Microsoft releases new collaborative crisis application

In reaction to recent events regarding the COVID-19 outbreak, an app that allows colleagues to communicate effectively during a crisis has been released by Microsoft.

Created in the space of a mere two days, the new tool, entitled the Crisis Communication app, has been designed to support an efficient level of collaboration within companies during crises that can make it necessary for employees to work from home. Microsoft developers built the PowerApps template quickly so it could aid enterprises in their concerted efforts to mitigate the negative impact of the coronavirus on their business.

Combined collaborative powers

The new, hastily completed platform combines a premium selection of Microsoft technology to assist companies to communicate. Power Automate, Power Apps, SharePoint and Teams are combined in one application, facilitating clear and rapid communication between colleagues. Designed to be accessible to a wide range of users, the Crisis Communication app can be used via Teams, a mobile application or through a web browser.

The app can be used to report important information like work status. Through it, personnel can report into managers when they need to work from home or inform their colleagues when they are in the office. The app allows senior staff in charge of central response to coordinate efforts and assess when action is required.

Important local government press releases and information available from groups like the World Health Organisation can be shared via the useful RSS feed, while employees can be informed of emergency contacts if required. Enterprises can also use the Crisis communication app to update their staff immediately via Push Notifications. In response to the crisis, Microsoft has now made PowerApps Push Notifications a free option for all users of its new program.

User requirements and further capabilities to come

This is not the first time PowerApps has been used to build such an application. A crisis app previously created by international oilfields service giant Schlumberger became of the World’s quickest adopted PowerApps. Within a single month, personnel over 80 countries using 10 different languages were employing it. The new app from Microsoft has been developed for a user-friendly experience that could prove popular in the current climate as an effective communication tool.

While the initial version of the Crisis Communication app is now available, there are some user requirements. Businesses must sign up for PowerApps, possess an up-to-date SharePoint Online license, and the permissions necessary to create lists. They will also need a public SharePoint site to store all data required for the application.

A guide with easy-to-follow instructions on how to install and configure the Crisis Communication app is readily available from Microsoft. More features for the new platform are set to be announced in the future, and support is available for any businesses looking to use the new tool.

Companies keen to enhance communication among their employees using Microsoft technology can rely on WM Reply for assistance and support. With expert knowledge and extensive experience working with collaborative platforms like Microsoft SharePoint, we’re ideally positioned to assist. Get in touch with our specialist team today with any questions, and we’ll be happy to advise.