MC1022524 – Product transitions to the cloud.microsoft domain – February 2025

Product:

Microsoft 365 Apps, Microsoft 365 for the web, Outlook, Teams

Platform:

Developer, Online, Web, World tenant

Status:

Change type:

User impact, Admin impact

Links:

Details:

Summary:
Product transitions to the cloud.microsoft domain in February 2025. Services are now available on cloud.microsoft alongside previous domains, which will redirect soon. No user action is required. Admins should educate users, update references, ensure compatibility of in-house apps, and allow connections to *.cloud.microsoft.

Details:
The cloud.microsoft domain was provisioned in early 2023 to provide a unified, trusted, and dedicated DNS domain space to host Microsoft's first-party authenticated SaaS products and experiences. This post is to inform admins that the following Microsoft products and scenarios are now available at the cloud.microsoft domain, in parallel with the previous domains.
Microsoft Places (https://places.cloud.microsoft/)
A full list of product experiences already being delivered on this domain can be found here: Unified cloud.microsoft domain for Microsoft 365 apps - Microsoft 365 Enterprise | Microsoft Learn.
[When this will happen:]
The services above are already available on cloud.microsoft, in parallel to their previous domains. You can expect the previous domains to be redirected to cloud.microsoft in the coming months.

Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:

Created:
2025-03-04

updated:
2025-03-04

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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summary for non-techies**

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Direct effects for Operations**

Domain Transition Impact
Users may experience confusion due to the change in domain from previous URLs to cloud.microsoft, potentially leading to miscommunication or errors in accessing services.
   - roles: End Users, IT Support
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/enterprise/cloud-microsoft-domain?view=o365-worldwide

In-house App Compatibility
In-house applications that rely on the old domain may fail to function properly if not updated to support the new cloud.microsoft domain, leading to disruptions in workflow.
   - roles: Developers, End Users
   - references: https://devblogs.microsoft.com/microsoft365dev/action-required-ensure-your-microsoft-teams-apps-are-ready-for-upcoming-domain-changes/

User Education Requirement
Admins will need to invest time in educating users about the new domain to prevent confusion and ensure smooth transitions, which may divert resources from other critical tasks.
   - roles: Admins, End Users
   - references: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/what-is-cloud-microsoft-7ba4c8b9-d062-4444-84a5-fca6c3006d2b

Network Configuration Issues
If connections to *.cloud.microsoft are inadvertently blocked, users may face access issues to essential services, impacting productivity.
   - roles: Network Administrators, End Users
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/enterprise/urls-and-ip-address-ranges

Redirect Confusion
Automatic redirection from old domains to cloud.microsoft may lead to temporary confusion among users, especially if they are not aware of the change.
   - roles: End Users, IT Support
   - references: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoft_365blog/introducing-cloud-microsoft-a-unified-domain-for-microsoft-365-apps-and-services/3804961

Configutation Options**

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Opportunities**

User Education and Training
With the transition to the cloud.microsoft domain, educating users about recognizing and using the new domain will enhance user experience and reduce confusion. This can be accomplished through targeted training sessions and informational materials.
   - next-steps: Develop training materials and schedule training sessions for users to familiarize them with the new domain. Utilize internal communication channels to share resources and updates.
   - roles: IT Administrators, Training Coordinators, User Support Specialists
   - references: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/what-is-cloud-microsoft-7ba4c8b9-d062-4444-84a5-fca6c3006d2b

Compatibility Checks for In-House Applications
Ensuring that in-house applications are compatible with the new cloud.microsoft domain will prevent disruptions and enhance operational efficiency. This involves collaborating with developers to test and update applications as needed.
   - next-steps: Conduct a compatibility assessment of all in-house applications that interact with Microsoft 365 services. Schedule meetings with developers to address any necessary updates.
   - roles: Application Developers, IT Administrators, Project Managers
   - references: https://devblogs.microsoft.com/microsoft365dev/action-required-ensure-your-microsoft-teams-apps-are-ready-for-upcoming-domain-changes/

Network Configuration Review
Reviewing network configurations to ensure that connections to *.cloud.microsoft are not blocked will maintain seamless access to Microsoft services. This proactive measure will prevent potential access issues for users.
   - next-steps: Audit current network settings and firewall rules to confirm that they allow traffic to the new domain. Update any configurations as necessary to comply with Microsoft's guidance.
   - roles: Network Administrators, IT Security Specialists, System Administrators
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/enterprise/urls-and-ip-address-ranges

Potentional Risks**

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IT Security**

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explanation for non-techies**

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