Microsoft has revealed that the cloud-based model of its Microsoft Workplace suite, Microsoft 365, will probably be ported to a single desktop and cellular utility.

The transfer, introduced (opens in new tab) on the firm’s annual Ignite occasion, will put an finish to the Workplace.com internet portal from November 2022, with the prevailing Microsoft Workplace apps on desktop and cellular being phased out in January 2023. 

The transfer will have an effect on all Microsoft 365 customers throughout enterprise, schooling and private subscription packages.

New Microsoft 365 options

Microsoft was fast to clear up any misconceptions in regards to the change, confirming that Microsoft Workplace will live on as a standalone product that customers can select to buy outright. 

Current customers gained’t even should carry a finger, as the prevailing Officeapplications will replace to the brand new app routinely, and customers will preserve their account configurations.

Whereas the transfer to a single utility appears to be purely to maintain Microsoft’s cloud workplace software program choices well-organized for customers, it additionally used the announcement to tease a raft of latest options that will probably be coming to the prevailing Microsoft 365 apps earlier than being ported over.

For instance, Microsoft 365 now affords the My Content material hub – a central location for all content material created by or shared with a person – to all customers. The function was beforehand solely out there to enterprise prospects.

A customized tagging system has additionally been made out there for enterprise customers, permitting them to prepare content material as they see match, whereas a brand new feed will advocate content material primarily based on elements like who they work with and what they generally work on collectively.

Many of those options are fundamentals unlikely to interrupt floor. A feed for content material suggestions, and the My Content material hub, for instance, are variations of performance already out there as a part of Google Workspace.

With the brand new Microsoft 365 app, the corporate has sidestepped the issue of encouraging customers to undertake the brand new approach of accessing the service, by merely eradicating all of the previous ones. 

It’s a sensible enterprise transfer, certain to clear up any confusion nonetheless on the market about what Microsoft 365 is and may do for every kind of customers. Whether or not the app actually will probably be extra handy than the present choices stays to be seen.

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