Microsoft to Retire SharePoint News Connector Service

Published: Jun 21, 2024

Microsoft SharePoint

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Key Takeaways:

  • Microsoft will retire the SharePoint News Connector service in July, after which new connectors cannot be created, and existing ones will stop sending notifications in August.
  • The decision is driven by Microsoft’s aim to enhance the integration and real-time collaboration capabilities within Microsoft Teams and SharePoint.
  • Microsoft advises customers to use alternatives to SharePoint News connector.

Microsoft is getting ready to retire its SharePoint News connector service next month. The company recommends customers to switch to more advanced tools to continue receiving SharePoint team site news notifications in Microsoft Teams.

The SharePoint News Connector allows customers to integrate SharePoint news updates directly into Microsoft Teams channels. Currently, IT admins need to configure connectors between SharePoint News and Teams channels. This feature lets users view news posts from a SharePoint team site as part of a channel conversation in Microsoft Teams. It helps team members stay informed and engaged with important updates.

Microsoft plans to deprecate the SharePoint News Connector service on July 22. After this date, IT admins will no longer be able to create new connectors. Starting on August 26, existing connectors will stop sending SharePoint News updates to Microsoft Teams channels.

“Our decision to move beyond the SharePoint News connector is driven by our commitment to providing a seamless and collaborative environment. With current advancements in Microsoft Teams and SharePoint, we can leverage alternatives, ensuring real-time updates and discussions within Teams channels,” Microsoft explained.

Microsoft to Retire SharePoint News Connector Service
SharePoint News Connector (Image Credits: Microsoft)

What are the alternatives to SharePoint News connector?

Microsoft notes that this change will occur automatically across all Microsoft 365 tenants. The company recommends that enterprise admins switch to alternative solutions, such as Viva Connections News notifications and Viva Amplify.

Like the SharePoint News Connector, Viva Connections News notifications keep users informed about relevant updates within the organization’s SharePoint environment. Meanwhile, Viva Amplify allows users to distribute a one-time message across multiple Microsoft 365 apps, including Outlook, Teams, and SharePoint.

Microsoft recommends configuring a workflow in Microsoft Teams for organizations that don’t have any Viva services enabled. This automated workflow can post messages to a specific channel or send direct messages to users about SharePoint updates. You can find more details about setting up a Teams workflow on this support page.

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