Microsoft has recently unveiled the preview of Office LTSC 2024, a significant update aimed at commercial users who prefer the volume licensed, or perpetual, versions of Office. This preview is part of Microsoft’s Long Term Servicing Channel (LTSC), which continues to offer businesses a stable and feature-locked version of Office, separate from the continuously updated Microsoft 365 suite.
What is Office LTSC?
Office LTSC (Long Term Servicing Channel) represents a version of Microsoft Office that is designed for enterprises and organizations that require a stable, static set of productivity tools without the frequent feature updates associated with Microsoft 365. This model is particularly appealing to environments where stability and predictability are paramount, such as regulated industries or systems that need long-term reliability.
Key features of the Office LTSC 2024 preview
The Office LTSC 2024 preview includes several components: Office LTSC 2024 for commercial preview, Visio 2024 preview, and Project 2024 preview. This release allows organizations to test new features, assess compatibility with existing systems, and provide feedback to Microsoft before the official launch later this year.
- Compatibility and Stability: Office LTSC 2024 maintains the same licensing and usage rights as its predecessor, Office LTSC 2021, ensuring a seamless transition for users familiar with the previous version. The deployment process also remains consistent, utilizing familiar tools like Microsoft Configuration Manager.
- New Features: While specific updates and new features in Office LTSC 2024 have not been detailed extensively in the preview notes, users can expect enhancements that improve productivity, security, and usability, without the disruption of frequent feature updates.
- Feedback and Support: Participants in the preview can provide feedback directly through the Microsoft 365 and Office forum for business customers. This feedback is crucial for Microsoft to refine Office LTSC 2024 before its general release.
Target audience
It’s important to note that the Office LTSC 2024 preview is specifically intended for commercial customers. This is not a program aimed at individual or home users but is designed for organizations that plan to purchase and deploy the volume licensed version of Office. Organizations that have already transitioned to a Microsoft 365 (formerly Office 365) plan are not the target audience for this preview.
Installation and activation
For those participating in the preview, detailed guidance on installing and activating the preview versions of Office, Project, and Visio is available. There is also specific information for deploying Office LTSC 2024 on devices running macOS, ensuring that the preview is accessible across different operating systems within a corporate environment.
The Office LTSC 2024 preview offers a valuable opportunity for businesses to plan their software strategies with a clear understanding of what the next version of Office will offer. By participating in the preview, organizations can ensure that the final product is well-suited to their needs, providing feedback that helps shape the development of this essential business tool. As we await further details on the specific enhancements Office LTSC 2024 will bring, the preview serves as an essential bridge between past and future iterations of Microsoft Office.
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