Tools like Microsoft Teams became indispensable during the COVID-19 pandemic when people needed a digital space to talk, collaborate, and share work. As hybrid and remote working have become the norm the need for platforms like Microsoft Teams has risen steadily.
Since its launch in 2017, Teams has seen year-on-year growth. Microsoft estimates that more than one million organisations use Teams, with 320 million users worldwide. So, what makes this platform so popular?
In this blog, we look at the top five business benefits.
1. Inclusivity for remote workers
Microsoft Teams is a hub where people can collaborate on shared work. The chat facility allows you and your colleagues to stay in touch, facilitating a new way of remote working.
As it’s cloud-based, you only need an Internet connection. You can use it on your desktop, laptop, or phone. Your staff remain connected, whether they’re a few miles away or on the other side of the world.
2. Integration with Microsoft 365
Microsoft Teams is part of the Microsoft 365 suite, alongside favourites like Word, Excel, and Outlook, and is included in most Microsoft business licences. This means that permissions, version control and co-authoring do not require separate configuration.
Teams integrates seamlessly with the other Microsoft apps, so you can schedule a meeting or open a document without leaving the platform. This saves users time, as it removes the need to switch between apps, making it a major benefit.
3. Cost savings
Many organisations have duplicate collaboration tools, all costing the business money in annual licensing fees. By moving to Microsoft Teams, companies can reduce costs by retiring legacy solutions and consolidating licences.
4. Security and compliance
As Teams sits within Microsoft 365, it benefits from advanced threat protection, end-to-end encryption, data retention and strong security and admin controls. This is critical for businesses working in regulated industries where compliance is vital.
5. AI-driven productivity gains
Microsoft Copilot provides Teams meeting recaps with actions and highlights and a Workflows app lets users automate tasks by simply describing them. AI is helping users collaborate more easily, analyse data and increase productivity.
The benefits of Microsoft Teams – the bottom line
The way we work has changed dramatically in recent years. More people work from home than ever before, opening up opportunities for people wherever they are based. But that comes with challenges.
Microsoft Teams is a hub where people from all over the world, the country, or just down the road can come together to work. However, Teams requires professional deployment and configuration to ensure your business remains secure and compliant, and in a strong position to maximise the benefits.
CloudTech24 is a Tier 1 direct CSP (top 1% of Microsoft partners worldwide), we specialise in providing Microsoft Teams consultancy, deployment, management and support to businesses across the UK and beyond.
