Our primary use case of Teams is for meetings, but we also use it for document management and chatting, things like that.
Chief Architect at a tech services company with 10,001+ employees
Excellent integration features, particularly document sharing
Pros and Cons
- "The integration, ability to share documents is very good."
- "Inability to call into meetings."
What is our primary use case?
What is most valuable?
I would consider document management a valuable feature. It's really the integration, being able to create groups to share documents that I think is the best. In other words, I can set up a meeting and associate documents to that meeting and everybody can see it.
What needs improvement?
I think the solution would be improved by giving people the ability to call into meetings. I don't think we have that ability yet.
For how long have I used the solution?
I've been using this solution for nine months. We're partners with Microsoft and I'm the chief architect in our company.
Buyer's Guide
Microsoft Teams
November 2024
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What do I think about the stability of the solution?
This is a solid and stable solution.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The scalability of this solution is good. We have almost 140,000 users in this company and Teams is used extensively.
How are customer service and support?
The technical support is good.
What other advice do I have?
I would recommend spending the time to learn the product, there is a learning curve.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
Private Cloud
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Partner
Head of Software department & Head of Security department at a tech services company with 11-50 employees
Enables us to track the status of all the different tasks we have created but it is not a complete solution
Pros and Cons
- "The product is continually growing to add new features and functionality."
- "The product is immature and lacks some of the features and functionality you would expect in a collaboration tool."
What is our primary use case?
We are primarily using the product for collaboration and planning. We create tasks in the Planner, we can track the status of all the different tasks we have created and we can share the progress we achieve on these tasks between coworkers. It helps us measure progress and to collaborate.
What is most valuable?
The most valuable feature for us is the Teams Planner module. This is a module where we enter projects and tasks that we want to track. We also use the Chats module and find that useful as well to work in conjunction with this tool.
What needs improvement?
One of the places where this product can improve is in file sharing. Using the Planner, it should be easier to link to external files. As the product is set up now, you are obliged to use links to files that will be stored in SharePoint. You cannot integrate files in a node. One of the reasons why we prefer using Trello at this point is because you can add links to the files on each card (project) as you want. It is more open and less limited.
The possibility to attach any kind of content to any card created in Planner is the reason why we didn't stop using Trello completely. With Teams, the constraint regarding the files means we have to separately log on SharePoint and to upload files on to OneDrive to share them. The added complexity means we are losing time over something that should be easier. If this feature could be enhanced so file attachment is easy, I think I would prefer to use Teams instead of Trello.
One functionality that could add value to the product would be better logging of histories. For example, when you've got a conference call and you're using Teams, it would be useful to have a record of the participants in the call. If you have a conference call where there are five participants, the product should be able to record this information as a history of the project without having to ask separately for introductions. Currently, the product is not able to track this information and it doesn't seem that Teams offers the possibility to track the history of the calls that have been completed.
Another feature that would be useful is the ability to create a VCF (Virtual Contact File) directly from an appointment, through the calendar, or through a phone call. It could be great if you just could right-click on the name of the contact and create a VCF file. Later, you will be able to import the contact into Outlook, for example. It could be a very useful time-saver.
For how long have I used the solution?
We have been using Microsoft Teams for about one year.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
I have never noticed any stability issues with Teams, so I think it's good. I don't think there is any need for improvement in that way except to maintain the level of stability as the product develops.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
To be honest, we have never explored the possibilities for further expanding the capabilities of the program. I'm quite sure we can explore the addition of features and functionality that do a lot of interesting things. But because it is a bit clumsy to use the file attachments, which is really a basic task I try to avoid using it and I favor the use of Trello instead of Teams. Because we do not currently use it more, we don't do much exploration into scaling it. I don't think there is any real problem with scaling the number of users. But again, we have not been pushing the limitations or the product to scale its use.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We use Teams in the same way that we are using Trello but we lean toward using Trello because of the ability to attach files. So Trello is what we were using before and it is really still what we are using now. We have not migrated to Teams fully although we are using it for some projects and exploring the possibilities.
The product is still developing and may integrate better with Office 365 applications, but there is still a little bit missing in the functionality besides just the file attachments. I think it is possible to improve the interface. A lot of things I would expect to be able to do are currently impossible. I would like to be able to interact with objects better. For example, if you go in the call component and you look at your contacts, you don't have the capability to do much to interact with the contact object. You can launch a conversation and you can make a phone call but you cannot manage the contact object and I wish able to.
For example, you cannot right-click in order to copy the contact to collect the basic information. To be able to create a VCF file would be perfect. But even without going so far, there is a lot of little interaction that would be interesting to be able to do that we cannot. Currently, the product limitations are keeping us from migrating to expanding its use.
What other advice do I have?
On a scale from one to ten where one is the worst and ten is the best, I would rate Teams as a seven as of now. But the quality of the product is rising from month-to-month. There is a lot of improvement. Microsoft is still developing it in a smart way. But at the moment it is not a complete solution.
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Partner.
Buyer's Guide
Microsoft Teams
November 2024
Learn what your peers think about Microsoft Teams. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: November 2024.
816,406 professionals have used our research since 2012.
Responsible for recruitment at a tech services company with 51-200 employees
Good messaging and video calling features that help promote collaboration while working from home
Pros and Cons
- "The most valuable features are the messaging and the video calling, especially where you can add a background."
- "It's a bit slow, especially if you are downloading photos."
What is our primary use case?
We are using this solution for video conferencing. We do calls for meetings. We use it for the calendar, the planner, scheduling events, messages for the events, and we can use it for poll voting for certain activities, as well as distributing tasks.
How has it helped my organization?
As a collaborative tool, it is very interesting.
We have improved on teamwork when we can assign projects to each other, and have to popups to tell us when the deadlines are.
What is most valuable?
The most valuable features are the messaging and the video calling, especially where you can add a background. It is very useful during confinement, and working from home.
The video calling is as interesting as Skype, but with a lot more functions with better and easier communication.
It is very quick.
It's a complete solution with video calls, calendars, messaging, downloads, and you can publish things. It's connected and is compatible with other Microsoft products. We don't have a lot of conflicts.
What needs improvement?
When it comes to downloading several documents or sharing documents that are above 450 KB, it takes time. It's a bit slow, especially if you are downloading photos.
There could be more documentation when it comes to the setup when you have other software. It's an annex, it's additional support, not something that the software provides when it's not something that comes with other products that can be connected to it.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been working with Microsoft Teams for one year. We use it every day.
We are using the latest version.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The stability seems quite good. It's only been during confinement that we have had some issues, otherwise, it's quite good.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
We have 300 users, on a daily basis. It's one of our major tools within the company.
We are using it to its maximum capacity on every aspect, functional and non-functional.
How are customer service and technical support?
We have not contacted technical support directly. We have our IT who is fully trained with Microsoft. We have not had the need to.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
Previously, we were using Skype for conference calling and we found that it was complicated.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup is quite straightforward. It didn't take much to understand. It is a bit complex to use when you have other software, as it is not very clear in the beginning or if you want to add a Wiki.
The deployment was quick. For the whole company, it took one or two weeks.
What other advice do I have?
It's a good mix of WhatsApp, Viber, and Skype.
The only area that we had concerns with was with messages and not knowing if the messages had been received or read. Now, they have added this feature and we know that it has been received and read.
This tool is very interesting if you have a team of more than 15 people. When you are a small team then you won't use all of its compacity.
The biggest lesson that I have learned from using Teams has to do with time management. It has really highlighted how much time I spend in meetings. The tool gives you an analytical aspect, where it helps you to manage and balance your time.
I would rate this solution a nine out of ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
Public Cloud
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Partner
Senior System Administrator at a comms service provider with 10,001+ employees
A scalable solution that is used for conducting meetings
Pros and Cons
- "Using the solution's screen-sharing feature, we can go through a document together and take control."
- "The solution’s stability could be improved."
What is our primary use case?
We use Microsoft Teams for meetings. Since the pandemic, most of my clients don't physically go to offices, and we do most of our meetings through Microsoft Teams.
What is most valuable?
Using the solution's screen-sharing feature, we can go through a document together and take control.
What needs improvement?
The solution’s stability could be improved.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using Microsoft Teams for the past two years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
Microsoft Teams is a stable solution. I rate Microsoft Teams an eight out of ten for stability.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
Microsoft Teams is a scalable solution. Around 5 users are using the solution in our organization. The solution is used a few times a week in our company.
I rate the solution ten out of ten for scalability.
How was the initial setup?
The solution’s initial setup is easy.
What about the implementation team?
The solution is deployed on the cloud in our organization. The solution’s deployment took a few minutes.
What other advice do I have?
Overall, I rate Microsoft Teams an eight out of ten.
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
Technical Lead | WDG projects at a tech vendor with 11-50 employees
The best solution to communicate with teammates and schedule meetings
Pros and Cons
- "The most valuable features of Microsoft Teams are scheduling a meeting and integration with other Microsoft services like SharePoint and OneDrive."
- "The software could be optimized for Mac systems because sometimes it is slow and consumes a lot of memory."
What is our primary use case?
We use Microsoft Teams in our company to communicate with teammates and schedule meetings.
How has it helped my organization?
Compared to other solutions like Skype, Microsoft Teams is a good tool for communicating with teammates.
What is most valuable?
The most valuable features of Microsoft Teams are scheduling a meeting and integration with other Microsoft services like SharePoint and OneDrive.
What needs improvement?
The software could be optimized for Mac systems because sometimes it is slow and consumes a lot of memory.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using Microsoft Teams for one year.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
I rate Microsoft Teams an eight out of ten for stability.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
I rate Microsoft Teams an eight out of ten for scalability.
How was the initial setup?
The solution’s initial setup is easy.
What other advice do I have?
I am using the latest version of Microsoft Teams. Microsoft Teams is deployed on-cloud in our organization.
Microsoft Teams is the best tool for team communication.
Overall, I rate Microsoft Teams an eight out of ten.
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
System Architect at Silvery LLC
Improved communication between teams and within teams
Pros and Cons
- "You can add teams to a conversation. You can create reports, project plans, or many other things based on Microsoft solutions. It has improved communication between teams and within each team."
- "I think they can improve the all those segments for channel bulking. Also, some functionalities which migrated from Skype for Business to Teams, is not supported by Teams. We had used them in Skype for Business."
What is our primary use case?
We use Teams for onboarding. It helps with worker coordination.
How has it helped my organization?
You can add Teams to a conversation. You can create reports, project plans, or many other things based on Microsoft solutions. It has improved communication between teams and within each team.
What is most valuable?
There are many functionalities we can work with.
What needs improvement?
I think they can improve all those segments for channel bulking. Also, some functionalities which migrated from Skype for Business to Teams, is not supported by Teams. We had used them in Skype for Business.
I think it would be better if we had some improved planning on Teams.
For how long have I used the solution?
We've been using this solution for around two years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
I think it's quite stable.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The product is scalable, but the organizations that I helped are around 1,000 users. Some organizations that are supported by our company have 1,000 or more people.
One administrator helped us with our experience of Office 365 and administered this solution. I think three would be enough to manage the solution.
How are customer service and technical support?
Microsoft's support is okay.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
There are no products that I can say have all of Teams' possibilities. There are separate products to maintain for all the functions I need, which I can now do in one product.
How was the initial setup?
The initial set up is really easy. You can download a file setup from their portal as long as you are authorized to use it. One user took around five minutes to set up.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
It is the standard license which is part of many Office packets.
What other advice do I have?
Just set up and enjoy. It is no problem to use this product.
I would rate this product as eight out of ten.
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Partner.
Solutions Architect at a comms service provider with 201-500 employees
Helpful for remote meetings, but the user interface should be improved
Pros and Cons
- "The most valuable feature is the ability to have remote meetings with customers and colleagues."
- "The user interface is non-intuitive and should be improved."
What is our primary use case?
We using Teams for internal and external communication. It is for one-on-one chats as well as group discussions.
What is most valuable?
The most valuable feature is the ability to have remote meetings with customers and colleagues.
What needs improvement?
The user interface is non-intuitive and should be improved.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using Microsoft Teams for about a year.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
Microsoft Teams is a stable product.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
I have not had a problem with scalability. We are using it corporate-wide across all company roles. At this point, I don't see our usage increasing.
How are customer service and technical support?
I rely on our internal team for technical support, so I have not used support from Microsoft.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
Prior to Microsoft Teams, we were using Skype for Business. I prefer the interface that Skype has.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup is straightforward.
Microsoft Teams is included with our Office 365.
What about the implementation team?
Our in-house team handled the deployment.
What other advice do I have?
I would rate this solution a seven out of ten.
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
It is easy to install and the support is very good
Pros and Cons
- "The initial setup was really straightforward and easy."
- "I would like to see Outlook options added to this solution."
What is most valuable?
What I like most about Microsoft Teams, is that we can pin applications on the top of the group. So I don't need to go to the browser to search for something or I don't need to go to an application on my desktop if I use cloud applications.
What needs improvement?
We have had some problems uploading documents because of the GDPR status. So we must disable it to upload documents in Teams easily from users. If Microsoft Teams could do that, it would be great. There's a third part solution for this, but it can be too expensive for customers. So I would like to see an admin center added to this solution, so that I can block to upload the document for some users or for some groups.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using Microsoft Teams for two years now.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The solution is very scalable - we have more than 500 users at this stage.
How are customer service and technical support?
I don't use support from Microsoft Teams, but I bought Microsoft Solution from my other Microsoft Support Team and I like the support Microsoft gives. It is very good.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup was really straightforward and easy.
What other advice do I have?
I would like to see Outlook options added to this solution. But I recently saw some of the updates, and it seems that there is a way to get Outlook emails on Microsoft Teams. But I haven't experienced it yet. But more Outlook options would be nice. On a scale from one to ten, I will rate this solution an eight.
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Partner.
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