New Microsoft 365 Collaboration in Flex Databases TMF
November 27, 2025 - 2 min read
Flex Databases Solves One of the Biggest Document Management Headaches
Clinical teams have long struggled with one persistent problem: managing TMF documents across multiple systems, versions, and stakeholders. Switching between platforms, downloading files, losing track of versions, and waiting for colleagues to finish editing slows down operations and increases compliance risks.
With this update, Flex Databases removes that friction.
A Seamless Microsoft 365 Editing Experience Directly Inside TMF
Flex Databases is now a certified Microsoft Cloud Storage Partner, and our TMF module integrates with Microsoft 365 for the web. This means that users can open, edit, and collaborate on Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files directly in their browser – with the full Microsoft interface they already know.
No more downloading files. No more re-uploading. No more version chaos.
Teams can work together in real time, track changes in one place, and keep every update securely stored within TMF.
Why This Matters: Addressing Real Client Pain Points
1. We lose time switching between systems.
Now, you never leave TMF. Your Microsoft editor opens instantly in your browser.
2. We often don’t know which version is the right one.
Every edit is automatically saved back to TMF, and every session generates a new version.
3. We have delays because only one person can edit at a time.
Real-time co-authoring lets multiple users work together – instantly and securely.
4. We need to remain compliant while collaborating.
Permissions remain fully controlled by TMF. Only authorized users can view or edit documents.
Key Features Built to Simplify Your Work
Native Microsoft Editor Inside TMF
Edit using familiar Word, Excel, and PowerPoint interfaces
No additional configuration required
Full Microsoft 365 editing experience in the browser
Automatic Saving & Versioning
All changes instantly saved back to TMF
New document versions created automatically when editing sessions end
All permissions managed through existing TMF Data Permissions
Real-Time Collaboration
Several users can edit the same document simultaneously
Live indicators showing who is editing
Cursors marked with user initials
Real-time sync of all updates across sessions
Collaborative Editing: Work Together Without Delays
To collaborate, each user simply opens the same document through Microsoft 365 for the web. Changes appear instantly, with colored cursors showing who is editing what.
When a user closes the document or switches to viewing mode, TMF automatically creates a version. The final user to close their session will be reflected in the Last Update (UTC) field.
For line-by-line auditability, Microsoft’s Track Changes remains available.
Licensing Information
Flex Databases provides the infrastructure to support Microsoft 365 for the web but does not provide Microsoft 365 licenses.
Viewing documents is available without a license
Editing requires a valid Microsoft 365 Business subscription owned by the user
No license validation is performed within Flex Databases, but each organization is responsible for maintaining their subscriptions.
Feature Availability
Collaborative work through Microsoft 365 for the web is disabled by default.
To enable it, please contact your Customer Success Manager.
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