Microsoft Agent Framework 1.0#
Original | Raw
Summary#
Microsoft Agent Framework 1.0 GA shipped April 3, 2026 — the production-ready convergence of [[autogen-multi-agent|AutoGen]] (56.8K stars) and Semantic Kernel (18K+ stars) into a single unified SDK. Supports .NET and Python, six model providers, native MCP + A2A, graph-based workflows, and ships with an LTS commitment.
Key Takeaways#
- The merger: Semantic Kernel becomes the foundation layer (kernel, plugins, connectors). AutoGen’s orchestration becomes the graph workflow engine on top. One SDK, one mental model.
- 75K+ stars unified: Combined community of both predecessor projects.
- Six providers, one-line swap: Azure OpenAI, OpenAI, Anthropic Claude, Amazon Bedrock, Google Gemini, Ollama. Truly model-agnostic.
- Native MCP + A2A: Full interoperability story at 1.0. Not bolt-on.
- LTS from day one: Stable API surface, documented upgrade path. Rare in this space.
- Graph workflows: Four canonical patterns — round-robin, supervisor, hierarchical, dynamic hand-off.
- DevUI: Browser-based local debugger showing message graphs, tool invocations, token latency, orchestration decisions. Unique differentiator.
- AutoGen is now legacy: Maintenance mode. Plan migrations during 2026.
- .NET + Python first-class: Same concepts, same API shape, idiomatic in each language.
Architecture (Five Layers)#
- Connectors — provider adapters (six providers)
- Kernel — DI container, config (from Semantic Kernel)
- Agents — instructions, tools, memory, state
- Orchestration — graph workflow engine (from AutoGen concepts)
- Interop — MCP + A2A protocol adapters
Orchestration Patterns#
| Pattern | Use When |
|---|
| Round-robin | Deterministic pipeline, clear turns |
| Supervisor | One coordinator routes to specialists |
| Hierarchical | Tree topology, managers own sub-teams |
| Dynamic hand-off | Runtime peer transfer decisions |
Positioning#
| Dimension | Microsoft Agent Framework 1.0 |
|---|
| Model support | 6 providers (Azure OpenAI, OpenAI, Claude, Bedrock, Gemini, Ollama) |
| Languages | .NET 9+ (C# 13), Python 3.10+ |
| Orchestration | Graph workflows (typed edges) |
| State | Agent-level state + session |
| Interop | MCP (tools) + A2A (agents) |
| Production features | DevUI, OpenTelemetry, Azure deployment, LTS |
| Graph workflows | Yes (core architecture) |
Legacy Migration#
- Semantic Kernel → continues maintenance, lazy migration OK
- AutoGen → maintenance mode, plan migration during 2026
- Published migration guides for both at learn.microsoft.com
See Also#