[m365weekly] #164

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Issue #164

☁️What’s on my mind

Microsoft has backed off on its plans to implement the Recall feature in new computers. This should record practically all actions of the user, from what they write to what was displayed on their screens. Quite unconvenient.

I think it’s nice that they still know how to listen to users who are concerned about the possible consequences that Recall could have on their privacy and security.

Have a nice weekend,
Matic Z.


[FEATURED STORY] Microsoft Syntex

Microsoft Syntex is a powerful tool that uses AI and machine learning to find, organize, and classify documents across SharePoint libraries, Microsoft Teams, OneDrive for Business, and Exchange. By automating content-based processes, Syntex transforms information from business documents into valuable insights for informed decision-making. Key features include autofill columns, content assembly, document processing, image tagging, taxonomy tagging, document translation, optical character recognition, and more, streamlining content management and compliance.

Overview of Microsoft Syntex. Official Syntex documentation – a good starting point to explore what it offers.


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☁️Productivity & Modern Workplace

Hack for Moving Sent Emails to a Folder in New Outlook. Struggling to organize your sent emails in the new Outlook? Try this clever workaround using unique hashtags and rules to automatically move sent emails to designated folders. Not only will this save time and effort, but it will also keep your email organized without the hassle of manual sorting.

New Outlook for Windows to Add Offline Mode This Month. The upcoming Offline mode for the new Outlook for Windows will enable users to access emails, calendar events, and contacts without an internet connection, improving overall performance. Users can perform tasks such as composing, flagging, moving, and deleting emails while offline, with actions synchronizing back to the server once connected.

7 Quick Tips to Boost Email Efficiency in Outlook. A few simple steps in email management can make your life so much easier. Inbox zero strategy in a nutshell.


☁️Copilot & AI

Empowering our employees with generative AI while keeping the company secure. Generative AI (GenAI) presents both benefits and risks to businesses. Microsoft’s Digital Security & Resilience (DSR) organization has developed a secure GenAI framework focusing on data governance, AI security integration, and employee collaboration.

Copilot for Microsoft 365 – Support Tips, Part 2. Microsoft Copilot for Microsoft 365 is a valuable tool that enhances productivity and collaboration. This article addresses common questions and provides tips on prerequisites, licensing, deployment, and managing the tool.


☁️Sysadmin Stuff

Getting started with the Remote Help web app. The Remote Help web app is a versatile tool for assisting users on managed, unmanaged, and even some Linux devices without installing the app. It only supports viewing the shared screen, but its growing feature set includes support for Windows, Android, and MacOS devices.

Practical Exchange: Understanding SMTP Relay in Exchange Online. When transitioning from Exchange on-premises servers to Exchange Online, it’s crucial to plan for SMTP relay services. There are three main options to consider: Relay through a dedicated SMTP server with direct delivery, relay through a dedicated SMTP server using Exchange Online as a smarthost, and relay through Exchange Online using SMTP client submission. Each option has its pros and cons.

Download and Install Windows Server 2025. Windows Server 2025 brings new features like hotpatching, improved performance, and enhanced security measures. To get started, ensure your hardware meets minimum requirements and download the official ISO for installation.


☁️Security & Data Governance

Understanding SharePoint Online Storage. SharePoint Online storage consists of SharePoint sites, Embedded applications, and OneDrive for Business accounts. OneDrive for Business serves as Microsoft 365’s personal storage system, while Microsoft 365 Archive manages storage consumption by moving data to cost-effective cold storage and retention policies control content storage duration.

Archive and Restore Channels in Microsoft Teams. Tired of sifting through countless Microsoft Teams channels? The archive feature, introduced in February 2024, helps declutter your Teams environment by freezing inactive channels, allowing users to search for content without allowing new chats or replies. 

Cloud Attachments and eDiscovery – a Purview Approach. Microsoft Purview’s retention labels for cloud attachments streamline eDiscovery and improve document management in emails, Teams, and Viva Engage. To optimize this feature, create a dedicated retention label, align its retention period with your organization’s eComm channels, and apply it to all relevant OneDrive and SharePoint locations.


☁️Noteworthy (long)reads

Top 5 Highest Paying Microsoft Azure Certifications in 2024. Boost your career and earning potential with the top 5 highest paying Microsoft Azure certifications in 2024, including Azure Developer Associate, Azure Administrator Associate, Cybersecurity Architect Expert, Azure Security Engineer Associate, and Azure AI Engineer Associate. These globally recognized certifications can lead to rewarding career advancements, higher salaries, and increased job opportunities in the rapidly growing field of cloud computing.


DATES TO KEEP IN MIND

By September 30, 2024 – Business Connectivity Services (BCS) retirement in Microsoft 365. (Timeline and alternative solution)

December 16, 2024Retiring of Delve application.

End of 2024 – Mail and Calendar Apps in Windows will be retired. The new Outlook will be installed on new Windows 11 devices.

October 2026Retirement of Microsoft Publisher app which has been a part of Office Suite for years.


☁️Classifieds

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☁️On a Less Serious Note


☁️ Last but not least …

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