Microsoft Teams Insider

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.

Emily Kirby George, a Senior Product Manager at Microsoft Teams, shares her journey from Skype for Business support to leading innovations in Teams Phone. She discusses the challenge of balancing groundbreaking AI developments with essential service stability and reliability. Emily emphasizes the importance of understanding user needs amid product management complexities, especially for varied clients. Discover how Microsoft prioritizes features while navigating legacy systems and delivering robust communication solutions.

Aaron Steele, Practice Lead at SOFTEL, previously spent 13 years at Microsoft working on Skype for Business and Teams. He shares insights on the challenges of integrating Teams Phone for small to medium businesses and the innovative use of NDI in broadcasting during the NBA bubble. Steele discusses his journey adapting communication solutions during the pandemic and emphasizes how AI can enhance user experiences in contact centers without losing the human touch. His expertise sheds light on the evolving landscape of unified communications.

Mark Cobbold, Vice President of Product Management at Ribbon Communications and telecom veteran, discusses the shift from traditional telecom networks to cloud-native solutions. He highlights how this evolution reduces operational costs while enhancing network security and performance. Mark dives into the transformative practices in telephony software, emphasizing continuous updates to combat emerging vulnerabilities. He also explains the advantages of cloud-native architectures for mid-sized enterprises, including flexibility and rapid deployment, powered by automation and advanced analytics.

Charles Mason, Head of Digital Workplace at TP ICAP, discusses the deployment of Microsoft Teams Rooms and Teams Phone within the finance sector. He dives into the complexities of integrating these technologies with legacy systems and highlights the importance of standardizing equipment across global offices. Mason shares insights on how AI, specifically Copilot, is streamlining compliance and enhancing productivity. The conversation also touches on the challenges of managing rapid technological changes while ensuring operational efficiency and collaboration.

Henry Levak, Vice President of Product at Logitech for Business, leads discussions on cutting-edge video conferencing innovations. He highlights the rise of multi-cam and multi-stream technology, enhancing virtual meetings like never before. Levak shares insights on AI-powered camera features that focus on individuals, transforming interactions. He also delves into new software capabilities, including automatic meeting room management, to eliminate 'ghost meetings.' Finally, he teases exciting future developments that promise to redefine workplace collaboration.

Paul Cornish, UC Architect at Merlin Entertainment, shares insights from deploying communication systems across 140 global attractions. He discusses the challenges faced during the transition from traditional systems to Microsoft Teams, highlighting innovative solutions and lessons learned. Cornish also dives into the cost-effectiveness of cloud-based telephony, the significance of standardizing meeting room technology, and strategies for managing complex site migrations. His experiences reveal how modern communication tools are revolutionizing guest experiences in theme parks and hotels.