We’ve started our Microsoft 365 implementation. Given the shift to remote working, Microsoft 365 will form the foundation of our new way of working enabling our people to collaborate globally across our business.
The first step in this journey is implementing Microsoft 365 across Carnival House, the Hamburg Sales Office, Carnival Shared Services India and across our fleet. We’re migrating from Lotus Notes to Outlook – so have planned a phased approach to the roll out to ensure we deliver change in a measured way.
Why Microsoft 365?
Microsoft O365 provides a best in class platform that will support improved collaboration, connectivity, and communications across Carnival UK. This means that we will be able to connect with our colleagues across the brands using the same Technology and file sharing systems: Teams, Office 365 suite, Outlook, and One Drive.
Business Outcomes and Objectives
- Enhanced productivity and improved user experience
- Improved collaboration and communications
- Enhanced information sharing
- Improved compatibility between ship & shore and all other Operating Companies
How will Microsoft 365 be delivered?
The project will be delivered in 3 phases.
Phase one will deliver the basics.
- Lotus Notes will be replaced by Outlook. All folders and their contents, distribution lists, your diary and your existing inbox will be migrated over from Lotus Notes into Outlook.
- Office 365 Suite – Word, Excel, PowerPoint. Updated versions of the Office apps will be available where we have been able to confirm there is no critical dependency on any older versions.
- Microsoft Teams will be implemented, enabling you to easily connect and join the same meetings as our All Brands Group colleagues.
- One Drive will provide file storage shoreside. It’s important to note that in phase 1 we will not be de-commissioning Zoom, Box or the Lotus Notes databases.
Before we go live with Microsoft 365 to the business, we will pilot the changes in Technology, Corporate Ship Building and with our fleet. The pilot is expected to run through the summer, with anticipated rollout to Carnival House, the Hamburg Sales Office, Shared Services in India and the Fleet during September 2021.
In phases two & three we’ll look to deliver additional functionality including extended collaboration and productivity tools. Timescales for these phases are to be confirmed following the roll out of phase one.
We’ll be utilising Change Champions
Microsoft 365 will represent a change in the look and feel of our day-to-day working applications. To support you, we have asked for nominations for Change Champions in every department who will liaise with you about the changes and what they’ll mean for you. Initially we will cover the implementation of Microsoft Outlook, Office 365 suite, Microsoft Teams and One Drive. More details of your Change Champions will be provided as we progress.
For the pilot, our plan is to work with the Change Champions and select people from both ship and shore so they can test the applications and feed-back their experience.
What can you Expect?
You can expect to receive the basic Microsoft Office 365 applications (Outlook, Office 365 Suite, Teams, One Drive) this year.
We’ve mobilised a business change team to support you as we move to the new applications. This team will provide regular communications and training on the changes. Please look out for more details in the coming weeks.
Microsoft 365 represents an important transition in our IT landscape and it’s fantastic that Carnival UK has made this level of investment in our day-to-day operations.
Got a question?
If you have any questions following this announcement please don’t hesitate to send your questions to our dedicated email and a member of the team will get back to you as soon as they can: O365@carnivalukgroup.com