IT Services: Introducing Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams (replacing Skype for Business)
Microsoft Teams (replacing Skype for Business)
Dear Faculty & Staff,
Microsoft has announced that it will ending the Skype for Business Online service, as a result of which Microsoft is no longer actively developing the software. Skype for Business is being replaced by Microsoft Teams. Beginning December 1, 2020, Skype for Business will no longer be supported on University issued computers.
Microsoft Teams is a chat-based collaboration tool that provides teams with the ability to work together and share business information via a common space. Faculty and Staff can utilize cool features like document collaboration with colleagues, one-on-one chat, team chat, and more via Microsoft Teams. Microsoft Teams includes features such as:
- Chat for today's teams: Communicate in the moment and keep everyone in the know. Chat in teams, privately one-on-one or in groups. Notifications and chat history ensure everyone is kept up to date. Access Microsoft Teams on any device with confidence knowing it's been built with enterprise-level security.
- A hub for teamwork: Give your team access to the information they need, right in Office 365. Chat, content and tools are all in the Team workspace. OneNote and other apps are built in and you can open Office and other documents right in the Teams application
- Customize for each team: Tailor the business workspace to include the content and capabilities. Tabs and Connectors provide quick access to frequently used documents
Please find FAQ’s regarding Microsoft Teams below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Microsoft Teams?
A: Microsoft Teams is a chat-based collaboration tool that provides teams with the ability to work together and share business information via a common space.
Q: What features does Microsoft Teams include?
A: Faculty and Staff can utilize cool features like document collaboration, one-on-one chat, team chat, screen sharing, Office 365 (O365) document access, and more via Microsoft Teams.
Q: Who can access Microsoft Teams?
A: All Faculty, Staff & Students can access Microsoft Teams using their University issued Office 365 & Email account
Q: When will Microsoft Teams be available?
A: Teams is available for the University community, now.
Q: How can I access Microsoft Teams via a Browser?
A: Users can access Teams by using a browser (Chrome, Safari, Firefox etc.) and visiting https://teams.microsoft.com or https://microsoft365.com.
Teams can also be accessed after you login to your University email account at https://microsoft365.com. Once you login, click on the “App launcher” on the top left and click “Teams”
Q: How can I access Microsoft Teams via my Computer Desktop or Mobile Device?
A: Users can access Teams by using the Team’s Desktop Application. Teams application is available on all University issued computers.
To download the Teams application on your personal computer/mobile device, please click here
Q: Is there training material for Microsoft Teams
A: Please visit the Microsoft Learning center to access helpful guides on using Microsoft Teams, please click here
- For quick tips and tricks, please visit: Help & Learning
- Microsoft Teams Video Training: Short Training Videos
Q: When will Skype for Business be decommissioned?
A: Beginning December 1, 2020, Skype for Business will no longer be supported on University issued computers.
Q: How can I create a new Microsoft Team site for my business group?
A: To request a new Team site for your group, please email the Helpdesk at helpdesk@mercy.edu
Q: Do I need to take any action now?
A: If you actively use Skype for Business for chat communication, we recommend you begin using the Microsoft Teams App instead.