What is Microsoft Teams?
Microsoft Teams is a communication and collaboration platform that allows you to chat, meet, call, share files, and work together in one place.
Think of Teams as a digital workspace where conversations, meetings, files, and collaboration tools are organized by department, project, or group.
What Can Users Do in Microsoft Teams?
- Chat with Coworkers
Users can:
- Send instant messages to individuals or groups
- Share files and links in conversations
- Use reactions, mentions, and replies
- Search past conversations
Teams chat reduces the need for internal email for quick communication.
- Join Virtual Meetings
Users can:
- Schedule or join online meetings
- Share screens and presentations
- Use webcams and microphones for video conferencing
- Record meetings when permitted
- Participate from computers or mobile devices
Teams is commonly used for:
- Staff meetings
- Remote work collaboration
- Training sessions
- Video calls with external partners
- Collaborate on Files
Teams integrates directly with:
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- SharePoint
Users can:
- Open files directly inside Teams
- Work on documents together in real time
- Avoid multiple versions of the same file
- Work in Teams and Channels
A Team is usually created for:
- A department
- A committee
- A project group
- An organization-wide group
Inside each Team are Channels, which organize conversations and files by topic.
Example:
- Team: Human Resources
- Channel: Policies
- Channel: Hiring
- Channel: Benefits