MC921110 – End of Microsoft Places Preview Program (archived)

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check before: 2025-01-06

Product:

Copilot, Microsoft 365 Copilot, Microsoft 365 suite, Outlook, Teams, Teams Premium

Platform:

mobile, Online, World tenant

Status:

Change type:

User impact, Admin impact

Links:

Details:

As we approach General Availability for Microsoft Places, we're winding down the Preview program and sharing more information about the Places mobile app.
Preview program:
We will stop accepting new sign-ups for the Preview program when we reach General Availability and will close the Preview on January 6th, 2025.
Mobile app:
Furthermore, development of the Microsoft Places mobile app has been put on hold and we will instead prioritize adding Places experiences within the Teams and Outlook mobile apps. The beta version of the Places mobile app will no longer be available via TestFlight effective immediately, and existing users will lose access when the build expires at the end of November 2024.

Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:

Created:
2024-10-30

updated:
2024-10-30

Task Type

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Docu to Check

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MS How does it affect me

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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**

Loss of Access to Mobile App Features
Existing users of the Microsoft Places mobile app will lose access when the build expires, leading to disruption in their workflow and collaboration capabilities.
   - roles: End Users, IT Support
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2023/10/01/end-of-microsoft-places-preview-program/

Increased Dependency on Teams and Outlook
With the mobile app development on hold, users will need to rely more on Teams and Outlook for Places experiences, which may not fully meet their needs, causing frustration.
   - roles: End Users, Product Managers
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2023/10/01/end-of-microsoft-places-preview-program/

Licensing Confusion and Costs
Enhanced features requiring Teams Premium and Microsoft 365 Copilot licenses may lead to confusion and unexpected costs for users and administrators.
   - roles: Finance Team, IT Administrators
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2023/10/01/end-of-microsoft-places-preview-program/

Configutation Options**

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Opportunities**

Integration of Places Features in Teams and Outlook
By prioritizing Places experiences within Teams and Outlook, organizations can streamline workflows and enhance collaboration. This integration will reduce the need for separate applications, improving user experience and productivity.
   - next-steps: Conduct a user feedback survey to identify desired features from the Places integration, and develop a training program to familiarize users with the new functionalities.
   - roles: IT Administrators, Team Leaders, End Users
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2023/10/01/announcing-the-end-of-microsoft-places-preview-program/

Enhanced Licensing Strategy for Teams Premium and Copilot
As enhanced Places features will require Teams Premium and Copilot licenses, organizations should evaluate their current licensing strategy to ensure they are maximizing the value of these tools while minimizing unnecessary costs.
   - next-steps: Review current usage of Teams and Copilot features across departments to identify potential over-licensing or under-utilization, and adjust the licensing accordingly.
   - roles: Finance Managers, IT Administrators, Department Heads
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/pricing

User Training and Support for Transitioning to New Features
With the transition from the Places mobile app to integrated features in Teams and Outlook, providing comprehensive training and support will be essential to maintain productivity and user satisfaction.
   - next-steps: Develop a training schedule and materials that cover the new features, and set up a support channel for users to ask questions and report issues during the transition period.
   - roles: Training Coordinators, IT Support Staff, End Users
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/education/education-resources

Potentional Risks**

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IT Security**

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explanation for non-techies**

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** AI generated content. This information must be reviewed before use.

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Last updated 4 months ago ago

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