SharePoint QuickStart

Typically, the next step in a business’ cloud journey, after migrating email, is the adoption of SharePoint Online for file storage and collaboration, but due to the highly flexible configuration permutations and options, many IT teams are unsure how best to start this project to gain the most benefit to the business without jeopardising future capabilities. 

 

This is where the Espria SharePoint QuickStart service can help.

 

Following a number of years working with our clients to understand their initial SharePoint requirements we have noticed a common theme with the majority of the projects we have worked on; the requirements generally include thefollowing:

 

  • A branded central area for company news and information
  • Access to company resources, such as HR forms and benefits information
  • Access to external links such as payroll and expense applications.
  • A clear document library structure which is easy to navigate
  • Training to ensure administrators and staff can make the most of SharePoint

 

Espria has developed SharePoint QuickStart to perform this initial configuration, to provide a foundation for businesses to quickly benefit from SharePoint and associated technologies.

Teams IM, Collaboration and Telephony

Microsoft Teams is a market leading, all-in-one business collaboration hub. Its key features are Instant Messaging (IM), meetings, workspaces for groups known (somewhat confusingly) as “teams” (typically used for team or cross-departmental collaboration) and an ecosystem of Microsoft and third-party embedded apps for almost any use case.

 

Teams is licensed on a per user basis and is included in most Microsoft 365 subscriptions but can also be bought separately.

 

  • Instant Messaging and Presence

 

IM is a feature of Microsoft Teams that allows users to exchange instant messages with their colleagues and collaborators. IM is integrated with other Teams functionalities, such as voice and video calls, file sharing, and co-authoring. Teams IM enables users to communicate quickly and efficiently, without leaving the Teams app. Users can send and receive text messages, images, files, emojis, GIFs, and stickers in one-on-one or group chats. Users can set their presence status automatically from their calendar or manually to indicate if they are available, busy, away, or do not disturb.

 

  • Meetings

 

Teams meetings are online meetings that allow users to collaborate and communicate with colleagues, clients and partners. Use Teams meetings to share your screen, present slides, chat with audio and video features. Teams meetings are easy to schedule and join, and they integrate with other Microsoft 365 apps and services. Teams meetings help you stay productive and connected, no matter where you are.

 

  • Teams Rooms

 

Teams Rooms are standards-based devices such as cameras, microphones, speakers, and touch screens that allow participants to join and interact with Teams meetings with a consistent experience. Microsoft Teams rooms from various vendors have models that are suitable for most spaces such as small huddle spaces, medium-sized conference rooms, or large auditoriums. Microsoft Teams rooms enable seamless and engaging meeting experiences for remote and in-person attendees.

 

Espria can specify and implement the right Teams Rooms solution for your business, including licensing, management and support.

 

  • Teams Collaboration & Apps

 

Create teams for different projects, topics, or interests, and invite people to join. Within each team, you can create channels to organise your conversations and files. Channels are like subgroups within a team, where you can chat, share documents, and have video meetings. You can also customise your channels with tabs, apps, and bots to enhance your productivity.

 

Teams Apps are web-based applications to enhance the functionality and user experience of Microsoft Teams. They can be created by Microsoft, third-party developers, such as Espria, or your own organisation with a little training. Teams Apps can include tabs, bots, message extensions, and more. They can be personal or shared with others in chats, channels, or meetings. Teams apps will help you to access your tools and data, collaborate with your colleagues, and automate your workflows within Teams.

 

  • Security & Governance

 

Security and governance in Microsoft Teams are essential for ensuring that your organisation’s data and communications are protected and compliant. Espria will help and recommend best practice approaches to adopting these inbuilt tools, including workshops and training sessions.

Teams Telephony

Some M365 subscriptions include Teams Phone (also available as an add-on such as Teams Phone Standard or Teams Phone with Calling Plan) and enable making and receiving calls to and from landlines and mobile phones on the PSTN.

 

These options provide a cloud-based phone system in Teams with features such as hold, blind and safe transfers, and reporting features for professionals who manage calling solutions. Teams Phone can be augmented with services such as compliant Call Recording or third-party Contact Centres.

 

Teams’ telephony solution can be configured in a variety of ways according to use case, and Espria can deliver all three options – Call Plan, Operator Connect and Direct Routing. Espria can also provide Professional and Managed Services for Teams Telephony.

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