There are two add-ins for Microsoft Outlook that can be used independently or in conjunction to provide optimal user experience and security coverage. Both add-ins are centrally managed and can be deployed to use the same policy configuration. This article helps you decide when it is most appropriate to use each add-in based on its different functionalities.
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COM Add-In
- The Outlook Add-in (COM) is a native add-in designed for Microsoft Windows versions of Outlook. This add-in includes additional functionality not currently supported within the Microsoft Office JS framework.
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Web Add-In
- Web add-in utilizes the new Office JS framework. Deployed directly from the Microsoft Office 365 store, this lightweight add-in can be deployed to the mailbox and is automatically available for Mac, Outlook Web Access (OWA), and Windows if the COM add-in is not deployed.
| Feature | Microsoft Outlook Add-in (COM) | Microsoft Outlook Add-in (Web) |
|---|---|---|
| Available for | All users (Free/licensed) | Licensed customers 50 employees |
| Supported Outlook | Microsoft Outlook for Windows 2016/2019/Pro Plus/Office 365 | Office 365 for Windows, Outlook Web Access, Outlook for Mac |
| Protect Gateway Encryption | Yes | Yes |
| Protect Local Encryption | Yes | No |
| Protect Large File Transfer | Yes | Yes, but not supported for Classic Outlook |
| Prevent | Yes | Yes |
| Prevent DLP | Yes | Yes |
| Large File Transfer | Yes | Yes |
Using Both Add-Ins Together
The COM and Web add-ins can be deployed seamlessly together across an organization. If the Web add-in detects the COM add-in installed, it automatically disables itself so that the COM add-in is used instead. However, if the user switches to using OWA or a Mac device, the Web add-in will be available to provide a consistent experience. This method provides the most comprehensive level of protection available across Mac, OWA, and Windows without additional user burden.
No additional configuration is required to achieve this interoperability.