--- sourceDocument: australia Combined Product Files sourceDocumentLink: https://www.servicenow.com/docs/r/australia/delta-zurich-australia Release : - australia ft:locale : - en-US ft:publication_title : - australia Combined Product Files ft:clusterId : - delta3az bundleId : - delta3az --- # Combined ServiceNow Otto for Strategic Portfolio Management release notes for upgrades from Zurich to Australia # Combined ServiceNow Otto for Strategic Portfolio Management release notes for upgrades from Zurich to Australia {#ariaid-title1} Release version: Australia Updated October 8, 2026 ![](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/portal-asset/ico-clock) 8 minutes to read Summarize ![AI sparkle icon](https://servicenow.com/docs/portal-asset/ai-sparkle-icon) Summarized using AI This content was generated using new OpenAI-powered functionality. Results are provided on an as is basis and are not guaranteed to be accurate or complete. ## Summary of Combined ServiceNow Otto for Strategic Portfolio Management Release Notes for Upgrades from Zurich to Australia This consolidated release notes document assists ServiceNow customers in preparing for and understanding the upgrade from the Zurich release family to the Australia release family of ServiceNow Otto for Strategic Portfolio Management (SPM). It highlights new features, changes, activation information, and important upgrade tasks relevant for this transition. Show full answer Show less ## New Features * **Schedule Project Insights Email:** Enables scheduling and instant sending of project insights emails to project managers and users, with customizable frequency (weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly). These emails track key project updates such as delayed end dates, critical status changes, and milestone progress. * **AI-Powered Now Assist Skills:** * **Identify Similar Records:** Detects similar existing demand records based on contextual similarity of Name, Description, and Business Case fields. * **Target Generation Skill:** Automates measurable target creation from goals and context, helping teams define clear outcomes quickly. * **Acceptance Criteria Generation:** Produces consistent acceptance criteria for user stories using story context and templates. * **Enhanced Story Generation:** Converts epics into actionable user stories with an agentic workflow that recommends story count and refines content. * **Refine Records Skill:** Uses AI-assisted text refinement across various record types to improve quality and consistency. * **AI Integration in Docs:** Supports generating, summarizing, elaborating, and refining content directly within ServiceNow Docs using Now Assist and multiple AI model providers including Google Gemini and AWS Claude. * **AI-Generated Goal Insights (Australia release):** Provides predictive, actionable insights into goal health by analyzing goal status, targets at risk, and aligned work to enable proactive risk management. ## Key Changes * **Now Assist Usage Measurement:** Transitioned from a 365-day look-back to a 365-day burn-down model, resetting usage at contract anniversary. * **User Interface Enhancements:** * "Email Project Summary" renamed to "Configure Project Insights" with improved options to personalize content, select topics, set frequency, and add recipients. * Added options to enable or disable critical task alerts and to send project insights emails instantly via a "Send preview" button. * **Demand Management UI Updates:** Added "Identify similar demands" button and related list on demand forms to quickly find similar demands using AI. * **Default Activation of AI Skills:** Certain generative AI skills, AI agents, and agentic workflows are now turned on by default for appropriate roles in new installations and upgrades, ensuring quicker access to AI capabilities. * **Security and Roles:** The ppm.aiprojectmanageragent user role is now used for running AI agents and workflows instead of administrator accounts, improving security. * **New Coral Theme:** Introduces a fresh, brand-neutral Coral theme as the default for new portals and mobile experiences with Next Experience or Core UI enabled, including a dark mode option. ## Activation and Requirements * ServiceNow Otto for Strategic Portfolio Management features, including Now Assist AI capabilities, require activation of the corresponding plugin. * The Australia release version is available via the ServiceNow Store. * No additional browser, accessibility, localization, or specific requirements changes were introduced between Zurich and Australia releases. ## Practical Benefits for ServiceNow Customers * Improved project visibility and proactive management through scheduled AI-driven insights and alerts. * Accelerated and standardized delivery of project and demand management artifacts using AI-powered content generation and refinement. * Enhanced user experience with updated UI elements and a modernized theme for portals and mobile access. * Streamlined AI usage with default activation of key skills and improved security practices around AI agent roles. * Opportunity to leverage multiple AI model providers, enhancing AI skill performance and flexibility. ## Next Steps for Upgrade ServiceNow customers planning the upgrade should review the outlined pre- and post-upgrade tasks, verify plugin activation, and familiarize themselves with new AI features and UI changes to maximize value from the Australia release of Otto for Strategic Portfolio Management. Consolidated page of all release notes for ServiceNow Otto for Strategic Portfolio Management from Zurich to Australia. ## How to use this page To help you prepare for your upgrade, we have combined the cross-family ServiceNow Otto for Strategic Portfolio Management release notes onto one page. Read this summary of the new features, changes, and updated information for your product from Zurich to Australia. Tip: If there were no updates for a release notes section in a certain family release, we included a short note for your reference. For example, if a product did not have any updates in Tokyo, the row says "No updates for this release." ## Important information for upgrading ServiceNow Otto for Strategic Portfolio Management to Australia Before you upgrade to Australia, review these pre- and post-upgrade tasks and complete the tasks as needed. {#dfrn3-servicenowottoforstrategicportfoliomanagement-summary__entry__2} | Release | Release notes | |-|-| | Zurich | No updates for this release. | | Australia | No updates for this release. | [ ] ## New features Between your current release family and Australia, new features were introduced for ServiceNow Otto for Strategic Portfolio Management. {#dfrn3-servicenowottoforstrategicportfoliomanagement-summary__entry__8} | Release | Release notes | |-|-| | Zurich | [Schedule project insights email](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/access?context=email-project-summary-skill-pw&family=zurich&ft:locale=en-US) : * Schedule project insights email in the Configure project insights modal. The project email is emailed to the project managers and users and continues on the selected schedule that you select until the project is inactive or paused. * Schedule and instantly send the project insights email to your project managers by selecting the Send preview button. * Track important updates such as the delayed end dates, the status turning red, or the state updates of your projects and receive project insights email on the schedule that you select. * Select the email frequency that works for you: weekly, bi-weekly or monthly. * Monitor critical elements such as milestones, resources, projects, and project tasks. * Receive proactive, AI-based notifications when project milestones or critical tasks could lead to delays using Monitor project task agent. Use the Enable critical task alerts option from planning page to enable the project task monitor AI agent. * Choose the recipients to whom you want to send the project insights email. [Identify similar records using Now Assist](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/access?context=identify-similar-demand-records&family=zurich&ft:locale=en-US) : Detect similar existing demand records when creating or editing a demand using the identify similar records skill. The skill compares the Name, Description, and Business Case fields for contextual similarity. [Accelerate target creation with the target generation skill](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/access?context=generate-targets-for-goal&family=zurich&ft:locale=en-US) : Generate measurable targets from goals information and optional context with the target generation skill. The skill automatically populates key fields in the target creation form, helping teams define clear, measurable outcomes and create targets quickly. [Generate acceptance criteria for stories](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/access?context=eap-generate-acceptance-criteria-for-stories&family=zurich&ft:locale=en-US) : Generate clear, consistent acceptance criteria for user stories with the acceptance criteria generation skill. By leveraging story context and predefined templates, the skill helps you align with requirements. [Enhancements to Story generation](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/access?context=generate-stories-from-epics-now-assist-eap&family=zurich&ft:locale=en-US) : Use the upgraded agile story generation skill to convert epics into actionable user stories quickly. Powered by an agentic workflow, the skill analyzes epic details to recommend the optimal number of stories, enables adjustments, refines story content, and creates story records. [\[Placeholder link text to key bundle-itbm.refine-text-with-write-planning-item-skill\]](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/access?context=refine-text-with-write-planning-item-skill&family=zurich&ft:locale=en-US) : Simplify record creation and updates by using the refine records skill with Now Assist context menu. Improve record quality by enabling AI-assisted text refinement in the text fields of Product idea, Demand, Epic, Projects, Capability, Feature, Stories, Project tasks, Risks, Strategic priorities, Goals, Targets, Initiatives, Feedback, Milestones, and Story forms. [Configure ACLs for custom roles](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/access?context=aia-security-implementation&family=zurich&ft:locale=en-US) : Update the ACLs for custom roles that require access to Now Assist skills. [Generate and improve Docs content](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/access?context=generate-summarize-and-refine-content-of-docs-with-now-assist-spm&family=zurich&ft:locale=en-US) : Help improve your content and productivity with the ability to enter custom prompts directly in the Docs, alongside the Summarize, Elaborate, and Shorten options. Generate content with ServiceNow Otto for SPM directly in your Docs. In addition, summarize existing sections, elaborate where needed, and refine drafts to help improve your productivity. You can interact with Now Assist directly in your Doc to create content, add context, or improve existing sections. [New third-party AI model provider options available for Now Assist](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/access?context=ai-model-providers&family=zurich&ft:locale=en-US) : Google Gemini 2.0 Flash, Google Gemini 2.5 Pro, and AWS Claude 3.7 Sonnet are available for Now Assist skills and AI agents in addition to Now LLM Service and Azure OpenAI GPT-4.1 and GPT-4.1 mini. | | Australia | [AI-generated insights for goals](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/access?context=generate-insights-for-goal&family=australia&ft:locale=en-US) : Generate AI‑powered insights using the goal insights skill to gain predictive, actionable visibility into goal health. By analyzing the goal, goal targets, subgoals, and aligned work, the system delivers data‑driven insights that help goal owners and contributors manage risks proactively and improve goal outcomes. Insights include AI-forecasted status, confidence of achieving the goal, targets at risk, and aligned work or recommendations that have been delayed or stalled. | [ ] ## Changes Between your current release family and Australia, some changes were made to existing ServiceNow Otto for Strategic Portfolio Management features. {#dfrn3-servicenowottoforstrategicportfoliomanagement-summary__entry__14} | Release | Release notes | |-|-| | Zurich | [Changes to Now Assist usage measurement](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/access?context=monitoring-now-assist-usage&family=zurich&ft:locale=en-US) : Starting with Australia Early Access, AI usage measurement is transitioning from a 365-day look-back model to a 365-day burn-down model, with usage resetting at the contract anniversary date. For more information, refer to [KB KB2704710: AI Usage - Overview \& New Measurement Logic](https://support.servicenow.com/kb?id=kb_article_view&sysparm_article=KB2704710). [More actions context menu UI enhancements](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/access?context=email-project-summary-skill-pw&family=zurich&ft:locale=en-US) : * Email project summary option has been renamed to Configure project insights. * Enable critical task alerts option has been added. * Disable critical task alerts option has been added. [Configure project insights modal UI enhancements](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/access?context=email-project-summary-skill-pw&family=zurich&ft:locale=en-US) : * Email project summary modal has been renamed to Configure project insights modal. * Disable email summary check box has been renamed to Pause cadence check box. * Choose topics, personalize content, and set frequency setup have been added. * Project tasks, Milestones, and Resources check boxes have been added. * Include critical path task changes check box has been removed. * Schedule and send button has been renamed to Schedule button. * Send preview button has been added to send an email instantly. [Skill name updates](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/access?context=email-project-summary-skill-pw&family=zurich&ft:locale=en-US) : The email project summary skill has been renamed to the project insights generation skill. [Demand Management UI changes](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/access?context=identify-similar-demand-records&family=zurich&ft:locale=en-US) : * The Identify similar demands button has been added to the demand form to identify and view any similar demands with the identify similar demands skill. * The Similar Demands related list has been added, which displays the list of similar demand records identified by Now Assist. [Some generative AI skills, AI agents, and agentic workflows are turned on by default](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/access?context=now-assist-skills-on-by-default&family=zurich&ft:locale=en-US) : The skills are automatically available to appropriate role users for the application, such as ITIL roles on incident forms or change forms. This change simply activates the skill and does not touch the roles that may be needed to use the skill. The new default behavior works as follows: * New customers: When you install an AI product, designated skills and agentic workflows are turned on automatically. * Existing customers who are upgrading (starting with Australia Early Access): Any previously unconfigured skill, agent, or agentic workflow is turned on automatically (the AI asset was never configured and turned on, then turned off again). Previously configured skills and agentic workflows that were turned on, then off, remain inactive. [ppm.ai_project_manager_agent user role](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/access?context=aia-security-implementation&family=zurich&ft:locale=en-US) : The agentic workflow, agents, and scheduled jobs are configured to run under the new ppm.ai_project_manager_agent user role instead of the administrator account. Coral theme : Coral is now the default theme for new portal, web, and mobile experiences with Next Experience or Core UI enabled. This theme provides a fresh look and feel, featuring brand-neutral illustrations to enhance your user experience. A dark theme option is available for web and mobile experiences. [Email project summary modal UI changes](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/access?context=configure-agents-project-task-monitoring&family=zurich&ft:locale=en-US) : * The Enable AI Agents to monitor task changes on the critical path check box has been added. * The Users option has been added under Recipients to add recipients or users for the project summary email. | | Australia | No updates for this release. | [ ] ## Removed Between your current release family and Australia, some ServiceNow Otto for Strategic Portfolio Management features or functionality were removed. {#dfrn3-servicenowottoforstrategicportfoliomanagement-summary__entry__20} | Release | Release notes | |-|-| | Zurich | No updates for this release. | | Australia | No updates for this release. | [ ] ## Deprecations Between your current release family and Australia, some ServiceNow Otto for Strategic Portfolio Management features or functionality were deprecated. {#dfrn3-servicenowottoforstrategicportfoliomanagement-summary__entry__26} | Release | Release notes | |-|-| | Zurich | No updates for this release. | | Australia | No updates for this release. | [ ] ## Activation information Review information on how to activate ServiceNow Otto for Strategic Portfolio Management. {#dfrn3-servicenowottoforstrategicportfoliomanagement-summary__entry__32} | Release | Release notes | |-|-| | Zurich | Activation information : Now Assist features are available with activation of the [ServiceNow Otto for Strategic Portfolio Management](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/access?context=now-assist-spm&family=zurich&ft:locale=en-US) plugin. For more information, see [Install plugins for ServiceNow Otto](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/access?context=install-now-assist-feature-plugins&family=zurich&ft:locale=en-US). | | Australia | Important: ServiceNow Otto for SPM is available in the ServiceNow Store. For details, see the "Activation information" section of these release notes. | [ ] ## Additional requirements If any additional requirements were introduced or changed for ServiceNow Otto for Strategic Portfolio Management we have noted them here. {#dfrn3-servicenowottoforstrategicportfoliomanagement-summary__entry__38} | Release | Release notes | |-|-| | Zurich | No updates for this release. | | Australia | No updates for this release. | [ ] ## Browser requirements If any specific browser requirements were introduced or changed for ServiceNow Otto for Strategic Portfolio Management we have noted them here. {#dfrn3-servicenowottoforstrategicportfoliomanagement-summary__entry__44} | Release | Release notes | |-|-| | Zurich | No updates for this release. | | Australia | No updates for this release. | [ ] ## Accessibility information Review details on accessibility information for ServiceNow Otto for Strategic Portfolio Management, such as specific requirements or compliance levels. {#dfrn3-servicenowottoforstrategicportfoliomanagement-summary__entry__50} | Release | Release notes | |-|-| | Zurich | No updates for this release. | | Australia | No updates for this release. | [ ] ## Localization information If there are specific localization considerations for ServiceNow Otto for Strategic Portfolio Management we have noted them here. {#dfrn3-servicenowottoforstrategicportfoliomanagement-summary__entry__56} | Release | Release notes | |-|-| | Zurich | No updates for this release. | | Australia | No updates for this release. | [ ] ## Highlight information If there are specific highlight considerations for ServiceNow Otto for Strategic Portfolio Management we have noted them here. {#dfrn3-servicenowottoforstrategicportfoliomanagement-summary__entry__62} | Release | Release notes | |-|-| | Zurich | [Zurich Patch 5](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/access?context=zurich-patch-5&family=zurich&ft:locale=en-US) * Review changes to Now Assist usage measurement. [Zurich Patch 4](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/access?context=zurich-patch-4&family=zurich&ft:locale=en-US) * All ServiceNow Otto for SPM skills are activated by default. * Use the identify similar records skill to find similar demands based on contextual similarity. * Enable the project task monitor AI agent to autonomously monitor project tasks on the critical path of a project. * Use the Send preview button to share a project insights email instantly. * Generate measurable targets from goals information and optional context with the target generation skill. [Zurich Patch 1](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/access?context=zurich-patch-1&family=zurich&ft:locale=en-US) * Use Google Gemini and Anthropic Claude on AWS as AI model providers for Now Assist skills and AI agents in addition to Now LLM Service and Azure OpenAI. See [ServiceNow Otto for Strategic Portfolio Management](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/access?context=now-assist-spm&family=zurich&ft:locale=en-US) for more information. | | Australia | * Use the goal insights skill to generate insights for goals to gain predictive, actionable visibility into goal health. * Generate a story for your epic using Now Assist. See [ServiceNow Otto for Strategic Portfolio Management](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/access?context=now-assist-spm&family=australia&ft:locale=en-US) for more information. | [ ]