O365 app feature – Outlook

What makes Outlook online different from the desktop version?

O365 is a cloud-based set of Microsoft applications available to you from any device with a web browser and an internet connection. 

The programs are accessible to users with a personal O365 login or through OSSIE by selecting the waffle icon (9 small squares that look like a waffle) in the upper left-hand corner of the screen.

Since last fall, we’ve highlighted features for Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

Many users are finding themselves using the web and apps more frequently these days, so it’s important to understand functionalities that might be reasons for you to prefer the online version of Outlook. Tech blogger, Ellen Van Aken, shares her Top 10 Reasons why Outlook for the web is the platform she prefers. Here are a few of reasons:

• Color Scheme Options: A rainbow of choices for you to decide what color is best for you. Maybe you choose a dark color because it’s easier on your eyes or a bright color to bring joy to your day.
• ‘Like’ an email: Instead of replying to let the sender know you’ve received the message, a simple ‘like’ will suffice, relieving inboxes of unnecessary emails.
• Pin an email to the top of your inbox: This is useful if you don’t want to have to search for the email when you need it.
• Sweep feature: This is a limited form of Rules. You can determine where to move emails and when based on the Rules.
• RSVP to a meeting request without opening the email: The web version includes an RSVP button in the title field and shows if you have any conflicts. This is also available in the mobile app.

Like previous reviews of the online versions, Outlook for the web also has a few key differences when compared to its desktop counterpart. According to Michael Linenberger, author of Master Your Workday Now! and Total Workday Control, there are three key differences:

• Tasks: Unless you are using the new Microsoft To-Do product and Office 365 with Exchange, the Outlook Online tasks experience is not beneficial. If you use the task feature in Outlook, it’s best to use the desktop version.
• Views: The default online view is similar to the compact view of desktop Outlook. If you’re already using the compact view, then either version of Outlook will work just fine for you.
• Automation: If you use rules and Quick Steps to filter incoming mail into folders, then the choice is easy – use the desktop version. Outlook for the web doesn’t offer Quick Steps, so filing into folders other than the archive folder will be slow.
  

Users with a large volume of emails and who are already using features like the calendar and contacts might prefer the desktop version. But users who are frequently on web and mobile platforms may prefer the personalization and quick review of emails that Outlook online offers.

Try it out for yourself by going to OSSIE and clicking on the icon in the upper left-hand corner of the page (referred to as the ‘waffle’) to launch Outlook and the other O365 applications.