Microsoft Foundry adds GPT-5.6 and APAC Data Zone

Microsoft has announced new generally available capabilities in Microsoft Foundry, including GPT-5.6 models, the Asia-Pacific Data Zone, and hosted agents in Foundry Agent Service.

• GPT-5.6 Sol, Terra, and Luna are now generally available in Microsoft Foundry Models and Foundry Agent Service, with deployment options across Global Standard, Global Priority Processing, Data Zones Standard, and Global Provisioned.
• The Asia-Pacific Data Zone is also generally available, and hosted agents gain production features including VNet integration, Voice Live, Foundry IQ, toolboxes, and upcoming publishing to Microsoft Teams and Microsoft 365 Copilot next week.
• The post also says tracing and evaluation for hosted agents are generally available, while memory, routines, agent optimizer, and ROI for agents are in preview.
• This is a product announcement and platform update from Microsoft, not a report on a new external deal; it includes usage examples from Adobe, Telefónica, Tata Consultancy Services, and Viva Republica (Toss).