In mid-July, Microsoft made headlines with the announcement that its new Outlook email app for Windows would be available for commercial users starting August 1. That day has now arrived, and Microsoft has confirmed that the new Outlook Windows app has officially reached the General Availability (GA) stage for businesses.
Transitioning to the New Outlook
In a recent blog post, Microsoft reiterated its earlier statements regarding the status of the new Outlook for Windows. While it is now classified as GA, companies will have the option to continue using the traditional “classic” Outlook Windows app if they prefer. However, those who decide to embrace the new Outlook will benefit from full support from Microsoft, a significant advantage now that it has achieved GA status.
The blog post highlighted the importance of this milestone, stating:
This GA milestone will enable more organizations to start their migration process. We will continue to make feature improvements and monitor feedback, so continue to try the new experience and let us know what you want to see next!
Microsoft also shared insights from a survey conducted by Forrester Consulting, which revealed several potential benefits for businesses transitioning to the new Outlook for Windows. According to the findings, users anticipate a remarkable 65 percent reduction in support tickets compared to the classic version. Additionally, businesses expect to lower their energy and storage costs by 27 percent with the new app.
The next step in this transition will be when Microsoft shifts from an opt-in to an opt-out experience for businesses regarding the new Outlook app. While a specific timeline for this change has not been disclosed, Microsoft has assured companies that they will receive a 12-month advance notice before this transition takes place.
