Has COVID-19 forced your organisation to accommodate remote working?
If so, you’re not alone, and there’s no need to worry.
Organisations around the globe have had to make the shift to the cloud, especially those without the infrastructure to allow remote access. But instead of thinking strategically for the long-term, companies have sought quick-fire solutions to manage the present.
Even if you already have the IT infrastructure for cloud-based working established, leveraging its potential is easier said than done. Just as cloud-based infrastructure provides flexibility and simplicity, your cloud solution should offer the same for your business, no matter its size or shape.
Thankfully, Microsoft Teams is a simple solution, whatever your circumstances, making business easier.
Even once we emerge from the global pandemic, Microsoft Teams will accelerate productivity, boost profitability and streamline processes. And that applies whatever your set-up. Whether you choose to keep remote working as the norm or move back to the office, Microsoft Teams provides a feature-rich experience that adds value to your business for the long-term.
So, stay ahead of the game with our guide to help you make the most of Microsoft Teams.
What is Microsoft Teams?
If you’re not familiar with Microsoft Teams, you’re probably familiar with the frustrations of collaboration, file-sharing and communication.
Wasting time sifting through emails.
Going back-and-forth with colleagues to iron out the details of an ongoing project.
Clicking in-and-out of different applications, turning multitasking into mayhem.
Microsoft Teams eliminates these problems by centralising business functions and streamlining communications, offering a range of benefits, including:
Clear communication and real-time collaboration
Microsoft Teams allows you to communicate and collaborate with anyone, inside or outside of your organisation. From instant messaging, brainstorming sessions, conference calls, team meetings and project management, Teams cover all bases.
“Microsoft magic”
Real-time access, editing and sharing for Word, PowerPoint, Excel or OneDrive documents cuts unnecessary time-wasting and boosts productivity.
Amazing accessibility
Teams is compatible with Windows, Mac, iOS and Android, and is accessible from anywhere and any device. Your team can work on the go without going insane—all you need is an internet connection.
Safe and secure
With multi-factor authentication, secure guest access and the same advanced security standards as the Office 365 suite, you’re in safe hands.
Minimal downtime
Teams is quickly deployable and simple to learn, meaning you can get it up and running with minimal disruption.
Tips and tricks for using teams
Teams can be turned into so much more than a meeting platform. You can actually add webpages, sharepoint libraries and even your other microsoft apps into the team view. This allows you to deploy all the resources your teams require from a single platform simply by adding them to the appropriate group.
Additionally using the wiki functionality is a great way to create a central repository for your workforce to reference for documentation, procedures and details, designated by their group. Again allowing you to provide everything necessary for your team to operate from the beginning by simply adding them to their team.
Make full use of the search functionality available within teams. You can search for specific people mentioned, files shared, subjects and a variety of other useful information from any window.
How do I get the most out of Microsoft Teams?
While Microsoft Teams makes business easier, it’s important to remember that a little strategy goes a long way.
To successfully deploy the platform without the headaches, consider the following:
* Is your existing IT infrastructure capable of transitioning to the cloud?
* Has your data been audited to ensure it can be safely and seamlessly transferred to the cloud?
* Have you mapped out a customised design to suit your business? Microsoft Teams is comprised of teams and channels but also employs third-party services such as Google Analytics, social media platforms like Twitter, marketing automation software like MailChimp and CRM software like Salesforce, as well as over 200 others. Not everyone needs access to all teams and services, so think about your structure prior to deployment.
*Are you prepared to train your team early to minimise disruption during rollout?
As you can see, while Microsoft Teams can be a quick solution, but it’s best to thoughtfully plan the transition. Instead of powering ahead in the hope of improving your business, we recommend some patience and care.
The bottom line?
Cloud services in capable hands can improve your profitability, productivity and security at affordable prices. If your business is thinking of moving to the cloud or trying to reap the rewards of this innovative technology, Aspire Technologies will help you boost your business and cut costs with a free 6-month trial of Office 365 with Microsoft Teams integration, with us working behind the scenes to identify your needs and deliver a seamless transition.
Get in touch today and we’ll help deploy a cloud-based service in a “cloud 9” way.
Go on, call us now…and because we use Vonex, you know we’ll answer!
Tel: (03) 9786 8763
Email: info@aspiretechnologies.com.au