apps that are in managed environments and are missing their description, AI-generated app descriptions will be added automatically. For any new apps, when the makers are publishing, a draft of the app description will be presented for them. App descriptions will help end users find useful apps and IT admins understand their app landscape. This feature is in preview.

Making the creation of high-performing modern apps even easier

Mobile native UI/UX: Mobile Power Apps will have native UI/UXwith smoother animations, faster performance and modern mobile interaction patterns. The improved performance and modern functionality will bring efficiency gains to everyone running apps on mobile devices, especially those executing high-volume actions. This update is in preview.
With modern controls generally available and theming in canvas apps, makers will be able to easily create elegant, accessible, fast and reliable apps. This will cut down the need to write complicated files for usual scenarios and will accelerate development. This update is in preview.
See also: 5.8.4. Introducing Microsoft Copilot Studio
Breakout: Operating Power Platform at Enterprise scale
Discussion: Generative AI for low code development Q&A

5.10.3. Power Virtual Agents is now part of Microsoft Copilot Studio

Introducing Microsoft Copilot Studio, built on the foundations of Power Virtual Agents and the broader Microsoft conversational AI ecosystem. Copilot Studio provides new ways to build copilots and extend Microsoft Copilot with the latest generative AI capabilities. With Power Virtual Agents capabilities joining Copilot Studio, the Power Virtual Agents name will no longer be used. Existing PVA customers will access the same capabilities, all within Microsoft Copilot Studio.

Breakout: Revolutionize the way you develop conversational AI
Demo: How to build your own copilot with Microsoft Copilot Studio

5.11. Security Copilot

5.11.1. microsoft purview capabilities in microsoft security copilot and embedding the security copilot experience in microsoft purview solutions.

Microsoft Security Copilot will be embedded into Microsoft Purview. Data security admins receive an average of more than 50 alerts per day and can only get to fewer than 60 to 70 percent of them . Likewise, compliance admins spend 60 percent of their time reviewing evidence collected in review sets. Additionally, there is also a steep learning curve from entry-level analysts to expert-level analysts to assess and remediate risks.

With Security Copilot embedded in Purview, customers will be able to quickly generate a comprehensive summary of alerts and information to accelerate investigation and response, upskill talent via guided responses to navigate through information efficiently and use natural language to define search queries in eDiscovery to enable faster and more accurate search iterations by eliminating the need to use keyword query language. Embedded scenarios will be surfaced in Data Loss Prevention, Insider Risk Management and eDiscovery and Communication Compliance.

Breakout: Secure and govern your data with Microsoft Purview
Breakout: Beyond traditional DLP: Comprehensive and AI-powered data security
Demo: Microsoft Security Copilot: Going Beyond Security Operations
Pre-recorded: Accelerate risk assessment and incident investigation with AI

5.11.2. Microsoft Security Copilot embedded experience in private preview

The Microsoft Security Copilot embedded experience, available in private preview, will allow IT admins and security analysts to use Microsoft Security Copilot within the Microsoft Intune admin center. Integrating insights and data from security and management tools, Security Copilot provides customized guidance through generative AI to address an organization’s specific requirements, like intelligent policy creation and deployment and faster, easier troubleshooting.

These new endpoint management and security capabilities will be available in Intune, joining the existing security incidence investigation and device security posture improvement experiences currently available in the Early Access Program for Security Copilot capabilities.

Breakout: Fortified security and simplicity come together with Microsoft Intune
Breakout: Modern management innovation shaping endpoint security
Breakout: Scaling AI across your business with Windows and Windows 365

5.11.3. New auditing capabilities within Microsoft Purview Audit for Copilot interactions

With this new feature, in preview, Microsoft Purview Audit consumers will be able to measure and track when users request assistance from Microsoft Copilot for Microsoft 365 and see the list of assets that were affected when responding to the request. These signals will enable security investigators to determine when content, such as files with sensitive data, were touched during a Copilot for Microsoft 365 interaction.

5.11.4. Security Copilot coming to Microsoft Entra to assist in investigating risks, troubleshooting

Microsoft Security Copilot will also be embedded in Microsoft Entra to assist in investigating identity risks and helping with troubleshooting daily identity tasks, such as why a sign-in required multi-factor authentication. IT admins can ask about users, groups, sign-ins and permissions and instantly get a risk summary, steps to remediate and recommended guidance for each identity at risk, in natural language. Additionally, in Microsoft Entra ID Governance, admins can use Security Copilot to guide in the creation of a lifecycle workflow to streamline the process of creating and issuing user credentials and access rights.

Breakout: Secure access in the AI era: What’s new in Microsoft Entra
Breakout: Accelerate your Zero Trust journey with unified access controls

5.11.5. Security Copilot will deliver unified solutions across services, data

Security has always been a notoriously siloed and fragmented function – both from a technological and organizational point of view. Microsoft Security Copilot will help transcend technological and talent boundaries by delivering a unified, efficient and intuitive experience for all professionals that secure organizations, including identity management, device management, data security and compliance professionals.

With the addition of these new scenarios, all in private preview, Microsoft’s customers who rely on our industry-leading Microsoft Entra, Purview, Intune and Sentinel solutions will be able to integrate Security Copilot into their routine tasks and workflows and use Security Copilot to assist in many ways, including:

Identity management (Microsoft Entra): Entra skills are now available in Security Copilot to enable security analysts to discover high-risk users, overprivileged access and suspicious sign-ins that aid in a security incident investigation and assess potential risk.

Device management (Microsoft Intune): New features enable IT admins to generate device policies and simulate their outcomes, gather device information for forensics and configure devices with best practices from similar deployments.

Data protection and compliance (Microsoft Purview): New skills for data protection, compliance and risk management identify data impacted by incidents, generate a summary of data and user risks, analyze documents and surface risks of collusion, fraud and sabotage.

Cloud security posture management (Microsoft Defender EASM and Defender for Cloud): New skills for posture management simplify external attack surface risk assessment and enable security admins to manage cloud security posture more efficiently. Security admins can quickly discover potential attack paths using natural language queries, get mitigation guidance for proactive prevention of threats and receive automatic notification for resource owners.

Embedded experience in the unified SIEM+XDR UX (Microsoft Defender XDR and Microsoft Sentinel): For the first time, the generative AI capabilities of Security Copilot are available in Microsoft’s unified experience across the award-winning Microsoft Defender XDR and Sentinel solutions, accelerating incident response with guided investigation, rapid aggregation of evidence across numerous data sources and advanced capabilities such as malware analysis.

Keynote: The Future of Security with AI
Breakout: Microsoft Sentinel: A modern approach to security operations
Breakout: Security for AI: Discover, protect, and prepare in the AI era
Breakout: Unifying XDR + SIEM: A new era in SecOps

A woman sits on a couch working on a laptop.

6. Power Platform 6.1. Power Platform

6.1.1. payment processing in power pages in preview.

Payment processing integration , now in preview in Microsoft Power Pages, will enable makers to easily embed payment processing directly into their websites.

Payment processing platforms power online payment processing and commerce solutions. This unlocks a new use case for Power Pages – building websites that support payment processing – as makers will be able to use Power Pages to develop websites that accept payment from customers. For example, state and local governments will be able to process licensing fees, application fees and permitting fee payments through their Power Pages websites.

Breakout: Build secure web apps and connect data faster with Power Pages

Two people work in an office, with one person working on a laptop with two external monitors.

7. Security 7.1. Defender

7.1.1. microsoft updates help evolve the security operations center experience.

Several key updates across Microsoft’s suite of security solutions are designed to help Security Operations Center (SOC) professionals operate more efficiently and better protect their assets and data. These updates include:

Announcing Microsoft Defender XDR: Microsoft Defender 365 is now Microsoft Defender XDR. The new name best represents Microsoft’s extended detection and response (XDR) capabilities that span beyond products included in the Microsoft 365 suite. The native security solutions protect devices across Windows, Linux, macOS, Android and iOS, as well as multicloud environments spanning Azure, Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Google Cloud Platform (GCP). This update is generally available.

Microsoft Defender XDR and Microsoft Sentinel combine as a unified security operations platform: The unification of Defender XDR and Sentinel into a single, powerful user experience along with the addition of Microsoft Security Copilot generative AI will change how customers manage their security operations and protect their assets and data. Customers will have a high level of efficiency and ease of use with a single experience for their security operations tools. This will mean less clicking, less context switching and less training for more robust insights. With the integration of cutting-edge AI and automation technologies, defenders will be able to level up their skills with guided response across first- and third-party data sets. This update is in private preview.

Embedded Microsoft Security Copilot: Customers using the unified SOC platform will be able to access the benefits of an embedded generative AI tool that will help analysts to level up their security information and event management (SIEM) and XDR skills. Security Copilot will help by using natural language to write keyword query language (KQL) queries, understand malicious scripts, create incident summaries and provide support throughout the investigation and remediation process. This update is in early access.

Optimize data in the SIEM with SOC optimizations: This new feature will support SOCs in ensuring they are maximizing the value of the data they are ingesting into Sentinel with recommendations that will help them to save money, improve coverage and better secure themselves against specific threats. This feature is in private preview.

Improved response to user assets and cloud workloads: Integration of cloud workload alerts, signals and asset information from Microsoft Defender Cloud into the industry-leading XDR platform will help security teams combat cross-domain attacks more effectively. This powerful integration will provide SOC analysts with a holistic view, spanning workspace and cloud infrastructure, plus rich contextual insights to uncover the entire attack story in a single incident. This will protect organizations against advanced attacks with efficiency and speed. This update is in preview.

Auto-deployed decoys: Will provide early-stage, high-fidelity signals that force adversaries to be correct 100 percent of the time with built-in deception techniques harnessing Microsoft Defender for Endpoint’s unique visibility into organizations and OpenAI’s GPT-4 generative AI model. Users will be able to automatically generate and disperse decoys and lures at scale that resemble real users and assets in the organization. This will allow SOC teams to detect and focus on attacks even more effectively. This update is in preview.

Protection of AI apps within an organization: A set of new capabilities across Microsoft Defender and Microsoft Purview will help defenders securely prepare for the new wave of AI and empower their organizations, while keeping their data and other assets secure. Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps will extend its discovery capabilities to support over 400 large language model apps. Additionally, Purview Data Loss Prevention will help organizations create policies that prevent their users from pasting sensitive data to specific websites. This update is in preview.

Blog: Learn more about the unification of Microsoft Defender XDR and Microsoft Sentinel .
Blog: Learn more about updates to Microsoft Defender XDR .
Blog: Learn more about updates to Microsoft Sentinel .
Blog: Learn more about updates to Microsoft Security .
Breakout: Hello unification: A new era in SecOps
Breakout: Security for AI: Prepare, protect, and defend in the AI era
Demo: Getting started with Microsoft Sentinel
Demo: Protect more with Microsoft Sentinel and 365 Defender together

7.1.2. New features for Microsoft Defender for Cloud

Microsoft Defender for Cloud helps organizations protect multicloud and hybrid environments with comprehensive security across the full lifecycle, from development to runtime. Several key updates will help security admins adopt a comprehensive cloud-native application protection strategy and improve security posture across multicloud environments and DevOps platforms and include:

Unify identity and access permissions insights to improve cloud security posture through integration with Microsoft Entra Permissions Management : Security admins will get a centralized view of Permissions Creep Index, drive least privilege access controls for cloud resources and get proactive attack path analysis that connect the dots between access permissions to other potential vulnerabilities across Azure, Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Google Cloud. This update is in preview.
DevOps security insights across GitHub, Azure DevOps and GitLab : Security admins will get deep visibility into their application security posture across GitHub, Azure DevOps and GitLab within Defender for Cloud now in preview. In addition to GitHub Advanced Security and GitHub Advanced Security for Azure DevOps, with the preview of the GitLab Ultimate integration, Defender for Cloud will now support the three major developer platforms.
Improved container security across multicloud environments : Security admins will be able to get ahead of containerized application risks and prioritize misconfigurations and exposures in their Kubernetes deployments with the expansion of Defender Cloud Security Posture Management’s (CSPM) contextual graph-based capabilities to Amazon Elastic Kubernetes Service (Amazon EKS) and Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE) clusters. This update will be in preview soon.
Enable proactive attack path analysis across clouds and faster risk mitigation : Security admins will be able to reduce recommendation fatigue and efficiently remediate critical risks with a risk-based recommendation enhanced attack path analysis engine to identify and prioritize remediation of more complex risks such as cross-cloud attack paths. New code-to-cloud mapping will also enable security admins to rapidly accelerate the time and effort to address critical security flaws right in the code itself. Additionally, the new ServiceNow integration will enable admins to use their existing system to automate or drive mitigation of risks. This update is in preview.
Improved API security posture: With the general availability of Defender for APIs plan in Defender for Cloud, security admins can gain visibility of business-critical APIs, prioritize vulnerability fixes and quickly detect active real-time threats for APIs published in Azure API Management. New preview capabilities targeting sensitive data classification powered by Microsoft Purview and curated attack paths will help security admins further safeguard data from API risks.
Microsoft Security Copilot in Defender for Cloud : Security admins will be able to gain efficiency in discovering and remediating risks with the power of AI-generated guidance. Security admins will be able to easily identify risks and vulnerabilities across their cloud environment using natural language questions. This feature is in private preview.
Blog: Announcing new CNAPP capabilities in Defender for Cloud
Breakout: Boost multicloud security with a comprehensive code to cloud strategy
Demo: Protecting multicloud resources with code-to-cloud CNAPP

7.2.1. Microsoft Entra Permissions Management adding more integrations

The integration of Microsoft Entra Permissions Management with Microsoft Defender for Cloud (MDC), now in preview, will provide an efficient way to consolidate insights into other cloud security posture information on a single interface. Customers will receive actionable recommendations for addressing permissions risks in the MDC dashboard and gain a centralized view of the Permissions Creep Index, facilitating the enforcement of least privilege access for cloud resources across Azure, Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Google Cloud Platform (GCP).

Another integration is with ServiceNow, one of the most popular IT Service Management (ITSM) solutions. Through this integration, customers can request time-bound, on-demand permissions for multicloud environments, such as Azure, AWS and GCP, via the ServiceNow portal. This integration helps organizations enhance their Zero Trust posture by enforcing the principle of least privilege for multicloud permissions and streamlines access permission requests within existing approval workflows.

These updates are now generally available.

Blog: Identity at Microsoft Ignite: Securing access in the era of AI .
Product roundtable: Build the Future of your Multicloud Access with Microsoft Entra

7.2.2. Microsoft’s Security Service Edge expands Internet Access and Private Access preview

Microsoft’s Security Service Edge (SSE) solution secures access to any app or resource from anywhere and includes Microsoft Entra Internet Access (Internet Access) and Microsoft Entra Private Access (Private Access). Internet Access will expand its preview to include context-aware Secure Web Gateway (SWG) capabilities for all internet apps and resources. The extended preview of capabilities for Private Access will help make Private Access fully ready for traditional VPN replacement.

Internet Access capabilities, coming soon to preview, include:

Universal Conditional Access for any internet endpoint from managed devices and networks. By managing all access policies in one place, users will be able to extend adaptive access controls universally to rely on Conditional Access to any network destination, like an external website or non-federated SaaS applications – without the need to change these applications.
Token theft protection for Entra ID apps through compliant network check-in Conditional Access. With this control, users will be able to protect Entra-integrated cloud applications against token theft and ensure users do not bypass network security policies specific to their tenant while accessing critical cloud services.
Source IP restoration in Identity Protection and Conditional Access location policies. Internet Access will offer differentiated backward compatibility of trusted location checks in Conditional Access and continuous access evaluation, identity risk detection and logging, by ensuring the users’ original source IP is maintained.
Context aware SWG will restrict user access to unsafe and non-compliant content with web content filtering (URL, FQDN, web category) and make internet filtering policies more succinct, readable and comprehensive by leveraging the rich user, device and location awareness of Conditional Access.
Improved security, visibility and user experience for Microsoft 365 will include data exfiltration protection through universal tenant restriction and prevents anonymous access for Microsoft Teams and SharePoint. This capability will provide great performance and resiliency for Microsoft 365 applications and flexible deployment options for Microsoft 365 scenarios with third-party SSE vendors.

Private Access capabilities, in preview, include:

VPN replacement: Extended protocol support for private app access and, in addition to Transmission Control Protocol (TCP), User Datagram Protocol (UDP) support along with private Domain Name System (DNS) support will be provided. These enhancements will enable customers to seamlessly transition from their traditional Virtual Private Network (VPN) deployments to a fully ready, identity-centric Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) solution.
Multifactor authentication ( MFA) to all on-premises apps: Private Access will provide Conditional Access controls and modern authentication methods, such as MFA, to secure access to all private applications and resources. This will apply to any application, located anywhere, for both remote and on-premises users.

Both Internet Access and Private Access have cross-OS clients (Windows, Android, MacOS, iOS) and increased global presence with more points of presence (POPs).

Blog: Identity at Microsoft Ignite: Securing access in the era of AI
Discussion: Microsoft’s Security Service Edge (SSE) solution Q&A
Demo: Microsoft’s Security Service Edge (SSE) Solution in action
Product roundtable: Share your feedback on Microsoft’s Security Service Edge solution

7.2.3. Updates for Microsoft Entra ID now generally available

Microsoft Entra ID is an identity and access management solution that connects employees, customers and partners to their apps, devices and data for hybrid and multicloud environments. The following updates are now generally available.

Microsoft managed Conditional Access policies : Microsoft will begin to automatically enroll customers into Conditional Access policies based on their risk signals, current usage and licensing. The policies will enhance the security posture and reduce the complexity of managing Conditional Access.

Microsoft Entra Certificate-Based Authentication (CBA): Microsoft Entra CBA now offers several new features to improve the security posture of customers. These enhancements enable customers to customize authentication policies based on certificates, resource type and user group. Customers now have more control and flexibility to choose certificate strength for different users, combine CBA with other methods for multifactor or step-up authentication and configure authentication strength either tenant wide or by user group.

In addition, in early 2024, Microsoft Entra ID users will be able to sign in with passkeys managed by the Microsoft Authenticator app . By using passkeys, customers will have an additional phishing-resistant credential based on open standards and will ensure access to the latest security enhancements that will be added to the FIDO standard in the coming years.

7.3. Purview

7.3.1. enriched, high-fidelity security alerts to empower data security teams in preview.

Several key updates, now in preview, will help data security teams manage critical insider risks and include:

Enrich DLP incident management with insider risk insights: Traditional Data Loss Prevention (DLP) solutions generate alerts when certain conditions are met, such as when a user copies confidential files to a USB device. However, these alerts typically only highlight the specific incident and files impacted, without providing context about where the files originated or what other actions the user took.

With a new feature powered by Insider Risk Management, DLP alerts will be enriched with user context, allowing DLP analysts and security operations center (SOC) analysts, with appropriate permissions, to see a summary of past user activities that may have led to potential data security incidents. This is all part of the incident management experience in Microsoft Purview and Microsoft Defender.

For example, with this feature, the abovementioned DLP alert will now contain a summary of the critical sequence of actions taken by the user, showing that they downloaded confidential files from SharePoint, downgraded the sensitivity label and compressed the files into a zip file before exfiltrating them to the USB device. With this context, analysts will be able to better understand the user’s intent and determine whether they were trying to exfiltrate sensitive data while evading detection. This feature will help analysts gain a better understanding of a DLP incident and make faster, more informed decisions on how to respond to potential incidents.

Support administrative units in Insider Risk Management: Different departments or geographic locations may have varying policies or preferences for managing insider risks. Regional regulations may also necessitate distinct designs or processes for implementing insider risk programs. To accommodate these needs, Insider Risk Management will support administrative units. This feature will allow admins with the appropriate permissions to subdivide the organization into smaller units and assign specific admins or role groups to manage only the members of those units. For instance, German insider risk admins can create and manage policies exclusively for German users, while German insider risk investigators can investigate alerts and activities solely from German users.

Get more high-fidelity alerts with recommended policy tuning: When instruments are finely tuned, music can be played smoothly. Similarly, data security solutions can be more effective and powerful when policy configurations are optimized. However, reaching an optimal stage can be time-consuming, as admins may need to experiment with different configurations, and each iteration can take several days to yield results. To address this challenge, Insider Risk Management will provide recommendations and sensitivity analysis to help admins set policy thresholds for certain user activities based on real-time analytics. This feature will save security teams time in fine-tuning policies and enable them to receive an optimal volume of high-fidelity alerts more quickly.

Blog: Empower data security teams to proactively manage critical insider risks across diverse digital esta

7.3.2. Incident investigation, eDiscovery capabilities added to Microsoft Purview

With Microsoft Purview eDiscovery incident investigation experience , users can accelerate incident investigations by harnessing incident parameters to know where to look for the exact evidence required to assess and mitigate incident risk.

Users will be able to explore incident insights to further understand blast radius and risk levels, mitigate incidents with comprehensive actions to expand the investigation, invite collaboration with investigation stakeholders and manage the evidence to resolve the investigation. This feature is in preview.

With the integration of Microsoft Security Copilot into eDiscovery, users will be able to set natural, language-based queries to find and collect potentially relevant content for investigations. This will ease the burden of using complex queries to search and find content, help identify the relevant source locations and simplify the time-consuming validation of search criteria and results. The power of Copilot will be used to summarize threads, files and content sets within an investigation. Users will be able to act based on the extracted insights to further accelerate the pace of investigation and review. This feature is in preview.

Blog: The Next Era of eDiscovery: Embracing Advanced Capabilities for a Comprehensive Digital Landscape

7.3.3. New capabilities in Purview Data Loss Prevention

Microsoft Purview Data Loss Prevention (DLP) is a cloud-native solution that proactively prevents accidental or unauthorized loss of sensitive data across apps, services and devices.

Several new capabilities in Purview DLP will help organizations comprehensively protect sensitive data loss, including expanding protections across Microsoft and non-Microsoft platforms, providing additional protection capabilities, as well as additional features that can help DLP and Security Operations Center (SOC) admins be efficient in their day-to-day tasks.

These updates fall under several categories:

Expanding the breadth of protection

DLP support for Windows on Arm will let customers extend Microsoft Endpoint DLP policies and actions to endpoints running Windows on Arm. This will allow them to detect and protect sensitive data in files within their digital ecosystem. This update is in preview.
Enhancement of DLP capabilities on macOS endpoints , including the ability to create groups of printers, USBs, network shares and sensitive service domains and apply different restrictions to each group, with the ability to apply the most restrictive action against multiple DLP rules. This update is generally available.

Expanding the depth of protection

Just-in-time protection for endpoint DLP that restricts activity at the time of egress is generally available.
Performance improvements for enforcing restrictions on sensitive content shared over Microsoft Teams Chat are generally available.

Empowering admins to be efficient

Enriching DLP alerts with user insights from Purview Insider Risk Management will bring in the user context within the DLP alert for efficient investigations. This update is in preview.
The ability to store original files, resulting in a DLP policy match as evidence for investigations. This update is in preview.
Richer filter for DLP alerts in Microsoft 365 Defender, including file name, file path and latency, helping admins get more out of the alerts. This update is in preview.
Simulation mode for DLP policies to enable admins to try a Microsoft Purview DLP policy, assess its impact and fine-tune the policy as required in an isolated environment. This will help admins build confidence in the configuration of the policy and reduce the policy enforcement time. This update is in preview.
DLP recommendations for highlighting current risks in the organization’s environment, quick policy setup to mitigate the risk and policy fine-tuning to make existing policies better and reduce noise. This update is generally available.
Support for admin units for DLP alerts in Microsoft 365 Defender is generally available.
Blog: Gain comprehensive data protection and efficient investigation with Microsoft Purview DLP

7.3.4. New features for Microsoft Communication Compliance

Microsoft is introducing cutting-edge AI and Microsoft Security Copilot capabilities to bolster Microsoft Communication Compliance. These advanced features will leverage AI and Security Copilot technology to improve the detection and management of compliance issues in communication. This marks a significant step forward in ensuring organizations can harness the power of AI to maintain secure, productive and accountable communication while staying compliant with regulations. These updates include:

Communication Compliance document and alert summaries with Security Copilot : This embedded Copilot experience will simplify communication policy matches, offering contextual summaries, conversation evaluation, risk network identification and intelligent triage. This combination will enhance data security and compliance measures for organizations. This update is in private preview.
Microsoft Teams compliant meetings: Users can leverage voice-to-text machine learning to convert Teams meeting recordings to text, analyze transcripts for potential risky content and display video snippets of policy matches to facilitate triage. This update is generally available.
Microsoft Viva Engage message reporting : Microsoft Viva Engage users are empowered to report inappropriate or concerning posts and comments within Viva Engage conversations. Reported messages then get triaged within Communication Compliance. This update is generally available.
Next-generation business conduct detection: Using Azure AI Content Safety, new detections are being added to Communication Compliance that will enable teams to build safer online environments by detecting potential violence, hate, sexual and self-harm content, then assigning severity scores to unsafe text across languages. These classifiers are built using large language models. This update is in preview.
Blog: Unleash the Future of Communication Compliance at Microsoft Ignite 2023

7.3.5. New features in Purview Information Protection now generally available

Microsoft Purview Information Protection helps organizations understand what data is sensitive and business critical and then how manage and protect it. New features that are now generally available include:

New contextual predicates in service-side auto-labeling: This is a novel way of auto-classification based on document properties, such as the type of file (file extension), size, who the document was created by and if the document name contains certain words or phrases. This enables organizations to intelligently discover and label groups of documents which, according to these contextual predicates, may contain sensitive data.

Auto labeling (for files at rest in SharePoint Online) can now label PDF files: Auto labeling for files at rest in SharePoint Online will automatically start labeling PDF files, a widely used file type, in addition to currently supported Word, Excel and PowerPoint files.

Application of a default sensitivity label for a SharePoint document library: With this update, all newly uploaded documents to a document library can inherit the configured label for the document library (if not already labeled). All documents, either newly created or modified, in that library will be automatically assigned with that library’s label. Site default labels allow users to protect all documents because the library itself is sensitive – without needing to define classification policies.

Secure collaboration on labeled and encrypted documents with user-defined permissions: With user-defined permissions, document owners no longer need admins to create special labels for their highly confidential documents. Instead, they can specify the permissions themselves by applying user-defined permissions (UDP) labels on files. UDP-labeled files in SharePoint support co-authoring. This capability is very popular with C-Suite users and users working on tented projects who need to limit access to highly confidential documents to a small set of explicitly authorized individuals that they select.

Sensitivity labels to protect Microsoft Teams shared channels: This release is about safeguarding the confidentiality of Teams channels by enabling users to discover private teams that they weren’t able to previously view and/or join. Shared channel access controls enable users to apply settings, such as internal only, same team only or private team only on shared channels to better secure confidential information.

Microsoft Fabric support for sensitivity labels: Fabric support for sensitivity labels follow the data automatically as it flows from the lakehouse to Power BI reports, Microsoft 365 files and other assets business users rely on every day, for end-to-end, comprehensive protection.

Configure policy tips as popups for labeled emails and attachments: Admins can now configure data loss protection (DLP) rules that display warnings in pop-up dialogs before users send emails. This makes it more difficult for users to inadvertently overshare or send emails to external users who aren’t authorized according to their organization’s policies. Admins can set up rules to provide warnings only, block actions entirely, require business justification or request explicit acknowledgements before sending emails.

Double-key encryption to protect sensitive files and emails in Microsoft 365 apps on Windows: To protect the most sensitive content, users of Microsoft 365 apps can now use Double Key Encryption (DKE) for files and emails with built-in labeling in Office. With DKE, Microsoft stores one key in Microsoft Azure and the user holds the other key, so that only the user can ever decrypt protected content. Sensitivity labels configured with DKE in Purview Compliance portal are now available for users in Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook to publish or consume content protected with DKE.

Tracking and revocation in Compliance portal: The tracking and revocation feature enables users to check who has tried accessing their sensitivity labeled and encrypted Office files and revoke access when needed.

In addition, users will be able to e xtend sensitivity labels to assets in Azure , now in gated preview. With Purview, users will be able to extend the reach of Information Protection sensitivity labels and the value from built-in sensitive information types to a much broader set of data locations and data types. Users will be able to work with existing sensitivity labels or create new ones via the Purview compliance portal to extend security and compliance intent to data assets in Azure.

Blog: Insightful and intelligent classification and protection are key to data security
Pre-recorded: How Microsoft Purview helps you protect your data
Product roundtable: Understand your risk and protect your most sensitive data

7.3.6. Secure data in the AI era with Microsoft Purview

Microsoft Purview can help secure data in AI and help organizations adopt AI, including Microsoft Copilots and non-Microsoft AI applications. These capabilities can provide organizations:

Visibility into the risks associated with sensitive data usage and user activity context in AI applications in their environment.
Comprehensive protection with ready-to-use policies to prevent sensitive data loss in AI.
Compliance controls to help easily meet business and regulatory requirements and detect code of conduct and business violations.

Purview capabilities will be integrated with Microsoft Copilots, starting with Microsoft Copilot for Microsoft 365 integrations, which are now generally available. With Copilot for Microsoft 365 customers will be able to:

Discover data security risks, including sensitive data shared with Copilot and risky use of Copilot.
See Copilot honoring Purview Information Protection sensitivity label access restrictions, inheriting sensitivity labels from referenced files and citing sensitivity labels in responses.
Capture Copilot prompts and responses as evidence in Purview Audit.
Run content search in Purview eDiscovery.
Manage retention and deletion policies for Copilot prompts and responses in Purview Data Lifecycle Management.
Detect business and code of conduct violation in Copilot prompts and responses in Purview Communication Compliance.
Blog: Securing data in an AI-first world with Microsoft Purview

7.3.7. Unified Microsoft Purview portal expands sphere of protection

Organizations must manage multiple solutions to help discover, protect and detect risks surrounding their most sensitive data. To help change the way organizations secure their data, Microsoft Purview is providing one unified Microsoft Purview portal, now in private preview, with these additional features:

Data visibility across all environments: Purview is expanding horizons and enabling visibility of sensitive data beyond Microsoft and into other clouds and applications, making it easier to track and store in a safe place.

Lifecycle protection: Organizations will be able to apply labels on sensitive data – just like they do for applications like Microsoft Outlook or Teams – but will be able to do so in databases, like SQL or other clouds like Amazon S3. This ensures the labels and sensitive information types can transfer across environments, ensuring a unified layer of protection.

Multicloud detection in Insider Risk Management: Data doesn’t move itself, it’s people who move and interact with data, and that’s where the majority of data security risks stem from. As users within organizations use multiple applications and cloud services in their day-to-day work, security teams must comprehend the risks associated with these user activities that may lead to potential data security incidents. Insider Risk Management will add detections in clouds like Azure and Amazon Web Services (AWS), as well as in applications like Box, Dropbox, Google Drive and GitHub. Admins will be able to incorporate these multicloud detections in their data leak and data theft playbooks, making the insights more comprehensive.

Pre-recorded: Protect your entire data estate across multiple clouds

A woman sits outside by a wooden fence working on a Surface tablet.

8. Windows 8.1. Windows Commercial & Enterprise

8.1.1. new features coming to windows 365 and azure virtual desktop.

A host of new features for Windows 365 and Azure Virtual Desktop include:

Windows App , in preview, will be the place to connect to any devices or applications across Windows 365, Azure Virtual Desktop, Remote Desktop, Remote Desktop Services, Microsoft Dev Box and more.
Windows 365 GPU support , in preview, will make it ideal for workloads, such as graphic design, image and video rendering, 3D modeling, data processing and visualization applications.
Windows 365 AI capabilities will help customers reduce costs, increase efficiency and further simplify security and management of Windows 365 Cloud PCs. One example will be applying AI to assess Cloud PC deployment and utilization to provide recommendations to help organizations better forecast and right-size their Cloud PC investment. This capability will be in preview in the coming months.
Azure Virtual Desktop Autoscale for personal desktops is the Azure Virtual Desktop native scaling solution that automatically starts session host virtual machines (VMs) according to schedule or using Start VM on Connect. It then deallocates or hibernates session host VMs based on the user session state (log off/disconnect). The deallocating capability is now generally available, and hibernating session host VMs is in preview.
Single-sign on (SSO) and passwordless authentication support for both Windows 365 and Azure Virtual Desktop is now generally available for Azure Virtual Desktop and Windows 365, along with third-party identity provider (IDP) support. Microsoft is also actively working on enabling the same capabilities for Azure Virtual Desktop approved providers.
Windows 365 Customer Lockbox , in preview, will ensure that Microsoft support engineers can’t access content to do service operations without explicit approval.
Windows 365 Custom Managed Keys will allow organizations to encrypt their Windows 365 Cloud PC disks utilizing their own encryption keys. This feature will be in preview soon.
Watermarking, screen capture protection and tamper protection support for both Windows 365 and Azure Virtual Desktop are now generally available, protecting against unauthorized access and manipulation of data, keeping sensitive information protected and maintaining organizational data integrity.
Blog: Learn more about these updates
Breakout: Scaling AI to every aspect of your business with Windows
Demo: Windows 365 and Azure Virtual Desktop: when, where, why, and how
Discussion: Windows 365 and Azure Virtual Desktop Q&A
OnDemand: The Windows Cloud experience

8.1.2. Universal Print moves function to the cloud

The last workload to move to the cloud is print. Universal Print delivers a complete service integrated with all of Microsoft 365 and Windows 365 to simplify print for employees and IT professionals.

With the added support for MacOS endpoints and an easy-to-use pull print functionality, in preview, employees will be able to securely and conveniently print on any corporate printer from anywhere and from any device. Now in preview, MacOS devices are fully supported through Universal Print. Users can print from any device or walk up to any corporate printer and securely release their print job, without having to choose the printer.

8.1.3. Windows Autopatch simplifies and automates update management for Windows

Microsoft is extending Windows Autopatch to PCs for frontline workers by adding Autopatch to the Microsoft 365 F3+ subscription. This long-awaited extension of the update management service is now generally available.

In addition, Windows Autopatch will become the unifying Windows update management solution for enterprise customers. The single solution for enterprise update management can be used as a fully automated managed service to deliver the highest cost savings, allowing customers to reallocate resources to higher-value areas. Used from within Microsoft Intune, Windows Autopatch becomes a do-it-yourself, partially automated service that delivers a high level of control. Windows Autopatch is the solution to update and upgrade Windows devices, Microsoft 365 apps, Microsoft Teams and Microsoft Edge. Over time, Windows Update for Business deployment service will merge into the single service for enterprise customers.

Finally, Microsoft is adding firmware and driver update management granular controls to Windows Autopatch. This feature is now in private preview.

Discussion: Windows 11, Windows 365, & Microsoft Intune Q&A

8.2. Windows Developer

8.2.1. introducing windows ai studio and new features for dev home and wsl.

Windows AI Studio for developers will simplify generative AI application development, bringing together cutting-edge AI tools and a model catalog. This will enable developers to fine-tune, customize and deploy small language models (SLMs) for local use in their Windows applications – all in one place.

Windows AI Studio , available in the coming weeks, will give developers greater choice to either run their models on the cloud on Azure or on the edge locally on Windows to meet their needs. And soon, Windows AI Studio will include prompt flow capabilities for prompt orchestration.

Dev Home with Azure Dev Ops (ADO) integration is now available in preview. Dev Home in Windows is a new feature that will help customers onboard new team members and projects faster through WinGet Configuration, in addition to managing projects and daily tasks with a customizable dashboard. An ADO extension , now available for Dev Home, helps enterprise developers easily clone their Azure repositories in Dev Home, manage ADO projects and stay on top of queries and relevant tasks from Dev Home.

Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) has three new features targeted at enterprise-use cases that are generally available and include:

A new plugin for WSL , released by Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, which enables security teams to continuously monitor for events in all running distributions – delivering clear visibility into systems once considered a critical blind spot.
New integrations with Microsoft Intune , which lets admins control access to WSL and its key security settings.
Networking improvements that add additional security by enforcing the firewall rules on Windows to affect the WSL distributions and improved compatibility with VPNs and proxies in a corporate environment.
Blog: Learn more about Windows Subsystem for Linux .
Demo: Dev Home: Your new companion for productivity

Microsoft Ignite 2023: AI transformation and the technology driving change

Nov 15, 2023 | Frank X. Shaw - Chief Communications Officer, Microsoft

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As we reach the end of 2023, nearly every industry is undergoing a collective transformation – discovering entirely new ways of working due to AI advancements.

Microsoft Ignite is a showcase of the advances being developed to help customers, partners and developers achieve the total value of Microsoft’s technology and reshape the way work is done.

As we round out the year, there are strong signals of AI’s potential to transform work. Take our latest Work Trend Index . Eight months ago, we introduced Copilot for Microsoft 365 to reduce digital debt and increase productivity so people can focus on the work that is uniquely human. What everyone wants to know now is: Will Copilot really change work, and how? Our research, using a combination of surveys and experiments, shows the productivity gains are real:

70% of Copilot users said they were more productive and 68% said it improved the quality of their work; 68% say it helped jumpstart the creative process.
Overall, users were 29% faster at specific tasks (searching, writing and summarizing).
Users caught up on a missed meeting nearly 4x faster.
64% of users said Copilot helps them spend less time processing email.
87% of users said Copilot makes it easier to get started on a first draft.
75% of users said Copilot “saves me time by finding whatever I need in my files.”
77% of users said once they use Copilot, they don’t want to give it up.

Today, we will make about 100 news announcements that touch on multiple layers of an AI-forward strategy, from adoption to productivity to security. We’ll zoom in on a few key areas of impact below.

Rethinking cloud infrastructure Microsoft has led with groundbreaking advances like partnerships with OpenAI and the integration of ChatGPT capabilities into tools used to search, collaborate, work and learn. As we accelerate further into AI, Microsoft is rethinking cloud infrastructure to ensure optimization across every layer of the hardware and software stack.

At Ignite we are announcing new innovations across our datacenter fleet, including the latest AI optimized silicon from our industry partners and two new Microsoft-designed chips.

Microsoft Azure Maia, an AI Accelerator chip designed to run cloud-based training and inferencing for AI workloads such as OpenAI models, Bing, GitHub Copilot and ChatGPT.
Microsoft Azure Cobalt, a cloud-native chip based on Arm architecture optimized for performance, power efficiency and cost-effectiveness for general purpose workloads.
Additionally, we are announcing the general availability of Azure Boost , a system that makes storage and networking faster by moving those processes off the host servers onto purpose-built hardware and software.

Complementing our custom silicon, we are expanding partnerships with our silicon providers to provide infrastructure options for customers.

We’ll be adding AMD MI300X accelerated virtual machines (VMs) to Azure. The ND MI300 VMs are designed to accelerate the processing of AI workloads for high range AI model training and generative inferencing, and will feature AMD’s latest GPU, the AMD Instinct MI300X.
The preview of the new NC H100 v5 Virtual Machine Series built for NVIDIA H100 Tensor Core GPUs, offering greater performance, reliability and efficiency for mid-range AI training and generative AI inferencing. We’re also announcing plans for the ND H200 v5 Virtual Machine Series, an AI-optimized VM featuring the upcoming NVIDIA H200 Tensor Core GPU.

Extending the Microsoft Copilot experience Over the past year we have continued to refine our vision for Microsoft Copilot, a set of tools that help people achieve more using AI. To go beyond individual productivity, we are extending Microsoft Copilot offerings across solutions to transform productivity and business processes for every role and function – from office workers and front-line workers to developers and IT professionals.

Microsoft is the Copilot company, and we believe in the future there will be a Copilot for everyone and for everything you do. Some of our Copilot-related announcements and updates include:

Microsoft Copilot for Microsoft 365: This month, Copilot for Microsoft 365 became generally available for enterprises. Already customers like Visa, BP, Honda and Pfizer and partners like Accenture, EY, KPMG, Kyndryl and PwC are using Copilot. We continue to bring new value, based on learnings from our Early Access Program and other research channels. The new Microsoft Copilot Dashboard shows customers how Copilot is impacting their organization – with insights like those found in our Work Trend Index. We’re introducing new personalization capabilities that help Copilot offer responses that are tailored to your unique preferences and role. To empower teamwork, new features for Copilot in Outlook help you prep for meetings, and during meetings, new whiteboarding and note-taking experiences for Copilot in Microsoft Teams keep everyone on the same page. And customers who need it can now use Copilot during a meeting without transcription retention. When you give Copilot a seat at the table, it goes beyond being your personal assistant to helping the entire team – check out the Microsoft 365 blog for updates across the suite including PowerPoint, Excel, Microsoft Viva and more.
Microsoft Copilot Studio: AI transformation begins by tapping into an organization’s unique data and workflows. Microsoft Copilot Studio is a low-code tool designed to customize Microsoft Copilot for Microsoft 365 by integrating business-critical data and build custom copilots for internal or external use. Copilot Studio works with connectors, plugins and GPTs, allowing IT teams to steer Copilot to the best data sources for specific queries.
Microsoft Copilot for Service: The newest copilot to provide role-based support helps businesses accelerate their AI transformation of customer service. Copilot for Service includes Microsoft Copilot for Microsoft 365 and helps extend existing contact centers with generative AI. In customer interactions, agents can ask Copilot for Service questions in natural language and receive relevant insights based on data sources from knowledge repositories, leading to faster and smarter resolutions.
Copilot in Microsoft Dynamics 365 Guides: Combining the power of generative AI and mixed reality, this copilot helps frontline workers complete complex tasks and resolve issues faster without disrupting workflow. Available first on HoloLens 2, the hands-free copilot will help service industry professionals use natural language and human gestures to offer interactive guidance through content and holograms overlaid on the equipment.
Microsoft Copilot for Azure: This is an AI companion for IT that simplifies day-to-day IT administration. More than just a tool, it is a unified chat experience that understands the user’s role and goals, and enhances the ability to design, operate and troubleshoot apps and infrastructure. Copilot for Azure helps IT teams gain new insights into their workloads, unlock untapped Azure functionality and orchestrate tasks across both cloud and edge.
Bringing Copilot to everyone : Our efforts to simplify the user experience and make Copilot more accessible to everyone starts with Bing, our leading experience for the web. Bing Chat and Bing Chat Enterprise will now simply become Copilot. With these changes, when signed in with a Microsoft Entra ID, customers using Copilot in Bing, Edge and Windows will receive the benefit of commercial data protection. Over time, Microsoft will also expand the eligibility of Copilot with commercial data protection to even more Entra ID (formerly Azure Active Directory) users at no additional cost. Copilot (formerly Bing Chat and Bing Chat Enterprise) will be out of preview and become generally available starting Dec. 1. Learn more here .

Reinforcing the data and AI connection AI is only as good as the data that fuels it. That’s why Microsoft is committed to creating an integrated, simplified experience to connect your data to our AI tools .

Microsoft Fabric is part of that solution. Available now, Microsoft Fabric reshapes how teams work with data by bringing everyone together on a single, AI-powered platform that unifies all those data estates on an enterprise-grade data foundation.

Copilot in Microsoft Fabric also integrates with Microsoft Office and Teams to foster a data culture to scale the power of data value creation throughout the organization. We’ve made more than 100 feature updates since Build and expanded our ecosystem with industry leading partners , and have over 25,000 customers including Milliman, Zeiss, London Stock Exchange and EY using it today.

Unlocking more value for developers with Azure AI We continue to expand choice and flexibility in generative AI models to offer developers the most comprehensive selection. With Model-as-a-Service , a new feature in the model catalog we announced at Microsoft Build, pro developers will be able to easily integrate the latest AI models, such as Llama 2 from Meta and upcoming premium models from Mistral, and Jais from G42, as API endpoints to their applications. They can also customize these models with their own data without needing to worry about setting up and managing the GPU infrastructure, helping eliminate complexity.

With the preview of Azure AI Studio , there is now a unified and trusted platform to help organizations more easily explore, build, test and deploy AI apps – all in one place. With Azure AI Studio, you can build your own copilots, train your own, or ground other foundational and open models with data that you bring.

And Vector Search , a feature of Azure AI Search, is now generally available, so organizations can generate highly accurate experiences for every user in their generative AI applications.

The new GPT-3.5 Turbo model with a 16K token prompt length will be generally available and GPT-4 Turbo will be in public preview in Azure OpenAI Service at the end of November 2023. GPT-4 Turbo will enable customers to extend prompt length and bring even more control and efficiency to their generative AI applications.

GPT-4 Turbo with Vision is coming soon to preview and DALL · E 3 is now available in public preview in Azure OpenAI Service , helping fuel the next generation of enterprise solutions along with GPT-4, so organizations can pursue advanced functionalities with images. And when used with our Azure AI Vision service, GPT-4 Turbo with Vision even understands video for generating text outputs, furthering human creativity.

Enabling the responsible deployment of AI Microsoft leads the industry in the safe and responsible use of AI. The company has set the standard with an industry-leading commitment to defend and indemnify commercial customers from lawsuits for copyright infringement – the Copilot Copyright Commitment (CCC).

Today, Microsoft takes its commitment one step further by announcing the expansion of the CCC to customers using Azure OpenAI Service. The new benefit will be called the Customer Copyright Commitment. As part of this expansion, Microsoft has published new documentation to help Azure OpenAI Service customers implement technical measures to mitigate the risk of infringing content. Customers will need to comply with the documentation to take advantage of the benefit.

And Azure AI Content Safety is now generally available, helping organizations detect and mitigate harmful content and create better online experiences. Customers can use Azure AI Content Safety as a built-in-safety system within Azure OpenAI Service, for open-source models as part of their prompt engineering in Azure Machine Learning, or as a standalone API service.

Introducing new experiences in Windows to empower employees, IT and developers We continue to invest in and build Windows to empower people to navigate the platform shift to AI. We are thrilled to introduce new experiences in Windows 11 and Windows 365 for IT and employees that unlock new ways of working and make more AI accessible across any device. To further our mission of making Windows the home for developers and the best place for AI development, we announced a host of new AI and productivity tools for developers , including Windows AI Studio.

Announcing NVIDIA AI foundry service Aimed at helping enterprises and startups supercharge the development, tuning and deployment of their own custom AI models on Microsoft Azure, NVIDIA will announce their AI foundry service running on Azure. The NVIDIA AI foundry service pulls together three elements – a collection of NVIDIA AI Foundation models, NVIDIA NeMo framework and tools, and NVIDIA DGX Cloud AI supercomputing and services – that give enterprises an end-to-end solution for creating custom generative AI models. Businesses can then deploy their models with NVIDIA AI Enterprise software on Azure to power generative AI applications, including intelligent search, summarization and content generation.

Strengthening defenses in the era of AI The threat landscape has evolved dramatically in recent years, and at Microsoft Ignite we are introducing new technologies across Microsoft’s suite of security solutions to help defenders make the world a safer place.

Microsoft Sentinel and Microsoft Defender XDR (previously Microsoft 365 Defender) will be combined to create the industry’s first Unified Security Operations Platform, with embedded Security Copilot experiences. With built-in generative AI, it’s a single, powerful experience focused on protecting threats at machine speed and aiding defenders by simplifying the complexity of their environment.

Additionally, the expansion of Security Copilot embedded within Intune, Purview and Entra will help IT administrators, compliance units and identity teams simplify complex scenarios. In Entra, identity administrators can quickly troubleshoot identity access. In Purview, data security alerts deliver rich context to help resolve problems faster. In Intune, IT administrators can use “what if” analysis to keep business running while improving governance and compliance.

And that’s just a snapshot of what we’ll be announcing at Ignite. As a reminder, you can view keynote sessions from Satya Nadella, Rajesh Jha and Jared Spataro, Charlie Bell and Vasu Jakkal, and Scott Guthrie live or on-demand.

Plus, you can get more on all these announcements by exploring the Book of News , the official compendium of all today’s news, and the product blogs below.

Watch the keynotes and get all the latest photos, videos and more from Microsoft Ignite

The online event for Microsoft Ignite

With a systems approach to chips, Microsoft aims to tailor everything ‘from silicon to service’ to meet AI demand

Introducing new Copilot experiences to boost productivity and elevate customer experiences across the organization

Simplify IT management with Microsoft Copilot for Azure – save time and get answers fast

Introducing Microsoft Copilot Studio and new features in Copilot for Microsoft 365

Announcing general availability of vector search and semantic ranker in Azure AI Search

GPT-4 Turbo with Vision on Azure OpenAI Service

How Azure AI Content Safety helps protect users from the classroom to the chatroom

Elevating the developer experience on Windows with new AI tools and productivity tools

Microsoft unveils expansion of AI for security and security for AI at Microsoft Ignite

Tags: AI , Azure AI Content Safety , Azure AI Studio , Microsoft 365 , Microsoft Copilot , Microsoft Fabric , Microsoft Ignite 2023 , Microsoft Security Copilot , Model-as-a-Service

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FREE 20+ Sample Project Proposals in PDF
💋 Project plan proposal example. 3 Project Proposal Examples You Must
39 BEST Consulting Proposal Templates [FREE] ᐅ TemplateLab
FREE 14+ Business Proposal Samples & Templates in PDF
11+ Management Proposal Templates
11+ Management Proposal Templates

VIDEO

PRINCIPLES OF MANAGEMENT
Business Analysis to Project Management
Ch.01
Kristian Landmark discusses the benefits of doing a placement year at Bournemouth University
ICT200: PROJECT PROPOSAL. LIBRARY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
Customer Evaluation of Proposals

COMMENTS

6 Steps to Writing a Project Proposal (Examples & Templates)
Example #2: Project Management Proposal Template. ... This simple business proposal template cuts across a wide range of use cases. You can use it to secure buy-in for a short or long-term project or business. It features key sections like introduction, services, customer reviews, setup process, delivery timeline and pricing. ...
How to Write a Project Proposal (Examples & Template Included)
A project proposal is a project management document that's used to define the objectives and requirements of a project. It helps organizations and external project stakeholders agree on an initial project planning framework. ... Even a business document like a project proposal, business case or executive summary will suffer if it's poorly ...
How to Write a Project Proposal [2023] • Asana
Your project proposal should summarize your project details and sell your idea so stakeholders feel inclined to get involved in the initiative. The goal of your project proposal is to: Secure external funding. Allocate company resources to your project. Gain stakeholder buy-in. Build momentum and excitement.
How to Write a Project Proposal (Example and Templates)
Earn your clients and stakeholders' approval with a structured business project proposal. Canva's collection of project proposal templates can be customized to fit any project you're writing for. Select any layout, whether that's a research proposal template, a marketing proposal template, or a project management proposal.
Project Proposal Templates and Examples
The project proposal is drafted and presented to key stakeholders before the project lifecycle ever begins. The project charter includes many of the same components as a project proposal, including the expected timeline, budget, stakeholders, scope, and potential risks, but it's delivered after stakeholder approval to start the project is ...
How to Write a Project Proposal
Completing the initial steps above provides you a good head start to writing your business project proposal. Your next step is to organize your research into a coherent document - an actual proposal. Here's how to write a proposal for a project from scratch; 1. Write the executive summary.
Write a Winning Project Proposal
Business Project Proposals: Business project proposals come in many different forms. Often, they outline terms for the project and can act like a contract. ... A project plan, also known as a project management plan, is similar to a project proposal. It contains both the scope of a project and the objectives it will achieve. It is not meant to ...
How to Write a Project Proposal: Step-By-Step
Step 6: Tie it all together. End your proposal with a conclusion that briefly summarizes the problem, solution, and benefits. Emphasize the significant parts, and make your proposal stand out by ...
17 Free Project Proposal Templates + Tips
This business project proposal template includes fields at the top for entering project details; sections for listing objectives, justification for and impact of carrying out the project, and resources required; plus a schedule timeline. ... With this project management proposal template, you can describe the activities involved in different ...
13 Types of Project Proposals That Get Approved (and How to Write Them)
A project proposal is how you can get management to act on your ideas. They're the bottom-up version of a project request form.. Writing a project proposal isn't rocket science, but it is a lot harder if you don't have something like a template to give you a head start.. Using a template for your proposals gives you a document which you can reference throughout the entire project.
8 Project Proposal Essentials to Get Manager Buy-In (with Free ...
The essential elements of a project proposal that will get you buy-in. Step 1: Explain the problem and why it's important to solve it right now. Step 2: Tie the project's benefits into the bigger company strategy. Step 3: Explain why you're the right fit (for agencies and freelancers) Step 4: Spell out exactly what you're going to deliver.
How to Write a Project Management Plan [+ Examples]
To write a successful project plan, follow these 5 steps below to create an effective project plan that serves as a valuable tool for project management: 1. Highlight the key elements of your project plan in an executive summary. An executive summary is a brief description of the key contents of a project plan.
How To Write a Project Proposal (With Tips and Example)
Section 1: Executive summary. Write an introductory section, called the executive summary, to summarize your project. Just like the introduction of an essay, this section should aim to catch your recipient's attention and encourage them to read on. Your executive summary should include details about the following:
How to Write a Business Proposal (+ Examples & FREE Templates)
Here are the essential elements to include: Your name along with your company's name. The name of the prospect (or their business) The date you're submitting the proposal. CREATE THIS PROPOSAL TEMPLATE. The gray business consulting proposal template above contains all the details a prospect would want to know.
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A well-crafted project proposal should clearly and concisely communicate the project's benefits and value to the stakeholders. It should also demonstrate that the project team has thoroughly researched and planned the project, and is capable of executing it successfully. Writing a strong project proposal requires careful planning, research, and ...
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The project management proposal template can help you create a visually appealling and organized business proposal. Embed forms, timelines, spreadsheets, calendars, images, videos, and more into the proposal to catch your client's attention and present quality work.
How to Write a Business Proposal [Examples + Template]
Here's an example of what a business proposal template looks like when done right: 2. Explain your "why" with an executive summary. The executive summary details exactly why you're sending the proposal and why your solution is the best for the prospective client. Specificity is key here.
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Business Proposal
Step 2: Define the Scope and Objectives. Project scope is a part of the project plan where the specific range of the project tasks, costs, deliverables, and deadlines are determined and documented. Distinguishing the objective of your project helps you shape the business proposal outline format. It is also advisable to mention the objective of ...
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That is why we listed the steps below for you to come up with a compelling proposal for a company project. 1. Develop SMART Goals. When making a business proposal, always start with smart goals. Since you are making a project investment, you have to determine what you are trying to achieve.
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Loopio: Best for RFP automation. Image: Loopio. Loopio is a robust proposal management platform that uses AI to automate the RFP (Request for Proposal) process. It's suitable for organizations ...
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How to Write a Project Proposal (Examples & Template Included)

Table of Contents

Project Proposal Template

1. Write an Executive Summary

2. Provide a Project Background

3. Establish a Project Vision & Success Criteria

4. Identify Potential Risks and Mitigation Strategies

5. Define Your Project Scope and Project Deliverables

6. Set SMART Goals for Your Project Proposal

7. Explain What’s Your Project Approach

8. Outline The Expected Benefits of Your Project Proposal

9. Identify Project Resource Requirements

10. Estimate Project Costs and Project Budget

11. Define a Project Timeline

ProjectManager & Project Proposals

Deliver your projects on time and under budget

6 steps for writing a persuasive project proposal

What is a project proposal?

Project proposals vs. project charters vs. business cases

Types of project proposals

How to write a project proposal

1. Write an executive summary

2. Explain the project background

3. Present a solution

4. Define project deliverables and goals

5. List what resources you need

6. State your conclusion

Tips for writing an effective project proposal

Know your audience

Be persuasive

Keep it simple

Do your research

Use project management tools to strengthen your project proposal

Related resources

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SMART Goals: How To Write Them and Why They Matter

Project Proposal Templates and Examples

Featured Partners: Project Management Software

What is a Project Proposal?

Why is a Project Proposal Important?

How is a Project Proposal Different from Other Documents?

Parts of a Project Proposal

Introduction

The Problem

The Solution

Deliverables & Goals

Closing Remarks

Types of Project Proposals

Unsolicited

Continuation

How to Write a Project Proposal

Download Your FREE All-In-One Project Proposal Template

What are some top tips for writing a project proposal?

What are some commonly asked questions when presenting a proposal?

How can I decide what project proposal format is best for my team?

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What is a Project Proposal

Benefits of a well-structured project proposal

Different types of project proposals include

How to Write a Project Proposal

1. Write the executive summary

2. Define the problem

03. Introduce your solution

04. Outline the project costs

05. Conclude your proposal

06. Add an appendix

07. Revise and refine

Project Proposal Templates

What’s Your Process for Writing a Business Project Proposal?