MC454504 – (Updated) Multiple Yammer Networks Within Single Tenant No Longer Supported (1:Many Mode)

Product:

Microsoft 365 admin center, Microsoft Viva, Microsoft Viva Engage, Yammer

Platform:

World tenant, Online

Status:

Change type:

Admin impact, Updated message

Links:

MC1034576

Details:

Summary:
Yammer will no longer support multiple non-external networks within a single tenant, aligning with Microsoft 365. Automated network consolidation will occur from May 1, 2023, to mid-March 2025, resulting in the loss of secondary networks' groups and data. Users should export data and can self-initiate consolidation.

Details:
Updated March 10, 2025: We have updated the rollout timeline below. Thank you for your patience.
Yammer is committed to strengthening the alignment of Yammer to Microsoft 365. This means we will no longer support tenants having more than one non-external Yammer network. This change will ensure Yammer networks have the same organizational boundaries as their corresponding Microsoft 365 tenants.
Why is this happening now?
Integrating Yammer more fully into the Microsoft 365 ecosystem has been a multi-year effort. New 1:many configurations have not been permitted since October 2018. All new Yammer networks provisioned after January 2020 have been created in Native Mode. In September 2022, the enforcement of Native Mode was announced. Automated network consolidation is an important prerequisite to reaching Native Mode and gaining access to broader safety, security, and compliance features.
[When this will happen:]
Starting on May 1, 2023 and continuing through mid-March 2025 (previously early March). You are welcome to initiate network consolidation on your own at any time before or after May 1, 2023.

Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:

Created:
2022-11-01

updated:
2025-03-12

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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More Info URL

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summary for non-techies**

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Direct effects for Operations**

Data Loss
Automated network consolidation will result in the loss of groups and data from secondary Yammer networks.
   - roles: Yammer Administrators, End Users
   - references: https://docs.microsoft.com/yammer/configure-your-yammer-network/faq-consolidate-multiple-yammer-networks

User Experience Disruption
Users will experience disruptions as they are migrated to the primary network, potentially leading to confusion and loss of access to familiar groups.
   - roles: End Users, Team Leaders
   - references: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/yammer-blog/non-native-and-hybrid-yammer-networks-are-being-upgraded/ba-p/3612915

Compliance and Security Features Access
Failure to consolidate networks may delay access to enhanced compliance and security features available in Native Mode.
   - roles: Compliance Officers, IT Security Managers
   - references: https://products.office.com/yammer/partners

Increased Administrative Burden
Administrators may face increased workload to manage the consolidation process if not prepared, leading to potential operational inefficiencies.
   - roles: Yammer Administrators, IT Support Staff
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/viva/engage/configure-your-viva-engage-network/consolidate-multiple-networks

Communication Gaps
Lack of proper communication regarding the consolidation process may lead to misunderstandings and frustration among users.
   - roles: Yammer Administrators, End Users
   - references: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/yammer/manage-security-and-compliance/export-yammer-enterprise-data

Configutation Options**

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Opportunities**

Data Management Improvement
The mandatory consolidation of Yammer networks presents an opportunity to enhance data management practices. By performing a full data export before consolidation, organizations can improve their data governance and ensure compliance with data retention policies. This also encourages the establishment of standardized processes for data management across the organization.
   - next-steps: Develop a comprehensive data export and management strategy, train users on data export procedures, and set up regular audits of data compliance.
   - roles: Data Governance Officer, IT Administrator, Compliance Officer
   - references: https://docs.microsoft.com/yammer/manage-security-and-compliance/export-yammer-enterprise-data, https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/yammer-blog/non-native-and-hybrid-yammer-networks-are-being-upgraded/ba-p/3612915" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/yammer-blog/non-native-and-hybrid-yammer-networks-are-being-upgraded/ba-p/3612915

User Experience Enhancement
With the consolidation of networks, users will experience a more streamlined communication platform. This transition allows for the integration of features from Microsoft 365, improving user experience through enhanced collaboration tools and features that support remote work.
   - next-steps: Gather user feedback on current pain points in Yammer usage, develop a plan for training users on new features post-consolidation, and create a communication plan to keep users informed about changes.
   - roles: User Experience Designer, IT Support Specialist, Communications Manager
   - references: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/yammer-blog/non-native-and-hybrid-yammer-networks-are-being-upgraded/ba-p/3612915" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/yammer-blog/non-native-and-hybrid-yammer-networks-are-being-upgraded/ba-p/3612915, https://docs.microsoft.com/yammer/configure-your-yammer-network/faq-consolidate-multiple-yammer-networks " target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://docs.microsoft.com/yammer/configure-your-yammer-network/faq-consolidate-multiple-yammer-networks

Compliance and Security Alignment
The transition to Native Mode after consolidation allows organizations to leverage enhanced compliance and security features available in Microsoft Purview. This ensures that all communication within Yammer adheres to organizational policies and regulatory requirements, reducing risks associated with data breaches.
   - next-steps: Review current compliance policies, conduct a risk assessment of communication channels, and implement training sessions on new compliance features available post-consolidation.
   - roles: Chief Information Security Officer, Compliance Officer, IT Administrator
   - references: https://docs.microsoft.com/yammer/configure-your-yammer-network/faq-consolidate-multiple-yammer-networks, https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/yammer-blog/non-native-and-hybrid-yammer-networks-are-being-upgraded/ba-p/3612915" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/yammer-blog/non-native-and-hybrid-yammer-networks-are-being-upgraded/ba-p/3612915

Potentional Risks**

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IT Security**

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explanation for non-techies**

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