Microsoft Teams

Definition

A cloud-based collaboration platform that combines workplace chat, video meetings, file storage, and application integration.

Use Cases

• Accenture: Company-wide collaboration for distributed teams, including meetings, chat, and document collaboration across client engagements — Standardized on Microsoft 365 with Microsoft Teams for chat and meetings, integrated with Microsoft Entra ID (Azure AD) for identity and single sign-on, and connected to SharePoint/OneDrive for file storage and co-authoring (Improved cross-team communication and faster coordination for remote and hybrid work by consolidating messaging, meetings, and file collaboration into one platform)
• General Motors: Enabling hybrid work and large-scale internal communications across engineering, manufacturing support, and corporate functions — Adopted Microsoft Teams for meetings and persistent chat, using Microsoft Entra ID (Azure AD) for access control and integrating Teams with Microsoft 365 apps (Outlook, SharePoint, OneDrive) for document sharing and collaboration (More consistent internal communication and collaboration across locations, supporting remote meetings and shared document workflows)
• L'Oréal: Global collaboration across regions for marketing, product teams, and corporate operations — Rolled out Microsoft Teams as part of Microsoft 365, using Teams channels for project collaboration and SharePoint/OneDrive for document management, with centralized identity via Microsoft Entra ID (Azure AD) (Streamlined collaboration across geographies by reducing reliance on email and enabling real-time meetings and shared workspaces)

Provider Equivalents

• AWS: Amazon Chime
• Azure: Microsoft Teams
• GCP: Google Meet and Google Chat

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between Microsoft Teams and SharePoint?

Teams is the collaboration interface for chat, meetings, and teamwork in channels. SharePoint is the underlying content and document management platform that stores many of the files used in Teams (for example, files shared in a channel are typically stored in a SharePoint site). Teams helps people communicate; SharePoint organizes and governs content.

When should I use Microsoft Teams?

Use Teams when you need day-to-day collaboration: group chat, scheduled or ad-hoc video meetings, screen sharing, calling, and a shared space for files and apps. It’s especially useful for remote or hybrid teams, project-based work with channels, and organizations that already use Microsoft 365 and want integrated identity, security, and compliance.

How much does Microsoft Teams cost?

Pricing depends on licensing. Teams is commonly included with many Microsoft 365 business and enterprise plans, and capabilities vary by plan (for example, meeting features, phone system add-ons, security/compliance, and admin controls). Costs can also increase with optional add-ons such as Teams Phone, Audio Conferencing, and advanced security or compliance features.

Category: productivity

Difficulty: basic