The Targeted release channel is designed for organizations or specific users who want to receive new Microsoft 365 features and updates early. By subscribing to this channel, administrators can evaluate new features, prepare their support teams, and gather feedback before the features are rolled out to the entire organization via the Standard release channel. This directly addresses the requirement to make the new Excel feature available "as soon as possible" for evaluation and early adoption.

A. Microsoft release: This is not an official, customer-facing release channel name within the Microsoft 365 administration framework.

B. Standard release: This is the default channel where features are made available to all customers only after they have been fully tested and rolled out, making it slower than Targeted release.

C. Office 36S team release: This is not a valid release channel for customers. It may refer to an internal Microsoft development ring, but it is not an option available to administrators.

1. Microsoft Learn. (2023). Set up the Standard or Targeted release options in Microsoft 365. Microsoft 365 admin documentation. Retrieved from https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/admin/manage/release-options-in-office-365.

Section: "Targeted release"

Content: "With Targeted release

you and your users can be the first to see the latest updates and help shape the product by providing early feedback... For Targeted release

we release updates to all Targeted release customers at the same time." This confirms it is the earliest available public channel.

2. Microsoft Learn. (2023). Overview of update channels for Microsoft 365 Apps. Microsoft 365 Apps admin documentation. Retrieved from https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/deployoffice/updates/overview-update-channels.

Section: "Overview of the update channels"

Content: The documentation outlines the primary channels

with Current Channel (which aligns with the Targeted Release concept for service updates) receiving new features first before they move to broader channels like the Monthly Enterprise Channel or Semi-Annual Enterprise Channel. Targeted Release for the service is the equivalent first-look option.