August 28, 2013
[Please note: this message is about the employee e-mail update scheduled for 9/4, not the calendar migration, scheduled for 10/4]
Starting September 4th, Microsoft will perform an update to your Mason Office 365 employee e-mail account. This update will change the look, feel, and features of the web interface (Microsoft Outlook Web App or OWA) accessed via http://mso365.gmu.edu or via the "Login to 365" button on http://office365.gmu.edu.
Highlights of the changes include:
- An updated web interface (OWA) with simplified layout and more in-line editing that replaces the need for pop-ups
- Improved filtering and search capabilities
- Redesigned scheduling assistant to use for scheduling meetings
- Access to Microsoft's recently released mobile app, bringing the OWA to most mobile devices
This update does NOT change the look and feel of desktop or mobile clients used to access Office 365.
Important preparations for the update:
Though most employees will not need to do anything to prepare, the Office 365 team recommends that you review the following items PRIOR to the update to ensure you can continue to access your account after the update:
- E-mail Client and Mobile Setup: If your mobile device or e-mail client was set-up in a way that did not use the "auto-discover" feature (where you enter your e-mail address and password and let the system do the set-up automatically for you) when connecting to your Office 365 account, the account may cease to work after this update. See the Set-up Instructions for how to configure your client or mobile device correctly.
- Browser Compatibility: Ensure your web browser/system is compatible with the latest version of Office 365. If, after your account is updated, you use a web browser that is not compatible with the OWA you will be taken to the OWA Lite interface automatically. Review the list of Supported Browsers on the What's New for Outlook Web App page for specifics.
- Outlook Client: If you are not already using the Microsoft Outlook 2010 for Windows or Outlook 2011 for Mac as your desktop client application, please switch to one of these clients. The switch will allow you to access the full features of Office 365 such as the calendar, delegation, on-line archive mailbox (coming soon), and more. For information on switching, see the Set-up Instructions for your operating system.
During the Update
The update process is expected to take 24-48 hours to complete; your e-mail will be available during this time.
- If you are working in your account when it is updated, you may receive a request to log out and then log back in to start a new session.
- Account management processes (e.g. new account creation and display name changes) will be unavailable during the update.
Please visit the Office 365 website's September Upgrade Information page – http://tsd.gmu.edu/services/office365/upgrade20130904/ for additional information on this update including a preview of the new OWA web interface.
ITU Support Center
Innovation Hall, Room 233
MSN 5D5
Office: (703) 993-8870
Fax: (703) 993-3347
http://itservices.gmu.edu
support@gmu.edu
NOTE: If you did not initiate the request, then do not give out your e-mail Password or any other personal information via e-mail. We would never ask you for this information in an e-mail message. If you are unsure, please contact the ITU Support Center.