Microsoft has announced the deprecation of its Test Base for Microsoft 365, a cloud-based Azure service designed for application testing. The service is set to reach its end of life (EOL) on May 31, 2024. Microsoft has ceased the release of new features or updates for Test Base starting March 4, 2024. Users of the service are encouraged to export their data before the final deletion date on June 1, 2024, to prevent data loss.
Test Base for Microsoft 365 is a cloud-based service on Azure designed for testing applications' compatibility with new Windows updates or security features. It allows IT professionals and software vendors to see if their applications would work correctly after a Windows update.
Reasons Behind the Deprecation and Alternatives Offered
The decision to discontinue Test Base for Microsoft 365 stems from the advancements in Windows 11, which Microsoft claims have addressed a significant portion of application compatibility issues, reducing the need for a dedicated cloud-based app testing service. In light of this development, Microsoft aims to reallocate its resources towards more critical products and innovations.
Although there are no direct replacements for Test Base, Microsoft recommends several alternatives for users needing compatibility assistance or testing solutions. These include App Assure for compatibility issues, the Security Update Validation Program for early access to security patches, and self-hosted solutions like Azure DevTest Labs, the Security Update Guide, and the Office Deployment Tool.
Additional Information and Resources
For those seeking more details about the deprecation of Test Base for Microsoft 365, Microsoft has made information available through a new blog post and a dedicated FAQ page. Furthermore, the company has listed Test Base's deprecation in its official list of deprecated features. Users and developers looking for support during this transition can reach out to Microsoft's support team via the provided email address. This deprecation is part of a broader initiative by Microsoft to streamline its services, as evidenced by other recent discontinuations, including the Windows Subsystem for Android, TLS server authentication certificates with short RSA keys, and NPLogonNotify APIs.
