THE BASICS
Teams is Microsoft’s chat tool for professional businesses and organizations. It is the company’s answer to platforms like Slack and HipChat. However, unlike other chat platforms, Teams gives you the ability to do more than send funny memes and office-related GIFs.
Teams is designed for work. It integrates directly with Microsoft Office products, like Word, Excel, PowerPoint and SharePoint.
For example, if you’re working on an Excel spreadsheet and need to make a change on the fly, you don’t actually have to open an Excel document to make the adjustment. Instead, you can open the file in Teams and make the changes (and receive feedback) in real time. As you make edits, changes are synced with a copy stored in OneDrive, ensuring all team members have access to the latest documents, spreadsheet or presentation. Multiple people can also be editing the same Excel spreadsheet at once!
Team’s integrates with more than just the standard Microsoft suite. It also integrates with third-party programs through Connectors such as; MailChimp, SAP, Facebook, DropBox and more.
WHAT ELSE CAN TEAMS DO?
Microsoft Teams gives businesses the opportunity for workers, wherever they’re located, to connect and collaborate in real time.
- Meetings: Holding a team meeting, hosting a live stream or organizing a conference call? Microsoft Teams, through its Skype integration, can handle your business needs. As an added benefit, Teams works across multiple devices including laptops, tablets, and phones.
- Phone Calls: Put your traditional phone down and walk away. With Teams, you can easily make, receive and transfer calls using VoIP technology. Although Teams does not leverage expensive traditional phones, it gives you access to many common features like transferring, holding and forwarding calls. (This means you can also get rid of your traditional phone bill.) Its voicemail system integrates directly with Exchange, so you can stay on top of missed calls even if you’re out of the office.
- Phone Call Encryption: By default, Teams encrypts your phone calls, protecting your data and privacy. No VPN is needed.
- Enterprise Security and Compliance: Microsoft Teams offers end-to-end security, giving you total control over your environment.
HOW DO I GET MICROSOFT TEAMS?
Microsoft Teams is a free add-on for existing Microsoft Office 365 Subscribers. Microsoft Teams is included in every subscription from O365 Business Essentials, Business Premium, E3, and E5.
SWICKtech has been completing countless Microsoft Office 365 migration projects for our clients – moving email and office applications in a seamless manner. If you are not on Office 365 yet, contact us today to find out how Office 365 and Teams can improve your productivity and bottom line.
