An Introduction to Microsoft Teams

Microsoft Teams is a new collaboration app that helps you stay organized and have conversations-all in one place.  This article provides a brief overview of the features and functionality of Microsoft Teams.  

Note:  This article is still being developed.  More content will added as new features are rolled out.

How does Microsoft Teams impact what we currently use at GrowthForce?

Teams

A Team can be thought of as any area of business that a dedicated group of individuals work in.  Teams are made up of Channels.  You can build a channel for a specific topic, project, or area of business.

Channels are where the work gets done.  In a Channel you can hold  meetings, chat with colleagues, and share files.

At the top of each Channel are Tabs.  Tabs may include the channel Files directory, OneNote notebooks, or other third-party app integrations.  

With Tabs, you can immediately access files and apps directly within the Microsoft Teams window making it easier to get to what you need.

Viewing a OneNote Notebook in Microsoft Teams

Every Channel has its own dedicated space for Files.  Channel files can be opened and worked on collaboratively from within the Teams app or opened in the corresponding Microsoft Office desktop app.

Viewing Files in Microsoft Teams

Chat

Want to have a private conversation with an individual or group?  Use the Chat window to have direct conversations with coworkers.

One to One Chat in Microsoft Teams

You can have a discussion with your entire team in the General channel or have a conversation about a specific topic in the channel chat.

Here are some examples:

Chris Munoz wants to let his entire team know how much he appreciates them.  Chris will go to the General channel in the Service Team 3  team to post his message.

Jennifer Lanza wants to follow-up on an item for Youth Speaks.  Jennifer will go to the Youth Speaks channel in the Service Team 5 Team to get the status from Ted.

Channel discussion in Microsoft Teams

Calls

As a full replacement for Skype for Business, you can send and receive phone calls directly in the Microsoft Teams app.

Dial a number or call from your contact list or speed dial.  

Preparing to dial a number in Microsoft Teams

Calendar

See everything you have lined up for the day or week or schedule a meeting directly from the Microsoft Teams app.  This calendar syncs with your Outlook calendar.

Join a Teams video meeting easily with just a few clicks.

Viewing an Outlook calendar in Microsoft Teams

Communicate and collaborate without ever leaving the Microsoft Teams app.