How Does Opensense Work with Office 365?

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Opensense integrates with Microsoft 365 to deliver dynamic, brand-compliant email signatures across Outlook—while preserving deliverability, minimizing end-user configuration, and supporting multiple signature deployment strategies. Whether you prefer real-time stamping or pre-send signature control via the Outlook Add-in, Opensense offers a flexible, secure experience designed for IT and marketing teams alike. For additional information about the Opensense Outlook Add-in, please visit the Outlook Add-in Table of Contents.

Microsoft 365 Signature Deployment Methods

1. Plain-Text Signature Block via Outlook Add-in

The Opensense Outlook Add-in delivers a dynamic plain-text signature block directly into the compose window. This signature is functional and sent with the message, and can be edited for unlocked fields using the field edits option within the add-in.

How it works:

  • The Add-in disables any native Outlook signatures (optional enforcement setting)

  • It inserts a plain-text signature containing directory-synced fields (e.g., name, title, phone)

  • Dropdown menus or custom fields (e.g., campaigns, pronouns) can be included and selectively toggled by users

  • This signature becomes the authoritative signature on the email—preserving brand integrity

  • Provides a non-clickable preview of what the plain text block will transform into built into the Outlook add-in pane

Best for organizations that want a visible placeholder for the signature during composition without HTML formatting.

2. Server-Side Stamping with Signature Removal via Add-in

For full HTML signatures, Opensense supports real-time server-side stamping—where emails are routed post-send through our cloud platform. The Outlook Add-in ensures upstream consistency by removing any existing signature content before the message is sent.

How it works:

  • The Add-in removes the local Outlook signature block automatically

  • The email is sent through Exchange Online, where a mail flow rule routes it to Opensense

  • Opensense:

    • Applies the correct HTML signature and marketing banner (if applicable)

    • Adds a custom header to prevent re-processing

  • The signed email is returned to Microsoft via secure TLS, and routed to the recipient by your corporate email server

Best for enterprise-grade signature control, HTML design, and campaign delivery.

3. Visual Signature Preview in Compose Window (Optional)

The Outlook Add-in can display a live-rendered visual preview of the user’s HTML signature in the compose window. While supported, this feature is not typically recommended as a default strategy due to performance tradeoffs and its non-authoritative nature. Review this article on Visual Preview Limitations to weigh what is best for your organization.

Key Features

  • Supports both plain-text and HTML-based signature deployment

  • Integrates with Microsoft Exchange Online via secure mail flow rules

  • Syncs dynamic fields from Azure AD or other directory sources

  • Prevents user edits with locked signature formats

  • Add-in enforces consistent behavior across Outlook on Windows, Mac, OWA,  iOS and Android.

  • Patented signature block design, secured and centrally managed

Opensense Microsoft 365 Architecture

Emails sent from Outlook are routed to Opensense when needed, then returned to Exchange for delivery—ensuring secure and compliant branding.

Opensense Support

For further assistance, contact Opensense Support:

  • Email: help@opensense.com

  • Knowledge Base: help.opensense.com