Microsoft Teams discussions with industry experts sharing their thoughts and insights with Tom Arbuthnot of Empowering.Cloud. Podcast not affiliated, associated with, or endorsed by Microsoft.
In this episode, Tormod Ree, Chief Product and Engineering Officer at Neat, shares his view on where meeting room technology is heading and how Neat plans to differentiate while staying simple and reliable for customers.AI across the experience: device-side media understanding, and platform features will move meetings from basic framing to experiences that adapt to the interaction in the room.Hybrid work isn't solved: organisations still struggle to give remote participants equal presence for video, audio and collaboration. Rooms must support more than a “video window” and enable local, collaborative and mixed scenarios.Neat's approach to scale: multi‑device architecture for larger and more complex spaces, companion devices like Neat Center, and an App Hub to use devices for more than meetings.Platform alignment without losing identity and partnership on Microsoft's Devices Ecosystem Platform to improve quality, provisioning and integrations, while retaining Neat's own innovations and simplicity focus.Thanks to Neat, this episode's sponsor, for their continued support of Empowering.Cloud.
Wesley Budd, Partner Solutions Architect at Microsoft, explains how partners are driving real-world impact with Microsoft 365 Copilot.The role of partners in readiness, security, adoption and changeWhy agentathons are gaining traction and what they mean for Copilot StudioHow partners are using AI Builder and Copilot Studio to build tailored solutionsHow the Copilot Jumpstart programme is helping partners accelerate customer successOpportunities for partners to unlock business transformation with Copilot Thanks to AudioCodes, this episode's sponsor, for their continued support.
Microsoft Teams Monthly Update - October 2025Copilot Chat (free) in Office AppsUnified Copilot Chat in TeamsAgent Mode in Excel and WordTeams Channel AgentsAnthropic Claude Models Come to CopilotOffice Agent (Anthropic)Bring Consumer Copilot to Work?New Teams FeaturesTeams Devices NewsEventsThanks to Neat, this month's benefactor, for your support of Empowering.Cloud and the community.Note that this is an audio-only version of the update, so if you would like to see the accompanying slides, please watch the video version on Empowering.Cloud
Andre Razzuri, Associate Director at IQVIA, explains how IQVIA rolled out Microsoft Teams Rooms to 650 rooms globally, creating standards and managing a global environment.Why IQVIA standardised on Lenovo Windows 11 MTRs for cost, supportability, remote management and user experienceDeploying 200 rooms per year with a small core team through strict global standards and robust remote toolingWhere they partnered with AVI-SPL for boardrooms and global rollouts, and how responsibilities are sharedGetting leadership buy-in using usage data and trusted internal championsThanks to AVI-SPL, this episode's sponsor, for their continued support of Empowering.Cloud
Simon Dudley, independent consultant and with extensive former experience at Polycom, Lifesize, and Logitech, examines how customers, OEMs and resellers can navigate the increasingly commoditised video conferencing market.Simon and tom discuss:• Why most video bars are “good enough” and what that means for differentiation• How ESG, financial transparency, and global distribution are becoming key buying factors• The importance of understanding your A/B/C brand status as a vendor or reseller• Why customers should look beyond specs and prioritise reliability, support, and management tools• Lessons from the PC industry and how they could apply to the future of MTR devicesThanks to Pure-IP, this episode's sponsor, for their continued support. Find Simon's website here: Excession Events
Irena Andonova, Head of Product for Teams Devices at Microsoft, discusses the evolution of Teams Rooms, Phones and DevicesAI is transforming physical meeting spaces—supporting speaker attribution, voice isolation, and real-time summarisation, even in unscheduled in-person meetings.Voice and face enrolment enables accurate transcript attribution across Windows and Android platforms.AI-powered features in Teams PhonesHow AI is being embedded into the Pro Management Portal to support large-scale operations, automate issue resolution, and deliver actionable insights.The importance of usage analytics for facilities planning—e.g. identifying underused or overbooked rooms by floor and day.Ongoing investment in cross-platform scalability, including Autopilot for Windows and Android, and integration with MDEP (Microsoft Device Ecosystem Platform).
Microsoft Teams Monthly Update - September 2025Malicious URL Protection for TeamsImproved Organization Chart in Profile CardControl External Access by Domain for Specific Users and Groups5 Unify Certified Contact CentersNew Teams Desk Phone Transfer UITouch Console Support for MTRoW BoardsBrowser Support for MTRoW BoardsSales, Service, and Finance Copilots now included with Microsoft 365 Copilot LicenseImproved Copilot Chat in Office AppsEventsThanks to Ribbon, this month's benefactor, for your support of Empowering.Cloud and the community.Note that this is an audio-only version of the update, so if you would like to see the accompanying slides, please watch the video version on Empowering.Cloud
Matt Hurst, Senior Director of Strategic Business Architecture at Ribbon, joins Tom Arbuthnot to discuss the significant changes occurring in telco infrastructure with AI, analytics, and automation. Matt clearly explains how Automation, Containerisation and AI work and apply in telco and also large enterprise infrastructure.The telecommunications industry is embracing containerisation and automation to address competitive pressures, security requirements, and operational efficiency challenges. Traditional hardware deployment models are being replaced by flexible, cloud-native approaches that enable rapid scaling and automated management.Containerisation breaks network functions into modular components that scale dynamically based on demandAutomation reduces manual patching, testing, and configuration whilst improving security complianceAI-powered chatbots guide junior engineers through complex troubleshooting using integrated documentationInfrastructure as code creates single source of truth for network configurations across multiple sitesAdoption is being driven by security operations requirements and specialised skills shortagesThanks to Ribbon, this episode's sponsor, for their continued support.
Tom Arbuthnot discusses Microsoft 365 Copilot adoption with Karoliina Kettukari, Head of Modern Work at OP Financial Group in Finland.OP Financial Group has licensed approximately half their workforce for M365 Copilot, with strong support from senior management and eager employee adoption. The organisation also utilises Copilot Chat for an additional 50% of their licensed user base, particularly for roles working primarily in customer systems rather than M365 applications.Meeting summaries and note-taking represent the primary use case, delivering immediate time savingsOrganisation uses a tiered approach with basic training for general users and advanced documentation for power usersTeams-based sharing of use cases within departments proves more effective than organisation-wide librariesAgent development shows promise but faces technical barriers requiring Copilot Studio expertiseRegulatory compliance creates additional approval processes for new AI features in financial servicesSupport delivered through Teams channels and Viva Engage communities rather than traditional training methodsThe transition from personal productivity use cases to team-based and process automation represents the next phase of their adoption journey.Thanks to Neat, this episode's sponsor, for their continued support.
Bo Pintea from Huddly talks about the evolution of multi-camera setups and their role in creating more immersive and equitable meeting experiences. Bo shares insights from his Microsoft journey and current role at Huddly, covering:Why IP-based AV and edge AI are critical for scalable multi-camera deploymentsThe science behind camera angles, spatial reasoning, and reducing hyper-gaze fatigueHow AI agents are reshaping meeting dynamics—from intelligent shot selection to real-time transcriptionThe future of corporate knowledge, digital twins, and who owns the data we generateWhy SMBs might leapfrog larger enterprises in adopting AI-first business modelsBo also reflects on the shift from human-centric UC to AI-augmented collaboration, and what it means for the next generation of workplace tools.Thanks to AVI-SPL, this episode's sponsor, for their continued support.
Leon Wright, Global Lead for Converged Communications at Microsoft, discusses how AI is transforming Teams Phone, telco partnerships and customer engagement.How AI is driving renewed interest in Teams Phone and enabling new productivity use casesThe evolving roles of SIs and telcos in delivering scale and strategic valueWhy partners integrating AI into Converged Comms are seeing 20%+ growthThe convergence of Teams and Dynamics in Microsoft's AI business solutions strategyMicrosoft's shift to transparent roadmap sharing and early partner feedbackThanks to Pure IP, this episode's sponsor, for their continued support of Empowering.Cloud.
Prashi Badkur, Senior Product Manager Lead for Teams phone devices at Microsoft, talks about the evolving role of physical desk phones.Despite predictions that physical phones would disappear, there remains a strong demand for Teams phone devices across various industries, including healthcare, finance, and emergency services. Specific roles value the tactile buttons and instant functionality for high call volumes and efficiency.AI features including Copilot-powered call summaries for transfers and voice commands for device navigationEnhanced line key capabilities with remote configuration through Teams Admin CentreShared line features with LED indicators and custom ringtones for multi-store scenariosQueues app now available on desk phones for agent opt-in/opt-out functionalityContact management for common area phones allowing admins to preload emergency contactsMicrosoft Device Ecosystem Platform (MDEP) support for phonesFuture roadmapThanks to Ribbon, this episode's sponsor, for their continued support.
Alexander Ivanov, Senior Product Manager, Microsoft Teams explains how the Technology Adoption Programme (TAP) helps shape Microsoft Teams Android devices and drive quality.How TAP enables customers to test features early and influence product developmentThe role of customer feedback in shaping Teams device experiencesWhy TAP is more than a preview—it's a partnership with customers.Insights into certification, firmware updates, and the importance measuring satisfactionIf you are interested in participating in the Technology Adoption Program, you can fill in this form here to be considered: aka.ms/TeamsDevicesTapThanks to Logitech, this episode's sponsor, for their continued support of Empowering.Cloud
Microsoft Teams Monthly Update - August 2025Microsoft Q4 2025 Earnings In-Car Teams Video CallsTrigger workflows using emoji reactionsOn-Behalf-Of Outbound Teams Phone Calls ChangeFirst Unify Certified Contact CenterNo more Paid Teams Metered APIsGPT-5 is here in M365 Copilot and moreSummarise Email with Copilot ChatImproved M365 Copilot in WordThanks to Logitech, this month's benefactor, for your support of Empowering.Cloud and the community.Note that this is an audio-only version of the update, so if you would like to see the accompanying slides, please watch the video version on Empowering.CloudFollowApple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicRSS FeedSee All
Jim Gaynor, Editorial Vice President at Directions on Microsoft, reflects on the evolution of Microsoft Teams and its shifting role in Microsoft's strategy.How Teams evolved from a Slack competitor to a central productivity platformThe impact of the pandemic on Teams adoption and scaleWhy Teams Premium is becoming the home for advanced featuresMicrosoft's pivot to Copilot and what it means for TeamsHow customers are approaching Copilot adoption, ROI, and data governanceJim's perspective on Microsoft's long-game approach to AI and platform strategyThanks to AudioCodes, this episode's sponsor, for their continued support of Empowering.Cloud.
Neil Milliken, Global Head of Accessibility at Atos, looks at how accessibility is evolving in the enterprise—driven by AI, inclusive design, and upcoming regulation.Neil shares insights from over two decades in assistive technology and accessibility, including how mainstream tools like Microsoft 365 are increasingly embedding features that benefit everyone—not just those with disabilities.The growing role of AI in assistive tech and how it's improving productivity and inclusionHow features like captions, voice input, and personalisation are becoming everyday toolsThe impact of the European Accessibility Act and what it means for private sector organisationsThe convergence of enterprise audio tech and hearing support, including innovations from Jabra and othersWhy accessibility is a business imperative, not just a compliance checkboxNeil also discusses how organisations can prepare for the European Accessibility Act (EAA), the importance of inclusive design in product development, and how accessibility features are increasingly used by a wider audience—including those with temporary or situational needs.For more on this, check out Neil's podcastThanks to Jabra, this episode's sponsor, for their continued support.
Mark Herbert (https://www.linkedin.com/in/herbertmark/), co-founder of Call2Teams (at Qunifi, acquired by Dstny) and now launching Haptap Call Manager, explores how partners are enabling Microsoft Teams Phone for SMB and mid-market.Mark shares industry insights from his Teams journey and working with UCaaS vendors and partners to bridge SIP trunks into Teams. He gives a demo of Haptap Call Manager (https://www.haptap.com/), a cloud-hosted management tool for simplified management of Microsoft Teams phone services.The evolving Teams Phone opportunity in SMB and mid-market • How AI and Copilot are driving interest in Teams PhoneThe challenges partners face managing voice at scaleHaptap's approach to multi-tenant Teams Phone managementWhy Dstny backed Haptap as an innovation-led startup within the group
Dave Hatz, VP of Machine Intelligence at CTI, a major AV integrator and events company, shares his journey from AV programming into AI leadership.How AI is reshaping the AV integrator's role, from hardware-centric deployments to software-driven, experience-focused solutionsThe shift from complex, bespoke AV setups to scalable, software-upgradable Microsoft Teams Rooms and how this enables sustainability and innovationThe growing importance of AI features like intelligent cameras, transcription, and meeting recap, and how AV professionals can support these capabilitiesFrom personal productivity tools to organisational workflows, Dave discusses how CTI helps clients integrate AIThanks to Neat for sponsoring this podcast episode and for their ongoing support.
Callum Moore is an Enterprise Product Manager for Microsoft Teams at a global organisation supporting nearly 400,000 users. Drawing on his experience across professional services, healthcare, retail, and banking, Callum shares practical insights into managing Teams at scale.• Client Health and Admin Tools: New Teams Admin Center dashboards are available for monitoring client version compliance, crashes, and update failures. These tools offer a more accessible way to identify issues that may otherwise go unreported and influence user perception.• User Experience and Communication: The benefits of promoting smaller, user-focused features—such as keyboard shortcuts—and using tools like Viva Engage or Copilot to support internal communications. Callum encourages creating informal spaces for users to explore features at their own pace.• AI and Copilot Integration: The conversation touches on how AI is influencing product management and organisational structures. Callum notes the growing need for concise, actionable information to keep pace with Microsoft's evolving roadmap.• Feedback and Community: Emphasising the importance of two-way dialogue, Callum encourages organisations to share feedback with Microsoft and engage with peers to surface common challenges and influence product direction.• Troubleshooting and Network Testing: The episode also explores upcoming features like silent test calls and remote log collectionThanks to Landis for sponsoring this podcast episode and for their ongoing support.
Microsoft Teams Monthly Update - July 2025Microsoft FY26Skype for Business Server Subscription Edition GASummarise transferred calls in Teams with CopilotTeams client health dashboardTeams client Silent Test CallsTeams Rooms Pro Portal AlResearcher and Analyst Agents GAReal-time voice is coming in M365 Copilot EventsThanks to Pure IP, this month's benefactor, for your support of Empowering.Cloud and the community.Note that this is an audio-only version of the update, so if you would like to see the accompanying slides, please watch the video version on Empowering.Cloud
Mary Jo Foley, celebrated tech journalist and current Editor in Chief at Directions on Microsoft, joins the podcast to delve into the rise of AI and Copilot at Microsoft and the ever-increasing pace of change.Mary Jo's journey from tech journalism to leading content strategy at Directions on MicrosoftInsights into how enterprise organizations are navigating Microsoft's swift AI advancementsThe impact and challenges of Microsoft's Copilot and agent offerings on enterprise licensing and strategyChallenges understanding the complexities of Microsoft's pricing and licensing models, particularly regarding new AI servicesThanks to AudioCodes, this episode's sponsor, for their continued support.
David Renfree, Manager of UC Sales Specialists at Colt Technology Services, and Jason Wyatt, EMEA Marketing Director at AudioCodes, discuss evolving operator services and how Colt is innovating in enterprise connectivity through their partnership with AudioCodes.Strategic Partnership: Colt utilizes AudioCodes Live Platform to enhance enterprise voice services and efficiencyAward-Winning Cooperation: Colt recognised by AudioCodes for excellence as Live Platform and Service Provider of the YearTailored Solutions: Offers flexible, multi-vendor integration to meet diverse enterprise requirementsAdvanced UC Management: Provides comprehensive service management for both cloud and on-premise environmentsAI and Business Impact: Focuses on AI-driven solutions for superior business outcomes beyond traditional telecomThanks to AudioCodes, this episode's sponsor, for their continued support
Mehryn Corrigan, Microsoft Global Channel Sales lead, Microsoft Teams Rooms, discusses the evolution of Teams Rooms and AI and the future of meeting spaces.AV and IT Convergence: Exploring the integration of AV and IT in meeting room setups and how partners are evolving their rolesAI in Meeting Rooms: Enhancements such as speaker recognition, AI assistants, and Copilot are transforming meeting experiencesSimplifying Room Deployments: Efforts to streamline setup and management are making modern meeting rooms more accessibleFuture Opportunities for Partners: With the addition of Microsoft Places and AI, partners are poised to expand their service offerings beyond hardwareThanks to Jabra, this episode's sponsor, for their continued support.
Dan Root of ClickShare by Barco offers insights into their new Microsoft Teams Rooms solutions and use of Microsoft Devices Ecosystem PlatformClickShare's new Android-based modular compute systems supporting Microsoft Teams Rooms and BYOD experiencesHow ClickShare integrates with existing ecosystems, providing flexibility and compatibility for diverse meeting room needsInsights into the partnership with Microsoft using the MDEP platform and how it supports enhanced security and managementAnnouncement of partnerships and certified bundlesThanks to Dan Root for sharing his expertise and to Landis, this episode's sponsor, for their continued support
Olly Henderson, VP of Product at Jabra, discusses the evolution of meeting room technology and what Jabra is focused on based on customer feedback and insights.Launch of Panacast 40 VBS: A new Android bar for enhancing small huddle rooms with affordable, high-quality AV solutions.Role of Edge AI: Utilising edge AI for optimal performance and less cloud reliance in Jabra's video solutions.Future of BYOD: Jabra enables adaptable BYOD experiences, allowing easy upgrades to native conferencing systems.Strategic Collaborations: Leveraging MDEP integration and partnerships to enrich Jabra's enterprise solutions.Streamlined Deployment: Reducing costs with zero-touch setup and Jabra Plus management platform improvements.Thanks to Jabra, this episode's sponsor, for their continued support.
Microsoft Teams Monthly Update - June 2025Microsoft 365 Leadership ChangesNew Microsoft Teams 'Thread" Layout for ChannelsTeams Phone extensibility - Public PreviewRemote collection of diagnostic logs from users' Teams clientsOperator Connect UpdatesImmediate SBA Upgrade RequiredMicrosoft Retiring Semi-Annual Enterprise ChannelTeams Devices News from InfoCommEventsThanks to Landis, this month's benefactor, for your support of Empowering.Cloud and the community.Note that this is an audio-only version of the update, so if you would like to see the accompanying slides, please watch the video version on Empowering.Cloud
Ritika Gupta, Microsoft Group Product Manager, delves into the power of AI in Microsoft Teams, focusing on recording, transcription, and intelligent recap.Ritika highlights the shift of recording and transcription from convenience to essential for AI capabilities like intelligent recap and Copilot.Overcome language barriers with Interpreter AgentReal-time transcription challenges and AI improvements for more accurate language processing and cultural understanding.Compliance controls and policies for IT to ensure secure and effective use of recording and transcription.Thanks to Luware, this episode's sponsor, for their continued support of Empowering.Cloud
Chris Johnson, Senior Director, Android Product & Engineering for MDEP at Microsoft, sheds light on the intricacies of Android and the Microsoft Devices Ecosystem Platform (MDEP)MDEP's objective to deliver a secure, manageable Android OS tailored for enterprise environmentsHow Microsoft collaborates with chipset vendors and OEMs to support device innovation and reduce fragmentationThe importance of regular updates and patches in maintaining security, and how long-term support worksLooking ahead to new developments, including upcoming features in Android 15 and MDEP's continued evolutionThanks to Chris Johnson for offering great insight into MDEP and the devices landscape.Big thanks to Jabra for sponsoring the podcast
Exploring Teams Phone Mobile with Virgin Media O2's Duncan FinlayDuncan discusses his extensive telecom experience and current role at VMO2, sharing insights into the integration of fixed and mobile technologies.We explore the significant benefits of Teams Phone Mobile, focusing on its seamless integration with Microsoft ecosystems to enhance corporate communication strategies.The conversation highlights potential cost and operational efficiencies, offering a new vision for businesses tackling legacy technology transitions.We delve into VMO2's innovative deployment solutions with Microsoft and PingCo, which simplify the setup and management process for enterprises.Thanks to Luware, this episode's sponsor, for their continued support and for helping to make content like this possible.
Microsoft Teams Monthly Update - May 2025Microsoft Earnings FY25 Q3 – M365 HighlightsMicrosoft 365 news from Microsoft BuildOffice 365 / Microsoft Teams EU antitrust update9 Microsoft Teams Roadmap HighlightsOperator Connect and Teams Phone Mobile updatesMicrosoft Teams Rooms on Android updatesTeams Devices updatesEventsThanks to AudioCodes, this month's benefactor, for your support of Empowering.Cloud and the community.Note that this is an audio-only version of the update, so if you would like to see the accompanying slides, please watch the video version on Empowering.Cloud
Kevin Kieller, EnableUC and Craig Durr, The Collab Collective, discuss their perspectives with Tom Arbuthnot live from Comms vNext, exploring how AI is reshaping workplace collaboration.Comparing AI developments across UCaaS platforms, Microsoft's Copilot, Zoom's AI companion, and Google's Gemini.How AI is evolving from a tool to a teammate, with discussion on platforms integrating AI to enhance meeting and workflow effectiveness.The role of trust in AI adoption and how reliable AI interactions can increase productivity and streamline work processes.Future AI developments including agent orchestration and the integration of multiple AI systemsThanks to Kevin Kieller and Craig Durr for their insightful contributions and to SCB Global for sponsoring podcasts at Comms vNext
Patrick Burke from Gong shares insights on how they are using AI to maximise RevOps and how they use Numonix TRaaS to pull insights from Microsoft Teams meetings.Gong's evolution into a revenue AI platform, how it helps sales teams improve performance by integrating insights directly into CRM systems.Integrations with platforms like Microsoft Teams, Salesforce, and HubSpot allow seamless data gathering and analysis to refine and support data-driven sales strategies.Media capture and compliance capabilities enabled by Gong's partnership with Numonix, ensuring secure and efficient use of call data for business insights.Patrick offers a glimpse into the future of AI in sales, including potential chat centric integrations Thanks to Patrick Burke for sharing his expertise and to Numonix for sponsoring this insightful discussion.
Tom Arbuthnot talks with Reto Schadegg, Global IT Infrastructure Manager at SCOR, about how they rolled out 200 Microsoft Teams Rooms across 35 countries in just 90 days.SCOR's delivered a rapid global deployment by leveraging prior standardization and planning.Neat Bar Pro was selected after hands-on testing, becoming the core device for most rooms.The rollout achieved a 40% reduction in operational costs and six-figure savings overall.A streamlined support model now manages 200 rooms with just 1.5 FTEs on second-line support.SCOR's shift to Teams Phone continues, aiming to phase out desk phones and reduce telecom costs.Thanks to Neat, this episode's sponsor, for their continued support and for helping to make content like this possible
Tom Arbuthnot chats with Michael Levy, CEO of Numonix, about what it really takes to deliver compliance-grade recording in Microsoft Teams.Compliance recording is centrally managed, encrypted, and built to meet regulations like GDPR and MiFID II.Microsoft certification requires rigorous audits, financial commitment, and ongoing platform alignment.Vendors must continuously adapt to Teams updates to maintain compatibility and compliance.Numonix powers advanced features like filtered recording, native Teams app support, and AI integration.Thanks for listening to this deep dive into compliance recording and how it's evolving with Microsoft Teams.
Microsoft Teams Monthly Update - April 2025Teams clients older than 90 days will be blockedGeneral Channel is backDetect sensitive content screen shared in meetingsShare PowerPoint control with all presentersNew Unify Contact Center to Microsoft Teams Integration modelEnforcement of Teams Phone license checks for Extend Contact Centres and Attendant ConsolesM365 Copilot Chat will be pinned by default in Teams and OutlookTeams Devices UpdatesRoadmap WatchThanks to Neat, this month's benefactor, for your support of Empowering.Cloud and the community.Note that this is an audio-only version of the update, so if you would like to see the accompanying slides, please watch the video version on Empowering.Cloud
Tom Arbuthnot is joined by Microsoft's Evie Grimshaw to dive into bookable desks in Microsoft Teams and how they fit into the broader solution with Microsoft Places.Bookable desks work with existing Teams devices and software—no new hardware or installs are needed.Bookable desks supports end-to-end booking, from remote reservations to automatic in-office check-ins.Employees maintain control over location visibility with flexible opt-in privacy settings.Admins get actionable insights into desk usage via integrated analytics in Teams and Places.Upcoming updates will expand desk booking options and enhance intelligent peripheral mapping for admins.Thanks to Pure IP, this episode's sponsor, for their continued support and for helping to make content like this possible
Tom Arbuthnot speaks with Adam Holtby, a Principal Analyst at Omdia, about the evolving landscape of Teams Phone Mobile, mobile UCaaS integration and its strategic impact on organizations.Discussion Points:Challenges: Tom and Adam discuss the slow adoption of mobile UCaaS, highlighting the need for better integration between cellular networks and collaboration tools like Microsoft Teams and Cisco WebExOpportunity: The opportunity for telcos to become key integrators of advanced communication solutions, enhancing their business value.Strategic Benefits for Enterprises: A centralized approach to managing mobile and fixed collaboration tools can significantly reduce costs and improve operational efficiency for multinational companiesSecurity and Compliance: Benefits for regulated industries like financial services, where secure and compliant communication is essential.Thanks to Ribbon, this episode's sponsor, for their continued support and for helping to make content like this possible
Matt Peers, the Global COO of Pinsent Masons, shares his insights on the adoption of modern work technologies, particularly AI and Microsoft's Copilot, within the legal sector.Matt discusses his professional journey, including his experiences as both a CIO and COO in prominent legal and professional services firms. He focuses on how he's led efforts to modernize workplaces through technology.How the legal sector is embracing AI—not as a replacement for lawyers, but as a tool to augment their capabilities. AI enables legal professionals to deliver higher-quality work and respond to clients more quickly.How AI has become an important tool in legal operations, helping streamline tasks like meeting notes, summarizing conversations, and managing workloads more effectively.Matt highlights the importance of continuous training, storytelling, and leveraging early adopters to drive the adoption of Copilot and AI technologies within organizations.Thanks to Pure IP, this episode's sponsor, for their continued support and for helping to make content like this possible.
In this episode, we're joined by Greg Baribault, who leads the HP business and brings a 26-year legacy from Microsoft, offering unique insights into the evolution and future of collaborative technology.Greg reflects on his transition from Microsoft, where he worked across Exchange Server, Skype for Business, and Microsoft Teams, to leading hardware innovation at HP.He discusses the evolution of Skype Room Systems to Microsoft Teams Rooms and the importance of seamless, instant meeting starts.Greg shares how HP is integrating technologies from Polycom, Plantronics, HP, and now Vyoppta to create a cohesive, user-friendly experience in both physical and virtual meeting spaces.Thanks to Landis, this episode's sponsor, for their continued support and for helping to make content like this possible
Scott Plette, Partner Group Program Manager for Teams Calling and Premium shares his insights into how the Queues app is offering new capabilities and value to customers. How Queues App is enhancing team collaboration, managing customer calls, and providing reporting and insightsUpcoming features include shared call history, integration with Microsoft Shifts, and enhanced mobile capabilitiesHow the integration of AI, including Copilot features, will provide intelligent insights, automate call recaps, and enhance customer interaction analytics.Advanced call monitoring features coming soon include barge, whisper, and monitor functionalitiesThanks to Ribbon, this episode's sponsor, for their continued support and for helping to make content like this possible
Microsoft Teams Monthly Update - Enterprise Connect Special - March 202510 Teams Client UpdatesLive Web ChatInterpreter Agent Demo8 Meetings and Events UpdatesFacilitator Agent on MTR9 Teams Rooms and Places UpdatesTeams Phone Extensibility Explained9 Teams Phone UpdatesEventsThanks to Pure IP, this month's benefactor, for your support of Empowering.Cloud and the community.Note that this is an audio-only version of the update, so if you would like to see the accompanying slides, please watch the video version on Empowering.Cloud
Tom Garland, Global Service Delivery Manager at Willis Towers Watson shares an insight to the journey from traditional PBX systems to Skype for Business, and then to Microsoft Teams.Key considerations and challenges in implementing such large-scale telephony changes across a diverse global workforce The importance of aligning projects with business requirements and managing user expectations to prevent operational complicationsSpecific regional challenges, and experience in implementing Operator Connect in countries like IndiaThe importance of adhering to compliance requirements through sophisticated call recording systems and practical approaches for managing call data efficientlyThanks to Pure IP, this episode's sponsor, for their continued support.
Ally Ward, M365 Global Service Owner at a major legal firm, unravels the complexities of managing Microsoft 365 change, sharing effective strategies for handling frequent updates and ensuring seamless IT operations.Ally's role in managing Microsoft 365 changes, focusing on assessing the impact of updates and determining necessary actions for adoption or complianceHow change information can be distributed through Teams channels and how to alert relevant subject matter experts to the appropriate informationBalancing the need for awareness with the risk of information overload in terms of end-user communicationThe value of investing in resources to manage Microsoft 365 change effectivelyThanks to Ribbon, this episode's sponsor, for their continued support.
Sarah Miller, Senior Product Marketing Manager - Microsoft 365 Copilot at Microsoft, dives into practical applications of Microsoft Copilot AgentsThe concept of Copilots and the journey organisations take to adopt and integrate this AI technology effectivelyReal-world use cases, including how Pets at Home are using AI agents to improve operations and efficiencyImportance of enterprise security in AI adoptionThe concept of AI agents, their functions and business value across different industriesHow Copilot Dashboard and Success Kit can assist organisations in measuring AI impact and managing AI deploymentMany thanks to Crestron, this episode's sponsor, for their continued support.
Matt Sheldrick, M365 Product Designer at Kingfisher, a multi-national retail group with renowned brands including B&Q and Screwfix, shares how the organisation has embraced Microsoft Teams to revolutionise collaboration.How Kingfisher deployed video capabilities in all meeting rooms and even storesThe importance of quick, efficient and robust room setupsThe transition to Teams Phone and streamlining communication, focusing on flexibility and local presenceAI adoption and automation enhancing productivityThanks to Logitech, this episode's sponsor, for their continued support.
Mansoor Malik, Principal Group Product Manager - Microsoft Teams at Microsoft, explores the world of Microsoft Teams Premium, a significant focus for Microsoft in 2025. Teams Premium enables organisations to better manage communications and advanced workloads efficiently in a hybrid workplace.Headline features include Intelligent Recap, Queues app and Microsoft PlacesFind out about lesser-known but still valuable featuresRealising the ROI for Teams PremiumThanks to Logitech, this episode's sponsor, for their continued support.
Microsoft Teams Monthly Update - February 2025Microsoft Teams Rooms Express InstallISE News and New DevicesMDEP – New OEMs and ODMsMTRoW Boards + Edge WebAppsMTRoW Multiple Camera ViewMicrosoft Teams Super ResolutionNew Teams Phone Mobile ProviderRoadmapEventsThanks to Ribbon, this month's benefactor, for your support of Empowering.Cloud and the community.Note that this is an audio-only version of the update, so if you would like to see the accompanying slides, please watch the video version over on Empowering.Cloud
In a podcast crossover, Tom Arbuthnot joins friends Randy Chapman, Mark Vale, and Shawn Harry in episode 65 of the UC Status Podcast, where they discuss all things Microsoft Teams, AI, and future innovations.What were the big Microsoft Teams features of 2024, and a look at the Roadmap for 2025The impact of Teams Premium on user experiences and how businesses are leveraging its features, including branding, intelligent recaps and integration with external platformsThe increasing support of BYOD roomsCopilot's future trajectory and how AI will impact contact center
Chandra Chivukula, Vice President of Engineering for Microsoft Teams, talks to Tom about the engineering strategies behind Microsoft Teams and how moving all users to the new client in 2024 has enabled more efficient and agile collaboration and a foundation for future innovation.Evolution of Microsoft Teams and ArchitectureHow Microsoft successfully transitioned over 320 million users to the new Teams clientThe goal of consistency of Teams features across different platforms, including Windows, Mac, iOS and AndroidRelease management, internal rings and the TAP programThanks to Landis, this episode's sponsor, for their continued support.
Olly Henderson, Head of Video Product Management and Portfolio at Jabra, discusses the evolution of meeting room technology and how Jabra is redefining enterprise audio and video conferencing solutions.Launch of Panacast 40 VBS - a new Android bar designed for small huddle roomsThe Role of Edge AI in Jabra's video solutions for optimal performance and reduced cloud dependencyThe Future of BYOD in Meeting RoomsJabra's partnerships and collaborative efforts to enhance their product offerings, including the integration of the Microsoft Device Ecosystem Platform (MDEP)Simplifying the deployment process and reducing costs with features including zero-touch deployment and Jabra Plus management platform advancementsThanks to Jabra, this episode's sponsor, for their continued support.
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.
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