GPT-5.6 now available in Microsoft Foundry

Microsoft Foundry, an end-to-end platform for building and deploying AI agents, has introduced GPT-5.6 as part of its latest updates. The platform integrates frontier models, production runtime, and enterprise controls into a single environment, enabling organizations to transition from pilot projects to full-scale deployment without relying on disparate tools. Adobe, Telefónica, and Tata Consultancy Services are among the companies already running agents in production using Foundry’s infrastructure.

GPT-5.6 is now available across 28 global regions, including the new Asia-Pacific Data Zone, which allows APAC customers to process data locally while accessing advanced AI models. The model series offers flexibility in matching capability, cost, and performance to specific business needs. Pricing for GPT-5.6 in Microsoft Foundry follows OpenAI’s updated rates as of July 30, with discounts available for Data Zone and Priority Processing deployments.

The Asia-Pacific Data Zone, now generally available, ensures compliance with regional data sovereignty requirements by keeping processing within APAC boundaries. This expansion aligns with the needs of financial institutions and other sectors prioritizing localized data handling. Foundry’s deployment options—Global, Data Zone, and Regional—allow organizations to tailor AI adoption to compliance, performance, and scale needs while maintaining a consistent development experience.

Foundry enhances agent reliability with built-in capabilities for monitoring, governance, and cost control. Features include model routing, prompt caching, and spend optimization tools to ensure predictable operations. Organizations report reducing deployment timelines from weeks to days while meeting enterprise-grade security and compliance standards. Documentation and learning resources are available to help developers build and deploy production-ready agents efficiently.