How organizational messages tool works in Microsoft 365 admin center

Organizational messages help admins to now connect with their organization more effectively. This is a feature available in the Microsoft 365 admin center under Reports. This tool enables you to create, manage, and track messages from a centralized dashboard.   

Organizational messages enhance in-product experiences and are particularly valuable for remote and hybrid work environments. They can be used to share educational materials, communicate updates about Microsoft 365 services or license availability, and provide information on organizational initiatives.   

What are 6 ways to use Organizational Messages?   

1. Create Custom Messages 

Craft messages from scratch with free-text entry.    

2. Leverage Templates 

Use or customize premade message templates provided by Microsoft.    

3. Multi-Platform Delivery 

Send messages to key locations like Windows 10/11 Spotlight and Microsoft 365 apps, including Teams teaching popovers (coachmarks).    

4. Draft and Review 

Save message drafts and efficiently approve or reject customized messages.    

5. Visual Enhancements 

Add images or icons to make messages more engaging.      

6. Custom Links 

Specify unique destination URLs for tailored messaging.   

How does organizational message work?   

1. Craft Your Message 

Use the intuitive wizard to create fully customized messages by selecting the ‘Create your own’ option.    

2. Define Your Audience 

Use group-based targeting to ensure your message reaches the right people.    

3. Set Your Schedule 

Choose your delivery time and frequency for seamless communication.    

4. Submit for Approval 

Easily send your message for organizational approval.    

5. Track Performance 

Gain valuable insights with detailed analytics to measure the impact of your messages.   

What are the requirements for using organizational messages 

Organizational messages can be created within the Microsoft 365 Admin Center. Each message must be approved by another user, even if you hold the role of Global Administrator. Pre-requisites to create a message is the following available roles:    

– Global Administrator  

– Organizational Message Writer 

To approve a message, you must hold one of the roles listed below.  

– Global Administrator  

– Organizational Message Approver 

While a user can be assigned both the message writer and approver roles, they are not allowed to approve their own messages.  

To start using organizational messages in Microsoft 365, you must first enable the organizational messages policy in Microsoft Intune. By default, this setting is turned off.  

How do you license to use Microsoft 365 

Microsoft 365 products are available as User Subscription Licenses (USLs), providing a per-user licensing approach allowing scalability.   

1. Full USLs 

Designed for new customers who have not previously purchased a related solution from Microsoft or for on-premises software users without Software Assurance.  

2. Add-on USLs 

These are for on-premises software customers who want to try a Microsoft 365 cloud solution without giving up their on-premises solution or who are not ready to fully transition to the cloud. Add-on USLs offer the complete benefits of Microsoft 365 at a significantly reduced cost. To qualify for Add-on USLs, customers must have an active Software Assurance agreement for their eligible on-premises solution. These licenses must also be purchased under the same agreement or enrollment as the qualifying on-premises licenses.  

3. Step-up USLs   

Step-up USLs are designed for Microsoft 365 customers looking to enhance their service level during the term of their agreement or enrollment. These licenses must be purchased under the same agreement or enrollment as the base license being upgraded.  

Is your organization using Microsoft 365? 

Cloud subscriptions provide a number of services or products you may be yet to explore. These products offer services worth the purchase usually when you are properly licensed and know what you want as an organization.  

Our team of Microsoft licensing experts can help you understand how licensing works for cloud bundles and how to go about getting the best savings options. There are tips and tricks that can get you to optimize your licenses fully and still get the work done.  

We are available to support you via email at info.q-advise.com to also explore how pre-owned licenses can be an alternative to cost-effective purchasing licenses.  

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