Last week, Microsoft announced some big new features for Microsoft Teams, the group collaboration and communication software that’s integrated with other Office apps and offers Slack-like features.
These features include real-time audio, video, and screen sharing with co-workers or customers; multi-person phone calls; and guest access to meetings via Outlook or email links.
A few days later, Microsoft announced that it’s adding even more integrations to Teams, including LinkedIn and OneDrive support.
Why should I try Microsoft Teams?
Microsoft Teams offers a host of compelling features, including cross-platform integration, high-definition video conferencing, an intelligent bot platform and easy access to customer service.
Because Microsoft Office 365 integrates seamlessly with LinkedIn, any content shared on the latter can be readily accessed within Microsoft Teams—which can prove useful if you’re working closely with colleagues in other offices or locations.
Similarly, those who prefer to share files via email attachments will enjoy Microsoft Teams’ integration with cloud storage provider OneDrive; all files uploaded to your team’s SharePoint site can be shared quickly using a dedicated link.
This capability also makes it easier for teammates spread out across multiple locations (e.g., salespeople who frequently travel) to stay abreast of key developments that might require immediate attention.
Plus, because Microsoft Teams supports both text messaging and audio calls between teams, users have more options than ever when connecting with customers.
Considering how much time is typically spent scheduling meetings outside of regular business hours, Microsoft Team’s ability to promote true 24/7 collaboration could dramatically increase productivity by eliminating unnecessary delays that frustrate many employees. For these reasons—and many others!—many organizations are likely excited about what these new features have to offer.
How do I know if it’s right for me?
The first thing to consider is if you have a need for a specific set of tools. If you’re looking for ways to collaborate more on projects, create content, or connect with customers, then it may be worth exploring whether Microsoft Teams can help.
If your organization already uses Office 365 and Outlook, then you’re in luck – Microsoft is keen on making it easy to migrate. And even if there aren’t features that interest you now, remember that Microsoft Teams is still new and will likely continue growing over time. You may end up getting more out of these apps than you expect!
Where can people find help if they run into an issue while using the app or service?
If a user encounters an issue using Microsoft Teams, they can contact Microsoft Support by pressing Esc from within any application or service running on Microsoft Teams. They will then see a context menu that includes Help & feedback. Tapping that option leads to one of two places: The first is forums, where users can post a question and receive responses from other Microsoft Team users.
The second is directly contacting support via email or phone (if those options are available). Users can also report abuse from within the app under More > Report Abuse... With abusive content, abuse reporting has been another area some users have had problems finding; once you find it, however, it’s very clear how to submit an incident report.
Within all of these options is always a link back to Microsoft’s privacy policy—as many enterprise customers have requested—so you know exactly what type of data you are sharing with who at every step in your experience.
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