Microsoft Retires AIP Add-On for Office

Microsoft has announced the retirement of the unified labeling client on April 11, 2024. The client, also known as the AIP add-on for Office, went into maintenance mode on January 1, 2022, so it’s unsurprising that this development should happen. Users get better functionality by using the built-in information protection features in the subscription versions of Office, so there’s no real need to keep the unified labeling client around – apart from migrating users, that is.

Microsoft Retires Azure Automation Run As Accounts in September 2023

Microsoft plans to retire Azure Automation Run As Accounts on September 30, 2023 and replace them with managed identities. I don’t have any issue with the proposal because managed identities are more secure and a better overall solution. It would have been nice if Microsoft had communicated the change more broadly. I guess if you were in the know, you found out about this development, but maybe the average Microsoft 365 tenant administrator might have struggled to discover what’s happening.

Microsoft Announces Retirement of Skype for Business Online

On July 30, Microsoft announced the retirement of Skype for Business Online with effect from July 31, 2021. Two years seems like a long time to prepare, but it’s amazing how time passes when you’ve got lots to do. Microsoft, ISVs, third-party consultants, and customers all have lots of work to do to prepare for the transition.