Imagine a world where your on-premises and enterprise cloud files seamlessly integrate with Microsoft Copilot unleashing AI on your Azure NetApp Files enterprise data, and making your workday smoother and more efficient. Welcome to the future with the NetApp Connector for Microsoft Copilot!
Table of Contents
Install the NetApp Connector for Copilot
Introduction
Imagine a world where your on-premises and enterprise cloud files seamlessly integrate with Microsoft 365 Copilot unleashing AI on your Azure NetApp Files enterprise data, and making your workday smoother and more efficient. Welcome to the future with the NetApp Connector for Microsoft Copilot!
The NetApp Connector for Microsoft Copilot is a fully managed solution provided by Office 365 that integrates your on-premises and enterprise cloud data, including high-performance Azure NetApp Files, with the AI capabilities of Microsoft 365 Copilot. This enables you to harness the full potential of the business intelligence stored on your NetApp systems without the need for any data migration. Whether you're drafting a document in Word or creating a presentation in PowerPoint, Copilot's advanced AI capabilities are at your fingertips, ready to enhance your productivity and streamline your workflows.
But that's not all. The NetApp Connector ensures that your data remains secure and compliant with existing Microsoft 365 role-based access controls. This ensures that your data is secure while you benefit from seamless integration and improved functionality.
Co-authors
- Kirk Ryan, Office of the CTO (NetApp)
- Kyle Radder, Azure NetApp Files Technical Marketing Engineer
Prerequisites
Prior to the installation and configuration of the NetApp Connector, complete the following prerequisites.
- Obtain 365 License(s) and Microsoft Copilot License(s)
- Install and configure Graph Connector Agent on a Virtual Machine
- Install latest node (LTS)
- Install latest python (LTS)
- Request access here for the NetApp Connector
|
(!) Note The VM running the Graph Connector Agent requires network connectivity to the Azure NetApp Files share(s) to be indexed.
|
Install the NetApp Connector for Copilot
Download and install NetApp connector onto the VM where you have installed the GCA. The installer automatically performs the following steps.
- Installs the NetApp Connector to Program Files/NetApp Connector for Microsoft 365 Copilot (by default).
- Registers the connector as a Windows service (with automatic start).
The connector installation also generates the appropriate files for use by the GCA. These are detailed below and can be copy/pasted or appended (if using several connectors per VM).
Config.json
This is the configuration file that is loaded at runtime by the connector. The connectorId and port are set in this file. To change the connectors configuration, simply stop the service (if running), amend the relevant entry in this file and restart the service. Note: If you intend to run several connectors on a single VM, each must have it’s own unique port (i.e. 50051, 50051 and so on).
ConnectionInfo.json
Update the providerId under the configuration object:
{"id": "NetAppConnector","name": "NetAppConnector","description": "NetApp Connector","configuration": {"providerId": "5e0f1fd8-bdba-44a4-be18-408515dd2326","scheduleSetting": {"fullSyncInterval": 60},"CredentialData": {"Path": "\\\\anf-2669.demo.yourdomain.com\\sharename","AuthenticationKind": "windows","CredentialDetails": {"loginId": "yourloginusername","loginSecret": "yourpassword","domain": "demo.yourdomain.com"}},"ProviderParameters": null}}
CustomConnectorPortMap.json
This file resides in the Graph Connector installation directory, be sure to add the second and additional connectors as follows so that you have a list of all connectors, and their unique ports (note each connector should have its own unique port if running on the same host/VM).
{"f3ab6fb9-fd9d-4a28-907e-5e739786bb80": "50051","5e0f1fd8-bdba-44a4-be18-408515dd2326": "50052"}
Manifest.json
(Note: No longer required as of Feb 2025 as this is now configured in the “Add custom connector” UX of M365 Search and Intelligence)
{
"connectorId": "5e0f1fd8-bdba-44a4-be18-408515dd2326",
"authTypes": ["Windows"],
"additionalCrawlsSupported": ["Incremental"]
}
Uninstallation
The connector can be removed via the Control Panel -> Add/Remove Programs menu. This will automatically remove the service and all files.
Demonstration
Watch the Quick Bytes video for an overview as well as powerful real-world examples of unleashing AI on your data with Microsoft Copilot.
Summary
With the NetApp Connector for Copilot, you can unlock the full potential of your business intelligence without the need for data migration, making it an invaluable tool for modern enterprises. Embrace this innovative solution and experience a new level of efficiency and effectiveness in your digital workspace. Stay tuned for more insights and real-world applications of the NetApp Connector for Microsoft Copilot.
Additional information
Microsoft