Shawn Harry's Journey Deploying Microsoft UC in Big & Complex Customers
Aug 14, 2024
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Shawn Harry, a seasoned Microsoft 365 Solutions Architect, shares his journey through the evolving Unified Communications landscape. He discusses the significant shift from on-premises to cloud solutions and the unique challenges large enterprises face with Microsoft Teams deployment. Shawn reflects on his experiences transitioning from help desk roles to specialized contractor work, and emphasizes the need for dedicated product ownership to navigate complexities in organizations. He also highlights the cultural changes organizations must embrace to fully leverage cloud technologies.
The evolution of communication technology necessitates a thorough understanding of both historical context and modern tools like Microsoft Teams for effective deployment.
Managing Microsoft Teams in enterprises requires cross-departmental collaboration and dedicated product owners to navigate complex updates and ensure coherent integration.
Deep dives
Evolution of Communication Technologies
The conversation delves into the evolution of communication technologies, highlighting the transition from server-based products to cloud-based solutions. The speakers recount their experiences with early products like Exchange and Skype, emphasizing how these developments laid the groundwork for current collaboration tools such as Microsoft Teams. They reflect on the excitement surrounding the introduction of instant messaging and voice-over-IP, reminiscing about how features like real-time communication transformed workplace interactions. This historical perspective showcases not only the advancements in technology but also the changing expectations of users in modern enterprises.
Challenges of Cloud Integration
The complexities of integrating cloud-based solutions like Microsoft Teams into enterprise environments are discussed, particularly focusing on the operational challenges that arise. The speakers explain how organizations often struggle to keep pace with the constant updates and changes introduced by cloud solutions, leading to potential gaps in knowledge and implementation. They emphasize the need for cross-departmental collaboration and understanding of the Microsoft 365 ecosystem, as different teams may not fully grasp the interconnectedness of their responsibilities. This highlights the importance of comprehensive training and communication to successfully navigate the transition to cloud technologies.
Shifts in Project Management Dynamics
A notable shift in project management dynamics is identified, reflecting changes in how enterprises approach technology deployment. The conversation reveals that, unlike in the past, where distinct phases of projects separated architecture, deployment, and operations, there is now a burgeoning need for unified product management. This integrated approach enables organizations to adapt more quickly to changes and maintain alignment across different teams involved in the deployment process. The speakers suggest that by having dedicated product owners, companies can better manage the intricacies and evolving nature of tools like Teams, resulting in smoother transitions and enhanced productivity.
Need for Improved Communication from Providers
The discussion underscores the critical need for clearer communication and guidance from technology providers like Microsoft regarding new features and updates. The speakers express that while new capabilities are often marketed enthusiastically, there is sometimes a disconnect between expectations and reality upon implementation. They advocate for greater transparency about what new features mean for organizations, as well as the practical benefits they provide. This call for better communication emphasizes the necessity for technology vendors to not only provide tools but also support organizations in understanding and effectively utilizing these advancements.
Shawn Harry, Microsoft 365 Solutions Architect, shares his journey in the Microsoft Unified Communications space. Tom and Shawn talk about the evolution of the UC landscape and the challenges of managing and deploying Microsoft Teams in enterprise environments.
Shawn's early experiences in the Unified Communications space
The shift from on-premises solutions to cloud
Complexities and challenges of managing Microsoft Teams in enterprise environments
The role of a Teams and Microsoft 365 Product Owner
Maximising the full potential of your Microsoft 365 investment by staying on top of the constant changes
Thanks to AudioCodes, this episode's sponsor, for your continued support.
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