To support the increased workload demand from global IT support efforts due to increasing public safety concerns around coronavirus COVID-19, Microsoft recently announced the expansion of complimentary features in its collaborative communication platform, Microsoft Teams, in a recently-issued FAQ regarding remote support.
Increased functionality throughout all license types
Microsoft was seemingly proactive in anticipating spikes of users remote working by increasing complimentary functionality throughout various instances of their collaborative and communications platform.
Here’s a summary of what’s now available for free to all users:
- – Individual: Simply log in with your work credentials to get started with an Individual license. You’ll effectively be routed through the communal version of Teams, regardless if you don’t have a license. Those not on the cloud can access an on-premise version.
- – Group: IT Professionals can administer a full Teams environment with a six-month Office 365 E1 Trial offer.
- – Government: Federal governments and municipality environments are also eligible, with certain limitations.
Full Skype integration with Teams available by end of April
It was also reported that Microsoft will roll out Teams-Skype interoperability sometime this month, a highly anticipated feature that will bring together some of Microsoft’s best remote functionalities. It will be made first available to users on Office 365 and Microsoft 365, then eventually to the rest of the user base by May 1.
Microsoft Team outage reports in Europe still trickle
Despite initial reports that European outages were occurring in MS Teams, Microsoft announced on its Twitter this morning that periodic issues are still present. To stay abreast of the situation as it continues to unfold, we suggest you follow the Twitter handle for Microsoft 365.
Leading remote tools expand free features due to increased demand
Microsoft’s quick response joins other leaders in bolstering free offerings in their respective remote technologies, such as Google (free Enterprise-level Google Hangouts) and Cisco (90-day WebEx licenses). Such moves are surely welcome as IT administrators continue to brace for the sudden influx of remote employees due to increasing calls for social distancing efforts from local municipalities and national governments around the world.
