MicrosoftI am a technology professional supporting small businesses who are fully invested in the Microsoft 365 environment. These businesses are 1 and 2 users with a few 5 to 10 users... They do not have a large technical support infrastructure, do not run in a AD environment - they just want to run their businesses, unfettered with the passion that these small businesses do.
I have been utterly distraught by the number of issues that has been generated by the insistence on Microsoft to FORCE these users to upgrade to an incomplete product that was never asked for and reduces their effectiveness.
I understand the need for Microsoft to attempt to recoup the billions it spent buying an AI solution, and the desperation to make it relevant to its customers by forcing upgrades that incorporate this facility, but I do not understand the reasoning behind forcing business customers into installing something that removes important functionality; from themes to shared inboxes, this is important and are complete show stoppers if they don't work.
To force an upgrade to a new Outlook while I am trying to install a new computer for a new user and not give me any way of backing out while the system is demanding implementation of two factor authentication while trying to switch over to a new application, where the old application is not fully set up yet is deplorable.
We need a "No, I don't want it until it's finished" button.
I am sure that, when you have finished with this rewrite, it will add some great functionality... but don't force me into buying a new car before you have worked out how the wheels are going to work - yes, it looks shiny, but it doesn't blooming well work!
And please... put the spell check back on the right mouse click... Why the hell do you have to do it differently - it is hindering productivity, because now I have to click twice to check the spelling of a word; the right click that EVERY OTHER application uses followed by the left click that you have decided to implement.
*Sigh*
NubinkI thought I'd write back as I work in the same space as you, most of my clients are solopreneurs up to 10 users or so. My clients usually find me for Outlook help and have since 2010. Most buy their computers at big box stores, no AD. Now with New Outlook coming at a faster pace everyday, I spend a bit of time with my clients who have the mix of 365 Family/Personal accounts with the same email as their Business 365 Exchange and have to explain it to them as these issues arise.
I'm well prepared for the next few years. Many of my past clients are calling/will call for upgrades/migrations as well as new clients who need PST migrated or other email reconfigurations done. By 2029, all techs in the industry will be busy helping clients migrate/reconfigure/explain. Then when it's all done, we will be tech consultants, dealing with less desktop app issues and more 365 account, security, business 365 apps and other things. I'm looking forward to it to be honest. It took me awhile to accept it to be honest, I felt my career of 30 years of an email-focused tech were done. Far from it I believe. I don't manage clients accounts but assist and there is a lot of value in that support. Not only with 365 but all the other accounts, DNS, Security, training, helpdesk questions. I look forward to learning and keeping up with everything happening now. I was feeling a bit stagnant with the learning of 365/Outlook.
I'm sure that isn't answering your questions, but I hope it helps you feel you're not alone. Not many of us in the non-MSP space.
