Microsoft has announced the release of a new batch of Office 365 updates and the software giant’s focus this time around is on adding features designed to help organisations with team-working and collaboration.
One of the new capabilities included within this latest Office 365 update bundle is one that allows for the co-authoring of documents within Excel, with this feature now being available on a widespread basis.
Microsoft announced the updates via a blog posting, with the firm’s Office Team Corporate Vice President, Kirk Koenigsbauer, writing:“Now anyone can work together at the same time in spreadsheets stored in SharePoint Online, OneDrive, or OneDrive for Business. With Excel co-authoring, you’ll find it easy to know who else is working with you in a spreadsheet and view their changes as you work.”
However, this is only one of the improvements Microsoft has made available to customers for improving their workplace collaboration. Another of the new updates is aimed at teachers and will let them view OneNote Class Notebooks using Microsoft Teams when they are in the classroom. This app is Microsoft’s version of chat-based tools for group collaboration, such as Slack. With it now being accessible for schools, this will mean teachers will have the option of passing out work, carrying out discussions within the classroom and inviting guest speakers, with no need for travel bookings. They will also be able to put web links into work assignments, before exporting their pupils’ scores into the learning management software used by the school.
The updates also include new controls for limiting those apps from outside sources, which are compatible with Teams. The thinking behind this is to enable schools to set up and maintain safe learning environments that are free from distractions.
There are also changes to Outlook for those using it in Windows, who will now get access to much more information about people on their list of contacts. This new data will include shared files, Office groups, relevant conversations and any additional info connected with the working relationship.
Microsoft’s iPad Yammer app has also been upgraded, with the new features including an automated sign-in, intended to help improve efficiency and productivity by reducing the time used up by having to keep logging back into the app. Another change made to this app is the addition of a universal search feature.
The activity report for Yammer, which is a further new update, will be accessible to an organisation’s Office admin staff. This report displays details about how many people and groups within the enterprise are deploying the Yammer app.
These new updates may take a bit of getting used to for Microsoft customers, but they seem sure to be extremely helpful in the long run. We feel the business tools we build here at WM Reply also have the potential to help your company, so why not call to get details about them?