SharePoint Roadmap Pitstop December 2024

Key insights

• Microsoft Syntex: Introduced a new pay-as-you-go document processing model using Optical Character Recognition (OCR) and AI to extract data like language, key-value pairs, and barcodes. This service is billed through an Azure subscription.


• Viva Connections: Launched the Power Apps card, allowing users to integrate Power Apps into the Viva Connections dashboard for easy access to tasks such as sales requests and vacation submissions.


• Viva Pulse: Now included in Microsoft 365 Copilot, enabling team leaders to send surveys using research-backed templates to assess team sentiment and gather feedback without requiring a license for respondents.


• Outlook Transition: Outlook has moved to the cloud.microsoft domain, enhancing security by providing a unified DNS domain space for Microsoft's SaaS products. Access Outlook at https://outlook.cloud.microsoft/.


• Data Residency in New Zealand: Microsoft 365 now offers Advanced Data Residency in New Zealand, giving customers control over their cloud data location with Multi-Geo capabilities rolling out soon.


• Microsoft Search in Bing Retirement: The work search experience on Bing.com will be deprecated by March 31, 2025. Core search functions remain accessible through Office.com and SharePoint Online.

Introduction to SharePoint Roadmap Pitstop December 2024

The end of 2024 brought a flurry of updates and innovations from Microsoft, particularly within the SharePoint ecosystem. As we step into 2025, it's time to explore these changes and understand their implications. The December 2024 edition of the SharePoint Roadmap Pitstop highlighted several new offerings, including Microsoft Syntex pay-as-you-go, Viva Connections: Power Apps card, and the integration of Viva Pulse into Microsoft 365 Copilot. Additionally, it marked the retirement of Microsoft Search for Bing and introduced Outlook.cloud.microsoft. These updates are not just incremental; they represent a significant shift in how Microsoft is positioning its services for the future.

Key Innovations and Features

The December 2024 updates were packed with features aimed at enhancing productivity and user experience. Here are some of the most notable ones:

• Microsoft Syntex Pay-As-You-Go: This service offers a simple document processing model using Optical Character Recognition (OCR) and AI to extract information from documents. It supports key-value pairs, tables, selection marks, and barcodes, making document management more efficient.
• Viva Connections: Power Apps Card: This feature allows users to integrate Power Apps into the Viva Connections dashboard, providing quick access to essential tasks and information. It enhances the user experience by targeting content to specific roles and functions.
• Viva Pulse in Microsoft 365 Copilot: Now included with a Microsoft 365 Copilot subscription, Viva Pulse enables team leaders to send surveys to gauge team sentiment. It provides valuable insights through research-backed templates and reporting tools.
• Outlook.cloud.microsoft: Transitioning to the cloud.microsoft domain, Outlook now offers a unified and secure URL for accessing inboxes, reflecting Microsoft's commitment to enhancing security and trust.

Challenges and Tradeoffs

While these updates bring numerous benefits, they also present certain challenges and tradeoffs. For instance, the introduction of Microsoft Syntex pay-as-you-go offers flexibility but requires careful cost management. Organizations must balance the convenience of on-demand services with potential budget implications. Similarly, the integration of Viva Pulse into Microsoft 365 Copilot enhances team engagement but necessitates a cultural shift towards regular feedback collection and analysis. This could require training and change management efforts to ensure effective adoption. Moreover, the retirement of Microsoft Search for Bing might inconvenience users accustomed to its interface. Transitioning to alternative search platforms within Microsoft 365 will require user adaptation and possibly retraining.

Upcoming Events and Predictions

Looking ahead, Microsoft has lined up several events and features for 2025. The "SharePoint: From Concept to Creation to Impact + Live AMA" webinar scheduled for January 29, 2025, promises to be a highlight. It will explore how SharePoint can be leveraged to create impactful sites and streamline workflows. Additionally, Microsoft has shared teasers for upcoming features such as the integration of Microsoft Viva Connections into the SharePoint app bar and a new pay-as-you-go billing model for SharePoint agents. These developments indicate a continued focus on enhancing user experience and operational efficiency. In terms of predictions, Microsoft anticipates significant advancements in AI integration, with features like the Clipchamp Copilot video creator and improved Microsoft Lists links in Teams chats and channels expected in early 2025. These innovations are poised to transform how users interact with Microsoft 365, making it more intuitive and responsive.

Conclusion

The SharePoint Roadmap Pitstop for December 2024 encapsulates a pivotal moment for Microsoft as it embraces new technologies and refines existing ones. The updates reflect a strategic focus on enhancing productivity, security, and user engagement. However, they also underscore the need for organizations to navigate the associated challenges thoughtfully. As we move into 2025, staying informed about these changes and participating in upcoming events will be crucial for maximizing the benefits of Microsoft's evolving ecosystem. Whether it's through adopting new features or attending webinars, there are ample opportunities to deepen your understanding and leverage these tools effectively. In conclusion, the innovations introduced in December 2024 set the stage for an exciting year ahead, filled with potential for growth and transformation. By embracing these changes, organizations can position themselves to thrive in an increasingly digital and interconnected world.

Keywords

SharePoint Roadmap December 2024, SharePoint updates 2024, SharePoint new features December, Microsoft SharePoint roadmap, SharePoint enhancements 2024, December SharePoint news, SharePoint development update, Latest in SharePoint 2024.