MC800848 – (Updated) Microsoft Outlook: New search UI for contacts and global address list (archived)

Product:

Microsoft 365 Apps, Outlook

Platform:

Mac, US Instances, World tenant

Status:

Launched

Change type:

New feature, Updated message, User impact

Links:

397093

Details:

Summary:
Outlook for Mac will introduce a new search UI for contacts and the global address list, starting late June 2024, with no preparation needed. This update is part of Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 397093.

Details:
Updated July 5, 2024: We have updated the rollout timeline below. Thank you for your patience.
In Microsoft Outlook, this feature will provide a new experience for searching contacts and the global address list while addressing mail and calendar events in Outlook for Mac.
This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 397093
[When this will happen:]
General Availability (Worldwide, GCC): We will begin rolling out late June 2024 and expect to complete by early July (previously mid-August) 2024.

Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:
Current Channel, General Availability, Preview

Created:
2024-06-12

updated:
2024-07-06

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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Direct effects for Operations**

- Impact on IT Operations
- Potential increase in support tickets related to the new search UI functionality.
- Roles impacted: IT Support Staff, Help Desk Technicians
- Need for monitoring tools to assess user adoption and performance of the new UI.
- Roles impacted: IT Operations Managers, System Administrators
- Possible integration issues with existing IT services that rely on contact information (e.g., CRM systems).
- Roles impacted: IT Architects, Integration Specialists

- Impact on IT Services
- Changes in the way users interact with the global address list may lead to temporary disruptions in email communications.
- Roles impacted: Email Administrators, Service Desk Managers
- Dependency on the performance of the new search UI could affect other Microsoft 365 services (e.g., Teams, SharePoint) that utilize contact information.
- Roles impacted: Microsoft 365 Administrators, Collaboration Tool Managers
- Risk of outdated or incorrect contact information being displayed, leading to miscommunication.
- Roles impacted: Data Quality Managers, Compliance Officers

- Impact on IT Users
- Users may experience a learning curve with the new search interface, potentially leading to decreased productivity initially.
- Roles impacted: End Users, Department Managers
- Increased likelihood of user errors when selecting contacts due to changes in the UI, which could impact collaboration.
- Roles impacted: All Employees, Project Teams
- Users may require additional training or resources to adapt to the new features, which could strain IT resources.
- Roles impacted: Training Coordinators, User Experience Specialists

References:
- Microsoft 365 Roadmap: [Microsoft 365 Roadmap](https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?rtc=1%26filters=&searchterms=397093)

Opportunities**

- Enhanced Search Functionality
- Opportunity: The new search UI for contacts and the global address list will streamline the process of finding contacts, reducing time spent searching and improving overall productivity.
- Roles Benefiting:
- Sales Teams: Quick access to client contacts can enhance communication and relationship management.
- HR Departments: Easier access to employee information can facilitate onboarding and internal communications.
- Reference: [Microsoft 365 Roadmap](https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?rtc=1%26filters=&searchterms=397093)

- Improved User Experience with Organization Charts
- Opportunity: The integration of organization charts within the contact search will help users understand reporting structures and relationships, leading to more effective collaboration.
- Roles Benefiting:
- Project Managers: Understanding team structures can aid in resource allocation and project planning.
- Executives: Quick access to organizational hierarchies can support strategic decision-making.
- Reference: [Microsoft 365 Roadmap](https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?rtc=1%26filters=&searchterms=397093)

- Reduced Training and Support Costs
- Opportunity: The intuitive design of the new search UI may reduce the need for extensive training and support, as users can more easily navigate the updated features.
- Roles Benefiting:
- IT Support Teams: Fewer support tickets related to contact searches can free up resources for other IT initiatives.
- Training Departments: Reduced need for training sessions on contact management can lower operational costs.
- Reference: [Microsoft 365 Roadmap](https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?rtc=1%26filters=&searchterms=397093)

Potentional Risks**

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