As Mary Johnston outlined in her message today, soon we’ll be introducing our new team collaboration and communication hub, Microsoft Teams, which replaces and upgrades a number of everyday resources we currently use.
This new hub brings together chat, meetings, calling, collaboration and file sharing into a single interface, and even better, the new online meeting resource surpasses the capabilities of Skype with improved video and voice quality.
What is Microsoft Teams?
You can find out more about Microsoft Teams in this video (also left), and for info on timing of the migration, training and tips, scroll down.
The pilot for Microsoft Teams is underway which means some staff have already moved over to Teams as part of the testing process. When we roll out to all staff, this will be staggered, over a period of possibly ten days, so for a few more weeks there will be a period of transition where some will have already moved to Microsoft Teams and others will still be using for Business.
Co-existing with Skype and Teams while we go through the transition
During the transition period, there will be no impact on your ability to call, chat, have online meetings or collaborate with people on Skype, or vice versa. But there will be a few features that will temporarily be unable e.g. a Teams and Skype users won’t be able to share files or your screen during a meeting or call.
Also, meetings set by a Teams users will have to look out for a pop-up asking you to click-in a Skype user ‘admit’ a guest. Skype users can also ensure they join the meeting by following the steps outlined in these ‘co-existing FAQs’ document, which also covers information on tips and co-existing while we go through the transition.
Moving over to Microsoft Teams – Training and tips
As Mary outlined in her message, we’ll be moving people over starting early September, and in team groups over a period of around ten days.
You will receive advance notice that you are moving, including a webinar training session and information on where you can get help if needed.
Further tips and training on some of the additional features such as ‘planner’ and ‘forms’ will be available once everyone has migrated over, and we’re ready to learn more about the new and updated features Microsoft Teams provide.
How do I co-exist with Skype during the transition period?
You will still be able to use Skype-for-Business for calls and messages while waiting to be migrated over to Microsoft Teams. However, if you are invited to a meeting from a member who is using Teams, you will have to use your browser to join those meetings:
- Tips on co-existing with Skype and Microsoft Teams on a PC
- Tips on co-existing with Skype and MS Teams in a Mac browser
Once I am migrated, How do I install Teams?
After you receive confirmation that you have been successfully migrated over to Microsoft Teams, you may follow these steps to get the Teams application fully installed and working:
Got a question?
Send a message to TheTeamsProject@unitec.ac.nz.