Many will have noticed the new ‘try now’ option being offered in the Outlook desktop client. Activate the toggle and be taken to a glimpse of a new version of Outlook which is centered around the existing web client.
This new version will bring some benefits to the table, the biggest of which is that the new add-ins will work seamlessly across platforms and devices allowing users to get the same experience from a mobile phone as they do a desktop or web client and irrespective of which underlying operating system is in use. Sounds great, but making an early switch will leave you wondering where all the functionality went.
Easily switch to the new version by toggling the ‘try now’ option and you will learn more about the limitations of new version which looks for deeper cloud integrations being web based. Whilst this may be desirable for some companies there are still some hurdles to be overcome on basic features like allowing a prompt to send option, filing multiple messages or drag and drop functionality. Not to mention those companies who wish to retain full control and ownership of their data.
We are actively working on a web addin, which is being developed in parallel to ongoing development and support of our existing fully featured addin.
You might ask why we continue to invest in both – Outlook in its current form remains the mainstream version and will continue to be so until at least September 2024 according to the latest information available. Not only this, but there is no end of life date set for the current version of Outlook and we are told by reliable sources that the current version is still being actively developed. It is likely that the existing version of Outlook will remain supported for enterprise customers for the years to come.
The new web based add-in will be used to compliment our existing eFiler+ desktop solution which is feature rich and can offer all the benefits and features long standing users of eFiler have come to enjoy. It is envisaged that there will be no additional cost to existing eFiler+ subscription users.
We look forward to bringing you more on this over the months ahead. If you have any concerns or would like to know more please contact us and arrange a time to talk.