NATO is always looking at ways to modernize and lean into its Digital Transformation.  This year saw the roll out of NATO’s own digital cloud environment: the NATO Public Cloud (NPCL).  The roll out—which began with HQ Supreme Allied Commander Transformation (SACT), followed the Allied Command Transformation subordinate commands, and then the Allied Command Operations HQs—included the implementation of Microsoft 365 applications (M365 Apps).  Many of the M365 Apps offer the potential for increased staff collaboration, coordination, communication, and productivity.  As such, HQ S SACT were keen to understand how users experienced the M365 Apps and how they were potentially improving the way staff were able to work.

The JALLC was tasked with carrying out an analysis project that would capture M365 App user experiences and provide recommendations to support development of guidance/advice on the best use of these applications.  The JALLC published preliminary findings earlier this year at the end of July, with the final key findings being published in the JALLC’s report dated 27 November 2025.

The JALLC’s analysis has been based on extensive data collected through surveys and interviews across ACT and ACO as well as research into the M365 Apps themselves.  The report not only contains key findings, best practices, and recommendations, but also user stories and a detailed description of the tasks each M365 App can support and some challenges and concerns noted by users.

Although the report was prepared for Information Knowledge Management staff, all NATO staff wanting to understand more about the M365 Apps and how they can potentially support their work, will find this report useful.

You can download a copy of the report from NATO Engage and/or from the JALLC Analysis Community of Interest in the classified version of the NATO Lessons Learned Portal subject to relevant security and access requirements