Microsoft Teams is a collaboration platform that serves as a hub for communication. Microsoft Teams offers robust video meetings capabilities, as well as chat, meetings, and audio calls. It also provides for collaboration in teams and channels. Microsoft Teams stands out from other collaboration software because of its key features. It offers comprehensive collaboration tools and benefits from frequent updates thanks to its cloud-based nature.
The terminology can be confusing: A team in the Microsoft Teams app provides a shared workspace where you can bring together a group of colleagues, often for the purpose of a project or working initiative. A team gives team members a secure space to have conversations, capture notes, share and collaborate on files and access other applications as required. Within a team, team channels are dedicated sections to keep conversations organised by specific topics, projects, or disciplines.
Teams is tightly integrated with Microsoft 365 such as OneNote, Planner, Lists, Whiteboards, Forms, and Microsoft Mesh, amongst others. Teams can also provide a point of access to third-party applications that have been approved by IT admin inside organisations. This integration extends to other Office apps like Exchange, PowerPoint, and SharePoint, making it a core cloud-based offering from Microsoft 365.
Teams Connect leverages Microsoft Mesh within Teams to connect the workforce in new ways with avatars and immersive 3D experiences, aiming to boost engagement and empower teams.
Teams is available in three app formats:
- Desktop app
- Web app
- Mobile app
The online and desktop versions of Teams look very similar, however, there are some differences in functionality available between browser and desktop applications. For full functionality, open Teams in the desktop app. To get the mobile app for Teams, simply download the app from the App Store to quickly get connected from your mobile device.
Note: Your organisation may limit access to Teams from workplace devices only.
Why Microsoft Teams?
For many organisations, Teams provides a more modern way of working in the office and remotely. It provides a centralised point of access to people, files and applications so employees can spend less time searching for information and email traffic can be reduced. It is accessible from any device with an internet connection, like mobile devices, allowing teams users to stay connected while on the move.
Access the Teams App
If you have not already downloaded the Teams Desktop app, you will need to log in to the Microsoft 365 portal to access your workplace Microsoft 365 account. You may need to request IT support within your organisation to install desktop apps.
From the Microsoft 365 Home page, you can launch Teams. When you do this for the first time, a window displays giving you a choice of Get the Windows App or Use the Web App instead.
- Go to www.office.com via a web browser.
- Click Sign in:
- Enter your username (email address) and click Next.
- Enter your password, and then select Sign in.
- From the sidebar, click the Teams icon on the left-hand bar to launch Teams.
If Teams does not display, click the Apps icon on the left-hand bar and click Teams in the list of apps that displays:
- To download Teams to your Desktop, click Get the Windows app or instead open Teams in your browser window by clicking Use the web app.
The mobile app can be downloaded from either the Apple App Store (for Apple Devices) or the Google Play Store (for Android Devices). Note you may need to request support from your IT team to install Microsoft apps to your workplace mobile device.
Screen Sharing Tour in Microsoft Teams
Upon opening Teams, you will be presented with the following window where you can click icons on the Teams sidebar on the left-hand side such as Activity, Chat, Teams, Calendar, Calls or Files and use the top bar to select other features such as Search and access your User Settings.
You can easily schedule a Teams meeting within the Microsoft Teams platform, enhancing your remote collaboration experience.
In conclusion, Microsoft Teams is a powerful collaboration platform that integrates with Microsoft 365, offering tools for video meetings, chats, calls, and file sharing. Accessible via desktop, web, or mobile app, Teams keeps you connected and productive from any device. Its robust features and seamless integration make it ideal for enhancing teamwork and reducing email reliance. With Teams, managing projects and collaborating with colleagues is easier and more efficient.
Ready to master Microsoft Teams? Enquire about our Microsoft Teams training course today.
