The first preview editions of SharePoint 2019 and Office 2019 are due out mid-2018, with both new editions of the venerable Microsoft products remaining available in on-premise server and desktop software editions.

The cloud does not rule entirely just yet, according to a blog post from Jared Spataro, general manager for Office, who said the “release, scheduled for the second half of 2018, will include perpetual versions of the Office apps (including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook) and servers (including Exchange, SharePoint, and Skype for Business).”

“Office 2019 will add new user and IT capabilities for customers who aren’t yet ready for the cloud. For example, new and improved inking features - like pressure sensitivity, tilt effects, and ink replay - will allow you to work more naturally.

“New formulas and charts will make data analysis for Excel more powerful. Visual animation features - like Morph and Zoom - will add polish to PowerPoint presentations. Server enhancements will include updates to IT manageability, usability, voice, and security.” Said Spataro.

Microsoft has created a "completely revamped SharePoint Admin Center," which is expected to be available for "first-release" SharePoint Online testers in early 2018.

A new SharePoint Migration Tool is designed to move content (such as document libraries or file shares) from SharePoint Server sites located at an organisation's data centres to Microsoft's cloud-based SharePoint Online service or the OneDrive Office 365 service. A preview of the tool is currently accessible HERE.

In other announcements at the Ignite event in Orlando, Microsoft plans to bring Skype for Business Online capabilities into Microsoft Teams, along with cognitive and data services, enhancing Teams as a hub for teamwork in Office 365, including persistent chat, voice and video. 

New LinkedIn in Microsoft profile cards promise the ability to see information from LinkedIn profiles in Microsoft apps and services, initially Outlook Web Access, SharePoint and OneDrive for Business.