--- 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 November 5, 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 covers key updates, new features, and important upgrade information for ServiceNow Otto for Strategic Portfolio Management (SPM) from the Zurich release family to the Australia release family. It is designed to help ServiceNow customers prepare for and understand the enhancements and changes that impact strategic portfolio management capabilities during this upgrade. Show full answer Show less ## Key Features * **Scheduled Project Insights Email:** Enables configuring and scheduling project insights emails for project managers and users. These emails provide proactive updates on milestones, resources, and project statuses with options for weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly delivery. Users can also send instant previews. * **AI-Powered Project Monitoring:** The Monitor Project Task agent provides AI-driven notifications about milestones or tasks that may cause delays. Customers can enable critical task alerts from the planning page. * **Now Assist AI Skills Enhancements:** * Identify Similar Records: Detects similar demand records based on contextual similarity of name, description, and business case fields to reduce duplicates. * Target Generation Skill: Automatically creates measurable targets from goals information to accelerate and clarify target setting. * Acceptance Criteria Generation: Produces clear, consistent acceptance criteria for user stories using predefined templates and story context. * Improved Agile Story Generation: Converts epics into actionable user stories efficiently with an agentic workflow that optimizes story count and content. * Refine Records Skill: AI-assisted text refinement for various record types improves data quality and consistency across portfolio management forms. * **Docs Content Generation and Improvement:** Now Assist integration within Docs allows users to generate, summarize, elaborate, and refine content directly, boosting productivity. * **Expanded AI Model Providers:** Support for multiple third-party AI models including Google Gemini 2.0 and 2.5, AWS Claude 3.7, alongside existing Now LLM Service and Azure OpenAI models, provides flexibility and improved AI capabilities. * **Australia Release Innovation - Goal Insights Skill:** Introduces AI-powered, predictive insights into goal health, including status forecasts, risk identification, and actionable recommendations, helping goal owners proactively manage outcomes. * **UI/UX Improvements:** The project insights interface has been enhanced with renamed modals (Configure Project Insights), improved scheduling controls, recipient management, and theme updates with Coral as default and dark mode options for portals and mobile. * **Security and Role Updates:** ACLs have been updated for custom roles to enable access to Now Assist skills, and AI agent workflows run under a dedicated ppm.aiprojectmanageragent role instead of admin accounts, improving security practices. * **Default Activation of AI Skills:** Many generative AI skills and agentic workflows are now enabled by default for new installations and certain upgrades, providing immediate access to enhanced AI capabilities without manual configuration. ## Changes and Considerations * **AI Usage Measurement:** Transition from a 365-day look-back to a 365-day burn-down model aligned with contract anniversary dates for more accurate AI consumption tracking. * **Terminology Updates:** The "Email Project Summary" option and skill have been renamed to "Project Insights" to better reflect their expanded functionality. * **Demand Management Enhancements:** Addition of "Identify Similar Demands" button and related list enables users to detect and manage demand record duplicates efficiently. * **Activation and Availability:** ServiceNow Otto for SPM is available via the ServiceNow Store; activation of Now Assist features requires enabling the corresponding plugins. * **Theme and User Experience:** New default Coral theme enhances visual consistency and accessibility; dark mode options improve usability in different environments. * **Default On AI Features:** For new customers, AI skills and workflows are activated automatically; for existing customers upgrading, unconfigured AI features are turned on unless previously disabled explicitly. ## What Customers Can Expect By upgrading from Zurich to Australia release family, ServiceNow customers gain enhanced AI-driven capabilities that improve project insight communication, automate target and story generation, and provide predictive goal health analytics. The improvements to usability, security, and AI model options empower teams to manage strategic portfolios more effectively and proactively identify risks and opportunities. The streamlined activation and enhanced UI help reduce administrative overhead and accelerate adoption of advanced portfolio management features. 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 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. | [ ]