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# Tom Talks

Microsoft Teams and Microsoft 365 news and opinions

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- [XML Sitemap](https://tomtalks.blog/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [Microsoft Teams April 2026 Licensing Update - Microsoft Places and Advanced town hall and webinar features move into Teams core](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-april-2026-licensing-update-microsoft-places-and-advanced-town-hall-and-webinar-features-move-into-teams-core/) - On January 22nd, 2026, Microsoft announced licensing changes for Microsoft Teams and Microsoft Places that will take effect on April 1st 2026. Recently licencing announcements have meant price rises, but in this case, more features and value are actually being brought into the core Teams licence. A quick recap on Microsoft Teams licensing Microsoft Teams
- [Microsoft Teams Phone at 26M Users, Default Security Launched Across Tiers, Haleon’s Andrew Liptrot Talks MTR](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-phone-at-26m-users-default-security-launched-across-tiers-haleons-andrew-liptrot-talks-mtr/) - Join Kristian McCann from UC Today and Tom Arbuthnot from Empowering Cloud as they kick off 2026 with a deep dive into Microsoft Teams' latest developments, plus hear how Special guest Andrew Liptrot, Global Lead for Audio, Visual and Workplace Technology at Haleon, is trying to elevate Microsoft Teams Rooms beyond just being a technical
- [12 UC Trends of Christmas: Expert Predictions for 2026](https://tomtalks.blog/12-uc-trends-of-christmas-expert-predictions-for-2026/) - UC Today’s 12 Trends of Christmas brings together insights from twelve industry experts who share their predictions for what lies ahead for the industry.
- [Microsoft Teams Show - Teams Rooms Rollouts, Multi-Model Copilot & Special Guest Ally Ward](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-show-teams-rooms-rollouts-multi-model-copilot-special-guest-ally-ward/) - In this November edition of the Microsoft Teams Show, hosts Kristian McCann and Tom Arbuthnot break down the biggest Teams stories from the past month.
- [Microsoft Teams News - Oct. 2025: Agents in Teams and Multi-Model Copilot](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-news-oct-2025-agents-in-teams-and-multi-model-copilot/) - UC Today hosts Kristian McCann and Tom Arbuthnot break down the biggest Microsoft Teams and Copilot stories from the past month with the panel.
- [Microsoft Teams News - Sept. 2025: Copilot Gets GPT-5 & End of EA Discount](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-news-sept-2025-copilot-gets-gpt-5-end-of-ea-discount/) - Microsoft Teams News for September 2025 - Shift in Microsoft's enterprise licensing, integration of GPT-5 in Microsoft 365 Copilot and Microsoft's own AI models
- [Microsoft Teams News - August 2025 Update](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-news-august-2025-update/) - In this August edition of the Microsoft Teams Show, hosts Kristian McCann & Tom Arbuthnot dissect the biggest Teams stories from the past month
- [Microsoft Teams News - July 2025 Update](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-news-july-2025-update/) - Join hosts Rob Scott, Krstian McCann and Tom Arbuthnot of Empowering.Cloud for the July 2025 edition of the Microsoft Teams News Shows | UC Today Microsoft Teams
- [Microsoft Teams News - June 2025 Update](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-news-june-2025-update/) - UC Today host Rob Scott, Tom Arbuthnot of Empowering.Cloud and a panel of seasoned experts breakdown what's shaping the Microsoft Teams ecosystem.
- [Microsoft Teams News - April 2025 Update](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-news-april-2025-update/) - Join David Dungay and Tom Arbuthnot as they welcome a power-packed panel of Microsoft Teams experts to discuss the updates reshaping the Microsoft Teams ecosystem. April's edition of Microsoft Teams Monthly Update is a whirlwind of Copilot agents, smarter rooms and surprise integrations. Josh Blalock, Chief Video Evangelist, Jabra Graham Walsh, Director, Global Technical Sales,
- [Microsoft Teams News - May 2025 Update](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-news-may-2025-update/) - Join Microsoft experts Tom Arbuthnot, Kevin Kieller, Amanda Sterner, Ryan Herbst, Satish Upadhyaya, and Tom Halards for the Microsoft Teams Monthly Update
- [Microsoft Teams News - March 2025 Update](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-news-march-2025-update/) - In this month's Microsoft Teams news update, David Dungay and Tom Arbuthnot are joined by Microsoft Teams experts to discuss the latest developments.
- [Microsoft Teams News - February 2025 Update](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-news-february-2025-update/) - In this episode of UC Today, David Dungay and Tom Arbuthnot are joined by a panel of Microsoft Teams experts to dive into the latest innovations from ISE 2025.
- [Microsoft Places Learning Path Partner Training Videos](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-places-learning-path-partner-training-videos/) - There is a new Microsoft Places learning path for partners. Some Places features are included in Office 365 core, and Premium Places features are part of the Microsoft Teams Premium licence. Access all the training free as a Microsoft partner here: https://readiness.transform.microsoft.com/learning-path/fe099c37-8988-4537-b4bc-a53ff7516cfb Beginner Microsoft Places Training Here’s the list of training videos with their titles
- [Microsoft Teams Year in Review: Key Highlights and Insights for 2025](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-year-in-review-key-highlights-and-insights-for-2025/) - Rob Scott, Tom Arbuthnot and other renowned Microsoft Teams experts explore the standout moments and innovations in the Microsoft Teams space from 2024.
- [Microsoft Teams News - November 2024 Update](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-news-november-2024-update/) - Microsoft Teams experts and dive into the hot Microsoft Teams updates for November 2024 with Rob Scott and MVP Tom Arbuthnot
- [Microsoft Teams News - October 2024 Update](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-news-october-2024-update/) - Microsoft Teams news and updates for October 2024 with UC Today host Rob Scott, Microsoft MVP Tom Arbuthnot and expert guests.
- [Microsoft Teams News - September 2024 Update](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-news-september-2024-update/) - In this month’s episode of our Microsoft Teams news show, host Rob Scott returns with a deep dive into the latest updates and features that are reshaping the Teams ecosystem. Joined by Tom Arbuthnot from Empowering.Cloud and a panel of Microsoft Teams experts, the discussion covers significant advancements, from contact center enhancements to AI-driven meeting summaries. In
- [The Benefits of the latest Android OS on Microsoft Teams Rooms and Devices](https://tomtalks.blog/the-benefits-of-the-latest-android-os-on-microsoft-teams-rooms-and-devices/) - When choosing your Microsoft Teams Rooms on Android, Teams Panels and Teams Phones, one important consideration is the Android OS version it is running. But it's an appliance, I hear you say. Why would you care what version of Android it is running on? In this blog, I will dig into Android Microsoft Teams Rooms
- [Microsoft Teams Rooms, Phone and Copilot Partner Technical Bootcamp Videos - June 2024](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-rooms-phone-and-copilot-partner-technical-bootcamp-videos-june-2024/) - The June 2024 Converged Comms Partner Technical Bootcamp videos are now available on demand on the Microsoft Partner Access to Readiness Hub. The Readiness Hub is where partners can skill up on Microsoft 365, Security, Compliance and Identity with self-paced content. Microsoft Teams Rooms learning path here Low Friction Deployment Small and Meeting Room Deployments
- [Microsoft Teams Walkie Talkie hands on with headsets](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-walkie-talkie-hands-on-with-headsets/) - Microsoft Teams Walkie Talkie is a push-to-talk feature that allows users and groups of users to quickly and securely communicate using the Microsoft Teams app on Android or iPhone mobile phones. It also works on physical Teams IP Phones for desk-based users. It's targeted at front line workers and scenarios in retail, manufacturing, security and
- [Microsoft Teams News - August 2024 Update](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-news-august-2024-update/) - Tom Wright and Tom Arbuthnot discuss recent Microsoft Teams updates with experts Ryan Herbst and Josh Blalock. Key topics include Microsoft’s FY24 Q4 earnings, Teams client improvements, device updates, and upcoming events.
- [Microsoft Teams News - July 2024 Update](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-news-july-2024-update/) - In this update, Rob Scott, Tom Arbuthnot and special guests, talk through the most popular Microsoft Teams news headlines
- [Microsoft Teams News - June 2024 Update](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-news-june-2024-update/) - Host Rob Scott teams up with Tom Arbuthnot from Empowering.Cloud to unpack recent updates and announcements. Joined by a panel of seasoned Teams experts, find out what's new in the Teams ecosystem. In this update, we talk through the most popular Teams news headlines with this month’s special guests: Graham Walsh, Product Specialist at Neat
- [Microsoft Teams News - May 2024 Update](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-news-may-2024-update/) - Host Kieran Devlin teams up with special guest Tom Arbuthnot from Empowering.Cloud to unpack recent Microsoft Teams updates and announcements. In this update, we talk through the most popular Teams news headlines with this month’s special guests: Graham Walsh, Product Specialist at Neat Kevin Kieller, Co-Founder and Lead Analyst, enableUC Josh Blalock, Chief Video Evangelist
- [20 Million Teams Phone users and 1 Million Teams Rooms - Microsoft Earnings FY24 Q3](https://tomtalks.blog/20-million-teams-phone-users-and-1-million-teams-rooms-microsoft-earnings-fy24-q3/) - Microsoft just released its latest earnings information for FY24 Q3. I always like to examine what information we can glean from a Microsoft 365 perspective, and this time, we got a lot. Here are the highlights. Microsoft's total revenue increased 17% to $61.86bn during the first three months of 2024, the third quarter of its
- [Microsoft Teams News - April 2024 Update](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-news-april-2024-update/) - UC Today host Rob Scott teams up with special guest Tom Arbuthnot from Empowering.Cloud to unpack recent updates and announcements. Joined by a panel of seasoned Teams experts, find out what’s new in the Teams ecosystem. In this update, we talk through the most popular Teams news headlines with this month's special guests: Graham Walsh,
- [How to get a SharePoint Microsoft List ID (GUID) in the browser](https://tomtalks.blog/how-to-get-a-sharepoint-microsoft-list-id-guid-in-the-browser/) - Thanks to Salaudeen Rajack, who blogged various ways to get a SharePoint List ID, I found this the easiest one, so I am re-documenting it for myself. It simply involves crafting a URL to hit the rest API in the browser, no PowerShell or Graph Explorer needed. Grab the URL of your list, e.g. https://moderncomms987892.sharepoint.com/sites/M365ChangePilot/Lists/M365%20Roadmap/AllItems.aspx
- [Microsoft Teams News - March 2024 Update](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-news-march-2024-update/) - UC Today host Rob Scott is joined by Microsoft Teams Expert and Co-Founder of Empowering.Cloud, Tom Arbuthnot and a panel of experts from the Microsoft Teams community. In this update, we talk through the most popular Teams news headlines with this month’s special guests: Graham Walsh, Product Specialist at Neat Satish Upadhyaya, MVP, Microsoft 365 UC Architect Amanda Sterner,
- [Microsoft Teams UC Today Podcast - February 2024](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-uc-today-podcast-february-2024/) - UC Today host Rob Scott is joined by Microsoft Teams Expert and Co-Founder of Empowering.Cloud, Tom Arbuthnot and a panel of experts from the Microsoft Teams community. In this update, we talk through the most popular Teams news headlines with this month’s special guests: Graham Walsh, Product Specialist at Neat Kevin Kieller, Co-Founder and Lead Analyst, enableUC Microsoft Teams
- [Microsoft Designer vs Copilot Designer vs Bing Image Creator](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-designer-vs-copilot-designer-vs-bing-image-creator/) - What is Microsoft Designer? Microsoft Designer was announced on October 12, 2022. It is an AI-powered (with DALL.E 3 and GPT 3.5) web-based graphic design application. It is designed to help create social media posts, invitations, digital postcards, and graphics. How can I use work created in Microsoft Designer? "The Azure OpenAI service and the Designer
- [Allow Microsoft Copilot for Microsoft 365 to access web content](https://tomtalks.blog/allow-microsoft-copilot-for-microsoft-365-to-access-web-content/) - There are two steps to allow Microsoft Copilot for Microsoft 365, the paid Copilot experience for Microsoft 365, to access web content as part of its answers. An admin setting and a user setting. 1. Admin setting to allow or disallow Copilot to improve responses with web content Access to web content is automatically turned
- [Microsoft Teams UC Today Podcast - January 2024](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-uc-today-podcast-january-2024/) - UC Today host Rob Scott is joined by Microsoft Teams Expert and Co-Founder of Empowering.Cloud, Tom Arbuthnot and a panel of experts from the Microsoft Teams community. In this update, we talk through the most popular Teams news headlines. Microsoft Teams News New Front Line Worker Teams Phone License Operator Connect in India Is 2024
- [Connect Your Microsoft Teams Phone Number To WhatsApp, iMessage, WeChat, Telegram With LeapXpert](https://tomtalks.blog/connect-your-microsoft-teams-phone-number-to-whatsapp-imessage-wechat-telegram-with-leapxpert/) - Business users want to message to consumer platforms, but what about compliance? In many cases, business users want to message customers or partners on consumer platforms like WhatsApp, Apple iMessage and WeChat. If the business user uses those platforms natively using their personal phone number or business mobile number (as we all know they frequently
- [Copilot for Microsoft 365 open to Microsoft 365 Business and E Plans, no seat minimum](https://tomtalks.blog/copilot-for-microsoft-365-open-to-microsoft-365-business-and-e-plans-no-seat-minimum/) - Today, Microsoft announced that Copilot for Microsoft 365 is generally available for Microsoft 365 Business Premium and Business Standard users at the same $30 per person per month, with no minimum seat count. Commercial customers can now purchase Copilot for Microsoft 365 through Microsoft Cloud Solution Provider partners, meaning partners can now sell licences and
- [Microsoft Copilot Pro, $20 PUPM, for Microsoft 365 Personal and Family consumer users](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-copilot-pro-20-pupm-for-microsoft-365-personal-and-family-consumer-users/) - Today, Microsoft announced a new Copilot (yes, the list is growing all the time), simply called "Copilot Pro". Copilot Pro is actually not for professionals but for consumers. You must be a paid Microsoft 365 Personal and Family subscriber, and you can then add on the $20 PUPM Copilot license. Copilot Pro provides: Copilot in
- [Microsoft Teams Predictions 2024 - UC Today](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-predictions-2024-uc-today/) - Teams experts discuss their predictions for Microsoft Teams in 2024 with UC Today's Rob Scott.
- [Microsoft Teams UC Today Podcast November 2023](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-uc-today-podcast-november-2023/) - Microsoft Q1 results 320 million Microsoft Teams monthly active users 10,000 customers using Teams Premium Microsoft Teams Rooms revenue grown triple-digits for nine consecutive quarters General Availability of the new Microsoft Teams app "Enterprise" General Availability of Microsoft 365 Copilot Microsoft Teams Android 9 Phones certification end date extension Operator Connect – 77 Operators, 77
- [Understanding and how to turn on Bing Chat Enterprise](https://tomtalks.blog/understanding-and-how-to-turn-on-bing-chat-enterprise/) - Bing Chat for Enterprise is Bing Chat (GPT-4 enriched with web results) but with "commercial data protection." "Commercial Data Protection" means user and business data is protected, chat data is not saved, Microsoft has no eye-on access to data, and chat data is not used to train the underlying models. Bing Chat enterprise does *not*
- [Microsoft Teams Phone number routing logic change, specific matching for users with extensions MC487014](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-phone-number-routing-logic-change-specific-matching-for-users-with-extensions-mc487014/) - Full message center message here: MC487014 (only sent to select tenants) Quite a big change in how Microsoft Teams routes PSTN phone calls to users is coming. This is a change in behaviour that has been the same since the Lync server days. This only affects users with an assigned phone number in the format
- [Teams Phone Resource Account licence (Virtual user licence) now required for all Resource Accounts used by Teams](https://tomtalks.blog/teams-phone-resource-account-licence-virtual-user-licence-now-required-for-all-resource-accounts-used-by-teams/) - This is an important change to be aware of. Previously, a Teams Phone Resource Account license (previously called Virtual user license) was only required when assigning a phone number to a resource account. Now, all resource accounts used in Microsoft Teams must be assigned a Teams Phone Resource Account license, regardless of whether they'll be
- [Microsoft Teams MS-720 exam to be replaced with MS-721: Collaboration Communications Systems Engineer](https://tomtalks.blog/ms-721-collaboration-communications-systems-engineer-study-guide/) - For all my MS-720 friends out there, it’s time for a new exam. The MS-720 Microsoft Teams Voice Engineer exam, which earned you the title Microsoft 365 Certified: Teams Voice Engineer Expert, will be retired on June 30, 2023. A replacement exam, Exam MS-721: Collaboration Communications Systems Engineer, will be available in mid-March 2023. Which
- [Setup Microsoft Teams on Elgato Stream Deck](https://tomtalks.blog/setup-microsoft-teams-on-elgato-stream-deck/) - Microsoft Teams has official support for the Elgato Stream Deck. This gives you physical shortcut keys to take the following actions: Toggle camera on/off Toggle mute on/off Toggle record on/off Toggle background blur on/off Leave the meeting Post live reactions Raise/lower hand Record Here is how to install Microsoft Teams buttons on the Stream Deck
- [What is Microsoft Teams (free)? What are the differences with Microsoft Teams paid?](https://tomtalks.blog/what-is-microsoft-teams-free-what-are-the-differences-with-microsoft-teams-paid/) - What is Microsoft Teams (free)? “Microsoft Teams (free)”, an odd name I know, is the version of Teams for home/consumer. The free link for Microsoft Teams has “teams-for-home” in the URL. It has also been called “Teams for Life” and “Microsoft Teams for personal and small business use”. It is the version of Teams which
- [2023 Microsoft Teams Predictions, UC Today January Podcast](https://tomtalks.blog/2023-microsoft-teams-predictions-uc-today-january-podcast/) - This month on the UC Today podcast, we got 10 industry experts to give their 2023 Microsoft Teams predictions Ryan Herbst, UnifiedCommunications.com Patrick Watson, Cavell Group Simon Leyland, CloudInteract Scott Riley, Cloud Nexus Randy Chapman, UC Status Kevin Keiller, EnableUC Graham Walsh, Neat David Dungay, UC Today Zeus Kerravala, ZK Research Mark Vale, Commsverse Check
- [ROGER365.io becomes 7th Extend Certified Microsoft Teams Contact Center](https://tomtalks.blog/roger365-io-becomes-7th-extend-certified-microsoft-teams-contact-center/) - ROGER365.io has attained Microsoft Extend Contact Center Certification. From their website, “ROGER365.io is a powerful omnichannel Contact Center cloud solution for Microsoft Teams that includes telephone webchat, WhatsApp, SMS, and more. All these channels are handled with a single app that gives agents a full range of Contact Center tools and links them seamlessly
- [Microsoft Teams Rooms Solution Sales Professional 2023 Badge, Learning Path and Exam](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-rooms-solution-sales-professional-2023-badge-learning-path-and-exam/) - Thanks to Nicky Chapman, UK&I DPSS Lead I Microsoft Teams & Devices, for the heads up on this. The new Microsoft Teams Rooms Solution Sales Professional 2023 Badge is here. This is an exam and badge that individuals at Microsoft partners can attain for free, showcasing their sales expertise and solution-selling skills across Microsoft Teams
- [How to fix PowerPoint slide off center in editing view](https://tomtalks.blog/how-to-fix-powerpoint-slide-off-center-in-editing-view/) - This one annoyed me for a while before I worked it out. I have a deck where most slides are correctly centred while editing with no horizontal scroll bar. But some slides in the same deck are off-center and have a horizontal scroll bar: This is because there is an object somewhere that has been
- [Skype for Business Server TAP recruiting new customers](https://tomtalks.blog/skype-for-business-server-tap-recruiting-new-customers/) - With Teams' success, it has been very quiet on the Skype for Business Server front. In August 2022, Microsoft confirmed they “remain committed” to supporting Skype for Business Server beyond 2025. Now some news for Skype for Business Server customers, The Skype for Business Server team is looking for new members to join their Technology
- [Microsoft Teams Voice Applications Analytics Collector (VAAC) service](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-voice-applications-analytics-collector-vaac-service/) - An interesting new reporting service for Microsoft Teams is enabling some new Teams Auto Attendant & Call Queue 3.0 reports. The new reports show the number of calls being processed by auto attendants and call queues and some agent performance insights. The latest V3.0.4 was published on November 18, 2022. It looks like they are
- [UC Today Microsoft Teams News Podcast November 2022](https://tomtalks.blog/uc-today-microsoft-teams-news-podcast-november-2022/) - October was a big month with all the Ignite news, but there is still plenty to talk about in November. This month we also had input from Randy Chapman, Simon Leyland and Ryan Herbst. Check out the pod on your favourite podcast player or here on YouTube. Microsoft Teams News & Events Microsoft Teams Premium
- [Understanding eVoc2, Pure IP's US Microsoft Teams Operator Connect Partner Program](https://tomtalks.blog/understanding-evoc2-pure-ips-us-microsoft-teams-operator-connect-partner-program/) - This month Pure IP, where I work as a Solutions Director, launched a new United States eVoc2 partner program. eVoc2 is a program designed to support Microsoft drive to light up more Team Calling seats in the US using Operator Connect. It allows both existing telcos and non-telco Microsoft partners to sell Microsoft Teams Operator
- [Understanding Microsoft Teams Real-Time Call Quality Analytics (RTA) Meeting Reporting](https://tomtalks.blog/understanding-microsoft-teams-real-time-telemetry-reporting-analytics/) - Updated 8th November 2022: A change in behaviour where only meetings clicked by an admin while in progress now appear in the Real-Time Reporting "recent meetings" history. This feature is still in preview. ######### Microsoft Teams gives admins the ability to report on the real-time performance of audio, video, content sharing, and network-related issues in
- [Microsoft Teams progressive web app (PWA) for Linux](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-progressive-web-app-pwa-for-linux/) - In August 2022, Microsoft, fairly quietly, announced plans to retire the Linux desktop client for Teams in early December, in Microsoft 365 message center notification MC412007. Previously Microsoft had launched a dedicated Linux desktop client, but it had never reached feature parity with Windows. Incidentally, Microsoft filtered the message center message to only go to
- [Competella, part of Enghouse Interactive, Microsoft Teams Extend Contact Center Certified](https://tomtalks.blog/competella-part-of-enghouse-interactive-microsoft-teams-extend-contact-center-certified/) - Competella is the third Contact Center to be Microsoft Teams Extend Certified. There are 14 contact centres certified for Microsoft Teams, but only Luware, Tendfor and Competella are certified for Extend. With Microsoft Teams Extend certified contact centres, customers can bring their own Contact Center PSTN connectivity via Microsoft Calling Plan, Operator Connect or Direct
- [Microsoft Teams SIP Gateway to support analog phones via Analog Telephone Adaptor (ATA) and Algo overhead paging devices](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-sip-gateway-to-support-analog-phones-via-analog-telephone-adaptor-ata-and-algo-overhead-paging-devices/) - Announced at Microsoft Ignite, and coming in early 2023, Microsoft Teams SIP Gateway will support analog phones. Allowing you to connect existing analog phones and specialist analog endpoints like door access systems or elevator phones. Which Analog Telephone Adaptors (ATAs) are supported with Microsoft Teams? Analog will be supported by connecting a compatible analog telephone
- [Cisco will be fully certified for Microsoft Teams Rooms and Devices, here are the details](https://tomtalks.blog/cisco-will-be-a-certified-for-full-microsoft-teams-rooms-and-devices-here-are-the-details/) - Well, I did not see this coming, but it makes sense for all parties, and most importantly, customers. Cisco will become a partner in the Certified for Microsoft Teams program for the first time. For those who don’t know, before being deep in the Microsoft UC world, I worked for a Cisco partner, one
- [Neat's full device portfolio now certified for Microsoft Teams](https://tomtalks.blog/neats-full-device-portfolio-now-certified-for-microsoft-teams/) - Exciting news announced at Microsoft Ignite, the Neat Frame and Neat Bar Pro are now officially Microsoft Teams certified, which means their entire portfolio of devices is now certified for Microsoft Teams. Near Bar - Microsoft Teams Room for small rooms Neat Bar Pro - Microsoft Teams Room for medium rooms Neat Pad - Microsoft
- [Understanding Microsoft Teams Rooms Standard vs. Premium](https://tomtalks.blog/understanding-microsoft-teams-rooms-standard-vs-premium/) - Note, these licences are now legacy; Microsoft has moved to Microsoft Teams Rooms Basic and Microsoft Teams Rooms Pro Microsoft has launched and branded its Microsoft Teams Rooms remote service Microsoft Teams Rooms Premium. This is what you might have heard of in preview as Managed Meeting Rooms Service. In addition, they have now branded
- [UC Today Microsoft Teams Update Podcast October 2022](https://tomtalks.blog/uc-today-microsoft-teams-update-podcast-october-2022/) - Even though a lot of news will be coming at Microsoft Ignite, our October Update was still packed. Also for the first time this month, we invited several great industry experts to share their questions, opinions and thoughts at the end of the show. Empowering.Cloud reaches over 1,000 members Microsoft Teams optimized for Apple silicon
- [Microsoft Graph API Office 365 usage reporting GA, existing API and PowerShell cmdlets will be removed January 29, 2018](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-graph-api-office-365-usage-reporting-ga-existing-api-powershell-cmdlets-will-removed-january-29-2018/) - Microsoft announced in a blog post on 19th December, new APIs are available now, and Using these APIs, you can retrieve the data available in all of the web-based usage reports on the Office 365 portal You get Organization level summaries per service, entity level (user, sites, accounts) usage information Reporting periods of the last
- [Understanding the Microsoft Teams PSTN Usage Call Records Report\Bill for Calling Plan and PSTN Audio Conferencing](https://tomtalks.blog/understanding-the-microsoft-teams-pstn-usage-call-records-reportbill-for-calling-plan-and-pstn-audio-conferencing/) - Microsoft Teams can be your conferencing platform with PSTN audio conferencing and your Phone system with either Calling Plans from Microsoft or a third-party PSTN carrier with Direct Routing. Microsoft provides a PSTN & SMS usage report that serves as your call records report and also a breakdown of any PSTN charges. The report covers
- [Key Insights from Microsoft Inspire 2019](https://tomtalks.blog/key-areas-of-focus-from-microsoft-inspire-2019/) - Inspire is Microsoft’s conference for partners where they give partners insights and direction on their areas of focus and where they see the opportunities for partners (read, this is what Microsoft would like partners to sell). It’s obviously important to partners, but it also gives a good idea of what areas Microsoft are focusing on.
- [Microsoft Teams SIP Phone Gateway preview and supported SIP phones announced](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-sip-phone-gateway-preview-and-supported-sip-phones-announced/) - More Ignite news pouring in. Back in August 2020, Microsoft announced they would support the native registration of specific SIP phones to Microsoft Teams. We haven’t heard much since then. Today it was announced that the SIP gateway is going into Preview (I haven’t personally heard anything about the preview yet). Capabilities *may* (note the
- [Microsoft adding unlimited Microsoft Teams Meeting PSTN dial-in to enterprise, business, frontline, and government licences](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-adding-unlimited-microsoft-teams-meeting-pstn-dial-in-to-enterprise-business-frontline-and-government-licences/) - In a Microsoft blog post today from Jared Spataro, Corporate Vice President for Microsoft 365, giving a heads up of coming Microsoft 365/Office 365 price rises, Microsoft also announced something really exciting for Microsoft Teams. “And today, we are announcing that we will add unlimited dial-in capabilities for Microsoft Teams meetings across our enterprise, business,
- [Microsoft Teams Rooms Pro and Microsoft Teams Rooms Basic, everything you need to know.](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-rooms-pro-and-microsoft-teams-rooms-basic-everything-you-need-to-know/) - From 1st September 2022, Microsoft has changed the way Microsoft Teams Rooms are licenced. Here are the official blog and docs. This is what we had before: Microsoft Teams Rooms Standard - $15 per device per month Microsoft Teams Rooms Premium - $50 per device per month Microsoft Teams Rooms Standard Microsoft Teams Rooms Premium
- [Yealink MV660 Microsoft Teams Rooms, Hands-On](https://tomtalks.blog/yealink-mv660-microsoft-teams-rooms-hands-on/) - Yealink recently sent me the Yealink MV660 Microsoft Teams Rooms on Windows bundle to test. The Yealink MVC660 includes: MTouch II Touch panel MCore Mini-PC UCV86 USB PTZ Camera MSpeech USB Speakerphone I have had time to have some hands-on time at the Empowering.Cloud office and it has been a good experience. The camera tracking
- [Only 27% of users truly collaborate in Microsoft Teams, SWOOP Analytics Microsoft 365 Benchmarking Report 2022](https://tomtalks.blog/only-27-of-users-truly-collaborate-in-microsoft-teams-swoop-analytics-microsoft-365-benchmarking-report-2022/) - In a world full of Modern Workplace thought leaders and hybrid workplace predictions, it’s interesting to look at a report based on actual usage data from multiple organisations. SWOOP, creators of an M365 usage analytics reporting product, collected real usage data from 18 globally distributed organizations for their Microsoft 365 Benchmarking report 2022. This covered
- [Microsoft to increase Microsoft 365 and Office 365 plan prices in March 2022](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-to-increase-microsoft-365-and-office-365-plan-prices-in-march-2022/) - In a blog today Microsoft announced some coming price increases for Microsoft 365 and Office 365 plans Office 365 E1 from $8 to $10 per user per month Office 365 E3 from $20 to $23 per user per month Office 365 E5 from $35 to $38 per user per month Microsoft 365 Business Basic from
- [Microsoft Teams hits 250 million monthly active users, 80 million monthly active Teams Phone users](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-hits-250-million-monthly-active-users-80-million-monthly-active-teams-phone-users/) - Update 2nd August 2021: Added Microsoft definition of each of the usage statistics Microsoft Teams news from Microsoft’s Q4 FY21 earnings announcement on 27th July. 250 million monthly active Teams Users Previously Microsoft reported *daily* active users, with the last report being 145 million Daily Active Users (DAU) in April 2021, in this earnings call
- [Microsoft Teams will support standard SIP phones in the first half of 2021](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-will-support-standard-sip-phones-in-the-first-half-of-2021/) - Update: 2nd March 2021: Microsoft Teams SIP Phone Gateway preview and supported SIP phones announced – Tom Talks Microsoft has just announced in a blog post that “Support for SIP phones will be available in the first half of 2021.”. It looks like any SIP-based phone will be supported, the blog mentions “Cisco, Yealink, Polycom,
- [Understanding Microsoft Azure Communication Services (CPaaS)](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-azure-communication-services/) - Azure Communication Services is Microsoft’s CPaaS (Communication Platform as a Service) platform that is also the platform that powers Microsoft Teams, it became generally available in March 2021. Be sure to subscribe to blog email updates for more news on Azure Communications Services. Azure Communication Services provides libraries for mobile apps, desktop, and web, allowing
- [Microsoft Teams PSTN Call Records Log / Bill from Microsoft Graph API](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-pstn-call-records-log-bill-from-microsoft-graph-api/) - A long asked for API feature, the ability to pragmatically collect the PSTN call records and charges from Microsoft Teams, e.g. the phone bill. Up until now, you have only been able to get this by exporting it from the Teams Admin Center into Excel, but now, in beta, you can collect these records from
- [What is the Microsoft 365 Graph API Service Level Agreement (SLA)?](https://tomtalks.blog/what-is-the-microsoft-365-graph-api-service-level-agreement-sla/) - One of the conversations I often get involved in with enterprises is cloud services, risk, uptime and service level agreements. Microsoft Teams Service Level Agreement (SLA) A service-level agreement (SLA) is a commitment between a provider and customer to provide a documented level of service and uptime. For Microsoft Teams, the SLA is 99.9%. The
- [Slack working on Microsoft Teams "calling features" integrations via Public APIs, what does that mean?](https://tomtalks.blog/slack-working-on-microsoft-teams-calling-features-integrations-via-public-apis-what-does-that-mean/) - On a call with RBC analyst Alex Zukin on Thursday, Slack CEO Stewart Butterfield announced: “We’re working on Teams integrations for calling features,”. So what could it be? Microsoft hasn’t replied to any request for comment, but a Slack spokesperson said Slack will be delivering this integration using publicly available APIs (Thanks Mary Jo Foley).
- [Microsoft Teams call records API now Generally Available](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-call-records-api-now-generally-available/) - Being able to report at depth on usage (number of calls, who called who, what modalities were used etc.) and on performance (packet loss, jitter latency etc.) on unified communications is something many organisations want to do. Some History In Skype for Business Server, we could get all the data in the backend CDR/QoE SQL
- [EPOS Intelligent speaker for Microsoft Teams Rooms with speaker identification for transcriptions](https://tomtalks.blog/epos-intelligent-speaker-for-microsoft-teams-rooms-with-speaker-identification-for-transcriptions/) - Technology first previewed at Build 2018 and talked about as a coming device at Ignite 2020, Microsoft Teams Intelligent Speakers are a new category of device to connect to Microsoft Teams Rooms. EPOS (a joint venture between Sennheiser and Demant A/S) has launched the first one (shipping April), the EXPAND Capture 5, Yealink are also
- [138 organizations have more than 100,000 Microsoft Teams users, MSFT FY2021 Q1 Results](https://tomtalks.blog/138-organizations-have-more-than-100000-microsoft-teams-users-msft-fy2021-q1-results/) - Microsoft released its FY22 Q1 results yesterday. It is always interesting to keep an eye on what is being talked about in the results as it shows the areas Microsoft want to highlight. Results for the quarter ended September 30, 2021, as compared to the corresponding period of last fiscal year: Revenue was $45.3 billion
- [Avaya Session Border Controller for Enterprise (Avaya SBCE) certified for Microsoft Teams Direct Routing](https://tomtalks.blog/avaya-session-border-controller-for-enterprise-avaya-sbce-certified-for-microsoft-teams-direct-routing/) - Roadmap item 66465 In June we heard that Avaya SBC’s were going to be certified for Microsoft Teams, now it’s all approved and official. Avaya Session Border Controller for Enterprise ( ASBCE) release 8.1.1 is officially on the certified list. It’s certified for non-media bypass. Avaya SBCE Standard Services is aimed at enterprise and small
- [Microsoft Teams Monthly Podcast May - Skype for Business Phones and Server Updates](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-monthly-podcast-may-skype-for-business-phones-and-server-updates/) - Once again Patrick from UC Today and I are back with the monthly podcast. Check out the podcast on: Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts UCToday Website YouTube Spotify BuzzSprout RSS Feed This month we talk about SfB Server CU9 - https://tomtalks.blog/2019/05/skype-for-business-server-2015-cumulative-update-9-cu9/ SfB Phone update - https://tomtalks.blog/2019/05/tom-arbuthnot-speaking-at-uc-expo-london-15th-and-16th-may/ Information Barriers - https://tomtalks.blog/2019/05/information-barriers-ethical-walls-or-chinese-walls-in-preview-in-microsoft-teams/ PowerShell module for Teams - https://tomtalks.blog/2019/04/microsoft-teams-general-availability-and-preview-powershell-modules/
- [First Microsoft Teams Phones are Generally Available from Yealink. AudioCodes, Crestron and Polycom coming soon](https://tomtalks.blog/first-microsoft-teams-phones-are-generally-available-from-yealink-audiocodes-crestron-and-polycom-coming-soon/) - It’s official, both on the Microsoft documentation and the Yealink website, Yealink phones are the first generally available IP Phones Microsoft Teams. From the Microsoft documentation, it also looks like the Crestron M100 is GA, with more Crestron phones coming soon. Firmware and admin guides are available on the Yealink site: T58A Teams: http://support.yealink.com/documentFront/forwardToDocumentDetailPage?documentId=261 T56A
- [Bandwidth Send-To App adds SMS Text Messages to Microsoft Teams](https://tomtalks.blog/bandwidth-send-to-bot-adds-sms-text-messages-to-microsoft-teams-channels/) - Some UCaaS platforms allow users to send and receive mobile/cell phone SMS (Short Message Service). Microsoft Teams Personal/Consumer/Home/for life does have SMS. Although we have had an "SMS use" report in Teams Admin Center for more than a year and the feature is rumoured to be coming, today you can not natively send SMS in
- [Azure Communication Services interoperability with Microsoft Teams GA, opens up new integration scenarios](https://tomtalks.blog/azure-communication-services-interoperability-with-microsoft-teams-ga-opens-up-new-integration-scenarios/) - On August 22nd, Microsoft announced that their Azure Communication Services CPaaS platform interoperability with Microsoft Teams is generally available. This means it is out of preview and fully supported for production use. ACS interop with Teams allows application developers to build applications and experiences that interact with Microsoft Teams users over voice, video, chat, and
- [Microsoft Teams Backup & Restore Certification using Microsoft Teams Export APIs](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-backup-restore-certification-microsoft-teams-export-apis/) - A new Microsoft Teams certification has appeared, Microsoft Teams Backup & Restore Certification. "Microsoft Teams Backup & Restore certification assures customers that each participating partner's solution has been tested and verified to provide the quality, compatibility, and reliability they expect from Microsoft solutions". Veeam and Rubrik are the first two ISVs to be certified. I
- [Team Templates coming to Microsoft Teams](https://tomtalks.blog/team-templates-coming-to-microsoft-teams/) - An exciting and much-requested feature, Microsoft Teams will now include a default team template experience right in the team creation UI and managed through the Teams Admin Center (TAC). I know this is a popular feature as Modality (where I work) has our own third-party app for doing this, CreateTeam. Other third parties also have
- [Skype for Business 3PIP Phones move to Microsoft Teams SIP Gateway - MC409857](https://tomtalks.blog/skype-for-business-3pip-phones-must-be-moved-to-microsoft-teams-sip-gateway-mc409857/) - Update: Microsoft is aware this deadline may cause customers issues and is working on an update. Stay tuned; I will update this blog and LinkedIn as soon as I know more. ####################### Thanks to Matt Ellis for highlighting this (someone worth following if you are in the Teams space). Microsoft has dropped a pretty impactful
- [Microsoft Teams adding Join Meeting by Numeric Code](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-adding-join-meeting-by-numeric-code/) - A popular feature on competing meeting platforms, Microsoft is adding the ability to join a meeting via a unique meeting Numeric “code”. This is handy when someone wants to join a meeting but you can’t easily share the join link with them, say for example you want to SMS someone a meeting invite but they
- [Blocking and Filtering Giphys in Microsoft Teams, why do IT spoil all the fun?](https://tomtalks.blog/blocking-and-filtering-giphys-in-microsoft-teams-why-do-it-spoil-all-the-fun/) - Using GIF’s in messaging has been popular in consumer messaging platforms for some time, allowing for a quick, emotive and often funny response. Personally, I am a fan, I think they add a bit of light-hearted fun and boost engagement. Slack first brought this into the more enterprise/business space, it was a popular plugin that
- [Understanding Microsoft Teams Calling Plans](https://tomtalks.blog/understanding-microsoft-teams-calling-plans/) - Microsoft Teams can be a real phone for users with a real phone number. To get this functionality you need 2 things The “Phone System” licence, which is available as an add-on licence or bundled in Office 365 E5 – This is the ability for the client to act as a phone A Phone number
- [Understanding Microsoft Digital Contact Center Platform](https://tomtalks.blog/understanding-microsoft-digital-contact-center-platform/) - In November 2021 Microsoft first used the term “contact center” when referencing Dynamics 365 Customer Service. It was the first signal Microsoft are actively moving into the contact center space. Dynamics 365 Customer Service leverages Azure Communication Service, the underlying platform that supports Microsoft Teams to add PSTN connectivity. At Inspire, the Microsoft partner conference,
- [What speed network connection do you need for a good Microsoft Teams Video Experience?](https://tomtalks.blog/what-speed-network-connection-do-you-need-for-a-good-microsoft-teams-video-experience/) - Microsoft Teams offers chat, files, conferencing with audio, video and sharing and direct VoIP calling/phone system. The chat and collaboration are not particular bandwidth-intensive (speed) but if the network quality is highly variable or latency is high you might notice some lag/impacted user experience. When it comes to audio, video and sharing you will need
- [Microsoft Teams DECT integration via SIP Gateway](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-dect-sip-gateway/) - Update 25th July 2022: Spectralink are now certified supported for Microsoft Teams DECT: Spectralink DECT handsets Microsoft Teams now supported with Teams SIP Gateway Announced this week at Enterprise Connect, Microsoft is adding support for a number of digital enhanced cordless telecommunications (DECT) devices for Microsoft Teams. These will register via Microsoft’s native SIP gateway.
- [Microsoft Teams Busy on Busy, when on a call or meeting reject second incoming call](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-busy-on-busy-when-on-a-call-or-meeting-reject-second-incoming-call/) - One to file under classic telephony features now in Microsoft Teams, “Busy on Busy” (Busy Options) is a user-level or tenant level configuration to Busy on Busy (Busy Options) allows you to configure how an incoming calls when you are in an existing call or meeting. The second incoming calls can be rejected with a
- [Microsoft Teams Rooms Technical Solutions Professional Exam Training](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-rooms-technical-solutions-professional-exam-training/) - Microsoft has recently released a specific exam for Microsoft Teams Rooms Technical Solutions Professionals, aimed at technical roles in Partners working with Microsoft Teams Rooms. This follows the Microsoft Teams Rooms Solution Sales Professional Exam, also on ExpertZone The exam (or “Mission” as they are called) is on Microsoft Expertzone. It’s free to take and
- [Microsoft Teams 2.0 will use half the memory, dropping Electron for Edge Webview2](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-2-0-will-use-half-the-memory-dropping-electron-for-edge-webview2/) - Credit to Brad Sams for first reporting on this, Alongside the Windows 11 announcement today, Rish Tandon, the CVP Engineering for Microsoft Teams, posted on Twitter about changes coming to Microsoft Teams architecture. It gave a lot of useful insight into what is coming. Microsoft Teams is moving away from Electron to Edge Webview2 Angular
- [Disable Mute Unmute noises and Toasts in Plantronics Hub](https://tomtalks.blog/disable-mute-unmute-noises-and-toasts-in-plantronics-hub/) - I use a couple of great Plantronics headsets, mainly the Voyager 8200 and Voyager 5200 UC. I use Plantronics Hub windows software, which allows you to update the firmware, set some advanced functionality and even do device reporting into their Manager Pro product (which we can pull into Modality Diagnostics). One thing that annoyed me
- [Microsoft Teams: Your message is too long. Please shorten it before sending](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-message-long-please-shorten-sending/) - Microsoft Teams has a maximum message length, but I can’t work out the variable that set it off. At pure word count it appears to be ~2,400 words, but if you paste an IM chat from SfB with way less words all the line breaks/paragraphs seem to flag it too.# I will see if
- [Adding Outlook Email and Calendar App to Microsoft Teams, a proof of concept](https://tomtalks.blog/adding-outlook-email-and-calendar-app-to-microsoft-teams-a-proof-of-concept/) - DISCLAIMER – This is a community-written Proof of Concept custom App This is not an official Microsoft app. This is a custom app that was written using the power of App Studio within Teams. This app is NOT a supported enterprise-level app. It is ONLY for testing. It just shows you the power behind the
- [Microsoft Teams adds Pay-As-You-Go PSTN Calling Plan](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-adds-pay-as-you-go-pstn-calling-plan/) - A big change in how Microsoft offers user PSTN calling plans for Microsoft Teams, Microsoft has added a Pay-As-You-Go Calling Plan Teams SIP Gateway Microsoft Teams PowerShell Module 4.6.0 Microsoft Digital Contact Center Platform Roadmap It’s all free, it would be great to see you there.
- [Understanding Microsoft Teams Transcription and Captioning](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-transcription-captioning/) - Microsoft Teams offers both Live Captions and transcription. Each works differently. This blog will help you understand them and which to use. Microsoft Teams also supports CART (Communication Access Realtime Translation), human-generated live captioning. Microsoft Teams Live Captions Microsoft Live Captions shows, as the name suggests, real-time speech to text in a meeting speech at
- [Microsoft announce Operator Connect Mobile for Microsoft Teams](https://tomtalks.blog/operator-connect-mobile-for-microsoft-teams/) - Alongside releasing their 2022 Work Trend Index report today, Microsoft also announced Operator Connect Mobile. This is a fixed-mobile convergence (FMC) solution which will allow your mobile device to become a Teams Phone endpoint. Operator Connect Mobile will preview will begin in Q2 of 2022, with general availability beginning in the second half of 2022.
- [Microsoft "remain committed" to supporting Skype for Business Server beyond 2025, but the detail is lacking](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-remain-committed-to-supporting-skype-for-business-server-beyond-2025-but-the-detail-is-lacking/) - In June 2022 we got a detailed blog post from the Exchange team about the Exchange Server roadmap: "We have moved the release date for the next version of Exchange Server to the second half of 2025. The next version will require Server and CAL licenses and will be accessible only to customers with Software
- [How to join a Microsoft Teams Meeting by meeting ID and Passcode - Web Page Link](https://tomtalks.blog/join-microsoft-teams-meeting-by-meeting-id-and-passcode-web-page-link-url/) - You can use this web page to input your Microsoft Teams Meeting ID and Passcode to join a Microsoft Teams meeting: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-teams/join-a-meeting Microsoft has added numeric meeting ID and alphanumeric passcode to Microsoft Teams meetings. This allows you to easily share just the number and passcode (a bit like a password) for people to
- [Change Edge browser new tab to Google or any other URL you want](https://tomtalks.blog/change-edge-browser-new-tab-to-google-or-any-other-url-you-want/) - I’m really enjoying using Edge, it’s a shame Microsoft keep trying to make it difficult to not use Bing/injecting their content. By default, even if you change your default start page, new tabs will open a mess of Adverts and content. Locate the extension you'd like to turn on, then select the toggle to turn
- [5 Microsoft Teams features being worked on that I'm looking forward to, 5 more I think you should vote for](https://tomtalks.blog/5-microsoft-teams-features-being-worked-on-that-im-looking-forward-to-5-more-i-think-you-should-vote-for/) - Update: User Voice links removed as that site has been moved to https://aka.ms/TeamsFeedback Microsoft across the board are working in a more agile, customer feedback-driven way. This is particularly true of the Teams engineering group. They are constantly soliciting feedback and one of the main ways is User Voice, a public website designed to collect,
- [16GB RAM in HP NL40 Microserver and using PowerShell to check system RAM at startup](https://tomtalks.blog/16gb-ram-in-hp-nl40-microserver-and-using-powershell-to-check-system-ram-at-startup/) - I have a couple of the HP NL40 Microservers in my lab, they are little low powered servers (dual core AMD 1.5Ghz) but make quite decent little virtualisation hosts for a lab environment. Officially they support 8GB RAM, but there are a number of reports of them working with 16GB. In fact a good UK
- [How to get your Office 365 Tenant Name and Tenant ID](https://tomtalks.blog/how-to-get-your-office-365-tenant-id/) - Office 365 tenants have a tenant name and alphanumeric tenant ID, often when people ask for the tenant ID, they may just want the tenant name, but either way, here is how to find both: Tenant Name Your tenant name is the name specified when you sign up in the format: company.onmicrosoft.com, you can usually
- [Understanding Microsoft Viva, Features, Timelines and Pricing](https://tomtalks.blog/understanding-microsoft-viva-features-timelines-and-pricing/) - Updated 9th June 2021 with latest release and timeline information Microsoft Viva was first announced in February 2021. Now we have a bit more detail about it. Here is a quick breakdown of what we know so far. Microsoft Viva is a brand name for a family of products or modules. Microsoft positions Viva as
- [The 10 Biggest Microsoft Teams announcements from Microsoft Ignite 2020](https://tomtalks.blog/the-10-biggest-microsoft-teams-announcements-from-microsoft-ignite-2020/) - Microsoft Ignite is a firehose of news on everything Microsoft. Fortunately, you can catch all of the content on-demand. Here is a PDF with links to all the Teams related sessions. I’ve worked through the content and here are my top 10 Microsoft Teams announcements. Thanks to lots of people in the community for highlighting
- [Microsoft Teams Direct Routing SIP Tester PowerShell Script](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-direct-routing-sip-tester-powershell-script/) - Just last week I blogged that this was coming on the roadmap, now here it is: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoftteams/sip-tester-powershell-script “SIP Tester” is a sample PowerShell script from Microsoft that you can use to test Direct Routing Session Border Controller (SBC) connections in Microsoft Teams. This script tests the basic functionality of a customer-paired Session Initiation Protocol (SIP)
- [Microsoft Teams and Azure Communication Services news from Microsoft Build 2021](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-and-azure-communication-services-news-from-microsoft-build-2021/) - Microsoft Build is a developer-focused conference, but being that Microsoft Teams is as much platform as it is Collaboration-aaS/UCaaS there were a few interesting announcements related to Microsoft Teams. Here are what I think are the highlights. Microsoft Teams apps for meetings Improvements Shared stage integration, in preview, provides developers with new access to the
- [6 Power BI Reports for Microsoft Teams Call Quality Dashboard (CQD)](https://tomtalks.blog/6-power-bi-reports-for-microsoft-teams-call-quality-dashboard-cqd/) - Call Quality Dashboard (CQD) is an online reporting tool that provides insight into the quality of calls made using Microsoft Teams. It is available at https://cqd.teams.microsoft.com. Its functionality has come on leaps and bounds since the initial release, recently adding Near Real-Time (sessions appear in CQD in under 30 minutes), Personally Identifiable Information for 30
- [14 New Microsoft Teams Features Announced July 2020](https://tomtalks.blog/14-new-microsoft-teams-features-announced-july-2020/) - Microsoft just announced a lot of new Microsoft Teams features that are coming in the next few months (some specific times below). Here is a rundown of all of them. Microsoft also published a study on the future of work; you can check it out here. Want to be always up to date on the
- [51 Microsoft Teams Sessions at Microsoft Ignite 2018](https://tomtalks.blog/51-microsoft-teams-sessions-at-microsoft-ignite-2018/) - Sessions are still being posted and edited, so this list isn’t final, but here are some sessions I will be looking out for at Microsoft Ignite 2018 51 Sessions have “Microsoft Teams” in the title, including some I will be looking out for: BRK3118 – Microsoft Teams architecture update BRK2188 - Intelligent meetings in Microsoft
- [Poly Rove DECT Wireless Phones now Microsoft Teams supported with Teams SIP Gateway](https://tomtalks.blog/poly-rove-dect-wireless-phones-now-microsoft-teams-supported-with-teams-sip-gateway/) - In March, at Enterprise Connect, Microsoft announced adding support for digital enhanced cordless telecommunications (DECT) devices for Microsoft Teams, registering via Microsoft Teams SIP gateway. Spectralink was certified supported in July, and now Poly are certified with their Rove Wireless DECT IP Phone Solution. Many customers in industries such as retail and manufacturing are still
- [Call Quality Dashboard (CQD) Power BI Query Templates Updated with Quality of Experience Report (QER)](https://tomtalks.blog/call-quality-dashboard-cqd-power-bi-query-templates-updated-with-quality-of-experience-report-qer/) - Update August 2022: The QER reports now supersede the original CQD Power BI query templates released in 2020. While the original templates will remain available for demonstration purposes, they are no longer supported by Microsoft. Microsoft recommends customers switch to the QER template which will continue to receive updates. Note that this does not apply
- [Microsoft Teams Phone has 12 million PSTN users, FY22 Q4 Earnings Call Details](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-phone-has-12-million-pstn-users-fy22-q4-earnings-call-details/) - Hot on the heals of Microsoft Inspire, we have had the Microsoft FY22 Q4 Earnings call. I always like to keep an eye on these for interesting details about Microsoft Teams and Modern workplace, and this time we were given some really interesting detail. Teams Phone has over 12 million PSTN users First off we
- [Key Microsoft Teams takeaways from Microsoft Inspire 2022](https://tomtalks.blog/key-microsoft-teams-takeaways-from-microsoft-inspire-2022/) - Microsoft Inspire is Microsoft’s Partner conference. It’s to both celebrate the effort and win of Microsoft partners throughout the year and also for Microsoft to set out the partner opportunity and their areas of focus for their upcoming FY23. It’s a really good opportunity to directly hear where Microsoft think the market is going and
- [Understanding Microsoft Teams Intelligent Cameras](https://tomtalks.blog/understanding-microsoft-teams-intelligent-cameras/) - Microsoft introduced the "Intelligent Camera” concept in September 2021, and it got a call out at the recent Microsoft Inspire (July 2022). What are Microsoft Teams Intelligent Cameras? Intelligent cameras are a set of Cameras for Microsoft Teams Room, from OEM providers including Jabra, Logitech, Neat, Poly and Huddly, which have special AI-driven abilities to
- [Spectralink DECT handsets Microsoft Teams now supported with Teams SIP Gateway](https://tomtalks.blog/spectralink-dect-handsets-microsoft-teams-compatible-supported-teams-sip-gateway/) - Exciting news this week for organisations using Teams Phone. In March, at Enterprise Connect, Microsoft announced adding support for a number of digital enhanced cordless telecommunications (DECT) devices for Microsoft Teams, registering via Microsoft Teams SIP gateway. Many customers in industries such as retail and manufacturing are still heavy users of DECT and currently need
- [Top 5 Microsoft Teams sessions at Microsoft Inspire, July 2022](https://tomtalks.blog/top-5-microsoft-teams-sessions-at-microsoft-inspire-july-2022/) - Microsoft’s new financial year has just started and it kicks off with Microsoft Inspire, their annual event for Microsoft partners. Inspire is where Microsoft set out their themes and focus for the year and highlights the partner opportunities. Digital again this year (hopefully back to in-person in 2023) it’s on July 19–20, 2022. You can
- [Empowering.Cloud launched, free on-demand expert video briefings for Microsoft Teams IT Pros](https://tomtalks.blog/empowering-cloud-launched-free-on-demand-expert-video-briefings-for-microsoft-teams-it-pros/) - I am excited to say that Empowering.Cloud is now officially launched. This is something I have been working on alongside James Rodd, previous CEO of Modality and fellow Microsoft MVP Tom Morgan. With Microsoft Teams being such a wide service with UC, Collab and apps and the constant change and pace of the cloud, it’s
- [UC Today Microsoft Teams Update Podcast June 2022](https://tomtalks.blog/uc-today-microsoft-teams-update-podcast-june-2022/) - This month we talk about: News from Microsoft Build Teams Live Share and Live Share SDK Loop components in adaptive cards in Outlook and Teams In-app purchasing and licensing and licence management Collaboration Controls in Power Apps Microsoft Teams Updates: Teams client in the Microsoft Store Together mode for everyone Direct Guest Join for Microsoft
- [Luware Nimbus gets Microsoft Teams Contact Center Extend certified](https://tomtalks.blog/luware-nimbus-microsoft-teams-contact-center-extend-certified/) - Great news for Luware, they have become the second vendor to be Microsoft Teams “Extend” contact center certified. Their Nimbus platform extends Microsoft Teams functionality for various telephony, contact center and auto attendant use cases through a range of cloud-native and fully integrated modules and add-ons. Luware Nimbus was launched in February 2021. They have
- [Microsoft Teams in the Windows Microsoft Store, but not for S mode](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-in-the-windows-microsoft-store-but-not-for-s-mode/) - Microsoft Teams is finally available in the Microsoft Store, here. This is the same electron-based version of the client you get if you download it directly from Office 365/Microsoft outside of the Microsoft Store, not a new version of the client. As it’s electron/win32 it’s not supported in Windows S mode (a version of Windows
- [Ribbon Connect, Service Provider Pedigree for Microsoft Teams Operator Connect Accelerator](https://tomtalks.blog/ribbon-connect-service-provider-pedigree-for-microsoft-teams-operator-connect-accelerator/) - Ribbon is one of the 6 partners approved by Microsoft as an Operator Connect Accelerator, and the first one with a live operator in multiple regions with SwitchConnect offering Operator Connect services for Australia, and New Zealand via Ribbon Operator Connect Accelerator. Ribbon has been working with Microsoft in the voice space since 2007. I
- [Link to form to remove your details from LeadIQ](https://tomtalks.blog/link-to-form-to-remove-your-details-from-leadiq/) - LeadIQ provides services to hundreds of customers to help them search for lead information. They process business contact information such as name, job title, company, email address, phone number, etc Per privacy laws, if you prefer your details not to be listed they have to respect that. But they don't make it easy. To get
- [PingCo TCAP, Zapier style self-service Operator Connect Accelerator](https://tomtalks.blog/pingco-tcap-zapier-style-self-service-operator-connect-accelerator/) - PingCo is the latest partner to be approved by Microsoft as an Operator Connect Accelerator partner. In this blog, I spoke to Dan Pearson, CEO at PingCo, to look at PingCo’s TCAP platform to see what they bring to the table for customers and telecom operators. About Operator Connect and Operator Connect Accelerator Operator
- [Understanding Operator Connect Accelerator (OCA) for Microsoft Teams](https://tomtalks.blog/understanding-operator-connect-accelerator-oca-for-microsoft-teams/) - Microsoft just announced a new program, Operator Connect Accelerator. The programme will allow certified partners to quickly onboard operators to Microsoft Teams Operator Connect. This blog covers what Operator Connect Accelerator (OCA) is, who the launch partners are and how it affects customers and telco providers. Firstly, to understand Operator Connect Accelerator, you have to
- [Ilya Bukshteyn appointed as VP for Microsoft Teams Calling and Devices](https://tomtalks.blog/ilya-bukshteyn-appointed-as-vp-for-microsoft-teams-calling-and-devices/) - Ilya Bukshteyn is a person familiar to many in the Microsoft Teams community for his previous roles as General Manager for Microsoft Teams devices and then VP for Microsoft Teams devices. He has now been promoted again into an expanded role of VP for Microsoft Teams Calling and Devices. In this new and expanded role,
- [Microsoft Teams Monthly Podcast April 2022](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-monthly-podcast-april-2022/) - This month UC Today’s Rob Scott and I discuss Enterprise Connect Thoughts Operator Connect Mobile Microsoft Work Trend Index 2022 Azure Communication Services adds UK and Denmark PSTN numbers in Preview DECT handsets coming to Teams Neat devices now certified for Microsoft Teams Yealink also launched Yealink MeetingBoard 65 Upcoming events UC EXPO MANCHESTER,
- [Microsoft Teams Monthly Podcast March 2022 - Microsoft Teams 5th Birthday](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-monthly-podcast-march-2022-microsoft-teams-5th-birthday/) - Microsoft Teams 5th Birthday this month, Happy Birthday! 330,000+ companies worldwide using Teams 270 million+ Monthly Active Users Over 90% of Fortune 500 companies use Teams The number of active Teams Rooms devices more than doubled year over year-end of 2021 In this session we discuss: Shared Channels finally coming to public preview in March
- [Office 365 plays nice with other UC vendors allowing configurable default online meeting provider](https://tomtalks.blog/office-365-plays-nice-with-other-uc-vendors-allowing-configurable-default-online-meeting-provider/) - One of Microsoft Teams advantages is its tight integration to Office 365. Other UC/collaboration solutions can integrate with Microsoft Office/Office 365 but are limited to what Microsoft add-ins and APIs will allow. Now Microsoft is adding a configuration option that allows third-party UC providers to be the default for every meeting online. A feature that
- [Tendfor the first Microsoft Teams Extend Certified Contact Center](https://tomtalks.blog/tendfor-the-first-microsoft-teams-extend-certified-contact-center/) - Exciting news in the Microsoft Teams carter space, Tendfor are now certified as the first “Extend model” certified contact center. What does Microsoft Teams Extend Contact Center certified mean? Microsoft has a certification program for contact center solution providers. There are 3 models for contact centres to integrate with Microsoft Teams; Connect, Extend and Power.
- [LinkedIn Integration with Microsoft Teams](https://tomtalks.blog/linkedin-integration-with-microsoft-teams/) - Microsoft bought LinkedIn way back in 2016 in an all-cash transaction valued at $26.2 billion. At the time there was a lot of talk about the value of integrated LinkedIn to Microsoft Office 365 and Dynamics. Many years later we did see LinkedIn details in Outlook Contact cards, but not a great deal more. Now
- [Poly Lens missing camera controls with OBS Studio or Nvidia Broadcast](https://tomtalks.blog/poly-lens-missing-camera-controls-with-obs-studio-or-nvidia-broadcast/) - Interesting little compatibility bug I came across. Poly Lens, the Poly desktop client that allows you to configure your poly USB devices was not showing any camera controls (brightness, contrast, sharpness etc.) As above I was not seeing any of the controls. This is what it should look like I found and verified with Poly
- [Living with the Poly Voyager Focus 2 UC](https://tomtalks.blog/living-with-the-poly-voyager-focus-2-uc/) - I'm fortunate to get to test out quite a lot of UC kit, but those who follow my blog know I don't do a lot of "kit posts". It's not that I don't like talking about devices, but I like to use something for a reasonable amount of time before doing a blog or
- [Microsoft Teams app and bot development, the definitive book](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-app-and-bot-development-the-definitive-book/) - Microsoft Teams continues to grow at a pace. Teams is more than just UC and collaboration; it's also about app integration and Improving line of business workflows. Monthly usage of third-party applications and custom-built solutions [in Teams] has grown 10X in the last two years. There are tremendous opportunities for organisations to improve productivity and
- [Cisco SD-WAN adds Microsoft 365 Informed Network Routing for Microsoft Teams](https://tomtalks.blog/cisco-sd-wan-adds-microsoft-365-informed-network-routing-for-microsoft-teams/) - Cisco's “Cloud OnRamp for Microsoft 365” sees Cisco working together with Microsoft to use Microsoft 365 informed network routing. Microsoft’s Informed network routing provides a bi-directional data sharing channel between Microsoft and the SD-WAN solution, in this case, Cisco. This data, along with proactive and continuous link probing allows Cisco SD-WAN to choose the
- [Understanding Microsoft Teams devices Certification end dates](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-devices-certification-end-dates-end-of-life-end-of-sale/) - 7th February: Initial blog, Microsoft Teams certified devices documentation, devices now have a certification end date. Update 9th February 2022: Further clarification on this is coming from Microsoft and partners shortly. I'll further update the blog when I have more details. Customers can reach out to the OEM to understand their strategy for keeping the
- [Microsoft launch Microsoft Teams global device trade in program with Network-Value](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-device-trade-in-program-network-value/) - Microsoft is partnering with Network-Value, a US-based company specialising in device trade-in programmes to offer a global device trade in program. Customers can trade in “most common unified communication devices” including meeting room systems and kits, video conferencing devices, desktop IP phones and displays, web cameras, speakerphones and room accessories. The programme will be fully
- [Teams Work to Teams Personal Chat now GA](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-work-to-teams-personal-chat/) - The naming convention here is not very clear/strict here, with Microsoft using different terms in different places, but there are essentially two Teams worlds. Teams Work / Teams Commercial / Office 365 / Teams Enterprise / Teams Business / "Teams at Work" using an Azure AD account are one group Teams Personal / Teams Consumer
- [Microsoft Teams 270 million monthly active users, Teams Rooms Systems double](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-270-million-monthly-active-users-teams-rooms-systems-double/) - Long time blog readers will know. I like to follow the Microsoft earnings calls for insights around Microsoft Teams and Microsoft 365. Microsoft just announced their earnings and revenue for the fiscal second quarter, the last calendar quarter of 2022. This quarter has some good insights; quotes are from the earnings call transcript, and everything
- [New Adventures with Empowering.Cloud and Pure IP](https://tomtalks.blog/new-adventures-with-empowering-cloud-and-pure-ip/) - It’s all change for me in 2022. After 11 years at Modality Systems working with some great people, I am excited to be taking on two new roles. Firstly I am joining Pure IP on a part-time basis in a Solutions Director role. I have worked with Pure IP in a partner capacity for many
- [Teams Fireside Chat a new monthly Microsoft Teams community get together](https://tomtalks.blog/teams-fireside-chat-a-new-monthly-microsoft-teams-community-get-together/) - I would love to get all the great people in the community around for a chat more often, that’s the simple goal of Teams Fireside Chat. Every first Thursday of the month at 16:00 UK (aiming to catch the end of the Europe day and start of the US day) we’ll have a Teams meeting
- [Microsoft Teams 2022 Predictions from 10 Industry Experts](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-2022-predictions-from-10-industry-experts/) - Each year in January we do a special UC Today Microsoft Teams Monthly show where we talk to experts from across the industry and get their predictions for the year ahead. Last year some people got them spot on, particularly around contact center. This year we have some great predictions from Patrick Watson, Senior Analyst,
- [Microsoft Teams Essentials, a new standalone Teams SKU for SMB](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-essentials/) - Interesting news today, Microsoft launched a new Teams only SKU, Microsoft Teams Essentials. While Microsoft has generally moved away from single product SKU’s towards various Office 366 bundle plans, they must feel there is a demand for customers who are not ready for/don’t want full Office 365 but are specifically shopping for a chat and
- [Understanding Microsoft Teams Operator Connect](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-operator-connect/) - Update 12th December 2021: Bring your own operator for PSTN audio conferencing in Microsoft Teams with Operator Connect Conferencing is now available Update 27th September 2021: Operator connect has moved from preview to generally available and Metaswitch has launched a managed SBC for Operator Connect service. Operator Connect is another option, alongside Calling plans and
- [Microsoft Teams Phone SLA moves to 99.99% uptime](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-service-level-agreement/) - Since launching the SLA for Microsoft Teams has been 99.9% uptime, today Microsoft updated their Service Level Agreements (SLA) for Online Services to change that to 99.99% uptime, but specifically for Calling Plans, Phone System and Audio Conferencing. Microsoft Teams – Calling Plans, Phone System and Audio Conferencing SLA and Service credit Monthly Uptime Percentage
- [Microsoft Teams Phone with Microsoft Calling Plan single SMB SKU for 33 markets](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-phone-with-microsoft-calling-plan-single-smb-sku-for-33-markets/) - Microsoft already offers a special SKU (Stock Keeping Unit, or single product/service you can buy) for SMB customers (up to 300 users) called Microsoft 365 Business Voice. Microsoft 365 Business Voice combined Teams Phone (the licence to turn Teams into a proper phone) Either a Microsoft calling plan or a partner PSTN connectivity option (Direct
- [Microsoft Teams device news, November 2021](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-device-news-november-2021/) - With so much going on in the Microsoft Teams device ecosystem, partnerships galore and Microsoft Ignite here is an update of all the Microsoft Teams device news. Microsoft Teams Rooms and Teams Panels Direct Guest Join for BlueJeans and GoToMeeting, expected to roll out in the first half of 2022. New ability to “check-in” to
- [Tom Arbuthnot speaking at Call and Contact Centre Expo 2021, Microsoft Teams Contact Centres Options](https://tomtalks.blog/tom-arbuthnot-speaking-at-call-and-contact-centre-expo-2021-microsoft-teams-contact-centres-options/) - I am excited to be speaking at Call & Contact Centre Expo, ExCeL London on 16 Nov 2021. I will be talking about Microsoft Teams Contact Centres, Understanding Your Options Now that the news has broken about Microsoft positioning Dynamics 365 Customer Service at a Microsoft native contact centre option, there is even more
- [Microsoft announce contact center: Dynamics 365 Customer Service](https://tomtalks.blog/dynamics-365-customer-service-voice-channel/) - Big news in the Contact Center as a Service (CCaaS) and Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS) space, at Microsoft Ignite today Microsoft has announced “voice channel for Dynamics 365 Customer Service”, aka “Dynamics 365 Customer Service expands to become the all-in-one digital contact center solution” to quote the Microsoft blog This is Dynamics 365
- [Avatars and 3D experiences coming with Mesh for Microsoft Teams](https://tomtalks.blog/understanding-mesh-for-microsoft-teams/) - Announced at Microsoft Ignite November 2021 and targeted to be in preview, in the first half of 2022, Mesh for Microsoft Teams will add both personalized avatars allowing users to maintain their presence in meetings without turning on cameras and also full-on 3D immersive spaces to meet and move around in 3 dimensions. Microsoft Mesh
- [Facebook Portal support for Microsoft Teams coming December 2021](https://tomtalks.blog/facebook-portal-support-for-microsoft-teams-coming-december-2021/) - Today Facebook announced the Portal Go, a battery-powered 10-inch portal smart screen as well as a new version of the Portal+, with a 14-inch tiltable display However, most interesting for me, beginning in December, Facebook is adding support for Microsoft Teams for all Portal touch-based devices including Portal Go and Portal+. This will be alongside
- [Free Voucher for MS-720 Microsoft Teams Voice Engineer with Ignite Cloud Skills Challenge](https://tomtalks.blog/free-voucher-for-ms-720-microsoft-teams-voice-engineer-with-ignite-cloud-skills-challenge/) - As with previous years, Microsoft Ignite is offering the Cloud Skills Challenges, if you complete one of the 12 challenges you will earn a free Microsoft Certification exam that can be applied to your choice of exam from this list, including MS-720 Microsoft Teams Voice Engineer: MS-700: Managing Microsoft Teams MS-720: Microsoft Teams Voice Engineer
- [MS-740 Study Guide: Troubleshooting Microsoft Teams Exam](https://tomtalks.blog/ms-740-troubleshooting-microsoft-teams-exam-study-guide/) - Thanks to my friend Chris Hoard for the heads up, MS-740: Troubleshooting Microsoft Teams Exam is out of beta and now available to take. This is an advanced technical exam specifically focused on troubleshooting Microsoft Teams; voice issues; meetings and live events; federation issues; signing in; teams and channels; and files. Passing the exam gives
- [5 Microsoft Teams sessions not to miss at Microsoft Ignite 2021 November 2-4](https://tomtalks.blog/5-microsoft-teams-sessions-not-to-miss-at-microsoft-ignite-2021-november-2-4/) - Microsoft Ignite is just around the corner now. Again all online this year and free to attend, if you are in the Microsoft space it’s an event not to miss. I’m excited to be facilitating a hybrid working round table (now fully booked sorry!). I’ll also be following all the sessions and news and will
- [Microsoft Teams top right leader in Gartner UCaaS Magic Quadrant 2021](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-top-right-leader-in-gartner-ucaas-magic-quadrant-2021/) - Gartner has released their latest Magic Quadrant for Unified Communications as a Service, Worldwide. Authored by Rafael Benitez, Megan Fernandez, Daniel O’Connell, Christopher Trueman, Pankil Sheth. Microsoft has landed at the top right position as a leader in the market. This graphic is from Gartner, as part of a larger research document and should be
- [Sell Microsoft Teams apps in Microsoft Teams store, now in developer preview](https://tomtalks.blog/sell-microsoft-teams-apps-in-microsoft-teams-store-now-in-developer-preview/) - Selling Microsoft Teams applications in Microsoft stores was previously possible but required multiple steps: downloading apps from the Teams app store and purchasing a subscription from Microsoft AppSource. It’s not a process that would be easy for most users to understand. Mostly any monetization of apps has happened “out of hand” of the Microsoft app
- [Microsoft Teams Rooms licence getting Azure AD Premium P1](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-rooms-licence-getting-azure-ad-premium-p1/) - Thanks to Graham Walsh for the heads up on this one. Microsoft is adding Azure AD Premium P1 to the Microsoft Teams Room standard and Premium licences at no additional cost. This will be rolling out in November and is expected to complete rollout in December 2021. Announced in the message center under MC291891. With
- [Azure Cloud Shell coming to Microsoft Teams Admin Center](https://tomtalks.blog/azure-cloud-shell-coming-to-microsoft-teams-admin-center/) - Azure Cloud Shell is a browser-based shell experience that’s hosted in the cloud and accessible from virtually anywhere. Microsoft is adding a button to launch Azure Cloud Shell directly in Teams Admin Center, to run PowerShell and PowerShell scripts from within Teams admin center. No need to specifically install the Teams module, just run the
- [Microsoft Ignite virtual roundtable: Optimizing Microsoft Teams for Hybrid Work](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-ignite-virtual-roundtable-optimizing-microsoft-teams-for-hybrid-work/) - It’s really not long until Microsoft Ignite now (online and free to attend November 2–4, 2021). I’m excited to be facilitating, alongside some of my great MVP peers, a virtual roundtable discussion on Microsoft Teams for Hybrid Work. The discussion is hosted in AltspaceVR. You do not have to be a VR expert or own
- [MS-720 Microsoft Teams Voice Engineer Exam now open in beta](https://tomtalks.blog/ms-720-microsoft-teams-voice-engineer-exam-now-open-in-beta/) - The new MS-720 Microsoft Teams Voice Engineer Exam is now open in beta. If you pass both MS-700: Managing Microsoft Teams and MS-720: Microsoft Teams Voice Engineer exam, you earn Microsoft 365 Certified: Teams Voice Engineer, Expert. The Microsoft Teams Voice Engineer is familiar with telecommunication technologies and has experience in Microsoft Teams, Microsoft 365,
- [Tom Arbuthnot speaking at UC Expo London, 6th/7th October 2021](https://tomtalks.blog/tom-arbuthnot-speaking-at-uc-expo-london-6th-7th-october-2021/) - I’m excited to be speaking at UC Expo 2021, at ExcCel London, October 6th and 7th 2021. It’s always a great event and I’m particularly excited that it’s going to be in person. The event is co-located with Digital Transformation Expo Be sure to get registered here As well as doing some sessions I will
- [MS-720 Microsoft Teams Voice Engineer Exam Coming Soon](https://tomtalks.blog/ms-720-microsoft-teams-voice-engineer-exam-coming-soon/) - We recently saw the MS-740: Troubleshooting Microsoft Teams being released (Update: Which has now been paused) and the recent Microsoft Inspire partner conference gave us confirmation of another coming Teams exam, the MS-720 Teams Voice Engineer exam. From the Ignite session Microsoft Teams, Grow your Business with the Hybrid workplace at 27:08 We can now see
- [5 new Microsoft Teams Calling Plan countries, now up to 33 countries](https://tomtalks.blog/5-new-microsoft-teams-calling-plan-countries-now-up-to-33-countries/) - Today at Enterprise Connect Nicole Herskowitz made a number of announcements; Operator Connect is generally available this week, but also that Microsoft Teams Calling Plans is expanding into 5 new markets - Croatia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Slovenia. That brings the total countries covered by calling plans up to 33 (31 from Microsoft directly and
- [Zoom's Five9 contact center certified for Microsoft Teams](https://tomtalks.blog/zooms-five9-contact-center-certified-for-microsoft-teams/) - There is never a dull moment in the UC and collaboration world. This week, Five9 Cloud Contact Center was officially added to the Microsoft Teams certified contact center list. Having previously been on the pending list. The Teams integration is via the “connect model”, using Microsoft certified SBCs and Direct Routing to connect the contact
- [Microsoft Teams to get RTMP Streaming to third parties like Restream YouTube and Twitch](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-to-get-rtmp-streaming-to-third-parties-like-restream-youtube-and-twitch/) - Microsoft Teams is going to get support to sending a RTMP stream to third-party platforms like YouTube, Restream and Twitch. Real-Time Messaging Protocol (RTMP) was initially a proprietary protocol developed by Macromedia for streaming audio, video and data over the Internet but is now released for public use. A popular scenario for this might be
- [Microsoft Teams Monthly News Podcast September 2021](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-monthly-news-podcast-september-2021/) - Normally the summer things quiet down, but still, a lot going on in the Microsoft Teams space. This month in the UC Today news podcast we talk about: Microsoft 365 price increases and Microsoft adding unlimited Microsoft Teams Meeting PSTN dial-in to enterprise, business, frontline, and government licences - https://tomtalks.blog/2021/08/microso... Microsoft hires former Uber exec
- [Microsoft Teams dynamic bandwidth control and enable disable video for specific sites](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-dynamic-bandwidth-control-and-enable-disable-video-for-specific-sites/) - As many organisations move to “hybrid working” we are seeing a massive uptick in video use by people in the office, way higher than pre-pandemic for the same user counts. This seems to be mainly due to using video being more embedded as a default habit for users and also working hybrid means more video
- [Teams panels add support for customer line of business apps](https://tomtalks.blog/teams-panels-add-support-for-customer-line-of-business-apps/) - Teams panels are outside of the meeting room touch screen displays that have colour-coded indicators for space availability status, view location and meeting details and reserve available meeting spaces directly from the panel. They are available from Crestron and Yealink. Microsoft has just added a great new ability to add your own custom line of
- [Microsoft Teams Monthly Podcast August 2021](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-monthly-podcast-august-2021/) - Check it out on YouTube or wherever you listen to your podcasts. Microsoft Teams Update, August 2021 - YouTube This month on the UC Today Microsoft Teams Update podcast we talk about: Big Microsoft numbers announced – but do they stack up Preview Microsoft Teams 2.0 consumer on Windows 11 rolls out Microsoft Teams Client
- [What does SharePoint Server Subscription Edition tell us about Skype for Business Server Subscription Edition](https://tomtalks.blog/what-does-sharepoint-server-subscription-edition-tell-us-about-skype-for-business-server-subscription-edition/) - On the 20th July Microsoft announced and released a preview of SharePoint Server Subscription Edition. Some highlights from the announcement: “With SharePoint Server Subscription Edition, you'll end the cycle of long and costly major version upgrades to get new features and remain in support. Microsoft will deliver our latest innovations to customers through updates that
- [Microsoft has acquired Peer5 WebRTC-based eCDN for Microsoft Teams](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-has-acquired-peer5-webrtc-based-ecdn-for-microsoft-teams/) - Interesting news in the Microsoft Teams space, Microsoft has acquired Peer5, a WebRTC-based eCDN (Enterprise Content Delivery Network) solution that runs in-browser. The terms of the deal weren’t disclosed. Peer5 has powered large live events with as many as 2 million concurrent users) and our product has been used over the years by more than
- [Will Windows 11 significantly increase Microsoft Teams monthly active users?](https://tomtalks.blog/will-windows-11-significantly-increase-microsoft-teams-monthly-active-users/) - Microsoft just announced an impressive 250 Million Monthly Active Users. What is interesting is that number is not just Office 365 users, which would include Office 365 business, education and government users or what Microsoft would call “commercial”, it also includes Home or consumer users using Teams. The numbers also include any users currently in
- [Shure IntelliMix software DSP now certified on Crestron Microsoft Teams Room](https://tomtalks.blog/shure-intellimix-software-dsp-now-certified-on-crestron-microsoft-teams-room/) - An interesting development in Microsoft Teams Rooms. For some time, we have had certified solutions to add external physical “Audio Conferencing Processors” or DSPs which both process and enhance audio (for example automatic mic mixing, reducing echo, noise, or distortion), and these have relied on a USB connection to the Teams meeting room PC appliance
- [Stream RTMP and SRT in and out of Teams Meetings with the Teams Broadcast Development Kit](https://tomtalks.blog/stream-rtmp-and-srt-in-and-out-of-teams-meetings-with-the-teams-broadcast-development-kit/) - I reported a few weeks ago that RTMP streaming was coming for Microsoft Teams, and now we have it in the form of an open-source Teams Broadcast Development Kit (BDK) that runs on an Azure VM. The Teams Broadcast Development Kit allows Audio/video in and out via SRT (Secure Reliable Transport) Audio/video in and out
- [Preview Microsoft Teams 2.0 on Windows 11 rolls out](https://tomtalks.blog/preview-microsoft-teams-2-0-on-windows-11-rolls-out/) - A few weeks ago I blogged about the new “Teams 2.0” client which is initially coming for Teams personal (consumer) bundled in with Windows 11. This week Microsoft rolled out the Teams 2.0 client to select Windows 11 preview users (on the Windows Insider preview program). This is only for consumer accounts (e.g outlook.com type
- [Microsoft Teams Client SDK coming to support partner Attendant Console Solutions](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-client-sdk-coming-to-support-partner-attendant-console-solutions/) - One good session from Inspire 2021 was on partners growing their Teams practice and the opportunity around Teams Phone. The session included a Teams Calling roadmap update. Image from The Year of Teams Phone – Grow Your Practice Most of this was already known about, but something public for the first time is “Client SDK
- [New Microsoft Teams Phone Number Service Portal in Teams Admin Center](https://tomtalks.blog/new-microsoft-teams-phone-number-service-portal-in-teams-admin-center/) - Previously Microsoft dealt with Microsoft provided PSTN number porting and number provision issues via some specific email addresses (like ptneu@microsoft and gcstnmsd@microsoft). As of July 22, 2021, the email system has been retired and replaced with a new dedicated portal. The portal is at https://pstnsd.powerappsportals.com/ but can also be reached via the Teams Admin center:
- [Dynamics 365 Microsoft Teams Integration Updates from Microsoft Inspire 2021](https://tomtalks.blog/dynamics-365-microsoft-teams-integration-updates-from-microsoft-inspire-2021/) - One of the big announcements from Microsoft Inspire last week was the integration between Microsoft Teams and Microsoft Dynamics 365, Microsoft’s enterprise resource planning (ERP) and customer relationship management (CRM) platform. Microsoft is “launching” the same news multiple times these days, as it was also announced at Ignite, the customer conference in March 2021. Tom
- [Microsoft Teams Microsoft 365 Multi-Geo Explained](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-microsoft-365-multi-geo-explained/) - Microsoft 365 Multi-Geo allows Office 365 tenants to a primary central location and one or more specific satellite locations for their data. This can be helpful to meet data residency requirements for multi-national organizations. For example, needing to keep German users data in Germany. or EU users data within the EU. Multi-Geo was initially launched
- [Microsoft Teams high fidelity audio "Music Mode" for Music and Pro Microphones](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-high-fidelity-audio-music-mode-for-music-and-pro-microphones/) - Something I’m personally really excited about, Microsoft Teams is getting an option to set your sound to high fidelity. This can be used to reproduce music in high quality for things like online exercise classes, music classes or live music performances, but also to join teams meetings with more high-end microphones and not have teams
- [Microsoft Teams Monthly News Podcast July 2021](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-monthly-news-podcast-july-2021/) - Another big month for Microsoft Teams news, I can't believe we're in the second half of the year and the start of Microsoft's new financial year already! This month on the UC Today Microsoft Teams podcast we talk about: Windows 11 will tightly integrate with new Microsoft Teams Microsoft Teams 2.0 will use half the
- [Windows 11 will tightly integrate with new Microsoft Teams](https://tomtalks.blog/windows-11-will-tightly-integrate-with-new-microsoft-teams/) - Today at the Windows 11 launch event, Microsoft showed some new Microsoft Teams experiences integrated into Windows 11. Chat from Microsoft Teams will be integrated into the taskbar, you will also be able to mute and unmute, or start presenting directly from the taskbar. Even though this was the windows 11 event, Microsoft Teams got
- [Microsoft Teams Meeting Auto Recording](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-meeting-auto-recording/) - Keep forgetting to press the record button? This new feature will allow meeting organisers to set the meeting to automatically start recording in the meeting options. This option can be enabled for a single meeting occurrence or for a series, not as a default for all meetings X person schedules. The meeting initiator (first to
- [Microsoft Teams Rooms on Surface Hub Public Preview](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-rooms-on-surface-hub-public-preview/) - This is the new Microsoft Teams experience for Surface Hub, now rolling out in preview with some big improvements to Teams on Surface Hub. Some new features for the Surface Hub Teams experience Automatic full screen on join Reactions Large Gallery View Together mode Chat bubbles Share applications (not just full screen) Share system audio
- [Cisco Webex Calling integrated into Microsoft Teams, Hands On](https://tomtalks.blog/cisco-webex-calling-integrated-into-microsoft-teams-hands-on/) - Cisco Webex Calling is Cisco’s cloud-based phone system integrated into Webex. Webex calling has 3 PSTN connectivity options Cisco Calling plans, direct from Cisco Calling plans from 30 Webex Calling service providers worldwide Bring your own Carrier via Local Gateway There is a specific Webex Calling app for Android, iOS, Mac, Windows Desktop specifically for
- [Hey, Microsoft Teams User Interface just changed for some users, how do I control or stop Microsoft Teams updates?](https://tomtalks.blog/hey-microsoft-teams-user-interface-just-changed-for-some-users-how-do-i-control-or-stop-microsoft-teams-updates/) - Microsoft Teams is a constantly evolving cloud product, with many new features being added over time. Microsoft added over 300 features between April 2020 and April 2021. The Teams web app is updated weekly. Teams desktop client updates are released every two weeks. Client updates usually happen quietly in the background. Not every update brings
- [Neat, a new certified partner for Microsoft Teams Rooms](https://tomtalks.blog/neat-a-new-certified-partner-for-microsoft-teams-rooms/) - Norway based Video device company Neat announced today they would be producing Microsoft Teams Rooms. This is interesting as Neat launched specifically for Zoom, with their website saying “Neat was created to give Zoom users the ultimate Zoom Rooms experience”. Zoom even directly invested with a minority stake in Neat and launched them at Zoom
- [AudioCodes release Virtual Direct Routing Survivable Branch Appliance (DR-SBA)](https://tomtalks.blog/audiocodes-release-virtual-direct-routing-survivable-branch-appliance-dr-sba/) - Exciting news from AudioCodes, they have released their Direct Routing Survivable Branch Virtual Appliance for deployment on VMware and Hyper-V platforms in a customers DC. This allows a customer to virtually deploy Teams PSTN Voice survivability in the event that the site loses connection to the internet/Microsoft Teams Service. For example, if the customer site
- [Share Microsoft Teams Meeting Recordings on OneDrive with External Users](https://tomtalks.blog/share-microsoft-teams-meeting-recordings-on-onedrive-with-external-users/) - Microsoft is currently transitioning from storing Microsoft Teams meeting recordings on Stream to storing them on OneDrive. Specifically for Channel meetings, the recording is stored in the Team file store/SharePoint site, in a folder named Recordings. Anyone who is a member of the team will be able to access it. For all other (normal) meetings,
- [Requesting a Skype for Business Online Service Extension Beyond 31st July 2021](https://tomtalks.blog/requesting-a-skype-for-business-online-service-extension-beyond-31st-july-2021/) - It’s not long until the Skype for Business Online end of service date of 31st July 2021. Cloud Connector Edition (allowing bring your own PSTN on SfB Online) also retires on 31st July 2021. Skype for Business Server lives on, but possibly as a service subscription. Most Skype for Business Online organisations will have already
- [Tom Arbuthnot Speaking at Cavell Opportunities with Microsoft Virtual Event](https://tomtalks.blog/tom-arbuthnot-speaking-at-cavell-opportunities-with-microsoft-virtual-event/) - I am looking forward to joining a panel at the upcoming Opportunities with Microsoft virtual event on 24th June 2021. Cavell has received increasing interest from service providers who are looking to better understand the positioning of Microsoft Teams and its potential in the market as an additional revenue opportunity. This event looks at the
- [Microsoft Teams Monthly Podcast June 2021](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-monthly-podcast-june-2021/) - Each month I join Rob Scott at UC Today to talk Microsoft Teams News This month we discuss: Operator Connect rolled out globally in preview News from Microsoft Build ACS (Azure Communication Services) Call recording for Azure Communication Services Direct routing for Azure Communication Services Library of graphics assets Teams Shared stage integration for third-party
- [No more “next slide please” with Microsoft Teams PowerPoint Live Presenter Mode](https://tomtalks.blog/no-more-next-slide-please-with-microsoft-teams-powerpoint-live-presenter-mode/) - One of the great meeting features of Microsoft Teams is PowerPoint Live Presenter mode. For me, the killer feature is that anyone can “Take control” of presenting the deck seamlessly. In my opinion, it really breaks the flow of a presentation for the presenter to keep prompting someone with “next slide please”. It became a
- [Supporting Organisational Engagement, Community and Culture with Microsoft 365](https://tomtalks.blog/supporting-organisational-community-and-culture-with-microsoft-365/) - With the massive changes to the way we work over the last year through covid, dramatic increases in remote working and the realisation of most organisations that we are not going back to 5 days in the office, the topics of employee engagement, community and culture with the distributed workforce and how technology can support
- [Change PowerPoint Spell Check Language for specific slides / text boxes](https://tomtalks.blog/change-powerpoint-spell-check-language-for-specific-slides-text-boxes/) - Sometimes specific slides or parts of slides end up being in a different language to the rest of the deck, resulting in them showing red underlines for miss-spelling even though the spelling is correct, it’s just that spell check is expecting/checking based on it being a different language. For example, this deck is in English,
- [Webinar: Modality Automation and Power BI reporting from Microsoft Teams Call Records API](https://tomtalks.blog/webinar-modality-automation-and-power-bi-reporting-from-microsoft-teams-call-records-api/) - Webinar registration here on June 8th. We (I work at Modality) are just about to launch a new Calls and Meetings module for Teamwork Analytics, our Microsoft Teams automation and reporting software. Teamwork Analytics already automate messages to users and report on Microsoft Teams usage and governance, now we are adding detailed Calls and Meetings
- [Microsoft Teams Etiquette: Private Chat Out of Hours?](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-etiquette-private-chat-out-of-hours/) - A tweet sparked quite a lively twitter thread. This is a really interesting modern work etiquette topic. Microsoft Teams and other workplace collaboration tools like Slack have "private chat" or "direct messages", but when should they be used? Are Private Messages like email or are they like Instant Messaging? In the "olden days" etiquette was
- [Microsoft Teams Monthly Podcast May 2021](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-monthly-podcast-may-2021/) - This month we discuss Microsoft Teams now has 145 million Daily Active Users (DAU) Microsoft acquires Nuance conversational AI and voice recognition specialists for $19.7 billion Android device remote provisioning and easier login Microsoft launch first-party Teams certified Surface headsets, Speakerphone and Webcam Microsoft Teams for Personal Promotion Banner in Mobile Client for Enterprise users
- [Share a Microsoft Teams Meeting Recording with your whole organisation via Stream](https://tomtalks.blog/share-a-microsoft-teams-meeting-recording-with-your-whole-organisation-via-stream/) - Update May 2021: If your tenant has moved to OneDrive for Meeting Recording storage, here are the steps to share a recording externally or download it to upload to Stream: Share Microsoft Teams Meeting Recordings on OneDrive with External Users – Tom Talks Microsoft Teams has a great ability to record a meeting in the
- [EPOS EXPAND Vision 3T Microsoft Teams Room on Android](https://tomtalks.blog/epos-expand-vision-3t-microsoft-teams-room-on-android/) - Hot on the heels of their Intelligent speaker for Microsoft Teams, EPOS has just entered the room system game with their first video device, the EXPAND Vision 3T. They join Poly, Yealink and soon Logitech in the Teams Room on Android space. EPOS (a joint venture between Sennheiser and Demant A/S) say the EXPAND
- [Tom Arbuthnot speaking at GET-IT: Teams 1-Day Virtual Conference, May 11, 2021](https://tomtalks.blog/tom-arbuthnot-speaking-at-get-it-teams-1-day-virtual-conference-may-11-2021/) - I look forward to again speaking at the Petri GET-IT: Teams 1-Day Virtual Conference Tuesday, May 11, 2021. My session is on Choosing the Right Devices for a Great Teams Experience, and with so many new developments in the Microsoft Teams devices world, I’m really looking forward to it. There are also great sessions on
- [Microsoft Teams now has 145 million Daily Active Users (DAU)](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-now-has-145-million-daily-active-users-dau/) - Source: Twitter As of the end of Microsoft FYQ3, Microsoft Teams is now at 145 million daily active users. That is up from 115 million daily active users in October 2020. Source Microsoft’s Q1 2021 earnings Pretty impressive continued growth. Will we see it get to 200 million DAU? Microsoft defines daily active users (DAU)
- [Microsoft Teams Phone Login via Simple Code input into any browser](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-phone-login-via-simple-code-input-into-any-browser/) - I’m fortunate to get to play with and test lots of Teams devices, and this is a feature that makes life so much easier. In the latest firmware, Microsoft has put the feature front and centre as the default way to log in to Teams Phones. You sometimes see this login method on things like
- [Microsoft Teams Statistics](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-statistics/) - Microsoft Teams launched worldwide in March 2017, and with world events, 2020 has proven to be the biggest year yet for Microsoft Teams adoption. Here are some interesting Microsoft Teams Stats. Thanks to Dominic at Mio for putting these stats together. Mio connects Slack, Microsoft Teams, and Cisco Webex Teams together. Check them out here.
- [Microsoft Teams Channel Message Import Graph API now Generally Available](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-channel-message-import-graph-api-now-generally-available/) - Back in October 2020, we got the Beta Graph API to Import Slack messages to Microsoft Teams teams and channels. Now those API’s have hit GA. You can now import channel messages into a new team, specify the message sender, and timestamp and link to files. The Import Process Before you begin you need to
- [Microsoft launch first party Teams certified Surface headsets, Speakerphone and Webcam](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-launch-first-party-teams-certified-surface-headsets-speakerphone-and-webcam/) - For a long time, it’s been a point of conversation that while Microsoft has a large range of vendors who provide Teams certified headsets, their own headsets from the Surface team were not certified for Teams. Today Microsoft announced 3 Surface headsets, all certified for Microsoft Teams. Also a webcam and speakerphone. It will be
- [Microsoft acquires Nuance conversational AI and voice recognition specialists for $19.7 billion](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-acquires-nuance-conversational-ai-and-voice-recognition-specialists-for-19-7-billion/) - Microsoft's second-largest acquisition after LinkedIn, Microsoft position the Nuance acquisition as strengthening their cloud strategy for healthcare. Nuance Communications focuses on conversational AI and ambient intelligence. With customers in 77 percent of U.S. hospitals and 85 percent of the Fortune 100 companies worldwide, Beyond healthcare, Nuance provides AI expertise and customer engagement solutions across Interactive
- [Microsoft Teams admin defined organisation-wide custom video backgrounds, only $5 PUPM](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-admin-pushed-organisation-wide-custom-video-backgrounds-only-5-pupm/) - We got an update on Friday (MC249777) giving details of how an administrator will be able to the ability to "push"/define a gallery of video backgrounds to users across the organization to access. Rollout begins in late April and should be complete in late May. A handy feature, but it only comes as part of
- [End to End Voice in Microsoft Teams - Commsverse Half Day Online Virtual Event](https://tomtalks.blog/end-to-end-voice-in-microsoft-teams-commsverse-half-day-online-virtual-event/) - Looking like a great line-up for this one. This event is all about Microsoft Teams Enterprise Voice workloads and more importantly aimed at providing the knowledge and awareness of what is available from a feature perspective and how to deploy them in your organisation or on behalf of your customers. This event is technical and
- [Contact Microsoft Support to Avoid Microsoft Teams for Personal Promotion Banner in Mobile Client](https://tomtalks.blog/contact-microsoft-support-to-avoid-microsoft-teams-for-personal-promotion-banner-in-mobile-client/) - In Message Center message MC247825, Microsoft announced that they will be pushing a banner (advert, in my opinion) in the Teams mobile app activity feed saying that users can add a personal account to the Teams app on their mobile device. These banners will begin at end of April will roll out to all customers
- [Customer managed encryption keys for Microsoft Teams Public Preview](https://tomtalks.blog/customer-managed-encryption-keys-for-microsoft-teams-public-preview/) - In September 2020 we learnt that Customer managed encryption keys coming for Microsoft Teams, now it is available in Public Preview. Customer Key in Office 365 is offered in Office 365 E5, Microsoft 365 E5, Microsoft 365 E5 Compliance, and Microsoft 365 E5 Information Protection & Governance SKUs. Customer Key requires two keys for each
- [No additional Microsoft licence required for Microsoft Teams Compliance Call Recording](https://tomtalks.blog/no-additional-microsoft-licence-required-for-microsoft-teams-compliance-call-recording/) - In July 2020 Microsoft announced a new Microsoft Teams $12 PUPM Advanced Communications licence. At launch it was required for the following: Compliance Recording Graph API Access Contact Center solution Graph API Access Live event of up to 20K participants (50 concurrent meetings per tenant, 16 hours long) Then after lots of customer feedback, In
- [Skype for Business Server 2019 Modern Admin Control Panel (MACP) now GA](https://tomtalks.blog/skype-for-business-server-2019-modern-admin-control-panel-macp-now-ga/) - While we’re close to the end of Skype for Business Online (retiring 31st July 2021), Skype for Business server lives on for those who want/need it, with Skype for Business Server extended support until 2025 and Skype for Business Server 2022 confirmed. One challenge Skype for Business Server has is that its control panel uses
- [Microsoft Teams Desktop first in new Microsoft App Vulnerability Bounty Program, awards up to $30,000](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-desktop-first-in-new-microsoft-app-vulnerability-bounty-program-awards-up-to-30000/) - Microsoft has introduced a new Application Bounty Program that invites researchers to identify vulnerabilities in specific Microsoft apps and share them with Microsoft. Qualified submissions are eligible for bounty rewards from $500 to $30,000 USD. The first, and at the moment only app, in this new program is Microsoft Teams desktop client. It’s not very
- [Microsoft Teams news from Microsoft Ignite 2021](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-news-from-microsoft-ignite-2021/) - In this update, we talk about all the Microsoft Teams news from Microsoft Ignite 2021, and there was a lot: Microsoft Operator Connect Calling Plans in 8 new countries Teams Webinars PowerPoint Live and Dynamic view Teams Connect – Shared channels E2E encryption Increased integration for Teams and Dynamics Viva Microsoft ACS update Mixed reality
- [Microsoft Teams Phone Firmware Update March 2020](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-phone-firmware-update-march-2020/) - The latest Microsoft Teams Phone firmware update us rolling out this month. It contains the following update Remote provisioning and sign in for Teams Display from Teams admin center. New and improved sign-in experience. Meeting stage enhancements - changes in-call controls, reactions in meetings, overflow support, docked UBAR and participant tray. Calling user experience enhancements.
- [Real-time telemetry for Microsoft Teams meetings like Jitter, Packet-loss, latency](https://tomtalks.blog/real-time-telemetry-for-microsoft-teams-meetings-like-jitter-packet-loss-latency/) - Announced at Microsoft Ignite (I didn’t see it in a session, but if you did please let me know which one) by Anne Michels, Head of Product Marketing, Microsoft Teams Core, EDU and Free. Coming in April is real-time telemetry for meetings, enabling troubleshooting problems during meetings or events. The data is generated in Teams
- [End-to-end encryption (E2EE) coming to Microsoft Teams](https://tomtalks.blog/end-to-end-encryption-e2ee-coming-to-microsoft-teams/) - There has been lots of talk about End-to-end encryption in the UC space, now Microsoft will be joining the vendors that provide this option. Today Microsoft Teams is of course encrypted, but the encryption ins between each user and Microsoft. This model offers a number of benefits, for example, Microsoft being able to add clever
- [Microsoft Teams Shared Channels coming](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-shared-channels-coming/) - Microsoft Teams Connect Shared Channels A bit of a mouthful of a name (maybe a nod to the Slack Connect name?), Microsoft Teams Connect appears to be the brand name and “Shared Channels” the feature. Shared Channels will allow collaboration with external parties in a single channel with a team. The benefit here is that
- [Azure Communication Services interoperable with Microsoft Teams](https://tomtalks.blog/azure-communication-services-interoperable-with-microsoft-teams/) - I’ll be updating these blogs as posting more news as the sessions dive into the details, stay tuned to the blog and email updates for more. I’ll be doing a bit round-up post of all the news at the end of the week. Azure Communication Services interoperable with Microsoft Teams in preview Azure Communication Services,
- [Provision Partner PSTN Carrier calling and conferencing numbers directly in the Teams Admin Center](https://tomtalks.blog/provision-partner-pstn-carrier-calling-and-conferencing-numbers-directly-in-the-teams-admin-center/) - A really big announcement today, Microsoft has announced Operator Connect for Microsoft Teams Operator Connect Conferencing for Microsoft Teams These models allow PSTN operators to make their services (phone numbers and calling plans) available to provision directly in the Teams Admin Center, meaning you can assign PSTN calling and PSTN conferencing numbers directly to end-users
- [Tom, you say you love Teams, why is your webinar on GoToWebinar](https://tomtalks.blog/tom-you-say-you-love-teams-why-is-your-webinar-on-gotowebinar/) - Update March 2021: Microsoft Teams is rolling out webinar features for E3 and above: Webinars coming to Microsoft Teams, no additional licence needed – Tom Talks Modality has an upcoming webinar on Using Microsoft Teams for Telephony and Conferencing in 2019. Someone registered and asked why is a webinar about using Teams for your conferencing
- [Webinars coming to Microsoft Teams, no additional licence needed](https://tomtalks.blog/webinars-coming-to-microsoft-teams-no-additional-licence-needed/) - Webinar features are coming to Microsoft Teams. No separate subscription, E3 or Business premium or higher. Setting up a webinar is just like scheduling a meeting. The feature should start rolling out to tenants this month. Webinars will support up to 1,000 interactive attendees, with an “overflow” experience to a 10,000-person view-only broadcast experience. Microsoft
- [Microsoft Teams native ARM64 client for Windows 10 on ARM](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-native-arm64-client-for-windows-10-on-arm/) - Thanks to Bill Weidenborner, Microsoft Senior PM for the heads up this week, Microsoft has launched our new native ARM64 Teams app for Windows 10 on ARM. Last year Microsoft launched Windows 10 on ARM. The ARM CPU architecture allows these PCs to have all-day battery life and support for mobile data networks. The flagship
- [Microsoft Teams Calling Plans for 8 new countries rolling out April to June](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-calling-plans-for-8-new-countries-rolling-out-april-to-june/) - Announced at Microsoft Ignite, Microsoft is going to offer first-party calling plans for 8 new countries, rolling out between April and June this year: New Zealand Singapore Romania Czech Republic Hungary Finland Norway Slovakia This will bring the total countries Microsoft covers up to 24 directly from Microsoft: Austria Belgium Canada Denmark France Germany Ireland
- [Webinar: The 5 tools to understand the quality of your Microsoft Teams Calls and Meetings](https://tomtalks.blog/webinar-the-5-tools-to-understand-the-quality-of-your-microsoft-teams-calls-and-meetings/) - I have an upcoming Modality webinar alongside my college Sean Murphy, The 5 tools to understand the quality of your Microsoft Teams Calls and Meetings. March 9th, 2021. In this webinar we will go through all the native free in the box options to look at and understand Microsoft Teams call and meeting quality: Usage
- [Microsoft Teams Sessions at Ignite 2021](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-sessions-at-ignite-2021/) - Microsoft Ignite is right around the corner. Microsoft Ignite will take place online, kicking off on the morning of March 2, at 8:00 AM in the Pacific Time zone. They are also doing a keynote in AltspaceVR, an alternate reality platform. I’ve had the pleasure of presenting on this platform before, it should be really
- [Microsoft Teams Monthly Podcast - February 2021](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-monthly-podcast-february-2021/) - Another month of lockdown has flown by! And so it’s time for another Microsoft Teams Monthly. This month: Ribbon Direct Routing SaaS for Partners/Resellers Kit news: Logitech Rally Bar, video conferencing monitors by Dell, sidecars from AudioCodes and Yealink EXP50 sidecar FIVE exciting new features coming to Microsoft Teams in Q1 Check it out on
- [Feb 2021 Skype for Business Server 2015, 2019 and Lync Server 2013 Denial of Service Security Patch](https://tomtalks.blog/feb-2021-skype-for-business-server-2015-2019-and-lync-server-2013-denial-of-service-security-patch/) - Thought this was worth a post to get the word out. There is an important update for Skype for Business Server 2015, 2019 and Lync Server 2013 to protect against CVE-2021-24099, Skype for Business and Lync Denial of Service Vulnerability The exploit was privately disclosed to Microsoft by Markus Wulftange of Code White GmbH and
- [Microsoft Teams VDI 2x2 Gallery View Public Preview, Citrix and VMware](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-vdi-2x2-gallery-view-public-preview-citrix-and-vmware/) - The initial release of Microsoft Teams VDI support only supported a single incoming video stream for the active speaker. This is the default view: However, now available in public preview is seeing the video of four attendees in a 2x2 grid. This is a great improvement for user experience on VDI clients. Steps to enable
- [Microsoft Teams and Citrix Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) certified support for Calling and Meetings](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-and-citrix-virtual-desktop-infrastructure-vdi-certified-support-for-calling-and-meetings/) - Good news, after a long time coming, Microsoft Teams calling and meetings (audio, video and sharing) are now available on VDI (Virtual Desktop Infrastructure) with Citrix. Microsoft Teams chat and collaboration has been supported in VDI for a long time, and now with the Citrix platform, calling and meeting functionality are also supported. Audio, video
- [Webinar: Microsoft Teams user challenges and the strategies to avoid them](https://tomtalks.blog/webinar-microsoft-teams-user-challenges-and-the-strategies-to-avoid-them/) - On 3rd of February, I’m joining Mail Manager for a webinar, Microsoft Teams user challenges and the strategies to avoid them Mail Manager is an Outlook add-in to help project-based businesses eliminate their email management headache. In this webinar, I talk about some of the common end-user challenges and strategies to help your users avoid
- [UC Today and Commsverse Online Event: Collaborating in a Universal Workspace with Microsoft Teams](https://tomtalks.blog/uc-today-and-commsverse-online-event-collaborating-in-a-universal-workspace-with-microsoft-teams/) - UC Today and Commsverse are now partnering on a Working Better in Teams series, which focuses on improving business knowledge and skills in Microsoft Teams environments. Each micro event will focus on a specific aspect of Teams technology or culture. There will be a series of 4-6 tailored sessions that combine to deliver exceptional insights
- [Microsoft Teams Update Podcast December 2020](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-update-podcast-december-2020/) - This month we discuss: 115 million Microsoft Teams daily active users (DAU) Gartner Magic Quadrants Teams Public Preview Program AI Noise Suppression SfBO admin portal being retired Apps in Teams Meetings Catch it on YouTube or your favourite podcast platform
- [Important Microsoft Teams Change, Guest Access being turned on by default February 8th, 2021](https://tomtalks.blog/important-microsoft-teams-change-guest-access-being-turned-on-by-default-february-8th-2021/) - On 5th December Microsoft put out a major update notice (MC228482) for Microsoft Teams. Beginning on February 8th, 2021 (just over 2 months from the announcement), Microsoft is turning on Guest access in Microsoft Teams by default for any organisations who have not explicitly disabled guest access. Currently, the service default is guest access off,
- [Microsoft Teams quietly launch Device as a Service](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-quietly-launch-device-as-a-service/) - Thanks to my friend Shawn Harry for the heads up on this one, Microsoft has quietly launched Microsoft Teams Device as a Service. This is US only to start, with plans to support Canada next. It appears to be an option at checkout from the Microsoft Teams Devices store: Microsoft Teams enabled devices with fulfilment
- [9 new New Teams Phones Features - December 2020 Firmware Update](https://tomtalks.blog/9-new-new-teams-phones-features-december-2020-firmware-update/) - Rollout begins towards the end of the first week of December 2020. Teams Phones will now auto-update, but once the update is available you can also manually update your phones. There are 9 new updates Sidecar support for AudioCodes and Yealink phones Video enhancements for meetings on Teams video phones 3x3 Layout Together mode Gallery
- [Microsoft Teams Private teams no longer discoverable in search or directory](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-private-teams-no-longer-discoverable-in-search-or-directory/) - Public, Private and Org-wide teams In Microsoft Teams there are three types of team, Public and Private and Org-wide. Public means anyone in the organisation (tenant) can join the team at any time without any approval Private means owners of the team must admit new members. Org-wide, which is a special type of team that
- [Tom Arbuthnot on Will Rowe's Careering Out of Control podcast](https://tomtalks.blog/tom-arbuthnot-on-will-rowes-careering-out-of-control-podcast/) - I recently joined my friend Will Rowe on his new Careering Out of Control podcast. He’s a recruiter focused on Microsoft technologies and is interviewing people from across the space for their stories and takes on career options and career management. He’s clocked up some great shows with the likes of Steve Goodman, Lesley Crook
- [Update: 'Private' Microsoft Teams will shortly be discoverable in Search](https://tomtalks.blog/private-microsoft-teams-will-shortly-discoverable-search/) - Update: After feedback, Microsoft has decided not to roll out this change: Update, public and private teams have been simplified, details here One to watch out for as an admin. Previously “Private” Microsoft Teams did not appear in the Add Team / Suggested Teams / Search here: Starting March 23, 2018, private teams
- [Understanding and Reporting on Non-Discoverable Hidden Microsoft Teams](https://tomtalks.blog/understanding-and-reporting-on-non-discoverable-hidden-microsoft-teams/) - Public and Private teams Update, public and private teams have been simplified, details here In Microsoft Teams there are two types of team, Public and Private. Public means anyone in the organisation (tenant) can join the team at any time without any approval Private means owners of the team must admit new members. I’m not
- [Microsoft Teams Leader in Gartner UCaaS and Meetings Magic Quadrants](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-leader-in-gartner-ucaas-and-meetings-magic-quadrants/) - Microsoft Teams has been ranked as a leader in both the Garner Unified Communications as a Service and Meeting Solutions magic quadrants This is Microsoft’s second consecutive year as a Leader for Unified Communications as a Service and the 14th time in which Microsoft has been recognized as a Leader for Meetings Solutions. Gartner Magic
- [Skype for Business Online Admin Center retirement December 1st](https://tomtalks.blog/skype-for-business-online-admin-center-retirement-december-1st/) - With the time until Skype for Business Online will be retired, 31st July 2021, getting less and less, Microsoft is making a move to retire the Skype for Business Online admin center as soon as December 1st 2020. Known as LSCP (Lync Server Control Panel) to friends, you might ask how Microsoft can retire the
- [Microsoft Teams End User Public Preview coming December](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-end-user-public-preview-coming-december/) - Back in June, a Microsoft blog explained Windows Windows is “transitioning and converting our current ring model, based on the frequency of builds, to a new channel model”. It also said that Microsoft Teams would move in the same direction. How Microsoft office aka Microsoft 365 Apps Update Channels Work Microsoft Office runs on a
- [Microsoft deploys new Direct Routing infrastructure in Australia, Update ACLs and Firewalls](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-deploys-new-direct-routing-infrastructure-in-australia-update-acls-and-firewalls/) - Good news for Microsoft Teams Telephony users in and around Australia, as part of Teams Direct Routing expansion and service improvement Microsoft has deployed new instances of Direct Routing infrastructure in Australia. The SIP signaling connection points for Direct Routing are the following three FQDNs: sip.pstnhub.microsoft.com – Global FQDN – must be tried first. When
- [Microsoft Teams lower cost basic IP Phones and USB Phones coming early 2021](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-lower-cost-basic-ip-phones-and-usb-phones/) - Basic Microsoft Teams IP Phones In a blog, Microsoft announced some new more cost-effective IP Phones are being added to the Microsoft Teams device line-up. These phones will be coming from AudioCodes, Poly, Yealink starting early 2021 with with “physical buttons (so presumably no touch screen to save cost), high-quality audio, and core calling features
- [Microsoft Teams AI background noise suppression now rolling out](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-ai-background-noise-suppression-now-rolling-out/) - First talked about in March, Microsoft is now rolling out it’s AI-driven Microsoft Teams background noise suppression. Currently only in Microsoft Teams desktop app. This feature will automatically remove unwelcome background noise during your call or meetings. AI-based noise suppression works by analyzing an individual’s audio feed and using specially trained deep neural networks to
- [Is it possible to download a call log in Microsoft Teams?](https://tomtalks.blog/is-it-possible-to-download-a-call-log-in-microsoft-teams/) - I hear this question a lot, and like many things in Microsoft Teams, there can be multiple answers depending on what you need. Do you want a log of just user PSTN “phone calls”? This is an easy one, PSTN user phone calls are available from the Teams Admin Center under User Reports / PSTN
- [UC Today Microsoft Teams Update Podcast November 2020](https://tomtalks.blog/uc-today-microsoft-teams-update-podcast-november-2020/) - This month we talk about Recording and Contact Center API no longer part of Advanced Comms Microsoft Teams native ARM64 client for Windows 10 on ARM Teams Offline mode Features coming to Microsoft Teams Room for Android This quarter: 1080P outgoing video resolution 3×3 gallery view for Microsoft Teams Rooms on Android Large gallery view
- [UC Today Talking Teams - Navigating Direct Routing virtual event](https://tomtalks.blog/uc-today-talking-teams-navigating-direct-routing-virtual-event/) - Direct Routing continues to be a really hot topic, with Microsoft just announcing 115 Million Microsoft Teams Daily Active users there are lots of users out there who are not yet using Microsoft Teams Phone System. That’s millions of seats of potential Direct Routing. UC Today are putting on a virtual event focused on Microsoft
- [Microsoft 365 hits 30 billion daily collaboration minutes (DCM) and over 115 million Microsoft Teams daily active users (DAU)](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-365-hits-30-billion-daily-collaboration-minutes-dcm-and-over-115-million-microsoft-teams-daily-active-users-dau/) - Announced alongside Microsoft’s Q1 2021 earnings, Microsoft Teams now has 115 million daily active users, up 40 million from 75 million in April 2020. Microsoft defines daily active users (DAU) as the count of unique users performing an intentional action in a 24-hour period in any of the Teams clients—desktop, mobile, or web. Intentional actions
- [Tom Arbuthnot on MJFChat Podcast: The Role of the IT Pro in a Microsoft 365 Cloud World](https://tomtalks.blog/tom-arbuthnot-on-mjfchat-podcast-the-role-of-the-it-pro-in-a-microsoft-365-cloud-world/) - This month I was excited to join Mary Jo Foley on her MJFChat interview show on Petri.com. We talked about the role of the IT Pro in an increasingly Microsoft 365-cloud-centric world. You can listen to the show and see the transcript over at Petri.com, A great site to follow for Microsoft news and views.
- [Beta Graph API to Import Slack messages to Microsoft Teams teams and channels](https://tomtalks.blog/beta-graph-api-to-import-slack-messages-to-microsoft-teams-teams-and-channels/) - OK, so technically the API documentation says import “third-party” platform messages to Microsoft Teams, but we all know Slack would be the primary use case. This actually got posted to Microsoft’s documentation a while ago, but they just promoted it with a blog post on the graph blog which is interesting. This beta API allows
- [Microsoft Teams Recording API and Contact Center API no longer require Advanced Communications Licence](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-recording-api-and-contact-center-api-no-longer-require-advanced-communications-licence/) - Advanced Communications Licence background In July Microsoft announced a new Microsoft Teams $12 PUPM Advanced Communications licence. At launch it covered the following: Compliance Recording Graph API Access Contact Center solution Graph API Access Live event of up to 20K participants (50 concurrent meetings per tenant, 16 hours length) And described as coming later in
- [Microsoft Teams $12 PUPM Advanced Communications licence for recording and contact center API and advanced features](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-12-pupm-advanced-communications-licence-for-compliance-recording-and-advanced-features/) - Update 18th October 2020: Microsoft has changed this licence. Microsoft Teams Recording API and Contact Center API no longer require Advanced Communications Licence. More details here. Thanks to Matt Landis for first spotting this (his company does some great attendant console and contact centre software SfB and Teams). At Microsoft Inspire, in session IDB151, Build
- [UC Today Microsoft Teams Podcast October 2020](https://tomtalks.blog/uc-today-microsoft-teams-podcast-october-2020/) - Check out the latest UC Today Microsoft Teams podcast covering: Top 10 Teams news from Ignite New SfB Server Cisco Cloud Video Interop Azure Communication Services Check it out on YouTube here. You can subscribe to the podcast on: Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts UC Today Website YouTube Spotify BuzzSprout RSS Feed Questions and feedback
- [Dell launch Microsoft Teams Rooms Meeting Space Solutions](https://tomtalks.blog/dell-launch-microsoft-teams-rooms-meeting-space-solutions/) - Exciting news from Dell, a new partner in the Microsoft Teams Rooms ecosystem. Dell is launching Meeting Space Solutions are a complete conference room solution that includes: Dell OptiPlex Micro desktop PC (Windows 10 IoT Enterprise) Dell Large Format Touch Monitors Logitech Rally ConferenceCam and Speakers or MeetUp ConferenceCam and Tap touch controller It comes
- [Need Microsoft support with Office 365 Developer API's? You need paid Microsoft Premier or Unified Support](https://tomtalks.blog/need-microsoft-support-with-office-365-developer-apis-you-need-paid-microsoft-premier-or-unified-support/) - I’ve been working in the Microsoft space for quite a long time, including developing a number of products with Modality Systems, but this one still surprised me. Office 365 services, such as Exchange, OneDrive, Microsoft Teams, Planner, and SharePoint have various API’s, now mainly under Microsoft Graph. These are used for organisations to write their
- [How short retention deletion policies negatively impact Microsoft Teams user experience](https://tomtalks.blog/how-short-retention-deletion-policies-negatively-impact-microsoft-teams-user-experience/) - About Retention Policies Retention Policies in Office 365 allow organisations to define data they want to retain (keep) for a specific period of time, but also data they want to specifically not retain (permanently delete) after a period of time. Keeping data is usually to do with legal requirements or industry regulations to retain data
- [Calendly gets Microsoft Teams integration, and it's free!](https://tomtalks.blog/calendly-gets-microsoft-teams-integration-and-its-free/) - Calendly is a service I’ve used for a long time. It’s a simple online service to share a webpage for people to book meetings with you and it sync’s with your calendar to only offer slots that you have available. It works with your Office 365, Google or iCloud calendar. I did play with Microsoft
- [Microsoft Teams telephony Survivable Branch Appliances (SBA)](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-telephony-survivable-branch-appliances-sba/) - One of the biggest Microsoft Teams telephony news items from Microsoft Ignite, Microsoft partners will be offering Survivable Branch Appliances for Microsoft Teams. These appliances allow telephony to keep working via a PSTN connection to the Survivable Branch Appliance even if the internet/Office 365 connectivity is down. It works with a new Teams mode called
- [Microsoft Teams meeting recordings will now be stored in OneDrive and SharePoint](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-meeting-recordings-will-now-be-stored-in-onedrive-and-sharepoint/) - Possibly the biggest day to day usability improvement news coming from Microsoft Ignite, being able to easily share and manage Microsoft Teams meetings recordings. Today Microsoft Teams recordings are stored in Microsoft Stream. Microsoft Steam doesn’t have any direct external sharing and little admin-level control tools. If you want to share a meeting recording outside
- [Customer managed encryption keys coming for Microsoft Teams](https://tomtalks.blog/customer-managed-encryption-keys-coming-for-microsoft-teams/) - Microsoft Office 365 has supported Customer Key since 2017. Customer Key encrypts data at rest in Office 365 with keys the customer\organisation provides. Your data is always encrypted at rest in the Microsoft 365 service with BitLocker and Distributed Key Manager (DKM). This is controlled and managed by Microsoft. Customer Key adds an additional layer
- [Skype for Business Server 2022 confirmed, only be available as a subscription](https://tomtalks.blog/skype-for-business-server-2022-confirmed-only-be-available-as-a-subscription/) - Lots of news coming out of Microsoft Ignite this week. Thanks to Tobie Fysh my colleague at Modality for this one. Obviously, there is loads of Microsoft Teams news (I have a big backlog of blogs coming), as that is Microsoft’s focus, but there was some Skype for Business news. In the session On Skype
- [Cisco certified for Microsoft Teams Cloud Video Interop](https://tomtalks.blog/cisco-certified-for-microsoft-teams-cloud-video-interop/) - Thanks to my friend Michael LaMontagne for the heads up on this one. Cisco Webex Video Integration for Microsoft Teams is now officially certified as a Cloud Video Interop provider. Cloud Video Interop (CVI) is the name for Microsoft certified third-party gateway services that allow standards-based room video systems to join Microsoft Teams meetings. They
- [Route PBX calls to Microsoft Teams PSTN Audio Conferencing on net via SBC Direct Routing](https://tomtalks.blog/route-pbx-calls-to-microsoft-teams-pstn-audio-conferencing-on-net-via-sbc-direct-routing/) - Back in the day, one of the big ROI’s for Skype for Business server was bringing PSTN Audio Conferencing “in house” or “on network”. Meaning you didn’t need to pay for the external provider or for the phone bill to ring the provider from the PBX. I did whole Skype for Business server projected that
- [All the Important Microsoft Teams sessions at Microsoft Ignite](https://tomtalks.blog/all-the-important-microsoft-teams-sessions-at-microsoft-ignite/) - Microsoft Ignite is here, September 22-24, 2020 as a free digital event. There is going to be loads of great content right across Microsoft technologies. Here are a few key things to know and top Microsoft Teams related sessions to look out for. I will be blogging all the key news and will have a
- [Microsoft Teams audio, video and screen sharing minutes per user reports in Microsoft 365 Usage Reports](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-audio-video-and-screen-sharing-minutes-per-user-reports-in-microsoft-365-usage-reports/) - The Microsoft 365 admin center (portal.office.com) offers usage reports for a lot of the main services, Reports are available for the last 7 days, 30 days, 90 days, and 180 days. Reports are typically around 48 hours behind. Previous to this update we simply got a per user count of each of the following: Channel
- [Tom Arbuthnot at #MSIgnite Table Talk: Running Community Events in an Online World](https://tomtalks.blog/tom-arbuthnot-at-msignite-table-talk-running-community-events-in-an-online-world/) - This year Microsoft Ignite is an all-online event and it’s free to register. There is a lot of Microsoft Teams news coming as well as lots of other great content across multiple technologies. I’m excited to be joining some great people in hosting a Table Talk on Running Community Events in an Online World Session
- [Microsoft offers 35% discount on Advanced Communications Microsoft Teams Licence](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-offers-35-discount-on-advanced-communications-microsoft-teams-licence/) - Microsoft has announced a new discount on the somewhat controversial Advanced Communications Licence. Advanced Communications Licence covers: Compliance Recording Graph API Access – Access to use the Compliance/policy call recording Graph API – You also require a third party product to connect to the API and record sessions. Contact Center solution Graph API Access –
- [Tom Arbuthnot speaking at Cavell Group Cloud Comms Summit Virtual Event](https://tomtalks.blog/tom-arbuthnot-speaking-at-cavell-group-cloud-comms-summit-virtual-event/) - I really enjoyed Cavell Group Cloud Comms Summit in March In London earlier this year, one of the last in person events I spoke at before lockdown. This time it’s all virtual, I will be joining for a session on Microsoft Teams: Revenue opportunities for Service Providers. Established in 2015 the Cloud Comms Summit is
- [Microsoft adding Microsoft Teams Calling Plans for 6 countries October 1st](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-adding-microsoft-teams-calling-plans-for-6-countries-october-1st/) - In Office 365 Message Center Update MC221541, Microsoft have announced that on October 1st Microsoft will be adding Calling Plans for Austria Denmark Italy Portugal Sweden Switzerland So far there are no details on the official documentation, but I will update this post when they appear. There are two ways to get a user phone
- [UC Today Microsoft Teams Monthly September 2020 Update](https://tomtalks.blog/uc-today-microsoft-teams-monthly-september-2020-update/) - This month we discuss: Microsoft Teams will support standard SIP phones in the first half of 2021 Microsoft Teams lower cost basic IP Phones and USB Phones Avaya Session Border Controller for Enterprise (Avaya SBCE) certified for Microsoft Teams Direct Routing Microsoft Teams Rooms and Surface Hub working together with Coordinated Meetings Microsoft Teams PSTN
- [Nokia Session Border Controller certified for Microsoft Teams Direct Routing](https://tomtalks.blog/nokia-session-border-controller-certified-for-microsoft-teams-direct-routing/) - Just weeks after Avaya were added to the list, Nokia Session Border Controller is now certified for Microsoft Teams Direct Routing. Nokia’s SBC is more aimed at mobile and converged communications service providers and cable operators, so this may well unlock even more providers offering Microsoft Teams Direct Routing. You can deploy Nokia SBC on
- [Microsoft Teams Rooms and Surface Hub working together with Coordinated Meetings](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-rooms-and-surface-hub-working-together-with-coordinated-meetings/) - New to Microsoft Teams Rooms, “Coordinated Meetings” allow you to optimally use a Microsoft Teams Room and Surface Hub in the same room. Yes, some people are fancy enough to have both MTR’s and Surface Hubs in the same space :-). It’s interesting as the Surface Hub can join Teams meetings and has audio and
- [Tom Arbuthnot talking the culture of Microsoft Teams on The Digital Workspace Works Podcast](https://tomtalks.blog/tom-arbuthnot-talking-the-culture-of-microsoft-teams-on-the-digital-workspace-works-podcast/) - The Digital Workspace Works Podcast covers the ever-evolving digital workspace. The ecosystem that blends people, process and technology so that work can get done. I was invited on to talk about The Culture of Microsoft Teams. Unified comms and collaboration tools are the modern knowledge worker’s Swiss Army knife, but making the most of these
- [Tom Arbuthnot speaking at Teamsfest October 2020: Microsoft Teams Phone System Keys to Success](https://tomtalks.blog/tom-arbuthnot-speaking-at-teamsfest-october-2020-microsoft-teams-phone-system-keys-to-success/) - TeamsFest is a 100% free, 100% community-driven conference dedicated to Microsoft Teams. It aims to bring together exceptional technical talent and thought leaders to democratise Teams knowledge, encourage participation in the Teams community and give those who are struggling financially an opportunity to attend a first-class Teams conference. Organised by Chris Hoard, Adam Deltinger, Vesku
- [Microsoft 365 adoption guidance at adoption.microsoft.com](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-365-adoption-guidance-at-adoption-microsoft-com/) - Microsoft has created a single site to bring together content and tools from across Microsoft 365 services to simplify and accelerate your adoption and ROI from Microsoft 365. You can check it out at adoption.microsoft.com Assets you can find there include: Assets by phase of adoption plans for Teams, SharePoint, OneDrive and more Adoption Guides
- [Tom Arbuthnot speaking at GET-IT: Teams Day, August 12, 2020](https://tomtalks.blog/tom-arbuthnot-speaking-at-get-it-teams-day-august-12-2020/) - I’m excited to be speaking at Petri’s GET-IT: Teams 1-Day virtual conference. It is a is a full day of free learning dedicated to deep technical Microsoft Teams content aimed at accelerating the adoption, collaboration, and usage of the platform. Throughout the day you will hear from Microsoft MVPs and industry experts about how to
- [Skype for Business Online 3PIP IP Phones will work with Microsoft Teams until July 31st 2023](https://tomtalks.blog/skype-for-business-online-3pip-ip-phones-will-work-with-microsoft-teams-until-july-31st-2023/) - Update: 3rd August 2020: 3PIP Phones will now be supported beyond 2023 Alongside the End of support of Skype for Business Online date of 31st July 2021, Microsoft also announced that “After the Skype for Business Online retirement date of July 31, 2021, users with 3PIP devices who have been migrated over to Teams Only
- [Microsoft Teams Monthly Podcast August 2020](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-monthly-podcast-august-2020/) - This month in the August Microsoft Teams Update we discuss We discuss: Big News – Microsoft adding 120 minute PSTN domestic calling plans to E5 for Microsoft Teams (Note that between recording and publishing Microsoft have cancelled this so you might want to skip it) Microsoft Teams $12 PUPM Advanced Communications licence for recording and
- [Cancelled: Microsoft adding 120 minute PSTN domestic calling plans to E5 for Microsoft Teams](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-adding-120-minute-pstn-domestic-calling-plans-to-e5-for-microsoft-teams/) - Update 30th July: It looks like this licence option will be withdrawn before it even hits. I'll update when I have the confirmation, but for now, it looks like this won't actually come to market as an offer. Update 1st August: Confirmed, Microsoft is cancelling this licence: https://tomtalks.blog/2020/08/microsoft-cancel-including-calling-plans-in-e5-due-to-rapidly-evolving-market-conditions/ Big collaboration news from Microsoft, they are adding
- [Microsoft cancel including calling plans in E5 due to 'rapidly evolving market conditions'](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-cancel-including-calling-plans-in-e5-due-to-rapidly-evolving-market-conditions/) - Only weeks after it was announced and before it was due to be available, Microsoft has cancelled adding 120 minute PSTN domestic calling plans to E5 and A5 for 8 countries. Microsoft says it’s due to “rapidly evolving market conditions”. Thanks to my friend Randy Chapman for the heads up. They must have been very
- [Microsoft Teams Walkie Talkie push-to-talk feature now in public preview](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-walkie-talkie-push-to-talk-feature-now-in-public-preview/) - Microsoft Teams Walkie Talkie is now in public preview. This push-to-talk experience for Android devices turns them into walkie-talkies for instant voice communications. Like traditional walkie talkies, you press and hold a button to speak on the Teams Walkie Talkie, and release the button to listen. It’s simply an app in within the Microsoft Teams
- [Avaya Session Border Controllers will be certified for Microsoft Teams Direct Routing](https://tomtalks.blog/avaya-session-border-controllers-will-be-certified-for-microsoft-teams-direct-routing/) - Hot on the heels of Cisco who have certified a number of their session border controllers for Microsoft Teams Direct Routing, we now get official news that some Avaya Session Border Controllers will be certified for Microsoft Teams Direct Routing in 2020 Q3. This will mean customers with these Avaya SBC’s will be able to
- [Join Cisco Webex meetings from Microsoft Teams Rooms with direct guest join](https://tomtalks.blog/join-cisco-webex-meetings-from-microsoft-teams-rooms-with-direct-guest-join/) - We’ve been waiting for this since the announcement at Microsoft Ignite, Microsoft Teams Rooms Update 4.5.33.0 (07/20/2020) introduces a lot of new features including the ability to join Cisco Webex meetings: Introduced in this update: Join Cisco Webex meetings from Teams Rooms with direct guest join Teams Admin Center enablement and auto-enrollment Windows 10 1909
- [Controlling Microsoft Teams Guest Access on a per team basis](https://tomtalks.blog/controlling-microsoft-teams-guest-access-on-a-per-team-basis/) - Microsoft Teams allows people external to the tenant, “guests” to be added to the team. This is called “guest access”. Guest access is different from “external access” (previously called federation), where a user on tenant A can have a 1:1 chat, voice or video call to a user in tenant B. By default, guest access
- [Microsoft Teams Displays - All-in-one personal dedicated Microsoft Teams devices](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-displays-all-in-one-dedicated-microsoft-teams-devices/) - Microsoft recently announced (or really renamed since the Lenovo has been around for a while) a new type of certified device for Microsoft Teams. These are personal devices featuring an ambient touchscreen, and a hands-free experience powered by Cortana (Cortana will be available in the U.S. later this year). There are plans to expand Cortana
- [Microsoft Teams Call Records and Session Details API Public Preview](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-call-records-and-session-details-api-public-preview/) - Update: This API is now generally available, more details here: https://tomtalks.blog/2020/06/microsoft-teams-call-records-api-now-generally-available/ Being able to report at depth on usage (number of calls, who called who, what modalities were used etc.) and on performance (packet loss, jitter latency etc.) on unified communications is something many organisations want to do. In Skype for Business Server we could
- [Microsoft Teams test ring model to move to Windows / Office Channel model](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-test-ring-model-to-move-to-windows-office-channel-model/) - Like many Microsoft products, certain Microsoft partner and customers test early Microsoft Teams client builds to give Microsoft feedback. In Microsoft, this is called Technology Adoption Program (TAP). First Microsoft internal testing is done, then it is rolled out to TAP users for feedback before going to all other users. Microsoft Teams roll out updates
- [Microsoft Teams consumer mobile app public preview](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-consumer-mobile-app-public-preview/) - Earlier in the year, we heard from Microsoft that a consumer version of Microsoft Teams was coming. Yesterday Microsoft announced “Microsoft Teams consumer”, which doesn’t seem to have a specific name, in public preview, but only on mobile apps. General availability of the features, as well as expanding features to the desktop and web versions
- [Microsoft Teams 49 Participant Video  (7x7 layout) - Preview June 2020, GA H2 2020](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-49-participant-video-7x7-layout-preview-june-2020-ga-h2-2020/) - Microsoft have confirmed in an education blog that 7x7 video, allowing 49 participants to be on the screen at the same time is going to be preview for some tenants this month and generally available “in the fall” (start of September to end of November). It was announced on an education blog but 7x7 layout
- [Cisco Unified Border Element (CUBE) certified Microsoft Teams Direct Routing non-media bypass](https://tomtalks.blog/cisco-unified-border-element-cube-certified-microsoft-teams-direct-routing-non-media-bypass/) - Big new in the unified communication world, Cisco’s Session Border Controllers, the Cisco Unified Border Element (CUBE) are now certified for Microsoft Teams Direct Routing. This means mainly Cisco shops could now use the existing Session Border Controller to easily setup telephony for Microsoft Teams. The following products running IOS XE Amsterdam 17.2.1r have been
- [Microsoft Teams Rooms vs Microsoft Teams Collaboration Bars, Important Differences](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-rooms-vs-microsoft-teams-collaboration-bars-important-differences/) - Microsoft now has two types of certified room systems for Microsoft Teams: Microsoft Teams Rooms (MTR) Microsoft Teams Collaboration Bars Confusingly, Microsoft lists them under the same "Room systems" category on their official device catalogue, but they are quite different. Microsoft Teams Rooms are windows IOT based devices, currently available from Logitech, Yealink, Crestron, HP,
- [Yealink VC210 Microsoft Teams Collab Bar Hands On](https://tomtalks.blog/yealink-vc210-microsoft-teams-collab-bar-hands-on/) - Yealink kindly sent me a VC210 Microsoft Teams collaboration bar to test. Collaboration bars are a brand-new Microsoft certified device category for Microsoft Teams, focused on smaller meeting spaces like focus rooms, huddle spaces, rooms designed for one to five people. These devices are hitting a lower price point, the list price is $1,299. At
- [Set your Office 2016 Update Channel with Registry Key or Group Policy](https://tomtalks.blog/choose-office-2016-branch-local-group-policy/) - Update: for a quick way to do this with PowerShell see: blog here ########## As discussed in this post, Understanding Office Click-to-Run, Branches, MSI and Skype for Business Client Versions, Office 2016 Click to Run is released in 5 “Channels” (previously branches) 2 for normal users: Current Channel (previously called Current) (Current) Deferred Channel (previously Current
- [Accessing and Understanding the Microsoft Office 365 Phone System and Audio Conferencing Bill PSTN Usage Report](https://tomtalks.blog/accessing-and-understanding-the-microsoft-office-365-phone-system-and-audio-conferencing-bill-pstn-usage-report/) - This report has now moved into the Teams Admin Cente and I have an updated blog post here: https://tomtalks.blog/2020/04/understanding-the-microsoft-teams-pstn-usage-call-records-reportbill-for-calling-plan-and-pstn-audio-conferencing/
- [Teams Islands mode Users, set Outlook to only schedule Microsoft Teams meetings](https://tomtalks.blog/teams-islands-users-set-outlook-to-only-schedule-microsoft-teams-meetings/) - Putting users in Islands mode has massively increased as organizations with Skype for Business have quickly moved to leverage Microsoft Teams as part of their Business Continuity Plan (BCP). Lots have been encouraging users to use Microsoft Teams for meetings. By default, in islands mode, users have the choice of scheduling in Microsoft Teams or
- [Sharing a Microsoft Teams Meeting Recording with people outside your company](https://tomtalks.blog/sharing-a-microsoft-teams-meeting-recording-with-people-outside-your-company/) - Microsoft Teams has a great cloud meeting recording feature. You just hit record and the meeting is recorded in the cloud and added to Microsoft Stream (think enterprise YouTube) and permission it so that those in the meeting can access it…. provided they are within the company (the Office 365 tenant). Unfortunately, Stream can’t currently
- [Microsoft Teams Media Optimisation on Windows Virtual Desktop (WVD) VDI Public Preview](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-media-optimisation-on-windows-virtual-desktop-wvd-vdi-public-preview/) - We already have Microsoft Teams with Audio, Video and Sharing on Citrix, now we have the public preview for Microsoft’s own VDI solution, Windows Virtual Desktop. Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) is a virtualization technology that hosts a desktop operating system and applications on a centralized server in a data centre. Windows Virtual Desktop is Microsoft’s
- [Tom Arbuthnot speaking at UCX Digital Online event - The office of the future](https://tomtalks.blog/tom-arbuthnot-speaking-at-ucx-digital-online-event-the-office-of-the-future/) - For the first time, UC EXPO is launching an online event UCX Digital, which will take place on Wednesday 10 - Thursday 11 June. UCX Digital consists of 5 webinars across the two days and is completely free to attend. I am excited to be chairing the first session on 10th June: The office of
- [Tom Arbuthnot speaking at Commsverse Online, Keys to Microsoft Teams Governance Success](https://tomtalks.blog/tom-arbuthnot-speaking-at-commsverse-online-keys-to-microsoft-teams-governance-success/) - Commsverse is a community Microsoft Teams Conference run independently by industry experts in Microsoft Collaboration and Communication. I am excited to be doing a session on Keys to Microsoft Teams Governance Success. The online event is completely free to register to watch live. All sessions are streamed live as they happen. It is a multi-time
- [Microsoft Teams Monthly Podcast June 2020](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-monthly-podcast-june-2020/) - This month on the UC Today Microsoft Teams Monthly Podcast we discuss Microsoft policy-based recording API Microsoft Teams news from Build Microsoft buys Metaswitch Facebook buys Giphy Commsverse Online July 6th – 9th Questions and feedback welcome Check it out on your favorite platform below: Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts UC Today Website YouTube Spotify BuzzSprout
- [Microsoft 365 Licence Plan vs SKU vs Service Plan vs GUID vs String ID](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-365-licence-plan-vs-sku-vs-service-plan-vs-guid-vs-string-id/) - Unsurprisingly, Microsoft licensing terminology can be quite complicated. When you start looking at Microsoft 365 Licences in PowerShell or Microsoft Graph it can get confusing. Microsoft will refer to the “E bundles” as “Plans” in their marketing. But the Office 365 Portal will refer to the same bundle as a “Licence”. Which is the "Licence
- [Feed Microsoft Teams participant video into OBS, Wirecast, Xsplit and StreamLabs with coming NDI support](https://tomtalks.blog/feed-microsoft-teams-participant-video-into-obs-wirecast-xsplit-and-streamlabs-with-coming-ndi-support/) - Microsoft Teams is a great collaboration platform, but it's often used for much one than that. One use case is recording podcasts/vodcasts or even professional TV production. Today what you can do is relatively limited. For example, I record my monthly UC Today podcast on Microsoft Teams, we use the native Teams experience, natively recorded
- [Microsoft Teams Policy-based compliance recording API is now Generally Available](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-policy-based-compliance-recording-api-is-now-generally-available/) - Exciting news in Microsoft Teams, the updateRecordingStatus API, the Graph API that enables policy/compliance-based session recording, is now generally available. This API allows you to apply a policy to a Microsoft Teams user that enabled a bot to join all of their Microsoft Teams calls and meetings and enable a recording to meet various regulatory
- [Facebook buys GIPHY, time to disable GIPHY in Microsoft Teams?](https://tomtalks.blog/facebook-buys-giphy-time-to-disable-giphy-in-microsoft-teams/) - For those still catching up, GIPHY is an online service for making and sharing GIFs. It provides an API to directly integrate into other products. GIPHY is integrated into many products such as Twitter, WhatsApp, Snapchat, Reddit, TikTok, Slack and Microsoft Teams. As of 2018, they had around 300 million active users every day across
- [Microsoft acquiring Metaswitch Networks](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-acquiring-metaswitch-networks/) - Interesting news today. Microsoft has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Metaswitch Networks, a leading provider of virtualized network software and voice, data and communications solutions for operators. Metaswitch Networks is a private UK-based company that designs, develops, manufactures, and markets telecommunications software to communication service providers, equipment manufacturers and large enterprises. This is mainly
- [Automatic firmware updates coming for Microsoft Teams Phones](https://tomtalks.blog/automatic-firmware-updates-coming-for-microsoft-teams-phones/) - In the world of the cloud most devices now magically auto-update. We’re used to devices like Amazon Echo and Google Nest just being up to date, but how about an organisations phones? This option is now coming to Microsoft Teams. The Teams Admin Center enables management and updating of Microsoft Teams IP Phones today. For
- [Tom Arbuthnot talking Microsoft Teams on the Poly Weekly News Show](https://tomtalks.blog/tom-arbuthnot-talking-microsoft-teams-on-the-poly-weekly-news-show/) - I had fun today joining Neil Fluester Product Director at Poly on his Poly weekly news YouTube show. Also on the show this week, Duncan Strong and Jochen Eidam who dive into the Poly Trio and David Danto. We went over all the latest Microsoft Teams news. You can check out the show and subscribe
- [Microsoft Teams Collaboration Bars as a Personal Collaboration Device?](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-collaboration-bars-as-a-personal-collaboration-device/) - With current world events, large numbers of people around the world are now working from home full time. It has caused a lot of conversation around the best kit and devices for working from home. One question I’ve been asked more than once is, what should we provide our execs with? In the Cisco world,
- [New Microsoft Teams Partner Advanced Specializations: Calling and Teamwork Deployment](https://tomtalks.blog/new-microsoft-teams-partner-advanced-specializations-calling-and-teamwork-deployment/) - As Microsoft Teams continues to rapidly grow, Microsoft has announced two new Microsoft Partner Advanced Specializations. Microsoft award partners with “competencies”, such as a gold partner in X, then on top, “Advanced Specializations”. A competency measures a partner’s broad technical capability in a Microsoft product or technology. An advanced specialization measures more in-depth capabilities in
- [Tom Arbuthnot speaking at TGI Teams Virtual Reality Meet-up: Successful Microsoft Teams Meetings](https://tomtalks.blog/tom-arbuthnot-speaking-at-tgi-teams-virtual-reality-meet-up-successful-microsoft-teams-meetings/) - With world events being what they are at the moment, getting together online is more important than ever. I’m excited to be doing my first talk in virtual reality. TGI Teams is a new virtual community set in an alternate reality that is accessible to everyone. Meet-ups are hosted on an alternate reality platform called
- [UC Today Microsoft Teams Monthly Podcast May 2020](https://tomtalks.blog/uc-today-microsoft-teams-monthly-podcast-may-2020/) - Every month I do a Microsoft Teams New Update Podcast/YouTube with UC Today. May is a bumper month for news and features! New Business Voice SKU Custom Backgrounds 3×3 Video Hands up feature Improved meeting join webpage New IP Phone firmware Direct media optimisation New Teams Consumer version Live events Yammer Communities / Yammer app
- [Microsoft Teams: 75M DAU, 200M Daily Meeting Participants, 4.1B Daily Minutes](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-75m-dau-200m-daily-meeting-participants-4-1b-daily-minutes/) - Microsoft had their Q3 2020 earning call yesterday and announced more impressive Microsoft Teams growth figures. Microsoft even held the earnings call on Teams, nice to see them betting on their own platform for an event so important to them. Previously they had outsourced to an events company. Microsoft reported 75M Daily Unique Active Users,
- [Understanding and Reporting on Office 365 Guest Accounts and External members in Microsoft 365](https://tomtalks.blog/understanding-and-reporting-on-office-365-guest-accounts-and-external-members-in-microsoft-365/) - What is the difference between Microsoft 365 and Office 365? Originally Office 365 was the name for Microsoft’s cloud Office apps (e.g. the Office apps, Word, Excel, PowerPoint etc.) and services (SharePoint, OneDrive, Microsoft Teams) suite and Microsoft 365 was a bundle that included Office 365, Windows 10 and Enterprise Mobility and Security products. However
- [In Teams Only, Skype for Business always prompts Join Meeting Audio choice](https://tomtalks.blog/in-teams-only-skype-for-business-always-prompts-join-meeting-audio-choice/) - When a user moves into Teams Only mode, the Skype for Business client becomes a “Meeting Join Only” client, meaning it can join meetings but is no longer a calling or instant messaging client. This is how it launches: And if you click “Start Skype for Business” you get a client that only shows history
- [Full Yammer experience in Microsoft Teams with Yammer Communities App](https://tomtalks.blog/full-yammer-experience-in-microsoft-teams-with-yammer-communities-app/) - I am a big fan of most organisations having a workplace social platform, especially at times like these where lots of people are remote working for the first time and people need connection and communication. Here are my 6 reasons you should have a workplace social network, I won't repeat them here. I can appreciate
- [New features coming in Microsoft Teams IP Phones Firmware Update April 2020](https://tomtalks.blog/new-features-coming-in-microsoft-teams-ip-phones-firmware-update-april-2020/) - This update will be rolling this out to Teams phone in mid-April 2020, It will be completed by early May. It adds the following features: Redesigned calls app user interface with favourites (speed dial) Custom ringtones Managing delegates Support auto-dial for extension dialing Device management updates to support device categorization in Teams Admin Center This
- [4 new features enhancing Microsoft Teams meeting security and control](https://tomtalks.blog/4-new-features-enhancing-microsoft-teams-meeting-security-and-control/) - With the massive growth in online meting usage due to world events, online meeting security and best practices have been making headline news. Here are 4 features and changes coming to Microsoft Teams to further enhance security. Default to lobby for external and PSTN meeting joiners Microsoft Teams has a lobby function. Today it is
- [Modern Authentication for Microsoft Teams Rooms](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-rooms-now-support-modern-authentication/) - Modern authentication is a Microsoft umbrella term for a combination of secure authentication and authorization methods between a client and a server. This might include a PC or a phone. It includes: Authentication methods: Multi-factor authentication (MFA); smart card authentication; client certificate-based authentication Authorization methods: Microsoft's implementation of Open Authorization (OAuth) Conditional access policies: Mobile
- [Using Microsoft Teams to join a Zoom or Webex meeting via Skype for Business SIP Address](https://tomtalks.blog/using-microsoft-teams-to-join-a-zoom-or-webex-meeting-via-skype-for-business-sip-address/) - Many popular meetings platforms like Zoom and Webex have an option to add a SIP Address for Skype for business users to dial directly into the meeting from the Skype for Business client. It’s not the slickest user experience and not something I would necessarily recommend. Still, interestingly you can dial this SfB SIP URI
- [Microsoft On-Premise Diagnostics (OPD) tool for Skype for Business Server](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-on-premise-diagnostics-opd-tool-for-skype-for-business-server/) - Microsoft has announced a new On-Premise Diagnostics (OPD) tool for Skype for Business Server. OPD is a PowerShell based collection of diagnostic scenarios, analyzers, rules and insights for diagnosing common issues in Skype for Business 2015 and 2019 on-premises and hybrid environments. Once installed you run it in PowerShell and are prompted to pick a
- [New Poly Trio C60 for Microsoft Teams](https://tomtalks.blog/new-poly-trio-c60-for-microsoft-teams/) - Photo from Jeff Schertz Poly announced today the new Trio C60, a new conference phone that will support Microsoft Teams. Stand on its own as a high-quality conference phone, or, it can be used to control other endpoints like the Poly Studio X Family or G7500. Support a variety of the leading open SIP and
- [Microsoft Teams Direct Routing Local Media Optimization, unlocks new SBC topology options](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-direct-routing-local-media-optimisation-unlocks-new-organisation-sbc-topologies/) - Microsoft has announced the general availability of Local Media Optimization for Direct Routing. Media Bypass Direct Routing already supported Media bypass, released mid-2019. Meaning that media would “bypass” routing to the Microsoft cloud Media Transport Relays and stay direct between the Teams client and the SBC. This is optimal if the user is on a
- [Microsoft Teams Out Loud Podcast March 2020 News Update](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-out-loud-podcast-march-2020-news-update/) - All the Microsoft Teams news from March, this month we talk about COVID-19 – impact/growth Device Management right in Teams New Microsoft Teams PowerShell Module Stream video recording from the mobile app Questions and feedback welcome! You can check it out in all the usual places Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts UC Today Website YouTube Spotify
- [Understanding PSTN Dial-In Audio Conferencing with Microsoft Teams](https://tomtalks.blog/understanding-pstn-dial-in-audio-conferencing-to-microsoft-teams/) - Microsoft Teams is one product, but depending on what licences/SKU (Stock Keeping Unit) you have different features may be enabled or disabled. By default, Microsoft Teams comes with the ability to schedule or do ad-hoc online meetings (sometimes called conference calls or web conferences) for up to 250 people. This includes the ability to do
- [Microsoft 365 Business Voice for SMB now available worldwide, Up to 300 users Microsoft Teams Cloud Telephony single SKU](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-365-business-voice-for-smb-now-available-worldwide-up-to-300-users-microsoft-teams-cloud-telephony-single-sku/) - Huge news in the SMB voice space, Microsoft have now opened up the Microsoft 365 Business Voice SKU to over 70 countries via partner resellers (CSP, Cloud Solution providers), where the partner provides the telephony connectivity and minutes for the customer. Microsoft 365 Business Voice with partner calling plan is available in all countries where
- [Microsoft 365 Business Voice, up to 300 users Microsoft Teams Cloud Telephony, now available in USA, UK and Canada](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-365-business-voice-up-to-300-users-microsoft-teams-cloud-telephony-now-available-in-united-states/) - Update: this is now available worldwide via CSP partners. More details here Microsoft 365 Business Voice Website here Microsoft 365 Business Voice includes: Microsoft Teams cloud-based phone system with advanced features including call transfer, multi-level auto attendants, and call queues. Microsoft provided a domestic calling plan with 3,000 minutes per user (for US users), per
- [Microsoft Teams consumer version coming](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-consumer-version-coming/) - https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/microsoft-teams/teams-for-home Today Microsoft announced a new consumer-focused version of Microsoft 365. The new Microsoft 365 subscription is available in two SKUs; Microsoft 365 Personal is $6.99 a month, and Microsoft 365 Family is $9.99 per month for up to 6 people. This replaced Office 365 Personal and Home respectively. Existing subscribers will be automatically upgraded.
- [Virtual Backgrounds for Video, 10,000 users in a team and PSTN join announcements coming to Microsoft Teams 2020 Q2](https://tomtalks.blog/virtual-video-backgrounds-10000-users-in-a-team-and-pstn-join-announcements-coming-to-microsoft-teams-2020-q2/) - Virtual Backgrounds for Video (Background Effects) for Microsoft Teams For a long time in Microsoft Teams, we have had background blur, but a super popular feature in Zoom is to fully replace your background with a different image. This works without the need for a special green screen or any special equipment. This was announced
- [Microsoft Live Events Assistance Service, Remote Expert support from Microsoft](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-live-events-assistance-service-remote-expert-support-from-microsoft/) - What are Microsoft 365 Live Events? Microsoft 365 Live events enable anyone to create a live video broadcast event with interactive discussion across event across Teams, Yammer or Stream for up to 10,000 attendees. Typical live events might be a company or division-wide leadership update. After the event, the video can be made available on
- [Metaswitch Perimeta SBC certified For Microsoft Teams Direct Routing](https://tomtalks.blog/metaswitch-perimeta-sbc-certified-for-microsoft-teams-direct-routing/) - At Microsoft Ignite last year we heard that Cisco, Ericsson, Nokia and Metaswitch were going to be added to the list of certified SBC vendors for Microsoft Teams Direct Routing. Now the first of those, Metaswitch, is officially certified. It requires firmware version 4.7 or higher in that major version. The certification granted to a
- [Ribbon EdgeMarc Series certified for Microsoft Teams Direct Routing](https://tomtalks.blog/ribbon-edgemarc-series-certified-for-microsoft-teams-direct-routing/) - Ribbons Intelligent Edge multi-service business gateways (MSBGs), which include the EdgeMarc 2900, 4800, 6000 and 7000 series, have all been certified for Direct Routing for Microsoft Teams. The EdgeMarc devices provide SD-WAN in addition to VoIP and PSTN functionality. Microsoft Teams Direct Routing Certified list here
- [New Satin codec coming to Microsoft Teams](https://tomtalks.blog/new-satin-codec-coming-to-microsoft-teams/) - Somewhat buried in a Microsoft Teams update blog, Microsoft announced their new in-house developed codec coming to Microsoft Teams in the coming months. A codec (the word is a combination of coder and decoder) encodes and compresses data before it is sent and decodes received data. Microsoft says Satin, their new codec, will be able
- [How to quickly get the Emoji keyboard in Windows 10](https://tomtalks.blog/how-to-quickly-get-the-emoji-keyboard-in-windows-10/) - Blogging this just because I can never remember. I use Emoji’s a lot on phone but never remember how to access them quickly on Windows. It’s really simple, you just press windows key and full stop at the same time, You get a nice insert box with all the options.
- [Microsoft Teams now has 44  million DAU Daily Active Users](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-now-has-44-million-dau-daily-active-users/) - Undoubtedly partially fueled by the world impact of COVID-19, Microsoft is now reporting, as of March 18, 2020, 44 million daily active users (DAU) around the world. As of March 11, 2020, it was 32 Million Daily Active Users, that number has grown by 12 million in just over a week. That's up from 20
- [6 New features coming to Microsoft Teams this year](https://tomtalks.blog/6-new-features-coming-to-microsoft-teams-this-year/) - As part of a blog post talking about the 3 year anniversary of Microsoft Teams and 44 million daily active users, 6 new features coming later this year were announced. Want to stay up to date on Microsoft Teams news, check out my every other Tuesday email update here. Real-time noise suppression on meetings Microsoft
- [Microsoft Teams PowerShell Module 1.0.5 Update](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-powershell-module-1-0-4-update/) - Edit, shortly after posting the blog 1.0.5 was released with a minor Teams education-specific update, otherwise, it's the same as 1.0.4 It’s been about 4 months since the last PowerShell module update for Microsoft Teams. In this update: The new version includes: Resiliency improvements on Get-Team cmdlet specially when used in tenants containing a large
- [Microsoft Teams is now available to the UK National Health Service for free](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-is-now-available-to-the-uk-national-health-service-for-free/) - Tweet: Link Simon Eccles, Chief Clinical Information Officer for Health and Care. Deputy CEO NHSX, confirmed in a tweet that Microsoft Teams is being made available for free across the NHS. There are roughly 1.5 million people employed by the NHS across the UK. NHSX is a United Kingdom Government unit with responsibility for setting
- [Microsoft Teams to Skype consumer interop -  chat, calling and video](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-to-skype-consumer-interop-chat-calling-and-video-hands-on/) - One of the features of Skype for Business is that Skype for Business users can communicate with Skype consumer users. I always saw this as a niche use case. The idea being a work user could contact there family, or maybe a supplier is using Skype consumer. Evidently, there was enough demand for the feature
- [Connect Analog devices to Microsoft Teams with Ribbon and AudioCodes](https://tomtalks.blog/connect-analog-devices-to-microsoft-teams-with-ribbon-and-audiocodes/) - For years with Lync and Skype for Business deployments we have connected analog devices to Session Border Controllers/Gateways, both to give them PSTN access when removing the PBX and to allow calling between them and Skype for Business. Typical use cases include Lift/Elevator Phones/Overhead PA systems DECT handsets Specialist phone devices (fireproof phones, dealer boards)
- [Create Multiple Edge Web Apps for each Microsoft Teams Guest Tenant](https://tomtalks.blog/create-multiple-edge-web-apps-for-each-microsoft-teams-guest-tenant/) - Since Chromium Edge went general availability I’ve switched to it as my primary browser away from Google Chrome. One of the useful things chrome had was the ability to create web apps with specific profiles, which allowed me to easily be signed into multiple Microsoft Teams guest access tenants concurrently. I wrote a PowerShell script
- [Tom Arbuthnot on Unified Comms Influencers Podcast](https://tomtalks.blog/tom-arbuthnot-on-unified-comms-influencers-podcast/) - I was fortunate to be invited to be on Dominic Kent’s new Unified Comms Influencers Podcast. Dominic is Director of Content Marketing & Communications at Mio and is really on the pulse in our space. His podcast is about diving a bit more into the background of the people in Unified Comms, it’s a great
- [Microsoft Stream mobile apps now enable recording, editing and uploading](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-stream-mobile-apps-now-enable-recording-editing-and-uploading/) - It won’t be a shock to most who read this blog that I’m a big fan of video. I think it’d a great way to connect and convey information. Now Microsoft Stream (think enterprise YouTube) iOS and android apps allow you to record and edit in the app and upload direct to Microsoft Stream. It
- [UC Today Microsoft Teams Out Loud: February 2020 Podcast](https://tomtalks.blog/uc-today-microsoft-teams-out-loud-february-2020-podcast/) - Check out this month's Microsoft Teams update podcast with UC Today. Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts UC Today Website YouTube Spotify BuzzSprout RSS Feed This month we talk about: CVP, Jeff Teper takes over leadership of Microsoft Teams, What does it mean for the Future? Microsoft Teams Outage February 20 Power BI Reports for Microsoft Teams
- [Microsoft offers Microsoft Teams (Office 365 E1) free for 6 months as response to COVID-19](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-offers-paid-microsoft-teams-features-free-for-6-months-as-response-to-covid-19/) - Link JP Courtois, Microsoft EVP and President, Microsoft Global Sales, Marketing & Operations, announced on Twitter that Microsoft would be making “Teams available to all for free for six months” This follows lots of other collab/meetings vendors offering extended free service offers such as Cisco and LogMeIn. The interesting thing is Microsoft Teams already has
- [For China users, Microsoft recommends VPN to egress Microsoft Teams traffic onto the public Internet outside China](https://tomtalks.blog/for-china-users-microsoft-recommends-vpn-to-egress-microsoft-teams-traffic-onto-the-public-internet-outside-china/) - With world events, we’re seeing a big increase in usage of Microsoft Teams in customers around the world, but particularly in China. China is interesting for cloud connectivity. China ISPs have regulated offshore connections to the global public Internet that go through perimeter devices which are prone to high-levels of cross-border network congestion. This congestion
- [Tom Arbuthnot at Cloud Comms Summit, London](https://tomtalks.blog/tom-arbuthnot-at-cloud-comms-summit-qeii-london/) - I’m excited to be joining a panel at Cavell Group’s Cloud Comms Summit. The panel topic is, Mega Cloud Competition: Microsoft Opportunity or Threat? Established in 2015 the Cloud Comms Summit is the leading and largest vendor-agnostic event focused on the Cloud Communications industry. It is the biggest Service Provider event in Europe. The day
- [Shure ceiling and table array microphones certified for Microsoft Teams](https://tomtalks.blog/shure-ceiling-and-table-array-microphones-certified-for-microsoft-teams/) - It’s been a while coming since their initial announcement but now Shure’s Microflex Advance MXA910 Ceiling Array, MXA310 Table Array Microphone, and the IntelliMix P300 Audio Conferencing Processor are all certified to be used with Microsoft Teams. That means they are officially supported to be connected up to Microsoft Teams Rooms. The equipment is designed
- [Change New Tab Page in Chromium Edge to Google](https://tomtalks.blog/change-new-tab-page-in-chromium-edge-to-google/) - I’m fully switched over to Chromium Edge Beta and it’s great, but one thing that was niggling me is that new tab pages always default to Bing search. You can change the address bar search to google Settings / Privacy and Services / Services / Address Bar / Search engine used in address bar You
- [Microsoft reverse Office 365 Chrome browser plugin plan to force switch to Bing Search](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-reverse-office-365-chrome-browser-plugin-plan-to-force-switch-to-bing-search/) - January 22nd Microsoft announced “Beginning with Version 2002 of Office 365 ProPlus, Microsoft will install a browser extension that makes Bing the default search engine for Google Chrome” I wrote at the time, this was an overreach. Changing a users default search engine, in a app not even owned by Microsoft. Good news. It took
- [Microsoft Teams will block clients older than 3 months and warn to update if client is older than 1 month](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-will-block-clients-older-than-3-months-and-warn-to-update-if-client-is-older-than-1-month/) - How does Microsoft Teams desktop client update? As a modern online service, the Microsoft Teams client desktop client auto-updates approximately every two weeks. Teams desktop client updates are released after internal testing and validation through the Technology Adoption Program (TAP). Updates are usually on a Tuesday. In rare scenarios when a critical update is required,
- [CVP Jeff Teper takes over leadership of Microsoft Teams, What does it mean for the Future?](https://tomtalks.blog/cvp-jeff-teper-takes-over-leadership-of-microsoft-teams-what-does-it-mean-for-the-future/) - Exciting news this week. Jeff Teper, who is Microsoft Corporate Vice President of Office apps, SharePoint, OneDrive and Stream is taking over leadership of Microsoft Teams. CVP Brian MacDonald, who has been heading up Microsoft Teams, is retiring. MacDonald conceived of the product that became Microsoft Outlook and served as General Manager of the Microsoft
- [How to edit Microsoft Teams IP Phone Device Name, Organization Asset Tag and Notes](https://tomtalks.blog/how-to-edit-microsoft-teams-ip-phone-device-name-organization-asset-tag-and-notes/) - All Microsoft Teams IP Phones are managed and updated through the Teams Admin Center (admin.teams.microsoft.com). Each Phones settings in the teams admin center has custom fields for organisations to use: Organization asset tag, Notes. You can see them if you click into a specific phone and details you can see them. However, there is no
- [How to get log files from a Microsoft Teams IP Phone](https://tomtalks.blog/how-to-get-log-files-from-a-microsoft-teams-ip-phone/) - One of the nice features of Microsoft Teams IP Phones is that they are all managed from the Teams Admin Center (TAC). This includes IP phone configuration, upgrades and even log collection. Under Devices / Phones you will find each phone If you click into a phone you can click “Download device logs” This sends
- [Microsoft Teams Out Loud Monthly Podcast January 2020](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-out-loud-monthly-podcast-january-2020/) - The latest UC Today Microsoft Teams Out Loud Podcast is now available on all the usual platforms. This month we talk about Lenovo ThinkSmart View $349 Microsoft Teams 8-inch screen Personal Video Endpoint Forrester Total Economic Impact (TEI) study of Microsoft Teams Cloud Voice January 2020 Upcoming Features from Microsoft Teams blog - focused on
- [UC Summit 2020, virtual online conference now open](https://tomtalks.blog/uc-summit-2020-virtual-online-conference-now-open/) - UC Summit 2020 is an “online conference” from the UC Today team. It’s s mix of curated existing content from the vendors like recent keynotes and some new UC Today content specifically for the virtual conference I recorded a panel on Webex vs Teams vs Zoom for Meetings. It’s open from 20th January for 90
- [Office 365 ProPlus will Browser Hijack Google Chrome to use Microsoft Search / Bing Search](https://tomtalks.blog/office-365-proplus-will-browser-hijack-google-chrome-to-use-microsoft-search-bing-search/) - Microsoft announced yesterday on their roadmap and Office 365 Message Center: “Beginning with Version 2002 of Office 365 ProPlus, Microsoft will install a browser extension that makes Bing the default search engine for Google Chrome” Support for Firefox is planned too, Microsoft will update in a future Message Center post. In my opinion, this is
- [MS-700: Managing Microsoft Teams Exam Prep Guide and Resources](https://tomtalks.blog/ms-700-managing-microsoft-teams-exam-prep-guide-and-resources/) - The single Microsoft Exam MS-700: Managing Microsoft Teams gives you the Microsoft 365 Certified: Teams Administrator Associate certification. The exam was in beta and beta results were recently released and I’m pleased to say I passed. Graham Hosking (LinkedIn, Twitter) a friend and TS at Microsoft also passed. We pooled our thoughts and resources together
- [Microsoft Ignite 2020, September 21st to the 25th 2020, New Orleans](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-ignite-2020-september-21st-to-the-25th-2020-new-orleans/) - Good news, Microsoft Ignite 2020 is a go. This year it’s a new location, New Orleans in Louisiana. It’s September 21st to the 25th. Pre-registrations are already open, meaning you can register for free to be first to be alerted when tickets go on sale. It always sells out and hotels and flights go fast,
- [Webinar: Data-driven Microsoft Teams success with Modality Systems Teamwork Analytics](https://tomtalks.blog/webinar-data-driven-microsoft-teams-success-with-modality-systems-teamwork-analytics/) - Modality Systems has an in house developed Microsoft Teams reporting, governance and automation suite called Teamwork Analytics. Essentially it pulls data from Microsoft graph into Azure SQL and uses it to automate actions with the Azure bot formwork as well as reports via PowerBI. In this upcoming webinar, I will talk about how we use
- [5 new Microsoft Teams firstline worker features coming first half 2020](https://tomtalks.blog/5-new-microsoft-teams-firstline-worker-features-coming-first-half-2020/) - Microsoft recently blogged about features for shift workers which gave us details of 5 new features coming to Microsoft Teams, specifically target as firstline/front line workers. Here is a rundown: Walkie Talkie / Push to Talk Limited Private preview in the first half of this year A feature often used in retail (from the person
- [All Skype for Business IP Phones must be firmware updated by January 15, 2020 to continue to sign into Office 365](https://tomtalks.blog/all-skype-for-business-ip-phones-must-be-firmware-updated-by-july-1st-2019-to-continue-to-sign-into-office-365/) - 15th May 2019 Update: The date has moved from July 1st 2019 to January 15, 2020. 12th January 2020 Update: The date has moved to 15th July 2020 - details here If you have SfB Certified IP Phones (3PIP) from AudioCodes, Crestron, Polycom or Yealink signing into to Skype for Business Online (or Microsoft Teams
- [OAuth 2.0 Skype for Business IP Phone Required Firmware Update Timeline extended to July 15th, 2020](https://tomtalks.blog/oauth-2-0-skype-for-business-ip-phone-required-firmware-update-timeline-extended-to-july-15th-2020/) - Thanks to Dan Balitewicz for the update on this one. Microsoft is implementing Microsoft Identity Platform 2.0 (an evolution of the Azure Active Directory identity service) which uses the OAuth 2.0 authorization protocol. If you have SfB Certified IP Phones (3PIP) from AudioCodes, Crestron, Polycom or Yealink signing into to Skype for Business Online (or
- [Tom Arbuthnot speaking at Commsverse In-Store Event, Microsoft Oxford Circus, London, 11th February](https://tomtalks.blog/tom-arbuthnot-speaking-at-commsverse-in-store-event-microsoft-oxford-circus-london-11th-february/) - Commsverse In-Store is a micro taster of Commsverse, an upcoming about 2-day UK independent Microsoft Teams community event www.commsverse.com (a must-attend!). I’m excited to be speaking at Commsverse In-store alongside by very knowledgeable friend Ståle Hansen is at the new Microsoft London Flagship retail store in Oxford Circus, London. I think there is room for
- [Lenovo ThinkSmart View $349 Microsoft Teams 8-inch screen Personal Video Endpoint](https://tomtalks.blog/lenovo-thinksmart-view-349-microsoft-teams-8-inch-screen-personal-video-endpoint/) - Exciting news from Lenovo ahead of CES, a new Microsoft Teams Endpoint. The Lenovo ThinkSmart View is a dedicated unit in a similar form factor as smart home assistant displays like the Google Home Hub or Echo Show. In fact, as Jimmy Vaughan points out, the form factor is the same as the Smart Display
- [Forrester Total Economic Impact (TEI) study of Microsoft Teams Cloud Voice January 2020](https://tomtalks.blog/forrester-total-economic-impact-tei-study-of-microsoft-teams-cloud-voice-january-2020/) - Commissioned by Microsoft, Forrester Consulting conducted a Total Economic Impact™ (TEI) study to provide readers with a framework to evaluate the potential financial impact of Microsoft 365 Cloud Voice on their organizations, hereafter referred to as Cloud Voice. To better understand the benefits, costs, and risks associated with this investment, Forrester interviewed several customers with
- [How to leave Yammer External Networks](https://tomtalks.blog/how-to-leave-yammer-external-networks/) - When on your home network, click edit your account settings Then Networks Then Leave Network as appropriate
- [Microsoft Teams Out Loud Podcast December 2019](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-out-loud-podcast-december-2019/) - This month on the UC Today Microsoft Teams Out Loud Podcast we talk about - 20 million DAU, but how is it measured? - Microsoft Teams Linux preview - Calling and Meetings on Citrix VDI - SfB Server Cumulative Update 2 Check it out on all your favourite podcast platforms Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts UC
- [Automatic Microsoft Teams client install for Office 365 Semi-Annual Channel on Jan 14, 2020](https://tomtalks.blog/automatic-microsoft-teams-client-install-for-office-365-semi-annual-channel-on-jan-14-2020/) - Beginning January 14, 2020, the Microsoft Teams client will be automatically added to existing installations for customers on the Semi-Annual Channel. Office 365 ProPlus, the office clients install that comes with Office 365, has a method for administrators to control the pace of feature updates, called update channels. Monthly Channel - Provide users with the
- [Microsoft Teams Linux client public preview now available](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-linux-client-public-preview-now-available/) - Long-awaited, the Microsoft Teams Linux client is now available to all in public preview. You can download the native Linux packages in .deb and .rpm formats at https://teams.microsoft.com/downloads Users will be able to install native Linux packages in .deb and .rpm formats. Installing the DEB or RPM package will automatically install the package repository DEB
- [How does Microsoft define Microsoft Teams Active Users?](https://tomtalks.blog/how-does-microsoft-define-microsoft-teams-active-users/) - With big announcements of 13 million Daily Active Users, 19 million Weekly Active Users in July 2019 and then 20 million DAU Microsoft Teams users in November 2019, the question is often asked how does Microsoft define “Active”? Vendors like Slack have thrown some challenges about Microsoft Teams being included with Office 365/Office client install
- [Slack CEO forecasts 50 million active Microsoft Teams users in the next six months and 100 million within the next year](https://tomtalks.blog/slack-ceo-forecasts-50-million-active-microsoft-teams-users-in-the-next-six-months-and-100-million-within-the-next-year/) - Interesting comments from Stewart Butterfield, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder at Slack on their quarter 3 earnings call: I want to acknowledge the escalation in competitive narratives. Microsoft has announced that there are now 20 million people using Teams, around 10% of their Office365 user base. When they first announced the shutdown of
- [Understanding Microsoft's Managed Meeting Rooms Service](https://tomtalks.blog/understanding-microsofts-managed-meeting-rooms-mmr-service/) - Announced at Microsoft Ignite 2019 and currently, in preview, Microsoft is now offering a first-party remote “Managed Meeting Rooms” service, where they will remotely manage your Microsoft Teams Rooms systems. It includes: Access to online portal Customers interact with Microsoft via support tickets that are view-able in the portal Proactive Monitoring – Incident reporting e.g.
- [Skype for Business Server 2019 Cumulative Update 2 (CU2)](https://tomtalks.blog/skype-for-business-server-2019-cumulative-update-2-cu2/) - Latest Cumulative Update for Skype for Business Server 2019 Download here Knowledge Base: KB4470124
- [Microsoft Teams now has over 20 million DAU Daily Active Users](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-now-has-over-20-million-dau-daily-active-users/) - Microsoft announced Tuesday that Microsoft Teams has hit 20 million daily active users. Microsoft blog here “In fact, today Teams has more than 20 million daily active users. What’s more, while these users start with simple text-based chat, they quickly move on to richer forms of communication and collaboration. For instance, last month Teams customers
- [MUCUGL Wednesday 27th November: Microsoft Teams news from Microsoft Ignite](https://tomtalks.blog/mucugl-wednesday-27th-november-microsoft-teams-news-from-microsoft-ignite/) - There was a lot of Microsoft Teams news at Microsoft Ignite. This MUCUGL is a summary of everything you need to know and a chance to ask questions on the specifics. In a rare treat, Adam will be in London in person. Also, Ben Lee and Graham Cropley will be joining us to present and
- [5 Biggest Microsoft Teams Takeaways from Microsoft Ignite 2019](https://tomtalks.blog/5-biggest-microsoft-teams-takeaways-from-microsoft-ignite-2019/) - Microsoft Ignite 2019 was fantastic as always. I had the great opportunity to speak twice, recorded the UC Today podcast live, did a lot of networking and catching up with friends, and even managed to get some sessions in along the way! After a bit of time to take in a few more sessions and
- [Recordings of Tom Arbuthnot's Microsoft Teams sessions from Microsoft Ignite 2019](https://tomtalks.blog/recordings-of-tom-arbuthnots-microsoft-teams-sessions-from-microsoft-ignite-2019/) - Microsoft Ignite is over, but, good news, all the content is available online! There is amazing content right across the Microsoft Technology stack and even beyond with sessions on community building, inclusivity, personal branding and IT burnout. You can check out all the sessions here https://myignite.techcommunity.microsoft.com/ You can also download the sessions in bulk with
- [New MS-700: Managing Microsoft Teams beta exam](https://tomtalks.blog/new-ms-700-managing-microsoft-teams-beta-exam-80-discount-code/) - This week Microsoft announced the beta of a new exam focused on Microsoft Teams Beta Exam Discount Code ]To receive the 80% discount*, use code MS700Farmington when prompted for payment. This is NOT a private access code. You can use this code to register for and take the exam on or before December 20, 2019.
- [Microsoft Teams and Microsoft Power Platform get closer with pinning of Power Apps](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-and-microsoft-power-platform-get-closer-with-pinning-of-power-apps/) - One of the big themes of Microsoft Ignite was positioning Microsoft Teams as more than “chat, meetings and voice” and as a platform. Microsoft has made a huge investment in their low-code/no-code Power Platform, Power BI, Power Apps and Power Automate (previously called “flow”). For some time, you have been able to embed PowerBI reports
- [Microsoft Teams Rooms will soon be able to join Zoom and Webex Meetings, and Zoom and Cisco Rooms will join Microsoft Teams Meetings](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-rooms-will-soon-be-able-to-join-zoom-and-webex-meetings-and-zoom-and-cisco-rooms-will-join-microsoft-teams-meetings/) - Updated 10th November with more details from Ilya Bukshteyn, Head of Product (Partner Director), Microsoft Teams Devices at Microsoft. I recommend you check out his blog here and follow him on LinkedIn here ######### Another big announcement at Microsoft Ignite. Microsoft is updating Microsoft Teams rooms so that they can natively join meetings on Cisco
- [Cisco Cloud Video Interop (CVI) and Certified SBCs for Direct Routing for Microsoft Teams](https://tomtalks.blog/cisco-cloud-video-interop-cvi-and-certified-sbcs-for-direct-routing-for-microsoft-teams/) - Big news from Microsoft Ignite. Microsoft and Cisco are formally partnering, enabling the following: Cisco runs Microsoft Certified Cloud Video Interop (CVI) Service - Cisco Webex and standards SIP video room systems the ability to connect to the Microsoft Teams meetings Cisco Session Border Controllers (SBC’s) will be certified for Direct Routing Microsoft Teams Rooms
- [Automatically Dismiss Past Events Reminders in Outlook](https://tomtalks.blog/automatically-dismiss-past-events-reminders-in-outlook/) - Does your Outlook often start like this? Outlook does have the ability to automatically dismiss these these tasks, but for some reason it’s not enabled by default. Options Advanced / Tick “Automatically dismiss reminders for past calendar events”
- [Microsoft Business Voice - Single SKU for 1 to 300 seat Microsoft Teams, Calling Plan and Conferencing](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-business-voice-single-sku-for-1-to-300-seat-microsoft-teams-calling-plan-and-conferencing/) - I have been banging the drum for some time that Microsoft are missing a big market opportunity in the SMB space. Microsoft has a great value Office 365 SKU (Stock Keeping Unit, or “Licence”) in Office 365 Business for up to 300 users. Office 365 Business Premium and Business Essentials include Microsoft Teams, but up
- [7 new features coming to Microsoft Teams from Microsoft Ignite 2019](https://tomtalks.blog/7-new-features-coming-to-microsoft-teams-from-microsoft-ignite-2019/) - The Microsoft Teams news has been flying in at Microsoft Ignite. If you want to keep right up to date, be sure to follow me on LinkedIn. Here are 7 new features from the Microsoft Teams keynote. Screenshots from they keynote demos. Private channels launching (for real) Private channels are finally launching. Private channels enable
- [5 Microsoft Teams Deep Dive Sessions I'm looking forward to at Microsoft Ignite](https://tomtalks.blog/5-microsoft-teams-deep-dive-sessions-im-looking-forward-to-at-microsoft-ignite/) - Microsoft Ignite is just days away now. I’m really looking forward to it. I am presenting two theatre sessions: Microsoft Teams: Real-world tips for success – THR2069, Wednesday, 4:20 PM – 4:40 PM Microsoft Teams: Real-world troubleshooting – THR4004, Thursday, 9:00 AM – 9:20 AM It would be great to see you at my sessions,
- [404: Sorry nothing to see here](https://tomtalks.blog/adding-an-outlook-email-and-calendar-app-to-microsoft-teams/) - Sorry, no longer anything to see here I'm afraid. For the latest Microsoft Teams news be sure to join my mailing list. Thanks Tom
- [Tom Arbuthnot Speaking at High-Performance Microsoft Teams Event, London, November 26th](https://tomtalks.blog/tom-arbuthnot-speaking-at-high-performance-microsoft-teams-event-london-november-26th/) - Modality Systems are hosting a full-day Microsoft Teams focused event at Wembley Stadium on 26th November. Get insights and expert advice on how to derive full value from your Microsoft Teams investment from Microsoft MVP’s Tom Arbuthnot and Tom Morgan. Understand the next steps you can take to enhance your Microsoft Teams experience, no matter
- [Workplace by Facebook up to 3 Million Paid Users, can Microsoft fight back with the Year of Yammer?](https://tomtalks.blog/workplace-by-facebook-up-to-3-million-paid-users-can-microsoft-fight-back-with-the-year-of-yammer/) - Workplace by Facebook is a separate division of Facebook that offers a private dedicated Facebook-like experience for organisations. They position it as both an “Enterprise Social Network” with New Feed and for Team collaboration, with “collaboration spaces” with files and discussions. It also has chat, video conferencing and video broadcast. They also have a heavy
- [Microsoft Teams: How to Archive a Team](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-how-to-archive-a-team/) - When a Microsoft Teams team is no longer needed, an owner can delete or archive it. If you delete a team, it will disappear from your Teams client. When you delete a team, chats, channels and files and is also deleted. It will be retained on the backend of Office 365 for 30 days by
- [Microsoft Teams Out Loud Podcast October 2019](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-out-loud-podcast-october-2019/) - This month we discuss five new Microsoft Teams features that have been announced as generally available over the last few weeks. With Microsoft Ignite just around the corner you might have expected the flow of new features to slow but this has not been the case. h As well as the five new features that
- [5 Enhancements coming for Microsoft Teams Direct Routing](https://tomtalks.blog/5-enhancements-coming-for-microsoft-teams-direct-routing/) - Microsoft Just posted a roadmap update with 5 new Direct Routing enhancements due for release in November. Direct Routing is the scenario where you can bring your own SIP Trunk/Carrier/SBC and connect it to Microsoft Teams for User PSTN Telephony. Media Relay Override - “Allows customers to change their default Media Relay to match their
- [5 New Microsoft Teams Features September 2019](https://tomtalks.blog/5-new-microsoft-teams-features-september-2019/) - Microsoft recently posted a great September update summary blog. Here is a quick rundown of the top 5 new features Meet Now Not a feature I used a lot in Skype for Business, but the Meet Now button generates and drops you straight into a meeting, you can then add others or share the
- [Tom Arbuthnot speaking at Microsoft Ignite 2019](https://tomtalks.blog/tom-arbuthnot-speaking-at-microsoft-ignite-2019/) - I am very excited to once again be talking about Microsoft Teams at this years Microsoft Ignite. I am doing two theatre sessions: Microsoft Teams: Real-world tips for success - THR2069, Wednesday, 4:20 PM - 4:40 PM Based on real-world experience, these tips ensure your success with Microsoft Teams. From business transformation to technical tips,
- [Microsoft Surface Earbuds, are they Microsoft Teams Certified?](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-surface-earbuds-are-they-microsoft-teams-certified/) - Microsoft just announced Microsoft Surface Earbuds, to go alongside their over ear headphones. You can check out the marketing video and the Microsoft launch video They feature Gesture controls Dual directional mic array with noise reduction Charging case giving up to 24 hours battery life “Office 365 Integration” (the video example is apparently taping them
- [Press up arrow to edit last sent chat message in Microsoft Teams](https://tomtalks.blog/press-up-arrow-to-edit-last-sent-chat-message-in-microsoft-teams/) - File this under features I didn’t know existed! Credit to Paul Hayward in our consulting team for flagging this. In Teams private chat or channel chat, you can press up arrow to edit the last sent message. After I hit send, I press Up Arrow I can then edit the message I sent You could
- [5 New Microsoft Teams Features coming in Q4 2019](https://tomtalks.blog/5-new-microsoft-teams-features-coming-in-q4-2019/) - We recently saw a number of Microsoft Teams features added to the Microsoft 365 roadmap. Here is a breakdown of what is coming. The target dates tend to be a little optimistic, subject to change and the start of rollout rather than the end, so take them with a pinch of salt. Dynamic
- [Tom Arbuthnot Speaking at Kinly Microsoft Surface Hub 2S London Event](https://tomtalks.blog/tom-arbuthnot-speaking-at-kinly-microsoft-surface-hub-2s-london-event/) - I am excited to be speaking at Kinly London Team Collaboration in Meeting Spaces with Microsoft Teams event. The event is on 26th September at the Kinly solution centre, Threadneedle St, London. It is covering Skype for Business Online End of Life Update, Surface Hub 2S showcase and Teams Rooms options. There are still some
- [5 Microsoft Teams events to look out for in 2020](https://tomtalks.blog/5-microsoft-teams-events-to-look-out-for-in-2020/) - It might seem early to be thinking about it, but I know diaries and budgets fill up fast, so here are some Microsoft Teams/UC/Collaboration related events I am looking forward to attending and in some cases speaking at in the first half of 2020. UC Summit 2020, January - UC Today’s Virtual Expo and
- [Free Microsoft Teams Course from Microsoft Learn](https://tomtalks.blog/free-microsoft-teams-course-from-microsoft-learn/) - Microsoft Learn is a collection of free online courses from Microsoft. They have recently made available the Manage team collaboration with Microsoft Teams Learning path. Manage team collaboration with Microsoft Teams learning oath introduces you to the features and capabilities of Microsoft Teams Use Teams to facilitate teamwork and communication within your organization, both on
- [Microsoft Teams Graph API Breaking Changes: Calls, Online Meetings and Beta](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-graph-api-breaking-changes-calls-online-meetings-and-beta/) - If you don’t access Microsoft Teams data via Microsoft Graph API, you have nothing to worry about and this is not for you. If you do, Microsoft just announced two breaking changes. For a long time, Microsoft have been running a Beta API endpoint and a v1.0 API endpoint for Graph for Microsoft Teams. I’ve
- [Is Microsoft making a Surface branded Microsoft Teams Speakerphone?](https://tomtalks.blog/is-microsoft-making-a-surface-branded-microsoft-teams-speakerphone/) - Update 16th September: Ilya Bukshteyn has commented that there are no plans for a Microsoft Teams speaker at the moment on the LinkedIn thread Microsoft are a software company, but they are also a hardware company. That can make things interesting. Microsoft has apparently been prototyping portable speakerphone that looks to be aimed at meeting
- [8 Microsoft Teams videos from Teams in Two Days Evolve on Tour Event](https://tomtalks.blog/8-microsoft-teams-videos-from-teams-in-two-days-evolve-on-tour-event/) - A number of good friends and MVP’s in the UK run the great Evolve Conference, a free community Microsoft 365 and Azure Conference, 21st of October - National Conference Centre - Birmingham UK, tickets now available at https://www.evolveconf.co.uk/ - I recommend you get there if you can. They recently put on a 2 day London
- [Microsoft working on native Linux Microsoft Teams client](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-working-on-native-linux-microsoft-teams-client/) - There is clearly a customer demand for Teams on Linux. My blogs on Teams on Linux get a fair amount of traffic. Just a few days ago, via user voice, Microsoft confirmed they are working on a native Teams client for Linux. https://microsoftteams.uservoice.com/forums/555103-public/suggestions/16911565-linux-client No other detailed were shared, but with Ignite not far away I
- [Microsoft Teams Out Loud Podcast September 2019](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-out-loud-podcast-september-2019/) - September's edition of the Microsoft monthly podcast begins with some further follow up on last month's big news. The podcast covers some previously uncovered areas of the Skype for Business Online retirement date announcement. We explore how the news impacts, customers and in particular, those that have purchased 3IP Phones. After reviewing the additional Skype
- [Change the Default Search Engine of New Chromium Edge Browser](https://tomtalks.blog/change-the-default-search-engine-of-new-chromium-edge-browser/) - Now new chromium edge has hit beta, I’m giving it a go as my primary browser and have uninstalled Chrome. One of the first non obvious things to do was change the default search engine, for me I want the default to be google. Settings Privacy and Services Address Bar Where you can pick your
- [Microsoft Teams Rooms Content Camera to capture Whiteboards](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-rooms-content-camera-to-capture-whiteboards/) - First previewed in March at Enterprise Connect, Microsoft is now rolling this feature out a as part of a Microsoft Teams Rooms Update. You can now connect a second certified webcam from either Logitech or Crestron (rebranded Huddly) pointed at a whiteboard. When you press the Content Camera button it intelligently detects, crops and frames
- [Microsoft Teams Certified Ceiling Tile Mics and DSPs from Sennheiser, Crestron and Biamp](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-certified-ceiling-tile-mics-and-dsps-from-sennheiser-crestron-and-biamp/) - Noted in the latest Microsoft Teams Room System blog, there was an update on some new certified device types that will really help expand the capability/suitability of Microsoft Teams Rooms for certain scenarios. DSPs (digital signal processor) allows audio processing and mixing and connectivity for various audio devices such as room mics. Ceiling tile mics
- [Microsoft Teams PSTN Audio Conferencing via Direct Routing for GCC High and GCC DoD](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-pstn-audio-conferencing-via-direct-routing-for-gcc-high-and-gcc-dod/) - Reference Feature ID 54236 A really interesting Microsoft Teams Roadmap Item has just been listed as in development and for release in August, so basically anytime now. Audio Conferencing is the feature name for adding PSTN phone numbers to your meeting to be able to dial into them on a regular phone, and the ability
- [Microsoft End of Life 3rd Party PSTN Audio Conferencing (ACP) for Skype for Business Online April 1, 2019](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-end-of-life-3rd-party-pstn-audio-conferencing-acp-for-skype-for-business-online-april-1-2019/) - Update 11/3/2019: The deadline has been extended to 2020. Update: 18/8/2019: The deadline has been extended to the end date of Skype for Business Online Service, 31st july 2021 At the same time as Microsoft seem to be getting more friendly with Telco’s providing user phone services for SfB Online and Microsoft Teams (ThinkTel and
- [Microsoft Teams South Korea Data Residency](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-south-korea-data-residency/) - Hot on the heels of announcing local data residency in South Africa, Microsoft have now announced South Korea is another location where customers can have local data residency for Microsoft Teams Beginning on this date, all new Teams customers in South Korea (e.g., new tenants, or first use of Teams) will be served out of
- [Microsoft Teams Out Loud Podcast August: SfB Online End Date, Microsoft Inspire and More](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-out-loud-podcast-august-sfb-online-end-date-microsoft-inspire-and-more/) - We recorded the podcast for August covering all the latest news from Microsoft's Inspire partner event, the latest updates on Skype for Business Server 2019 and some new announcements for Teams. Then news dropped that Microsoft announced the retirement date for Skype for Business Online, so we added a quick bonus section to cover the
- [Skype for Business Server 2015 Cumulative Update July 2019 (CU10)](https://tomtalks.blog/skype-for-business-server-2015-cumulative-update-july-2019-cu10/) - The skype for business updates have been flying in July. This is Skype for Business Server 2015 CU10 Download here KB here Lots of fixes in this release: This cumulative update includes a defence in depth fix and enables Location-Based Routing to support the Skype for Business mobile clients. It also fixes the following issues:
- [Skype for Business Online will be retired 31st July 2021](https://tomtalks.blog/skype-for-business-online-will-be-retired-31st-july-2021/) - Microsoft Lifecycle reference here Big news in Skype for Business, in a blog on the Microsoft Teams blog, Microsoft has officially announced the mainstream support end date/end of service for Skype for Business Online as 31st July 2021. Customers have two years from this announcement to move off Skype for Business Online to Microsoft
- [What is the date customers have to move from Skype for Business to Microsoft Teams?](https://tomtalks.blog/what-is-the-date-customers-have-to-move-from-skype-for-business-to-microsoft-teams/) - Photo by NeONBRAND on Unsplash. Updated 30th July 2019: SfB Online end date announced Skype for Business Online will be retired 31st July 2021 In a blog on the Microsoft Teams blog, Microsoft has officially announced the mainstream support end date/end of service for Skype for Business Online as 31st July 2021. Between now and 31st
- [Microsoft Teams local data residency in new Microsoft South Africa Datacenters](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-local-data-residency-in-new-microsoft-south-africa-datacenters/) - Microsoft recently became the first global provider to deliver cloud services from the African continent with the opening of our new cloud datacenter regions. On July 25th, Microsoft announced the general availability of Office 365 services from new cloud datacenters in South Africa. Office 365 joins Azure to expand the Microsoft cloud service available from
- [Key Health Indicators (KHI) for Skype for Business 2019, Skype for Business Server 2015 and Lync Server 2013](https://tomtalks.blog/key-health-indicators-khi-for-skype-for-business-2019-skype-for-business-server-2015-and-lync-server-2013/) - Key Health Indicators (KHI) are Performance Counters with recommended thresholds aimed at revealing problems that can impact the user experience. They are really useful for ensuring the health of your Skype for Business Server environment. Microsoft has recently updated version of the Key Health Indicators for Lync Server 2013, Skype for Business Server 2015 and
- [Skype for Business Server 2019 Debugging Tools with updated version of Snooper](https://tomtalks.blog/skype-for-business-server-2019-debugging-tools-with-updated-version-of-snooper/) - Hot on the heals of the Key Health Indicators (KHI) for Skype for Business 2019, the Skype for Business Server 2019 Debugging Tools got an update. Originally released for SfBS 2019 in November 2018, they are a collection of additional tools for use by IT Admins to aid in troubleshooting Skype for Business Server 2019
- [Free Microsoft Teams Cloud Video Interop from Poly, Pexip and BlueJeans!](https://tomtalks.blog/free-microsoft-teams-cloud-video-interop-from-poly-pexip-and-bluejeans/) - Well, this escalated quickly, all 3 certified Microsoft Cloud Video Interop vendors are now offering some form of free channel offer. All of the below is to the best of my knowledge/understanding, friends at Poly, Pexip and BlueJeans feel free to correct me or provide additional insights. Poly Cloud Video Interop for Microsoft Teams Offer
- [Microsoft Teams Rooms get UI update to current Microsoft Teams look and feel](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-rooms-get-ui-update-to-current-microsoft-teams-look-and-feel/) - Microsoft Teams Rooms just got a big update, 4.0.105.0 is now rolling out via Windows store. Microsoft’s Sohail Tariq broke it down in a good blog. Here’s my take, mostly a recap of the original blog. Windows store app rebranded to Microsoft Teams Room? This might not make sense to you. They are Microsoft Teams
- [Skype for Business Server 2019 Cumulative Update 1 (CU1) is now available](https://tomtalks.blog/skype-for-business-server-2019-cumulative-update-1-cu1-is-now-available/) - Good news for Skype for Business Server 2019 users and the wait for CU1 crowd, SfBS 2019 CU1 is here Download Link: here KB: 4470124 New Features: HMTL5 based Modern Administration Control panel – MACP - the eventual/partial replacement to the Silverlight control panel. See official blog from Microsoft here SEFAUtil abilities in native Powershell
- [Updated: Skype for Business Server 2019 is supported on Virtualisation](https://tomtalks.blog/skype-for-business-server-2019-is-not-supported-on-virtualisation/) - 23rd July 2019 Update. Thanks to Corbin Meek, Senior Supportability Program Manager – Teams and Skype for Business at Microsoft for reaching out with an update/clarification. SfB Server 2019 us supported on virtualisation, see details here: Clarifying Support for Skype for Business Server 2019 Virtualization ################ I was doing some research after a customer asked if
- [Clarifying Support for Skype for Business Server 2019 Virtualization](https://tomtalks.blog/clarifying-support-for-skype-for-business-server-2019-virtualization/) - Thanks to Corbin Meek, Senior Supportability Program Manager - Teams and Skype for Business at Microsoft for reaching out with an update/clarification. Skype for Business Server 2019 is supported on virtualisation, provided it is deployed in line with the Planning a Lync Server 2013 Deployment on Virtual Servers guidance. Some highlights of the guidance: Do
- [Slack CEO doesn't see Microsoft Teams as a Threat? That just doesn't make sense](https://tomtalks.blog/slack-ceo-doesnt-see-microsoft-teams-as-a-threat-that-just-doesnt-make-sense/) - After Microsoft announced 13 million daily active users for Microsoft Teams, Slack founder and CEO Stewart Butterfield said he’s not worried about the rapid growth of Microsoft Teams. “If it’s based on the bigger distribution [Office 365], I don’t think that’s really a threat,” said Butterfield at a Brainstorm Tech 2019 Conference (YouTube video) on
- [Download all the Skype for Business Ignite Sessions](https://tomtalks.blog/download-all-the-skype-for-business-ignite-sessions/) - All the Microsoft Ignite Session Videos and PowerPoint are now available on Channel 9.
- [What are Thresholds for Good and Poor Network Packet Loss, Jitter and Round Trip Time for Unified Communications?](https://tomtalks.blog/what-are-thresholds-for-good-and-poor-network-packet-loss-jitter-and-round-trip-time-for-unified-communications/) - With Skype for Business and Microsoft Teams, we know that having a “good” network is important for user experience, but what defines good? At Modality Systems we have a Diagnostics product that reports on Skype for Business network performance and we primarily look at average packet loss, jitter and round-trip time. Packet Loss This is
- [3 Types of Microsoft Teams Private Message, Standard, Important and now Urgent](https://tomtalks.blog/3-types-of-microsoft-teams-private-message-standard-important-and-now-urgent/) - With private chat, standard chat messages appear to the recipient with one toast/notification. Marking as important adds a red exclamation point next to your message and prefixes it with the word "IMPORTANT!". Sometimes a message can be answered whenever it needs immediate attention. Take healthcare, for example, urgent messages need a response. Enter new
- [Microsoft Teams Out Loud July Podcast: Microsoft Teams to Replace Kaizala](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-out-loud-july-podcast-microsoft-teams-to-replace-kaizala/) - This month's podcast is jam packed with news and feature updates relating to communication and collaboration platform Microsoft Teams. There are a host of new features to discuss including urgent message functionality and channel team announcements. This Month we cover: Teams will replace Kaizala - blog Teams will get installed into existing pro plus installs
- [Microsoft certified compliance call recording coming for Microsoft Teams from ASC, NICE and Verint](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-certified-compliance-call-recording-coming-for-microsoft-teams-from-asc-nice-and-verint/) - Easily missed in a blog post touting 13 million Daily Active users, Microsoft formally announced they are working on certified compliance call recording for Microsoft Teams. ASC, NICE, and Verint were the 3 vendors named as working on the program. No further details were given, but it’s great to see this publicly on the roadmap
- [Microsoft Teams reaches 13 million Daily Active Users, 19 million Weekly Active Users](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-reaches-13-million-daily-active-users-19-million-weekly-active-users/) - In a blog post from Microsoft, for the first time, we have been given a Daily Active User (DAU) number for Microsoft Teams, and Microsoft is going all in with direct comparison to Slack. The blog goes on to plug some latest new features and references, but it’s the DAU and WAU numbers that are
- [Security and Compliance in Microsoft Teams Video Series](https://tomtalks.blog/security-and-compliance-in-microsoft-teams-video-series/) - Catch you YouTube playlist here A great resource from Matt Soseman, Cyber Security Architect at Microsoft. Matt has produced 7 quick to consume videos on Security and Compliance in Microsoft Teams covering: Identity & Access Management Office 365 Advanced Threat Protection Microsoft Intune Mobile Application Management Data Loss Prevention Windows Information Protection Cloud App Security
- [Poly offering RealConnect Service for Microsoft Teams at no charge with Poly Video Endpoints until 30th June 2020](https://tomtalks.blog/poly-offering-realconnect-service-for-microsoft-teams-at-no-charge-with-poly-video-endpoints-until-30th-june-2020/) - Poly RealConnect Service for Microsoft Teams is a cloud-based video interoperability service that provides connectivity from standards-based video endpoints to Microsoft Teams meetings. It is one of the 3 certified cloud video interop providers More on Cloud video interop: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoftteams/cloud-video-interop Poly is now offering customers who either already own or buy the following Poly endpoints
- [Service Providers Can Configure Single SBC/Single Cert for Multiple Customers for Microsoft Teams Direct Routing](https://tomtalks.blog/service-providers-can-configure-single-sbc-single-cert-for-multiple-customers-for-microsoft-teams-direct-routing/) - A great practical step forward for PSTN Carriers and Microsoft Partners that offer Direct Routing as a service for multiple customers. A carrier can: Deploy the SBC and configure it for the hosting scenario according to the instructions from the certified SBC vendors. Register a base domain name in the carrier tenant and request a
- [Microsoft Teams Calling Plans for Japan coming via SoftBank, Q4 CY2019](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-calling-plans-for-japan-coming-via-softbank-q4-cy2019/) - Reference: Microsoft Roadmap About Calling Plans We haven’t had any news on Microsoft provided calling plans (Microsoft providing user phone numbers and minutes) for over a year when Canada was added. It really feels like Microsoft have taken their foot off the gas with adding any more countries and that Direct Routing provided by carriers
- [Webinar: Scaling Your Microsoft Teams Deployment Successfully, Our Data Driven Approach](https://tomtalks.blog/webinar-scaling-your-microsoft-teams-deployment-successfully-our-data-driven-approach/) - I’ve got a webinar coming up on 27th June at 4PM GMT. In this one I’m talking about our experience with scaling Microsoft Teams deployments, some technical considerations but mostly around training/user adoption/business change. I’ll be showing how we use our Teamwork Analytics PowerBI reporting of detailed Microsoft Teams data and our adoption automation through
- [Tom Arbuthnot speaking at GCI's Empowering Public Sector Digital Transformation with Microsoft Technologies Event](https://tomtalks.blog/tom-arbuthnot-speaking-at-gcis-empowering-public-sector-digital-transformation-with-microsoft-technologies/) - I’m excited to be speaking at GCI’s upcoming Public Sector event Wednesday 3rd July 2019 in London. Join GCI and Microsoft’s Public Sector Modern Workplace Director, Craig Fellowes, for a breakfast briefing at the Amba Hotel Marble Arch in London where we’ll demonstrate the importance of the Modern Workplace for Public Sector organisations. You’ll also
- [Microsoft Teams will replace Kaizala in Office 365 in 12 to 18 months](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-will-replace-kaizala-in-office-365-in-12-to-18-months/) - In April we heard from Microsoft that Kaizala will become part of Microsoft Teams: “we will be bringing Kaizala capabilities into Microsoft Teams as an integrated offering. We expect the integration to happen in phases over the next 12-18 months, and we will provide more details about the Kaizala and Teams integration roadmap later this
- [Existing Office 365 ProPlus Installs to get Microsoft Teams Automatically from July](https://tomtalks.blog/existing-office-365-proplus-installs-to-get-microsoft-teams-automatically-from-july/) - Office 365 ProPlus is the name for the Office desktop applications suite which comes are part of the Office 365 subscription. There is no change to new or existing installations of Office 2019, the “boxed”/non-subscription version. I reported in January that Microsoft Teams will be installed by default for new installations of Office 365 Business
- [Citrix HDX Optimization for Audio/Video in Microsoft Teams in VDI available in the coming weeks](https://tomtalks.blog/citrix-hdx-optimization-for-audio-video-in-microsoft-teams-in-vdi-available-in-the-coming-weeks/) - Exciting news coming out of Citrix Synergy conference. Citrix announced the upcoming HDX optimization for Microsoft Teams, customers will get a fully native, fully featured Microsoft Teams experience within Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops. The Citrix Workspace app has a built-in multi-platform HDX Media Engine that ensures optimized device and media handling, with audio, video,
- [Microsoft Teams in Two days at Microsoft Reactor London, 9th and 10th July](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-in-two-days-at-microsoft-reactor-london-9th-and-10th-july/) - My friends who run the Evolve Conference have a great event coming up in London, Evolve Conference on Tour: Teams in two days Day 1 - Teams Groundwork 9.00 -10.30 - Session 1 - Teams where we are today - (Jason Wynn / Steve Goodman / Ben Lee) 11.00 - 12.15 - Session 2 -
- [Skype for Business Server, Exchange Server and SharePoint Server 2019 Mainstream support extended by 3 months to January 2024](https://tomtalks.blog/skype-for-business-server-exchange-server-and-sharepoint-server-2019-mainstream-support-extended-by-3-months-to-january-2024/) - Thanks to my friend Max Sanna for the heads up on this one. Indeed Max is right. The original end of mainstream support date for SfB Server 2019 was 2023, the normal 5 years of mainstream support (traditionally it was 5 years mainstream, 5 years extended). The intent was Office 2019 (client and server) would
- [Microsoft Teams Apps Certification Program leveraging Microsoft Cloud App Security SaaS app catalog](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-apps-certification-program-leveraging-microsoft-cloud-app-security-saas-app-catalog/) - How do you know if a Microsoft Teams App meets your organisation's security requirements? Microsoft Teams allowed hundreds of third-party application integrations that extend, expand and integrate into the Teams experience in all kinds of powerful ways, but how is an organisation to know which meet their security standards and requirements. It could be a
- [Microsoft Teams Voice Routing Diagram from Doug Lawty](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-voice-routing-diagram-from-doug-lawty/) - If you are in the Microsoft voice space, odds are you know the name Doug Lawty. Doug has been working with Microsoft voice-related products and services for over 10 of his 18 years at Microsoft. An instructor for the late Microsoft Certified Master program, he has all sorts of arcane Lync voice knowledge stored by
- [Where in the world will my Microsoft Teams meeting be hosted?](https://tomtalks.blog/where-in-the-world-will-my-microsoft-teams-meeting-by-hosted/) - People (well, very technical people ) are often interested to understand where in the world their Microsoft Teams meeting will be physically hosted, or, to use an older term, where in the world the MCU (Multipoint Control Unit, the thing in conferencing that mixes all the streams together) is located. This is interesting as connectivity
- [Skype for Business Server 2019 Hotfix 1 Release (not CU1)](https://tomtalks.blog/skype-for-business-server-2019-hotfix-1-release-not-cu1/) - This week we got Skype for Business Server 2019 Hotfix (HF1). Thanks to my college Tobie Fysh for flagging this one being released. A Hotfix is generally defined as a release to target a specific customer reported a problem that needs a quicker release and goes through limited testing. It is distinct to cumulative update
- [Modality Systems has been acquired by ICT service provider GCI](https://tomtalks.blog/modality-systems-has-been-acquired-by-ict-service-provider-gci/) - Exciting news, (at least specifically for me working at Modality Systems), Microsoft collaboration specialist Modality Systems has been acquired by ICT service provider, GCI. Some comments from the press release: The Modality business will be run within the GCI group. James Rodd the current Modality CEO comments: “Both GCI and Modality have invested heavily in
- [Microsoft Teams read receipts, know when a private chat message was read by the recipients](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-read-receipts-know-when-a-private-chat-message-was-read-by-the-recipients/) - This is an interesting addition to Microsoft Teams, coming in June and targeted to be rolled out by July. Read receipts will now be a part of 1:1 and group chats. Read receipts in private chats allow senders to know when a message was read by the recipients. Read receipts will be rolled out on
- [Add and remove team members directly from Microsoft Teams mobile app](https://tomtalks.blog/add-and-remove-team-members-directly-from-microsoft-teams-mobile-app/) - Something I’ve been waiting for, you can now add, remove and promote members to owners directly from the mobile app on iOS and Android. Many modern workers are mobile first if not mobile only, particularly first line workers which are a focus for Microsoft Teams. Simply tap the three dots by a team name and
- [Microsoft Teams Out Loud Podcast June: Citrix Audio, Video and Sharing VDI Support for Microsoft Teams](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-out-loud-podcast-june-citrix-audio-video-and-sharing-vdi-support-for-microsoft-teams/) - Time keeps flying, here is June’s Microsoft Teams news podcast with UC Today, you can catch it on YouTube or any popular podcast platform: Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts UCToday Website YouTube Spotify BuzzSprout RSS Feed This month we cover: Microsoft Teams Developer Platform Announcements from Build 2019 - blog here Citrix HDX Optimization for Audio/Video
- [What are Microsoft Teams PSTN Audio Conferencing pay-per-minute / Pay As You Go (PAYG) Costs](https://tomtalks.blog/what-are-microsoft-teams-pstn-audio-conferencing-pay-per-minute-pay-as-you-go-payg-costs/) - Microsoft offers PSTN Audio conferencing, the ability to dial in/out of a Microsoft Teams or Skype for Business Online meeting. Called just Audio Conferencing by Microsoft (which I think is confusing as VoIP/PC audio conferencing is included in the box. PSTN Audio conferencing gives dial-in numbers for over 400 cities around the world, as well
- [Route your own PSTN carrier numbers to Microsoft Cloud Auto Attendant and Call Queues](https://tomtalks.blog/route-your-own-pstn-carrier-numbers-to-microsoft-cloud-auto-attendant-and-call-queues/) - A big update in functionality, you can now route/assign your own PSTN Carrier numbers to Cloud Auto Attendant and Call Queues. Previously you would need to assign new service numbers from Microsoft or port your numbers into Microsoft as service numbers on their cloud service. Direct Routing can be used to assign a PSTN number
- [More than 150 organizations have over 10,000 active Microsoft Teams users and it is used by over 500,000 organisations](https://tomtalks.blog/more-than-150-organizations-have-over-10000-active-microsoft-teams-users-and-is-used-by-over-500000-organisations/) - I like to keep an eye on Microsoft financial results for any insights into Office 365/Microsoft Teams. In the April 2019 results, we learnt/confirmed the following: 91 of the Fortune 100 use Microsoft Teams More than 150 organizations have over 10,000 active Microsoft Teams users Office 365 commercial now has 180 million users EMS (Enterprise
- [Outlook on iOS and Android, with more than 100 million users, can now directly schedule Microsoft Teams meetings](https://tomtalks.blog/outlook-on-ios-and-android-with-more-than-100-million-users-can-now-directly-schedule-microsoft-teams-meetings/) - As reported as coming soon in March, Outlook app in iPhone/iPad and Android can now directly schedule Microsoft Teams meetings. It will either default to scheduling Skype for Business or Microsoft Teams meetings depending on which user mode you are in. User mode Meetings solution in Outlook mobile Teams Only Teams Skype for Business
- [Microsoft Teams Roadmap Watch: Music On Hold, Share System Audio, 100 person private chat and 3 more](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-roadmap-watch-music-on-hold-share-system-audio-100-person-private-chat-and-3-more/) - It’s always interesting to keep an eye on the Microsoft 365 roadmap to see what is coming for Microsoft Teams. Recently a number of interesting features got posted as in development. Microsoft Teams: Music on Hold A common telephony feature. No detail on which clients will support this (desktop, web, mobile, IP Phones) Microsoft Teams
- [Tom Arbuthnot speaking at Comms vNext, June 5th and 6th 2019 Denver](https://tomtalks.blog/tom-arbuthnot-speaking-at-comms-vnext-june-5th-and-6th-2019-denver/) - I’m really excited about this one. It’s a fully focused community driven Microsoft IC/UC focused Conference & Exhibition run by 4 great MVP’s and friends. June 5th and 6th 2019 Denver, Colorado. This is really focused on just what you want to know if you are in the Microsoft Skype for Business and Microsoft Teams
- [Poly, Crestron and Yealink Video Phones Coming to Microsoft Teams](https://tomtalks.blog/poly-crestron-and-yealink-video-phones-coming-to-microsoft-teams/) - An interesting development at Enterprise Connect, that didn’t get a great deal of press, was the early showcasing of IP video phones for Microsoft Teams. The Poly CCX 700, Crestron Flex P250 and Yealink VP59 will all offer natives Microsoft Teams video calling. Poly CCX 700 will come with a 7-inch multitouch screen and integrated
- [Moving from Microsoft Teams Islands mode to Teams Only mode, the user experience change](https://tomtalks.blog/moving-from-microsoft-teams-islands-mode-to-teams-only-mode-the-user-experience-change/) - Many customers with Skype for Business are starting with Microsoft Teams in Islands Mode. There is a lot of debate on the pros and cons of Islands mode vs gradual staged feature by feature migration (that’s another blog still in draft), but if a user is a full SfB User (Instant Messaging, Conferencing and PSTN
- [Tom Arbuthnot speaking at UC Expo London, 15th and 16th May](https://tomtalks.blog/tom-arbuthnot-speaking-at-uc-expo-london-15th-and-16th-may/) - I’m excited to once again be speaking at UC Expo, this year on both days. Wed 15, May 11:00 am - 11:30 am Thu 16, May 13:40 pm - 14:10 pm Microsoft Teams in the Real World Microsoft Teams is the fastest growing enterprise application in Microsoft's history. In this session, Tom Arbuthnot will
- [Microsoft Teams Developer Platform Announcements from Build 2019](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-developer-platform-announcements-from-build-2019/) - It’s the Microsoft Build developer show this week and there is a lot of announcements around Microsoft Teams in terms of the opportunities as a developer platform. The following will be available in developer preview and/or released over the next few months: New and improved platform capabilities: Message Actions New and better ways to use
- [Information Barriers (Ethical Walls or Chinese walls) in Preview in Microsoft Teams](https://tomtalks.blog/information-barriers-ethical-walls-or-chinese-walls-in-preview-in-microsoft-teams/) - Some organisations, particularly in finance, have reasons to block communications between certain groups. For example, separating people who make investments from others in the same organisation who are privy to confidential information about those same companies that could improperly influence the investment decisions. Firms are generally required by law to safeguard insider information and ensure
- [Skype for Business Server 2015 Cumulative Update 9 (CU9)](https://tomtalks.blog/skype-for-business-server-2015-cumulative-update-9-cu9/) - Skype for Business Server 2015 Cumulative Update 9 is here https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=47690 This cumulative update includes a defence in depth fix and enables Location-Based Routing to support the Skype for Business mobile clients. It also fixes the following issues: 4490655 Event ID 32011 and Event ID 1000 occur when ASMCU service crashes in Skype for Business
- [Microsoft Teams App Setup Policy - Add or Remove Apps on the Teams Left Rail, including built in Activity, Chat, Teams, Calendar, Calls, Files](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-app-setup-policy-add-or-remove-apps-on-the-teams-left-rail-including-built-in-activity-chat-teams-calendar-calls-files/) - A new Microsoft Teams configuration option, App Setup Policy, is being rolled out to tenants. This gives administrators the ability to control which apps show in the “main menu” in Teams, the left rail in the desktop/web client, and the bottom menu and “draw” in the mobile client. Administrators can ‘pin’ non-Microsoft apps, such as
- [Find Microsoft Teams teams without an Owner, Teams Admin Center and PowerShell](https://tomtalks.blog/find-microsoft-teams-teams-without-an-owner-teams-admin-center-and-powershell/) - Each Microsoft Teams team should have an owner, preferably two. Owners have the same abilities as members, but also have the exclusive abilities of: Edit team name/description Delete team Add members (in a private team, in a public team anyone can add members) Equally importantly, owners give IT people who are responsible for the management
- [Microsoft Teams Collab and Chat VDI support, Install into Program Files directory with manual client update](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-collab-and-chat-vdi-vdi-support-install-into-program-files-directory-with-manual-client-update/) - Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) is virtualization technology that hosts a desktop operating system and applications on a centralized remote or cloud server. The user logs in via a VDI client machine. Technically, you have been able to run Microsoft Teams desktop client (Electron) in a VDI environment for some time, as long as you turned
- [O365Eh! Podcast, Microsoft 365/UC/Collab Reporting and Analytics Products Series](https://tomtalks.blog/o365eh-podcast-microsoft-365-uc-collab-reporting-and-analytics-products-series/) - O365Eh! is a great Microsoft UC/collab focused podcast from 4 great MVP’s in Canada, Dino Caputo, Michael Lamontagne, Habib Mankal and Curtis Johnstone. They do nice snappy 10 minute or so bit sized shows on particular topics. I recommend you check it out. I recently had the opportunity to join them to talk about Modality
- [Kaizala will become part of Microsoft Teams](https://tomtalks.blog/kaizala-will-become-part-of-microsoft-teams/) - About Kaizala Microsoft Kaizala is similar to Whatsapp (but with some clever additional features). It’s a mobile-first (iOS and Android and now a web app) group chat app, where anyone can join any group and identity is tied to phone numbers. Kaizala is focused on mobile first/only workers, more common in developing countries that may
- [Microsoft Teams General Availability and Preview PowerShell Modules](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-general-availability-and-preview-powershell-modules/) - We have had a Teams PowerShell module for since 2017, but it has always been a preview state, using the Microsft Graph beta API Under the covers, there are two Microsoft Graph API’s that can provide data from Microsoft teams, beta and 1.0. The beta graph API provides some abilities, not in the GA/1.0 graph
- [Exchange Online Unified Messaging being replaced with Cloud Voicemail starting March 2019, final retirement February 2020](https://tomtalks.blog/exchange-online-unified-messaging-being-replaced-with-cloud-voicemail-starting-march-2019-final-retirement-february-2020/) - In July 2018 we learnt that Exchange Server 2019 no longer contained the Unified Messaging (Voicemail and Auto-attendant) role. It figured that it was only a matter of time before Microsoft retired the service in Office 365. That time has now been announced. Microsoft is retiring Unified Messaging (UM) in Exchange Online and replacing it
- [Re-Enrol Microsoft Authenticator mobile app for Office 365 Multifactor Authentication](https://tomtalks.blog/re-enrol-microsoft-authenticator-mobile-app-for-office-365-multifactor-authentication/) - I recently got an iPhone replacement, and although Microsoft Authenticator app can store your accounts in OneDrive, this doesn’t store the “key code” to generate the one time passwords. It’s simple enough to re-enable the app Head to my account in Office 365: https://portal.office.com/account/#home A little non-intuitively, go to “Update your phone numbers used for
- [Skype for Business Online Plan 2 standalone is being retired from sale July 1st, 2019](https://tomtalks.blog/skype-for-business-online-plan-2-standalone-is-being-retired-from-sale-july-1st-2019/) - Skype for Business Online Plan 2 is being retired from sale as of July 1, 2019. If you are using any of these licences, you will receive an Office 365 message centre message. When your SfB Online Plan 2’s expire at the end of your current term, in order to have continued access to these
- [Surface Hub 2 details revealed, will Microsoft Teams get 4K Video Conferencing?](https://tomtalks.blog/surface-hub-2-details-revealed-will-we-get-4k-teams-video-conferencing/) - On April 17th Microsoft had an event at Steelcase in New York to share details on the Surface Hub 2. There will be a Surface Hub 2S 50” and 85” (in 2020) and later a 2X in 2020 (probably late 2020). The 2X will be the version that does the fancy dynamic pivot you may
- [Ribbon Session Border Controller (SBC) SWe Lite in the Azure marketplace](https://tomtalks.blog/ribbon-session-border-controller-sbc-swe-lite-in-the-azure-marketplace/) - OK I’m a little late to blog this one (sorry, blog backlog!), Ribbon have joined AudioCodes and Anynode by having a Teams Direct Routing certified SBC being available in the Azure Marketplace. A low-cost single vCPU Azure VM (Virtual Machine) can host the SBC SWe Lite, supporting the voice security and interworking needs of small
- [Microsoft Teams logical architecture Visio Poster](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-logical-architecture-visio-poster/) - Microsoft has provided some useful PDF/Visio posters of the logical architecture of Microsoft Teams. https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoftteams/teams-architecture-solutions-posters They have also covered Office 365 groups and a comparison of Office 365 and On-Premises telephony options. Thanks to Jason Sloan for the heads up via Twitter.
- [Meeting Migration Service converts Skype for Business meetings to Microsoft Teams meetings](https://tomtalks.blog/meeting-migration-service-converts-skype-for-business-meetings-to-microsoft-teams-meetings/) - Meeting Migration Service is an automatic service in Office 365 that could find Skype for Business Server meetings and replace them with Skype for Business Online meetings automatically when a user is moved from SfBS to SfBO. It can also add PSTN Audio Conferencing details if this service is added or changed. Now, that same
- [Automatic hiding of Microsoft Teams not visited in more than 45 Days](https://tomtalks.blog/automatic-hiding-of-microsoft-teams-not-visited-in-more-than-45-days/) - A month ago, I blogged about some naming convention changes in the Microsoft Teams UI, Favorite becomes Show, Remove Favorite becomes Hide, Follow and Unfollow becomes Notifications. I think this made a lot of sense. Depending on how you use Microsoft Teams as an organisation, you can end up being a member of many teams.
- [Scheduling a Skype for Business Meeting in Teams Only Mode with Skype for Business Web Scheduler](https://tomtalks.blog/scheduling-a-skype-for-business-meeting-in-teams-only-mode-with-skype-for-business-web-scheduler/) - Update: Chris Hayward totally beat me to this blog but I missed it, check out his blog here. Great blog to follow. When you put a users account into Teams Only mode, they can only schedule Teams meetings from Outlook: This is the expected behaviour and should be fine, but there is a little workaround
- [Latest CQD V3 (Call Quality Diagnostics) is now available to test in all Office 365 tenants](https://tomtalks.blog/latest-cqd-v3-call-quality-diagnostics-is-now-available-to-test-in-all-office-365-tenants/) - The Call Quality Dashboard (CQD) for Microsoft Teams and Skype for Business Online allows you to gain insights into the quality of calls made using Microsoft Teams and Skype for Business services. The current CQD (CQD v2) is at https://cqd.lync.com. CQDv3 is at the new URL: https://cqd.teams.microsoft.com Ignite 2018 session BRK3169, Understanding calling usage and
- [Is Skype for Business Server supported on Cloud IaaS, Azure, AWS, GCE?](https://tomtalks.blog/is-skype-for-business-server-supported-on-cloud-iaas-azure-aws-gce/) - This question comes up a lot. Customers want to move “to the cloud” but for whatever business/commercial/technical reason they don’t want to go Office 365 / Skype for Business Online / Teams or to a provider that will host Skype for Business Server for them. They have a “cloud first” / IaaS strategy and want
- [April Webinar: Office 365 Collaboration and Communication Tools, What to use When](https://tomtalks.blog/april-webinar-office-365-collaboration-and-communication-tools-what-to-use-when/) - A really popular question with customers, with so many tools and options in Office 365 for communications and collaboration, many with directly overlapping functionality, how do you choose which are suitable for your organisation, and how to you best advice and coach users on which tool is most appropriate for their business use case. Got
- [Praise message badges in Microsoft Teams chat and channels](https://tomtalks.blog/praise-message-badges-in-microsoft-teams-chat-and-channels/) - Filing this under, features borrowed from Yammer. Praise is a new Microsoft Teams feature that gives users the option to send Praise badges to their colleagues in both chat and teams/channels. This feature is on-by-default and requires administrator action to disable. It is a default app you can disable in the Office 365 admin center
- [April Showers of Microsoft Teams News from Enterprise Connect, Microsoft Teams Monthly Podcast](https://tomtalks.blog/april-showers-of-microsoft-teams-news-from-enterprise-connect-microsoft-teams-monthly-podcast/) - In Aprils UC Today Microsoft Teams Monthly podcast we cover Media Bypass in Direct Routing, which is now been made available, and all the feature news from Enterprise Connect. In particular, I think the whiteboard story is really impressive. You can check it out now on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NHfJIQRfkXI You can subscribe to the podcast on:
- [Voicemail is now on-by-default for all VoIP-enabled users in Microsoft Teams](https://tomtalks.blog/voicemail-is-now-on-by-default-for-all-voip-enabled-users-in-microsoft-teams/) - Microsoft Teams has VoIP calling by default, both between users in the organisation and over federation. Now cloud voicemail will be enabled by default all VoIP-enabled users in Microsoft Teams. Users will see the voicemail tab in their calls app in the app bar. If transcription is enabled for your tenant via Voicemail Policy, your
- [8 New Microsoft Teams Features from Enterprise Connect 2019](https://tomtalks.blog/8-new-microsoft-teams-features-from-enterprise-connect-2019/) - Microsoft was awarded Best Of Enterprise Connect 2019 for Microsoft Teams, for the second year in a row. You can watch the keynote back here All of these features are “coming soon” with no defined timelines unless otherwise stated. stay turned on the blog, I will blog as they become generally available. You can subscribe
- [Microsoft Teams Direct Routing Media Bypass Now Available](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-direct-routing-media-bypass-now-available/) - Good news, Media Bypass is now available for Microsoft Teams Direct Routing. Direct Routing allows you to connect your own Session Border Controller and PSTN Carrier to Microsoft Teams for user phone numbers. Media bypass enables you to shorten the path of the media to go directly between the end user and the Session Border
- [Naming Microsoft Teams Private Chats, even multiple chats with the same people](https://tomtalks.blog/naming-microsoft-teams-private-chats-even-multiple-chats-with-the-same-people/) - Thanks to David Rosenthal, Senior PM in the Microsoft Teams Product Group for this tip. In Microsoft Teams you can create a “private chat” with up to 50 people. Usually chat is used for more short/ad-hoc communications and Teams and Channels are used for more project/topic specific conversations, however, you might have a need to
- [Microsoft HoloLens 2 and Microsoft Teams](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-hololens-2-and-microsoft-teams/) - At MWC (previously Mobile World Congress), Microsoft announced the HoloLens 2. The new edition focused on Immersion, Comfort and “Time-to-value”, i.e. better first party apps and customer/partner apps development/support. HoloLens 2 will be available this year at a price of $3,500. Bundles including Dynamics 365 Remote Assist start at $125/month. Azure Kinect Developer Kit Microsoft
- [Support for existing 3rd Party Audio Conferencing Provider (ACP) for Skype for Business Online extended to April 2020](https://tomtalks.blog/support-for-existing-3rd-party-audio-conferencing-provider-acp-for-skype-for-business-online-extended-to-april-2020/) - Thanks to Patrick Husband for the heads up here, really appreciate our community sharing information to keep everyone up to date. ACP, (certified) Audio Conferencing Providers, have a direct connection to Skype for Business Online and could offer dial-in numbers and PIN’s for SfB Online conferences, where the PSTN element of the conference was held
- [Can I write my own Microsoft Teams Client?](https://tomtalks.blog/can-i-write-my-own-microsoft-teams-client/) - This question comes up from time to time. Customers want to build a custom client for Teams. I love Teams, but our corporate colour is green not blurple, can we make a client that is green We want build a Teams client with just chat, can we do that? The answer is no, you can’t
- [Microsoft Teams Voice over IP (VOIP) enabled users will now see the Calls Button](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-voice-over-ip-voip-enabled-users-will-now-see-the-calls-button/) - Microsoft Teams has a number of Features/Side bar buttons that are shown or hidden depending on the features a user has enabled. By default you have Activity Chat Meetings Files Microsoft sometimes calls these “apps”. By default a Teams user can make VoIP calls, they are made via chat, the calling button is top right
- [Microsoft Teams change: Favorite becomes Show, Remove Favorite becomes Hide, Follow and Unfollow becomes Notifications](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-change-favorite-becomes-show-remove-favorite-becomes-hide-follow-and-unfollow-becomes-notifications/) - It’s fair to say that the Microsoft Teams terminology/feature language can get be complex for users. With so many features and abilities comes some complex naming I have a blog post in draft that breaks it all down which I must complete (subscribe for an email when it’s posted). Private, Public, Favourite, Follow, Pin. Microsoft
- [Set a Microsoft Teams meeting Recording in Stream to be viewable for specific people or everyone](https://tomtalks.blog/set-a-microsoft-teams-meeting-recording-in-stream-to-be-viewable-for-specific-people-or-everyone/) - If you record a meeting in Microsoft Teams the recording appears in Microsoft Stream (think enterprise YouTube). A neat trick is that it is permissioned so that only those in the meeting can view it. The organiser of the meeting can also download it, attendees can view but not download. What if you want to
- [Outlook mobile to support scheduling Microsoft Teams Meetings, when it makes sense](https://tomtalks.blog/outlook-mobile-to-support-scheduling-microsoft-teams-meetings-when-it-makes-sense/) - Last week (21st Feb 2019) Microsoft announced that the Outlook mobile app will support creating and joining native Teams meetings. That sounds great, but the announcement was slightly odd: Every Outlook mobile scheduled meeting will be a Teams meeting? “If your organization is enabled for both Skype for Business and Teams, the option to create
- [Microsoft Teams Meetings Button/app will be replaced with more functional Calendar app in March](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-meetings-button-app-will-be-replaced-with-more-functional-calendar-app-in-march/) - Microsoft Teams has a number of Buttons/Features/Sections on the left-hand rail. Microsoft refers to these as “apps”, even though they are built-in features. The “Meetings” Button is being replaced with a “Calendar” button. To me, this makes a log of sense. “Meetings” was really a cut-down version of your calendar anyway (you could basically only
- [Microsoft Teams device news from ISE](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-device-news-from-ise/) - I didn’t get to Integrated Systems Europe in Amsterdam this year, but fortunately, I got the news from the key vendors so here is a quick rundown. Logitech Tap for Microsoft Teams Rooms Logitech Room Solution Packages for Teams Rooms include all necessary components in one package: the Logitech Tap 10.1 inch touch controller, HDMI
- [Presence Status API coming for Microsoft Teams, targeted for H2 CY2019](https://tomtalks.blog/presence-status-api-coming-for-microsoft-teams-targeted-for-h2-cy2019/) - In Skype for Business, there are client-side “hooks” developers can use to get your presence. These have been used for different desktop side integrations, arguably the most popular being “Busy Lights” or “Status Lights” These are lights users have on their desks so people can see their presence at a glance in the Office.
- [A look at the Crestron range of Microsoft Teams Devices](https://tomtalks.blog/a-look-at-the-crestron-range-of-microsoft-teams-devices/) - A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of a going to the Crestron’s New Jersey Offices. In particular, the focus was on their Crestron Flex range, which supports both Microsoft Teams and Skype for Business. They have an extensive demo suite, and I also got a behind the scenes tour of some of the
- [Tom Arbuthnot speaking at AvePoint's Beyond a Microsoft Teams Pilot Event, London, February 28th](https://tomtalks.blog/tom-arbuthnot-speaking-at-avepoints-beyond-a-microsoft-teams-pilot-event-london-february-28th/) - I’m excited to be speaking at AvePoint’s, Beyond a Microsoft Teams Pilot: Roll out a sustainable adoption program including good governance. London Marriott Hotel Kensington, February 28, 9:00A.M.–3:00P.M. This interactive event will cover: What is Microsoft Teams and its role in today’s digital workplace? How Microsoft Teams can excite and inspire users by supporting their
- [UC Today Microsoft Teams Podcast, now on YouTube too](https://tomtalks.blog/uc-today-microsoft-teams-podcast-now-on-youtube-too/) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WqJeT9Bai3Q&t=6s Patrick and I have been doing a monthly Microsoft Collaboration podcast for quite a while now. We cover all the important Microsoft Collaboration news for the month. You can subscribe in all the usual places: UCToday Website iTunes Google Podcasts Spotify BuzzSprout RSS Feed This year we’re also going to be doing it on
- [Microsoft Teams support coming for Safari browser on macOS and iPad](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-support-coming-for-safari-browser-on-macos-and-ipad/) - Reference Teams client support Since launch Teams has supported IE, Edge, Chrome and Firefox. Mac users had to use the full client or a third party browser and iPad users had to install the client. There is a user voice asking for native Safari Reference User Voice Now Microsoft have confirmed in a recent Education
- [Microsoft Teams will be automatically installed with Office 365 ProPlus on PCs and Macs](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-will-be-automatically-installed-with-office-365-proplus-on-pcs-and-macs/) - https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=46444 In January we learnt that Microsoft Teams will be installed by default for new installations of Office 365 Business SKU users. At the time I wondered if they have gone to the effort to find a way to bundle the Teams desktop client with Office installs, would it be an option for Office 365
- [Add Skype for Business Server Audio Test Service Bot for a Microsoft Teams User](https://tomtalks.blog/add-skype-for-business-server-audio-test-service-bot-for-a-microsoft-teams-user/) - We’ve come so far with cloud in such as short time, yet one missing piece for me as a full Microsoft Teams user is a simple Audio Test bot. I’m often doing calls from various places, customer sites etc, and want to test my Bluetooth and network connection are behaving. Funnily, I had the
- [Industry Specific Microsoft Teams Templates: Education, Retail and Healthcare](https://tomtalks.blog/industry-specific-microsoft-teams-templates-education-retail-and-healthcare/) - Something from the February Teams update, Microsoft Teams Templates let admins quickly pre-define a team’s channel, install apps, pin tabs, and more. They leverage a new beta REST endpoint as part of the Microsoft Graph API. For those who don’t do API’s, basically, this means you can “script” Team creation using Parameters sent to the
- [Microsoft Teams Developer and Government February Ask Microsoft Anything (AMA) Online Sessions](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-developer-and-government-february-ask-microsoft-anything-ama-online-sessions/) - The AMA gives you the opportunity to as questions and give feedback to members of the product engineering team. It’s a good chance to get a view on what’s important to you and provide interactive feedback. The Developer AMA will take place on Thursday, February 14th, 2018 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. PT in
- [Webinar 28th February: Using Microsoft Teams for Telephony and Conferencing in 2019](https://tomtalks.blog/webinar-28th-february-using-microsoft-teams-for-telephony-and-conferencing-in-2019/) - Hi all, It’s Modality webinar time again. I promise the intent is to be 90% useful and 10% sales and marketing Teams is blowing up for workplace collaboration and the conversation I’m having most at the moment with customers is how to move to conferencing and telephony and what are the important considerations in doing
- [Office 365 removing 3DES from February 28, 2019, pushing to TLS 1.2+](https://tomtalks.blog/office-365-removing-3des-from-february-28-2019-pushing-to-tls-1-2/) - An update over the holidays, Microsoft is again pushing towards removing TLS 1.0/1.1 support in Office 365. They have previously set dates for enforcing TLS 1.2 but then backed out: Office 365 will Enforce Mandatory use of TLS 1.2 from October 31, 2018, so Lync Phone Edition (which does not support TLS 1.2) will not
- [Call Analytics and Auto-Attendants & Call Queues Administration moving into the Teams Admin Center](https://tomtalks.blog/call-analytics-and-auto-attendants-call-queues-administration-moving-into-the-teams-admin-center/) - Skype for Business Online and Teams Administration if currently split over 2 web portals, the new Microsoft Teams and Skype for Business Admin Center at https://admin.teams.microsoft.com/dashboard and the legacy Skype for Business admin center. The plan is to drive all functionality into the new admin center. Call Analytics and Call Quality Dashboard Online are also
- [5 Oracle Session Border Controllers now certified for Microsoft Teams Direct Routing](https://tomtalks.blog/3-oracle-session-border-controllers-now-certified-for-microsoft-teams-direct-routing/) - Oracle is the 4th vendor to be certified for Microsoft Teams Direct routing (5th technically, but enterprises can’t buy Thinktel’s carrier SBC) The Oracle AP 3900, AP 4600, aP 6300, AP 6350 and Virtual Machine Edition (VME) are all now certified. As with all SBC’s, they are pending for Media Bypass. Note Acme Packet is
- [Skype for Business for Mac v16.24 Released](https://tomtalks.blog/skype-for-business-for-mac-v16-24-released/) - New Features Share your screen when in a call or chat with a user on Teams - When in a conversation with someone using Teams, Skype for Business will help you start an ad hoc meeting so you can share your screen. Show single window for conversations with the same user - When enabled all
- [Microsoft Teams Exams: Microsoft 365 Certified: Teamwork Administrator Associate](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-exams-microsoft-365-certified-teamwork-administrator-associate/) - I’ve been asked by a few people when will there be exams for Microsoft Teams. There are some options, both edX and some new beta exams. edX Online Courses Firstly there are two good edX courses you can take: Enabling Teamwork with Microsoft Teams - Intended for IT professionals that manage an Office 365 deployment.
- [Why wont Microsoft Sell Office 365 Business / Business Premium PSTN Audio Conferencing or Phone System?](https://tomtalks.blog/why-wont-microsoft-sell-office-365-business-business-premium-pstn-audio-conferencing-or-phone-system/) - Office 365 has many different subscription options, sometimes referred to as service plans or SKU’s (Stock Keeping Unit, a retail term for a specific unique product code). These are bundles of services targeted at different business sizes, use cases and sometimes specific verticals like Education or Government. Here is a complete list on docs.microsoft.com. You
- [1 file can't be synced with OneDrive for Business Fix, desktop.ini](https://tomtalks.blog/1-file-cant-be-synced-with-onedrive-for-business-fix-desktop-ini/) - I use OneDrive for Business across multiple PC’s. Recently it has been prompting me with the error, 1 file can’t be synced with OneDrive for Business The odd thing is that file doesn’t exist on the PC I’m on, it is actually already in OneDrive and trying to sync down to the PC. Deleting it
- [Skype Room System rebranded to Microsoft Teams Rooms](https://tomtalks.blog/skype-room-system-rebranded-to-microsoft-teams-rooms/) - Long expected, and not a huge surprise, Skype Room Systems have been rebranded as Microsoft Teams Rooms The rebrand aligns to some new features becoming available: Support for dual screens Companion experiences with mobile, to join your devices in content-only mode. Coming soon is Proximity detection, the ability for a PC teams client to “know”
- [Skype Room Systems V2 now support TLS 1.2, but LRS Systems are end of support will not support TLS 1.2](https://tomtalks.blog/skype-room-systems-v2-now-support-tls-1-2-but-lrs-systems-are-end-of-support-will-not-support-tls-1-2/) - When Microsoft originally announced moving Office 365 to enforce TLS 1.2, one of the blockers was Skype Room Systems using only TLS 1.0 or 1.1. The latest date Microsoft moving to TLS 1.2 is now February 28th 2019. Skype Room Systems v2 Good news on the Skype Room System v2 front. Skype Room System V2
- [anynode software Session Border Controller now certified for Microsoft Teams Direct Routing](https://tomtalks.blog/anynode-software-session-border-controller-now-certified-for-microsoft-teams-direct-routing/) - Late last year I posted that Oracle and anynode were on track to certified for Microsoft Teams Direct Routing, now anynode are officially certified. Like AudioCodes, anynode is also supported on Azure and in the Azure Marketplace https://azuremarketplace.microsoft.com/en-us/marketplace/apps/te-systems.anynode-template?tab=Overview For more information check out: https://www.anynode.de/anynode-and-microsoft-teams/ They are the 4th vendor to be certified, Oracle is still pending.
- [How to Firmware Upgrade a Yealink Phone from Skype for Business to Microsoft Teams](https://tomtalks.blog/how-to-firmware-upgrade-a-skype-for-business-yealink-phone-to-microsoft-teams/) - This week Yealink were the first phones to be certified and generally available for Microsoft Teams. The 3 certified Yealink phones, the T58A, T56A and CP960 can all actually run as Skype for Business phones or Microsoft Teams Phones. Moving forward Microsoft will enable updating of Microsoft Teams phone firmware directly from Office 365, but
- [Microsoft Service Adoption Specialist Certification free online edX course](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-service-adoption-specialist-certification-free-online-edx-course/) - Instructors Following on from IT Pro focused Enabling Teamwork with Microsoft Teams edX course, Microsoft has released another edX course, Microsoft Service Adoption Specialist. Both courses are free to take, but you do have to pay $99 if you want a digital certificate of completion. In the Microsoft Service Adoption Specialist introductory course you
- [Microsoft Teams and Microsoft Graph Monthly Developer Community Calls](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-and-microsoft-graph-monthly-developer-community-calls/) - s In case you missed it, there is a lot going on in Microsoft Teams for developers. Microsoft is keen to see Teams integrated into business processes and line of business applications. At the centre of this is Microsoft Graph. Microsoft Graph is a collection of API’s that provide access to the data and
- [Microsoft will support Microsoft Teams Direct Routing with Certified Session Border Controllers (SBC) running in Azure](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-will-support-microsoft-teams-direct-routing-with-certified-session-border-controllers-sbc-running-in-azure/) - Skype for Business Server is not supported in Azure. It works, we’ve run SfB Server labs/dev test in Azure that function fine (but not production). Similarly, Cloud Connector Edition is not supported in Azure, again we know it can be made to work. So it was interesting when Microsoft Direct Routing certified Session Border Controllers
- [Skype for Business Server 2015 and Lync Server 2013 January 2019 Cumulative Updates](https://tomtalks.blog/skype-for-business-server-2015-and-lync-server-2013-january-2019-cumulative-updates/) - Happy New Year Server fans. January brings us new CU’s for SfB Server 2015 and Lync Server 2013. Skype for Business Server 2015 version 6.0.9319.537 : https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/3061064 Lync Server 2013 version 5.0.8308.1068 : https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/2809243/ No big features, but a bunch of fixes. SfB server 2015 now supports moving users from on-premises to Teams Thanks to
- [6 reasons you should have a workplace social network like Yammer](https://tomtalks.blog/6-reasons-you-should-have-a-workplace-social-network-like-yammer/) - In terms of business value, I think internal workplace social networks are one of the most underrated tools available. Sometimes called "enterprise social network" (ESN) or "workplace social software" (Gartner), at the highest level, you can think of this as a closed Facebook for the enterprise. In Microsoft's world, that is typically Yammer. But this
- [Microsoft Teams will be installed by default for new installations of Office 365 Business SKU](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-will-be-installed-by-default-for-new-installations-of-office-365-business-sku/) - Thanks to Nicolas BROISIN for calling this change out. Starting with Version 1901, which it looks like will be the monthly Office release for February, Microsoft Teams will be installed a default part of Office 365 Business. Office 365 Business is a specific version of Office 365 subscription for businesses of up to 300 users.
- [Microsoft Teams hiding the Calling app from the left rail for non Phone System (Enterprise Voice) Users](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-hiding-the-calling-app-from-the-left-rail-for-non-phone-system-enterprise-voice-users/) - https://portal.office.com/adminportal/home#/MessageCenter?id=MC171414 Microsoft explains they have noticed “an increased number of users without Enterprise Voice licenses (odd language, the Office 365 Licence is “Phone System”) attempt to make PSTN calls. This is occurring because these users can see clickable phone numbers in the Calling App.” Microsoft has some internal language where they talk about the “left
- [Microsoft Office finally moving 64-bit by default](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-office-finally-moving-64-bit-by-default/) - Since Office 2010, Microsoft has offered a 32-bit install and a 64-bit Office install. You might think the 32-bit version was for 32-bit Windows and the 64-bit for 64-bit windows, but 64-bit windows can run actually run 32-bit Office fine, It was initially recommended to run 32-bit Office as all the Office plugins were typically
- [Microsoft named a 2018 Gartner Peer Insights Customers’ Choice for both Unified Communications and UCaaS](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-named-a-2018-gartner-peer-insights-customers-choice-for-both-unified-communications-and-ucaas/) - Gartner explains, “The Gartner Peer Insights Customers’ Choice is a recognition of vendors in this market by verified end-user professionals, taking into account both the number of reviews and the overall user ratings.” To ensure fair evaluation, Gartner maintains rigorous criteria for recognizing vendors with a high customer satisfaction rate. Reviews are spread across many
- [New Office 365 Meeting Room System Licence Subscription for Microsoft Teams and Skype Room Systems](https://tomtalks.blog/new-office-365-meeting-room-system-licence-subscription-for-microsoft-teams-and-skype-room-systems/) - This new subscription includes the Office 365 licenses required to enable cloud voice services on a meeting room device. It is designed specifically for meeting room systems and is a licence for devices only. It is $15 per device per month and includes the following: Microsoft Teams Skype for Business Online Plan 2 Phone System
- [Skype for Business Online Microsoft PSTN Conferencing behaviour change, at least one authenticated user required for PSTN dial out](https://tomtalks.blog/skype-for-business-online-microsoft-pstn-conferencing-behaviour-change-at-least-one-authenticated-user-required-for-pstn-dial-out/) - A change in the way Skype for Business Online with Microsoft PSTN Conferencing behaves. Today, meeting guests (unauthenticated users) are able to add people to the meeting by dialling out to them via PSTN, even if no company authenticated users are in the meeting. This is curious as it could lead to anyone joining the
- [4 Microsoft Teams Role Based Access Control (RBAC) administrator roles](https://tomtalks.blog/4-microsoft-teams-role-based-access-control-rbac-administrator-roles/) - Something we relied on in Skype for Business Server was RBAC to give permissions for those who need them without giving “god mode” to everyone. Fortunately, Microsoft Teams does have a number of RBAC roles. 4 new roles have just been enabled. Teams Service Administrator: The overall Teams workload admin, who can also manage and
- [Microsoft Teams Monthly Podcast: My three predictions for Microsoft Teams in 2019](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-monthly-podcast-my-three-predictions-for-microsoft-teams-in-2019/) - In this months Microsoft Teams Monthly podcast with UCToday, Patrick and I discuss the latest Microsoft Teams news and I make 3 predictions for Microsoft Teams in 2019. Patrick does his best to tempt me into making some outlandish predictions and asks some tricky questions around what is coming in the future. You can catch
- [Microsoft is building its own Chromium based browser, What does that mean for Microsoft Teams?](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-is-building-its-own-chromium-based-browser-what-does-that-mean-for-microsoft-teams/) - Credit to windows central for first reporting on this. It’s as yet unconfirmed by Microsoft. Browsers have an “engine” that render the pages. Microsoft wanted to replace the out-dated Internet Explorer with Edge, a new browser with a new rendering engine known as EdgeHTML. Microsoft Edge was designed to be a newer, faster browser. It
- [Microsoft Teams Product Engineering Team 'AMA' (Ask Microsoft Anything) Session on December 12th](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-product-engineering-team-ama-ask-microsoft-anything-session-on-december-12th/) - There is another Microsoft Teams 'Ask Microsoft Anything' (AMA) on 12th December from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. PT in the Tech Community here: https://aka.ms/TeamsAMA Add the event to your calendar and view in your time zone here. The AMA gives you the opportunity to as questions and give feedback to members of the product
- [New Microsoft Office Icons (or, an evolved visual identity)](https://tomtalks.blog/new-microsoft-office-icons-or-an-evolved-our-visual-identity/) - Microsoft has updated the Office icons. The new icons will be rolled out in the coming months, replacing the icons that were introduced in 2013. I guess we are due an update. Here are the new icons. What do you think? An extensive post about the concept here: https://medium.com/microsoft-design/redesigning-the-office-app-icons-to-embrace-a-new-world-of-work-91d72608ee8f https://news.microsoft.com/en-gb/2018/11/29/microsoft-has-unveiled-colourful-new-icons-for-office/
- [Microsoft Teams PowerShell Module 0.9.6](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-powershell-module-0-9-6/) - Microsoft has updated the Microsoft Teams PowerShell module to 0.9.6 https://www.powershellgallery.com/packages/MicrosoftTeams/0.9.6 The available cmdlets themselves remain the same, but three are 3 changes There is a change in how New-Team behaves. The New-Team –AddCreatorAsMember parameter has been removed. In its place, there is an optional parameter -Owner. You can use this –Owner parameter to
- [LogiPolytronics? Could Logitech buy Plantronics](https://tomtalks.blog/logipolytronics-could-logitech-buy-plantronics/) - A bit of fun with the name (hat tip to my friend Jonathan McKinney), but it looks like Logitech may be looking to buy Plantronics (who recently bought Polycom) in a report from reuters. This would be interesting from a Microsoft perspective, where Logitech, Plantronics and Polycom have all been long term partners. Update,
- [Skype for Business Server 2019 Real-Time Statistics Manager (StatsMan) and Key Health Indicators Update](https://tomtalks.blog/skype-for-business-server-2019-real-time-statistics-manager-statsman-and-key-health-indicators-update/) - 2 more updates to tools for Skype for Business Server 2019 Skype for Business Server, Real-Time Statistics Manager (64-bit) https://www.microsoft.com/en-in/download/details.aspx?id=57518 Key Health Indicators for Lync Server 2013, Skype for Business Server 2015 and Skype for Business Server 2019 https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=57519 Skype for Business Server, Real-Time Statistics Manager (StatsMan) makes it possible to monitor key performance indicators
- [Skype for Business Server 2019 Call Quality Dashboard, SCOM Management Pack and Capacity Calculator](https://tomtalks.blog/skype-for-business-server-2019-call-quality-dashboard-scom-management-pack-and-capacity-calculator/) - Following the Skype for Business Server 2019 Debugging Tools, two more additions for Skype for Business Server 2019 have now been published by Microsoft. Skype for Business Server 2019, Call Quality Dashboard https://www.microsoft.com/en-in/download/details.aspx?id=57510 Skype for Business Server 2019, System Center Operations Manager Management Pack https://www.microsoft.com/en-in/download/details.aspx?id=57511 Skype for Business Server 2019, Capacity Calculator https://www.microsoft.com/en-in/download/details.aspx?id=57509 Call
- [Avoid the "Kittens of Doom" Emoji Attack, patch your Skype for Business clients](https://tomtalks.blog/avoid-the-kitten-of-doom-emoji-attack-patch-your-skype-for-business-clients/) - A denial of service vulnerability exists in Skype for Business clients. If the attacker sends you a huge amount of emojis, e.g. cute kittens. Depending on the actual amount of kitten emojis, you might notice a short lag in your application (starting with 100 emojis). When receiving about 800 kittens at once, your Skype for
- [Microsoft automatically upgrading some small Office 365 tenants from Skype for Business Online to Microsoft Teams](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-automatically-upgrading-some-small-office-365-tenants-from-skype-for-business-online-to-microsoft-teams/) - Thanks to Mark Eckert, Hadrien-Nessim Socard and others over at the Microsoft Tech Communities forums for highlighting this with screenshots below. Fellow MVP Darrell Webster, one of the great Regarding 365 team also did a video overview of the situation, he saw the automatic upgrade notification on his tenant. I’ll post more details as I
- [Oracle and TE-SYSTEMS anynode on track to be certified for Microsoft Teams Direct Routing](https://tomtalks.blog/oracle-and-te-systems-anynode-on-track-to-be-certified-for-microsoft-teams-direct-routing/) - Microsoft Direct Routing became generally available at the end of June. It allows you, or your favourite service provider, to deploy a certified Session Border Controller and connect any telephony carrier (SIP Provider) or to connect and interoperate with your existing enterprise phone system. AudioCodes and Ribbon are the currently certified Session Border Controllers
- [Customising your Microsoft Teams collab workspaces visibility and notifications on desktop and mobile](https://tomtalks.blog/customising-your-microsoft-teams-collab-workspaces-visibility-and-notifications-on-desktop-and-mobile/) - Microsoft Teams offers you a number of ways to customise and control how you see and engage with your Teams collab workspaces (teams) and channels. Global Notification Control and Customisation At a global level, you customise your notifications: Each type of action can be customised with some combination of (depending on the activity) Banner Banner
- [Microsoft Teams Academy for IT Pros Training Videos on YouTube](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-academy-for-it-pros-training-videos-on-youtube/) - Microsoft have produced a series of Teams Academy for IT Pro’s videos to help IT Pro’s get up to speed on the various concepts in Microsoft Teams. You can check them out here: Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLaSOUojkSiGnKuE30ckcjnDVkMNqDv0Vl Videos: Teams Foundations Windows Desktop Client Introduction to Meetings in Microsoft Teams Introduction into Phone System Direct Routing Teams
- [Tom Arbuthnot speaking at TechUG London - 8th November, Microsoft Teams, Understanding your Deployment Options](https://tomtalks.blog/tom-arbuthnot-speaking-at-techug-london-8th-november-microsoft-teams-understanding-your-deployment-options/) - I am looking forward speaking at TechUG on 8th November. Talking about Microsoft Teams and your deployment options. Location: The Engine Room, Runway East, Moorgate Address:Runway East, Lower Ground Floor, 10 Finsbury Square, Moorgate, London EC2A 1AF, UK It’s always a great event for networking and saying up to day on the latest technology. If
- [What is Microsoft Teams, without the buzzwords and jargon](https://tomtalks.blog/what-is-microsoft-teams-without-the-buzzwords-and-jargon/) - Explaining Microsoft Teams succinctly can be tricky. It has a lot of functionality and functionality overlap between features. Often a lot of jargon is used in explanations. Forrester referrers to apps in this space as "Enterprise Team Messaging Apps", Gartner calls this product category “Workstream Collaboration” (WSC). Here is how I try to break it
- [Chrome Create Application Shortcut option removed, here is a workaround](https://tomtalks.blog/chrome-create-application-shortcut-option-removed-here-is-a-workaround/) - I use a few web apps like Todoist and Dynalist. One of the things I do in chrome is create an “application shortcut” which basically creates a “webapp” in the sense that you get a desktop shortcut and a browser windows with no address bar/navigation buttons and it’s on Icon/Favicon. Unfortunately it looks like
- [Microsoft Kaizala, (another) mobile group chat app, being made available to Office 365 commercial plans worldwide](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-kaizala-another-mobile-group-chat-app-being-made-available-to-office-365-commercial-plans-worldwide/) - Microsoft Kaizala is essentially a Whatsapp clone. A mobile only (iOS and Andorid) group chat app, where anyone can join any group and identity is tied to phone numbers. Kaizala is focused on mobile first/only workers, more common in developing countries that may not have lots of PC’s and fixed internet connections, but do have
- [Microsoft releases Skype for Business Server 2019 Debugging Tools](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-releases-skype-for-business-server-2019-debugging-tools/) - Credit to Guy Bachar for catching this one, Microsoft have released the Skype for Business Server 2019, Debugging Tools Skype for Business Server 2019, Debugging Tools is a collection of additional tools for use by IT Admins to aid in troubleshooting Skype for Business Server 2019 deployments. The collection of tools include: Snooper CLSLogger CLSScenarioEdit.psm1
- [Microsoft Bookings, web page to allow anyone to book a meeting into your Office 365 calendar](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-bookings-web-page-to-allow-anyone-to-book-a-meeting-into-your-office-365-calendar/) - Microsoft Bookings was originally designed for small businesses, but is now available on all Office 365 Enterprise plans. Essentially it gives you a web based bookings page anyone can access that offers slots based on the free busy of a, or your, exchange calendar. It’s a lot like calendly.com, but included in Office 365. This
- [Microsoft retiring the Microsoft Teams Win 10 S app effective November 29, 2018](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-retiring-the-microsoft-teams-win-10-s-app-effective-november-29-2018/) - In an interesting direction, Microsoft are “retiring” the Microsoft Teams for Windows 10 S (Preview) app in the Microsoft Store, effective November 29, 2018. This is the Progressive Web App/Hybrid Web App version of the Teams client. When this change is implemented, the Microsoft Teams for Windows 10 S (Preview) app will no longer be
- [How to add a Microsoft Stream Video to a to a Channel or Group](https://tomtalks.blog/how-to-add-a-microsoft-stream-video-to-a-to-a-channel-or-group/) - For those not familiar, Microsoft Stream is part of Office 365 and is essentially “Enterprise YouTube”. If you do cloud meeting recording in Microsoft Teams, it will end up in Microsoft Teams, and automatically be permissioned for the people in the meeting from within your organisation to have access to it. Stream has a concept
- [Microsoft Teams Monthly Podcast: Skype for Business Server 2019, Org Wide Teams, death of T-Bot](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-monthly-podcast-skype-for-business-server-2019-org-wide-teams-death-of-t-bot/) - Catch this months Microsoft Teams Monthly Podcast I do with Patrick Watson at UCToday The main news is that Skype for Business Server 2019 is now generally available from Microsoft. The latest edition doesn’t offer a huge amount in terms of new features but is still a crucial platform for many customers worldwide. There
- [Microsoft no longer enforcing TLS 1.2 in Office 365 from October 31st 2018](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-no-longer-enforcing-tls-1-2-in-office-365-from-october-31st-2018/) - In an interesting change of plan, originally Microsoft said in their KB that: “In line with security best practices, and for very good reasons as Microsoft explain in their advisory, Microsoft is moving Office 365 to mandatory TLS 1.2.” Now the same KB article has been updated on October 24th and says: “ As
- [Webinar: Measuring the value of Microsoft Teams digital teamwork, 14th November](https://tomtalks.blog/webinar-measuring-the-value-of-microsoft-teams-digital-teamwork-14th-november/) - On 14th November I’m doing a webinar with my colleague Justin Morris on measuring the business value of Microsoft Teams. How do you measure and drive a successful Microsoft Teams deployment? We will cover what you can get out of the box with Office 365, and then dive into our PowerBI based Teamwork Analytics reporting
- [Microsoft Teams PowerShell: Getting All Teams, Changing Team Settings and Adding and Removing Users from Teams](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-powershell-getting-all-teams-changing-team-settings-and-adding-and-removing-users-from-teams/) - As of Microsoft Teams PowerShell 0.95, you can now get and administer all Microsoft Teams as an Office 365 administrator. Previous to 0.95 release, it only worked for teams the current user running the PowerShell was a member of, which made it too limited for any real administration. First, run PowerShell as a local administrator
- [Turn on or off Microsoft Teams PSTN Conferencing meeting entry and exit announcements or tones](https://tomtalks.blog/turn-on-or-off-microsoft-teams-pstn-conferencing-meeting-entry-and-exit-announcements-or-tones/) - You may have been on a Teams meeting and heard the rather annoying entry and exit sounds. They can be “+4412343434 has joined the meeting”, or playing the recording name of the joiner or just tones. Announcing out the name or phone number can be important if you are having a highly secure meeting, but
- [Skype for Business Server 2019, Exchange Server 2019 and SharePoint Server 2019 all Generally Available](https://tomtalks.blog/skype-for-business-server-2019-exchange-server-2019-and-sharepoint-server-2019-all-generally-available-on-vlsc/) - Exciting news today, the three new Office Server products are now available to customers on the Volume Licencing Service Center. This is the website where Enterprise Agreement customers can get to their Microsoft software. They are also currently on Visual Studio Subscription (the new name for MSDN). Available are Skype for Business Server 2019- Blog: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/Skype-for-Business-Blog/Skype-for-Business-Server-2019-now-GA/ba-p/276439
- [Microsoft Teams On Linux, What's the Story?](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-linux-whats-story/) - Update 22nd October: The UserVoice is now over 5,500 votes and has just moved to "on the backlog". That means it's an ask that's more seriously being considered for being given engineering time. Keep your votes coming if you want a Linux client: https://microsoftteams.uservoice.com/forums/555103/suggestions/16911565 ############################ Right now Microsoft Teams in not supported in Linux, even
- [Microsoft Teams are killing T-Bot, new help experience coming](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-are-killing-t-bot-new-help-experience-coming/) - T-Bot was designed to be a text-based bot in Microsoft Teams that users could interact with to ask it questions about how to use Microsoft Teams. Microsoft announced in an Office 365 update that T-Bot will be removed and replaced with a more traditional help system. Now when you ask T-Bot a question it will
- [Microsoft Ignite 2018 Session Recordings, Handy YouTube Playlists](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-ignite-2018-session-recordings-handy-youtube-playlists/) - Good news, it looks like all the Ignite 2018 recordings have now been made “public” on YouTube and categories into handy playlists Check them out on the Ignite YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrhJmfAGQ5K81XQ8_od1iTg/playlists Of particular interest for me and followers of this blog will be the Intelligent Communications Sessions Playlist with 57 sessions: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8AwKF5P1dNU&list=PLQXpv_NQsPIC5b6d_MGGQ08U-72OuoWkZ Slides for most
- [Microsoft Ignite -  The Tour, covering 17 cities around the world](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-ignite-the-tour-covering-17-cities-around-the-world/) - Microsoft Ignite is over, but there is still hundreds of hours of recorded sessions available at the Microsoft Tech Community. If you didn’t make it, or you did but you are already looking for your next Microsoft tech event fix, Microsoft Ignite is going on tour with 17 regional events, 100+ deep dive sessions and
- [Ignite Session Blog: BRK3124 'Meetings First' - Skype for Business on-prem customers can take advantage of Teams Meetings](https://tomtalks.blog/ignite-session-blog-brk3124-meetings-first-skype-for-business-on-prem-customers-can-take-advantage-of-teams-meetings/) - This Ignite session wasn't until the Friday, but for me, it's one of the biggest Microsoft Teams announcements at Ignite. This unlocks a great way for a lot of existing Skype for Business Server customers to get some of the real Microsoft Teams experience and business benefits today with little change to users workflows.
- [Skype for Business Server 2015 CU7 Now Supports Blocking external NTLM (username/password auth) for Security](https://tomtalks.blog/skype-for-business-server-2015-cu7-now-supports-blocking-external-ntlm-traffic-for-security/) - An open potential issue with SfB server has been the potential to get a list of accounts, try lots of random passwords and lock those accounts out. With the new Get/Set-CsAuthConfig cmdlets in CU7, you can shut down NTLM and Forms Based Auth externally. For more PowerShell information: Get-CsAuthConfig https://github.com/MicrosoftDocs/office-docs-powershell/blob/master/skype/skype-ps/skype/Get-CsAuthConfig.md Set-CsAuthConfig https://github.com/MicrosoftDocs/office-docs-powershell/blob/master/skype/skype-ps/skype/Set-CsAuthConfig.md Then, you configure
- [Microsoft Ignite POD2031 Recording - Microsoft Teams News Summary – Podcast Studio, Friday](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-ignite-pod2031-recording-microsoft-teams-news-summary-podcast-studio-friday/) - We’ve just about recovered from all the news and fun at Microsoft Ignite last week. On the Friday I hosted a podcast with guests, Pat Richard - Principal Architect, Microsoft UC, VOSS, Josh Blalock - Principal Consulting Engineer at CDW and Stale Hansen, CEO and Principal Cloud Architect, CloudWay AS. We went over all the
- [From Oct. 1st, new 500 seats or less Office 365 customers will be Microsoft Teams and will have no Skype for Business Online](https://tomtalks.blog/from-oct-1st-new-500-seats-or-less-office-365-customers-will-be-microsoft-teams-and-will-have-no-skype-for-business-online/) - During the massive flood of Microsoft news this week from Microsoft Ignite, something that has been posted publicly on the Microsoft partner forum is about the more active transition from SfBO to Microsoft Teams: Skype for Business to Microsoft Teams upgrade: We recently announced that the roadmap for bringing Skype for Business Online features and
- [Skype for Business Server 2019 news from Microsoft Ignite](https://tomtalks.blog/skype-for-business-server-2019-news-from-microsoft-ignite/) - If there is one thing to take away from Microsoft Ignite this year, it's that Microsoft Teams is Microsoft’s future direction for Collaboration and Unified Communications. There were over 50 sessions around Microsoft Teams but only one on Skype for Business Server. However, there is another version of Skype for Business server that is imminently
- [Microsoft Teams Monthly Podcast, Live from Microsoft Ignite](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-monthly-podcast-live-from-microsoft-ignite/) - It’s been a great week so far at Microsoft Ignite with lots of Microsoft Teams news. Patrick Watson from UC Today and I got to sit down at Ignite and record a podcast covering all the news and talking about how increasingly the Microsoft Teams story is integrated into the Microsoft 365 story. You
- [Tom Arbuthnot Speaking at Microsoft Ignite 2018](https://tomtalks.blog/tom-arbuthnot-speaking-at-microsoft-ignite-2018/) - Just a week to go until Microsoft Ignite now, I’m really looking forward to it. If you are there it would be great to say hello. I’m recording a podcast of all the news on my Microsoft Teams Monthly podcast with UCToday.com, I’m also doing two sessions: THR3079 - Microsoft Teams: Real-world tips for
- [Citrix Demo Optimized web-based Microsoft Teams meetings and calls in a Virtual Environment](https://tomtalks.blog/citrix-demo-optimized-web-based-microsoft-teams-meetings-and-calls-in-a-virtual-environment/) - Hot on the back of Citrix announcing they will support Microsoft Teams optimisation on VDI in a browser and a full client, Citrix has provided a video demoing their solution to optimize web-based Microsoft Teams in a virtual environment. It works by using Browser Content Redirection and Google Chrome on the VDA, and the embedded
- [Office 2016 connectivity support for Office 365 services extended to 2023](https://tomtalks.blog/office-2016-connectivity-support-for-office-365-services-extended-to-2023/) - Microsoft has recently been moving around supportability dates on Office client and server. Office 2019 will now provide 7 years of support, five (5) years of mainstream support and two (2) years of extended support as an exception to the 10-year Fixed Lifecycle Policy term. This is the “boxed” version of Office clients, not “Office
- [Tom Arbuthnot Speaking at IP Expo Europe, 4th October 2018 / Excel London](https://tomtalks.blog/tom-arbuthnot-speaking-at-ip-expo-europe-4th-october-2018-excel-london/) - Microsoft Teams, The Future of Collaboration and Telephony in Office 365? Thur 4TH Oct 14:20 - 14:50 Over 125,000 enterprises already use Microsoft Teams. Available to 181 markets with global PSTN Telephony and Conferencing, Teams is a chat-centric collaboration tool that brings together all the services in Office 365 to allow business to operate more
- [Office 365 Roadmap being replaced with new Microsoft 365 Public Roadmap in mid-September](https://tomtalks.blog/office-365-roadmap-being-replaced-with-new-microsoft-365-public-roadmap-in-mid-september/) - Interesting news, the existing Office 365 roadmap site, https://products.office.com/business/office-365-roadmap , will be replaced with a new “Microsoft 365” roadmap site. The Office 365 roadmap site has always been tricky. There are no email alerts or RSS feeds (though some community members have helpfully created them, such as http://www.roadmapwatch.com/home/subscribe ) and often features, particularly in
- [Evolve Conf UK, Free Microsoft IT Pro Conference 10th September, Agenda and Tickets](https://tomtalks.blog/evolve-conf-uk-free-microsoft-it-pro-conference-10th-september-agenda-and-tickets/) - Now into our 4th year, this year’s event is on 10th September. If you are interested in attending, make sure you get your tickets booked now: https://www.evolveconf.co.uk/ Check out the full session list here, we have some amazing speakers: https://www.evolveconf.co.uk/schedule/ This is a free community organised conference, thanks to the sponsors and speakers. We appreciate
- [Quality of Experience reports added to Microsoft Call Quality Dashboard](https://tomtalks.blog/quality-of-experience-reports-added-to-microsoft-call-quality-dashboard/) - A good resource for driving improvements your Skype for Business Online (soon Server with SfBS 2019) and Microsoft Teams session quality, Microsoft Call Quality Dashboard recently added new Quality of Experience reports. Thanks to my friend Aaron Steele for the heads up. The following reports are available: Audio Quality Conference HTTP Proxy Usage TCP Usage
- [Skype for Business Server 2019 Public Preview, What's New, What's Gone?](https://tomtalks.blog/skype-for-business-server-2019-public-preview-whats-new-whats-gone/) - Good news, Skype for Business Server 2019 Public Preview is here. The final generally available release is due before the end of the year. This release is for lab testing, not production. Download Link: http://download.microsoft.com/download/2/0/9/209372AB-F64F-4F04-8BDA-FBAB1C685BA3/W17_2044.76_Eval.iso Documentation: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/SkypeForBusiness/whats-new?branch=SkypeServer2019 Exchange Server 2019 public preview was also released What are the new features? Cloud Voicemail - Have SfBS
- [Microsoft Teams Data Residency up to 6 Geos, driving to cover all Office 365 Geos](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-data-residency-up-to-6-geos-driving-to-cover-all-office-365-geos/) - Files in Microsoft Teams (including OneNote and Wiki) that somebody shares in a channel are stored in the team’s SharePoint site. Files shared in a private chat or a chat during a meeting/call are uploaded and stored in the OneDrive for Business account of the user who shares the file. Exchange, SharePoint and OneDrive already
- [Upgraded Microsoft Teams users can now join Skype for Business meetings via the SfB mobile apps as an authenticated user](https://tomtalks.blog/upgraded-microsoft-teams-users-can-now-join-skype-for-business-meetings-via-the-sfb-mobile-apps-as-an-authenticated-user/) - An interesting subtle change in the upgrade process from Skype for Business to Microsoft Teams. I think of it more as “transition” but we’ll stick with the Microsoft “upgrade” terminology to keep it simple. Previously, when a user account was fully moved to Microsoft Teams, it was blocked from signing in to Skype for Business
- [Citrix Plan HDX RealTime Optimization Pack for Microsoft Teams, providing audio video and sharing support in VDI](https://tomtalks.blog/citrix-plan-hdx-realtime-optimization-pack-for-microsoft-teams-providing-audio-video-and-sharing-support-in-vdi/) - Thanks to Lyndon-Jon Martin, Lead Workspace Field SE at Citrix, for highlighting this to me on LinkedIn. Fernando Klurfan, Principal Product Manager Citrix wrote a blog giving an update on Citrix’s support strategy for Microsoft Teams. Microsoft Teams in VDI Today (July 2018) Today, you can run Teams in a VDI environment, but you
- [9 New Microsoft Teams Features, Meetings and Chat Improvements](https://tomtalks.blog/9-new-microsoft-teams-features-meetings-and-chat-improvements/) - The new features and improvements to Microsoft Teams keep flying in, here are 9 new updates for July. Live events in Microsoft Teams for up to 10,000 attendees Microsoft Teams live events is now in public preview, allowing users to plan, produce, and broadcast events right in Microsoft Teams. A live event delivers one-to-many
- [Evolve Conf UK, 10th September, 1 day Microsoft Office 365 and Azure Conference, Tickets now available](https://tomtalks.blog/evolve-conf-uk-10th-september-1-day-microsoft-office-365-and-azure-conference-tickets-now-available/) - Evolve Conference is for IT Professionals working with the Microsoft Cloud, covering Microsoft 365 and Azure. The ethos behind each year’s events is to help prepare IT Pros for the technology they will need for the year ahead and impart impartial, real-world advice to help them succeed. We love to share our expertise and
- [Microsoft 365 Usage Analytics, New Free Power BI Office 365 Usage Reports from Microsoft](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-365-usage-analytics-new-free-power-bi-office-365-usage-reports-from-microsoft/) - This has been a long time in preview, but Microsoft 365 Usage Analytics, the new name for the Office 365 adoption content pack (first blogged in 2016), is now generally available. It’s a set of reports that pull from your Office 365 Usage data and report on four key areas: adoption, communication, collaboration, and activation.
- [Microsoft Teams Free Version, What's included, What's not?](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-free-version-whats-included-whats-not/) - 200,000 businesses across 181 markets now use Microsoft Teams. To drive further adoption and further compete with solutions like slack that have a popular free tier, today Microsoft added a free version to Teams. The free version includes the following for up to 300 people: Unlimited chat messages and search. Built-in audio and video calling
- [Skype for Business Online Plan 1 will be retired, effective August 1 2018, Microsoft Recommend F1 Plans](https://tomtalks.blog/skype-for-business-online-plan-1-will-be-retired-effective-august-1-2018-microsoft-recommend-f1-plans/) - A fairly niche Office 365 plan, “Skype for Business Online Plan 1” included group IM, ability to transfer files in IM, audio and HD video calling to Skype for Business users but no Office 365 application licences. It will be retired, effective August 1 2018. After that date customers can no longer purchase new Skype
- [Microsoft Teams meetings on Skype Room Systems v2 in 4.0.8.0 update](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-meetings-on-skype-room-systems-v2-in-4-0-8-0-update/) - Good news, 4.0.8.0 update started pushing out to some SRS v2 devices via the Store on Friday, July 6th. It should made available to all SRS v2 devices in the coming week. 4.0.8.0 enables both Skype for Business *and* Teams meetings support on Rooms Systems devices. Teams is turned off by default once the update
- [Free Enabling Teamwork with Microsoft Teams Online Course](https://tomtalks.blog/free-enabling-teamwork-with-microsoft-teams-online-course/) - Microsoft has produced a free Microsoft Teams course on edX. In this course, you will learn how to enable Microsoft Teams in Office 365. The course illustrates the value of Teams collaboration and includes tips and tricks for getting the most of out of Teams. You will also learn how to configure Teams. Specifically, you
- [Plantronics completes acquisition of Polycom, moves forward as a single company](https://tomtalks.blog/plantronics-completes-acquisition-of-polycom-moves-forward-as-a-single-company/) - First reported on at the end of March, Plantronics has announced the deal is now complete. Polycom will become part of Plantronics, moving forward as a single company. Their portfolio will span headsets, software, desk phones, audio and video conferencing, analytics and services. “The acquisition of Polycom will accelerate and expand Plantronics’ vision and enable
- [Microsoft Teams for Surface Hub (Preview) on Windows Insider Program](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-for-surface-hub-preview-on-windows-insider-program/) - Exciting news for Surface Hub/Teams users, Microsoft Teams for Surface Hub is now in Preview, available for those with devices on the Windows Insider Program. Microsoft Teams for Surface Hub has full Teams calling and meeting capabilities, including one-touch join and up to four incoming video streams—all with side-by-side compatibility with Skype for Business. I
- [Microsoft Teams becomes generally available to Office 365 Government tenants starting July 17th with some features restricted](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-becomes-generally-available-to-office-365-government-tenants-starting-july-19th-with-some-features-restricted/) - Office 365 is Office 365 right? Well, no, not really. There are actually Different types of tenants; Enterprise, Education, Government Options to have some tenants managed by third parties (T-Systems in Germany and 21Vianet in China) The CSP, or Cloud Solution Provider program, where third-party providers resell Office 365 Features are typically broadly the same,
- [Microsoft Teams Direct Routing GA, 11 Partners already offering hosted options](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-direct-routing-ga-11-partners-already-offering-hosted-options/) - Good news, Microsoft Teams Direct Routing, the feature that allows you to connect your own Session Border Controller and PSTN Carrier to Microsoft Teams for user phone numbers, is now generally available. Deploy your own SBC and connect your preferred SIP carrier/Interop with your existing telephony system AudioCodes and Ribbon are the currently certified Session
- [Give a user account permission to access a PowerBI app](https://tomtalks.blog/give-a-user-account-permission-to-access-a-powerbi-app/) - Edit app Update app Access Add the person(s) and click Update app After some period of time (though there is no need to wait)
- [Yealink now up to 10 Skype for Business Certified IP Phones and more planned](https://tomtalks.blog/yealink-now-up-to-10-skype-for-business-certified-ip-phones-and-more-planned/) - With the addition of the new CP960-Skype for Business® edition conference phone certified for Skype for Business Online and Skype for Business Server 2015. The Yealink CP960 offers: Based on Android OS Supports the SILK speech codec Yealink Noise Proof Technology 20-foot (6-meter) and 360-degree microphone pickup range 5”720x1280 multi-touch screen, modern interface Calendar,
- [Options and Considerations for Testing your Network for Skype for Business and Microsoft Teams](https://tomtalks.blog/options-and-considerations-for-testing-your-network-for-skype-for-business-and-microsoft-teams/) - Ideally, and strongly recommended by Microsoft, before deploying Microsoft Teams or Skype for Business, you should test your network to ensure it can cope with real-time media and give users a good experience. Microsoft refers to this as a “Network Readiness Assessment” and some kind of assessment is a requirement of what previously called the
- [Record your screen with PowerPoint](https://tomtalks.blog/record-your-screen-with-powerpoint/) - One of the most useful things when hitting a bug or an issue is a screen recording of the actual issue. Screenshots are great, but you can’t beat a recording for quickly explaining an issue. Previously I’ve used things like the great TechSmith Camtasia and Snagit, and in a pinch on a machine where I
- [Can you dial premium rate or shared cost numbers with Microsoft PSTN Calling Plans? It depends](https://tomtalks.blog/can-you-dial-premium-rate-or-shared-cost-numbers-with-microsoft-pstn-calling-plans-it-depends/) - This one took a while to get to the bottom of, but fortunately, the online documentation has been updated now to make it easier. My question was can users with Microsoft PSTN Calling plans, in either Skype for Business Online or Microsoft Teams, ring premium rate or shared cost numbers? The term “premium number” is
- [Evolve Conference (UCDay), 1 day UK Microsoft UC and Collab Conference, Call for Speakers](https://tomtalks.blog/evolve-conference-ucday-1-day-uk-microsoft-uc-and-collab-conference-call-for-speakers/) - Time flies when you are having fun! It’s less than 100 days until Evolve, the new name for UCDay, our 1 day UK Microsoft Collab focused conference. I’m a very small part of a great team putting the event together. Now into our 4th year, this year's event is on 10th September. If you are
- [Tom Arbuthnot Speaking at Microsoft Ignite 2018, September 24 - 28th, Orlando](https://tomtalks.blog/tom-arbuthnot-speaking-at-microsoft-ignite-2018-september-24-28th-orlando/) - I’m excited to be speaking at Ignite 2018. It should be a great year for Ignite, from Microsoft Teams continuing to get new features to Skype for Business Server 2019. It’s not everyday you are on the same speaker page as Satya Nadella as a featured speaker. Full session details haven’t been released yet. In
- [Is your network provider peered with Microsoft?](https://tomtalks.blog/is-your-network-provider-peered-with-microsoft/) - A key Microsoft recommendation for Office 365 performance is to get from your user to their network as quickly as possible. So in most scenarios, you ideally want local site internet breakout and that internet provider should be peered with Microsoft so that you have very few hops before your jump onto Microsoft’s network and
- [New Polycom VVX phones, optimized for open SIP platforms and for Skype for Business Server deployments](https://tomtalks.blog/new-polycom-vvx-phones-optimized-for-open-sip-platforms-and-for-skype-for-business-server-deployments/) - Polycom has announced a series of new phones, the VVX150 (not listed with SfB server support), VVX250, VVX350 and VVX450. VVX 250 4-line Desktop Business IP Phone with dual 10/100/1000 Ethernet ports VVX 350 6-line Desktop Business IP Phone with dual 10/100/1000 Ethernet ports VVX 450 12-line Desktop Business IP Phone with dual
- [Office 365 Multi-Geo is here, What about Microsoft Teams and Skype for Business?](https://tomtalks.blog/office-365-multi-geo-is-here-what-about-microsoft-teams-and-skype-for-business/) - Office 365 Multi-Geo (Multiple Geographies) allows you to have a single global Office 365 tenant, with a primary location (Home geo) but also allows you to choose the region or country-specific subset of users data is held (Satellite geo). The benefits of this include: Operate as one global connected organization with a single Office 365
- [Office 365 will Enforce Mandatory use of  TLS 1.2 from October 31, 2018, so Lync Phone Edition (which does not support TLS 1.2) will not be able to Connect to Skype for Business Online](https://tomtalks.blog/office-365-will-enforce-mandatory-use-of-tls-1-2-from-october-31-2018-and-lync-phone-edition-doesnt-support-tls-1-2-so/) - 16th April 2018 Update: Microsoft has now confirmed this in an official blog (which was an old blog that has been updated): "Office 365 will enforce TLS 1.2 later this year. Since the underlying operating system of LPE does not support TLS 1.2, LPE will not be able to connect to Office 365 anymore" https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/Skype-for-Business-Blog/Certified-Skype-for-Business-Online-Phones-and-what-this-means/ba-p/120035
- [Microsoft Training Services Pilot, Office 365 Intranet Training Content from Microsoft](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-training-services-pilot-office-365-intranet-training-content-from-microsoft/) - We all know it’s a challenge keeping up to date with everything in Office 365, and that’s for those who are working with it full time. What about the business users with their jobs to do too! . Microsoft recognise it’s hard to keep users trained and up to date, and are producing a
- [RunAsRadio Podcast: Collaboration using Teams and Skype for Business with Tom Arbuthnot](https://tomtalks.blog/runasradio-podcast-collaboration-using-teams-and-skype-for-business-with-tom-arbuthnot/) - I’m a big fan of the RunAsRadio Podcast. It’s a weekly podcast that covers a broad set of topics for IT Pro’s in a very accessible way, great to keep your general IT knowledge up to date. It’s always a pleasure to join Richard Campbell for a show. This time we talked about Microsoft Teams
- [Know The 5 Types of Hybrid for Skype for Business and Microsoft Teams](https://tomtalks.blog/know-5-types-hybrid-skype-business-microsoft-teams/) - “Hybrid” is possibly the most overused word in our Microsoft world. It means everything and nothing. I often cringe when people talk about their topology as “hybrid” without defining it further, I even try to ban using “hybrid” without any context at Modality :-). So why am I not a fan? Many different Skype for
- [Canada Microsoft PSTN Calling Plans now available, calls between US and Canada count as Domestic](https://tomtalks.blog/canada-microsoft-pstn-calling-plans-now-available-and-the-minutes-bundle-with-us-plans/) - That brings us up to 10 countries that Microsoft offer user phone numbers/service for Skype for Business Online and Microsoft Teams. Canada has the same typical per user plans: • 120 minute Domestic Calling Plan • 240 minute Domestic Calling Plan • 3000 minute Domestic Calling Plan • 600 minutes for International calls (if you
- [Skype for Business to Microsoft Teams Roadmap Update April 23, 2018, 9 Changes](https://tomtalks.blog/skype-for-business-to-microsoft-teams-roadmap-update-april-23-2018-9-changes/) - It’s been 3 months since the last PDF roadmap update. This time the update was broadcast with a bit more noise via a blog post. So what has changed since the last 30th January Update? We now have nice icons for Released (i.e. should be on all tenants) vs “Rolling out” i.e. some have it,
- [A free 1-year trial of Microsoft Teams will be available for any user of Office 365 or Azure Active Directory (AAD) from June 1st](https://tomtalks.blog/a-free-1-year-trial-of-microsoft-teams-will-be-available-for-any-user-of-office-365-or-azure-active-directory-aad-from-june-1st/) - Credit to my friend Andrew Morpeth for first highlighting this, you should check out his blog. Microsoft sent out a message this week on the Office 365 admin centre announcing a free 1-year trial of Microsoft Teams will soon be available for any user of Office 365 or Azure Active Directory (AAD), even if the
- [Microsoft Teams PWA (Progressive Web App) Preview, but for Windows 10 S Mode only?](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-pwa-progressive-web-app-preview-but-for-windows-10-s-mode-only/) - If you are running Windows 10 in S mode with build 17133 or higher, you can download the Microsoft Teams Preview PWA here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/store/p/microsoft-teams-for-windows-10-s-preview/9nsv22gv8q6n About Progressive Web Apps Progressive Web Apps, PWA’s, seem to be widely regarded as the future of cross platform development, being supported today on chrome, Android and now Windows They are
- [Tom Arbuthnot Speaking at UCExpo London, 16th May](https://tomtalks.blog/tom-arbuthnot-speaking-at-ucexpo-london-16th-may/) - I’m excited to again be speaking at UCExpo in London. After a great turnout at IPExpo, a sister event in Manchester, I will be talking about Microsoft Teams and the future of Collaboration in Office 365. I am also pleased to be joining a panel with some good friends in the industry, lead by Pat
- [The Office 365 train is still steaming along with more than 135 million monthly active users, Microsoft FY18 Q3 Results](https://tomtalks.blog/the-office-365-train-is-still-steaming-along-with-more-than-135-million-monthly-active-users-microsoft-fy18-q3-results/) - I like to keep an eye on Microsoft financial results for any insights into growth and direction. The latest FY18 Q3 results were released April 26th. We can see from the results Office 365 Commercial continues to grow year on year. From the earnings call: “Office 365 commercial now has more than 135 million
- [UC Today Microsoft Teams Monthly Podcast May](https://tomtalks.blog/uc-today-microsoft-teams-monthly-podcast-may/) - This month we talk about: Webex Teams The 5 Modes of Microsoft Teams and Skype for Business Interop/Coexistence Lync Phone Edition soon not working on Skype for Business Online/ Exchange Online ACP being made end of life next year We also talked about the upcoming UCExpo and European Collaboration Summit Check it out at
- [Skype for Business Server Users Client Prompts for Exchange Credentials when enabling Office 365 MFA](https://tomtalks.blog/skype-for-business-server-users-client-prompts-for-exchange-credentials-when-enabling-office-365-mfa/) - One we hit inside Modality, we’re currently in hybrid between SfB Online and SfB Server, when enabling users for Office 365 Multi-Factor Authentication Credit to Internal IT and Microsoft for solving this one. It is documented in this article: https://support.microsoft.com/en-in/help/3082803/info-about-the-allowadalfornonlyncindependentoflync-setting-in-skype-f We added the following registry on your computer and rebooted it. For Skype for
- [Microsoft retire the Windows Mobile apps for Skype for Business, Teams, and Yammer on May 20, 2018](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-retire-the-windows-mobile-apps-for-skype-for-business-teams-and-yammer-on-may-20-2018/) - No big surprise here, and I don’t think this will impact many, but Microsoft have officially announced these apps will no longer be available for download from Microsoft Store, and Microsoft will no longer support them. https://support.microsoft.com/en-gb/help/4134653/windows-phone-apps-for-skype-for-business-microsoft-teams-and-yammer-a Skype for Business and Yammer apps may continue to work, but we can’t provide any guarantees. These apps
- [Comms vNext Microsoft UC Conference - Sat, June 9, 2018 Denver, CO](https://tomtalks.blog/comms-vnext-microsoft-uc-conference-sat-june-9-2018-denver-co/) - An exciting development for my friends in the US Microsoft Unified Communications space. 4 well known names in the community, Josh Blalock, Jonathan McKinney, Adam Ball and Pat Richard have come together to put on a 1-day community conference. This conference will zero in on all-things Skype for Business, Microsoft Teams, & related Partner technologies.
- [Find Lync Phone Edition Phones being used on Skype for Business Online](https://tomtalks.blog/find-lync-phone-edition-phones-being-used-on-skype-for-business-online/) - Since the news that Lync Phone Edition will no longer work on Skype for Business Online from October 31st 2018, I’ve been asked by a few customers, “how can I check if I have any Lync Phone Edition Phones on my Skype for Business Online”. You can do this in Call Quality Diagnostics, which
- [Set Skype for Business to Record Meetings at 1080p and 30 FPS](https://tomtalks.blog/set-skype-for-business-to-record-meetings-at-1080p-and-30-fps/) - An old tip, but one that I needed reminding of. By default Skype for Business clients record meetings, content and video at 15fps and 720p. This gives you a feel of the video and content, but can feel a bit “jerky” for video. Example of a 15 fps SfB client recording: You can up the
- [Microsoft MSI Installers now available for Microsoft Teams](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-msi-installers-now-available-for-microsoft-teams/) - A big ask from some customers, Microsoft has now provided MSI files (both 32-bit and 64-bit) for admins to leverage during bulk deployment of Microsoft Teams to select users or machines. This will mainly be used for customers running software distribution products like System Center Configuration Manager. 32-bit http://aka.ms/teams32bitmsi 64-bit http://aka.ms/teams64bitmsi The Teams MSI will
- [The 5 Modes - How Migrating from Skype for Business to Microsoft Teams will work](https://tomtalks.blog/the-5-modes-how-migrating-from-skype-for-business-to-microsoft-teams-will-work/) - This process is still being worked on, but Microsoft have started releasing some details about how customers can move from Skype for Business to Microsoft Teams, should they want to, and how the two will coexist in a customer. There are a number of options open to you depending on your business requirements. Each user
- [SLA for a Licence/Feature Change to to become Active in Office 365, 24 hours](https://tomtalks.blog/sla-licence-feature-change-become-active-office-365-24-hours/) - Just something to consider in your project planning / operational service planning with Office 365 / Skype for Business Online / Microsoft Teams. When you apply a licence or a policy to a user, it can take a variable amount of time to become active. This seems to range from a few minutes to as
- [Tom Arbuthnot Speaking at European Collaboration Summit, Mainz, Germany May 29th](https://tomtalks.blog/tom-arbuthnot-speaking-at-european-collaboration-summit-mainz-germany-may-28th-30th/) - I’m really excited to be speaking at the European Collaboration Summit (ECS) in Mainz, Germany May 28th–30th. ECS 2018 features: 62 MVP Speakers, 10 Microsoft corporate speakers, 14 Microsoft Certified Masters and 7 Microsoft regional directors. The speaker line up is really great: http://www.collabsummit.eu/speakers/ My session is: MICROSOFT TEAMS, THE FUTURE OF COLLABORATION IN OFFICE
- [Tom Arbuthnot speaking at Expert Forum, Andaz Hotel Wall Street, NYC on 19th April](https://tomtalks.blog/tom-arbuthnot-speaking-at-expert-forum-andaz-hotel-wall-street-nyc-on-19th-april/) - I’m in New York speaking at Expert Forum alongside Credit Suisse and StarLeaf. The event is focused about Microsoft UC and room based video solutions. I’ll be doing a session on Market trends around Microsoft UC and joining the panel. THE AGENDA Market trends Microsoft Teams and Skype for Business a revolution or evolution. Customer
- [Skype for Business to Microsoft Teams Capabilities Roadmap Update Jan 30th 2018, What's Changed?](https://tomtalks.blog/skype-business-microsoft-teams-capabilities-roadmap-update-jan-30th-2018-whats-changed/) - Microsoft has quietly updated the Roadmap deck that shows the expected timeline for Skype for Business Online features or feature equivalents coming to Microsoft Teams. Thanks to Guy Bachar for spotting the update. The updated PDF deck is here. The first version was published at the end of October 2017, so what has changed? The
- [Plantronics to Acquire Polycom for $2 billion](https://tomtalks.blog/plantronics-to-acquire-polycom-for-2-billion/) - Exciting news in the Unified Communications space, Plantronics and Polycom today announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement under which Plantronics will acquire Polycom in a cash and stock transaction valued at $2.0 billion From: https://globenewswire.com/news-release/2018/03/28/1454525/0/en/Plantronics-to-Acquire-Polycom-for-2-billion.html Accelerates and expands Plantronics vision and market opportunity to be the preferred communications and collaboration touch point
- [Skype for Business Server 2015 Mainstream Support ends 2020, SfBS 2019 Mainstream Support ends 2023, Extended Support for both end in 2025?](https://tomtalks.blog/skype-for-business-server-2015-mainstream-support-ends-2020-sfbs-2019-mainstream-support-ends-2023-extended-support-for-both-end-in-2025/) - A colleague of mine Tobie prompted me to look at this a bit more closely. A few changes are being made with Office 2019 both client and Server. You have probably already heard Office 2019 client will be click to run only (no MSI) and Windows 10 only, but you may have missed the change
- [Telstra announces 3 User PSTN Calling Plans for Skype for Business Online and Microsoft Teams](https://tomtalks.blog/telstra-announces-3-user-pstn-calling-plans-for-skype-for-business-online-and-microsoft-teams/) - Thanks to my friend Greig Sheridan for the Photo from the launch event. The news is now public that Telstra will be offering user phone number plans for Office 365 Phone System, i.e. Skype for Business Online and Microsoft Teams. It looks like it’s initially just for Office 365 tenants homed in Australia. This is
- [Skype for Business Server 2015 Cumulative Update March 2018 9319.516](https://tomtalks.blog/skype-for-business-server-2015-cumulative-update-march-2018-9319-516/) - The latest cumulative update for SfBS 2015 is here. Download: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=47690 KB: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/3061064/updates-for-skype-for-business-server-2015 This update enables Location-Based Routing to support the Skype for Business mobile clients. It also fixes the following issues: 4036626 Missing ApplicationOptions attribute in user object created by New-CsHybridApplicationEndpoint cmdlet in Skype for Business Server 2015 4078589 High memory usage on RtcHost.exe
- [Tom Arbuthnot on Christian Buckley's #MVPbuzzChat talking Microsoft Teams](https://tomtalks.blog/tom-arbuthnot-on-christian-buckleys-mvpbuzzchat-talking-microsoft-teams/) - While at MVP Summit in Seattle earlier this month, I had the opportunity to catch up with my friend and MVP Christian Buckley (@buckleyplanet), Founder & CEO of CollabTalk LLC. We recorded an episode of Christian’s #MVPbuzzChat series at the famous Microsoft Studios. We talked about about Microsoft Teams; Christian comes from a SharePoint background
- [Microsoft Teams, 7 New Things from Enterprise Connect](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-7-new-things-from-enterprise-connect/) - On its first year birthday, Microsoft Teams won best in show at Enterprise Connect, congrats to everyone at Microsoft. I didn’t get over to Enterprise Connect, but thanks to a number of Colleagues and friends (thanks!). I’ve been keeping up with all the news remotely. You can also watch back the Microsoft Keynote here: http://teamsatenterpriseconnect.azurewebsites.net/ Over
- [Microsoft Enterprise Connect Keynote with Bob Davis, Live Stream Wednesday 14th March 10:00 - 10:30 AM ET](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-enterprise-connect-keynote-with-bob-davis-live-stream-wednesday-13th-march-1000-1030-am-et/) - After a great week at MVP Summit, I couldn’t really swing getting to Enterprise Connect. Luckily I have some colleagues there and the keynotes are all streamed online. If you want to catch the Microsoft Keynote from Bob Davis, Corporate VP, Office 365 Engineering, Microsoft, you can watch it live here at 10:00 ET: https://www.enterpriseconnect.com/orlando/live-stream
- [Microsoft Teams IP Desk Phones and Room Phones](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-ip-desk-phones-and-room-phones/) - More exciting news coming out of Enterprise Connect. Announcements of specific Microsoft Teams IP Phones. Previously, Microsoft announced, that existing Skype for Business certified Phones will be supported on Microsoft Teams. The user experience (user interface) on 3PIP and LPE phones will not change when a user moves to Microsoft Teams. There were some question
- [More Details on Microsoft Teams Direct Routing (Connect your own SBC for PSTN), including Direct Carrier Support](https://tomtalks.blog/more-details-on-microsoft-teams-direct-routing-connect-your-own-sbc-for-pstn-including-direct-carrier-support/) - As I talked about on my 5 types of hybrid blog post, the only option to bring your own PSTN carrier to Microsoft Teams will be a model where you connect your own SBC directly to Microsoft Teams/Office 365. This has previously been referred to as “BYOT” (Bring Your Own Trunk) and “Direct Connect”, but
- [How to Gather and View Client Side Traces on Skype for Business Client](https://tomtalks.blog/how-to-gather-and-view-client-side-traces-on-skype-for-business-client/) - Sometimes you want to troubleshoot from client side, particularly on Skype for Business Online. For the 2016 client, client logs are stored in: %LOCALAPPDATA%\Microsoft\Office.0\Lync\Tracing\ If you are recreating a scenario, you can exit SFB client and Outlook and delete the folders in this scenario The OCAddin files relate to the Outlook Add in and won’t
- [What Countries does Microsoft Office 365 PSTN Audio Conferencing Cover and What are the Costs?](https://tomtalks.blog/what-countries-does-microsoft-office-365-pstn-audio-conferencing-cover-and-what-are-the-costs/) - Microsoft can provide phone dial in and dial out conferencing PSTN (Public Switched Telephony Network, an old name for phone numbers) for Skype for Business Online and Microsoft Teams meetings. The Microsoft service is included for users with Office 365 E5, or can be bought as a per user add-on in two ways: Pay for
- [Common Area Phone support now available on Skype for Business Online Cloud Phone System](https://tomtalks.blog/common-area-phone-support-coming-skype-business-online-cloud-phone-system/) - Update 6th March 2018: This is now generally available, blog post updated. Pricing details below. In Skype for Business Server (and Lync Server) we have a Common Area Phone option. Phones are often located in building lobbies, cafeterias, employee lounges, meeting rooms. Unlike other phones in Skype for Business Server, common area phones do not
- [Add External Users with Any Email Address as a Guest in Microsoft Teams](https://tomtalks.blog/add-external-users-email-address-guest-microsoft-teams/) - Microsoft Teams works on the concept of having a “team” of people focused on a common goal. Previously, the team could be members of your company (all with Office 365 accounts) or external guests, however, the guests had to also have an Office 365 account, limiting you to collaborating with people outside your company only
- [Tom Arbuthnot Speaking at at IP Expo Manchester: Microsoft Teams, The Future of Collaboration in Office 365?](https://tomtalks.blog/tom-arbuthnot-speaking-ip-expo-manchester-microsoft-teams-future-collaboration-office-365/) - I’m really excited to be speaking at IP Expo Manchester on 26th April. I hope to see you there. https://www.ipexpomanchester.com/2018-Seminars/Cloud-Networks-Mobility/Thursday-26-April-2018/Microsoft-Teams-The-Future-of-Collaboration-in-Office-365 Microsoft Teams is available to 181 markets and is already used by over 125,000 enterprises. It’s a chat-centric collaboration tool that brings together all the services in Office 365 including Calling, Video, Conferencing and
- [Microsoft Support and Recover Assistant (SaRA) Sign-In diagnostic for Skype for Business](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-support-recover-assistant-sara-sign-diagnostic-skype-business/) - Microsoft Support and Recovery Assistant for Office 365 has been around for sometime. It’s a self service tool that works by running tests to figure out what's wrong. It can fix many problems for you, or it can tell you how to fix them. They recently added support for Skype for Business. It can help
- [Microsoft Teams PSTN Audio Conferencing and/or Cloud Phone System PSTN Calling Users must also have SfBO Plan 2 Assigned](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-pstn-audio-conferencing-cloud-phone-system-pstn-calling-users-must-also-sfbo-plan-2-assigned/) - An interesting issue that one of our senior consultants came across. Microsoft Teams users can now have PSTN Audio Conferencing (conferencing with phone numbers) and/or Cloud Phone System and PSTN Calling Plans (a real phone number and make and receive calls). However these abilities can’t be assigned unless the user account also has Skype for
- [Microsoft Teams New Features and App Creation Studio, Office 2019 C2R and Windows 10 only and SfBS Debugging Tools Update](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-new-features-app-creation-studio-office-2019-c2r-windows-10-sfbs-debugging-tools-update/) - There is lots going on in the world of Microsoft Teams and Skype for Business. Here is a roundup of everything you need to know. New Features added to Microsoft Teams Lots of new features have been added, including: Command Box Cards from Apps in Team Chat Personal Apps Space Who Bot App Store for
- [5 New Microsoft Teams Features: Command Box, Cards from Apps in Chat, Personal Apps Space, Who Bot, App Store](https://tomtalks.blog/5-new-microsoft-teams-features-command-box-cards-apps-chat-personal-apps-space-bot-app-store/) - In a massive update, Microsoft Teams just revealed 5 new features. Here is what they are and what you need to know: New Command Box with /Slash Commands The search box has been moved and combined into a Search and Command box at the Top of the Teams client. From this you can: Search as
- [Canada Microsoft PSTN Calling Plans Preview for Microsoft Teams and Skype for Business](https://tomtalks.blog/canada-microsoft-pstn-calling-plans-preview-microsoft-teams-skype-business/) - It’s been over 6 months since the last PSTN Calling Preview (Germany and Belgium in June 2017, now generally available), but today Microsoft announced that Canada preview has opened up. Another big market for Microsoft. It’s telling that the primary blog announcement is on the Microsoft Teams blog, with a cross post on Skype for
- [Microsoft UC User Group London -  February 15th 2018: Microsoft Teams has PSTN Calling, Demo’s and What’s Next](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-uc-user-group-london-february-15th-2018-microsoft-teams-has-pstn-calling-demos-and-whats-next/) - Cross post from: http://mucugl.co.uk/uncategorized/mucugl-february-15th-2018-microsoft-teams-has-pstn-calling-demos-and-whats-next/ Welcome to 2018! It’s shaping up to be a big year in our space with the Teams Roadmap items already dropping and SfB Server 2019 due this year. Microsoft Teams now has PSTN Calling. In this MUCUGL we will demo and discuss all the new features and also talk about Interop
- [Tom Arbuthnot Speaking on Microsoft Teams Architecture at Microsoft Tech Summit UK, January 24th](https://tomtalks.blog/tom-arbuthnot-speaking-microsoft-teams-architecture-microsoft-tech-summit-uk-january-24th/) - https://sessioncatalog.techsummit.microsoft.com/birmingham I’m excited to be speaking at Microsoft Tech Summit Birmingham in the UK alongside Dan Fernandez Cao of Microsoft. Our session is: An overview of Microsoft Teams architecture, including security and compliance features Wednesday, January 24, 2018 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM, Hall 19. Learn how Microsoft Teams has been architected in the cloud
- [Verint Verba 9 offers Skype for Business contact list filtering, blocking and chaperone features as well as recording transcriptions](https://tomtalks.blog/verint-verba-9-offers-skype-business-contact-list-filtering-blocking-chaperone-features-well-recording-transcriptions/) - As mentioned previously on the blog, Verba, leader in Skype for Business Voice and Video Recording, is now part of Verint. Version 9 of Verba just released with additions for Skype for Business Server. Overall user interface improvements with new Menu structure: Conversations – everything to do with search and captured conversations Quality Management –
- [From Which Carriers Can I Port PSTN Numbers into Microsoft PSTN Calling?](https://tomtalks.blog/carriers-can-port-pstn-numbers-microsoft-pstn-calling/) - Microsoft offer full PSTN carrier services (providing phone numbers and PSTN phone services for users) for Skype for Business Online users in certain countries (US, UK and Puerto Rico at time of writing this blog, and Spain and France in Preview). You can bring your PSTN phone numbers from your existing carrier to the Microsoft
- [Tom Arbuthnot on UC Inside Track Podcast talking Skype for Business vs Teams and Assessing Your Network](https://tomtalks.blog/tom-arbuthnot-on-uc-inside-track-podcast-talking-skype-for-business-vs-teams-and-assessing-your-network/) - I had the opportunity to guest on my friend Pat Richard’s new podcast, UC Inside track. I recommend you check the podcast out, he has some great guests lined up in 2018. In this episode we discuss: – What to expect in Teams vs what’s already in Skype for Business– Updated Network Assessment Tools– .NET
- [Salesforce Retiring Chatter Messenger March 30, 2018, recommend Skype for Business](https://tomtalks.blog/salesforce-retiring-chatter-messenger-march-30-2018-recommend-skype-business/) - In December Salesforce notified customers that “Salesforce is retiring Chatter Messenger on March 30, 2018. At that time, you’ll no longer be able to use the feature, and Salesforce will not provide any support for it.” Chatter Messenger is an pop out client that allowed Salesforce users to chat with people while they browsed other
- [Microsoft Teams and Skype for Business in Call Quality Dashboard Dimensions and Measures](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-skype-business-call-quality-dashboard-dimensions-measures/) - Microsoft’s Call Quality Dashboard (CQD) is an reporting tool for the quality of calls made using Microsoft Teams and Skype for Business services. It’s available by for Skype for Business Online and Microsoft Teams, and can be deployed separately for Skype for Business Server. Call Quality Dashboard (CQD) is designed to help Skype for Business
- [Microsoft Teams now has Cloud Phone System and Microsoft PSTN Calling Plans](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-now-cloud-phone-system-microsoft-pstn-calling-plans/) - Exciting news today, in line with the published public roadmap, Microsoft announced on Tech Communities that the ability to make PSTN Phone calls is generally available in Microsoft Teams. At present, it’s available to just those with Office 365 Phone System (previously called Skype for Business Online Cloud PBX, or just Cloud PBX) and a
- [Updated Free SfBO and Microsoft Teams Network Assessment Tool, Added Connectivity Tests to Microsoft Teams Services](https://tomtalks.blog/updated-free-sfbo-microsoft-teams-network-assessment-tool-added-connectivity-tests-microsoft-teams-services/) - A new Tech Communities post from William Looney highlighted that Microsoft has updated their free network test tool. Version: 2017.1.0.51 File Name: MicrosoftSkypeForBusinessNetworkAssessmentTool.exe Date Published: 12/8/2017 Download link: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=53885 I previously looked at the tool in this blog post if you want an overview. The tool tests the connection to Microsoft Network Edge by streaming a
- [Get Users Skype for Business Client Version From Office 365 Admin Portal Call Analytics](https://tomtalks.blog/get-users-skype-business-client-version-office-365-admin-portal-call-analytics/) - Often when troubleshooting users, you want to know if they are homed in Office 365 or on Server and their client version/patch level. You can find both from Call Analytics, Microsoft’s out of the box reporting for Skype for Business Online users. Go to Call Analytics here: tom.qa/CallAnalytics (a short URL that is easy to
- [Looking at Microsoft Teams Office 365 Usage Reports](https://tomtalks.blog/looking-microsoft-teams-office-365-usage-reports/) - Microsoft just added some usage reports for Microsoft Teams. It’s great to finally be able to quantify Microsoft Teams usage. Initially we have 2 Reports Microsoft Teams User Activity Microsoft Teams Device Usage We see user activity by Activity or number of users by activity, for each user seeing: Username Last Activity Date Channel Messages
- [Skype for Business Online Cloud Connector Edition 2.1 Released with support for monitoring using Microsoft Operations Management Suite (OMS)](https://tomtalks.blog/skype-business-online-cloud-connector-edition-2-1-released-support-monitoring-using-microsoft-operations-management-suite-oms/) - As promised a few weeks ago on the Skype for Business blog, Cloud Connector Edition 2.1.0 is now released. If you’re set to auto-update, you should see the update soon, if you’re not set to auto update you have 60 days before you are technically out of support on CCE 2.0.x Download here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=52963 Plan
- [Actiance, Microsoft certified Skype for Business compliance vendor, acquired by K1 and merged with Smarsh](https://tomtalks.blog/actiance-microsoft-certified-skype-business-compliance-vendor-acquired-k1-merged-smarsh/) - Mergers and acquisitions really are in the air in the UC and Collab space. Cisco recently bought Broadsoft, Sonus merged with Genband and Verint bought Verba. Now K1, an investment firm has bought Actiance and are combining them with Smarsh. I’ve not come across Smarsh before, but Actiance is a common compliance platform for
- [Microsoft Teams Guest Access Chrome Web Apps](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-guest-access-chrome-web-apps/) - TLDR; I created a little tool to make a Chrome Web App for each of your Guest Microsoft Teams, so you can have multiple Guest Teams running side by side with their own dedicated chrome web app instance. You can get the PowerShell script here. Windows client on the right, Microsoft Teams Guest Access
- [Cloud Connector Edition Coexistence with On-Premises Hybrid no longer on roadmap](https://tomtalks.blog/cloud-connector-edition-2-1-coexistence-premises-hybrid-due-2017-quarter-4-requires-sfbs-cu6/) - Update 22.10.2017: We heard at Microsoft Ignite that making CCE work alongside SfB Server in the same customer/topology is no longer on the roadmap for CCE. Instead, if you have SfB Server and wanted CCE alongside it, Microsft is recommending instead a small deployment of SfB Server in the OPCH model or AudioCodes CloudBond
- [Belgium and Germany Microsoft PSTN Calling Plans (user phone numbers) Now Available for Cloud Phone System](https://tomtalks.blog/belgium-germany-microsoft-pstn-calling-plans-user-phone-numbers-now-available-cloud-phone-system/) - Good news, Germany and Belgium PSTN Calling plans for user phone numbers are now out of preview and generally available from Microsoft for Skype for Business Online Phone System (previously called Cloud PBX) from today (1st November). According to the Microsoft Teams Roadmap, these should also be available by the end of the year for
- [Sonus, Microsoft Certified SBC provider, merges with Genband and renamed Ribbon Communications](https://tomtalks.blog/sonus-microsoft-certified-sbc-provider-merges-genband-renamed-ribbon-communications/) - Interesting news today, Sonus, best known in our world as one of the leading providers of certified gateways/session border controllers for Skype for Business, has announced completion a merger with Genband. Genband is more in the carrier space so don’t conflict too much with Sonus, especially not in the enterprise space. From what I’ve heard
- [Microsoft Roadmap for bringing Skype for Business Abilities to Microsoft Teams](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-roadmap-bringing-skype-business-abilities-microsoft-teams/) - At Ignite, Microsoft announced their intent for Microsoft Teams to be the primary client/service for Unified Communications and Collaboration in Office 365. Ultimately, Microsoft want customers to move away from Skype for Business Online to Microsoft Teams. Skype for Business Server continues to exist with a new version next year. This week Microsoft released a
- [Microsoft Teams Roadmap, What we learnt from Microsoft Ignite](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-roadmap/) - First off this is not the official roadmap, you should check out the official Office 365 Roadmap at where you can Filter by “Microsoft Teams”. At Microsoft Ignite we were told there would be a roadmap update in October, so I look forward to that. In the meantime here is everything we picked up from
- [Insights from the Microsoft Teams October 2017 'Ask Me Anything'](https://tomtalks.blog/insights-microsoft-teams-october-2017-ask-anything/) - The Microsoft Teams product group did an “Ask Me Anything” on the Tech Communities today. For those not Familiar with an AMA, it’s basically an opportunity to ask any question. There were some great questions, some interesting information shared. I’ve gathered some random insights here, some have been edited slightly for context, you can check
- [Skype for Business Online IP Phones will work with Microsoft Teams, with some Considerations](https://tomtalks.blog/skype-business-online-ip-phones-will-work-microsoft-teams-considerations/) - We heard at Ignite that Microsoft Intent to make all existing SfB Online compatible devices work with Microsoft Teams, and today we got a good detailed FAQ blog post from Thomas Binder that helped clarify the plan for SfBO/Cloud PBX/Cloud Phone System certified IP Phones (thanks Thomas). I’ve reproduced some of Thomas’s FAQ and added
- [Approaches to Testing Your Network for Skype for Business and Microsoft Teams](https://tomtalks.blog/approaches-testing-network-skype-business-microsoft-teams/) - Skype for Business and Microsoft Teams send voice, video and sharing over a network, both your internal LAN and WAN and the internet depending on the call/conference scenario. To ensure good performance Microsoft’s Practical Guidance for Cloud Voice (previously called Skype Operations Framework) has a whole section dedicated to Network Readiness. From https://myadvisor.fasttrack.microsoft.com/CloudVoice/Guidance In the
- [Microsoft Teams and Community Takeover at Future Decoded London](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-community-takeover-future-decoded-london/) - I’m really excited about the upcoming Microsoft Future Decoded Event 31st October & 1st November 2017, ExCeL London. Join the brightest decision makers, developers and IT pros to learn about the vision of the digital business of tomorrow, with the tangible advice you need to drive your business forward today. I’ll be there on the
- [How to Find the Tenant ID of a Microsoft Teams Guest Team](https://tomtalks.blog/how-to-find-the-tenant-id-of-a-microsoft-teams-guest-team/) - When you access a “Microsoft Teams Team” as a “guest” you;re actually using your login to authenticate yourself but then accessing a Team on their tenant. If you need the tenant ID of the “Guest Team” this is how to get it. When signed into the guest team, click the three dots of one of
- [Improved Skype for Business Web Join Experience- SkypeMeetingsApp.msi](https://tomtalks.blog/improved-skype-business-web-join-experience-skypemeetingsapp-msi/) - Looks like this is now rolled out to Skype for Business Online. A much prettier experience. Before you ask still no WebRTC/plugin-less join, we’re seeing WebRTC/ORTC progress on the Skype consumer side, hopefully, this makes it’s way to Skype for Business soon. Update 18/10/2017: We heard at Microsoft Ignite 2017 that WebRTC/plugin-less meeting join is
- [Setup Microsoft Teams for Group Collaboration Only; Turn Off Private Chat, Calling and Meetings](https://tomtalks.blog/setup-microsoft-teams-group-collaboration-turn-off-private-chat-calling-meetings/) - Out of the box, Microsoft Teams combines Collaboration and Unified Communications into a single interface: Collaboration – “Team”/project based: group chat, document storage, app integration with tabs, connectors and bots and audio/video/screen sharing meetings/conferences) Unified Communications – Chat (also know as private/direct messaging or “Instant Messaging”), direct Teams user to Teams user audio/video calls, and
- [Verba, leader in Skype for Business Voice and Video Recording, is now part of Verint](https://tomtalks.blog/verba-leader-skype-business-voice-video-recording-now-part-verint/) - Interesting news this week. Verba, who are one of the clear leading vendors for Skype for Business Server compliance recording for voice, video and messaging, has become part of the Verint Systems family. Verint focuses on products for customer engagement management, security, surveillance, and business intelligence they have more than 10,000 clients in 150
- [Teams On Air Episode 53: Unified Communications & Collaboration with Microsoft Teams](https://tomtalks.blog/teams-air-episode-53-unified-communications-collaboration-microsoft-teams/) - At Ignite, I had the great opportunity to join Delanda Coleman, Sr. Product Marketing Manager and Dan Stevenson, Principal Group Program Manager on the new “Teams on Air” Vlog (previously Skype for Business Broadcast) in this episode we cover all the Microsoft Teams announcements at Ignite and demo some of the new features, talk about
- [Microsoft Ignite Skype for Business and Microsoft Teams Blogs and Video Downloads](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-ignite-skype-business-microsoft-teams-blogs-video-downloads/) - It’s been a crazy busy week and Ignite with loads of great content. Here are a few things you should check out if you want to get deeper into the content. First off the sessions are available on demand with PowerPoints here: https://myignite.microsoft.com/videos, you can also download the Videos and PPTX with this great script
- [Microsoft Teams will evolve as the primary Office 365 Client, replacing Skype for Business Client in Office 365 -  5 Things to Know](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-will-evolve-primary-office-365-client-replacing-skype-business-client-office-365-5-things-know/) - So the news is out on the first day of Ignite, Microsoft has publically stated their intent that *over time* they intent for Microsoft Teams to replace Skype for Business in Office 365, not replacing Skype for Business Server/ On-premises scenarios. You can see the official blog post here: https://blogs.office.com/en-us/2017/09/25/a-new-vision-for-intelligent-communications-in-office-365/ There is a full
- [Workplace by Facebook going after Enterprise and WhatsApp going after Business to Consumer](https://tomtalks.blog/workplace-facebook-going-enterprise-whatsapp-going-business-consumer/) - The Unified Communications and Collaboration space never fails to stay interesting. Originally it felt like we had distinct categories of solution: Unified Communications - IM/Chat, Voice, PSTN/Phone, Video and conferencing Collaboration - persistent chat around a “topic” (team messaging), working on a project/document together, team workspace, shared files Enterprise Social – “social media network” but
- [New Modality Tools: Skype Pre-Meeting join Test Tool and Cloud PBX Advisor Report](https://tomtalks.blog/new-modality-tools-skype-pre-meeting-join-test-tool-cloud-pbx-advisor-report/) - Hi, I just wanted to take a minute to highlight two new tools we’re looking for feedback on. The first is from Tom Morgan in our Modality Labs team. The web based tool allows SfB users or external guests to test the connectivity before joining a meeting. Is your network connection good enough? Is your
- [New Microsoft Skype for Business Online PSTN Conferencing Pay-Per-Minute Option from 1st October 2017](https://tomtalks.blog/new-microsoft-skype-business-online-pstn-conferencing-pay-per-minute-option-1st-october-2017/) - Microsoft offer a PSTN dial-in service for Office 365 Skype for Business Online meetings. It’s available to commercially purchase in 72 countries and offers dial in numbers for 90 countries and up to 400 city specific numbers. It also offers the user the ability to dial out from a meeting to a PSTN number, so
- [Introducing the 10 Microsoft Ignite Community Reporters](https://tomtalks.blog/introducing-10-microsoft-ignite-community-reporters/) - This year at Microsoft Ignite is having 10 MVPs serving as Community Reporters. I’m pleased to say I’m one of the ten, I’ll be focusing on the news and activity around Office 365 Collaboration, Skype for Business and Microsoft Teams. The idea is you’ll have ten people from the community giving you updates and commentary
- [Tom Arbuthnot Speaking at Microsoft Ignite: Skype for Business Cloud PBX in the Real World](https://tomtalks.blog/tom-arbuthnot-speaking-microsoft-ignite-skype-business-cloud-pbx-real-world/) - I’m excited to be again speaking at Microsoft Ignite. This year I’m doing a community session on Skype for Business Cloud PBX in the real world. Skype for Business Cloud PBX in the real world Skype for Business Cloud PBX has been available globally for over a year now, so we’ve had some real-world customer
- ['Active Status' comes to LinkedIn, Are Status and Presence the same thing?](https://tomtalks.blog/active-status-comes-linkedin-status-presence-thing/) - Interesting to see that LinkedIn has added an Active Status feature. Their FAQ implies that your status signals to others that you are “available”, but does being signed into a LinkedIn mobile app mean I’m available to all my LinkedIn network? Is being active the same as being “available”, I would argue not. LinkedIn’s status’s
- [Join me on a Skype Broadcast today, Avoid 5 Skype for Business deployment pitfalls and successfully transform your business](https://tomtalks.blog/join-skype-broadcast-today-avoid-5-skype-business-deployment-pitfalls-successfully-transform-business/) - Today (Friday 4th August), I’m joining Delanda Coleman on the Microsoft Skype Broadcast (previous recordings here) We’ll be talking about my experience from the field and how you can avoid pitfalls in your deployment. For a sneak peak of my top 5 pitfalls and the full join information, check out the official Skype Blog: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/Skype-for-Business-Blog/Avoid-5-Skype-for-Business-deployment-pitfalls-and-successfully/ba-p/93006
- [Pexip Microsoft Certified as a standards based video interop gateway for Skype for Business Server](https://tomtalks.blog/pexip-microsoft-certified-standards-based-video-interop-gateway-skype-business-server/) - Good news for Pexip, their Infinity Fusion product, which features a gateway mode allowing VTCs to participate directly in Skype conferences is now officially certified by Microsoft. The Skype for Business Certification Program is designed to offer Microsoft customers badges or designations as indicators of third party solutions that demonstrate a high-quality experience and
- [Microsoft UC User Group London August 10th 2017: Microsoft Teams and Skype for Business](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-uc-user-group-london-august-10th-2017-microsoft-teams-skype-business/) - Over half way through 2017 already and there has been a lot going on. It must be time for another MUCUGL. Sorry for the relatively short notice on this one, hope to see you there. This month we'll be talking all about Microsoft Teams and where it fits in the Office 365 Collaboration space; how
- [New UK IT/Microsoft Community Leaders MeetUp Group](https://tomtalks.blog/new-uk-itmicrosoft-community-leaders-meetup-group/) - A new UK Microsoft Community Leaders Meet Up has been set up by Claire Smyth the UK MVP lead to support all UK Community Leaders, not just for MVP’s, but for anyone leading/coordinating an IT/Microsoft related community. You can join here: https://www.meetup.com/Henley-on-Thames-Reading-Meetup/ There are tentative plans to host the first set of meetings in
- [Microsoft PSTN Calling for Ireland and Netherlands now Generally Available for Skype for Business Online Cloud PBX](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-pstn-calling-ireland-netherlands-now-generally-available-skype-business-online-cloud-pbx/) - Good news, Netherlands and Ireland are now generally available for PSTN Calling from Microsoft on Skype for Business Online Cloud PBX. PSTN calling is the service where Microsoft provide your user phone numbers directly from the cloud, acting as your “PSTN carrier”. It looks like they are both still being managed through the service desk:
- [Get Microsoft Teams Version, Ring and Install Date with PowerShell](https://tomtalks.blog/get-microsoft-teams-version-powershell/) - You can see the Microsoft teams version in the application in About/Version Or in add remove programs If you want to grab it quickly, or from a lot of machines, you can also grab it from the EXE with PowerShell # Get Microsoft Teams Version with PowerShell $TeamsExe = Get-Item (“${Env:LOCALAPPDATA}” + “\Microsoft\Teams\current\Teams.exe”) $LogFile =
- [Microsoft Ignite 2017 Session details Live: 34 Session related to Skype for Business including Server vNext](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-ignite-2017-session-details-live-34-session-related-skype-business-including-server-vnext/) - We’re getting closer to Microsoft Ignite which this year is September 25 - 29, 2017 in Orlando, Florida. The provisional session details are now live. It’s always interesting to glimpse at what the Skype for Business related sessions will be and sometimes get some hints of what’s coming. Modality Systems will be at Ignite, hope
- [Skype for Business Online Reporting, What you Need to Know](https://tomtalks.blog/skype-business-online-reporting-need-know/) - Skype for Business Online is part of Microsoft Office 365 offering. If you are using it you’ll likely want to understand your usage (who is using it, what modalities (IM,audio,video,PSTN), the endpoints they are using (are they using certified devices for best experience) and the quality/performance of their sessions. There are a number of different
- [Polycom Group Series has achieved Microsoft certification for Skype for Business Online / Office 365](https://tomtalks.blog/polycom-group-series-achieved-microsoft-certification-skype-business-online-office-365/) - Good news for Polycom and users of the Polycom Group Series, it has been certified for Skype for Business Server for sometime, but is now officially certified for Skype for Business Online. This means you can sign this standards based system directly into Skype for Business server or Online and make video calls and join
- [Microsoft Cloud PBX PSTN Calling (user phone numbers) Preview for Belgium and Germany](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-cloud-pbx-pstn-calling-user-phone-numbers-preview-belgium-germany/) - More exciting news on the Skype Preview front, Germany and Belgium have now entered preview for Microsoft PSTN Calling. This means you can get first party PSTN user numbers directly from Microsoft as your carrier for Germany and Belgium in preview PSTN Calling is generally available for France, Puerto Rico, Spain, UK and US
- [Quickly Copy Outlook Exchange Global Address List to Personal Contact List / Phone](https://tomtalks.blog/quickly-copy-outlook-exchange-global-address-list-personal-contact-list-phone/) - I spend a good amount of time traveling/working from my phone, an iPhone. By default the iPhone will sync your Exchange personal contact list but not your global address list (GAL). Here is a quick way to copy the GAL to your persona contact list and therefore have everyone in your contact list. Go to
- [Does the HDX RealTime Media Engine for XenApp and XenDesktop VDI support Skype for Business Online Cloud PBX?](https://tomtalks.blog/hdx-realtime-media-engine-xenapp-xendesktop-vdi-support-skype-business-online-cloud-pbx/) - Citrix and Microsoft have worked together on the Citrix release of the XenApp/XenDesktop HDX RealTime Optimization Pack for Microsoft Skype for Business, which is now generally available. The system requirements from Citrix are here: http://docs.citrix.com/en-us/hdx-optimization/2-2/system-requirements.html Server (backend) Microsoft Skype for Business server 2015 Microsoft Skype for Business Online (Microsoft Office 365 hosted Skype for Business
- [Tom Arbuthnot Speaking at IP Expo Wed 26th Apr 13:00: Skype for Business Cloud PBX in the Real World](https://tomtalks.blog/tom-arbuthnot-speaking-ip-expo-wed-26th-apr-1300-skype-business-cloud-pbx-real-world/) - I’m looking forward to speaking at IP Expo Manchester on Wednesday 26th at 1pm. Hope to see you there! SKYPE FOR BUSINESS CLOUD PBX IN THE REAL WORLD Skype for Business Cloud PBX has been available globally for over a year now, so we’ve had some real world customer deployments and hands-on experience. In this
- [Tom Arbuthnot Speaking at The Belgium E-Comms and Collaboration Day 2017, 3rd May](https://tomtalks.blog/tom-arbuthnot-speaking-belgium-e-comms-collaboration-day-2017-3rd-may/) - I’m pleased to be speaking at the annual full-day E-Communications & Collaboration Day, on 3rd May 2017. I’m going to be talking about Skype for Business Cloud PBX In the Real World. what we are learning from real world deployments. It`s a great speaker lineup: Tony Redmond (MVP IRL, @12Knocksinna) Tom Arbuthnot (MVP UK, @TomArbuthnot) Ståle
- [Finding your Office 365 Individual User ID with Microsoft Graph Explorer](https://tomtalks.blog/finding-office-365-individual-user-id-microsoft-graph-explorer/) - To find your individual user ID, not your tenant ID 1) Open the URL https://graph.microsoft.io/en-us/graph-explorer#/ 2) Sign in with your individual user account (on the right) 3) Enter https://graph.microsoft.com/v1.0/me/ in the console 4) Press Run Query Your ID is show as highlighted
- [Run PowerShell Scripts Directly from GitHub with Two Lines](https://tomtalks.blog/run-powershell-scripts-directly-github-two-lines/) - First off, this is a really bad idea most of the time. You shouldn’t run scripts on your system you don’t understand/haven’t reviewed and that someone else could edit at any time. However, it is possible to pull scripts directly from GitHub and run them on a system. Allowing you to use 2 simple lines
- [Get-OfficeApplicationCrashes  - Get Summary of Office Application Crashes from Windows Event Log with PowerShell](https://tomtalks.blog/get-officeapplicationcrashes-get-summary-of-office-application-crashes-from-windows-event-log-with-powershell/) - I had reason to need to quickly understand how often a particular PC was experiencing Office Application Crashes, so I wrote this quick PowerShell to filter the event log and find office 16.x crashes based on the event ID 1000. I sorted them by Message to quickly see which application or applications were causing issues.
- [Skype for Business Online Federation (External Connectivity, Public Connectivity) Options and Configuration](https://tomtalks.blog/skype-business-online-federation-external-connectivity-public-connectivity-options-configuration/) - This post talks about federation (also sometimes call external connectivity or public connectivity specifically when talking about federation to Skype consumer) in Skype for Business Online. This feature is also available on Skype for Business Server, but this post specifically considered Skype for Business Online. What is Skype for Business Online Federation (external connectivity)? Skype
- [Tom Arbuthnot Speaking 30th March, 2017 at Maritim Hotel, Frankfurt - Real World Success with Skype for Business](https://tomtalks.blog/tom-arbuthnot-speaking-30th-march-2017-maritim-hotel-frankfurt-real-world-success-skype-business/) - I am speaking at a PGi customer event on Skype for Business on 30th March 2017 at Maritim Hotel, Frankfurt. You will be able to hear UC Experts from PGi, Modality and Polycom on their Skype for Business solutions portfolio while also hear from a customer on how PGI’s Skype solutions have benefitted their business. There
- [PSTN Calling for Ireland and Netherlands for Skype for Business Online Cloud PBX now in Public Preview](https://tomtalks.blog/ireland-netherlands-pstn-calling-skype-business-online-cloud-pbx-now-preview/) - Exciting news, PSTN Calling for Ireland and Netherlands has been added to skypepreview.com. PSTN calling is the service where Microsoft provide your user phone numbers directly from the cloud, acting as your “PSTN carrier”. Currently, PSTN Calling is generally available for France, Puerto Rico, Spain, UK and US. This functionality for Ireland and Netherlands is
- [Microsoft Teams will become GA (Globally Available) on March 14th](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-will-become-ga-globally-available-march-14th/) - Microsoft just announced that on Tuesday, March 14 at 8:30 a.m. PT, they will celebrate the global availability of Microsoft Teams. There will be an online event to mark the occasion, Microsoft Corporate Vice President Kirk Koenigsbauer and a special guest will share perspectives on teamwork, what’s new in Microsoft Teams and talk about how
- [Skype for Business Online Quality of Service DSCP Markings and Port Ranges](https://tomtalks.blog/skype-business-online-quality-service-dscp-markings/) - With Office 365 Skype for Business Online and Azure ExpressRoute you can have true end to end QoS from your endpoint on the corp network to the cloud. Here are the marking Microsoft use for Skype for Business Online. Can customers choose or change these DSCP markings or define port ranges? No, these are
- [Yealink Phones now certified for Skype for Business Cloud PBX](https://tomtalks.blog/yealink-phones-now-certified-skype-business-cloud-pbx/) - Yealink have had 2 new phones added to the Skype for Business Cloud PBX certification list: tom.qa/CloudPBXPhones Yealink T48G Skype for Business Edition This premium phone is for executives and professionals who expect high phone performance and a superior Skype for Business-tailored experience. With its 7-inch, 800x480-pixel backlit touchscreen and a modern interface, the T48G-Skype
- [Understanding Skype for Business Server and Online PSTN Conference ID Configuration](https://tomtalks.blog/understanding-skype-business-server-online-pstn-conference-id-configuration/) - In Skype for Business Server and Online (or Lync 2013 / Lync Online), there are some differences to the defaults and settings around Conference ID’s First off, when we talk about Skype for Business there are two conference ID’s, and a per user join PIN The alphanumeric conference ID in the URL (referred to as
- [Microsoft Office Live Meeting Shuts Down 31st December 2017](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-office-live-meeting-shuts-31st-december-2017/) - Microsoft have reminded people that Microsoft Office Live meeting shuts down on 31st December 2017. They encourage people to move to Skype for Business/Skype meeting broadcast There is a Live Meeting to Skype Transition Guide They also produced a handy service comparison You can find more details on how to transition here
- [Skype for Business Video Broadcast Series and MS UC Chat Online on Friday 24th February](https://tomtalks.blog/skype-meeting-broadcast-ms-uc-chat-online-friday-24th-february/) - The latest Skype for Business Video Broadcast from the Microsoft team is on Friday, February 24, 2017 at 9:00 am PST/17:00 GMT. This week it’s an update Skype for Business mobile. Hopefully they will go into the recently added features such as one click PSTN dial in and new certificate authentication. You can join
- [Skype for Business Online Trusted Application API Public Preview](https://tomtalks.blog/skype-business-online-trusted-application-api-public-preview/) - We’ve been waiting for a while for this, but the SfB Online Trusted Application API Preview is here! My understanding is, like other Cloud preview features, it will be a staggered rollout so all abilities are not there in the preview. The Trusted Application API is a Rest API that enables developers to build Skype for
- [Skype for Business on Mac CU3 is here 16.3.0.240](https://tomtalks.blog/skype-business-mac-cu3-16-3-0-240/) - Good news, Microsoft are continuing their relatively fast release of features and improvements to the new Skype for Business Mac client This release includes the following: - Peer-to-Peer desktop sharing - Additional USB Device Support - Several other improvements for the client Desktop sharing in P2P Conversations. In our last update, we introduced the capability
- [Techdays Online Conference, 20, 21 and 22 February, MVP’s talking Bots and a Whole Lot More](https://tomtalks.blog/techdays-online-conference-20-21-22-february-mvps-talking-bots-whole-lot/) - Quantum Computing is the future, Blockchain and BOTs are reality! So what does this mean for you in the real world? These are just some of the topics we will be tackling as part of the latest iteration of MVP led TechDays Online. On 20, 21 and 22 February leading MVPs and technical experts
- [Find out who a Microsoft Partner is from their Numeric Partner ID](https://tomtalks.blog/find-microsoft-partner-numeric-partner-id/) - I’ve had this question a few times around partner of record. If your partner of record is already set on an Office 365 licence you might see a Partner ID like this: If you want to confirm who the partner is, or just check who a partner is by the numeric ID, if you go
- [Microsoft PSTN Calling for Spain (Carrier Services) Generally Available for Skype for Business Online Cloud PBX](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-pstn-calling-spain-carrier-services-generally-available-skype-business-online-cloud-pbx/) - After the general availability of France in December 2016, Microsoft has now added Spain to Microsoft PSTN Calling. Giving the ability to assign users (and service numbers, like Organisational Auto Attendants) in Cloud PBX real PSTN phone numbers from Microsoft directly in the Office 365 Cloud with no local infrastructure. Microsoft is showing its continuous
- [8 New Skype for Business Training Videos from Skype Academy](https://tomtalks.blog/8-new-skype-business-training-videos-skype-academy/) - Via Thomas Binder here, The Skype Academy team partnered with the Office 365 Center of Excellence (CoE) of Microsoft Consulting Service, to create the following trainings to help all customers and partners leverage Skype for Business Online. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pdCLzJWJm3k Cloud PBX Introduction: http://aka.ms/sa-cloudpbx This session by @Thomas Binder, Senior Program Manager on the Customer Experience and
- [Get Skype for Business Client Version with PowerShell](https://tomtalks.blog/get-skype-business-client-version-powershell/) - As discussed in previous blog posts, there are many different Skype for Business clients (mobile, windows, Mac, IP Phone, Rooms etc.) and even within “Windows” there are many different versions (MSI, Click to Run with various Channels, “2013/2015” and 2016), there is also 32-bit and 64-bit. To add further confusion, the “version number” listed in the
- [Microsoft PowerBI Office 365 Adoption Report Pack Preview Now, GA TBC](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-powerbi-office-365-adoption-report-pack-preview-now-ga-december/) - At Modality Systems we love PowerBI, and have been using it for sometime in our Skype for Business performance management and user adoption practices. Microsoft are now offering a PowerBI reporting pack that can pull Office 365 usage data and present it in an a way that is easy to view and digest. Microsoft new
- [Disable Integration between Microsoft Teams and Skype for Business](https://tomtalks.blog/disable-integration-microsoft-teams-skype-business/) - We’re seeing quite a few people pick up on testing Microsoft Teams and Microsoft is continually making updates and improvements. One of the default behaviours is that you can Instant Message between Teams and Skype for Business. This works in two ways. If you are in teams and you want to contact a user in
- [Set-OfficeChannel - Set Your Office Click to Run Channel with PowerShell](https://tomtalks.blog/set-officechannel-set-office-click-run-channel-powershell/) - I’ve written a quick PowerShell script to allow you to choose your Channel from a Menu. The script sets the appropriate registry key to define the channel and kicks off the Office Click to Run Update to pull the latest build. This allows you to quickly move from channel to channel, even “backwards or forwards”
- [Consult Transfer Button in Skype for Business On Office 2016 Insider Fast Channel](https://tomtalks.blog/consult-transfer-button-skype-business-office-2016-insider-fast-channel/) - Office 2016 Click-To-Run offers a number of channels (or branches) to allow you to test new features. Insider Fast is the earliest public channel, so as such is unsupported, features might not work, features might come and go, are subject to change, so this is not generally available. If you are unsure, then you probably
- [Understanding Office Click-to-Run, Channels and MSI](https://tomtalks.blog/understanding-office-click-run-branches-msi-skype-business-client-versions/) - When you are deploying or supporting Skype for Business, client support and patching is a key, and there are quite a few client types/versions you could come across. Here are the main client variants/versions: Windows Clients Lync 2010 (14.x Office 2010 SP2 - mainstream support ends October 13, 2015, extended support October 13, 2020) Office
- [Finding and Using the Whiteboard, Poll and Question and Answer Features in Skype for Business](https://tomtalks.blog/finding-and-using-the-whiteboard-poll-and-question-and-answer-features-in-skype-for-business/) - For some reason this feature got buried a bit in the Skype for Business client under the present/more sub menu in a meeting or user to user session click the present icon Then click More… Then choose Whiteboard: Question and Answer Poll And you can use Manage Content to flip between what you are presenting:
- [Register Now for 3 New January 2017 SOF Trainings](https://tomtalks.blog/register-now-3-new-january-2017-sof-trainings/) - More great content coming from the SOF team Details and registration here: https://www.skypeoperationsframework.com/academy?SOFTrainings What's new in SOF, January 2017 edition 17 Jan 2017 from 08:00 AM-09:00 AM PST This session introduces you to the Skype Operations Framework (SOF) Operate Release, which covers what’s new in SOF since September 2016. This session covers updates to existing
- [Org Auto Attendant, Skype Room Systems and Meeting Migration Service Training from Skype Academy](https://tomtalks.blog/org-auto-attendant-skype-room-systems-meeting-migration-service-training-skype-academy/) - The Skype Operations Framework and Skype Academy team are doing a great job of keeping the content coming. Their latest training, open to everyone is for Cloud PBX Org Auto Attendant, Skype Room Systems, and Meeting Migration Services, as well as addressing a popular question for PSTN Conferencing. Thanks to Thomas Binder for the heads
- [Skype for Business Online Regionally Hosted Meetings (Users), What You Need to Know](https://tomtalks.blog/skype-business-online-regionally-hosted-meetings-users-need-know/) - As mentioned as coming soon in an earlier roadmap post, there are now more details available on “Regionally Hosted Meetings” (previously code-named “Multi-National Corporation, MNC). Here is what you need to know. “Regionally Hosted Meetings” is a new feature/ability in Office 365 Skype for Business Online, where you can choose to home meetings (and actually
- [Microsoft PSTN Calling (Carrier Services) Generally Available in France for Skype for Business Online Cloud PBX](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-pstn-calling-carrier-services-generally-available-france-skype-business-online-cloud-pbx/) - Microsoft PSTN Calling, the ability to give users (and service numbers, like Organisational Auto Attendants) in Office365 real PSTN phone numbers from Microsoft directly in the Office 365 Cloud with no local infrastructure, is now generally available in France. It is generally available from December 1st 2016. Hopefully Spain won’t be far behind, still in
- [Microsoft Tweak the Skype for Business Windows Client UI, Now in FRDC and Current Channel](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-tweak-skype-business-windows-client-ui-now-current-channel-frdc/) - 2016-11-14 Update - It seems this has been removed from the Current Channel and it's back to the old UI, I'm trying to get an update on the plan. Will post as soon as I have an update. Thanks 2016-11-17 Update: Build 1610 does not have the UI changes included. Unfortunately, Microsoft encountered a last-minute
- [Skype for Business iOS Client with Apple CallKit, Hands On](https://tomtalks.blog/skype-business-ios-client-apple-callkit-hands/) - First demo’s at Microsoft Ignite and now generally available, Microsoft have added Apple CallKit to Skype for Business iOS client 6.10. What is Apple CallKit? CallKit is an Apple framework that lets VoIP apps integrate tightly with the native Phone UI. Incoming calls displayed fully on the lock screen. Users can choose to use your
- [Tom Arbuthnot on The Skype Show, on YouTube Now](https://tomtalks.blog/tom-arbuthnot-on-the-skype-show-on-youtube-now/) - I recently had the pleasure of doing a Q&A/Discussion session with Mark Vale on The Skype Show. He does regular Skype for Business related video show, usually with set topics, but for this one he did a bit of an informal discussion format with Brian Ricks, great guy and long time MVP and MCM and
- [Setting your Office Click-to-Run Deployment Channel at Install with the Office Deployment Tool](https://tomtalks.blog/setting-office-click-run-deployment-branch-install-office-deployment-tool/) - With Office 365, users can install Office Applications direct from the website simply be signing in. To customise a Click-to-Run for Office 365 installation, administrators run the Office Deployment Tool and provide a custom Configuration.xml configuration file. The Office Deployment Tool performs the tasks that are specified by using the optional properties in the configuration
- [Modality Skype for Business Journey Webinars, November and December 2016](https://tomtalks.blog/modality-skype-business-journey-webinars-november-december-2016/) - Hi all, Modality Systems US team are doing a series of webinars on the Skype for Business Journey that might be of interest. Digital Transformation – The Skype for Business Journey | 9 November 2016 | 11:30 AM - EST User Adoption & Transformation | 17 November 2016 | 11:30 AM - EST Efficiency &
- [How to Enable Microsoft Teams Preview in Office 365](https://tomtalks.blog/enable-microsoft-teams-preview-office-365/) - Microsoft Teams is available today in preview in 181 countries and in 18 languages to commercial customers with Office 365 Enterprise or Business plans, with general availability expected in the first quarter of 2017. What is Microsoft teams? Check out the Microsoft Introduction blog post here. By default Teams preview is not enabled and any
- [Tom Arbuthnot Speaking at Unity Connect, Netherlands, November 18th](https://tomtalks.blog/tom-arbuthnot-speaking-unity-connect-neatherlands-november-18th/) - I’m excited to be speaking at Unity Connect, a show in Haarlem, Netherlands, November 16th – 18th. I’m speaking on Friday, Nov 18 10:15 - 11:30. Unity Connect has more than 75 sessions and 3 full-day workshops covering deployment and upgrade, governance and adoption, administration and security, and application development give you the tools you
- [Will Satya Nadella Announce New Microsoft Collaboration Abilities on November 2nd - Live Stream Here](https://tomtalks.blog/will-satya-nadella-announce-new-microsoft-collaboration-abilities-on-november-2nd/) - Coinciding with Future Decoded in the UK, Microsoft have announced an Office event in New York City on November 2nd. The invite says Microsoft will “discuss the changing nature of collaboration and how we can empower every team to achieve more.” The event happening on November 2, at 15:00 GMT (11:00 ET) You can catch
- [Skype Academy Technical Product Trainings](https://tomtalks.blog/skype-academy-technical-product-trainings/) - Just a quick note on a really good free technical resource for Skype for Business and Cloud PBX, Microsoft offer a number of free video training sessions on the Skype Academy site. https://www.skypeoperationsframework.com/Academy?TechnicalProductTrainings Right now there are training sessions for: Introducing Skype for Business on Mac Clients Deep Dive Skype for Business Media Flows Cloud
- [Skype for Business Mac Client Details, FAQ and Download](https://tomtalks.blog/skype-business-mac-client-details-faq-download/) - Good news, the Skype for Business Mac client is now generally available! It’s been a long time waiting, but Microsoft has hit their October 2016 deadline. Version: 16.0.0.3638 File Name: SkypeForBusinessInstaller-16.0.0.3638.pkg Date Published: 10/26/2016 File Size: 35.9 MB Skype for Business Mac Download Link: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=54108 For the best Mac client experiences and an always
- [Free Skype for Business Online Network Assessment Tool from Microsoft, Hands On](https://tomtalks.blog/free-skype-business-online-network-assessment-tool-microsoft-hands/) - Microsoft have just released a Skype for Business Network Assessment Tool; you can get the free from the public download site here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=53885 version:6.0.8970.161 FileName: network-assessment-lib-6.0.8970.161.zip The Skype for Business Network Assessment Tool provides the ability to perform a simple test of network performance to determine how well the network would perform for a Skype
- [Modality Systems with Cloud Consortium Headline Sponsors at Future Decoded](https://tomtalks.blog/modality-systems-cloud-consortium-headline-sponsors-future-decoded/) - I’m excited to say that our Cloud Consortium of five UK-based Microsoft Gold Partners is a headline sponsor at Future Decoded. We will have a stand with representation from all 5 partners on the stand, come and talk to us about achieving success right across the Office 365 and Azure stack. Future Decoded 2016 at
- [Add or Change Office 365 Partner of Record (POR) or Subscription Advisor](https://tomtalks.blog/add-change-office-365-partner-record-por-subscription-advisor/) - An authorized partner of Microsoft can help you with Office 365 sales, support, training and technical expertise to get the most out of your subscription. You can assign a “partner of record” or subscription advisor on your Office 365 subscriptions which offers the partner recognition and possible benefits from Microsoft and may allow the partner
- [Cloud PBX Azure Voicemail delivery to Exchange Server On-Premises Supportability and Configuration](https://tomtalks.blog/cloud-pbx-azure-voicemail-delivery-exchange-server-premises-supportability-configuration/) - I mentioned a few weeks ago that Microsoft publically announced support for using Exchange Server as a repository for Cloud PBX voicemail. Now a few more details have surfaced on TechNet (thanks Nick Elniff from the Modality team for flagging). Interestingly the voicemail service is being referred to as Cloud PBX Azure Voicemail in this
- [Skype for Business Client Location No Entry Sign, How to Fix](https://tomtalks.blog/skype-business-client-location-no-entry-sign-fix/) - Quick post, I’ve seen this a few times recently without me explicitly setting it (Skype for Business Online, C2R client on current channel). Your location shows a red no entry / no access sign. This means you are not sharing you location with others. To fix this, simply click the dropdown and re tick “show
- [Skype for Business Sessions at Ignite](https://tomtalks.blog/skype-business-sessions-ignite/) - I’m currently on the way to Ignite, I’ll mostly be around the Modality Systems stand #1748, If you are there it would be great to say hello. I will also be speaking on the Wednesday morning; Get under the hood of Skype for Business PSTN conferencing Even if you are not able to attend
- [Tom Arbuthnot Speaking at Microsoft Ignite Atlanta, Skype for Business PSTN Conferencing](https://tomtalks.blog/tom-arbuthnot-speaking-microsoft-ignite-atlanta-skype-business-pstn-conferencing/) - I’m excited to be speaking at the upcoming Microsoft Ignite in Atlanta. I’ll be doing a session; Get under the hood of Skype for Business PSTN conferencing. We’ll be getting into how the service works both architecturally and commercially and how to configure and use the service. It would be really great to see you
- [Changing the due date on a Todoist reoccurring task without breaking the reoccurrence](https://tomtalks.blog/changing-due-date-todoist-reoccurring-task-without-breaking-reoccurrence/) - Please note that in Todoist there are two recurring dates: every and every!. They are similar and the difference is how the next date is computed. For example: Clean fridge with due date every 3 months starting 10 April Clean fridge with due date every! 3 months starting 10 April Completing every 3 months
- [Skype for Business Online Multi-Region, Automated Meeting Migration and Exchange Server Voicemail Coming](https://tomtalks.blog/skype-business-online-multi-region-automated-meeting-migration-exchange-server-voicemail-coming/) - Thanks to Shawn Harry, a well-known London UC Architect worth following, for catching that Microsoft just updated the public Office 365 Roadmap site with some new Skype for Business Online features. Multi-Region Capabilities Support for a Multi-National Corporation tenant to have users be distributed across multiple Data centres for Skype for Business Online in
- [Video Based Screen Sharing (VbSS) comes to iOS and Android Mobile SfB Clients](https://tomtalks.blog/video-based-screen-sharing-vbss-comes-ios-android-mobile-sfb-clients/) - Traditionally Skype for Business (and Lync) uses Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) to screen share, this gives easy remote control but can be more bandwidth intensive than using a video codec. Jeff has a great write up on it here: http://blog.schertz.name/2015/10/video-based-screen-sharing-in-skype-for-business/ It’s in Skype for Business Online now, and came to server in CU3, and now
- [Office 365 and Azure now available from U.K. datacenters](https://tomtalks.blog/office-365-and-azure-now-available-from-u-k-datacenters/) - Particularly of interest to UK customers with particular regulation, such as banking, government, public sector and healthcare. Azure and O365 services are now available from UK DC’s based in London, Cardiff and Durham. Azure now offers customers 28 regions — available today — with six more coming soon for a total of 34,
- [Word: Fix gaps in Navigation Pane / Outline](https://tomtalks.blog/word-fix-gaps-navigation-pane-outline/) - If you have gaps like this: It’s because there is a blank like with the style set to a heading type Click on the gap Change the style to normal The gap will be gone
- [Tom Arbuthnot Speaking at Microsoft Denmark, Wednesday 5th October 2016](https://tomtalks.blog/tom-arbuthnot-speaking-microsoft-denmark-wednesday-5th-october-2016/) - If you are local would be great to see you there, we’re also booking one to one sessions after the morning if you want some time to say hello or get into your specific questions thanks Tom Registration here: http://info.modalitysystems.com/denmark-conference Date: Wednesday 5th October 2016 | Time: 9.00am - 12.30pm Location: Microsoft, Kanalvej 7, 2800
- [Cloud Connector Edition 1.4.1 with Management Service for Auto-Upgrades](https://tomtalks.blog/cloud-connector-edition-1-4-1-management-service-auto-upgrades/) - Cloud Connector Edition 1.4.1 was just made generally available. Cloud Connector Edition is a hybrid offering that consists of a set of packaged Virtual Machines (VMs) that implement on-premises PSTN connectivity with Cloud PBX. Users who are homed on Cloud PBX can have PSTN connectivity from on-premises SIP or ISDN via CCE. The following updates
- [UC Day 2016 Speakers Announced – Limited Tickets Still Available](https://tomtalks.blog/uc-day-2016-speakers-announced-limited-tickets-still-available/) - Just wanted to let everyone know that the UC Day 2016 Speakers have been announced. Thanks to all those that applied to speak, I feel we’ve got a really strong list of names and sessions this year. There are limited free tickets available, so be sure to get registered here and let someone you
- [Auto Attendant and Call Queues Coming Skype for Business Cloud PBX Preview in September](https://tomtalks.blog/auto-attendant-call-queues-coming-skype-business-cloud-pbx-preview-september/) - Microsoft’s Sean Wilson and Jamie Stark just finished a live Skype Meeting Broadcast where they went over the new features coming on Skype for Business Cloud PBX You can watch the session on demand here, it will also be on the YouTube channel soon. What was the key news? Cloud PBX Auto Attendant Nothing on
- [Start Chrome in Full Screen Application mode](https://tomtalks.blog/start-chrome-full-screen-application-mode/) - "C:\Program Files (x86)\Google\Chrome\Application\chrome.exe" --app=https://todoist.com The create app shortcut hard codes the app url, which is a pain as todoist specifies a version number in there Note, the speech marks and "--" might note copy paste right
- [Skype Operations Framework Overview and First Cloud PBX and PSTN Conferencing Offer Documents Released](https://tomtalks.blog/skype-operations-framework-overview-first-cloud-pbx-pstn-conferencing-offer-documents-released/) - Hot off the heels of the Skype Operations Framework WPC announcement; Microsoft have released a document overview and the first “offer” documents, “Cloud PBX and PSTN Conferencing Get Deployed”. What is an SOF "Offer"? SOF offers are aligned to customer outcomes and bring together activities, with tools and assets, and recommended practical delivery guidance to
- [Introducing the Microsoft Skype Operations Framework (SOF)](https://tomtalks.blog/introducing-microsoft-skype-operations-framework-sof/) - WPC (the Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference) is this week, where Microsoft and it’s partners get together to talk about the last and coming year both regarding technology and sales. One of the big pieces of news in the Skype space is Microsoft launching the Skype Operations Framework. Modality Systems are pleased to be one of
- [Skype for Business Server June 2016 CU3: Busy on Busy, Video Based Screen Sharing, Offline IM and Multiple Emergency Number Features](https://tomtalks.blog/skype-business-server-june-2016-cu3-busy-busy-video-based-screen-sharing-multiple-emergency-number-features/) - Just a quick one to let everyone know Skype for Business Server June 2016 Cumulative Update (CU3), has just dropped. It has a couple of documented fixes, but also adds the following features: Video Based Screen Sharing Multiple Emergency Number Busy Options (Busy on Busy and Voicemail on Busy) Download: Skype for Business Server 2015
- [Upcoming UK Skype for Business and Microsoft Cloud Events](https://tomtalks.blog/upcoming-uk-skype-business-microsoft-cloud-events/) - Just a quick note to let you know about some upcoming events, hope to see you there! Microsoft UC User Group London July 6th 2016: Skype for Business Cloud PBX UK PSTN Calling Hands On and Global SIP Trunking Success The sun is shining (mostly) and it’s time for the summer instalment of Microsoft UC
- [Skype for Business Pricing and Licensing](https://tomtalks.blog/skype-business-pricing-licensing/) - I’m neither a pricing or licencing expert, and licencing seems to be equal parts logic and black magic, but here is a brief explanation of my understanding of how Licencing woks for Skype for Business. All prices quoted are default list and likely to change a little depending on vertical/region/quantity/licencing model etc. Do not take
- [Webinar 23rd June: Is the health of your UC environment keeping you awake at night?](https://tomtalks.blog/webinar-23rd-june-health-uc-environment-keeping-awake-night/) - I’ll be doing a Modality Systems webinar on 23rd of June at 11am UK time, hope to see you on there. You can register here Session Overview: Enterprise communication and collaboration environments can be incredibly complex to manage. The combination of technology layers from the core infrastructure, connectivity and security, to the mix of
- [Modality Systems Winner of the Microsoft Communications Partner of the Year 2016](https://tomtalks.blog/modality-systems-winner-microsoft-communications-partner-year-2016/) - Really pleased that Modality Systems has won the Microsoft Communications Partner of the Year 2016, recognising our work with Skype for Business projects globally. Find out more about what we do around Microsoft Cloud productivity and communications on Microsoft Pinpoint or the Modality Systems website
- [Microsoft .NET Security Update MS16-065 Breaks Lync Server 2010/2013, Skype for Business Server Conferencing](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-net-security-update-ms16-065-breaks-lync-server-20102013-skype-business-server-conferencing/) - Breaking news that Security Update for .NET Framework (3156757) rated Important breaks internal conferencing for Lync Server 2010, 2013 and Skype for Business users. The following are known modalities affected by this issue: Whiteboards Uploading PowerPoint Presentations Sharing Notes Polls Q&A The error messages that users may receive when this problem occurs include the following:
- [Tom Arbuthnot Speaking at IP Expo Manchester Thursday 19th May on Skype for Business Cloud PBX](https://tomtalks.blog/tom-arbuthnot-speaking-ip-expo-manchester-thursday-19th-may-skype-business-cloud-pbx/) - After a great turnout at UCExpo in London, I’m excited to be speaking at IPExpo in Manchester on Thursday 19th May 12:30 to 13:00. Hope to see you there! SKYPE FOR BUSINESS CLOUD PBX – THE RIGHT DEPLOYMENT MODEL FOR YOU From December 2015, Skype for Business Cloud PBX became available globally, allowing you to
- [Tom Arbuthnot Speaking at UC Expo 2016 on Skype for Business Cloud PBX](https://tomtalks.blog/tom-arbuthnot-speaking-uc-expo-2016-skype-business-cloud-pbx/) - UC EXPO is the largest Unified Communications and Collaboration event in Europe. The two day event encompasses the technologies that enable smarter working and a truly connected business. It’s a great event, I’ve spoken on previous years, and there are always a lot of good conversations and news. I’m speaking on: Skype for Business Cloud
- [Mitel Announces Definitive Agreement to Acquire Polycom](https://tomtalks.blog/mitel-announces-definitive-agreement-acquire-polycom/) - News is just breaking, so not a lot of detail yet on the specifics. At least Mitel have generally been playing nicely with Skype for Business, so that’s encouraging. Transaction valued at approximately $1.96 billion Polycom brand to be retained It remains business as usual and both companies will operate as separate entities until the
- [Video Calling between Skype Consumer Mobile and Skype for Business Windows Desktop](https://tomtalks.blog/video-calling-skype-consumer-mobile-skype-business-windows-desktop/) - Interestingly, it looks like video calling between the Apple and Android Skype consumer mobile clients and Skype for Business desktop client on windows (MSI and Click to Run) now works. This is testing on a recent Office 2016 C2R Skype for Business Windows Client video calling Skype consumer on iOS This is testing on
- [Skype is coming to Microsoft HoloLens](https://tomtalks.blog/skype-coming-microsoft-hololens/) - Not much detail or specifics yet, but the first development edition of Microsoft HoloLens ships March 30th, 2016 ($3,000) and Microsoft call out Skype as one of the interesting use cases for HoloLens “Educational and instructional moments are more effective when you can show as well as tell. Skype for HoloLens lets your contacts see
- [Word: Pasting Pictures Behind Text](https://tomtalks.blog/word-pasting-pictures-behind-text/) - It might be because Line Spacing is set to Exactly On a default Document: If Line Spacing is set to Exactly then change it to something else, for example Multiple 1.08 and it might fix the issue: Thanks: http://superuser.com/questions/511873/pasted-image-hides-behind-text-even-when-set-to-be-inline
- [What happens when you reach Azure Spending Limit](https://tomtalks.blog/happens-reach-azure-spending-limit/)
- [Enterprise Connect 2016 Microsoft Keynote Announcements Summary](https://tomtalks.blog/enterprise-connect-2016-microsoft-keynote-announcements-summary/) - Microsoft just finished their Enterprise Connect keynote You can watch the full session on Skype Broadcast Here, also check out the Microsoft blog post here Key comments: 100 Million Meetings per month Thousands of Customers in Production using Cloud PBX and PSTN Conferencing One experience for users April the Cloud Connector Edition (connects Cloud PBX
- [Watch Microsoft Enterprise Connect Keynote Live Skype Broadcast Wednesday](https://tomtalks.blog/watch-microsoft-enterprise-connect-keynote-live-skype-broadcast-wednesday/) - One of the big annual Unified Communications shows, Enterprise Connect, kicked off today. I’m not over there, though a bunch of my Modality US colleagues are, you can probably find them around the Microsoft booth. We can expect big news in all the vendor announcements. Fortunately you can watch the Microsoft keynote with Zig Serafin
- [Microsoft PSTN Conferencing, Outlook Meeting Invite PSTN Number not in E.164](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-pstn-conferencing-outlook-meeting-invite-pstn-number-not-e-164/) - For some reason if you have Microsoft PSTN Conferencing (where Microsoft are your carrier for PSTN conferencing on Skype for Business Online / Cloud PBX), the main PSTN number in your Outlook invite it not formatted in E.164 (missing the “+” on both the test and the link). This is a known issue/bug, hopefully it
- [Call Quality Dashboard for Skype for Business Online now in Public Preview](https://tomtalks.blog/call-quality-dashboard-skype-business-online-now-public-preview/) - Call Quality Dashboard (CQD), previously a free Microsoft add-on for Skype for Business Server, is now available in preview for Skype for Business Online Office 365 tenants. More details on how to set it up and what it contains are on the Office 365 support page: Turning on and using Call Quality Dashboard in Skype
- [Skype for Business Windows Client Update Details](https://tomtalks.blog/skype-business-windows-client-update-details/) - In the latest Microsoft SfB Video broadcast, Microsoft gave out some new details on the windows client. The video isn’t on YouTube yet, but is available here. The big news was offline messaging is coming to the windows client, and there was more explanation of the MSI and click to run update models, I’ve written
- [Office 2016 C2R Current Branch for Business is GA and it has a New Name - Branch is now "Channel"](https://tomtalks.blog/office-2016-c2r-current-branch-business-ga-new-name/) - Today Microsoft announced that the first Current Branch for Business release of Office 2016 is available. For those not keeping score, Office 2016 comes in two major flavours, old school MSI and new Office 365 Click to Run. The Click to Run has 4 “branches”, which let you choose how aggressive or not you are
- [HDX RealTime Optimization Pack 2.0 for Skype for Business on Citrix XenApp and XenDesktop VDI](https://tomtalks.blog/hdx-realtime-optimization-pack-2-0-skype-business-citrix-xenapp-xendesktop-vdi/) - Citrix and Microsoft recently revealed they have been working together on the Citrix 2.0 release of the XenApp/XenDesktop HDX RealTime Optimization Pack for Microsoft Skype for Business, which is now generally available. Before this point, there were two options for Lync and VDI, the Microsoft Lync VDI Plugin and the HDX RealTime Optimization Pack 1.x
- [Skype for Business Integration will come to Yammer](https://tomtalks.blog/skype-business-integration-will-come-yammer/) - Often in the Microsoft world we wonder why there are competing options to do the same thing, for example Skype for Business, Yammer Now and Send, all around the concept of quick/instant messaging. Along with the news today that Yammer will be auto activated for all eligible O365 tenants (previously you had to go
- [How to force the use of the Skype for Business Web App for Meeting Join? Just append this to the meeting URL ?sl=1](https://tomtalks.blog/how-to-force-the-use-of-the-skype-for-business-web-app-just-append-this-to-the-meeting-url-sl1/) - If for whatever reason you want to force Skype for Business to join in the web browser experience rather than “popping” the full client, you can do the following Copy the URL from the meeting invite: Paste the URL and append ?sl=1 https://join.microsoft.com/meet/bobsmith/FCZMMC7?sl=1 The meting will not pop the full client and
- [Don’t Install .NET Framework 4.6.1 and Skype for Business Server 2015 / Lync Server 2013 / Exchange Server](https://tomtalks.blog/dont-install-net-framework-4-6-1-and-skype-for-business-server-2015-lync-server-2013-exchange-server/) - Be aware that the Skype and Exchange Product Groups have recommended that customers hold off on installing .NET Framework 4.6.1 on their Skype for Business Server 2015, Lync Server 2013 servers and Exchange Servers I’d also be wary on other Microsoft servers at present. Next Steps: How to temporarily block the installation of the .NET
- [Compacting a Windows 7 VHDX](https://tomtalks.blog/compacting-windows-7-vhdx/) - In a recent lab test I needed a windows 7 VM, but noticed that the VHDX was much larger than the actual disk usage in the VM. With SSD storage being at a premium I wanted to compress the VHDX, but it proved to be a bit tricky The on machine usage: I should
- [Skype for Business Online Voice Quality Service Level Agreements Published](https://tomtalks.blog/skype-business-online-voice-quality-service-level-agreements-published/) - Thanks to Jamie Stark for the heads up, Microsoft have updated their Service Level Agreement for Microsoft Online Services document to include Skype for Business Online, PSTN Conferencing and PSTN calling. You can download the document here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/Licensing/product-licensing/products.aspx Three SLA’s can be found in the document (at time of writing) Skype for Business Online
- [RunAsRadio Podcast: Skype for Business Cloud PBX with Tom Arbuthnot](https://tomtalks.blog/runasradio-podcast-skype-business-cloud-pbx-tom-arbuthnot/) - If you’re in the Microsoft IT Pro space and haven’t heard of RunAsRadio where have you been? It’s a great weekly podcast covering all areas of IT with the great Richard Campbell. It’s ben too long since I last caught up with Richard back when I was talking about integrating Lync to Business Processes, it
- [Microsoft Earnings FY16 Q2, Office 365 up 70%, Azure revenue up 140%](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-earnings-fy16-q2-office-365-up-70-azure-revenue-up-140/) - Some highlights for Office 365 and Unified Communications: “Office 365 commercial revenue grew nearly 70 percent in constant currency, while seats grew 59 percent.” “We’re also enthusiastic about how people use Office on other platforms. On iOS and Android, Skype has more than 900 million downloads and Office apps surpassed 340 million this quarter. There
- [Fixing Blacked Out Numbers in Word](https://tomtalks.blog/fixing-blacked-numbers-word/) - Sometimes in word, the numbering seems to get corrupt and end up blacked out. This should be 1.0 Click on the heading, and set the number to none. Then set the numbering to headings Once that works, update the Headings template to match the selection, this should fix
- [Add Skype Consumer or Skype for Business Server Audio Test Service Bot to a Cloud PBX User](https://tomtalks.blog/add-skype-consumer-skype-business-server-audio-test-service-bot-cloud-pbx-user/) - I’ve now been on Skype for Business Cloud PBX with hybrid on-premise PSTN connectivity for a couple of months and it’s working well. One thing that is missing for Cloud PBX users is the Audio Test Service, where you can record a message and have it played back to you, to confirm your audio device
- [Skype for Business and Lync 2013–Monitoring and Archiving Support Between Versions](https://tomtalks.blog/skype-business-lync-2013monitoring-archiving-support-versions/) - If you are moving from Lync 2013 to Skype for Business, what are your supported Options with Monitoring and Archiving? Before you deploy your first SfB pool into an existing topology, all your Lync 2013 Pools should be patched to current If you deploy a new SfB pool (new machines), the existing Mon/Arch schema won’t
- [Exchange UM Toll Fraud Risk, Don't Weaken Your PIN Settings](https://tomtalks.blog/exchange-um-toll-fraud-risk-dont-weaken-pin-settings/) - Exchange Unified Messaging is the voicemail platform common to most Lync/Skype for Business installs but also supports PBX systems. We’ve recently seen a new toll fraud attack targeting Exchange UM’s to relay calls and either bypass call charges or run up charges on premium rate numbers. The attack relies on guessing or otherwise compromising users
- [I'm speaking at #UCExpo 2015: Replacing your PBX with Skype for Business in the Real World](https://tomtalks.blog/im-speaking-at-ucexpo-replacing-your-pbx-with-skype-for-business-in-the-real-world/) - Update: This blog post was for UC Expo 2015, but I'll also be speaking at UC Expo 2016, 19th-20th April, you can find out the detail here. Hope to see you there I’m excited to be speaking at UCExpo again this year. I’ll be doing a session in the Microsoft Theatre, Replacing
- [Cloud PBX LineURI not populated, No Incoming Calls Fix](https://tomtalks.blog/cloud-pbx-lineuri-not-populated-no-incoming-calls-fix/) - On Skype for Business Online Cloud PBX, some users did not have their LineURI populated and therefore were not receiving incoming calls (Cloud PBX with PSTN on Prem via SfB Server and SIP carrier). The majority of users work fine. User without LineURI (online) populated unable to receive incoming calls User with lineURI (online) field
- [Skype for Business Terminology and Definitions](https://tomtalks.blog/skype-business-terminology/) - There is a lot of jargon thrown around in Skype for Business and UC. This page is an attempt to define some key terms Skype for Business – The marketing name for the product for the Microsoft Unified Communications Platform, previously called Live Communications Server (LCS), then Office Communications Server (OCS), then Lync (who doesn’t
- [Create a One Click Run As Shortcut with PowerShell](https://tomtalks.blog/create-one-click-run-shortcut-powershell/) - One of the challenges of working with so many Office 365/Windows Live ID’s/Microsoft accounts is that you are constantly logging in and out of them. You can run multiple browsers or run in incognito/private modes, but that can be a pain, and sometimes you want to be in multiple sessions concurrently. For example, you might
- [Upgrade Hard Drive Lenovo S440](https://tomtalks.blog/upgrade-hard-drive-lenovo-s440/) - A few pictures of replacing the hard drive on a Lenovo S440. It was pretty straight forward, though the screws go in at an angle which is a little tricky.
- [Change Network Interface Firewall Profile with PowerShell](https://tomtalks.blog/change-network-interface-firewall-profile-powershell/) - If you find your network has the wrong Firewall profile, you can set it with PowerShell $Profile = Get-NetConnectionProfile -InterfaceAlias Ethernet1 $Profile.NetworkCategory = Private Set-NetConnectionProfile -InputObject $Profile Get your NIC Alias Get the profile as a variable: Set it to private in the variable: And Apply it: Credit to Ryan Ries on Server
- [I’ll be speaking at #PowerShell PowerCamp 19/20th October at Microsoft London Offices](https://tomtalks.blog/ill-be-speaking-at-powershell-powercamp-1920th-october-at-microsoft-london-offices/) - Once again I’m pleased to say I’ll be doing the guest speaker spot on the Sunday of Thomas Lee’s PowerShell PowerCamp. PowerCamp is 2 action-packed days of PowerShell – taking you from 0 to as fast YOU can go in two days. It’s a great way to get over that basic learning curve. I’ve sat
- [Microsoft Acquires Communication Startup Talko, Plan to Integrate Tech into Skype](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-acquires-communication-startup-talko-plan-integrate-tech-skype/) - Gurdeep Singh Pall, Corporate Vice President Skype announced today that Microsoft has acquired Ray Ozzie’s team communication startup Talko, maker of an innovative mobile app for on-the-go business communications. “As part of the agreement, Talko employees will join the Skype team. Together, the new technology and talent will help us deliver great new features and
- [Office 2016 Skype for Business GPO Settings](https://tomtalks.blog/office-2016-skype-business-gpo-settings/) - Group Policy is falling out of fashion these days, with more settings being defined in-band which is easier for Office 365 and non-domain joined machines, however Office 2016 does still have some Skype for Business GPO settings: You can download the templates here: Office 2016 Administrative Template files (ADMX/ADML) and Office Customization Tool Once installed
- [Office 2016 Click to Run Skype for Business First Run Crash Workaround](https://tomtalks.blog/office-2016-click-run-skype-business-first-run-crash-workaround/) - I just installed a fresh Office 2016 click to run instance and got stuck in a crash loop. I installed from an MSDN ISO, and then immediately launched Skype for Business (what else ), I got prompted with “First things first” and to Accept updates, then Skype for Business has stopped working, the same
- [UC Day UK 2016 - 24th October 2016](https://tomtalks.blog/uc-day-uk-2016-24th-october-2016/) - Unified Communications Day will be coming back in 2016 on the 24th October. After a successful event this year we have decided to include an extra technical track to our event, Microsoft Azure, where you can learn from the best about the latest and greatest happening within the Azure arena. This will now make UC
- [E5 and Skype for Business Cloud PBX Features Demo’d at Convergence 2015 EMEA](https://tomtalks.blog/e5-and-skype-for-business-cloud-pbx-features-demod-at-convergence-2015-emea/) - Today at Convergence EMEA 2015, Microsoft launched it’s new Office 365 Services, including new Skype for Business Services. I’m pleased to say Modality Systems are a global launch partner, and I will be doing a webinar on E5 and Cloud PBX on 15th December if you would like to find out more. You can catch
- [Webinar 15th December: What does Cloud PBX and Office 365 E5 mean for you?](https://tomtalks.blog/webinar-15th-december-what-does-cloud-pbx-and-office-365-e5-mean-for-you/) - We will also include an insight into the top considerations, challenges, strategies and benefits for organisations considering the adoption of Skype for Business. Take-Aways: High level overview of what Office 365 E5 officers Provide an understanding of Skype for Business and latest features Insight into the potential value areas Overview of the top technical and
- [64GB RAM 4.0GHz Skylake Whitebox Hyper-V MicroATX Lab Server](https://tomtalks.blog/64gb-ram-4-0ghz-skylake-whitebox-hyper-v-microatx-lab-server/) - I’ve been running my trusty 32GB RAM Whitebox server for sometime. It’s been great, but there is always the want to run more concurrent virtual machines . Finally the new Skylake CPU Architecture came along, which allows up to 64GB RAM in a home motherboard. I even found a MicoATX motherboard which would support the system, allowing
- [Where is that Skype for Business Technet Page?](https://tomtalks.blog/where-is-that-skype-for-business-technet-page/) - Just a post for myself or anyone else that quickly needs to find key Technet reference pages: Minimum Topology / Hybrid Voice Concepts: https://technet.microsoft.com/EN-US/library/mt605227.aspx Installation https://technet.microsoft.com/EN-US/library/mt605228.aspx
- [Update Sennheiser Headset Firmware](https://tomtalks.blog/update-sennheiser-headset-firmware/) - Download the updater here: http://en-us.sennheiser.com/cco-software-download-for-pc
- [Cisco to Acquire Acano, My Thoughts](https://tomtalks.blog/cisco-to-acquire-acano-my-thoughts/) - Interesting collaboration news at the end of last week. Cisco announced it’s intent to acquire Acano. Acano is a conferencing and collaboration MCU bridging and gateway solution that allows interop between various platforms, all joining the same collaboration meeting, most notably Lync/Skype for Business interop with Video endpoints like those from Cisco. It is deployable
- [Skype for Business Mac Client due Summer 2016 – Early Screenshots and Details](https://tomtalks.blog/skype-for-business-mac-client-due-summer-2016-early-screenshots-and-details/) - On Friday Microsoft their 5th Skype for Business broadcast, where they previewed the all new, built from the ground up, Skype for Business Mac client. Here are the key details: Simple single window view with optional pop out conversations Similar elements to Surface Hub, similar design language Mac will be the most modern,
- [Power BI Pro is now an MSDN benefit](https://tomtalks.blog/power-bi-pro-is-now-an-msdn-benefit/) - Starting August 11, 2015, Visual Studio Enterprise with MSDN* and MSDN Platforms subscribers have access to Power BI Pro as part of their MSDN subscription benefits. Power BI is a cloud-based business analytics service that enables anyone to visualize and analyze data with greater speed, efficiency, and understanding. It connects users to a broad range
- [Office Insider and O365 First Release Programs, Test New Builds and Features](https://tomtalks.blog/office-insider-and-o365-first-release-programs-test-new-builds-and-features/) - Following the success of the Windows Insider Program, Microsoft Office team are following the same track with an on-going program for consumer Office subscribers (Office 365 Home, Personal, and University subscribers). If you have a qualifying subscription, you can install the specific build branch here: http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=692145 which redirects you to the Insiders branch muxbranch=Insiders Once
- [Skype for Business Administrator Online Virtual Summit 2015](https://tomtalks.blog/skype-for-business-administrator-online-virtual-summit-2015/) - MVP’s Johan Delimon and Ståle Hansen are running is a virtual event for you as a Lync and Skype for Business administrators that wants to learn how the technology works and get started with some real actionable troubleshooting data from the Call Quality Methodology (CQM). All sessions will be streamed live, and you will be
- [I will be at Microsoft Future Decoded next week](https://tomtalks.blog/i-will-be-at-microsoft-future-decoded-next-week/) - Modality Systems are a gold sponsor and have a stand at the upcoming Microsoft Future Decoded in ExCeL London, Tuesday 10th and Wednesday 11th November. I’ll be there on both days, if you are coming along please come over and say hello. What is Future Decoded? Future Decoded 2015 will host 10,000 of
- [Hide the "Get Windows 10 Tray Icon" with PowerShell](https://tomtalks.blog/hide-the-get-windows-10-tray-icon-with-powershell/) - If you have a windows 7 machine that isn’t going to be upgraded for whatever reason, the tray icon is quite annoying. It comes down as a windows update (KB3035583), you can uninstall it, but it might queue up again to be installed. If you want to just hide it, you can set the
- [My New Pluralsight Course: Skype for Business Server 2015: What's New, Install, and Upgrade](https://tomtalks.blog/my-new-pluralsight-course-skype-for-business-server-2015-whats-new-install-and-upgrade/) - I’ve been working with the great people at Pluralsight to produce a new video course on Skype for Business Server, covering what’s new and how to to an in place and side by side migration from Lync Server. It’s aimed at an intermediate audience, so some knowledge of Lync/Skype is useful, but I also recap
- [Setup a 2008 R2 Domain Controller with PowerShell Install-TAFirst2008R2DomainController](https://tomtalks.blog/setup-a-2008-r2-domain-controller-with-powershell-install-tafirst2008r2domaincontroller/) - I’m a bit behind on publishing various PowerShell scripts I use. This is the script I use to quickly setup a lab 2008 R2 domain controller. It adds the appropriate Windows Features, then based on parameter input builds a dcpromo.exe unattended input file. Download the script here: https://github.com/tomarbuthnot/Install-TAFirst2008R2DomainController Use at your own risk. Feedback
- [Use Group Policy Power Plans to Stop Lab Virtual Machines Locking](https://tomtalks.blog/use-group-policy-power-plans-to-stop-lab-virtual-machines-locking/) - I always have to go hunting around for this, so thought I might as well post. In a lab on hyper-v, I often console onto the VM’s and don’t want them locking all the time. The lock because the windows power plan “turns off the display” which causes them to go into a locked state.
- [Join/Add a Computer to the domain via PowerShell Command Line](https://tomtalks.blog/add-a-computer-to-the-domain-via-powershell/) - Quick Post, as I always need this syntax Server 2012: Add-Computer -DomainName tomuc.int -Credential tomuc\administrator -Restart -Verbose Or if you don't want to be prompted for credentials: $domain = "ccddbank.com" $UserName = “ccddbank\administrator” $Password = “Password123” | ConvertTo-SecureString -AsPlainText -Force $Credential = New-Object -TypeName System.Management.Automation.PSCredential -ArgumentList $UserName,$Password Add-Computer -DomainName $domain -DomainCredential $Credential -Restart -Verbose Server
- [Modern Workplace Summit  8th-9th September Oslo and UC Day, 28th September UK](https://tomtalks.blog/modern-workplace-summit-8th-9th-september-oslo-and-uc-day-28th-september-uk/) - Just wanted to highlight two great upcoming events, hope to see you at them, come and say hello! Modern Workplace Summit in Oslo, 8th-9th September has four tracks over two days with 50 sessions and 24 speakers, 19 are Microsoft Most Valuable Professionals and internationally recognized speakers. Event tickets are NOK 3990. The four
- [Windows.edb Windows Search Index Bloats and Eats Hard Drive Space](https://tomtalks.blog/windows-edb-windows-search-index-bloats-and-eats-hard-drive-space/) - I’ve had this a couple of times now, so thought a quick post might be useful. I notice my SSD is getting full, and find Windows.edb at over 30GB. To fix it, you can go through the gui to force a rebuild: Advanced/Rebuild Or you can stop the service, delete the file and
- [Quickly Disable Active Directory Password Policies in Lab](https://tomtalks.blog/quickly-disable-active-directory-password-policies-in-lab/) - Just discovered there is a simple PowerShell Cmdlet for this, saves having to dig into Group Policy $Domain = “domain.com” Set-ADDefaultDomainPasswordPolicy –Identity $Domain -PasswordHistoryCount 0 –MinPasswordLength 0 -MinPasswordAge 0 -MaxPasswordAge 0 -LockoutObservationWindow 0 -LockoutThreshold 0 -ComplexityEnabled $False
- [Get Office 365 Tenant Physical Country Location](https://tomtalks.blog/get-office-365-tenant-physical-country-location/) - When you create an Office 365 Tenant, you choose a “Country or Region” which defines the country/region your service will be run from/where your service will run from. Once you have chosen this you can’t migrate from that region. There is no “moving” tenants between regions at present. These Maps provide the locations of Microsoft
- [Fixing Microsoft Word Blacked Out Numbers](https://tomtalks.blog/fixing-microsoft-word-blacked-out-numbers/) - Sometimes number formatting in a Word document gets corrupt and shows as black box, here is how to fix it: For each Heading, Modify / Numbering / None / OK Once all Headings are set to no numbering, select a heading set to heading one And select on the Home ribbon, the Multi-level List
- [Skype for Business Server 2015 RTM is available for download](https://tomtalks.blog/skype-for-business-server-2015-rtm-is-available-for-download/) - Just hit MSDN. Grab the bits while they are hot
- [I will be speaking at Microsoft Ignite: 10 Keys to Ensuring the Success of Your Skype for Business Deployment](https://tomtalks.blog/i-will-be-speaking-at-microsoft-ignite-10-keys-to-ensuring-the-success-of-your-skype-for-business-deployment/) - I’m excited to be speaking at Ignite on the “10 Keys to Ensuring the Success of Your Skype for Business Deployment” in the IT Decision Makers/Best Practices Track. Join us for an interactive discussion detailing the lessons learned from hands-on experience of PBX replacement projects in many different verticals. Learn how IT operations, user experience
- [Add Windows Features to Windows 8.1 Using PowerShell](https://tomtalks.blog/add-windows-features-to-windows-8-1-using-powershell/) - Oddly had to hunt around a bit for this, so thought I would post so I can find it when I next forget The cmdlets are not at all like Windows Server (wish they were) To get a list of windows Features Get-WindowsOptionalFeature -Online | Format-Table –AutoSize Enable-WindowsOptionalFeature -FeatureName TelnetClient -Online
- [Clear All Twitter Favourites with AutoHotkey](https://tomtalks.blog/clear-all-twitter-favourites-with-autohotkey/) - Clear all Twitter favourites by automating keyboard and mouse to unfavourite them all with AutoHotkey
- [How to Archive All on Instapaper](https://tomtalks.blog/how-to-archive-all-on-instapaper/) - this wasn’t instantly obvious to me, so thought it might help someone (especially this time of year) Select one article by clicking on the Summary Body, or to the left of the heading, a top menu will pop up Select "all" and Archive
- [Intel 7620 AC Wi-Fi disabled after resume from sleep–workaround/fix](https://tomtalks.blog/intel-7620-ac-wi-fi-disabled-after-resume-from-sleepworkaroundfix/) - Lenovo S440 Intel Wireless AC7260 Intel Driver 17.1.0.19 After sleep wifi was always disabled: “windows has stopped this device because it has reported Errors” The “fix” was to re enable Power management settings: (when disabled I see the issue). More Info: https://communities.intel.com/thread/55278?start=15&tstart=0
- [Get-DirectorySize : Quickly finding what was eating all my hard drive space with PowerShell](https://tomtalks.blog/get-directorysize-quickly-finding-what-was-eating-all-my-hard-drive-space-with-powershell/) - Get-DirectorySize : Quickly finding what was eating all my hard drive
- [Sonus SBC 1000 / SBC 2000 not affected by ShellShock Bash Vulnerability](https://tomtalks.blog/sonus-sbc-1000-sbc-2000-not-affected-by-shellshock-bash-vulnerability/) - Sonus SBC 1000 / SBC 2000 not affected by ShellShock Bash Vulnerability
- [Testing Server vNext Preview/ New #PowerShell Console in Azure](https://tomtalks.blog/testing-server-vnext-preview-new-powershell-console-in-azure/) - Testing Server vNext and PowerShell Console Features in Azure
- [I’m Speaking at Norwegian Lync Day - 14th October 2014](https://tomtalks.blog/im-speaking-at-norwegian-lync-day-14th-october-2014/) - I’m exciting to be speaking at Norwegian Lync Day on 14th October. I’ll be speaking on Lync Mobile sign in process and media flow
- [#PowerShell Summit Europe 2014: Amsterdam September 29 – October 1 2014, Registration Open Now](https://tomtalks.blog/powershell-summit-europe-2014-amsterdam-september-29-october-1-2014-registration-open-now/) - I’ll be attending the PowerShell Summit Europe 2014. It’s a great opportunity to listen to, meet and share ideas with some of the best in the field. If you are In Europe and can make it to Amsterdam I think its arguably the best value conference an IT Pro can go to this year; $800
- [Microsoft move ahead of Cisco in Gartner Magic Quadrant for UC – link to full report](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-move-ahead-of-cisco-in-gartner-magic-quadrant-for-uc-link-to-full-report/) - Gartner have released their annual Magic Quadrant for Unified Communications (Bern Elliot, Steve Blood). Gartner think of UC as being divided into 6 areas; Telephony, Conferencing, Messaging, Presence and IM, Clients and Communications-enabled applications. This year Microsoft have been placed in the converted “top right”, taking the lead over Cisco. Microsoft have allowed
- [How to Set Actiance Vantage Logging Levels](https://tomtalks.blog/how-to-set-actiance-vantage-logging-levels/) - Recording Server: $RegKey = 'HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Actiance\Server\VantageDuplicator' Set-ItemProperty -Path $RegKey -Name LogLevel -Value "VerboseInfo" -Verbose $RegKey = 'HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Actiance\Server\VantageMediaReceiver' Set-ItemProperty -Path $RegKey -Name LogLevel -Value "VerboseInfo" -Verbose $RegKey = 'HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Actiance\Server\VantageMediaProcessor' Set-ItemProperty -Path $RegKey -Name LogLevel -Value "VerboseInfo" -Verbose $RegKey = 'HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Actiance\Server\VantageTranscoder' Set-ItemProperty -Path $RegKey -Name LogLevel -Value "VerboseInfo" -Verbose
- [Workaround for older NET/Sonus firmware Java Real Time Monitor being blocked](https://tomtalks.blog/workaround-for-older-netsonus-firmware-java-real-time-monitor-being-blocked/) - Oracle have taken a positive step of blocking Unsigned Java RIAs (Rich Internet Applications) in the latest version of Java, this is a good idea from a security point of view (more details here). Sonus have a great Real Time Monitor view on the gateway web interface that relies on Java. It shows the real
- [I’m Speaking at #LyncConf14 on The 10 Keys to Ensure the Success of your Lync Deployment](https://tomtalks.blog/im-speaking-at-lyncconf14-on-the-10-keys-to-ensure-the-success-of-your-lync-deployment/) - I’m pleased to say I will be speaking at The Lync Conference 2014 in Las Vegas. I’m doing a session on The 10 Keys to Ensure the Success of your Lync Deployment. We will detail 10 keys to ensure your project is a success. Learn how IT operations and user experience change management are just
- [Issue Installing Office Web Apps: The server did not meet the following prerequisites: - Windows Update KB2592525 must be installed](https://tomtalks.blog/issue-installing-office-web-apps-the-server-did-not-meet-the-following-prerequisites-windows-update-kb2592525-must-be-installed/) - I hit this on a recent install of Office Web Apps on Server 2008 R2, odd issue. After installing WAC I get this error: New-OfficeWebAppsFarm : The operation failed. The server did not meet the following prerequisites: Windows Update KB2592525 must be installed. Yet when you try to install that patch on Windows it won’t
- [PowerShell Add a Persistent Module Path to $env:PSModulePath](https://tomtalks.blog/powershell-add-a-persistent-module-path-to-envpsmodulepath/) - One of the benefits or using or writing module in PowerShell version 3 or above is that they auto load as you need them. They do this if the modules sit in a number of predefined paths. Often you might want to add an additional persistent path to check for modules to auto load. This
- [Stop LogMeIn Hamachi blocking Internet Connection](https://tomtalks.blog/stop-logmein-hamachi-blocking-internet-connection/) - Quick tip for LogMeIn Hamachi, when it installs it will sometimes block your internet connection, here is how to fix it On the Hamachi Network interface IPv4 / Properties / Advanced / Default Gateways / Edit Set the metric from “Automatic” to “9000” or something suitably high This should stop the computer using
- [Lync Client Error Codes](https://tomtalks.blog/lync-client-error-codes/) - I was troubleshooting a client error which I hadn’t seen before “Call was not transferred because [user name] does not have an audio device set up to accept calls.” In this case, the error was a little misleading. The endpoint the customer was transferring to was fine, and it was happening to more than one
- [Change Lenovo Function Keys to Standard F1-F2 in BIOS](https://tomtalks.blog/change-lenovo-function-keys-to-standard-f1-f2-in-bios/) - Off topic post, but thought I’d post so others can find the answer. I recently got a Lenovo Yoga (really pleased so far0, but the function keys default to special shortcuts such as volume and brightness, if you press the Fn key you get the regular F1-F12 keys. As a person who uses a lot
- [Associate .PS1 PowerShell files to open in PowerShell ISE](https://tomtalks.blog/associate-ps1-powershell-files-to-open-in-powershell-ise/) - Quick tip. By default in windows if you click a .ps1 it will open in notepad, not very friendly to use. PowerShell v3 has a really capable ISE Look for another app on this PC Paste in (assuming C: is you root/windows drive) C:\Windows\System32\WindowsPowerShell\v1.0\powershell_ise.exe Now when you click a .ps1 it will open
- [Windows 8: Enable Wake on LAN (WOL) by disabling Fast Startup (HiberbootEnabled)](https://tomtalks.blog/windows-8-enable-wake-on-lan-wol-by-disabling-fast-startup-hiberbootenabled/) - Just a quick post but I’m sure I’m not the only person who will hit this. I noticed that in Windows 8 Consumer Preview I couldn’t get Wake on LAN (WOL) to work on hardware that had been fine for WOL before. A bit of digging around lead me to disabling “fast boot” or fast
- [A look inside the NET/ Sonus UX1000 Gateway/Survivable Branch Appliance - Photos of the hardware](https://tomtalks.blog/a-look-inside-the-net-ux1000-gatewaysurvivable-branch-appliance-photos-of-the-hardware/) - My blog post giving an early look at the net UX1000 got a lot of interest, so I thought people might be interested in some more on the net 1000. The unit is now GA, and I had a chance to play with another unit today. This post is a brief look at what is
- [Affordable Quiet 32GB RAM Home Lab/Whitebox Hyper-V server – Build List](https://tomtalks.blog/affordable-quiet-32gb-ram-home-labwhitebox-hyper-v-server-build-list/) - Inspired/led astray by Jeff Guillet who I got to meet at the recent MVP Summit. I’ve recently bought a new 32GB RAM home lab server for home for £610/$970. Jeff has a great post on his build here, which provided a nice starting point for my build. I wanted as much RAM as possible, quiet
- [Creating Hyper-V 3 Differencing Disks in Server 2012 with GUI and PowerShell](https://tomtalks.blog/creating-hyper-v-3-differencing-disks-in-server-2012-with-gui-and-powershell/) - I’m not sure how this feature passed me by up until now. Differencing Disks are like VMware Linked Clones, you have Parent VHD and a number of linked VHD\VHDX for VMs that only record the changes from the Parent. A full Server 2008 R2 VHDX is around 11GB, a sysprep’d Differencing disk is around 1GB,
- [Net VX gateway: Changing the internal private IP range](https://tomtalks.blog/net-vx-gateway-changing-the-internal-private-ip-range/) - I hit an issue today I haven’t hit before. I was deploying a net vx gateway and I hit the following error when trying to upload my config: “CRITICAL ERROR: IP Adapter #1 Interface ip0 has an invalid IP address: IP address within internal private range ERROR: DNS entry 1 has bad IP address: IP
- [Windows Server “8” Beta now available for public download – Install Screenshots GUI and Core](https://tomtalks.blog/windows-server-8-beta-now-available-for-public-download-install-screenshots-gui-and-core/) - Windows 8 Server beta is now available for public download. You can get the bits here: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/evalcenter/hh670538.aspx And here is the what’s new information: http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/server-cloud/windows-server/v8-default.aspx http://technet.microsoft.com/library/hh831769.aspx Here are some screenshots of the install process and what you see once it’s installed in GUI and core mode. Note, the default choice is Core. We'll go server
- [Walkthrough of NET UX1000 Survivable Branch Appliance setup for #Lync](https://tomtalks.blog/walkthrough-of-net-ux1000-survivable-branch-appliance-setup-for-lync/) - Here are some quick screenshots walking through the setup of a UX1000 with the SBA module for Lync. From a setup point of view you can think of Gateways with SBA’s as 2 devices in one. Where net particularly excels is making it nice and easy to setup both the “gateway” and “SBA” from one
- [January 2012 Updates for OCS 2007 R2](https://tomtalks.blog/january-2012-updates-for-ocs-2007-r2/) - Microsoft have released some updates for OCS 2007 R2. Be sure to keep those OCS servers up to date. Communicator Client KB2647093 OCS Group Chat Client KB2647090 OCS 2007 R2 Server KB968802 Office Communications Server 2007 R2, Unified Communications Managed API 2.0 Core KB2647091
- [Exchange 2010 Service Pack 2 and SP2 UM Language Packs available for download](https://tomtalks.blog/exchange-2010-service-pack-2-and-sp2-um-language-packs-available-for-download/) - Hot off the press. Microsoft Exchange 2010 Service Pack 2 is available for download here And don’t forget the Exchange 2010 SP2 Unified Messaging Language Packs here
- [Exchange Management Console pointing to wrong server “The attempt to connect to http://server.domain.com/PowerShell using "Kerberos" authentication failed”](https://tomtalks.blog/exchange-management-console-pointing-to-wrong-server-the-attempt-to-connect-to-httpserver-domain-compowershell-using-kerberos-authentication-failed/) - I came across this error during an Exchange 2010 Unified Messaging deployment. The EMC would not connect: "The attempt to connect to http://server.domain.com/PowerShell using "Kerberos" authentication failed: connecting to remote server failed with the following error message : The WinRM client cannot complete the operation within the time specified. Check if the machine name is
- [Microsoft Q1 2012: Lync revenue grew by 25% year on year](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-q1-2012-lync-revenue-grew-by-25-year-on-year/) - Microsoft released their Q1 2012 earning report. You can get the full report and slides at that link. I’m pleased to say Lync Revenue has grown 25% year on year. From the Transcript “Collaboration and communication continued to be a pillar of strength to our Office business. Lync, SharePoint and Exchange collectively grew double digits.
- [Update Snom Phone Firmware with PowerShell and HTTP POST](https://tomtalks.blog/update-snom-phone-firmware-with-powershell-and-http-post/) - I cam across an issue where a customer needed to update a bunch of snom 300 phones to the latest OCS firmware but couldn’t use DHCP to dish out the firmware (which is a much easier option). After playing around with the manual update process with the WebUI I thought I could probably send HTTP
- [How to add a module to an AudioCodes Mediant 1000 Gateway](https://tomtalks.blog/how-to-add-a-module-to-an-audiocodes-mediant-1000-gateway/) - One of the nice things about the AudioCodes Mediant 1000 is that it is modular and it is easy to add modules. Here are the steps to add a module to the AudioCodes Mediant 1000 We start with a basic chassis with no ISDN connectivity (note no modules in the config. picture below) First shut
- [How to Upgrade the Firmware on an net UX gateway](https://tomtalks.blog/how-to-upgrade-the-firmware-on-an-net-ux-gateway/) - The net UX is the newest gateway from net. Details on the UX are available here It is all web based, and I have to say the Web UI is pretty good, making it much easier to manage than the previous VX gateway with a combo of apps telnet (although with the apps and telnet
- [MS-Diagnostic Errors](https://tomtalks.blog/ms-diagnostic-errors/) - Following on from my previous post on Lync Client errors, here is a list of ms-diagnostic errors from SIP clients. http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/gg132446(v=office.12).aspx Note that the following placeholder is used in these messages: [user name] is used in place of an actual user name. [client name] is used in place of the name of the SIP protocol
- [How to upgrade LifeSize software/firmware](https://tomtalks.blog/how-to-upgrade-lifesize-software-firmware/) - LifeSize have been adding a lot of fixes and features in their latest firmware releases. Here is how to upgrade the firmware. The process is basically the same across the range. Note you will need to be under support with LifeSize to get access to the latest firmware, and unfortunately they will charge you a
- [Installing Exchange 2010 Service Pack 1 and Language Packs](https://tomtalks.blog/installing-exchange-2010-service-pack-1-and-language-packs/) - I have installed the Final SP1 build onto my Exchange 2010 lab server. All went smoothly, below are the details and some screenshots. Here are the pre-req’s the installer flagged This computer requires the Microsoft Office 2010 Filter Packs. Please install the software from http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=191548 Install hotfix Microsoft Knowledge Base article 982867 from http://code.msdn.microsoft.com/KB982867. Click

## Pages

- [Tom Arbuthnot](https://tomtalks.blog/tom-arbuthnot/) - A Microsoft MVP and Microsoft Certified Master, Tom Arbuthnot is Founder and Principal at Empowering.Cloud as well as a Solutions Director at Pure IP. Tom stays up to date with industry developments and shares news and his opinions on his Tomtalks.blog, UC Today Microsoft Teams Podcast and email list. He is a regular speaker at
- [Tom Arbuthnot Speaking and Events](https://tomtalks.blog/tom-arbuthnot-speaking-and-events/) - Upcoming speaking and events, hope to see you at one! Also, be sure to check out Teams Fireside Chat, Every first Thursday of the month at 16:00 UK (aiming to catch the end of the Europe day and start of the US day) Cavell Cloud Comms Summit London, Wednesday 9th March 2022 Panel: Working with
- [Stay in the know on all things Microsoft Teams](https://tomtalks.blog/tomsemailupdate/) - [thrive_leads id='13338']
- [Cookie Policy](https://tomtalks.blog/cookie-policy/) - Cookie policy This cookie policy ("Policy") describes what cookies are and how and they're being used by the tomtalks.blog and tomtalks.cloud website ("Website" or "Service") and any of its related products and services (collectively, "Services"). This Policy is a legally binding agreement between you ("User", "you" or "your") and this Website operator ("Operator", "we", "us"
- [Privacy Policy](https://tomtalks.blog/privacy-policy/) - Privacy policy This privacy policy ("Policy") describes how the personally identifiable information ("Personal Information") you may provide on the tomtalks.blog and tomtalks.cloud website ("Website" or "Service") and any of its related products and services (collectively, "Services") is collected, protected and used. It also describes the choices available to you regarding our use of your Personal
- [Microsoft Teams Monthly Podcast](https://tomtalks.blog/microsoft-teams-monthly-podcast/) - I do a monthly podcast with Patrick Watson of UCToday. We cover all the important Microsoft Collaboration newsYou can subscribe to the podcast on: Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts UC Today Website YouTube Spotify BuzzSprout RSS Feed
- [Events and Speaking](https://tomtalks.blog/speaking-and-publications/) - This page lists upcoming events and speaking engagements, it would be great to meet you at one of these events. Upcoming Events: MVP Summit Seattle - March 5th - 9th IP Expo Manchester - 25th / 26th April MUCUGL Q2 - TBC UC Expo - 16th / 17th May European collaboration Summit - MAINZ, GERMANY
- [Contact](https://tomtalks.blog/contact/) - Email: tom "at" tomarbuthnot.com I am happy to be contacted regarding speaking and publishing opportunities. If you are looking for me to work with you in my strategic consulting role please contact info@modalitysystems.com. Note, due to time limitations I am not able to get 1:1 technical support, if you have a question related to an article please post
- [Lync End User Training](https://tomtalks.blog/lync-end-user-training/) - Lync End User Training Material PowerPoint Training slide decks Provided by Microsoft, links to the PowerPoint downloads and a run in the browser flash version Microsoft PowerPoint Downloads: Microsoft Lync 2010 Attendant Training Microsoft Lync 2010 Delegate Training Microsoft Lync 2010 Conferencing and Collaboration Training Microsoft Lync 2010 IM and Presence Training Microsoft Lync 2010
- [Tom Arbuthnot's Speaking Engagements](https://tomtalks.blog/tom-arbuthnots-speaking-engagements/) - LyncConf 2014 Microsoft UC User Group London PowerShell PowerCamp
- [paste](https://tomtalks.blog/paste/) - $VerbosePreference = "continue" $FEComputers = Get-CsPool | Where-Object {$_.Services -like "*UserServer*"} | Select-Object -ExpandProperty Computers $Date30DaysAgo = (Get-Date).AddDays(-30) Foreach ($FE in $FEComputers) { Write-Verbose "Checking Eventlog for $fe" Get-EventLog -ComputerName $FE -LogName 'Lync Server' -After $Date30DaysAgo | where {$_.eventID -eq 56208} }
- [ipaddress](https://tomtalks.blog/ipaddress/) - # Get Lync Pool IP Addresses for Edge DNS Hostfile list # Get the individual Server names or everything except file stores: Get-CsPool | Sort-Object Site | where-object {$_.Services -notlike "FileStore*"} ` | Select Computers -ExpandProperty Computers ` | % {$Hostname = $_; $IPAddress = [System.Net.Dns]::GetHostAddresses($Hostname) ` | ? {$_.AddressFamily -eq "InterNetwork"}; Write-Host
- [Reboot Events](https://tomtalks.blog/reboot-events/) - Get-EventLog -LogName System | where {$_.EventId -eq 1074} | ForEach-Object { $rv = New-Object PSObject | Select-Object Date, User, Action, process, Reason, ReasonCode, Comment, Message if ($_.ReplacementStrings[4]) { $rv.Date = $_.TimeGenerated $rv.User = $_.ReplacementStrings[6] $rv.Process = $_.ReplacementStrings[0] $rv.Action = $_.ReplacementStrings[4] $rv.Reason = $_.ReplacementStrings[2] $rv.ReasonCode = $_.ReplacementStrings[3] $rv.Comment = $_.ReplacementStrings[5] $rv.Message = $_.Message $rv } }
- [PreReq](https://tomtalks.blog/prereq/) - # Lync 2013 on Server 2008 R2 Import-Module ServerManager Add-WindowsFeature Web-Dyn-Compression,desktop-experience,RSAT-ADDS,Web-Server,Web-Scripting-Tools,Web-Windows-Auth,Web-Asp-Net,Web-Log-Libraries,Web-Http-Tracing,Web-Stat-Compression,Web-Default-Doc,Web-ISAPI-Ext,Web-ISAPI-Filter,Web-Http-Errors,Web-Http-Logging,Web-Net-Ext,Web-Client-Auth, Web-Filtering,Web-Mgmt-Console,Msmq-Server,Msmq-Directory ####################### # Office Web Apps Import-Module ServerManager Add-WindowsFeature Web-Server,Web-WebServer,Web-Common-Http,Web-Static-Content,Web-App-Dev,Web-Asp-Net,Web-Net-Ext,Web-ISAPI-Ext,Web-ISAPI-Filter,Web-Includes,Web-Security,Web-Windows-Auth,Web-Filtering,Web-Stat-Compression,Web-Dyn-Compression,Web-Mgmt-Console,Ink-Handwriting,IH-Ink-Support For Windows 2012, run: Import-Module ServerManager Add-WindowsFeature Web-Server,Web-Mgmt-Tools,Web-Mgmt-Console,Web-WebServer,Web-Common-Http,Web-Default-Doc,Web-Static-Content,Web-Performance,Web-Stat-Compression,Web-Dyn-Compression,Web-Security,Web-Filtering,Web-Windows-Auth,Web-App-Dev,Web-Net-Ext45,Web-Asp-Net45,Web-ISAPI-Ext,Web-ISAPI-Filter,Web-Includes,InkandHandwritingServices,NET-Framework-Features, NET-Framework-Core, NET-HTTP-Activation, NET-Non-HTTP-Activ, NET-WCF-HTTP-Activation45
- [Lync Blog Roll](https://tomtalks.blog/lyncuc-blogs/) - Here is a list of good Lync and Unified Communications blogs. Some of my favorites Adam's UC Blog Bce on Microsoft UC BriComp Unified Communications Confused Amused David's UC Space Dustin's Tech Notes EHLO World Elan Shudnow's Blog I'm a UC Blog Infrastructure Help Inside Lync Inside OCS Jeff Schertz's Blog Justin Morris on UC Ken's
- [Useful Lync Links](https://tomtalks.blog/useful-lync-links/) - Lync Media Traffic Network Bandwidth Usage Usage: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/gg413004.aspx
- [Most Recent KBs for Lync Server](https://tomtalks.blog/most-recent-kbs-for-lync-server/) - This Page Lists the most recent Microsoft Knowledge Base Articles for Lync Server Subscribe yourself at this RSS feed
- [IETF RFCs Supported by Lync](https://tomtalks.blog/ietf-rfcs-supported-by-lync/) - Source: The great blog from Ken Lasko RFC # Description Relates To Link RFC 1321 The MD5 Message-Digest Algorithm Security http://tools.ietf.org/html/rfc1321 RFC 2045 Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions (MIME) Part One: Format of Internet Message Bodies Conferencing http://tools.ietf.org/html/rfc2045 RFC 2104 HMAC: Keyed-Hashing for Message Authentication Security http://tools.ietf.org/html/rfc2104 RFC 2111 Content-ID and Message-ID Uniform Resource Locators Telephony
- [Lync IETF RFCs](https://tomtalks.blog/lync-ietf-rfcs/) - IETF RFCs Supported by Lync Great list from Ken at http://ucken.blogspot.com/2011/10/ietf-rfcs-supported-by-lync.html RFC # Description Link RFC 2474 QoS Differentiated Services http://tools.ietf.org/html/rfc2474 RFC 3261 SIP http://tools.ietf.org/html/rfc3261 RFC 3350 Real-time protocol for media http://tools.ietf.org/html/rfc3350 RFC 3361 DHCP option for SIP servers http://tools.ietf.org/html/rfc3361 RFC 3711 Secure real-time protocol for media http://tools.ietf.org/html/rfc3711 RFC 3960 Early Media and Ringing Tone
- [Videos: Monitoring and Troubleshooting Lync Calls](https://tomtalks.blog/videos-monitoring-and-troubleshooting-lync-calls/) - Troubleshooting a complex server product like Lync Server 2010 can be a challenge. Lync Server has troubleshooting features that enable you to quickly check the overall health of your system. These three videos provide guidance on several of Lync Server's new troubleshooting features. System-wide Troubleshooting: Lync Call Connectivity This video shows how to use the Call Diagnostic Summary
- [Modality Systems](https://tomtalks.blog/modality-systems/) - This blog is brought to you from the consultants at Modality Systems, along with some guest posts from others in the Lync community. Modality Systems is a specialist provider of strategic and technical consulting services for communication and collaborations technologies and software development for Communications Enabled Business Process (CEBP) For more information on Modality Systems please
- [List of Lync Cmdlets, Synopsis and Technet Links](https://tomtalks.blog/list-of-lync-cmdlets-synopsis-and-technet-links/) - Name Synopsis HelpUri Approve-CsDeviceUpdateRule Approves a device update rule that has been imported to the system. After a device update rule has been approved, the corresponding update will automatically be downloaded and installed by client devices affected by the update. Link Clear-CsDeviceUpdateFile Deletes any rejected device update files that are no longer associated with
- [Lync Online (Office 365 Training)](https://tomtalks.blog/lync-online-office-365-training/) - Introducing Microsoft Lync Online Microsoft Lync Online Voice and Video Training Microsoft Lync Online Conferencing and Collaboration Training Microsoft Lync Online Web App Training Microsoft Lync Online Attendee Training
- [Lync User Resources](https://tomtalks.blog/lync-user-resources/)
- [Lync Books](https://tomtalks.blog/lync-books/) - Here are some books that will help you understand Lync Microsoft Lync Server 2010 Unleashed This is the industry’s most comprehensive, realistic, and useful guide to Microsoft Lync Server 2010. It brings together “in-the-trenches” guidance for all facets of planning, integration, deployment, and administration, from expert consultants who’ve spent years implementing Microsoft Unified Communications solutions.
- [Deployment Guides](https://tomtalks.blog/deployment-guides/) - Microsoft Lync Server 2010 Client and Device Deployment Guide This download guides you through the process of deploying client software and devices for Lync 2010. Microsoft Lync Server 2010 Monitoring Deployment Guide This document guides you through the process of deploying Lync Server 2010 Monitoring Server. Migrating from Communications Server 2007 to Lync Server
- [Lync PowerShell](https://tomtalks.blog/lync-powershell-2/) - Lync Powershell Resources Lync Powershell Technet Blog Lync Powershell Example Scripts Lync Control Panel UI to Powershell Cmdlet Mapping Lync Powershell Challenge and Scores Lync Server 2010 PowerShell Cheat Sheet PDF from Curtis Johnstone Lync 2010 PowerShell Cmdlets Mind Maps
- [Lync Workload Poster](https://tomtalks.blog/lync-workload-poster/) - Lync Workload Poster You can download the full poster in visio format here View the Poster with Zoomit fullscreen here
- [What is Lync? Video](https://tomtalks.blog/what-is-lync-video/) - A good overview of what Lync is and how it can help you Here are some promotional videos from Microsoft that show Lync in action
- [Disclaimer](https://tomtalks.blog/disclaimer/)
- [Lync'd Up](https://tomtalks.blog/lyncd-up/) - Lync'd Up is a blog with the aim of keeping people up to date with the goings on around Microsoft's Unified Communications offering and Unified Communications in general.
- [Lync Resources](https://tomtalks.blog/lync-resources/) - Useful Lync Resources
- [About](https://tomtalks.blog/about/) - Tom Arbuthnot is a Consultant for Modality Systems

## Categories

- [vendor](https://tomtalks.blog/category/vendor/)
- [Lync](https://tomtalks.blog/category/lync/)
- [Microsoft](https://tomtalks.blog/category/microsoft/)
- [misc](https://tomtalks.blog/category/misc/)
- [OCS](https://tomtalks.blog/category/ocs/)
- [tech](https://tomtalks.blog/category/tech/)
- [ucoms](https://tomtalks.blog/category/ucoms/)
- [PowerShell](https://tomtalks.blog/category/powershell/)
- [Exchange](https://tomtalks.blog/category/exchange-2/)
- [Skype](https://tomtalks.blog/category/skype-2/)
- [Office365](https://tomtalks.blog/category/office365-2/)
- [LyncOnline](https://tomtalks.blog/category/lynconline-2/)
- [Speaking](https://tomtalks.blog/category/speaking/)
- [skypeforbusiness](https://tomtalks.blog/category/skypeforbusiness/)
- [skype4bonline](https://tomtalks.blog/category/skype4bonline/)
- [SfBServer](https://tomtalks.blog/category/sfbserver/)
- [SfB](https://tomtalks.blog/category/sfb/)
- [skypeforbusinessonline](https://tomtalks.blog/category/skypeforbusinessonline/)
- [CloudPBX](https://tomtalks.blog/category/cloudpbx/)
- [Office](https://tomtalks.blog/category/office/)
- [Hyper-v](https://tomtalks.blog/category/hyper-v/)
- [Azure](https://tomtalks.blog/category/azure/)
- [Teams](https://tomtalks.blog/category/teams/)
- [MicrosoftTeams](https://tomtalks.blog/category/microsoftteams/)
- [PowerBI](https://tomtalks.blog/category/powerbi/)
- [PowerPlatform](https://tomtalks.blog/category/powerplatform/)
- [Microsoft365](https://tomtalks.blog/category/microsoft365/)
- [Security](https://tomtalks.blog/category/security/)
- [CPaaS](https://tomtalks.blog/category/cpaas/)
- [Dynamics365](https://tomtalks.blog/category/dynamics365/)
- [Microsoft Teams](https://tomtalks.blog/category/microsoft-teams/) - Microsoft Teams posts categorised

## Tags

- [autohotkey](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/autohotkey/)
- [cisco](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/cisco/)
- [exchange](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/exchange/)
- [firmware](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/firmware/)
- [HP](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/hp/)
- [hyper-v](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/hyper-v/)
- [iphone](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/iphone/)
- [LifeSize](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/lifesize/)
- [lync](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/lync-2/)
- [microsoft](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/microsoft-2/)
- [news](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/news/)
- [ocs](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/ocs-2/)
- [office365](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/office365/)
- [podcast](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/podcast/)
- [sp1](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/sp1/)
- [Training](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/training/)
- [video](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/video/)
- [windows](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/windows/)
- [client](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/client/)
- [featured](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/featured/)
- [sales](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/sales/)
- [report](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/report/)
- [updates](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/updates/)
- [documentation](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/documentation/)
- [feature](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/feature/)
- [network](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/network/)
- [msi](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/msi/)
- [outlook](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/outlook/)
- [livemeeting](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/livemeeting/)
- [usergroup](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/usergroup/)
- [mucugl](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/mucugl/)
- [sip](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/sip/)
- [errors](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/errors/)
- [local](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/local/)
- [book](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/book/)
- [gateway](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/gateway/)
- [net](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/net/)
- [ios](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/ios/)
- [audiocodes](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/audiocodes/)
- [howto](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/howto/)
- [polycom](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/polycom/)
- [mac](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/mac/)
- [twitter](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/twitter/)
- [linkedin](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/linkedin/)
- [windows8](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/windows8/)
- [mvp](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/mvp/)
- [events](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/events/)
- [skype](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/skype/)
- [error](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/error/)
- [script](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/script/)
- [event](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/event/)
- [modalitysystems](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/modalitysystems/)
- [youtube](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/youtube/)
- [servicepack](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/servicepack/)
- [sp2](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/sp2/)
- [nokia](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/nokia/)
- [ux1000](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/ux1000/)
- [sba](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/sba/)
- [hardware](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/hardware/)
- [mobile](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/mobile/)
- [earnings](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/earnings/)
- [ucexpo](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/ucexpo/)
- [server8](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/server8/)
- [beta](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/beta/)
- [screenshots](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/screenshots/)
- [vx](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/vx/)
- [Hotfix](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/hotfix/)
- [logitech](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/logitech/)
- [headset](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/headset/)
- [homelab](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/homelab/)
- [virtual](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/virtual/)
- [exchangeum](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/exchangeum/)
- [edge](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/edge/)
- [WOL](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/wol/)
- [server2012](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/server2012/)
- [preview](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/preview/)
- [mediabypass](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/mediabypass/)
- [rtm](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/rtm/)
- [sonus](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/sonus/)
- [bot](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/bot/)
- [application](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/application/)
- [modality](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/modality/)
- [webinar](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/webinar/)
- [Microserver](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/microserver/)
- [16GB](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/16gb/)
- [scom](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/scom/)
- [LPE](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/lpe/)
- [OffTopic](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/offtopic/)
- [Bug](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/bug/)
- [lyncconf](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/lyncconf/)
- [powerpoint](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/powerpoint/)
- [hamachi](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/hamachi/)
- [logmein](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/logmein/)
- [lab](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/lab/)
- [PSModulePath](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/psmodulepath/)
- [cu2](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/cu2/)
- [cu3](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/cu3/)
- [speaker](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/speaker/)
- [wac](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/wac/)
- [sharepoint](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/sharepoint/)
- [officewebapps](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/officewebapps/)
- [KB2592525](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/kb2592525/)
- [cumulative update](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/cumulative-update/)
- [lyncconf14](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/lyncconf14/)
- [recording](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/recording/)
- [java](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/java/)
- [actiance](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/actiance/)
- [vantage](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/vantage/)
- [conference](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/conference/)
- [lyncserver](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/lyncserver/)
- [citrix](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/citrix/)
- [patch](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/patch/)
- [security](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/security/)
- [tls](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/tls/)
- [gartner](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/gartner/)
- [UC](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/uc/)
- [magicquadrant](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/magicquadrant/)
- [Lync Server](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/lync-server/)
- [admin](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/admin/)
- [lyncphone](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/lyncphone/)
- [lyncday](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/lyncday/)
- [azure](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/azure/)
- [vNext](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/vnext/)
- [Server](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/server/)
- [shellshock](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/shellshock/)
- [linux](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/linux/)
- [skype4b](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/skype4b/)
- [favourites](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/favourites/)
- [clear](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/clear/)
- [delete](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/delete/)
- [skypeforbusiness](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/skypeforbusiness/)
- [s4b](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/s4b/)
- [speaking](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/speaking/)
- [windows81](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/windows81/)
- [windowsfeatures](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/windowsfeatures/)
- [ignite](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/ignite/)
- [skybe4b](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/skybe4b/)
- [locaton](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/locaton/)
- [country](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/country/)
- [SfB](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/sfb/)
- [mws](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/mws/)
- [ucday](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/ucday/)
- [september](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/september/)
- [ucoms](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/ucoms/)
- [PowerShell](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/powershell/)
- [tenantID](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/tenantid/)
- [?sl=1](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/sl1/)
- [meeting](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/meeting/)
- [webapp](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/webapp/)
- [pluralsight](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/pluralsight/)
- [course](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/course/)
- [windows10](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/windows10/)
- [window7](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/window7/)
- [technet](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/technet/)
- [acano](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/acano/)
- [PowerBI](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/powerbi/)
- [msdn](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/msdn/)
- [vendor](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/vendor/)
- [E5](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/e5/)
- [CloudPBX](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/cloudpbx/)
- [CQD](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/cqd/)
- [office2016](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/office2016/)
- [c2r](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/c2r/)
- [Office](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/office/)
- [branches](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/branches/)
- [gpo](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/gpo/)
- [upgrade](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/upgrade/)
- [yammer](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/yammer/)
- [RunAsRadio](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/runasradio/)
- [GitHub](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/github/)
- [windows7](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/windows7/)
- [vhdx](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/vhdx/)
- [enterpriseconnect](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/enterpriseconnect/)
- [keynote](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/keynote/)
- [hololens](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/hololens/)
- [word](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/word/)
- [CCE](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/cce/)
- [mitel](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/mitel/)
- [ipexpo](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/ipexpo/)
- [health](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/health/)
- [june2016](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/june2016/)
- [SOF](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/sof/)
- [vbss](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/vbss/)
- [roadmap](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/roadmap/)
- [voicemail](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/voicemail/)
- [carrier](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/carrier/)
- [PSTNCalling](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/pstncalling/)
- [pstnconferencing](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/pstnconferencing/)
- [vmware](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/vmware/)
- [vdi](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/vdi/)
- [POR](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/por/)
- [consortium](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/consortium/)
- [futuredecoded](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/futuredecoded/)
- [unityconnect](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/unityconnect/)
- [teams](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/teams/)
- [MNC](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/mnc/)
- [Regionally Hosted Meetings](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/regionally-hosted-meetings/)
- [France](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/france/)
- [msuc.chat](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/msuc-chat/)
- [spain](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/spain/)
- [api](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/api/)
- [yealink](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/yealink/)
- [HDX](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/hdx/)
- [GAL](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/gal/)
- [MicrosoftTeams](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/microsoftteams/)
- [OPCH](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/opch/)
- [pexip](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/pexip/)
- [presence](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/presence/)
- [labs](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/labs/)
- [facebook](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/facebook/)
- [whatsapp](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/whatsapp/)
- [MSIgnite](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/msignite/)
- [Blogs](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/blogs/)
- [vlog](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/vlog/)
- [InteligentCommunications](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/inteligentcommunications/)
- [Verba](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/verba/)
- [compliance](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/compliance/)
- [verint](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/verint/)
- [Sbc](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/sbc/)
- [Robbon](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/robbon/)
- [PhoneSystem](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/phonesystem/)
- [Chrome](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/chrome/)
- [salesforce](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/salesforce/)
- [graph](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/graph/)
- [skypeforbusiness.cloudpbx](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/skypeforbusiness-cloudpbx/)
- [cloudphonesystem](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/cloudphonesystem/)
- [Guests](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/guests/)
- [telstra](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/telstra/)
- [Office2019](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/office2019/)
- [PWA](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/pwa/)
- [plantronics](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/plantronics/)
- [Microsoft365](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/microsoft365/)
- [Stream](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/stream/)
- [crestron](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/crestron/)
- [SRS](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/srs/)
- [OneDrive](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/onedrive/)
- [browser](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/browser/)
- [Change](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/change/)
- [ACP](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/acp/)
- [phone](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/phone/)
- [Kaizala](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/kaizala/)
- [SurfaceHub](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/surfacehub/)
- [Poly](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/poly/)
- [MicrosoftTeams.Office365](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/microsoftteams-office365/)
- [GCI](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/gci/)
- [Slack](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/slack/)
- [BlueJeans](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/bluejeans/)
- [AI](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/ai/)
- [MTR](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/mtr/)
- [GCC](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/gcc/)
- [Sennheiser](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/sennheiser/)
- [Surface](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/surface/)
- [Etiquette](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/etiquette/)
- [DirectRouting](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/directrouting/)
- [Workplace](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/workplace/)
- [Zoom](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/zoom/)
- [PowerPlatform](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/powerplatform/)
- [lenovo](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/lenovo/)
- [MS700](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/ms700/)
- [MS-700](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/ms-700/)
- [Exam](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/exam/)
- [MicrosoftSearch](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/microsoftsearch/)
- [VPN](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/vpn/)
- [China](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/china/)
- [Ribbon](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/ribbon/)
- [Emoji](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/emoji/)
- [codec](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/codec/)
- [LiveEvents](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/liveevents/)
- [Microsoft365.MicrosoftTeams](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/microsoft365-microsoftteams/)
- [Webex](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/webex/)
- [members](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/members/)
- [DAU](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/dau/)
- [partner](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/partner/)
- [MicrosoftTeams.podcast](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/microsoftteams-podcast/)
- [WVD](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/wvd/)
- [collabbar](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/collabbar/)
- [avaya](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/avaya/)
- [adoption](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/adoption/)
- [calling plans](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/calling-plans/)
- [ACS](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/acs/)
- [Viva](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/viva/)
- [EPOS](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/epos/)
- [CPaaS](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/cpaas/)
- [backup](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/backup/)
- [Nuance](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/nuance/)
- [devices](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/devices/)
- [operator connect](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/operator-connect/)
- [build](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/build/)
- [culture](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/culture/)
- [neat](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/neat/)
- [electron](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/electron/)
- [RTMP](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/rtmp/)
- [multi-geo](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/multi-geo/)
- [Shure](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/shure/)
- [MicrosoftTeamsRoom](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/microsoftteamsroom/)
- [Windows11](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/windows11/)
- [Room](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/room/)
- [Five9](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/five9/)
- [Metaswitch](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/metaswitch/)
- [MS-720](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/ms-720/)
- [UCaaS](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/ucaas/)
- [CCaaS](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/ccaas/)
- [mesh](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/mesh/)
- [metaverse](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/metaverse/)
- [SMB](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/smb/)
- [SLA](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/sla/)
- [lens](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/lens/)
- [OBS](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/obs/)
- [CC](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/cc/)
- [mobie](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/mobie/)
- [DECT](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/dect/)
- [OCA](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/oca/)
- [Luware](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/luware/)
- [inspire](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/inspire/)
- [TeamsPhone](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/teamsphone/)
- [Spectralink](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/spectralink/)
- [Dynamics365](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/dynamics365/)
- [mic](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/mic/)
- [3PIP](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/3pip/)
- [ISV](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/isv/)
- [Microsoft Teams](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/microsoft-teams/) - Microsoft Teams related content
- [Microsoft Teams Rooms](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/microsoft-teams-rooms/) - Microsoft Teams Rooms specific content
- [SMS](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/sms/)
- [Analog](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/analog/)
- [ATA](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/ata/)
- [SIP Gateway](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/sip-gateway/)
- [comptella](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/comptella/)
- [Pure IP](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/pure-ip/)
- [telephony](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/telephony/)
- [Teams Phone](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/teams-phone/)
- [Reporting](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/reporting/)
- [Power BI](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/power-bi/)
- [elgato](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/elgato/)
- [MS-721](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/ms-721/)
- [Bing](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/bing/)
- [Copilot.AI](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/copilot-ai/)
- [Copilot](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/copilot/)
- [Microsoft 365](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/microsoft-365/)
- [DALL.E 3](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/dall-e-3/)
- [Unified Communications](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/unified-communications/)
- [Walkie Talkie](https://tomtalks.blog/tag/walkie-talkie/)