managed IT services Archives

Microsoft Outlook has long been the go-to email and calendar app for both pros and casual users. In this post, we compare the new Outlook with the classic version, so you can see what’s changed and what stayed the same.

Microsoft just released a big Microsoft Outlook update in Microsoft 365. If you want every detail straight from the source, check out Microsoft’s feature-comparison page. Here, we’ll highlight the key points:

What’s new in the new Outlook vs old Outlook experience
Which version might be right for you
How our Managed IT Services can keep Outlook running smoothly

🔄 Cleaner Design & UI: Modern Microsoft 365 Email Interface

Old Outlook had a ribbon full of buttons—powerful, but busy and sometimes overwhelming. The new Outlook looks more like the web or mobile version. It has clean lines, fewer menus, and more white space.

Why it matters: If you like a simple layout, the new Outlook feels lighter and less cluttered.

⚙️ Faster Performance with Cloud Infrastructure & IT Support

Old Outlook can feel slow. It takes longer to start up if you have a large mailbox or many add-ins. The new Outlook is a web-based app. It uses cloud computing to sync mail faster and load pages quickly.

Why it matters: If performance frustrates you, the new version is noticeably snappier.

🧩 Add-ins & Compatibility: Expert IT Consulting Tips

Old Outlook: Supports legacy COM add-ins that many businesses still need. The new Outlook uses modern web-based add-ins. These are more secure but don’t cover every old tool yet.

Why it matters: If your team relies on older add-ins, stick with the classic version for now.

📊 Feature Comparison for Power Users: IT Helpdesk Insights

Below is a quick comparison of key features. Classic Outlook still wins in some areas:

Feature	Classic Outlook	New Outlook
PST/OST File Support	✅ Yes	❌ No
Offline Access	✅ Yes	⚠️ Limited
Multiple Profiles	✅ Yes	❌ No
Shared Mailboxes	✅ Full Support	⚠️ Partial
Calendar Functionality	🟢 Advanced	🟡 Basic

Why it matters: Power users—especially those who work offline or with multiple profiles—may want to stay on the classic version a bit longer. If you need help, our IT helpdesk and tech support can guide you through the pros and cons.

🌐 Reliable Cross-Device Sync: Leveraging Cloud Services

One goal of the new version is a consistent feel on Windows, Mac, and the web. Because it’s cloud-based:

Your inbox and calendar stay in sync on every device.
You won’t miss an important email if you switch from desktop to phone.

Why it matters: If you hop between devices often, the new Outlook saves time and headaches.

👉 Learn more about our Cloud Services and Managed Cloud Services to stay connected and secure across every platform.

🛠️ Settings & Customization: Business IT Support Guide

Old Outlook buried tons of settings in deep menus. You could tweak almost anything, but it took time to find the right option. New Outlook offers easier access to the most-used settings, though not all advanced options have made the move yet.

Why it matters: If you love custom layouts, rules, or multiple profiles, classic Outlook still has the edge. Our Managed IT Services can help set up your preferences in either version and ensure your team stays productive.

📅 Should You Switch? IT Outsourcing & Managed IT Advice

You are…	Try the new Outlook?
A casual user	✅ Yes
Prefer minimal, clean apps	✅ Yes
Depending on legacy tools	❌ Not yet
Nervous about learning a new interface	✅ It’s easy

🔚 Final Thoughts: Managed IT, Remote Support & Your Email Environment

The new Outlook vs old Outlook debate boils down to this: Microsoft built the new version with performance and accessibility in mind, but not every feature has made the transition.

If you’re managing VPN issues, cloud access, or remote workers, having an experienced MSP (Managed Services Provider) can make the switch easier and help you avoid disruptions.

👉 Visit our IT Outsourcing page for scalable solutions tailored to your business.

👉 Interested in boosting your team’s productivity? Explore our Training and Development Services.

Whether you’re ready to embrace the latest Microsoft 365 experience or prefer the comfort of the classic version, Epoch is here to support you with expert computer support, proactive cybersecurity, and reliable remote support—wherever you work. Contact us today!

Let’s be honest: managing IT can be extremely overwhelming. You’re expected to keep everything running smoothly, avoid data breaches, deal with surprises, and somehow plan for the future, too? That’s a lot for anyone—especially if tech isn’t your full-time gig. That’s why so many small businesses eventually start weighing the difference between basic IT support and managed services from an MSP (Managed Service Provider) to figure out what actually makes sense for their size, needs, and budget.

You may ask, “How can Managed Service Providers (MSPs) help?” We’re glad you asked. It’s simple. Their job is to lighten your load, protect your systems, and help your business grow. But here’s the catch: there are a ton of them, and they all claim to be “the best.” So, how do you choose a managed service provider that will show up for you (and your company) when it really matters?

First, forget the sales pitch. Focus on what’s actually frustrating you.

Most companies don’t start looking for an MSP because everything’s fine. There’s usually a pain point—stuff is breaking, you’re worried about security, your team constantly calls IT for help, or your systems feel stuck in 2006.

Write those pain points down. If you’re wondering what to look for in an MSP, start with actual, real-world issues. Then see if the MSPs you talk to bring up some of those same problems without being prodded. If it feels like they’re reading a script? Keep looking. No one has time for that.

You’re not hiring a toolset—you’re hiring people.

Yes, tools matter. But who’s going to show up when something goes wrong? Who’s going to explain what’s happening in a way you can actually understand?

Ask how they handle issues. Who will you be working with day to day? What happens if something goes sideways on a weekend? Some of the so-called best-managed IT services look great on paper—until you need them in a pinch. Then they disappear behind a ticketing system. You want people who show up when it counts, not the other way around.

Good MSPs don’t just fix things. They plan ahead.

If someone’s only offering reactive support—meaning they wait for something to break, then fix it—they’re not helping you build anything sustainable.

You want proactive IT support: someone who checks in regularly, tells you when something’s outdated, helps you budget for future upgrades, and notices strange patterns before they turn into actual problems. Basically, someone who thinks about your business like it’s their own.

If they don’t care about training your team, that’s a problem.

Let’s be real: most cyberattacks don’t start with a system flaw—they start with a person. One click on a deceptive link, and boom: you’ve got a mess.

That’s why cybersecurity training for employees matters. A good MSP will help your team understand what to look for, how to avoid risky behavior, and how to handle it if something seems off. Training shouldn’t be scary or technical—it should be doable.

If your industry has rules, the MSP better know them.

This one’s simple. Healthcare, finance, legal, education—if your industry is regulated, your MSP must know the rules inside and out. You need an MSP who offers compliance-ready IT support and understands the specific frameworks under which your business operates.

Don’t settle for “we’ve worked with similar clients.” Push for specifics. What compliance frameworks are they familiar with? What documentation can they help with? Can they handle an audit? If they hesitate? Move on.

You want someone who keeps it clear, not confusing.

Let’s be honest: tech is complicated. And MSPs deal with it every day. But that doesn’t mean they should talk down to you or make things confusing on purpose.

The right provider is one who listens, explains things clearly, and meets you where you are. If they’re not making your life easier, the relationship isn’t working.

You want a provider who’s excited to work with you, shows up, and actually cares. Because when something goes wrong (and it will, eventually), you need someone who wants to help—not someone who disappears or blames you or your employees.

Why Choose Epoch as Your Managed Service Provider

At Epoch, we’re not interested in being the flashiest MSP. We just want to be the most useful. That means real people answering the phone, real help when something breaks, and real conversations about where you’re headed, not just where you are.

If you’re ready to talk about how to choose a managed service provider that fits your business, we’re here. No pressure.