17
October
2023
|
10:28 AM
America/Chicago

Microsoft Teams: 4 Things It is and 4 Things It is Not

We’ve talked a lot about the launch of Microsoft Teams, but you may still be wondering what it is and what it isn't. In this article, we'll break down the key features of Teams and also highlight how it can be used and how it can't.

What Microsoft Teams Is

Microsoft Teams is a versatile productivity tool that offers a wide range of features and use cases. Here are some of its key functionalities:

  1. Messaging: Teams allows for both one-on-one and group messaging, making it easy to communicate with colleagues.
  2. Co-editing files: Teams enables real-time collaboration on files, making it easy to work on documents, spreadsheets, and presentations together.
  3. Meetings: Teams provides a platform for virtual meetings and video conferencing.
  4. Team collaboration: Teams allows you to collaborate with colleagues on projects and share resources like files and applications.

What Microsoft Teams isn't

While Microsoft Teams is a powerful tool, it's important to note what it's not. Here are some things to keep in mind:

  1. A final storage place for long-term files: While Teams is a great place to collaborate on files, it's not meant to be a final storage place for long-term files. It's recommended to save such files according to existing technologies and policies.
  2. A full 1:1 replacement of Outlook calendar: Although Teams provides a platform for scheduling meetings, it's not a 1 to 1 replacement for the Outlook calendar. Full functionality for scheduling meetings may still be easier in Outlook. For example, viewing a full 1-month view is not available in Teams.
  3. A message board or social media platform: Teams is a productivity application, not a message board or social media platform. It's advisable to think twice before sending a message or post in a Team if it's not professional.
  4.  A standalone tool: While Teams has many features and functionalities, it cannot entirely replace the typical day-to-day work for any given area as a standalone tool.

Resources:

download
Team Introduction Video