Beyond SharePoint: Diverse Collaboration Tools in Microsoft 365
Microsoft 365, formerly known as Office 365, is not just a suite of familiar office applications. It’s a dynamic platform that brings together a myriad of tools designed to foster collaboration, streamline workflows, and enhance productivity. While SharePoint has been a cornerstone for many organisations, the suite offers so much more. For businesses looking to boost productivity and get the most out of their Microsoft investment, it’s important to understand the collaboration tools on offer and discover the potential of Microsoft 365 that lies beyond SharePoint.
1. Microsoft Teams: The Hub for Teamwork
Emerging as a powerful response to the increasing demand for remote work solutions, Microsoft Teams offers a centralised platform for communication and collaboration. Whether you’re hosting virtual meetings or brainstorming in chats, Teams brings everyone together – regardless of if you have Teams Premium or Standard.
Key Features:
- Unified Communication: A combination of chat, meetings, notes, and attachments.
- Integrated App Ecosystem: Access apps like OneNote, Planner, and SharePoint seamlessly.
- Dynamic Meeting Experience: Engage participants with impromptu polls and more.
2. OneDrive: More Than Just Cloud Storage
OneDrive, Microsoft’s cloud storage solution, is not just about storing files. It’s a collaboration powerhouse, making file sharing and co-authoring a breeze, no matter where team members are located.
Key Features:
- Universal Access: Work on documents from any device.
- Integration: Seamlessly ties with SharePoint and Teams for effortless sharing.
- Advanced Security: Ensures your data remains safe and accessible.
3. Microsoft Lists: Data Organisation and Collaboration
Building on SharePoint’s list feature, Microsoft Lists emerges as an independent tool, allowing for more intricate data organisation and collaborative functionalities.
Key Features:
- Adaptability: Suitable for tracking inventory, project tasks, and more.
- Customisation: Unique column formatting and alert settings.
- Integration: Works hand-in-hand with the Power Platform.
4. Microsoft Viva Engage: The Corporate Social Network
Viva Engage, formerly known as Microsoft Yammer, brings the concept of social networking to the corporate world. It’s not just about posting updates; it’s about fostering a community, exchanging ideas, and breaking down silos within organisations.
Key Features:
- Engagement: Post discussions, polls, and questions to engage the workforce.
- Connectivity: Bring disparate teams together and foster a unified organisational culture.
- Integration: Works seamlessly with other Microsoft 365 tools.
5. Microsoft Whiteboard and Delve: Express and Discover
Whiteboard offers a digital canvas for teams to visualise ideas, especially beneficial during brainstorming sessions. On the other hand, Delve uses intelligent algorithms to help users discover relevant content and people within the organisation.
Key Features:
- Interactive Canvas: Whiteboard supports real-time collaboration with tools like notes, texts, and templates.
- Personalised Discovery: Delve presents content tailored to each user, making information discovery intuitive.
6. Sway and Stream: Engage with Multimedia
- Dynamic Content Creation: Sway supports various media types for comprehensive storytelling.
- Enterprise Video Platform: Stream centralised organisational video content, making it easily accessible to all.
7. Task Management Trio: Planner, To Do, and Project
- Diverse Task Management: Tailored solutions for varying levels of complexity.
- Integration: Tools are interconnected, ensuring smooth task transitions and monitoring.
8. Power Platform: Enhancing Collaboration Indirectly
While the Power Platform—Power Apps, Power Automate, and Power BI—primarily focuses on app creation, automation, and data visualisation, respectively, they play a pivotal role in indirectly fostering collaboration by streamlining processes and enhancing decision-making.
Key Features:
- Unified Workflows: Power Automate connects various apps, ensuring data consistency.
- Data-Driven Collaboration: Power BI promotes team-based analysis and decision-making.
Collaboration at Its Best
Microsoft 365 opens a new world of collaboration with its tools. Beyond the widely recognised SharePoint, it offers a suite of tools designed to cater to diverse organisational needs. By understanding and harnessing these tools, businesses can foster a collaborative environment, driving productivity and innovation.
If you’re looking to truly unlock the potential of Microsoft 365 for your business, look no further than Platform 24. As the Microsoft 365 experts, we have the knowledge and experience to seamlessly integrate these tools into your operations. Contact Platform 24 today and take the first step towards a more connected, collaborative future for your business.
