Migrate to Add-in

Below is a concise stepbystep guide for moving from the classic DS Client deployment to the new Addin.

1. Download the latest products

·From your Client Area (MyAccount), obtain:

oDSManager 6.9.1 (DSM) or newer

oDS Batching Services (DSBS) 2.0.21 or newer

⚡ If you’re already running an older version of DSBS, you can perform an inplace upgrade by stopping the server service first; this avoids a full server restart.

2. Upgrade DSBS

1.Stop the DSBS service (if it’s running).

2.Install or upgrade to the new version.

3.Check the service has started.

⚡ Inplace upgrade works because DSBS only needs a fresh binary; no data migration is required.

3. Upgrade DSM

1.Run the new DSM installer “on top” of the existing installation.

2.Launch DS Manager and select your deployment server again.

3.When prompted to also upgrade the deployed client, choose Yes (even if you’re moving away from the classic client deployment style).

oWe keep this option because it allows other staff members to manage signatures and campaigns via the shared deployment.

oDSBS runs from the published template.

4. Review & prepare your templates

Before generating and publishing signatures to the cloud API:

1.Audit all existing templates.

2.Decide which ones will be used in the new regime.

3.Check for mobilefriendly issues:

oHead styles are not supported on Outlook for phones. Convert any <style> blocks or class references into inline styles.

oIf you use tables (recommended for consistent layout), ensure every cell has an explicit width; otherwise phone clients may distort the table.

4.In the template editor, open the source code pane to verify everything is correct.

5.Optionally run the HTML through an AI or validation tool to catch any remaining problems.

5. Migrate campaigns

·Move any active campaigns from Builtin to Linked.

oWe are ending support for Builtin campaigns to reduce complexity.

oYou now have two options:

1.Add a campaign directly inside a signature.

2.Create a separate campaign and link it to the template, with or without timing. 
Remember to add the ###CAMPAIGN### markup.

Definition: Builtin campaigns are accessed by rightclicking a template → “Edit Campaign” and they are stored in the template folder.

6. Configure DSM & Batching Jobs

1.Run DSM as Administrator (UAC may block registry writes otherwise).

2.Open the Batching Job Setup Tool from the toolbar.

3.Create or modify a job for the templates you want to use:

oAdd your acquired license (stored in the registry).

oEnable the Addin.

oVerify that the job meets your requirements.

4.In the jobs list, click “Run Now” to start immediately.

oNote: We throttle daytime jobs to give priority to regular users; run at night for best performance.

7. Install the Addin manifest

1.Use the Office Addin option in your tenant portal.

2.Provide the URL (not a manifest.xml file).

oThe URL will be supplied by us in the same email that contains your license key.

3.Follow the screenshots here for reference.

⚡ The Addin may take several hours to appear. In Outlook, you’ll see a small text link at the top of the compose pane and an orange icon for the taskpane (often under “All Apps”).

8. Disable classic signature deployment

1.Pause any GPOs that deploy signatures via NetLogon.

2.The Addin automatically removes the default setting for New/Reply mail to avoid flickering caused by duplicate signatures.

3.If you later want to eliminate all local signatures, use our “Remove unused signatures from Outlook” script from the Knowledge Base (KB). Deploy it with a GPO.

9. Roll out gradually

·Start with a small group of users and expand as confidence grows.

·Use the template editor’s preview button to test new layouts before publishing.

Quick checklist

Step          Action

1          Download DSM 6.9.1+ and DSBS 2.0.21+

2          Upgrade DSBS (stop, install, start)

3          Upgrade DSM (install on top, upgrade client)

4          Review templates: inline styles, table widths

5          Move campaigns to Linked

6          Configure jobs (license, enable Addin)

7          Install manifest via URL

8          Disable classic GPOs, purge local signatures if needed

9          Roll out gradually, preview changes

In Outlook you will see a small text with a link at top of the writing pane, when you compose a new mail. Also, there should now be an orange icon for the taskpane in the Toolbar. It may be placed inside the "All Apps" button.

The notice will automatically be dismissed after 14 days, when users have fully become aware of the new feature.