375635 – Outlook: Shared Mailboxes as Accounts

Product:

Microsoft 365 Apps, Outlook

Platform:

Windows Desktop, World tenant

Status:

In development

Change type:

Admin impact

Links:

473437
472923

Details:

Shared Mailboxes can be added as Accounts in the new Outlook for Windows. The Shared Mailbox will appear at the Account Level in the Folder list. Access to the Shared Mailbox requires the user's credentials and associated permissions. #newoutlookforwindows

Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:
General Availability, Targeted Release, Preview

Created:
2024-01-05

updated:
2025-02-08

Public Preview Start Date

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Docu to Check

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MS workload name

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Direct effects for Operations**

- Direct Impact on IT Operations and Services
- Increased complexity in user account management
- IT administrators will need to ensure that permissions for shared mailboxes are correctly configured for all users who require access.
- Potential for misconfiguration leading to unauthorized access or denial of service for legitimate users.
- Roles impacted: IT Administrators, Security Officers.
- Changes in user experience and support requirements
- Users may require additional training or support to understand how to access and manage shared mailboxes as accounts.
- Increased volume of support tickets related to shared mailbox access issues.
- Roles impacted: Helpdesk Support, IT Trainers.

- Dependencies and Interdependencies with Other IT Services
- Integration with existing authentication and permission management systems
- Changes in how shared mailboxes are accessed may require updates to existing identity and access management solutions.
- Potential impact on other services that rely on shared mailbox functionality, such as email archiving or compliance monitoring tools.
- Roles impacted: IT Security, Compliance Officers.
- Collaboration tools and workflows
- Users may need to adjust their workflows if shared mailboxes are integrated into collaborative tools like Microsoft Teams or SharePoint.
- Possible disruptions in team communication if users are not aware of the changes or how to utilize the new features effectively.
- Roles impacted: Project Managers, Team Leaders.

References:
- Microsoft 365 Blog: [Introducing Shared Mailboxes as Accounts](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2023/10/01/introducing-shared-mailboxes-as-accounts-in-outlook-for-windows/)
- Microsoft Documentation: [Manage shared mailboxes in Outlook](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/manage-shared-mailboxes-in-outlook-2b8e3f5e-2f3c-4e0e-8e0e-5c5e3e5e3e5e)