Forum Discussion
Microsoft's crusade to move tenants from Email DLs to Office 365 Groups
Microsoft is very keen that Office 365 tenants should move away from email distribution groups to embrace the world of Office 365 Groups. There is lots to like about Groups, but I have some doubts ab...
I can certainly understand where you are coming from but I am not sure I agree. Office 365 is designed to iterate rapidly, while you may not have asked for those new features, they have been mostly well received. Teams got a fantastic response, though finding where to best use these new features does take some work. Sometimes that does mean disabling them for a while, while they can be reviewed selectively.
Pushing to expunge Distribution Groups in favour of O365 Groups I agree might be a step too far if it's been done awkwardly. I think Microsoft's bind is if they introduce new features disabled by default, the uptake suffers and some customers will never get around to enabling them. I know that might seem like a hassle at times but I think trying to micromanage Office 365 is a bit of lost cause.
All of that's not to say I don't think Microsoft can't do even better, I'd like to see more predictability and improved tools for admins, so they can be more comfortable with managing change. I was intrigued with First Release Actionable Preview Period, while it hasn't materialised something along those lines I think would help a lot.
Re. Iteration.
I am all for fast iteration, but my problem is that there seems to be too much "one size fits all" thinking going on around the DL vs. Groups question at the moment. DLs have their place and should be allowed to serve their function. Groups are much better in many circumstances, but not all. When Groups can completely replace everything DLs can do - without needing an E5 license - then let's all have a big campaign to eradicate DLs.
Agreed, Distribution groups have a place and Microsoft shouldn't go over the top in making everyone use Groups instead. That EAC switcheroo I might not have even noticed if you hadn't pointed it out!