Office Customization Technologies

Microsoft has many Office customization technologies, and not all will receive the same level of future Microsoft development or offer all features. The chart here lists the primary methods used to customize Office applications, and Directions’ forecast of future Microsoft investment in each technology. For most customers, Office Add-ins are the recommended technology for new projects and conversions of existing customizations, regardless of their limitations and potential security and compliance challenges. 

However, Microsoft’s plans are susceptible to change at any time, particularly given the forthcoming changes planned for Outlook on Windows.

Factors that affect the ratings assessed by Directions include the following:

• Coding technology. Does the Office customization technology use widely understood technologies and tools or proprietary technology and tools?
• Types of customizations. How broadly can the technology be used to customize and drive Office?
• Platforms. Can the