In a bold move that’s sure to shake up the email landscape, Microsoft is pushing for an automatic switch to the new version of Outlook, and partners from across the globe are readying themselves for the transition. This transformation is slated to unfold between January 2025 and April 2026, a timeline carefully carved out to prepare small businesses and enterprises alike for an upgraded user experience.
But here's where it gets spicy: while the new Outlook has been available since August 2023, many users will have experienced the change without even knowing it. Personal Outlook accounts began switching over in October, igniting the conversation among users who were suddenly faced with the unfamiliar interface.
Such sentiments echo the tricky balance companies must strike when rolling out tech updates. Customers are often resistant to changes in applications they’ve grown attached to, which leads to a brewing storm of support tickets and queries. With this automatic transition, IT departments bracing for a wave of inquiries are likely to feel like lifeguards at a beachmarked by surprise roiling tides.
To mitigate confusion, Microsoft plans to roll out in-app notifications before the transition for current channel business plan users. Still, how effective will these notifications be when they’re competing with the overwhelming volume of emails that pile into our inboxes?
Between empowering users to adapt and managing potential backlash from unexpected changes, Microsoft has a pivotal few months ahead. Will users openly embrace the new features, or will they dig in their heels, longing for the reliable nostalgia of the classic Outlook? Only time—and perhaps a flood of support tickets—will tell!
Source: CRN Microsoft Partners Prepare For Automatic Switch To New Outlook
The Countdown to Change
Microsoft’s strategy involves a gradual but inevitable shift, beginning with small and midsize businesses in January 2025. Following that, enterprise users under the Microsoft 365 banner will find themselves transitioning to the new Outlook by April 2026. A significant takeaway for IT administrators is that Microsoft is ensuring at least 12 months of prior notification for an opt-out phase concerning users—allowing them to switch back to the classic Outlook during this period.But here's where it gets spicy: while the new Outlook has been available since August 2023, many users will have experienced the change without even knowing it. Personal Outlook accounts began switching over in October, igniting the conversation among users who were suddenly faced with the unfamiliar interface.
Why the Shift? Embracing Modern Features
Microsoft’s marketing narrative centers around the promise of a sleek, modernized interface brimming with innovative features like Copilot capabilities, enhanced theming, and a slew of time-saving functions—including the much-anticipated Pinning and Snoozing features for emails. John Snyder, CEO of Net Friends, highlights the growing sentiment that users don’t generally embrace sudden changes—particularly in tools as integral to daily operations as email.Such sentiments echo the tricky balance companies must strike when rolling out tech updates. Customers are often resistant to changes in applications they’ve grown attached to, which leads to a brewing storm of support tickets and queries. With this automatic transition, IT departments bracing for a wave of inquiries are likely to feel like lifeguards at a beachmarked by surprise roiling tides.
The Features To Look Forward To
The new Outlook isn’t just about aesthetic shifts; it comes coach-loads of functionality intended to elevate user productivity:- Multi-event Editing: This feature lets users edit all ongoing events in a calendar series. Say goodbye to repetitive adjustments!
- Meeting Recaps and Preservation of Declined Meetings: No more confusion about what transpired during that meeting you couldn’t attend.
- Organized Favorites: Consolidate folders for your favorite people, categories, or groups for easier access.
- Teams Integration: Now, you can chat directly from the Teams Meetings context—merging your communication channels into one streamline.
Concerns From the Field
With this backdrop of excitement and trepidation, Robby Hill of HillSouth weighed in, acknowledging that communication is crucial for managing client expectations. He notes the likelihood of “an expected flood of tickets” as users grapple with adjustments—echoing Snyder’s previous observations about user hesitancy towards changes in frequently used applications.To mitigate confusion, Microsoft plans to roll out in-app notifications before the transition for current channel business plan users. Still, how effective will these notifications be when they’re competing with the overwhelming volume of emails that pile into our inboxes?
What Should Users Do?
For users looking to prepare for this change, here are a few steps to ensure a smooth transition:- Stay Informed: Keep an eye on updates from Microsoft and your IT administrator regarding the switch.
- Test Drive New Outlook: If possible, try out the new version before the automatic switch to familiarize yourself with its layout and features.
- Feedback Loop: Don’t shy away from providing feedback during your user experience. After all, it’s your functionality that matters most!
Conclusion: A New Outlook on Email
This shift to the new Outlook is not just a routine software update; it’s a declaration that Microsoft is rethinking its user experience. While the promise of slick features and modern design is enticing, it comes with a necessary caution for those who prefer the comfort of the familiar.Between empowering users to adapt and managing potential backlash from unexpected changes, Microsoft has a pivotal few months ahead. Will users openly embrace the new features, or will they dig in their heels, longing for the reliable nostalgia of the classic Outlook? Only time—and perhaps a flood of support tickets—will tell!
Source: CRN Microsoft Partners Prepare For Automatic Switch To New Outlook
