Microsoft has ended support for its self-hosted Office Online Server, leaving enterprises with no choice but to migrate to the cloud or risk using unsupported and insecure software. The server was mainly used by large organizations in regulated industries where cloud hosting wasn’t available.
The end of support for Office Online Server comes as Microsoft focuses on modernizing its productivity tools and shifting towards a cloud-first strategy. This move benefits the company by increasing revenue from Microsoft 365 subscriptions and keeping customers locked into its ecosystem.
For companies using SharePoint Server Subscription Edition or Exchange Server, Microsoft 365 Apps for Enterprise and Office LTSC 2024 remain supported desktop clients for viewing and editing documents hosted on those servers. However, some features will no longer be supported, such as hosting Excel workbooks in Power BI Report Server.
Microsoft is urging enterprises to plan migrations early, as the software’s security risks will increase after support ends. The company’s all-in-cloud strategy benefits from AI-powered tools that boost productivity and teamwork across devices and platforms.
While Microsoft 365 subscriptions start at $6 per user per month, companies can benefit from comprehensive features like advanced collaboration tools, enhanced security, and device management. With the end of Office Online Server support, enterprises must adapt to the cloud or risk facing compliance and cost concerns.
Source: https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/microsoft-office/no-escape-microsoft-flatlines-office-online-server-its-now-microsoft-365-cloud-or-nothing