MC833882 – Python in Excel will be generally available starting August 2024 (archived)

Product:

Microsoft 365 admin center, Microsoft 365 Apps, Windows

Platform:

Online, Windows Desktop, World tenant

Status:

Launched

Change type:

New feature, User impact, Admin impact

Links:

406770

Details:

Summary:
Python in Excel will be generally available from August 2024, offering Python formulas in Excel for Windows users. It includes standard compute and a self-purchase option for premium compute. Previously, it was available only to Microsoft 365 Insiders. Rollout will be completed by October 2024. Admins can manage add-on licenses.

Details:
In August 2023, we released Python in Excel to Public Preview for users with access to the Microsoft 365 Insiders program. With this rollout, we are making Python in Excel with standard compute generally available for all eligible users in your organization and including a self-purchase option for premium compute. Python in Excel is only available in Microsoft Excel for Windows at this time, but other platforms will follow at a later date.
This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 406770.
[When this will happen:]
General Availability (Worldwide): We will begin rolling out late August 2024 and expect to complete by late October 2024.

Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:
General Availability

Created:
2024-07-25

updated:
2024-08-10

Public Preview Start Date

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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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MS workload name

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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**

Increased User Workload
Users may experience an increased workload as they adapt to using Python in Excel, potentially leading to confusion and decreased productivity if not properly trained.
   - roles: Data Analysts, Business Analysts
   - references: https://support.microsoft.com/office/getting-started-with-python-in-excel-a33fbcbe-065b-41d3-82cf-23d05397f53d

Performance Issues
Without proper preparation, users may face performance issues due to the new Python formulas, especially if they are not familiar with optimizing Python code for Excel.
   - roles: Data Analysts, IT Support
   - references: https://support.microsoft.com/office/data-security-and-python-in-excel-33cc88a4-4a87-485e-9ff9-f35958278327

License Management Challenges
Admins may encounter challenges in managing the new Python in Excel add-on licenses, especially if users start making self-service purchases without prior communication.
   - roles: IT Administrators, Finance Managers
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/commerce/licenses/manage-license-requests?view=o365-worldwide

Security Concerns
The introduction of Python in Excel may raise security concerns regarding data handling and compliance, particularly if users are unaware of best practices.
   - roles: Data Protection Officers, IT Security Managers
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/deployoffice/privacy/connected-experiences#connected-experiences-that-download-online-content

User Experience Disruption
The automatic rollout of Python in Excel may disrupt the user experience for those who are not prepared or trained, leading to frustration and decreased satisfaction.
   - roles: End Users, Team Leaders
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=406770

Configutation Options**

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Opportunities**

Enhanced Data Analysis Capabilities
With the introduction of Python in Excel, users can leverage Python's powerful data analysis libraries directly within Excel. This allows for more sophisticated data manipulation and analysis, enabling users to perform complex calculations and visualizations that were previously difficult or impossible in Excel alone.
   - next-steps: Provide training sessions for users on how to effectively use Python in Excel for data analysis. Create documentation and resources that highlight best practices and use cases for Python in Excel.
   - roles: Data Analysts, Business Intelligence Analysts, Financial Analysts
   - references: https://support.microsoft.com/office/getting-started-with-python-in-excel-a33fbcbe-065b-41d3-82cf-23d05397f53d, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=406770

Self-Service License Management
The self-service purchase option for the Python in Excel add-on license empowers users to request or purchase licenses as needed, reducing administrative overhead and allowing for quicker access to premium features without waiting for IT approval.
   - next-steps: Evaluate the current self-service purchase settings in the Microsoft 365 admin center. Consider enabling self-service purchases to streamline license management and user access to premium features.
   - roles: IT Administrators, Finance Managers, Department Heads
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/commerce/licenses/manage-license-requests?view=o365-worldwide, https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/commerce/subscriptions/self-service-purchase-faq?view=o365-worldwide

Improved Collaboration and Reporting
Python in Excel facilitates enhanced collaboration among team members by allowing them to share workbooks that utilize Python scripts for data analysis. This can lead to more informed decision-making based on real-time data insights.
   - next-steps: Encourage teams to adopt Python in Excel for collaborative projects. Set up regular meetings to discuss findings and insights derived from Python-based analyses, fostering a culture of data-driven decision-making.
   - roles: Project Managers, Team Leaders, Data Scientists
   - references: https://support.microsoft.com/office/data-security-and-python-in-excel-33cc88a4-4a87-485e-9ff9-f35958278327, https://learn.microsoft.com/deployoffice/privacy/connected-experiences#connected-experiences-that-download-online-content

Potentional Risks**

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Data Protection**

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IT Security**

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Hypothetical Work Council Statement**

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DPIA Draft**

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explanation for non-techies**

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