Tutorial / Cram Notes
Office Deployment Tool (ODT)
The Office Deployment Tool is a command-line tool that allows administrators to download and deploy Microsoft 365 Apps to their client computers. It provides granular control over the installation process, enabling customization of the installation and updates of Office products.
- Pros: Offers full control over the installation parameters.
- Cons: Involves complexity, requiring more expertise to set up and maintain.
Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager
Configuration Manager lets IT professionals manage the deployment and updating of Microsoft 365 Apps alongside their other applications across a range of devices within an enterprise.
- Pros: Provides a comprehensive management platform for complex environments.
- Cons: More suitable for larger organizations with existing infrastructure and expertise.
Microsoft Intune
Microsoft Intune provides mobile device management (MDM) and mobile application management (MAM). It allows for cloud-based management of Office apps, which offers a great deal of flexibility.
- Pros: Enables management without on-premises infrastructure.
- Cons: Potentially less suitable for environments where granular, on-premises control is needed.
Servicing Methods
Semi-Annual Enterprise Channel
The Semi-Annual Enterprise Channel provides feature updates to Microsoft 365 Apps twice a year. It is typically chosen by organizations that need more time to test and deploy updates across their environments.
- Pros: Reduces the frequency of feature changes, more predictable updates.
- Cons: Users won’t receive the newest features immediately.
Monthly Enterprise Channel
The Monthly Enterprise Channel offers a stable update experience by providing feature updates and security updates once a month. It aims to provide predictability and quality to enterprises in need of a balance between stability and new features.
- Pros: Monthly feature release schedule offers a good balance.
- Cons: Requires a regular process for updates and deployments.
Current Channel
The Current Channel provides new functionality of Microsoft 365 Apps as soon as it is available. This is suitable for organizations that want their users to have the newest features right away.
- Pros: Users have immediate access to the latest features and updates.
- Cons: The frequency of changes may be challenging for some organizations to manage.
| Servicing Method | Feature Updates | Security Updates | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semi-Annual Enterprise Channel | Twice a year | Monthly | Predictable updates, more time to test and deploy | Delayed access to new features |
| Monthly Enterprise Channel | Monthly | Monthly | Regular feature release schedule | Needs regular update management |
| Current Channel | As available | Monthly | Immediate access to latest updates and features | Higher frequency of changes |
Examples and Benefits
For instance, a government institution with strict internal policies and extended testing cycles might opt for the Semi-Annual Enterprise Channel to deploy Microsoft 365 apps, ensuring that extensive testing is performed before rolling out updates.
On the other hand, a tech startup working at the cutting-edge of innovation may prefer using the Current Channel to ensure that their teams always have the latest productivity features at their fingertips.
Conclusion
Choosing the right deployment and servicing methods for Microsoft 365 apps has a significant impact on how an organization operates and how effectively employees can collaborate and complete their tasks. IT administrators need to weigh the options carefully, considering the organization’s capacity for managing updates, the desired stability versus up-to-datedness of the Office applications, and the overarching IT strategy when making their decision.
Practice Test with Explanation
(True/False) Microsoft 365 apps can only be deployed through Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager.
- Answer: False
Explanation: Microsoft 365 apps can be deployed through various methods, including directly from the Office 365 portal, using Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager, Windows Update, or using the Office Deployment Tool.
(Single Select) Which of the following is not a deployment tool for Microsoft 365 apps?
- A) Office Deployment Tool
- B) Windows Update
- C) Microsoft Store
- D) Microsoft Teams admin center
Answer: D) Microsoft Teams admin center
Explanation: Microsoft Teams admin center is for managing Teams and not for deploying Microsoft 365 apps, which can be deployed using the Office Deployment Tool, Windows Update, or through the Microsoft Store.
(True/False) You can use Group Policy to manage Microsoft 365 apps updates.
- Answer: True
Explanation: Group Policy can be used to configure how Microsoft 365 apps are updated on client computers.
(Multiple Select) Which of the following are servicing options for Microsoft 365 apps?
- A) Semi-Annual Enterprise Channel
- B) Monthly Enterprise Channel
- C) Weekly Update Channel
- D) Current Channel
Answer: A) Semi-Annual Enterprise Channel, B) Monthly Enterprise Channel, D) Current Channel
Explanation: Microsoft 365 apps offer various servicing options including the Semi-Annual Enterprise Channel, Monthly Enterprise Channel, and the Current Channel. There is no Weekly Update Channel.
(True/False) Cloud-based deployment of Microsoft 365 apps requires the Office Deployment Tool.
- Answer: False
Explanation: Cloud-based deployment can be done directly through the Microsoft 365 admin portal without the need for the Office Deployment Tool, which is mainly used for customized installations.
(Single Select) What is the purpose of the Microsoft 365 Apps health feature?
- A) Monitor project tasks
- B) Track email delivery statistics
- C) Assess compatibility and performance of Microsoft 365 apps
- D) Provide cloud storage options
Answer: C) Assess compatibility and performance of Microsoft 365 apps
Explanation: The Microsoft 365 Apps health feature helps IT administrators assess and ensure the compatibility and performance of Microsoft 365 apps within their organization.
(Multiple Select) Which of the following statements are true regarding Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise?
- A) It can only be installed on devices running Windows
- B) It includes exclusive features not available in Office
- C) It allows for real-time collaboration on documents.
- D) It requires a constant internet connection to use the applications.
Answer: B) It includes exclusive features not available in Office 2019, C) It allows for real-time collaboration on documents.
Explanation: Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise includes features not found in Office 2019 and supports real-time collaboration. It can be installed on various Windows operating systems, not just Windows 10, and does not always require an internet connection to use the applications, although an internet connection is required for installation and activation, as well as for some features.
(True/False) Microsoft 365 apps are only available through an annual subscription model.
- Answer: True
Explanation: Microsoft 365 apps are offered predominantly as a service on a subscription basis (monthly or annually), unlike the one-time purchase model used for traditional Office versions like Office
(Single Select) Which feature allows IT administrators to deploy software based on user’s group membership in Active Directory?
- A) Windows Autopilot
- B) Microsoft Store for Business
- C) Group Policy Objects (GPO)
- D) Azure Active Directory group-based licensing
Answer: D) Azure Active Directory group-based licensing
Explanation: Azure Active Directory group-based licensing allows IT administrators to automatically assign licenses to users based on group membership, enabling the deployment of Microsoft 365 apps according to those licenses.
(Multiple Select) Which of the following are benefits of using the Click-to-Run deployment technology for Microsoft 365 apps?
- A) Smaller download size due to package streaming
- B) Requirement to uninstall previous Office versions before installation
- C) Reduced installation time
- D) Automatic updates
Answer: A) Smaller download size due to package streaming, C) Reduced installation time, D) Automatic updates
Explanation: Click-to-Run technology enables streaming and installation of Microsoft 365 apps, leading to smaller download sizes, reduced installation times, and supports automatic updates. It is not required to uninstall previous versions of Office, as Click-to-Run can work independently of them.
(True/False) Microsoft 365 apps are only compatible with Windows devices.
- Answer: False
Explanation: Microsoft 365 apps are compatible with various platforms, including Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android, providing a versatile experience across devices.
Interview Questions
What is the purpose of deployment and servicing methods for Microsoft 365 apps?
The purpose of deployment and servicing methods for Microsoft 365 apps is to ensure that organizations can effectively manage the deployment, updates, and maintenance of their Microsoft 365 apps.
What are the update channels available for Microsoft 365 apps?
The update channels available for Microsoft 365 apps are Monthly Enterprise Channel, Semi-Annual Enterprise Channel, and Semi-Annual Enterprise Channel (Preview).
How does the Monthly Enterprise Channel work?
The Monthly Enterprise Channel provides monthly security updates, bug fixes, and feature updates for Microsoft 365 apps. It is suitable for organizations that want the latest features and updates as soon as they are available.
How does the Semi-Annual Enterprise Channel work?
The Semi-Annual Enterprise Channel provides updates for Microsoft 365 apps every six months. It is suitable for organizations that require a more stable and predictable release schedule.
What is the difference between the Semi-Annual Enterprise Channel and the Semi-Annual Enterprise Channel (Preview)?
The Semi-Annual Enterprise Channel (Preview) provides organizations with an opportunity to preview and test new features and updates before they are released to the Semi-Annual Enterprise Channel.
What are the factors to consider when planning the deployment of Microsoft 365 apps?
The factors to consider when planning the deployment of Microsoft 365 apps include the size of the organization, the location of users, the network infrastructure, and the user devices.
What are the installation methods for Microsoft 365 apps?
The installation methods for Microsoft 365 apps are User-Driven Installation, System Center Configuration Manager, and Intune.
What are the benefits of using User-Driven Installation?
The benefits of using User-Driven Installation include allowing users to install the apps themselves, reducing the workload for IT departments, and providing flexibility for users.
What is the benefit of using System Center Configuration Manager for app deployment?
The benefit of using System Center Configuration Manager for app deployment is that it allows IT departments to centrally manage and automate the deployment of Microsoft 365 apps.
What is the benefit of using Intune for app deployment?
The benefit of using Intune for app deployment is that it allows IT departments to manage and deploy Microsoft 365 apps to mobile devices and remote users.
What are the different release options available for Microsoft 365 apps?
The different release options available for Microsoft 365 apps are Standard Release, Targeted Release, and Targeted Release for selected users.
What is the purpose of the Standard Release option?
The purpose of the Standard Release option is to provide organizations with a stable and predictable release schedule for Microsoft 365 app updates.
What is the purpose of the Targeted Release option?
The purpose of the Targeted Release option is to allow organizations to preview and test new features and updates before they are released to the wider organization.
What is the purpose of the Targeted Release for selected users option?
The purpose of the Targeted Release for selected users option is to allow organizations to select specific users or groups to receive new features and updates before they are released to the wider organization.
How can IT administrators manage release options for Microsoft 365 apps?
IT administrators can manage release options for Microsoft 365 apps using the Microsoft 365 admin center, the Exchange admin center, and PowerShell.
Deploying Microsoft 365 apps through Intune is seamless and integrates well with our existing infrastructure.
Glad to read this post, very informative!
Can someone explain the difference between the Monthly Enterprise Channel and the Semi-Annual Enterprise Channel?
Personally, I’ve found that using Group Policy for Office 365 ProPlus deployments is still relevant. Any thoughts?
Insightful blog post!
The Office Deployment Tool (ODT) allows for multiple deployment configurations. I find it very useful for customizing installations.
Excellent information. Appreciated!
Does anyone have experience with using Configuration Manager for Microsoft 365 app deployments?