Five steps for SMBs to deploy Microsoft Teams

02 Nov Five steps for SMBs to deploy Microsoft Teams

More than 75 million daily active users rely on Microsoft Teams to conduct business, connect with their network, and carry out their responsibilities. While the COVID-19 pandemic has certainly spurred many organisations to adopt virtual communication and collaboration tools, Microsoft Teams offers considerable benefits to the more than 500,000 organisations that use the app.

Microsoft Teams is easy to adopt, integrates well with your existing apps, and is scalable to meet your business needs. The all-inclusive platform offers many benefits for small businesses, so what are you waiting for? Keep reading to learn the five easy steps for small businesses to deploy Microsoft Teams.

1. Prepare your network

If you already have Microsoft 365, deploying Microsoft Teams is simple. Make sure your configurations are all up to date if you have a Microsoft 365 or Office 365 domain. This is also the case for organisations that are currently using OneDrive, SharePoint, and Exchange. For new users, your network will be configured as part of your Microsoft 365 Business plan.

2. Get your Microsoft 365 licenses

Microsoft Teams offers a variety of license options to accommodate all organisations. From the free version that offers the basic features and functionality to an advanced Enterprise plan, you can choose a specific plan that works for your business.

3. Install the apps

Once you select your plan, install your Microsoft Teams clients on desktop or mobile devices. The web browser interface is also available if your teams need to access the app while on the go. It is best to have both the Teams desktop and mobile apps downloaded due to the slight limitations of the web version.

4. Start using Microsoft Teams

With everything in place, you can start making the most of Microsoft Teams. Small businesses and teams can stay connected using Microsoft Teams, including file sharing, virtual meetings, and chats. The following are just some of the many benefits Microsoft Teams offers small business.

• Chats: Create chats for one-on-one conversations or groups to stay in touch. You can review a chat history to keep up with important details and save valuable information. Users can also pin their most-used chats, so they are always readily available and easy to access.
• Meetings: An obvious usage for Microsoft Teams is video conferencing. Secure communication can take place over HD video. Participants can engage in the conversation through a variety of video conferencing tools, including screen sharing, chat, and more.
• Teams: Build teams and channels within the app to stay organised. Set up specific chats and groups for projects, company departments, and teams. Everything for the channel is saved, including chat history, notes, and files.
• Files: Quickly send files and promote collaboration through Microsoft Teams. View and edit documents within the app and save files within the cloud to share easily. You can recover files from the cloud, send documents to colleagues or customers, and work on files within your team or department.

5. Train your teams and track usage

Prepare your organisation to make the most of Microsoft Teams with training opportunities. There are a variety of quick-start video tutorials available to walk users through the Microsoft Teams app. Videos demonstrate how to set up meetings, chats, groups, and more. You can also create an organisation-wide team to share learning opportunities, updates, and important information about your Microsoft Teams plan.

From here, you can also choose to deploy Microsoft 365 Business Voice. The cloud-based telephone solution is designed for small to medium-sized businesses and integrates directly within Microsoft Teams. Users can call anyone, anywhere thanks to the add-on that launched in April 2020.

Hassle-free Microsoft Teams adoption

Deploying Microsoft Teams using the five steps outlined above ensures a seamless and hassle-free adoption. The more you embed usage of the new software and technology into your company’s culture, the more your organisation can maximise the Microsoft Teams app. From promoting the app for specific tasks, providing training opportunities, and allowing time to adjust to the change, there are many ways you can position your team for success.

Let us help you deploy and adopt Microsoft Teams today, so your organisation can stay connected, productive, and efficient no matter where you work!