Previously, Microsoft 365 has been sold as the bundle of software it is. However, Microsoft will now sell it as an integrated program. The decision comes after Microsoft’s recent executive reshuffle that saw Terry Myerson leave the Windows group. Corporate Vice President Brad Anderson now leads the Microsoft 365 team and Windows 10 in enterprise. With Windows 10 April Update launching next week, Anderson confirmed 365 is becoming an integrated solution. “We’re running Microsoft 365 now as a product,” Anderson told me this week. “We can do a lot of integration on the back end. Now that this is all (Microsoft 365) cloud services, we can truly deliver these end-to-end scenarios. plus provide insights from the cloud.” With the April Update, Microsoft 365 will be gaining some upgrades. For example, Delivery Optimization is debuting to give admins the option to update on one device and then use it to send updates to other machines on a organizational network. This feature will also work for downloads. Delivery Optimization works in tandem with Windows Analytics to provide IT pros with tools for monitoring update statuses.
Windows 10 April Update Features
With a Microsoft 365 subscription, users can bring full Office Mobile applications to firstline workers. This integration works across Android and iOS platforms. The company also announced the following abilities coming to Microsoft 365 with the April Update: Windows AutoPilot – Windows AutoPilot now includes an enrollment status page. This page enables you to ensure policies, settings, and apps can be provisioned on the device during that out-of-box experience before the user gets to the desktop and begins interacting with the device. Now IT can ensure every device is compliant and secure before it is used. Expanded Admin Center – Users of both Office 365 and Microsoft 365 will now have access to the same admin center with the same capabilities. For Office 365 users, this means a simpler admin experience that easily integrates with your other Microsoft services—all without giving up any capabilities or control. Integrated Compliance – We’ve recently added several new capabilities to the Security & Compliance Center, including:
A new Data Privacy tab that gives you the ability to execute Data Subject Requests as part of the fulfillment requirements for the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Privileged Access Management that allows you to prevent standing admin privilege by providing just-in-time access for admin roles and tasks in Microsoft 365. Multi-Geo Capabilities in Microsoft 365 that give you control over where your data resides at a per-user level based on your global data location and compliance needs. New Advanced Data Governance controls for event-based retention and disposition.
