MC794545 – (Updated) Microsoft Teams: Ability to purchase third-party app subscriptions from Teams Admin Center and Teams app store

Product:

Microsoft 365 admin center, Teams

Platform:

US Instances, Windows Desktop, World tenant

Status:

Rolling out

Change type:

Admin impact, Feature update, Updated message, User impact

Links:

179897

Details:

Summary:
Microsoft Teams will soon allow the purchase of third-party app subscriptions directly from the Teams Admin Center and Teams app store, aiming to simplify the subscription process. Rollout starts late June 2024, with full availability by late October 2024. No action is needed to prepare for this update.

Details:
Updated October 9, 2024: We have updated the rollout timeline below. Thank you for your patience.
We will soon enable enhanced purchase experience in both the Teams Admin Center and the Teams app store. This improvement will empower administrators and end-users to seamlessly assess the plans offered by an app and secure third-party app subscriptions that optimally meet their needs. The aim of this overhauled experience is to simplify and expedite the subscription purchase journey, from choosing a plan to finalizing and reviewing the billing details.
Our goal in refreshing our purchase user experience with new designs and structures is to offer a more recognizable user interface. This will enable users to comfortably identify the most suitable plan for their needs without being inundated by choices and facilitate a smooth plan purchase.
This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 179897
[When this will happen:]
Public Preview: We will begin rolling out late June 2024 and expect to complete by late July 2024.
General Availability (Worldwide): We will begin rolling out late June 2024 and expect to complete by late October 2024 (previously late September)

Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:
General Availability

Created:
2024-05-21

updated:
2024-10-10

Task Type

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Docu to Check

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MS How does it affect me

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MS Preperations

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MS Urgency

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linked item details

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Pictures

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summary for non-techies**

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Direct effects for Operations**

User Experience Disruption
The introduction of a new purchasing interface may confuse users who are accustomed to the previous layout, leading to potential errors in selecting plans or completing purchases.
   - roles: End Users, IT Support Staff
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?rtc=1%26filters=&searchterms=179897

Increased Support Requests
As users navigate the new purchasing process, there may be an increase in support requests related to billing and subscription management, impacting IT support resources.
   - roles: IT Support Staff, Administrators
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?rtc=1%26filters=&searchterms=179897

Configutation Options**

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explanation for non-techies**

Microsoft Teams is introducing a new feature that will allow users to purchase third-party app subscriptions directly from the Teams Admin Center and the Teams app store. Think of it like shopping online for a subscription service, but all within the Teams environment. This change is designed to make the process of subscribing to third-party apps much easier and more streamlined.

Imagine you're shopping for a new streaming service. You visit a website, browse through different plans, select the one that fits your needs, and then proceed to checkout. You enter your payment details, review your purchase, and complete the transaction. The new Teams feature works similarly. Users can explore different subscription plans offered by third-party apps, choose the one that suits their needs, and complete the purchase all within the Teams platform.

The rollout for this feature is planned to start in late June 2024, with full availability expected by late October 2024. The process is designed to be intuitive, with a user-friendly interface that guides you through selecting a plan, specifying the number of licenses, setting up a billing account, and adding a payment method. Before finalizing the purchase, users can review all the details to ensure everything is correct.

This update aims to simplify the subscription process, reducing the steps and time needed to get the apps you need. There's no need for any preparation on your part; the feature will become available automatically as it rolls out. This change is part of Microsoft's ongoing efforts to enhance the user experience within Teams, making it a more convenient and efficient tool for businesses.