Important update this autumn!

On October 31st, 2017, Exchange Online mailboxes in Office 365 will require connections from Outlook for Windows to use MAPI over HTTP - the updated method of connectivity and transport between Outlook for Windows and Exchange. Therefore, Outlook for Windows clients that use RPC over HTTP (for example, Outlook 2007) will no longer be able to access their Exchange Online mailboxes.

This change affects you if you're running Outlook 2007 because it doesn’t work with MAPI over HTTP. To continue to have email connectivity, Outlook 2007 customers will need to update to a newer version of Outlook or use Outlook on the web. This change may also affect you if you're running Outlook 2016, Outlook 2013 and Outlook 2010 as you must make sure that you have the latest cumulative update installed for the version of Office you’re using.

What is MAPI over HTTP?

RPC over HTTP, also known as Outlook Anywhere, is a legacy method of connectivity and transport between Outlook for Windows and Exchange. In May 2014, Microsoft introduced MAPI over HTTP as a replacement for RPC over HTTP as it improves the connection resiliency, enables more secure sign-in scenarios, provides extensibility foundation for third-party identity providers and removes the complexity of RPC over HTTP dependency on legacy RPC technology.

How does this change affect me?

Quite simply, if you are currently using Office 2007 in your business you should look to upgrade immediately even if you are not using Exchange Online or Office 365. Office 2007 is now 10 years out of date and features, usability and security have all vastly improved in newer versions.

What do I need to do to prepare for this change?

The necessary action depends on the version of Outlook in use in your organization and we recommend that you get in touch with us as soon as you can to discuss your requirements. 

For more information and advice on the best course of action to take for your business, please contact your Net Technical Solutions Account Manager on their DDI, via their email or through our main number, 01252 235 235.

For further information on the latest change to Microsoft Office, please visit the Microsoft website. https://support.microsoft.com/en-gb/help/3201590/rpc-over-http-deprecated-in-office-365-on-october-31--2017