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Archive for the ‘Teams’ Category

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Windows Whiteboard; how to share whiteboards via Teams

Posted by Koop on February 8, 2023

I will honestly say, for a feature that has been in the product for over a month, none of my colleagues were aware of the feature. It didn’t take a lot of time to figure out how to use whiteboards within teams, but we have found the following ways of using it.

  1. Tab in a channel/user
    • Hit the + in the channel that you want to add the whiteboard
    • Select Whiteboard in the Add a tab option
    • Thats it 🙂
  2. Share directly in a meeting
    • During a meeting, hit share and select Whiteboard

I’ll be honest, I do not see me using the tab option very often but so far, have found using the share during a meeting option very appealing. I can see my team collaborating with the whiteboard while we are reviewing complicated networking issues. I have run this by several people and everyone was initially impressed with how powerful the whiteboard feature is.

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Windows whiteboard. What is it and how can I use it?

Posted by Koop on February 8, 2023

While reviewing the new features within teams, I read that Teams can embed Windows Whiteboard within the Teams App. Apparently I am late to the party as I am just hearing about this tool now. Windows Whiteboard is a digital whiteboarding tool that comes built into Windows 10. It allows teams to collaborate and brainstorm in real-time from anywhere, making it easier for remote teams to work together. In this blog post, we will explore what Windows Whiteboard is and how companies can use it to increase productivity.

What is Windows Whiteboard?

Windows Whiteboard is a digital whiteboarding tool that allows users to draw, write, and collaborate on a virtual whiteboard. The whiteboard can be accessed from any device that runs Windows 10, making it easy for teams to collaborate no matter where they are located. Teams can also save and organize their whiteboards, making it easy to revisit and reference them later.

How can companies use Windows Whiteboard to increase productivity?

  1. Remote Collaboration: Teams can work together on a whiteboard from different locations, making it easier for remote teams to collaborate.
  2. Real-time Collaboration: Multiple team members can draw, write, and make changes to the whiteboard in real-time, making it a dynamic tool for brainstorming and problem-solving.
  3. Improved Communication: Windows Whiteboard enables teams to communicate visually, making it easier to share ideas and concepts, reducing the time it takes to explain complex ideas.
  4. Better Organization: Teams can save and organize their whiteboards, making it easy to revisit and reference them later.
  5. Accessibility: Windows Whiteboard is accessible to all Windows 10 users, making it a cost-effective tool for teams.

In conclusion, Windows Whiteboard is a powerful tool that can greatly benefit companies by improving collaboration, communication, and productivity. By using this tool, teams can work together more effectively, even when they are not in the same place, and can communicate complex ideas more quickly and efficiently. I am going to try to make an added effort to use this tool within my meetings and see if I can harness the power that this tool can provide.

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Why Teams PBX over Legacy PBX

Posted by Koop on February 7, 2023

Since the pandemic, I have seen a trend to move towards “the new age PBX systems” over the more traditional/legacy PBX. Traditional PBX systems function where you have a phone by your desk and you use it to make and receive phone calls. Team phone systems, also known as cloud-based or virtual phone systems, offer a number of benefits over traditional phone systems. These benefits include:

  1. Increased mobility: With a team phone system, employees can access the system from anywhere, as long as they have an internet connection. This allows for increased flexibility and mobility, as employees can work from home, on the road, or at any remote location.
  2. Improved collaboration: Team phone systems offer features such as group call conferencing, call forwarding, and call transfers, which enhance collaboration and communication between team members.
  3. Lower costs: Compared to traditional phone systems, team phone systems are often more cost-effective, as they do not require expensive hardware or installation fees. Additionally, many team phone systems offer unlimited calling and low per-user monthly fees.
  4. Scalability: Team phone systems can easily scale up or down to accommodate changes in your organization, such as adding new employees or expanding to new locations.
  5. Enhanced features: Many team phone systems offer advanced features, such as call analytics, automated call routing, and integration with other business tools like CRM software.

In conclusion, a team phone system is like opening a Genie out of the lamp. The platform can offer numerous benefits over a traditional phone system, including increased mobility, improved collaboration, lower costs, scalability, enhanced features, increased efficiency, and improved customer service much better than the traditional or legacy PBX can provide.

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How To Series: Teams Auto Attendants

Posted by Koop on February 3, 2023

Auto attendants are a crucial aspect of any PBX system for teams, as they handle the first point of contact for incoming calls. Here are some tips to manage auto attendants in Teams PBX, along with steps on how to configure an auto attendant:

Steps to configure an auto attendant in Teams PBX:

Log into the Teams admin center
Click on Voice, then Auto Attendants
Click on the "+" button to create a new auto attendant
Choose the type of auto attendant you want to create, such as a main auto attendant or department auto attendant
Configure the call routing options, such as call forwarding or voice mail
Record a greeting for the auto attendant
Save the changes and test the auto attendant to make sure it's working correctly.

Here are some tips on best practice with auto attendants:

1. Set up a call routing structure: Decide how calls should be routed based on the caller's input and set up the appropriate options in the auto attendant.
2. Customize greetings: Record a professional greeting for the auto attendant to provide a warm welcome to callers.
3. Configure call forwarding: Set up call forwarding rules for different departments or extensions, so calls can be redirected to the right person or team.
4. Create multiple auto attendants: Create separate auto attendants for different departments or branches, if necessary.
5. Monitor call logs: Regularly check call logs to see how many calls are being handled by the auto attendant and which options are being selected most frequently.
6. Update regularly: Keep the auto attendant updated with the latest information and changes in your organization.
7. Test regularly: Regularly test the auto attendant to ensure it is functioning correctly and to identify any areas that need improvement.

By following these tips, you can effectively manage your auto attendants in Teams PBX and provide a seamless and professional experience for your callers.

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How to series: How to make conference meetings within Teams PBX

Posted by Koop on February 1, 2023

Teams PBX is a powerful communication tool that allows you to make voice and video calls, instant messages, and conduct virtual meetings with ease. One of the most useful features of Teams PBX is the ability to make conference calls. Here’s how you can make a conference call within Teams PBX:

Step 1: Prepare Your Device

Before you start the conference call, make sure that you have the latest version of Teams installed on your device. You’ll also need a microphone, speakers, or a headset to make the call. If you’re using a laptop, make sure that it’s connected to a reliable internet connection.

Step 2: Schedule the Conference Call

You can schedule a conference call in Teams by creating a new meeting. To do this, click on the “Meetings” button on the Teams toolbar, then click on “New Meeting.” Set the date and time for the meeting, and invite the participants you want to join the call.

Step 3: Join the Conference Call

When it’s time for the meeting, open Teams and click on the “Meetings” button. You’ll see a list of all the upcoming meetings you have scheduled. Click on the meeting you want to join, and then click “Join.”

Step 4: Add Participants

Once you’re in the call, you can add participants by clicking on the “Participants” button in the Teams toolbar. You can invite participants by typing their email address or selecting them from the contacts list. Once they join the call, they’ll appear in the Participants list.

Step 5: Conduct the Conference Call

You can conduct the conference call just like any other call in Teams. You can use the microphone to speak and the speakers or headset to listen. Teams also offers the ability to share your screen, making it easy to present slides or other materials.

Step 6: End the Conference Call

When the call is over, you can end the conference call by clicking on the “End Call” button in the Teams toolbar. This will end the call for all participants.

In conclusion, making a conference call within Teams PBX is a simple and straightforward process. By following these steps, you’ll be able to conduct effective virtual meetings with ease.

Posted in HOW TO, Teams | Leave a Comment »

HOW TO Series: Forwarding user calls to another number within Teams PBX

Posted by Koop on February 1, 2023

Here is blog posts that I have written in a HOW TO series for Teams PBX.

To forward calls within a PBX system using Teams, you can follow these steps:

  1. Open the Teams app and sign in to your account.
  2. Go to the Calls tab and click on the Call Forwarding button.
  3. Turn on the Call Forwarding toggle switch.
  4. Select the Forward my calls to option and choose the desired recipient from your Teams contacts.
  5. If you want to set specific conditions for call forwarding, such as only forwarding calls when you’re unavailable or busy, select the corresponding option.
  6. Save the changes.
  7. Test the call forwarding by calling your Teams number from another device.

Note: If you need further assistance, feel free to open a ticket with COMPANY and our voice engineers will assist you further.

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Using Teams Phone System over Zoom PBX: A Comprehensive Comparison

Posted by Koop on January 31, 2023

Another day, another blog post that I had written for my company.

Using Teams Phone System over Zoom PBX: A Comprehensive Comparison

As remote work becomes more prevalent, the need for effective virtual communication tools has become essential. Both Teams and Zoom offer PBX (Private Branch Exchange) solutions, but there are distinct differences between Teams Phone System and Zoom PBX.

  1. Integration: Teams Phone System integrates seamlessly with other Microsoft products, such as Exchange and SharePoint, while Zoom PBX requires separate tools to be integrated.
  2. Advanced Features: Teams Phone System offers advanced call features, such as call forwarding, call transfer, and voicemail, that enhance the call experience, while Zoom PBX has limited advanced features.
  3. Scalability: Teams Phone System can scale to meet the needs of businesses of all sizes, from small startups to large enterprises, while Zoom PBX may struggle with larger businesses.
  4. Productivity: Teams Phone System integrates with Teams’ video conferencing and file sharing capabilities, providing a more productive remote work experience, while Zoom PBX requires separate tools for these functions.
  5. Security: Teams Phone System uses Microsoft’s security protocols, making it a more secure option for businesses compared to Zoom PBX.
  6. Cost: Teams Phone System is often included in Microsoft 365 plans, making it a cost-effective solution for businesses, while Zoom PBX may require separate licenses.  This assumes that the businesses are already using Microsoft 365.  For companies using other platforms like google, Zoom may be the cheaper solution.

In conclusion, Teams Phone System provides a comprehensive communication solution that is more integrated, reliable, and secure than Zoom PBX. If you are looking for a virtual communication solution for your business, consider switching to Teams Phone System for a more seamless and productive remote work experience.

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Benefits of Teams through my company

Posted by Koop on January 27, 2023

Another day, another blog post written by me 🙂

In today’s fast-paced business environment, it’s more important than ever to have a reliable and flexible communication system in place. Microsoft Teams with Direct Routing is one of the most popular solutions for businesses looking to improve their communication infrastructure. But what exactly is Direct Routing, and why is it so beneficial? In this blog post, we’ll explore the benefits of using Direct Routing through COMPANY.

Direct Routing allows businesses to connect their existing PSTN (public switched telephone network) infrastructure with Microsoft Teams. This means that COMPANY will supply the telecommunications to teams, while companies can also take advantage of the many features and benefits that Microsoft Teams offers. By using Direct Routing, businesses can improve call quality and reliability, save on costs, and scale up or down as needed.

One of the biggest benefits of using Direct Routing through COMPANY is the added level of support and expertise that we will provide. Bit by Bit are experts in the field of communication and technology, and we can help businesses navigate the sometimes-complex process of setting up and maintaining a Direct Routing system. COMPANY will also provide ongoing support and maintenance for Direct Routing systems, which can be a huge relief for businesses that don’t have the resources or expertise to do it on their own.

Another benefit of using Direct Routing is the ability to integrate with other Microsoft applications. By connecting Direct Routing with Office 365, SharePoint, and OneDrive, businesses can create a seamless communication and collaboration experience for their employees. This can lead to increased productivity and efficiency, which can ultimately help businesses grow and succeed.

Direct Routing also allows for flexibility in how businesses manage their phone systems. Instead of being locked into a single PSTN service, COMPANY has partnerships with several telecommunication providers. This allows redundancy if one carrier was to have a problem, the calls will be re-routed to another carrier.

In conclusion, Direct Routing is a powerful solution for businesses looking to improve their communication infrastructure. By using Direct Routing through COMPANY, businesses can take advantage of the many benefits of Microsoft Teams, while also getting the added level of support and expertise. Whether you’re looking to improve call quality, save on costs, or create a seamless collaboration experience, Direct Routing through Teams is a great option for businesses of all sizes.

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