On June 30th 2023, Microsoft made two new announcements about Microsoft Teams that administrators need to be aware of. These were published on the Microsoft 365 Roadmap and in the Message Center. Microsoft will start rolling out new Teams from September 2023. This information is available in the Microsoft 365 roadmap post and the message center post.
Microsoft has announced changes for the new Teams client roll out. From late July 2023, business and enterprise users will start seeing the option to try the new Teams client as part of a Microsoft controlled default setting. From mid-July, administrators can begin deploying the new client to PCs, and later in July, they can choose to make New Teams the default.
By mid-September, organizations using Microsoft Controlled as the default value for the new Teams client will have it as the default. Since March 2023, Microsoft has been adding features such as third-party, line-of-business applications, breakout rooms, and multi-tenant organization to the new Teams experience. Administrators will also be able to manage setting new Teams as the default app for their users. For bulk deployment, administrators can safely deploy new Teams without granting admin privileges to the users. It's recommended that organizations review the resources and timeline to plan for the rollout.
Microsoft is rolling out a preview version of a new Teams desktop app for Windows, redesigned based on user feedback for a faster, simpler, and more flexible user experience. The reimagined Teams app launches and joins meetings twice as fast, consumes 50% less memory, and supports collaboration across multiple organizations and accounts simultaneously.
In addition to optimized system resource usage, the new Teams platform ensures simplified IT management and enhanced data security. Microsoft also partnered with GigaOm, an independent benchmarking firm, to test the new Teams' performance. It found significant improvements in app installation, launching, meeting joining, chat/channel switching, and reduced memory and disk space consumption.
The new Teams allows for seamless collaboration across organizational boundaries, enabling active sign-in to multiple accounts and receiving real-time notifications regardless of the account in use. This new feature aims to prevent workflow disruptions caused by constant account or organization switching.
The management of Teams desktop app is simplified for admins, allowing them to use tools like Microsoft Intune for easier app deployment and updates. Furthermore, the new Teams app has advanced security measures, including Trusted Types and stringent Content Security Policy, to enhance protection against cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks.
The new Teams is accessible through a toggle in the Teams desktop app. However, the preview release includes only some of the features available in the classic Teams, with certain features like 3rd party apps, advanced calling features, and advanced meeting capabilities yet to be released.
Microsoft is planning for a significant upgrade to Microsoft Teams. The New Teams control gives administrators the ability to decide which interface their organization will use: the current version, the new version, or allow Microsoft to control the experience. These major changes allow for better control and customization options, enhancing the overall Teams experience. Changes are expected to start rolling out from September 2023.
Read the full article Prepare for New Teams
Microsoft Teams is a collaboration platform that combines workplace chat, meetings, notes, and attachments. Administrators need to be aware of two new announcements regarding Microsoft Teams which were published on June 30th 2023 via the Microsoft 365 Roadmap and in the Message Center. The new Teams control can be set through an update policy in the Teams Admin Center or using Powershell. This policy allows administrators to choose between Not enabled, classic teams as default and Microsoft Controlled. Furthermore, administrators may use the Teams admin center to set other options for New Teams, such as managing user accounts and profiles, configuring access control, and setting up user access. Finally, administrators can also use the Message Center to manage their team's settings, events, and notifications.
Microsoft Teams, Microsoft 365 Roadmap, Microsoft 365 Message Center, Teams Admin Center, PowerShell