In defence of modern attachments... suggestions?

[Paul Chapman]

Hello,

I've ready MANY posts by people annoyed by the default attachment behaviour in Outlook 2016 (send as editable link rather than attach a copy). I know you can change attachments to copies quite simply, but at launch today it caused a fuss and I know find myself having to make a case tomorrow about why the behaviour is that way. The main argument coming from the most angry exec is that default editable links open up a security breach by allowing people access to change our internal files (and the default nature makes it more likely this will be by accident, rather than by design).

Personally, I can see why MS have made that the default, and I think it makes sense. But... does anyone have a link to a strong explanation in defence of the modern attachment as default behaviour? I could do with the backup.

Thanks,

Paul

[#2]

For me It is a very easy one it is to reduce mailboxe sizes and collaborate in the tools that are there to use. so Use mail only for text and Use SharePoint/Onedrive for shareing Files in 1 place and it is only 1 place of the truth. But i Understand if no adoption has taken place no announcements it is confusing and it is all about learning the new way of working.

[#3]

That's a good point Paul. I think you are right, the thinking from MS must be that they are pushing people to use the collaboration tools. I like the 'one place of truth' idea, I may steal it!

You are right also about adequate training/announcements being needed. Typically, the exec who is angry with the change is the exec who couldn't find time to attend the adoption sessions before launch.

[#4]

We've left the same feedback with the Outlook team, asking them to give us an option to set the default type of link (or even choose between sending a link or attaching the document). If or whether this will happen, I cannot tell, but you can harass your TAM if you are a Premier customer. Or leave feedback on Uservoice.

[#5]

Hi Paul.

Unfortunately I have no good arguments in favor of the default behavior of Outlook 2016, for the simple reason that there are no good arguments to defend a wrong choice.

Sure, if you want indeed to send a "cloudy attachment", and you know exactly what you are doing, having such possibility is a great plus.

But, as @Vasil Michev says, the bare minimum would have been to give us an option to set the default type of the link.

In the meanwhile, I have been forced to revert all my customers to the previous behavior, when possible...

[#6]

Thanks @Vasil Michev, thanks @Salvatore Biscari. I agree with you both regarding the fact that organisations cannot change the default behaviour of Outlook attachments. I can make a defence of modern attachments, I can even argue that they should be by default, but the fact that we don't have the choice is just wrong.

In case it is of interest the defence I came up with is attached. Classic attachment ;)