If you’re part of a Mac admin community, you might remember the challenges that arose when Microsoft revamped Office 365 for macOS. Back then, the Penn State Mac Admin Community had to dig deep to figure out how to deploy this software across thousands of Macs, facing a glaring lack of documentation. It was a complicated situation—until help arrived.
Step 1: Tapping into Resources
One of the leaders of the admin community reached out to a Microsoft contact and connected with Paul Bowden, who was leading the Office for Mac Development Team at Microsoft. Instead of quietly gathering feedback, Paul jumped in enthusiastically. He recognized the need for better resources and promptly created a Mac Admins website. This site provided links to the latest Office version packages directly from Microsoft’s Content Delivery Network (CDN). It was a game changer, consolidating all vital resources in one easily accessible location.
Step 2: Dealing with Setbacks
Fast forward a few years and, after Paul took a sabbatical, the website continued to function smoothly—until the certificates expired. Unfortunately, Paul was the only person who had the knowledge to fix the issue, and by that time, he was unreachable.
Step 3: Building a New Solution
Recognizing the need for continuity, the MacAdmins community gathered to create a new GitHub repository and website. Their goal was to replicate the useful features previously offered by Paul’s site. They included everything you might need to deploy and repair Microsoft 365, including Office Reset tools that help you reset or remove a Microsoft 365 app. Additionally, they compiled guides and documentation for easier troubleshooting.
Step 4: Valuable Tools and Resources
Here’s a summary of the main resources available to you:
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MacAdmins Community: For everything from forums to updates, check out the community website: MacAdmins and their GitHub repository: GitHub MacAdmins.
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Mothers Ruin Software: An excellent source for software tools that assist with package inspections. Take a look: Mothers Ruin Software.
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Microsoft Overview Feed for Apple: Managed by the MacAdmins Community, this feed provides essential updates and links to Microsoft tools.
- Official Microsoft Links: All new links will still point to the official Microsoft CDN, ensuring you’re getting legitimate downloads. You can visit: MOFA GitHub Repository and check out the tool at MOFA Web App.
Conclusion
The MacAdmins community has stepped up to fill a vital gap left by previous resources. With these new platforms, every member can easily access the tools and documentation needed to manage Microsoft 365 effectively on macOS. Whether you’re deploying apps or troubleshooting issues, you’ll find what you need in one place. Now, you can confidently tackle the challenges that come your way!
