# Microsoft Agent Framework

> MIT successor to AutoGen + Semantic Kernel — Python and .NET

**Category:** AI Agents  
**Pricing:** open-source  
**URL:** https://aka.ms/agent-framework  
**GitHub:** https://github.com/microsoft/agent-framework  
**Added:** 2026-09-15

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## The Hook

Microsoft Agent Framework is the MIT production successor to AutoGen and Semantic Kernel — graph workflows, MCP, and multi-provider agents in Python and .NET.

## What's Good

MIT (microsoft/agent-framework). Official AutoGen successor for new work. Graph workflows (sequential, concurrent, handoff, group), middleware, OpenTelemetry, MCP tools, Foundry hosting samples. Docs on Microsoft Learn; PyPI `agent-framework` and NuGet Microsoft.Agents.AI. Local/OSS path is free; models and Azure Foundry hosting bill separately.

## The Catch

Vs AG2 (community AutoGen fork), LangGraph (graph orchestration), and Google ADK: MAF is Microsoft’s enterprise-shaped multi-agent SDK, not a coding seat. Foundry hosted agents and Azure model meters are paid paths — OSS framework still runs with BYO providers. AutoGen is maintenance-only; start new projects here, not there.

## Verdict

MIT Microsoft agent SDK. Prefer over AutoGen for new builds; watch Azure meters in prod.