Microsoft Teams is an app developed by Microsoft with the aim of creating a digital workspace where work colleagues can interact, communicate, and collaborate. It is basically a messaging app for your organization. On this app, users can chat, have meetings, share files, and communicate individually or in groups.

Key features of Microsoft Teams

Microsoft Teams is divided into different channels that promote communication and collaboration between co-workers. Here are the key features of Microsoft Teams:

• Teams

On the app, you can create different teams, for example, one team for your working group, another one for the members of a specific project, or even an interest group. On your teams' page, you can pin the teams that you use the most at the top of the list to have easier access to them. Teams can be private, which means that the creator of the group decides who can participate in it, or public, meaning that other users can search for the team and join it.

• Channels

On each team, you will find different channels that will help you to keep your conversations organized per topic, and you will get a notification every time someone responds to an existing conversation. When you participate in a channel, you can send text messages, images, GIFs, and documents included in your reply.

• Video calling

This feature is used for meetings, and you can include several users in one call. There are some interesting features included in the video calling function of Teams that are worth mentioning:

• • Live caption during meetings: make sure to speak slowly and clearly to the microphone.
  • Screen recording: you can record a meeting and share it with other users later on.
  • Blur or change your background: use the different filters to change your background.
  • Turn on and off the camera and microphone: let the meeting run without distractions by muting your mic.
  • Share a file on your screen: while in a meeting, you can share your screen or files for the other users to see, like a PowerPoint presentation.
• Chat

Use the chat function to send private messages to other Teams users or create small groups that do not require a whole Team or Channel set up. Use the pinning function to keep the chats that you use the most at the top of the list for easier access, and mention specific users so they get notified that their attention is required.

• Calendar

On the calendar, you will be able to see all the meetings scheduled for you and by you. Bear in mind that your Outlook Calendar and your Teams Calendar are synchronized. If you want to schedule a meeting, simply tap the New Meeting button and complete the information required (title, date, time, participants, and description).

• Share files

If a team member shares a file, all members of the Team will be able to open and edit it in real-time. When you open the document, you will see the users that are currently working on the file moving around and changing the file. Edits are made live and are saved automatically.

Teams Training

On the Microsoft Teams website, you will find plenty of resources that will help you to take advantage of this useful tool. Follow the different training sessions to learn how to use the basic and advanced features that this app has to offer. There are also training sessions aimed at helping employees to make the most out of the app.

Teams Blog

The Microsoft Teams Blog is another useful tool if you want to keep learning and exploiting the Teams app. Here you will find the latest updates and the most recent features. Find tips, tricks, and the latest news in the Microsoft Teams Blog.