Fuse is a Microsoft Partner, based in Northampton. We help organisations of all sizes to maximise IT efficiencies through the use of Microsoft cloud computing solutions.
Can I Use Office 365 To Improve My Virtual Meetings?
One serious adjustment to our working lives due to the COVID-19 pandemic is that many more of our meetings are now held online. Video calls through platforms such as Zoom, Apple Facetime, and WhatsApp Video have allowed employees to continue planning, collaborating, and working throughout lockdown, social distancing, and extensive transport shutdowns.
However, there are some significant drawbacks to finally realising the long-held dream of the paperless office. It can be harder to share documents during virtual meetings, swap quickly between apps and presentations, and contact employees using lower-grade or outdated technology and Internet connections. Microsoft Office 365 integration is one way to get around remote meeting problems. Here's our quick guide to tricks and tips that you can use to improve your online group work.
Low Bandwidth Solutions via 365
A lack of decent IT infrastructure has been one of the highest hurdles for office workers during COVID-19. Slow download and upload speeds mean that many digital meetings have suffered from poor quality audio and video. Cheap headsets and a lack of cameras can also cause problems. It's also time-consuming and impractical to scan every document, memo, and worksheet you might use in a local setting.
Microsoft has introduced several new features to help low-spec and text-based users collaborate without the need for bandwidth-intensive features via Office 365. Multiple users can now edit all 365 files remotely (simultaneously), Yammer (Microsoft's enterprise social network for communities) has joined Outlook, and Microsoft's integrated video chat, Microsoft Teams, is now supporting a 'text-only' mode for multimedia conversations. You can also share copies of your calendar and CC emails in bulk through Office 365 - saving time and energy coordinating and managing your colleagues at a distance.
Cloud Technology and Microsoft OneDrive
Microsoft also offers remote storage and real-time collaborative working in select programs (such as Visio and PowerPoint) and shared access to simplify your remote work. Cloud integration allows users to collaborate on projects together at a distance without playing 'email tennis' - the endless, frustrating cycle of sending alterations back and forth during and between meetings.
Rapid file transfer in Office 365 now relies on a platform called OneDrive. While Microsoft has offered OneDrive for a while to desktop users for standard personal data storage, the cloud storage system has now joined 365 in full.
Microsoft's Mover add-on allows data import from a vast range of cloud services and desktop programs - simplifying integrated sharing. OneDrive also supports SharePoint/365 as standard, allowing seamless local intranet integration of your business's office server files to an online platform.
Virtual Meeting Support from Fuse Collaboration
Do you need dedicated, reliable IT helpdesk support to ensure superb team meetings during COVID-19 and beyond? Get in touch with Fuse Collaboration today to find out more!
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