Microsoft Build 2024 was anticipated with excitement, but the reality was more disheartening. Valuable tools and learning resources, discussed extensively at Build, remain inaccessible to many developers due to restrictive access requirements. Accessing Microsoft’s development pathways has become increasingly difficult for independent developers, particularly with the introduction of Copilot Studio. Despite the excitement around its potential, the requirement for an organizational ‘work’ or ‘school’ account creates a significant barrier.

Microsoft 365 business subscriptions, necessary for these organizational accounts, are not feasible for many individual developers due to their cost and the nature of their work. Additionally, the alternative—an MSDN subscription—is not a practical solution for everyone.

This situation leaves many developers unable to experiment with and utilize Copilot Studio and other advanced tools. The frustration is palpable, as independent developers are effectively excluded from accessing resources that could enhance their skills and contributions.

At this year’s Build conference, the excitement around new tools and features quickly turned to disappointment for many. The realization that these tools were out of reach due to restrictive access requirements overshadowed the innovations presented.

This practice seems inconsistent with Microsoft’s open-source philosophy and its stated commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive developer community. It’s a frustrating reality for many developers who are eager to learn and innovate but are hindered by access barriers.

Moreover, this exclusionary practice contradicts the principles of Responsible AI Practices. By restricting access to advanced development tools like Copilot Studio, Microsoft is inadvertently creating a divide that hampers the inclusive growth and ethical deployment of AI technologies. Ensuring broad and equitable access is crucial for the responsible advancement of AI, and current policies need to reflect this imperative.

Barriers hinder innovation.

@microsoft

​Microsoft Build 2024 was anticipated with excitement, but the reality was more disheartening. Valuable tools and learning resources, discussed extensively at Build, remain inaccessible to many developers due to restrictive access requirements. Accessing Microsoft’s development pathways has become increasingly difficult for independent developers, particularly with the introduction of Copilot Studio. Despite the excitement around its potential, the requirement for an organizational ‘work’ or ‘school’ account creates a significant barrier.Microsoft 365 business subscriptions, necessary for these organizational accounts, are not feasible for many individual developers due to their cost and the nature of their work. Additionally, the alternative—an MSDN subscription—is not a practical solution for everyone.This situation leaves many developers unable to experiment with and utilize Copilot Studio and other advanced tools. The frustration is palpable, as independent developers are effectively excluded from accessing resources that could enhance their skills and contributions.At this year’s Build conference, the excitement around new tools and features quickly turned to disappointment for many. The realization that these tools were out of reach due to restrictive access requirements overshadowed the innovations presented.This practice seems inconsistent with Microsoft’s open-source philosophy and its stated commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive developer community. It’s a frustrating reality for many developers who are eager to learn and innovate but are hindered by access barriers.Moreover, this exclusionary practice contradicts the principles of Responsible AI Practices. By restricting access to advanced development tools like Copilot Studio, Microsoft is inadvertently creating a divide that hampers the inclusive growth and ethical deployment of AI technologies. Ensuring broad and equitable access is crucial for the responsible advancement of AI, and current policies need to reflect this imperative.Barriers hinder innovation.@microsoft  Read More

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