You may think that returning to the office could mark the end of using Microsoft Teams but think again…
With the use of Teams rising from 20 million to 75 million active daily users from the end of last year to April 2020, it is clear that having to work from home has led to a drastic increase in usage. Wouldn’t it be a shame to just stop using it when you begin to return to the office?
So, what is Microsoft Teams?
Microsoft Teams allows team members to communicate (both through video and chat). It also enables document sharing, virtual meetings and screen-sharing which in turn helps to improve productivity within your business. Other Office 365 services such as OneNote, SharePoint and Microsoft Planner are also integrated with the Teams app – handy!
It is easy to navigate around by using the search bar and Slash commands, these provide a quick route to the information or command you need. A list of available commands can be found on the Microsoft website. 
Many businesses have downloaded the Teams app so employees can collaborate and keep in contact with one another whilst working from home, but it has become apparent that Teams can be used for significantly more than that.
What devices can use Microsoft Teams?
Microsoft Teams can be used on desktop as well as iOS and Android mobile/tablet devices, which gives accessibility for team members on the go. Teams is also compatible with a range of devices from headsets, speakers, desk phones, room systems, conference phones and cameras, an in-depth list of these devices and models can be found on the Microsoft website.
Why is Microsoft Teams better than emailing?
From not only ensuring your inbox isn’t clogged up full of internal emails (meaning you can see customer emails easier) but also, enabling you to you to keep all your attachments or shared files in one place instead of having to rummage through your inbox to find a specific attachment. Let’s not forget that it’s also a more conversional and informal way to chat to your team-mates!
Collaboration is also easier within teams; this can be done in real time rather than back and forth emails. Teams also allows read receipts to be enabled, therefore you can see when a team member has read your message or is typing. This is very different to the unknowingness and uncertainty when sending an email, have they read the email? Are they going to reply soon? Therefore, read receipts mean no one can deny receiving message!
Can Microsoft Teams meetings be recorded?
With internal and external meetings potentially still happening via online platforms for the foreseeable future it is a great help that users of Microsoft Teams can record their meetings and calls in order to capture audio, video and screen recording.
These recorded meetings can also automatically be transcribed, handy for if you want to read over what was said in the meeting or pass the notes onto someone who couldn’t make it! However, do bear in mind that these transcriptions are not instant and can often take a while to complete.
These recording can be viewed at a later date via the Microsoft Stream App.
Is Microsoft Teams safe to use?
Concerned about the security of Microsoft Teams? Not to worry, Microsoft have ensured that Teams follows all security best practices and procedures including service-level security, defence-in-depth, customer controls with the service, security hardening and operational best practice. More extensive security information can be found on the Microsoft Trust Centre.
“Microsoft uses industry standard technologies such as TLS and SRTP to encrypt all data in transit between users’ devices and Microsoft datacentres, and between Microsoft datacentres. This includes messages, files, meetings, and other content.” – Microsoft
How can I get Microsoft Teams support?
There are a range of useful how to videos on the Microsoft website.
However, if you require more in-depth training DNS are offering free Microsoft Teams training in all new IT support contracts who order Microsoft 365.
Call us on 0845 034 0895 to speak to a member of the team about our Microsoft services or visit our Cloud Solutions page.
