There can be several reasons for changing a product or brand name. For example, a brand may start to focus on something else and, for that reason, want to position itself differently in the market by means of a new product or brand name. The danger is that you may have to build brand awareness all over again. You also have to check again whether the brand or product name is still available.

Recently, Microsoft announced that its best-known bundle of apps, “Office,” will no longer be available under this brand name. After 32 years, it has been decided to rebrand Office as “Microsoft 365.” Individual programs such as Word, Outlook, Teams, Excel, and PowerPoint will retain their own names.

The change will first be implemented at Office.com in November, and early next year there will be an automatic update for Android and iOS, which will completely update the Office app to Microsoft 365. Users do not need to worry about losing personal data or files with this update: for now, it means that Office will continue under a new name, with a new look.

Among other things, the app will feature all kinds of new modules that can be used by all Microsoft 365 users starting today, November, or next year. One module that is already available is the Create module, which allows users to create new types of content and templates. There will also be new tools and features. The “My Content” feature will display a central location where all content can be viewed and accessed—created by the user or shared with the user—regardless of where it is stored. With the “Welcome Badging” feature, users can view their Microsoft 365 subscription status and track storage usage in one convenient place. Another new feature is “Feed.” This displays relevant content from users based on who they collaborate with and what they are working on individually, via an easy-to- understand interface to simplify the user's workflow. Finally, the “Tagging” feature creates a new way to group and organize personal content, with custom tags for all types of content.

Are you considering changing your brand name? Or are you considering other changes to your brand? We are happy to help you. Contact us for, for example, a comprehensive availability search and advice on retaining/selling your brand.