There are various methods that you can use to deploy Microsoft 365 Apps to users in your organization. The methods include:
- Microsoft 365 Apps admin center: This approach allows administrators to manage software downloads directly in their browser. The admin center provides a centralized portal where software updates can be installed, monitored, and managed. Users don’t have to install any software on their computers; they just need a browser and internet connection to use the apps.
- Office Deployment Tool (ODT): This tool allows administrators to control all aspects of Office deployments, including which applications and languages are installed, how those applications are updated, and whether or not to display the install experience to your users.
- Software distribution tools: Administrators can use standard software distribution tools like Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager or third-party tools to deploy Microsoft 365 Apps.
- Self-installing by users: In this approach, users can directly access the Office portal and download the applications to their devices.
These four methods provide different levels of control and complexity over the deployment process.
| Method | Level of Control | Complexity |
|---|---|---|
| Microsoft 365 Apps admin center | High | Low |
| Office Deployment Tool (ODT) | Very High | Medium |
| Software distribution tools | High | High |
| Self-installing by users | Low | Low |
Servicing Microsoft 365 Apps
Once Microsoft 365 Apps are deployed, they need to be serviced and kept up-to-date regularly. Microsoft provides regular updates which include both security and non-security updates, such as improvements in stability, performance, and new functionalities.
There are three update channels:
- Current Channel: Provides users with the newest features of Office as soon as they’re available. This channel is updated monthly and is best suited for users who need the latest features.
- Monthly Enterprise Channel: Provides users with new features once a month, but on a predictable schedule. This channel is best suited for users who need a balance of the latest features and predictability.
- Semi-Annual Enterprise Channel: Provides users with new features every six months. This channel is best suited for users who prioritize stability over features.
Each update channel offers minor updates and bug fixes regularly, but feature updates are delivered according to the schedule specific to each channel.
| Channel | Feature Updates | Best Suited for |
|---|---|---|
| Current Channel | Monthly | Users who need the latest features |
| Monthly Enterprise Channel | Once a month | Users who need a balance of features and predictability |
| Semi-Annual Enterprise Channel | Every six months | Users who prioritize stability over new features |
In conclusion, successful administration of Microsoft 365 Apps requires understanding the deployment methods and servicing models. One must choose the method and servicing channel that suits their organizational needs the best. Whether you’re studying for the MS-900 Microsoft 365 Fundamentals exam or managing an organization, this knowledge can help you effectively maintain your Microsoft 365 applications.
Practice Test
True or False: The Microsoft 365 Apps deployment contains Microsoft Teams by default.
- True
- False
Answer: True.
Explanation: The Microsoft 365 Apps deployment indeed contains Microsoft Teams by default unless configured otherwise.
In Microsoft 365 Apps deployment, which servicing channel provides new features earliest?
- A. Semi-Annual Enterprise Channel.
- B. Monthly Enterprise Channel.
- C. Current Channel.
Answer: C. Current Channel.
Explanation: The Current Channel provides new features earliest, as soon as they’re ready.
Select all that apply: Which methods can be used to deploy Microsoft 365 apps?
- A. Using Office Deployment Tool.
- B. Using Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager.
- C. Using Microsoft Intune.
- D. Using Cloud PC.
Answer: A. Using Office Deployment Tool. B. Using Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager. C. Using Microsoft Intune.
Explanation: All these are valid methods to deploy Microsoft 365 apps.
True or False: Microsoft 365 apps can only run on Windows 10 and not on earlier versions.
- True
- False
Answer: False.
Explanation: Microsoft 365 apps can run on both Windows 10 and earlier versions like Windows
Which of the following is not a method of updating Microsoft 365 apps?
- A. SCVMM.
- B. Office Content Delivery Network (CDN).
- C. Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager.
- D. Directly from the Internet.
Answer: A. SCVMM.
Explanation: SCVMM (System Center Virtual Machine Manager) is a Microsoft solution for managing virtual environments; it’s not used for updating Office apps.
True or False: Windows Update for Business can be used to update Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise.
- True
- False
Answer: False.
Explanation: While Windows Update for Business can update Windows 10, it does not update Microsoft 365 Apps.
Select all that apply: Which of the following is provided by Microsoft 365 Apps Cloud Policy?
- A. Device management.
- B. Server management.
- C. User-based policy management.
- D. Application management.
Answer: A. Device management. C. User-based policy management.
Explanation: Microsoft 365 Apps Cloud Policy allows businesses to manage the settings of Microsoft 365 Apps on mobile devices and apply user-based policies.
Which of the following methods can be used to serve Microsoft 365 apps to users who are not connected to the corporate network?
- A. Content Delivery Network (CDN).
- B. Using VPN.
- C. Directly from the Internet.
- D. All of the above.
Answer: D. All of the above.
Explanation: All mentioned methods can be used to serve updates for Microsoft 365 apps.
True or False: Microsoft 365 Apps can be managed using Group Policy.
- True
- False
Answer: True.
Explanation: Microsoft provides admin templates for managing settings of Microsoft 365 Apps through Group Policy.
In Microsoft 365 Apps deployment, which servicing channel updates with the most frequency?
- A. Current Channel.
- B. Monthly Enterprise Channel.
- C. Semi-Annual Enterprise Channel.
Answer: A. Current Channel.
Explanation: Current Channel for Microsoft 365 Apps receives updates more frequently, i.e., monthly or even sooner if required.
Interview Questions
What does the term ‘deployment’ mean in the context of Microsoft 365 Apps?
In the context of Microsoft 365 Apps, ‘deployment’ refers to the process of installing and setting up Microsoft 365 Apps on a computer, device, or in an organization.
What are some common methods for deploying Microsoft 365 Apps?
Some common methods for deploying Microsoft 365 Apps include using the Office Deployment Tool, using Group Policy with a .admx template, or deploying from the cloud using Intune or Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager.
How can we leverage Group Policy for deploying Microsoft 365 Apps?
Group Policy can be used to deploy Microsoft 365 Apps by using a .admx template. This method allows you to control various configuration settings and enforce them across your organization.
What is the Office Deployment Tool (ODT)?
The Office Deployment Tool (ODT) is a command-line tool that you can use to download and deploy click-to-run versions of Office, such as Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise, to client computers.
What is the relevance of Microsoft Intune in Microsoft 365 Apps deployment?
Microsoft Intune is a cloud-based service that focuses on mobile device management (MDM) and mobile application management (MAM). It allows administrators to manage devices and applications in their organization and can be used to deploy Microsoft 365 Apps.
How can you service and manage updates to Microsoft 365 Apps?
You can service and manage updates to Microsoft 365 Apps by utilizing the ‘automatic updates’ feature or through the Office Deployment Tool. Also, you can configure update settings through Group Policy.
What does the term ‘servicing’ mean in the context of Microsoft 365 Apps?
In the context of Microsoft 365 Apps, ‘servicing’ refers to the process of providing regular updates and maintenance to the installed apps to ensure they remain secure, reliable, and efficient.
What is a servicing channel in Microsoft 365 Apps?
A servicing channel in Microsoft 365 Apps determines how often your apps receive feature updates. There are three types of servicing channels: Monthly Channel, Semi-Annual Channel, and Semi-Annual Channel (Targeted).
Can you explain the Semi-Annual Channel in Microsoft 365 Apps servicing?
The Semi-Annual Channel provides new features for Microsoft 365 Apps twice a year, in January and July. This channel is appropriate for organizations that prefer a slower pace of updates, for better predictability.
What is the role of Configuration Manager in Microsoft 365 Apps deployment and servicing?
The Configuration Manager is used to deploy Microsoft 365 Apps and manage updates. It aids administrators in distributing software, reducing down-time, improving productivity, and enhancing system security in a corporate environment.
What is the significance of ‘Update channels’ in Microsoft 365 Apps?
‘Update channels’ in Microsoft 365 Apps allow an organization to choose when to receive the latest features updates, giving them the flexibility and control over the update process based on their unique needs and environment.
What is the Microsoft 365 Apps admin center?
The Microsoft 365 Apps admin center is a web-based portal that admins can use to manage the deployment of Microsoft 365 Apps to client devices in their organization.
Can you explain the Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager?
The Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager is a management tool from Microsoft that provides a unified management experience across on-premises and cloud-based devices. It allows admins to manage applications, compliance policies, inventory, security, patch updates and more.
How can you monitor the health and performance of Microsoft 365 Apps in your organization?
You can monitor the health and performance of Microsoft 365 Apps in your organization by using tools provided by Microsoft, such as the Microsoft 365 admin center and the Office Client Performance Analytics (OCPA).
How often does Microsoft’s ‘Monthly Channel’ release updates to Microsoft 365 Apps?
Microsoft’s ‘Monthly Channel’ releases updates to Microsoft 365 Apps every month, and includes both security and non-security updates.
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