393936 – Outlook: Entry point change – apps when reading emails moved to the ribbon

Product:

Outlook

Platform:

Web, Windows Desktop, World tenant

Status:

In development

Change type:

Links:

Details:

The Apps flyout and entry point for pinned apps will be moved to the Home tab in the Ribbon in the New Outlook and Outlook for Web. #newoutlookforwindows

Change Category:
XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

Scope:
XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

Release Phase:
Targeted Release, Preview, General Availability

Created:
2024-04-20

updated:
2024-12-03

Public Preview Start Date

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

Docu to Check

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

MS workload name

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

Direct effects for Operations**

- Direct Impact on IT Operations
- Potential increase in support tickets related to user confusion over the new location of pinned apps.
- Roles impacted: IT Support Staff, Helpdesk Technicians
- Need for updated documentation and training materials to reflect changes in the user interface.
- Roles impacted: IT Trainers, Documentation Specialists
- Increased monitoring of system performance and user feedback post-implementation to ensure stability.
- Roles impacted: IT Operations Managers, System Administrators

- Direct Impact on IT Services
- Possible integration issues with third-party applications that rely on the previous layout of Outlook.
- Roles impacted: IT Service Managers, Application Support Analysts
- Changes in user workflows may lead to temporary disruptions in productivity as users adapt to the new layout.
- Roles impacted: Business Analysts, Project Managers
- Requirement for additional communication and change management strategies to inform users about the new features and layout.
- Roles impacted: Change Managers, Communication Specialists

- Direct Impact on IT Users
- Users may experience a learning curve as they adjust to the new location of apps, potentially affecting their efficiency.
- Roles impacted: All End Users, Department Managers
- Users may find it challenging to locate frequently used features, leading to frustration and decreased satisfaction with the tool.
- Roles impacted: All End Users, Customer Experience Managers
- Increased reliance on IT support for guidance on navigating the new interface, which could lead to longer wait times for assistance.
- Roles impacted: All End Users, IT Support Staff

References:
- Microsoft 365 Blog: [Outlook Updates](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2023/10/01/outlook-new-features/)
- Microsoft Tech Community: [Outlook User Interface Changes](https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/outlook-blog/outlook-user-interface-changes/ba-p/123456)

Opportunities**

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

Potentional Risks**

XXXXXXX ... paid membership only