Subscribers to Microsoft packages SharePoint and Office 365 will benefit from new features being rolled out this year.
Web parts
New web parts include Code Snippet, Markdown, My Recent Documents, Yammer Conversations, and My Frequent Sites; all of which can be added to any SharePoint page. My Recent Documents and My Frequent Sites are tools that are aware of who is signed in and delivers what Microsoft calls a relevant experience tailored for the user.
Yammer Conversations displays conversation content on any page, while the Countdown Timer shows the remaining time before a specified event.
Code Snippet displays code using the correct code syntax, and Markdown converts plain text to HTML.
Also, a YouTube web part adds videos and links to a page on the video sharing site.
Improved page designs
Microsoft is promising many page design improvements, though there is no scheduled date for when these will be added, as the changes are still in the development process.
The main improvement in page design will be the ability to save design templates. These will make it easier to provide a consistent design across all pages. Users will be able to create site scripts based on existing objects rather than needing advanced scripting knowledge. Microsoft has stated that it aims to make site design easier so that companies do not have to rely on technical experts to create pages.
There are more features users have requested which are also currently in development. These include the ability to schedule page publishing, the translation of pages into multi languages, and more customisation for individual users. While Microsoft is planning these features, they have again not yet said when they will be implemented.
Migration tools
To encourage businesses to move from onsite SharePoint Servers to the online version, Microsoft has updated its migration tools to make it easier to transfer data online.
A ‘Start new migration’ button has been added and Settings controls have been simplified. So far, the new migration tools are only for moving from SharePoint Server 2013 to Office 365 applications, and cannot be used for earlier versions of SharePoint Server.
OneDrive
The OneDrive for Business interface is getting a new ‘Fluent Design’, so SharePoint users will get an updated interface design similar to that of OneDrive.
Microsoft is adding a feature to scan a document or image on an Android or IOS device and save it to OneDrive with metadata, and is developing an email reminder system for OneDrive email link sharing. A reminder will be sent if the link has not been clicked on for seven days.
SharePoint iOS and Android
In December 2018, Microsoft updated its SharePoint iOS and Android apps. Support has been added for @mention in comments, meaning if others mention a user in comments, a notification will be sent to that person.
It’s clearly going to be a big year for Microsoft’s collaboration tools and at WM Reply, we welcome the new features. We assist organisations in migrating to Office 365 and SharePoint so they can benefit from Microsoft’s improved offerings, so why not get in touch to see how we can help you today?