If you've ever worked with DocuSign technology before, you know how easy it is to use an electronic signature to finalize data, contracts, payments, and more. The basic premise is that you establish a unique electronic signature through DocuSign's web site and service and then when documents arrive that require your signature, you just tack on your legally binding autograph. Those sending the document can attach recipients that are required to finalize the contract or transaction and each will receive a copy to be signed. It's a simple but powerful and effective use of technology, and a great way to further a paperless world. It also improves the speed at which contracts are signed and finalized. Think about closing a deal in a single day versus waiting weeks for all essential confirmations to be completed.
On Monday, Microsoft announced a wide-ranging partnership with DocuSign, bringing the technology to Office 365. DocuSign will be integrated with Outlook, Word, SharePoint Online, and SharePoint Server 2013.
As part of the deal Microsoft expects to be able to provide the following:
- Easy administration and use. Office 365 and SharePoint administrators will be able to add DocuSign Apps for all users directly from their administration consoles.
- Single sign-on. DocuSign has adopted Windows Azure Active Directory to provide single sign-on capabilities with Office 365 credentials, providing a seamless path to manage accounts.
- Secured storage. DocuSigned documents are automatically stored in Microsoft OneDrive for Business for full control.
- Office Store availability. Individuals can use self-service to access the apps and Word templates directly from the Office Store.
- Continued innovation. DocuSign and Microsoft will continue to collaborate to bring new innovations to customers on the Office 365 platform.
Press Release: Microsoft and DocuSign announce strategic partnership to bring eSignature to Office 365 customers
