I posted an article over at 4Sysops on configuring auto attendant directory search in Microsoft Teams. When I first worked with auto attendants, it wasn’t abundantly clear how to configure the directory search option for the caller to use it. This article documents how to do so and other directory search features.
Direct from Microsoft
On the Teams blog, Microsoft clarified the changes ahead for Cloud Connector Edition and hybrid voice connectivity when Skype for Business Online is retired next year. Basically, you can keep your on-premises Skype for Business Servers but will need to migrate to Direct Routing to keep the PSTN connectivity.
Microsoft also announced new discounts on meeting and calling experience in Microsoft Teams. This includes audio conferencing, 35% off Advanced Communications licenses, and FastTrack support to migrate off Skype for Business.
GitHub also announced integrations with Microsoft Teams now available in public beta. Get notifications on repositories, pull requests, and unfurling of links to GitHub activities.
Microsoft Teams Marketing Director Anne Michels also tweeted out that the New Conversation button is making a long-waited debut.
New in #MicrosoftTeams –
— Anne Michels (@Anne_Michels) September 11, 2020
The "New conversation" button in channel conversations.
Thanks to everyone who gave feedback on the experience. pic.twitter.com/qyRp6b3S5m
Community Contributions
MVP Vesku Nopanen has a nice article on creating Teams meetings easily using new Power Automate actions.
For the education market, Mike Tholfsen has a YouTube playlist on Microsoft Teams Assignments quick tip videos. He is adding more videos as new Assignments updates are rolled out.
The UC Today podcast had an interesting panel discussion on Cisco Webex vs Microsoft Teams vs Zoom.
Kevin Kieller also notices that breakout rooms made an appearance inside his tenant. More widespread roll-out coming soon. This brings Teams on par with Zoom and will bring nice functionality to educators for remote teaching.
Breakout rooms now in my #MicrosoftTeams tenant. Week by week more and more useful features! Well done @MicrosoftTeams #collaboration pic.twitter.com/zYrQEtT869
— Kevin Kieller-Microsoft Teams+Analytics=Transform (@kkieller) September 11, 2020
Tony Redmond covers the preview of Teams migration API that allows importing message from other platforms. This functionality is definitely targeted at competitors like Slack to move chat history over to Teams. Tom Morgan goes into the technical details of this API in his post on importing messages and preserving timestamp history, message order, and sender.
James Cussen outlines a solution for using DLP to block passwords in Teams chats and channels. He developed this solution after news admin credentials were found in a Slack channel and used to hack Twitter.
Events
Quick reminder that TeamsFest | October 2020 edition is coming up October 7th. This is a 100% free and community driven conference dedicated to Microsoft Teams.
Road Map and Message Center Updates
Template for creation of a new Team
Users can choose from customizable templates when creating a new team. IT Pros can also create new custom templates for their organization. This allows standardizing team structures with specific apps and channels. Expected release is September 2020.
Manage your meeting options in-meeting
Meeting organizers can now view and update meeting options within the meeting. This makes it easier and faster to change meeting options during a meeting. Expected release is Octoboer 2020.
End-of-meeting notifications
Microsoft teams will automatically issue a 5-minute warning when the meeting is near its scheduled end. This will be for scheduled private and channel meetings. Expected released is September 2020.
Training
TryThisAt.Work has a “snackable” series of videos dedicated to all thing Microsoft Teams including voice, Live Events, and apps like Shifts and Bookings.
Tip of the Week
Check out these list of tips on making the best out of your Microsoft Teams remote teaching classes from Farlin Paulino.
Check out previous issues of Last Week in Microsoft Teams
