Staying on top of
Microsoft 365 / Office 365 Updates
How many times have you sat down at your workstation to create a document or complete a piece of work only to notice that something within the software you usually utilise is missing or has moved. This can be something trivial as a menu option being moved, being renamed or has been deleted – it could even be that something new has been added in its place, but whatever the update is, the outcome of this change is always the same: lost time. As a result you have to spend more of your precious time to hunt for the missing item / functionality or try and find a work around.
If this hasn’t happened a lot to you, it doesn’t mean it’s not happening more than you think. Imagine rolling the same scenario across your whole team, plus, this is just one instance, and on one piece of software. In reality, companies employees’ use multiple pieces of software or applications, and for the more specialised members of your team, their software applications can be quite technical with a myriad of functions, controls and menu options. Multiply the number of applications by the number of employees, by the number of updates per year and by the amount of time each employee is frustratingly battling to complete a simple task and you’ve identified the impact of this compounding disruption.
Further amplify this confusion by the ever increasing rate of IT development, as software, hardware and processes are ever updated to keep them secure, optimal and functioning in addition to the manufacturers trying to make their products the best they can as they vie for market share, quite quickly it can become a massive hindrance – the exact opposite of the intention and purpose for each piece of IT.
Clearly, it is evident that organisations need to take action to keep pace with the ever-accelerating rate of technological change. Of course, not too long ago, this was never a problem as it was common for software developers to release new versions of their applications and services every couple of years or so. In between these major updates, smaller patches might address issues or implement minor enhancements.
Additionally, organisations had control over their software’s version and update cycle, resulting in changes being rolled out at a slower pace that suited them. However, this cautious approach sometimes came at the expense of missing out on productivity-boosting features. With the majority of productivity tools now migrating to the cloud, this drawn-out update process is becoming a thing of the past. New features are being delivered at a rapid and consistent pace determined by the software vendor. Microsoft 365 is a prime example of this trend, with more features being introduced in a six-month period than what used to take a year or longer. With the widespread adoption of artificial intelligence, these times are only going to get shorter, therefore, more increases, more change & more frustration?
How to stay on top of Microsoft 365 (M365) updates:
Given the fast pace of change within Microsoft 365, you might wonder how to stay abreast of it all. Fortunately, help is on hand. For those that are technically adept Microsoft provides a range of carefully curated resources with the sole aim of keeping their customers informed about upcoming changes, aiding in the planning and implementation process. But we can’t all be tech hero’s and neither should we have to be, after all our minds and time needed to be focussed elsewhere! For those non-tech hero’s IT managed service providers are available to bridge the gap, their expertise and inside knowledge means they are perfectly positioned to take up the fight on your behalf and keep your organisation and employees IT in tip top condition. Often a cost effective and sometimes overlooked option, which if provided on a simple subscription basis, can revolutionise your organisations IT expenditure.
The Microsoft resources:
Microsoft 365 Roadmap: Understanding a product’s roadmap is crucial for preparing for change. This resource details upcoming changes, their status (such as “In development,” “Rolling out,” or “Launched”), and expected release dates. Users can refine their search results using various tools, including filters based on product, release phase, platform, and more.
Access the Microsoft roadmap here.
Microsoft 365 Message Centre: While the roadmap offers an overview of planned changes, the message centre provides more detailed information. Users can expect regular updates regarding changes, including summaries, completion timelines, organisational impacts, preparation guidelines, and additional resources. Filtering options allow users to focus on specific services, tags, or message states. The message centre can be accessed via the Office 365 Admin portal.
Microsoft 365 Tech Community: This platform serves as a hub for Microsoft 365-related discussions and updates. It features a blog section where both Microsoft and non-Microsoft contributors share information about features in preview or recently launched. Blogs often include user-friendly explanations, examples, screenshots, and configuration settings. Categories help users find content relevant to their interests, whether it’s Azure services, security, compliance, or specific Microsoft 365 applications. You can stay updated by visiting the community here.
Social Media: Platforms like LinkedIn, X (Twitter) and YouTube are valuable for following individuals and organisations that share updates and insights. Engaging with like-minded individuals and influential accounts can expand your network and provide valuable information about upcoming changes, experiences, and best practises.
X (Twitter): Follow @MSFT365Status on X. This is an official Microsoft account and it tweets whenever there’s a system outage on one of Microsoft 365’s services.
YouTube: Follow the Microsoft 365 YouTube channel to watch the What’s New with Microsoft 365 monthly video series.
By leveraging these resources, you can effectively navigate the evolving landscape of Microsoft 365 and maximise its benefits for your organisation. Alternatively, if this isn’t your area of expertise, let’s talk! Book a complimentary discovery call and one of our experts will be happy to help you circumnavigate increasingly complex world of IT updates.
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