Microsoft Teams Insider

Join Randy Chapman, host of the UC Status Podcast, known for his expertise in the UC market, and Mark Vale, a regular contributor focused on Microsoft Teams innovations. They dive into the latest Teams features and what’s on the roadmap for 2025. The conversation explores the advancing role of AI in tools like Copilot and its implications for contact centers. They also discuss the evolution of BYOD strategies and the need for robust security in cross-platform communications. A lively exchange on the future of collaboration awaits!

Chandra Chivukula, Vice President of Engineering for Microsoft Teams, shares insights from his extensive experience guiding Teams' evolution. He discusses the successful migration of over 320 million users to a new client, enhancing collaboration and innovation. Chandra delves into the use of cutting-edge web technologies, such as React and WebView2, to ensure a seamless experience across platforms. He highlights how a unified codebase and user feedback have shaped the architecture and feature set, paving the way for future advancements.

Olly Henderson, Head of Video Product Management at Jabra, shares his insights into the future of meeting room technology. He unveils the new Panacast 40 VBS, perfect for small huddle rooms. The discussion highlights the role of AI in enhancing video conferencing experiences and how BYOD is evolving in the corporate world. Olly explains Jabra's innovative partnerships and cost-effective solutions for seamless deployment, making video conferencing more accessible. The conversation is a fascinating glimpse into the future of hybrid workplaces.

Chris A. Johnson, Municipal Cyber Center Manager at the City of Independence, Missouri, shares their journey from an old analog phone system to a modern cloud-based communication infrastructure using Microsoft Teams and Five9 with the help of AVI-SPL.The transition from an outdated Avaya phone system to modern cloud platformsCollaborating with AVI-SPL accelerated the transformation timeline from a multi-year to a 2-year projectAutomating processes, improving contact center capabilities and better resident satisfactionEnabling hybrid work flexibility, improving job satisfaction and retentionThanks to AVI-SPL, this episode's sponsor, for their continued support.

Kathie Anderson, the IT Change Manager at Derby City Council, shares her experience navigating the shift to Microsoft Teams during the pandemic. She reveals how they condensed a six-month transition into six weeks to support remote work. Kathie discusses the integration of Luware's contact center solution, enhancing the council's communication and efficiency. The conversation also touches on valuable insights gained from Power BI reporting, which helps track call patterns and performance, ensuring essential services respond effectively to community needs.

Brad Hintze, EVP of Global Marketing at Crestron, shares how Crestron transforms meeting experiences across various sectors. He discusses impressive client success stories from Puma and Blue Water Financial Services. The conversation dives into the rising role of AI in meetings, including transcription and audio quality, which elevate collaboration. Hintze also teases upcoming advancements in visual AI and multi-camera systems coming in 2025 that promise to revolutionize how we meet and connect.

Tim Albright, President of AVNation Media, shares his insights into the convergence of AV and IT and the evolving landscape of meetings and video conferencing.Origins of AVNation, an online media platform dedicated to the audio-visual sectorThe critical role of video conferencing in today's hybrid work models and the importance of standardized solutionsHow Microsoft certified devices drive quality and consistency in user experiencesEmerging trends such as multi-camera setups and the role of AI in enhancing video conferencingThanks to AudioCodes, this episode's sponsor, for their continued support

Discover the latest innovations in Microsoft Teams, including exciting SMS functionality and a handy web chat widget. Learn about upcoming features like enhanced voicemail greetings and advanced routing capabilities. The conversation also delves into the implications of Windows 10 support ending and the introduction of new languages for MTR captions. Tune in for insights on Microsoft Copilot services and community engagement events designed to empower users!

Eshan Mathur, Senior Product Manager at Microsoft, has a fascinating background from game development to fintech. He delves into the evolving landscape of Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) in Microsoft Teams, discussing automatic audio device selection and management for IT admins. Eshan highlights the challenges users face during meetings and the significance of certified devices. He shares insights on future developments, offering organizations valuable advice for enhancing their BYOD strategies and user experiences in hybrid environments.

Irwin Lazar, President and Principal Analyst at Metrigy, offers insights into the future of unified communications. He discusses how companies are adapting to hybrid work and the practical deployment of AI technologies. The conversation highlights the growing importance of Microsoft Teams in meetings and voice solutions. Lazar also explores the different approaches businesses take towards Teams Phone options, plus the evolving landscape of contact center technologies. He shares contrasting device management trends between the U.S. and Europe, emphasizing security and compliance.