Microsoft launches Unified Agent Framework, ending debate over AI SDKs

Microsoft released the Unified Agent Framework, a new AI development platform that consolidates earlier SDKs such as Semantic Kernel and AutoGen. The framework reached version 1.0 and General Availability in April 2026, offering stable support for both .NET and Python environments. By moving Semantic Kernel and AutoGen into maintenance mode, Microsoft effectively shifted the focus of enterprise AI projects to the new framework, prompting teams to reassess whether an agent‑based approach is needed at all.

The rollout is expected to simplify architectural decisions for organizations building AI‑driven applications, reducing the time spent evaluating competing SDKs and allowing developers to concentrate on functional requirements rather than framework selection.